Fat or overweight Dogs and Cats - Natural Health Care and Natural Medicine for Animals
Overweight Pet: Weight Management for Dogs and Cats
Obesity is a significant health problem in many pets, and can contribute to major disease.
There are many easily identifiable causes of weight gain in pets
Welcome to...Weight management program for overweight dogs and cats in Natural Pet Health - Cats and Dogs, Birds, Horses, Rodents - Pet SupplyWeight Management for Dogs and Cats
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A highly processed, grain-based diet fed to an animal designed to thrive on a meat-based, fresh food diet is very likely to produce symptoms of ill health over time. Diets to address disease most frequently deal with the symptoms that are the result of a lifetime of inappropriate food, not the true cause of their symptoms. The optimum diet for a dog or a cat should closely resemble their natural diet. A diet balanced heavily toward grain promotes insulin production and the production of inflammatory chemicals. Over-production of insulin makes it hard for the body to maintain its correct weight, and can lead to diabetes and other problems. An overabundance of inflammatory chemicals means more aches and pains. What do farmers feed hogs and cattle to fatten them up for market? Carbohydrates!!! Grains and Corn. That is what most pet food consists of. Carbs just make you hungry because they all turn to sugar in our systems. Do Dogs and Cats Need Grains?
To Feed or Not to Feed...Grains
Is Reduced Fat Diet a Good or Bad Idea?
My Boxer lost 5 pounds effortlessly and rapidly!
How much and when to feed?
Food Intolerance- Man and Animal versus Gluten, Casein, Soy and Corn
Optimum Pet Nutrition to Prevent Obesity
What is the best diet for our carnivore pets?
Raw Food and Enzymes
How do I determine if my dog is overweight?
Sick of Drugging your Pet?
Nutrition for Guinea pigs, Hamsters, Rabbits
Small mammals health and nutrition
The Poisons in Pet Food
Samples of raw food diet recipes
Fasting for health
Do Dogs and Cats Need Grains?

"The growing popularity of raw diets for companion carnivores, and a growing mainstream acceptance of the idea that high carbohydrate (grain-based) diets for carnivores may not be species appropriate, have made many people look to the natural diet of the wild wolf for guidance in feeding dogs and captive canids. Wolves and modern dogs have an extremely close genetic DNA relationship, so wolf nutrition is probably a useful model for domestic canine nutrition. Life is often feast or famine for a wolf and its pack. Wolves must hunt all of their food, and each time they need to hunt, they risk serious injury by getting kicked or trampled. Sometimes food is scarce or unavailable and they may have to go days - or even weeks - without any nourishment. Ideally a wolf needs about 5 pounds of food per day to stay healthy and reproduce. When necessary, they can also survive well on 2-1/2 pounds of food a day. Amazingly, if their food supply is in abundance, they can also consume as much as 22-1/2 pounds of food at one time!"  Wolf Conservation Center

Joe Demers, D.V.M  - "A reason for overweight pets is what we feed our pet friends. Commercial pet food is anywhere between 45 percent to 65 percent carbohydrates (grains). Grains are the least expensive part of pet food and can fill the animal quickly. Dogs and cats are more carnivores than we humans are, and we are feeding them almost as much grain (or more) than we humans eat. I feel that this high-carbohydrate commercial pet food is the worst food we can feed our pet friends. Our pet friends need fresh meats, not dehydrated meat by-products. There are many good books explaining the reasons why many veterinarians are recommending whole fresh meat diets, or recommending supporting commercial food with whole fresh meats. I also feel vegetables are an excellent source of fiber and moisture as well as sources of natural vitamins and minerals for our pet friends."

T.J. Dunn D.V.M. - "The biggest and most common misconception of all... the promotion of some low priced, grain-based foods as being a Complete and Balanced diet for dogs and cats!  Having done physical exams on tens of thousands of dogs and cats and learning from their owners what these pets are being fed has taught me that dogs and cats look, feel, and perform better if they are fed a meat-based diet rather than if fed a corn, wheat, soy or rice-based diet. This does not mean that grains are bad for dogs and cats; they surely can contribute certain limited nutrients to a good diet (mainly calories in the form of carbohydrates).  Nevertheless, many  veterinarians believe that grains should not be the foundation of a diet intended for a dog or cat. If some pet food "expert" tells you that eating animal fat is bad for dogs and cats and that a plant source of fatty acids is much better, your common sense should tell you that dogs and cats successfully evolved over the eons by consuming animal fat in their diets. So does it make sense to say that animal fat is bad for dogs and cats? Another example is the common notion that lots of protein in a pet's diet will cause kidney damage.  Again, looking at the nature of the dog and cat as primarily a meat-eating animal and having evolved by capturing and consuming other animals, we know their diets have always been high in protein.  Think about what makes sense IN NATURE.  If you hear about a nutritional product that "just doesn't make sense"... be cautious about it's factual basis."

William Pollak D.V.M. - "Malnutrition and the toxic condition of the animal fed commercial diets can result in the inability to digest and assimilate basic food components of the fresher, more wholesome type such as raw food."

Rebecca Remillard, DVM - "Canines are in the order Carnivora, but I think their feeding behaviors are best described as omnivorous. The term carnivore applies to their taxonomic classification, not their feeding behavior. Taxonomically, dogs are members of the order Carnivora, a very diverse group, that includes 12 families of more than 260 species, some of which are herbivorous mammals (the panda). There are three types of feeding behavior (omnivorous, herbivorous and carnivorous) all of which can be found among different members of the order Carnivora." 


Is a Reduced Fat Diet a Good or Bad Idea? 

Thomas Londale,  D.V.M - "Fat is crucial to carnivores, in maintaining and creating energy, and to produce glycerol. While humans require some carbohydrates for energy and endurance, carnivores need fats, both animal and plant, for creating glucose and developing stamina. Most of the fat used in processed foods can easily go rancid, and need preservatives to help maintain their integrity. Many of these preservatives have been found to be detrimental to the dogs health and immune systems, most commonly ethoxiquin, BHA and BHT. These can inhibit the production of white blood cells, lower the immune system and block the absorption of glucose. Also lacking in processed foods are the Omega-3 fatty acids, necessary for good coat and skin health. These fats cannot withstand the long shelf life of processed foods."

Many pet owners are resorting to feed feed low fat pet food to their overweight dogs or cats instead of reducing or eliminating the grains. Raw, uncooked  fats plays an important role in the digestion process and in maintaining an animal's health. Fats supply important cell, enzyme and hormone material and are powerful sources of energy. A groundswell of nutrition conscious veterinarians are beginning to recommend to their clients that they supplement their animals diet with a daily dose of fish oil or flaxseed oil for optimum health and vitality. The vets are finding remarkable results in clearing up skin conditions, relieving arthritic and inflammatory pain, as well as improved over all pet health. When the diets of animals were fortified with flax or fish oil, within three weeks their coats developed a beautiful sheen, and dandruff was greatly diminished. 

Learn about the incredible health benefits of flax or fish oil for your animals


To Feed or Not to Feed...Grains
by Russell Swift, DVM

At the recent American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Conference, I discovered that I am not the only one questioning the use of grains in commercial and home-prepared pet foods. Grains, such as oats, wheat, rice, barley, etc, are composed mostly of complex carbohydrates. They also contain some protein, fiber, B-vitamins and trace minerals.

However, they are NOT part of the natural diet of wild dogs and cats. In the true natural setting, grains hardly exist at all. Wild grains are much smaller than our hybridized domestic varieties. This means that even a mouse or other prey animal is not going to find much of its nutrition from grains. Therefore, the argument that "dogs and cats eat animals that have grains in their digestive tracts" doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. Prey animals that live near farms or other "civilized" areas are likely to have access to grains. This is not a truly wild diet.

What other clues do we have that grains are not necessary for carnivores? 

  • 1) Dogs and cats do not have dietary requirements for complex carbohydrates.
  • 2) Grains must be cooked or sprouted and thoroughly chewed to be digested Carnivores do not chew much at all.
  • 3) The other nutrients in grains are readily available from other dietary ingredients. For example, B-vitamins are found in organ meats and trace minerals come from bones and vegetables. (Unfortunately, modern farming has striped many trace minerals from produce and supplementation is usually best.)
Why have grains become so "ingrained" in pet feeding? To the best of my knowledge, grains were mainly introduced by the pet food industry. The high carbohydrate content provides CHEAP calories. In addition, grains assist in binding ingredients. We have become so used to feeding grains to dogs and cats that most of us get nervous when we decide not to use them. I know people who have been "grain-free" feeding and doing very well. My own cat is one example.

