Bjy Amy Cook- Porter

Procter and Gamble announced on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 that they have signed a contract to buy Natura Pet Products Inc, a privately held pet food company based in Davis CA. 

 Natura’s product line includes

• Innova
• Evo
• Healthwise
• Karma

 While P & G’s product line includes

• IAMs
• Eukanuba

 According to P & G this acquisition will complement their existing holistic and natural (don’t get me started on this word) brand.

 I’m curious if this will have a “karma” repercussions, especially after the posting “error” on Thursday, May 6 that practically took down the stock market.

Here are some comments from our readers

This is what I would classify as a “Natural Pet Food Tragedy”!

Natura had been a true pillar of the industry. For a long time, this company did the research, set the standards and raised the bar for other pet food manufacturers. They were true innovators and their integrity had been second to none in the industry. They had many “firsts” in pet food/nutritional technology.

They were the first to…

Offer an all natural, human grade ingredient pet food.

(INNOVA)

Offer a limited, single carb/single meat protein food line.  (California Natural).

Offer a 95% Certified Organic Pet Food

(Karma)

Offer a Grain Free Pet Food

(EVO)

Those were the biggest breakthroughs, but there were many more. There was no other company that did so much research. There were no other people who cared so much.

I learned so much from them, all the way back to a couple of years before I opened my store. I was Tim Petersen’s (Petersen Pet Provisions, now Petersen Nutrition) very first salesman. At that time, I had the distinct pleasure of riding for a whole week with Ronn Walthers, who was a highest level, national sales manager for Natura. We traveled the Front Range selling and detailing the Natura Lines, which at that time were only INNOVA and California Natural. That week was one of the most profound learning experience sessions in my life. I had done much “homework” going back to my earliest days in the pet industry, but learning and selling the Natura lines gave my knowledge a whole new life. 10 years ago, I opened “Mike’s Natural Pet Market” in Colorado Springs. INNOVA and California Natural were my first flagship lines of pet foods. The learning from Natura never stopped. There was always something new, and it always made sense. They were often imitated by other brands, but never copied.

Until now, Natura has always been a huge part of my business. Yes…sadly, I say…until now. Everyone at Natura always reiterated…no, it was more than that…in truth, they repeatedly drove the point home that they would never, never, ever sell out. They would never be in the superstores because they “truly valued and needed the independent retailer, who would take the time and speak about their products and everything they stood for”.

The news this week of their sale to P&G Pet Care came to me directly from two P&G sales reps who were in my store, trying to sell me IAMS and Eukanuba on Wednesday morning. That revelation was like a sharpened, flaming telephone pole through the heart. Yes, I do take this that personally. As for “how will this affect the industry?”…I know that first off, this is a major blow to every independent pet food store in the nation. Some will lose heart and actually just go out of business. Some will scramble to sell and leave all this behind them. As always, the toughest will survive, and do so by selling alternative brands that are still backed with the integrity of a family or a tight knit community that cares.

My prediction is that Natura will be in the superstores chains within a year, perhaps in the same aisle as their IAMS and Eugeniaba lines. (Remember a year from know, who told you so.) The top people at Natura have told us store owners and their own employees that they have been guaranteed by P&G that the integrity of the Natura lines will be upheld. P&G has supposedly also stated that they are focused on the independent retailers. This is a fairy tale! In the same breath, P&G has stated to the Naturera folks that they look to get much growth in sales in the Natural Pet Foods segment of the industry. This will not occur in independent pet stores. P&G is not wired that way. That is simply not possible. That growth will happen in big box, mass market and superstores like Petco and PetSmart. When was the last time you picked up “Pampers” or “Tide” in an independent grocery or drug store?

The absolute saddest part of this is how it will affect the innocent pets. As P&G did with IAMS and Eukanuba, As Colgate Palmolive did with Science Diet, As Mars did with Nutro, as Nestle did with Purina (and on the list goes), the Natura products that were so very special will be cheapened with inferior ingredients. It will have to happen that way, because that is the only way that they can increase profits for the stockholders.

