Pet Nutrition and How It Affects Health!

Pet Nutrition and How It Affects Health!
As having written a previous article on what pet foods are comprised, I feel it necessary to relay additional information as to how nutrition affects your pet’s welfare. My previous article can be found on Google under the title: Pet Nutrition and Health-Be Cautious.

Sometimes a pet can give off an unpleasant odor, the source can be elusive as it can be from breath, infections such as ear or toe, or a bad body odor.

We had such an instance with our son’s Black Lab pup named “Bruiser”. Bruiser was being fed a popular (not cheap) puppy chow and appeared healthy and happy. Bruiser produced an odor which when in the same room became a bit obnoxious. Because of my recent research of pet foods we started buying what we considered a very high quality premium food we considered to be of a “Natural” nature. The odor was reduced by a great amount, but not really gone. In my research I found a pet food company that produced also a “Natural” product, but certifies it’s ingredients by a third party to verify the quality and freshness of the raw products.

This food created quite a change in Bruiser, his doggie odor had disappeared and his hair coat had more luster. Bruser apparently felt the nutritional uplift, because he was even more lively as before, but an unanticipated result was the fact he now eats less than before (a reduction of over 30%). This fact makes the cost comprable or more economical than other premium foods.

We recently “Grand Pup” sat for Bruiser when our son was visiting his two sisters out of state for College spring break. Bruiser showed our two mature large dogs a thing or two about being active. His day activity was never ending, but his nights were very quiet for all of us.

We are thoroughly convinced that the questionable raw materials in even premium pet foods have a lot to do with a pet’s welfare and happyness. Referring to my previous article mentioned above, much of the meat type foodstuffs come from rendered carcases. These carcases are classified 4D (dead, dying, diseased or disabled) along with the pharmacuticals and preservatives. In addition the grains and other filler products (one example: Hydrolized feathers considered as crude protein) are legal, but do not create the proper enzyme environment for proper digestion.

Briefly: The above paragraph describes conditions which result in many health related problems and suffering from these improper foods and toxic substances.

Take time to research the materials at:

http://www.notablepets.smmsite.com

Richard Monson is an entrepreneurial spirit with many interests. Pets are continuous companions in his life. Having lived on a farm he has concern for animals and out of necessity has studied animal nutrition and health. His interests in chemistry, physics and biology have provided him with the curiosity to look for answers beyond the usual methods.

Hazards of tap water for pets
One question that normally comes in the mind that is, “Is the tap water safe for drinking?” if people are doubtful about the quality of their drinking water then they would not find an appropriate answer to this question. However, speaking about tap water around 80 percent of Americans prefer to drink bottled water than tap water. They usually spend more on buying bottled water to drink but many times still offer tap water to their pets. Does this mean that they are just concerned about their own health and not about their pets? This is actually a serious problem and every pet owner has to take into consideration health concerns about their pets in the same way they take their own.

People should know that carcinogens and toxins may be present in the water they drink. There are many ways in which drinking tap water can be effected such as trace amounts of chlorine, fluoride, lead, radon & arsenic, perchlorate or rocket fuel and bacteria & parasites.

- Chlorine is being added to the drinking water as a pathogen deterrent and bacteria retardant. Chlorine is a chemical which in fact reacts with healthy nutrients to cause cancer in the human body.
- Fluoride is being added to the drinking water in order to prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel. However, recent studies have suggested that fluoride can harmfully affect organs and also be carcinogenic.
- Radon & Arsenic are those contaminants which enter the water in numerous ways which include running water from the fields, by the use of herbicides and pesticides and also by industrial pollution.
- Lead is being used to prevent leakage from fixtures and pipes and this is being used for over 100 years by many people.
- Perchlorate or Rocket Fuel is not an innovative caffeine enhanced soft drinks but it is considered as one of the most dangerous chemical that causes thyroid cancer and several other physical problems.
- Parasites and Bacteria normally enter via the ground water supply especially in cases where there is more wastage of water, potholes filled with water or animal waste.

Noticeably, if the drinking water in the house in not safe for human consumption then it will also be inappropriate for pets. Most of the similar diseases and illness caused to humans by toxic taps can also apply to the pets as well. So, in order to avoid these problems one should make use of bottled water which may be cleaner than unregulated tap water. Quite often people buy bottle water from super markets which is in fact tap water and not the spring water or mineral water. so, make sure that the water is coming from the trustworthy source and try to identify the difference between different types of water such as spring water, mineral water or distilled water.