What are the negative effects? I believe that carnivores cannot maintain long term production of the quantity of amylase enzyme necessary to properly digest and utilize the carbohydrates. In addition, the proteins in grains are less digestive than animal proteins. As a result, the immune system becomes irritated and weakened by the invasion of foreign, non-nutritive protein and carbohydrate particles. Allergies and other chronic immune problems may develop. The pet’s pancreas will do its best to keep up with the demand for amylase. What does this pancreatic stress do over a long time? I don’t know, but it cannot be good. I suspect that dental calculus may be another problem promoted by grain consumption. Natural Remedies for Pancreas Disorder

Currently, I am making grains optional in my general feeding recipes. I am going "grainless" in more pets as I explore this area. I recommend trying to feed without grains if your pet is not improving on your current protocol. 

"Carbohydrates from grain are simply not needed. Our pets get their energy from fats and protein. Grains break down into sugar which can grow yeast, produce mucous and may contribute to a multitude of problems including skin allergies, cancer, digestive upsets and skeletal disorders to name just a few."Ed Frawley, owner of Leerrburg Kennels, GSD

Anastasia Milne Parkes writes: "...in the wild the first thing a wild dog will do is to rip open a grazing animal's stomach and eat the predigested grains therein. Juliette de Bairacli Levy DVM, teaches to soak all grains overnight in water or buttermilk to reach this ideal state."

T.J. Dunn DVM - "Modern man has modified a number of characteristics of the canine.  But there's one thing man has not altered... the basic nutrient requirements of the dog.  Dogs need today essentially the same nutrients that their predecessors required eons ago.  That is precisely why there has been so much notice given to the practice of feeding dogs (and cats, too!) raw meat and other unprocessed foods. There is ample proof that today's pet dogs and cats DO NOT thrive on cheap, packaged, corn-based pet foods.  Dogs and cats are primarily meat eaters; to fill them up with grain-based processed dry foods that barely meet minimum daily nutrient requirements has proven to be a mistake.  And the fact that some pet foods have artificial colors and flavors added simply reveals the trickery needed to coax dogs and cats into consuming such material." 

Note from Shirley: carnivores can eat soaked raw grains in moderation. When soaked for a couple of days, grains are bursting with natural enzymes, vitamins and minerals and are digestible and not harmful to a carnivore. more on sprouted/germinated grains.  I monitor my dog's weight visually. If I see the dog beginning to put on too much weight, I simply reduce the amount of food by 25% to 50% for a few weeks. Our pets are prone to suffer from minerals and trace mineral deficiency. For optimum health, I supplement my animal's diet (and my diet too) with the following: fulvic minerals and/or marine phytoplankton (consist of an immense arsenal and array of naturally occuring powerful phytochemicals, biochemicals, supercharged antioxidants, free-radical scavengers, super oxide dismutases, nutrients, enzymes, hormones, amino acids, antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals);  bee pollen (rich in naturally occuring vitamins);  kelp (marine plants to enhance health and detoxify), the right kind of salt (not common table salt);  clay (to promote healing and to detoxify) and with flaxoil  (also knows as linseed oil - rich source of omega 3 fatty acids). My animals do not drink tap water. I give them only carbon filtered water which is free from toxic chlorine and fluoride and I add therapeutic clay to the water. I never cook or warm up food in a microwave oven. Please read about the Hidden Hazards of Microwave Cooking

Pat McKay, an animal nutritionist, says  "If your dog chooses to eat horse or cow manure, let him / her do so. Those are wonderfully predigested grains; grains in their best form. Cooked grains cannot compare to predigested grains, so our animals are better off with no grains, rather than cooked. 

Note from Shirley:  Soaking raw grains in water for a couple of days at room temperature will ferment them, rendering them digestible and dramatically increase the enzyme content. A small amount of soaked or fermented grain in a carnivore's diet is fine. Dr. Chambreau, DVM writes: "Raw diet is designed to mimmic the natural diet of dogs or cats. In nature the meat, roots and vegetables (greens) are consumed raw. Upon killing the prey the stomach contents is usually consumed first, this consists of enzymes and partially digested (partially "cooked") grains, greens, roots, and whatever else the animal has eaten."

Food Intolerance- Man and Animal versus Gluten, Casein, Soy and Corn


My Boxer lost 5 pounds effortlessly and rapidly! 
A testimonial from John Booth, Florida

"I am writing this testimonial about my female boxer, Jessica Angeline Booth.  I got her in Paradise, California when I was living outside Sacramento.  Thus the name "Angeline" as she really is an angel! However, old man time has a way of catching up to all of us.  She is now 12 years old, and like most dogs eventually do she has arthritis and until about three months ago had some extra weight she had gained over the last few years. Since my wife and I had been taking the marine phytoplankton (Frequensea) product along with smaller portions and eating a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and had lost so much weight, we thought "Why not try giving the Frequensea to our dog?''.  Well, we did and Jessica  has been on Frequensea now for about 2 months.  Though her chest is still large like most boxers her abdominal area is now sleek.  She also has way more energy and has started to chase the numerous squirrels that gather around our feeders in the back yard with her younger sister Josie. It is just such a joyful site to see her play like she used to.  She really loves going out on our boat and swimming in the shallow waters on the gulf and the inland river ways. When I took Jessica again to her veterinarian to get a routine wellness check, we learned that she had lost about 5 pounds!  The first thing Dr.Zetteler said was, "Boy, she looks great! Look how sleek she is in the rear!".  Now that's high praise for a 12 year old dog! I give Jessica about a half ounce of Frequensea a day and I also give it to my younger female, Josie, as I want her to live a fuller, longer life."

Video about the amazing healing power of marine phytoplankton, Frequensea
John's weight loss personal testimonial


Pet Supplements to Furnish Important Nutrients
Deficiency In Essential  Nutrients can Cause Obesity

Are You Really Meeting Your Animal´s Nutritional Needs? Our soil, plants, and especially commercial foods are woefully deficient in key nutrients.  Scientists theorize that mineral deficiency subjects us, and our animals,  to more diseases, aging, sickness and destruction of our physical well-being than any other factor in personal health. Preventing and Healing Animal Cancer, arthritis, and other disease; improving temperament and behavioural problems, digestive disorders, skin disorders, bone and joint disorders and more with naturally occuring nutritional supplements. 

Richard J. Holliday, DVM - "Good nutrition can prevent disease. Good nutrition can cure disease." A groundswell of nutrition conscious veterinarians are beginning to recommend to their clients that they supplement their animals diet with a daily dose of flaxseed oil and other nutrients for optimum health and vitality. The food your animal eats should provide all of the nutritional components which are necessary for all organs and systems of a healthy body to perform in harmonious unison. A properly functioning body does an amazing job at preventing disease and healing itself, and to do this it requires the energies and nutrients of a well-balanced diet. In terms of finding the proper diet for our companions, this means learning to look beyond our own needs, opinions, and agendas to address the natural needs of the animals that we caretake. learn more

A happy pet is an active and healthy pet "I adopted my dog Jojo a few yeals ago. He was 13 at the time and about to go to the pound because his previous owner was moving and couldn't keep him. When he came to me he was showing signs of age. He had a hard time walking and his eyesight and hearing were a bit impaired. Eventually, he came to a point where he would no longer eat. This went on for seven days. He would find a secluded corner and sleep most of the time. I felt like he was just miserable, hardly alive and going downhill fast. As each day passedI would watch him get a little worse. I finally made the heartbreaking decision to take him to the vet and have him put to sleep. Someone told me about the Marine PhytoPlankton and I decided to try it on Jojo as a last resort.  I started giving him a small amount of a marine phytoplankton tonic with his evening meal. In two months, Jojo made a complete recovery. I used to have to wake him up when I got home from work. Now Jojo greets me at the door barking and wagging his tail' His eyesight and hearing have also improved - he seems more aware of his sunoundings and is playful and attentive. I don't think he would be in such good health if it weren't for adding marine phytoplankton tonic to his diet. It has literally made the difference for him. My son has dubbed it Jojo's go-go juice. I am grateful for this product for bringing our family pet back to health." Dan R.

Feeding marine phytoplankton and other sea plant algae to your pet promotes: Shiny hair coat and supple skin - Improved metabolism - Healthier and stronger newborns - Improved milk production in lactating bitches and queens - Improved reproductive performance both for male and female - Aids in the healing process by offering the vitamins and minerals necessary for tissue repair - Better utilization and absorption of nutrients from foods ingested.



Healthy Pet Food for Overweight Dogs. Based on Dr. Barry Sears, weight loss expert and author of the popular "Zone" Diet Books. Obesity among dogs and cats is one of the leading nutritional diseases. Many veterinarians believe it is the greatest health issue facing American’s pets. Millions of people all over the world have improved their health and lost weight on Dr. Barry Sears' Zone Diet. Now You Can Get Your Dog in THE ZONE. Canine Zone is based on the Zone’s 30-30-40 ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates. This revolutionary new food will help your dog achieve a balance so the body can operate at its maximum efficiency and shed unwanted extra pounds. 

