How Owning a Pet Improves Our Health

Owning a cat or a dog or any pet for that matter improves many different aspects of our lives. Of course the issue that I'm talking about is our health, our mental well-being and our physical well-being. It only takes about 15-30 minutes for our level of cortisol to decrease due to less stress. So, that means, if you pet a cat or a dog for 15-30 minutes, which is very soothing and calming, then our stress level will decrease and our stress hormone cortisol will decrease. Also, along with less stress, there is a feeling of happiness with spending time with our pets. This, in turn, will increase our serotonin and dopamine levels. These hormones will help us with feelings of doubt and depression. Therapists actually have prescribed or suggested to their patient's to become a pet parent and own a pet of some type. If you are grooming, petting, feeding and taking care of a pet then you tend not to dwell on yourself so much. It takes the pt.'s mind off of them and they tend not to be so depressed.

One study was done on 240 marries couples. Of these married couple, the pet owners' blood pressure and heart rates were decreased during rest more than the couples that did not own pets. It actually held true whether they were at rest or while they performed a stress test. Another study showed that kids with high blood pressure lowered their blood pressure while they were petting a dog.

Also, another study showed that pet parents were more apt to have lower cholesterol readings. This could be from the more active life style that, especially dog owners have. They are more likely to take their dogs for hikes or walks everyday which, in turn, is better for both the dog and the owners. By walking 30 minutes a day or even 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the afternoon or playing with your dog in the back yard, you can increase cardiac health. Also, if you play with your cat as you perform your yoga exercises or play with a string or light across the floor, you increase the physical activity of your cat while you are helping yourself!

Pet owners tend to be more social and therefore isolation is decreased for humans. While visiting a dog park or just walking your dog, people will come up to you and start asking questions about your dog.

So get out there and visit your animal shelters and find the right pet for yourself and/or your family! You'll be healthier and happier for it and so will your forever friend!

It's very beneficial to own a pet, especially a cat or a dog. This is good for your mental and well-being. It lowers your chances of being stressed, having anxiety, lowers cholesterol, increases serotonin and dopamine levels. Exercise benefits your dog, cat and yourself. Please visit your local animal shelters and choose a dog or cat for you and your family. Buy specific pet supplies from http://www.FurryPetStore.com! We keep the prices lower than the stores and the item will be at your front door in days. If you don't find a specific product, email us at Support@FurryPetStore.com and we'll add it to the web site for you. Be kind to your pet and they'll be kind to you!

Feeding Your Turtle - Useful Tips For a Healthy Diet

When feeding their pet turtle, owners should take advantage of the fact that turtles are omnivorous animals. This means that feeding turtles should be simple and trouble-free, and may become an enjoyable activity for both you and your pet. First of all, you must know the type of turtle that you have; then you can pick the appropriate turtle diet to obtain your pet's optimum health.

Terrestrial or land turtles must be fed 95% vegetables. These include dark green, leafy vegetables, which should comprise the major portion of the vegetables in your turtle's diet. You may also consider feeding your turtle other vegetables such as collard, radish, turnip, and cut grass; offering lesser amounts of spinach, peas, squash, and clover. The remaining 5% of the turtle diet should be made up of fruits.

If you have Box Turtles, feed the young ones with a majority of meat or animal material, such as slugs, snails, earthworms, spiders, grasshoppers, and beetles. As they mature, you can add such plant material as fruits, berries, leafy vegetables, and seeds to your turtle's diet.

Feeding turtles that are aquatic, on the other hand, requires a different variation of food. You may feed the small ones with shrimps in the shell, slugs, chopped earthworms, chopped mice, and floating food sticks that can be purchased at a pet store. As the turtles mature, however, incorporate their diet with green, leafy vegetables like cabbage, kale, broccoli leaves, cut grass, dandelions, and cut weeds.

If you house your turtles in aquariums or ponds, you may place small fish for them to hunt, as the turtles enjoy doing this. But keep in mind that feeding turtles with small fish should only be done once a week to prevent them from growing obese, a condition that is common among the animals.

The right temperature must also be maintained when feeding turtles in indoor enclosures like tanks, or outdoor ones like pens. The correct temperature helps the turtle properly digest the food that they intake, and also keeps them from acquiring diseases.

Some important signs that your turtles have poor or improper nutrition are:

• They are sluggish or lethargic

• They have a milky fluid in their eyes

• Cloudy patches appear as blotches on their skin

Turtles have the tendency to be messy when they eat. It is imperative that you keep a close monitoring of your pet so that any uneaten food, leftovers, or crumbs are cleaned up promptly. This will prevent the growth of bacteria that can, over time, contaminate the turtle and make its housing filthy.

It is also advisable, when feeding your turtle, to use wide, flat rocks as food dishes instead of the commercially manufactured plastic dishes. These flat rocks create a large, abrasive surface for the turtle's food, and the continuous friction during feeding will protect your pet turtle's beak from breaking, and keep its nails and claws from growing too long. You should always provide your turtles with a separate container of fresh, clean water to drink.

Feeding your turtle in the same area and at the same time every day are two sure and proven methods to gain its trust. Be sure to be quiet and calm when you approach your pet, so as not to startle or stress it out. With practice, you may even find your turtle waiting for you at meal times!

Karma Williams is a pet turtle care enthusiast. Discover more about turtles by visiting the feeding turtles page on her website. Get your free 10 part Pet Turtle Care mini-course, valued at $49, by visiting her PetTurtleCenter website and requesting it. Check out her eBook entitled "The Ultimate Guide to Pet Turtle Care."

Why Pet Food Storage is Advisable For Your Animal Feeds

It can be considered a pain in the neck for pet owners to find out that their beloved pets are lamenting due to the contaminated pet food that was fed to them. Obviously, pets cannot decide for themselves, neither can they shop for the items or food that they want. So basically, they all rely on their owners, especially when it comes to feeding them with the best pet food. Moreover, pet owners may want to give the best for their pets, and feeding them contaminated pet foods may be accidental. But to think that it is contaminated, then the effects are still the same. Best option? Have at least one pet food storage for their food.

Most commonly, pet owners might be thinking that they don't need anything like that at all since they are feeding their pets with their table scraps. But are table scraps always safe for their pets? I guess, nah-uh... Definitely good but sometimes it can be harmful.

Studies show that feeding your pets with family table scraps is never 100% recommended. This is because there are many items that are definitely secured for humans but possibly harmful for pets. Try to think of pet foods, they are obviously made for pets only as these products contain things that may also be harmful for humans. As for table scraps, there are also items in it that can cause illnesses to pets, especially if the pets have hidden allergies.

I may say, feeding your pets daily with processed foods that come in cans and packs is also not advisable. Like humans, they also have this longing for organic foods as they are naturally born carnivores. And feeding them with raw foods like meat is very good for their health. Raw foods can increase their strength and vitality and can even help them get rid of more serious infections, especially if given the right amount of it each day.

But how will you be able to keep and maintain those raw foods safe and fresh? As for meat, probably you can have them frozen in fridges. This would help the pet food maintain its freshness. Just like humans consuming meat for meal, pets may want also that their meats be given flavors or cooked.

Another pet food that can be possibly contaminated is those that come in packs. Nowadays, pet foods usually come in these forms. These foods are processed, and as mentioned a while ago, these are not completely advisable for your pets to be fed daily. However, as there are still pet owners who believe in the nutritional facts these kinds of foods give, many still feed their pets with pet foods like these. And since it pets cannot finish off all the food in the pack, then it is very good to have those foods left in the package be kept in safety pet food storage.

Pet food storage may come in plastics and other forms and sizes. To those who consider not needing these kinds of stuffs at all, then they should think again. If they want to feed their pets with safe foods, then better purchase something like this to keep the food away from possible contamination.

Well, when talking about keeping food for humans and pets, always remember to separate animal feeds from human foods. And to keep the same quality freshness of pet food (as any pet owners would love to feed their pets the best of everything), it is very much advisable to keep them in a safe pet food storage. Just always keep the storage clean and free from rodents.

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Tips for the Care & Feeding of Your Pet Tarantula

Learn About Caring for & Feeding a Tarantula Before They Become Your Pet

If you have just purchased or are thinking of getting a pet tarantula, you are definitely at the right place to get some help to provide the best care for it. In the following article, you will get a basic guideline highlighting the vital aspects regarding the care and feeding of a pet tarantula. If you follow these simple tips, you will be one step further to embarking on an exciting journey with your spider friend.

There are as many as 900 different species of tarantulas scattered around the world. There are great differences in their sizes and appearances. Some of them are little more difficult to look after, based on their housing and feeding requirements but the majority of them are fairly easy to care for. It is best to have a good understanding about the basics of caring for your pet tarantula and also aware of any special considerations which is important for their health before you decide to get one.

Feeding Your Pet Tarantula

Crickets are ideal for them, but their diet must provide them with the vitamins and nutrients that they need, so you may need to mix other foods in. The adult tarantulas will require food once a week, as opposed to the growing ones which require several meals. In addition to crickets, you can feed them mealworms, insects, super worms, lizards and cockroaches.

Keep in mind that the food size should always be small compared to the tarantula's body. Get rid of any uneaten meals after twenty four hours, particularly during times when your spider is molting. You can keep their water in a low bowl with pebbles to help protect them from drowning.

Housing requirements

The place where they live will be an essential part of your pet tarantula's care and well being. One of the good things about having this pet is that they will not require large housing, which means that a tank that is roughly three times the size of their leg length will be ideal. Make sure you have a tank that can be shut securely to safeguard against them escaping and to keep things from getting in, but make sure there is a sufficient air flow. Give them a hideout area, which can be a short length of plastic pipe, hollow log or something similar. They need to be kept warm so the temperatures should be set at about 25-29C. You can use the heating strips or pads instead of incandescent lights.

Basic safety Considerations

First thing to be aware of is that there is a possibility of your pet tarantula biting you. Even though the bite won't be lethal, they might trigger allergy symptoms, particularly if you react badly to bee and wasp stings.

Another thing you need to be aware of, is that tarantulas do have very thin skin, particularly around their abdomen, which could rupture or break easily if they fall. It's probably a good idea to not provide them anything in their home where they could get very far above the ground to prevent any injuries from falling.

By feeding your pet tarantula a good diet and providing them with a good home you will keep them healthy and happy. The healthier your pet is the more active they'll be and thus more interesting. Even though you really can't play with them like other pets they will crawl around on you and appear to enjoy interacting with you. Because they are so easy and cheap to care for a tarantula will make a great pet.

If you are a pet owner or thinking about becoming one you should go to the website at Natural Pets Health to get more information on natural pets health foods, products & cures. You will also find general information such as the pros & cons of owning along with the caring for & feeding of all types of pets from dogs to snakes to fish to exotics.

Clip Pet Costs

We love our families and a big part of our families are the pets that we care for everyday. The animals in our lives make a big impact on the health of our family. They love and nurture us just as we love, care, and nurture them. They watch over and love our children, they bring a smile to our face when we are down, and they bring us joy every day. Because of their devotion we owe it to them to provide them with the best care we can possibly give. These days of times are tough but it doesn't mean that we have to give them any less, it just means that we have to learn to provide smarter. If you use certain tricks of the pet-ownership-trade then you can give your pet the best care for only a fraction of the usual cost.

