Help for your Pet's Arthritis and Raw and Freeze Dried Pet Food Facts

"Mommy, I think you have some food on your neck!"

YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT PET SAFETY, HEALTH AND NUTRITION ANSWERED

By Sindi Somers for San Diego Pets magazine - published in their January/February, 2010 issue

Dear Sindi,

In your last column you said to never cook chicken necks before feeding them to pets. Why?

- Dana and her three felines, Calliope, Panoodle and Sasha of North Park

Dear Dana and Girls,

When you cook bones, they harden making them more likely to splinter. Ingesting cooked bones is potentially dangerous and can seriously harm your pet. I recommend monitoring your pets anytime they are chewing a bone, even if it is raw. Although your pet’s safety is the primary concern, feeding pets raw, uncooked bones and meat is extremely nutritious. More nutrients remain accessible in the food versus being cooked or processed out. Heat diminishes vitamins, minerals and the potency of other nutrients. Just as with any new food, I suggest transitioning raw meat and bone into a pet’s diet gradually.

Dear Sindi,

I have been looking for a new dry food for my dog and have found one called Kruncheros by Great Life. It’s supposed to be a freeze dried raw food in bite size pieces like kibble. Is this a food you recommend?

- Consetta and her Yorkshire Terrier Daisy of Tierrasanta

Dear Consetta and Daisy,

Although I don’t have first hand experience with Kruncheros, I am familiar with Great Life. After reading information provided on their website www.doctorsfinest.com, I called the company. They assured me that Kruncheros is a freeze dried raw food making it more nutritious than traditionally prepared kibble. Kruncheros looks like a promising dry food alternative. Because of my limited information about it, I can’t give a personal recommendation for Kruncheros, however I do recommend Great Life as a brand. I currently use their natural anti-flea spray, Tombstone. I am also a fan of pet food that has been freeze dried because it is higher in nutrients than more highly processed and cooked varieties. Kruncheros needs to be rehydrated before feeding. Dry foods of any kind can dehydrate an animal’s body, so it is essential to insure they are consuming sufficient amounts of water.

Since I have received multiple inquiries about what to do to help dogs and cats with arthritis, I wanted to address the issue here. Although I am definitely not a replacement for quality veterinary care, below are my suggestions. - Sindi

Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM are beneficial for cartilage and joint health. Be patient and consistent when administering these supplements as it can take several weeks or months to see results. Sometimes ingredients are added that simply aren’t necessary, such as colored dyes and sugar derivatives, so it is important to always read the contents label.

Many have also had great success with an all natural product called Dog Gone Pain (DGP) by Harmony Co. www.doggonepain.com. It has a canine friendly name, but is also appropriate for cats. I called the manufacturer to confirm this. Unlike glucosamine, results can be experienced within one week in many cases. Adding fish or emu oil to your dog or cat’s diet can further aid in relief, as these Omega rich oils have natural anti-inflammatory properties. They also benefit skin, coat and overall health.

Although movement and exercise remain important, avoid pushing your pet to do things, such as walk as far as he used to. You may need to give lifting assistance or provide a ramp or stairs if he is not able to comfortably jump up to higher levels on his own. Swimming and water therapy are low impact forms of exercise to consider also. Besides exercise, using gentle massage can help increase circulation in the affected areas and throughout the body. If your pet communicates that what you are doing hurts or is uncomfortable, stop immediately. He may vocalize, pull away or even scratch or snap at you in an attempt to get you to quit.

Skilled professional animal massage therapists are available and definitely recommended. However, I enjoy massaging my own pets. It is a way to bond and show my affection. To help gain information, I took workshops on animal massage and Ttouch, another therapeutic approach presented at the San Diego Humane Society www.sdhumane.org. Some basic tips are to avoid bony areas and never massage directly on the spine. Gentle is the key word when massaging animals. Other healing modalities, include acupuncture and energy healing, which can help increase the flow of energies in your pet’s system.

