Health Products For People & Pets

The True Cost Of Life's Abundance Dog Food vs Nutro Ultra Dog Food

Today we received an email from Petsmart with their Nutro Ultra on sale. The 15lb bag is on sale for $31.99.....a 20lb bag of Life's Abundance on autoship/wholesale is $31.84. You can see Nutro Ultra is 5 pounds less but let's look a little further. With both of these bags you pay tax, in my case in AZ it's 10%. This brings ...the Nutro Ultra to $35.19 and LA to $35.02. Life's Abundance does have shipping - $8.55 and this holds true whether you are buying an 8, 20, 40, 6.6 or 16.5 lb bag of food and many times you can order multiple bags and products and your shipping still stays $8.55. So, with that said we add shipping to LA and are now at $43.57 - divide that into 20lbs of food and it is $2.18 a lb. Now we have Nutro sitting at $35.19 - divide that into 15lbs of food and it is $2.35 a lb. Remember that is also Nutro's sale price :)

Life's Abundance is a superior formula, has never been recalled and is delivered to your customer within 6 weeks of being made. When you look at Nutro Ultra you have to say - how long did it sit in an uncontrolled warehouse and then was shipped to a pet store where it sat on a shelf? Doesn't your dog or cat deserve better than this?

It seems that everytime I open an email a big name company has a recall. Be a safe and smart consumer, purchase a food you can trust. Life's Abundance has an open door policy too! If you have a question about your food you can actually speak to Dr Jane Bicks, the product formulator. She hosts a monthly conference call and speaks to you, the consumer. Try calling Nutro, Diamond, Purina, Iams, etc - who will they let you speak with?

Click Here for more information about Life's Abundance Dog Food or Cat Food.

NEW! Life's Abundance Slow Pull Retractable Leash As Seen On TV's Everyday Edisons

We are absolutely thrilled to announce the Life's Abundance Slow Pull Retractable Leash, which is development right now. Retractable leashes are found in many doggie households in the USA, but the Life's Abundance version is an exciting and superior product because of its unique and industry-changing technology. This technology is patented, gives us enforceable protection and a worldwide exclusive.

Life's Abundance Slow Pull Retractable Leash

This innovative leash works like any other retractable leash when a dog walks at a controlled pace. However, when a dog suddenly takes off running, this unique leash will instantly increase resistance in proportion to the dog’s force, enough to almost stop the dog completely. In addition, since the leash’s design prevents the leash cord from rapidly paying out, it could save dog owners from injuries including burns, abrasions, lacerations and even amputations.

This leash also protects pets and their owners by eliminating the force traditionally generated when a dog runs out the length of the leash cord. These “hard stops” from traditional retractable leashes have resulted in dog walker injuries to the shoulder, elbow and wrist and dog injuries to the trachea, eyes and even death. By gradually slowing the dog down, the Slow Pull Retractable Leash gives the dog walker time to hit the emergency brake and/or regain control of the dog with verbal commands. This promises to be like no other retractable leash available on the market today!

Edison Nation Partnership....

Everyday Edisons is Edison Nation's Emmy and Telly award-winning reality television show that airs on PBS stations across America. The show educates viewers about what it takes to transform an idea into a product sold on store shelves. The show's fourth season started this month and we are happy to announce that one entire 30-minute episode called "Who Let the Dogs Out?!" is dedicated to the development of the Life's Abundance Slow Pull Retractable Leash and it will begin to air on April 28th. Check your local public television station listings for dates and times in your area.

If you are interested in the Life's Abundance Slow Pull Retractable Leash please leave your name and email in the comments section (your email will not show up and remain hidden) and let us know if you are interested in the product, business opportunity or both.

To shop for Life's Abundance dog and cat food, treats, supplements or pet care products Click Here.

Three Toothsome Tips for Canine Dental Health

Everyone knows “doggie breath” can be quite unpleasant. But few realize its presence can indicate an actual disease … sadly, it’s one that affects the vast majority of dogs over the age of three. While it may prove offensive to you, it might actually be painful for your pup, and could lead to other more dangerous health issues, too. Fortunately, there is something you can do to help your furry companion! In her latest veterinary-health post, Dr. Jane provides pet parents a brief, three-point review of doggie dental health.

You may be groaning inwardly at another post on canine periodontal disease, but the doggone truth is, many of us pet parents could stand to freshen up on the topic. That’s not a guess, it’s a fact: 17 out of 20 dogs over the age of three have some level of periodontal disease that needs treatment. One of the most common canine diseases, it’s also one of the most easily prevented. Dental disease not only “stinks” at the source, it’s also known to negatively impact the health of the whole body. It’s not a stretch to say that to have true wellness, your dog’s teeth and gums need to be as healthy as possible. I know all of you are busy, so I’ll briefly cover the three most salient points to remember when it comes to canine dental care. You might want to take notes, or simply print this out for reference, as there will be an oral exam. At least, I certainly hope so!

1. Dental Disease Can Be Painful, Even Deadly
I’m sure all of you know that dental disease causes “doggie breath”, but you may not be aware that chronic inflammation can cause pain, lead to infections, and serves as a precursor to much more serious issues. For instance, severe periodontal disease is significantly correlated with increased risk of heart disease, such as infected heart valves (Glickman et al., 2009). Chronically inflamed and infected gums also increase the risk for kidney disease, limiting the amount of toxins they can purify from the blood (Glickman et al., 2011). I’d ask that you keep in mind that inflamed and infected gums are just as painful for dogs as they are for humans, potentially lowering your companion animal’s quality of life. The bottom line is, a healthier mouth makes for a happier dog!

2. For Dental Disease, There is No Magic Bullet
Even though periodontal disease is all-too-common, many veterinary researchers are still baffled by its causes, and therefore, the best method for prevention. We do know that plaque-forming bacteria play a role. A recent study (Riggio et al., 2011) showed a wide diversity of canine oral flora, both in health and disease states, including previously undiscovered species of bacteria!

Not knowing exactly what’s going on makes it especially difficult to find a cure, but that hasn’t stopped big companies from trying. In 2006, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer introduced a vaccine for periodontal disease, aimed at targeting three specific bacteria associated with periodontitis (including Porphyromonas denticanis, P. gulae, and P. salivosa). Following the release of the vaccine, Pfizer Animal Health conducted a 4-year review to determine the true effectiveness of the vaccine. Not surprising to me, there was no demonstrable reduction in the progression of periodontal disease, and the company discontinued this product in April of 2011. As a holistic veterinarian, I don’t usually put much faith in vaccines, other than core vaccinations.

Simply put, when it comes to periodontal disease, there are no magic bullets.

3. An Ounce of Prevention is Your Best Bet
Recent studies indicate that treatment of canine periodontal disease may not resolve the attendant inflammation, which means negative repercusions may continue for some time (Rawlinson et al., 2011). The only dependable method is to try and prevent onset of the disease in the first place. I can’t stress this enough … for the most part, periodontal disease is preventable! I strongly encourage you to make canine dental care a top priority at an early age. Your efforts will be rewarded, as proper dental can improve your dog’s chances of long-term health.

The most effective way to prevent gum disease is to brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis. Don’t worry if you don’t know how – simply watch this Dr. Sarah video to learn the proper technique. In addition to routine brushing, a sound, wholesome diet provides a great foundation for health, and feeding your dog Life’s Abundance Gourmet Dental Treats will provide additional nutrients to help support healthy teeth and bones. Our Dental Treats also feature a variety of whole grains, added calcium, extra phosphorous and even a dash of parsley to help freshen breath.

If your pup already has tartar build-up and evidence of gum disease, do not despair! Make an appointment today to have her teeth cleaned and any infections treated. Soon, she’ll be back on the road to wellness.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals.

Dr. Jane Bicks

References
Riggio MP, Lennon A, Taylor DJ, Bennett D. Molecular identification of bacteria associated with canine periodontal disease. Vet Microbiol. 2011 Jun 2;150(3-4):394-400. Epub 2011 Mar 10.

Rawlinson JE, Goldstein RE, Reiter AM, Attwater DZ, Harvey CE. Association of periodontal disease with systemic health indices in dogs and the systemic response to treatment of periodontal disease. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011 Mar 1;238(5):601-9.

Glickman LT, Glickman NW, Moore GE, Lund EM, Lantz GC, Pressler BM. Association between chronic azotemic kidney disease and the severity of periodontal disease in dogs. Prev Vet Med. 2011 May 1;99(2-4):193-200. Epub 2011 Feb 23.

Glickman LT, Glickman NW, Moore GE, Goldstein GS, Lewis HB. Evaluation of the risk of endocarditis and other cardiovascular events on the basis of the severity of periodontal disease in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Feb 15;234(4):486-94.

Beard G, Emily P, Milligan & Williams C: American Animal Hospital Association, Veterinary Dentistry, Course I, 1989.

Talking About Ticks

Dr. Sarah’s back with a brand new episode of Pet Talk to discuss one of nature’s nasty little creatures, ticks, revealing how you and your companion animals can deal with these blood-sucking menaces. Unfortunately, tick populations have blossomed in recent years, a bane to almost anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. And, with tick season about to begin, you need to know how to protect – and defend – against these disease-carrying critters. Dr. Sarah shares her best tips and dispels common myths about how to handle one of nature’s nuisances. Watch this video now

Thinking of Switching to Life's Abundance Health Food For Puppies & Adult Dogs Or Life's Abundance Health Food For Kittens & Cats?