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Is Your Dog or Cat Taking In Any Vitamin Supplements Right Now?
Just like humans, animals just like dogs, cats and many pets need a balanced diet with proteins, carbohydrates, fats and water, just like humans do. However, these are only the starting point for a healthy diet. Pets also need vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy. However, it is not easy to find independent information online on the subject of canine vitamin supplements. If you are considering a vitamin supplement for your dog, be extra careful about getting caught up in the articles from the websites promoting such supplements. What you demand is to have an objective and independent information regarding your own need for dietary supplements, your pet’s health can fall into the same category. Whoever sells the supplements says you need the supplements. Just as we should check with our doctors before embarking on dietary supplements, so should you check hard by your veterinarian before you conclude on a supplement for your dog. Almost any website, store or publication that sells dietary supplements for pets will tell you that your dog does indeed need a supplement. However, just as humans can ingest toxic levels of vitamins and suffer dangerous side effects, so can your dog. Your veterinarian can conduct a blood test to see if your dog is deficient in any vitamins and nutrients. Just as in humans there are medical conditions for which a supplement is warranted, there are medical conditions including mal-absorption issues that indicate a need for supplement for your dog. In discussion with your veterinarian the possible need for a health supplement for your dog, you and your veterinarian should discuss the activity level of your four-legged friend. Service dogs, such as guide dogs for the blind sometimes need health food due to their increased activity. Also, be sure to discuss the need for a supplement for your dog in conjunction with any ongoing medical condition your dog may have. In modern years, there’s been a lot of controversy over pet supplements. At one point, pet owners were concerned the FDA was going to pull all pet supplements off the market. Instead, the National Animal Supplement Council was formed. It’s comprised mostly of pet supplement manufacturers whose mission is to forge compliance of supplement statutes. The FDA regulates animal supplements the same way it does supplements for human consumption. Enforcement of the laws, though as in the human sector is lacking due to a shortage of resources. Some manufacturers take advantage of this knowing it will take a long time at worst, for the FDA to crack down on them. If you are considering a vitamin supplement for your dog, make sure you consult with a veterinarian who does not sell supplements. This will help ensure you get an unbiased opinion as to whether you need to purchase a vitamin supplement for your dog. After knowing why and how to choose a good vitamin supplement for your dog, it is important to realise that more information in vitamins for humans is also crucial. Earlier you are going to swallow any type of vitamin health food, you need to first consult your doctor. However, many people sometimes tend to forget the quality and quantity of swallowing vitamins, without realizing the dangerous effects of over-consumption it, level while various kinds of these can treat chronic diseases. Ergo, without a proper understanding of using proper vitamins to treat many chronic diseases, there will not be much illness free lifestyle to craving for. Apply these effective tips as being highlighted here, together alongside an thorough understanding of vitamin supplements is important so that you enjoy your life once again. Let me ask you a question, besides your pets are taking in vitamins, are you as a human being also consuming vitamins as well. If not, do you think it is about time to consider taking it.

Eddy K Elgin is the author of the 17 Minutes Vitamin Supplements Tips and Resource. Drop by at <a href="http://www.17minvitaminssecrets.com/vitamin-supplements-blog/">Is Your Dog or Cat Taking In Any Vitamin Supplements Now</a> for more details.

Pet Medications, Which Support A Healthy Skin And Coat
With the wide range of supplements, prescriptions and over the counter medications available, there is no reason for your pet to suffer with itchy dry skin, bald spots, or poor smell. Many options are available to treat the skin and coat conditions that commonly affect pets.

If your pet suffers from a cut, it is important to clean and treat it right away. If it develops an infection, it may not heal properly, and this may increase the time needed for the cut to heal. It can also develop unsightly scar tissue. A prescription topical ointment such as Animax or Panalog is commonly prescribed for treatment of such injuries. These ointments are multifunctional, and kill bacteria as well as fungus.

For pets that suffer from food allergies, it is important to realize that these allergies can affect much more than the digestive system. The skin and coat of a dog suffering from allergies may have a rough quality, and the pet’s skin may itch. This can lead to excessive scratching, which, in turn, leads to additional skin problems. Atopica is an oral form of cyclosporine that is often prescribed to treat allergies. It is a very effective medication, and can provide your pet with almost immediate relief.

