NutriSource is making efforts to not only help our pets, but also our planet!
Our NutriSource food gives your four-legged friend more of the nutrition he needs in less food so that you buy less and there is less waste!
In addition, we have introduced “earth friendly” packaging to our NutriSource Pet Foods line. Your pet will enjoy the same great food on the inside while the outside has a new look that is more environmentally friendly!
Watch this segment on the importance of reading pet food labels before you buy and also the benefits of a high-quality diet for your four-legged family member!
Katie is the store manager at the new KLN Family Brands outlet store in Albertville, Minnesota. Under this one roof, KLN products are beautifully displayed and at bargain prices. Katie said, “The customers recognize their favorite products but did not ever realize they are all KLN Family Brand products.” As in this picture, Nutrisource dog food and pet food items ranging from small to large bags are displayed in the back of the store but we walked in seeing the beautiful candy coated outback beans on the right with the Nuthead chocolate covered candies and potato chips on the left. Right in the middle of the store are their amazing Vic’s popcorn, Barrel O’Fun chips and even dips! Check this place out! Mary and Katie are friendly, kind and might even give you a free sample. Email through www.klnfamilybrands.com for more information including gift baskets.
We recently received this holiday greeting from Lili and Angel. Lili is deaf and Angel is training to be her hearing service dog. Lili’s mom says that she feeds Angel NutriSource Grain Free Lamb and he LOVES it! We love hearing about how our products make a difference in the lives of our customers. Click here to read more testimonials and we hope you all enjoy the holidays!
By Dr.Jeannie on Aug 30, 2010 in Dog News The Latest Poop, Featured
How cool is this? I never in my wildest dreams thought that there would ever be a national day to celebrate and focus on holistic pet care – we’ve come a long way baby!
National Holistic Pet Day was founded by Colleen Paige of Animal Miracle Foundation. When asked what sparked the designating of this wonderful little holiday, Colleen replied: “I want people to understand that with the already short life spans our pets have, they need a fighting chance these days to live as long as they were meant to. Pet owners really need to start looking at their pet’s diet, lifestyle and environment. I want to ensure that I have done my best to bring about public awareness of the need for a healthy lifestyle with our pets. I don’t blame myself for Tinkerbelle’s death, but now that she has died from cancer – I know I could have done better. I don’t want anyone else to have to feel how I feel…wondering if I could have prevented it.”
Holistic/Natural health is all about HEALTH, not disease – it is a preventative life style that embraces the WHOLE animal .
For those of you who are still not sure what “holistic health” means, it is a wellness approach that addresses the “whole” animal – body, mind and spirit or the physical, emotional/mental and spiritual aspects of an individual. Hopefully this is a lifestyle you will embrace with your pet before there are any signs of illness or disease – it truly is a way of life that prevents disease in the first place. Instead of focusing on the symptom or the dis-ease and trying to suppress the symptoms, the root cause of the disease found out and then eliminated by the bodies own immune system with the support of natural modalities such as a raw diet, proper exercise, the elimination of toxins in, on and around the pet and when needed – herbs, essential oils, etc.
Nutrition is the cornerstone of “holistic health” – a proper species appropriate diet and how it effects the body in turn effects the mind as well. If you do nothing more than get your dog off of processed, kibble and/or canned food; that is a great way to begin your journey into holistic health for your beloved pet!
If you would like some suggestions and support on improving your dog’s diet and overall health, you can set up a consultation with Dr. Jeannie HERE
International Assistance Dog Week
International Assistance Dog Week (IADW) was created to recognize of all the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs helping individuals mitigate their disability-related limitations.
Assistance dogs transform the lives of their human partners with debilitating physical and mental disabilities by serving as their companion, helper, aide, best friend and close member of their family.
During International Assistance Dog Week, we recognize and honor the hardworking assistance dogs; raise awareness and educate the public about how these specially trained animals are aiding so many people in our communities; honor the puppy raisers and trainers of assistance dogs; and recognize heroic deeds performed by assistance dogs in our communities.