The secret to superior pet food lies in the formula itself – not only in the ingredients, but also in the proportions of those ingredients to each other. While many dog and cat foods may meet technical standards for dietary requirements, some pet food manufacturers cut corners on their ingredients, which affects the quality of the overall formula. To help you choose the best food for your dear companion, we’ve identified eight crucial measures upon which all dog and cat foods can be judged. Keep in mind that the food you choose should score well in every category, as does Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food for Puppies and Adult Dogs or Life's Abundance Health Food for Kittens and Adult Cats. Remember, your dog deserves nothing less than the very best. See Beyond the Hype The brand you feed is the most important decision you can make as a pet parent. Because your dog or cat eats the same food every day, it’s his primary source of nutrition. And a superior dog or cat food can help to foster a solid nutritional foundation, which can help sustain your pet over a long and healthy lifetime. As a caring pet parent, it’s important that you see through marketing ploys designed to mislead you about the quality of ingredients and their intended dietary benefits. Additionally, some competing brands use wheat and wheat glutens, corn and corn glutens, as well as artificial food colors and preservatives. We never have, and we never will. That’s part of our commitment to you and your dog to provide the safest and most innovative nutritional formulas for a better life. The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts While the top five ingredients of a given dog food provide the consumer with insight into the nutritional priorities of a pet food maker, they don’t tell the whole story. Every ingredient plays a critical part, which is why we provide a comparison based upon eight different quantitative measures. Furthermore, the secret to superior pet food lies in the formula itself – not only in the ingredients, but also in the proportions of those ingredients to one another. The significance of the ratios cannot be understated. Our long-time pet food formulator, Dr. Jane Bicks, stresses the importance of synergism, or the interaction of ingredients, because the proper proportions help to maximize the nutritional impact of a formula. As with any recipe, if you use the wrong ratios, you will get very different results. With quality ingredients working synergistically with one another, you can be certain that you’re providing the very best for your companion animal. Pet Food or Junk Food? Not all pet food manufacturers have your dog or cat's best interests in mind. Unfortunately, many use ingredients that you would never knowingly feed your dog or cat. Some intentionally attempt to mislead you with clever marketing, touting ingredients that sound appealing to you but are not actually suited to the nutritional requirements of dogs. Life's Abundance focuses on what canines and felines truly need to help ensure a lifetime of good health, rather than on making the cheapest possible product that might not fulfill your dog’s dietary needs. Only Everything Wholesome Our premium dog and cat food recipes feature safe and wholesome ingredients. But for a dog or cat food to be considered truly exceptional, we believe it must meet several specific nutritional criteria. Not only should a dog or cat food score well on the majority of eight distinct measures, it must score well on every measure. Even if one area is overlooked, you could be compromising your pet's chances for wellness and longevity. To account for the unique dietary needs of your dog, all of the following must be included in the formula: a diverse array of high-quality proteins; healthy species-specific animal fat; a guaranteed amount of the antioxidant Vitamins A, C and E; a guaranteed amount of omega-3 fatty acids (for optimal benefit omega-3’s should be scientifically balanced with omega-6 fatty acids); prebiotics; a guaranteed amount of probiotics; an array of vegetables; and fruits. Furthermore, to minimize health risks, no wheat or wheat gluten or corn or corn gluten-based products should be featured. If your current food doesn’t score well on every single one of these eight distinct measures, we strongly suggest that you feed your beloved canine or feline Life’s Abundance. A Tradition of Quality and Safety Even though the quality and variety of ingredients provide insight to the strength of a food’s formula, they shouldn’t be your only consideration when choosing the right food for your dog or cat. In fact, the process by which the food is made is equally vital. Life’s Abundance premium dry health food is prepared by a family-owned, third-generation pet food maker, where creating a high quality food is not only a priority and a family tradition, it’s an art form. Batches of food are produced in limited runs on a weekly basis, minimizing periods of storage and helping us to deliver the freshest-possible product to your front door. What You Don’t Know Could Be Harming Your Pet When you pick up a bag of dog or cat food from a retail store, it’s impossible to know the history behind the product you’re holding. You don’t know how long it’s been on the shelf, or how long it lingered in the storeroom before being placed on the shelf. You don’t know how long it was stowed in a shipping container, subjected to temperature extremes. You don’t know how long it was stockpiled in a distribution center prior to shipping. In fact, many mass-produced dog and cat foods are stashed away in tractor trailers without any form of climate-control for weeks, even months. And, you have no idea if proper handling of bags and pest-control are priorities for the packaging centers and warehouses where the product is bagged and stored. Why does it matter that you can’t know the history of the retail product? As you might correctly guess, the way a dog food is stored can directly affect its nutritional value and safety. The bottom line is, just because it’s store-bought doesn’t mean it’s fresh. Control over our Formulas from Start to Finish At Life’s Abundance, they don’t leave factors that impact safety and quality to chance. Their commitment to providing your dog or cat with a superior food goes well beyond the formula and the individual ingredients. To ensure the safety and quality of the final product, they exercise control, from preparation to packaging to storage. As we mentioned before, Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food for Puppies and Adult Dogs and Life's Abundance Premium Health Food for Kittens & Adult Cats is prepared in small batches on a weekly basis. They test the quality of our foods to ensure the integrity of ingredients and to make sure the formula is adhered to. Immediately after each batch is prepared, it’s bagged and shipped directly to one of our three warehouses. Our shipping departments take pride in the speedy yet careful handling of our products. When you place an order, your dog food is shipped via UPS or USPS, with an average transit time of only three business days. Thanks to Life's Abundance strict adherence to quality and safety, they've created a streamlined process that, in most cases, means that the food that’s delivered to your door is only four to six weeks old or less. Formulated by a vet, for the long-term health of your pet Dr. Jane Bicks is defined by her absolute dedication to the health and happiness of companion animals. One of the nation’s leading holistic veterinarians, she serves as our pet product formulator and as the driving force behind our commitment to improve pet health. When you feed your dog or cat Life’s Abundance, you will be providing a cutting-edge formula, created to help maintain the health and increase the longevity of your canine companion. Additionally, Dr. Jane conducts bi-weekly conference calls, providing an open forum where you can put questions directly to our pet product formulator. These calls also include in-depth discussions about her formulas, the superior ingredients we use and other helpful pet-related information. Learn more about Life's Abundance Dog or Cat Food Compare Other Brands of Dog Food To Life's Abundance Dog Food - Click Here! Compare Other Brands of Cat Food To Life's Abundance Cat Food - Click Here!

Life's Abundance Is Expanding To Build New Corporate Offices In Jupiter, FL

From Sun-Sentinel.com

By Alexandra Clough, The Palm Beach Post, 5:22 p.m. EDT, May 23, 2011

Growing pet food firm to build headquarters in Jupiter

A Palm City company known for its healthy pet foods has purchased land in Jupiter and plans to build a new headquarters and distribution facility.

Life's Abundance has bought a 1-acre parcel just outside the Jupiter Park of Commerce on Capital Street. Plans are to build a 21,000-square-foot facility. The project is valued at $3.1 million, which includes $600,000 paid for the land, said Lester Thornhill, the company's president and chief executive.

The seller was Capital Street Holdings. Rick Reikenis, a Capital Street official, said he and his partners bought the land in 2008 to build a building for their North Palm Beach engineering firm, East Bay Group, but the recession undercut their plans.

Their setback, however, proved fortuitous for Life's Abundance, which now will be able to expand its business. The company has 32 employees and is looking to hire. It expects to grow to at least 50 once it makes the move to Palm Beach County by February. The company has an immediate need for a marketing and communications specialist.

"We need a larger labor pool," Thornhill said.

The company is poised for continued growth with the popularity of its all-natural cat and dog food. Thornhill would not disclose profits at the privately held company, but he said that revenue exceeds $15 million annually.

Sales continue to grow. Last year the company grew more than 7 percent, and this year "we're up more than last year," he said.

Peter Reed, a Commercial Florida Realty Services principal and the broker on the deal, called the move a "real shot in the arm" for the economy. "It brings needed jobs to Jupiter," Reed said, and will add some construction jobs, too.

Thornhill said the company needed a bigger building and decided to build its own facility after realizing that prices for property and construction were going to go up. "We realized if there was any time it made sense to build a building, that time would be now," he said.

The building also will be the company's headquarters and the location of its southeast distribution facility. In addition to Florida, Life's Abundance has distribution facilities in California and Illinois.

The company, founded in 1988, makes skin-care products for people, as well as environmentally friendly cleaning products. But its cat and dog foods are its signature. Thornhill said the pet foods do not contain corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors or preservatives.

All-natural pet products may have seemed like an unnecessary perk for puppy when the company began 13 years ago, but over time, consumers have discovered the benefits of healthy eating, both for themselves and their pets, company executives said.

Linda Logue, the company's marketing vice president, said most people consider pets part of the family and will cut back on other expenses before they switch their pet's food to a different brand.

Thornhill said: "When people find a pet product that provides a benefit, that's the last place they're going to look to save money."

Learn more about the Life's Abundance product line and their business opportunity. Click Here!