For the pet that suffers from chronic ringworm or other persistent skin problems, an oral antifungal such as Ketoconazole, which may be coupled with a topical antifungal, like Panalog, is often necessary to break through the stubborn cycle of fungal infections.

There are also a variety of shampoos and sprays that can be used to treat your pet’s skin condition. Hexadene is a medicated shampoo commonly provided for skin conditions. If your dog suffers from allergies, Histacalm, which contains diphenhydramine HCI, helps to calm the skin. Dermacool, a spray that is available with lidocaine, helps to calm irritated skin as well. Gentocin is an antibiotic spray used in the treatment of skin conditions. If you dog suffers from hotspots, Oxydex Gel is an effective treatment.

Even if your pet has generally healthy skin there are a variety of supplements that can improve the quality of your pet’s coat and relieve any dryness that may be experienced. These supplements typically contain a blend of fatty acids that are rich in EFA and DHA, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins that have been proven to help skin health, such as A, D, E and zinc.

Coat supplements make a great addition to any pet’s diet. They add shine to the coat and moisturize the skin, which reduces itchiness. The only drawback to using these supplements is that for some pets, these supplements may cause unintended weight gain because they contain mostly fats.

Providing supplements and prescription medications for your pet is an easy and effective way to deal with many problems often associated with pet ownership. Excessive shedding often occurs when a dog frequently scratches himself, damaging the skin. Dry, harsh coats often shed more readily than a soft and lustrous coat.

Keeping your pet’s coat healthy

While there are a variety of medications that can help your pet develop an attractive and healthy coat, there are other, equally important steps that you should take. The first step to a healthy coat is to keep your pet healthy. This means that your pet should be at a good weight, free of internal parasites, and up to date on vaccinations. Next, it is important to choose a quality pet food with ingredients that agree with your pet. What works for one may not work for another. It is vital to get this step right, because food allergies can play havoc with a pet’s skin and coat. If your pet is particularly sensitive to different ingredients, try one of the allergy formulas that are available. These typically have fewer ingredients, and they are less likely to be common allergens.

Regular grooming also goes a long way on improving the quality of your pet’s coat. The type of grooming required depends on the type of coat your pet has. While some pets, such as a poodle, require intensive and regular grooming sessions to look their best, others still benefit from being brushed regularly. If you start this when they are young, they may come to enjoy the time spent grooming. Also, take time to regularly wipe out the ears and eyes of your pet.

If your pet still has an unhealthy coat, you may want to add a coat supplement to your pet’s diet. These supplements can dramatically improve the quality of the coat. If your pet’s coat still leaves something to be desired, you may want to consider a visit to the vet because your pet may have an underlying health condition that is affecting the quality of its coat.

Shawn Thomas is a freelance writer who often writes about topics pertaining to the care of pets and health options for pets such as <a href="http://www.vetrxdirect.com/">pet medicine</a>

10 Tips On Keeping Pet Treatment Costs Low
A pet is a loved member of the family but costs of caring for a pet especially some breeds can be expensive. Food, grooming costs and vet bills can costs much more than you estimated when buying the pet. Here are a few tips from pet lovers on how to keep costs down and yet care for the pet: 1. Find out about low-cost clinics that give shots. Information can be had online or from your local vet hospital or humane society. 2. When any illness needs treatment or surgery always take a second estimate and surf the internet to find out if there are any alternative treatments in use. An useful source is the Merck Veterinary Manual: http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp . 3. Be friendly with your vet and share your problems if any with him. Often vets help patients by giving them free medicines they get from manufacturers. 4. Consider feeding the pet home cooked food instead of the more expensive commercial food. The internet has many resources about pet nutrition and balanced diets. 5. Ensure good health by giving the pet the right amount of food, exercise, and training. Obese pets have greater health problems than fit pets. 6. Think about buying pet medicines online from discount stores. 7. Train your pet well and protect it from accidents by keeping it on leash when outdoors. 8. Before buying a pet because its cute or in fashion find out all you can about the breed, costs of upkeep, susceptible diseases and more. Talk to other pet owners and find out all about their experiences. 9. Think about signing up for a preventive health care package if your vet or local clinic offer one. If you take good care of the pet the costs are likely to be low. 10. Read up on preventable health hazards and on what foods are bad for pet health. Teach the pet not to beg or eat foods lying around. A pet is a responsibility and needs great care. As a responsible pet parent you will need to know all you can about the breed. Decide on neutering and on how you can give your pet a long disease free life. Find out about pet insurance and how you can get a comprehensive pet health policy for low premiums. The World Wide Web has in depth articles and tips on how to choose a pet, how to care for one, and all about pet health. Be an informed pet owner and buy or adopt a pet only if you can be a committed pet parent.

