How to Avoid Foods Dangerous For Your Dog

I’ll hold it for you, but I am not going to drink it.There are some common foods on the human table that are deadly for dogs. It is important to know about them to avoid causing severe or fatal illness in your loyal canine companion.

Steps

1. Understand that even though you can eat the food, this does not mean that your dog can eat it also.
2. Familiarize yourself with the top human food culprits:

   • 

     Chocolate contains theobromine (a methylxanthine derivative). It can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhea, pant excessively, urinate frequently, develop a great thirst, have seizures, show hyperactivity, get an abnormal heart beat and possibly die. The negative effects depend on the dosage, the size of the dog, and the type of chocolate.^[1]

   • 

     Caffeine/Coffee warrant the same precautions as for chocolate. Caffeine, like theobromine, is a methylxanthine derivative with similar effects on dogs.

   • 

     Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, poor breathing, abnormal blood acidity, coma and death, just like in humans. The difference is that dogs are much smaller and are more susceptible to intoxication.

   • 

     Onions, garlic and chives in all forms (dry, raw, cooked) contain thiosulphate, which can irritate the gastrointestinal system of your dog. A relatively high dosage (600-800 grams) in one meal or spread apart over a few days can damage red blood cells (haemolytic anaemia)^[2].

   • 

     Macadamia Nuts (both raw and roasted, as well as macadamia butter) contain an unknown toxin that can cause locomotory difficulties: weakness, panting, tremors and swollen limbs. ^[3]. Commonly in cookies, so be careful what you feed your dog.

   • 

     Grapes and Raisins – can lead to kidney failure ^[4]. As yet, it is not known what substance in grapes causes this. Be careful, as raisins are often in cake and cookies.

   • 

     Avocado – the substance Persin can cause vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes heart congestion.

   • 

     Yeast dough – this refers to the dough prior to cooking. The yeast can continue to rise in the dog’s stomach and cause painful bloating, gas and even rupture of the intestines or stomach.

   • 

     Raw or undercooked meat and eggs – While there is controversy surrounding the role of raw meat in a dog’s diet, studies have shown that raw meat has a higher likelihood of harboring harmful bacteria than cooked or prepared dog food^[5]. As with humans, care needs to be taken in handling raw meat and eggs to avoid the possibility of contamination with Salmonella bacteria and E. coli. Raw eggs contain an enzyme (avidin) that can lead to skin and coat problems for a dog.

   • 

     Milk – owing to the lack of lactase, consumption may lead to bloating, gas, diarrhea and other digestive upsets.

   • 

     Xylitol – this can lead to liver failure through the over-release of insulin, vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. It does not take long to see signs of nearing liver failure – only a few days. Be very careful as this substance in a wide range of products, such as candy, chewing gum, toothpaste and baked goods.

   • 

     Bones can cause choking, or they can break apart into jagged pieces that become lodged in the digestive tract. Look for sturdy marrow bones that are less likely to splinter or nylon bones that wear down slowly ^[6].

   • 

     Corn on the cob is one of the most common ways a dog can get a blocked intestine. The dog bites of a piece of the cob one inch long and swallows it. The corn is digested off the cob in the tummy and the cob is left to block the small intestine and feels like a brillo pad trying to scrape it’s way down the digestive track. This is seen in vet offices often and can kill the dog if not removed surgically.^[7]

   • Salmon and trout frequently have a parasite that cooking does not kill. It is fine for humans but can harm dogs.
3. Check the food you are sharing carefully. Many of these ingredients are tucked away in cookies, bread, cake, preserves and other processed foods. It is really important to be aware of what you are feeding your canine companion so that you can avoid these problem foods.
4. Ensure that your dog eats a healthy and balanced diet. Read up on the appropriate foods for your dog type and make regular vet visits to ensure that your dog is in top shape.

5. 

   Minimize snacks from the human table. It encourages poor manners from both the dog and the human and it blurs the line between what is good food for the animal and what is not. Start out right and keep it right.

6. Contact your vet immediately if you see any signs of weakness, poisoning, lack of coordination, lethargy, frothing or any other unusual behavior after consuming any of these foods. Delay can be fatal so do not hesitate.