Canine Zone contains L-Carnitine, an ingredient in human weight loss products, Vitamin E for the immune system and several antioxidants.  What distinguishes Canine Zone from many other weight loss foods is that it doesn't compromise the necessary carbohydrates, fat, protein and nutrients that your dog still needs to maintain good, balanced health.  Even though your dog may be overweight, he still needs fat in his diet for the immune system.  Because protein is the building block of the body, Canine zone contains real fish, chicken and eggs.  Many diet dog foods on the market today are choked with fiber.  Although fiber is indeed necessary in one's diet, unfortunately, a diet consisting mostly of fiber does not nourish the body properly.  If your dog is eating a poorly balanced diet food, he will lose weight the hard way and unnecessary way--eternally hungry.

  • Obesity is defined as a condition in which body weight exceeds the optimal weight by 20% or more. This means, for example, a dog that weighs 36 pounds when it should weigh 30 pounds is considered obese. 
  • Overweight pets are at a higher risk of developing some major health problems including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver disease and breathing problems. 
  • Obesity is a significant health problem in many pets, and can contribute to major disease. Learn more about the causes, diagnosis, associated risks, treatment and prevention of obesity in pets.


Optimum Pet Nutrition to Prevent Obesity    Many of our pets' disease and suffering can be prevented or cured with nutrition

A growing number of veterinarians state that processed pet food is the main cause of illness and premature death in the modern dog and cat. In December 1995, the British Journal of Small Animal Practice published a paper contending that processed pet food supresses the immune system and leads to liver, kidney, heart and other diseases. Dr. Kollath, of the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, headed a study done on animals. When young animals were fed cooked and processed foods they initially appeared to be healthy. However, as the animals reached adulthood, they began to age more quickly than normal and also developed chronic degenerative disease symptoms. A control group of animals raised on raw foods aged less quickly and were free of degenerative disease. For a return to health, pets require a diet which strengthens the immune system and most closely resembles that which they would get in the wild. It's really easy to do. Click here to learn more

Testimonial: how I feed my dog Shasta with raw food, lots of r aw fat and flaxoil for optimum health
SAMPLES RAW FOOD DIET RECIPES    List of breeders, kennels and  trainers who use rawfood diet. (great ideas and recipes)


What is the best diet for our carnivore pets? 
Excerpt from the Airdale Terrier Jubilee Diet

According to Marion Patricia Connolly, Executive Director/Curator, Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation, "Providing species-appropriate nutrition for our companion animals through raw carnivore foods helps them flourish as nature intended, even in modern households. The books mentioned below provide a helpful how-to guide for pet owners and a valuable compendium of important nutritional information, including the seminal principles of Dr. Francis Pottenger's startling research on the benefits of raw versus cooked food for animals. As Dr. Pottenger demonstrated in the 1930's, the response from pets manifested in health, vitality, personality, intelligence and companionship, is a rich reward for the small amount of time and effort needed to provide them a natural diet that meets their complete nutritional needs. [A raw carnivore diet] offers pet owners and their treasured companion animals the opportunity to realize these benefits." 

Natural Nutrition for Dogs and CatsNatural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats: The Ultimate Pet Diet by Kymythy R. Schultze

This book will help pet-lovers enable their dogs and cats to enjoy an ideal quality of life though a species appropriate diet of raw, natural foods.  "My Golden Retriever has suffered from allergies most of her life.She has been on the diet in this book for six months. After a detox period (explained in this book) which lasted 6-8 weeks, her overall health has improved tremendously. My dog is off all of her previous medication(antibiotics and prednisone), and her skin is clear, her coat is soft and thick, and her attitude is great. I would definetly recommend this book. I would also recommend seeking help from a homeopathic vet when switching to the diet." Pauli Reading from Charlotte, NC,  United States - amazon.com book reviewer.

Kymythy Schultze has been a trailblazer in the field of animal nutrition for over a decade. Her professional experience with animals includes being a trainer, a breeder, a groomer, a veterinary assistant for multiple doctors, and a wildlife rehabilitator licensed with the federal government. She has studied canine nutrition at Cornell University. Kymythy is certified by the state of California as an Animal Health Instructor and teaches classes in Holistic Care for dogs and Cats at a local college in San Diego and worldwide. Her nutritional recommendations are endorsed by both holistic and allopathic veterinarians. She has fed her dogs and cats a species-appropriate diet of raw foods for many years with proven results. 


Raw Food and Enzymes

"Fresh, raw foods contain the highest level of enzymes and these enzymes assist in digestion. Cooked foods and dry convenient diets have been denatured and are devoid of enzymes: life-promoting elements. While they may maintain life they do not promote optimum health or longevity!"Dr. Alicia McWatters, Ph.D., C.N.C

"Among the many thousands of species of creatures living on this earth, only humans and some of their domesticated animals try to live without enzymes. And only these transgressors of nature’s law are penalized with defective health. It is not surprising that dogs (and cats) have many human diseases since they are given only canned or packaged, heat treated, enzyme free food" Dr. Edward Howell, author of Enzyme Nutrition

When dead (cooked) food is consumed it puts a burden on one of the most important organs in the body, the pancreas. If there are no enzymes to stimulate the digestive processes, the pancreas has to come into action and produce extra enzymes, burdening it with yet another job. It already has enough to do producing insulin and pancreatic enzymes. No wonder there are so many animals suffering from pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome and obesity, to name a few.

Enzymes for your animal's optimum health

"Dr. Francis M. Pottenger's nutritional studies have shown that a regular diet of cooked or canned foods causes the development of chronic degenerative diseases and premature mortality. Professor Jackson of the Dept. of Anatomy, University of Minnesota, has shown that rats fed for 135 days on an 80 percent cooked food diet resulted in an increase pancreatic weight of 20 to 30 percent. What this means is that the pancreas is forced to work harder with a cooked food diet. "Although the body can manufacture enzymes, the more you use your enzyme potential, the faster it is going to run out..." wrote Dr. Edward Howell, who pioneered research in the benefits of food enzymes.

Alicia McWatters, Ph.D., C.N.C - "Fresh, raw foods contain the highest level of enzymes and these enzymes assist in digestion. Cooked foods and dry convenient diets have been denatured and are devoid of enzymes: life-promoting elements. While they may maintain life they do not promote optimum health or longevity! Food enzymes are very sensitive and are easily destroyed by low moist heat (105-118 degrees F). Dry heat around 150 degrees F. Internal enzymes are damaged by factors, such as chlorine in drinking water, certain medicines, air pollution and chemical additives." Enzymes: The tiny and enormous difference between RAW and COOKED foods (for humans and animals)

Learn more about the healing power of green grasses

  • Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics helps promote a healthy balance of bacteria and protect your body against harmful invading microorganisms. 
  • Pancreatic Enzyme
  •  
    Testimonial: I keep my 11 year old dog in good heatlh and optimum weight on a raw food diet.

    If you are transitioning your pet to a raw food diet, or if rawfood is not the way you choose to feed your pet, you may want to consider  adding enzymes/probiotics to ease the transition



    Bee Pollen and Weight Control
    Bee pollen works wonders in a weight-control or weight-stabilization regimen by correcting a possible chemical imbalance in body metabolism that may be involved in either abnormal weight gain or loss. The normalizing and stabilizing effects of this perfect food from the bees are phenomenal. In weight-loss programs, bee pollen stimulates the metabolic processes. It speeds caloric burn by lighting and stoking the metabolic fires. Honeybee pollen is coming to be recognized as Nature's true weight-loss food.
    • Advanced Daily Supplement with Phytonutrient Power for Dogs - A deficiency in one vitamin or mineral may leave your dog vulnerable to disease.  This daily nutritional supplement provides your dog with the essential nutrients and the defense system support it needs to live a long and healthy life.
    • Skin and Coat Formula for Dogs and Cats - For dry, flaky or odorous skin, dull, brittle coats, excessive shedding and sores from frequent scratching and biting.  Contains skin and coat support nutrients such as vitamins, A, D, E and fish oils (omega fatty acids) for a thick, glossy coat and healthy skin.
    • Agility with Glucosamine and MSM - A holistic multi-action formula that contains glucosamine, MSM, sea mussels, special herbs and fish oils, which support the biochemical functions necessary for healthy bones and joints.  An all natural and safe alternative.

    How much and when to feed?

    Too Frequent Feedings Can Weaken the Balance of Life
    by William Pollak D.V.M.

    Adult dogs and cats usually need to eat once a day. A small portion in the evening might help an animal settle down for the evening. Generally speaking the best time to feed is late morning, right before the sun is at its highest in the sky. Animals that are nervous or in need of weight can be fed food with some warm water to help digestion. Growing animals can be fed two or three times daily (especially if they are quite small). more

    Excerpt
    The amount I feed
      Ed Frawley, owner of Leerrburg GSD Kennels

    Before I talk about the amounts that I feed I will say that it is also not very critical for the dogs to be fed exactly the same amount and type of food every day. In nature wild dogs do not eat exactly 5 cups of food every day.

