Ingredient Spotlight – The Holistic Benefits of Organic Quinoa
03.19.2010 | 09:42 am
Organic Quinoa, chosen as an ingredient in Holistic Select Dry Recipes for its hypoallergenic properties and high digestibility, is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron and B vitamins, and is an excellent energy source. Quinoa’s high protein content is considered as good as that in milk.
Interestingly, technically Quinoa is not a grain, but a seed related to spinach, swiss chard and beets. It has been cultivated in South America for over 5000 years. The Incas called it the “Mother Grain”.
Since the 80’s consumers in North America have seen Quinoa on the shelves in grocery stores. Those shoppers interested in a more natural diet with holistic benefits have embraced the value of this unusual ancient nutrient. The nutrient value exceeds all of the grains commonly used in pet foods.
Although we do not use Quinoa as a significant protein source, it does contain more protein than any grain. In addition, the amino acid profile is ideal, which is essential for tissue growth and repair.
Quinoa is a great source of complex carbohydrates with a very low glycemic index, making it an ideal carbohydrate for diabetics. It is also gluten free which is ideal for animals with digestive issues and food allergies or intolerances.
It is lower in calories than grains and is an excellent source of fiber, manganese, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, folate and B vitamins.
In addition, Quinoa contains what are known as prebiotics that feed the “good bacteria” or probiotics essential to the health of the digestive tract.
Many call Quinoa a super food, and we are proud to be one of the first pet foods to include this nutrient dense ingredient in some of our foods for Dogs and Cats.
March – Ask the Vet Column
03.19.2010 | 09:14 am
Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al
This month, Holistic Select Staff Veterinarian Dr. Al Townshend answers your questions about senior pet nutrition and helping your dog lose weight.
Q: What can I do for my 9 year old beagle hound mutt as he approaches his senior years?
A: Holistic Select Vitalize Senior Health Chicken Meal and Rice Recipe® is a great diet for the older dog. It is a nutritionally complete recipe that contains optimum levels of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for skin and joint health, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and natural antioxidant to enhance the immune system.
In addition, it is lower in calories to help control weight for senior dog’s who have become less active.
Q: I have teacup poodle that is overweight about 1 pound. What can I do to bring her back down a healthy weight? She even eats if she is not hungry and currently I feed her your small and mini breed adult food.
We should never feed to satisfy a dog’s appetite as that will surely overeat end in overfeeding. One pound of extra weight for a teacup poodle can be a significant percentage of excess weight.
Provided there are no medical issues, the only way we have to get weight off our pets is to increase exercise and reduce the amount of calories you feed. We pet parents have 100% control over what we feed and how much our pets eat. Reducing the amount of food you at feeding by about 10% and increasing daily exercise should slowly return your poodle’s weight to an ideal level.
Nourish Your Puppy’s Developing Brain: The Five Things You Need to Know to Raise a Healthy Puppy on National Puppy Day
03.18.2010 | 03:28 pm
Chewing on shoes? Yipping at midnight? Accidents on the kitchen floor?
Must be a new puppy in the house! In recognition of National Puppy Day on March 23, Holistic Select® staff veterinarian Dr. Al Townshend shares the five key things new puppy parents should know to nourish their growing dogs’ brains and activate a higher level of health.
1. The first step is important and fun: selecting a name for your new addition. Dr. Townshend notes that choosing the right name is part of sound puppy development. Avoid names that sound like commands. A dog might mistake “Joe” for “no,” for instance. And make sure the name is something you will be comfortable calling out in a public place.
2. Now that the puppy is named, be sure to nourish its young, developing brain. It is critical to feed a food supplemented with DHA, an Omega-3 fatty acid, which is essential to the development of nervous tissue and visual function in dogs. “Exciting new research indicates DHA may promote brain and overall good health in animals of all ages,” says Dr. Townshend. “The benefits begin when they receive the proper diet as puppies and this functional ingredient is found in Holistic Select® Nourish Puppy Health Anchovy, Sardine and Chicken Meals Recipe.”
3. Third, consider the need of the breed. The nutritional needs can vary widely, particularly among super-sized puppies such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards and Labrador Retrievers. “Controlled growth is essential for large breed puppies,” says Dr. Townshend. “These breeds actually need fewer calories per pound than smaller breeds. With the potential to grow up to 100 times their birth weight, a large breed puppy’s energy intake must be regulated to ensure consistent, steady growth. Weight gain that comes too quickly can stress developing bones, and may lead to other disorders.”
