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As a concerned and experienced pet owner, I have studied, tested and sold pet foods. I was a distributor of Veterinarian Formulated Complete pet foods during the 90‘s throughout the Gulf States of LA, MS, AL and FL. I have acquired hands-on experience with quality, effectiveness of premium pet food diets and marketability. What I am going to share with you might be surprising, but it is important for the wellbeing of our pets and the overall cost that is involved to achieve this.
Dogs and cats are primarily carnivorous by nature. This means they require fresh animal proteins and fats in their diets. Many pet foods today use supplemental grain and vegetable proteins in their formulation. They are found as ingredients such as soy meal, soy gluten meal, corn gluten, wheat gluten, etc… These are excellent proteins for you and I, but not so for dogs and cats. The basic problems with animal proteins and fats are the cost of these ingredients, the quality of meat rendering and the cost limitations to preserve them. Preservatives and proteins are the most expensive ingredients in pet foods. This motivates many pet food manufacturers to supplement with less expensive ingredients to remain competitive, while misleading the consumer. In 1909 the AAFCO, Association of American Feed Control Officials was established. They developed standards for pet food safety that has to be met and documented by way of labels on each pet food container, by every pet food manufacturer in the USA. You can now find the guaranteed analysis and ingredients listed in order of concentration on every container of pet food marketed in America. One of the standards for dry kibble was an expiration date. At that time, very strong and effective synthetic chemical preservatives were being use. These chemical preservatives include ethoxyquin, BHA, BTH, and TBHQ. These preservatives maintained a fair amount of the protein and fat quality for up to 18 months in normal storage conditions. This 18 month expiration became the industry standard. As pet food sales became competitive and the realization of the hazards of these synthetic preservatives (primarily ethoxyquin), natural preservatives were developed and utilized. These healthier preservatives, known as mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), citric acid (vitamin C) and rosemary, are commercially considered superior due to there better marketability, but are much less effective in preserving animal fats due to their rapid decomposition rates. If pet foods preserved with these natural antioxidants are stored in warehouses that exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, they will start to decompose in as little as three months. The average age of pet food purchased in stores today is 6 months of age. Consumers assume this is safe and even considered fresh because if purchased at six months of age, it expires in one year from purchase. The fact is, it is already loosing nutritional value as fats are oxidizing and becoming rancid. This misleading expiration, in my assessment, is the greatest failure in the safe regulations developed by the AAFCO. These expired products can maintain your pet, but at the cost of their health. These “less nutritional” foods cause greater volumes of consumption, decreased digestive efficiency and possible health issues, all with increased cost to you. These innocent pets are forced to eat what we provide. Our dogs and cats require and deserve better! There are many so-called premium pet foods available in stores today but unfortunately, they are all lacking the same primary essential requirement, freshness! One company is rewriting the way pet foods are produced and delivered. With the guidance of one of our nations leading nutritionalist, Dr. Jane Bicks DVM, a product named Life’s Abundance was developed. This formulation has been developed into the highest quality pet food product commercially available. This product is not found in stores but is delivered to your door fresh each month, usually in less than six weeks from production. It is superior to any other pet food with the necessary combination of ingredients. This eliminates the uncertainty of expiration, and guarantees consistent, fresh nutrients delivered to your pets at every feeding. Our pets can no longer forage for what their bodies need, nor can they tell us what they need, therefore they are totally dependent on us to provide their nutrition. Three years ago, we switched our Siberian cats diet to Life’s Abundance. Prior to this we were feeding other Premium cat foods and supplementing their diet with vitamins, fresh raw chicken livers, gizzards, and hearts. Our breeding program was doing well as we produced 4-6 kittens per litter with low mortality rates. This is slightly higher than the national average of Siberian litters of 3-4 kittens per litter. We were reluctant to switch at first due to the shipping cost, not considering the cost of our time and shopping travel expenses. Since we switched to Life’s Abundance we noticed a decrease in food consumption, increased litter size (4-10 kittens per litter, with an average of 7 per litter) and virtually no mortalities. All our cats appeared healthier and our litter boxes stayed cleaner longer. On Christmas Day 2012, one of our Siberian Queens gave birth to 10 beautiful Siberian kittens. This is unheard of with the Siberian Cat breed. All kittens are thriving and are in the process of being relocated to their new homes. I sleep better at night knowing I am giving my dogs and cats the very best pet diet available today. I indorse this product with the upmost confidence. Please click this link- Life’s Abundance to learn more. You can compare Life’s Abundance to the product you are presently using and to other store bought brands then decide for yourself, but most important is to do it for your pet. I recommend this diet to all my customers and actually receive small commissions for sales that result from my recommendations. This is a win-win situation with additional bonuses. Our pets receive the very best, and we receive peace of mind, not to mention one less shopping chore. In addition to saving money, I get to indorse the very best formula available today and get paid to do it. I believe this to be a win-win-win-win-win-win situation. OK, I’m gloating, but this information is too good to keep a secret. Share this information with your friends and family. This company thrives on word of mouth advertisement and in exchange, our pets thrive on the superior fresh nutrients they deliver. Our pets deserve it! special thanks to Heather S. and congratulations on your new Siberian kittens