    So with this in mind I will begin the process of determining the amount to feed each dog by looking at the condition of the respected dog. Overweight dogs obviously get less food than very thin dogs which need more food. In addition, the amount of exercise a dog gets will determine the amount of food it needs. For example, a dog that lives in an outside yard and runs the fence all day is obviously going to require more food than a 10 year old couch potato who seldom goes out for a walk. So it’s almost impossible to say that you feed a 6 month old dog this much food or an adult male GSD this amount of food.

    As a rule, Americans overfeed their dogs and keep them too fat. A thin dog is a healthy dog. A thin dog has less skeletal problems (i.e. dysplasia) than an overweight dog. more


    SICK OF DRUGGING YOUR PET? 

    Dr Charles E Loops DVM - "After 10 years of traditional veterinary practice I became tired of having no treatment for chronic disease, incurable conditions, and a plethora of allergic maladies which seem to plague all veterinary practices. I was frustrated with giving animals cortisone because I had no other solutions, or using antibiotics for infections which I knew were of viral origin. There is so much that can be done for an animal, bird, or reptile that is ailing by utilizing homeopathic medicine." 

    For years dog health supplies have included toxic materials to artificially maintain dog health as a temporary measure. The time has come to change to a more natural approach toward animal health. Natural remedies have been shown to achieve more immediate, more complete and longer lasting health, vitality, quality and longevity of animal lives. Learn about herbal remedies and other safe alternatives to drugs, chemo, radiation and surgery 

    Michael Dym, VMD - "Over the past 40 years and 17 generations of dogs and, cats we are seeing tremendous increases in chronic ill health in our pets that was rare back in the early 1960's. Most of these illnesses revolve around breakdown in our pets' immune systems, and include chronic skin/ear allergies, digestive upset, thyroid/adrenal/pancreatic disorders, seizures, gum/ teeth problems, degenerative arthritis, kidney/liver failure, and cancer across all ages and breeds. We are also seeing a record number of behavioral and emotional disorders including alarming and unexplained fears/aggression., as well as difficulty focusing/training and paying attention. The analogy of these compared with escalating immune/behavioral diseases in children is quite disturbing. The two biggest factors in our pets' population health decline over these generations has been the severe overuse of multiple vaccines and nutrient poor and toxin filled commercial pet foods. We have also failed to address the underlying cause of disease by only sup pressing symptoms with antibiotics, cortisone and related drugs, so the disease progresses and goes deeper. Homeopathy offers a viable alternative in truly curing pets and making their bodies healthier." 

    Will Falconer, DVM - "Most of the chronic diseases we commonly see in animals (and humans) have an immune basis, e.g. diabetes, allergies, asthma, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, repeated ear infections, cancer, etc. While they can be cured through the careful use of homeopathy, the road to cure can be a long one -- often years if the animal has had years of disease. Transfer factors can significantly shorten the course, by giving a much needed balancing effect to the immune system. If the immune system is overactive as in allergies, ear infections, asthma, diabetes, or hypothyroidism, Transfer Factor can balance this overactivity so the system is not attacking its own organs, overreacting to things that shouldn’t be perceived as a threat. If, conversely, the immune system is under-active as in mange, parasites, viral infections, or cancer, Transfer Factor Plus can clearly stimulate it to better meet the challenges it needs to be alert to."  Prevaccination Protection  Dr. Falconer D.V.M. explains how to protect your animal from vaccines damage

    Sam Jones, DVM - "Two cats, both about 8 years old, had severe diabetes. It was impossible to get the insulin requirements adjusted. They had lost weight to a point that they were skin and bones. Both cats had no quality of life left. After one week of being on transfer factors; we were able to get their insulin requirements adjusted. It is now 6 months and they have regained their weight and have a great quality of life and health."

    Just like humans, domesticated animals like dogs and cats are affected by the health hazards of modern living. Pollution, poor nutrition, stress and unhealthy lifestyles can lead to a variety of illnesses and conditions that are very similar to those experienced by humans. These days, emotional and psychological problems like depression, anxiety, ADHD and behavioral problems are just as prevalent in pets as they are in their owners. Similarly, physical ailments such as diabetes, arthritis, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, cystitis, kidney and liver disease, skin disorders, obesity, thyroid dysfunction and other problems are becoming more and more common in domesticated animals. Many, if not most of these conditions can be prevented by helping your pets to live a healthier lifestyle. For pets already suffering from existing conditions, a combination of lifestyle changes and natural medicine can work wonders! 

    Dr. John Hanover, DVM  - "Young puppies and kittens with respiratory infections are given Shipibo Treasure Tea which they will lap up even when they will not drink water. I frequently recommend Amazon Herbs for my patients, especially geriatric animals and our Search and Rescue dogs.”   more...

    Dr. Jerry Tennant, M.D. says that marine phytoplankton contains almost everything one needs to sustain life and to restore health by providing the raw materials to make new cells that function normally. Learn how phytoplankton saved a dog's Life 

       CHLORINATED and FLUORIDATED WATER.... A BIG NO-NO !!!  There is a perception among many people that bottled water is somehow more healthy or pure than water from their tap. This is simply an illusion of marketing. A four-year study by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), released in 1999, found that one-fifth of the sampled bottled waters contained known neurotoxins and carcinogens such as styrene, toluene and xylene. Another NRDC study found that, out of 103 brands of bottled water, one-third contained traces of arsenic and E. coli. This means that out of a sample of 1,000 bottles sold in the U.S., at least 300 would have some level of chemical contamination. It is well known that the average city water today contains over 500 chemicals that do not belong in it. Part of this is due to the fact that most delivery systems in the U.S. include cement, asbestos pipes, cast iron, PVC (porous to certain solvents, herbicides and pesticides) and that lead, cadmium and other toxic metals leach out of valves and couplings of pipes between a water treatment plant and a faucet in the home. Why Purified and Distilled Bottled Water are Bad For You and Your Animals

    Safe, toxin-free, Ionized, Energized, Drinking Water helps to naturally flush toxins and acidic waste from the body and is a powerful antioxidant. Ionized Water makes more oxygen available to our cells than distilled, reverse osmosis, filtered only, bottled or tap water and is the best possible drinking water. "Disease and early death is more likely to be seen with the long term drinking of purified water. Avoid it except in special circumstances." Zoltan P. Rona M.D

    Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Veterinary Medicine

    Our pets are prone to suffer from minerals and trace mineral deficiency. For optimum health, I supplement my animal's diet (and my diet too) with the following:fulvic minerals and/or marine phytoplankton (consist of an immense arsenal and array of naturally occuring powerful phytochemicals, biochemicals, supercharged antioxidants, free-radical scavengers, super oxide dismutases, nutrients, enzymes, hormones, amino acids, antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals), bee pollen (rich in naturally occuring vitamins), kelp (marine plants), the right kind of salt (not common table salt) and clay (to promote healing and to detoxify) and with flaxoil  (also knows as linseed oil - rich source of omega 3 fatty acids). Shasta does not drink tap water. I give her only energized, alkaline microwater which is free from toxic chlorine and fluoride. I never cook or warm up food in a microwave oven. Please read about the Hidden Hazards of Microwave Cooking.   Shirley


    The Poisons in Pet Food
    By John Anderson

    110 Million Sick Pets?—There are an estimated 55 million dogs and 63 million cats living in American households. Given the appalling condition of most commercial pet foods, it’s a wonder there are any healthy pets walking around anymore. "Nature never designed canine or feline kidneys to handle the volume of impurities that come their way," states veterinarian Al Plechner, DVM, author of Pet Allergies. "The result is fatigued, irritated, damaged and deteriorated kidneys after several years of life. Left untreated, the toxic buildup leads to vomiting, loss of appetite, uremic poisoning and death."

    Never before has the pet-food industry been rocked by widespread contamination and rampant recalls. In all, more than 5,600 products by dozens of pet food makers have been recalled, from chain supermarket brands to prescription-only foods. This is a staggering number of products, and is unprecedented in this business. Thousands of deaths are due to the contamination, and many thousands more have suffered illnesses. We shudder to think of the long-term impacts of the compromised liver and kidney function and how this will affect thousands of companion animals in America. Leading experts believe that the severe reactions experienced by some cats and dogs were the result of an interaction of chemicals, between the melamine and a list of other culprits, including cyuranic acid.Recent studies have shown processed foods to be a factor in increasing numbers of pets suffering from cancer, arthritis, obesity, dental disease and heart disease, comments Dr Wysong. Dull or unhealthy coats are a common problem with cats and dogs and poor diet is usually the cause, according to many veterinarians and breeders. The AAFCO nutrient profiles may play a role here, in the "balanced" nutritional levels they recommend may be inadequate for an individual animal. 