Conversely, small and miniature breeds have their own metabolism considerations too. Dr. Townshend recommends feeding these large and small breeds specially formulated recipes from Holistic Select. The Large and Giant Breed Puppy Health Lamb Meal and Oatmeal Recipe is designed with fewer calories, optimum levels and proper ratios of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus for proper bone growth and includes natural DHA to help these puppies grow up smart and strong. The Small and Mini Breed Nourish Puppy Health Anchovy, Sardine and Chicken Meals Recipe was created specifically to support the metabolism of active and growing small & mini breed puppies. This recipe packs in enhanced levels of premium proteins, fat, calories and guaranteed levels of natural DHA to support brain development, all in easy to chew kibble size for small mouths and teeth.
All puppies will benefit from added ingredients that have the power to positively impact a dog’s health not just today but for the long term too. Select Actives™ found in all Holistic Select recipes, including the puppy foods, are a combination of enzymes, direct fed microbials, botanicals and phytonutrients that work together to activate a higher level of health.
4. Exercise is another essential element to incorporate into a puppy’s holistic lifestyle. The activity doesn’t have to be overly strenuous in order to be beneficial to their well-being, but regular exercise is key. Set aside a brief period of time daily dedicated to physical activity for your dog. Doing this on a regular basis gives your pup something to look forward to, exercises their developing brain and strengthens their bond with you too.
5. Finally, new puppy parents need to be disciplined too, and watch out for feeding too many snacks. “Typically ‘people snacks’ don’t meet a pet’s nutritional needs,” Dr. Townshend warns. “Feeding people snacks can unbalance a previously balanced diet and may have detrimental side effects, not to mention surface food intolerances.”
Holistic Select Nourish Puppy Health is available nationwide in independent pet specialty stores. To find an authorized Holistic Select retailer, please visit our store locator.
Fan Photo Gallery – March
03.08.2010 | 11:10 am
We receive so many great photos from pet parents across the country every day – all who believe in activating a higher level of health for their dogs and cats. These healthy pets all enjoy Holistic Select recipes! Glossy coats and bright eyes – we think you’ll agree that health shines through for these furry family members!
Nala
Zolly
Hershey
Timmy
Titus
Tipsy
Sadilou
Bella
Bonus Feature: Ask the Vet
02.25.2010 | 05:24 pm
Q: I have a Shar Pei mix rescue dog about 5 years old. She has very dry skin and a severe shedding problem. What Holistic Select formula would you choose for her?
A: Feeding a diet with optimum levels of Omega 3 fatty acids that are in the proper ratio with the Omega 6 fats may help to resole the problem as they are essential for a healthy skin and hair coat.
The Shar Pei breed is known to have an increased incidence of skin problems. Many do suffer from food allergies or intolerances. If that is the problem with your pet, feeding a hypoallergenic diet such as the Holistic Select® Anchovy, Sardine and Salmon with Oatmeal diet may help. Be sure to transition to the new diet slowly over at least a week’s time. When one suspects a food allergy or intolerance, one must give the new food at least two months (provided there is no negative reaction to the new diet initially) as it can take that long to rid the body of the offending allergens.
Keep in mind that there are other causes that can produce an itchy dry skin; external parasites, bacterial and fungal infections and several other common problems can cause the same symptoms and it is always advisable to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the cause as well as the best procedure for resolving the problem.
Additionally, this could also be normal seasonal shedding. Regular brushing and mild shampoo baths will speed up the process and could resolve the itching
Q: Can I add yogurt to dry food in morning since feed can and dry in evening?
A: It certainly would not hurt to add yogurt to the dry food in the morning. It may not be necessary if you are feeding a diet which contains Probiotics or Direct Fed Microbials (DFMs). Most yogurts contain just one of the beneficial bacteria essential for a healthy digestive tract. Holistic Select® diets contains many more than just the one bacteria and the concentrations are higher than in most yogurt.
Ask the Vet – February Edition
02.09.2010 | 03:55 pm
This month, Holistic Select Staff Veterinarian Dr. Al Townshend answers your questions about transitioning to life stage specific foods.
Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al
Q: My bichon turned 8 yrs old on Jan. 12th. When do I would you recommend that I switch him to a senior diet?
A: Eight years of age in smaller breeds is not really considered old age or a senior age. Many smaller breeds live into the late teens and even early twenties. It is always recommended that you consult your veterinarian to determine the health and status of your pet. Your trusted veterinarian should know your pet well enough and can do some testing to determine if a diet change to a senior food such as Holistic Select Vitalize Senior Health Recipe is the best option for your dog. If all is well you may be able to remain on the current diet.
Q: I have a Great Dane that has just turned one, she has been raised on Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health Recipe. At what point do I switch her to adult food?
