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,

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.

Natural Balance: Pet Nutrition + Fitness

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© L. Boese
First We Stay

© L. Boese
The Long Jump!

Tanner, our Fetch-crazed Retriever, is pulling out all the stops these days. We're noticing a sudden burst of energy that has us wondering, "What's different?" I look around and can only think of two things. Tanner's diet and the change of seasons, albeit a minimal change here in Central Florida where we enjoy a nearly year round version of hot and humid.

With my plans to take Tanner along to Blogpaws, I suppose I'll need to get a lot of Fetch in before departure. I'm guessing he won't be welcome in the hotel pool, no matter how dog-friendly the hotel is :)

That said, we've been adding in extra walks, playing more Fetch, swimming, biking and enjoying a good deal of family and company lately. Tanner's in heaven. After all, aren't they all coming to visit him?

Before my partnership with Natural Balance kicked in, I was asked by one of the organizers to share some of Tanner's skills in my posts. So here's our first installment on that request. There will be more.

© L. Boese
Back to Mom for Round 2

Swimming is an excellent exercise for you, me and our dogs. Without the weight of our bodies to support, our joints are under less stress, even as our muscles work to propel us. This is why it's an ideal exercise for dogs who are prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis.

Tanner, while being a rescue, still has that pure Golden possibility. My goal has been to do all I can to prevent it, especially now as he approaches the age of 7. Here are the strategies I employ:

• Exercise to keep the joints loose and muscles limber
• Swim to keep the cardiovascular system strong 
• Take supplemental glucosamine-chondroitin to support healthy joints
• Feed an organic, AAFCO-approved diet--Natural Balance Organic Formula--to avoid unnecessary toxins in the liver
• Maintain a slender weight to avoid stress on the hips and shoulders. Tanner is a long, tall dog, weighing in at a steady 70 lbs.
• Practice daily training and mentally-stimulating activities that keep his mind sharp and body busy and strong



© L. Boese
Thank You Tanner











• Play Fetch to give Tanner additional mental tasks. We have a variety of different Fetch games we play.

Enjoy the photos and please do give Natural Balance a try. You can receive free coupons by simply clicking the banner ad at the top of this column. Go for it!

All Things Dog Blog is an NB Insider, sharing Natural Balance information with you. We receive pet food and sponsored travel to pet industry events as a part of this program.

K-10+ Canine Multi-Vitamin Giveaway

Today's the day! Today begins the entries for our latest giveaway, K-10+ multi-vitamins for dogs. These supplements help assure your pup is receiving what is needed from their daily diet. They're tasteless, odorless, and easy to administer. 

Don't miss this opportunity to ensure your dog is healthy and happy!  Each winner will receive a box of K-10+ multi-vitamins; each box contains 28 packets for great health. Entries will be accepted through Monday, November 5. There will be a total of 4 winners, to be announced on Tuesday evening, November 6. Good luck!

K-10+ Canine Multi-Vitamin Review

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

(c) All Things Dog Blog
Tanner Approves
 of Staying Healthy!

Ever wonder about what vitamins your dog may be lacking? Well here is your answer. Today all dog foods on the market are formulated to have exactly the correct amounts of vitamins and minerals as prescribed by the AAFCO (the Association of American Feed Control Officials), therefore, no supplementation should be required. However, there are times when it may be necessary to provide your dog with an additional boost to ensure their health and well being.

For instance, owners whose dogs who are sick, or have an ongoing illness such as diabetes should consider giving their dog some additional vitamins to strengthen their immune system. Elderly dogs, puppies, and nursing dogs may also benefit from obtaining  extra nutrition to ensure their vitamin levels remain stable. K-10+ makes supplements specifically designed to provide your dog with the essential vitamins they need to live a long and healthy life.

