Did You Know . . . . ???
Del Monte's former pet products division has picked up a new moniker after selling off the ubiquitous Del Monte canned food. San Francisco-based Big Heart Pet Brands' product menu includes Meow Mix, Milk-Bone dog treats, Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance, 9Lives, Pup-Peroni, Milo's Kitchen, Nature's Recipe, Gravy Train, and Kibble 'n Bits, among others.
Per their "press release" in the San Francisco Business Times, this is purely a profit driven decision . . . . not a decision due to their "Big Hearts" wanting to help pets live healthier, longer lives. “As a standalone pet products company, Big Heart Pet Brands will be singularly focused on capturing growth opportunities in the expanding $21 billion pet products category,” said Dave West, president and CEO of Big Heart Pet Brands.
Just SOME of the questionable ingredients used in Big Heart brands:
* Meat and bone meal ~ Milk-Bone. Ingredient determined by FDA to be likely to contain a euthanized animal.
* Animal Fat ~ Meow Mix. Ingredient determined by FDA to be likely to contain a euthanized animal.
* BHA ~ Kibbles n’ Bits. An unnatural chemical preservative associated with serious illness.
* Meat By-Products ~ 9 Lives. Ingredient that could be sourced from rejected for use in human food meats.
* Dyes ~ various products. Of no nutritional benefit to the pet, some dyes have links to illness, including cancer, or even death.
The list goes on . . . and, many of the supplements used in Big Heart brands are sourced from “international suppliers” including China.
Why would you feed your pets things that can harm their health?! We prefer feeding food and treats from a company whose primary concern is the health of your pets . . . .not their bottom line, or their shareholders.
Learn more about our products and a company you can trust here:
Premium Pet Food Store
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Because they're such picky eaters, we sometimes think cats know what’s best for them when it's time to eat. But the fact they'll walk away from a piece of bad meat doesn't mean they'll bypass an open can of tuna. And that can of tuna can be just as dangerous. In fact, you may be surprised to learn some of the common foods your cats should never eat.
Tuna ~ Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning. Remember the saying, "Honest as a cat when the meat's out of reach." Your cat will see an open can of tuna next to the sink as a dinner invitation.
Onions, Garlic, Chives ~ Onion in all forms ~ powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated ~ can break down a cat's red blood cells, leading to anemia. That's true even for the onion powder that's found in some baby foods. An occasional small dose probably won't hurt. But eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause onion poisoning. Along with onions, garlic and chives can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Milk and Other Dairy Products ~ What could be wrong with offering your cat a saucer of milk or a piece of cheese? Although kittens are able to tolerate milk, most adult cats cannot. Their digestive system cannot process dairy foods, and the result can be digestive upset with diarrhea.
Alcohol ~ Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol -- none of it is good for your cat. That's because alcohol has the same effect on a cat's liver and brain that it has on humans. But it takes far less to do its damage. Just two teaspoons of whiskey can cause a coma in a 5-pound cat, and one more teaspoon could kill it. The higher the proof, the worse the symptoms.
Grapes and Raisins ~ Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for pets. But it's not a good idea. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. And, a small amount can make a cat ill. Repeated vomiting and hyperactivity are early signs. Although some cats show no ill effects, it's best not to give your cat any grapes and to keep grapes and raisins off countertops and other places accessible to your cat.
Caffeine ~ Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a cat. And there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and fits. In addition to tea and coffee ~ including beans and grounds ~ caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. It's also in some cold medicines and painkillers.
Chocolate ~ Chocolate can be lethal for cats. Although most cats won't eat it on their own, they can be coaxed to eat it by owners and others who think they are giving the cat a treat. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. It's in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. Eating chocolate can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death.
Candy and Gum ~ Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol can cause an increase in the insulin circulating through your cat's body, which will cause the cat's blood sugar to drop. Xylitol can also lead to liver failure. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. The cat may have seizures soon after ingesting the xylitol, and liver failure can occur within just a few days.
Fat Trimmings and Bones ~ Table scraps often contain fat trimmed off of meat and bones. Both fat and bones may be dangerous for cats. Fat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause intestinal upset, with vomiting and diarrhea. And a cat can choke on a bone. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your cat's digestive system.