A: Any time after one year of age you can slowly transition to an adult formula, such as Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Recipe. Keep in mind that one should always feed a dog just enough to maintain a slightly lean body mass. In order to maintain the lean mass, regular exercise is essential.
Follow Me to Activate a Higher Level of Health for Your Pet.
02.02.2010 | 11:58 am
Take a peek! You may have already seen one of these beautiful new Holistic Select truck wraps during your daily commute. If you pass one of these stunning trucks on the road, follow it to the nearest retailer to stock up on your pet’s favorite Holistic Select recipe.
Holistic Select in Action
Follow Me
A Higher Level of Health Begins Here
Nutritional Needs for Senior Pets
01.29.2010 | 12:40 pm
by Albert S. Townshend, DVM
Tucson
We all know that puppies and kittens need special diets in order to develop properly. As our pets age their dietary needs can change several times, depending on many factors including activity level, the environment, pregnancy, disease, sickness and many other factors besides age. Follow these helpful tips to help your senior pet age gracefully.
DOGS
1. Diets for older dogs should contain fewer calories in order to help you regulate weight. This is usually accomplished by adding less fat to the recipe.
2. As dogs age, they tend to become less active and their metabolism slows down. As a result many are over weight. Encouraging regular (daily) activity is critical to not only weight control but general health. Never over exercise; rather, design a plan that fits the needs of your pet but does not over exert the body.
3. Adequate protein is needed in order to replace the cells of the body. Too little protein does not provide the building blocks for cellular replacement. The protein must also be highly digestible in order to be utilized properly by the older animal.
4. Optimum vitamin and mineral levels are also very important to the older dog. They too must be in a form that is easily absorbed by the body.
5. All animals should be encouraged to drink adequate water.
6. The diet should taste good so enough nutrition is consumed.
7. Try feeding twice daily rather as an alternative to feeding once a day or free choice.
8. Always be sure the teeth and gums are in good shape. Gum disease can cause discomfort and lead to more serious problems as well as limit the amount of food the pet will consume.
9. Many older pets suffer from arthritis. Maintaining a normal lean body condition provides less stress on the bones and joints.
10. Diets with glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate can also reduce the stress on the joints as can foods with adequate Omega 3 fatty acids.
Holistic Select Vitalize Senior Health Recipe for Dogs
Diets such as Holistic Select® Vitalize Senior Health Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe is designed with all of the special concerns that should be addressed for an older dog. They both provide optimum nutrition so as to do all we can to ensure a long, happy and healthy life for your older companions.
Holistic Select Radiant Feline Adult Health Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meal Recipe
CATS
Not a lot of research has been done on the nutritional requirements of the aging cat. As with dogs, it is likely that with age, there is a decreased activity level, a reduction in metabolic rate and a reduction in efficiency of the digestive tract, kidneys and other organs.
Many cats tend to gain weight as they move into maturity. One should always be aware of excess weight gain and take steps to reduce the amount of food being fed.
1. As some cats age, their digestive tracts can become less efficient and therefore we must feed more in order to maintain weight, or we must feed a more dense diet, containing additional calories per ounce. As with dogs, it should be highly digestible and very palatable. Canned foods contain more calories per ounce than dry foods. Increasing the amount of canned food in the diet is one way of increasing calories and increasing the amount of water consumed.
2. Water consumption is very important for cats. They must consume significant amounts of water in order to maintain good kidney function and reduce the incidence of urinary tract problems such as excess crystals and blockages.
3. As with dogs, a high quality vitamin and mineral content in the diet is essential, especially if the digestive tract has become less efficient.
4. When having your older cat’s annual checkup, be sure the teeth and gums are in good health as bad teeth and gum disease can have a major impact on the health of your kitty.
5. Many older cats have problems with arthritis and there are foods such as the Holistic Select® dry formulas that contain glucosamine and can have a positive effect on the discomfort associated with arthritis. Holistic Select® Recipes such as Feline Radiant Adult Health Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meal Recipe contain optimum levels of Omega 3 fatty acids which also can reduce the discomfort associated with arthritis and enhance kidney function.
Considering Your Pet’s Specific Needs
When considering a diet specifically for an older senior dog or cat, we must still consider some of those other factors. Previous injuries or illness that may require special consideration when it comes to diet. Time of year and location: do you live in Florida or Alaska? Are you pets overweight or underweight? Are their dental issues? Is you pet getting enough exercise? Is there obvious arthritis? Is there a heart problem or a kidney problem?
There may be other particular issues to consider before selecting the proper diet for your pet. Always rely on your trusted veterinarian for advice when it comes to the specific issues relevant to your pet as he is familiar with the problems and more expressly he should be very familiar with your pet.
