5 Days Into Dog Food Switch

It has been 5 days since we started the dog food switch over to Nature's Logic Dog Food and here's what we noticed:

1. White, formed and almost powder-like stools (very good sign of a high quality dog food - means they are digesting it very well and getting all the nutrients they need from it)

2. Less stools (again, good digestion)

3. Less scratching and gnawing at the paws (Cheyenne was going to eat her paw off before but it has decreased)

4. More energy

5. No more gas (Yay!! Cheyenne used to scare herself with her "gassy" episodes)

Again, this is just 5 days into the process of switching to a better quality food after having bad reactions to their normal Eagle Pack Holistic brand dog food. It is going to take a few weeks to see how well they do on this new dog food but the signs are encouraging.

Need a Better Dog Food

For years people that been asking me what I feed my own Labrador Retrievers. They have always had shiny coats, healthy skin, hardly any allergies, clean ears, good joint support and the list goes on. However, a few months ago that changed.

We noticed a slow progression of deterioration for all of the above over a period of several weeks. At first we shrugged it off to seasonal allergies but as Dakota’s eye discharge got worse and Cheyenne began to gnaw off her paws, we knew something was just not right.

It was a trip to our local pet food store this weekend that a light went on over my head and the “ah-ha” moment started.

Per the store clerk, another company recently purchased Eagle Pack and Wellness dog foods. Now, I cannot find any information on their websites or the ‘net to confirm or deny this statement but he stated the exact time when I started to noticed a difference in the health of the Lab Brats.

So, we began looking over the shelves of holistic dog food. We know how to read the labels and we know what is most important but most of the dog foods were loaded with fillers, synthesized vitamins and nutrients and loads of ingredients we couldn’t pronounce. Needless to say, it was making our heads spin to find the right one.

That was when a woman from Nature’s Logic Dog Food came over. She noticed our frustration and after asking a few questions about the Lab Brats, showed us her product to see if it was what we were looking for.

Yes! This was exactly what we were looking for! Just a comparison on the ingredients highlighted the huge difference between the foods:

Other “Natural” Dog Food Example
INGREDIENTS: Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Flaxseed, Tricalcium Phosphate, Eggs, Peas, Carrots, Lecithin, Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Kelp, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley (Note: This particular natural diet has 43 total ingredients; about 19 recognizable food ingredients and about 24 chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.)

Nature’s Logic Dog Food Example
INGREDIENTS: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Egg Product, Animal Plasma, Flaxseeds, Montmorillonite, Cottage Cheese, Brewers Yeast, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell, Apple, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Tomato Powder, Parsley, Blueberry, Cranberry, Apricots, Spinach, Artichoke, Broccoli, Carrots, Pumpkin, Kelp, Chicory Root, Rosemary.

You have to remember that when a dog hunts in the wild, they eat everything they catch – the entire prey. However commercial dog foods fall extremely short in their ability to match the quality of food found in the wild.

We are currently on a slow dog food transition to Nature’s Logic Dry Kibble – Beef. It will take a while to fully transition and see the full effects but I can honestly say that I have never, ever, seen my Labrador Retrievers react to food like that – they can’t get enough. Sure, Dakota normally drools like Niagara Falls when food is around but with this food, it turns into a monsoon! I can’t wait to see the end results!

(Do you feed Nature’s Logic? If so, we would love for you to comment on your experience with this dog food as well.)

Best Food for Allergic Dogs

Question:
Hi! I was so excited to come across your site, it's very cute and informative. I am also completely in love with labs, in particular our (almost) 3 year old chocolate lab, Kaya. We have been going through several medications in attempt to resolve her itchiness only to have the vet conclude that it's likely a food allergy. The vet suggested prescription diet Z/D which has been fine as long as she is on the Trimeprazine. As soon as we lower the dose of that, the itchiness is back. So, I was wondering if there are any foods that you have come across that are Chicken, grain and soy Free? It's such torture to see her so uncomfortable so any help would be greatly appreciated!


Answer:
Ahh! We have run into a similar problem with the Lab Brats. Both of our girls were allergic to everything we fed them. Common symptoms were dull wire-like fur, loads of dandruff, itchy skin, rashes, gnawing at their paws, red itchy ears, discolored eye goop, and more. That was until we found the right food and have been recommending it to everyone we meet - and they all have seen dramatic differences as well.

