Sept Ask the Vet
08.17.2010 | 01:59 pm
Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al
This month, Dr. Al answers your questions about when to switch a kitten to adult food and rotating favors of canned cat food.
Q: I have a five month old kitten who has been exclusively on Holistic Select kitten dry food since we got him. When should we switch him to adult food?
A: It is generally recommended that you feed a diet designed for growth until the majority of growth has occurred. Most agree that one year of age is a appropriate time to switch to an adult diet. However, a convenient benefit of the Holistic Select® Radiant Adult & Kitten Health Chicken Meal Recipe that you have been feeding to your kitten is that it is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional requirements for all life-stages, so you need not make a switch when your kitten becomes an adult cat.
I would also suggest that you consider adding a canned recipe to your feeding regimen, such as Holistic Select® Chicken & Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food. The most common medical problems requiring pet parents take their cats to the veterinarian are urinary issues. Water consumption is essential to helping prevent the issues. An exclusive dry diet can significantly reduce the total daily water intake and encourage urinary issues. Adding, or feeding exclusively canned cat food will increase water consumption considerably and help prevent the most common urinary issues for cats.
Q: Must cats always eat the same canned food or is it okay to occasionally rotate the flavor given? If alternating, how do you transition wet food, or can you just switch over to a new one with no transition as long as you keep the dry food the same?
A: Many pet parents rotate the flavors of canned food and their cats love the variety. In my experience, if you rotate canned the flavors within the same brand, the risk of problems is minimal.
Keep in mind that there are cats that have food allergies and/or intolerances. They are not common, but they do occur. That would not be a problem with rotating recipes, but rather a particular sensitivity your cat has with one or more ingredients in a diet. If you find your cat does well on fish based diets, you could try rotating between Holistic Select® Ocean Fish & Tuna Recipe and Holistic Select® Salmon & Shrimp Recipe to keep protein sources similar in your cats diet while maintaining enough variety for her to enjoy.
Ingredient Spotlight: The Nutritional Benefits of Oatmeal
08.17.2010 | 01:50 pm
Compared to other grains, oatmeal is higher in protein and fiber and lower in carbohydrate calories.
Oatmeal may be relatively new to the pet food industry as a whole, but it has been included in Holistic Select® recipes for years because of its effectiveness as a nutritious and effective natural and holistic ingredient for both dogs and cats. Natural, whole grains have always been known to be healthy and nutritious for our pets, if prepared properly and used in the correct amounts; oatmeal is no exception. In fact, Oatmeal is probably one of the best grains used in some pet foods today. Technically, oatmeal is ground oat groats. Groats are the hulled grain; in this case, hulled whole oats. Compared to other grains, oatmeal is higher in protein and fiber and lower in carbohydrate calories. It is a great natural source of iron, manganese, zinc and B vitamins as well as essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
The protein in oatmeal is an ideal complement to the meat proteins found in all of our foods. It contains almost a complete list of the essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein) vital to a complete and balanced diet. Many vets feel that the protein in oatmeal is very hypoallergenic (less likely to cause an allergic reaction) and therefore an ideal nutrient to be included in a diet formulated for pets suspected of having a food sensitivity or allergy. Due to its fiber content, pound for pound, oatmeal contains less carbohydrate calories than other grains. This makes it an ideal ingredient to support weight management as well as optimum bowl function. The soothing properties of oatmeal can help a pet with some digestive issues.
Natural antioxidants in oatmeal help to protect the pet from the toxins in our environment thought to be responsible for many of the diseases and conditions seen in pets. Oatmeal has a very low glycemic index, and is lower in glutens than most grains. Both are important in controlling blood sugar levels and reducing digestive issues for pets.
All Holistic Select dry cat food and dry dog food recipes include oatmeal as a healthy grain source.
August Ask the Vet
07.12.2010 | 03:27 pm
Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al
This month, Dr Al answers questions about skin problems for a Bichon Shitzu and food recommendations for an 8 year old Chihuahua.
