Christmas Is Upon Us.

What Is The FDA Smoking?

The FDA recently released the results of a study that compared raw pet food products vs. commercially prepared dry and semi-moist dog and cat foods and jerky type treats.  Those results showed that they tested 480 samples of dry and semi-moist products and found 0 incidences of salmonella and 0 incidences of L. monocytogenes.
The part of the test covering jerky type treats tested 190 commercially prepared products and found 0 incidences of the same two pathogens.
Raw pet food products were also tested and of 196 formulas tested, they found 15 incidences of salmonella and 32 incidences of L. monocytogenes.
Now, the FDA proclaims that they have "zero tolerance" for incidences of salmonella and L monocytogenes so you have to wonder two things.
1.)  There have been numerous recalls of dry, semi-moist pet foods and jerky type treats over the past year which occurred at the same time those recalls were going on and their testing just happened to miss all those products that have been recalled by coincidence. and
2.)  They found a total of 47 incidences of pathogens in raw pet food products at an incidence rate of  24% but none of those products were targeted for recall in this "zero tolerance" world.
To not make the connection of utter nonsense, I would have to be smoking something very potent.

Note:  Thanks to Susan Thixton at Truth About Pet Food for amassing and publishing this information.

Your Life As A Dog

http://www.youtube.com/v/K8nq3eRCSMQ?autohide=1&version=3&autohide=1&showinfo=1&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=em3--eCxW00VY6bI3JZuGg&feature=share

Someone Has To Be Crazy

U. S. Representative Steven King(R-Iowa) startled a lot of people with his strange ideas but it took a long time for a particular one to see the light of day.

Representative King added a amendment to the most recent farm bill that basically ties the hands of any current laws and organizations that defend and promote animal rights.  The bill would legalize high density cage laying hen farms and crowded conditions for hogs and cattle but the most outlandish of all parts would make it perfectly legal to fight dogs for entertainment.

It would also give legal protection for puppy mills.  

I don't know what kind of idiot this overblown lump of  arrogance was thinking but to stand by and not let him and his party know that this is un-American is an exercise in evil.

This would be legal if Mr. King has his way.

Does Your Dog Need Expensive Food?

Susan in her attire

This was posted on Truth About Pet Food and is written by Susan Thixton, a true dog food safety advocate.
Build A Better Dog and Jerry Pardue thanks Susan for her tireless and hope she is doing some major butt kicking at the AFFCO meeting in Florida this week.

The following message was sent to Money Talks News via their contact form…

Your recent story – “Does Your Dog Need Expensive Pet Food?” was full of incorrect and misleading statements.  “Complete breakdown of the dog food aisle”?  No, this is not even close.

The veterinarian you featured in your story is one of a dying breed.  Old school veterinarians that cannot comprehend the simple fact that quality nutrition DOES improve pet health are becoming the veterinarian that educated consumers avoid.  She speaks on a subject she clearly knows little of (pet food).  As example…

Dr. Heyerly DVM stated “If your dog doesn’t have a job, the protein is wasted.”

This is implying that higher cost pet foods all contain high levels of protein.  Some higher cost pet foods contain higher levels of protein, and some higher cost pet foods contain quality protein.  With pet food, the search for quality meat and vegetable ingredients is significant.

I would guess Dr. Heyerly and Money Talks News is not aware of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Compliance Policies that allow horrendous waste into pet food such as euthanized animals and 4D animals (dead, diseased, dying, disabled).  Federal law requires that all foods (human and animal) contain meat ONLY from slaughtered USDA inspected and approved animals.  However FDA provides the pet food industry loopholes to avoid these federal laws.  As example:  FDA CPG Sec. 690.300 states “Policy:  Pet food consistingof material from diseased animals or animals which have died otherwise than by slaughter, which is in violation of 402(a)(5) will not ordinarily be actionable, if it is not otherwise in violation of the law. It will be considered fit for animal consumption.”

Pet food consisting of material from diseased animals will be considered fit for pet consumption.  Does Dr. Heyerly and Money Talk News believe this is appropriate pet food?  Even for a cheap price?

