Holiday Safety for Pets
12.19.2011 | 05:23 pm
1. Under The Tree
That Douglas Fir in the living room can look more like a playground than a holiday decoration to a curious cat. To keep pets safe, be sure to anchor your tree well so it doesn’t tip and fall.
2. Decorative Dangers
Pets may think tinsel and ornaments are toys – but when ingested, these holiday decorations can obstruct the digestive tract, causing serious health concerns. Ornaments and tinsel should be kept out of your pet’s reach at all times.
3. Gift Safety
Avoid giving pets toys that can be chewed into pieces. There is always the risk of pieces of a chewed toy becoming lodged in a pet’s esophagus or digestive tract. Although cats love yarn and ribbon, the long fibers can also cause intestinal blockages. When giving gifts to furry family members, it’s best to stick to safer toys (like kongs and balls) and healthy treats (such as Holistic Select® Holistix® Natural Dog Biscuits) instead.
4. Festive Plants
Some holiday plants, when ingested, can cause health problems for pets. Avoid decorative plants such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies – which can be the most dangerous. Even pine needles, when ingested, can wreck havoc in your pet’s intestines – so keep your pet away from fallen needles.
5. Human Food
Holiday foods, including fatty meats (especially roasts with bones), gravy, spicy foods, sweets and chocolate should all be kept far away from pets. Make sure to keep your pets away from the holiday table and unattended plates of food.
6. Holiday Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are dangerous when ingested by pets and should never be left on tables that are within your pet’s reach.
7. Holiday Lighting
Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Be sure candles are placed on a stable surface and always put the flames out prior to leaving a room.
8. Reduce Stresses
The excitement of the holiday season can be stressful for pets, triggering possible illness and intestinal upset. If you’re hosting any holiday parties, make sure pets have a safe place to retreat in your house. And make sure they are wearing current I.D. in case they escape out a door when guests come and go.
9. Tree Water
Standing/stagnant tree water can grow bacteria (making it unsafe for pets to drink) – so it’s best to keep your pet away from the trees so they are not tempted to sip the water.
10. Poison Control
If you believe that your pet might have eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
January Ask the Vet
12.19.2011 | 02:56 pm
Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al
This month, Dr. Al answers your questions about food allergies for dogs and the importance of canned food for cats.
Q: My dog has had allergy testing and tested positive for foods with potato, egg & fish. What food would you suggest we try?
A: There are two forms of allergy tests available to veterinarians.
1. Skin Testing: Requires shaving the pet’s belly and injecting small samples of specific allergens under the skin to observe for adverse reactions. It is a very uncomfortable procedure and the reactions should be evaluated by a specialist who performs the procedure on a regular basis.
2. Blood Testing: Blood tests are done for both environmental and food allergies. They work well for those environmental allergies such as fleas, pollen dust mites, molds etc…
Blood testing for food allergies has been shown to provide less than ideal results. Many of the positive reactions are what are known as false positive and are not really allergic reactions.
Most specialists agree that the only true way to determine food allergies is to feed a diet containing only one unique protein, one that the dog has not been exposed to recently (food allergies are to the protein itself). Unless there is an immediate negative reaction, feed the new diet at least 6-8 weeks to allow time for all of the offending allergens to leave the body.
Holistic Select makes three recipes with a single protein. Holistic Select® Anchovy, Sardine and Salmon Meal, Holistic Select Duck Meal and Holistic Select Lamb Meal dry dog foods are all ideal hypoallergenic recipes and have proven successful for many dogs thought to be suffering from a food allergy.
In addition to just one protein source, these recipes also contain optimum levels of Omega three fatty acids which help the skin to recover from the effects of an allergic reaction.
Choose the one that contains the best protein for your pet (the one containing the protein your dog has not been fed recently). Transition slowly over seven to ten days so if there is a reaction, it will not be severe. Feed at least 6-8 weeks before deciding if the diet has helped the problem. Be sure not to feed any other proteins from snacks, treats and table food; even some flavored oral medications contain protein and should be avoided as well.