At the end of the day, I can’t help but wonder…How much money is integrity worth?

How many million dollars does it take to find true happiness?

What was your magic number, John, Ann, Peter and the rest of you?     
Mike

Money talks.  Don’t they already own Iams?  Mars candy company recently bought Royal Canin and they already own some very prestigious dog specialty foods.  Hills owns Science Diet, so who owns Pedigree?

Regarding how it will affect the industry, the money spent will end up in different bank accounts.  And the specialty shops will find their precious foods in the isles of Wal-Mart.  What else is new?  Regarding how it will affect the food, that’s a different story possibly.  “They” say wait three years for the takeover to get to the back burner and then they’ll play with the formula.  Of course, that’s just hearsay.

Bob Warren

To some of us our pets are like our children.When there are recalls or alerts about pet food or pet treats we want to know. This is an alert from the FDA on Pig Ears and Beef Hooves. If you have any made by these companies please don’t feed them to your pet, dispose of them as soon as you can.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing this health alert to warn consumers not to use Pig Ears and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. Pet Carousel is based in Sanger, Calif.

The products were manufactured under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or lots. Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products to not handle or feed them to their pets.

The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel. All sizes and all lots of these products made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert.

During September 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of pig ears made by Pet Carousel. The test results detected a positive reading for Salmonella. This prompted an FDA inspection of Pet Carousel’s manufacturing facilities. During the inspection, the agency collected additional pet treat samples. Further analysis found Salmonella present in beef hooves, pig ears and in the manufacturing environment.

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet food and/or pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only experience a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The FDA will continue to investigate this matter to determine the source of the Salmonella contamination and offer updates as appropriate.

In December 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first drug in more than 10 years to treat Cushing’s disease in dogs.
Hyperadrenocorticism, commonly known as Cushing’s disease, is a condition that results when the body produces too much of a hormone called cortisol.  Cortisol is produced and stored by the adrenals, two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys.
Dogs, cats, and horses, as well as humans, can get Cushing’s disease. It is more commonly found in dogs than in cats or horses.
“Cortisol is one of the body’s natural steroids,” says Ann Stohlman, V.M.D., a veterinarian in FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, adding that a normal amount of cortisol is good. “It helps the body adapt in times of stress.” Cortisol also helps regulate proper body weight, tissue structure, skin condition, and other features of good health.
But too much cortisol weakens the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to other diseases and infections.
Two Common Types
Most canine Cushing’s disease occurs naturally and is either pituitary-dependent or adrenal-dependent. About 80–85 percent of Cushing’s is pituitary-dependent, meaning it’s triggered by a tumor on the pituitary, a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain.
The pituitary makes a number of hormones, including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The pituitary tumor causes overproduction of ACTH, which travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands, stimulating them to produce more cortisol than the body needs.
In the other 15–20 percent of Cushing’s dogs, a tumor in one or both adrenal glands produces excess cortisol.
The type of Cushing’s may determine what kind of treatment is prescribed. Veterinarians use blood tests to diagnose Cushing’s and to differentiate between disease caused by the pituitary or the adrenals. They may also use an ultrasound to help detect a tumor on an adrenal gland.
Symptoms
Cushing’s disease typically occurs in middle-aged to older dogs. The disease develops slowly and the early signs are not always noticed. Symptoms in dogs include
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• increased appetite
• reduced activity
• excessive panting
• thin or fragile skin
• hair loss
• recurrent skin infections
• enlargement of the abdomen, resulting in a “pot-bellied” appearance
Treatment
Most veterinarians treat Cushing’s disease with medication. The only way to “cure” Cushing’s disease is to remove the adrenal tumor if the disease is adrenal-dependent and the tumor hasn’t spread, says Stohlman. However, because of the complexity and risks of the surgery, most cases are treated with medication. Currently, surgery to remove a pituitary tumor is not an option.
Although Cushing’s is typically a lifelong condition, the disease usually can be managed with medications. “It’s important for a veterinarian to see the dog regularly and do blood tests,” Stohlman says. “Monitoring the blood helps determine the right dose, which may need to be adjusted periodically.”
Frequent blood tests are usually required in the first few months after starting treatment and then every few months after that, depending on the dog’s response to treatment and tolerance to the medication.
Vetoryl (trilostane) Capsules, the latest drug approved to treat canine Cushing’s, is also the first drug approved to treat both pituitary- and adrenal-dependent Cushing’s in dogs. This prescription drug works by stopping the production of cortisol in the adrenal glands. In studies of the drug, the most common side effects were vomiting, lack of energy, diarrhea, and weight loss.