Without informing pet food consumers to seek out pet foods that contain quality ingredients (USDA inspected and approved meats and vegetables), Dr. Heyerly and Money Talk News is basically advising consumers that cheap pet foods using cheap waste meats sourced from diseased animals or euthanized animals – which are in violation of federal law – are suitable for the pet.  Again, is this what Money Talk News really wants to tell pet food consumers?

And Dr. Heyerly proves she has no understanding of the pet food industry with her statement “The ones that add in the by-products and fruits and veggies, the carbohydrates, are better foods all around for the dog.”  If the “by-products” are not USDA inspected and approved, such as the liver of a drugged, diseased animal, how in the world could this be a better dog food?

And then your advice Mr. Johnson…”Bottom line, if pet food prices give you pause, just take a look at the label.  Look for the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, and find the cheapest price you can on the foods you need.”

Quality aside for a moment, on the pet food label the protein and fat in the pet food is required by state and federal law to be stated as minimum (not actual).  As example a Guaranteed Analysis of a dog food might state 18% protein and 6% fat on the label.  However the actual protein and fat percentage of the pet food could be 30% and 20% (respectively).  Plus, there is no requirement in pet food regulations to provide carbohydrate information on the label.  How can a consumer “look for the right amount of protein, carbohydrates” if the information is not provided or not stated as the actual amount?

I must ask you Mr. Johnson, knowing that FDA allows pet foods to contain waste ingredients rejected for use in human foods, do you still feel “cheapest price” is the best advice to pet food consumers?

I would be glad to provide Money Talk News (and Dr. Heyerly for that matter) with more information on how to find a true quality pet food sourced from quality ingredients.  Plus I would be able to provide Money Talk News with the names and contact information of veterinarians that understand that good health and good quality food go hand in hand.  If you are going to provide advice to pet food consumers, at least provide accurate information.

I would like a reply to this message.

Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
TruthaboutPetFood.com
AssociationforTruthinPetFood.com

This May Be About Fish But . . . .

This may be about fish but it is also about Hartz Mtn and also about the dreaded word salmonella.

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.

Hartz Mountain Corporation is Voluntarily Recalling One Specific Lot of 1.2 oz. Size of Wardley Betta Fish Food Due to Possible Health Risk

Contact

Consumer:

1-800-275-1414

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 12, 2013 – SECAUCUS, N.J., /PRNewswire/ – The Hartz Mountain Corporation, located in Secaucus, N.J. is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Wardley Betta Fish Food 1.2 oz. size due to concerns that one or more containers within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall.

Salmonella is a bacterial organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in people, particularly young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to these products. Some healthy individuals infected with Salmonella may experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe or chronic illness.

The product was shipped nationwide from May 13, 2013 through June 4, 2013. In total, 8,112 1.2-oz. plastic containers of Wardley Betta Fish Food, UPC number 0-43324-01648, isolated to the lot code PP06331 (located on the bottom), which were packaged by Hartz at its Pleasant Plain, Ohio facility from a single production run, were shipped. Routine sample testing conducted by Hartz as part of its quality control procedures detected the presence of Salmonella in the lot specified. Hartz is aggressively investigating the source of the problem.

Although Hartz has not received any reports of illness to date in animals or humans as a result of coming into contact with this product, Hartz is taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution centers. Fish owners who have purchased this product should check the lot code on their containers. If the code is not visible, or if the container has the following lot code PP06331 imprinted on it, they should immediately discontinue use of the product and discard in the trash.

Consumers can contact Hartz Consumer Affairs at 1-800-275-1414 (24 hours/day 7 days/week) with any questions they may have and to obtain reimbursement for purchased product.

SOURCE Hartz Mountain Corporation

This was originally posted by Marty Becker, DVM.

This May Be About Fish But . . . .

Beware of a Mouth Full of Words

Here is that mouth full-Menadione Sodium Bisulfate. Sounds very complicated doesn’t it. Truth About Pet Foods thinks so to and wants you to BEWARE.

Menadione Sodium Bisulfate. Menadione Sodium Bisulfate is a synthetic Vitamin K and a root of a great deal of controversy. Vitamin K is a required nutrient for cats and dogs, however pet food regulations do not specify the source (food sourced K or synthetic K) of the nutrition. That is with the exception of fish based cat foods; regulations require Menadione Sodium Bisulfate (and only Menadione Sodium Bisulfate) to be the vitamin K source in fish based cat foods.