The most inherent cost of pet ownership comes from general care and feeding. Though vet visits can cost an arm and a leg in emergency situations you can actually cut down on unexpected visits by taking precautionary measures. By taking your furry friend to the vet one less than once a year (Bi-yearly is recommended), for once-yearly vaccines, blood and fecal testing, and other oral and dental checks you can maintain great health and reduce the risk of running into emergency health issues. By maintaining these twice yearly check-ups you can be guaranteed to reduce the risk of sudden health problems; this can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your pet. Feeding your pet is the second most expensive requirement of your friend; they have to eat. Some of us feed our furry friend the best of the best and others find more cost effective brands of pet food. Some pet owners say that only the best dog food brands will keep your pet healthy and give them a long life, but the proof is in the ingredients.

If you compare the ingredients of your current pet food to the ingredients of more expensive, and also less expensive, brands you will see that the differences are slight to non-existent. Brands that can be found only at veterinarian offices contain the same ingredients as less expensive brands that you can find at retail and pet supply stores. The difference is the amount of each ingredient and the option of organically grown ingredients. Be smart, read labels, compare ingredients, and compare prices or you'll pay the price in the long-run.

Are you looking for names for dogs? Find a great name for your pet, whether it's a boy dog or a girl dog

Dog Diet and Pet Health

Dogs have developed as omnivores, meaning that they eat and need a wide range of different types of food ingredients to fulfil their nutritional requirements. They have teeth that are adapted to tear and shear, as well as flatter teeth that can crush plant material and chew food. The dog's intestine is also relatively long - about 6 times the length of the body - to allow fermentation of more fibrous plants. Meats, cereals and vegetables can all be used relatively easily by the dog's digestive system.

There are 37 'essential' nutrients that dogs must eat in their food to maintain pet health. Prepared dog foods are formulated to provide all of these in the right amounts and proportions and great care is taken to ensure that the end result is appealing to dogs.

Make sure you are feeding the right amount - follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the size of your dog and don't leave it to guesswork. If you are feeding dry food, weigh out the correct amount and use the same scoop each time. If you have more than one pet, feed them separately so that they don't finish off each other's leftovers.

Despite many owners choosing to feed their cats and dogs table scraps or home prepared diets, great care needs to be taken if you choose to do this. Human food might upset the balance of their diet. In particular, 'left over' bones are not safe because they often splinter and may get lodged inside the pet's digestive tract, causing serious illness.

Dogs can eat specially formulated pet treats, but remember that they count as part of the overall daily food intake, so adjust meal servings to take this into consideration. Obesity is a significant pet health care problem in the UK at the moment, so try not to overfeed your dog. Regular exercise is an essential component of pet health so make sure that your dog gets adequate exercise. The way to your dog's heart is not necessarily through their stomach!

As a guide you should be able to feel a dog's ribs and spine but not see them. The Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) provides handy Pet Size-O-Meters for dogs, cats and rabbits which you might find useful. Of course, there could be underlying health problems for both overweight and underweight dogs so it is worth checking with your vet before you change your dog's diet.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes there are foods available that suit whether they small or large breeds puppies adults the nutritional needs of will vary through life depending on how active their stage for advice optimal weight feeding your dog pet health, speak with the staff at a local veterinary practice.

Jess Moss is a writer from England. She enjoys writing about animals and tips for their care and pet health. Visit http://www.pethealthinfo.org.uk for more information.

Hanging Pet Food Dispensers

Hanging pet food dispensers have been in existence quite a while, because they keep food away from any insects or vermin looking for food. Whether you feed your pet outside in the yard, or indoors keeping food out and available for them also can make it accessible to anything just simply passing by. By hanging the bowls of dog or cat food mounted to the wall you'll have done away with the majority of the difficulty.

Not merely are hanging pet food dispensers beneficial to our environment by keeping the insect and rodent population away, they're physically easier for your pet to eat and provide your furry friend with a healthier way of eating the meals they eat. It also gives you reassurance knowing that your loving pet isn't eating food swarmed with pests or perhaps nibbled on by rats or mice, keeping your pet free from the vermin's disease. It also discourages ants making a track into your house to enjoy the ceaseless food supplied by your pet's bowl.

It is not natural for a pet to eat with its head all away down at the ground while it is eating. Most veterinarians highly recommend elevating your pet 's dish up to the height that is appropriate to their breed so they can digest their food easier. But not only is the added height much more comfortable for your family pet when they're chewing and swallowing, it also keeps the area much cleaner. And for those dogs with back or neck problems hanging the pet food dispenser from your wall makes chewing and swallowing less difficult for your pet. It may also help minimize choking, gagging, gulping and excessive air intake, and is perfect to maintain the overall health of your pet.

Your pet is going to be healthier and happier when you provide them with a hanging pet food dispenser attached to your wall. You will be assured the rodents and insects have gone somewhere other than your pet feeding area for their food.

Whenever making the decision to buy the food dispenser for your family pet which mounts to your wall make sure that the bowl is the correct size for your specific breed of pet you have. Additionally, make sure that you hang it at the height of most comfortable for your dog. Using a hanging pet food dispenser is a smart way to make your environment healthier and cleaner for both you and your pet.

Automatic pet food dispensers are a easy and convenient way to feed your pets while you are away. An automatic pet food dispenser automatically dispenses dry pet food for your cat or dog at times that you set. Learn more about the #1 pet food dispenser on the market Le Bistro automatic dog feeder.

Pet Owners In Case of Emergency - Be Prepared!

Disasters happen each and everyday. In an instant your life can change completely. Are you prepared for a disaster with all the variables you may face? Are you well informed and prepared with proper documentation to leave the disaster area, perhaps by air, with your pet?

These are important things to consider. As we have harshly been reminded witnessing the catastrophic situation in Japan, that we should be prepared in advance and have everything "at ready" for the survival of you, your family members including your animal family members. In Japan, pets are extremely important to the people so there are millions of pets. There is no law against tying up a dog and this practice is done particularly in rural areas. If the animal is abandoned by evacuation, injury or death it has no way of foraging for food or finding a safe, dry, place to survive if left to its own devices.

Whether we have pets or not, we should all be ready for natural disasters. Some wonder "How do I prepare?" "How do I find my documentation during a disaster for my family and pets?" "Is there a way?" Of course there is a way. Many have thought out these questions well and we have suggestions for you to help plan and prepare for a natural disaster and increase the chances of survival of everyone, including your pets.

Be one of the prepared!

The ASPCA has RESCUE ALERT STICKERS for FREE to alert rescuers that there are pets in your home, what type, how many, your vet and the contact number. If you evacuate and manage to take your pets with you and you have the time, write EVACUATED on the sticker so those rescue agency members will not spend too much time when others are awaiting help.

Decide in advance where your pet will go in an emergency

When presented with an emergency or disaster and you must or are ordered to evacuate DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. Not all Red Cross Stations accept pets so have your backup plan in place. Here are a few ideas to assist you:

Contact your vet for list of trusted kennels and boarding facilities outside your immediate area.
Find out if your local animal shelter provides emergency shelter.
Locate hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accepts pets.
Set up arrangement with family and friends outside your immediate area willing to shelter your pets temporarily in case of emergency evacuation.
Always have your Emergency Evacuation kit ready. These are good suggestions to include in your KIT.
Pet First Aid Kits and guide book on how to recognize and treat pet injuries.

They should include the following:

1 Cohesive Bandage, 2' x 5 yds (Compares to Vet Wrap);
10 Plastic Bandages, 1' x 3'; 1 Packet BurnAid Burn Gel, 3.5 g;
1 Instant Cold Pack, 4' x 6';
1 Emergency Blanket, Aluminized;
2 Sterile Eye/Skin Wash 'Squeezits,' 15 ml;
30 Non-Sterile Gauze Pads, 2' x 2';
10 Sterile Gauze Pads;
(5) 2' x 2' and (5) 3' X 3';
1 Roll Conforming Gauze, 2' x 4.1 yds;
4 Vinyl Gloves, Medical Grade;
2 Hydrogen Peroxide Packets, 1 oz;
1 Leash, 6' Slip Style;
3 Lubricating Jelly Packets;
1 Oral Syringe-10 cc;
1 Oral Syringe-30 cc;
6 Safety Pins;
1 Scissors-Metal, 3';
8 Cotton Swabs/Applicators;
1 Roll Adhesive Tape, 0.5' x 5 yds;
1 Digital Thermometer;
1 Ticked Off?
Tick Remover;
3 Tongue Depressors;
4 Triple Antibiotic Packets;
1 Tweezers/Forceps - Metal;
9 Alcohol Wipes;
6 Antiseptic (BZK)Wipes;
6 Hand Cleansing Wipes;
6 Sting Relief Wipes.

Also include:

3-7 days worth of pop-top or dry food. (Must be rotated every 2 months.)
Disposable litter trays for cats. (Suggest aluminum roasting pans are perfect choice. Light and inexpensive)
Litter bags or paper towels
Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
Garbage bags for clean up
Pet feeding bowls
Extra harness and leash note: harness is recommended for security and safety.
Photocopies of medical records in water-proof sealed bags
2 weeks worth of dog medication for each pet in water proof sealed bags
bottled water for 7 days minimum for each family and pet member of the family
Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier for each pet, if possible
Flashlight
Blanket
Recent photos of your dog in case you become separated. You may need to make "lost" posters
For Cats specifically: a pillowcase or Evack Sack
For Dog specifically: long leash with yard stake, toys, toy chews, weeks worth of cage liners, if necessary.

Prepare an Emergency Kit for human members of family as well. Add:

Batteries
Duct tape
Flashlight
Radio
Multi-tool
Tarp
Rope
Permanent marker
Spray paint
Baby wipes
Protective clothing and footwear for each family member
Emergency cash
Rescue whistle
Prescriptions for 2 weeks minimum for each person in waterproof sealed bag.
Copies of medical and insurance information in waterproof sealed bags.

Arrange a Designated Caretaker

Pre-arrange with someone in your vacinity, preferably at home during the day who agrees to take over care of your pets in case of emergency hospitalization, temporarily out of home, example a house fire and you cannot afford a pet-friendly hotel. This should be someone you trust with your pets. And perhaps you would agree to reciprocate.

Worst-case scenario

Store emergency kit and leashes close to exit as possible.
Make sure pets wear collars with tags with up-to-date contact information, pet's name, vet, vet contact info, vaccination ex: rabies. Also write this information on your pet's crate or carrier, in case of separation.
ASPCA recommends micro-chipping your dogs, implanted in the shoulder area. You will only have 72 hours once picked up by Kill Shelter agencies to find and retrieve your pets before they will be EUTHANIZED.
Always bring pets indoors at first sign of bad weather or disaster. Even pets may panic and run off during crisis, dogs, cats and horses.
Pre-determine several evacuation routes and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding or pet-friendly hotels or motels outside the danger zone at first sign of disaster, whenever possible.

Specific Climate Considerations If you live in an area prone to certain natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, stay prepared for these events...always.