    It is estimated that up to two million companion animals suffer from food allergies  Dr Plechner believes that the commercial pet foods are a primary cause and can contribute to a host of health problems. "Among pets, there is a widespread intolerance of commercial foods," he states. "This rejection can show up either as violent sickness or chronic health problems  It often triggers a hypersensitivity and overreaction to flea and insect bites, pollens, soaps, sprays and environmental contaminants." 

    Feline urological syndrome, a chronic condition similar to cystitis in humans (characterized by frequent urination with blood in the urine), is an increasingly common and potentially fatal illness in cats. It has been linked to elevated levels of ash and phosphorus, two substances commonly found in commercial pet foods. High iodine levels are seen as a contributing factor for thyroid tumors in cats. "New diseases are being discovered that are linked to ‘100% complete’ diets," states Dr Wysong. These include "polymyopathy(a muscle disorder) from low potassium levels, dilated cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disorder) from low taurine levels, arthritic and skin diseasesfrom acid/base and zinc malnutrition and chronic eczema from essential fatty acid malnutrition," he reports. Given the high possibility that your favorite pet foods may be slowly poisoning your cat or dog, it’s crucial that you find brands you can trust to be animal friendly.learn more

    Do You Really Know What's In Your Pet's Food? Listen to Dr. Jane Bicks holistic veterinarian 12 minute FREE audio presentation to learn more about how you can improve the health, well-being and longevity of your cherished pet.

    The pet nutrition industry is a multi-billion dollar industry full of hype and false claims. Consumers are being duped into believing that they are feeding their pets healthy foods, when in actuality they are feeding nothing more than inferior meat meals, cheap grains (including corn and soy), fillers, by-products, pesticides, preservatives and toxins.  Never before has the pet-food industry been rocked by widespread contamination and rampant recalls. In all, more than 5,600 products by dozens of pet food makers have been recalled, from chain supermarket brands to prescription-only foods. This is a staggering number of products, and is unprecedented in this business. Thousands of deaths are due to the contamination, and many thousands more have suffered illnesses. We shudder to think of the long-term impacts of the compromised liver and kidney function and how this will affect thousands of companion animals in America. Leading experts believe that the severe reactions experienced by some cats and dogs were the result of an interaction of chemicals, between the melamine and a list of other culprits, including cyuranic acid.  Read the latest about the pet food recall. Thousands of Cats and dogs suffered kidney failure, and many died after eating the affected pet food. Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Pet Food Companies
     


    Gluten Intolerance and Your Pet
    .John B. Symes, DVM. (aka dogtor J.) (exerpts from Dr. J's article: Food Intolerance in Animals and Man)

    For forty-something years, I suffered like most other celiacs of a myriad of symptoms, including allergies, heart burn and intestinal problems, depression/chronic fatigue, memory and balance difficulties, joint pain, and even fibromyalgia. I was taking at least four drugs twice daily; caffeine addicted, and was quite frankly not having any fun anymore. I am now two and a half years gluten AND casein-free, off all drugs, symptom-free, and feeling better than I did when I was twelve. This miraculous recovery got my attention as a patient and as a doctor. How could this be? How could I be suffering from what millions of people and pets were experiencing but be well in such a short period of time? How could all of these conditions be linked together?

    Well, "Fido" is about to teach you something. The fact is that the celiac is a "who's who" of what is wrong with human beings but the conditions that we suffer from are not limited to those who walk upright. When I read the list of conditions that we as gluten intolerants experience, my first thought was that "This is me. This describes me to a T." My second thought was "...but this describes everything that is wrong with everyone, including their dogs and cats." And it does. Suddenly, medicine through the eyes of celiac disease (and other similar food intolerances) made sense. I tell everyone that it was like someone had finally put the right program into a stalled computer and it began operating at lightning speed. All of the idiopathic conditions that are so poorly understood in medicine became "open season" for this medical headhunter.

    And, the answers did come one after another. I launched into two years of intensive research while applying the newly unveiled principles to my patients as well as myself. Miracles started happening around me. Allergies abated, intestinal problems cleared up, older pets became less painful and more active, and yes, even their epilepsy stopped. "Wait a second! Epileptic seizures stopped?", you may be asking. Yes, 100% of my epileptics have stopped having seizures, just like many celiac children that were placed on gluten-free diets have responded. 

    ....So, the ultimate question is whether pets suffer from celiac disease? My answer is that it doesn't really matter. In the pet, every bite of the average commercial food has "glue" in it, whether it is of wheat, barley, soy, corn, or rice origin. Yes, there are better glues" than others and they are in line with what we see as the principle allergens in the pet, just as one would expect. Wheat and soy are the worst (now that dairy has been eliminated from pet foods) while oats and rice are the best...the least sticky. Corn is in the middle. This is exactly what we see as the main sources of food allergies in the pet, a problem of huge importance in dogs and cats. Now people can understand why lamb and rice foods have become so popular. Rice is the least of the adhesives and thereby less allergenic and lamb is (or at least used to be) an unusual protein source compared to beef and others, which have become the main secondary allergens in the pet.

    ....Suddenly, conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow and shoulder problems, intervertebral disc syndrome, cruciate ligament ruptures, and even heart valve failure all have better explanations. All of these problems are caused by failing cartilage and connective tissue, both of which are structured similarly and made up of calcium and collagen. Collagen is the building block of most of your skeletal support structures. The principle component of collagen is vitamin C. Therefore, when it is understood that calcium and vitamin C are absorbed by the duodenum, then it is easily seen that inadequate amounts of these in the diet or failure of their absorption will compromise the integrity of these structures...all of them.

    Imagine that a German shepherd puppy begins eating a wheat, barley, corn, or soy-based diet from the moment it is weaned. If inadequate levels of calcium and vitamin C are absorbed, what are the chances that its hips, elbows, spine, and other cartilaginous structures are going to form properly? I would say "Not good". Most people familiar with dogs know that this breed has a reputation for horrible hip dysplasia. But, they also have serious allergies and other immune-related disorders. This, of course, is no coincidence. Once it is understood that the allergies form in the area of the gut that is being damaged or coated by the "glue", it is easy to see why the trouble breeds like the German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Shih Tzu, and others have their "genetic" tendencies such as allergic skin and ear problems, orthopedic abnormalities, intervertebral disc ruptures, and cancers. more



    Fasting for Health

    William Winter DVM on fasting: "To this day I do not believe that I have ever discovered a healing technique quite as powerful.  I have recommended fasting for 10,000 to 20,000 animals and have seen true miracles over these years of practice. Juliette de Bairacli Levy says that the two most important aspects of natural animal rearing are: fasting and raw diet.

    "It is a good idea to fast a dog that is over a year old once a week. I do not do this with puppies, lactating bitches or pregnant bitches. Fasting dogs helps them clean out their system. It’s actually a very healthy thing to get in the habit of doing. Fasting is a normal occurrence for carnivores. Fasting enables the energy used to digest food to be used for other things in the body. It’s very important to remember to make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water on fast day."Ed Frawley,  owner of Leerrburg Kennels, GSD

    Fasting Your Pet and Commercial Food-A Holistic Perspective 
    William Pollak D.V.M. 

    Occasional fasting by cats and dogs is a normal, natural phenomenon, especially when natural raw, fresh foods are fed. As long as your pet appears strong with good energy and clear responsiveness, self imposed fasting oftentimes ends by itself with a renewed gusto for life. The system requires periodic rest and purification and so it is taken naturally. Occasional fasting is natural in the cat and dog; it is the behavior of rest and purification. Cleaning the bowl of all the commercial food every day, day in and day out is unnatural and is the harbinger of most chronic disease seen in our pet population. When nutritional depletions have been satiated on the natural raw food diet, overeating does not take place. Overeating is a behavior encouraged by feeding commercial food, overeating does not occur in the natural setting. Overeating deprives the system of rest and purification, for in a nutritionally deficient state the body continues to crave; making the mind confused. The mind then can only satiate itself through the dullness of further overeating. This is not living; it is survival mode. more

    Fasting your Cat for Health 
    It is very beneficial for healthy adult cats, to withhold all food for a 48 hour period on occasions. Physiologically, the cat is adapted to gorge food, followed by periods of fasting. learn more

    Testimonial: how I fast my dog Shasta for optimum health 

    Animals are not the only creatures on earth who can benefit from fasting Therapeutic Fasting and Detoxification - Internal Cleansing Fasting is the world's most ancient and natural healing mechanism. Fasting triggers a truly wondrous cleansing process that reaches right down to each and every cell and tissue in the body. 