Q: My 4 year old Bichon Shitzu, occasionally gets small hard bumps that eventually dry up, and I try to pick them off. My pet food store told me, Bichons are known to get ’skin allergies’ from certain dog foods. Which ‘type’ of dry food, should I feed him?
A: My guess is that this is not a food allergy. You have described it as an occasional situation and as long as the dog is eating the same food the problem would exist. In addition, food allergies usually cause increased itching and scratching especially at the feet, which you did not describe.
Those little black spots could be coming from the sebaceous glands down the back. At times they can produce excess secretions that dry up on the back. I would speak to your veterinarian about a specific shampoo that helps to reduce the secretions and keep the skin clean. As far as a diet goes, I would consider a recipe designed for small breeds such as the Holistic Select Small & Mini Breed Radiant Adult Health Recipe dog food.
Q: I have a chihuahua-beagle mix that is 7 and will be 8 years old soon, is that age considered a senior? What would be best to feed him?
A: Although smaller dogs are known to live longer than the larger canine breeds, that does not necessarily mean that their senior years come significantly later. While 7-8 years of age may be considered senior for a Great Dane, 10 years as a reasonable age to begin considering your Chihuahua a senior.
Of course, a lot depends on the individual pet. If your dog is beginning to slow down, gain weight, or have any symptoms of arthritis, heart disease or kidney problems, you could certainly consider it a senior and treat appropriately, including feeding Holistic Select Vitalize Senior Health Recipe Dry Dog Food. At 7-8 years of age, annual visits to your veterinarian become more important as early detection of any of these problems mentioned is essential in resolving or slowing the process in order to maintain a healthy, high quality long life for your dog.
If weight is not a problem and there are no symptoms of other problems, Holistic Select Small & Mini Breed Radiant Adult Health Recipe dog food is designed specifically for smaller breeds and contains ideal nutrients as well as additional supplement such as probiotics ( to aid in digestion and enhance the immune system), Glucosamine Hydrochloride (for joint health) and Omega fats (Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for skin and hair coat, heart health and immune support).
1. My 4 year old Bichon Shitzu, occasionally gets small, hard bumps, that eventually dry up, and I try to pick them off. Pet Store told me, Bichons are known to get ’skin allergies’ from certain Dog Foods. Which ‘type’ of Dry Food, should I feed him?
My guess is that this is not a food allergy. You have described it as an occasional situation and as long as the dog is eating the same food the problem would exist. In addition, food allergies usually cause increased itching and scratching especially at the feet, which you did not describe.
Those little black spots could be coming from the sebaceous glands down the back. At times they can produce excess secretions that dry up on the back. I would speak to your veterinarian about a specific shampoo that helps to reduce the secretions and keel the skin clean.
As far a diet goes, I would consider a recipe designed for small breeds such as the Wellness Small Breed Adult recipe.
2. I have a chihuahua-beagle mix that is 7 and will be 8 years old soon, is that age considered a senior? What would be best to feed him?
Smaller dogs are known to live longer than the larger canine breeds, That does not necessarily mean that their senior years come significantly later. While 7-8 years of age may be considered a senior for a Great Dane, I would suspect that most would consider maybe 10 year as a reasonable age to begin considering your Chihuahua a senior.
A lot depends on the individual pet. If the dog is beginning to slow down, maybe gain weight, or have any symptoms of arthritis, heart disease or kidney problems, you could certainly consider it to be a senior and treat appropriately.
At 7-8 years of age, annual visits to your veterinarian become more important as early detection of the problems mentioned above is essential in resolving or slowing the process in order to maintain a healthy, high quality long life.
If weight is not a problem and there are no symptoms of other problems, Wellness Small Breed Adult recipe is designed specifically for smaller breeds and contains ideal nutrients as well as additional supplement such as probiotics ( to aid in digestion and enhance the immune system), Glucosamine and Chondroitin (for joint health) and Omega fats (Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for skin and hair coat, heart health and immune support).
July Ask the Vet
06.28.2010 | 09:24 am
Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al
This month, Dr. Al answers reader questions about shedding, dental health and food allergies.
