Glucosamine and Chondroitin Benefits for Dogs

It can be you, me, our neighbor, our friends, our children or our dogs. Definitely not choosy by nature, Arthritis selects anyone. People at any age, even our hairy friends are affected by this pain. And who loves pain? Of course, no one will have it. And whether you are slightly or deeply fond of having furry canine buddies, you would want to save them from it.

If you notice them favoring a limb, takes a nap more often, finds it hard to sit or stand, hesitant to jump or climb, has decrease in activity and less interest to play – then these are symptoms of your dogs having Arthritis. Taking care of them is just similar to taking care of us, especially with this kind of pain. But of course, before giving any medication, please do consult your dog’s veterinarian first.

Just recently used in the United States, Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been considered and consumed for healing of skin wounds, stomach disorder and joint problems – making this currently the biggest use of these medications although these could be used often as aid in the treatment of spinal disc injuries or post operatively, for dogs that have undergone joint surgery.

The most common joints affected by this pain are the hips. Commonly known as Hips Dysplasia, this disturbs large breeds of dogs, particularly the wearing off of cartilages and that can then create pain. Patients, in general, that is placed on and responds to Glucosamine and Chondroitin are in middle age to older medium to large breed dogs.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin can be found normally inside living animals. At the highest concentration in the cartilage, when the animal ages or if the cartilage is damaged, this can’t be produced enough and cannot keep up with the body’s needs. So what is advised is to have supplemental form of Glucosamine so that it can provide the building blocks to synthesize new cartilage. The same can be said for Chondroitin but it plays a more crucial role in combating and neutralizing enzymes in the joints. Thus, when this is added to the diet, it reduces the level of these destructive enzymes. These substances are present in shell of crustaceans and also derived from shark and whale cartilages but for ecological reasons, many consumers prefer bovine sources.

To alleviate the pain that is causing your buddy the discomfort, this medication is indeed beneficial with very few side effects. Having been used for decades in Europe, a dog can occasionally vomit or gets diarrhea but if reduced or given with food, symptoms are usually lessened. Hence, there were no records of complications. Once having this, it is appropriate to have continued usage or the degeneration of the cartilage will return. But no worries, once the product has promoted healing for 8 weeks, the dose is then reduced.

Both come out with different forms. Purchased in health food stores, veterinary clinics and pet supply catalogs, you can have Glucosamine in its pure form or combined form with Chondroitin. But note that most expensive products don’t guarantee best results. Be sure to compare the ingredients to ensure you are having a good value for what you are purchasing for. It’s also convenient because these canine products come with flavored or fortified with minerals.

We know we’d go to any length just to have our buddies in perfect condition. What with the benefits we can have from our dogs – it can never be surpassed with our time and effort to take care of them. It is not just a fun diversion or entertaining gift. It can bring companionship and joy to any family. The hardships and best things absorbed in dog ownership are well worth our time and money.

At Pet Masters we sell a amazing supplement that Jim and TJ has used on their own dogs for years. heres a link http://www.thepetmasters.com/brands/Nupro.html

Wellness Ca Fod Recall

Wellness Cat Food Recall

We at Pet Masters want our customer to be infor

med that Wellness Pet Foods has voluntary recalled two of their cat foods because of insufficient amounts of a necessary nutrient–Thiamine (B-1).

Check your pantry for:

Wellness Canned Cat (all flavors and sizes) with best by dates from 14APR 13 through 30SEP13.

Wellness Canned Cat Chicken & Herring (all sizes) with 10NOV13 or 17NOV13 best buy dates.

We have removed them from our shelves. We suggest that if you have any in your pantry that you return them to Pet Masters or toss them.

Jim -The Pet Masters

Watch for Pet Food Prices to Increase

I really don’t want to even think about higher prices on pet foods. But we maybe forced to make some tough choices as prices for corn and grain rise driving up feed prices. Seem like a good time to switch to a grain free food.

In the past year the commodity values for corn and grains have nearly doubled, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Higher prices are passed on to us the consumers in higher price in feeds.

Hopefully grain-free dog food will not be effected. Pet Masters strives to keep its prices affordable. If you have any concern please let us know.

