What do you mean to your pet? Just about everything.

Few things in life are as rewarding as the bonds we have with our dogs and cats. These relationships are often as powerful and important as those we experience with friends and family.

That’s why Holistic Select® pet food never thinks of people with pets in their lives as “owners.” You are far more than that. In every sense, you are a parent to your dog or cat, providing all the things necessary to nourish your pet’s body, mind and spirit. It’s a holistic way of life that creates the perfect combination of nutrition, exercise, training, socialization and environment.

Like you, we are committed to a holistic approach to life, and support your journey to discover the perfect combination of nutrition, exercise, training, socialization and environment for your pet’s whole body health. This philosophy guides each and every Holistic Select dog and cat food recipe we make.

We believe that pet-wise parenting begins with the right nutrition-- ensuring that you and your pet enjoy a healthier, longer and more fulfilling life together. And what could be more rewarding than that?

 

Holistic health, longevity and well-being for your pet.

Armed with a deeper understanding of cause and effect, today's pet-wise parents can better serve the nutritional needs of their dogs and cats by supplying key dietary elements in recommended amounts – the holistic foundation for your pet’s longevity and whole body health.

Fiber. The ideal fiber for your pet’s system is one that is moderately fermentable or digestible, promoting adequate stool volume to assure maximum digestibility. Beet pulp – also a prebiotic – is one such ingestible fiber source in Holistic Select® pet food, contributing to the health of the large intestine by encouraging and nourishing the growth of “good” bacteria that inhabit the large intestine.

Prebiotics. Non-digestible oligosaccharides that support the growth of colonies of certain bacteria in the colon; includes derivatives of fructose and glucose, and lead to the growth of bifidobacteria, changing and improving the flora. Inulin, derived from Chicory Root, is a prebiotic included in all Holistic Select dog and cat food recipes as a natural source of soluble fermentable fiber.

Probiotics. Vital to health and the overall efficiency of the digestive system, these live, naturally occurring microorganisms or Direct Fed Microbials (DFM) – known in human food as probiotics must be present in sufficient numbers to be effective. Recent studies have shown that when applied to pet food in guaranteed levels, DFM such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus Faecium support healthy digestion and immune function as they restore balance to the intestinal flora, making it more resistant to bacterial overgrowth of harmful organism.

Kelp. Containing up to 21 amino acids, 12 vitamins and 60 major and trace minerals, kelp offers many benefits to a pet’s whole-body function.

 

 

Ensuring holistic health with wholesome, natural pet food.

Holistic Select® dog and cat food goes beyond “natural” with the addition of Select Actives™ – enzymes, live micro-organisms (DFM), botanicals and phytonutrients that help activate a higher level of health and wellness for your pet. Our proprietary system of nature’s power ingredients include:

SQM Mineral System: Encapsulates important trace minerals to help diminish deterioration and therefore make them bioavailable to your pet’s system.

Phytonutrient PowerPack: A synergistic blend of Vitamins A, E, C and Beta Carotene provides powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals for improved cell integrity and overall immune system health.

Omega Health® Fatty Acid Blend: Omega 3: 6 fatty acids, blended in ideal ratios to support the immune system function, healthy skin and shiny coat. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega fatty acids naturally occurring in mother’s milk, are added to the Holistic Select puppy recipes at guaranteed levels to help ensure the puppy’s proper cognitive and immune system developments.

Direct Fed Microbials (DFM) & Enzymes: Live micro-organisms naturally found in the digestive tract that help break down proteins, cellulose and starch for optimum absorption and overall digestive health.

 

 

Committing to a program of regular care and exercise.

It’s a fact of life that our dogs and cats age much faster than we do – which is why, as pet-wise parents, we are committed to giving our pets the healthiest, happiest and longest life possible. Because even subtle changes in behavior or appearance may signal the beginning of a decline in health, it’s imperative to be attuned to your pet’s health, happiness and well-being on a daily basis.

Veterinary Care. Pets can’t talk, and even the most observant pet parent may not notice or realize that there are changes occurring in our pet. Many medical issues can only be detected by a trained expert. That’s why regular veterinary visits – including routine check-ups and annual vaccinations – are part of responsible pet parenting. A trusted veterinarian will be an advocate for your pet throughout his or her life, equipped with the knowledge to identify potential medical problems before they become chronic or life-threatening.

Exercise. Like people, the secret to your pet’s long, happy and healthy life is to provide enough aerobic activity to promote beneficial cardio-vascular conditioning and effective weight management. Allowing your dog or cat to live a lazy, stationary existence is not an expression of love, nor is it an option for a pet-wise parent. A “couch potato” lifestyle can lead to obesity in both dogs and cats, which in turn is a trigger for diabetes, heart disease and other life-threatening conditions.