Q: My 5 year old Golden Retriever has been on Holistic Select Lamb Meal Recipe for about 1 year now. She has for the past 2 months had very itchy paws and ears. Our vet says she is allergic to her food. I want to try another Holistic Select product. Which one do you recommend? (Our vet suggests a single protein which is why I have her on this product). Her daughter, 2 years old is doing fine on this product.
A: Sorry to hear that your Golden is having skin issues. Many times the symptoms of allergies are expressed in the skin as you described. Keep in mind that this could be an environmental allergy and not related to food. If that is the case, work with your vet to control the symptoms. Most environmental allergies are to seasonal irritants and will pass.
We are seeing more food allergies to lamb. Many vets feel that dogs have been exposed to lamb in pet foods for so long it has allowed allergies to develop to this protein source. Thankfully there are two other unique single protein recipes in the Holistic Select line of foods. Duck and Anchovy, Sardine and Salmon (fish). I have had good luck with the fish recipe and Golden Retrievers in the past. Keep in mind that any time you change diet and suspect an allergy you should transition slowly to the new recipe and give it at least two months (provided there is no worsening of the condition initially) as it can take that long for the allergens to get out of the system. In the meanwhile, do not give any treats with other protein sources or table food, or it will not be clear what is causing the allergy.
There is no definite way to tell for sure if it is a food allergy or an environmental allergy other than treating for both for now. Certainly work closely with your veterinarian and do all you can to relieve the symptoms and, if you choose, change the diet. If things improve, you may try to go back to the lamb recipe in a few months. If the symptoms reoccur you will know it was in fact a food allergy. If they do not reoccur be aware that the symptoms may come back this time next year.
Q: My sister seems to think that dry dog food is the best for her dog instead of wet canned food. She said dry is better because it helps clean their teeth, is this so?
A: That’s a great question. Many pet parents like to top the dry food with canned food or even meat supplements that are as soft as canned foods. It can provide additional nutrition, if weight is an issue.
I think the best way to answer your question is to first put the question in a human perspective. We humans brush our teeth daily and even twice daily, yet we still need to have our teeth cleaned annually or even more frequently.
The point is, that no matter whether we feed all dry for or we feed some softer food, we are still going to have to have our pet’s teeth cleaned at some point. Feeding just dry food may slow the process but not by much.
Q: Both our dogs and cats eat Holistic select but lately they seem to be shedding a lot, any suggestions to help this, besides brushing, which I do daily?
A: Since they are all shedding at the same time, it would seem that it may be normal, seasonal shedding. Dogs and especially cats that spend most of their time inside can shed at what may seem abnormal times. Grooming helps to speed the process.
Q: My sister seems to think that dry dog food is the best for her dog instead of wet canned food. She said dry is betterbe cause it helps clean their teeth, is this so?
That’s a great question. Many pet parents like to top the dry food with canned food or even meat supplements that are as soft as canned foods. It can provide additional nutrition, if weight is an issue. It of course is a special treat that enhances the bond between the pet and pet parent.
I think the best way to answer your question is to first put the question in a human perspective. We humans brush our teeth daily and even twice daily, yet we still need to have our teeth cleaned annually or even more frequently.
The point is, that no matter whether we feed all dry for or we feed some softer food, we are still going to have to have our pet’s teeth cleaned at some point. Feeding just dry food may slow the process but not by much.
Large and Giant Breed Puppy Health
06.21.2010 | 04:33 pm
Large Breed Puppies Need Special Nutrition for Controlled Growth
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 among the top ten breeds.
It is essential that pet parents are aware of the special needs of large and giant breed puppies. Getting off to the right start is essential in order to assure a happy and healthy life for these special pets.
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 natural ingredients to enhance development are all essential elements in an optimum natural formula for a large or giant breed puppy.
If growth is not controlled and calcium levels are in excess, the puppy can have an increased 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, specific large and giant breed formulas were developed.
Like all of the Holistic Select recipes, the large and giant breed puppy recipe goes beyond natural by providing a foundation of premium proteins, fats and carbohydrates and then adding our “Select Actives™”. This combination of high quality, natural and holistic nutrients and supplements have particular importance when considering a specific diet for puppies, especially those large and giant breed puppies.
