Why Feed Your Pet A Grain-Free Diet?

You may be seeing a lot of pet food coming out with the "grain-free" label but may not understand what the hype is all about.  Here is a summary of why it's best to avoid grains in your cat or dog's food and treats:

What are grains? 

Grains are small, hard, dry seeds, with or without attached hulls or fruit layers, harvested for human or animal consumption.

Examples of grains in pet food:
--Rice
--Quinoa
--Corn
--Wheat
--Barley
--Wheat Gluten
--Rye
--Oats, oatmeal    
 
Why are grains found in pet food?
Cereal grains  are durable and when chemical preservatives are added, have a very long shelf life.  Grains contain some protein but are exceptionally high in starchy carbohydrates.   They can be easily mass processed and used as "fillers" in pet foods to add calories and protein at a fraction of the cost of adding meat, fish or poultry.  Even organic grains are overprocessed and high in carbohydrates.  Bottom line:  pet food brands include grains to provide calories and boost the protein level while minimizing the cost of expensive animal proteins.

Why are grains problematic for pets? 

Cereal grains can cause inflammation and an allergic response in many pets.  Symptoms of an allergic or inflammatory response can manifest in different ways.  A dog might be scratching and itching and a cat might be vomiting. Grains are high in starchy carbohydrates which can contribute to yeast overgrowth, a weakened immune system, diabetes and even cancer.

Feeding a high moisture, hypoallergenic, low carbohydrate diet such as a raw frozen diet is preferable and can eliminate a lot of the health symptoms you may be seeing with your pet that is eating a dry food with grains.  Remember, cats are carnivores and have no use for carbohydrates and dogs fare best on a low carbohydrate diet.

Brands That Contain Grains

Most pet foods contain grains unless they specify otherwise.  Here are just a few examples:

Diamond Dry Dog Food

Hills Science Diet

Iams

Purina Dog Chow

Royal Canin
Most "Prescription" Diets 
Many Kirkland dry foods

But aren't grains ok if they are organic?

Many pet owners assume feeding ingredients such as organic brown rice, organic barley and organic millet are beneficial for their pet because they are "organic".  Organic grains are much better suited for a vegetarian animal such as a rabbit, horse or cow.  Grains, even if organic, present the same health issues for cats and dogs as any other grains.

What is a grain-free diet?

A grain-free diet is often not a carbohydrate-free diet.  Many pet foods will remove the grains only to replace them with other high carbohydrate ingredients such as potatoes, rice, and peas.  This is why we don't recommend feeding your cat or dog dry kibble. To learn more, please read our article Facts You Should Know About Dry Dog Food and Cat Food.  Over the years, we have seen dogs and cats feel best eating a combination of any of the following:  frozen raw diets, canned food diets, freeze dried raw diets, homemade vegetables and/or lean proteins mixed in.

Have a question about your cat or dog's diet?  Please visit www.AskAriel.com and review our complete library of pet nutrition articles.  

Reading to The Pet Dog Helps Kids Learn

It has been shown that children reading to a dog can improve their reading skills, self esteem and have an overall increase in positive feelings associated with reading.  Many children are very self-conscious about reading aloud.  A dog is non-judgmental and it allows the child to focus on practicing the art of reading.  Reading to the pet dog helps kids learn!

Update:  After publishing our own post on this adorable topic, we since learned that the Laguna Niguel Library offers a Tales for Tails event on the 2nd Monday of every month where children can come and read aloud to trained therapy dogs.  This allows them to build their confidence and reading skills.  To learn more, please contact the Laguna Niguel library 949-249-5252.  The next event is Monday May 8 at 4:00 pm.

Best Kidney Supplements For Cats With Renal Failure

We wanted to share this testimonial from years ago as the same products that are helping cats with renal failure today were helping cats many years back.  These are the best kidney supplements for cats with renal failure.  They have proven themselves over time to work consistently for many cats.  The kidney remedies have the best chance to help when a kitty is just diagnosed but can still relieve symptoms in an older cat that has had the disease for awhile.  If your cat is experiencing symptoms of chronic renal failure (crf) such as vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, inappetance, please bring your cat to the veterinarian immediately for laboratory testing.  Most cats with kidney disease are dehydrated and need fluid therapy.