One last important consideration is your pet’s immune system. Eating nutritious food, staying hydrated and taking additional supplements and vitamins, including antioxidants, can give your companion animals an extra boost. This can make it easier for their body to heal itself.

Email your pet questions to sindi@sdnews.com. Visit me online at www.wildtame.com. Happy 2010 to you and your pets!

NEW "Dear Sindi" write in column!

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I have been writing articles for San Diego Pets magazine since September of 2008. I now have a "Dear Sindi" write-in column that I am very excited about! Below is my first write-in column published in the November/December 2009 issue.

Help for a Jumping Puppy and a Cat with Gingivitis

By Sindi Somers

Dear Sindi,

I'm trying to teach my ten month old puppy, Rigby not to jump on people. He's 22 pounds and I don't mind it, but I have young children and when their friends come over his jumping on them can be bothersome. Do you have any suggestions?

Jumping up is a natural behavior for dogs, so unlearning it can take time and patience. The behaviors that we give the most attention to are the behaviors being trained, whether desired or not. If a dog jumps up and hears "no" or "down" or is pushed off, it is being acknowledged for jumping. Ignoring unwanted behaviors and rewarding preferred ones expedites training.

Try this technique. When your puppy jumps up on you turn your back to him and act like a tree! When you turn around stand completely still. If your dog brushes up against you, licks your hand or continues to jump, it must be ignored. Do not move your hands or body or look at your dog. Each time you interact with your dog and he jumps up, repeat standing still like a tree. Consistency is important, so everyone in the household practicing the tree exercise will greatly assist with the training process. You can even "hire" volunteers to participate.

Next it is important to consistently reward desired non-jumping behaviors. When your puppy has all four paws on the ground give him a treat, praise, pets or a toy. Reward with whatever is of high value to him.

When guests come to your house it can be a whole new challenge, which is why "hiring" volunteers can be beneficial. The key is to be prepared and proactive. The less opportunity your puppy has to jump up and experience this behavior, the easier it will be to untrain it. Bring treats or other rewards on walks and public outings. You can reward him before he jumps as a distraction, but also to acknowledge your preferred behavior.

Don’t be discouraged if your canine companion jumps up sometimes after all your hard work. Learning is a process!

Dear Sindi,

Do you know of any homeopathic treatments for gingivitis that might help my cat Juji?

Not necessarily homeopathic, but natural alternatives, yes. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque build up. It can advance into periodontal disease which is a more serious condition. Having your cat examined by a holistic veterinarian knowledgeable about dental care may be beneficial to determine the severity of your cat’s issue.

Regardless of this determination, good nutrition is essential for a strong immune system and healthier mouth. Administering a high quality multi-vitamin with C, A, E and other antioxidants is also beneficial.

Reading the ingredients label on your pet’s food will help you to become your cat’s personal nutritionist. Corn, soy and wheat can lead to digestive problems, allergic reactions and contribute to dental illness in cats and dogs. Cats are carnivores and unless there is some medical reason to feed them otherwise, they actually don’t need grains. However, some felines do okay with small amounts.

Along with corn, soy and wheat, rice, oatmeal, millet and barley are some of the grains found in pet foods. Eating grains and other starchy carbohydrates that turn into sugar may be aiding Juji’s gingivitis.

Chewing on raw chicken necks can add an abundance of nutrients, enzymes and naturally occurring glucosamine and taurine to her diet while helping to clean her teeth. I suggest initially giving her the raw necks in short periods of five to fifteen minutes to allow her system to adjust. If the chicken neck is frozen, thaw it in the fridge. If she doesn’t go for the thawed raw immediately, sit it on the counter to be brought closer to room temperature. You may wish to pour room temperature or slightly warm water over the meaty bone for Juji. Never cook or microwave the chicken necks.

I also recommend brushing your cat’s teeth. Start by gently touching Juji’s teeth and gums with your fingers. Over time progress to light massage. Then try using a small, soft bristled toothbrush found at pet stores and veterinarian’s offices. Pet toothpaste is also available, but check the ingredients as many include a sugar derivative. Sugar substitutes aren’t a benefit to their diet either.