Know and inform all family members of safe areas in your home. No windows, no flying debris, not underneath heavy objects that will trap you...perhaps a mattress.
Choose easy to clean areas such as utility rooms, bathrooms and basements for safe zones.
Access to fresh drinking water is extremely important. Have your stores of water stored throughout your home in case parts of your home become inaccessible. Before you lose power, in situations such as hurricanes, blizzards or other strong storms, fill before hand all sinks and tubs to ensure easy access to water during a power outage or other crises.
In the event of flooding, go to the highest location of your home or room with high counters or high shelves where you and your pets can take shelter.

Follow the instructions of Emergency Management Officials. If you are told to stay inside your home, KEEP YOUR PETS INSIDE WITH YOU. Keep your Evac Pac and supplies ready at exit for quick evacuation. This requires no further thought. You will have enough to think about and you will be ready to face what comes next. If pets become distressed during in-house confinement, you might consider putting them inside open door crate. This should calm them but also allow them to get out on their own if necessary. Also Rescue Remedy is a great natural mixture of herbs that helps keep your pets calm.

See ASPCA for guides for all other animals in emergency situations. But remain responsible for your pets for as long as possible. If you are ready in advance you have a better chance of evacuating with your pets or get them to safe location.

Send for your FREE ASPCA STICKER here.

Pamela S Mayer, creator and owner of Noble Canine Pet Boutique is a lifelong dog lover and activist for humane treatment of all animals. It is her passion to locate or design new and unique pet products to enrich dogs' lives and make it convenient, comfortable and stylish for the active K9 family.

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http://www.noblecanine.com

What's Really in Your Pet Food - The Top 12 Ingredients to Avoid

Many of us have been convinced that the healthy, natural, premium and recommended by labels on dog food and cat food must mean that the food inside the bag is good for our pets. Alongside these words are claims of 100% complete and balanced that leave us to assume we are providing the best we can for our pets, feeding the same dry cereal based diets day in and day out. Yet, most people do not fully appreciate what goes into these pet foods. The pet food companies place images of fresh cut chicken breast, fresh fruits and vegetables and wholesome grains on packages, however, that is rarely what is actually inside the bag.

Chances are you are feeding a pet food which contains more than one of the ingredients discussed below. The pet food industry has a broad range of unsavory options when it comes to what substances may be used in pet food and freedom to print enticing pictures, however misleading, on their packaging. It is only when our pet's health begins to degrade and eventually fail, that most people begin to question why. After all, a healthy body can only be as good as what is put into it.

To promote the best health you can in your companion, read and understand the uses of the common ingredients below and make sure to always read your labels!

Top 12 Pet Food Ingredients to Avoid

Corn, Corn Meal, or Corn Gluten Meal

Years ago pet food manufacturers discovered that pets adore the sweet taste of corn. Corn is one of the most heavily subsidized crops in agriculture, making its market price lower than the cost of producing the corn.

The gluten in corn is used as an inferior protein source in pet foods. Corn protein in itself is not a complete protein source and must be balanced with animal proteins to create a usable amino acid profile for pets.

Unfortunately corn is often abused as the single most abundant ingredient in many pet foods, contributing to the many diseases linked to high carbohydrate diets, including obesity, chronic inflammation, diabetes and cancer. The cob of the corn becomes filler with very little nutritional value. The quality of the corn is also a problem as many foods use low quality corn containing toxins such as mycotoxins and mold which cause damage to a pet's liver and kidneys.

Carnivores were never designed to obtain the majority of their energy requirements from carbohydrates. In fact they have zero nutritional requirements for carbohydrates or grains. Yet the majority of products on the market regularly consist of up to 50% carbohydrates, with some even higher.

Eons of evolution have designed carnivores to obtain energy from amino acids (protein) and fatty acids, fat from prey animals through the process of gluconeogenesis. Other than simple economics there is no reason to challenge the eons of evolution nature has put into place when it comes to feeding carnivores like dogs, cats & ferrets. When we force such a dramatic change in metabolism and utilize least cost ingredients, adverse effects over the long term become much more likely. The same effects of junk food on humans can be seen in today's companion animals.

Wheat

Wheat is another ingredient found in abundance in many foods. The repetitive and persistent exposure of wheat to pet animals has resulted in allergies and intolerances to wheat and wheat gluten. This is another starchy crop that should be avoided.

Wheat gluten is also utilized as an inexpensive protein source. Wheat gluten contamination was the cause of the massive 2007 Menu Foods pet food recall, which caused a countless numbers of companion animals to suffer from kidney failure, debilitation and death. Menu Foods manufactured food for hundred's of common brands. This ordeal would have been avoided if the pet food companies involved used quality ingredients such as human grade meat rather than lower cost cereal alternatives.

Soy

Along with corn and wheat, soy is one of the most common allergies in companion animals. Carnivores were never meant to eat soy, it is commonly used in pet food as an inexpensive substitute for meat protein. As an additional problem, is that it is estimated that some 89% of soy and 61% of corn crops are genetically engineered. Genetically modified foods are shown to adversely affect our pet's health, just as it does with us.

Cellulose

Cellulose is essentially nothing more than 100% filler. It can be purified and obtained from anything from plant material to saw dust.

By-Products

Cat and dog food routinely contains by-products. By-Products are left over wastes from human food production. By-Products come in two forms: named and un-named. Examples of named by-products include chicken by-products and pork by-products. By-products can include necks, feet, intestines and undeveloped eggs.

Un-named by-products include meat by-products. Meat by-products can include brain, blood, kidneys, lungs and stomachs.

By-products, in many cases, are derived from 4D meat sources - animals that have been rejected for human consumption because they were presented to the meat packing plant as Dead, Dying, Diseased or Disabled.

Animal Fat

Unlike chicken fat (a named animal source), un-named animal fat is a rendered product from animals of unspecified origin.

Again in many cases animal fat includes meat sources from the 4D class.

Meat Meal

Meat Meal consists of rendered, unspecified sources of animal tissues.

What this definition does not mention is the 4D class of meat sources may still be legally used in meat meat.

Meat and Bone Meal

Meat and Bone Meal is a rendered product from mammal tissues, including bone.

Recently many cat and dog food companies and rendering plants have undergone scrutiny over their inclusion of euthanized pets in meat and bone meal. Ann Martin, in her book, "Food Pets Die For", exposed this revolting practice and the detection of sodium pentobarbital in pet foods, a veterinary drug used in the euthanasia of pet animals.

Chemical Preservativces: BHA, BHT, Propyl Gallate, Ethoxyquin or Sodium Nitrite/Nitrate

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) are petroleum derived preservatives used in food and hygiene products. TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) is another petroleum derived preservative.

Ethoxyquin is used as a food preservative and a pesticide. In pet foods it is typically found in meat and fish based ingredients. Ethoxyquin is banned for use in human products because it is believed to cause cancer. It is important to note that when a manufacturer obtains an ethoxyquin preserved ingredient from a supplier the manufacturer is not required to list ethoxyquin on the pet food ingredient panel.

Propyl Gallate is another preservative used in foods, cosmetics, hair products, adhesives, and lubricants

The use of these harsh chemicals are known to cause cancer and are considered neither inert nor safe, yet are widely used in pet foods.

Powerful preservatives provide an inexpensive means of providing long product shelf-life. Naturally preserved products may utilize tocopherols (Vitamin E), citric acid and rosemary extract to prevent rancidity.

These natural preservatives are common in truly healthy pet foods as the manufacturers realize that the small additional expense is worth it when it comes to our pets safety.

Sugar

Table sugar is often used to perk interest in the unsavory concoctions pet food manufacturers make. There is no reason for added sugar to be placed in pet food, other than the reason mentioned.

Propylene Glycol

Like sugar, propylene glycol is used as a flavour enhancer due to its sweet taste. It is another questionable ingredient in pet food. In human uses it is a common ingredient in stick deoderant and make-up as a humectant. It is interesting to note that propylene gycol is the less toxic chemical sister to ethylene glycol, "anti-freeze".

Artificial Colours

Coloured kibble bits are not for the benefit of the dog or cat, they are in fact to make them more appealing to you! Our pets could care less what colour their food is, this is simply another marketing trick to catch your attention in the meriad of pet food labels. Artificial colours are synthetic chemical dyes that have no place in pet food. There have been cases that link FD & C colours to cancer and other ill effects.

Conclusion

We can see that any pet food can claim healthy and natural when such is not the case. Recommended by statements also have little impact on the quality of these pet foods.

Quite simply quality pet foods do not use these ingredients. Clearly pet foods found in supermarkets and even pet chain stores do not have the best interests of your pets at heart.

So, what are the alternatives?

Fortunately there are plenty! Whether you are looking for alternative dry or canned foods, or would like to switch to a natural raw food diet, there are plenty of healthy options available for you.

Optimal Pet Foods is a pet store that specializes in healthy pet food options in Calgary, AB.

http://www.optimalpetfoods.com

Choosing a Pet Sitter - What to Look For

Choosing a great pet sitter is important to you and your pets. You want someone who is reliable, trustworthy, does what you ask, and most of all, is affectionate with the furry and feline members of your family. You want a pet sitter who loves your pets almost as much as you do and will go the extra mile if your pets have a medical emergency. You want someone your pets are happy with too!

The first thing you should do with a potential pet sitter is schedule a meet and greet at your home. This is the time for you, the pet sitter, and your pets to all get acquainted. This will take some time initially, but it's time well spent and will give you a chance to ask questions, be comfortable with your decision, and start the communication ball rolling. The pet sitter will certainly ask you lots of questions about your pets; feeding, walking, vet info, etc, but there are some important items for you to cover at the initial meeting.

1. Ask about the pet sitter's background. How were they trained? How long have they been a pet sitter? What other training do they have, such as Red Cross pet first aid and CPR?

Previous lines of work? Other interests? Do they live close? What is their home address? Email address? Chat them up! As a pet sitter on the other end of these conversations, I have found out that one client's ex-husband used to coach my daughter's soccer team, another client had an upcoming appointment with my husband's coworker, and yet another client and I used to live in the same town in another state. It's comforting for everyone to start off on some common ground.

2. When talking with your potential pet sitter, watch how they interact with your pets. Do they give your dog a cursory pat on the head and give all the attention to you? Or do they have a grin on their face as they find the special spot to scratch behind your dog's ears and then croon to her during lulls in adult conversation? You want to get the sense that they LOVE animals, yours specifically, and they LOVE their job.

3. Do they keep a journal and write in it after each visits? You want to know when they notice some slightly unusual behavior or off-colored poo. Let them know what you consider important enough for an immediate phone call. You need to set the parameters of communication with your pet sitter.

4. Are they insured and bonded? Technically they don't have to be, at least in my state, but you certainly want them to be. Ask for copies of both documents and check to make sure they are up-to-date.

5. Most pet sitters have written contracts but if they don't produce any, ask them to do so. Contracts that spell out what they are going to do or not do, is important protection for both of you. Keep copies for yourself.

6. Ask for references! I am amazed at how many people do not ask for references from pet sitters. Pet sitters should have these handy. If they're good, they have no problem supplying you with this information.

7. What plan do they have in place in case they have a personal emergency? Do they have another petsitter who can cover for them? Also, do they have back-up petsitters for when they manage to work in a vacation, or are you on your own to find one? You can ask to meet any back-up petsitters, after all, it's your home and your pet.

Following this advice should help you hook up with an amazing pet sitter, one you're comfortable with and trust. You'll be happy you did because a good pet sitter will become like a member of your family!