Win A Cruise When You Join Life's Abundance Health Products For Pets & People

The Life's Abundance 2012 Freedom Convention promises to be another extraordinary event in our company history. Cruise participants will experience six wonderful days and nights onboard the spectacular Carnival Freedom cruise vessel, a favorite of our 2010 convention cruisers. In addition to three fabulous ports of call and virtually non-stop activities, we will provide you with two full days of thought-provoking, instructional and motivational convention sessions to help you improve your business and increase your commissions!

The best part is you and a guest could join us absolutely free!

 

Qualify for a Free Cabin and Upgrade

 

You can qualify for a free inside cabin for two and an upgrade to a balcony cabin, which includes the cost of two tickets, taxes, government fees and gratuities! The promotional period begins on May 1st and runs through November 30th. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the qualification regulations, details of which follow below.

Limited Discounted Cabins, So Book Now

 

The number of available cabins is limited; therefore, we strongly suggest that you book your cabin now.  And, should you later qualify for a free cabin, we will reimburse you for the cost of that cabin.  The deposit to book any cabin is $500.00 and you must pay the remainder of the fare in full by November 18, 2011.  Also, there is no penalty fee if you cancel before the above date.

Because Life's Abundance is subsidizing the costs of the cabins, the prices we can offer you are lower than those available directly from Carnival and other outlets. Keep in mind that these prices below include taxes, government fees and gratuities. Rates are based upon double occupancy.

                   Inside Cabin for Two People             $532.04 per person
                   Ocean View Cabin for Two People   $607.04 per person
                   Balcony Cabin for Two People          $767.04 per person

Important things to know when comparison shopping: (1) the prices on the Carnival web site do not include gratuities and other travel web sites generally do not include taxes, government fees or gratuities, and (2) the prices for inside, ocean view and balcony cabins vary according to cabin deck and location. For example, an inside cabin located on an upper deck in the middle of the ship costs more than an inside cabin located on a lower deck in the back of the ship .

Dedicated Freedom Travel Agent

 

There's no need to worry about making travel arrangements.  Our dedicated Freedom Convention travel agent can book your cabin and offer you a monthly payment plan.  She can also help secure discounted airline tickets, hotels reservations and transfers from the airport to Port Everglades.  Call Tracy Simmons Travel at 301-746-7042 (Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time).

Promotion Qualification Period: May 1 through November 30, 2011 You have seven months to qualify for two free 2012 Freedom Convention Cruise tickets.

How to Qualify for Your Two Free Tickets

Achieve just one of the following to qualify: 

1. Build one new 5-Star leg (the 5-Star must be an Executive Field Rep)

2. Build three new 3-Star legs (the 3-Stars must be Executive Field Reps). All three legs must achieve the appropriate rank during the same month.

 

 How to Qualify for the Freedom Convention Cabin Upgrade

Achieve just one of the following to qualify for an upgrade to a Balcony Cabin:

 

 ****Build three additional, new 3-Star legs (other than the legs you used to qualify for the cruise), and receive the Special Cabin Upgrade. Again, this must be accomplished during the qualification period, and the 3-Stars must be Executive Field Reps.  All three legs must achieve the appropriate rank during the same month.

****Build one additional, new 5-Star leg (other than the legs you used to qualify for the cruise), and receive the Special Cabin Upgrade. Again, this must be accomplished during the qualification period, and the 5-Star must be an Executive Field Rep.

Learn more about the Life's Abundance Business Opportunity and Join Us As An Executive Rep

Are You Recommending Dog & Cat Food? Join Life's Abundance And Earn More!

Attention Pet Professionals! •Trainers •Groomers •Breeders •Kennels •Pet Sitters •Dog Walkers •Veterinarians •Daycare Operators •Shelter Workers and Volunteers •Animal Rescue Operators •Emergency Service Professionals (K-9 and rescue units) •Pet Massage Therapists •All Pet Lovers!

Are You Recommending Dog & Cat Food And Getting Paid Every Month On Those Orders? If you're not, you're missing out on a huge business opportunity!

You can now join Life's Abundance and start earning the maximum on commissions! This promotion runs from April 1, 2011 to June 30, 2011 HOWEVER you can join NOW and you don't have to wait to start earning under this promotion!

Here’s how the 20% Retail Bonus Bonanza will work …

Enrollment Period:  The enrollment period begins on April 1, 2011 and lasts through June 30, 2011.

Eligibility Period:  Field Reps are eligible to participate in this promotion the month they sign up during the enrollment period and the next three months following their sign-up.

Criteria:  A Field Rep must meet the following two criteria to qualify for the 20% Retail Bonus in a given month: (1) be an Executive Field Rep and (2) have at least $50.00 in Personal Sales. Personal Sales are the sales of you and your customers.

In an effort to help you better understand this promotion, we provided three different scenarios:

Scenario #1: You sign up as an Executive Field Rep on April 7th. You are eligible for the 20% Retail Bonus for the remainder of the month of April, as well as all of May, June and July.  After July 31st, the Retail Bonus reverts to the standard amount.

Scenario #2:  You sign up as a basic Field Rep on April 7th, and then upgrades to Executive Field Rep status on June 7th. You are eligible for the 20% Retail Bonus for the remainder of the month of June and all of July. After July 31st, the Retail Bonus reverts to the standard amount. 

Scenario #3:  You sign up as an Executive Field Rep on June 20th.  You are eligible for the 20% Retail Bonus for the remainder of the month of June, as well as all of July, August and September.  After September 30th, the Retail Bonus reverts to the standard amount.

What makes this Life's Abundance promotion so special? First you start earning the max commissions which gives you time to build your business and your customer base so when the promo is over you continue to earn the maximum. Second, as an Executive Rep you qualify for a special bonus anytime you sign up another Executive Rep ($43 Exec Rep Package bonus PLUS a $30 bonus just because you're an Exec Rep - total of $73). Lastly, as an Exec Rep you will receive over 100 samples, brochures, dvd's and full size products so you'll have samples on hand and know the product line.

Life's Abundance pet products are formulated by holistic vet, Dr. Jane Bicks. The products have never been recalled and the food is shipped direct within 6 weeks of being made instead of sitting in a warehouse for up to 18 months before it hits the store shelves.

Please visit our site by clicking here to learn more about this amazing opportunity! We have been with the company for almost 8 years and are here to help you build a business and earn a residual income!

Instinctive Choice Natural Canned Food By Life's Abundance For Kittens & Adult Cats

Instinctive Choice Natural Canned Cat Food does not contain fruits (such as cranberries or apples), vegetables (such as sweets potatoes or carrots) or grains (such as wheat, barley corn or oats). Cats are metabolically adapted to use protein and fat as energy sources and they have little need for carbohydrates. 

The question is "why do most manufacturers use carbohydrates; such as, fruits, vegetables and grains in their canned cat food?" We understand the use of carbohydrates in dry foods because they are necessary to form the kibble or nuggets. However, we do not understand the use of carbohydrates in canned foods. Other companies may use them because they are generally less expensive than meat and they sound better to consumers. At Life's Abundance, we think it is more important to focus on what a feline really needs for good health rather than on cost or the desire to feed our felines "human-like" ingredients.

Instinctive Choice Natural Canned Cat Food does NOT contain gluten or fillers, nor does it contain by-products, any type of chemical preservatives or artificial flavors, flavor enhancers or food colorings.

What Is In Instinctive Choice Natural Canned Cat Food And Why Is It Better?

• Instinctive Choice premium canned cat food is nutrient dense; therefore, you can feed less of Instinctive Choice than many other brands of canned cat food.
  

• Instinctive Choice contains high-quality proteins from meat and fish. The organic chicken, turkey, chicken liver and shrimp are carefully selected to provide your cat with a variety of protein sources, the best high-quality proteins we could find. This ensures that your cat will get a full array of necessary protein components that true carnivores need to live a healthy life.
  

• The chicken liver in Instinctive Choice not only provides a rich protein source, it is also a warehouse of nutrition because it contains Vitamins A, E, C, folic acid, B vitamins, iron and copper just to mention a few. Some say it is the healthiest food in the world.
  

• Instinctive Choice contains nutrient-rich water. This is important because modern house cats are descendents of desert animals that obtained moisture from their prey and so they do not like to drink water from a bowl. The nutritional components found in meats and chicken broth allow your cat to obtain moisture closer to the way a cat in the wild would get it.
  

• Every cat owner knows that cats crave grass. That's instinct at its best! When cats in the wild consumed their prey, the intestinal tract contained grass. Instinctive Choice contains dog grass extract.
  

• Instinctive Choice contains a guaranteed amount of added omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and omega-6 fatty acids in a ratio that is beneficial for overall health.
  

• Instinctive Choice contains added chelated minerals, which are closer to those found in nature so they are absorbed better.
  

• Instinctive Choice contains a guaranteed amount of added vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant important to good health.
  

• Instinctive Choice contains added Inulin, which supports a healthy intestine, a healthy immune system and increased nutrient absorption.
  

• Instinctive Choice contains a superior blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help contribute to a healthy daily diet.
  

• Instinctive Choice has a savory taste that your kitten or cat will love. The organic chicken, turkey, succulent shrimp and chicken liver are cooked in a delicious broth that is seasoned with a little bit of rosemary.

