volume 15     Oct- Nov 2005  

Welcome
Welcome new subscribers and all of the new Honest Kitchen resellers, our hope is that you find this double newsletter edition insightful for the holiday season and more.

Your pups will not be left out this holiday season. We have some very fun and exciting recipies for the pooches under your holiday dinner tables. The dishes are tempting enough for your guests and relatives to eat- we'll never tell!
  • What's Fresh
  • Store locations
  • Urinary Health
  • Care of Urinary Tract
  • Holiday recipe
    		•


    At the Home Front of Honest Kitchen

    Extra Swift Shipping!

    You may have noticed your shipments arriving a little faster than usual in recent weeks! We have moved to a brand new shipping facility here in San Diego, which now offers same-day shipping on most orders placed before 10am PST! The new warehouse also offers state of the art tracking and live order progress information, so you are kept up to date when your shipment is on its way!

    Continuing Support for Animal Victims of Hurricane Katrina:
    We are pleased to continue to donate a portion of our proceeds from all Double Pack sales, to charities assisting with care, housing, adoptions and medical treatment of the many animals suffering in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Donations from Double Pack sales will continue throughout October and into November. So far, our donation amount has reached $500. Double Packs can be ordered Here!

    Store of the Month

    Scraps Dog Bakery has been choosen as the "Store of the Month". Scraps Dog Bakery consists of several independently owned stores in Northern California. They have been carrying and promoting Honest Kitchen diets in Lake Tahoe- Reno area since 2003. Over the last couple months the stores sales of Honest Kitchen foods have started soaring. Thanks Scraps stores and congratulations you will receive 20% off your next order!

    If you would like to recommend your local reseller or you feel your own store does a great job at promoting Honest Kitchen product line please email us at service@thehonestkitchen.com

    Revamped Website

    Next time you visit www.thehonestkitchen.com we hope to impress you with our newly revamped website. Our website design team has done a beautiful job at designing our site to be more user friendly, more informative, and added pages for us to pass on helpful, healthful information on pets. We are also looking to update our testimonial page, so if your pooch has a story to tell about The Honest Kitchen we would love to hear it. Please email you stories in to: service@thehonestkitchen.com


    On the Store Front!

    We are delighted to welcome a host of new resellers for Fall. 4 new well established regional distributors have also picked up the Honest Kitchen line. These regional distributors will really help our product become available more locally to you.

    Among them, First Choice Pet Products in Miami FL, who will be responsible for distribution of our full line throughout Florida, Georgia & Alabama. With several hundred retail stores on account in these states, First Choice will be pivotal in improving availability of our products in the southeast. We are grateful to the many stores who have persisted in nagging First Choice to bring on our line – your efforts paid off! Stores may visit them at www.firstchoicepet.com or by phone (800) 994-7387.

    Beaver Valley Farm, Inc. will be distributing to stores in the New England area. Our New England stores will be happy to have local access to HK products. Beaver Valley will service NH, MA, into RI, and ME.
    Stores can contact them by phone at (603) 635-2597.

    The Wholesome Pet Co in OH is also in the process of joining our ranks at the distributor level. They will provide our food to wholesale accounts throughout Ohio, West Virginia, Western Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Store may visit them at www.wholesomepet.com or phone (330) 669-2510

    Topaz Natural Pet Products of Denver Colorado has also joined in the distribution of Honest Kitchen products. Topaz Naturals will be handling accounts in Boulder/ Ft. Collins region area and parts of Denver. We are happy to have them on board further promoting and supplying our diets to resell stores. Topaz can be reached at (303) 477-7793.


    Included among the new local resellers for fall, are:

