http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/food2.rss http://www.earthclinic.com/template_img/logo.jpg http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/food2.rss Best Natural Food to Give Your Dog or Cat Since the Pet Food Recall. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:39:11 EDT en-us http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=BEEFLIVER_37693 /Pets/food2.rss1 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:14:14 EST [QUESTION] Pumkin from Hemet, Ca, Usa writes: "I have a puppy whose about 5 months and I just started feeding him a homemadefood puppy food and I would like to know how much beef liver is safe for a small dog?" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=BRANDS_36385 /Pets/food2.rss2 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:32:16 EST Mia from Appleton, Wi writes: "I'm so confused what to feed my 8 year old boxer. He has had skin problems due to allergies his whole life. For a while I was feeding him California's Natural and then had to switch to Candidae due to the only store in my area discontinued their contract. Candidea worked with him not itching/scratching so much but gave him bacterial build up that caused severe diarrhea that would not go away until I put him on a bland diet and bought medication from the vet to bring his digestive bacteria levels to normal. This went on for about a year (having the diarrhia cases about every 3 months) and talked to the vet one more time about what I could do. Her suggestion was to get him on a low-residue food. My dog is allergic to potatoes, beets and eggs. There are not many low residual dog foods on the market that avoid these 3. Any suggestions as to what I could feed my dog? Currently he is on Pro Plan - sensetive stomach and skin and seemed to do okay at first but now after 3 months he has been scratching himself so much he has numerous scaps all over his body (ecspecially by his ears and neck). His ears tend to get very dirty easily and I have to clean them at least once a week as well. I'm startding to lose all hope." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=HOMEMADE_36152 /Pets/food2.rss3 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:00:03 EST Racer from Hampton, Tn writes: "Dove soap is very gentle on my dachsund's itchy awful skin. I have checked her for fleas...she doesnt have them..I suspect it is our pedigree food, which they love, and the stools are small, but they seem not to be thriving on it. I had a dog come to me from a neighbor who was starving and I had to research foods for dogs and came up with the findings that our dog foods we buy at the store are mostly garbage... From that point on I began supplementing our dogs normal food with home cooked meats and vegetables, except for broccoli, and never any grapes at all. But I give them about three times a week, a pound of beef, mixed up with a cup of oatmeal, and a can of green beans, and 4 tbsp mayonaise, and total cereal, 1/4 cup evaporated milk, a couple of long squirts of Karo syrup the light kind, and then 4 Tablespoons of olive oil, since I seperate this into four servings one for each dog. Then I put two full droppersful of infant vitamins into this mix. I put in a cup of yogurt when I have it...if I don't have all the ingredients I can just do the meat and the oatmeal, the veggies, the oil and the vitamins. If I were trying to gain weight on them I would add macaroni and cheese, but the other dog has gained enough weight back on. They like these...they are such big dogs, that they eat all this and I do it about three times a week. When it is time to get treats, I buy small bags of authority, as I read earlier, baby carrots. As far as outward measures to combat dry skin, I do oatmeal water rubdowns, the bathe them with dove soap and dry them without rubbing. I put olive oil on any irritated areas, and it clears up. If not they get dosage of benedryl about 1 mg per pound of body weight. Brushing and massaging their fur down the the skin is important also. Brushing is an everyday thing for all of them. I have found that Frontline does not work anymore the formula has been changed or the ownership has changed hands.... I do the brewers yeast tablets, and I call them candy and dip them in gravy. I am going to buy the powder brewers yeast in a shaker and put it on them all the time also. I also intend to try diatomacious earth as well. It is important to realize you can substitute fish oil pills for olive oil, 1 tbsp for a big dog, 1/2 tbsp for a medium size dog and 1/4 tablespoon for a small dog on a daily basis. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=HOMEMADE_35491 /Pets/food2.rss4 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:33:20 EST Jumar from Adelaide, Australia writes: "I believe a natural diet is so important for animals. Some conditions or diseases are inherited/genetically passed down. Read labels on dog food. There are some healthy organic choices out there. Some of these are found in the meat section of the supermarket[ they have a pet food section?]