Learn more about Instinctive Choice

 

 

 

6 Ways To Whittle Your Pets Waistline

by Dr Jane Bicks, DVM

According to a 2009 study published by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 34 million dogs and 54 million cats are classified as overweight. Sadly, these staggering numbers continue to rise. Just like in humans, obesity is now the biggest health threat to pets in the U.S. Excess weight lowers metabolism, increases appetite and can worsen other medical conditions, such as arthritis and respiratory problems.

If your pet needs surgery, extra fat can make it more difficult for a surgeon to operate and increase the chances of complications with anesthesia. With nearly half the nation’s pet population afflicted with weight issues, chances are you or someone you know has a pet that is affected. Here are six tips to help your pet shed unwanted pounds and keep the weight off for good.

1. Increased Awareness

There are two main causes of obesity in pets: too many calories and too little exercise. Secondary factors can also come into play, such as genetic factors of a given breed or the sex of the animal. A quick online search will reveal whether or not your breed is prone to weight gain. And be aware that neutered, middle-aged and female pets are more likely to have weight issues.

The discouraging fact is that many pet parents accept their overweight pets as ‘normal’, or deny the problem altogether, making the problem less likely to be addressed.

Weight is not always the best indicator due to individual variation. For example, one Doberman may be trim at 70 pounds and another trim at 90. In addition, a drooping stomach does not always mean an animal is fat, especially in cats. The best way to determine whether or not your pet is overweight is to have your veterinarian do an assessment.

2. Change Your Lifestyle

Let’s face it … far too many Americans lead sedentary lifestyles, and their pets are following suit. It is no secret that we like to sit and eat at the same time, so if we are going to help ourselves and our pets avoid becoming the next victims of the obesity epidemic, we need to get everybody moving more and eating less.

Realize that everything your pet eats has calories – yes, including treats – so you can begin to reduce calories right away simply by providing low-calorie treats, such as Life’s Abundance’s Wholesome Hearts.

Increasing exercise is good for everybody. Long walks and playing fetch are good ways to bond with your dog, and you can get your cat moving with a feather wand or a laser pointer. Here’s a fun tip: cats love to chase small balls. Throw five or six little balls around and watch the fun … retrieve all the balls at once if you want to minimize your trips across the room.

3. Feed Frequent Small Meals and Measure Amounts

Did you know that every time you eat, you burn calories? The same is true for our companion animals. So measure the food amount for the whole day and divide it into several smaller meals. You can also feed a low-calorie treat or vegetable in between each small meal. It is vital that you measure the food, even if you free-feed. If your pet needs to lose weight, you can reduce portions by 30% without jeopardizing your pet’s health.

Remember that when pets beg for a treat, often what they really want is attention. Instead of a treat, how about a hug or a nice grooming session?

Consider supplementing a cat or small dog’s diet with canned food. Canned food often has a high moisture content, which helps your companion animal feel full with fewer calories. Remember to keep the overall calorie count consistent, even if you change their diet.

If you begin a weight-loss regimen and don’t see any results within two weeks, be sure to discuss other options with your veterinarian.

4. Keep Records

Food journals are not only very effective weight-management tools for people, they are for pets, too. Start by keeping records for seven days, tracking everything that you feed your companion animals. We often don’t realize how much we are really feeding until we see it mapped out.

5. Weight-Loss Medication

The FDA recently approved Slentrol, a weight-loss medication approved for canine use. The exact mechanism of this drug remains unknown, but researchers believe that it helps suppress the appetite and inhibit the absorption of fat. If you have tried all other options and still aren’t having success, or if your dog’s weight is putting his health in jeopardy, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about this new pharmaceutical offering.

6. Dietary Supplements

Many hormones can be controlled with phytonutrients. Resveratrol, sourced from the skin of grapes, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, increase metabolic rate, boost physical endurance and reduce fat mass. Quercetin, found in fruits, vegetables, leaves and grains, has been shown to fight inflammation in obese patients. Leptin is a new hormonal supplement that suppresses appetites and is being used to facilitate weight-loss. Researchers have discovered that diabetic dogs have low levels of leptin, which can lead to overeating. Furthermore, researchers found that by adding leptin to the diet, canine appetites are noticeably suppressed. I caution you to only use these supplements under the supervision of your vet, as the proper dosages vary from animal to animal (for example, leptin can at certain dosages have the opposite effect, actually increasing appetites).

With a little bit of effort, a minimal investment in time and big helpings of love and patience, you can help your companion animal lose excess weight and maximize their chances for a longer, healthier and happier lifetime.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for your dear companions.

Learn more about Life's Abundance Weight Loss Food For Dogs

Does Your Dog Need To Lose Weight? Life's Abundance Weight Loss Food For Dogs Is The Answer

Obesity is one of the most common canine nutritional disorders in America. And vets widely agree that excessive weight can lead to a whole host of health problems. Therefore, it’s easy to see that shedding a few unwanted pounds now can make an enormous impact on your dog’s quality of life.

Compared to our regular formula, Life’s Abundance Weight-Loss Formula contains 28% less fat and 32% fewer calories to help adult dogs maintain a healthy weight and an active lifestyle. And, it’s enhanced with L-carnitine to help the body utilize fat and to support long-term weight management.

For the most part, your dog eats the same food every day. That is why carefully choosing a food is so important to your dog’s long-term health.

Take a look at Life's Abundance Weight Loss Food For Dogs and you'll see what makes Life's Abundance top quality and the best choice for your pooch that needs to lose weight.

Useful Tips For Winter Puppy Care

The holidays are fast approaching and, amid the hustle and bustle, many people choose to adopt a new puppy into their homes during the holiday season. If you are the proud pet parent of a brand new puppy, here are some great tips on how to best take care of your new bundle of joy during the cold-weather months.

Most puppies do fine in cold weather - many of the long haired large breeds love to chase snowflakes and romp through winter landscapes. If you are considering adopting a short haired breed or small puppy, never leave them outside unattended. Although it is important to watch them vigilantly to make sure they stay warm, most dogs can still enjoy short stints outside. Remember, puppies need a lot of attention and care, and for potty training purposes, they need to be able to relieve themselves every few hours. You can start potty training your puppy as young as eight weeks of age, and it can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks.

If you have opened your home to a puppy this winter and are wondering about how best to care for your new family member, then watch this video. In it, Dr. Sarah talks about special considerations for puppies during the cold months and tips and tricks on how to beat old man winter.

Watch The Video

Does Ash In Cat Food Give Cats Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)?

There is a lot of information on the internet that states the ash content in cat food causes urinary tract infections.  That is very old outdated thinking and is not backed by scientific findings.
 
Urinary tract problems can be due to stress.  Cats are affected by stress and stress can come from many things. 
 
Urinary problems are usually the result of a food not producing the proper pH levels for one reason or another, are also a direct result of the animal not being fully hydrated and the crystals cannot be fully passed out of the body because there is not enough fluid going through the kidneys and bladder.  Cats are desert animals genetically even though they have been domesticated for years.  People may think that they are drinking a lot of water, but they typically do not! 
 
This is why Dr. Jane Bicks, Life's Abundance formulator and holistic vet, created Instinctive Choice.  Optimally a cat should be eating both wet and dry food.  Instinctive Choice has protein coming from meat sources and extra water in the food.  This hydrates a cat and mimics more of a wild diet.  Most wet foods have quite a bit of carbohydrates and less protein than Instinctive Choice.  Instinctive Choice also has dog grass which is an herbal grass that cats will eat on their own if given access to it.  It is one of the best things to help the urinary tract health.  Cats get most of their water in the wild from the animals they prey on.  This is how they really were meant to get most of it in the first place.
 
The Life's Abundance dry cat food has denser nutrition which is why Dr. Jane suggests feeding it along with the Instinctive Choice wet food so that the cat is getting all the nutrition it needs along with a higher amount of naturally occuring water.
 
Life's Abundance foods are balanced.  Minerals work best when they are balanced and too much of one, just leads to an imbalance of minerals overall and the body does not function as well.

Is Your Canned Dog Or Cat Food In A Non Badge Can and BPA Free?

A lot of pet food cans are lined with material that includes BPA, bisphenol A. This substance is linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Dr Jane Bicks, product formulator for Life's Abundance says this about the cans they use - "Way ahead of you on the cans by about 20 years. I was one of the first investigators with hyperthyroidism in cats. I did a retrospective study to determine the possible causes of it. Canned cat food was one of the possible causes.Thus when I made canned food I selected the company that does not have BADGE lining. Most canned companies have that horrible lining."BADGE, by the way, is another name for BPA.

Here is a direct statement from Life's Abundance:

“We do not use BADGE coatings in any of our canned foods.”  In addition, Life's abundance stated the following in their response…”BADGE (BPA) COATINGS ARE USED IN 90% OF ALL CANS.   This type of lining is considered an epoxy resin which have achieved wide acceptance in protective coatings, including coatings for food and beverage cans, because of their exceptional combination of properties such as toughness, adhesion, and chemical resistance. The most widely used epoxy resins are based on bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE). BADGE is a major component in all bisphenol A / epichlorohydrin based liquid epoxy resins. It’s entire
chemical nomenclature is Bisphenol-A Diglycidyl ether or 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane bis(2,3-epoxy-propyl) ether.
 