The controversy with Menadione Sodium Bisulfate is to its safety. Some insist the ingredient is proven safe citing evidence from years of use in pet foods. Others question the safety of the ingredient citing opposing science (to ingredient safety). The Material Safety Data Sheet for Menadione Sodium Bisulfate states information is “Not available” as to the toxicity risk to animals. The Material Safety Data Sheet does not specify “safe for animals” – it says toxicity risk to animals is not available. Thus the controversy.

For more information on Menadione Sodium Bisulfate, click here.

Beware of a Mouth Full of Words

Probiotics-from Truth About Pet Food

Enterococcus Faecieum, Lactobacillus Casei, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Saccharomyces Cerevesiae Fermentation Solubles, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Extract and similar. These very scientific sounding pet food ingredients are probiotics, known as friendly bacteria. Probiotics help keep your pet’s intestinal system working optimally which is key due to a major portion of the immune system located in the ‘gut’. Keeping your pet’s gut healthy helps build a strong immune system.

As with many pet food ingredients, probiotics can turn from a quality ingredient to a less than quality ingredient if the bacteria is not live and viable. Pet food consumers have two options to learn if the probiotics listed in the ingredients are a quality ingredient…

1. Look in the Guaranteed Analysis statement on the pet food label. If guarantee of “probiotics” or “micro-organisms” is listed, the consumer has the company word the live probiotics exists in the pet food.

2. Call the pet food manufacturer and ask “Do you guarantee the probiotics are live and viable?”

Probiotics-from Truth About Pet Food

Adoptathon Coming To K Mart In Burlington

The adoptathon will include the Humane Society of Alamance County, Paws 4Ever of Mebane, Highland Canine Training Center of Advance, and Build A Better Dog of Burlington, NC.

For all our dog friends around Burlington. Be there and you will meet and see some of the most amazing dogs and also some of the most amazing dog lovers

Adoptathon Coming To K Mart In Burlington

Meet Kent, A Beautiful Kitten

Gray Tabby and white Kent is just a kitten inside and out. He is sweet and loving but yet still loves to play. Born sometime around 5/15/10 Kent came to us when he was found by a college student who didn’t know what to do with him. He eventually need up with a kind hearted woman who found the Animal Rescue & Foster Program.

Kent is up-to-date with routine shots neutered. His adoption fee is $100. ARFP home delivers 200 miles roundtrip from Greensboro, NC. Click on his picture to learn more.

Meet Kent, A Beautiful Kitten

Meet Jackie

Jackie is a small terrier mix. She is very sweet and energetic. She loves to run and jump and romp around but afterwards is content to rest by your side for some nap time. Jackie comes house trained, crate trained, and is ready to liven up your life. Her birthdate is 11/2/2009.

The adoption fee is $150.00. A fenced in yard is required for safety and exercise reasons to adopt from ARFP. ARFP home delivers 300 miles roundtrip from Greensboro, NC. Click on her picture to learn more.

Meet Jackie

Take A Look At Gabby

DOB: 4/28/2008

Description:

Hi. My name is Gabby, my friends call me Gabs, so you can too. I was an overbred and neglected mama dog found homeless by Pender County Animal Control. I was a very sick, underweight, and sad girl. The people who found me understood why I was so sad, I was full of milk, but there were no babies to be found. I was so sick, many didn’t think I would make it out of the shelter alive, but Promoting Animal Welfare in NC saw that I just needed a lot of medical care and TLC to bring out the beautiful girl that I really am. That’s exactly what they did. After a short stay in the hospital, I went to my foster home where I regained strength, got my fur back, fought many infections, and put on some weight. The infections in my teats were so bad, I just couldn’t fight those any more, so I had to have a radical mastectomy to be rid of those infections. But after that surgery along with my spay surgery, ta daaaaa, here I am, Miss Fab Gabs!