 Vetoryl should not be given to a dog that
• has kidney or liver disease
• takes certain medications used to treat heart disease
• is pregnant
The safety and effectiveness of Vetoryl were shown in several studies. Success was measured by improvements in both blood test results and physical symptoms (increased appetite and activity level, and decreased panting, thirst and urination).
Only one other drug, Anipryl (selegiline), is FDA-approved to treat Cushing’s disease in dogs, but only to treat uncomplicated, pituitary-dependent Cushing’s.
Veterinarians have often used a human chemotherapy drug, Lysodren (mitotane), “off-label” to treat Cushing’s in dogs. Lysodren destroys the layers of the adrenal gland that produce cortisol. It requires careful monitoring and can have severe side effects.
“Off-label,” or “extra-label,” means veterinarians can legally prescribe human drugs to animals for uses not listed on the label, or for other species or at different dosage levels from those listed on the label. But because dogs may react unpredictably to human drugs, says Stohlman, it’s beneficial to have treatments available that have been studied in dogs and approved specifically for them.
“Treating Cushing’s is a balancing act,” Stohlman says. “But dogs with the disease can live a good life if they are monitored closely by a veterinarian and the owner is diligent about bringing the dog in for blood work and giving the medication as directed.”

This article appears on FDA’s Consumer Health Information Web page (www.fda.gov/consumer), which features the latest updates on FDA-regulated products. Sign up for free e-mail subscriptions at www.fda.gov/consumer/consumerenews.html.
For More Information
www.fda.gov/cvm/CVM_Updates/DogCushingDisease.htm
Date Posted: May 11, 2009

Healthy Products Colorado
108 E. Cheyenne Rd, #100
Colorado Springs CO 80906
Ph. 719-650-8481
Open Tuesday – Friday 12 pm – 6 pm

Pet food makers are required to post nutritional information about their products on their containers. Such labels must list, among other things, the ingredients and a statement of nutritional purpose and adequacy (essentially, an explanation as to what sort of pet the food is meant for).
Examine the statement of nutritional purpose and adequacy first. A product for kittens might say it offers “complete and balanced nutrition for early development.” Or a food for full-grown cats might say, “complete nutrition to support the health of adult cats.” The best products will state that they are “Formulated to meet the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Cat Food Nutrient Profile for ALL LIFE STAGES” Foods labeled “for maintenance” are of low quality and supply bare minimum of nutrients to support life. Do not buy pet foods that do not mention the AAFCO on their labels.
After selecting a balanced, nutritionally complete product fine-tuned to your pet’s needs, examine the  ingredients. The heaviest by weight is listed first. Wet foods almost always list a meat product first, while in dry preparations meat may appear farther down the roster. This is because in wet foods the meat is hydrated and therefore heavier. Dry products may contain just as much meat, but because it weighs less it sits slightly lower on the ingredient list. In general, one or even two meat products should be at or near the top of the list. Meat by-products (these can range from bone meal to fish skin) are generally of lower quality.
Also study the “guaranteed analysis” section of the label, which among other things states what percentage of the food is composed of such important elements as crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber (for example, an adult feline-maintenance food should ideally contain a minimum of 26 percent protein and 9 percent fat; a formulation for kittens and pregnant or lactating females should contain no less than 30 percent protein). Higher percentage of protein is better for cats as they are obligatory carnivores. The protein has to be from animal sources (meat, fish), not from plant sources (wheat or corn gluten, soy meal). Dog foods are required to have at least 18% protein, but optimum nutrition will be provided with 30% to 40% of meat content.
It is also vital to examine the wording on the front of the label. If a product advertises itself as “chicken cat food,” then at least 95 percent of the product must be composed of the named item (or 70 percent, if moisture content is included). If the product contains more than 25 percent but less than 95 percent of its signature item, then it must be called “chicken formula,” “chicken platter,” or use some other qualifier. And foods incorporating the word “with” (as in “cat food with chicken”) may include as little as 3 percent of the named ingredient.
Healthy Products Colorado
108 E. Cheyenne Rd, #100
Colorado Springs CO 80906
Ph. 719-650-8481
Open Tuesday – Friday 12 pm – 6 pm