Lastly, FidoDent by Animals Apothecary is a liquid herbal remedy designed for cats and dogs with gingivitis and other mouth infections. Although I haven’t used this product personally, the company is highly regarded within the holistic pet care community. Available at holistically focused pet stores and online at www.animalessentials.com.

Email sindi@wildtame.com with your nutrition, behavior, health or other pet questions and energy healing, reading and animal communication requests.

Unedited Version of My Pet Psychic and Animal Communication Article in San Diego Pets Magazine

Sindi and Ginger give a happy High 5!

LESSONS LEARNED BY A LOCAL

PET PSYCHIC AND ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR

By Sindi Somers

A slightly edited version was published in San Diego Pets magazine

September/October 2009 issue

Through my work as a psychic reader, energy healer and animal communicator, I have learned that actions are a source of communication that really can speak louder than words. Pets may exhibit behaviors that are labeled as problematic issues, but I see them as attention seeking messages.

Because our pets are affected by us and our energy I look at the relationship between the pet and their person when evaluating behavior. Everything is energy, including our thoughts, words and emotions. If we are upset, both humans and animals can sense it. If our upset energy flows from us and into another being’s reality they will experience it and may display similarly disturbed behavior. This is how easily and intensely we can and do affect each other.
One beautiful puppy I read had abundant energy that tended to spill out and adversely affect others, most notably her older canine brother. She was being her lively, young and often competitive self and was not aware of how her invasive energy was impacting him. I gave her information to help her contain her energy. She was receptive to the communication. I watched her pull her energy in closer to her body. I then gave a healing to help move her energy out of her brother’s space. Both dogs responded to the healing. I received a phone call from the excited pet parents the next day. They reported that the brother dog was noticeably happier and more energetic. His sister’s energy was meant for her body and energy system and was incompatible and non-beneficial to his. He felt better after regaining his space and experiencing more of his own unique energy.

I am always impressed at how simply informing an animal that its behavior is disruptive or harmful is often enough to motivate them to make a change. Like us, animals do the best with what they have. Often all they need is additional information, including desired alternative behaviors, to successfully meet our expectations.

Just as animals benefit from additional information, so do we. Using their actions as a form of communication can help us better understand our pets. Potty habits are one way they communicate to us. If a housebroken pet is expelling on the floor, it can indicate the need for medical attention. If we rule out the possibility of illness, we can further examine the behavior and what the pet is trying to tell us.

Although I look at each situation independently I have found that when a cat eliminates outside the litter box it is often an expression of anger, frustration or a dislike of some aspect of its life. It could be as simple as the litter box not being cleaned often enough. It can also represent an irritation brought on by poor nutrition or a vitamin deficiency. Anger stimulated when you are on vacation or working long hours is another favorite. It can be a response to any change in the cat’s environment, including moving to a new home, getting a new sibling, added stress or unresolved conflict affecting humans in the household.

I had a session with a cat that was continually using the middle of the bathroom floor as its litter box. When I asked her about it she said, “If mommy is going to be bitchy then so am I!” Her guardian was irritated and moving her emotional energy outside of her space and sharing it with others. This gave the cat permission to mirror this behavior, which she did beautifully!

Another potty related puzzlement is why dogs eat poop. The most popular answer I receive from canines is because it tastes good! I did a psychic reading for one sweet, intelligent pup whose foster parent wanted to know why he started eating his poop. What I saw made me laugh out loud. He was walking along one day and said to himself, “Hmmm…..what’s this?” After deciding to try some he thought, “Hey - not bad! I kind of like it.” And a poop eating puppy he became!

As we share our lives with companion animals, it is important to remember to have compassion for them. We ask that they unlearn their natural instincts and change their behaviors to fit our world. Overall, I would say they are doing a pretty good job of fitting in within our sometimes stringent rules.