I went from 43 to 67 lbs, and I’m a big athletic Staffordshire Terrier Mix who loves to snuggle and hang out where ever you are. I would do well with kids who are old enough to not fall over if a big girl bumped into them, because I’m a leaner! I love walks, eating grass, and collecting stuffed animals. I walk well on a leash unless I get really excited, but I’m eager to please you, so I’ll slow down. I’m crate trained and pottied trained. Since I used to live outside, I need to go out on a schedule at night when you’re home because I’m excited, but I can go all day with no accidents. I was pretty beat up when I was found, so I’m a little anxious around other dogs, but get along well with slow introductions. I’m hoping to be an only dog, or I don’t mind living with another dog who will let me be the boss, preferably a handsome boy.

I have lived with my foster family since I was rescued of May of 2012, spending a lot of time healing and learning to trust and what it feels like for a human to love me. I have a crazy boxer tripod boxer sister that I love to wrestle with, and I always let her win, because I’m sweet like that. I’m not really fond of cats, they look kinda sneaky and I try to run them off. I’ve been on slow kill heart worm treatment, and my 6 month test barely showed a trace of heartworms left, so with a few more months of treatment, those should be all gone very soon. So now that I’m a healthy girl, I’m ready to move on and find a family of my own. Oh did I mention how much I love a man or woman in uniform? (KK)

Up to date on age appropriate vaccines, spayed and micro-chipped.

Take A Look At Gabby

Bullies 2 Rescue, Take A Look

Hey EveryBullie! My name is Lucy and I am just one of the lucky bullies that have come into Bullies 2 The Rescue over the past week!! WHEW – has it been busy!! I was immediately adopted by the most wonderful family that even included a Mimi (that’s my Gramma)!!

There is so much going on in B2TR right now! There are new fosters…. Check out Cupcake and Darla…, new adoptabulls… Check out my sister Mina and our handsome buddy Buzz…, and some FUN new fundraising events!! So go check it all out and remember…

… We can’t do ANY of this without YOUR support!! Please help my friends in any way you can! Meatball will get you started on how to do just that!!

Take it away Meatball!!

Hey everyone! So glad you stopped by our little place on the web! My name is Meatball and I am the CEB (Chief Executive Bullie) and Spokesbullie for B2TR! There’s lots to see and read around here and I will be your guide. But first I should tell you a couple of things.

Bullies 2 The Rescue is run exclusively by volunteers. And there are never enough. So any little thing that anyone can do is welcome and much appreciated. First and foremost, our mission is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all the bulldogs we take in. So if you can give some time, or you have a talent for fundraising, or you can be a leg (or two) in a bullie-train to transport one of our rescues, or even if you don’t know what you can do but want to help anyway, please CONTACT US and we’ll find something for you to do.

You will see off to the left some links to a whole bunch of different things. Please feel free to browse around and check us out. You’ll find lots of pictures of bullies who have come through our doors along with some incredible success stories. (Those are my personal favorites!)

B2TR is also committed to taking in English Bulldogs who for whatever reason (we do not judge!) are being surrendered by their owners. We feel very strongly that this is a much safer alternative to surrendering to a shelter.

Ok everyone… here’s the first picture to capture your heart and bring you into our world… also known as… The Bungalow. (I’ll tell you more about that later!!)

Bullies 2 Rescue, Take A Look

Emma

thanks to Highland Canine Training Center for the post and the beautiful picture.

Highland Canine (Alabama) would like to thank Chris Murchison and his dog “Emma” for thier business. Chris and Emma have been taking Private Lessons with us. Emma had some issues with crate training and potty training. Since the lessons began both issues have been resolved and she is doing great with her obedience. Keep up the good work!

Emma

A Very Sad End For Shane

Stunner Shane update – The original X ray showed a big break in his leg. During surgery that big break turned out to be a crushed section. Sadly, that leg was deemed irreparable. Normally we could amputate the badly broken leg however his “good leg” was damaged at the hip. The location of the damage on the “good leg” meant Stunner Shane would endure even more suffering and pain if we chose to amputate the other leg. The damage would prevent him from standing, would be very painful and our vets were unsure if there was even more damage not shown on the X rays. Both the attending vet and our consulting vet agreed that euthanasia would be the most humane option. Our partners at Surry Animal Rescue (who originally took him to the vet) were consulted and agreed.

Stunner Shane was surrounded by love as he passed over to the rainbow bridge.