Peggy Baron pet sits rain or shine in Colorado. Her website, http://thepetsitter.info/blog is packed with valuable information for pet owners and pet sitters everywhere.

Common Feeding Problems of Pets

"My dog has lost interest in food. I do not know what to do. He just does not like what he is given." Is this is what you too want to say?

If your dog is suffering with this kind of a problem, here are some very important points to keep in your mind so that everything goes right with your dog.

Generally, dogs can show attitude during summer time but most of the time, the problem arises from somewhere else.

Try to give some high quality food to your pet. It should be nutritious as well. Quality and nutrition should never be compromised.

The common reason for this is a change in the diet. You should not change the diet of your pet just like that.

They are very particular when it comes to their diet. Once pets get accustomed to a particular diet, they do not want to change it frequently.

If you wish to change it, try to do it gradually and see how your pet responds.

Another reason for this problem is when you start giving food to your pet at odd times. This kills his appetite.

So, next time, when you are having your dinner or lunch, try not to feed your dog. Give him his food only at one specified time.

Make sure your pet does not eat anything from the garbage boxes.

This habit can ruin the health of your pet as garbage often contains polythene and bad chemicals.

Also, try not to feed him extra. Do not give him the food that you eat.

Bear in mind these things and you can be sure of treating your pet properly up to the maximum level.

Online Pet Health Resource - Common feeding problems of pets

Getting a New Pet - Be Mindful

BECOMING A RESPONSIBLE HUMAN TO OUR ANIMAL COMPANIONS

Adding a pet to the family is a serious, long-term commitment. It's a decision that needs input from everyone who would be involved in caring for the animal. Who will play with your new pet, feed and walk her/him daily? A pet needs attention and love EVERY DAY, not when it is convenient for you.

Too many people see celebrities carrying their Chihuahuas or other small breeds in their purse or bag. These pets are not an accessory. They are a living creature that deserves the dignity and care we'd want for any of our human loved ones. Often the latest blockbuster movie has everyone running out to purchase "that breed", but then in a short period of time, the novelty wears off and our shelters become inundated with Chihuahuas, Yellow Labs, Dalmatians, bunnies, Persian cats, potbelly pigs, etc.

There is responsibility in having an animal companion. The very first challenge is: Are you choosing the right breed for your entire family? You have to consider temperament, size, safety and general compatibility with EVERYONE in the home.

Who will bathe your pet? Who will administer the monthly flea repellant? Could someone be allergic to the pet? What is the cost of neutering and spaying? Why is this a good thing to do?

Please think about how much will it cost to feed them.

Questions like:

Where do I buy quality food to feed my pet? Do I know how to read a label on the pet food or treats to make sure they are the best for my animal's health? Do I honestly know what is in my pet's food? Premium quality food reduces your vet costs as they get fewer allergies, diseases and ailments.

How much money will it cost me annually for proper veterinary care? NOTE: Consider the age and any known condition of health at the time you have taken on care for your new pet. Older pets are often great to get, consider your emotions and how long this pet will be in your life. Do they have any physical conditions that will cost me more at the vet? Senior animals seem to not get as easily adopted...please consider it. They are already mellow and can be less effort to train. Who would look after the animal during my trips and vacations? You cannot leave most animals alone without at least partial human daily supervision.

Where to obtain your pet:

Instead of buying a puppy or kitten as a gift, consider looking into and possibly waiting to adopt a pet from a local shelter or breed- specific rescue group. You could give a loved one a "gift certificate" from a local shelter, or a stuffed animal representing a shelter pet. Shelters too often carry the brunt of too many decisions that are made unconsciously resulting in rejected animals being "returned". They are Not disposable items!

Just say "no!" to buying at the pet stores:

Many pet stores purchase their animals from "puppy mills": mass-breeding operations so bent on making a profit that they often disregard the physical, social, and emotional well-being of the animals in their facilities. Puppy mill-raised animals can suffer from neglect such as severe physical and emotional ailments, and some may even die.

NOTE: Puppy mills-The only way to put these facilities out of business is to hit them where it hurts: in the wallet. Don't purchase an animal from a pet store.

SHELTERS ARE THE WAY TO GO:

So instead of supporting the puppy mills or paying for a breeder to produce a live creature to be born 'just for you!'... head to your local animal shelter and breed-specific rescue group, which are wonderful places to find a new pet. Nationwide dogs and cats in shelters can be purebred, and there are millions of healthy mixed breed animals currently awaiting good homes. Most of these shelter animals have already been spayed or neutered, and have received all their vaccinations and up-to-date veterinary checkups.

No need to be impulsive or uninformed. This is a life; a live being you are taking on, and you want to be the best you can be for your animal companion. Ask yourself: AM I BEING A RESPONSIBLE PET PARENT?

Often, when the owner decides the pet is not that cute anymore, or too much work, or they just weren't ready for the responsibility, it is often the local shelter that takes in these animals. We need to remember that pets can't simply be returned or discarded like a broken toy.

Because so many shelters are already filled to capacity, unless other animals are adopted out to make room for the new ones, euthanasia is a possible ending to an already sad tale. It is heartbreaking and unnecessary if we humans all took responsibility in the first place.

Please think it through. Too many wonderful creatures are returned to shelters, as people just don't realize the responsibility of being a good pet owner and making a lifetime commitment. It will cost you money and time.

There will be bumps in the road like any relationship. Will you willing clean up their vomit? Clean their kitty litter daily? Clean the birdcage? Give a reptile the proper size environment? Is your child kind to small creatures? Do you have the patience to teach them how to be kind and properly care for your new pet?

You must be diligent about teaching your small child proper handling of your new animal companion.

A Personal Tail:

I once rescued a Pomeranian that was 5+ years old. She had been bred for 5 years of her life and "tossed out" after that. That is when I found her at a breed-specific rescue center. Somehow these sweet pets know they are being rescued; she was one of the most appreciative animals I ever had. Well behaved but a little skittish at the beginning. She was kept in a confined area when she was a "breeder" and it took her awhile to get used to her new home where with me she had freedom to move around physically and explore more, and the consistent love and attention was new for her. It took her almost a year to trust the situation and "relax" into her new home.

Give them time...they will figure it out. Rescues make wonderful companions!

All this for exchange of one of the best relationships you will have in your life. You will be rewarded with unconditional love like you have never known.

Be a responsible pet owner, your heart will be filled and you and your pet will be forever grateful to you!

Barbara M. Tapella

Luxury Pet Supplies That Are and Are Not Worth the Price

From a one hundred and forty dollar wedding dress for dogs that is sold online to a ten thousand pound deluxe rabbit hutch that one Norfolk based owner made for his pets, the lengths that some people go to, to keep their beloved pets happy is starting to entering the realms of the ridiculous. But whilst forking out for your dog to tie the knot with the puppy next door is really not going to improve the life of your pet in any way, there are some luxury pet supplies that do have benefits for their health, happiness and wellbeing.

Every pet owner wants the best for their pet, be it a dog, a cat or something more exotic. Many people come to see their pets as family members and will buy them the best possible goods that they can afford. However when it comes to pet supplies, simply buying the most expensive option every time can lead to a lot of money wasted, which is money that could otherwise be spent on the little luxuries that actually do make a difference to the life of your pet.

Feeding time is a prime example. Your cat or dog really does not care if it is eating from a bowl made out of plastic or hand crafted from diamond encrusted gold. In fact, your pet probably has not even noticed the difference. They just want the food that is inside so do not splash out on a luxury bowl if it means you can only afford to fill it with cut price food.

Pet food is one area where your pet will really reap the benefits of you spending a little bit extra. Just as with humans, pets need to eat a balanced and healthy diet that includes a variety of vitamins and minerals to ensure long term health. Penny pinching on cat and dog food now can lead to very serious illnesses such as arthritis in the future that, if diagnosed too late, no amount of money will be able to cure. Opt for high quality, brands that offer natural ingredients and use dry foods only as treats or a side dish, never as the main diet.

Recently, the popularity of dog coats and other pet clothing has skyrocketed but whilst you may think Felix looks great in his new tweed jacket the truth is that it probably does not provide any more warmth than a cheaper coat and your pet certainly will not treat it more carefully. Animals have a thick coating of fur that keeps them warm and are usually more than happy to venture outside in cold weather without a coat. However if you are particularly worried about keeping your pet warm, for example if it is quite an old dog or it is ill, buy the coat with the thickest padding, not the one with the glitziest trim.

Furniture is another of the many pet supplies where owners are faced with options ranging from bargain to blowout. It is well known that dogs and cats love to scratch at and rip up furniture, unless you are happy to see that velvet dog sofa you spent your whole pay cheque on with a lovely big tear in the side after three months, it is wiser to stick to standard options. However, orthopaedic furniture such as memory foam beds cost more than your average dog or cat basket, but has been specifically designed to alleviate pain and discomfort in pets with arthritis and other joint conditions. They may not look so glamorous but your pet is going to be far more comfortable, happy and healthy, so when it comes to orthopaedic furniture always go for the best that you can buy.

To summarise, there are many pet supplies on the market ranging from the most basic to the downright absurd, but do not be taken in by appearances when it comes to buying luxury cat supplies or overpriced dog supplies. If you really love and want the best for your pet, its health and happiness should be your two main priorities, which means buying products that have some genuine benefit regardless of what they look like. Your cat or dog can tell the difference when you swap from basic to gourmet food, but believe me, they will not even notice that crystal studded collar.

Leah Williams writes for Petmeds. Petmeds are an online retailer of pet supplies from medicines to shampoos. They have cat supplies, dog supplies and many more. Petmeds only dispenses genuine UK licensed drugs and are regulated by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).

How to Cope With the Grief of Pet Loss

Grieving the loss of a loved one can be very difficult because your pet was a constant presence in your life and your home. Grieving is hard because you had a routine with your pet: feedings, walks, sitting in the lap time, favourite treats, funny faces and tricks. Pet loss is especially painful because your loss / bond is unique: your pet loved you unconditionally, unreservedly and was always waiting at home, excited and happy to see you.

This loss can hurt worse than losing a friend.

This wasn't just a dog or just a cat. Grieving a pet death is painful because they were part of your family.

How to Cope With Pet Loss:

- Acknowledge that this is a huge, sad event. Don't downplay it, or shrug it off. Grieving is a process that can take months.

- Accept that you may never totally get over your pet loss. You'll always remember them. Having a funeral helps the grieving process. Light candles and recite a Poem or Loving Eulogy.

- Give yourself permission to grieve - it's not "just a pet." Coping involves the whole grieving process.

- Experience and express feelings of sadness, anger, or guilt. Grieving involves tears, anger, and sometimes even fear.

- Talk to others who can empathize - surround yourself with people who understand pet loss. Talk to your friends and family about why you feel this way ( even if they already know). Healthy grieving involves open communication.

- Be patient. Give yourself time to grieve. The grief process takes as long as necessary.

- Join support group, especially if you feel depressed or extremely angry. Grieving a pet may be easier with others who understand any sort of loss.

Remember you are not alone. All pet owners go through this - it is part of the joy and sadness that our beloved furry friends bring us. Understand that you gave your best. Enrich your soul with thoughts of the love you had for them. You kept them warm, well fed and with loving company.

