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Newsletter - October 2015

Anyone who knows me knows that I started doing this work because of my own history with my dog and very few options at that time. I wrote books because I wanted to help people be better able to help their dogs, to be part of a solution after living through the problems. There was very little factual information when I started this career. People fell for hype and still do, mostly because it can be difficult to recognize. I wanted to make a difference.

I truly believe that balanced raw and/or cooked home-prepared diets can't be beat. They're my #1 choice. Still, the fact is that 85-95% (industry statements point mostly to the 95% figure) of dogs are being fed kibble. All the marketing for raw diets, cooked diets, natural approaches et al impacts what people do, but not always in a good way. Here's the skinny:

I'm not judging, or wondering why people feed what they do because everyone has their reasons. There's a lot of peer pressure (blogs, e-zines, chat groups, ads, social media et al) to change the world, but change isn't always the same as improvement. I want all dogs to do better. Not the chosen few, but all of them.

Many people feeding kibble aren't adding anything to it in fear of unbalancing the diet - and then there's the flip side - people adding foods because they act on the hype they've read without truly understanding the whole picture. Example: Last week, a Miniature Schnauzer became a client after a calcium oxalate bladder stone was removed (it had been stuck in his urethra) The breed is predisposed to these stones. The owner had been feeding a high protein, no grain kibble and adding a little RMB as "nature's toothbrush" (it also adds protein and calcium which is what you don't want for these dogs), and kale and sweet potato (high in oxalates). Would this dog have had the stone anyway? That's arguable, but why on earth would anyone push the envelope? Why isn't everyone able to find support rather than being pushed and pushed to feed certain things? Yes, fresh foods can boost a commercial diet, and I'm all for it, but it needs to be planned well.

So, I've added a new consultation option that will consider the kibble and treats being fed, the breed, health predisposition, age, activity (performance dog vs couch potato vs weekend warrior hiking at the cottage, etc) Basically, for the price of a bag of kibble, people will be able to order a consultation and add the right fresh foods and supplements to actually help their dogs rather than the messy attempts that have done harm. This is going to be a quick and easy thing for everyone. It's not just what we feed, but the impact of those choices that can do damage (not overnight which is why many people think they're doing a great job), or be wonderful. Being part of the solution is a positive approach. Join me!

Consultation: Kibble Plus

For healthy dogs only: This is a personalized consultation geared for your dog in particular. It includes fresh food and supplement (if something can benefit) suggestions along with a brief explanation of the choices and how to implement them. Please see the site for full description.

New! Gift Certificates

This is a great way to share your passion for factual information and best possible supplements with your family and friends. Send a gift of health to the new puppy owner, a dog recovering from illness, celebrate happy Gotcha days, say Merry Christmas, or best of all - just because you care.

Monica

"I confronted the fact that I was not only talking to a dog, but answering for one.” ~ Claire Cook