OUR CAN LINING CONTAINS BFDGE. This is used in the aluminum 3oz and 5.5 oz cans. Even though some of the letters seem the same, the compound we use, is an entirely different compound from BADGE. BFDGE stands for Bisphenol-FDiGlycidyl ether or bis(hydroxyphenyl)methane bis(2,3-epoxypropyl)ethers. 

The purpose of lining is exactly the same as why you might coat a surface with lacquer-protection.  The purpose with food contact surfaces is to protect the can from the food (to prevent rust, etc) and the food from the can.  There are many properties such as adhesion to the metal and ability to withstand processing and migration of food chemicals (especially acid) which need to be considered in selection of compounds.  Additionally, properties to prevent sticking of the food to the lacquer on the lid need to be considered. Cans are coated on both sides but the needs are obviously different.”

My note:**Be a safe consumer,if you are feeding a canned food other than Life's Abundance call the company and ask about the can lining. 90% of the canned foods contain badge (BPA) lining.As of right now I don't know any "large" cans that are non-badge...only the small cans.

Learn more about Life's Abundance Canned Dog Food and Life's Abundance Instinctive Choice Canned Cat Food

Your Pets Depend On You To Stay Healthy - Are You?

The cat’s bowl is full of nutritious Instinctive Choice. Your canine companion has had his daily Wellness Food Supplement. You know that you are forgetting something, but you just can’t seem to place it. Maybe it’s not something you’re forgetting but rather someone! As important of a role your pets play in your life, you are the main character in their lives! Without you who would they turn to?

By changing a few simple things in your daily routine, you could be around for more belly scratches and rub downs!

Get Active – Don’t just let Fido out by himself – join him. A recent survey found that more than 65% of Americans are overweight or obese. Since the health problems associated with excess weight include heart disease, diabetes and stroke, it's important to make weight loss and fitness a priority in your life. So lace up those sneakers and take your dog for a daily walk at the local park or around your block! The fresh air will invigorate you and the companionship of your dog will make this daily activity more enjoyable and seem less like exercise. Not only will this help keep your weight under control, but it will also help make for a healthier heart.

Eat Healthy – You feed your pets the best, most nutritious foods, and you should be doing the same. Hate the word “diet”? Try the 80-20 factor. Eat healthy 80% of the time and indulge for the other 20%. This is a very simple way to improve your diet. The American Heart Association recommends eating foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. An easy way to ensure that you are getting health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids on a daily basis is to try Life's Abundance Sealogix Omega-3 Fish Oil. Thanks in large part to its superior quality, purity and concentration of nutrients, Life's Abundance Sealogix Fish Oil represents an exceptional value compared to other market brands.

Stop Smoking – Many of us grew up when smoking was cool. Well, it’s not cool anymore. The American Heart Association could not have put it any clearer. Smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death! Your bad habit does not only affect you - it affects everyone in your home – pets included! There are so many cessation programs available these days that quitting may be easier than you think. Procrastination is one of the biggest hurdles, so make the decision to stop smoking today and consult your health care provider for the program that’s right for you.

Let your pets continue to enjoy the life that you have worked so hard to give them. You need to stay healthy, too!

Did You Get A New Kitten Or Cat? Start Them With The Life's Abundance Healthy Start Pack

There’s no better way to start your feline’s lifetime of health on the right paw than with the Life’s Abundance Healthy Start Pack for Cats and Kittens. The purchase of this pack saves you 15% off the regular Retail price and 13% off the regular Autoship price when items are purchased individually.

One 6.6 lb. bag of Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food for Kittens & Adult Cats – Our premium, veterinarian-formulated kibble features select ingredients to help cats achieve and maintain optimum health.

One bottle of Life’s Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Cats – These savory nuggets provide a wide variety of nutritious ingredients in a superior formula created to enhance a cat’s daily diet.

One 4-oz. bag of Life’s Abundance Gourmet Cat Treats for Healthy Skin & Coat – These tasty treats contain nutrients to help cats maintain healthy skin and a strong, resilient coat.

One bottle of Biodeodorizer – Rid the home of odors by eliminating the sources, utilizing friendly bacteria that naturally breakdown organic wastes. An ideal solution for freshening a kitty’s litter box. BioDeodorizer is non-toxic and fully biodegradable, has a neutral pH and contains no harmful phosphates.

Learn more about the products in the Healthy Start Pack For Cats and Kittens

How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Repeated head shaking. Foul-smelling, waxy build-up. Red, painfully inflamed ears. What do all these things have in common? All are symptoms of otitis externa, or what is commonly referred to as ear infections. If you have ever groaned inwardly and felt dismay the moment your dog starts shaking his head or rubbing his ears along the nearest available surface, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, too many pet parents are more than familiar with this recurring medical problem. Often, it is accompanied by an offensive odor and one can only imagine how overwhelming the smell is to the suffering pup!

Canine ear infections result from an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria in the ear canal, causing redness, irritation and a heavy accumulation of wax. Likely triggers of these maladies are skin reactions to inhaled allergens – like pollen, mold or dust mites – or food allergies and sensitivities. Be aware that both large ears and swimming predispose dogs to ear infections.

Humans tend to develop ear infections as a result of viral infections, typically in infancy or early youth. As youngsters, our Eustachian tubes are very small. Respiratory congestion can lead to blockage of these canals, resulting in otitis media (a middle ear infection). Because the infection is internal, they frequently require oral antibiotics. In contrast, pets usually develop ear infections as adults, and the infection is almost always localized in the external portion of the ear. In most cases, the application of prescription drops or ointments directly into the ear canal usually resolves the illness. If you suspect your companion animal may be suffering from an ear infection, please seek veterinarian assistance for diagnosis and treatment. If necessary, your vet may prescribe a topical medicine and advise routine cleaning.

In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah reveals the steps to safe and effective ear cleaning to promote overall ear health.

Watch The Video

Purina's Project Pet Slim Down - A Closer Look At The Weight Loss Dog Food & Treats

So you have an overweight dog or cat, what are you going to do? When you go the vet, they tell you about Project Pet Slim Down - A Purina Veterinary Diet for dogs and cats. Sounds good, right?

When you take a closer look at the ingredients you will be asking yourself - where's the good stuff?

Here is the dog food ingredient list:

Whole grain corn, corn gluten meal, soybean hulls*, soybean germ meal, soybean meal, pea fiber, wheat gluten, poultry by-product meal, animal digest, powdered cellulose, tricalcium phosphate, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), salt, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, Vitamin E supplement, manganese sulfate, niacin, Vitamin A supplement, calcium carbonate, copper sulfate, brewers dried yeast, calcium pantothenate, garlic oil, pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, calcium iodate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), folic acid, biotin, sodium selenite. Q-4560

Talk about a list of poor quality ingredients and let's not forget that corn, wheat and soy are also known allergens. According to the AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) by definition (of ingredient) there is no meat in this dog food - Poultry by-product meal is not a meat. When you go all the way down to the 8th and 9th listed ingredients you will see what this food is consdering their only animal protein sources - the Poultry by-product meal and Animal Digest. The FDA has tested Animal digest and has said it is likely to contain the lethal drug pentobarbital and thus likely to contain a euthanized animal. It also contains menadione sodium bisulfite complex - this is another ingredient on the questionable list. Menadione Sodium Bisulfate is a synthetic version of Vitamin K. This ingredient is added to pet foods and treats as an inexpensive source of Vitamin K. This ingredient can be highly toxic in high doses. Hazard information regarding menadione lists "carcinogenic effects" and states "the substance is toxic to kidneys, lungs, liver, mucous membranes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage."

This weight loss dog food, soon to be food recommended by veterinarians does not contain chelated minerals for better absorption or probiotics for a healthier immune system. It doesn't contain Omega 3's for a healthy skin and coat, it doesn't contain a high quality protein for muscle maintenance during weight loss, nutritious fruits or vegetables or antioxidants.

Oh and when you look at Meaty d'lites - the weight loss dog treat you will also scratch your head and say - Where's the Meat? Ingredients - Ground wheat, water, corn gluten meal, glycerin,ground yellow corn, wheat flour, sugar, powdered cellulose, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, chicken by-product meal, salt, soybean meal, malted barley flour, animal digest, beef, corn starch-modified, phosphoric acid, dried whey, sorbic acid (a preservative), natural flavors, gelatin, bacon fat preserved with BHA and citric acid, added color, calcium propionate (a preservative), BHA (a preservative), citric acid (a preservative).

Yep, they've one upped themselves with that treat and even used BHA. BHA was found to: cause squamous-cell carcinomas in stomachs of rates and hamsters. (Cancers of this type are among the most lethal and fastest acting, the swiftest effects being seen among animals with light colored fur. (Many white cats die within months after getting squamous cell black tumor on their skin.); and enhance stomach and urinary bladder carcinogenesis.

When your vet recommends this food please be a wary consumer and ask what he feels IS GOOD about this food.

If you are looking for a high quality weight loss food for dogs, try Life's Abundance. They also have Wholesome Hearts Low Fat dog treats to compliment the food because when your dog is on a weight loss program high fat treats can sabotage the affect of feeding a quality food.