These decisions are never easy for us. MPBF spares no expense when it comes to the dogs in our care. Allowing Stunner Shane to suffer would be cruel and goes against our rescuer’s creed.

Those who donated towards his care will be contacted individually and offered full refunds. We can not thank you enough for your support. The donations and shares for Stunner Shane’s story allowed us to be in n a position to help him. The outcome is devastating, but there are so many other dogs just like Stunner Shane that need us. We hope to have your continued support .

****We love you Stunner Shane. You were loved. Run free sweet boy.***

Jeremy & Vanessa

A Very Sad End For Shane

Three Most Agressive Breeds Revealed

With Breed Specific Legislation acts being brought forward in more and more areas across the country, dogs like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers and other “scary” looking breeds are in danger of losing their homes and even their lives. These breeds are often touted as being extremely aggressive – however a new study released this week in the journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science provides some statistical facts on what breeds actually ARE the most aggressive – and the answers may surprise you!

Photo by Artamnesia

The study involved researchers from the University of Pennsylvania as well as 6,000 dog owners. The number one aggressive breed out of the 33 dogs surveyed? The Dachshund. Yes – the wiener dog. The study found that “one in five dachshunds have bitten or tried to bite strangers, and a similar number have attacked other dogs; one in 12 have snapped at their owners.”

Photo by This Year’s Love

Number two on the list is an even more diminutive breed – the Chihuahua, while Jack Russells came in third.

The researchers say that the bite statistics that have been released in recent years are skewed because most dog bites are not reported. Big dog bites are more likely to require medical attention, but this does not mean that those breeds are doing the majority of the biting.

One of the teams researchers, Dr. James Serpell, believes that smaller breeds may be more genetically predisposed to aggressive behavior than their larger counterparts. Serpell says, “Reported levels of aggression in some cases are concerning, with rates of bites or bite attempts rising as high as 20 per cent toward strangers and 30 per cent toward unfamiliar dogs.”

Pit Bulls and Rottweilers scored average or below average in the aggression study. Breeds that scored on the low end are Basset Hounds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Siberian Huskies and Greyhounds.

Three Most Agressive Breeds Revealed

Bully Sticks

Bully sticks are high in calories and can harbor harmful bacteria according to a new study published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal. A group of researchers at Tufts University examined the calorie intake of “bully sticks” otherwise known as “pizzle sticks”. The popular dog treats are made from dried bull penis.

Tufts University researchers wanted to learn more about the bully sticks’ nutritional content and consumer knowledge regarding the treats.

Their study revealed that the treats are high in calories and can impact a dog’s weight significantly, if they are fed to dogs frequently. They also discovered that many dog owners underestimated the calories in the treats.

The bully sticks tested ranged in calories from 9 to 22 calories per inch. “If you give one six-inch bully stick a day to a 50-pound dog, that’s 9 percent of its daily calorie needs,” Lisa Freeman, DVM, PhD, DACVN, and one of the nutrition researchers told IB Times. “For a 10-pound dog, that’s 30 percent of its daily calorie needs.” She pointed out 50 calories for a small dog is quite a lot and dog owners need to be mindful of the treats to avoid dogs getting overweight. “With obesity in pets on the rise, it is important for pet owners to factor in not only their dog’s food, but also treats and table food,” Freeman added.

The study also revealed that the bully sticks can harbor harmful bacteria. Researchers said that many dog owners are unaware that the treats are made from raw meat and should be handled accordingly.

The group sampled 26 bully sticks purchased from retailers in the United States and Canada and made by different manufacturers. They found one tainted with Clostridium difficile, a bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness. Another had traces of methicillin-resistant Staphyloccocus aureus, or MRSA, and another had an antibiotic-resistant strain of E. coli.

The number of treats sampled was small and not all of these bacterial strains have been shown to infect humans. However, the researchers advise all pet owners to wash their hands after touching such treats.

The team advised dog owners to observe the same sanitary practices they would with raw meat when handling bully sticks. Dog owners should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and warm water after touching the treats and children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems should avoid handling them.

As part of the study, an online survey was also conducted. The researchers received over 852 responses which revealed many dog owners were not aware of what the treats are made from and that it is so high in fat.

