We have recently decided to switch Cayman from Canidae Life Stages dry dog food to Wellness brand since it is becoming more and more difficult to make it down to the only local pet boutique, which is still over 30 minutes away, that sells it whereas Petco sells Wellness, is closer to our house and is on my way to and from work. My timing could not have been better. Apparently Canidae changed its formula and its making lots of dogs really sick. All the complaints I have read about Canidae all occur around the same time as the new formula change and all consist of the same issues- diarrhea and vomiting (see the reports for yourself at http://www.consumeraffairs.
I don’t know exactly when the change in the formula was made ( I do know I purchased my last bag of Canidae around July 22) as part of the complaint is that Canidae did not announce it was changing its formula which could have added to the issue of digestive upset. I personally have not had any issue and I am down to maybe a week or so of Canidae left out of a 15 pound bag. Most pet food companies will tell you to go into a transition period of mixing your old food with the new food and usually that’s if you are switching brands but its just as important to do the transition when your current brand changes its formula. I can’t blame Canidae completely. It’s done amazing things for my parent’s beagle mix, Roxy’s coat. But I do find it a bit upsetting that such a reputable company would overlook such an important subject. Had these customer’s that have filed complaints been made aware of the change, they could have purchased a bag of the “new and improved” formula and mixed it with what they had left of the older formula. But the severity of the issues described in the complaints are enough to make me firm in my decision to switch and switch for good. As I said before, I still have some of the Canidae left over so I will be purchasing some Wellness brand tonight and doing the transition period properly.
Other than the recent complaints about the new formula, Canidae and Wellness are considered Five Star Premium dog foods (out of a six star rating), both are holistic; all natural; human grade; without by-products, wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives. The only negative aspects of Wellness is that it contains canola oil as a source of linoleic acid in which manufactures argue whether or not its is a high quality ingredient and that it has some fillers such as rice bran and rye flour which are not necessarily bad, but considered much, much better than some of the fillers used by lower quality commercial dog foods. According to http://www.dogfoodanalysis.
Wellness also carries a line of canned dog foods, treats, and biscuits under the name Old Mother Hubbard as well.
Therapy dogs spread happiness, love, and cheer to people who otherwise might be lonely, sad or slow to heal. This is the journey of Cayman, a longhair miniature dachshund and his journey and experiences visiting becoming a therapy dog.
Did you know that pet visits often spark good memories of a person's own pets? Dogs often can reach people and children who have withdrawn from the world. It's been suggested by science that petting a dog can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and stress, and promote healing.
Guestbook- PLEASE Sign!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
So Long Canidae, Hello Wellness
Monday, July 21, 2008
How To Grade Your Dog Food
How to grade your dog's food
Start with a grade of 100 points
1) For every listing of "by-product", subtract 10 points
2) For every non-specific animal source ("meat" or "poultry", meat, meal or fat) reference, subtract 10 points
3) If the food contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, subtract 10 points
4) For every grain "mill run" or non-specific grain source subtract 5 points
5) If the same grain ingredient is used 2 or more times in the first five ingredients (i.e. "ground brown rice", "brewer's rice", "rice flour" are all the same grain), subtract 5 points
6) If the protein sources are not meat meal and there are less than 2 meats in the top 3 ingredients, subtract 3 points
7) If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points
8 ) If it contains ground corn or whole grain corn, subtract 3 points
9) If corn is listed in the top 5 ingredients, subtract 2 more points
10) If the food contains any animal fat other than fish oil, subtract 2 points
11) If lamb is the only animal protein source (unless your dog is allergic to other protein sources), subtract 2 points