It can be fun to discover why animals do the things they do. When we acknowledge our pets as teachers, as well as our students, we open ourselves up to helpful learning opportunities. If your pet is stressed or anxious, use it as a reminder to tune into yourself to see if you might benefit from a little relaxation time. If your pet is showing signs of aggression, notice if there is something you are frustrated or angry about that you aren’t allowing yourself to acknowledge or communicate. If your pet is enthusiastic and joyous use it as permission to express your enthusiasm and more fully enjoy your life!

I welcome your comments at info@wildtame.com. You may also wish to visit my website at http://www.wildtame.com/.

Keeping Pets Hydrated, Healthy and Cool

SUMMER SAFETY

FOR DOGS AND CATS

By, Sindi Somers

Published in San Diego Pets Magazine July 2009 issue

For those of us that live in sunny San Diego County, it can be helpful to remember hot weather safety tips year round. With the onset of summer, it is especially important to consider our pets’ potential to become overheated and dehydrated.

Fresh cool drinking water needs to be available at all times for pets. On hot days you might want to put bowls in different areas, making it easier for pets to get to water and stay hydrated. Water bowls for outdoor pets should be placed in shaded areas so they stay cool. It is recommended to empty outdoor bowls when pets are not outside to deter mosquitoes.
Cats instinctively get their moisture from food. If they are on a dry kibble diet, consider integrating moist food. High quality canned, thawed frozen raw or home cooked lean unseasoned meats will increase fluid consumption, as well as nutrition and flavor. You can even manually add a little extra water to whatever they are eating. If your cat does drink from the water bowl, giving some form of moistened food is still highly beneficial and encouraged, not only on hot days, but year round.

In addition to proper hydration, providing adequate shade is essential if your pets are outside for any length of time. A dog house can trap heat and should not be considered shade. Nor is a shady tree always sufficient. Consider installing an awning or other tented structure that will remain shaded regardless of which direction the sun is shining. Air flow through the structure is also important so that the area underneath remains cool.

If pets are indoors during the day and you don’t have air conditioning or want to minimize its usage, keep it cooler inside by closing the blinds. You might want to leave at least one window accessible for pets to see out. Some pets choose to rest on a tiled floor to stay cool. My dog opts for the bathtub so I always leave the curtain pulled to one side.

When it comes time for exercise, extreme caution should be used on hot days. Schedule your dog’s walks, playtime, beach visits and other outings in the evenings and early mornings to avoid the sun when it is at its hottest. This can help lessen the risk of your dog overheating or getting heatstroke, which can be fatal. Sidewalks, pavement and sand can also get very hot on your pet’s paw pads. Paw boots are available for those dogs willing to wear them.

When venturing out, it can be beneficial for some pets to wear sunscreen. If they are a hairless breed or have been shaved, the shaved or exposed skin is at risk for sunburn. In addition, the nose, especially pale nosed cats and dogs need protection. Any area where the skin is thin or there is no hair could benefit from sunscreen on a sunny day. There are sunscreens designed specifically for pets, but human grade sensitive skin or baby sunscreens can be okay. Some ingredients however, such as common Zinc Oxide are toxic and should always be avoided. Protective eye wear and sunglasses, including Doggles brand are also available. http://www.doggles.com/

Bringing along water on walks and excursions is also a good idea. Portable water bowls are available for pets in a variety of styles. My favorite is the Water Rover. It clips to my belt and allows unused water to be saved for later in the walk. http://www.waterrover.com/.

You may find that your pets naturally slow down when the temperature rises. However, if they are in need of some activity, indoor play is another option. Playing tug with a rope or other dog friendly toy is a great way to work your dog’s muscles and mind. If you have the room, you can modify fetch by rolling the ball vs. throwing it or use a lightweight stuffed toy to throw. Training sessions with praise and food rewards can also help break up the day. Providing edible chew treats, such as bully sticks and raw marrow bones or a Kong or other treat dispensing toy filled with snacks can further help exert energy.