    Rainbow Hill Farm in Julian, CA (760) 765 2010 email: Jill@rainbowhill.net offering special rates for breeders and www.socalbarf.com members.
    Integrative Veterinarian Center Sacramento, CA
    (916) 454-1825 or visit them at www.sacvetrehab.com
    Animal Keeper in Poway, CA (858)748-9676 or visit them at http://www.theanimalkeeper.com/loc_poway.htm
    Le Chien in Torrence, CA (310) 791-7232 or visit them at www.lechiendog.com
    Pet Cottage in San Anselmo, CA (415) 485-1158
    Bed & Biscuits in Santa Clara, CA (831) 475-1580 or visit them at www.bedandbiscuits.com
    Pet Nutrition Center Encinitas, CA (760) 436 1226
    Colorado Canines & Felines Too in Boulder, CA (303) 449-5069
    Struttin Pup in Lafayette, CO (303) 665-3038 or visit them at www.struttinpup.com
    Little Lulu and Dot have 2 locations in Andover, MA (978) 475-4555 or visit them at www.littleluluanddot.com
    Waggin Tails in Pittsfield, MA (800) 946-8245x13 or visit them at www.waggintails.com
    The Natural Pet in New York, NY (212) 28-4848
    Barkley's Market in New Albany, OH (614) 855-3399
    Delivery Dogg in Coopersburg, PA (610) 972-6534
    Happy Tails in Portland, ME (207) 871-5959 or visit them at www.happytailsportland.com
    Connemara Terriers in New Gloucster, ME 04260 (207) 221-0370 or visit them here http://connemaraterriers.com/
    Pat's Pedigree in Sunrise, FL (954) 572-6505
    Healthy Paws in Saint Petersburg, FL (727) 822-7297 or visit them at www.healthypaws.net
    Waldschmidt & Son in Menomonee Falls, WI (262) 251-1401
    Decadent Dogs in South Haven, MI (269) 639-0716
    Pinnacle Horse & Pet in Scottsdale, AZ (480) 585-7559
    Bone Appetit has added a second location in Las Vegas, NV (702) 643-3644
    Irish Acres Pet Health Appleton, WI (920) 832-0595
    Chuck & Don's 12 store locations in MN- please visit them at www.chuckanddons.com for store locations.
    The Reign of Cats & Dogs in Leesburg, VA (703)669-6920
    Dogma Gourmet Dog Bakery and Boutique in Arlington, VA (703) 237-5070 or visit them www.dogmabakery.com
    Bowser's Bistro...Natural Pet Market & Daycare in Flagstaff, AZ (928) 526-3043 or visit them here www.bowsersbistro.com
    Pet Pangaea in Los Alamos, NM (505) 661-1010 or visit them here http://www.petpangaea.com
    Mounds Pet Food Warehouse 4 store locations in WI visit there website for store locations near you www.moundspet.com
    Online store:

    www.botanicaldog.com
    www.poochieheaven.com

    Visit our Store Directory for additional locations. Click here!


    Urinary Tract Health in Dogs & Cats

    Some common signs of a urinary tract problem include urinating with greater frequency (possibly with little output), straining, frequent licking of the urethra, or urinating outside the litter box. Very concentrated urine or the presence of blood, are also cause for concern. Urinary tract disorders are often extremely painful and require immediate medical attention.

    Crystals or stones, infections and incontinence can plague both cats and dogs. A holistic approach to urinary health considers diet, lifestyle and environmental issues, among other things. Indoor pets who may have to endure long periods of time before being allowed out to eliminate, may be more prone to problems. Emotional upset such as a house move can also be unsettling and lead to a reluctance to use the litter tray because of fear of the new surroundings.

    Crystals & Stones have two main sub-groups:
    Struvite are made up of magnesium ammonium phosphate & develop in urine that is too alkaline.
    Calcium Oxalate develop in urine that is too acidic.

    Struvite crystals used to be the most common type to affect domestic pets. In response, many pet food manufacturers developed strongly acidifying diets, designed to dissolve the crystals and prevent their future development. However, this trend in pet food formulations is now thought to be partly responsible for the recent increase in calcium oxalate crystals, which occur in urine that is too acidic. The two types of crystals now occur with almost equal frequency.

    Recent research indicates that strongly acidic diets do more harm than good. A better approach is to feed only a slightly acidic diet, to give a urine pH of just below neutral. This should not affect or encourage either type of crystals.

    Diet - Alternative approaches to prescription diets, for gently acidifying the urine, include supplementation with cranberry extracts or vitamin C. Shellfish are contraindicated for urinary stones and crystals. Rabbit, chicken and garlic are recommended in Chinese medicine. Reduced magnesium is often indicated for animals prone to crystals, although this mineral should never be eliminated completely.

    Several cranberry-based supplements are available commercially to help acidify the urine in pets with struvite. Pets who are prone to Calcium Oxalate Crystals can benefit from supplementation with Potassium Citrate granules.