Q: I have heard some vets encourage an all canned food diet for cats, especially helpful for weight management. Do you believe this, and how do you wean your cats off dry food?
A: There are several reasons all canned food diets are becoming more popular with concerned pet parents.
One must keep in mind that cats are true or obligate carnivores. They do best when their energy comes from protein and fat as opposed to carbohydrates. Canned foods are traditionally lower in carbohydrates.
Like most canned foods, Holistic Select® canned cat food recipes are higher in protein and fat and lower in carbohydrates than traditional dry diets. Because protein requires more energy to metabolize than fat or carbohydrates, feeding the canned cat food recipes can help a cat lose weight, if fed in the proper amount.
Just as important as what you feed, is how much you feed. A pet can gain weight if fed too much of any diet. Never feed a pet to satisfy their appetite. One must weigh the pet regularly and make sure you are only feeding enough to maintain a slightly lean body mass. If the cat is overweight to begin with, only feed enough to slowly lose the excess weight.
Another important benefit of canned foods is that they also encourage an increase in water consumption; an important factor in preventing urinary problems.
Join Our Breeder Rewards Program
11.29.2011 | 05:14 pm
Like you, we want to offer the very best nutrition to your dogs, ensuring they reflect the pride you take in their care. That is why Holistic Select® offers industry leading digestive support in all our dry adult & puppy dog food recipes. Now you can access materials (and rewards!) to recommend that your puppy buyers feed that same quality nutrition, ensuring the health and prosperity of your pups continues in their new homes.
FREE membership for our breeder partners offers:
- FREE Puppy Kits*
- FREE Puppy Food*
- Exclusive feeding rewards program
- Additional discounts for recommending Holistic Select to new pet parents
- And much more!
Sign-up today to learn more and you’ll receive a $10.00 e-coupon to save on Holistic Select Dry Dog or Dry Cat Food Recipes!
If you sign-up before 12/31/11 – you’ll also be entered to Win 1 Year of FREE Holistic Select Dry Dog Food!
December Ask the Vet
11.23.2011 | 01:06 pm
Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al
This month, Dr. Al offers advice for a Toy Poodle with sensitive skin and recommends a feeding regimen for a Maltipoo and a Terrier mix.
Q: Our Toy Poodle scratches a lot, even though we have tried everything we know to keep her from scratching. What Holistic Select recipe would you recommend we try?
A: There are many causes of scratching and itching. First you’ll need to be certain that there are no external parasites such as fleas, ticks or mange mites. Poodles also need regular grooming or their hair coat will become matted, which can cause problems.
If the scratching is centered around the ears; be sure they are clean and dry. Many poodles have excess hair growing in the ear canal that must be removed regularly.
Some dogs that have allergies which can also cause intense itching and scratching. Allergies are generally divided into two types: environmental or food allergies.
Environmental allergies are allergies to something in the environment such as pollen, mold, fungi, or fleas. Environmental allergies tend to be seasonal, so symptoms may only be present during certain seasons.
Food allergies are allergies to a certain protein in the pet’s diet. A review of 15 separate studies representing 278 dogs with significant adverse reactions to foods, 69% were associated with beef, dairy products and wheat (yes, grains contain protein). Lamb, chicken egg, chicken and soy represented an additional 25%.
The best way to determine if your dog has a food allergy is to perform a feeding trial. Carefully select a diet that contains a single meat protein, one that your dog has not been exposed to recently and does not contain any of the grains mentioned above (wheat, soy, etc). Slowly transition your pet to the new diet, ensuring that your pet does not react negatively to the new protein.
It can take at least two months for all offending antigens to work their way out of your dog’s system. So, remember to feed any new diet for at least two months to gauge the effectiveness of the solution.
Holistic Select makes three single protein recipes (Lamb, Duck and Fish – Anchovy, Sardine and Salmon). Each recipe is high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which will help reduce inflammation and help to heal the skin.
Pinpointing the culprit of a food allergy often takes some trial and error. When testing a new diet, do not feed anything else to your pet during the trial, no treats, snacks or food from the table.