One last, but crucial reminder is to never leave your dog in the car on a hot day. Even in the shade with the windows down, the interior of a car can reach over 100 degrees in mere minutes. Leaving a dog in an open bed truck while driving or stopped is also dangerous. In addition to the hazards of the sun’s rays, flying debris can get into animals’ eyes. Of course if you have to stop suddenly or are in any type of accident your pets are also completely unprotected. Seat belt harnesses can be purchased to ensure safety when riding in cars, but tying your dog in to the back of a truck doesn’t lessen its chance of severe injury.

Keeping these precautions in mind can help ensure you enjoy a safe, healthy and happy summer with your pets. I welcome your questions and comments. You can email me at info@wildtame.com or visit me online at www.wildtame.com.

NON TOXIC FLEA TREATMENTS FOR PETS - article in the May/June 2009 issue of San Diego Pets magazine

Author's Note: Since writing the article below I have found what, in my opinion is one of the best inventions in the world! The flea comb!!! The teeth on the flea comb are so close together, they easily remove fleas, flea eggs and their eliminated "flea dirt." By flea combing my active dog and indoor cat daily I have nearly eliminated my once frustrating flea problem. The fleas have been extra fierce in San Diego County this year. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by this issue, I now experience life without fleas! I find an occassional one or two fleas when flea combing after my dog's daily rolls in the grass, but that is it! My pets and I are much, much happier!!! Daily flea combing (I started with twice a day and now do it once a day), along with vaccuuming every 2 to 3 days are my number one tips for a flea free household. Save money and your pet's health! Avoid using the topical spot-on and ingested pill form flea treatments. I am so thrilled about this simple, but genius invention, that I Googled in an attempt to find the inventor of this useful item. I couldn't find out the originator, but whoever you are. XXOOXXOOXXOOXX from all of us!!!

The flea comb I have is like the one in the above photo. I bought it for a little over $4 at Point Loma Pet Pantry in the Pt. Loma area of San Diego, just east of Ocean Beach. http://pointlomapetpantry.home.att.net/
Also - although it has worked wonders for many, I have had to stop using the Buck Mountain Parasite Dust mentioned in my article. It irritated my respiratory system and every time I used it I would get a cough that would last for a couple days. The cough was my body's reaction to the dust as it tried to rid itself of the irritation.

Thanks to the flea comb I very rarely use any sprays or other treatments at all anymore! Want tips on how to most easily use the flea comb? Want to teach your pet to LOVE its flea combing sessions? Email me at info@wildtame.com.

Life is about learning. I love the educational process and continual journey. I also enjoy sharing what I learn with you!

DILIGENCE CAN KEEP SAN DIEGO DOGS AND CATS FLEA FREE

By Sindi Somers

We all know what fleas are, those annoying dark colored creatures that hop on our pets when they sit or roll in the grass, visit the beach or park or stop to say hello to a fellow furry friend. Although they seem to jump as if they are flying, fleas are wingless insects capable of piercing skin and sucking blood. This in itself, sounds unappealing, but add to it the potential of having these unwelcomed visitors as permanent residents in your home, laying eggs, multiplying relentlessly and causing stress and potential discomfort to you and your pets. Although this is not a desirable situation, it is one many of us have experienced. In addition to this, some animals are allergic to flea saliva. This allergy can lead to more severe skin irritation that gets worse as the animals lick, scratch and bite the affected areas in an attempt to get relief. Fleas are also capable of transferring diseases between animals. It is obvious we need to keep fleas away from our pets and homes, but how do we do it?

Most people have heard of the over the counter “spot on” treatments, such as Advantage and Frontline. Although some may have success with these, fleas can and do build up a resilience to them. If you have tried these or similar pesticides and they have not worked, now you know why! In addition to the possibility of these products not solving your problem, they are highly potent chemical pesticides! There are many other products, including pesticides administered in pill form that I have not mentioned. Some are available over the counter, while some can only be purchased in a veterinarian’s office.