When words are inadequate have a ceremony. A pet funeral is possibly the most important aspect of the grieving process. It gives you the time to say farewell, and provides a tribute for a much loved friend. Always remember you gave your pet a beautiful life.

Your love deserves a fitting tribute. You'll find if you say goodbye that your pet's physical presence will soon turn into a warm feeling...one that will remain on you until you meet again.

Angie
http://www.angelwingsforpets.com.au

Ceramic Dog Food Bowl and Ceramic Pets Water Bowl

Pet dining in true designer style, with customized ceramic bowls! The versatile ceramic dog food bowl treat jar blue and red is both stylish and decorative. The neutral color ceramic jar with faux leather handle and black felt trim will add to any home decor.

Attractive and functional ceramic dog bowls in fashionable colors. Match your ceramic dog food bowl with a decorative ceramic treat canister. This cute designer ceramic food bowl dish is blue in color with cut outs of paw print along the side of the dish. This easy to clean bowl is dishwasher safe.

For the modern dog, this ceramic jar, with bowl and tan paw print ceramic dinnerware makes a sophisticated statement. The collection includes food bowls and a treat jar. Identifying food and water bowls makes feeding easy without the mix-up. Pet feeding has never been this safe and organized, made from high-fire, restaurant quality porcelain it is cadmium and lead free. Designed with a string of puppies surrounding the outer sides of the bowl, it blends nicely with simple or extravagant decor. This dog bowl is microwave-safe and let's you give your pet warm meals at any time. It pets also dishwasher-safe for a hands-free clean up.

This lightweight, quality Ceramic food bowl is a great colorful alternative to plain dishes and bowls. Our colorful Pet Dishes are made from food-safe ceramic and can be used indoors or out. Pet dining in true designer style, with customized ceramic bowls! Fit for a King ceramic bowls is sure to make your pet s mealtime rule! Please purchase online http://www.katiewongnyc.com in New York city.

Representing the website www.katiewongnyc.com

The Raw Meat & Vegetable Diet For Dogs - 10 Tips For Feeding Raw

Over the years many veterinarians have been recommending, or at least warming to, raw food and particularly raw meat as a part of a regular diet for pets. Feeding raw restores vitality to a dog, even a sick dog, and can improve many chronic health problems.

Dogs evolved on raw food and not on the highly processed food we feed our pets today. Raw foods, meats and vegetables, contain their own supply of enzymes, which help in the digestive process. Cooked food destroys the naturally occurring enzymes and causes the body to activate its own enzymes to break down the food.

It has been said that raw, fresh foods give life force to the animal. On processed foods the animal functions sub-optimally and is in a constant state of unwellness.

If you have any reservations about feeding raw meat to your dog then you can lightly steam or saute the meat until the redness is gone. Here are some other tips to help you feed a raw diet safely.

1. Start with small amounts and increase gradually as you would when switching your dogs diet from any other food to another. Plus a pet transitioning from all-commercial food may have a weak digestive system.

2. Start with cooked meat and then transition to raw. Chop the meat up and serve in small chunks.

3. Always make sure your source of meat and veggies is fresh and preferably organic. Try normal game range, if possible: turkey, chicken, rabbit.

4. Freeze the meat in small chunks and then thaw out only the meat you will need. Keep your veggies in the crisper.

5. Don't feed raw meat if it has an odor or questionable color.

6. Never feed raw pork

7. If your pet does not eat the meat in fifteen to twenty minutes throw it out. This is not a diet you can leave around all day like kibble.

8. Don't feed the same thing every day. Constant feeding of the same food can lead to allergies. There are so many varieties of meats and vegetables that there is no need to feed your dog the same thing each day.

9. Add a good pet multi-vitamin, and mineral supplements to make sure your pet is getting the most nutritional food possible.

10. Keep it simple. The important thing is to use fresh ingredients.

Nothing works as well as fresh food that you prepare yourself. Thriving dogs consistently look better than dogs eating store-bought food and veterinarians see the healthy benefits every day. Feeding a raw diet takes a little more time but adds more "time" to your dog's life.

For more ways to keep your pet healthy by feeding the right foods and using alternative remedies please Click Here

Deciphering Pet Food Labels

It may seem difficult these days to choose a pet food for your pet. The varieties are endless and the labels are not only confusing, but they can be misleading. If you know how pet food labels work, you can make a more educated buying decision the next time you shop for pet food.

Pet food labels have an information panel and a main display panel. The main display panel contains the names such as the brand, the manufacturer, etc. The name of the product and its ingredients are governed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO.

When shopping for pet food, pay close attention to wording. If the product name includes things such as 'beef platter', 'beef entree', 'beef dinner', etc. it only has to contain 10% beef. However, if it is worded as 'beef', it must contain 70% beef. Along the same lines, if it is worded 'with beef', it need only contain 3% beef and if it says 'beef flavor' it may contain less than 1% of the product!

Pet foods can sound like they are going to meet your pets nutritional requirements, but the only way you can be sure is to look for a statement on the bag from the AAFCO stating that the food has passed their feeding trials.

The other portion of the label is the information panel, which must include an ingredient statement and a guaranteed analysis. This analysis contains percentages of crude fat, protein, fiber and moisture in the food. While the percentages are listed, this still does not tell you the quality of the crude fats, proteins, etc. The ingredients should also be listed in descending order by weight.

Before you think about changing your pet's diet, pay special attention to your pets coat, eyes and his behavior. If he looks healthy, you may not want to upset his system by changing his food. Ask your vet for more information on pet nutrition and what might be the right pet food for your furry friend.

Also when considering a new pet food also take the time to consider what you will put the food in. A stainless steel dog bowl or an automatic cat bowl may be the right choice. Whatever pet bowl you do decide on please stay away from using plastic bowls for feeding. Plastic bowls can hold onto germs and create a potentially unhealthy eating situation. Many pet owners opt for having two sets of pet feeding bowls to make sure that one set is always clean. It is so tempting to just keep reusing the same bowl without washing but don't fall into this trap, your pet's health may depend on it.

Leigh Adams is an avid dog owner and trainer. She is a frequent contributor to this Online Pet Supply Store. When not outside with her dogs Mimmi and SoSo, she enjoys painting and raising Koi fish in her backyard pond.

Three Important Tips to Prevent Illness in Pets

What is the most important concern for you as a pet owner? It is, without a doubt, your pet's health, right? There are three steps you can take to help prevent future illness in your pet.

Diet

A healthy diet is the most basic requirement of your pet. Feeding your dog an AAFCO approved diet will provide the 40 essential dietary components recommended for dogs. There are two AAFCO classifications:

Lower Classification: "Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles"

Better Classification: "complete and balanced", nutritional adequacy was validated by animal feeding tests based on protocols from the AAFCO

Most branded foods that meet the "better" certification are fine for healthy dogs. Anything beyond this standard, such as organic or natural foods are more preference of the owner, vs. having a proven health benefit.

Natural health supplements

In addition to diet, many owners like to provide a natural remedy designed to support the immune system and the general physiology of the pet. While the clinical support for this type of approach is being researched in both human and pet health, many believe that they can provide some level of additional support. Given that the avoidance of disease is of course preferable to the actual disease, many owners believe it is a worthwhile investment, in the same way that a human multivitamin is not always something that is needed.

Any supplement you use should be FDA certified for quality.

Love and care

You love your pet. You know it, your family knows it, and your friends know it. How is your pet supposed to know it unless you show it explicitly? So, play with your pet, take it out for a walk, give it some toys to play with, get another pet as its companion, and do whatever you can to make your pet feel special.

This has two distinct advantages. One - when you play with your pet, it tends to stay physically active. Physical exercise, as you know, is very good for your pet's health. Two - when you spend some time with your pet, it feels loved. It understands that you love it more than anything else and it makes your pet feel happy. This avoids stress and improves your pet's mental and physical health. This is one of the simplest ways to prevent illness in pets.

It does not sound that hard, does it? It is very easy to remember - a healthy AAFCO approved diet, the possible use of a supportive natural supplement and lots of love and care. This is all your pet needs to live a long, healthy life. So, follow these three tips to prevent illness in pets. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before adding anything to your dog's diet so that your vet can provide a point of view and monitor any progress in your pet's health.

The author, Jeff Grill has written on many health topics and suggests this site for more information on how to prevent illness in pets with natural remedies. Other reliable sources of information on pets which are edited by the author include the Cat-Health-Guide.org and the Dog Health Handbook.

Doggie Nutrition - Keeping Your Pet Healthy

People I speak to always seem to be surprised at how important healthy nutrition can be and what a difference appropriate nutrition can make in our lives. This is no less important in the lives of our pets. Feeding our dogs and cats properly is essential to their healthy and happiness and, ultimately, their longevity. As owners it is our responsibility to ensure that our beloved pets are provided with the best nutrition it is possible to give them. No matter how clever your beloved dog is, but it is up to you to read the labels - as yet, as far as I know, no dog has yet learned to read!

In the US it is the Department of Agriculture whose job it is to ensure that animals are being fed a nutritious diet by keeping tabs on what the pet industry is putting into its proprietary brands of dog and cat foods. Meanwhile, their UK counterparts used to be the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, also known as MAFF: this department has now become the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - otherwise known as DEFRA.

The Food and Drug Administration is also responsible for overseeing the safety of human food. In turn, each one of these agencies rely on laboratory testing carried out by the American Feed Control Officials [AAFCO] or, in the UK, DEFRA. It is AAFCO who sets the regulations for the ingredients that can be permitted to enter the dog food chain in the USA.

Nevertheless, the ultimate and overall responsibility for feeding your pets - is YOU, as a caring pet owner. Since you presumably love the pets you are sharing your home with you will want to do the best you can for them and, whether the actual information comes from AAFCO or DEFRA, it is interesting to find out exactly what the recommendations are and how they have arrived at these recommendations. Once you are armed with these facts, you have all the ammunition you need to choose the best dog food you possibly can for you best and most loyal friend.

You can obtain a Report that explains all about dangerous dog food and provides you with advice on how to navigate the nutrition maze, leaving you free to enjoy a totally happy, healthy dog whose nutrition ensures your pet lives the full quota of life allotted to him. So what's the big deal, I hear you ask? Most people assume their dogs are fed the proper food when they buy the dried complete dog biscuits, or open a can. The truth is, some dog food can be downright dangerous!

How to Read a Dog Food Label

Firstly, before anything else, you should notice the name of the product. This may give you the first clue as to what food is contained within the tin - perhaps it says 'Beef Dinner'. It may also tell you what kind of dog this particular food is intended to feed: senior, working, puppies, lactating, adult etc. You might also find that it says 'natural' on the label which means there are no preservatives or artificial colours or flavours. I own four dogs myself - all different ages, breeds and sizes: basically, my personal view is that if there is something in the can of dog food that I wouldn't want to eat, then I doubt very much that any of my dogs would want to eat it either - and, no, I don't have more money than sense: I just trained as a nutritionist and care enough about my dogs to pass on what I know when feeding them.

Anne is a full-time, professional writer, educated to MA level. Her specialist field is medical and healthcare subjects, as well as a profound interest in the latest technology and scientific research.

Anne is currently re-developing her website, [http://writtenbyanne.com]. Have now completed my Home Page.

