We are buying 2 shar pei. a breed known to be prone to allergies, can get bloat and have kidney disease. With this in mind, I would like to buy high quality food but am leary of high protein low carb because I am worried about the possible kidney problems. 3 shar pei breaders have told me they use Nutro Lamb & Rice formula. But this does not get high ranks on pet food analysis sites though most premium dog food buyers rave about it. They say its great for their pets with allergies. What do you think?
~Janine
The Answer
Regarding the Nutro’s – I can definitely say that I am NOT a fan of this company. I have never felt that I see good clinical results compared to other foods. I really question the quality of the food. Personal opinion.
As for feeding an allergy pet – I have several allergy animals on an all natural all raw diet, (which is very high in protein) without any negative effects. The fact is that high (quality) protein is NOT bad for the kidney’s, but rather high POOR quality protein is bad for the kidneys. A raw food is UNPROCESSED protein in its natural form and therefore easy on the kidneys. The quality of the protein is better too – coming from muscle and organ meat, rather that from chicken feathers, beaks and feet (which is technically protein but not very digestible, therefore poor quality).
My recommendation is to research your local area for a holistic veterinarian that can truthfully answer your questions about allergies and raw food (western vets won’t tell you the whole truth on this one) and decide if this is a good choice for your situation. Feeding a raw dog food diet should never be taken lightly and MUST be done correctly to be good for your pet. It is hard to find accurate info on this, so please seek advice from a vet that practices alternative medicine.
TEXAS IN URGENT NEED OF PET FOOD FOR ANIMALS DISPLACED BY HURRICANE IKE
K9CUISINE LAUNCHES A FUNDRASING DRIVE TO GET CUSTOMERS AND CONCERNED CITIZENS TO DONATE BAGS OF FOOD TO OUR FURRY FRIENDS IN NEED
Houston, Texas – Sept.23, 2008 -
Houston’s American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is in urgent need of dog and cat food to help feed pets displaced by Hurricane Ike. The Houston SPCA is also coordinating rescue efforts for Galveston and the areas devastated by the hurricane.
K9Cuisine, an Internet company based in Paris, Illinois, Saturday launched the fundraising campaign “Send a Bag” to assist in the emergency delivery of supplies to Texas. K9Cuisine will deliver pallets of the company’s healthy dog and cat food directly to the Houston SPCA shelters on Tuesday, Sept. 23. K9Cuisine President Anthony Holloway sent out an email blast to thousands of his customers asking them to support this important cause. Now, Holloway is asking fellow animal lovers for support. The need at the Houston SPCA is so urgent that Holloway has rented a truck and is driving the pet food to Texas himself.
“Please join us in this worthy cause,” said Holloway. “Help in our efforts to keep thousands of pets healthy until they can be reunited with their families and returned to their homes.”
K9Cuisine has tried to make donating quick and easy! Just click on the link below by September 27th and select which bag you’d like to send. Then follow the instructions through checkout. Donation transactions will be charged separately from K9Cuisine order transactions. We will email your donation receipt and notify you with updates to let you know when your donation is delivered to the Houston SPCA.
K9Cuisine will also match each “Send a Bag” donation.
http://www.k9cuisine.com/hurricane_ike.aspx
You can also Click today to “Send a Bag” of food directly to the Houston SPCA.
Teams from the Houston SPCA have already loaded tens of thousands of pounds of supplies and headed to Galveston. They desperately need more food for the animals in need. The SPCA has responded to over 100 calls of animals facing certain death. Hundreds of more calls are coming in to the Disaster Hotline and the Houston SPCA needs your help.
We hope you will join us in this wonderful opportunity to care of our furry friends in need!
In Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv, the city officials are creating a DNA database of local dogs. When dog droppings are found, the “data” will be used to match the dog to the owner (the real culprit).
Owners caught in the..er..act will face fines.
Authorities hope to create accountability and maintain clean streets. Currently the program is being administered as a six month trial and providing DNA samples is up to individual owners. (Aren’t those conscienceless enough to volunteer information probably innocent?) The city is, however, wisely considering making it compulsory.