I admittedly have used some types of the aforementioned toxic items to prevent flea infestations. However, once I learned about their potency, I became interested in finding less harmful alternatives. It is disturbing to read the labels on the “spot on” and related flea treatments. They advise us humans to “avoid contact with our skin and wash immediately” if it occurs. With such a warning, should we be so quick to apply them to our pets? It does not make logical sense, let alone seem like a kind thing to do to our beloved companion animals.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has had its eye on these toxic flea formulas for some time announcing its findings along the way. The EPA most recently announced that more than 44,000 potential cases of adverse reactions related to spot on treatments, including Frontline Plus, were reported to them in 2008. The effects ranged from skin irritation to seizures and in some instances, death. To read their report in its entirety visit http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/flea-tick-control.html

So, what can we do to keep our pets safe and flea free in San Diego County, which seems to be paradise for this pest population? Luckily, we have a number of independently owned health conscious pet stores throughout San Diego County that offer natural alternatives to the toxic options.

I have tried a variety of natural products and found that, once applied they worked great temporarily. From this, I learned that flea prevention is not a one time thing. Unlike the claims of 30-day results made by the manufactures of the toxic pesticide products, the natural items need to be reapplied and used more frequently. However, it is worth it to me to avoid filling my pets with toxins. I also have learned that using multiple products is sometimes necessary. The severity of your flea issues can vary depending on what part of the county you live in. However, if faced with this problem, patience and diligence win the race over the aggressive fleas.

To give you a head start when addressing your external environment, helping your pets have a strong inner defense is essential in successful flea control. Nutritious foods and any needed supplements, along with adequate exercise will help build and maintain a healthy immune system. Fleas prefer a weak host, as it allows them flourish with more ease. The healthier your pets are, the less likely they are to be affected by fleas.

Bathing can also help eliminate fleas on your pets, but be careful not to over bathe them, which can lead to dry skin and other issues. A monthly bath with a gentle, natural shampoo, along with thorough water only rinses as needed, will help in the fight against fleas. If needed, an additional sudsy bath can be added of course, to keep your pets clean and flee free.

It is also important to remember that the fleas on your pet are only a part of the war to conquer. In addition to those that you can physically see, you can rest assured that there are growing flea families happily nesting in your rug, bedding, upholstered furniture and anywhere else that provides a safe place for them. I recommend very frequent vacuuming of carpet areas, as well as upholstered furniture. Immediately disposing of the used vacuum bag with help avoid reinfestation. Frequent washing of pet bedding and anything else your pets may lay on is also crucial. These cleaning processes will aid in the killing of any eggs left by the prolific fleas that have plagued your home. It will be difficult to achieve the flea free results you are aiming for without tackling the larger physical living environment, as well as your pet itself.

Tomb Stone by Great Life is a spray that seems to kill fleas on contact, or at least slow them down enough so they can be picked off. I was told it is safe to spray it on bedding, furniture, and any surface, as well as on your pet. With lavender being one of the main ingredients, I found that it smelled pleasant, which is a plus when spraying it in and on your home environment. Citronella based Purely Botanical Flee, Flea! by Dancing Paws is another spray that some have had great success with. Both sprays are available at Paw Country in La Mesa http://www.welcometopawcountry.com/. I recommend spraying the product into your hand firsts and then applying it on your pets. Some animals do not like the sensation of being sprayed directly and prefer a gentler application.

Buck Mountain Herbal Gold Parasite Dust for Animals, which is available at Point Loma Pet Pantry http://www.pointlomapetpantry.com/, has brought relief to many pets. I recommend applying it on your pet while either outside or in an open area. Since it is powder, particles can be inhaled during the process and you may find this unpleasant, as I did. This powder can be applied directly onto your pet, bedding, furniture, as well as the carpet and then vacuumed up. However, it is a yellowish powder and not everyone may choose to have this added to their belongings. Grocery store purchased, Borax, which contains Boric Acid and Diatomaceous Earth, available at Paw Country and Point Loma Pet Pantry, are two other flea killing powders that can be sprinkled on carpets and vacuumed up.