Tips

• Cooked bread is okay in very small amounts.
• Show children this list and teach them early what they can and cannot feed their dog(s).
• Many natural dog food supplements boast garlic as a natural flea preventative.
• Too much of nearly anything will cause pets to vomit.
• Be very careful when taking medication. If you drop one on the floor make sure you get it before your animals do. Look for small items and pills that have fallen to the floor, in the couch cushions, and other places when you get a pet that will have “roaming privileges” in the house.

Warnings

• Dogs are not wild animals. Most of the breeds that are kept as pets are domesticated, meaning that they were bred to be kept under human care and supervision. While domesticated dogs can survive ferally on a wild diet, dogs on a controlled diet are likely to lead longer, healthier lives.
• Take your dog to the vet immediately if it shows any signs of poisoning or any of the symptoms described above following consumption of any of these foods.
• Be aware that just because you may have fed the dog once on a bad food that this does not mean the dog can consume it. Some foods have a cumulative effect and the dosage can be key to whether or not there is a fatal or severe reaction.
• Always place table scraps and other garbage in a secure container, where the dog can’t get to it.
• Never allow your dog to eat food or treats he finds on the ground in public.

Sources and Citations

1. ↑ Death by Chocolate? in Veterinary Technician, March 2001 (PDF file)
2. ↑ Onion and garlic poisoning in dogs, Petalia.com.au
3. ↑ The danger of macademia nuts, Petalia.com.au
4. ↑ Grape and raisin poisonings in Dogs
5. ↑ Raw Meat Diets Spark Concern, Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association
6. ↑ Feeding Dogs Bones – Is it safe?
7. ↑ Bad Foods For Cats and Dogs

From WikiHow.com

Demand for More Detailed Ingredient Labels on Pet Food

Do consumers really know what’s in the can when they buy food for their cats and dogs?

Some pet owners and animal advocate groups say no. Glossy packaging or advertising, showing meals styled to look like human cuisine, lead people to believe they are treating their beloved animals to quality food when in reality, they’re feeding garbage.

Federal legislators, concerned about the recent recalls involving contaminated pet food and treats, are calling for more guidelines for labeling. A food and drug safety bill passed late last month includes requirements that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration draft pet food labeling standards within the next two years, implement more controls on manufacturing plants and devise early warning systems when problems are discovered. Current standards are administered by each state and may vary slightly.

Some veterinary nutritionists are pushing for the new labels to look more like those on human-grade foods and to include calorie counts, as the number of overweight companion animals grows. Dr. Kathryn Michel, an associate professor of nutrition at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, said it can be difficult for consumers to tell exactly what is in the food and treats they give to their pets, how long it can safely stay on the shelf, and the quality of the ingredients.

The pet food industry contends its products are safe and that labels currently used are as clear as those for human products. Manufacturers following the industry’s model regulations, developed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), must list all ingredients, a percentage-by-weight guaranteed analysis of main components including protein and fiber, and feeding instructions tailored to size.

Nancy Cook, vice president of technical and regulatory affairs for the Pet Food Institute, anticipates the new FDA labeling guidelines will look a lot like what’s in place now. “It works. Whatever the guaranteed analysis says is exactly what has to be in the food.”

Yet many pet owners felt duped in the wake of continuing recalls.

Pat Davis is one of 24 pet owners, including two from South Florida, who are part of a class action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Miami. Davis, a former teacher who lives near Ocala and has numerous pets, said she threw out all the recalled dog food in her cupboard as soon as the Menu Foods problem was made public.

“You try to read the labels, to buy the best thing you can, because you want your animals to be healthy and happy,” she said. “I was feeling pretty smug that I was on top of it.”

But Davis continued to give her 3-year-old Siamese cat Pounce treats — until her pet suddenly stopped eating and could hardly get up off the chair where she slept. The cat died a few days later of kidney failure, cited in most of the cases involving animals that ate the food tainted with melamine, a chemical found in plastics. Del Monte Pet Products voluntarily recalled some Pounce cat treats after the company learned wheat gluten it purchased from a Chinese supplier tested positive for melamine.

The lawsuit, which names the nation’s largest pet food manufacturers as well as retailers, charges that claims on packaging and in advertising misrepresented their diets as healthy and nutritional, and did not warn consumers about the risks. The action, still waiting on class certification, asks for unspecified damages for false advertising. Several other suits are pending against pet food manufacturers.

Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

read more | digg story

HolisticPetMenu

I received the following newsletter from someone in HealthyPetNet. I’m posting it here in it’s entirety as a “guest article” so you can see why this holistic pet person is excited about her holistic pet food.

