Including your pets in a fire safety plan is ‘surprisingly easy’ – AnnArbor.com

This article on pet safety needed to be repeted:

For so many of us, pets are members of the family. They share our lives, through good and bad — even in the unfortunate event of a house fire. We’ve all been taught throughout our lives about fire safety, and we know we should have a well-designed escape plan in place, should a house fire occur. You do have one, right?

But have you included your pets in that plan?

Members of local fire and rescue teams, and animal care professionals say that it’s entirely possible to not only plan for the humans in the family, but our animals as well — and it’s a surprisingly easy concept to implement.

We’re in the midst of Fire Prevention Week, October 3-9, 2010, and through efforts of the National Fire Protection Association, and other groups, so many resources are available to keep each member of your family safe in the event of a fire.

You can read the whole article here at http://www.annarbor.com/pets/fire-prevention-week-2010—your-guide-to-pets-and-fire-safety/

Act today!

Senior dog

Her article gives you some good tip to prevent your   pet from being stolen.  To read the complete article here:   http://animalechoes.net/?p=769

Michelle Baiocchi also has done some articles on kids doing science projects that involve their dogs, kids’ physical education including dog exercising duties, etc.  You can read more at homeschooling.gomilpitas.com › … › ANIMALS – Cached – Si

Keep you pet safe

Senior Dog

A lot of pet parents turn to their Vet for a answer to this question.  But can you really trust your veterinarian for advice about which food to feed your dog?  Unfortunately, vets are often placed in a compromising position because they are not necessarily experts on dog nutrition because many veterinary colleges list animal nutrition as optional courses. Also, some vets make a profit from selling commercial pet foods themselves.   So as in a lot of things today we are left to fend for ourselves in the matter of what to really feed our pets.

Just as we perform better when we eat the proper foods, your dog will also be healthier if you feed it premium high quality pet food such as  Life’s Abundance. You will find that the top brands of dog food, while often more expensive, do have higher quality ingredients that will give your dog better all around nutrition.
To see what makes a  premium dog food,  Click Here

The best natural foods have a holistic base including a complex range of vitamins and minerals that have been designed to give your dog all the elements that they need in their diet.  These foods also contain a lot less additives and as we have shown in a previous article how these additives in the form of preservative, coloring and fillers are detrimental to your dog’s health and fitness.

The nutrients that are found in Holistic dog foods can be absorbed well and a big plus, your dog will eat less food to get the same benefits.  You will find their energy levels will be higher and most likely the incidence of obesity will be reduced. Their immune systems will function better and they will be less likely to develop stomach problems along with allergies that some dogs are prone to get.

You can often tell when a dog has been on a good diet by the condition of their coat, which will have a lot more luster than a dog that has been fed poor quality food.  They are also likely to shed less fur as it will be in better condition and that is a huge bonus for anyone who has their dog inside the house.

Next post we’ll talk about how to tell a bad dog food from a good one.

“Should I put my dog on a diet?”

The answer to that question is Yes, but only if your veterinarian recommends it. The same care, consideration, and advice should be taken when your dog needs to be put on a special diet program, as you yourself would get from your personal physician if you were put on a diet. You cannot diet your dog properly without expert advice, and in this case, as in most problems with animals, your pet’s best friend is always his veterinarian.

Your veterinarian has at his disposal many compounded special diets. There is one for the overweight dog as well as the dog with heart trouble or kidney disease. Manufacturers also supply him with prescription dietary foods for puppies, pregnant dogs, the allergic dog, and dogs with intestinal upsets.

There are dry, as well as canned, diet foods. The canned foods come in various sizes to meet the needs of the small dog and the large dog. Your pet’s doctor may recommend mixing several foods together. Special diets are often fortified with mineral and vitamin supplements. So if your veterinarian suggests that you put your dog on a dietary program, you know that he will be getting the best nutrition possible.

The Overweight Dog

Now let’s look at the most common reason why a diet is typically instructed by the veterinarian: the overweight dog.  There are no “crash diets” for the obese dog.  If your dog is overweight, you are the one who is responsible for it. The overweight dog is very much like a fat person. He is short of breath and is often called a lazy dog.  Exercising is just too much for him. All the energy he can muster is used carrying that extra weight.