Matthew Pawlina is a writer for <a href=http://www.1855petinsurance.com>Pet Insurance</a> , the premier website to find Pet Insurance, pet health insurance, veterinary pet insurance, pet care insurance, best pet insurance, pet health care insurance, vpi pet insurance and many more.

Protect Your Pets Health With Home Cooking
My Lhasa Apso Gallagher came to me completely hairless except for the hair on his head. He looked so bad that the humane society scheduled him to be euthanized, luckily he was saved by a local rescue group. His hair loss was due to lack of care and nutrition from his time spent on the streets. I was able to see past Gallagher’s condition when I looked into his big brown eyes that were calling for me to save him. I immediately secured the services of a holistic veterinarian. Over a six month period we tried every specialty food product available on the market. Some were quite awful, mushy fish and potatoes being high on the list. No matter what I did Gallagher always had this smell of fish about him. Out of complete frustration I told the vet that I had to take matters into my own hands. The Vet was very helpful in telling me what not to feed the Lhasa breed. Of course I did do some further research as I didn’t want to jeopardize Gallagher’s heath in any way. It took another three months before I actually started to see a nice coat of hair covering his body. After experimenting with several food combinations I settled on chicken, fresh cat fish, some beef and occasionaly turkey. Unfortunately Gallgher has an aversion to rice, so he’s just a meat and poulty guy. It’s now eight years since Gallagher came into my life. He along with his sisters Fanny and Kiki are still eating home cooked meals. I truly believe this is the natural and healthy way to feed my pets. As a testament to this belief all of my pets have been quite healthy throughout their lives. I am also so grateful that I didn’t have to be concerned with all the pet food scares going on these days. I know that I’m doing the cooking and all my dogs are quite happy, healthy and satisfied. Whenever I take Gallagher to the groomer I am reminded of his early days in my life and I can clearly see the black leather skin on his hairless body. All it took was a little home cooking to restore Gallagher’s dignity and health.

Arthritis In Dogs ? What You Can Do To Help Your Dog
Canine Arthritis is a common ailment as dog?s age. It is similar to humans as calcification and inflammation cause joint pain and reduced activity. Some forms of arthritis like Canine Hip Dysplasia can develop early in life due to genetics and diet. Fortunately, arthritis in dogs can be treated.

Treatments for canine arthritis range from natural supplements using chondroitin and glucosamine, to veterinary prescribed drugs such as Rimadyl and Deramaxx. Studies and actual results have shown that natural supplements can be extremely effective in fighting the effects of arthritis in dogs without the potentially dangerous side effects of Rimadyl and Deramaxx. Before deciding which treatment option is best for your dog, you should observe the signs of dog arthritis.

Signs of Dog Arthritis

1. Limping and general reduced activity.

2. Favoring one or both of the front or back limbs.

3. Morning activity or cold weather makes the dog less active.

4. Difficulty rising from a resting position, especially in the morning.

5. Pain to the touch.

6. Reluctance to jump.

If you suspect your dog has arthritis, you should know the different forms or types of arthritis. The most common disorders are listed below.

Types of Dog Arthritis

1. Osteoarthritis ? Also known as canine arthritis or dog arthritis, it is the most common form of arthritis and most easily treated. Develops slowly as the dog ages.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis - This is an immune mediated disease and can affect the whole body. Several joints can be affected and the lameness can come and go without notice. Considered a more serious condition than dog osteoarthritis.

3. Degenerative Disc Disease - This is where the discs in the vertebrae develop calcification and become rigid. They become less able to withstand compression. This can lead to a severe injury and paralysis if the discs rupture or become herniated.

4. Stifle Joint Disorder - This is a condition in which the knee and joint becomes unstable. This is usually from a stretched or torn ligament. This can also cause the joint cartilage to become damaged and inflamed.