12) If it contains soy or soybeans, subtract 2 points
13) If it contains wheat (unless you know that your dog isn't allergic to wheat), subtract 2 points
14) If it contains beef (unless you know that your dog isn't allergic to beef), subtract 1 point
15) If it contains salt, subtract 1 point
Extra Credit:
1) If any of the meat sources are organic, add 5 points
2) If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or nutritionist, add 5 points
3) If the food is baked not extruded, add 5 points
4) If the food contains probiotics, add 3 points
5) If the food contains fruit, add 3 points
6) If the food contains vegetables (NOT corn or other grains), add 3 points
7) If the animal sources are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, add 2 points
8) If the food contains barley, add 2 points
9) If the food contains flax seed oil (not just the seeds), add 2 points
10) If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point
11) If the food contains sunflower oil, add 1 point
12) For every different specific animal protein source (other than the first one; count "chicken" and "chicken meal" as only one protein source, but "chicken" and "fish" as 2 different sources), add 1 point
13) If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point
14) If the vegetables have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1 point
94-100+ = A
86-93 = B
78-85 = C
70-77 = D
69 = F
Following are some foods that have already been scored (alphabetical order then ordered by score):
ALPHABETICAL ORDER:
Authority Harvest Baked / Score 116 A+
Bil-Jac Select / Score 68 F
Canidae / Score 112 A+
Chicken Soup Senior / Score 115 A+
Diamond Maintenance / Score 64 F
Diamond Lamb Meal & Rice / Score 92 B
Diamond Large Breed 60+ Formula / Score 99 A
Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Ultra Premium / Score 122 A+
Dick Van Patten's Duck and Potato / Score 106 A+
Eagle Pack Holistic / Score 119 A+
Eagle Pack Holistic Chicken / Score 114 A+
Eagle Pack Large and Giant Breed Puppy / Score 94 A
Eagle Pack Natural / Score 94 A
Eukanuba Large Breed Adult / Score 83 C
Eukanuba Natural Lamb and Rice / Score 87 B
Flint River Ranch / Score 92 B (non-specific fat source)
Foundations / Score 106 A+
Hund-n-Flocken Adult Dog (lamb) by Solid Gold / Score 93 A
Iams Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Premium / Score 73 D
Iams Large Breed / Score 83 C
Innova Dog / Score 114 A+
Innova Evo / Score 114 A+
Kirkland Signature Chicken, Rice, and Vegetables / Score 110 A+
Kirkland Signature Puppy Chicken, Rice and Vegetable / Score 108 A+
Natural Balance Duck and Potato / Score 114 A+
Nature's Select Chicken & Rice Puppy Growth Premium / Score 96 A
Nutrisource Lamb and Rice / Score 87 B
Nutro Chicken, Rice, & Oatmeal / Score 85 C (non-specific fat source)
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy / Score 87 B
Nutro Natural choice Lamb and Rice / Score 85 C
Ol Roy / Score 9 F
Pedigree Complete Nutrition / Score 42 F
Pedigree Adult Complete / Score 14 F
Pet Gold Adult with Lamb & Rice / Score 23 F
Pro Plan All Breed / Score 68 F
Pro Plan Natural Turkey & Barley / Score 103 A+
Purina Benful / Score 17 F
Purina Dog / Score 62 F
Purina Come-n-Get It / Score 16 F
Royal Canin Bulldog / Score 100 A+
Royal Canin Dachshund 28 Formula / Score 97 A
Royal Canin Natural Blend Adult / Score 106 A+
Sensible Choice Chicken and Rice / Score 97 A
Science Diet Advanced Protein Senior 7+ / Score 63 F
Science Diet chicken adult maintenance / Score 45 F
Science Diet for Large Breed Puppies / Score 69 F
Solid Gold Bison / Score 123 A+
Timberwolf Organics Lamb and Venison / Score 136 A+
Wellness Just for Puppy / Score 117 A+
Wellness Super5 Mix Chicken / Score 110 A+
Wolfking Adult Dog (bison) by Solid Gold / Score 97 A
NUMERICAL ORDER (BY SCORE):
Grade A
Timberwolf Organics Lamb and Venison / Score 136 A+
Solid Gold Bison / Score 123 A+
Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Ultra Premium / Score 122 A+
Eagle Pack Holistic / Score 119 A+
Wellness Just for Puppy / Score 117 A+
Authority Harvest Baked / Score 116 A+
Chicken Soup Senior / Score 115 A+
Eagle Pack Holistic Chicken / Score 114 A+
Innova Dog / Score 114 A+
Innova Evo / Score 114 A+
Natural Balance Duck and Potato / Score 114 A+
Canidae / Score 112 A+
Kirkland Signature Chicken, Rice, and Vegetables / Score 110 A+
Wellness Super5 Mix Chicken / Score 110 A+
Kirkland Signature Puppy Chicken, Rice and Vegetable / Score 108 A+
Dick Van Patten's Duck and Potato / Score 106 A+