Before I go any further, I must point out that I do not work for any dog food company nor do I get "kick-backs" for recommending any products. I am speaking from my heart and what I have seen with my own eyes. Good, now that is out of the way - let's continue.

Our best friend is the Eagle Pack Holistic Select® Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meal Formula!!

Let me tell you why:

* Harvested from cold ocean water, they are put on ice, processed and preserved naturally (DOT & CG Permits on file). (No contaminated food here!)

* Ideal for less active dogs and for weight management. (Perfect for Labs since they can easily get overweight)

* Allergy affected dogs will benefit from our single source, hypoallergenic, animal protein. (Bingo! Easy on the stomach and no allergies!)

* Antioxidants - Vitamins A, C, E and Beta-Carotene are added to enhance the immune system and slow cell deterioration. (Everything a dog needs to stay healthy)

* Glucosamine - This nutrient occurs naturally in the joints of humans and animals. Guaranteed levels are added to this formula. (Perfect for keeping those large breed hips and joints healthy)

There is no chicken or chicken by-products which is what a good portion of Labrador Retrievers are allergic. No soy and no bad grains. Just the healthy stuff to get those allergies cleared and who knows - maybe get your Kaya off of any allergy medications down the line (with a vet's approval of course).

Best yet is that they have a Dog Food Satisfaction Guarantee. They even have a FREE Holistic Transition® offer to aid your dog in making the transition to their dog food as changing dog foods can upset a dog's stomach. Remember that the transition should be slow and it will take a few weeks to a couple of months to see improvements.

There is a wealth of information on their website that you can check out other testimonials and gather more information. I would recommend making the switch as I have seen the results first hand. Don't believe me, just look at the picture below in this post of the Lab Brats!

Best of luck and keep us posted!

Dead Dog Food?

Have you noticed our pets are developing the same diseases that we humans are? Not too many years ago many of the chronic diseases were rarely mentioned among pets. It seems that with increased disease, the costs of veterinary care has also skyrocketed.

Keeping a pet healthy and well cared for has become a very expensive part of the household budget. That means that many animals will not get the care they really need because family budgets just don't stretch far enough.

You have heard the phrase, "you are what you eat" and that applies to animals too. You can't take a package of "dead" pet food and keep "life" in an animal.

Are You Getting What You Think You're Buying?

Read a bag of a well-advertised brand of pet food and it makes you want to serve it for the family dinner: "Choice cuts of beef, plump whole chickens, fresh liver and grains, and all the wholesome nutrition your dog or cat will ever need."

These images are promoted with big advertising dollars by the $11 billion per year U.S. pet food industry:

* Nestle makes Alpo, Fancy Feast, Friskies, Mighty Dog, and Ralston Purina.

* Heinz makes 9 Lives, Amore, Gravy Train, Kibbles-n-Bits, and ... surprise! .... Nature's Recipe.

* Colgate-Palmolive makes Science Diet.

* Procter & Gamble, one of the major companies attacked for their repetitive animal testing, makes Eukanuba and Iams.

* Mars makes Kal Kan, Mealtime, Pedigree, Sheba and Waltham's.

Price is often an indicator of quality.
It's impossible to sell a 40# bag of dog food for $11.95
when quality protein and grain would cost more than that
not even considering profit margins.

[Read Full Article]

Free Frosty Paws!

Every weekend we do our grocery shopping and upon returning home, the Lab Brats greet us and then signal to our freezer. Yep! It is grocery day and that means mommy and daddy bought them Frosty Paws doggy ice cream to enjoy while the humans are putting away the groceries.

With the economy being the way it is, this family is looking for ways to save a few bucks here and there. While searching online for coupons, I did a search on "Frosty Paws Coupon" and found the most delicious thing! Frosty Paws has a birthday sign-up form on their website for free coupons:

"You and your paw-rtner will receive a birthday greeting and valuable coupons for Frosty Paws® Frozen Treats for Dogs."

So, I signed up Cheyenne immediately as her birthday is next month and can't wait to get our coupons for her birthday. Even though the economy is slow right now, there is no need to deprive our Labrador Retrievers of their weekly treat... especially if the manufacturer is still willing to send coupons. *big smile*

Also, don't forget to enter their Frosty Paws "Win a Year's Supply" Free photo contest as well!

Itchy Pup

Giving belly rubs and scratch downs to both the Lab Brats is nothing new in our house. Every day, we spend a few minutes scratching their hard to reach places and laughing while they do the back foot in the air dance. However, I have started to notice that Cheyenne has been doing the foot dance more often.