 

How much exercise your pet needs depends on a variety of factors, including age, breed, metabolism and overall physical condition. If your pet is not currently in a regular conditioning program, approach a new exercise regimen with care; start with walks, rather than runs, and monitor your pet for signs of breathing difficulties, dehydration or soreness. Short, frequent periods of exercise will help build your pet's strength and stamina gradually – and can help minimize stress injuries to feet and legs.

Grooming. Regular grooming for your dog or cat can help contribute to longer, healthier lives. Not only will your pet be more comfortable and clean, it’s a valuable opportunity to monitor your pet for signs of any abnormalities or potential medical issues. Regular brushing, on the other hand, is a vital part of pet care, as it works to distribute naturally-occurring oils, which promotes a healthier coat, and cleaner, more supple skin. Grooming sessions also allow for close scrutiny of your dog or cat’s ears, eyes, mouth, teeth, pads and perianal region.

 

Creating a safe and comfortable home for your pet.

Like every member of your family, your pet depends on you to provide a healthy, safe and comfortable environment in which to live. As a pet-wise parent, you no doubt have already conducted an “audit” of your dog or cat’s living space, both inside and outdoors — and have taken steps to eliminate any obvious dangers.

Yet, there are certain environmental factors which you can’t always anticipate or control — including extreme temperature changes, air quality alerts and severe weather conditions — that have to be carefully monitored and planned for, especially if you leave your pet at home alone.

As every pet-wise parent knows, accidents and natural disasters happen. It’s wise to be prepared for emergencies involving your pet with a first aid kit that includes gauze pads, cohesive bandaging, oral syringes, instant cold pack, hydrogen peroxide (3 per cent USP), emergency blanket and other veterinarian-recommended items.

The kit can be used for medical emergencies prior to receiving the professional care of a technician or veterinarian, and is often instrumental in limiting the degree of trauma and discomfort to your dog or cat in the case of injury.

In the event of emergency, a rescue alert sticker can save the lives of dogs and cats. Prominently displayed in a window, a sticker lets friends, neighbors and emergency personnel know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it includes the number and type of pets in the house as well as the name and telephone number of your veterinarian.

 

Teaching your pet to be a responsible citizen.

Like a child, your pet must navigate a world that presents social challenges and physical dangers every day. Your role as a pet parent is to establish and maintain rules that ensure the safety, well-being and happiness of both you and your dog or cat.

As experienced pet parents know, the greater the emotional bond that exists between you and your pet, the more responsive he or she will be to you and your expectations. A pet-wise parent also knows that it’s crucial to work with an animal’s natural drives and instincts, rather than against them, and to acknowledge positive behavior with praise and affection as well as with earned food rewards.

Less obvious to those who have a strong bond with their pets is the fact that love alone is not enough to instill and maintain obedience in a dog or cat. Successful training requires constant practice – even through adulthood – as well as patience and compassion, and short, frequent training sessions tend to yield the best results.

 

Helping your pet experience the world with confidence.

Learning to be a happy, well-adjusted member of society is an important part of life for all of us – and fundamental to the holistic well-being of your pet. As a responsible pet parent, it’s up to you to instill values in your pets that they understand and embrace, from respect for property and personal space to safe and rewarding interactions with other people, dogs and cats.

Ideally, by exposing your dog or cat to new people, places, and situations in a positive way during the first 8 to 16 weeks of age, he or she will be more calm and accepting when experiencing them again later in life. By the age of four months, your pet should be well on the way to positive social interactions with strangers, other dogs and cats, veterinarians, handlers and groomers.

Properly socialized puppies and kittens achieve a level of self-confidence that makes them less likely to develop behavior problems as they grow into adults. Yet even adult dogs and cats – including those that are rescued or adopted from shelters — can learn to be “model” citizens when exposed to a proper socialization program.

Get connected with other pet-wise parents.

Learn. When it comes to your dog or cat, there’s a lot to know. That’s why our complimentary newsletter covers every aspect of holistic health for your pet, including veterinarian tips, nutritional articles and pet care advice. You’ll also have access to special offers and savings coupons – and be the first to learn about events, new products and the latest news from Holistic Select pet food.

- Sign up for our newsletter

Share. Here at Holistic Select, we think sharing knowledge is an important part of pet-wise parenting. By joining us on facebook and following us on Twitter, you’ll automatically receive daily updates and helpful pet news to make you the best pet-wise parent you can be.

- Share with friends

- "like" us on facebook

- Follow us on Twitter

Discuss. Do you have a question, a comment or a new approach to a pet parenting issue you’d like to talk about? We think you’ll find our blog invaluable, an online forum that offers real-world guidance from Dr. Al, our staff veterinarian – and helps all of us learn from each other.

- Subscribe to our Blog RSS feed.