Q: I have 2 small dogs (a Maltipoo and a Terrier mix) both under 20 pounds. I have heard that I should not feed them wet food every day, but I feed them 1/2 can of wet food and then leave out the dry food for them to eat throughout the day. I also give them some snacks throughout the day. Is this okay? Should I change my feeding schedule at all?
A: There is no problem feeding any dog a combination of canned and dry food as you have described. I would be careful to only feed enough each day to maintain a slightly lean body condition (that goes for small dogs and larger dogs as well).
Canned foods are nutritious and a great complement to dry diets. They can add variety to the diet and encourage proper nutrition in dogs that are picky eaters or having trouble maintaining adequate weight. However, they do contain significant calories and that should be considered when making up the daily diet. Check the Feeding Guidelines on your bag of Holistic Select Dry Food to understand how to adjust amounts of dry food and wet food when feeding together in a combination diet. And don’t forget to limit snacks to a couple per day, accounting for those calories as well.
Hiking Safely with Pets
11.16.2011 | 04:56 pm
A hike can be a beautiful and relaxing experience for you and your pet, but some simple precautions should be taken to keep your pet safe when you hit the trails together.
1. Always keep your pet on a leash. Even if you are hiking in a familiar and secluded area, small animals can often be too enticing for your pet not to pursue. An unleashed, curious pet is also at risk for being bitten by a snake.
2. Just as you would for yourself, always bring an adequate supply of fresh water, as well as a collapsible bowl or doggie canteen. Do not allow your pet to drink from puddles, ponds, or lakes, which may contain parasites or toxins that could be harmful when ingested.
3. Even though your pet will be leashed through the entire hike, always check that your pet’s ID tags are attached to the collar or harness. This should include contact information for you, including your cell phone number.
4. You never know what you will come across on a hike. Always keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date.
5. Don’t assume that colder weather means no more fleas or ticks! Check your calendar and continue to administer monthly applications of flea & tick medicine; this preventative care will help keep pests – and the illnesses they carry - at bay.
A Complete Digestive Support System to Encourage a Healthy Gut for Your Pet
10.27.2011 | 10:54 am
We have all heard the age-old saying that “we are what we eat”. That holds true not only for us, but also for our pets.
At Holistic Select, we understand the importance of a healthy digestive system. That is why our pet food recipes start with quality proteins, fats & carbohydrates and offer a complete digestive support system, to encourage a healthy gut and total well-being for your pet.
1. Quality Ingredients
At Holistic Select Pet Food we use high quality concentrated meat meals as the basis of all of our dog and cat food recipes. Some of our recipes offer multiple protein sources while others offer a single protein source, so you can find one that matches your own nutritional philosophies and your pet’s dietary needs.
Chicken fat, Menhaden fish oil (a small fish that is high in Omega 3 fatty acids) and Canola oil (high in Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids) are used to provide essential fats as well as calories.
Whole grains are used as a carbohydrate source. The grains used in the Holistic Select dog and cat food recipes also provide some additional protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are finely ground to increase digestibility and palatability.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are included in all Holistic Select dog and cat food recipes to provide a natural source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients.
2. Natural fiber
Fiber promotes digestive regularity by helping to move food waste from the digestive tract through the colon at an optimal speed, ensuring adequate stool volume. Holistic Select uses only quality, natural fibers such as oatmeal and flaxseed, and guarantees optimal levels of fiber. Some of our fiber sources such as Beet Pulp offer double-duty digestive support, as some they are also recognized as prebiotics (see below).
2. Probiotics:
Probiotics are the “good bacteria” essential for a healthy digestive system and a healthy immune system too. They help to improve digestibility of ingredients and are an essential part of the immune system.
By feeding a diet with live probiotics on the food (they are applied to Holistic Select kibble after it has been cooked and cooled, to assure maximum survival) you are re-inoculating the digestive tract with these healthy organisms every day to assure ideal levels in the gut. Holistic Select guarantees that every dry recipe will provide 100,000,000 CFU (Colony Forming Units)/lb of food.