“While calorie information isn’t currently required on pet treats or most pet foods, these findings reinforce that veterinarians and pet owners need to be aware of pet treats like these bully sticks as a source of calories in a dog’s diet,” said Freeman.

“We were surprised at the clear misconceptions pet owners and veterinarians have with pet foods and many of the popular raw animal-product based pet treats currently on the market,” said Freeman. “For example, 71 percent of people feeding bully sticks to their pets stated they avoid by-products in pet foods, yet bully sticks are, for all intents and purposes, an animal by-product.”

The article appeared in Canadian Veterinary Journal 54: 50-54, January 2013. Freeman et al. “Nutritional and microbial analysis of bully sticks and survey of opinions about pet treats.”

Bully Sticks

Donna's Second Dog On Supplement

alt="Donna's Dog3" width="300" height="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-246" />

Here is a pic of my current Foster dog. Any one in your area looking for a sm. girl? She’s on BABD supplement too.

Donna's Second Dog On Supplement

Adoptathon Coming To Burlington

The Adoptathon is coming on June 22 at 10:00 am. Partticipating in the event will be Highland Canine Training Center, Paws 4Ever Rescue Association, Merit Pit Bull Foundation, and Build A Better Dog, and Humane Society of Alamance County.

These organizations will be there to promote canine pets and pet adoption and save lives.

There will also be a program that will include Highland Training Center personnel talking about their dog training center and a spokesman from Build A Better Dog to discuss nutrition for adult and senior dogs.

Adoptathon Coming To Burlington

Pet Adoption Month

For all our dog friends around Burlington. Be there and you will meet and see some of the most amazing dogs and also some of the most amazing dog lovers

Pet Adoption Month

Chicken Feathers In Dog Food?

Horse feathers you say, no chicken feathers may be coming

to a dog food near you. Here is what Susan Thixton reported in her magazine.

Posted by Susan Thixton on May 31, 2013 at 12:16 pm

There is a new pet food ingredient heading our way…feather meal. The pitch to consumers and veterinarians has begun. Brace yourself, feather meal might be coming to a pet food near you very soon.

Ground feathers as a protein source for dog and cat food is being pitched to veterinarians and consumers all over the world. Scampers Pet Food in the UK alerted me of Big Pet Food veterinarians talking up the benefits of feather meal. A few days later I heard from Dr. Tanabe in Japan sharing the very same story – feather meal is being pitched as the new best thing in pet food. Add to the global push of feather meal, then I find an new article in Forbes magazine pitching the wonders of this new pet food ingredient.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) holds the responsibility of defining all animal food ingredients. For pet foods in the U.S., ‘feather meal’ has no official definition (yet), a similar ingredient that is AAFCO defined is “Hydrolyzed Poultry Feathers”. To hydrolyze is to break down (the feathers in this case) by chemical reaction with water. Thus, hydrolyzed poultry feathers have been treated to make them more digestible to the animal consuming them.

In a Pet Food Industry trade publication, a feather meal manufacturer (GoldMehl) stated “Unprocessed feathers are high in crude protein (90 percent), but highly indigestible due to the keratin structure, which contains high amounts of cross linked – disulphite bondings – cystine. In order to open the S-S bonds and to make the crude feathers available for digestive systems, feathers have to be processed.” The GoldMehl feather meal manufacturer performed a seven day digestibility trial in dogs. The company found digestibility for feather meal was “comparable to regular poultry meal”. (Note: this feeding trial was for seven days only.)

Royal Canin told Forbes magazine they have been developing a “Anallergenic formula” dog food for ten years using chicken feathers as the main source of protein. Keith Levy of Royal Canin told Forbes “It’s not only nutritious but can also be made very palatable to dogs. Feathers are broken down to an amino acid level and don’t have much of a taste. Then we add palatizers for taste. In this case, we have to be very careful not to provoke an allergic reaction. That’s why it took so long to develop this particular food. We’re looking for lots of different sources of protein for our foods: hydrolyzed soy; for some of our foods in China we use worm meal. I tried some kibble made with worm meal once – it tasted very good. So our approach goes way beyond feathers.” (I hope worm meal isn’t next…yuck.)