It seems Cheyenne's chest, shoulders, and ears have become more itchy lately and my relieving the itch during one of these "scratch downs" is heaven to her. She can't reach those places and it drives her crazy.

Upon closer inspection, it seems something is drying out her skin more in those areas. Normally I would chalk it up to something she may have rolled in or the weather but we did change their food recently from the fish to the duck food... thinking that since the duck didn't have chicken in it, it would be cheaper and still fine. However, it seems that the oils from the Eagle Pack Holistic Select® Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meal Formula really do make a difference for their Lab coats and skin. Sure, it is more expensive then the duck formula but if it makes our Labbies healthier and happier then it is well worth the extra money.

Well, that and the fact that my hand is getting tired from scratching all her hard to reach places so often... *laugh*

Which Puppy Food?

Question:

We are blessed to be bringing home a beautiful Yellow Lab puppy on the 23rd of feb. Mathayus will be 15 weeks old when we bring him home and we have everything except for the food, we can't seem to decide what would be best for our new family member. Do you have any suggestions?

Signed,
John


Answer:

First, congrats on the new addition to your family! Bringing home a puppy is both an exciting and nervous time.

In answer to your question, I highly recommend the Eagle Pack Holistic Select® Large & Giant Breed Puppy Formula. Not only does it provide everything a growing large breed puppy needs but Eagle Pack was one of the few dog food companies that did not have to be pulled off the pet store shelves during the most recent pet food scare. Eagle Pack has high guidelines for testing and quality control for their pet products.

Our own Labrador Retrievers went through a number of dog foods until we found Eagle Pack Holistic. Both dogs had dry skin, dull coats, runny eyes, and were prone to hip problems. After a few weeks on Eagle Pack Holistic, all these problems were resolved. Sure, it is a little more expensive then other dog foods but it is holistic, helps prevent unnecessary vet visits for ailments caused by poor food, and they even supply dog food coupons on their website to help with the costs. And an added bonus is that the food is guaranteed. If your pup doesn't like it, they will give you your money back.

Of course, there is a process for moving over your pup from the dog food provided by the breeder to whatever new food you choose. You will want to make sure it is a slow transition from the old food to the new food and read up on Dog Food and Labrador Retrievers.

Good luck and congrats on the new family member! Make sure to send us pictures to post!

What Dog Food?

Thousands of bags of dog food line the shelves and each one claims to be the best. So how does a dog owner know they are really getting the best dog food for the age and breed of their pup?

When we first brought home Dakota, we tried at least 4 different brands of dog food. We already knew to stay away from the supermarket brands because of their high content of fillers and animal by-products but the pet stores still had so many different brand names and types lining their shelves. My husband and I felt panic and confusion the first time we entered the store and now many dog owners are emailing me to help calm their confusion as well.

I cannot say that one specific brand of dog food is better then others but I can tell you what has worked for us. Now keep in mind that Dakota and Cheyenne have chicken allergies and both are large breed dogs. For this reason, we needed to find a food that would not contain chicken (or chicken by-products) and also provide extra nutrients for their large bones and potential health problems with the Labrador Retriever breed.

The best, by far, was Eagle Pack. Why? Well...

1. They had a money back guarantee.

2. They always have a $2 off coupon on their website.

3. The offered a Holistic Select® Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meal Formula that has no junkie fillers nor chicken by-products.

4. They use American-made ingredients.

5. They inspect all their ingredients coming into the factory and test every batch of dog food going out.

Throughout the dog food scares, we never once had a problem with our dog food. Due to the high quality of the ingredients and processing, Dakota and Cheyenne made it through the dog food scare without any health problems. On top of that, they love their dog food dry (don't need to mix it with anything) and their skin, teeth, coat, eyes, and bones are all in beautiful condition!

Again, this may not be the right dog food for your pup but it may help you with understanding what to look for in a better quality food. The main goal is not to buy cheap and try to get by but rather buy a good quality food, that improves the overall health and well-being of your dog, so that vet visits are less and that means less money and time you spend in the veterinarian's office. Now that is a win-win situation!

NY Times Article on Melamine

If you are like me, then this whole dog food recall scares has you sitting on pins and needles every day. Sure, we feed Eagle Pack and we believe heavily in their quality control but that doesn't mean that something cannot slip through their sensitive radars as well. It truly makes us contemplate putting the Lab Brats on a cooked raw food diet instead of trusting our beloved dogs to the manufacturing companies.