1. Controlled Growth:
If too many calories are consumed, the rate of growth will be increased. This is to be avoided. Too many calories increases weight too rapidly on the developing bones and can increase the stress on developing bones and raise the risk of encouraging developmental 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, the Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Puppy recipe contains fewer calories than the traditional puppy recipes in order to help the pet parent maintain an ideal, slightly lean body mass while developing.
2. Provide Optimum Calcium and Phosphorus Levels for Large and Giant Breed Puppies:
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 much 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 of 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. Guarantee 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 natural, 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) and Prebiotics:
Probiotics are the essential “good bacteria” that play a key role in establishing the normal flora of the gut so that proper digestion is achieved. They have the natural benefit of also enhancing the immune system early on in the puppy’s life. By feeding a daily diet that contains these natural organisms, the digestive system and immune system will be at optimum efficiency all the time.
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.
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 that include regular exercise and feeding an optimum diet that will encourage maximum growth potential while reducing the risk of disease is the ultimate goal.
We encourage you to explore the entire Holistic Select website and learn all you can with regard to our philosophy, the specific ingredients in our foods and much much more about the benefits of a holistic and natural pet food.
We have been making natural diets specifically for large and giant breed puppies for almost 25 years and have the experience and expertise to provide your pet with the ideal formula it deserves.
Ask The Vet
05.18.2010 | 05:01 pm
Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al
JUNE EDITION
Q: I have read that Taurine is important in cat food. It’s in all your dry cat food. Why is this?
A: Taurine is a sulfur containing amino acid. Taurine is an essential feline dietary component—a purified form of the amino acid is added to the diet –cats do not make it. Dietary taurine requirements in cats are highly dependent on ingredient sources and processing. Taurine deficiency in cats is associated with reproductive failure, central retinal degeneration, and dilated cardiomyopathy. All three of our Holistic Select® Dry Cat Food recipes include added Taurine for this reason.
Q: My black lab is going to be 10 years old in July – is there any special foods that should be in his diet?
A: When recommending a diet for a 10 year old dog his medical condition and body weight need to be assessed during a veterinary senior pet exam. A physical examination, blood work and a urinalysis can help you rule out some chronic problems. Don’t forget to measure the body weight on a scale and get your vet to help you body condition score your pet. A fecal egg check will help rule out internal parasites.
Some seniors may need less protein in their dog food, so you may want to try Holistic Select Vitalize Senior Health Recipe. It has less protein and fat, with some added fiber.
Harley and Puppies
05.18.2010 | 11:44 am
This adorable photo was sent to us today by Jenny P., Pittsboro IN.
As you can see, these beautiful bulldog puppies are growing up healthy and happy! What is their Holistic Select food of choice? These puppies are all being fed a diet of Holistic Select Nourish Puppy Health Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meals Recipe.
A big thanks to Jenny for sharing this photo and success story with us. We love hearing from our fans who believe in activating a higher level of health for their family pets. Do you have an inspirational story to share?
The Nutritional Benefits of Kelp
05.17.2010 | 01:40 pm
Kelp
Dried kelp is a powerhouse of an ingredient with many benefits for our furry friends. Kelp is defined as dried seaweed usually from the families Laminariace and Fucaeae. They can be found growing in the cool ocean waters of the world.
Kelp has been used as a supplement in Chinese medicine for centuries. It is an ideal natural source of many essential nutrients such as naturally chelated (sequestered) trace minerals including iron, iodine, magnesium and sulfur. There are essential Omega 3 fats and several vitamins including Vitamins A, D, B12 and folic acid that are naturally found in kelp. Some species of kelp can contain as many as 20 amino acids, the building blocks for cell replacement and development. In addition, kelp contains antioxidants such as alpha- and beta-carotenes.
The dried kelp used in the Holistic Select Food for Dogs and Cats is dried seaweed from the family Ascophyllumm found growing naturally in the cool Northern waters off the coast of Canada and Europe. Also known as Norwegian Kelp, it is harvested and processed under the strictest conditions to assure it’s quality and nutritional value. To learn more about the ingredients in Holistic Select Pet Food, visit our ingredient dictionary.