More and more neighborhoods are becoming increasingly aggressive towards irresponsible dog owners. In the UK, some councils have begun to use undercover patrols to apprehend offenders in hot spots. Others try to provide a plentiful stash of free bags.
Is this a problem in your town? If so, what’s being done?
K9Cuisine Cares
Help Feed Pets
Displaced by Hurricane Ike
K9Cuisine Cares… for our furry, displaced friends in Houston!
Dear K9Cuisine Customers,
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, it’s clear thousands of families have been dramatically impacted by this devastating storm. In times of crisis, Americans step up and give a helping hand. Most of the money and resources are going to feed and shelter people in need.
Sometimes, lost in chaos is the real need to also help all the pets displaced by the storm.
Animals need our help too because the road to recovery is going to be a long one. The massive storm devastated Galveston and parts of the Gulf Coast and left many family pets crowded in shelters.
We know how generous and loving you are when it comes to dogs and cats. K9 Cuisine is leading the charge with a fundraiser to “Send a Bag” of our premium food to the animals in need in Texas and Louisiana. K9 Cuisine will match each donation.
Join our cause and let’s help our animals in need.
You can go to our website K9cuisine.com and find out how you can “Send a Bag” to help make a difference in the lives of the pets evacuated from Hurricane Ike.
Sincerely,
Anthony Holloway
President, K9Cuisine
What can you do to help?
K9Cuisine is providing two quick and easy ways. The choice is yours!
1. Click on the “Send a Bag” icon and select the size dog or cat food bag you would like to donate. K9Cuisine will match these donations and deliver them directly to the Houston SPCA. We will follow up and let you know when your bag is delivered to the Houston SPCA!
“We really don’t have to say much about this treat at all because it sells itself. As the top selling dog chews and treat at Merrick, the Flossie™ is made from a beef tendon. The unique design of this treat creates a natural chewing friction against the teeth which helps to clean a dog’s teeth. We have not met a dog yet who has turned down one of these tasty treats.”
“Everyone deserves a second chance—just like me, It is a true relief and blessing to have him.”
These are the words of Scott MacKenzie, a twenty three year old retired Marine corporal. MacKenzie was injured by a roadside bomb while on patrol in Iraq. His jaw was fractured and he has hearing loss, shrapnel wounds and a traumatic brain injury. He retired from the military with 90 percent disability.
In an article in August, MacKenzie said he’d like “a little wiener dog” after he left the military. Since then, offers of dachshunds have been pouring in. MacKenzie chose a dog from the Dachshund Rescue of North America.
Scott named his little dachshund “Itchy.” The two connected instantly. Scott, who has had trouble sleeping, is hoping that Itchy will comfort him with his quiet, alert presence.
I really wish I had a picture of the two of them. This story really struck me in a strange way. I guess it reminded me of what good company dogs are in rough times. A relationship with a dog can transform a person’s entire life, heal the unspeakable wounds.
My wife and I have a Bichon that is 2 1/2 years old. As of the past six months his scratching has become excessive.Is there a premium dog food or dog supplement that you could recommend that would be beneficial? We are feeding him “Orijen” and supplementing that with “Dynovite.” Are there other ideas?
Thanks..Ron
The Answer,
First of all, I’d like to ask if you have consult a veterinarian regarding this issue? There are quite a large number of things that cause itching, not just diets and supplements. If there is an infection causing the itching it will need to be treated. For example, in younger animals we do see mite infections (microscopic – can’t see them) and fleas and spider bites and ringworm and well……several ectoparasites that can cause the itching. All of these things can cause excessive itching and a quality diet is not going to rid your pet of them. There are other diagnosis that will be food related, such as allergies or food hypersensitivities or leaky gut syndrome. So, first and foremost, please get a dianosis as to the cause of the itching.
As for your question regarding Orijen Dog Food. This is an excellent food for any pet, regardless of health status. So, please continue with that, unless allergies to any of the ingredients are diagnosed as the cause.