Another option is FTI Pet Products’ Flea Treats. Both my dog and cat love these tasty tablets as treats! They contain Brewer’s Yeast and B vitamins and are available at Point Loma Pet Pantry, Healthy Pet Pantry in El Cajon http://www.healthypetpantry.net/ and Wholesome Choice Pet Market in Rancho Bernardo http://www.wholesomechoicepetmarket.com/. Some people swear by them. I have never used them alone, but instead as an additional precaution, along with a spray, the parasite powder, and of course diligence.

If you have questions about flea treatments, behavioral issues or nutrition concerns, I welcome your emails at info@wildtame.com. You may wish to visit my website at http://www.wildtame.com/ to learn more about alternative and holistic approaches to pet care.

Home Cooking and Raw Diets for Pets - Article by Sindi Published in San Diego Pets magazine

Ginger eats a nutritious diet consisting mainly of fresh raw meats, including organ meats. She also benefits from both ground and whole raw bone, vegetables, some fruit, fish oil and vitamins and supplements as needed. Sindi also enjoys a healthy diet, but will leave the raw meat to Ginger's taste buds. Sindi opts for fish, eggs, beans, vegetables, fruit, grains and supplements. She does have a little dairy and is in the process of adding more meat to her diet. Right now she is working on reintroducing turkey. Both Ginger and Sindi go ORGANIC whenever possible!

Below is Sindi's article published in the March/April issue of San Diego Pets magazine.

Wholesome Home Cooking and Fresh Raw Diets Benefit Pets’ Health

What you do today will have an effect on your pet’s future. This includes what you choose to feed them. Following the tragic and fatal events leading to the pet food recall in 2007, more pet parents have chosen to pay attention to what is in the food they are feeding. Now, faced with the recent FDA reports that popular chicken jerky treats made in China could be causing severe illness in dogs, even more consumers are reading the label.

So how do we keep our pets safe and fed? Some have chosen home cooking for Felix and Fido. Others are buying only pet food and treats manufactured in the USA, with the thought being that the ingredients and processing is better monitored, and therefore safer. I know of a number of people opting for home cooking, including people purchasing dehydrators to make their own chicken and other protein sourced jerky treats.

I love my pets and know you love yours. I am conservative and cautious when it comes to choosing what they consume. Even the most superior dry kibble and canned wet foods are highly processed, eliminating much of their nutritional value. Because of this, I generally avoid adding them to my dog and cat’s menu plan. Basing my choices on safety and quality nutrition, I occasionally serve my pets unseasoned home cooked meals, but mainly feed them minimally processed raw meat based pet food, along with fruits and vegetables.

As a representative in the healthy pet food industry myself, I hear some people remark that they do not feed a raw or home cooked diet because of higher costs. When calculating everything together however, you may find that it is less than you think! Since these meals are less processed than dry kibble and canned products, your pets will receive a much higher level of nutrients per ounce of food. This will leave them more fully nourished and satisfied at the end of a meal. Feeding healthier, more nutrient rich foods is also a way to prevent some health issues, lessening veterinary costs down the road. Some medical conditions arise due to poor nutrition, so what you invest in your pet’s diet now, can end up saving you money later on!

Another argument I hear from pet parents is that it takes too much time and work to prepare food or handle frozen raw diets. Because of the busyness of people's lives today, their hesitancy is not surprising. With so much information and help now available however, making these healthy dietary choices for our pets is easier than ever before. If you are unable to make a full-time switch to one of these nutritional paths, Samantha Sarsilmaz, owner of the Point Loma Pet Pantry www.pointlomapetpantry.com, stresses the importance of "adding freshness" to your pets' diets. Adding fresh, lean, unseasoned raw or cooked meats, vegetables and fruits greatly increases the amount of accessible nutrients in your pet's diet, whether it is daily or on occasion. Of course, the more frequently you add fresh, nourishing ingredients, the greater the benefits.