Sherry is a farmer and an animal rescuer with around 15 dogs and 20 cats and her monthly pet food bill is around $800-1000. Still, she won’t feed her rescue animals anything less than the best. Just sit back and enjoy her enthusiasm. What I like about her newsletter is it’s not so much about avoiding ingredients like corn or wheat as it is about the change in her pets’ lives.

* * *

HOLISTIC PET MENU’S NEWSLETTER

VOLUME #2

October 10^th, 2007

Contents:

Dr. Jane Bicks, HPN Formulator

Life’s Abundance Dog Food

Agility Supplement for Dogs

Dental Treats for Dogs

How to save on ordering product

Meet Becky Hudson

The Cleaning Kit

Trilogy/HealthyPetNet is a company that cares about pets, people and environment. Trilogy is a integrated Holistic Company equipped with your own representative available to guide you and your pet to quality of life.

So if there was a pet food that could help your pet live longer & prevent unnecessary trips to the vet would you buy it?

Our answer was YES and that is why we feed Life’s Abundance pet Food. We feel that proper nutrition is vitally important for your pet to achieve a Happy-Healthy-Long-Life.

Vet Formulated,

By Dr, Jane Bicks a highly respected and nationally recognized holistic veterinarian for 30 years. Dr. Bicks has been featured numerous times on Animal Planet, CNN, 48 hours, Discovery Channel, Good Morning America and many more. Dr. Bicks is the author of three national selling books on pet care and nutrition. She was awarded three presidential citations. Dr. Bicks has served on many professional boards. She was the President of the Veterinary Medical Association of NYC and was appointed by former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani to help start one of the largest animal shelters in the USA. It’s refreshing to know that Dr. Jane Bicks is the Formulator of the HPN products!

Although

you may think that pet food manufacturer have your pet’s best interests in mind when formulating their products, this is not always the case. Current pet food regulations allow manufacturers to use ingredients that you would never knowingly feed to your pet. In fact, you may be shocked to learn what some brands of pet food really contain. Many foods include by-products like feet, bones and intestines, chemical preservatives like BHA and BHT, and grains like corn, wheat, gluten and soy, which are used as a protein source but are often difficult to digest. All of these ingredients can put unnecessary stress on your pet’s system and can lead to diminished overall health, organ stress and failure and skin and other allergies.For instance here is a list of the wholesome ingredients that we use in our dry dog food. Premium, All -Natural Chicken Meal, Catfish Meal, and Eggs provide high quality, easily-digested animal protein to support strong muscles, healthy organs and overall health. Chicken fat, Catfish Meal, Flaxseed Meal, and Eggs provide a natural balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. (This is what we get from Fish Oil that I keep telling everybody to take)

Whole Brown Rice provides an excellent source of highly digestible carbohydrates for short-term energy and dietary fiber that is gentle on the stomach. Fresh Vegetables and Fruit provide natural plant phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and potent bioflavonoids that help support and active immune system. Grapeseed Extract is a natural preservative as well as a concentrated antioxidant. Beet Fiber, Brewers yeast and Natural bacteria Cultures help the digestive system work at peak efficiency, allowing your pet to get even more nutrition from our wholesome food. Natural DHA and EPA help good vision, a strong heart and healthy central nervous system. Free from artificial Colors, Flavors and Preservatives. Contains a Blend of natural antioxidants helping to maintain a healthy immune system as well as keeping Life’s abundance stay fresh for longer.

Agility Supplement for Dogs and my own testimony,

Lucky, our 9 year old shep mix has been on the Agility now for about a month. Lucky was starting to have a difficult time getting on and off from the sofa and he was uncomfortable climbing stairs. Lucky now takes the stairs two at time and he is able to get on and off of the sofa and the bed with ease. Lucky improves everyday since taking the Agility Supplement. Just some of the wonderful Ingredients in the Agility are, Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane Perm, Vit. E, Vit. C. Boswellia Serrata, Yucca Schidigera, Alfalfa Leaf Extract, EPA & DHA.

The Agility is not just for dogs that are having problems. The Agility Supplement should be taken as an overall good healthy preventative so your dog does not get to the point that our Lucky did.