3. Prebiotics:
The fiber sources used in all dry Holistic Select recipes are also known as prebiotics, which serve as the essential nutrition for the health and performance of the “good bacteria” in the digestive tract.
4. Digestive Enzymes:
The body’s organs (mainly the pancreas) produce Digestive enzymes to digest (break down) the food so the intestinal tract can absorb the nutrients, which are then distributed throughout the body. They are added to the diet to increase digestibility and to reduce the stress on the organs of the body. Because the digestive enzymes are included at guaranteed levels, you can feel confident they are bringing home the same high levels of digestive support in every bag.
5. Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are elements found in the skins of vegetables and fruits that act as powerful antioxidants. They are known to help neutralize free radicals in order to keep the cells of the body healthy. They are natural ingredients that enhance the immune system and help protect the body.
What’s the Scoop on Poop?
10.24.2011 | 11:07 am
All embarrassment aside for a moment, it is time to take a closer look at your pet’s poop. As responsible pet parents, we have a great opportunity to evaluate the general health – and specifically, the digestive health – of our pets by closely observing their stool. The quality of your pet’s bowel movement is a good general indicator of gut health, which has a substantial impact on the overall health of your pet. That is why it is important to get the scoop on your pet’s poop!
Top 6 Criteria for Evaluating Your Pet’s Stool:
1. Color:
Generally a dog’s stool is brown. Cats usually require more protein in their diet and so the color is usually a bit darker brown. Color can vary a bit from day to day but not significantly.
A dark tar-like color may indicate blood in the stool, and can be very serious. Fresh blood on the surface of the stool also indicates a potential problem.
White stool suggests constipation and possibly dehydration; lighter green or pale yellow feces suggests a digestive issue. Contact your veterinarian to report if your pet’s stool exhibits any of these colors, as there may be an underlying medical condition.
2. Consistency:
A healthy stool should be firm and moist. That consistency makes it easy for your pet to pass, and equally easy for you to pick up and discard.
Diarrhea (loose, watery stool) is a clear indicator of a problem, though there are as many causes of diarrhea as there are leaves on a tree! Too large a meal, rich foods, an abrupt change in diet, eating something (food or non-food items) from the house or yard, internal parasites, infection, food intolerances, allergies and many more circumstances can be the cause of diarrhea.
Constipation (hard, dry stool) can be difficult to pass, and often causes significant discomfort to your pet. Reduced water intake and lack of exercise are two possible causes of constipation.
3. Quantity:
It is a common misconception that the smaller the stool volume is, the better digestibility and the better the diet is for the pet – though that does not always hold true.
However, monitoring stool volume is very important. Too much stool and the pet may not be getting the full benefit of the diet; it may cause some abdominal discomfort for the pet. Too little stool and the food may not pass through the gut at the right speed, affecting digestibility and causing intermittent diarrhea or constipation.
4. Smell:
Yes poop smells, but it should not be overwhelming. A change in diet, dietary indiscretion (getting into something outside or the garbage), poor diet and the wrong bacteria in the gut can all change the smell of your pet’s feces.
5. Foreign Matter:
Grass, hair, parasites, bones, toys or pieces of toys, seeds, and almost everything small enough to pass through the digestive tract has been seen by veterinarians. Monitor your pet around the house and outdoors to make sure he doesn’t ingest anything he shouldn’t.
6. Unusual Observations:
Excess gas can be annoying, but may also be a symptom of another digestive issue. Talk to your vet if your pet is emitting excessive gas or is having difficulty passing a bowel movement.
Fecal material on the hair coat around the rectum might suggest diarrhea. If it persists, check with your vet on this matter as well.
November Ask the Vet
10.17.2011 | 02:25 pm
Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al
This month Dr. Townshend answers your questions about a Siamese cat’s chronic vomiting and reducing gas for a Red Heeler.
Q: I have two Siamese cats. The female mother cat throws up her food, daily. My vet tells me there is nothing I can do for her. What (if anything) can I do? I have tried many different brands and types of food, including foods with higher meat/protein content and fewer grains. Do you have any suggestions?