One also must remember that it is the fat on the inside of the animal that causes the most trouble. The last time I spoke to a veterinarian about this issue, he explained to me what excess fat can do to the body. There may be fatty tissue surrounding the heart, the lungs, or the digestive tract which could cause these organs not to function properly.

The overweight dog needs low-calorie food for weight reduction. Your veterinarian will weigh your pet and determine how much he needs to lose. He will then prescribe the amount and type of dietary food he needs.  Your full cooperation is needed if the diet program is to be a success. Do not feed him snacks in between his allotted meals, or any tidbits from the table for that matter.

A variety of holistic puppy/dog foods are available on the market. You can find it in dry kibbles or cans.  Raw or freeze dried or any thing between.

An important advantage of natural organic dog food is that they do not contain any undesirable ingredients like blood, hair and bones plus other low grade wastes known as by-products. All the above ingredients come from rendered remains of livestock animals.

Natural organic dog foods also known as Holistic dog foods are processed minimally and preserved using natural substances that will include vitamin C. Sometimes vitamin E is also used as a preservative.

Companies manufacturing natural organic dog food adhere to strict standards while processing their dog food. According to these standards the use of pesticides, antibiotics, artificial ingredients, artificial colors or preservatives. Genetically engineered ingredients are not allowed in most products. Natural organic dog and puppy foods generally do not contain  any Corn, Wheat, or Soy products.

The utmost care is taken while preparing natural organic dog foods. It must be prepared under hygienic conditions. These Dog/puppy foods are handled like Human grade food and will include a blend of proteins, vitamins, minerals and whole grains like rice that maximize digestibility, is absorbable along with other nutrient that are necessary for your dogs health.

Your dog will love these foods as they have a great taste and are highly digestible.  The more digestible a food is the less waste to clean up.

For a review of some of the natural and holistic dog/puppy foods we use at the kennels   Click Here

Natural organic dog foods are made with human grade chicken, beef or lamb and fish. It also contains carrots, peas and organic brown rice which are extremely beneficial for your pet dog. These foods are free of chemical additives.  Flavor enhancers, corn, wheat or artificial colors are not used. Natural organic dog/puppy foods provides balanced and complete nutrition.

You should always feed your dog with natural organic dog food as these foods are beneficial to your dog. Some of the benefits are as follows;

Holistic organic dog foods contains antioxidants which are helpful in maintaining healthy immune system. A healthy immune system is not susceptible to diseases. Hence your dog will remain active long into it’s senior years when feed a natural organic dog food.

These foods contain nutrients which are a major source of essential nutrients. Like probiotics promote intestinal health.  Omega 3 fatty acids  help to maintain a healthy skin and coat on your dog. So if you want your dog to have a shiny, lustrous coat then natural organic dog foods is the best option to get it. A crunchy kibbles style will help to keep your dog’s teeth clean.

So natural organic dog foods provide a great nutritional value for the money and are a must for a growing puppy. Natural dog foods are high in protein as they are prepared from natural chicken meat, chicken liver, fish. Giving your dog or puppy all the protein needed to grow strong, healthy and a great companion.

With so many benefits from a bag of dry premium dog food you simply can’t think of not feeding your dog any thing else.

For a review of some of the natural and holistic dog/puppy foods we use at the kennels.    Click Here

Holistic Puppy Food Blog Disclaimer and Terms of Use Agreement

Life’s Abundance Holistic Dog Food

Is it as good as it claims? Check out the panel findings

Before we get to their finding let’s look at Life’s Abundance as a Dog Food

It is a holistic veterinarian-formulated product. Formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks, one of the nation’s leading holistic veterinarians, and a pioneer in alternative veterinary medicine. As Dr Bicks, DVM says, “every batch of every product is guaranteed to meet my rigorous standards for quality ingredients, outstanding nutrition and great taste.”