If your dog or cat has a medical condition such as heart or kidney disease or diabetes, your veterinarian may recommend a special diet that addresses these issues. The pet will also require regular monitoring by your veterinarian.
The immune system in older animals can become compromised too. Diets like Holistic Select that contain Probiotics or Direct Fed Microbials (the good bacteria that are essential for a healthy digestive tract and immune system), prebiotics (the nutrition necessary to maintain those essential microorganisms in the digestive tract), multiple antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids all help to optimize digestibility and maintain an enhanced immune system.
Holistic Select® diets, both canned and dry are ideal diets for the aging cat as they provide the ideal diet for adult as well as older animals. We know how important your older companion is to you and we have created diets that address the specific needs of the aging animal so as to provide not only basic nutrition but the best possible diet available.
Understanding Our Digestive Aids
01.26.2010 | 03:04 pm
by Albert S. Townshend, DVM
Some of the most beneficial and natural supplements for pets include Direct Fed Microbials (DFM) – also known in human diets as probiotics which are the “good bacteria” essential to a healthy body. There are many advantages in maintaining optimum levels of the various types of normal, healthy bacteria found in the digestive tract. DFM are some of the most studied components of a healthy animal. We now know that they provide benefits beyond improving the digestibility of nutrients our pets consume.
A large portion of our immune system is in the intestinal tract and those “good bacteria” are an essential part of that immune complex. They make the body more resistant to the effects of infection from such organisms as Salmonella and E. coli, which have the potential of causing severe symptoms. In addition to promoting proper digestion of nutrients, those probiotics also produce valuable nutrients, including B vitamins and fatty acids that support the immune system.
All Holistic Select® dry recipes include Direct Fed Microbials (DFM) that are applied to the food after it has gone through the manufacturing process and cooled, so the organisms are not damaged by the heat. However, even those of us who enjoy a holistic lifestyle and diet need extra support at times, and your pet is no different in that respect. For those times when your pet needs extra digestive support, we developed two probiotics supplements.
Holistic Transition
Holistic Transition® is an ideal supplement to your pet’s food when transitioning from one diet to another, whether from one brand to another or from mother’s milk to solid foods. The additional DFM can reduce the risk of problems such as loose stools and diarrhea that are common in any change in pets’ diet.
Young puppies get great benefit from DFM early on because they establish active, optimum levels of good bacteria long before they would occur naturally. Holistic Transition has ideal levels of not one (many probiotic preparations sold even by veterinarians only contain one organism), but seven natural and beneficial bacteria at optimum levels.
Holistic Solution
Holistic Solution® contains the same seven organisms as the Holistic Transition supplement, but at increased quantities to help address more difficult problems. In addition, Holistic Solution contains the prebiotic Inulin to help nourish the live microorganisms (DFM), several digestive enzymes to improve digestion, and natural palatability enhancers to improve appetite.
It is important to have Holistic Solution on hand to immediately address stomach issues or anticipated stress on your pet, to bring them comfort sooner rather than later.
Holistic Solution supports:
- Digestion
- Immune function
- Appetite
- Balance of bacteria in the digestive tract
Optimum levels of the good bacteria can, in time, push out the bad bacteria; overgrowth of the bad bacteria can cause diarrhea and weight loss.
- Maintaining levels of live micro-organisms in pets taking antibiotics
Antibiotics kill the good and bad bacteria and have the potential of causing diarrhea. By re-inoculating the digestive tract daily, you are able to maintain a more normal level of bacteria and reduce the risk of loose stools.
- Natural calming of stress-induced digestive issuesThere are many pets that do not do handle boarding, grooming, or travelling very well and develop diarrhea in response. Supplementing your pet’s diet with the extra DFM in Holistic Solution several days prior to those stressful situations and continuing for several days after can reduce the likelihood of such issues.
- Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Research has shown benefits in humans with IBD
- Indiscriminate loose stools and diarrhea that pets sometimes experience from unknown causes.
Dogs and cats are notorious for getting into things they shouldn’t and that can lead to stomach issues or other potential problems. The initial few doses of Holistic Solution should begin to resolve the problem. If not, seek veterinary care immediately.
For more information, click here.
Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health
01.25.2010 | 09:53 am
As you may have noticed, we talk a lot about puppies this time of year. We love puppies for same reasons many others do…because they are absolutely irresistible – so full of life and vigor, and so incredibly cute. Although puppies do seem invincible at times, we can’t stress enough the importance of selecting the right food that will nourish and help them grow properly. Let’s take a few minutes to look at some of our favorite puppies of all time, those that fit into the large and giant breed category.