Pet Rat Health Care - Skin Irritation

In pet rat care, health is an important aspect of their ownership. A healthy pet rat is a joy to own, however, no matter how great our rat care is, they can still get sick. If you are new to rat ownership it is important and strongly recommended to find a local vet that is experienced in dealing with rats. If you are unsure how to do this then try contacting your local rat club for assistance. Pet rats are hardy creatures for their size, but if unwell their condition can deteriorate rapidly. If your pet is unwell I would suggest it would be wiser to consult your vet sooner rather than later.

Signs of Illness.

As a general rule, signs of illness for our rat pet include lack of energy, loss of interest in food, coat looking messy and fluffed up, a hunched outlook. Breathing may appear stressed or labored and the rat may be listless or sleepy looking with eyes partly closed. Any or all of these symptoms point to an ill pet.

Skin Irritation.

Skin Irritation can be one of the most common health problem suffered by pet rats. When scabbing begins around the ears and mouth then spreads to the back, the common cause would be a fungal infection such as ring worm. This condition can be cured using a dipping solution ie Imaverol, obtainable from your vet. This may need to be applied three to four times a day until the condition has completely heeled. Where scabbing begins on the back and appears to be restricted to this area, mites are to be expected. Most rats carry a few mites which may or may not develop into a problem, however pale coated rats tend to be more susceptible. Again mites can be treated with a dipping solution such as Ivermectin obtainable from your vet.

Finally, diet can also cause skin irritations to form due to allergies, or, too much protein in the pet rats food or diet. If diet is suspected, it is recommended to change to feeding pet rats a home-made fresh food diet for 10-14 days, in which time all signs of scratching should disappear. Once this has been accomplished you will need to use trial and error to establish which food is creating the problem. Suggestions include sunflower seeds, peanuts, brightly colored biscuits in rodent mixes and other types of protein rich foods.

To learn more about the health, care and training of your pet rat, expert Colin Patterson can give you all the information you need. So visit [http://www.MyPetRatGuide.info] and become your pet's best friend today.

Planning for Disaster: Remember Your Pet

As thousands of families struggled with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many of them were also missing pets. Many people have plans to deal with emergencies for themselves, but fail to make arrangements for the animal members of their family. Whether it's a small emergency such as a house fire, or a large emergency like a tornado, hurricane, flood or manmade disaster, advanced planning always gives the best chance of keeping all of your family members safe.

Preparation

Start by talking with your family about what you will do in various situations. Responses to localized emergencies like fires, small storms and power outages will likely differ from emergency plans for large scale emergencies such as hurricanes, tornadoes and manmade attacks. Plan evacuation routes to designated meeting points.

These will vary based on the situation. If dealing with flooding, you'll want to take refuge in the highest room location in your home. For a tornado, you'll want to take family and pets to the lowest level of your home. If dealing with a chemical or airborne emergency, the Red Cross advises families to go to an interior room without windows that is above ground level (in the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed).

All pets should have collars and tags with easily visible identification. ID tags should have your pet's name, your phone number and important medical information. If possible, list a mobile phone number. If you're not at home when danger strikes, calls may not reach you at a home phone.

For local emergencies, it is important to display an animal rescue sign or sticker so that responders know that there are pets in your home. Your rescue sign should contain the types and names of pets in your house, as well as veterinarian name and contact information. Use your best judgment about placing additional contact information on the sign. While you want to give emergency officials enough information to safely rescue you pets, you must be cautious not to expose information which might be abused by solicitors or passers by.

Finally, make copies of contact, evacuation route and emergency plan information for all members of your family. Store them in Ziploc style waterproof bags so that they will stay dry in case of flooding or water damage.

Where to Go

After you take care of basic preparation, you should agree on two meeting places: one near your home for emergencies such as fires, and another outside of your immediate neighborhood if you must evacuate your home. Similarly, it's wise to designate two emergency contacts. The first should be in your neighborhood, the second should be out of town. During large scale disasters it can often be easier to reach people who are not in your immediate area. Make sure all of your family members memorize both phone numbers.

If it is necessary to leave your home, you may not be able to bring your pet to rescue facilities with your family. To prevent permanent separation, identify a boarding kennel or shelter in your immediate area that provides emergency care or foster care for pets. Outside of your area, have the name and number of hotels, friends or relatives that will accept your pets. By having these numbers and arrangements in place, you will be able to reunite with your pets even if you are not able to return to your home.

Making an Emergency Pack

It's easy to prepare an emergency pack for you and your pet. Each pack should contain 3 days worth of supplies. Supplies should be stored in a backpack as close to an exit as possible.

For each member of your family, your pack should include:

Batteries


Battery powered flashlight


Battery powered radio


Blanket


3-5 days worth of water


Energy bars, canned nutrition shakes or other food which does not require cooking or refrigeration


Baby wipes


Breathing mask


Plastic sheeting


Duct tape


First Aid Kit and guide book


Light stick


Spray paint


Whistle or air horn


3-5 day supply of Tylenol or Aspirin, as well as any prescription medication


Recent photos if family members become separatedYour pet's supply kit should include:


Easy open canned or dry food. If packing dry food, you may wish to store it in large Ziploc style plastic bags. For birds, a small, tupperware container is recommended


Bottled water supply for your pet


Disposable litter trays


Pet feeding dishes


Extra leash


Photocopies of medical records


3-5 day supply of any medicine your pet requires


Litter or paper toweling


A traveling bag or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet


Recent photos of your pets if you become separated

Remember to change food, water and medicine every three to six months to maintain freshness and effectiveness.

Disasters, whether small, large, natural or manmade can be terrifying. By having a solid plan in place, emergency contacts and disaster packs ready to go, you can give your entire family the best chance of surviving together.

Jenn Lanka is a writer for COMPANIONnet [http://www.companionnet.com] - a site for pets and the people who love them.

For pet news, pet care tips, dog treat recipes, fashionable pet accessories and more, visit COMPANIONnet [http://www.companionnet.com]

How You Can Relax by Feeding Your Pet Cat Automatically When You Are Away From Home

Automatic cat feeder: Yes it pains when you are unable to feed your loved cat on time with your long working hours and tight schedule on your routine. But no need to worry because the pet feeding technology has delivered the automatic feeders with which one can feed the cats and dogs they love. You can easily program a diet customized to your pets health. even now there are feeders which can even feed more than one cat. This automatic pet food dispenser shall no way take the place of your time and affection, with the automated solution that saves your time and give peace of mind, while you are away from home.

Suggestions for the feeder:

1) Talking 8 Day cat Feeder

2) Filtered Pet Waterer-Small

3) Electronic Auto Pet Feeder-Small

4) Outdoor Pet Feeder-Small

These are the 4 feeders which is suggested for the domestic usage and can be handled easy both the pets and as well by the pet owners

1) Suitable for indoor pets and can be used with wet & dry food as well as medicines: This, eight Day Automatic Feeder enables you to provide your pets with specific quantity of food which you set at the exact time. Everything is programmable. Suitable and suggested for all pet owners, small and large families also.

2) Suitable for indoor pet cats to be used with water: This serves any pets which are indoor depending upon the quantity of the feeding. Now your pets will never go thirsty with these waterers.

3) Suitable for indoor pets and can be used with wet & dry food: You can use this cats and dogs and also almost any pet in your house. By using these you can maintain your pets good health, feed at time with patented design.

4) Suitable for indoor and outdoor pets and can be used with wet & dry food: The Outdoor Automatic Pet Feeder is designed for outdoor locations such as garages, basements, patio, barns.

Find more suitable cat feeders for your loved cats see the resource link

For more information on cat feeder visit Automatic cat feeder

Equestrian Feeding in Riding Schools - What to Expect

Riding schools are used by a wide variety of people for many different purposes, all of which must be catered for by the establishment. It is the manager's responsibility to make sure that the horses available for use are safe, fit and healthy. Along with the fitness regimes, shoeing needs and daily maintenance of the horses, the feeding of correct and suitable feeds is vital.

As so many horses are usually present in this form of establishment, it could become very complicated if suitable methods of identifying each horse and their feed requirements are not established. Here the use of spreadsheets to display a ration formulated feed chart would be very beneficial.

This form of displaying the horses' rations will identify the feeds that are to be fed. This will reduce any misunderstandings and incorrect feeding. Quantities of individual feedstuffs can be weighed out, benefiting the horse by not under / over feeding. The yard also benefits by reducing the amount of wastage that can often occur via the trial and error method of feeding and thereby becoming more cost effective. By monitoring the daily amount of dispensed feedstuffs, problems including colic and other feed related illnesses can be reduced. This is a great incentive for riding schools as the prevention of such problems is going to be much more convenient, time efficient and cost reducing than curing them. Courses of medication can be administered safely using this spreadsheet method. It allows for feeing times and dosage quantities to be specified, reducing any misunderstandings that could be e.g. dangerous to the horse. It also enables any precautionary measures to be identified and displayed for any of the staff to see.

Riding schools often feed a compound feed that will fulfil most of the main requirements for the horses on the yard. The use of a spreadsheet for rationing will enable the correct sample size for each horse. These compound feeds, e.g. mixes will have a standard energy level (MJ DE/kg) which will allow the staff to determine the most suitable ration quantity for each horse, dependent on their energy output. This will enable the horses to gain the most from their feed whilst providing the service that is required of them.

Horses used within a riding school are not often asked to perform at high intensities and skill levels for extended periods of time. The uses of spreadsheets for feed rationing become more precise when determining the competition horse's feeding ration.

Tammy is a passionate equine rider who likes to advertise the best ways to be looking after horses. Tammy works part time for a company who specialize in riding wear as well as toggi footwear and jack murphy cotswold jacket in the UK. For more info, please visit, Anything Equine online

Give Your Pets A Lift With High-tech Designs For Doggy Dining

Most people feed their pets on the floor, from a plastic or maybe metal bowl. Until recently, no one questioned this; it is not only the norm, it has always been pretty much the only option. New designs are emerging, however, that are a combination of new thinking in artistic design and product engineering. Pet owners are now demanding the same lifestyle upgrades for their pets that they insist upon for themselves, and creators of pet product are going high tech to serve their needs.

Ergonomics, the study of how best to design every-day items for comfort and safety, is now focusing on our pets. This has led to new designs for common pet products. Along with this, demand that pet products be attractive and compliment our home decor has gotten noticed by pet product manufacturers. The result is healthier, happier pets, and designs which are so refined that many are winning awards at architectural, interior, and industrial design competitions. And a favored place in many of the most elegant homes.

At the top of the list of new designs is the "pet dining table". Using ergonomic principles, designers working with veterinarians came to the conclusion that eating and drinking from a raised bowl, with the head elevated in a more natural position, promotes better digestion, and is simply more comfortable for your pet. Currently, a large variety of these "pet dining tables" are available. Some of these are a basic stand or table with holes cut out for the bowls, while others are the result of very sophisticated materials and engineering. A terrific example is a collection of stainless-steel bowls for cats and dogs. Their feeding bowls feature a cut-out for the hand which allows the bowl to double as a scoop for kibbles, two rubber "feet" for stability on flat surfaces, a high-tech twin-loop "Booster" for elevation, and a non-skid mat shaped to fit the stand.

