by Lucy Postins

Owner, The Honest Kitchen

The dilemma of what to feed your pet can be influenced by many factors. The first might be palatability and your companions taste preferences. Finance may also play a big role, as well as ad campaigns that can bombard the mind and sway the way you shop.

One major factor that is only now becoming widely recognized, is concern for what is actually in the product you feed – ingredient quality, integrity and wholesomeness. Just as we become educated what is healthy for ourselves – carb and calorie counting, natural and organic ingredients and so on – it is very important to become educated on how to interpret what your pet’s food label is really telling you.

Sadly, the way the law is set out means there are a number of ‘tricks’ that some petfood companies use to mislead and confuse consumers – or at the least, make their products look better than they really are.

The ingredients panel is listed in the order of predominance by weight. Those ingredients that make up the majority of the blend come first. Try to look for meat as the number one ingredient unless you are feeding a premix or there are other special circumstances.

Be wary of packages with beautiful illustrations of plump fresh veggies and fruits, but the veggies and fruits actually appear toward the very end of the ingredient list – this means they don’t actually make up much of the final recipe.

Try not to buy food from a manufacturer who indulges in the shady practice of ‘ingredient splitting’. A food might contain 40% corn but if the manufacturer divides the corn into its individual components (corn meal, corn gluten, corn flour, corn germ, corn bran and ground corn cob are just a few of the possibilities), then each of these components might only make up say, 6% of the total formula. This means they can be dispersed throughout the ingredient list, pushing something else up to the ‘number one spot’.

Meat can show up in dog food in a number of different forms. Meat meals are a common ingredient in dry foods and basically mean that the moisture has been removed, so that the finished dried product can be ground into a powdery consistency. Chicken meal, lamb meal or some other specifically named meat in a meal form is OK. ‘Poultry Meal’, ‘Meat Meal’ or worse yet – ‘Meat & Bone Meal’ should be avoided. These are generic terms that encompass a selection of anonymous meats and in some cases might even include road kill, or other meats that are unfit for human consumption.

Labels on dry food (kibble) products that list fresh meat in their ingredient panel can have pros and cons. Fresh meat undergoes less processing than meal, but the fact that the listing is in order of predominance by weight means a fresh meat will invariable be listed as the #1 ingredient. In fact, after kibble processing is complete, the fresh meats moisture will all be removed, so that the actual equivalent amount of meat protein in the finished product is less than if a meal had been used in the first place.

The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredient panel also provide good insight into the product. The company’s vitamin premix will be listed in the lower portion of the list and shows what the company had to add, in order to make the food ‘nutritionally complete’. A very long list of vitamins and minerals indicates that the raw ingredients the company started off with, were probably pretty devoid of nutrition – or the extreme heat and pressure the food underwent, destroyed them. This is not always the case – but more often than not, a very long list of added vitamins and minerals shows that the real food ingredients are minimal or low in nutritional value. Try to find a food with lots of real, recognizable, food ingredients and a premix with just a few added vitamins & minerals.

The guaranteed analysis consists primarily of protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and sometimes ash. Protein does not always relate to the quantity or quality of meat in the finished product. Some foods contain ingredients such as ‘poultry by-products’ which might include beaks, feet and feathers. These will add to the total protein content of the finished product but will likely be highly un-digestible and of little nutritional value to the pet. They may even put an additional strain on the liver, kidneys and other systems as the body tries to digest them. Try to avoid by-products at all costs. If you see them on the label, put down the bag and move on.

A guaranteed analysis that shows high fat is not a detrimental as it might sound. Dogs are very capable of utilizing quite high levels of fat and do not suffer with cholesterol as humans do. Beware of added animal fat in the ingredient list, which may be loaded with chemical preservatives. Ideally, animal fat should come from the meat.

Conversely, a high fiber content, which humans may seek for themselves, are not necessarily the best option for our animal companions. High fiber may also be indicative of high carbohydrates and a mounting wall of research is showing that high carbs are neither natural nor desirable for pets.

Ash relates to the total mineral content of the food. While it should not be excessively high, it does not in fact mean that the manufacturer added ‘ash’ or burned material to its finished product.

Be wary of pet food labels that tell you never to add any home made or fresh ingredients to you pet’s food. They are trying to ensure you feed their food alone, to make you buy more if it! While it is not advisable to feed excessive amounts of meat along with kibble, many pets will benefit from added healthy extras. The average domesticated canine’s digestive system is not so primitive that it cannot tolerate a variety of ingredients throughout the week, so don’t be brainwashed into thinking you should only feed the same food for every meal, day after day.

A pet food label can be a mine of useful information – and can also be used to cleverly mislead customers about what is in a product, with the use of illustrations, product names (be wary of products marketed by major ‘conventional’ manufacturers touting their wares as ‘natural’ or ‘holistic’. Including carrots and one or two herbs in a formulation, does not constitute a natural product. Always read the ingredients panel and determine how many additives are also included to give a truer picture and view the company’s marketing tactics with caution until you read what’s really in the food.