    SMALL MAMMAL HEALTH and NUTRITION

    NATURAL HEALTH CARE FOR RABBITS
    by Anna Maria Scholey MA Vet.MB MRCVS Holistic Veterinarian, Certified in Veterinary Homeopathy

    Many rabbit owners and lovers are not aware that natural care and holistic health treatments are available for their pet, and that it can be extremely effective in a variety of conditions. Rabbits have a rapid metabolism and respond well to treatment modalities such as acupuncture, homeopathy and flower remedies. The other benefit of using such therapies is that there are very few, if any side effects, unlike a lot of drugs such as antibiotics, which rabbits tend to be very sensitive to. Of course we can still use those conventional treatments if we need to, but they are often best reserved for serious and life-threatening situations. Even in such cases holistic treatments such as vitamins and homeopathic remedies can be used as a follow up therapy or as an adjunct to the conventional treatments, to speed up healing and help with such problems as shock and trauma. There are a number of homeopathic remedies and flower essences that are useful to keep at home to help in emergencies immediately before visiting the vet, or even to decrease fear and anxiety for regular veterinary visits. These can be used to calm your pet and give symptomatic relief and are invaluable aids to caring for your rabbit. Acupuncture can be used to treat an extensive list of ailments, but is particularly useful in orthopedic conditions. Homepathy also treats a lot of problems from infectious diseases to broken bones - after they are stabilized with either splints or surgery. The main common denominator of holistic care is that it treats the whole animal, it does not just remove symptoms which tend to come back in the same or different form, sometime in the future. 

    Although a lot of the supplements which are used are readily available in the health food store it is still best to consult a licensed veterinarian about treating your pet, as it is still of paramount importance to have a correct diagnosis, and also have the correct dosage for the individual animal, this applies especially to herbs and certain vitamins. There are a growing number of veterinarians trained and certified in holistic treatments, most commonly acupuncture, homeopathy and chiropractic. If you are interested in keeping your rabbit as healthy as possible and free from disease it is well worth thinking about these different types of care. In addition many people do not realize that complementary medicine can even offer hope when conventional treatment has failed or is unable to offer any chance of a cure. Of course this depends on the individual animal and the disease or condition that is present, but at best a cure may be achieved or if not at least some form of relief or palliation may be available in addition or instead of the conventional drugs or surgery. Some telephone numbers are given at the end of the article to help you locate a holistic veterinarian in your area who you could talk to and see if they can help your rabbits, and some of them also do telephone consultations if there is no-one in your area to consult with directly.

    Bambi and Thumper - a love story captured on camera! 
     

    Nutrition for Guinea pigs, Hamsters, Rabbits 
    by Christina Chambreau D.V.M

    Tiny herbivores (guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, etc) should have fresh raw vegetables and raw grains appropriate to them rather than pellets. The best is to let them graze for themselves when possible. They can be fed mostly fresh cut grass and crimped grains, with vitamin C added. (See Pottinger's book for a GP diet study.) Avoid chemicals and processing just like you do for yourself. Commercial FERRET breeders have found that fresh home-prepared food is the best . Ferret Natural Health Care and raw food diet

    Do not feed your guinea pig rhubarb, beans, or potatoes with green spots.  These are all poisonous to your guinea pig!

    Rabbits, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Rats, and other rodents naturally chew on wild greens, but as pets are commonly fed pelleted alfalfa. Pet Grass supplements this diet of processed foods with fresh, organically grown leafy greens. You'll find they love Pet Grass and devour it pretty quickly. We recommend chopping Pet Grass in your pets' food, or clipping and hand feeding as a special treat to provide the fresh, raw greens they need for good health.  We recommend that you feed small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, reptiles, and turtles, small amounts of Pet Grass per serving. Do not let your small animals eat an entire container of Pet Grass at one time. Be sure to monitor their feeding and give small clippings per serving. learn about the health properties of wheatgrass

    Helen Sharp, DVM - "Recently I used 4Life Transfer Factor Plus on a litter of guinea pigs that I delivered via c-section. The mom didn't make it but the babies did. Since they couldn't have their mom's colostrum I opened the Transfer Factor Plus capsules and mixed it with the milk supplement that they were being bottle fed. I did this for every bottle feeding for their first week of life. Happily they are doing very well. They are very robust and strong. I believe that the Transfer Factor Plus helped support their immune systems in a precarious time." 

    "Other than trauma, almost 90 percent of the emergencies that befall rodents are related to nutrition. Malnutrition, and contaminated, polluted feed and water with pesticides, and heavy metals. Learn about: 

    • Why NEVER give your pet drinking water from the tap. more info
    • Environmental Illness- they produce chronic degenerative diseases of all organs of the body as well as tumors and cancer. I have seen developing hindlimb paralysis in animals related to various pesticides. Guinea pigs, especially, are chemically sensitive. I once had a guinea pig that was poisoned by breathing rug cleaner fumes in the room 24 hours after the rugs had been cleaned."  Gloria Dodd, DVM

    • .
      Rat Planet The online news and reviews site for rats and their terrestrial friends
    Question: My rabbit had uterine cancer removed 2 years ago. Was ok for 2 years. And recently had another tumor removed which had broken through the skin. The vet told me he had the tumor tested, and that the cancer had reached the outer edges. And so has probably begun to form in other areas, of the rabbits body. So this seems like the best time. To try Transfer Factor. But- rabbits are really delicate digestive systems. What is your Opinion on this?

    Dr. Falconer DVM: You are very right about this species having it's digestive issues. We learned that antibiotics can really harm these creatures. The beauty of the Transfer Factor products is that they do not upset balance anywhere in the body, but greatly aid in the restoration of same, especially in the immune system. The safest bet would be to start with the plain Transfer Factor Advanced Formula  which is only the colostrum and egg yolk derived Transfer Factor. Once on that for a couple of weeks, say at 1 cap twice a day, I wouldn't hesitate to add some of the Transfer Factor Plus Advanced Formula to the equation, say at one cap per day. If that's well tolerated, I might consider giving 1twice a day after a couple of weeks, in addition to the Transfer Factor Advanced at the same dose. About Dr. Falconer

    My Rabbit and the Ligh - great article from Dr. Michael W. Fox DVM


    "Gruba" the rabbit - Natural healing of malignant adenoma 
    By Alicja (from Poland) 

    Gruba developed addenocarcinoma (malignant adenoma). She had 2 surgeries, but every time after each surgery tumour was growing back exceeding it's previous size. About 2 months ago, after these 2 surgeries and a very short chemotherapy epizode that was abandoned, tumour was about 8 cm in diameter and it protruded ca 2 cm above the skin. My husband convinced my friends that some natural therapies might help. The truth is that animals usually react much better for natural therapies then people do. We started the following treatment (rabbit has quite different metabolism then dog has and thus we couldn't use dr Budwig's mixture of flaxseed oil and lowfat cottage cheese):-changes in the diet: lots of green leaves, vegetables from health food stores, no raisins that she used to eat and no "pet jank" food

    • -adding fresh flaxseed to diet (4 spoofuls per day)
    • -applying flaxseed oil on visible parts of tumour several times a day 
    • -adding Transfer Factor to booste imunne respose and NK cells activity towards killing cancer cells: dosage: 1-3 days 1 capsule per day ( Transfer factor Avanced)  4-30 day 1 capsule 2 times a day (4Life Transfer factor Avanced) after 2 capsule 2 times a day ( Transfer factor Avanced) +  1 capsule per day ( Transfer factor Plus Avanced)
    • - a lot sunny and fresh air walks everyday
    Gruba started eat flaxseed first, then after 4 days flaxseed oil was applied. Rabbit used to lick it up each time after application. After about 10 days Transfer factor was added. After a week a healing crizis started: rabbit got diarrhoea, lost energy, became depressed. We calmed our friends saying it is a normal natural process an organism must experience to overcome the disease. 

    And we were right: after about 2 days, Gruba got back strenght again. Tumour started to suppurate, secreted brownish, clod-like excretion. Skin around the tumour lost hair. After 2 weeks, vet observed disappearing of skin diffused tumour but the tumour's core was visible. After another 2-3 weeks another vet examination revealed that the tumours core is not visible but can be detectable, yet with difficulty because it was ca 1,5 cm in diameter and hidden deep in the abdomen.

    And we were right: after about 2 days, Gruba got back strenght again. Tumour started to suppurate, secreted brownish, clod-like excretion. Skin around the tumour lost hair. After 2 weeks, vet observed disappearing of skin diffused tumour but the tumour's core was visible. After another 2-3 weeks another vet examination revealed that the tumours core is not visible but can be detectable, yet with difficulty because it was ca 1,5 cm in diameter and hidden deep in the abdomen.  Click here for more information about Transfer Factor in Polish and English

    Contact Alicja
    Application of Transfer Factor in Veterinary Medicine


    The Pet Skunk 

    Skunks are not domesticated animals and cannot be handled, treated or disciplined as such.  Learn proper skunk handling!