Tuesday Testimonial 2010: "I ordered herbs for Ranger, my 14 year old cat, on Friday Jan 29th. To my great surprise, they arrived here in Upstate NY on Monday Feb 1st! Ranger, my kitty was near death. She hid to sleep constantly. Usually cats hide to die. She was in really bad shape. I had one cat die of liver disease and two others from renal failure. Ranger is my third cat with renal failure so I know how they act before they die. Anyhow, Ranger was near death on Feb 1st when your supplements arrived. I ordered  Renelix, Kidney Health (and a few other kidney support products.) I gave them to her but assumed she was probably too far gone by this time and I was kicking myself for having waited too long. However, after 3 -4 days, she started eating more, was more alert, sleeping less and feeling so much better. I know she isn't cured...but your supplements are giving her more quality time with me. For that, I am truly grateful. I know she is 14 but I can possibly see that if she stays the same as she is now, maybe she will be around awhile more. THANK YOU!!!!!" Daniel   New York

Aug. 2011 (1 1/2 years later):  "My Kitty Ranger is still alive thanks to the wonderful products you sell.  She is now 15 1/2 years old."

Find Your Perfect Pet on Petfinder.com

If you work full time, why not consider adopting a second pet through www.petfinder.com? There is a dog or cat of every size, breed, age and color just waiting for you to come rescue them. Looking online is great but you can also view homeless animals at shelters and many rescue groups show them at stores such as PetSmart and adoption events.  You can find your perfect pet through petfinder.com or any other rescue organization.  It is a misnomer that rescue pets have something wrong with them.  Rescued animals have no control over their lives and are in this unfortunate situation due to the circumstances of their owners. 

Have a question about your pet? Email us at support@askariel.com

A Bonded Pair of Kittens Leads To a Healthier Cat

Kittens are high energy, curious and crave constant stimulation. Kittens are active at night and a single kitten may awaken you with jumping, pouncing and other hunting behavior. However, two kittens will occupy each other by finding interesting shadows to chase and games to play until they finally tire and fall asleep, too. Kittens who are able to remain with one of their littermates or a similarly-aged companion tend to be healthier and happier, and in the long run, better socialized pets.  If you are looking to get a kitten or cat in the future, adopting a pair will be a healthier and happier life for both you and your pets.

Thank you to @myfosterkittens for letting sharing these great photos with us!

Have a question about your cat?   Email us at support@askariel.com

How To Find Pet Nutrition Advice on Instagram

Join us now on Instagram! Be sure to follow @Ask.Ariel for cute pet pictures, videos and pet health tips.
www.instagram.com/ask.ariel

A Natural, Holistic Boutique For A
Happy & Healthy Pet!

AskAriel.com 

Have a question about your pet? Ask Ariel's supplements have been used in veterinary hospitals since 2005.  Send an email to support@askariel.com and our pet nutrition experts will be happy to assist you.  Please know we cannot provide veterinary advice but will be happy to include links to articles about how to treat a variety of pet conditions using natural supplements along with diet changes.

Special Needs Dog With MegaEsophagus Is a Happy Dog!

Meet Wrangler!  He is feeling so happy all dressed up for Easter. Wrangler is a special needs dog rescued by the wonderful Leashes of Love Rescue, Inc. who saved him even though he has a life threatening condition. His awesome Mommy Gina Gina Gould gives him 24 hour care so that he can live a happy life with lots of love! Wrangler has a feeding tube in his tummy because if he aspirates the food he could suffocate. But in spite of all this, he lives a wonderful life playing and hanging out with his family and doggie friends. Just wanting to say thanks to ALL the wonderful rescuers who dedicate their time, money, love and energy helping pets like Wrangler and saving the lives of so many animals that would otherwise perish!

Pet Fooled--Investigative Documentary About What's Really In Pet Food

Click Here for Trailer

Do you really know what's in your pet's food? Are the ingredients in there because they are good for your pet or because the pet food industry has "sold" you on what your pet should eat?  Buyer Beware: Good advertising does not equal good ingredients.  In fact some of the best pet foods may be from brands you might not be familiar with because these smaller companies invest in quality ingredients and not in large scale promotions.  Marketing in the pet food industry can be especially deceptive and is made to appeal to you the consumer---making it easy, affordable and convenient for you to keep buying the food--regardless of whether or not it is actually good for your pet.  You might unknowingly be giving your pet treats and food that contains harmful ingredients even though the label might say "all-natural" "precisely balanced" or "nourishing". 