The PetFoodIndustry.com trade publication said “The quantity of protein required by pets depends on their lifestyle and life stage.” But what about protein quality? The question is…would feather meal ingredients (or worm meal) benefit the pet that consumes them? Or are these ingredients benefiting the pockets of ingredient suppliers and pet food manufacturers?

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,

Susan Thixton

TruthaboutPetFood.com

Association for Truth in Pet Food

Pet Food Safety Advocate

Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible

Chicken Feathers In Dog Food?

Take The Test-from Truth About Pet Food

Posted by Susan Thixton on May 20, 2013 at 12:46 pm

Do you know what this is a picture of? Take a guess. Hint: it has something to do with pet food. One picture is worth a thousand words. No judgment, just reality.

Provided by a friend.

This is a dump truck/trailer load full of a meat meal ingredient being delivered to a pet food manufacturing plant.

Similar deliveries of bulk ingredients are probably being unloaded at one or more pet food plants as you read this. The purpose of sharing this image is not to judge the quality of the ingredient (though not likely, this could be an image of the finest meat meal ingredient on the planet), the purpose of sharing this picture is for the reality of most pet food manufacturing to be known to all.

Reality…

That ‘meat’ in the picture above could be the only meat ingredient in your pet food.

The ‘meat’ in the picture above has already been cooked once (and ground to a fine powder), next it will be cooked again during the extrusion process.

8,000 pound batches of pet food is a small batch of pet food.

I am not saying bulk pet food manufacturing is bad – I am saying these are the hard facts.

This is not what consumers think about, but it should be. It is the reality of mass produced food (human or pet).

Many thanks to the friend that sent TruthaboutPetFood.com this image.

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,

Susan Thixton

TruthaboutPetFood.com

Association for Truth in Pet Food

Pet Food Safety Advocate

Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible

What’s in Your Pet’s Food?

Is your dog or cat eating risk ingredients? Chinese imports? Petsumer Report tells the ‘rest of the story’ on over 2500 cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. www.PetsumerReport.com

Take The Test-from Truth About Pet Food

Charlotte Pet Expo

Charlotte Pet Expo

Words From Cindy

Good morning Jerry,

Below is the testimonial I promised.

I hope it will be helpful.

After speaking with Jerry at an event in Boone, NC I chose to start my Labrador Retriever on Build a Better Dog.

She is a 10 year Lab who was treated twice last year for a partially torn ACL with Acupuncture and Chiropractic.

After two weeks on the supplement she is showing improvement in her mobility and energy level.

Her coat looks great!

My Vetrinarian has looked at the ingredient list and feels that it will be beneficial for both of my dogs.

Next week my Pyrennes cross who is the same age will start her trial of the supplement. I can’t wait to see what it will do for her.

More news to come. I HIGHLY recommend this product especially for older dogs.

C, Long

Words From Cindy

Elastin is a protein in connective tissue that is elastic and allows many tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting. Elastin helps skin to return to its original position when it is poked or pinched. Elastin is also an important load-bearing tissue in the bodies of vertebrates-from Wikipedia.  The Presence of elastin is reduced with age and this leads to the onset of joint pain and poor joint flexibility.  One way to remedy this problem is to increase the trace mineral level, particularly copper, zinc and manganese.  These lead to more effective production of elastin and allows the flexibility to return and the pain to ebb without medications.  This is a natural way to treat not only the symptom but also the heart of the problem.

Supplementing with chelated trace minerals is the most effective way to change the nutritional profile and increase mineral metabolism.  Minerals can easily be tied up in the body of dogs because of their total intake of nutrients.  For instance, having a water source that is high in iron can cause an antagonistic relationship between iron and copper and your pet can become deficient to a sub-clinical degree.  That is to say that there are no visible symptoms but the problem persists

Always check out ingredients and look for listings like “copper amino acid chelate” or “zinc amino acid chelate” and don’t accept ingredients like “copper oxide” or “copper sulfate” as acceptable forms of supplementation.