    Acupuncture has been shown to have beneficial effects on various types of crystals, since it helps to eliminate stagnation and redress the balance between the kidneys, heart, liver & spleen.

    Infections
    Bladder infections or inflammation (cystitis) may be caused by bacteria and crystals that in turn lead to inflammation of the bladder lining. Antibiotics are almost always recommended in western medicine.

    Diet - Increased fluid output is encouraged in western medicine, with diets that create thirst and therefore promote urine formation. A more moderate approach is to increase fluid intake with a natural raw or other moist diet that will help to keep the whole system well hydrated.

    Removing grain from the diet is thought to be helpful in combating infections although Barley is recommended in Chinese medicine for dryness in the bladder or kidneys, along with celery and asparagus. Honest Kitchen offers two diets that are grain- free and 'Prowl' our cat food will also be grain free.

    Restricting the intake of sweet fruits & vegetables is also recommended when bladder infections occur. There is some disagreement as to whether an acidifying diet helps to combat infection; some veterinarians recommend acidic fruits or supplements since acid is thought to inhibit excess bacterial growth. Cranberries contain a substance that actually prevents bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.

    Chinese medicine recommends that shrimp, salmon, trout & venison be avoided. Beef, eggs, rabbit, chicken and pork are indicated, along with potatoes with the skin on, and winter squash.

    Incontinence
    Urinary incontinence seems to affect senior female pets more than any others. It tends to affect dogs more than cats. A lack of estrogen or testosterone is thought to be partly responsible.

    Diet – oats, chicken and lamb kidney are beneficial foods to strengthen the bladder & kidneys. Kale, chive and parsley can also be sprinkled on the food. Mullein leaf can be steeped in hot water and helps to tone bladder muscles when given in the evening before bedtime.


    General Care For the Urinary Tract

    Veterinary testing is crucial, to determine what type of disorder is affecting an animal with urinary symptoms, so that treatment and prevention can be planned accordingly. Routine urinalysis, along with annual blood-work can be a valuable tool in monitoring your pet's health and identifying problems even before outward signs develop.

    Increased water intake is ideal for pets prone to urinary tract problems, to help keep the system flushed out and well hydrated. Our foods (which require hydration before serving) provide an excellent way to introduce additional fluids.

    A natural diet such as raw or home made food is ideal. Our dehydrated foods are also a good option because the water required to hydrate them, provides plenty of fluid intake which is especially important for pets with urinary tract problems. Moderate (versus very restricted) protein is a more modern, holistic approach. Verve & Force contain 21% protein and are more suited to dogs with urinary tract problems, rather than Embark which is much higher at 29%.

    Animal Essentials produces a very nice product called Tinkle Tonic, suitable for an array of urinary tract disorders. A supplement like this can be fed in conjunction with a fresh healthy food such as one of our recipes, to provide pets with a natural, high quality diet, free of by-products and fillers, and appropriate to their nutritional requirements. All Honest Kitchen foods have a similar, moderate pH (about 5.7 with a target urine pH in normal animals, of around 6.7).

    Recommended Reading

    Four Paws, Five Directions, by Cheryl Schwartz, DVM
    Natural Healing For Dogs & Cats A to Z, by Cheryl Schwartz, DVM
    All You Ever Wanted to Know about Herbs for Pets, by Greg Tilford and Mary Wulff-Tilford
    Animal Essentials products can be found Here!


    Soup, Left- overs, and Dessert Too!

    Well as tradition goes, since we would only feed our companions the same quality we eat, those leftover turkey "scraps" can serve as an innovative base for soups to warm our four-legged friends this coming holiday season. Makes 2-4 servings for 50 lb. dog.

    COCONUTTY TURKEY SOUP
    One quart turkey stock (or chicken stock)
    Half quart water
    One to Two pounds of turkey meat, giblets, cooked or raw No Bones for this meal
    Organ meats (optional) organic poultry is preferred (steer clear of beef liver, unless organic due to toxin buildup!)
    One cup whole coconut milk (or seven ounces creamed coconut or coconut shavings)
    One teaspoon fresh grated Ginger root
    Juice of ½ lemon
    One cup Spinach
    One tablespoon of finely chopped Cilantro

    1. Bring the stock to a boil, skim any foam that rises to the top and add coconut milk, (creamed or shavings), lemon juice, and ginger
    2. Simmer about 15 minutes.
    3. Add Spinach and Turkey meat, wait one minute.
    4. Ladle into their bowl and/or your bowl.
    ( If you are making for yourself, increase coconut milk to 1 ½ c., juice of whole lemon, water in recipe is not necessary.)
    5. Garnish with Cilantro. Wait to cool down to room temp for the four legged ones. Serve.