5. Canine Hip Dysplasia - This is caused by looseness in the socket connecting the thighbone and hipbone. This development usually occurs when the dog is young but can develop at any age. A common sign is to hear a clicking sound when the dog walks.

Treatment Options

1. Natural Supplements ? Most natural supplements use chondroitin and/or glucosamine as its primary ingredient. All of the glucosamine forms originate and are extracted from shellfish. Chrondroitin is derived from animal cartilage. Many products like Free and Easy for Dogs use glucosamine and chondroitin and combine additional supplements to provide a synergistic effect. Besides glucosamine and chondroitin, some of the more popular and effective supplements added are msm, ester-c, and hyaluronic acid. Many studies have been done which have proved the effectiveness of these supplements in humans. Dog owners have also reported many positive outcomes for their dogs using these natural supplements.

2. Rimadyl & Deramaxx - These drugs are obtained by prescription only. They are called NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Rimadyl was introduced by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in January 1997 to help treat dogs with inflammation and pain associated with surgery or canine arthritis. It is effective but it must be used with caution. Search Google for “What Your Vet May Not Tell You About Rimadyl” for more detailed information. At a minimum, you need to have blood work done to monitor the liver enzymes to ensure your dog doesn’t have a toxic reaction to the drugs.

3. Surgery - Surgery can be an easy decision or a very difficult decision. Often, money is a concern and some surgeries like disc surgery can cost around $3,500. Often, the age of the dog has to be considered when making this decision. And the outlook and prognosis is very important. You do not want the dog to suffer unnecessarily. At the very least, you should only consider surgery after ensuring an accurate diagnosis has been made. This may involve taking x-rays and a myelogram. A myelogram is done by injecting dye in the spinal canal to enable your doctor to detect abnormalities of the spine, spinal cord, or surrounding structures.

Summary - Dog Arthritis can be a very debilitating disease if left untreated. Dog owners should pay close attention to their animals and take prompt action when symptoms are noticed. Often a natural supplement is all that is needed to help your dog. Sometimes more aggressive treatments are needed such as surgery. The most important thing is to notice and diagnose the problem and then decide what treatment is best for your dog.

Copyright ? 2006 William Smith

William F. Smith is the owner of <a href="http://wwww.yourdoghealth.com" title="http://wwww.yourdoghealth.com" target="_blank">http://wwww.yourdoghealth.com</a>, a site started after his beloved Dachshund; Frederick developed Invertebral Disc Disease, and subsequently had back surgery. The site can be viewed at <a href="http://www.yourdoghealth.com" title="http://www.yourdoghealth.com" target="_blank">http://www.yourdoghealth.com</a> and offers a successful alternative to veterinarian prescribed drugs.

Animal Assisted Therapy
The term “animal assisted therapy” is to be distinguished from the more familiar practice of “animal assisted activities”, which refers generally to pet visitation at hospitals and residential care facilities.

Animal Assisted Therapy is part of a formal and carefully designed treatment program with specific and measurable objectives that matches one animal to one patient. Under the guidance of a trained medical professional, patients with severe mental and/or physical disabilities are encouraged to interact with a “therapy dog” under the supervision of a trained dog handler.

The patient’s interaction with the dog is increased gradually. Initially, the patient may merely observe the dog or touch it. As the patient becomes more responsive and confident, activities may include brushing, attaching collars and even walking the dog. Progress records are maintained as milestones are met and exceeded.

Studies have shown that therapy pets motivate people to participate in therapeutic interactions. Dogs are not judgmental, they don’t hassle or pressure their partner and they have endless patience. Further, simply because they are animals and require care, the patient grooming them or walking them is made to feel useful.

The benefits and expectations of animal assisted activities, or pet visits, vary according to the needs and conditions of the patients being visited. Pet visits are less formal; they do not follow a particular treatment plan or schedule and they are not usually set up on a one pet to one patient scenario.

Pet visits are common to hospitals, assisted living homes and nursing homes. They are often nothing more than a way to entertain people or to change their routine and brighten their day.

On the other hand, when visited by a pet some people who have basically shut themselves off from human interaction will begin to work their way back to reality. Apparently the pet stirs emotions in them that have been lying dormant. Examples have been given where patients who have not spoken a word in over a year will begin to talk to the visiting dog.