 

Elastin is a protein in connective tissue that is elastic and allows many tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting. Elastin helps skin to return to its original position when it is poked or pinched. Elastin is also an important load-bearing tissue in the bodies of vertebrates-from Wikipedia.  The Presence of elastin is reduced with age and this leads to the onset of joint pain and poor joint flexibility.  One way to remedy this problem is to increase the trace mineral level, particularly copper, zinc and manganese.  These lead to more effective production of elastin and allows the flexibility to return and the pain to ebb without medications.  This is a natural way to treat not only the symptom but also the heart of the problem.

Supplementing with chelated trace minerals is the most effective way to change the nutritional profile and increase mineral metabolism.  Minerals can easily be tied up in the body of dogs because of their total intake of nutrients.  For instance, having a water source that is high in iron can cause an antagonistic relationship between iron and copper and your pet can become deficient to a sub-clinical degree.  That is to say that there are no visible symptoms but the problem persists

Always check out ingredients and look for listings like “copper amino acid chelate” or “zinc amino acid chelate” and don’t accept ingredients like “copper oxide” or “copper sulfate” as acceptable forms of supplementation.

 

Look Us Up

Check us out.  We will be at booth 226.  Now don’t forget to come by and visit with us.

Look Us Up

Don't Forget the Expo

Don’t forget to go to the Charlotte Pet Expo on May 18 and look up our booth.

Don't Forget the Expo

Blog by Dr. Gary Pusillo Regarding Mycotoxins

“Pet food manufactures are adding various types of clays, such as montmorillonite, sodium Bentonite, and similar porous materials in an attempt to counteract the problems associated with molds and mycotoxins.  If the particle size is not small enough they will not have the proper dispersion in a feed and their surface area will be too limited; Mary Poppin’s spoon full of sugar example.

Some clays offer absolutely no nutritive value in their own right while reducing overall feed value through their nonselective binding property, which immobilizes vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Recently some companies have been promoting the use of FOS into a pet food as an attempt to counteract the problems associated with mold, and mycotoxins.

For many of the clays and sources of FOS, their particle size per gram is too large for adequate dispersion in the blend. In addition, the larger particle size does not give the dog the needed amount of surface area.

In the battle against unseen combatants in a dog’s digestive tract, I prefer to use select sources of MOS (mannan oligosaccharides) that provide the highest possible surface area at the lowest possible inclusion rate. For example one pound of MOS may contain a minimum of 2.5 acres of surface area! That type of surface area is not going to happen with some of the clays and FOS particles the size.

The bottom line in this year’s battle against mycotoxins and mold is “less is more.” Pet product recalls and dog health problems are going to get worse instead of better for some companies that use corn, wheat, and soybeans; the less of these ingredients might mean more safety, and more consumer confidence.”

Blog by Dr. Gary Pusillo Regarding Mycotoxins

Build A Better Dog Goes Retail

Build A Better Dog is going retail with two retail locations in the Burlington area.  The first location is at the offices of the local Humane Society of Alamance County which is at Tribek Court in the same shopping center with Delancey’s Restaurant.  The Humane Society will carry the one pound container and will have some related literature for your convenience.

The second new retail location will be in Carrboro at the location of Carrboro Music  located at 204A W. Main Street.  John Pardue, owner of Carrboro Music will also have available for sale the one pound containers of Triad Performance Supplement which could very easily become your dog’s best friend.

 

Build A Better Dog Goes Retail

Build A Better Dog Goes Retail

Build A Better Dog is going retail with two retail locations in the Burlington area.  The first location is at the offices of the local Humane Society of Alamance County which is at Tribek Court in the same shopping center with Delancey’s Restaurant.  The Humane Society will carry the one pound container and will have some related literature for your convenience.

The second new retail location will be in Carrboro at the location of Carrboro Music  located at 204A W. Main Street.  John Pardue, owner of Carrboro Music will also have available for sale the one pound containers of Triad Performance Supplement which could very easily become your dog’s best friend.

 

Build A Better Dog Goes Retail

At Tour For Life In Boone

Manning our spot

Purina Traveling Booth

Purina again

Johnson City, TN Humane Soc.

Critters Mag

At Critters booth

Cindy and her “girls”

Teresa in action

At Tour For Life In Boone

Manning our spot

Purina Traveling Booth

Purina again

Johnson City, TN Humane Soc.

Critters Mag

At Critters booth

Cindy and her “girls”

Teresa in action