Dental Treats for Dogs,

It’s so wonderful to have such a tasty and healthy snack for our dogs. Dr. Jane has added an ingredient called Micro Dent. Micro Dent makes the teeth slippery aiding in resistance to particles sticking to the teeth that potentially can cause tooth decay. Phosphorus is another wonderful ingredient that is added.. Phosphorus is essential for healthy teeth and bone growth. Rolled Oats, Honey, Canola Oil, Whole Brown Rice, Flax Seed Meal, Peanut Butter (peanuts), Filtered Water, Dried Whey Product, Dried Whole Eggs and Parsley are just some of the wonderful added ingredients in the Dental Treats. Let me warn you that your dogs may fight over these incredibly tasty morsels. Don’t forget to read the instructions a few Dental Treats per day is all that your pet needs to help keep their teeth squeaky clean. In fact there are several “healthy” snacks that Dr. Jane has formulated for out pets.

How to save on Ordering HealthyPetNet Products.

Auto Ship.

Signing up for Auto Ship is easy and you get a discount for doing so. Most people like Auto Ship because they don’t have to worry about forgetting to order product. With Auto ship it comes automatically within the time that you personally specify.Zero Shipping Costs

when you order $500.00 of pure product. Sales aids and training aids are not considered product.10% Discount

when you order 12 of one item., excluding Pet Food.The Zero Shipping and the 10% discount can be used on the same order.

Becky Hudson, President of Companion Animal Association in Kokomo Indiana,

I first met Becky and her volunteers when we adopted Aimee our beloved Australian Cattle dog. I will do a story on Aimee in a following newsletter. Right now I want to talk about Becky. Becky has a full time job being the founder and the director of CAA. Becky works hard for her reward of saving homeless dogs and cats. Aside from running CAA Becky has a full time paid job where she puts in an easy 40 hours each week. Can you imagine how busy Becky is trying to run her household, her personal pets and CAA. Becky handles the emails, phone calls and one Saturday each month is adopt a pet day, those are just some of the tasks that Becky is responsible for. CAA is made up of all volunteers and good ones at that. Becky and her volunteers should be well respected by all of us. Becky continues to thrive with CAA and for good reason., she and her volunteers put all of their energy and compassion towards the animals. Aside from being busy with her job, home, CAA and everything else Becky does, she also cares for her own dog at home who is suffering from diabetes and cushings disease. I want to personally give Becky and the CAA volunteers the recognition that they deserve for a job well done!

The Cleaning Kits,

I just purchased the cleaning kit. It is absolutely incredible. If you have household pets and litter boxes you are depriving yourself and your pets if you do not try this kit. As you know my husband and I do a little dog and cat rescue. So of course in housetraining our strays they have accidents. The shampooer has been across our hallway numerous times and still an odor lingers. I followed the directions and sprayed and soaked the carpet with the bio deodorizer and Poof…the odor is gone. Spraying the bio deodorizer on litter boxes works wonders and is totally safe! This spray can be used on so many surfaces to eliminate odors. This Bio Deodorizer works by digesting the odors not masking them so you spray it on the source not in the air. The glass cleaner works better than any Windex I have ever used, plus it didn’t leave any streaks! Today I used the floor cleaner for the first time and wow…it smells clean and not perfumed. My floor shines and I am not worried about my dogs walking across the floor because it‘s safe! The degreaser melts dirt and grime away. My lab is tall enough to lick the counter tops. I don’t have to worry anymore about him digesting an unsafe chemical. I am totally impressed with the entire kit. The cleaning kit is inexpensive and purely biodegradable, it has a neutral ph and no harmful phosphates. This cleaning kit makes perfect sense for people, pets and the planet. HealthyPetNet cleaning products clean with friendly bacteria. All are FDA approved. Regular household cleaners can be very toxic. Especially Lysol and chlorine bleach. Did you know that Lysol can kill a cat! Bleach isn’t so good either. Animals and people can get Chronic Chlorine poisoning. It doesn’t matter how much you rinse your floors or counter tops if your animals or children are exposed and walking on the floors they will and can get these poisonings over time. Animals especially the smaller breeds have faster metabolisms than we do which stresses the liver more so than a healthy human. Each and every time we inhale the fumes from these toxins we are stressing our liver regardless of size. I recommend the cleaning kit to keep our planet, pets and people safe and because it works great! If somebody in your family, human or animal is a diabetic or has another disorder that makes the liver work over time than you are helping their liver by using HPN’s safe cleaning kit!