By Healthy Food Products Colorado
108 E. Cheyenne Rd, #100
Colorado Springs CO 80906
Ph. 719-650-8481
Open Tuesday – Friday 12 pm – 6 pm

When a pet owner has a flea infestation, nothing is more urgent than finding a solution that works. In today’s market, many consumers aren’t looking for just any solution to flea and tick problems—they’re looking for a natural alternative. They prefer natural and/or holistic flea and tick preventives and treatments.
Many choices now exist on the market for consumers who currently purchase other natural pet products, such as foods and treats, and looking for ways to go completely green with their pets.
Food-additive products and garlic tablets may prove effective in preventing flea and tick problems.
All-natural shampoo treatments make great alternatives to harsh chemical products.  Eucalyptus-infused treatments may also help to prevent and eliminate fleas. Spray-on products—which last for about an hour at a time—offer additional protection when owners takes their pets are outside for a limited time, such as going for a walk in a wooded area.
Topical products made from natural ingredients are another alternative for consumers who don’t want to fuss with fighting off fleas on a daily basis. When processed and synergized together, household herbs, such as lemon grass, mint, thyme and other common spices, work as a pesticide in insects but are safe for human contact.
Herbal flea collars have been good sellers for a long time. They are more effective now than they used to be, and they don’t require a daily dose or much maintenance like other products might.
 Healthy Food Products Colorado
108 E. Cheyenne Rd, #100
Colorado Springs CO 80906
Ph. 719-650-8481
Open Tuesday – Friday 12 pm – 6 pm

There are just some things we should not feed our pets even though we think of them as members of our families. It is not know that some foods which are edible for humans can pose hazards for dogs because of their different metabolism. Some may cause only mild digestive upsets, whereas, others can cause severe illness, and even death. Here is a list of things that you should never feed your dog or leave down where the animal may come in contact with them.

1. Alcoholic beverages can cause intoxication, coma, and death.

2. Baby food can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. (Please see

onion below.)Baby Food can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.

3. Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.

4. Cat food generally too high in protein and fats.

5. Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine contain caffeine, theobromine, or

theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous systems.

6.Citrus oil extracts can cause vomiting.

7.Fat trimmings can cause pancreatitis.

8.Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.

9.Hops Unknown compound causes panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures, and death.

10. Human vitamin supplements containing iron can damage the lining of the

digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.

11.Large amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.

13. Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.

14. Marijuana can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate.

15. Milk and other dairy products  Some adult dogs and cats do not have sufficient

amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can

result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.

16. Moldy or spoiled food, garbage can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and

diarrhea and can also affect other organs.

17. Mushrooms can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body,

cause shock, and result in death.

18. Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) Contain sulfoxides and disulfides,

which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible

than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.

19. Persimmons Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis. Pits from peaches and plums Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract.

20. Raw eggs Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of

biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may

also contain Salmonella.

21. Raw fish Can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of

appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.

22.Salt If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.

23. String Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a “string foreign body.”

24. Sugary foods Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.

25.Table scraps (in large amounts) Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They

should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.

26.Tobacco Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death.

27.Yeast dough Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain

and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

These foods have been researched and proven unsafe by Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith

Grape and Raisin Toxicity

In my inbox this morning, there was an email from a good friend who loves to pass on warnings about dangerous things that might affect my three little dogs. Knowing that I have grandkids living with me and that my little dogs figure anything that hits the floor in the way of food is a ground score, she thought that I might like to be aware of the following: Grapes and Raisins can be very toxic to dogs. I thought this was crazy. A little grape is going to hurt my precious little pups?