It was created to provide our companion animals with a nutritional advantage. Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food for Puppies & Adult Dogs is made with the finest ingredients, to help your puppy or adult dog achieve and maintain optimum health. As Dr Bicks goes on to say, “If it’s in your hands right now, it’s simply the best that it can be.” Like to try Life’s Abundance Click Here

Gretchen

Every ingredient is carefully chosen based upon its positive effects on a dog’s physiology, also to promote the long-term health of canines. Using a “fast-cook” process helps preserve the nutritional value of each and every wholesome ingredient. Life’s Abundance recipe furnishes the
body with optimal protein levels to help puppies grow strong and adults to maintain muscle mass. Maintaining the strictest inventory controls possible ensures the quality and safety of their foods. You can be satisfied it is the freshest available.

ozzie

This recipe features an antioxidant system to support dogs throughout their life cycle. Also figuring prominently are omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a glossy coat, and complex carbohydrates from oat groats for sustained energy. Our naturally-flavored kibbles comes complete with dietary fiber to promote digestive health. Other highlights of this product is their proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals to supply dogs
with the nutrients that help them to thrive, regardless of their age. Additionally, they have added a balanced blend of calcium and phosphorous to support both developing and aging bones.

As highlighted on the bag:

“Our foods are made with the finest ingredients, including”
* A proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals
* High-quality protein from chicken and catfish meals for strong muscles
* An antioxidant system including vitamins A, C and E
* A selection of nutritious vegetables and fruits
* Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat
* Calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and strong bones
* Dietary fiber to help maintain a healthy digestive tract

And because we use only wholesome ingredients, this formula contains no artificial colors or flavors, no corn, no wheat and no glutens.

Like to try Life’s Abundance Click Here

sasha and puppies

The company goes on to claim that Life’s Abundance is nutritionally-dense, which means that you won’t have to feed your dog as much food as other brands. That can translate into savings you can count on, meal after meal, year after year. Not only that, but smaller meals and concentrated nutrition means less mess to clean up outside.

Life’s Abundance is not sold in regular retail stores where dog food is found. The only way to buy it is from the company direct or though a representative. The dog food is then delivered to your door by UPS. This has it’s good and bad points. Shipping adds to the cost of a already pricey product. However on the other hand you don’t have to worry about running out when you sign up for a auto ship program.

NOW, what was the result of our panels testing?

I will have to say that the results were mixed and is still open. A large percent of the benefits for feeding Life’s Abundance is in the long term gain of health for each dog. In the short term, of the four panels (gretchen, coco, ozzie, sasha), after the initial switch over period, three of them are now eating the kibbles with no problem and do look forward to the meal. The fourth (Ozzie) could care less. He would sooner have a steak. I have noticed as the company claimed that the dogs are eating less at mealtime, plus their coats have taken on a new sheen.

If you’re thinking of trying Life’s Abundance dog food keep in mind that it’s a one size fit all dog food. But remember to gain the most benefit from this dog food, you will have to feed it long term. as you would any premium dog food to gain the maximum results. Would I recommend it, Yes. You can get more details about the dog food and order if you wish at.
Yes I want to see the difference

There are 3 types of commercially prepared puppy foods that are available in the market today: Canned foods, Semi-moist foods, and Dry foods.

Canned Foods

This type of food comes in several varieties which ranges in quality as well as price. They consist of about 75% water and is mixed with assorted meat, fish, and cereal products. They are easy to prepare and dogs love them! However, canned foods produce low-energy nutrients, which means that you would need to give your puppy a big serving in order to provide him with the required energy he needs.

If you have a large dog, you would have to double the amount of servings, which makes canned food a bit unpractical and on the pricey side. To solve this problem, consider mixing canned foods  with dried food.  The mixture will provide more energy for your dog and will also add volume to the food, thereby saving you money.

There is another kind of canned food that only contains meat, hence called “all meat canned foods”.  Similar to regular canned food, all meat canned food does not provide your dog with the proper amount of energy that his body needs. In order to get enough energy, you would need to give him large quantities of the food, although this will only produce an unbalanced diet. Therefore, all meat canned foods should also be mixed in with dried foods or even semi-moist food.

Semi-Moist Foods

This type of food has high concentration and only contains 15 to 30% water content, which provides more energy for your puppy in less amount of volume than canned foods. Their ingredients consist of meat, cereals, vegetables, sugar, and fats.  They are easy for your dog to digest and he will surely love the taste. They come in a wide variety, do not need to be refrigerated, and many owners find them to be the most convenient way to feed their dogs.