Think about giving the gift that cares. Give a cleaning kit to your loved ones for the holidays.. Go to HolisticPetMenu.com. The cleaning kit comes with the bio deodorizer, degreaser, glass cleaner and the floor cleaner. Included are good durable sprayers and nozzles and refills that should last a long, long time. All for under $35.00.

I almost forget….

When I introduced myself last month I forgot to mention a very important part of my life, my horses! Molly is a 24 year old Arabian and I have had her since she was 9 years old. Aside from being one my best friends we also used to show Saddle Seat. All our achievements over the years was purely Molly taking me for the ride! Flash is my 22 year old American Paint horse. I have owned Flash since he was 3 years old. He is an absolute joy and he rides western, hunt seat and a little dressage. Flash doesn’t go to the shows although he is my pick whenever we trail ride. I feel so blessed to have 2 such wonderful friends!More money is spent on pet products than in toy and baby industries combined.

75% of all Americans own a pet.

83% would be likely to risk their lives to save their pet.

87% take their pets to a veterinarian for regular checkups, vaccinations and teeth cleanings.

82% buy premium pet food.

77% have their pets groomed

People spend more time reading nutritional labels on pet food (41%) than their own food (37%)

Four in ten cats (44%) receive a Christmas gift.

The Holidays are around the corner. HPN has wonderful gift baskets for pets. Check out these decorative gifts for any occasion at HolisticPetMenu.com.

If you feel that you would like to become a distributor contact me.

If you have any questions contact me.

Fish Oil is considered an essential vitamin for all mammals, this includes people and pets. We are taking our Fish Oil, are you?

Please everybody love your pets. TLC is the first and foremost ingredient for a healthy and happy pet!

See you next month and thanks again for reading!

SAVE A PET-FEED THEM FOR LIFE!
Sherry Klemme
HolisticPetMenu.com

Can I switch my pet from a prescription diet to a holistic pet food?

I am not a veterinarian but I am a wellness-based, holistic person and have fed my cats only holistic foods for the last ten years, so I will tell you my general rules of thumb.

I’m sorry to say that most pets on a non-holistic, grain-based prescription diet generally need to stay there. Those prescription foods are life-saving, in many cases, and can extend the life of your pet by 2-5 years. Oftentimes, it’s not the protein level that the prescription diet is trying to avoid, it’s phosphorus or some other aspect of meat that is the culprit. Kidney and urinary tract prescription diets are especially necessary once your cat or dog has developed those problems.

Almost all holistic pet foods have a “fact sheet” on their pet food, such as the two in the links below. My best advice is to take this type of pet food information — which contains much more than what you would have on the label — to your vet. Your vet may not be familiar with a particular brand but he or she will have your pet’s blood work and other tests in front of them and they will be able to tell you if your pet can be on a holistic diet.

http://isyourpetfoodsafe.com/la-dog-sept1_SherryKlemme.pdf

http://isyourpetfoodsafe.com/la-cat-sept1_SherryKlemme.pdf

I do a special kind of animal rescue, where it’s not so much that I manage a shelter as that I work with indigent, seriously ill, or low-income people to help them get adequate care for their pets, you know, spay/neuter, abscesses, bladder infections, humane euthanasias when the pets are very sick.

Just this morning, I took one kitty to the vet. We had her in the clinic not four months ago. She was most likely a victim of the melamine contaminated pet food and her owner had switched her to a premium, holistic brand. Unfortunately, the cat had struvite crystals and, while her symptoms cleared up after a round of antibiotics and other medicines, she wouldn’t eat the bland prescription diet, so her owner put her back on the holistic food.

It was worth a shot, of course, but this poor two-year-old kitty didn’t do well on it and is back at the clinic with crystals and another bladder infection. This time, she HAS to stay on the prescription diet or she will really decline. Struvite crystals can turn into bladder or kidney stones and you really don’t want that!

It can go either way. I had a 14-year-old rescue kitty who came to me very underweight, with kidney cancer and a megacolon. He wouldn’t have eaten a bland diet so I put him on my preferred holistic brand — canned food and supplements only — and he thrived for another year, year and a half. On those occasions when I would switch him off that particular canned cat food, he would decline and wind up with a blockage back at the veterinary clinic. The vet told me, Keep him on that food, it seems to be the best for him.

Diabetic cats, dogs with Addison’s disease or thyroid problems, liver disease. If the vet has put them on a prescription diet, you might be wise to stay there.

BUT keep threee things in mind:

1) Keep your healthy pets on a holistic food.