Not forgetting the feline diners, they also make an ingenious cat dish --flattened in order to avoid interfering with a cat's sensitive whiskers. These stainless bowls do not come with a table stand, however, they are raised on four black rubber legs. A similar bowl is also produced for small "toy" dog breeds.

Another company combines high-tech materials with a retro look, making its way-out looking tables from extremely durable Europly, once only found in sophisticated European cabinetry. Called "Astro" and "Laika" evoking early space exploration, these tables provide the same ergonomic benefits, and delight the owners with their sheer artistic quality. Another European source brings Italian design to a variety of common pet accessories. The result: pet gear with a sleek Milan couture appearance.

With the pet industry approaching $35 billion, and pet owners having more disposable income devoted to the care, feeding and comfort of their well-loved animal companions, we will continue to see the development of products better suited to the well-being of the pet, and to the aesthetic tastes of pet owners, who are demanding higher and higher design quality in the products they purchase.

To locate the feeding dish choices mentioned in this article visit http://www.deanhenry.com, an online retailer dedicated to innovative pet products.

Dean Berenbaum is president of DeanHenry.com, which sells modern design home and pet goods. Offering high-quality well-designed products is his company's unique mission. Their website can be found at http://www.deanhenry.com.

Pet Sitting - 3 Tips on Finding the Right Pet Sitter in Your Town

If you are going on a vacation or just need someone to walk your dog during the day then consider using a pet sitting service instead of a pet boarding facility. There are many advantages to using a pet sitter and once you find the right one then your pet will be much happier when you do go on vacation if you can live him or her at home.

Tip 1 - Make sure your pet sitter has experience and understands the needs of many different breeds of cats, dogs and other animals. Before you signup you need to interview the sitter. This normally does not cost you anything. See how your pet interacts with the person and ask questions about their experience with your breed of pet.

Tip 2 - Make sure you understand the policies of the pet sitting service. Most of the time the policies will be listed on their website but ask for a hard copy of the terms of service and billing procedures. You want to make sure of the rates and what tasks the service will perform when at your home. Most pet sitting companies will walk your pet, feed your pet, give fresh water, give some love, take in the mail, switch lights on or off, and give medications to your pet if needed. Most of these services are included in the price of a normal visit. Always get what you are paying for in writing.

Tip 3 - Make sure the pet sitters have your emergency contact numbers. You don't want to be on vacation and find out that something went wrong when you get back. Leave at least three contacts for the sitter, so that they can get in touch with you if something does go wrong.

Pet sitting services have many advantages over traditional pet boarding. Make sure you interview, understand the fees and policies, and leave contact information.

Pet sitting Atlanta GA provides professional pet sitting services at reasonable rates. For more information about pet sitters in the Atlanta Georgia area please visit http://www.petsittingatlanta.com where you will find resources, rates, and information concerning pet sitting in Atlanta GA.

Pet Owners Improve Their Quality of Life With Dog Crates and Pet Carriers

What is a Dog Crate? Dog crates come in plastic, wire, wood, soft-sided and some heavy duty crates which are constructed from tubular steel. Since dogs are "cave" or "den" dwelling animals they actually enjoy having their own safe place in which they can find safety and relaxation.

Why do I need a Dog Crate? I am so glad you asked. Please consider the following reasons why pet owners, especially a dog owner, should seriously consider making a dog crate part of the household. These are not listed in order of importance. You must decide which benefit is most important to you.

1. A place of their own when visitors are present in the home-during any holiday season or family function we can expect to have house guests. Many pets get nervous when company comes. Many owners get nervous for their pets when company visits. Many times the pets end up locked in another room or outside. A dog crate provides your pet with a safe place of their own to retreat into while visitors are present while still within the family environment.

2. Food and holidays go hand in hand. You know what you want your dog to eat and what foods are restricted. Your visitors will not know what your pet feeding rules are. If your pet is safely in their crate then no unwanted food will be given to your pet that could make them seriously ill or worse.

3. Vacation time-How great would it be to have your pet riding with you in the car, in his dog crate, safe, secure, resting out of harms way and just enjoying life as you enjoy the open road.

4. Many people love camping and of course we always take our dogs along. Dog crates allow you to relax in the knowledge that your pet or pets are safe and secure in their dog crates when you are not exercising them or engaging in some other interaction directly with them. Your dogs know this crate to be their sleeping area, the same one they had at home, so they are comfortable in it. They will not wander away. They will not get lost. You know exactly where they are at all times.

5. If you show your dogs you probably already know how great it is to have your dog resting in his or her dog crate while you are watching the show or talking to other exhibitors, a great example for the rest of us.

6. If you have an older pet they want and require a place to rest that is safe and secure. If you have younger pets in the home this is often a problem for the older dog. Enter the dog crate, their own space, their bed, their safe place to rest away from the others that may want to jump and play instead of rest.

7. Now I will say just a bit about puppies and dog crates. There is tons of information available on crate training your puppy so we will not go into that here except to say that crate training your puppy will change your life and theirs for the better.

8. Unfortunately our pets occasionally require surgery for some reason. How great would it be to have a place where your crate trained dog could rest in safety while recuperating? That is just another very important use for your dog crate.

Pet crates and pet carriers are not punishment for your pet. Once you have successfully crate trained your pet they will enjoy their crate for the rest of their lives. Never use the crate for punishment. This is counter productive to your goals.

Bill Beavers is with http://www.CarryMyDog.com and looks forward to your visit to this informative website. We hope you benefit from the information. You will find top quality dog crates, pet carriers, pet strollers, dog harnesses, pet playpens and much more. Deep discounts on many products. http://www.carrymydog.com is a valid starting place for improving your pet's quality of life and simplifying yours. All the best...

The Pet Food Ingredient Game

About 25 years ago I began formulating pet foods at a time when the entire pet food industry seemed quagmire and focused on such things as protein and fat percentages without any real regard for ingredients. Since boot leather and soap could make a pet food with the "ideal" percentages, it was clear that analytical percentages do not end the story about pet food value. I was convinced then, as I am now, that a food can be no better than the ingredients of which it is composed. Since this ingredient idea has caught on in the pet food industry, it has taken on a commercial life that distorts and perverts the meaning of the underlying philosophy of food quality and proper feeding practices. Is health reducible to which ingredients a commercial product does or does not have? As contradictory as it may seem to what I have just said, no it is not. Here's why.

AAFCO Approval

The official Publication of the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) gives wide latitude for ingredients that can be used in animal foods. As I have pointed out in my book, The Truth About Pet Foods, approved ingredients can include*:

dehydrated garbage

undried processed animal waste products

polyethylene roughage replacement (plastic)

hydrolyzed poultry feathers

hydrolyzed hair

hydrolyzed leather meal

poultry hatchery by-product

meat meal tankage

peanut hulls

ground almond shells

(*Association of American Feed Control Officials, 1998 Official Publication)

Simultaneously, this same regulatory agency prohibits the use of many proven beneficial natural ingredients that one can find readily available for human consumption such as bee pollen, glucosamine, L-carnitine, spirulina and many other nutraceuticals. It would be easy to conclude that reason does not rule when it comes to what officially can or cannot be used in pet foods.

From the regulators’ standpoint, they operate from the simplistic nutritional idea that the value of food has to do with percentages and that there is no special merit to any particular ingredient. They deny the tens of thousands of scientific research articles proving that the kind of ingredient and its quality can make all the difference in terms of health. They also are silent about the damaging effect of food processing and the impact of time, light, heat, oxygen and packaging on nutritional and health value.

The 100% Complete Myth

Consumers are increasingly becoming alert to the value of more natural foods. Everyone intuitively knows that the closer the diet is to real, fresh, wholesome foods, the better the chance that good health will result. Unfortunately, people do not apply this same common sense to pet foods. Instead they purchase "100% complete" processed foods, perhaps even going the extra mile and selecting "super premium" or "natural" brands, thinking they are doing the best that can be done. They surrender their mind to a commercial ploy (100% completeness) and do to their pets what they would never do to themselves or their family - eat the same packaged product at every meal, day in and day out. No processed food can be "100% complete" because there is not a person on the planet who has 100% knowledge of nutrition. The claim on its face is absurd. Understanding this simple principle is more important than any pet food formulation regardless of the merits of its ingredients. Everything that follows will begin with that premise, i.e., no food should be fed exclusively on a continuous basis no matter what the claims of completeness or ingredient quality.

Genetics Is The Key

Pets need the food they are biologically adapted to. It's a matter of context. Just as a fish needs to be in water to stay healthy, a pet needs its natural food milieu to be healthy. All creatures must stay true to their design. What could be more obvious or simple? For a carnivore the correct genetic match is prey, carrion and incidental fresh plant material, and even some fur and feathers, as well as the occasional surprise of unmentionables found in decaying matter. It's not a pretty picture to think that "FiFi" with her pink bow and polished toenails would stoop to such fare, but that is precisely the food she is designed to eat. Since that is her design, matching food to that design (minus the more disgusting and unnecessary elements) is also the key to her health.

The Disease Price

We may prefer to feed a packaged, sterile, steam- cleaned, dried, farinaceous chunk cleverly shaped like a pork chop, but let's not kid ourselves, that is not the food a pet is designed for....regardless of the claims about ingredients on the label making one think it is five-star restaurant fare. Pets may tolerate such food for a time, but in the end nature calls to account. The price to be paid is lost health in the form of susceptibility to infections, dental disease, premature aging, obesity, heart and organ disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and other cruel and painful chronic degenerative diseases. Because our pets are not out in the rigors of nature where they would quickly succumb to such conditions and end their misery, they languish in our protected homes and under veterinary care that does not usually cure but merely treats symptoms and extends the time of suffering. That suffering begins with the way in which we are feeding our pets, not the ingredients in a supposed 100% complete pet food.

The Perfect Food

What is the solution? It is simple and something I have been preaching for the past 25 years. Return pets to their environmental roots. They need - daily - interesting activity, fresh air, clean water, romps in nature, lots of love, and food as close to the form they would find in the wild as possible. Fresh, whole natural foods fit for a carnivore and fed in variety are as good as it can get. Anything less than that is a compromise. Compromise the least if health is the goal. (Same principle applies to you and your family.) To get a packaged food as close as possible to that goal requires the right starting philosophy of feeding (described above) and the expertise to design and manufacture such foods.

Enter The Profiteers

Elements of these principles (often distorted or misunderstood) have been taken up by an endless line of pet food entrepreneurs. The low fat craze led to low fat pet foods. The high fiber craze led to high fiber pet foods. The "no corn, wheat or soy" craze led to no corn, wheat or soy pet foods. The "omega- 3" craze led to pet foods with fish oil. The “variety” craze led to pet foods supposedly offering variety. The "four food groups" craze led to all four bundled into a package. The "raw" craze has led to raw frozen pet foods. The list is endless and the race for pet owner dollars is at a fever pitch.

One can only feel sympathy for a concerned pet owner as they stroll along the huge array of pet food options in pet food aisles. Unfortunately, armed with only sound bites and lore they may have heard from a friend, breeder, veterinarian or on a commercial, they make choices that not only do not serve the health of their pet but may directly contribute to weakened immunity and disease.

The first thing consumers should keep in mind is the ideal diet for pets as described above. No packaged product regardless of its wild claims is ever going to equal that. The next best thing is to home prepare fresh meals. (Contact Wysong for recipes and instruction.) If that is not always possible, then products should be selected that are as close to the ideal as possible. (More suggestions below.)