Raw Eggs ~ There are two problems with giving your cat raw eggs. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. The second is that a protein in raw egg whites, called avidin, interferes with the absorption of the B vitamin biotin. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your cat's coat.
Raw Meat and Fish ~ Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. In addition, an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin for your cat. A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma.
Dog Food ~ An occasional bite of dog food won't hurt your cat. But dog food is not a substitute for cat food. They do have many of the same ingredients. But cat food is specially formulated for a cat's needs, which include more protein as well as certain vitamins and fatty acids. A steady diet of dog food can cause your cat to be severely malnourished.
Liver ~ Small amounts of liver are OK, but eating too much liver can cause vitamin A toxicity. This is a serious condition that can affect your cat's bones. Symptoms include deformed bones, bone growths on the elbows and spine, and osteoporosis. Vitamin A toxicity can also cause death.
Too Many Treats ~ Eating too much too often can do the same thing to cats that it does to humans. It can lead to obesity and even diabetes.
Yeast Dough ~ Before it's baked, bread dough needs to rise. And, that's exactly what it would do in your cat's stomach if your cat ate it. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch the abdomen and cause severe pain. In addition, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.
Your Medicine ~ Ingesting a drug prescribed for humans is one of the most common causes of poisoning in cats. Just as you would do for your children, put all medicines where your cat can't get to them. And never give your cat any over-the-counter medicine unless advised to do so by your vet. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. And they can be deadly for your cat.
Kitchen Pantry: No Cats Allowed ~ Many other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your cat. Keeping food items where your cat can't get to them and keeping pantry and cupboard doors closed will help protect your cat from serious food-related illness.
If Your Cat Eats What It Shouldn't ~ No matter how cautious you are, it's possible your cat can find and swallow what it shouldn't. It's a smart idea to always keep the number of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center ~ (888) 426-4435 ~ where you know you can find it in an emergency. And if you think your cat has consumed something that's toxic, call for emergency help at once.
What Cats CAN Eat!!
Cats are carnivores and need meat. An occasional taste of cooked meat or brown rice can be an OK treat. But it's best to keep it small and infrequent.
What We Recommend:
Our cats are special and, here at Life's Abundance, we are committed to providing our soulful friends with high-quality health foods, effective nutritional solutions and supplements, treats with a healthy purpose and luxurious pet care products created to beautify and pamper your feline.
Life's Abundance Wet Food ~ Instinctive Choice Premium Canned Food is formulated to provide your cat with a meal that is similar in nutrition and moisture to how a feline would feed in the wild. Instinct is king with cats and they will purr over this protein rich food, which contains organic chicken, turkey, chicken liver and shrimp. Why should you choose Instinctive Choice for your cat? It’s not only what’s in Instinctive Choice that makes it the ultimate canned cat food, it’s what is not in it.
What's NOT in Instinctive Choice. Instinctive Choice does not contain fruits like apples, vegetables like carrots or grains like corn. Although carbohydrates like these are used in dry foods to form the nuggets, they are not necessary in canned foods. Instinctive Choice gives you the ability to feed your cat closer to how a feline would feed in the wild.
Instinctive Choice does NOT contain corn or corn gluten, wheat or wheat gluten, artificial colors or artificial preservatives.
What IS in Instinctive Choice. Because modern house cats evolved from desert felines who acquired fluids primarily from prey, they naturally have a weak thirst drive. Adequate water intake is necessary for a healthy urinary tract and other biological processes. To suit their needs, Instinctive Choice contains chicken broth along with high-quality proteins from organic chicken, turkey, chicken liver and shrimp. We added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, taurine, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Taken all together, these ingredients satisfy your cat’s instinctive and nutritional requirements. To top it off, this succulent meal has a savory flavor that your kitten or cat will love. With Instinctive Choice, you can finally give your cat what she truly craves, with the water content and nutrition she needs to thrive.
Life's Abundance Dry Food ~ Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food is made with select ingredients, including a delectable blend of high-quality chicken, catfish and turkey meals, wholesome grains, omega fatty acids and much more. We never use corn or wheat products, and we never use artificial flavors or colors. With Life’s Abundance, you can be confident that you are feeding your cat advanced nutrition.