Large or giant breed dogs are among the most popular breeds. Of the 160 or so breeds registered with the American Kennel Club, the majority listed in the top half are large or giant breeds. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breed by a significant margin, and have been for some time. Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers and Standard Poodles are all in the top ten breeds.
It is essential that the pet parents of these breeds are aware of the special needs of large and giant breed dogs in order to provide all that is needed to assure a long, happy and healthy life.
Many of the larger breeds have the potential to grow 100 times their birth weight. They have a faster growth rate; however, that rate must be controlled in order to allow the puppy to develop normally without the risk of problems. For this reason, it is important to feed a diet that specifically addresses the needs of large and giant breed puppies. Like any diet, the basic formula should be extremely nutritious containing highly digestible ingredients that address all the needs of that specific life stage.
Just what are the nutritional needs of these rapidly growing large and giant breed puppies?
Controlled growth, optimum levels of calcium and phosphorus, essential fatty acids as well as specific holistic ingredients to enhance development are all essential elements in an optimum holistic formula for a large or giant breed puppy.
If growth is not controlled and calcium levels are in excess, the puppy runs the risk of contracting one of several developmental bone diseases, all of which are very painful and can have permanent detrimental effects on the puppy’s quality of life. Traditional puppy diets are designed with lots of protein and fat so as to provide large amounts of calories. Large and giant breed puppies do not do well on these diets and for that reason; large and giant breed formulas were developed.
1. Controlled Growth:
If too many calories are consumed the rate of growth will be increased, which is to be avoided. Too many calories increases weight too rapidly on the developing bones and can raise the risk of bone problems. These puppies should be fed an amount of food that maintains a slightly lean body condition, at least until they are approximately 10-12 months of age. For this reason, Holistic Select® Large and Giant Breed Puppy Formula contains lower levels of protein, fat and calories than traditional puppy diets so as to help the pet parent control the rate of growth.
2. Calcium and Phosphorus Levels:
Most would assume that large and giant breed puppies would need more calcium and phosphorus than a smaller breed puppy, as their bone structure is so mush bigger. On the contrary, they actually need slightly less calcium. Too much calcium can also increase the incidence of any one of those very painful developmental bone diseases. The challenge is to provide just enough calcium to reduce the risk bone problems while supplying levels that allow for maximum growth potential. As long as you are feeding a balanced diet, never supplement a large and giant breed puppy with a mineral supplement.
3. Certain Essential Fatty Acids:
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential Omega 3 fatty acid that has been found to enhance brain development in puppies. It is important that these giant and in some cases large breeds are well trained so that control is maintained. By providing holistic, functional food ingredients that support proper brain development puppies have been found to be more easily trained in the basic obedience commands.
4. Probiotics or Direct Fed Microbials (DFMs):
Probiotics are the essential bacteria that play a key role in establishing the normal flora of the gut so that proper digestion is achieved. They have the holistic benefit of also enhancing the immune system early on in the puppy’s life. By feeding a diet daily that contains these natural organisms, the digestive system and immune system are at optimum efficiency all the time.
5. Prebiotics
Prebiotics are the essential foods necessary to keep the probiotics or DFMs healthy and happy. They are natural ingredients that have benefit specifically to the good bacteria as well as additional advantages for the puppy. Holistic Select® Large and Giant Breed Puppy Formula uses beet pulp and inulin to provide ideal nutrients to these good bacteria that produce other short chain fatty acids necessary for a healthy intestinal tract. Some beet pulp is retained in the digestive tract to assure adequate stool volume to keep the digestive contents moving along.
Holistic Select® Large and Giant Breed Puppy Formula is designed with the precise needs in mind so as to give your puppy the right start in life. We have been making holistic and natural diets specifically for large and giant breed puppies for over 20 years and have the experience and expertise to provide your pet with the ideal formula it deserves.
Holistic Select® diets contain no wheat, soy or corn and contain natural ingredients that have functional benefits that together enhance the health and well-being of our four legged companions.
- Kelp to improve skin and hair coat as well as provide a natural source of trace minerals.
- Yucca is an odor reducer and a known anti-inflammatory
- Glucosamine for joint health
- Natural Digestive Enzymes are added to the food to increase total digestibility.
- Taurine and L-Carnitine are added to what naturally occurs in the ingredients so as to encourage a healthy heart.
It’s always best to feed regularly as opposed to leaving food out for your puppy at all times. This will help control rate of growth. Likewise, try and avoid feeding just before and just after exercise to reduce the chances of “bloat”, another potential problem for some breeds. Giving a puppy the right start in life is as important as giving a child the right start. Creating good habits and feeding an optimum diet that encourages maximum growth potential while reducing the risk of disease is the ultimate goal.
