Newsletter Coupon Printing Tips
05.02.2012 | 03:30 pm
(Follow these guidelines before attempting to print)
- The coupons are set to work with Internet Explorer or FireFox browsers.
- It is recommended that you have the most up-to-date version of each browser.
- If you use Internet Explorer, please Upgrade to Internet Explorer 8.
- If you use FireFox, please Upgrade to Firefox 10.
- For Mac users, Safari 5.1.3 is recommended. Please Upgrade to Safari 5.1.3 (Mac only).
- If you are using Google Chrome, please make sure the latest version of JavaScript is installed on your computer. Follow the instructions to Enable JavaScript for Chrome.
- Once you click the link to get your coupon(s), you will be taken to a page where you will see a preview of the coupon with a banner across it that reads “CLICK TO PRINT.”
- Please make sure your printer is turned on, has ink/paper and is connected to your computer and the internet before attempting to print.
- Click that banner one time only. You will then see your print options box open, so that you can print your coupon.
- The coupon is accessible only through this process. You will not be able to save a copy prior to printing or use the “File-Print” option from your browser menu.
If you would like us to walk you through the process of accessing your coupons, or have any additional questions, please feel free to email us or call our Consumer Affairs team at (800) 225-0904.
Your friends at,
Holistic Select Pet Food
10 Poisonous Garden Plants to Avoid with Dogs
04.24.2012 | 02:54 pm
Spring is a great time to give your dog more exercise and fresh air, often letting them have run of the yard. However, everyday gardens can pose a serious risk to your dog’s health. The following ten garden plants are poisonous and need to be kept away from our canine friends:
Bulbs – Amarylis, Daffodil, Elephant Ear, Hyacinth, Iris, Tulip. The bulb is the poisonous part, so beware particularly with those dogs that like to dig.
Ferns – Asparagus Fern, Emerald Feather, Lace Fern, Plumosa Fern. Many of these can be grown in a hanging pot, just make sure pieces of the plant or its berries do not fall to the floor.
Flowering Plants – Cyclamen, Hydrangea, Kalanchoe. While the blooms are beautiful the consequences can be deadly.
Garden Perennials – Charming Dieffenbachia, Christmas Rose, Flamingo Plant, Foxglove, Morning Glory, Nightshade.
Lillies – Glory Lily. These are not only toxic to dogs, but cats as well.
Shrubs – Cycads, Heavenly Bamboo, Holly, Jerusalem Cherry, Oleander, Precatory Bean, Rhododendron, Sago Palm. Shrubs are one of the deadliest garden plants.
Succulents – Such as Aloe.
Trees – Avocado, Buddist Pine, Chinaberry, Japanese Yew, Macadamia Nut, Madagascar Dragon, Schefflera.
Vines – Branching Ivy, English Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy. The foliage of vines is actually more toxic than the berries.
Other Plants – American Bittersweet. While it is best to not have these toxic plants in your yard, at the very least they should be fenced in to keep your dog from getting to them.
May Ask the Vet
04.22.2012 | 11:32 am
Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al
This month Dr. Townshend answers your questions about a dog with bad allergies in the spring months and a young dog with loose stools.
Q: My dog experiences pretty bad allergies in the spring. He begins licking his feet and is generally itchy. What food should I feed him to help control his allergies?
A: Allergies are an all too common problem in dogs. There are generally two causes of allergies; food and environment.
Food allergies are almost always due to a protein in certain ingredients in the diet. Beef, dairy products and the protein in wheat are common food allergens, along with chicken and soy. Food allergies are determined and controlled by feeding a single protein that the dog has not been exposed to in its diet recently. Holistic Select® makes three such diets, Radiant Adult Health Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meal Recipe (all fish), Radiant Adult Lamb Meal Recipe, and Radiant Adult Duck Meal Recipe, which do not contain any of the more common allergens found in some pet foods.
When switching to a new diet for suspected allergies, one should always transition slowly over at least 5-7 days. Also keep in mind that it may take up to two months before the problem is resolved as it can take that long to rid the body of the offending allergen.
Environmental allergies include sensitivities to fleas, dust mites, grass, molds, pollens and other things found in the environment. You mentioned that the licking begins in the spring which suggests to me that the predominate allergen is environmental, and is likely associated with the season, so pollens or grass molds could be the culprit.
I suggest that you work with your veterinarian to determine the cause and then affect a solution. Since the cause is likely to be something the dog steps in while outside, medications may be necessary as it will be difficult to completely eliminate them from the dog’s environment.
Q: Our one-year-old dog has had a problem with loose stools ever since we adopted him. Other than that, he’s a very healthy dog. He currently eats a dry food with cottage cheese mixed in. Is there a food we could give him to firm up his stools?
A: I assume that you have had the pet examined by your veterinarian and there were no problems such as parasites (intestinal worms) or bacterial problems.
Many times, younger dogs suffer from loose stools because they do not have the proper levels of Probiotics in their digestive system.
Probiotics are the essential bacteria we all must have in our digestive system in order for it to function properly. They also enhance the immune system. All Holistic Select® dry recipes contain multiple Probiotics, as well as the Prebiotics needed to help the Probiotics perform optimally in pet’s digestive tract.
I would also suggest jump-starting your young dog’s digestive health with a specific Probiotic preparation like our Holistic Solution®, to help his digestive system achieve optimal health as soon as possible.
March – Ask the Vet
03.02.2012 | 11:15 am
Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al
This month, Holistic Select Staff Veterinarian Dr. Al Townshend answers your questions about puppy nutrition and helping your dog lose weight.
Q: I have a Yorkie puppy who is 8 months old. She is a picky eater and is currently eating Holistic Select Canned Puppy Recipe. When would be a good time to switch to Holistic Select Small and Mini Breed Adult Health Dry Food?