Life's Abundance Gourmet Cat Treats Most cats spend a good portion of their waking hours grooming themselves and often loose hair is swallowed, which can lead to an accumulation in the stomach. Dr. Jane believes that healthy skin and a strong, resilient coat begin on the inside and that is why she formulated Life’s Abundance Gourmet Cat Treats For Healthy Skin & Coat. These savory nuggets are feline-friendly, and they feature a deliciously appetizing flavor that will delight even the most finicky of cats. Try our veterinarian-formulated Life’s Abundance Gourmet Cat Treats For Healthy Skin & Coat today.
Life's Abundance Wellness Supplement for Cats provides a wide variety of nutritious ingredients in a formula that enhances your cat’s daily diet, to help promote optimal health and wellness. The shape, size and savory flavor of the nuggets in this supplement are appealing to even the most finicky of cats.
To request samples of our pet food, treats, or supplements, please contact us via the Contact Us! form on this blog or via email at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com!
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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)
For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com
Many pet parents usually don’t give a second thought about what they are feeding their pets . . . that is until we all hear about a recall in the news. We check to see if our pet food is on the list, and when it’s not, we breathe a sigh of relief. Don't you think it’s time that we stop burying our heads in the sand and hoping there isn’t something wrong with our pet food, and instead start ensuring that something is right with it?!
Have you ever read the label on your pet's food or treats? Not just a glance . . . I mean REALLY read the label from start to finish?! What are some of the ingredients? Wheat or Wheat Gluten? Corn or Corn Gluten? Bone or By-Product Meal? Artificial Colors and Flavors? BHA and / or BHT? Propylene Glycol? Do you even know what half of these ingredients are, or what harm they can cause to your pets?!
Wheat and corn can contain aflatoxin, which is a fungal toxin that commonly contaminates maize and other types of crops during production, harvest, storage or processing. Wheat and corn are also highly indigestible for most pets and can cause great stress on their digestive systems, as well as their kidneys. These grains are also the cause of food allergies in many of our precious pets.
Bone meal and by-product meal tend to keep us guessing as to which animal they may come from. What if your pet has a beef allergy, yet the food or treat label is non-specific as to which animal these "meals" or "by-products" came from. Do you really want to take that chance?
The same thing goes for artificial coloring, which has no nutritional value and is designed specifically as visual marketing to pet parents . . . not to the pets! And, did you know that the dyes that are used have not been subject to testing for safety? The most common ones are Yellow #5, Yellow #6, Red #40, Blue #1 and Blue #2, which have been known to be contaminated with cancer-causing substances and may even cause death, as these additives are toxic to our pets. The discussion regarding their lack of nutritional value, as well as their potential hazards has been swirling about for years, yet no one has done anything about banning these substances from your pet's food, or from our own foods, for that matter.
BHT / BHA are NOT natural preservatives and can also cause health problems in your pets, as can Propylene Glycol, which is better known as the key component in newer automotive antifreeze. Why are using a known toxic substance to preserve moisture in our dog's food and treats? It has already been shown to cause anemia in cats, and has been banned by the FDA for use in cat food and treats.
Did you know that there have been more than 110 FDA recalls since 2007?
Check to see if your pet's food or treats have been recalled on the FDA website by logging on here:
http://www.fda.gov/animalVeterinary/safetyhealth/recallswithdrawals/default.htm
Keeping our fur kids safe begins with giving them the best food and treats possible ~ Natural, NEVER RECALLED . . . Corn & Wheat-Free, No GMOs, Gluten-Free, NO Artificial Colors or Flavors . . . just real food with vital nutrients prepared under the highest standards.
If you're ready to stop taking chances with your pet's health (and possibly your pet's life), then shop our line of premium pet food, treats, nutritional supplements, and pet care products. If you could feed your pets premium pet foods & treats that will provide them with abundant nutrition, and may help ensure longer, healthier lives for your precious fur kids for about the same or less than you are currently spending on food & treats, why wouldn't you? Safety is our primary objective! When it comes to product safety and quality ingredients, we don't do shortcuts. In fact, we act as if your pet's life depends on us.
Request samples, ask questions, and learn more about true premium nutrition for your furkids by visiting our website ~ http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com
You'll be so glad you did . . . and, so will your pets!
Life's Abundance . . . paving new roads to wellness every day!