Pet Fooled is a new investigative documentary about the the pet food industry. The inspiration for the investigative documentary, Pet Fooled (co-produced by Kohl Harrington and Michael Fossat) came from a passing comment made by Fossat’s groomer suggesting his dog’s itchy skin could be diet-related. The comment lead them on a six year journey of research and production that lead to an eye opening 71 minute film.  The film features everything from heartbreaking stories of pet owners who lost their pets from tainted jerky treats, examples of misleading information from pet food companies and pet industry lobbyist groups, and valuable information from holistic veterinarians. To view the movie, Pet Fooled is now available on most digital platforms (e.g., itunes, netflix, Hulu, Vimeo, Xbox, Amazon, etc.)

What To Do If Your Dog Lies Down While You Are Out On A Walk

You are walking along and your dog decides he has had enough and lies down and won’t move. What to do? If it is a sudden onset, see if you observe anything new with your pet's gait, limping, holding up a paw, panting excessively, abnormal breathing?   Do what you can to slowly bring your pet home and contact your vet right away.  if your pet is too sick to go back home, see if you can get emergency help from a neighbor or passerby.    A sudden onset of a pet not wanting to walk can be a sign of an injury or your pet not feeling well, especially in an older pet.   The most common veterinary problems that can lead to this behavior are knee problems, torn ligaments, excessive fatigue (or heat), heart issues and arthritis (especially in older dogs).  

Your veterinarian will examine your dog, take XRAYS and make a diagnoses.  Many times it could just be a sign that your dog has arthritis, a temporary injury or hip dysplasia.  But, it can be something more serious such as a disc injury or even cancer which will require further testing.   Sometimes medications are needed initially to relieve your pet's discomfort.  However, if it is due to arthritis, soft-tissue injury, then ArthroStride can reduce inflammation and help your pet get moving again.  

On occasion, some dogs may not want to go on a walk for behavioral reasons.  This can occur if the dog is carried most of the time, is afraid of something or had a negative experience on a walk (a dog bit or attacked them).  You can try coaxing your dog by taking them to a new environment to walk, using treats and building up their confidence over time.  Professional trainers are also helpful in this situation and can provide many tips as well. 

3 Good Reasons Not To Shave Your Double-Coated Dog

As the weather is warming up, we just wanted to remind everyone about the harmful effects of shaving your double-coated dog. Some popular double-coated breeds include German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Siberian Huskies.  Most experts do not recommend shaving your double-coated, which is one that has a soft undercoat (which sheds twice a year) and an outer coat which will only grow to a certain length. 

Contrary to popular belief, shaving your double-coated dog does NOT make them cooler.  Dogs do not have a large network of sweat glands to regulate their body temperature during hot weather.  They only have them in the pads of their feet.  Most of their cooling takes place through panting.  So instead of helping your dog feel better, shaving   can have permanent long-term consequences affecting their health.

3 Good Reasons Not to Shave your Double-Coated Dog

*The undercoat protects the skin from sunburn, sun exposure (increasing the risk of skin cancer) and bug bites.

*The coat provides insulation in the winter and allows air to circulate and cool the dog in the hot summer.

*Shaving can permanently damage the dog’s coat and it may never return to normal.

For a more indepth discussion, please visit our prior article on this topic

Probiotics Help Rescue Dogs Find Loving Homes

Throw Back Thursday--Rescue dog Spirit pictured here in front of PETsMART about 15 years ago. I rescued him from a high kill shelter in Los Angeles and brought him to our adoption fair in Orange County. Spirit was having digestive issues and loose stool making it hard to place him. My experience in dog rescue helped me to gain knowledge about the value of holistic care for pets. In the rescue world, it is much harder to find homes for big dogs than small ones. All of our Ariel Rescue dogs were taken to the veterinarian for a full exam before adopting them out, but a big dog with loose stool was a deal breaker. Knowing about the value of probiotics for humans, we gave the probiotics a try. Success! Spirit found a loving home and we started using probiotics with the rescue dogs. A few years later Ask Ariel was founded and we developed our Power Probiotic based on these wonderful results. .#rescuedogs #naturaldog #petnutrition #doglovers #rescuedogsofinstagram #petsupplements #petsupplies

Save A Life--Fundraisers For Homeless Huskies in West Covina and Oxnard

Two Fundraisers for Husky Haven of Los Angeles:

Husky Haven of LA is hosting two fundraisers and desperately needs donations.  Husky Haven of Los Angeles is a 501 (c)(3) organization that saves the lives of homeless animals.  Truly a noble cause. 