 

 

Do You Know What Plants Can Harm Your Dog?

by Dr Jane Bicks

If you’re a dog lover, thoughts of summertime conjure memories of long evening strolls and outdoor recreation with your dog. In fact, you may have already started this summer to create new fond memories. Given that, the last thing you want on one of your nature walks is for your canine companion to be sidelined by an injury. Unfortunately, many pet parents don’t realize until it’s too late that there are menacing toxins lurking in the plants of both cultivated and wild landscapes. Plants that you are used to seeing in public parks, your neighborhood and perhaps even in your own backyard can lead to devastating effects. In what follows, I will review five of these dangerous plants so that you will be able to identify and avoid them when you’re with your dog. First up are four plants commonly used in landscaping that are actually toxic to canines …

Azalea – Rhododendron Species
A typical choice for landscapers due to its hardiness and lovely flowers, these unassuming ornamentals contain a toxin which can be lethal, even in small amounts. Both the plant’s leaves and nectar are known to be harmful if eaten or chewed by your dog, and can cause drooling (often a symptom of nausea), vomiting, weakness and collapse. If greater amounts of its toxins are ingested, it can lead to severe poisoning, possible coma and even death.

Oleander
Widely recognized as one of the most poisonous plants in the world, even minute quantities of Oleander can trigger a fatal response. Unlike the Azalea, every part of the Oleander is toxic, from flowers to roots. If dogs should chew on any part of this plant, they could suffer varying degrees of illness, including upset stomach, abnormal heart functioning and possibly even death. Beware of the sap, which can irritate the skin and eyes, as well as the leaves, which retain their toxicity even when dried out.

Sago Palm
Most commonly used in planned landscapes where climates tend to be hot and dry, Sago Palms are nevertheless popular all over the U.S. While the whole plant contains harmful chemicals, it’s the seeds that contain the highest levels of toxins. Estimates currently put the percentage of animals that die after eating the seeds of the plant as high as three out of four. The incidence of Sago Palm poisoning in dogs and cats has risen 200% in the past few years, although dogs seem to enjoy the flavor of the plant and the seeds more than cats. Ingestion of Sago Palm can cause vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure and seizures.

Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are popular ornamentals blooming late in the summer and early in the fall. While beautiful, their flowers contain a natural insecticide. If a canine chews on the Chrysanthemum blooms, the insecticide can cause excessive drooling, vomiting and diarrhea.

If your furry one is exposed to any of these toxic plants, please contact your veterinarian immediately. As is often the case in toxins and poisons, the sooner your pet receives treatment, the less likely they are to experience dramatic, and sometimes fatal, reactions.

And now, I will review a common weed that can cause a great deal of grief for your pet canine …

Foxtails
Weeds that resemble the tail of a fox, Foxtails are considered a widespread nuisance in most states, especially west of the Mississippi. Prevalent from late spring to early fall, they become more dangerous in late summer when their seeds dry. When the seeds are released from their pods, they are covered in barbs like little fish hooks, making them potentially very dangerous to your dog. If she merely brushes up against the Foxtail plant, the seeds can become snagged in her coat. Worse, the seeds can pierce the skin, or even be inhaled!

As a result, Foxtail seeds can become lodged between a dog’s toes, in their ears or armpits; they can be inhaled or swallowed and latch onto the interior walls of the nose or throat; or, they can stick to the eyes. Obviously, all of these circumstances can be very painful. Perhaps most frightening, the seeds are so small that they can be difficult to locate, and, if embedded in the skin, have been known to migrate to other areas of the body, resulting in severe infections.

If the Foxtail seed becomes infected under the skin, it may result in a visible, inflamed and painful lump. Commonly these lumps are between the toes, and are painful enough that your dog will repeatedly lick or chew the raised area. If a seed becomes lodged in your dog’s nose, she will likely sneeze, violently and over-and-over, and may even repeatedly paw at her face. If the seed latches to or in her ear, she will likely shake her head side-to-side and/or scratch incessantly at her ear. In the case where a Foxtail becomes stuck in or near the eye, you’ll likely see lots of repeated squinting, tears and redness; you may even see the foxtail poking out!

If you see any evidence of an encounter with a Foxtail, take your dog to the vet immediately. If you notice a red bump in between the toes, soak the paw in a mixture of lukewarm water and Epsom salts. This will help to ease the swelling until you can be seen by your veterinarian. Keep in mind that the longer you wait for treatment, the more difficult it is to treat an embedded Foxtail seed, so time is of the essence.

The best way to prevent Foxtail incidents is with an ounce of prevention. During hikes, keep your dog away from grassy weeds, and check her paws after walks. In addition, you should consider brushing her coat while using your hand to feel for any raised areas, checking inside the ears, in between toes, under armpits and throughout the belly and groin area. If you find a Foxtail in the coat, carefully pull or brush it out. If your dog has thick or long hair, consider getting a ‘Foxtail Clip’, a term applied to trimming away the hair between your dog’s toes. And, if you live in an area where Foxtails are common, remove them from your yard (be sure to exercise caution and carefully bag the weeds).

By using a little common sense and being aware of your surroundings, summer walks can be fun and free from environmental injuries. Then, you can get back to making some wonderful, new, summer memories together with your dog outdoors.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for your dear companions,

Dr. Jane Bicks, DVM

*****Dr Jane Bicks is the product formulator for Life's Abundance Natural Pet Foods, Treats, Supplements and Pet Care Products.

Life's Abundance Kibble Is Perfect For Small, Medium Or Large Dogs

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is regarding the size of Life's Abundance kibble and is it ok for small dogs, medium or large dogs. The answer is yes! We have quite a few "tiny" customers with chihuahua's and yorkies who have no problem with the size of the kibble. We personally have 3 large dogs and it works great for them too!

You can feel confident when you purchase Life's Abundance Dog and Puppy Food for your furbaby!

Click here to learn more about Life's Abundance

Why Should You Feed Your Dog Or Puppy Life's Abundance?

Do you refer to your dog as your best friend that would do anything for you? Your furbaby loves you so much that he or she would even give their life for you and with an unconditional love like that, you owe it to your precious furbaby to keep them healthy and happy for years to come. What is the best way to do that? One way to do that is to feed a superior food.

Lifes Abundance Dog & Puppy Food is a wholesome, superior food that is recommended by Vets

Lifes Abundance Dog & Puppy Food sets a Higher Standard for Pet Nutrition

Lifes Abundance Dog & Puppy Food was created to provide your companion animal with a nutritional advantage.

Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food for Puppies & Adult Dogs is made with select ingredients to help your dog achieve and maintain optimum health.

Formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks, one of the nation’s leading holistic veterinarians, this superior food addresses the needs of the whole body.

Every ingredient is carefully chosen based upon its positive effects on a dog’s physiology, to promote the long-term health of canines.

Life's Abundance is loved by both puppies and adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, this delicious recipe features an antioxidant system to support dogs throughout their life cycle. Also figuring prominently are omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a glossy coat, and complex carbohydrates from oat groats for sustained energy.

Another highlight of this food is our proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals to supply dogs with the nutrients that help them to thrive, regardless of their age.

This Life’s Abundance recipe furnishes the body with optimal protein levels, to help puppies grow strong and adults to maintain muscle mass. Additionally, we have added a balanced blend of calcium and phosphorous to support both developing and aging bones.

The naturally-flavored kibbles come complete with dietary fiber to promote digestive health.

In addition, this formula contains no artificial colors or flavors, no corn, no wheat and no glutens.

Life’s Abundance is nutritionally-dense, which means that you won’t have to feed your dog as much food as other brands. That can translate into savings you can count on, meal after meal, year after year. Not only that, but smaller meals and concentrated nutrition means less mess to clean up outside.

When you try Life’s Abundance, you’ll know why people say it’s what pet food should be.

Life's Abundance Premium Health Food is veterinarian-formulated with select ingredients to help your dog achieve and maintain optimum health. A "fast-cook" process is used to help preserve the nutritional value of each and every wholesome ingredient. Strict inventory controls are maintained to ensure the quality and safety of the foods. With Life’s Abundance, you can be confident that you’re feeding your dog advanced nutrition.

Life's Abundance Dog Food is made with the finest ingredients, including:

- a proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals
- High-quality protein from chicken meal for strong muscles
- An antioxidant system including vitamins A, C and E
- A selection of nutritious vegetables and fruits
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat
- Calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and strong bones
- Dietary fiber to help maintain a healthy digestive tract

Since only wholesome ingredients are used, this formula contains:

- No artificial flavors
- No artificial colors
- No corn or corn gluten
- No wheat or wheal gluten

Doesn't your doggie deserve the best?

What Is The Shelf Life Of Dog & Cat Food?

Look at the Best By date.  Know the manufacturer shelf life of the pet food.  Shelf life varies from 1 year to 3 years for dry foods, 18 months to 3 years for canned foods.  If the Best By date on the packaging is six months in the future, the food is six months old IF the manufacturer shelf life is 1 year.

However, if the Best By date on the package is six months in the future, the food would be 2 1/2 years old if the manufacturer shelf life is 3 years.  It is very possible that food has been sitting in some bad conditions over the past 2 1/2 years (yes, perhaps in a trailer over two summers of sun and heat); plus the nutritional value could be greatly lessened.