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Dog or Cat Considerations & Recommendations
Congratulations on taking the time to research pet ownership and become an informed responsible pet owner. These beautiful creatures of Mother Nature will steal your heart, but unfortunately, sometimes result in impulsive purchases. Animal Control Shelters throughout the country are at capacity and many being forced to euthanize these innocent pets. It is each our responsibility to help change this. The information you acquire will enable you to make the best informed decision, which will hopefully result in an appropriate selection. Domesticating dogs and cats has enabled a tremendous bond between man and animal, but also has diminished their natural survival skills and resulted in their total dependence on human care for their survival. Their willingness to give us unconditional love is their greatest gift, but their health and happiness is totally dependent on us. Dogs There are many overlooked considerations in purchasing a dog. They need leadership, no matter how large or small, how cute or innocent, they all need guidance and boundaries established. This takes time and effort, but the rewards are lifelong. One hour each day of structured obedience and play is recommended. Simply walking your dog on a leash each day can provide the leadership your dog needs. Without human leadership, you open the door for canine behavior not acceptable in most homes. A consistent effort of obedience training with positive reward for your dog works miracles. Dogs need a large fenced area to exercise, build muscle coordination, relieve stress of confinement, and natural sunlight for proper physical and mental health. This is extremely important for puppies and their orthopedic development. All fifty states have leash laws which require approved containment for your dog, usually a fence. Check with your local animal control for these regulations. Socialization of your canine companion provides a bond of trust with all humans. Even protection dogs are properly socialized prior to and throughout protection training. So many potential problems can be prevented through early socialization. Bringing your dog to pet friendly public places is fun, and can enhance both you and your dogs social life. My life experiences have taught me that pet owners are generally caring people, the type of person I like to socialize with. If you are unable to perform the training of your dog, select a Dog Breeder that can offer this service for you. The cost of dog ownership is usually underestimated. Many think that the purchase price of a dog or puppy is the majority of the expense. Healthy diet, Veterinarian services, training supplies, toys, grooming, travel crate, bedding, bowls, etc…. usually average from $60.00/ month to $300.00/ month throughout the life of your dog. Unhealthy and untrained dogs can cost significantly more. Dogs are a mans best friend through consistent efforts of communications with mutual respect. This respect motivates the loyal bond between man and dog and is the catalyst for amazing team work and cherished life experiences. Cats Cats make wonderful inside pets but do not fare well outdoors. They occupy our homes as if they own the place and can easily become the family clown. This is cute but cats also need boundaries. Their natural tendencies to scratch and sharpen their claws can damage the best of our furniture. A consistent effort to redirect this activity is required. Attempts to stop this activity on our valued furniture can best be achieved by providing your feline friend with something better to scratch on. Cheap corrugated cardboard scratch boards embedded with cat nip works great. Sisal scratching boards are more durable but cost more. The basic command of “NO” must be taught and learned then reinforced by redirecting their undesirable activity. Declawing is inhumane and permanently cripples your cat, both physically and psychologically. Cats secret a glyco-protein characterized as FEL D1 through their sebaceous glands, feces, and saliva. Once airborne this protein becomes the primary cause of cat allergies in humans. If you have an allergy sensitive members of your family, visiting and spending time with cats prior to purchase is recommended. A responsible cat breeder should be willing to accommodate this visit. Certain breeds of cats have been found to be hypoallergenic and well tolerated by allergy sensitive people. The Siberian Cat is a recent import to America from Siberia, Russia. They are a large, semi-long coat cat with dog-like tendencies. Their thousand year evolution in Siberia through natural selection is Natures way of producing a very hardy cat, with reduced secretions of this allergen. The cost of owning a cat is also often underestimated. As with a dog, the initial cost of purchase is not the majority of this expense. Healthy diet, Veterinarian services, litter, litter boxes , toys, scratch boards and post, grooming service and grooming supplies, travel crate, bowls, etc…. usually average over $35.00/ month for the life of your cat, but can anyone put a price on the unconditional love they provide us. For families with children there are many benefits not considered to cat ownership. It has been medically proven that children exposed to low levels of FEL D1 (such as found in a Traditional Siberian Cat) provides for an immunity to this allergen later in life. Children learn responsibility and respect for other living things and are rewarded with years of love, companionship, and entertainment. Amazing Siberian Cat Screening “reputable breeder” A great tip in screening potential dog breeders and cat breeders, is to select one that also screens you. Breeders that truly care about their occupation want the best homes possible for their puppies or kittens. They should have as many questions about you as you have about them. They should be willing to offer information particular to their pets, provide Veterinarian references, and test your knowledge of the breed. Though some may be offended by the questions of a breeder, it is a sign that this breeder cares. If all breeders conducted thorough screening of potential customers, there would be far less homeless pets. No reputable breeder will sell their pets