Semi-moist foods are expensive and is loaded with sugar and corn syrup and therefore, should not be given to dogs with diabetes. In addition, these foods are also loaded with colorings and artificial flavors.  It is best to give your dog this type of food only on an occasional basis rather than his main source of diet.

Dry Foods

Dry foods contain about 10% water, providing high energy value to your puppy.  They are the least expensive of all the dog foods, they can be stored in bulk quantities, and they do not need to be refrigerated. This is why most pet owners prefer this to have a food for their dog and considerate it to be the most economical way to feed their pets.

On the other hand, the majority of commercially prepared dried foods contain mostly cereal and is very limited in the amount of protein that the dog requires. Consider mixing dry food with canned foods to give your dog a well-balanced diet.  Another alternative is to choose a brand that contain meat as its main ingredient.

For reviews of dog food check the list below:
Life’s Abundance Premium dry dog food CLICK HERE

Is it as good as it claims?

To get that answer we used several dogs here at the kennels to check out this premium dog food.   Feeding twice a day using the recommended amount per weight on the bag.  The test group was introduced to Life’s Abundance over a week.  They also had their choice of the original dog food we were feeding at that time.   Now before we get to their finding let’s look at Life’s Abundance as a Dog Food

It’s hard to argue with a Dog food that lists:

Crude Protein 26 %,  Crude Fat 16 %,  Crude Fiber 3.5%,  Moisture 10%

So what is Life’ Abundance Holistic Dog Food?           It is a holistic veterinarian-formulated product.  Formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks, one of the nation’s leading holistic veterinarians, and a pioneer in alternative veterinary medicine.  As Dr Bicks, DVM says, “every batch of every product is guaranteed to meet my rigorous standards for quality ingredients, outstanding nutrition and great taste.  For if it’s in your hands right now, it’s simply the best that it can be.”

She goes on to say that, “It was created to provide our companion animals with a nutritional advantage”.  For you see Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food for Puppies & Adult Dogs is made with the finest ingredients, to help your puppy or adult dog achieve and maintain optimum health though all stages of their life.  You can feed it from puppy to senior.

Like to try Life’s Abundance  Click Here

Each and every ingredient is carefully chosen based upon its positive effects on a dog’s physiology, plus to promote the long-term health of canines.  The company by using a “fast-cook” process helps to preserve the nutritional value of each and every wholesome ingredient.  Life’s Abundance recipe furnishes the body with optimal protein levels to help puppies grow strong and adults to maintain muscle mass.

The company by maintaining the strictest inventory controls possible ensures the quality and safety of their foods.  You can be satisfied it is the freshest available.  They state that when you receive your dog food it will be no older than 6 weeks.

Their recipe features an antioxidant system to support dogs throughout their life cycle. Also figuring prominently are omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a glossy coat, and complex carbohydrates from oat groats for sustained energy.   Their naturally-flavored kibbles comes complete with dietary fiber to promote digestive health.  Other highlights of this product is their proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals to supply dogs with the nutrients that help them to thrive, regardless of their age.  Additionally, they have added a balanced blend of calcium and phosphorous to support both developing and aging bones.

As highlighted on the bag:                                                                                                    

“Our foods are made with the finest ingredients
* A proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals
* High-quality protein from chicken and catfish meals for strong muscles
* An antioxidant system including vitamins A, C,  E
* A selection of nutritious vegetables and fruits
* Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and  coat
* Calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and strong bones
* Dietary fiber to help maintain a healthy digestive tract

And because we use only wholesome ingredients, this formula contains no artificial colors or flavors, no corn, no wheat and no glutens.

Like to try Life’s Abundance  Click Here

The company goes on to claim that Life’s Abundance is nutritionally-dense, which means that you won’t have to feed your dog as much food as other brands. That can translate into savings you can count on, meal after meal, year after year. Not only that, but smaller meals and concentrated nutrition means less mess to clean up outside.

Life’s Abundance is not sold in regular retail stores where dog food is found.  The only way to buy it is from the company direct or though a affiliate representative.  The dog food is then delivered to your door by UPS.  This has it’s good and bad points.  Shipping adds to the cost of a already pricey product.  However on the other hand you don’t have to worry about running out when you sign                                                   up for a auto ship program.