When you receive a bag of Life’s Abundance for your dog or cat delivered to your home, you can rest assured that the food was manufactured less than 6 WEEKS ago…yes, you read correct, WEEKS!  Life's Abundance Dog and Cat foods do NOT sit in warehouses or tractor trailers for months on end, without climate or pest control…they are shipped directly to you from the manufacturing plant within 6 weeks of being made…something unheard of in this industry!  Life's Abundance prides ourselves on having the freshest pet food on the market today!

Learn more about Life's Abundance Dog and Cat Food and their complete holistic product line

The Importance Of Pet Insurance

Near-term costs.  Long-term savings.  That’s exactly what pet insurance, just like your health insurance (if you’re fortunate enough to be covered), offers pet parents.  And in difficult economic times, pet insurance may be the answer to escalating vet bills.

Veterinary charges continue to rise, largely due to the fact that procedures once used exclusively for human diagnoses (like CAT-scans and MRI’s) are much more commonly used for diagnosing companion animals.

Presently, only 3% of companion animals are insured in America.  And yet, that’s still a 50% increase in only one year.

Pet insurance remains a relatively inexpensive way to help families deal with the high costs of the best possible veterinary care.  Policies are available through companies like Hartville Pet Insurance and others, both for cats and for dogs, and cover everything from annual exams to specialized treatments. 

Accidental Injuries Due to Pets

Injuries resulting from losing one’s balance from trying to avoid stepping on your cat.  Falling over your dog on an afternoon walk.  Slipping on a chew toy in the hallway.  These accidents are much more common than you might expect.

A recent report published in the CDC’s Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report in March highlights a heretofore uncompiled data from medical reports filed at 66 different hospitals from 2001 to 2006.  This collection of personal injury accounts from all across America indicates that we’re surprisingly likely to injure ourselves because of our four-legged companions.  Further, the data clearly shows that seniors are particularly likely to break a bone due to such mishaps.

The researcher who penned the study, Dr. Judy Stevens, suggested that the importance of training cannot be understressed in the prevention of such accidents. 

We would suggest that the adage, “look both ways before crossing the street” should probably be emended to “look both ways – and down – before crossing your living room”. 

Learn more about the benefits of Pet Health Insurance

Shedding And Healthy Coats For Dogs & Cats

The splendor of summer is right around the bend.  We are approaching the season when children, freed from studies, populate the neighborhood, friends and families hold cook-outs, and we find ourselves preoccupied with the health our pet’s coats. 

There’s a reason for our annual fixation.  Dogs usually begin to lose their winter coats in early spring, when it is gradually replaced by a shorter, lighter coat suited to the summer months.  The amount of shedding varies widely from breed to breed.  For example, the pet parents of German Shepherds will groan about the amount of shedding all year long, while those of us with poodles rarely have to get out the broom or vacuum, even with the arrival of summer. 

While we’ve seen that growth cycles can be affected by mood, hormones, and nutrition, changes primarily occur due to fluctuations in the amount of daylight and temperature. 

The length of daylight hours is believed to have a greater impact on the shedding cycle than temperature, which is why all pets shed during particular times of the year.  Even artificial indoor lighting can have an effect, especially on companion animals who stay primarily indoors.

And companion animals experience big differences in temperature when leaving and entering your home, which is most extreme in the summer and winter months.  These differences induce a constant state of change, setting up conditions that lead to increased shedding throughout the year. 

And an unhealthy coat can have negative impacts on pet parents, too, in the form of allergies.  Contrary to popular belief, hair is not the culprit of allergies in humans, but rather dander and proteins in the oil produced by glands in the skin. 

For all of the hair support systems to function properly, they require a variety of nutrients, including fatty acids, minerals and vitamins.  Additionally, a healthy coat requires a great deal of protein.  Almost 95% of the protein that’s ingested is used by the body to support hair production and maintenance.  Fortunately, nutritious foods like Life’s Abundance and Instinctive Choice provide the protein content necessary to supply your pet’s body with the protein necessary to help maintain a healthy coat.

Just as it is important to feed a high-quality, nutrient-dense food, it is also advisable to give your companion animals a balanced supplement that provides the additional nutritional support necessary to achieve the utmost in a healthy coat and skin. 

Life's Abundance Skin & Coat Formula is a unique formula that provides a perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.  These oils are certified-free of contaminants and are microencapsulated to increase absorption, so your pet receives the full nutritional benefit.  Additionally, Skin & Coat Formula contains vitamins A, D, and E, all of which are necessary for the maintenance of healthy skin and a glossy coat.  To ensure the highest product quality, Skin & Coat is manufactured in a human pharmaceutical plant.  And, it has a delicious roast beef flavor that both cats and dogs love.

No matter the season, Life's Abundance Skin & Coat Formula can help to make your pet’s coat healthy, glossy and beautiful – and keep it that way, all year long.

Life's Abundance Has Partnered With Hartville To Provide Pet Health Insurance! Get A Quote Today!

Quality Coverage You – And Your Pet – Can Depend On.

You already do what you can nutritionally to keep your companion animal healthy. But, if your pet isn’t covered by a health insurance policy, you run the risk of financial setbacks in the future.

With low monthly payments and minimal co-pays, our coverage makes quality vet care possible for everyone. Policies range from simple accidental coverage to more comprehensive protection, including illness, surgery, hospitalization and wellness care.

Plan for a healthier future together. Enjoy the confidence that comes from having quality, affordable pet health coverage.

You can’t beat the affordable coverage offered by the partnership between Life's Abundance and Hartville Pet Health Insurance. Choose the plan that works best for your family, from emergency coverage to specialized care. Prices start at under $10 per month and discounts are offered to households with multiple pets.

These policies provide much-needed help to pet parents looking for a way to reduce veterinary costs and ensure quality healthcare. Furthermore, with coverage you can have the confidence that you’re doing everything possible to ensure their long-term health.

Consider purchasing pet health insurance for your companion animal today, and put the focus where it should be – on their health, not on the costs of their care.

Get A Free, No Obligation Quote Today!

Safe Effective Weight Loss for Cats

Obesity in cats is very common and can predispose your cat to diabetes, Hepatic Lipidosis and arthritis. Overweight cats are being seen more and more by veterinarians for various disorders. Weight loss foods don't usually work because the ingredients are inferior and substitutes like corn and wheat are used instead of protein, so your cat will be hungry and eat more. This page will help you determine what to do about overweight cats so that your kitty won't have to be encumbered by obesity.

40 percent of cats in the United States are considered to be obese! Only 5 to 10 percent of all cats can be classified as only slightly overweight. In recent years Feline Diabetes Mellitus (diabetes) has become almost a daily diagnosis in animal hospitals all across America. Our cats are at risk for a number of obesity related disorders. Documented research indicates obese cats are far more prone than cats of normal body weight to disease.

Dr. Jane Bicks, the holistic veterinarian who formulates products for Life's Abundance, hasn't made a cat weight-loss food because she isn't convinced that it can be done safely. Instead, here's Dr. Jane's plan for helping a cat lose weight safely without feeling deprived:

1. Weigh your cat, and write the weight down with the date. Put a chart on your fridge with six columns: Date, Weight, Body Score, Food, Treats, and Exercise.

2. Get a measuring cup that shows a full cup (8 ounces), 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, and 1/4 cup.

3. Then do a "body score": With the cat standing and facing away from you, put your hands on the cat's shoulders, and pull your hands back over the ribs.

If you easily feel ribs, the score is 1, and the cat doesn't need to lose weight.

If you feel up to 1/2 inch of padding on the ribs, the score is 2, and the cat probably should lose weight.

If you don't feel any ribs, the score is 3, and the cat definitely needs to lose weight. Note the score with the date on your fridge chart.

4. For a few days, measure all food and count all treats the cat eats. Record all that information. You may be feeding or treating a lot more than you thought.

5. Use the Life's Abundance food calculator to see how much dry cat food your cat should eat. Let's say your cat is 13 pounds. The calculator says 1/2 to 3/4 cup a day of Life's Abundance Dry Cat Food. An overweight cat is probably eating at least the high end of the range.

6. Start with the total quantity at the high end of the suggested range for your cat, assuming your cat is eating that much now.

Give two-thirds to three-quarters of the quantity of Life's Abundance Premium Health Food for Cats, and substitute Instinctive Choice Premium Canned Cat Food for the remaining food. The water in the canned food will help fill the cat up, and extra water is always good for cats. Here's the comparison:

1 cup of Life's Abundance dry = about 500 calories (3/4 cup = about 375 calories).

1 can of Instinctive Choice canned = about 100 calories.

For this example, let's say the high end of the range is 3/4 cup a day of dry. Instead of giving the whole 3/4 cup of dry food per day, give this combination: 1/2 cup of dry (about 250 calories) + about 1/4 cup of canned (that's a little more than a whole can, roughly 100 calories) = about 350 calories a day.

7. Divide the daily amount into at least four meals. If you don't want to leave canned food out when you're gone, use it in the evening or whenever you're home.

8. Give treats very sparingly, and use healthy, nutritious treats. Life's Abundance Gourmet Cat Treats are best. Don't give "junk food" cat treats that contain corn, wheat, gluten, soy, or sugar. Don't give tuna as it can contain too much mercury.