The Honest Kitchen is a manufacturer of 100% natural, guaranteed human grade foods for dogs and cats. www.thehonestkitchen.com 1-866 4 DRY-RAW.

I’m Allergic to My Dog!

dandRUFF

The Facts on Dog Dander

By Xiomara Iraheta

Believe it or not a huge percentage of pet owners are allergic to their very own pets. But what causes human discomfort in the form of inflammation of the nose, asthma attacks, rashes and wheezing isn’t the fault of the innocent dog. The problem is in the dog’s dead and flaky skin that travels around and clings to everything. Several facts are crucial to understanding how to manage and care for your dog when your allergies become unbearable.

Identify the culprit - Whether your dog has long or short hair, your cute friend is not to blame, although it is true that certain breeds with non-shedding coats produce less dander. In comparison to cats, dogs scratch a lot more and therefore continuously shed airborne particles that you in return absorb. Interestingly, your upbringing may have something to do with why you’re so allergic today. Some studies show that children who grow up in a household with pets are less likely to develop pet allergies in adulthood.

Clean Up - You should be washing your hands constantly after petting or playing with your dogs. Washing your face and arms will get rid of the allergens that you may easily spread to your nose or mouth after having contact with your pet. Your home should be cleaned more often as well. Dusting and vacuuming regularly will prevent dander from hanging around.

Wash and Groom- Washing your dog weekly and grooming daily, preferably outdoors will help keep your dog’s skin healthy. A product with colloidal oatmeal like Fur Butter (or Fur Worse) will repair their damaged skin and keep it moisturized. For other grooming products that are sure to address your dog’s allergies check out this helpful page on dry and itchy skin .

Keep Away- We’re not suggesting that you get rid of your dog, but there are certain areas of your home like your bedroom you may want to keep dog-free. Your mattress, bedding and pillows are comfy hosts for dander, so try your best to keep your dog out. But, if you still want Fido in your bed there are still a couple of things you can do to minimize the effects of dander like using a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) to keep the air in your bedroom as clean as possible. Certain fabrics like wool attract more dander than cotton, so think about it when choosing your clothes and bedding.

Food - A well balanced diet is important to keeping dander away. Some helpful supplements in your dog’s diet according to Dr. Pitcairn’s guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats include: “cod liver oil, cold-pressed unsaturated vegetable oil (or oil derived from fish, especially for cats) and vitamin E (or wheat-germ capsules).”

In the future - when you’re thinking of getting a dog you may want to consider a particular breed that the American Kennel Association suggests for allergy sufferers. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog but there are some suggested breeds.

The main thing to remember when dealing with pet dander is that it gets on everything and stays for at least six months even after you may have moved your dog elsewhere. Therefore, anything you can do to keep your dog and home clean will help reduce your allergies. If you think your dog has a serious case of dander then please visit your vet.

We see it out of the corner of our eyes. A lone hind leg reaches up to scratch around the ear / neck area. We begin to panic. We realize with a dawning dread that we have a potential flea situation on our hands, and we enter into Dealing with Disaster Mode. But, as we comb our pooch’s hair frantically - looking for further proof of the detested vermin – it slowly sinks in (with considerable relief), that our dog is in fact, flea free. However the dog is still scratching and he’s starting to look at you with baleful eyes, so you know that something else is up. Itchy skin can be caused by things other than fleas, and it’s important to determine what the cause might be because even if it isn’t fleas, it isn’t very pleasant for your puppy.

Environmental Allergens

It may be surprising to know that dogs can develop allergies to outside stimuli similarly to humans. It doesn’t seem like that would be the case as dogs are built so differently and have a thick layer of hair all over their bodies but it’s true. If your dog is scratching or biting at his paws, he may be allergic to grass or something that he treads on often. Or, if your dog is scratching a certain area and you notice some bumps, he might be having a reaction to an insect bite . If the biting and itching from your puppy are severe, take your dog into your vet and tell him or her your concerns. He or she will probably put your dog on an antihistamine which will give your dog some relief from his allergies.

Dry Skin

Dry skin can be quite common, and it can be very annoying for your dog. Just like in humans, dry skin can cause a dog to have itchy, flaky skin. But, unlike people, dogs can’t just grab a bottle of moisturizer and relive their irritated skin, so they will sometimes scratch until the skin becomes cracked and bleeds. So, before the dry skin leads to wounds, give your dog a conditioning treatment that will stop your dog from scratching and will give your dog relief from the itchiness.

Food Allergens

Contrary to what some people think, you can’t just feed your dog anything and he or she’ll be fine. A dog’s digestive system can be just as delicate as a person’s, and dogs can also develop food allergies. If you think your dog may be allergic to certain types of food, look for these common symptoms of a food allergy: inflamed, itchy skin, excessive scratching and inflamed areas of the face, feet, ears, armpits and groin. Work with your vet to figure out the cause of the allergy, and when you get your pet on a diet that is no longer bothering him, the itchy, dry skin should start to clear up.

