Special Ingredient Saturday – Olive Oil
Pure, extra virgin olive oil is one of the most beneficial types of oils for consumption. It is rich in monounsaturated fat. Recent studies have shown that olive oil may cut the risk of coronary heart disease in half in humans, and it has also been shown to have very...
Why is There So Much Confusion About Taurine in Cat Foods?
It is a well established fact that cats must consume taurine in their diet. Taurine is a sulfur containing amino acid that dogs and humans can synthesize from other dietary amino acids-but cats cannot. Amino acids are the smaller parts that make up protein; protein...
Special Ingredient Saturday – Chamomile
Botanical Name: Anthemis nobilis (Roman Chamomile) or Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) Extraction Method: steam distilled from the flower Chamomile is widely known for its ability to ease stress, reduce anxiety and relieve nervous tension. Its pleasant, soft...
Age is Not a Disease
Or – “Isn’t my pet too old for surgery?” (Or a dental cleaning, treatment for illness, treatment for arthritis, or anything else…) It seems to be human nature, and very easy for pet owners to explain changes in pet behavior due to age. While it’s common for pet owners...
Special Ingredient Saturday – Asparagus
One of my favorite summer treats at family cookouts is grilled asparagus. Research has shown that asparagus contains saponins that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Saponins in food are also associated with improved blood pressure and better control...
Help for the Dog or Cat with Chronic Urinary Tract Infections
The common way to diagnose a urinary tract infection is to look for blood in the urine. Sometimes the blood isn’t so obvious that the pet owner sees it, but a veterinarian can detect the presence of blood with a urinalysis strip. The assumption is if blood is present...
Special Ingredient Saturday – Peas
These small green additions pack an impressive nutritional punch for your pet. Peas contain an assortment of health-protective phytonutrients that have high anti-inflammatory properties and help to prevent cancer, according to studies. One phytonutrient — saponin — is...
How to Avoid Atopy Early – Start When Your Dog is a Pup
A colleague made a fascinating correlation: within 3 to 6 weeks of puppies receiving a distemper vaccine, many puppies break out with a rash on their belly. This rash is usually called “puppy pyoderma.” “Pyo ” means pus or infection, “derma” means skin. For many...
Special Ingredient Saturday – Parsley
Do you think that adding a bit of beautiful parsley to your pooch’s dinner plate is going a bit overboard? Maybe not. Parsley doesn’t just look good on a plate; it has valuable health benefits as well. Parsley contains ‘volatile oil’ which animal studies have shown...
Interesting Experiences in International Travel
I recently returned from a 10 day trip to China – combination business trip and pleasure. Climbing the Great Wall of China is an incomparable experience – pictures only partially express the wonder! As a developing country, many of the experiences I’ve witnessed in...