Royal Canin Natural Blend Adult / Score 106 A+
Foundations / Score 106 A+
ProPlan Natural Turkey & Barley / Score 103 A+
Royal Canin Bulldog / Score 100 A+
Diamond Large Breed 60+ Formula / Score 99 A
Royal Canin Dachshund 28 Formula / Score 97 A
Sensible Choice Chicken and Rice / Score 97 A
Wolfking Adult Dog (bison) by Solid Gold / Score 97 A
Nature's Select Chicken & Rice Puppy Growth Premium / Score 96 A
Eagle Pack Large and Giant Breed Puppy / Score 94 A
Eagle Pack Natural / Score 94 A
Hund-n-Flocken Adult Dog (lamb) by Solid Gold / Score 93 A
Grade B
Diamond Lamb Meal & Rice / Score 92 B
Flint River Ranch / Score 92 B (non-specific fat source)
Eukanuba Natural Lamb and Rice / Score 87 B
Nutrisource Lamb and Rice / Score 87 B
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy / Score 87 B
Grades C and D
Nutro Chicken, Rice, & Oatmeal / Score 85 C (non-specific fat source)
Nutro Natural choice Lamb and Rice / Score 85 C
Eukanuba Large Breed Adult / Score 83 C
Iams Large Breed / Score 83 C
Iams Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Premium / Score 73 D
Grade F
Science Diet for Large Breed Puppies / Score 69 F
Bil-Jac Select / Score 68 F
Pro Plan All Breed / Score 68 F
Diamond Maintenance / Score 64 F
Science Diet Advanced Protein Senior 7+ / Score 63 F
Purina Dog / Score 62 F
Science Diet chicken adult maintenance / Score 45 F
Pedigree Complete Nutrition / Score 42 F
Pet Gold Adult with Lamb & Rice / Score 23 F
Purina Benful / Score 17 F
Purina Come-n-Get It / Score 16 F
Pedigree Adult Complete / Score 14 F
Ol Roy / Score 9 F
Green Tripe
"Washed and bleached tripe have been treated or clean and hold significantly less nutritional value. Once the tripe is bleached or scalded, all helpful living enzymes are destroyed.Tripe is washed and bleached for the same reasons humans wash and peel potatoes- for appearance and bacterial safety reasons."
I did, however find a good one that explained exactly what green tripe is, and why its so great. Based on what I have read, I am convinced. I gotta try this stuff with Cayman! You can read that article at the end of this weblog. It's kinda long.
Since I will not be purchasing the white tripe from Publix, and don't know of any local butchers or other means of getting fresh green tripe, I will be purchasing a few cans of Solid Gold Green Cow Green Beef Tripe since I can buy it at Petco (hey, its where the pets go! That and I didn't see it on Petsmart's website) which is right up the road from me, or at Paws Claws and Tails, the pet boutique which is the closest place I can buy the Canidae dry dog food.
I have to laugh at all the reviews I have read about the stuff, they practically beg that it come with a warning label- HORRIFIC SMELL! My impression is if I though the beef kidneys were smelly, I am in for a real surprise when I get this stuff because it is claimed to be FOUL! Like that of fresh horse manure. But if its good for my dogs, I will gladly pinch my nose and dish it up. Hmm, I wonder what the rest of the household will think about the smell? LOL! Perhaps this special treat should be given on weekends and fed out on the patio!
"It smells horrible, and looks disgusting. So why do dogs go crazy for it?
Some people say that green tripe is 'the most perfect foods for dogs', and others say it 'the finest of natural foods'. In fact, the testimonials that people write about feeding green tripe almost seem unbelievable. According to the true believers, green tripe gives coats new luster and richer color, it cures flaky skin, makes teeth absolutely pearly white, improves stool quality and consistency, and dramatically increases dogs energy levels.
How can this be.. how can one food make such a profound difference in our dogs health and vitality? And of all things, tripe? Having lived in New Mexico, I personally have had some darn good posole, but it never exactly made me feel like doing backflips, and unfortunately didn't do much for my 'coat' (or what's left of it). So is this hype, or is there really some substance behind this green tripe jazz?
First of all, what exactly is green tripe? As unappetizing as it may sound, green tripe is the edible lining and content of a ruminant animal's (i.e. cow) stomach. To be more precise, it is the lining and content of the fourth chamber of the stomach. Green tripe is unbleached, and unwashed. Generally the stomach contents are sorted through to remove the larger pieces of undigested grass and hay, but that's about all the processing it receives. So, pretty much straight from the cow to you.