So, the next time you see your dog scratching don’t automatically drag out the carpet cleaner and the flea bath materials. It could be another irritant that’s rubbing your dog the wrong way, and a little investigating will save your dog a lot of scratching!

 

Thelma, Louise and Fido

by Xiomara

 

 

Taking your dog along on a road trip can be one of the most rewarding and fun experiences ever. But if you happen to own a dog with an overactive, nervous, anxious or restless personality on land, the thought of being in a moving vehicle with them can seem like a dreaded “adventure”. However, preparation is key to a successful road trip with your four-legged family member. Review the following list before you and your pooch attempt a road trip.

• Test drive - If you’re not used to taking your dog on short car runs to the park, grocery store, or anywhere else then test driving your dog before the big travel date is a must. First, know that the main reason a dog acts out is because they’re feeling stressed or nervous, so easing them into a longer car ride by taking them on shorter rides will get them used to the car. Additionally, you can use a safe and effective product like Sleepytime tonic before your trip. Unlike drugging your pooch into calming, Sleepytime tonic actually works to replenish his physical nervous system.
• Fasten up - That’s right, buckle your pooch up. The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) claims that 59% of dog owners don’t secure their dogs in a vehicle, but that may all be changing soon. As state laws progress and get more pressure from concerned dog lovers, you may no longer see dogs riding on the laps of drivers with their heads hanging out the window. Purchasing a special harness and securing your pet can cause less damage and even save their lives in the event of an accident.
• Food & Hydration - Always an important factor when it comes to your dog and especially on the road, it’s important that you pack food from home. Although, a road trip is an excellent time for you to try those new town cuisines, it’s not so much the case with your dog. Since their digestive system can get a little out of control, you’ll notice it in their bad breath and gases, so help it out with Dog Smog Remedy . Pack treats, food and even water from home look for portable doggie bowls . Sometimes they don’t feel like drinking inside the car so make sure to offer them water once you’re outside.
• Exercise - While on the road your dog will want stretch breaks just like the driver. By nature, overactive dogs need to be exercised more than mellow dogs, so take them out on those pit stops and walk them around. Watch them sniff and discover new found territory.
• Cleanliness - Let’s not forget hygiene while we’re away. A good travel pack will include a spray like dry dog instant clean because we can’t always find the space or time to wash our smelly friend. And what’s a vacation with no bugs of some kind? Well, your pooch should be protected from mosquitoes or fleas while on hiatus, too. And don’t forget that dog’s can get sunburned too!

Research from the APPMA found that 15 million Americans travel with their pets each year. That’s an astounding number to consider, so why not leave those apprehensions that may be holding you back from traveling the road most traveled?

 

If you have a dog, you’ve seen it. The hopeful wag of the tail, maybe the good dog ‘sit’ pose, and most importantly, the beseeching eyes of the puppy that wants to be taken along on your outing. And, since more and more places are becoming dog friendly; you have lots more opportunities to please your pet and take him or her with you. Not only will you see some immediate gratification from your dog (in terms of licks and excited noises), but you’ll also get some long-term benefits as well. Engaging your dog in more activities can result in:

• Better communication between you and your dog.
• Fewer behavioral issues. (Dogs that are provided stimulation have less opportunity to become bored and act up.)

So, in the interest of benefiting both you and your dog, we’ve come up with a list of things you can do with your dog this summer that both of you will enjoy.

Fun Summer Activities

Take Your Dog to the Beach - Check your local by-laws of course to make sure that it’s allowed, but if it is, prepare to have some fun. You can play in the sand (you building sandcastles; your dog knocking them down), go for a swim in the water, (and if you’re worried about your dog panicking, you can always put him or her in a lifejacket), or play a game of Frisbee with your dog. Although the beach can be a messy place, don’t let the thought of the dirt or the effect of the salt water on your dog’s skin be a deterrent. A quick bath or a spray of Dry Dog Instant Clean will take away all reminders of your day at the beach.

Dive For Ice Cubes – Sort of like diving for apples for humans, take a bowl and fill it with water and place some ice cubes in it. Watch your dog try and get the cubes, and enjoy the hilarity that ensues. (This is also a great way to keep your dog hydrated during the hot summer months.)

Go to Dog Camp – There are lots of places to go to that can act as sort of a vacation for both your and your dog. Dog camps are springing up across the country and are viable options for people wishing to get away from it all, and bring their pet along. Your dog will enjoy activities like learning how to dance or can even participate in some agility or obedience training.

Eat Out! – Lots of places will now let you bring your dog onto their patios while you eat your dinner. (Be sure to call first). You can enjoy a nice relaxing meal or drink in the company of your pooch and out of the house. What could be better?

This summer there’s no reason to leave man’s best friend at home when you go out. Get creative and think of how to include your pet in fun summer activities so you can both enjoy your vacation.