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
Dr. 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."
Dr. 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."
Dr. 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."
Dr. 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."
Fail
to Give Good Fats to Your Pets and You are Asking for Trouble
Dr. 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."
Is a Reduced Fat Diet a Good
or Bad Idea?
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, poured right over the food. Mixing chia seeds
with the dog's food also provide valuable essential fatty acids (omega
3 oil) and other valuable nutrients. 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 more...
Dr. Karen Shaw Becker, DVM - "Contrary to popular belief, not
all dietary fats cause obesity in your pet. Just as in humans, the “good”
fats (omega-3 fats) enhance energy production in your dog or cat, so they
actually create less fat. Because most pets consume an abundance of high
carbohydrate, empty calorie dry foods (kibble), the pet obesity issue is
quickly rivaling the human obesity epidemic. Omega-3’s encourage the production
of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, compounds that help regulate inflammation,
immune system response and blood clotting activity in your dog or cat.
They help to reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis (including
rheumatoid arthritis) and conditions of the bowel such as ulcerative colitis
and inflammatory bowel disease. Research indicates omega-3 fats may also
prevent pet heart problems like arrhythmia and high blood pressure, as
well as decrease triglyceride and blood cholesterol levels. Omega-3
fats are also being researched for their potential to slow the development
and spread of certain cancers in pets, as well as for their ability to
prevent or alleviate auto-immune disorders, allergies, and some skin conditions.
A deficiency of omega-3 fats in your cat or dog can result in stunted growth,
eye problems, muscle weakness and lack of motor coordination, as well as
immune system dysfunction." Fail
to Give Omega 3 Fat to Your Pets and You are Asking for Trouble...
 Do
you have a question about holistic animal health or need assistance?
or use this contact
form or call 206-984-3009 or 323-389-0560
Most Popular Natural Pet Products...
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
Do
you have a question about holistic animal health or need assistance?
or use this contact
form or call 206-984-3009 or 323-389-0560
Most Popular Natural Pet Products...
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 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.
Do
you have a question about holistic animal health or need assistance?
or use this contact
form or call 206-984-3009 or 323-389-0560
Most Popular Natural Pet Products...
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. The cats were given Transfer
Factor along with a healthy diet to help support their immune system.
A week later, 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. 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); magnesium oil,(a miracle
mineral in its healing effect on a wide range of diseases as well as in
its ability to rejuvenate the aging body). 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 support my animals' immune system with Transfer Factor.
I never cook or warm up food in a microwave
oven. Please read about the Hidden Hazards of
Microwave Cooking. Shirley
Do
you have a question about holistic animal health or need assistance?
or use this contact
form or call 206-984-3009 or 323-389-0560
Most Popular Natural Pet Products...
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."
 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 Gardner 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
Do
you have a question about holistic animal health or need assistance?
or use this contact
form or call 206-984-3009 or 323-389-0560
Most Popular Natural Pet Products...
"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
|
 Site
map
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.
Do
you have a question about holistic animal health or need assistance?
or use this contact
form or call 206-984-3009 or 323-389-0560
 Natural
Animal Health Overview of Natural, Holistic Veterinary
Medicine
Deadly,
Contagious Dog Flu Virus - Dr. Cynda Crawford, an immunologist
at the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine who is studying
the virus, said that it spread most easily where dogs were housed together
but that it could also be passed on the street, in dog runs or even by
a human transferring it from one dog to another. Kennel workers have carried
the virus home with them. Read
what Dr. Falconer D.V.M. recommends to protect your pet from
the Canine Flu disease
 Dangerous
Side Effects or Flu Vaccine, H1N1, and Tamiflu Drug NFL cheerleader
suffers brain damage after getting flu shot (watch the video). Medical
doctors warning about dangerous side effects of flu vaccine and flu drug.
more...
 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
Shop
for Safe, All Natural Human Ingredients Healthy Pet Food
Natural
Treatment of Pet Kidney Disease
 Dr.
Jones DVM - "The Truth Behind The Pet Food Recall"
Class
Action Lawsuit Filed Against Pet Food Companies
 Irradiated
pet food endangering pets health, killing pets The
Australian government in late May ordered an immediate stop to sterilizing
cat food via irradiation after reviewing scientific studies pointing
to food irradiation as the culprit behind illnesses characterized by ataxia
or paralysis of the limbs The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) also allows animal feed, including pet food and treats, to be irradiated.
 Dr.
Blanco D.V.M "You take healthy animals and often very quickly
after
you vaccinate, you can see simple things like itching of the skin or
excessive licking of the paws, sometimes even with no eruptions and licking
of the air. We see a lot of epilepsy, often after a rabies vaccination.