    A useful tip for you and your family, whenever salt is called for in a recipe; fish sauce can be used in its place. Fish sauces made from small whole fish, including the head and organs, are rich in iodine and other nutrients that benefit the thyroid gland. When heated, the fishy taste dissipates, but the nutrients remain.

    Nutritional Benefits of Soup ingredients:
    Turkey stock – hydration among other benefits
    Turkey – protein, amino acids, amino acid tryptophan
    Organ meats – Vitamin B-1, Copper, Iron
    Liver – Vitamins A, D, K, Folic Acid, Biotin
    Giblets – Selenium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Vitamin A
    Coconut – high in fatty acids (Lauric acid)
    Ginger – anti-inflammatory, treats signs of common cold, flu, used in homeopathic remedies
    Lemon juice – Vitamin C
    Spinach – Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Beta-carotene, Lutein
    Cilantro – improves digestion, anti-inflammatory (used by some people for arthritis)

    Delicious Autumn Brownies
    These wholesome brownie-style treats can be made with any one of our three dehydrated raw foods for dogs, and make use of the season's healthiest vegetables and fruits.

    Ingredients
    2 cups of Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
    2 Eggs
    ½ cup of cooked, mashed sweet potato or squash of your choice
    ½ cup of cooked parsnips, finely diced
    3/4 cup of diced ham or ground meat
    ¼ cup grated Gruyere cheese
    ¼ cup of dried cranberries
    4 tbsp Applesauce
    1 ½ cups warm meat broth (low sodium, if commercial)

    Hydrate the food using the warm meat broth.
    Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk lightly. Mix in the applesauce, ham and cheese.
    Mix the sweet potato or squash into the hydrated food, along with the parsnips & cranberries.
    Add the egg mix to the Sweet Potato mix and combine thoroughly.
    Spread in a thin layer onto a well greased baking sheet. Grate a little extra cheese on top if desired and cook at 300 F for about 60 minutes or until the top is slightly dried and slightly crispy.
    Cool thoroughly and cut into squares to serve.
    For firmer treats, divide the mix into teaspoon sized drops and space evenly on a baking sheet, flattening gently with the spoon. Cook as above.

    TOO TIRED FOR MORE RECIPES?

    For those of you that are exhausted from home-cooked recipes, here are some quick and easy ways to mix up your four-legged's daily meals. If you already feed The Honest Kitchen diets, you can add turkey from your Thanksgiving bird to your dog or cat's meal this season.

    For every cup of our dog food - Verve, Force or Embark, you can add a half cup of turkey shavings.

    For every tablespoon of our cat food – Prowl, you may add in up to one tablespoon of meat. Gizzards from your turkey bird and other whole organ meats (besides beef liver) are great add-ins for your felines. Yummy!

    Or, before sending the bird off to the oven to provide a nice to provide a nice warm meal for your family and friends, send the raw neck off to the backyard for your dog to devour. This raw, meaty neck provides wonderful nutrients and will keep your four-legged loved one out of the kitchen. If you have never fed raw meaty bones, you may want to go slow and be sure your dog is not a gulper. Raw meaty bones are meant to be crunched up by your dogs, not swallowed whole. Swallowing large bones can be dangerous. Bones must also always be fed raw, once cooked the bone calcifies making the bone brittle where it could splinter. For small dogs or dogs that may gulp down the turkey neck, you could try chopping the neck up or grinding.

    Recommended Reading

    For more delicious healthy treat recipes (including several grain-free goodies), we recommend Liz Palika's "Ultimate Dog Treat Cook Book"

    Recommended Viewing
    Eat, Drink, and Wag Your Tail, Improving the Lives of Our Dogs through Nutrition is a fun and informative DVD on fresh food for our pets.


    The Honest Kitchen's nutritional products are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent disease. Our web site, email communications and other correspondence are for informational purposes only and do not replace the expert care and advice provided by your veterinarian. Dietary and other healthcare changes should be made under the guidance of your vet, particularly when underlying health conditions exist.


           
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