Two events coming up---one in West Covina and the other in Oxnard.  Please let animal lovers know as this group is desperately in need of donations.

Here is the information posted on Husky Haven of LA Facebook page:

We would LOVE to meet you, your SIBE or MAL or any CANINE and NEED your support.
Both these events are fundraisers and ALL you need to do is show up and ENJOY food and beverage !!!

Bun Street Cafe Tuesday April 11th
FIRST, on TUES, APR 11th, Shirley P's good friends at
BUN STREET Cafe in West Covina are donating 20% of
proceeds from 4 to 10 p.m.
BUN STREET is very popular..
There is a pet friendly patio. There will be give aways and/or raffles for your best friend which we will be announcing.

Whole Foods, Oxnard Thursday April 13th
SECOND, on THURS APR 13th, we will be at WHOLE FOODS,
Oxnard from 4 to 7. This event is hosted by ALASKAN BREWING
to introduce their new IPA HUSKY. It was so popular it is actually sold out but there was a load reserved for this event.   Alaska Brewing will donate $1 from each pint purchased
This is a great night at the 50's CAFE trailer inside Whole Foods since it is Thurs night Burger special which features burger, side and brew on tap!!!  We will also have giveaways which will be posted.
PETS are welcome
More info will be sent out but please mark your calendars.
Please email:
EMAIL: huskyhavenofla@hotmail.com

If you can't attend, please make a donation of any amount on www.huskyhavenofla.org

Molasses The "Natural" Ingredient That Shouldn't Be In Your Pet's Treats

Posted 4/3/24

Molasses, commonly found in pet treats, may seem like a wholesome ingredient, evoking images of traditional, healthy indulgences, but in reality, can pose problems for your pet. Molasses is a byproduct of sugar production from sugarcane or sugar beets, primarily utilized for its sweetening properties. While molasses derived from sugarcane contains trace amounts of beneficial nutrients like vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and potassium, the most common type of molasses used in pet products are lower quality and originates from sugar beets and is essentially sugar (sucrose, glucose, and fructose).

Products incorporating molasses, whether from sugarcane or sugar beets, often bear labels like "all-natural," "naturally delicious," or "all-natural flavoring," conveying an impression of healthfulness. However, molasses possesses a high glycemic index, potentially elevating your pet's blood sugar levels.

How High Blood Sugar Can Affect Your Pet's Health

Feeding foods that have a high glycemic increase increase your pet's blood sugar levels. We all want to indulge our pets so why is this a problem? If you are giving your pet the same treat every day or foods that are high in sugar, over time, this will increase in your pet's blood sugar on a consistent basis. Here are health issues that might occur from feeding dogs and cats foods high in sugar:

Obesity- high blood sugar levels contribute to obesity similarly to humans. Consistently elevated blood sugar levels can lead to insulin resistance. This resistance can cause the pancreas to produce more insulin, which may stimulate appetite and promote fat storage, ultimately leading to weight gain. Managing blood sugar levels through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and appropriate medical treatment is essential in preventing obesity and its associated health issues in dogs and cats.

Diabetes - is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) due to insufficient production or utilization of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Symptoms of diabetes in pets include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss despite increased appetite, lethargy, and recurrent infections. Untreated diabetes in dogs and cats can lead to severe complications like diabetic ketoacidosis, cataracts, nerve damage and kidney disease. Managing diabetes in pets requires lifetime care.

    

Dental and gum problems- high blood sugar in cats and dogs can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow in the mouth, leading to the formation of plaque on the teeth. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, causing gum inflammation and tooth decay. It can also weaken the immune system, making pets more vulnerable to infections in the mouth. In addition to managing your pet's blood sugars, practice good oral hygiene and get regular check-ups.

Yeast overgrowth- elevated blood sugar in dogs and cats can contribute to yeast overgrowth primarily due to the favorable environment it creates for yeast (fungus) to thrive. Elevated blood sugar levels provide excess glucose, which yeast organisms feed on, promoting their growth. Additionally, high blood sugar can weaken the immune system leading to skin infections, ear infections, and digestive problems in dogs and cats.

Cancer- high blood sugar in dogs and cats can potentially contribute to cancer in a few ways. It can fuel the growth of cancer cells by providing them with the extra glucose they need to multiply. It can cause inflammation throughout the body, creating an environment that supports tumor growth and it can weaken the immune system, making it less effective in fighting cancer cells.

Molasses and Sugar In Pet Treats

Many experts assert that added sugar has no nutritional merit in a dog's or cat's diet, but despite the apparent risks, molasses remains prevalent in numerous cat and dog treats. It is most commonly found in moist, chewy varieties of treats, solely for the sake of enhancing flavor and palatability. Offering your pet a "naturally" flavored treat may seem appealing, but there are much healthier treats that can contribute to your dog or cat's well being. Consider freeze-dried raw treats from reputable brands like Stella and Chewy's, Halo, Primal, or Instinct. There are organ meats like freeze-dried liver that pets love. These healthy treats prioritize your pet's health and well-being without compromising on taste or enjoyment.

Author: Susan Davis

Revised and updated:  4/3/2024

Causes Of Blood and Mucous In Your Pet's Stool

IBD KIT

If you notice blood or mucous in your pet’s stool, it is important to take your pet to your veterinarian right away for a fecal exam.   Listed below are some of the causes:  

Possible Causes of Blood and Mucous in a Pet's Stool

• Parasites/Worms-such as Giardia which is a single-cell organism that infects a dog’s intestine.
• Colitis - Pets with colitis can have mucous or blood in their stool.
• Dietary Indiscretions- food allergies, food intolerances or when the diet is changed too abruptly
  
• Foreign Body/Bowel Obstructions-Dogs may eat things that they cannot digest such as a sock or toy which can result in a surgical emergency if the object isn't passed quickly
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)- which is an irritation and inflammation in the large intestine
• Colon Cancer or Intestinal Lymphoma- the pet may have diarrhea, vomiting and discomfort similar to IBD
• Bacterial overgrowth--Pets can get into trash but also some breeds are more prone to SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
• Parvovirus- most commonly seen in puppies, parvo is a virus that attacks the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea with blood and mucus.

Many of these conditions can decrease absorption of nutrients, affect their appetite and cause pets to lose weight rapidly.  Once your veterinarian determines the cause and your pet is treated, you can then consider natural supplements and diet changes to help relieve any continued discomfort or symptoms.  For example, giardia, worms and parasites can be treated short-term with medication, but may leave ongoing inflammation in some pets.  Use  Power Probiotic along with our  IBD Kit to help relieve digestive discomfort long-term.  The Kit repopulates friendly flora, helps control harmful bacteria and relieves indigestion and stomach discomfort in pets.

Author:  Susan Blake Davis

First posted:  4/3/2017

Updated:  2/2/2024

There's a New Sheriff in Town

“On March 13th, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office welcomed two new deputies to the department, K-9 Sarah and K-9 Phantom. K-9 Sarah and K-9 Phantom came to the department by way of a grant from the Animal Farm Foundation of New York and Universal K9 of San Antonio Texas. The two foundations have taken on the mission to show that Departments do not need to spend $15-$20,000 for a pure breed German Shepard or Belgian Malinois to search and find illegal drugs, at the same time giving dogs destined for a life in a shelter or euthanasia a second chance at life serving Law Enforcement Officers and Departments around the country…”

Source: https://www.facebook.com/Clay-County-NC-Sheriffs-Office

What might surprise you is K-9 Sarah is a Pitbull and K-9 Phantom is a Pitbull-Boston Terrier Mix.  These, often misunderstood breeds are all too often left in shelters because of their bad reputation, but this shows that they can be trained to be of great value to society. Sarah and Phantom were trained for one purpose (narcotics detection) and will not be used in a capacity of criminal apprehension or “bite work” We wish them a long and productive career!