Courtesy K-10plus.com

These multi-vitamins are not only great to support your dog's health, but are also extremely easy to  serve. The supplements come in small packets, which you simply tear open and add to your dog's clean water bowl, add water and stir. The slight color change lets you know the vitamins are present. Your dog will also not make a fuss about drinking their water because the supplements are made to be essentially odorless and tasteless.

K-10+ makes other supplements in addition to the multi-vitamins. More information can be obtained at the K-10+ website, @/ilovemyk10 on Twitter, or visit their Facebook page.

I have not been compensated to offer an opinion on K-10+ supplements. Please consult your veterinarian before adding supplements to his regimen. 

Dull Coat? You Need Arenus Coat Plus

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Chlorine Tough on Tanner's Coat

If you've been reading this blog you probably already know I have a swimming, fetching maniac. His name is Tanner. Just about every day, year round, he takes up his spot at the pool door and stares imploringly out at his favorite place--HIS POOL!  What's a pet mom to do? Let him swim, of course!

Tanner swims so often that the chlorine is tough on his coat. I consulted with his veterinarian early in his swimming career, and she recommended a daily supplement of essential fatty acids. Over the years, I still noticed a slight dulling of Tanner's coat.

When I revisited this issue with our new vet, he agreed that a more aggressive approach was in order. In addition to a rich, nourishing conditioner to be used regularly, he firmly suggested adding an advanced supplement with Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids, DHA, and EPA, to help support Tanner's healthier skin and coat.  A few brands were mentioned and we quickly landed with our sponsor, Arenus, after reading up on their product called Coat Plus which supplies a total of 1000 mg of EFAs per capsule, in the large breed supplement, allowing you to titrate his dose according to his size. Instructions are included :) A small breed version is also available for your dogs under 40 lbs. One last, but important detail to the nutritional value, is the vitamin E that is added to complete the balance, as recommended by many pet nutritionists.

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Tanner's Daily Duty

© AllThingDogBlog.com
Healthy Noshing

Speaking of the T (treat) word, did I mention that Coat Plus is beef flavored? I don't have to bury the soft-gel capsules in fattening stuff like cheese or peanut butter to get him to eat it. Between you and me, if I left the bottle open and unattended, Tanner would probably devour it. Not only does it smell good, but he tells me with his behavior that it tastes good as well. It's always nice to have an easy delivery mechanism for our pet's medicines and nutritional supplements. 

We started this supplement in Spring and quickly noticed an improvement. With Summer swimming time increased, he has still managed to maintain a shinier, healthier coat. Without any dry, itchy problems, I believe Tanner's skin and coat are as healthy as they can be for a dog who couldn't live without a daily swim. I soon found myself ordering more product and will continue to include this in Tanner's breakfast dish as a treat to his diet and his coat.

courtesy Arenus

Arenus is a company that has built a solid reputation for good nutrition in both the equine and canine areas, as well as other pets. We have reviewed their Mellow Out product in a homeopathic line of remedies for various issues, as well as their Canine Steadfast, a product that combines both bone, cartilage and soft tissue support. For highly active dogs, this is a very important addition to their nutrition, as well as for seniors who need extra help to prevent joint issues.

You can learn more about the Arenus Pet Products here:

• The Arenus Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter

Where can you buy Coat Plus?

Arenus sells this product online, as well as their whole line of pet supplements. 

The Arenus Store Locator will assist you with finding brick and mortar locations near you.

Other online sources may be available.

Read up, get acquainted and I'll be back very soon with a giveaway so some of you can give Coat Plus a try like Tanner did. I'm so very glad we've discovered this wonderful source of nourishment for his beautiful blonde coat. Thanks Arenus!

courtesy Arenus

Important Note: If your pet is on medication for any other health conditions, you should consult with your veterinarian before adding a supplement to his diet. 
I was supplied with some Coat Plus to try on Tanner. This review includes my experiences and the thoughts are my own. We were not compensated to review this product or share our experiences. I have purchased additional supplies of Coat Plus due to the excellent results with Tanner's coat.