Saturday, October 5, 2013

Barking Mad - Marketplace - CBC News

A very informative video regarding Vets, vaccinations, and costs. Must watch !! 

Barking Mad - Marketplace - CBC News

Weight Management

The numbers are on a rise for dogs and cats in North America for overweight pets. Major culprits are over refined, high fat, high carb diets. 
Obesity is defined as 20% above ideal body weight and increases the chances of developing health problems. Such problems can include:
  • diabetes
  • heat and exercise intolerance
  • increased risk to general anesthesia
  • skin conditions due to increased skin folds
  • heart and vascular disease
  • joint and spinal disk problems
  • hip problems

Balancing Omegas 3 and 6

Dog and Cat lovers have turned to fatty acids to rejuvenate their coats. Benefits to Omega fatty acids go beyond just helping the skin and coat but play a role in controlling allergies, inflammation and digestive issues.

Both Omega 3 and 6 are the biological foundation of metabolic processes. They help pets immune systems, histamine reaction and inflammatory response.

A good quality supplement will contain ingredients such as flax seed, flax seed oil, fish oils (salmon, pollock), coconut oil, and virgin olive oil. 

Supplements from these companies are very highly recommended.

Holistic Blend
Grizzly Salmon oil or Pollock oil 
BiologicVet 

It is also OK to use Omega or fish oil pills you can purchase from your local health food store.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Top Healthy Dog Food Brands


Karma Organic – Dog Food Project states that 95 of this food formula are organic. Their main source of protein is organic, free-range chicken. A secondary source of protein is brown rice. Vitamins E and C as preservatives are also found within this formula.

Newman’s Own Organics – The Company states that their food is 95% organic. Foods included in this formula are chicken and chicken meal, chicken liver, and vitamins C and E as preservatives.

Orijen – Produced in Canada and sources protein locally. Ingredients include fresh boneless chicken, chicken meal, fresh boneless salmon, turkey meal, and herring meal. “Fresh” means that meat is delivered fresh and is never frozen. They also us air tight packaging and vitamin E to preserve the freshness within finished products.

Blue Buffalo – Main sources of protein within their adult chicken and rice formula includes deboned chicken and chicken meal. No by-product meals, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors are used.

Fromm Adult Gold – The first four ingredients and protein sources are duck, chicken meal, and brown rice. Preservatives used include mixed tocopherals and citric acid.

Canine Caviar - One of the only Alkaline balanced pet foods. One protein, One carbohydrate, limited ingredients. Great for dogs with allergies, digestive problems, sensitive stomachs and more

Acana- Biologically appropriate foods, with ingredients delivered fresh everyday. Fresh never frozen. Grain free and non grain free formula. Same company as Orijen, however Acana is their lower protein line.

First Mate - Limited ingredient diet. They have a grain line (oatmeal, barley, some have rice) and a grain free line. Held to EU standards. Great for dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs, and an overall great food for any dog with any need.




Tips For Adding Years to Your Pet's Life

Add years to your pet’s life with the following tips:

Investigate Pet Food - Use a holistic approach to a pet’s diet – This means using as much real, whole foods as possible.
  • Try to avoid rendered ingredients, artificial colours/flavours or preservatives.
  •  Homemade (cooked or raw) is the best choice.
  •  For those not interested in preparing homemade food, frozen raw food is the next best thing.

Consider Using Pet Supplements

Supplementing your pet with Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) has many health benefits including:
  • Healthy skin and coat
  • Reduced inflammation that causes itching and hot spots
  •  Less inflamed joints
  • Healthy digestive system
  • Stronger immune system

Prioritize Play and Rest
  • Spare some time every day to play with your pets.
  • Walk your dog once or twice a day.
  • Rest-time is also very important for your pet’s overall well-being.

 http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/add-years-to-your-pet-s-life-with-expert-tips/article_fb2deb7d-c618-5185-b741-7485b1feae30.html