2) Start all new pets out right with holistic foods.

3) Look into adding human grade fish oil to the diet of these animals with kidney, bladder, liver, pancreatic (diabetes) problems. Fish oil is a well-respected anti-inflammatory, and the organs of these diseased animals are often inflamed. Reducing the inflammation could help extend the life of your pet. Discuss it with your vet. Every veterinary clinic has veterinary use fish oil to use for this purpose. If you’re going to be holistic, I just recommend that you stick to the high quality human grade fish oils.

What are the best ingredients in pet foods today?

Found an interesting list compiled by Dr. Lisa Newman, N.D., Ph.D., Mike Adams, and the non-profit Consumer Wellness Center. I’ll only list the 4-Star and 5-Star ingredients; these would be GREAT in your furry family’s food.

Reviewing the list, clearly Dr. Newman is speaking from a human nutrition standpoint because, while she speaks authoritatively on the general quality and nutrient value of an ingredient, she is not a veterinarian and can’t speak to the dietary needs of pets. For example, she lists “whole wheat” and “corn” as 5-Star ingredients when wheat and corn are widely known to be top allergens in dogs and when they are understood by holistic vets to be mostly a cheap and poorly digestible protein source.

Nevertheless, what she had to say about ingredients, in general, is worth reading.

carrots (5 stars) found in 12% of pet food products analyzed
Natural source of beta carotene (precursor to Vitamin A needed for immune function), excellent fiber.

cracked pearled barley (5 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
A nutritive, wonderful grain.

cracked barley (5 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
A nutritive, wonderful grain.

garlic oil (5 stars) found in 6% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent antioxidant, antibiotic.

– Note: AAFCO guidelines limit the amount of garlic that can be included in pet formulations because it can lead to Heinz anemia in dogs and cats. Nevertheless, in small quantities, it is an excellent nutrient and also a natural flea control.

lamb stock (5 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
More nutritious than simple water used for processing can foods, flavoring in dry food.

copper proteinate (5 stars) found in 23% of pet food products analyzed
Best source of copper used, aids in bone formation, iron absorption, protein metabolism, bone formation

ground whole grain sorghum (5 stars) found in 9% of pet food products analyzed
Cousin to millet, very nutritive grain, alkalizing to the body, easy to digest.

– Sorry, we have to disagree with Dr. Newman. In pet foods, sorghum is a cheap protein source, poorly digestible.

ground whole grain corn (5 stars) found in 6% of pet food products analyzed
Contains all nutrients/protein of corn.

– Sorry, we have to disagree with Dr. Newman. In pet foods, corn is a cheap protein source, poorly digestible.

cobalt proteinate (source of chelated cobalt) (5 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of cobalt, improves use, needed for B12 synthesis.

rosemary extract and citric acid (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Natural preservatives – citric acid is Vitamin C.

venison meal (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent alternative to standard meats, in concentrated form for more protein pound for pound.

chicken broth (5 stars) found in 17% of pet food products analyzed
Source of flavor, excellent if used instead of plain water for processing can food.

peas (5 stars) found in 7% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of protein/carbohydrates/fiber.

canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of fat for energy, high in omega-3 fatty acids, natural Vitamin E preservative.

canola oil (5 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of fat for energy and healthy coat contains 10% omega 3 fatty acids and half the saturated fat found in other vegetable oils commonly used in pet food.

calcium ascorbate (5 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Buffered source of Vitamin C.

garlic extract (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Concentrated form has more health benefits unless listed at bottom of label which indicates a token use.

– Note: AAFCO guidelines limit the amount of garlic that can be included in pet formulations because it can lead to Heinz anemia in dogs and cats. Nevertheless, in small quantities, it is an excellent nutrient and also a natural flea control.

borage oil (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids.

trace minerals (zinc proteinate) (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Best form of zinc, protects against cell damage and stimulates immune system, but indicates lack of well-rounded supplementation.

turkey broth (5 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Used instead of plain water for processing, more nutritional, flavor enhancing in dry foods.

beef meal (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Dehydrated whole muscle meat, packs more protein pound for pound.

beef broth (5 stars) found in 6% of pet food products analyzed
Used instead of plain water in can foods or as flavoring in dry foods.

chicken meal (5 stars) found in 17% of pet food products analyzed
Concentrated chicken meat, more protein since water weight has been removed. Excellent source of protein for cats, good source for dogs.