Doga for the Holistic Health of Your Dog
05.13.2010 | 10:42 am
Kari with Charlie
We all know how good yoga is for us…but did you know it can also benefit your dog? Doga (or “dog yoga”) is the practice of partner yoga for you and your dog. At East Yoga in New York, Kari Harendorf helped pioneer this hybrid practice. Kari’s doga sessions have been featured in articles in TimeOut New York , The New York Post, and The New York Times.
Doga is all about bonding with your pet and giving the dog 45 minutes of undivided attention and praise from their favorite person in the world. The dogs do sun salutations and you’ll learn specific massage techniques to calm your dog and aid both circulation and digestion processes. And don’t worry: You’ll also get a workout, using your dog to assist you in traditional and modified poses.
Check out Kari and Charlie in their latest TV appearance! The Today showed filmed a doga class in the East Yoga studio.
Click here to watch doga on the Today Show (September 2009)
For more information about Doga, visit East Yoga online
The very zen Charlie with Kari
Ask the Vet – April Edition
04.19.2010 | 10:24 am
This month, Dr. Al answers your questions about weight management and keeping a healthy skin and coat.
Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al
Q: My dog needs to lose weight. Can you suggest a daily regimen to help him get on track to a healthier weight?
There is no mystery concerning weight loss and maintaining a slightly lean body condition. That said, we all may know how to do it but doing it is another matter. We have to commit ourselves to doing the very best for our pets in order to give them the best chance for a long, happy and healthy life.
A: Regular exercise and an appropriate diet for the specific needs and the particular life stage your pet is in. Exercise should be on a regular basis and not stress the dog beyond it’s ability. Walking, chasing a ball, swimming and many other activities that you can share with your pet will encourage weight loss and at the same time, strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
Generally speaking, you should be feeding less than you are now in order to lose weight. Keep in mind that we never feed amounts needed to satisfy the dog’s appetite as they will surely over-eat. Start with the feeding guide on the bag, understanding that it is merely a guide and not exact for every pet. Breed, sex, activity level, age time of the year and many other criteria make it impossible to develop a guide that works for all pets.
Weigh the dog regularly and if you need to lower the amount of food in order to get into a weight loss program you must reduce the amount of calories until your pet is slowly loosing weight. There are diets that help you achieve weight loss. Diets that satisfy the dog’s appetite while helping you to limit calories. Holistic Select® Weight Management Recipe is such a diet. It has all of the high quality nutrition and Select Actives™ you have come to expect in the Holistic Select recipes and, at the same time, is designed to encourage weight loss. This special recipe has 30% less fat than our Chicken Meal and Rice Recipe and contains contains pea fiber to help your pet feel full longer.
Q: My long haired Dachshund has very dry hair. What may be done to bring back the sheen?
A: Feeding a diet designed with all of the essential fats necessary for a healthy skin and hair coat is the first step in a lustrous hair coat. There are certain conditions that may be affecting the diet’s ability to produce that healthy skin and hair coat.
- The humidity is generally lower in the winter and tends to encourage dryer skin and hair.
- End of summer when nature tells the body it’s time to prepare for winter and shedding as well as some scaling of the skin can occur.
- Unexpected stress such as an illness of injury can draw nutrition from the body.
In those cases and others, try a food with such as Holistic Select Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meal Recipe. This recipe, like all Holistic Select dry recipes contains our special Omega Health® Fatty Acid Blend to aid in a healthy glossy coat. As a mixer you may want to add Holistic Select Tuna, Salmon & Shrimp Canned Recipe. This delicious canned recipe contains Flaxseed for additional Omega 3 fatty acids. If you choose to supplement this diet temporarily with additional essential fats, Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids are found in many supplements in pet stores and veterinary hospitals. Check with your veterinarian so that he might help you decide on the best supplement for your pet. Keep in mind that any change to the skin and hair coat is slow and can take as long as several months before you begin to see a difference.