    Diet is critical.  The number one long-term problem with this species is obesity often leading to fatty liver disease and a shortened life span.  Lack of exercise, improper diets and overeating are to blame.  Some "Skunkie diets" and some raw diets have proven to be inadequate causing anemias, deformities (like rickets in people) electrolyte imbalances and poor hair coats.  A proven and inexpensive diet is Mazuri omnivore Zoo feed A, which is a Purina zoo line.  Add vegetables, small amounts of fruit, cottage cheese, gut loaded crickets and king meal worms and you're in business.  This diet is proven to satisfy the natural instincts of these omnivore/insectivores.

    Direct sunlight via short play or walks is necessary a few times a week or use a UVB bulb 3 to 6 hours daily.  This is important to metabolize calcium through natural vitamin D even though skunks are primarily nocturnal.

    SkunkHaven is our Domestic Skunk Care and Rescue site  They are dedicated to collecting and distributing information on proper dietary health, medical treatments, and traditional and non-traditional recuperative processes. 

    Nutrition in Small Mammals
    by Susan A. Brown, DVM

    A variety of small mammals such as hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, mice, rats, rabbits, chinchillas and ferrets are commonly kept as household pets for adults and children alike. These pets have been bred in captivity for years and are ideal for a variety of pet owners because of their small space requirements, quiet nature, ease of handling and relatively simple husbandry requirements. Diet is an important part of the care of these pets and each species should have its own specific nutritional needs met. A rabbit is not a rodent is not a ferret, and so on. 


    Improving Your Animal's Immune System and Overall Health with Nutritional Support
    A groundswell of nutrition conscious veterinarians are beginning to recommend to their clients that they supplement their animals diet with a daily dose of flaxseed oil and other important nutrients.When the diets of animals were fortified with flax, within three weeks their coats developed a beautiful sheen, and dandruff was greatly diminished. There are amazing testimonials about animals recovering from cancer, diabetes and other severe degenerative illnesses with a nutritional product called Transfer Factor. "My colleagues and I have found this product (transfer factor) to be very effective in modulating the immune system. Transfer factor is a "soup" of immune-modulating factors, which contains a leukocyte-type molecule that can passively transfer immunity from one mammal to another by stimulating cell-mediated immunity and is antigen specific.  Richard Bennett, Ph.D., an Infectious Disease Microbiologist and Immunologist from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, believes this could be the most significant development in animal health care in decades. We have a great number of veterinarians and clients who are experiencing very positive results in a broad area of disorders, including periodontal. "Charles W. Brown, DVM      more


    Animals are not the only creatures on earth who can benefit from raw/living food. Learn about the The incredible Healing Powers of Living (Raw) Foods and Juices (Including personal accounts of cancer cures)



    Natural Weight Loss Programs for Humans: a drugless approach

    Some causes of obesity and or sudden weight gain may include: disturbance in thyroid function; glandular malfunctions; diabetes; hypoglycemia; hyperinsulinemia; emotional tension or stress; anxiety; depression; allergies. learn more


    How do I determine if my dog is overweight?

    Veterinarians often use a 9 point scoring system to evaluate the body condition of pets. A point value of 1 means the dog or cat is extremely thin to the point of emaciation. A score of 9 means the pet is grossly overweight. And like Goldilocks and the three bears, a score of 5 is 'just right'. To determine body score, there are several specific areas of the dog or cat we look at. Remember these are guidelines. A greyhound with a score of 5 is still going to be thinner than a bulldog with the same score. 

    To perform the rating, we first feel the pet's ribs. We should be able to quite easily feel the ribs. There should be a slight amount of fat over them, but each rib should be distinct. If you can see the ribs, the pet is too thin. If you can't feel them at all, the pet is very overweight. 

    Second, check the area near the base of the tail. There should be a slight fat covering over this area and it should feel smooth. If the bones protrude, the pet is too thin; if you can't feel any bones at all, the pet is very overweight. 

    Third, feel other bony prominences on the pet's body such as the spine, shoulder and hips. Again, you should be able to feel a small amount of fat over these areas. If these bones are easily felt or visible, the dog or cat is too thin. If you can't feel the bones beneath the layer of fat, the animal is obviously overweight. 

    Fourth, look at your pet from above. The animal should have a definite waist behind the ribs. If the waist is extreme, or again, bony prominences are visible, the animal is too thin. If there is no waist, or worse yet, the area between the ribs and hips is wider than the hips or ribs, the cat or dog is grossly overweight. 

    Fifth, look at the pet from the side. Dogs and cats should have an abdominal tuck, i.e., the area behind the ribs should be smaller in diameter than the chest. This can vary a lot between breeds. Irish setters and Greyhounds, for instance, appear to have a much more distinct abdominal tuck since they are so deep-chested. An animal who is too thin will have a very severe abdominal tuck. Overweight animals will have no abdominal tuck.  more


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    Home: ShirleysWellnessCafe.com (aka: MyWellnessHouse.com) is a free educational site site dedicated to help promote holistic health for you, your family, and your animals. 
     
     
     

    Natural Animal Health  Overview of Natural,  Holistic Veterinary Medicine
     
     
     
     
     

    Pet deaths prompt recall of pet food   The number of cases of kidney failure among dogs and cats 
    that ate poisoned pet food could total in the tens of thousands says Dr. Paul Pion, president of the Veterinary Information Network. More accounts of stricken pets had been coming in since the numbers were tallied over the weekend. He said the final number for pets suffering from kidney failure could be in the tens of thousands. more on the recall


     
     
     


    Do you have a question about holistic animal health or need help with your animal? Barbara Raggio is an expert in animal natural health and volunteers her time to help visitors of ShirleysWellnessCafe.com  She can be reached at 206-338-6285 or 970 264 0882 or 323-389-0560 
     



     

    Veterinary Secrets Revealed!

    E-book
    xxxVeterinary Secrets Revealed is the bible for solving your pet health problems with natural, at home remedies. Dr. Jones shows you more ways to treat your pet at home than I knew existed.

    "These are all practical remedies that really work. No pet owner should be without this e-book." Dr. Jeff Serfas, Forestburg Animal Hospital

    Natural Methods For Equine Health  Horses, just like any other animal benefit from natural veterinary care and prevention.
     



    Hilarious 30 seconds videos. They will make your day! 
    Dog protecting his bone
    Dog being massaged by cat
    Cat will not share meal with dog
    Great Escapes - dogs are so smart! 
    Dog born with no front legs walks like a human...you have to see it to believe it!
     
     
     
     



     
     

    Healthy Pet Food for Overweight Dogs. Based on Dr. Barry Sears, weight loss expert and author of the popular "Zone" Diet Books. Obesity among dogs and cats is one of the leading nutritional diseases. Many veterinarians believe it is the greatest health issue facing American’s pets. Millions of people all over the world have improved their health and lost weight on Dr. Barry Sears' Zone Diet. Now You Can Get Your Dog in THE ZONE. Canine Zone is based on the Zone’s 30-30-40 ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates. This revolutionary new food will help your dog achieve a balance so the body can operate at its maximum efficiency and shed unwanted extra pounds.
     
     
     
     
     
     

     

    Dr. Steven Slagle, DVM - "Transfer factors have turned out to be the most effective and versatile products I have ever used in my 32-year veterinary practice. A cat with leukemia, an oral tumor, and posterior paralysis due to a spinal tumor, was very ill and emaciated. One month after transfer factors there was some regression of the oral tumor, restored appetite with some weight gain, and increased sociability. Five months later, she continues to improve, regaining normal weight, 80% regression of her oral tumor, and regaining use of hind legs and tail."  more
     


    Dogs love Dr. Miller's Holy Tea too!
    Dogs enjoy drinking Dr. Miller's Holy Tea because it helps improve their digestion, thus eliminate bad breath and body odors. The tea also helps flush toxins and assists in cleansing waste and compacted fecal matter from the colon. learn more.
     