Raw Frozen Pet Food Dangers

At first glance, considering the perfect feeding model I have described - raw, natural, whole - the best food may seem to be one of the raw frozen pet foods now clamoring to capture the "raw" craze. I'm sorry to say that some of these purveyors even use my books and literature to convince pet owners that their frozen products are on track. They take bits and pieces of good information and distort it into something that pretty much misses the point and misleads consumers. Also, these exotic frozen mixtures of ingredients of unknown origin, manufacturing and freezing conditions are most certainly not economical nor the best choice. They may, because of the water content and raw state, be outright dangerous.

Human Grade

Then there are claims about "USDA approved" ingredients, "human grade" ingredients and ingredients purchased right out of the meat counter at the grocery store. Again, at first glance - and superficiality is what marketers like to deal with - it may seem that such foods would have merit over others. But such labels only create a perception of quality. People would not consider the food pets are designed for in the wild - whole, raw prey and carrion - "human grade" or "USDA approved." Because something is not "human grade" does not mean it is not healthy or nutritious. For example, chicken viscera is not "human grade" but carries more nutritional value than a clean white chicken breast. Americans think that chicken feet would not be fit for human consumption but many far eastern countries relish them. On the other hand, "human grade" beef steaks fed to pets could cause serious nutritional imbalances and disease if fed exclusively. Pet foods that create the superficial perception of quality (USDA, human grade, etc.) with the intent of getting pet owners to feed a particular food exclusively is not what health is about.

Pet Nutrition Is Serious Health Science

Pet nutrition is not about marketing and who can make the most money quickly. Unfortunately an aspiring pet food mogul off the street can go to any number of private label manufacturers and have a new brand made. These manufacturers have many stock formulas that can be slightly modified to match the current market trend. Voilà! A new pet food wonder brand is created.

Pet foods are about pet nutrition, and nutrition is a serious health matter. There is an implied ethic in going to market with products that can so seriously impact health. But the ethic is by and large absent in the pet food industry. Starting with the 100% claim and on to all the fad driven brands that glut the shelves, health is not being served. Nobody other than our organization is teaching people the principles I am discussing here. Instead, companies headed by people with no real technical, nutritional, food processing or health skills put themselves out to the public as serious about health ... because that is what the public wants to hear and what sells. Never mind whether producers really understand or can implement healthy principles. The façade sells and selling is the game. Ingredients are important, true, but not less important than the expertise and principles of the producer who is choosing them, preparing, storing, processing and packaging them. Consumers place a lot of trust that nondescript processed nuggets are what consumers are being led to believe they are. Many a slip can occur between the cup and the lip. There are many slips that can occur between the cup of commercial claims and what ends up in the lips of the pet food bowl.

Consumer Blame

The consumer is not without guilt in this unfortunate - steady diet of processed pet food - approach to pet feeding. They want everything easy and inexpensive. They don't want to learn or have to expend too much effort, and they want something simple to base decisions on like: "corn, wheat and soy are evil," or "USDA approved," or "human grade" or "organic is good." They also want something for nothing and think they can get it in a pet food. People want prime choice meats, organic and fresh foods all wrapped up tidy in an easy open, easy pour package, hopefully for 50 cents a pound. They may even pay $1 or a little more if the producer can convince them about how spectacular their product is or how much cancer their pet will get if they choose another brand.

Are By-Products Evil?

In the processing of human foods there are thousands of tons of by-products that cannot be readily sold to humans. Does that make them useless or even inferior? No. Such by-products could include trimmings, viscera, organs, bones, gristle and anything else that humans do not desire. Should these perfectly nutritious items be buried in a landfill? As I mentioned above, while Earth's resources continue to decline and people starve around the globe, should we feed our pets only "human grade" foods and let perfectly edible - and sometimes even more nutritious - by-products go to waste? How is that conscionable or justifiable for either the consumer or the producer?

Road Kill and Euthanized Pets

This shift to "human grade" for pet foods is partly due to a variety of myths that have gotten much stronger legs than they deserve. Lore has spread in the marketplace that road kill and euthanized pets are used in pet foods. I have never seen the proof for this outrageous claim and after twenty years surveying ingredient suppliers I have never found a supplier of such. However, fantastic myths easily get life and the more fantastic they are the more life they have. It's the intellectually lazy way and what lies at the root of so much misery. Sloppy superficial thinking is what leads to racism, sexism, religious persecution and wars. People would like to think the world is sharply divided into right-wrong, good-evil, black-white. Marketers capitalize on this by trying to create such sharp distinctions for consumers to easily grab on to: human grade = good/all others = evil; organic = right/all others = wrong; rice = white/corn and wheat = black. Such simplistic and naïve distinctions are quick and simple for advertisers and salespeople to use to sway public opinion. But nobody stepping back and using common sense would ever think that something as complex as health could ever come from what is or is not in a processed bag of food. Reality is not black or white; it is in shades of gray. Grayness requires some knowledge, judgment and discernment before making choices. It's a little more work but is what we all must do if the world is ever to be a better place and people and pet health are to improve.

What To Do

How do concerned pet owners wanting to cut through all the marketing clutter negotiate a path? It is very simple if the basic principles I have discussed above are kept in mind. Here are tips on how to implement an intelligent health and feeding philosophy:

1. Learn how to feed fresh food. Alternate these with honest processed foods fed in variety, and complement these foods with well- designed supplements.

[How To Apologize To Your Pet]

http://www.wysong.net/PDFs/apology_pamphlet.pdf

Don't get all particular and paranoid about balancing nutrients and ingredient do's and don'ts. Rotate, vary, mix it up and fast once in a while. Trust in nature, not some marketing hype. (Use the same principles for yourself and your family if you want optimal health as well.)

2. If you must have human grade or organic foods for your pet, go buy the real thing at the grocery meat counter. Take it home, cut it up and feed it raw. Freeze the remainder into small meal portions and use them for subsequent meals. Don't turn your brain off and go buy "organic" or "human grade" pet foods that for their cost could only contain hints of the real thing. Pet food manufacturers may be clever at marketing, but they are not magicians. One thing is certain; they do not buy ingredients and then sell them to you for less than what they buy them for.

3. Use appropriately designed supplements such as Call Of The Wild™ and Wild Things™ to balance raw meals and help make them safe if you are not skilled at such meal preparation.

4. The best raw, processed food alternative to fresh foods from the grocer is non-thermally processed dry foods - not raw frozen ones. (See Wysong Archetype™.) Use this food for alternate meals and as top dressing to heat processed foods.

5. Check the credentials of the person making the decisions in the company whose products you buy. Don't go to a plumber for brain surgery and don't expect serious healthy products from business people.

6. Steer away from brands that are pushing any particular hot buttons such as "natural," "no by- products," exotic ingredients (quail eggs, watermelon, persimmons, etc.), organic, omega-3, rice and the like. Although these features may bring some merit to a food (if they are put in at other than "pinch" levels), they are not an end in themselves and if the packaged food is fed exclusively can cause more harm than good.

7. Steer away from brands that fear monger. For example, there is the no corn or wheat scam - "buy our brand; it has no corn or wheat." (Just saying a product has "no" something is enough to scare the non-thinking public to the brand that doesn't have the boogeyman ingredient. Profiteers know this and play it to the hilt in the pet food industry.) The truth is, grains are put in dried nugget foods because they contain the starch necessary for the extrusion process. Starch is pretty much starch regardless of whether it comes from corn, wheat, rice, potatoes, millet or whatever. Grains also help decrease the cost of pet foods. They contribute some nutrition but in a properly formulated meat-based pet food the majority of the nutritional value comes from the meat. It is true that animals may develop allergy to corn or wheat but that can happen with rice or any other grain or ingredient as well. Problems are prevented by varying the diet. That is why Wysong has developed the range of formulations it has and puts them in small portion packs so the foods can be rotated. Of all the Wysong formulations, the ones with corn are chosen on almost a 5:1 ratio over all others and are the diets we receive the thousands of raves about, even in those pets supposedly allergic to corn!

[Wysong Testimonials]

[http://www.wysong.net/testimonials.shtml]

This is not to tout the merit of corn, or any grain in pet food for that matter. They are sort of a necessary evil in dried extruded foods and any of them can bring some benefit if rotated in the diet.

8. Do not feed any product exclusively. Variety is the spice of nutrition and the road to good health.

9. Features to look for in a packaged product would be those that bring the product close to the raw-whole-fresh-natural standard described above: active enzymes, probiotics cultures, natural preservation and protection against food-borne pathogens, proper packaging, intelligent formulation and balance, micronutrient dense, freshly produced, fresh ingredients - and the expertise to do all of this, not just say so on a package or brochure. (Some brands trying to get on the raw food bandwagon make outright false claims about "cold" processing.)

10. The company should be able to intelligently explain what they are doing in terms of processing, packaging, product preservation and prevention of food-borne pathogens. It is one thing to simply put a certain ingredient into a food, quite another to protect it until it is consumed. For example, Wysong owns its own manufacturing facilities in order to go beyond industry standard techniques. Special portion pack, light- and oxygen- barrier bags, modified atmosphere flush and natural ingredients to prevent oxidation and food- borne pathogens are part of all Wysong products. (See technical monographs on Packaging, Antioxidants and Wyscin™.)

11. Most important, learn. Support a company that helps you learn the truth and teaches you how to be at least somewhat independent of commercial products. Demand that producers provide proof for their claims in the form of good logic, evidence and science. Try to discern the company's true motives, your pocketbook or your pet's health. Learn how to go beyond The Pet Food Ingredient Game.

Wysong R. L. (1993). Rationale for Animal Nutrition. Midland, MI: Inquiry Press.

Wysong, R. L. (2002, June 19). Why Modern Medicine is The Greatest Threat to Health. The Wysong e-Health letter. Wysong Institute, Midland, MI.

[The Wysong e-Health letter]

[http://www.wysong.net/health/hl_884.shtml]

Wysong, R. L. (2002). The Truth About Pet Foods. Midland, MI: Inquiry Press.

Wysong, R. L. (2004). Nutrition is a Serious Health Matter: The serious responsibility of manufacturing and selling. Midland, MI: Inquiry Press.

Wysong, R. L. (2004). The Thinking Person’s Master Key to Health (60 Minute CD Discussion) Wysong Institute, Midland, MI.

Wysong, R. L. (2005). Comparing Pet Foods Based Upon What Matters: The First Study of its Kind in the Pet Food Industry. Midland, MI: Inquiry Press.

Wysong, R. L. & Savant, V. (2005). The Case AGAINST Raw Frozen Pet Foods. Midland, MI: Inquiry Press.

For further reading, or for more information about, Dr Wysong and the Wysong Corporation please visit http://www.wysong.net or write to wysong@wysong.net. For resources on healthier foods for people including snacks, and breakfast cereals please visit [http://www.cerealwysong.com].

Dr. Wysong: A former veterinary clinician and surgeon, college instructor in human anatomy, physiology and the origin of life, inventor of numerous medical, surgical, nutritional, athletic and fitness products and devices, research director for the present company by his name and founder of the philanthropic Wysong Institute. http://www.wysong.net Also check out [http://www.cerealwysong.com]