NOW, what was the result of our panels testing?

I will have to say that the results were mixed and is still open.  A large percent of the benefits for feeding Life’s Abundance is in the long term gain of health for each dog.  In the short term,  of the four dogs trying out the food  (gretchen, coco, ozzie, sasha),  after the initial switch over period, three of them are eating the kibbles with no problem and do look forward to the meal.  The fourth (Ozzie) could care less. He would sooner have a steak I think.  But I have noticed as the company claimed that the dogs are eating less at mealtime,  plus their coats have taken on a new sheen.

If you’re thinking of trying Life’s Abundance dog food keep in mind that it’s a one size fit’s all dog food.   And remember, to gain the most benefit from this holistic dog food.  You should feed it long term, as you would any premium dog food to gain the maximum results.  Would I recommend it, Yes, if you want the very best for your dog.

You can get more details about the dog food or  order if you wish at.
Yes I want to see the difference

Meet Ozzie:  He is a F1B mini Labradoodle with a fleece coat.  He is about a year old and weighs under 30 lbs.  A genuine  imp and believe me he lives up to that title.  He would prefer to play and chase things like balls than learn his obedience lessons.  You can be sure when the dogs get in trouble Ozzie is at the center.  Thinking about getting him into Flyball.

Meet Coco:  She is a F1B std Labradoodle weighing in about 55 lbs.  She is about 11 months old and has already started her service dog training.  She should fill out to be about 65 lbs with a bad hair day coat.  She loves being out and meeting people.  Now if she can only figure out which foot to put down first she’ll be a great service dog in the assist field.

Meet Sasha:  Sasha is a F1 Labradoodle with a long wavy fleece coat.  She is about 80 lbs and has trained for search and rescue work.  She is now retired to being a mother.  She has produced several litters of puppies from which a number have gone on to become service dogs.  The latest  went to Carolina Canines service school in NC.  Her bigest thing is playing ball and if she does not get out each day all heck breaks loose.

Meet Gretchen:  Last but not least Gretchen is a F1B mid size Labradoodle.  She weighs about 40 lbs and has a wool coat.  She’s over a year old and right now not sure what she want’s to do.  Right now her life is chasing the Guineas around the yard.  In other words she is spoiled rotten.  And yes even a professional dog breeder does that at times.

So there you have them and now on to the test.

For more information on Healthy Pet Net products

Giving your puppy good food, healthy treats, and the necessary supplements will not only help him grow strong and healthy, but it will also affect his behavior and his ability to be trained to learn new things.

Every dog is different, and there are certain factors to consider when determining the diet program that will fit the needs of his growing body. However, there are also general rules that owners must follow to ensure that their pets are getting the balanced food and supplementation that their bodies require.

You May Want To Avoid Giving Your Dog Human Food

Most vets and breeders do not recommend adding table scraps to your dog’s diet. They will also likely tell you that the majority of commercial vitamin and mineral supplements that are available today are only a waste of money. When you give your puppy human food, he will not only get used to eating that type of food, but the difference in the taste of human food and dog food will cause him to reject his own food. He will become a finicky eater and it will be more difficult to get him back to eating his regular food.

Take It Easy On The Supplements

It is also not necessary to give your dog a separate vitamin and/or mineral supplement along with human food and his own food. The majority of supplements out there are ineffective and can even be dangerous to some level.

For example, providing your puppy with an extra calcium supplement is not at all beneficial. It doesn’t aid in bone growth, but actually does the opposite. In some cases, extra calcium in your puppy’s body can actually develop to certain types of bone problems.  Adding a combination of supplements is just as harmful to your pet because they can create an imbalance to his diet.

Keep It Natural

Your puppy is better off with his own food, which is a good, commercial dog food specifically tailored to his needs (ask your vet for recommendation). In addition to the dog food, you may also give him a multivitamin such as Omega 3 oil and occasional liver tablets which, in my opinion, are one of the best treats you can give your dog. Omega 3 and liver tablets are available in most health food stores, pet stores, and online catalogs.

Other supplements to give your dog are natural, whole foods. A few examples of these are wheat grass, brewer’s yeast, bee pollen, and barley. These are food that contain nutrients from nature and will not interfere with the nutrients in your dog’s diet.

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