Obviously this is not the same stuff that we buy at the supermarket and dice up into our posole. Tripe for human consumption almost never comes from the fourth compartment of the stomach, but rather from the first three. Each compartment of the stomach has its own peculiar structure and texture that leads to a different variety of tripe.
'Blanket' tripe is derived from the first chamber, and is so called because of its characteristic 'pile' (like a shag carpet). This type of tripe is often accompanied by a layer of fat which is removed before cooking. From the second chamber of the stomach we get 'honeycomb' tripe. This variety is generally preferred by cooks because it retains its shape during cooking, and the textured surface holds the sauce it is cooked in. Finally, the third chamber produces the variety known as 'bible', 'book' or 'seam' tripe.
When tripe is harvested and prepared for humans, the contents of the stomach are removed and discarded, and the lining is washed thoroughly. At this point, the fresh clean tripe has a characteristic khaki color which most people find rather unappealing. Therefore the tissue is bleached to yield the snow-white product we find in our grocer's meat department. Tripe for human consumption should not be confused with the green stuff that bestows our companion animals with such 'miraculous' benefits. In fact, feeding your dog the white tripe from your supermarket meat case will probably not get you much more than an ear-to-ear grin.
To discover what is so special about green tripe, we should first look at how a cow's stomach works, which is quite different from the way our stomach, or our dog's stomach functions. The goal of any good digestive system is to decompose ingested food down to the component molecules which are then assimilated and distributed for the body's various uses. Our stomachs (and our dogs) work by enzymatically breaking down food. A variety of digestive enzymes are added to the food which chemically break it down into a molecular soup. In the intestines, the molecules of this soup are assimilated and delivered into the blood for distribution.
A cow's body does not synthesize the digestive enzymes necessary to digest the hay and various grasses that the cow eats. Therefore, the cow must rely on a different method of extracting all of the component molecules from its food. This method is microbial fermentation. In the stomach's first chamber (rumen) there are millions of microbes (bacteria and protozoa) living in a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship with the cow. These microflora ferment the cellulose of the plant material, releasing large quantities of volatile fatty acids. The fatty acids are absorbed directly, and constitute the primary energy source of most ruminant animals.
The second chamber of the stomach (reticulum) is similar in function to the rumen. That is, it also serves as a large fermentation vat. The honeycombed structure of the reticulum is highly specialized and useful for separating large boluses of solid matter, and then returning this matter to the esophagus so that it may be regurgitated and rechewed (referred to as chewing the cud).
The function of the third chamber (omasum) is not well understood. The structure of this chamber contains many leaves or folds, and the finely ground and digested food particles are packed into these folds. Apparently, there is additional absorption of fatty acids not assimilated in the rumen and the reticulum, and considerable absorption of water and electrolytes as well.
The stomach's fourth chamber (abomasums) is glandular, and operates in a similar fashion to our own stomach. Here, digestive acids and enzymes are mixed with the feedstuffs to accomplish the digestion of proteins. These proteins are those converted from the plant material by the microorganisms, as well as a large number of the microorganisms themselves. The food is broken down into its component parts or molecules, and then passed on to the intestines for assimilation.
This fourth chamber is the source of green tripe. And, now that we know a little more about how the cow's stomach works, it sounds even more disgusting. However due to the fermented nature of the original feedstuff, the presence of a wide variety of microbial material, and the cow's natural secretions, this portion of the stomach is able to provide an extremely rich food high in natural enzymes, gastric juices, phytochemicals, B-complex vitamins, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and amino acids.
It has been speculated that the gastic juices and natural enzymes are at least in part responsible for cleaning the dog's teeth to produce the 'pearly whites' that advocates rave about. The fatty acids are of great benefit to the health of the skin and coat, and the B-complex vitamins and free-form (ready to use) amino acids would explain the energy and vitality that tripe feeders notice in their dogs. Additionally, the undigested microorganisms constitute what is commonly referred to as probiotics, useful for establishing and maintaining a healthy variety of friendly intestinal flora. And, the rich variety of phytochemicals may provide a wealth of benefits too vast to mention, and in fact not completely understood.
There is no doubt that there is great potential benefit in feeding green tripe. The scientific analyses and the anecdotal testimonials cannot be argued. However, be prepared. Feeding green tripe is not for sissies. This stuff smells horrible (I mean open the can outside horrible) and looks twice as bad. On the other hand, be careful about opening it near a hungry dog, because it will send them into a frenzy! In the wild, canids will bring down their prey and consume them starting with the innards. And even our well-mannered, domesticated friends instinctually know what is best for them."