mixed tocopherols (a source of natural vitamin E) (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Superior source of natural Vitamin E oils.

lamb broth (5 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Used instead of plain water in can foods, as flavoring in dry foods.

lamb meal (5 stars) found in 10% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent protein source, concentrated-more protein for the money. Less likely to cause allergies, easy to digest.

lecithin (5 stars) found in 7% of pet food products analyzed
A natural antioxidant, very beneficial.

dried peas (5 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Source of protein/carbohydrates/fiber.

mackerel (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of cold water fish, high in fatty acids.

iron proteinate (5 stars) found in 6% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent, most expensive source of iron needed for red blood cell reproduction.

manganese proteinate (5 stars) found in 13% of pet food products analyzed
Best source of manganese, necessary to development of strong bones and enzyme activators, enhances immune system.

manganous proteinate (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of manganese, nourishes the nerves and brain. Supports immune and enzyme functions.

dried garlic (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent antioxidant, antibiotic, flea and tick repellent if listed high on the label.

– Note: AAFCO guidelines limit the amount of garlic that can be included in pet formulations because it can lead to Heinz anemia in dogs and cats. Nevertheless, in small quantities, it is an excellent nutrient and also a natural flea control.

flax seed (5 stars) found in 8% of pet food products analyzed
Whole seeds provide best omega-3 fatty acids and nutritive fiber.

menhaden fish oil (5 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of fatty acids.

dehydrated carrots (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Provides good source of nutritional fiber.

herring oil (5 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of fatty acids.

halibut (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of protein, fatty acids.

oat bran (5 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Aids stool regulation, nutritive fiber.

oat groats (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Oats are very beneficial grains, groat simply has outer fibrous shell off.

oat meal (5 stars) found in 10% of pet food products analyzed
Crushed oat groats, nutritive fiber, good for colon health, balances body’s pH, aids colon health.

ocean fish (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Quality cold water fish, highly nutritious, high in fatty acids.

ocean whitefish (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of protein, fatty acids.

dried carrots (5 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of nutrients and fiber.

dried apples (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Provides good source of nutritional fiber.

ground whole grain barley (5 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of nutrients and dietary fiber is low gluten grain, non-allergenic.

menhaden fish meal (5 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of fish, highly concentrated source of protein and good source of fatty acids..

whole ground wheat (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Is whole ground, very nutritive grain, source of protein, dietary fiber.

– Sorry, we have to disagree with Dr. Newman. In pet foods, wheat is a cheap protein source, poorly digestible.

zinc proteinate (5 stars) found in 13% of pet food products analyzed
Best source of zinc, protects against free radicals, essential to insulin formation and immune function.

whole sweet potatoes (5 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Nutritive carbohydrates, natural sugars promote energy not hyperactivity.

whole ground brown rice (5 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Is whole ground, very nutritive grain, source of protein, dietary fiber.

whole ground oats (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent grain source, easy on the digestive tract.

whole brown rice (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Whole grain, nutritive.

– Often used as a binder in holistic foods. Note we said BINDER, not filler, needed to hold the kibble together.
garlic powder (5 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent antioxidant and antibiotic, more concentrated than plain garlic.

– Note: AAFCO guidelines limit the amount of garlic that can be included in pet formulations because it can lead to Heinz anemia in dogs and cats. Nevertheless, in small quantities, it is an excellent nutrient and also a natural flea control.

alpha-lipoic acid (5 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Added for healthy skin and coat.

whole ground barley (5 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of nutrients and dietary fiber, is low gluten grain, non-allergenic source of protein.

rosemary extract (5 stars) found in 22% of pet food products analyzed
Natural preservative, concentrated.

whole carrots (5 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of beta carotene, nutrients and fiber.

catfish meal (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of protein, fatty acids but some of the natural oils are lost.

catfish (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of protein, fatty acids.

alfalfa dehydrated meal (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of chlorophyll.

alfalfa concentrate powder (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of chlorophyll.

sun-cured alfafa meal (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Alfalfa meal provides chlorophyll but “sun-cured” a bit gimmicky.

iron amino acid chelate (4 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Better source of iron, improves use, needed for red blood cell production.

white fish (4 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Alternative source of protein.

cod (4 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Good protein alternative.

whitefish (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good alternative to standard meats.

whole wheat (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Nutritionally complete grain, good source of grain protein but often suspected to cause allergies.