With so many people turning to alternative feeding practices there are pet food and treat recipe books available, as well as other resources to assist the home cook. Kelly Bolken, Dog Behaviorist, Nutritional Consultant and owner of Paw Country holistic pet store in La Mesa

www.welcometopawcountry.com, suggests, “A good guideline for home cooking is 65-95% meat (including organ meats and ground bone) and the remainder, fruits and/or vegetables.” Kelly continues, “I rotate around between green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and sometimes I add a little quinoa for added protein when I am low on meat. You can use just about anything. When home cooking, it is essential to add calcium if ground bone is not included. The other two supplements that are required are EFA’s (fish oil) and a multi vitamin. I rotate my multi between several products, including bee pollen, Positive Health, Animal Essentials Multi, Animal Essentials Green Alternative and I also use Diatomaceous Earth and/or kelp for their myriad minerals and other health benefits.”

In addition to fresh, home cooking and the use of supplements, Kelly, Samantha and I are all supporters of feeding a raw diet to pets, including our own. This is the best and easiest way to ensure they are getting the nutrients needed. There are many brands of raw pet food formulated into complete meals, adding varying amounts of fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals. The food comes in pre-measured out patties or nuggets, cutting down on preparation time. It is also available in bulk form allowing pet parents to measure out their own desired quantities per meal. Researching the different brands of raw frozen pet food and their ingredients can help you make the most informed and healthiest choice for your pets. Please note that not all brands of raw diets are complete meals in and of themselves. Checking company websites and gaining information from informed staff members at healthy pet stores and other holistically focused professionals is encouraged.

Feeding raw diets formulated into complete meals by health conscious pet food companies can take a lot of the guesswork out of proper feeding. While the home cooking route can take more thought and care to ensure your pets are getting the dietary balance they need. Additional supplementation and vitamins can benefit any animal, regardless of diet depending on their individual needs.

In addition to learning about needed supplements, when home cooking, it is essential to stay up to date on what “people foods” are acceptable and safe, and which are not. Chocolate, onions, chives, fried and fatty foods, as well as those seasoned with salt and other potentially dangerous and unnecessary additives top the list for most popular pet species. Some pose threats to some and not others. Grapes and raisins can be fatal, while dairy products can be problematic causing digestive issues. Garlic and avocado are others to avoid, although small amounts can be found in some pet foods and supplements and might be okay in those forms. Caution is still advised however, since each animal’s sensitivity levels vary. Their bodies differ, just like ours do. Visit the ASPCA website for current information regarding food and household safety for pets. www.aspca.org

With so many different and often conflicting philosophies regarding pet care, the bottom line is always what I am personally comfortable with. The same is for you and all consumers. We ultimately need be consistent advocates for our companion animals, doing our own research and implementing what is best for their unique, individual needs.

If you have pet nutrition, or other animal care or behavior questions, I welcome your emails at

sindi@wildtame.com.

Home Cooking and Raw Diets for Pets

My newest article is on newsstands now! I will be posting my article here on my blog soon, but in the meantime you can view and/or download it from www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com. Wholesome Home Cooking and Fresh Raw Diets Benefit Pets' Health can be found in the March/April issue on pages 18 and 19.

You can also pick up a free copy of San Diego Pets magazine at Paw Country pet store in La Mesa, Point Loma Pet Pantry, Bone Appetit Ocean Beach Pet Supply and other locations throughout San Diego County.

www.welcometopawcountry.com - Paw Country in La Mesa
www.pointlomapetpantry.com - Point Loma Pet Pantry in San Diego
www.boneappetit-ob.com - Bone Appetit Ocean Beach Pet Supply in San Diego

If you have pet nutrition or other animal care or behavior questions, I welcome your emails at info@wildtame.com. I can also be reached by phone at 619-384-0761.