through pet stores, agents, or organizations. They want to know exactly where there pets are going. Breeders should have enough experience to offer ongoing assistance with information and training of your new pet, and request that they be contacted first, should you ever have to give up your pet. They should be willing to allow a visit and inspection. You should be able to meet and evaluate the parents of your potential new pet. Puppies and kittens should be socialized by the breeder prior to purchase and their parents should demonstrate a calm sociable temperament, regardless of the breed. Puppies and kittens should have their first series of inoculations prior to leaving their cattery or kennel. The breeder should also recommend that you schedule a Veterinarian visit as soon as possible with your new pet and that the sale and transfer of ownership is dependent on the results of that medical examination. Important Questions Experience is the first question you should have for a potential breeder. You should have conducted enough research about the breed to ask intelligent questions the breeder should know. The breeder should be willing to offer useful information and be willing to provide references. Anyone can provide customer references, but reputable breeders should provide professional references. The best reference is from a practicing Veterinarian. They are very knowledgeable professionals bound by ethics. Just as a car fax is important in purchasing a preowned vehicle, a Veterinarian reference is important in purchasing a pet. Your breeder should guarantee your pet to be healthy, both physically and psychologically, and also genetically. The genetic problems are those that usually show up later in life. The breeder should have proof of genetic screening of your pets parents and the pedigree to prove no inbreeding. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, is trusted with testing, certifications, and breed history data relative to genetic problems associated with particular breeds of animals. Bad Assumptions Many People believe that if a dog or cat is registered to be pure bred, then it is also an endorsement of the quality of the pet. This is not true. Registries are only data collectors that sell registration certificates based on trust. As long as these registries will register the offspring of a Father and Daughter breedings (inbreeding), their true objective should be questioned. They are making progress however with kennel inspections, DNA profiling, and microchip identification, but still have not made progress in preventing inbreeding, and limiting breeding to only genetically health dogs and cats. You have the responsibility to research your breed and learn what is pertinent to that breed. This new pet will become a loved member of your family for years to come if you do your home work. The internet offers a world of information, some useful and some worthless. Medical data should be trusted to .edu or .gov websites only. Technical information posted on the internet should also provide valid references, scientific conclusions, and not someones opinion without supporting facts and/or data. Recomended Pet Diet for dogs and cats There are many so-called premium pet foods available in stores today; unfortunately, they are all lacking in a primary ingredient, freshness. Commercial pet foods are usually manufactured by grain mills with ingredients not always of human grade. They are stored in truck trailers, warehouses, and on the shelves of stores for an average of six months before you purchase them. Our pets deserve better; moreover, our pets require better. One company is rewriting the way pet foods are produced and delivered. With the guidance of our nations leading nutritionist, Dr. Jane Bicks DVM, a product named Life’s Abundance has been developed. This product is superior to any other pet food combination of ingredients and is delivered to your door each month fresh, usually in less than six weeks from production. Our pets can no longer forage for what their bodies need, they are totally dependent on us to provide their nutrition. I sleep better at night knowing I am giving my dogs and cats the very best and endorse this product with confidence. Any surgery such as spaying (ovarian hysterectomy) or neutering (castration) a kitten or puppy should not be looked at lightly. Complications arise as animals grow and can plague a pet until it is an adult and even in their later years. Most Veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering a pet after they are five months old. Spaying too early can result in the following problems:
Distortion Bone growth in dogs and cats is normally limited by the sex hormones. In animals that are spayed early, the bones continue to grow for a longer period of time. Animals spayed early often have longer limbs and narrow skulls and chests. Spaying a kitten too young can cause her bones to grow for a longer period of time. As she gets older, her bones will grow to different proportions. This can make her smaller than the average cat or taller with oddly-shaped bones, which can lead to a failure of joints and weakened ligaments. Breeders of Working dogs have experienced very substantial physical challenges for dogs neutered or spayed too early. Many suffer crippling orthopedic problems. Obesity
Animals spayed as kittens or puppies have surgical considerations that older animals don’t. Pediatric patients metabolize drugs differently, especially those younger than 3 months of age. According to Winn Feline Foundation, cats younger than 12 to 14 weeks do not have adult kidney and liver function. Young animals may also suffer from hypothermia more easily during recovery and are at higher risk of hypoglycemia and pneumonia. Ethics Spaying or neutering before five months of age is simply not in the best interest of your pet. To recommend, or try and justify such an unnecessary and potentially detrimental procedure before five months of age is in our opinion, unethical. We do recommend this procedure be performed by an experienced Veterinarian when you puppy or kitten is at five to six months of age. Several recent studies conducted by Universities of Veterinarian Medicine have down played the risk of early neutering and spaying due to the overpopulation of unwanted pets in animal shelters. Responsible pet owners and breeders realize that minimal risk is still a risk, especially when taken unnecessarily. |
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