– Sorry, we have to disagree with Dr. Newman. In pet foods, wheat is a cheap protein source, poorly digestible.

copper amino acid chelate (4 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Better source of copper, improves use, needed for iron absorption, bone formation, protein metabolism and blood clotting.

cobalt amino acid chelate (4 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Better source of cobalt, improves use, needed for B12 synthesis.

citric acid and rosemary (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Natural preservatives although citric acid (Vitamin C) can be harsh on digestive tract.

chicken liver, fresh (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Indicates better quality, but can be misleading.

chicken stock (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Better than plain water used for processing canned foods or flavoring dry foods.

oats (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of fiber and energy but not whole ground for full nutritional value.

chicory extract (4 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Concentrated source of innulin, a prebiotic, gimmicky but more effective than plain root or powders.

chicken fat (naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols) (4 stars) found in 19% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of energy and flavor, preserved with Vitamin E, but dogs do better with vegetable and fish oils.

shrimp (4 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of protein.

rosemary (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Natural preservative.

ocean fish meal (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Concentrated cold water fish, highly nutritious, may have oils expressed leaving it lower in fatty acids.

folic acid supplement (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Standard source, needed for blood building and DNA synthesis.

preserved with mixed tocopherols (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Natural Vitamin E preservative.

citric acid and rosemary extract (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Common natural preservatives.

herring meal (4 stars) found in 2% of pet food products analyzed
Excellent source of protein, poor source of fatty acids as oil is pressed out of fish to make meal.

sage (4 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Natural preservative.

green beans (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of nutrients and fiber.

alfalfa nutrient concentrate (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of chlorophyll, protein and nutrients.

chicken fat (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of energy for cats, dogs do best on oils rather than animal fat.

venison stock (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Better than plain water for processing in can foods, flavor additive in dry foods.

venison (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good alternative to standard meats.

duck (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good alternative protein source, less heavy in water weight than chicken.

veal broth (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Better than simple water for processing in can, used as flavoring in dry foods.

turkey stock (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Better than simple water for processing in can, used as flavoring in dry foods.

beta carotene (4 stars) found in 23% of pet food products analyzed
Source of Vitamin A precursor, aids immune response, allergy control, slows aging.

dried kelp meal (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of iodine for thyroid function and chlorophyll.

ground whole wheat (4 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Whole ground is excellent, but not considered the best grain choice for dogs.

– Sorry, we have to disagree with Dr. Newman. In pet foods, wheat is a cheap protein source, poorly digestible.

manganese sulfate (4 stars) found in 37% of pet food products analyzed
Better source, manganese is necessary to development of strong bones and enzyme activators, enhances immune system.

venison meat (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good alternative to standard meats.

ground whole peas (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of nutrients and fiber.

tuna (4 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of protein and fatty acids.

pea fiber (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of nutritious fiber.

pearled barley (4 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Not whole ground, less nutritive but a wonderful grain, low gluten and flavorful.

rabbit (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good alternative meat source.

copper amino acid complex (source of chelated copper) (4 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Better source of copper, improves use, needed for iron absorption, bone formation, protein metabolism, blood clotting.

whitefish meal (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good alternative to standard meats in concentrated form for more protein, can have oils expressed.

manganese amino acid chelate (4 stars) found in 10% of pet food products analyzed
Better source of manganese necessary to development of strong bones and enzyme activators, enhances immune system.

pea protein (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of vegetable protein.

rabbit stock (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Better than plain water for processing in can food.

ginger extract (4 stars) found in 1% of pet food products analyzed
Good for digestion if listed high on label, if not, gimmicky.

potassium amino acid complex (source of chelated potassium) (4 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Better source of potassium, balances acid/alkaline balance.

eggs (4 stars) found in 4% of pet food products analyzed
Good source of protein, free of shell.

garlic (4 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Good antioxidant, antibiotic. IS SAFE TO USE!

– Note: AAFCO guidelines limit the amount of garlic that can be included in pet formulations because it can lead to Heinz anemia in dogs and cats. Nevertheless, in small quantities, it is an excellent nutrient and also a natural flea control.

yucca schidigera extract (4 stars) found in 3% of pet food products analyzed
Used to reduce stool odor, concentrated.

zinc amino acid chelate (4 stars) found in 5% of pet food products analyzed
Better source of zinc, improves use, protects against free radicals, essential to insulin formation and immune function.