. Feed your animals fresh meat, vegetables [plain] and some good quality carbohydrates. I feed my dog a mix of these and she's absolutely in good health. Vegetable matter should be a part of their daily diet [think wild dogs]. In the wild, wolves would eat the stomach contents of rabbits etc. Omit all foods containing preservatives, colourings [artificial] and additives. Also to be included should be raw bones [hard] eg. lamb shin bones etc. These should be given occasionally to keep teeth in good condition. I know someone, who's dog has just had 12 teeth removed because they never gave their dog a raw bone!!!! Wild dogs would eat the bones of anything they could catch. No cooked bones of any description should be given however. I believe in most cases, diet is the most important aspect in maintaining an animals health. Be cautious about giving your dog anything it wouldn't normally have access to, there is no evidence to show that acv has no long term complications. Veterinary care is sometimes the only solution. Footnote: If you are concerned about giving you dog raw bones, give them under supervision. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RAWEGGS_34532 /Pets/food2.rss5 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:34:02 EST [WARNING!] Patricia from Miami, Florida writes: "My vet has informed me that raw eggs are not good to give to your dog, he mentioned it could have a detrimental effect on the liver. I have seen other posts where people have recommended raw eggs for pets though." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RAWFOOD_33637 /Pets/food2.rss6 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:39:03 EDT Jo from Hemet, Ca writes: "I just adopted a teeny, weeny, 3 lb 6oz, Chihuahua. I KNOW that commercial dog food is not healthy for my little girl. I would definitely like to go raw, but because of her size......I am a little nervous. Anyone have any suggestions as to what might be best for her? I rescued her from the Humane Society...she seems a little on the skinny side, but appears healthy otherwise. I am a huge ACV fan, so I would like to put a few drops in her drinking water or mix it with her food and am really looking for suggestions on type of food and amounts. I feel like one wrong move with as small as she is....well, you understand." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=SB_33611 /Pets/food2.rss7 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:07:29 EDT [YEA] Kewlfemale from Anaheim, Ca writes: "Before purchasing my Standard Poodle I researched everything possible, including food and nutrition, for one year. I have fed him 'satin balls' since the day I brought him home at 3 months of age; satin balls contains molasses. As I write, my Poodle is 21 weeks and returned earlier from booster shots, etc. The Vet, Nurse and Receptionist all commented on how exceptionally healthy my Poodle is. I didn't need them to tell me that but it sure was nice. You can find 'satin balls' recipe online and it is no more expensive than the store bought dog food Besure there is no sugar added to your molasses. FYI; I also give him wheatgerm. Let me know if you want the recipe." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=HOMEMADE_32903 /Pets/food2.rss8 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:50:44 EDT Joleen from Kingwood, Tx writes: "I started feeding both my dogs a frozen, pre-made raw dog food from a local pet store. I love it and so do my dogs but it is pretty expensive. Is there a way I can make cheaper version of this at home? Thanks!" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RAWFOOD_32234 /Pets/food2.rss9 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:55:15 EDT Celleste from Penang, Malaysia writes: "Dear all pet owners who are feeding raw, I hope to start feeding my dog raw, but would like some advice/ suggestions first from seasoned raw-feeders. How did you go about the transition from their previous food to raw? Did you just start putting raw meat on their plate and they eat it? And how did you sterilize the food? Did you take extra precaution on washing around the dog's mouth after feeding? My dog is an indoor pet, he loves to lick (us) and sleeps with us on the bed, so hygiene is of my main concern. Thank you very much in advance. Looking forward to your feedback! " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=HCFR_32133 /Pets/food2.rss10 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 19:00:15 EDT Shekanahh from Tulsa, Ok writes: "Natural Cat Food: I just read a person's comments that they rescued a stray kitten and cooked up a batch of chicken stew with lots of veggies. While rescuing kitties is commendable, and the chicken veggie stew may be a cut above canned or dried, it is still not the natural diet of a feline. Please folks, this is the information highway. Find out how to make your beloved pets a healthy, natural RAW diet of ground chicken, rabbit or a combination, complete with finely ground bones. You can do it! " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=HOMEMADE_31287 /Pets/food2.rss11 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:43:11 EDT Mannalis from Tulsa, Oklahoma writes: "I'd like to thank everyone for their posts, they are very informative. My sister has a Maltese and we feed him name brand food. We notice that he sleeps a lot, and