A: I would recommend that you wait until your puppy is a year of age. Then, you can gradually begin adding Holistic Select Small and Mini Breed Adult Recipe to the diet, slowly reducing the amount of canned food day by day. This method will slowly get your puppy used to eating her dry adult food. You can also add a bit of Holistic Select Canned Chicken Recipe to the dry food to further entice her taste buds.
Q: I have teacup poodle that is overweight about one 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 Holistic Select Small and Mini Breed Recipe adult dog food.
A: We should never feed to satisfy a dog’s appetite as that will surely 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.
Digestive Health for Pets
02.22.2012 | 05:24 pm
The digestive system is one of the most important parts of your pet’s body and is essential to maintain a strong immune system for both cats and dogs. Research has indicated that 70% of a pet’s immune system lies in the digestive tract. The main function of the digestive system is to break down food, absorb nutrients to be distributed throughout the body and prevent toxins from entering the bloodstream. Probiotics and prebiotics, natural fiber, digestive enzymes and phytonutrients are ingredients that help facilitate good digestion and are ideal to maintain proper digestive health for your pet. Holistic Select dog and cat food recipes are formulated with our Unique Digestive Health Support System of Prebiotics, Probiotics, Natural Fiber and Digestive Enzymes because we believe total body health begins with digestive health.
1. 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. Examples of quality, natural fibers include oatmeal and flaxseed. Some of our fiber sources such as Beet Pulp offer double-duty digestive support, as some they are also recognized as prebiotics.
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 applied to kibble to 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.
3. Prebiotics:
Some fiber sources used in healthy dog and cat food are also known as prebiotics, which serve as the essential nutrition for the health and performance of the “good bacteria” in the digestive tract. Some examples of prebiotic ingredients to look for in your pet’s food are beet pulp and inulin.
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. When digestive enzymes are added to pet food, it helps to increase digestibility and to reduce the stress on the organs of the body.
Feeding your pets food that contains probiotics and prebiotics, natural fiber, digestive enzymes and phytonutrients will help maintain a healthy digestive tract and a strong immune system.
The Benefits of Quinoa and Oatmeal
02.17.2012 | 01:50 pm
Compared to other grains, oatmeal is higher in protein and fiber and lower in carbohydrate calories.
Holistic Select dog and cat food recipes are formulated with our Unique Digestive Health Support System of Prebiotics, Probiotics, Natural Fiber and Digestive Enzymes because we believe total body health begins with digestive health.
Fiber is a key component of Holistic Select’s Unique Digestive Health Support System, promoting digestive regularity by helping to move food waste from the digestive tract through the colon at an optimal speed, ensuring adequate stool volume. Examples of quality, natural fibers include oatmeal and quinoa.
1. The Nutritional Benefits of Oatmeal
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.
2. The Nutritional Benefits of Quinoa
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.
Ask The Vet
01.31.2012 | 04:57 pm
Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al
This month, Dr. Al answers your questions about protein levels for a large breed puppy and helping a 2 1/2 year old lab Labrador Retriever lose weight.
Q: I have a Great Dane and she is currently on Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Food. She is about 9 months old and she is very healthy and playful. Our pet food store recommended we try a puppy food that is 40% protein. What is your opinion? Are we right by keeping her on the puppy food she is on, it’s only 23% protein?
A: I would be very careful about considering a higher protein diet for a growing giant breed puppy for several reasons.
Most high protein diets, also called grain free, are not recommended for use in growing puppies. They are designed for adult dogs and a 9 month old Great Dane would be considered by most to still be growing (therefore still a puppy). Giant breed puppies are the most vulnerable to what are known as developmental bone problems, which commonly occur when the growth rate is not controlled so as to maintain a slightly lean body mass.
Diets with higher protein invariably have higher fat levels too. High fat and high protein usually means higher calorie levels per cup, which can make it harder to maintain that slightly lean body mass while still allowing for growth. That’s why diets designed specifically for large and giant breed puppies are traditionally lower in protein and fat; to provide fewer calories and help the pet parent achieve and maintain that slightly lean body mass.
Q: We have a 2 1/2 yr old yellow lab who weighs just over 80 lb. She is not super active & the vet keeps saying she weighs too much. She was on the Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Dry Food but we are transitioning to the Holistic Select Weight Management Recipe. We just don’t know how much to feed her to make sure she’s not hungry. Any suggestions?
A: It’s great that you are addressing the issue as long term excessive weight can lead to more serious issues that can affect your pet’s quality of life as well as longevity. Problems like arthritis, heart disease, pancreatitis, diabetes and many more concerns are known to occur in overweight pets more frequently.
Switching to a lower calorie food such as the Holistic Select Weight Management Dry Dog Food is a great start. I would begin by looking at the feeding guide for weight reduction on the back of the bag. You mentioned that your dog is 80 pounds. Let’s say that your veterinarian would like your dog to weigh 60 pounds. Always use the guide recommendations for the ideal weight and never for the actual weight. So start by feeding the recommendation for a 60 pound dog. Also keep in mind that feeding guides are just that, a guide. No two dogs are exactly alike in their nutritional needs and so the amount may need to be adjusted based on regular weigh-ins. Weigh frequently (weekly) and be sure you are feeding just enough to slowly get the weight down.
As important as what you feed – and how much you feed – is exercise. In addition to changing the diet, you must initiate a regular exercise program. Set time aside to walk your dog daily and throw the ball if your Labrador Retriever is a typical retriever. That not only helps with the weight loss but it is a time you and your dog can bond and have fun together. Exercise should not be strenuous. Never over stress your pet with too much exercise. You will find that as the weight comes off the ability to withstand more activity will increase.
Best of luck, and I applaud you for your commitment to a healthy long and happy life for your pet!
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!
