It's rather sad to think that more than half the dogs in this country are overweight or obese. According to the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention, 54% of the dogs in the U.S. are eating the wrong foods and not getting enough exercise. Sound familiar? Dogs and...
One of my favorite authors, Dr. Marion Nestle, coined the phrase "The Chihuahua in the Coal Mine". She was referring to the health and safety of the American food system in her book, Pet Food Politics. The pet food industry has its roots in the human food...
Our last blog was about rendering plants. This is the first step in the process of making dog kibble. Rendered raw materials are cooked at high temperatures (between 280 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 60 minutes. This is performed in an attempt to destroy existing...
Our next couple of blogs will focus on what kibble really is and how it is made. Once you understand the process you can decide for yourself just how much of it you would like to feed your dogs. Rendering Plants - What Are They? Rendering plants are where most pet...
We are all very busy these days with the end of summer and getting the kids back to school. Emotions are high as everyone adjusts to a change from the laid back summer lifestyle. Dogs can feel the changes too! You and your family are the center of your dog's world....
Our last blog broadly outlined Addison's Disease in dogs and the experience of having my own dog diagnosed. Here in part two we will dig deeper into the disease and its affect on Storm. It all starts with the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are vital to help the...
Addison's Disease is a serious, life threatening illness that is often misdiagnosed. I have had first hand experience dealing with this condition in one of my own dogs. With vigilant care your dog can go on to live a healthy, happy life. I had grown up with miniature...
Dogs love the taste of pumpkin and it's good for them too! I always go back to the idea that natural, clean foods provide the most benefit to our health. This simple fruit is good for: Urinary tract health Regular digestion - helps with both constipation...
I decided to write a blog about pancreatitis since I get so many inquiries on the subject. Way too many dogs are suffering from acute or chronic pancreatitis. These poor dogs are miserable and their pet parents are worried. It can be life threatening. The pancreas is...
According to a 20-year study completed at the University of Georgia, one out of three dogs currently alive will die from cancer. Prominent holistic veterinarian, Dr. Donald Strombeck, states that our dogs are living 20% shorter lives than they did 40 years ago. These...
Common sense is best when considering hot weather tips for your dog. Remember that older and obese pets, dogs with heart or breathing problems, short noses, and certain breeds like boxers, bulldogs, St. Bernards and ShihTzus are more prone to heat related problems. ...
I wish there was a magic pill to make me lose weight! What does this have to do with dental health, you ask? Well, unfortunately there is no magic kibble that will make your dog's teeth clean and sparkly! It takes both work and a healthy diet to have a fit body and a...
Stones cause lots of concerns for dog owners. We seem to be seeing an increased incidence over the last several years. I believe due to the widespread use of dried, processed kibble. Dr. Donald Strombeck, DVM, PHD and professor emeritus, at the University of...
Allergies should be considered a national epidemic! How many pet owners talk about their dog's skin issues!? It is one of the number one causes of a trip to the vet. Symptoms include: constant licking and scratching itchy, runny eyes chronic ear infections scabs and...
Summer is prime time for your dog to start to itch and scratch. We all love the summer and so do molds, fungi and other allergens and toxins. Now is a good time to consider a detoxification for you and your dog! Dogs live closer to the ground than we do. They...
What is gourmet dog food? We've all seen the adjective, 'gourmet' from dog food manufacturers. The term actually means - according to dictionary.com - 'to involve high quality or exotic ingredients and skilled preparation'. The nouns 'gourmet' and 'foodie' are...
We have a long history of “writing dogs” in our family. By writing dogs, I don’t mean writing about, but dogs that actually write. Many of you will be convinced that the last few months of trying to get our new website up has been much like staying out in the sun too...
People and dogs have been intertwined throughout history. Some say the relationship goes back 15,000 years, while others say even longer. Dogs have been eating our table scraps for millennia. So how did the current trend of feeding dry kibble come to be? The first...
Is your dog a picky eater?
What to do when your dog won't eat