Researching this, I found it was true and is very scary indeed.  Many Pet owners have been using raisins as a training treat, and some have used them as a “healthy” snack alternative for their dogs without knowing the risk that they are putting their precious pets in.

First off, they don’t even know what toxin it is that can make your animal so sick.  It is

thought to be due to an unknown compound in the “fleshy” part of the grape.  So (and this is important) they have figured out that there aren’t problems associated with grape seed extract.

The scary part is that dogs and some cats like grapes and raisins; and since not many people know that they are toxic to animals, they may be feeding them to their pets. Now as a treat every once in a while raisins and grapes may not pose a great threat.  They should never be fed to your dogs on a regular basis or left where your dog can accidentally get into them.

The unknown toxin damages the kidneys.  The type of grape and the type of dog doesn’t seem to matter, and the toxic amount may be a small serving to several ounces. Since the exact dose is not known most scientist have estimated as low as 1/3 ounce of grapes per pound of body weight, and 0.05 ounces of raisins per pound of body weight can harm your pet.  

A computerized animal toxicity database helped veterinarians see a trend in 1989, noticing that in some cases of acute renal failure (sudden kidney failure) dogs shared a common history: the consumption of raisins or grapes just prior to the kidney failure. The type of grape or raisin doesn’t seem to matter, and the amount consumed may be a single serving of raisins or a pound or more of grapes. (Raisins are much more concentrated.) Researchers are exploring the possibilities: a mycotoxin (fungal toxin), pesticide, herbicide or heavy metals.

These are the signs of accidental overdose Vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, lethargy, or abdominal pain, jittery (hyperactive) behavior within the first 24 hours after ingestion. The vomit and feces may contain partially digested grapes or raisins.  If you find that your dog raided the pantry, so to speak, you need to do these things immediately. Induce vomiting and seek veterinary attention immediately. Please take this seriously as your pet’s life is in grave danger. If not treated within the first twenty four hours your pet may die a horrible death.

At the vets office they will immediately start treatment which could include: The induction of vomiting may be continued, gastric lavage is performed, and activated charcoal administered, if needed. Your pet will be monitored and treated for kidney disease/failure with fluids, diet change, and medications.

If these tips and information saves just one pet’s life it will be well worth it. Please feel free to pass on this information to others.

By Natalia Foster

www.healthyproductscolorado.com

Celiac Disease – is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine that occurs in genetically predisposed people of all ages from middle infancy on up. Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive (in children), and fatigue. Celiac disease is caused by a reaction to a gluten protein found in wheat (and similar proteins in barley and rye). Upon exposure to it, the immune system cross-reacts with the bowel tissue, causing an inflammatory reaction. That leads to flattening of the lining of the small intestine (called villous atrophy). This interferes with the absorption of nutrients because the intestinal villi are responsible for absorption. The only effective treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet. (from Wikipedia)

Celiac Disease in pets? While most domestic pets are not strictly ‘celiac’ (only Irish Setters have so far been shown to suffer this condition), did you know that many pets are grain-sensitive on some level. And most of the time, their owners attribute their health problems to other causes, when all that’s needed is a simple change in daily menu!

A good place to start is to feed your pet a 100% grain-free diet. Many pets improve within just a couple of weeks, not because of anything magic, just through the relief of no longer consuming aggravating gluten!

What are the signs of gluten Intolerance in Pets?
Consumption of glutenous grains in sensitive pets, can lead to:
Chronic GI upset – intermittent or continuing diarrhea and / or constipation including mucusy stools. Vomiting may also occur in more severe cases.
Dermatitis – chronic dry and flaky skin, hair loss, redness, bumps, rashes and constant scratching are classic signs of food intolerance.
Chronic ear infections – over-consumption of grain can lead to a buildup of excess sugars in the system. This in turn can contribute to yeast overgrowth, leading to dark, smelly waxy debris in the ears, head shaking and scratching.
Other health problems that may be related to food intolerances such as grain sensitivity include: arthritis, epilepsy, abnormal behavior, allergic and inflammatory reactions (including inhalant allergies due to a compromised immune system as well as conditions like pancreatitis and hepatitis, as well as an increased susceptibility to infection, Cushing’s, Addison’s, and thyroid problems.