he's not at all interested in his food. We have been in the process of switching to all natural and Organic foods and would like to switch Maverick (the maltese) to Organic as well, it would be nice to give him homemade recipes but he tends to throw up a lot of the human food we give him, except lettuce, tomato, and carrots, plus we don't have much time to prepare homemade food for him. Although we love him and from reading all of your posts I can tell that he will do a lot better on Organic and Natural foods. Anybody have any suggestions on simple recipes, Natural dog foods, or supplements we could give him? I heard something about flaxseed oil. Input and Suggestions are very much appreciated. P.S. we would like to switch him to organic as soon as possible! God Bless, Manna" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=BRANDS_23191 /Pets/food2.rss12 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST Earth Clinic from writes: "Interested to know where your dog food is manufactured? We just came across this website while looking for more information on the brand we feed our dogs. From reviewing the site, we discovered that the brand we buy (Blackwood) does not manufacture their own food. In fact, the wet food and dry food is manufactured in 2 different places! This appears to be the case with many small companies. Unfortunately, the page is not a complete list and the website administrators haven't updated it since May of 2007, but you might still find it interesting: http://www.thepetfoodlist.com/manufacturers.htm " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RF_23137 /Pets/food2.rss13 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST James from Garfield Heights, Ohio, USA writes: "Body welts: My dog was wound up after I gave her a bath. It was great to see her acting so cheerful. The next day she was lethargic, she would not eat or even go outside. I took her to my veteranarian who was perplexed. He thought she was shot with a bb gun. I took her to another veteranarian only to find she suffered from an allergic reaction to dog food. Never use another family's dog food. If your dog enjoys one food I would not suggest a sudden change. My dog is a pedigreed mutt of 5 different terriers. I immediately returned her back to her diet along with taking meds the veteranarian gave her. Use only a good name brand of dog food. Whenever you have someone dog sit for you make sure he or she never changes the food. It may cause a serious problem." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RAWFOOD_21895 /Pets/food2.rss14 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST [YEA] Liz from Elk River, Minnesota writes: "Raw Diet for Dogs (or cats or ferrets): My 2 large breed dogs (Rotweiller & German Shepherd) have been on a raw diet for almost 2 years and are doing great. I have gotten most of my information from a Yahoo Group called 'rawfeeding'. They have over 13,000 members, up from 8,000 when I joined 2 yrs ago. The dogs get only muscle meat, raw bone that is connected to the muscle meat and organs (the squidgy type) for vital nutrients. 80% meat/10% bone/10% organ I advertise on different sites for freezer burnt meat and get a great variety. My freezer is always full. Chicken is best to start with for the first month, then start adding other meat gradually. My guys have chicken, beef, pork, venison, elk, buffalo, rabbit, fish, etc. They haven't turned anything down, yet. Stay away from processed meat like bacon, sausage, ham, lunch meat, hot dogs, etc. I rarely eat that food, either. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=BRANDS_18539 /Pets/food2.rss15 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST David from Jacksonville , FL writes: "Taste of The Wild : This food is grain free and fairly good on price. My golden has been on it for two years and we love it. Because there are no grains, there are no allergies or skin problems. Unfortunately i cant afford to feed my dog strictly raw diet food, but we do supplement some raw food each month. Taste of the wild provides your dog with exotic sources of protein, so he doesn't get bored. Quail, duck, turnkey, venison, bison, real salmon and a few other meats are the basic sources of protein. This along with feeding him raw bones and some raw food assure me that my dog is healthy and isn't experiencing any discomfort." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=BRANDS_17430 /Pets/food2.rss16 Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT Terese from Long Beach, CA writes: "At 7 months old my purebreed German Shephard was given 2-3 years to live due to extreme allergies. Although she looked fine on the outside, Her hair was flaky, skin under her armpits was blackened. She was underwieght (not a terrible thing for GSD), and refused to eat. Prior to us picking her up her old owner were told by the vet to switch her to "Science Diet" This is what made her worse...they returned her to the breeder. Thank God the breeder immediatly switched her to Natural balance Duck or Lamb....this did a little good. When we got her at 6 1/2 months she refused to eat...barely eating when coaxed. She had plenty of energy, but wasnt putting on wieght. From 6 month