With that said, our research produced an article today written for the NY Times that we thought others may want to read about. It is on melamine, its uses, and the current investigation that prompted the dog food recalls of several brands.

Filler in Animal Feed Is Open Secret in China

We would love to hear feedback from other concerned dog owners on this news article. Have you switched your dog food? Has your dog been effected by tainted food and what course of action are you taking to make sure your dog is safe?

Harmony Farms, Diamond, & More Recalls

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- April 26, 2007 -- The Denver office of the FDA informed American Nutrition, Inc. today that certain samples of rice protein shipped to its production facility have been contaminated with melamine, an industrial chemical used to make plastics and fertilizers that may be harmful to animals if consumed. The rice protein in question was obtained from San Francisco-based Wilbur-Ellis Company.

The FDA is investigating the use of rice protein, an ingredient found in a number of canned pet food products and baked pet food treats to fortify protein levels, after a portion of Wilbur-Ellis' rice protein supply was found to be contaminated with melamine. American Nutrition immediately discontinued the use of rice protein after learning of the melamine contamination.

The FDA has urged American Nutrition to issue a voluntary recall of pet foods manufactured using Wilbur-Ellis rice protein. None of these products is sold under an American Nutrition brand, but are sold through other independent companies. No American Nutrition brands or other products they manufacture for other businesses are affected by this recall.

The products subject to this recall are as follows:

CANNED CAT FOOD

Blue Buffalo Spa Select Hairball Control Oven Roasted Chicken 3oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Blue Buffalo Spa Select Kitten Recipe Oven Roasted Chicken 3oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Kitten Formula 5.5oz 15 AUG 08 15 APR 09
Harmony Farms Country Chicken Entrée 3oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Natural Balance Ocean Fish Formula 3oz and 6 oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10

CANNED DOG FOOD

Blue Buffalo Beef Dinner 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Blue Buffalo Chicken Dinner 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Blue Buffalo Hearty Venison Dinner 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Blue Buffalo Lamb Dinner 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Blue Buffalo Salmon Dinner 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Blue Buffalo Turkey Meatloaf Dinner 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Canine Caviar Gourmet Beaver 13.2oz AUG 21 08 APR 15 09
Canine Caviar Gourmet Turkey 13.2oz AUG 21 08 APR 15 09
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Puppy Formula 13oz 21 AUG 08 15 APR 09
Diamond Lamb & Rice 13oz 21 AUG 09 15 APR 10
Harmony Farms Beef 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Harmony Farms Chicken 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Harmony Farms Lamb 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Harmony Farms Salmon 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Kirkland Signature Premium Dog 2-Flavor Variety Pack 14oz (24-pack) AUG 21 08 APR 15 09
Mulligan Stew Chicken 13.2oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Mulligan Stew Turkey 13.2oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Natural Balance Beef Formula 13oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Natural Balance Chicken Formula 13oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Natural Balance Lamb Formula 13oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
Natural Balance Venison & Brown Rice 13oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10

BAKED DOG TREATS

Natural Balance Venison & Brown Rice Formula Baked Dog Treats 14oz AUG 21 07 APR 15 08
Blue Buffalo Health Bars Baked With Apples & Yogurt Dog Treats 20oz AUG 21 07 APR 15 08

Blue Buffalo Dog Food Recall

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company. This listserv covers mainly Class I (life-threatening) recalls. A complete listing of recalls can be found in the FDA Enforcement Report at: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/Enforce.html

Blue Buffalo Recalls Can and Biscuit Products Due To Tampering By American Nutrition Inc.

Contact:
Consumer Inquiries:
1-800-919-2833
Media Inquiries:
David Petrie
1-203-762-9751

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Wilton, Connecticut, April 26, 2007- We at the Blue Buffalo Company have just learned that American Nutrition Inc. (ANI), the manufacturer of all our cans and biscuits, has been adding rice protein concentrate to our can formulas without our knowledge and without our approval. This is product tampering, and it apparently has been going on for some time. The can formulas that we developed, and trusted them to produce, never contained any rice protein concentrate. It appears that only an FDA investigation of ANI's rice protein concentrate supplies forced them to reveal this product tampering to us.

While this activity by ANI is in itself unlawful, the situation is further clouded by the fact that ANI has been receiving rice protein concentrate from Wilber-Ellis, some of which the FDA has determined to be contaminated with melamine.