A: There are many reasons a cat might throw up his food. Although sometimes this can be a reaction to food, there are many other possible causes. It is certainly not normal for a cat to throw up daily, and I would recommend working closely with your veterinarian to make every effort to resolve the issue.
When trying to pinpoint the reason for your cat’s chronic vomiting, consider the following possible causes:
1. Eating too fast can increase the potential for vomiting regularly. Hairballs building up in the stomach can also cause the problem. Adding a small amount of oil to the diet may help. Try olive oil or canola oil, about a teaspoon full daily. Make sure you feed the cats separately as eating together may cause stress and cause the mother to eat too quickly.
2. A change in the normal bacterial flora of the GI tract may be a problem. Supplementing with Probiotics such as Holistic Solution®, for a few days may help.
3. Foreign body in the stomach could also be a cause. Be sure your veterinarian has ruled that out with a series of X-Rays if needed.
4. Pathogenic organisms in the upper parts of the digestive tract have been known to cause vomiting. Many times they can be eliminated with antibiotics.
Q: My 1 year old Red Heeler has a lot of gas. What can I do to help him with this issue?
A: Excess gas can be a frustrating problem. Eating too quickly and gulping in excess air can cause the problem. Feed frequent smaller meals in a quiet location where there is no stress or competition for the food.
Changing the bacteria in the digestive tract may help. Supplement with a “Probiotic” such as that contained in Holistic Solution® for a week to ten days may resolve the problem.
Changing the protein and/or the carbohydrates in the diet may help. If you are feeding a chicken based diet, try lamb or fish such as in the Holistic Select single protein recipes (Anchovy, Sardine and Salmon or Lamb).
Exercise is also important in reducing gas. Keep in mind that some gas is normal so don’t expect it to go away completely.
Send Free Samples to Friends! Get Coupons for Yourself!
10.04.2011 | 11:23 am
Refer FREE SAMPLES of Holistic Select® to your friends, and earn valuable savings coupons!
We would guess that you’ve already been spreading your passion about Holistic Select and the difference it makes with your pet. We appreciate that. Now, we’ve created an easy way for you to invite others to try our products, and will reward you for doing so.
Share Holistic Select® is our new online referral program*, where our promise is “free samples for them, great savings for you.”
Here’s how it works:
• Visit our referral page where you can create custom e-cards for fellow pet-wise parents in your life.
• The e-cards will link them back to an online form where they can request a free sample of Holistic Select dog or cat food (or one of each).
• We’ll track which of your referrals request free samples.
The more that do, the bigger the Holistic Select savings offer you earn. Learn more about these rewards in our program rules.
Your friends at,
Holistic Select Pet Food
October Ask the Vet
09.21.2011 | 10:10 am
Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al
This month Dr. Townshend answers your questions about choosing a high fiber diet for your dog and the importance of canned food for cats.
Q: My vet put my dog on a high-fiber prescription food intended to improve loose stools. It has helped somewhat, but I’d like to try a more holistic solution. Does Holistic Select have a dry food that is high in fiber for my dog?
A: Yes, Holistic Select does offer a higher fiber dry dog food you could try to help with your dog’s loose stool issues. Holistic Select® Weight Management dry dog food recipe has an increased level of fiber with the additional digestive benefits of added probiotics (the “good bacteria” essential for a healthy digestive tract) and digestive enzymes, both of which are important to aid in proper digestion.
Q: I’ve been told cats should be fed a combination of wet and dry food. Would you recommend feeding a diet that includes both wet and dry cat food? I currently give my cat only wet cat food – 1/2 can twice a day.
A: Some pet parents feed exclusively dry cat food, though it is essential to ensure plenty of fresh water is available for the cat as well. Veterinarians generally agree that cats normally do not drink enough water to keep them properly hydrated, which is why canned cat food is recommended in combination with any dry diet (canned cat food is approximately 78% broth).
The Holistic Select Canned Cat Recipes are complete and balanced diets on their own – they just happen to provide the added benefit of hydration. Since you are currently feeding canned cat food, there is no need to add any dry food to your cat’s diet.