     


    Gallery of Factory Farming Photos and Videos Witness first-hand what farm animals endure. (scroll down that page to view ALL videos)

    Please sign the petition to help Enact the Protected Animal Law 
     


    More at Shirley's Wellness Cafe:

    Holistic Animal Health
    Natural Health for Children
    Natural Health for Women
    Natural Health for Men
    Steroids' Side Effects - Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Natural Remedies 
    The acid-alkaline balance's impact on health
    Arthritis Conditions - Natural Treatment
    Eyesight Conditions - Natural Solutions
    Diabetes Alternative Medicine 
    Health Issues: Consumer Alert!
    Alternative Cancer Therapies
    Gulf War Syndrome Causes and Illnesses
    Chia Seeds: The Wonder Food with Healing Power
    Antibiotic Resistance and Side Effects
    Natural Herbal antibiotics
    The New Healing Science of Glyconutrients 
    What is Homeopathy?
    Urine therapy: medically proven natural cure
    Toxic Environment - Toxic Cosmetics
    Detoxification for Optimum Health: Chemicals and toxins are the primary cause of disease and obesity 
    Tonic Herbs for Longevity, Rejuvenation, Immunity
    Raw Food and Juice Therapy
    Therapeutic Fasting
    Healing with Herbs and Other Natural Remedies
    Water: the great healer
    Clay Therapy - Our Earth, Our Cure
    Bee Pollen: healing from the hives
    Magnesium Medical Miracles
    Marine plants to enhance health
    Profound Life-Giving Properties of Marine Phytoplankton 
    Guide to natural treatments for Fibromyalgia
    Immune system: the body's defense department
    Sunlight to restore health
    Cayenne Pepper: the great healer
    Wheatgrass juice: nectar of health and rejuvenation
    Healing Earth: Fulvic Acid and Shilajit
    Stem Cell Physiology -  Supporting Bone Marrow Adult Stem Cell Release Naturally 
    A healing crisis: what is it?
    Transfer Factor for people and animals
    Emotional Freedom: overcoming stress naturally
    Overcoming The Sugar Blues and Getting Off Prozac
    Healing shingles/herpes zoster naturally and rapidly
    Flaxseed Oil The Wonder Healer
    Cholesterol Myth - Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill!
    Salt Deficiency: the cause of many serious disease
    Radiant, healthy skin: the natural way
    Words Of Wisdom Follow Your Dreams!.
    Dangers of Modern Medicine: Iatrogenic Diseases 
    Healing asthma: a drugless approach
    Alzheimer's Disease: There is Hope! 
    Healing eczema: a drugless approach
    Healing psoriasis: a drugless approach
    Parasites Infections: Symptoms and Natural Treatment (humans and  pets)
    Basic Healing Principles
    AIDS/HIV/AZT: truth behind the propaganda
    The bitter truth about nutrasweet
    Canola oil: how toxic is it?
    Bovine Growth Hormones in your milk
    Beware of Genetically Engeneered Foods
    Radiation Emergencies: Protecting The Thyroid Gland
    Weight Loss: natural and healthy solutions 
    West Nile Virus - what the media won't tell you
    Most Popular Natural Health Products Safe and Effective Remedies  for People and Pets
    About the author of this website
     
     

    Free Google Videos. Doctors and parents expose how vaccines are crippling our children. 
    Dr. David Ayoub, M.D. lectures on Vaccines, Mercury, Autism and other disease

    Vaccines:
    Vaccines: deception and tragedy
    Vaccines and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
    Shaken Baby Syndrome or Vaccine-Induced Encephalitis?
    Misdiagnosed Shaken Baby Syndrome: A Criminal Consequence of Vaccine Injury
    AUTISM: is there a vaccine connection?
    Criminal Consequence of Vaccine Injury
    Anthrax Vaccine Facts and Gulf War Syndrome
    Government Enforced Vaccinations: Vaccination Tracking Registry
    How To Legally Avoid Unwanted Immunizations Of All Kinds
    Vaccine Support Groups and Organizations
    Animals: chronic dis-ease caused by vaccines
    Nosodes: alternative to conventional vaccines
    Library: Vaccine Controversy books
     

    Holistic Children's Health :
    Holistic Pediatrics (general)
    Nutrition for Babies and Children
    Attachment Parenting
    Ear infections: alternative to tubes and antibiotics
    Pshychiatry - betraying and drugging children for profit
    Childhood vaccinations: are they really safe and effective?
    Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: astonishing facts
    Autism: is there a vaccine connection?
    The Circumcision Decision: what I wish I had known...
    Understanding your baby's needs
    Natural Birth and Home Birth
    Ritalin Free Kids: Helping Children, Not Drugging Them
    Homeopathy for Children and Infants
    Forced Drugging of Children Parents  facing jail over compulsory drug orders.
    No longer blind: the story of Shirley's baby born blind and brain-injured
     

    Holistic Animal health :
    Do You Really Know What's In Your Pet's Food? by Dr. Jane Bicks DVM
    Why RAW food?
    Food Unfit For Pets
    All Natural Healthy Pet Food 
    Animal Nutritional Therapy
    Natural Animal  Health
    Homeopathy for animals
    Renal Failure - Urinary Tract condition
    Pet Allergies: non toxic natural solutions
    Rearing healthy pups and kittens
    Saving Shasta's life: a holistic approach
    Animal Trauma and Injuries - Natural home cures
    Sample RAW pet food recipes
    Toxic environment and your pet's illness
    Alternative to antibiotics
    Testimonials of amazing animal healing.
    Preventing and Healing Animal Cancer without drugs or surgery
    Holistic Health for Horses
    Feline Holistic Health
    Natural diet for pet birds
    Ferret Natural Health Care and Optimum Diet
    Vaccinosis: chronic dis-ease caused by vaccines
    Nosodes: alternative to conventional vaccines
    List of holisitic veterinarians
    Managing flea bites and hotspots naturally
    Improving your animal's health with kelp
    Library: holistic animal health
    Animal training and behavior library
    Training Shasta for personal protection
    Non-toxic health products and supplies for your pet
     

    Watch these Free Videos: 

    We Become Silent" A must see documentary about the threat to medical freedom of choice. The Last Days of Health Freedom' details the ongoing attempts by multinational pharmaceutical interests and giant food companies  to limit the public’s access to herbs, vitamins and other therapies. 
    Prescription for Disaster  in-depth investigation into the relationships between the pharmaceutical industry, the FDA, lobbyists, lawmakers, medical schools, and researchers, and the impact this has on consumers and their health care.
    Video library   (whistleblower doctors)
     



     

    Dr. Jerry Tennant, M.D. says that marine phytoplankton contains almost everything one needs to sustain life and to restore health by providing the raw materials to make new cells that function normally. Learn how phytoplankton saved a dog's Life
     


    Search ShirleysWellnessCafe.com

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    Possible Causes of Mysterious, Massive Death of Bees

    Albert Einstein said:  "If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years left to live."
     


     



     
     


    Ayurvedic Remedy for Dogs
    Natural herbal supplement geared towards optimizing your dog's overall health, appearance, and longevity.
     
     
     



     
     


    Natural Animal Health category
    Animal Diet and Nutrition category
     
     
     
     
     

     
    WHAT VETS DON'T TELL YOU ABOUT VACCINES Read the comments of veterinarians who believe that vaccines are damaging our pets. This information will make you cry and aware of the scam that is the mainstay of the veterinary field. Learn the truth  about the terrible suffering of pets and their owners and what can be done to protect your animals from the drug companies and ignorant vets. 'Shock to the System' covers the latest information on the vaccine issue, and puts the other pieces of the puzzle into the picture. Diet, environmental toxins, pharmaceuticals and stress all play a part in the health of companion animals.
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Ready-To-Eat Raw Pet Food

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Life's Abundance from Healthy Pet Net and Flint River Ranch offer quality pet food with only natural, wholesome ingredients and nutrient dense with vitamins, minerals, which are essential for the optimal health of your dog or cat.
    Natural dog and cat food  Quality pet food with only natural, wholesome ingredients and nutrient dense with vitamins, minerals, fats and fatty acids which are essential for the optimal health of your dog or cat. learn more
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Home cleaning products safe for the family, pets and environment!. Hundreds of toxic chemicals are used common household products.You may have safety latches on your kitchen cabinets to protect young children from swallowing the cleansers. Your pets may run on your freshly mopped floor and then lick their paws. Learn about safe cleaning products
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Want to learn how to prepare raw homemade food for your pets? Sample Raw Homemade Petfood Recipes
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Heart warming testimonials People share their success of healing their animals without drugs, surgery or radiation. 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Agility with Glucosamine and MSM  A holistic multi-action formula that contains glucosamine, MSM, sea mussels, special herbs and fish oils, which support the biochemical functions necessary for healthy bones and joints. Agility is a safe alternative to Rimadyl, steroids, or NSAID, with no side effects.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Skin and Coat Formula for Dogs and Cats.  For dry, flaky or odorous skin, dull, brittle coats, excessive shedding and sores from frequent scratching and biting.  Contains skin and coat support nutrients such as vitamins, A, D, E and fish oils (omega fatty acids) for a thick, glossy coat and healthy skin.
    More info about pet allergies and skin/coat problems
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Last Chance for Animals (LCA), a national, nonprofit animal protection organization, invites you to participate in a national campaign aimed at raising public awareness of a threatening epidemic - pet theft. learn more
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     


     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Home-base Income opportunity
    Share with others nature's gifts that assists us on our journey to optimal health and wellness.

    More at Shirley's Wellness Cafe: holistic animal health section