Or dogs or cats can become aggressive for several days. Frequently you'll
see urinary tract infections in cats, often within three months after their
[annual] vaccination. If you step back, open your mind and heart, you'll
start to see patterns of illness post-vaccination."
learn more
 Natural
Methods For Equine Health Horses, just like any other animal
benefit from natural veterinary care and prevention.
100%
all natural and organic flea and tick control products
New safe
and effective biotechnology
product is now available for full prevention and eradication of flea, tick,
lice, mite, mange, bedbug, etc. more...
Warning:
Spot-On Pesticides such as Frontline, Zodiac, Defend, Bio Spot, Adams and
Advantage trigger adverse reactions in dogs
and cats, shorten life spans, cause terminal illness, and
premature death. more...
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 Detox Tea too!
 Dogs
enjoy drinking Dr. Miller's Detox 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.
Natural Herbal Digestive Aids for Dogs
and Cats
Digestive
Support Herbal digestive tonic supports healthy digestion in pets
Flatulence
Preventer Promote digestive health and reduce common gas and unpleasant
smells
LiverAid
Effective natural tonic for the liver and pancreas
Natural
Moves for Pets For regular bowels and digestive system
Parasite
Dr. Natural remedy to promote digestive health and integrity
RunniPoo
Relief Maintain healthy digestion and bowel functioning
Parvo-K
Promote digestive harmony and fluid balance
 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
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!
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
Eyesight
Conditions - Natural Solutions
Arthritis
Conditions - Natural Treatment
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
Resitance Crisis - The Prebiotics and Probiotic Revolution
The
New Healing Science of Glyconutrients
What
is Homeopathy?
Urine
therapy:
medically proven natural cure
Thyroid
Disorder and the fluoride connection
Toxic
Environment - Toxic Cosmetics
Detoxification
for Optimum Health:
Chemicals and toxins are the primary cause of disease
and obesity
Glutathione's
role in health, aging and cancer
Tonic
Herbs for Longevity, Rejuvenation, Immunity
Raw
Food and Juice Therapy
Therapeutic
Fasting
Healing
with Herbs and Other Natural Remedies
Water:
the great healer
The
acid-alkaline balance's impact on health
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
The
acid-alkaline balance's impact on health
Allicin,
The Heart of Garlic - Mother Nature's Defender
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
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
 
Doctors and parents expose how
vaccines are crippling our children.
Dr.
David Ayoub, M.D. lectures on Vaccines, Mercury, Autism and other disease
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
Tamiflu, Flu Vaccine: Shocking Discovery
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
Animals
Messengers of Love and Wisdom
Pet
Allergies: non toxic natural solutions
Rearing
healthy pups and kittens
Saving
Shasta's life: a holistic approach
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
 Shop
for all natural, non-toxic, safe products for your pet's health and well
being.
Veterinary Secrets
Revealed!
E-book
 Veterinary
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
 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
 
Natural
Remedies for Stressed Pets
Animals respond
just as well to non-toxic anti-stress natural remedies. Animals too, have
an active mental and emotional life. and can manifest behavioral and physical
problems that have their roots in emotional trauma.
~~~
 
Natural
Animal Health 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.
 Do
You Really Know What's In Your Pet's Food?
Listen to Dr. Jane Bicks D.V.M. twelve-minute FREE audio or video
presentation to learn more about how you can improve the health, well-being,
and longevity of your cherished pet. more
Ready-To-Eat
Raw Pet Food
  
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
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.
 Natural
Pet Treats Pure and Natural
No
Hormones
No
Chemicals
No
Artificial Color or Flavors
No
Additives, No Preservatives,
No
Fillers. Only The Freshest Human Quality Ingredients.
 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
 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.
 Advanced
Daily Supplement with Phytonutrient Power for Dogs
and Puppies or Cats
and Kittens. Why should you give your animal a nutritional supplement?
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 ? the defense system support it needs to live a
long ? healthy life. Most of us take supplements and eat right to get all
the nutrients necessary to avoid disease and ensure good health. The same
is true for the four-legged member of your family … your precious pup or
kitten.
Why
I won't use the Elizabethan collar on my animals. The Elizabethan
collar is a type of plastic collar that is effective in preventing pets
from licking or biting themselves. The only time I will use such collar
is to prevent my animal from tearing up surgical sutures, until healing
is complete. I will never use such collar to prevent my dog or cat  from
licking skin eruptions, hot spots, or inflammed and infected area
on their bodies. The built in germicide found in the saliva of a
dog or a cat amazingly heals wounds in record time. Any injuries are carefully
licked and coated with antiseptic saliva from the tongue. This aids in
preventing infection entering into a wound. Learn
more
Home-base
Income opportunity
Share with others nature's
gifts that assists us on our journey to optimal health and wellness.
|
Weight
Management for Dogs and Cats
Natural
Health for Women:
