Don’t let your pets suffer—their commercial food may be the problem.

“Whatever disturbs to any considerable extent the nutrition of the body, destroys that harmony which exists between the natural waste constantly going on in it and the assimilative processes by which such losses are repaired, and must produce disease.” –Wm Clendenin 1873

This applies to our pets too. It’s one thing to use catchy brand names and empty marketing terms like “gourmet” or “science-based” or “premium”… just like “all natural” these can mean anything or nothing.

This week, I relieved 5 pets from symptoms caused by their food. Call me. I can help and I don’t charge for pet checks 🙂 It’s a community service.

The question is: does my pet’s food provide the nourishment my pet needs in a form that is correct for my pet?

Each type of animal differs. Some animals (like cats) cannot make certain amino acids. If they don’t get those in adequate amounts from their diet, they become unruly even downright mean (just like anyone might when they feel sick).

What you feed your pet is just as important to their health as how you eat is important to yours.

What would your pet eat if they lived in the wild?

The best diet for any animal is one that mimics their natural diet in the wild as closely as possible.

Rabbits need unlimited good quality hay or grass, some leafy green vegetables and herbs, and under 10% nuggeted or pelleted feed.

Dogs need high protein, a *named* meat (beef, bison, lamb, chicken, venison…) must be the first ingredient. The word “whole meat” or the marketing term “meat-based” isn’t enough (and probably means the manufacturer used a processed ingredient called “meat meal”, whatever that is. It’s OK to have on the ingredients list, just not first). Dog ancestors and wolves also eat vegetables, grass, and herbs. They don’t eat seeds like rice, wheat, corn…

Cats need raw meat, named by type, because cooking destroys tyrosine—an amino acid they cannot make. Wild cats don’t eat seeds like rice, wheat, corn… think about it. Cheap foods use filler.

“She was losing her hair and lethargic. Although surprised to learn she was allergic to her food, once we switched, we got our pet back. My son was soooo… worried. Thank you, Marie, for figuring this out.” –AC

Treats (especially human food) should be kept to a minimum, but if you must, treats should be healthy and natural (did you know that puppies and dogs love the crunch of carrots? 🙂 Always keep fresh drinking water available.

Too many fillers?

Fillers cut manufacturing costs. But ingredients like corn, grain, and rice, upset your pet’s digestive tract just like they do ours.

Taking it further. Look at the ingredient list for Merrick dog food.

De-boned buffalo, chicken, lamb, duck… some sweet potatoes, peas… (it’s OK for dogs to have veggies that are carbs), vitamins like omega-3 fats, D, B12 and minerals, even probiotics.

(click this link to get it delivered to your door by Amazon prime)

The best news is there is nothing in this food that irritates your pet. No:

• Grapes, onions or garlic (toxic to both cats and dogs)
• Artificial additives, such as preservatives, colors, and flavors

Throw in a bit of Pet Burger from truly grass-fed animals; it’s the perfect meal for cats and dogs (and the Pet Burger is a much-preferred replacement to those grain-biscuits things—you know, the bone-shaped biscuits that stand for “atta girl”).

My pet already has joint pain and her hair is falling out, what do I do?

Well, let’s see what is going on.

“Dear mom, I know I’ve been grumpy and not communicating. I love our runs but just felt horrible because my joints ached afterwards. I want to keep up, faithful, try so hard. Thank you so much for addressing my food and nutrition needs. I feel so much better and part of your pack. –Spooky

Nutrition Response Testing can find and fix what’s really wrong. My favorite “recipe” for joint issues in all my 4-legged friends is Standard Process Calcifood and the right (for them) digestive enzyme. If their symptoms worsen in the winter (seasonal), they might be running out of vitamin D or omega-3 fats (in which case you really want to get them off the grains).

Sometimes it’s bigger.

If your pet isn’t acting right or has issues, let’s get him or her checked. Whether it’s parasites, food issues, or anything else, Nutrition Response Testing can find it. I’m not a vet; I’ve trained with vets—and I’ve helped so many of our 4-legged, winged, and scaled friends lead healthier and happier lives.

Call me. There is hope and I can help.

And because I’m not a veterinarian, there is no charge for the visit. Just want our Best friends happy and healthy.

“We thought we’d have to put our 10 y.o. dog down for painful hip arthritis. Marie helped us change his diet (immediately shift—no problems, no gradual change needed) plus 1 digestive enzyme. Four (4!) years later, he’s running down the street to visit Marie and solicit pets like hers is his second home. Wow! –AJ & BJ