Now that pet therapy has become a proven and documented reality, institutions are beginning to capitalize on this phenomenon with the “resident pet.” This term refers to a cat or a dog that becomes a permanent resident of a particular facility and is usually given free run of the place.

Each resident benefits from a proprietary interest in the animal and looks forward to assisting in its care. In some cases, a full course of therapy has been designed around the care and feeding of a resident pet. The residents meet to discuss what must be done and develop their own charts and schedules to accommodate the pet’s needs. However, staff must be constantly on the alert to avoid problems of jealousy and feuds over the pet’s affections.

The attributes and characteristics that comprise a good visiting dog or therapy dog have more to do with temperament than training. Not to say that the dog will not need training in basic obedience, but that is normally sufficient except in extraordinary situations.

Patients and residents react to the dogs in a variety of ways. Some are effusive, some impulsive and others are shy. Therefore, the dogs must be ready for anything. It surely wouldn’t do for a dog to lunge away or growl if a patient makes a loud noise or reaches for them abruptly. When selecting a dog for these purposes you would not necessarily want an animal that is high strung or one that is too laid back to get up and socialize.

Numerous studies have documented the benefits of pet therapy. Pets have been used in treating AIDS patients, cancer patients, the elderly and the mentally ill. One study determined that petting a dog can lower blood pressure and another found that pets can reduce stress related illnesses.

A study at City Hospital in New York noted that heart patients who owned pets lived longer than those without pets. Owning a pet was found to be more significant to long term survival than the presence of even a spouse or friends.

Pets make us feel good. They comfort us, allow us to be ourselves and give those of us that need it a reason for living. Please visit my website for more great information at http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com

Chris Suckow lives and works in Los Angeles CA http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com

Pet Nutrition and Health…Be Cautious!
If you are squeamish this article may be uncomfortable. This was a difficult article to write, because of the close relationship we have with our pets. My purpose is to inform and educate “Pet Parents” as to what can be done to extend the life and improve the health of their beloved friends.

I was brought up on a livestock and grain farm where there was never a problem feeding the pets as well as the other animals. With the declining farm population and people now living in cities and small towns, less and less people have access to the feeds that are so prevalent on farms. Consequently we purchase processed and prepared foods at supermarkets and pet stores and the like.

What we do not know is where the foods are prepared and more importantly from where the raw feedstuffs come. The following paragraphs expose facts generally unknown to the public. Read to the end of this article to find out what you can do to improve your pet’s nutrition and health.

Most of us have heard of a rendering plant, but don’t have much information as to what they do or how they do it. Rendering plants dispose of over 12 million tons of dead animals, fat and meat wastes every year. These dead animal processors gather dead, diseased, dying or disabled (know as 4-D animals). The processing consists of grinding carcasses into small pieces and “cooking” them just long enough to facilitate separating of the “meat” and offal from the bones, hides, etc.

An important point: Most pharmaceuticals and drugs are not broken down in the brief heated processing period.

What is not well known is the animals may have had charcoal or preservatives to slow the decay prior to processing. Another distressing fact is the animals may have been sick and previously treated with pharmaceuticals and other chemicals. Larger road-kill animals may also be included in the mix. The most upsetting fact is: Euthanized pets from pounds are many times included.

With those words, I am going to add the plastic bags used by pounds, supermarkets, veterinarians and labs are not removed, because of time and labor costs. Collars, ID tags, flea collars and the like are also not removed. The hair and feathers are processed with everything else.

What I have referred to above is what constitutes animal protein used in pet foods. Vegetable proteins are ground corn, wheat middlings and sweepings, soybean meal, rice hulls, peanut meal and shells and many other products. Other ingredients can be cooking oils from fast food restaurants, tallow and other vegetable and animal sources.

The American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA) has oversight, but they are understaffed and very little pressure is available to require monitoring.

There is help: A very limited number of companies avail themselves of the use of proper feedstuffs to produce a healthful, nutritional pet food. This requires third party verification of products used in preparing a healthy food. The cost, of course, is greater, but to extend your pet’s natural healthy life is a choice that many owners are now making with relief and great satisfaction. More information is available at:

Richard Monson is an entrepreneurial spirit with many interests. Pets are continuous companions in his life. Having lived on a farm he has concern for animals and out of necessity has studied animal nutrition and health. His interests in chemistry, physics and biology have provided him with the curiosity to look for answers beyond the usual methods.

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