All Things Dog Blog

Friday, September 20, 2013

Dogs Going Green: Options...

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Every now and then it happens--a reader gets in touch with me privately and shares the budget challenges that sometimes get in the way of bringing the best nutrition to their pet. Their anxiety is often palpable. I've done my research on where to put your dollars when there are not enough to go around. The answers often still do not allow for organic food for ourselves or our pets. It's a reality that we must sometimes deal with.

You do have options for a healthier diet for your pets. If organic just can't wiggle into your budget, choose the best ingredient list you can find. Skip the artificial flavors and colors, look for a named meat (or poultry) and meat or poultry meal at the top of the ingredient list. Don't settle for corn or other grains as a protein source.

Look for whole grains when they are included--not pieces of the grain. For example, whole grain brown rice includes the most nutrient-rich part of the rice grain; watch for the whole grain intact.

Seek out exceptional sources of fiber and carbohydrates like oatmeal, which is not widely used in pet food because of its cost. And fresh vegetables always score higher in nutrition.

Finally, look for added EFAs (essential fatty acids) such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 or flaxseed oil. As your pet ages, his coat and skin will need this more and more. Give him a

courtesy Natural Balance

good start!

Need a suggestion? Check out Natural Balance's Original Ultra Dry Dog Formula for an exceptional food at a reasonable price. There are options when you simply cannot do organic.

I'll even give you a little budget bump. Here's a Coupon for $5 off 5 lbs or more through 10/31/13. You can also grab additional savings on your next bag with the coupons you'll receive when you click on the ad at the top of my site. Is it raining dollars?!!

Missed some of our earlier Green Dogs posts? Check them out here:

Pet Health and Nutrition: What We’ve Learned

Dogs Living Green: What Got Us Started

Reading Pet Food Labels

Buy Your Pet Food With Confidence

Pet Food Categories: Their Meanings?

As an NB Insider, I share information about Natural Balance, focusing largely on their organic formula. Today's post shares a good alternative to organic, when you need other options.
NB Insiders receive paid travel to industry events and pet food for their furry families in exchange for sharing news and information about Natural Balance's products and events.

Monday, August 6, 2012

All Things Dog Blog's Patches
Checks Out New Cat Chow

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

For those of you who have cats, you probably already know they have one common characteristic; they are highly curious! When a bag of Nature's Logic cat food arrived for her to offer an opinion on, she was definitely in her curious kitty form. Follow along and let's see what she thinks:

Not a terribly finicky eater, she can sometimes surprise us when she turns up her nose at a piece of cheese or a nibble of ham. You just never know, so this was definitely an experiment we were eager to see the results of. This was the day she would test Nature's Logic.

I was surprised at the variety offered by this company whose name was not terribly familiar to me. I've enjoyed learning about them, getting to know their representatives, and working with them on the #BarktoSchool Twitter Party preparations. You'll be happy to know that each and every #BarktoSchool prize will include a bag of Nature's Logic and 3 cans of food, a nice chance for you to see how your pet responds to this healthy option. Patches is gambling that your kitty (or your Woof; they get to win too!) will offer an enthusiatic "Meow!"

The folks at Nature's Logic encourage rotation diets to help minimize the potential for developing food allergies. In this goal they offer a wide variety of foods that include beef, chicken, venison, rabbit, duck and salmon. Who knew?

What's more, this multitude of protein sources is provided in canned, dry kibble and even frozen raw form, for those owners who like to feed the raw food way. I'm extremely impressed with their selection of higher quality grains as well. They include no wheat, corn, rice, soy, or potato in their foods.

In addition to their 3 lines of food, Nature's Logic sells kitty litter, an all-natural supplement and an EFA supplement. Nature’s Logic™ North Atlantic Sardine Oil contains more EFA and DHA than Salmon Oil and has naturally lower levels of environmental contaminants. That's a healthy statement that All Things Dog Blog can get behind as an additive to our dog's food, as well as Patches chow. The dogs love fish oil supplements added to their kibble just as much as Patches does.

Being the cautious Feline that she is, Patches spent nearly a whole day watching her dish before she finally decided to dig in. And dig in she did!

I would be off base if I did not remind you that in switching pet foods, it is always best to switch gradually over a period of about a week or so. By adding a bit more of your pet's new food to the old brand each day, you'll allow the tummy to gradually adjust to the changes that may otherwise upset their digestion. This is an excellent practice anytime you change Fido or Meow's diet.

When Patches left her now empty dish licking her lips, I knew that was her sign of approval, at least for the flavor of her Nature's Logic dinner. Fortunately for our pets, we get to make the decision of which brand we purchase. Choosing a brand with high quality proteins and carbohydrates, along with all-natural, non-synthetic supplements, is much more likely to lead to a long, healthy life and a hearty energy level.

I'll be sharing all sorts of trivia about Nature's Logic at the #BarktoSchool Twitter Party on Sunday night. Everything you ever wanted to know about this food will probably be included, so be sure to join us to learn more. You may want to make the change as Patches has--yummy meow!