Archive for August, 2011

Digestive Health is the Engine of Immunity


08.19.2011 | 12:49 pm

digestive health-1Did you know 70% of a dog’s immune system lies in the digestive tract? A healthy digestive tract does more than just process food.

The 3 primary functions of your dog’s digestive system are:

1. Digestion of Food

2. Absorption and distribution of nutrients

3. Prevention of disease and infection

An unhealthy digestive tract could contribute to health issues for your dog, such as:

1. Causing waste to build up in the colon, resulting in poor nutrient absorption

2. Weakening the immune system resulting in poor health

3. Causing a range of health problems from common digestive issues to more serious illnesses

anchovy-sardine-salmon copyHolistic Select pet food is based on the holistic philosophy that all parts of the body are interconnected. Digestive health lies at the core of whole-body health and is a foundational principle of holistic nutrition.

When the digestive system isn’t working properly, toxins that should be excreted instead travel into the blood stream and throughout the body. That is why Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, said “all disease begins in the gut.”

Holistic Select is the only brand of holistic pet food that delivers a complete digestive health balance system, with guaranteed enzymes in addition to probiotics, prebiotics, digestive botanicals and natural fiber. This proprietary blend of select, active ingredients works together to promote whole-body health, immunity and vitality through optimal nutrient absorption and digestive regularity.

The Pet-Wise Parent’s Guide to Your Pet’s Digestive & Whole-Body Health:

1. Nutrition: Go beyond “natural” with a supplemented balanced diet that includes a complete digestive balance system to help your dog fully absorb and utilize all nutrients.

2. Physical:  Regular exercise supports healthy circulation of both nutrients and waste.  Regular brushing can also prevent ingestion of bacteria or hair from excessive self grooming. – and is great bonding time!

3. Environment: A healthy, safe environment is free of toxins and undue stress. Ask your vet for a complete list of household items that can be toxic for dogs.

4. Education: Various training activities such as obedience, agility and showing are important for pet parents and their pets to help promote overall health.

5. Socialization:  Regular interaction with humans and other animals can help your dog stay calm in certain situations and avoid stress-inducing digestive issues.

September Ask the Vet


08.16.2011 | 02:04 pm
Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al

Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al

This month Dr. Townshend recommends a diet for a Teacup Miniature Pinscher puppy and a seven year old Yellow Lab.

Q:  I have a 5 month old, 1 lb 6oz teacup Miniature Pinscher. I purchased her this past weekend and would like to start her on your products. Since she’s under two pounds, I’m not sure how much to feed her, which recipe, and how often?

A: Holistic Select Small and Mini Breed Nourish Puppy Health Recipe dry dog food would be a great diet for your Min-Pin. I would suggest starting with ¼ cup per day divided into three feedings. By feeding this higher fiber recipe over multiple meals, you may help to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can be common in smaller breed puppies. Keep in mind that this is a starting point and that feeding guidelines are meant to be just that – a guideline, which can be adjusted for different variables such as activity level, sex, time of the year, metabolic rate and more.  I recommend adjusting the amount fed so as to maintain a slightly lean body mass while allowing for your puppy to grow at a healthy pace.

Be sure to transition her diet from her current food to Holistic Select slowly, over 7 to 10 days to assure no digestive problems occur during the switch.

Holistic Select Small and Mini Breed Nourish Puppy Health Recipe dry dog food is formulated to contain more protein and fat than regular puppy foods to meet the needs of highly active smaller breed puppies.  This special puppy food also has an ideal amount of DHA, an Omega 3 fatty acid known to improve brain development and five different probiotics for digestive health and enhanced immune system function.

Frequent feeding a specific recipe for a mini breed that contains adequate levels of fiber also helps to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) common in smaller breed puppies.

Q: I have a 7 year old yellow lab who weights 106 lbs and I feed him Holistic Select Weight Management Recipe dry dog food. This food seems to work well for him to keep his weight down, but I am wondering if this is the best choice for an aging large dog? What would you recommend?

A: Holistic Select Weight Management Recipe is a complete and balanced recipe that can be fed long term. It contains double the glucosamine of many of the other Holistic Select recipes as numerous overweight larger dogs tend to have joint issues. It also contains all of the digestive health ingredients Holistic Select is famous for (probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes and ideal levels of  fiber).  It would work well for an older pet struggling to maintain an ideal body condition.

This recipe would also feed well for older dogs, especially large breed older dogs as they are more prone to problems with arthritis, heart issues and other concerns commonly associated with senior pets.

There are two feeding guides on the bag, one for weight reduction and one for weight management. This range in feeding instructions is designed to help the pet parent maintain a slightly lean body condition for their pet, ensuring for long term optimum health.

Keep in mind that in addition to diet, exercise is essential for long term weight management and general good health. It doesn’t have to be hard exercise.  Daily moderate exercise is ideal, depending on your pet’s ability.

Vote & Save $5.00 on Holistic Select Pet Food


08.03.2011 | 01:37 pm

dog_vote_300x250Make your vote count today!

15 Fan Favorites from our Casting Call Contest will win a 1-year supply of Holistic Select pet food!

One Grand Prize Winner will take part in a professional photo shoot, appear in our national ad campaign and win a 10-year supply of Holistic Select pet food.

Visit facebook.com/holisticselectpetfood to cast your vote and receive your $5.00 coupon to save on Holistic Select Pet Food.

Vote July 27 – August 19, 2011

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