to 1 1/2 years she weighed 51-55 pounds! The vets all said she probably was allergic to Cow, Chicken etc....no one had answers. Well my husband spent 3 weeks on the internet researching and came up with Honest Kitchen a dehydrated barf diet (we cant feed full barf without a yard...too messy....problem is our finicky eater didnt eat it. Then we stumbled on a VERY reasonable and excellent brand "Flint River Ranch". Within 6 months she was given a clean bill of health (although not as good, I think Natural Balance helped in this process). Since then we have also fed Wellness brand (she need loads of protein) because of the added vitamins and minerals, but with shipping it is alot more, where Flint River includes shipping and can be ordered from a distributor out of state to avoid sales tax (We order from Arizonia and it ships from Southern Cal that day!) Now at 2 1/2 she is healthy and beautiful, weighing in at 70+. She also can eat Chicken brand (vets told us to avoid it), but loves the trout and Lamb. At ALL cost do NOT feed Science Diet, purina or any other national brands...always go for smaller healthier alternatives. I believe the extra cost will be saved in vet bills later....pay more now, or a lot more later. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=BRANDS_17025 /Pets/food2.rss17 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT Katharine from Charleston, SC writes: "I would like to comment on the Whole Foods 365 brand of pet food. It is easy to think that all products carried at Whole Foods are great and natural...I used to. I looked at the ingredients in their 365 brand pet food. Their adult dog kibble contains the following: Chicken by-product meal, rice, corn meal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract), corn gluten meal, ground wheat, beet pulp, natural flavors, flax seed, dried egg product, canola oil, brewers dried yeast, salt potassium chloride, taurine, l-lysine, rosemary extract, l-carnitine. Vitamins: choline chloride, vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin D3 supplement, niacin, calcium pantothenate, thiamin mononitrate (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin supplement, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement. Minerals: zinc, polysaccharide complex, iron, polysaccharide complex, manganese polysaccharide complex and polysaccharide complex, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, calcium, iodate, cobalt carbonate, sodium selenite. Among the first ingredients are by-products, corn, wheat, beet pulp and so on. NOT GOOD INGREDIENTS! Not only are they not good sources of protein, but they cause a number of problems. I caution everyone to stay far away from corn, wheat, soy, or by-products with your pets!" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=BRANDS_16607 /Pets/food2.rss18 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT Akeela from Bloomfield, Ct writes: "Newman's Own Organics: Does anyone have any feedback on this brand of dog food. My senior lab/shepard regained vitality and finally healed her elbow sores on this diet. I now feed this to my rescued pitbull terrier along with 1/2 boiled egg in the morning and give blueberries, broccoli and chicken as "treats". She's got a glossy coat and tons of energy. But, you never know. It's still dog food from a bag." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=BRANDS_16608 /Pets/food2.rss19 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT Earth Clinic from writes: "Here's are ingredients from 3 brands of dog food that we have used over the past 5 years. We've been happy with all three brands, but like Akeela mentions, it's still food from a bag! Note: We also add slightly undercooked ground beef, chicken or turkey and a hint of flax seed oil to each meal. The Blue Buffalo Company http://www.bluebuff.com/ Lamb and Brown Rice for Adult Dogs Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Whole Ground Barley, Whole Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Rye, Fish Meal, Whole Potatoes, Tomato Pomace (natural source of Lycopene), Sunflower Oil (natural source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Whole Carrots, Whole Sweet Potatoes, Blueberries, Cranberries, Flaxseed, Barley Grass, Dried Parsley, Alfalfa Meal, Kelp Meal, Taurine, L-Carnitine, L-Lysine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Green Tea Extract, Turmeric, Garlic, Herring Oil (natural source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Fructooligosaccharides, Monooligosaccharides, Dried Chicory Root, Black Malted Barley, Oil of Rosemary, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin C, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Beta Carotene, Calcium Ascorbate (source of Vitamin C), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1), Folic Acid, Biotin, Choline Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex (source of Chelated Zinc), Iron Amino Acid Complex (source of Chelated Iron), Copper Amino Acid Complex (source of Chelated Copper), Manganese Amino Acid Complex (source of Chelated Manganese), Potassium Amino Acid Complex (source of Chelated Potassium), Cobalt Proteinate (source of Chelated Cobalt), Potassium Chloride, Sodium Selenite, Salt, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis, Bifidobacterium thermophilum, Bifidobacterium longum, Enterococcus faecium. Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein 22.0% min Crude Fat 12.0% min Crude Fiber 4.5% max Moisture 10.0% max Calcium 1.3% min Phosphorus 1.0% min L-Carnitine* 100 mg/kg min Omega 3 Fatty Acids* 0.40% min Omega 6 Fatty Acids* 1.80% min Beta Carotene* 5.0 mg/kg min Glucosamine* 400 mg/kg max *Not recognized as an essential nutrient by AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles. --------------------------------------------- Blackwood 4000 http://www.blackwoodpetfood.com/ Senior & Overweight - Low Fat Note: our dogs gained too much weight on the adult formula, so we switched to Senior INGREDIENTS: Poultry Meal, Ground Rice, Ground Corn, Dried Potato Product, Oatmeal, Plain Dried Beet Pulp (Sugar Removed), Natural Flavors, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols (Source of Vitamin E) and Citric Acid}, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Whole Eggs, Flax Meal, Lecithin, Salt, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Dried Whey, Dried Garlic, Dried Cheese, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Source of Vitamin C), Vegetable Oil, Biotin, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Menadione Dimethylpyrimidinol Bisulfate (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Citric Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate,Copper Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate. GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Crude Protein, not less than 20.00% Crude fat, not less than 7.00% Crude fiber, not more than 4.00% Crude moisture, not more than 11.00% -------------------------------------------- LOTUS (http://lotuspetfoods.com/dogfood_lamb.html) Lamb Recipe Note: Sold only in Los Angeles Lamb, Lamb Meal, Ground Barley, Ground Brown Rice, Deboned White Fish, Ground Oats, Oil Blend (Olive Oil, Salmon Oil, and Evening Primrose Oil), preserved with mixed Tocopherols (a natural source of Vitamin E) and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Sea Salt, Dried Whole Egg, Brewers Dried Yeast, Fresh Whole Garlic, Fresh Whole Sweet Peas, Fresh Whole Sweet Potatoes, Fresh Whole Carrots, Fresh Whole Green Apples, Ground FlaxSeed, Dried Kelp, Dried Chicory Root, Yucca Shidigera Extract, GrapeSeed Extract, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Lactis, and Lactobacillus Casei, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E Supplement), Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, Riboflavin Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Choline Chloride, Manganese Proteinate (amino acidchelate), Copper Proteinate (amino acidchelate), and Zinc Proteinate (amino acidchelate), Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Ferrous Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, and Vitamin B12 Supplement " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RF_15449 /Pets/food2.rss20 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT [YEA] Elaine from Bettendorf, Iowa writes: "First thank you for the amazing amounts of help you share. Through the inspiration of your readers I decided to put my Golden Retriever older puppy on a more informed diet than feeding her retail store junk. I give her a natural kibble and she is doing well. In the interest of protecting her joints in old age I have her on a supplement. To take it one step further I give her a teaspoon of flaxseed oil in her meals each day. After six months I noticed that she is not shedding profusely as a former golden did. I do brush her regularly but there is no excessive hair all over the house. Plus I noticed that her pads are very soft. Perhaps this could help a hair challenged pet owner out there? Aside from strengthening her body she has the benefit of a very healthy coat!" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RAWFOOD_12724 /Pets/food2.rss21 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT Suzanne from Southeast, Michigan writes: "My 9 yr old lab mix and my two bichons have been on a raw meaty bones/raw food diet for two years now. Because they\'re eating raw bones, their stools are harder because there\'s no filler in the food like there is in dry food; harder poop clears out the anal glands. They also have no more skin allergies, super clean teeth, healthier gums, skin and coats, way lower volume of poop, the list goes on. The book Raw Meaty Bones is a good place to start. Commercial dog foods are awful for dogs." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RAWFOOD_12725 /Pets/food2.rss22 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT Suzanne from Southeast, Michigan writes: "For those of you who have dogs with skin problems, skin allergies, please consider a raw diet. This is something that is becoming more well known and is growing in popularity. Commercial dog foods are the cause of so many health problems in pets. My three dogs and one cat have been eating a raw diet for two years now. Raw meaty bones, some organ meat, and then a couple times a week, a few supplements like fish oil, yogurt, raw egg, kale. It\'s similar to something called the BARF diet for pets, but a simplified version. Two books by Tom Lonsdale, Raw Meaty Bones, and Work Wonders, are a good place to start reading about the diet. There are web sites and yahoogroups as well. My dogs teeth are super clean and white (even my 9yr old lab) because they\'re eating like their ancestors did; ripping the meat off bones, chomping on bone (raw bones only -- cooked bones are a choking hazard). Sicne starting this diet, besides being overall healthier pets, other benefits: clear anal glands because the poop is a bit harder, healthier skin and coat, no dog smell or doggy breath, much less poop because no fillers, etc., as in dry food I never have to clean up poop in my yard! Natural diet means natural poop; in a few days, it turns white and crumbles away. Also, my dogs are happier. They love the raw diet. I had one very stubborn cat who I just couldn\'t get to transition to a raw diet, so I fed her Evo, the more natural dry food. That did help her allergies, but I still would rather she went raw. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=HOMEMADE_12721 /Pets/food2.rss23 Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT Pat from New Albany, Mississippi writes: "I had a dog that nearly died from what I thought was a premium commercial food. After that I started making my own home made recipe and they are thriving on it. In a large turkey fry pot, I put in one bag of chicken quarters 8~10 quarters costs about $5 at Wal Mart. After they boil about two hours on medium i pull them out and clean the meat off the bone and set aside. Next in the broth I cook 1 med bag of black beans and 1 med bag of red kidney beans. As the beans near ready I add a medium bag of brown rice and let it cook. As the rice is close to done I add 2 small bags mixed frozen vegetables and two cans chopped spinach. After about 10 more minutes I add 1 small box of oatmeal. You have to play with the water level but by the time you add the oatmeal and it cooks you want most of the water absorbed. After all this is ready mix in the chopped up chicken back in. Buy some small reusable plastic bowls and freeze what you won\'t use in a day or two. The other needs to be refrigerated until ready. Lightly warm in microwave and serve. They love it!" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=INTESTINAL_12308 /Pets/food2.rss24 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT Julie from Las Vegas, Nevada writes: "My cat was vomiting all the time. A lady told me about Royal Canin cat food; they have a formula Special 33, which is for intestinal problems. It worked!" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/Pets/food.html&name=RF_11458 /Pets/food2.rss25 Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT CSH from Studio City, California writes: "My cat kiki was a little on the chubby side. She was a stray so she is aggressive for food. I ALWAYS fed her MAX cat or Nutro from Petco. in 2006 she began throwing up- i thought Hairballs because Kiki usually doesn\'t have a problem eating anything. She loves to eat. She began throwing up more and more. I now realize it was the possibility of contaminated DRY food. Thats all she ate. by the beginning of 2007 Kiki lost alot of weight and i didn\'t know what to do. I took her to the vet and $500 later (their magic number), Nothing of renal disease. It was when kiki was surprised by a neighbors pit bull and was attacked - Broken ribs- and a few more things but she is OK, she is a LUCKY cat! The specialist hospital she was in showed me the Renal Disease low testings on that. She is very affectionate but since she was basically starving, from always throwing up, She would throw up and throw her body down to lay down lethargic and just looked depressed. She would have an upset stomach for 3-4 hours after eating she would lay alone her stomach would be swishing, she would lick her lips alot when she was going to throw up and then throw up volume. Digested food and water. Since renal disease is kidneys and they are for pulling the toxins out I was about giving her the RIGHT food. I finally found her combo a dry food called Nature\'s Recipe at petco and wet food from Trader Joes. I put peti greens, eggshell calcium, the Digestive Enzymes and a product called RENAL G.O. they have. I have been adding it to her food DAILY in her wet and dry food sprinkled on top. This has now been steady since Oct 2007. Pets Friends makes it and they have helped me have Kiki gain weight I also put 2 drops food grade hydrogen peroxide in her water bowl since 2/08. Her coast is awesome and she used to get little rashes and none since the diet changes and all this. Now I have my loving kitty back feeling full! I now want to help her joint pain from her Pit Bull Attack. She was in it\'s mouth it shook her- and no internal bleeding one puncture wound that was only her skin layer and she was in shock when I got to her ( I was at work) but I think I will try a ACV bath with a Hydrogen peroxide rinse. If anyone knows any more body pain I can help her with that would be great. She is my best friend Hi have had her since i was 19 she is 13 now. She is a grey Korat. Thanks Everyone who posts here I hope this helps. "