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Sunday, July 28, 2013

Pet Health and Nutrition:
What We've Learned

by Carrie Boyko, CEB
© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Ultimate Respect for the Food Delivery

This series has been a long time coming. While I've yammered on about our lifestyle and offered tips over the years, I'd like to pull it all together into a series of posts that share why we choose to feed our dogs an organic food, live a greener lifestyle, and tread a littler lighter on our planet--all with a food slant, of course. 

This all sounds really New Age; I know. It's your choice to move on or stay with me, and maybe learn something you had not considered. I'd like to hear your comments and questions, and most certainly I'm going to disclaim that I'm not the ultimate expert. Quite honestly, no one is. There are many opinions and I respect them all. These are simply the ones I employ. Here's an outline of the topics I'll be covering in this series, though not necessarily in the order I'll present them:


  1. What got us started on this path. I think you'll want to read this!
  2. Semantics in pet food labels: conventional recipes, certified organic vs. USDA organic, natural, grain-free, gluten-free, holistic, raw. I'll explore the definitions and the realities--err lack of definitions--as well as the ways in which these words have real meaning in other ways.
  3. Ingredients and the popular culture in dog food: wild ingredients, weight management, grain free and holistic foods
  4. Investigative journalism: the causes of cancer and other chronic and life-shortening illnesses and conditions.
  5. A little definition work in reading dog food labels. Don't eat before you read this post, but commit to learning a few things you'd wished you knew before.
  6. Why Certified Organic was our choice. Again; this one will surprise you.
  7. Tips for saving money on your higher-end pet food.
  8. Why a better pet food will add years to your dog's life.
  9. Helpful tips for switching foods with calm digestive systems
  10. Recipes and tips for making organic treats for your dog
  11. Some thoughts on recalls to make you think. Don't miss this!
  12. An introduction to Dick Patten's Natural Balance Organic formula, as well as some highlights of their other products such as cat foods, treats and zoo formulas.
  13. Extending your high-end food with other ingredients you'd like to add; how NOT to overfeed your dog.
  14. Let's have some fun with a contest! What can you win? That's a surprise :)
I'm going to endeavor to release these posts 2 Sundays each month. Watch for them. Thank you for sharing a bit of your weekend with me as I will be with you. 

Happy tails,


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As an NB Insider, I continue to learn more about Natural Balance. Soon I will visit their Buy with Confidence Lab to learn more. In this capacity, I am compensated with food for my pets and sponsored travel to pet industry events such as this visit to Natural Balance's facility.

5 comments:



Schooner and Skipper said...

I read labels for my dogs treats, kibbles and my own food. I wish I had more time to can tomatoes and etc. like my mother did when I was growing up. I don't like all the additives in my food or dog food. It is important to read labels so you know what you are eating. My dogs Schooner and Skipper eat raw and grain free kibbles. Schooner had terrible ear infections all the time. I did some research and found out it could be grain. Yes it was the grain and we have not had 1 ear infection since. We recycle and try to be a little greener. Every little bit helps!



Anonymous said...

I'm really looking forward to all of these topics! I'll keep watch.



Bocci said...

Not "New Age" at all. Parental Unit has been reading about and implementing the tenants of "health food" as they used to call it, into her and our lives since she was 14-which is, dare I say it, 41 years ago. We're eager to hear what you have to say!



Unknown said...

I can't wait! I almost want to know it all now! This is directly in line with the questions I've been struggling with. My dog has some liver issues, and it is so difficult to figure out what to feed her. I have a feeling just knowing what is best to feed most dogs would be a great starting point.



Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver said...

@Rachel T: You've hit on one of my favorite topics. I'll be sure to include some insights on putting less stress on your pup's liver. Thanks for the ocmment!

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