Of course, not all these conditions are directly related to grain consumption, but the overload of grain in most modern commercial pet diets is thought to deplete the animal’s natural state of good health over time, leaving him more susceptible to these problems occurring. Some animal health experts have even speculated that long-term undetected dietary intolerance may be the underlying cause of degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart conditions and kidney failure.

How can I tell if my pet is really grain-intolerant?
When several of the above signs are present, a couple of options exist to definitively determine if grain-sensitivity is the culprit.
Diagnostic blood tests are available but they are not always completely accurate – and can be very costly indeed. An elimination diet is one of the surest ways to determine if your pet is sensitive to grains. It can be a time-consuming process for some pets, to pin down what foods cause their reactions, but for many pets, cutting out all gluten or feeding a completely grain-free pet food is the answer to problems that have been plaguing their companion for years.

Which grains are gluten-free?
Rice
Amaranth
Buckwheat (this is actually a seed and not related to wheat)
Millet
Quinoa

Do Dogs and Cats Need Grains?
For the most part, dogs and cats are designed to primarily eat meat. In nature, the ancestors and present day cousins of our domestic dogs and cats, consume meat as the majority of their diet.
Dogs are scavengers. A wild dog’s diet includes almost any food that provided calories – but very little, if any, grain. A major factor in the domestication of dogs was the food that humans leftover. It is thought that the wolves, who were least afraid of humans, over a period of tens of thousands of years, became our close companions.
According to a recent study by biologists Ray and Lorna Coppinger, the natural diet of dogs included, “Bones, pieces of carcass, rotten greens and fruit, fish guts, discarded seeds and grains, animal guts and heads, some discarded human food and wastes.”
However, cats are more selective about food by nature and anatomy. Their ancestral diet consisted of small rodents. Their usefulness to humans had much to do with their eagerness to dispatch the rodents so plentiful around human habitats.

But some individual animals actually DO need grain in their diets, to maintain a healthy bodyweight or because they get dry skin and dull hair when they go ‘grain-free’. As with almost every aspect of holistic health, the answers vary depending upon the individual animal.

Even littermates can vary from one another, in their requirements. One pup might get an ear infection every time she eats any sort of grain. Another might be able to tolerate just oats or rye but not wheat and a third might end up thin and uncomfortable when fed only meats and veggies.

Almost No Grains
The natural diet of both species includes high levels of protein, fats and water, and very little carbohydrates. The “popular’ diet of dry foods, which is recommended by many conventional vets for most cats and dogs, is the complete opposite of this natural diet: High in carbohydrates, low in protein, fat, and with almost no water.

A diet balanced heavily toward grain promotes insulin production and the production of inflammatory chemicals. Over-production of insulin makes it hard for the body to maintain its correct weight, and can lead to diabetes and other problems. An overabundance of inflammatory chemicals means more aches and pains. Improve the balance of your dog’s diet by reducing grain, and you may not need the dangerous non-steroidal and steroid drugs so commonly prescribed for dogs. Readers who follow Dr. Mercola’s Total Health Program concede that eating fewer grains means less inflammation! Toxic drugs certainly make animals more comfortable, but will shorten their lives too.
A word of caution: Diabetic animals or any other medical condition making a switch to a more protein-based diet should be under the close supervision of a veterinarian. Many diabetic pets do require some complex carbohydrates, often in the form of whole grains. For diabetic dogs, freeze-dry foods like Verve (by Honest Kitchen, made in USA) is the most commonly recommended of all recipes by holistic vets. It contains organic whole grains.

Healthy Products Colorado, LLC
108 E.Cheyenne Rd., #100
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Ph. 719-650-8481
www.healthyproductscolorado.com