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Cayman is a Canidae Canine Now
Here is what their website states and some more information on the food:
" At CANIDAE Pet Foods we have created our All Life Stage Formulas for your dogs called CANIDAE, and our All Life Stage Formulas for your cats called FELIDAE. These formulas are true, All Natural, All Life Stages, feral type diets that provide optimum nutrition for the ones you love.
In nature your pets couldn’t choose between a puppy, kitten, or light formulation, only a diet of mainly meats and small amounts of grain. They simply eat more or less, depending on age and activity levels. CANIDAE and FELIDAE both contain more than 50% of high quality meat proteins. We have also included digestive enzymes that closely resemble those found in nature.
Puppies will require a higher caloric and calcium phosphorous intake than an adult dog would, therefore we suggest feeding twice as much to puppies up to 6 months of age. Our standard recommended feeding guidelines for an adult dog is 1 cup for every 25lbs of body weight. You can be assured with 468 kcal per cup, your puppy will be getting more than most standard puppy foods on the market. Our beliefs are the same for your felines as well. With FELIDAE we offer 521 kcal per cup with a recommended
feeding guideline of 1/4 cup per 5lbs of body weight. We have found that free choice feedings work out best for kittens and nursing queens.
You can be assured your Adult dogs and cats are getting the best they deserve with our feral type diets which contain; 4 Antibiotic and Hormone free meats as the main ingredients which also includes whole grain Rice, balanced omega 6 and 3 fatty acids, probiotics, digestive enzymes, antioxidant vitamins, chelated minerals, and a total of 10 natural skin and coat conditioners. All of this without the use of allergic irritating corn, wheat, soy, or other cheap grain fractions or fillers. Just the perfect diet for your canines or felines.
Overweight dogs and cats don’t deserve lower quality ingredients to lose weight like; beet pulp, bran, hulls, flours, or any other cheap fillers. They simply need your help in providing them with the proper amount of high quality CANIDAE or FELIDAE. Feeding at least twice a day and approximately 50% less than our standard recommended feeding guidelines will yield you the results you are looking for. Exercise will not only help the condition of your pets, but will also bring you closer to your loved ones!
Senior dogs and cats require smaller quantities of a more efficient food, like CANIDAE and FELIDAE, not excessive amounts of low cost undigestible fillers and fibers. Senior dogs and cats intestines become less efficient with age and are less able to digest and absorb, therefore feeding low quality fibers and fats are an extreme disservice as well. CANIDAE and FELIDAE include probiotics, digestive enzymes, and chelated minerals for better absorption and utilization of meats, carbohydrates, and fats.
Senior/Overweight – In the event reducing volume intake isn’t something you’re interested in for your pets, we have created the perfect Senior/Overweight formula designed especially for you and your pet. CANIDAE PLATINUM for your dogs and FELIDAE PLATINUM for your cats. Both formulas are lower in protein and fat, lower in calories, yet designed with optimum calcium/phosphorous ratios, skin and coat conditioners, and contain glucosimine and chondroitin, all packed into a meat based food.
Breeding and Working dogs require higher calories without excessive volume. Breeders can also enjoy the fact they are doing the absolute best for their dogs and cats with only purchasing one formula for their kennel. At whelping, the food in the bitch or queen is what produced the high nutrient milk, therefore there will be no digestive troubles when the food is introduced to the puppies and kittens. Working dogs will require a higher caloRic intake, therefore increasing the amount of food consumed will offer superb performance."
CANIDAE® All Life Stage formula is formulated to meet the AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. | |
Benefits
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Guaranteed Analysis
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Daily Feeding Guidelines
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Calculated Caloric Content
ME (kcal/kg) 4125
ME (kcal/g) 4.13
ME (kcal/lb) 1875
ME (kcal/cup) 468
All Natural Ingredients
Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice, Lamb Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Herring Meal, Flax Seed, Sun Cured Alfalfa Meal, Sunflower Oil, Chicken, Lecithin, Monocalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Linoleic Acid, Rosemary Extract, Sage Extract, Dried Enterococcus Faecium, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract, Inulin (from Chicory root), Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Solubles, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols (source of Vitamin E), Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (source of Vitamin C), Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (source of B2), Beta Carotene, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, D-Biotin, Sodium Selenite, Papaya, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