International Assistance Dog Week was established due to the efforts of Marcie Davis, a paraplegic for over 35 years and CEO of Davis Innovations, a consulting firm based in Santa Fe, NM. Davis is the author of Working Like Dogs: The Service Dog Guidebook, a resource book that captures personal stories, checklists and practical tips to provide the reader with an A-Z guide about service dogs and she is the host of the Internet radio program, Working Like Dogs, at petliferadio.com. As a member of a service dog team, she founded Working Like Dogs to honor assistance dogs around the world and is sponsoring International Assistance Dog Week.
For more information about assistance dogs, please visit:
Assistance Dogs International
ADI is a coalition of not for profit organizations that train and place assistance dogs.
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners
IAADP is a non-profit, cross-disability organization representing people partnered with guide, hearing and service dogs.
Working Like Dogs
WLD is a resource for people with working and service dogs, or who would just like to learn more about them.
By Susan Benson
This may be something you as a dog owner would like to print out and go through your home and yard to see if there is any poisonous item surrounding your dog that would put him in danger. We can never be too careful when it comes to our lovable canines.
Human Medications: Believe it or not this is number one on the list. We don’t think about a dog grabbing an aspirin, cold medications, antidepressants or even a vitamin that is sitting on your counter or night stand because you wouldn’t think they would eat it. Think again. Dogs are curious and will eat anything if tempted. This includes anything that is prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Put them in a high cupboard or medicine chest and make sure the doors are closed tightly.
Veterinary Medications: I bet you didn’t thing about this one! All it takes is for a pet owner not to be experienced in giving their dog medications. They can easily be misapplied. Make sure you are educated on these medications BEFORE you leave the vets office.
Plants: It’s pretty amazing how many houseplants have put dogs in the hospital. Some of these plants include rhododendrons, schefflera, lilies, azaleas, sago palms, and kalanchoe. If you have these in your home or yard, make sure your dog can’t get in contact with them.
Insecticides: This one is difficult because we don’t want little pests coming in our homes so we buy insecticides to get rid of them. One of the most common of these is the misuse of tick and flea products. Talk to your vet FIRST before buying an over-the-counter drug to get rid of fleas and ticks.
Rodenticides: Yes, there is such a word. It is poison that kills rats and mice. Dogs are curious and if these traps with the poison on them are left out, they will most likely eat it. This can lead to very serious health issues including bleeding, seizures or even kidney damage.
Household Cleaners: There are so many household cleaners that are so dangerous to our children and our pets. Take precautions and put bleaches, disinfectants and detergents in a locked cabinet. Just inhaling some of these products can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and problems to their respiratory tract.
Garden Products: Watch out for fertilizers. A lot of them are filled with poisons that can cause very severe gastric upset and gastrointestinal obstruction. This is so uncomfortable for your dog not to mention dangerous!
Chemical Hazards: Some of these chemicals you probably don’t think of your dog getting into but I guaranty, if they are exposed to it they will probably eat it. Some of these chemicals are antifreeze, drain cleaners, paint thinner, and if you have a pool…any kind of pool and spa chemicals are also very toxic.
Heavy Metals: Zinc, Mercury, Lead are all very poisonous! Lead is probably the worst because it can be in your linoleum, paint chips and even some consumer products. Usually this is found more in older homes than the newer ones because they now have lead restrictions. Find out what’s in your home.
As you can see a lot of this is very preventable if you are a conscious dog owner. Just be aware of things in your home and where they are placed. If you feel your dog has ingested something that is toxic, make sure you call your vet immediately. There is also the Animal Poison Control Center that you can call 24 hours a day. Their number is (888) 426-4435. I know you love your dog, so please keep him/her away from danger.
I sincerely hope this article was helpful to you. If you would like more information on any dog needs whether it’s natural/organic nutrition, dog training, tuff dog toys, dog gifts, allergy kits, flea control and more, please visit http://www.TailWaggingSolutions.blogspot.com While you are there you can enjoy reading “Just For Doggie Laughs” and “Putter’s Doggie Tips for the Week”. Here’s to loving your dog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Benson
By Susan Benson
In a world where there has been a pet food recall, some dog owners feel they want to make their own dog food. This is a great idea because you know exactly what is going in your dog’s tummy. But do you know what foods are actually dangerous for Fido? Let me list the most dangerous and also tell you WHY they shouldn’t be eaten so you can save yourself from unnecessary Vet bills or something we don’t even want to think about…the death of your beloved pet.
