By Robert Mueller The majority of pet owners are used to their pet‘s gulping their meals down and begging for more, especially when it’s scraps from the table or certain kibbles (loaded with flavor-enhancing agents). They could never even imagine their pet turning their nose up at any “food” let alone a raw diet. However, it’s not uncommon for your dog to become picky when switching to a raw diet. Don’t let the cute face fool you. Let me explain. I have been raw feeding for over 40 years. I…
Read MoreCategory: Health
Dogs, why do we have them?
On my 11th birthday, our family got a puppy. I was so chocked-I had wanted a dog for as long I could remember-and so overwhelmed with happiness that I burst into tears. For the next 15 years, Walter, a black toy poodle, charmed everyone he met. And when he passed, all of us who known him mourned, as would for any loved one. Did you know that half of American households have a pet? That is, an animal kept primarily for companionship. And despite the fact that these housemates may…
Read MoreCanine Cancer Cuisine
Canine Cancer Cuisine There are no ten commandments or easy-to-follow plans for feeding an animal with cancer, but healthy and tempting cuisine is a good place to start for canines with cancer. Written by Suzi Beber | Photography by Julie Austin One diet does not fit all, and what works well today may not be tolerated tomorrow. Tastes change and regular feeding schedules can be turned upside down. The guidance of a veterinarian or nutritionist can give a better idea of what to expect, but here are a few important…
Read MoreRaw Food: Truth or Fiction
By Robert Mueller Give your dog a fighting chance with a healthy diet. Concerned pet parents who are actively searching for the very best in nutrition for their dogs need to be able to discern fact from fiction when making a decision whether to switch their dog’s diet. With the recent recalls of pet food, pet owners that have been buying kibble and canned food all their life are now beginning to question the safety, value and benefits of feeding a heat processed pet food. Each side of the…
Read MoreYour pet can make you sick
Dr. Bruno Chomel, report co-author and professor of zoonoses at University of California School of Veterinary Medicine at Davis You might want to think twice before snuggling in bed at night with Fido or Fluffy. According to a report published in the February issue of the public health journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, seemingly healthy pets can carry parasites, bacteria or viruses that cause mild to life-threatening illness in people. Of the 250 zoonotic diseases — infections transmitted between animals and people — more than 100 are derived from domestic pets,…
Read MoreGreat exercises for you and your pup
Medically reviewed by Jennifer Garcia, DVM Sure, dog is man’s best friend — but our furry companions are more like us than you may realize. Case in point: To maximize dog health, it’s critical for Fido to get regular exercise. Keeping your pet healthy has a lot to do with good nutrition, but just like people, dogs are becoming more and more sedentary these days. Consider this: You can help promote good dog health by getting your pet up and moving. Doggy Exercises For Your Pet — and You Follow…
Read MorePaleo diet for dogs and cats
In a recent poll, 91% of pet owners consider their animals to be an important part of the clan,1 an evolutionary process that began over 12,000 years ago when the first hunter-gatherers began to domesticate dogs.2 In fact, Americans care so much for their pets, they spent approximately $60 billion on their pets last year, with close to $22 billion on food alone.3 However, although many commercial pet food brands market themselves as natural and organic, a Paleo style diet may truly be best for our pets. Scientific research comparing…
Read MoreThe Truth About Dog Years
For many pet owners, their animals are more than companions — they are true members of the family. It’s therefore no surprise so many people are interested in trying to understand how to translate dog years to people years, improve pet health, and increase the dog lifespan. Translating dog years to people years is far from an exact science, especially given the fact that their life expectancy varies greatly depending on the size and breed. “Large breed dogs, such as Mastiffs and Newfoundlands, live typically 9 to 11 years while…
Read More