Protein Restriction for Dogs with Reduced Renal Function

This is a popular issue in our store when it comes to high protein diets like Orijen dog food and alike. Science does not prove that protein restriction will improve kidney function. And it is sad because many veterinarians know this. Evidence that high protein diets enhance renal function in normal dogs has led to confusion among veterinarians who have been told for decades that low protein diets may be beneficial for kidney function.
Check this article out Mythology of Protein Restriction

Let me know what you think

Jim Hilli

February is ‘pet dental health month’

The month of February has been designated as National Pet Dental Health Month by the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS). Take a proactive approach to become aware of the necessity to care for your pet’s  teeth. Both dogs and cats need regular brushing of teeth and dental exams for optimum dental health.

Most people are not aware that dental disease in dogs and cats begins as early as two years old. It is the most widespread health concern for pets.

Some of the most prevalent dental problems in dogs and cats include:
*Gum disease
*Broken teeth – often caused by beef marrow bones and cow hooves
*Cavities
*Dead teeth
*Tumors in the gums
*Worn teeth
*Nerve damage
*Abscessed teeth
*Bloody drool
*Chipped enamel
*Bad breath
*Painful lesions, especially in cats

The AVDS is working at educating pet owners to the often ignored problem of oral disease in pets announcing that, “An astounding 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3.”  It is very important to the health of your pet that proper dental care is performed daily. Dental problems are not only painful for your pet but lead to other health concerns, as well. The bacteria from periodontal disease in pets can be the onset of kidney, liver, and heart diseases.

Steps to healthy teeth and gums in dogs and cats:

1. Have your dog or cat examined by a veterinarian for any signs of oral disease. If you notice that your dog or cat has bad breath, a change in eating habits, or rubbing the face, this means that bacterium is causing plaque and tartar to develop in your pet’s mouth. The veterinarian will determine how severe the gum disease has progressed and may suggest professional scaling and teeth cleaning for your pet.  According to Wisconsin veterinarian, Dr. Dan Thornborrow, “a typical dental examination includes the following steps. First, the pet receives anesthesia. The pet’s teeth are cleaned with an ultrasonic or hand scaler. The veterinarian will then examine for loose teeth, depth of pockets, exposed roots or other signs of disease.”

2. Develop a regular dental hygiene routine for your cat or dog. Pet Masters offers a variety of all-natural toothpastes and breath sprays for this. Veterinarian dental experts warn that using human toothpaste can damage the enamel on pet’s teeth and cause an upset stomach, so be sure to use toothpaste developed specifically for pets. Introduce your pet to the toothbrush slowly (lots of treats the first few times!) and brush the gums gently. Most dogs and cats adapt well to brushing and even enjoy it once they are familiar with the procedure.

3. A good quality nutrition regimen for your pet that is free from corn, soy and other fillers is a good way to prevent further dental complications for your pet.  Ask a Pet Master staffer the next time you are in.

4. Make a follow-up appointment with your veterinarian to determine if the oral problems are improving.

Thanks for reading – until next time,

D-O-G

 

Alison Weiner and Hanna Mandelbaum, co-owners of Evermore Pet Food, To Eat Dog Food For A MonthCBS New York

Finally dog food manufactures putting it where their mouth is. Well, you know maybe these girls are going on a 30 day fast.

Alison Weiner and Hanna Mandelbaum, co-owners of Evermore Pet Food, To Eat Dog Food For A MonthCBS New York.

Which are the 10 best dry dog foods?

Working in the retail store, sometimes we have customers who are not well  educated on animal nutrition, but they know that they want to feed natural, healthy dog food. They ask questions like “what is the best dog food you carry?” or “what do you feed your dogs?”. These are good questions but it may not be the right question to find a dog food that will be good for their dog. Other factors play a important role in choosing a dog food. Factors like cost, dog allergies, availability. One factor that many people think is important in taste. I believe that if you pick the best dog food for your dog and make him eat it taste or the illusion of taste does not play a role. Now that I said all that, here is Pet Masters Top 10 best dry foods:

1. Orijen Grain Free Dog Food – This whole line of dog foods is #1 on my list. Ingredients are never frozen, always made fresh. Plus this food has lots of meat and is of course grain free. This company pays attention to details.
2. Acana – This whole line of food is really good. Made by champion pet foods, the makers of Orijen dog food. This food is a little lower in protien but made with the same care as Orijen
3. Great Life Dog Food Grain Free - Great Life is really a new food to us. This food is grain free and potato free. Has a baked kibble with a freeze dried component to it. Kind of like feeding some raw with your kibble.
4. Lotus Dog Food - Another new food to us. This food is not grain free but is loaded with lots of good ingredients
5. Horizon Legacy – Another food from Canida. This food is grain free and feed really well
6. Amacus – Grain Free for small breeds. this food in made by Horizon Pet Foods. My small dogs go crazy for this food
7. Canidae Pure Elements – This is Canidaes grain free food. This food just had a name change but still has the  same high quality ingredients.
8. Earthborn Primitive - This is a great grain free food for the price.
9. Innova Evo -I hate putting this on the list because it was just bought out by Proctor and Gamble. But it still is a really good food and would rank higher if P&G did not own it. It is Grain Free. One of the lowest carb foods on the market
10. Taste of the Wild – This is a grain free food that is very inexpensive. Protein levels are low for a grain free, which means it has a lot of potato. I have lots of customers who love this food and it may work for some dogs

This is my list of 10 best dry foods from Pet Masters

Which dog foods contain ethoxyquin?

What a loaded question. All of the have at least traces. But the dog food companies that are adding it to their food should be our concern.

• Nestlé – Alpo, Come ‘N Get It, Mighty Dog, Chef’s Blend, Fancy Feast, Friskies, Kit ‘N Kaboodle, Deli-Cat, and Nestlé Purina products such as Dog Chow, Pro Plan, Beneful and Purina One
• Colgate-Palmolive – Hill’s Science Diet Pet Food
• Del Monte – 9-Lives, Kibbles `n Bits, Cycle, Gravy Train, Nature’s Recipe, and Reward
• Procter & Gamble – Eukanuba and Iams
• Mars – Pedigree, Advance, Cesar, Whiskas and Sheba
  Another leading pet food, Nutro, is not a multinational company.

This multinational companies don’t care if you dog dies of cancer or any other ailment as long as you can not link it to them. Pet Masters carries some of the best food that can be found. Do your dog a favor and do not feed these foods. mentioned above.

Jim Hillis – The Pet Master

Taste of the Wild Ethoxyquin Free!

I hate ethoxyquin, BHT and all the other nasty chemicals used the preserve foods. All this should be a concern to you because  of the great health concerns these chemical cause us: Cancer.

Good for Taste of the Wild to remove ethoxyquin from there foods, or should I say not adding ethoxyquin to their foods. Ethoxyquin free dog food is always a good thing.

Which dog foods contain ethoxyquin? Good question. Ethoxyquin is in many foods that humans consume and I bet you eat too. Almost all red spices contain ethoxyquin. Chili powders, cyan, etc. I really need to start growing my own herbs. Dog food companies in the last few years have been really paying attention of what is in their foods and that’s because you the consumer care about what is in their dog food. The question is “is their a food that has No ethoxyquin?”. The answer is a fat no, or at least I would bet my house that all pet foods have some ethoxyquin. Why?, because ethoxyquin is used in the pet industry and there will always be cross contamination. Just like organic lettuce in the grocery store  is process in the same plants that regular commercial , highly spayed lettuce is process and packaged.

Taste of the Wild is made by Diamond Pet Food, which makes lots of lower grade foods and foods for other dog food brands. So I would say that we have a cross-contamination problem for sure. I still applaud Taste of the Wild for taking the step in the right direction.

Thanks for Listening

Jim Hillis – The Pet Master

My View on Orijen Dog Food’s New Formula

When dog foods change their formula it is always a lot of work explaining the difference between the old formula and the new. Then there is the internet rumors. People come any talk to me because they want to know what the dog food master thinks. So here it is…

After looking it to the changes I notice five changes:

1) There appears to be more meat
2) More of the meat is now fresh
3) Chicken liver now added
4) Top 5 ingredients are completely animal base
5) Protein content dropped by 2% – fewer meat meal concentrates

Orijen still is a low glycemic index dog food. Low glycemic food can help diabetic and overweight dogs.

So Orijen is still one of the top foods in our store. So no worries.

Jim Hillis