1. Chocolate: This means ALL chocolate even though the high cocoa content chocolate and Baker’s chocolate are the most toxic. To reach toxicity you only need 2 baking squares for a 10lb dog, 4 baking squares for a 20 lb dog, etc. It contains theobromine which is a diuretic and cardiac stimulant.
Side Effects: vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, seizures, increased drinking and urinating and even death.
2. Alcohol: If you think it’s funny to watch your dog get intoxicated, think again. You can cause Fido to go into cardiac arrest and die. Not so funny anymore, now is it. They can’t handle alcohol and it only takes a small amount to get them intoxicated.
Side Effects: depression, excessive urination, excitement, slowed breathing rate and cardiac arrest which can lead to death.
3. Fatty Foods: Yes, you know them well because you probably eat them yourself and know how bad they are for YOU. Gravies, bacon, high fat snacks, etc. can all be fatal in some dogs.
Side Effects: severe gastrointestinal distress and something called Pancreatitis which can be fatal.
4. Raisins and Grapes: This is one of those foods where the toxin is not known yet but is extremely dangerous and there is NO treatment for it.
Side Effect: acute kidney failure. It only takes as little as 6 grapes and raisins.
5. Potato Peelings and Tomato Leaves & Stems: These both contain a toxic alkaloid called solanine.
Side Effects: severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, dilated pupils, damage to the central nervous system and slower heart rate.
6. Avocado: This fruit contains a toxin principle called PERSIN. It’s also in the leaves, the seeds and the bark. All avocados have the potential to be toxic for dog’s however, the variety from Guatemala is the most toxic.
Side Effects: diarrhea, vomiting and gastrointestinal distress.
7. Macadamia Nuts: The toxin in these nuts is unknown, it only takes a small number of nuts and even the butter in them to make it toxic for your dog.
Side Effects: affects their nervous system, digestive track and their muscles.
8. Coffee: Contains dangerous components called xanthenes.
Side Effects: urinary damage, heart muscle stimulation and damage to their nervous system.
9. Peaches, Cherries, Plums, Apples and Apricots: The fruit itself is fine. It’s the leaves, stems and seeds that contain a cyanide compound. Large amounts of them are toxic.
Side Effects: hyperventilation, dilated pupils, breathing difficulties and shock.
10. Xylitol: This is an artificial sweetener that is found in SUGAR FREE products like gum, candy, etc.
Side Effects: sudden drop in blood sugar and seizures.
11. Onions: Thiosulphate is the toxin in onions. This goes for onion powder as well. One good thing about this is that they will eventually recover from this toxin when it leaves their body.
Side Effect: Extreme anemia. (as little as one small onion can cause this)
12. Yeast dough: Believe it or not if your dog swallows yeast dough it will rise in his stomach and it will end up being very painful for them.
Side Effects: Severe gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea and bloating.
Please use common sense when it comes to feeding your dog and if he accidentally eats any of the above foods, get to your Vet immediately. Getting there in time can save your dog’s life.
I sincerely hope this article was helpful to you. If you would like more information on any dog needs whether it’s natural/organic nutrition, dog training, tuff dog toys, dog gifts, allergy kits, flea control and more, please visit http://www.TailWaggingSolutions.blogspot.com While you are there you can enjoy reading “Just For Doggie Laughs” and “Putter’s Doggie Tips for the Week”. Here’s to loving your dog.
Author: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Benson
Article Source: eZineArticles.com
Summer Safety Tips For Pets
Never leave a pet unattended in the car on a warm or sunny day. Cars quickly heat up to a dangerous temperature, even with the window slightly open.
Be sure to keep pets up-to-date on their vaccinations and preventative medications. Fleas and ticks stay busy in warm weather and summer is the prime time for heartworms. Check with your veterinarian about the best way to keep pets healthy.
Keep cats indoors to keep them safe. Cars, other pets and wild animals can all pose risks to cats’ safety. By providing playtime, cat trees and other enrichment, a cat will be happy and content to stay indoors.
Beware of cocoa mulch and other gardening products. Cocoa mulch can be deadly if ingested and has an appetizing scent to some animals. Pesticides, fertilizers and other harsh chemicals can be quickly fatal if ingested.