So while no BLUE or Spa Select canned product has tested positive for the presence of melamine, and there has been no reported illness due to any of our canned products, we simply cannot be sure of what ANI has been including in our formulas. For this reason, we have decided to remove all of our canned and biscuit products from retail distribution. While this may seem to many to be a major over-reaction, as other ANI customers will probably only recall the products that tested positive for melamine, we see this as a matter of integrity.

We founded Blue Buffalo on the principle of providing dogs and cats with the highest quality and most nutritious food, and we will not sell any product that doesn't meet this standard. And under these circumstances, we cannot say that any products manufactured by ANI measure up.

The obvious question is "how could Blue Buffalo not know that ANI was putting rice protein concentrate into our canned food?" The answer is we trusted them. In business and in life, we all trust our partners to deal with us honestly. When we buy produce from our local grocery store, we are trusting growers, shippers and a series of handlers to have delivered a product that is safe and nutritious for our family. If any one of these parties betrays our trust, contaminated products can make their way to our dinner table.

And while we test for known toxins and contaminants, we don't test for protein sources, like rice protein concentrate, especially when we did not formulate our products to contain them.

In the end, this all comes down to an issue of integrity, and ANI has not been honest with us and with the pet parents who buy our products. We will not put any product made by ANI on the shelf, and are temporarily withdrawing an important part of our business in order to be true to our pet parents.

We have already started the process of identifying a can and biscuit manufacturer with whom we can build a partnership based on trust. Once we have accomplished this, BLUE and Spa Select cans and BLUE Health Bars will be reintroduced with the high quality and superior nutrition that our brand stands for and that dogs and cats deserve.

We have informed our retail partners and the FDA about this action and will be cooperating with them to complete this recall quickly. The specific product involved includes all "BLUE" brand can dog foods, all "Spa Select" brand can cat foods and all "BLUE Health Bar" treats.

Consumers who have unused or partially used packages of any of these products should return them to their place of purchase for a complete refund.

All "BLUE" dry natural food for dogs and "Spa Select" dry natural foods for cats are not affected by this recall and are safe for consumption. Should consumers have a specific question, they can call the Company at 1-800-919-2833, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT, to receive more information.

Another Dog Food Recall

Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company. This listserv covers mainly Class I (life-threatening) recalls. A complete listing of recalls can be found in the FDA Enforcement Report at: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/Enforce.html

Chenango Valley Pet Foods Issues Voluntarily Nationwide Recall of Certain Pet Foods

Contact:
Dennis J. Bobita
(610) 821-0608

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- April 26, 2007 -- Chenango Valley Pet Foods is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and voluntarily recalling pet foods manufactured with a certain shipment of rice protein concentrate. The company was informed by Wilbur-Ellis that the rice protein concentrate shipped to Chenango Valley Pet Foods may be contaminated with melamine, and instructed Chenango Valley Pet Foods to recall any pet foods manufactured with the rice protein concentrate. Melamine is an industrial chemical used to make plastics and fertilizers that may lead to illness or fatalities in animals if consumed.

The pet foods were sold to customers in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, who further sold the products to their customers through catalog mail-orders or retail outlets.

Only the following dry pet foods are involved in the recall:

DOCTORS FOSTER & SMITH CHICKEN & BROWN RICE FORMULA ADULT LITE DOG FOOD, NET WT. 5 LBS., 12.5 LBS, and 25 LBS; Code dates: Best Used By Jan 24, 09; Best Used By Feb 8, 09; Best Used By Feb 26, 09; Best Used By April 10, 09; Best Used By April 17, 09;

DOCTORS FOSTER & SMITH CHICKEN & BROWN RICE FORMULA ADULT LITE CAT FOOD, NET WT. 3 LBS. and 7 LBS.; Code date: Best Used By March 13, 09;

LICK YOUR CHOPS LAMB MEAL, RICE & EGG CAT FOOD, 4 LBS. packages, Code date: Best Used By April 29, 08;

Bulk CHICKEN & BROWN RICE FORMULA ADULT LITE DOG FOOD sold to one consignee (SmartPak) in a 2000 lbs. tote, Ship date: Feb 9, 2007.

No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date.

Pet owners who purchased the pet foods should immediately discontinue using the products and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Pet owners should consult with a veterinarian if they have any health concerns with their pet. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-610-821-0608.