9. As the diet progresses, continue to record the food and treats daily.

10. To help your cat lose weight faster, spend more time playing with your cat. Get a feather teaser (like a fishing pole with a feather toy on a string). That's a good way to get almost any cat to play. Also record each time your cat plays.

11. Repeat the weighing and body scoring weekly. Those things help you see when the cat is building muscle, which will happen from the extra playing. Building muscle may cause the weight loss to slow down or even seem to reverse for a while, because muscle weighs more than fat. Muscle is much healthier for the cat!

12. As always, if your cat loses energy or shows other signs of illness, consult your vet. If time permits, ask Dr. Jane for ideas on her open conference call about what to ask your vet.

13. As your cat's needs dictate, adjust the quantities slightly up or down, keeping the total amount of food where it needs to be and the calories less than you started with.

Trilogy & HealthyPetNet Name Change To Life's Abundance

The same great products, all under one name - Trilogy & HealthyPetNet Become Life's Abundance!

Life’s Abundance is the name you trust for top-quality pet products. And soon, it will be the only name you need to remember for all of our superior goods. We have begun the process of renaming our company and rebranding all of our products after our most popular brand, Life’s Abundance. In the coming months, you will notice gradual changes as we complete the transition . Soon, everything from sales orders, to email notifications, credit card statements, newsletters and shipping boxes will display the Life’s Abundance name. Furthermore, all of our product lines will change to Life’s Abundance in a much more gradual process, which we hope to complete in 2011. Everything else, including company ownership and management, will remain the same. We will continue to offer the same safe and effective health-promoting products for you and your companion animals. And you will still enjoy the same superior service from the customer service team you’ve come to trust.

Is Your Pet Getting Bigger Even Though You Are Feeding Them The Same Amount?

Pet owners continue to watch their dog and cat's bellies get bigger and can't figure out why. One main concern is lack of exercise. As our pets get older we tend to make them move less, play with them or take them for a walk.

For example, a dog may start to limp (due to being overweight) so you don't want to take them out for a walk to damage their leg. In this case, they really do need to be on a reduced calorie diet to get the weight off and then when their leg starts to feel better you can start walking them again....which is good for the pet owner too! On the cat side, you may say well he or she is just getting older and wants to lay around. Instead, get some interactive toys and have your cat play with them. Even if you keep danging a toy in front of their face, they will swat at it and that counts as movement!!

What many people do forget is those unforgotten calories, the guilty pleasures that you just give out freely during the day or when leaving the house drop handfuls of treats on the floor for your baby. Did you know that a pet owner can overfeed their pet by 25% daily just by handing out treats? You don't even realize it because it seems to innocent and your baby is so happy when you give it to them.

So if Fido or Fluffy are putting on the pounds and you can't figure out why just take a look at the "daily extras" you give them. Make sure you are giving a dog or cat treat that isn't full of empty calories and give them a treat that has a nutritional value instead of just garbage.

How Do Probiotics Work And Why Are They So Important To Your Pet's Health

Probiotics have received a great deal of attention lately, and this focus is absolutely justified. An increasing number of products, from yogurts to pet foods, contain probiotics. Often referred to as “healthy” and/or “friendly” bacteria (or microorganisms) in the media, their proper notation is “direct fed microbials” when used in pet foods. Basically, probiotics are helpful bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract. In fact, every digestive system contains millions of bacteria, both those with a healthful purpose (like probiotics) and some that are not so beneficial. While some kinds of bacteria can be harmful, many (like direct fed microbials) actually help the immune system adapt to internal changes within the body and thus naturally support good health.

Most people do not realize that located within the digestive system is one a very important group of immune cells called the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT), which communicate with the immune cells located throughout the body. In some respects, the GALT is the first line of defense against unhealthy microorganisms in the body. Whereas most of the cells in our body receive nutrition from the blood, this is not true for the GALT – it receives the majority of its nutrients from these helpful bacteria.

Whenever you or your companion animal takes a round of antibiotics, it indiscriminately kills all of the bacteria, regardless of their ultimate effect on the body (by providing healthy functions versus unhealthy outcomes). That’s why it’s often recommended that you eat yogurt while taking antibiotics – to re-establish the healthy bacteria in the GI tract to avoid intestinal distress – both during the course of treatment and in the days immediately following completion of an antibiotic therapy.

Good bacteria are necessary to maintain the healthy ecology of intestinal microbes known as the “gut flora”. The types of bacteria contained in the gut differ from species to species, and animal to animal, but there are commonalities in dogs and cats. These helpful bacteria can have numerous positive effects on their host’s body, including:

• Causing chemical reactions that convert foods into vitamins and energy
• Competing with unhealthy microorganisms, helping block their grip on the lining of the gut wall
• Increasing the tolerance of bad bacteria by stimulating the immune system
• Protecting the gut mucosal barrier, thereby promoting the health of the gut lining

The community of bacteria in the intestinal system protects its host from invading unhealthy microorganisms in a combined effort called “colonization resistance”. This group resistance has proven effective at supporting intestinal health.

Adding direct fed microbials to pet food can help a dog or cat’s natural digestive system to work at peak efficiency, allowing the pet to get even more nutrition from food because they ensure a healthy intestinal flora, which supports:

• The production of food for healthy enterocytes (specialized cells lining the GI tract)
• Increased nutrient absorption
• GALT, which communicates with systemic immune systems

Whether you refer to these health-promoting bacteria as “probiotics” or “direct fed microbials”, their effect on the digestive system of your companion animal simply can’t be overstated. In fact, after a careful review of all the information, it would appear that direct fed microbials are vital to your pet’s health.

Life's Abundance contains Direct Fed Microbials! Learn more about Life's Abundance Dog and Cat Food

Join HealthyPetNet & Win A $25 HealthyPetNet Gift Certificate With Our March Madness Special

Spring is almost here! Lots of people will be getting new puppies and kittens and learning the value of feeding a high quality pet food. HealthyPetNet is an excellent opportunity for dog and cat breeders, groomers, doggie daycares, trainers, boarding kennels, rescues and shelters, veterinarians, pet sitters, dog walkers and every pet lover to earn money while referring premium pet foods, treats, supplements and pet care products formulated by a holistic vet. HealthyPetNet's products have never been on a recall list and the dog and cat foods are shipped direct to customers within 6 weeks of being made. You never have to carry an inventory - just refer people to your website! Here's the details -
 
Join our HealthyPetNet/Trilogy Team between March 1 and March 31, 2010 (you can join as a Basic or Exec Rep)
 
By March 31, 2010 at 8pm EST have $250 in Personal Sales (these are sales by you and your customers)
 
Email us letting us know you qualified and we'll send you a $25 HealthyPetNet Gift Certificate! 
 
Here is the link you will need to sign up -  http://www.trilogyonline.com/Trilogy/Opportunity/Opportunity.aspx?realname=10075847 - This is not a company sponsored contest so if you sign up with any other link, your entry will not be counted for this contest. We are independant reps with the company. When you join our team you will have access to our exclusive training site and team group emails to ask any questions. Every other week, Dr Jane Bicks, the product formulator also hosts a national conference call so you or your customers can speak with her direct. We are also available for training and questions and are here to help you.

We also have a special Dog and Cat Breeder Program! You will need to sign up with the link above first and then you can submit your breeder information to the company for a discount.

HealthyPetNet Breeder/Kennel Program

If you are a Breeder and/or Kennel, you are eligible for our Breeder/Kennel Program. The breeder program for dogs allows you to purchase a 40 lb. bag of Life's Abundance at $40.69 plus tax and shipping. The breeder program for cats allows you to purchase a 40 lb. bag at $56.45 plus tax and shipping. Please note there is not a shipping discount on breeder bags and they will need to be ordered by phone.

These bags are not for resale.

How Can You Participate In This Awesome HealthyPetNet Breeder Program?

It's Easy!

1.  Join HealthyPetNet As a Field Rep or Executive Field Rep
Click Here To Register Online
2.  Complete The Dog Breeder or Cat Breeder Form and Fax to HealthyPetNet (Use Sponsor ID 10075847)
Dog Breeder Form
Cat Breeder Form

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us! HealthyPetNet is an excellent opportunity for any pet lover! Please email us your question or contact information and we will be in touch shortly.

Do You Really Know What's In Your Cat's Food?

Your cat eats the same food every day. The brand you feed is your cat's main source of nutrition and vital to a long and healthy life. As a caring pet parent, it is important to see through clever marketing ploys when choosing a food worthy of your feline.

Although you may think all pet food manufacturers have your pet’s best interests in mind, this is not always the case. Some manufacturers use ingredients that you would never knowingly feed your cat. In fact, you may be shocked to learn what some brands of cat food really contain.

Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food is veterinarian-formulated with safe and wholesome ingredients, including a blend of vitamins and minerals, high-quality proteins, whole grains, an antioxidant system, green foods, omega fatty acids, calcium and phosophorus for healthy teeth and strong bones and dietary fiber to help maintain a healthy digestive tract. Life’s Abundance contains no artificial flavors or colors. And there’s no corn, corn gluten, wheat or wheat gluten.

When reviewing this information, just remember … a nutritious, well-balanced food is the foundation of a long and healthy life. Click here to compare your brand of cat food to Life's Abundance Cat & Kitten Food.