When taking a dog for a walk on a hot day, plan for shorter walks midday, when temperatures peak, and longer walks in the morning and evening when it’s cooler. Hot sidewalks can burn the pads on a dog’s paws, so walk on the grass when possible.
Pet rabbits should be kept indoors because they don’t tolerate heat well. Keeping a rabbit indoors will provide protection from predators that might try to attack a rabbit in an outdoor hutch.
Never leave a dog outdoors unattended on a chain or tether. Long-term chaining during the hot summer months can result in countless insect bites, dehydration and heat stroke. Even short-term unattended tethering can pose risks such as theft or attacks by people or animals.
When driving with pets, be sure to keep them properly restrained and inside the vehicle. Special seat belts and secured carriers can protect pets during accidents and prevent them from distracting the driver. The back of a pick up truck is never a safe place for a pet to ride.
Be mindful of pets around our wild neighbors. When going for walks or playing in a fenced yard, don’t allow pets to harass birds, rabbits, squirrels or other wild animals.
The summer months are the peak season for dog bites because so many kids and dogs are playing outside. Training, socialization and dog spaying or neutering a dog can reduce the risk of dog bites. Kids can learn to stay safe through good manners around pets and humane education.
It’s Feeding Time with Ecoterah
Located in Franklin, WI, noticed that conscientious consumers committed to green initiatives have moved beyond recyclable packaging to seeking out packaging derived from renewable sources. PCG is introducing an industry-first line of pet food packaging that does not use petrochemicals. The patent-pending food bags have a paper exterior and biopolymer film lining made from corn.
Minnesota-based Tuffy’s Pet Foods Inc., a 45-year-old company, is PCG’s first customer to use Ecoterah packaging. Tuffy’s decided to introduce the Ecoterah packaging for its line of Natural Planet Organics dog foods.
“We felt this packaging was the right thing to do for the environment,” says Jim Farrell, sales and marketing manager at Tuffy’s. “But we also expect it will help boost sales. Customers who want organically grown dog food are the same type of customers who are attracted to earth-friendly packaging.”
Eco-friendly, politically correct
To produce Ecoterah packaging, PCG uses EarthFirst PLA (polylactic acid) film, an earth-friendly alternative to petrochemical-based films. This clear, compostable lining is a carbon-neutral biopolymer manufactured under the trademarked resin trade name of Ingeo. Because PLA is FDA-compliant for food contact, Ecoterah packaging offers consumer and pet food manufacturers a number of benefits:
• By offering a better barrier than traditional plastic liners, it keeps foods fresh longer.
• Because it does not contain petrochemicals, it is safe for recycling, composting, and landfills.
• EarthFirst PLA Film consumes less energy during production, resulting in less greenhouse emission.
• Because it is grown, processed, and produced domestically, PCG has more control over the supply chain.
A natural growth industry
“We’re very excited to be the first to introduce compostable, earth-friendly pet food packaging to the market,” says John Goeden, PCG president. “I tell my customers that they won’t have to sacrifice on their design or printing to use environmentally friendly packaging,” he adds. Ecoterah products are suitable for various printing processes and inks, including soy-based inks.
Goeden encourages customers to showcase their dedication to the environment with their packaging and POP displays. “Consumers who are committed to green initiatives actively look for businesses that share their values,” he explains. “By providing this information, you help boost your reputation—and your bottom line.”
Compared with the new packaging, the previous flexible film pouch package was actually more expensive to produce. PCG tested and retested the new packaging format for durability and for the shelf life of the product inside. The new format equaled or surpassed the shelf life of the old packaging, there was no wicking or spotting from the fat content of the dog food, and it actually provided a better moisture barrier. The final touches were finding a water-based adhesive to seal the package and reducing a 10-color print run to seven colors, with a final pass of water-based varnish for the matte finish.
Plans are to use the new packaging for cat food next, and then market it for packaging with human food for retail. “We don’t have two levels of packaging,” explains Dan Brulz, v.p. of packaging at PCG. “Everything we do is human grade.”
Tuffy’s introduced this packaging on their branded dog food to make a strong first statement about the new packaging, and retailers have shown great interest. In addition to the eco advantages, all materials and production occur domestically in the U.S. “Their packaging is giving them a new story to tell,” Brulz concludes.
