volume 18     April 2006  

Spring, sprang, sprung
Spring: n. ability to regain shape, season of the year, time of renewal.

We hope to offer some tips to prevent further build-up of dreary toxins and return our pets to the youthful spirit of spring all year through.

You are all invited to help with our latest addition to our e- newsletter. Testimonials- we can't wait to hear your pet's Honest Kitchen story. We also welcome recipe add-in ideas, book reviews suggestions, and health topics you would like to see covered.
  • Testimonials
  • Store news
  • Toxin all around
  • Rabies Challenge
  • 4 Paws, 5 Directions
    		•


    Honest Kitchen News

    In The News Again!

    We were proud to be featured in the Business Section of the San Diego Union Tribune recently. To read the article about our young, growing company, please click here!

    Testimonials
    The testimonials we receive in our email inbox almost every morning really brighten our office. We love to hear about animals doing so well on our products and we especially like to see photos of the cats and dogs who enjoy our foods each day. We have so many testimonials that we decided to begin featuring some in our newsletter each month. If your letter is printed, we'll send you a $10 coupon good for anything in our product line. Here are a few testimonials to kick off the feature:

    Hello. I just wanted to write and thank you for your product and share with you what an amazing difference it has made in my dog's (and my) life.
    I switched Moses to Verve from regular kibble after taking him to the vet, again, for a skin rash/infection. He weighed in at 121 lbs - which was grossly overweight for a collie/husky mix. I switched him coldturkey without a problem. He ate it up with great enthusiasm, licked his bowl for 5 minutes after all the food was gone, and then laid on his bowl as if to savor the meal.
    A month later, he has lost a much needed 8 lbs. Not only has he shed some pounds, but his skin rash has completely cleared up, his hip dysplasia and arthritis is much, much better, he doesn't beg for treats nearly as much, his poop and breath doesn't smell, and he is an overall much happier, alert, and energetic dog. When I mix the food, I have to take him out for a walk while it constitutes just so he doesn't go completely crazy.
    Wow. I'm a total fan. Thanks a gazillion times over.
    Lisa Tries & Moses

    I just wanted to drop a line to tell you how great your new cat food is. I just received a bucket of Prowl and tried it on my cats. My 9 week old Ragdoll went absolutely nuts for it. As tiny as he is he tried to knock down my other 2 cats to get some more out of their dishes. My older cat (he's a 6 year old Maine Coon mix) is a bit more hesitant since he's only had dry food, but my 3 yr old bobtail gobbled it up like a dog. He's already a big boy (not fat, just big) and this should help him maintain his muscle. I've always fed them higher quality dry foods without by products or chemical preservatives, but I am very happy to start them on something more natural and more in line with their carnivorous nature.
    Thanks,
    Sue

    The kids are still digging into their food and loving it. My little white girl has almost cleared up her tearing completely and Misti is clearing up on her tearing too and starting to get some darkness back in her coat. So I am very pleased with the results that I am getting. Thank you for a great product.
    Shirley

    I have to tell you how your non-grain product has been a blessing to my pets. I have (2) bull terriers who have allergies. No matter what product I used, they would spend much of their time chewing their paws, scratching their ears, licking everything else, UNTIL I tried your Force Product, which has eliminated ALL allergies, not to forget to mention they are barking in the morning to eat, when before I had to coax them to eat, and then they would leave most of it until later in the evening.
    I love your product, thank you for taking the time to obviously perfect a non-grain quality product that must taste great because it has changed our lives.
    Britt

    Thanks so much for the help on foods. We love the honest kitchen food Embark and the boys go nuts over it…….Thanks so much for answering and for just being there. Its nice to have great food out there now and buck the system. And have happy and healthy dogs.
    Michael

    Outstanding service!!
    I recently ran out of food and found that my local supplier had also run out. I called your company and explained my situation. The woman who worked with me was great.
    Leane & Bodhi

    I am writing to express how completely thrilled I am to have discovered your company. My 7 1/2 yr old Rottweiler Lulu has had serious digestive and GI tract issues for the past year. She had been tested for all manner of ailments, no one could find anything definitive, and the only thing that seemed to help a bit was when I cooked food for her. She would improve for a few days, but the problems always re-surfaced. I was happy to cook for her but was concerned about meeting nutritional needs so I went to get some supplements and a gentleman at the store told me about your product. After reading the info and speaking with one of your very genuine and informed reps, I tried " Force" and got some Smooches cookies too. The change was dramatic and almost instantaneous. I couldn't believe how much Lulu improved after a few meals. She also loves the food, and still thinks I am cooking something special for her! Her digestive health is the best it's ever been and she is understandably so much happier. Our other dog is also a big fan and doing really well with it. I am truly delighted to have found you, and can't thank you enough for enabling me to bring the healthy playful and loving lulu back to our family.
    Kaitlin


    Stores, Stores, and more Stores!

    Our Store of The Month for this volume is-
    Black Dog Natural Pet Supply
    10075 SW Barbur Blvd Ste. 6B
    Portland, OR 97219
    (503)245-9922
    website (almost done): www.blackdognaturalpetsupply.com
    email: blackdognps@msn.com

    When you walk into Black Dog Natural Pet Supply, in Portland Oregon, you'll be surrounded by products that are all free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and by-products. So it is not surprising that Cheri Mumford would have chosen to carry The Honest Kitchen in her store. Black Dog Natural Pet Supply opened after the loss of her own dog, Bear, due to bone cancer. Since then she has been striving to learn and teach more about pet nutrition. Especially for dogs with serious problems like Diabetes, extreme sensitivities, and of course Cancer. Cheri's efforts to promote The Honest Kitchen products are shown as she remains top for sales in the area.

    Alaskan Natural Pet Foods- Sitka, AK 99835 Tel: 907.747.6426
    Alpha Pet Supply- Tenino, WA 98589 Tel: 360.264.7211
    Healthy Pets Northwest- two Portland locations, OR- Tel: 503.249.6571 and 503.236.8036 web: www.healthypetsnw.com
    Life Source Natural Food- Salem, OR 97302 Tel: 503.361.7973
    Maxwell Dog- Studio City, CA 91604 Tel: 818.505.8411
    Tails Pet Essentials and Gifts- San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel: 805.544.7387
    Aunt Judy's- Ashland, OH 44805 Tel: 419.289.9567
    Broad Ripple Animal Clinic- Indianapolis, IN 46220 Tel: 317.257.5521
    Karyn's Fresh Corner- Chicago, IL 60614 Tel: 312.255.1590
    Plan B Pets- Estes Park, CO 80517 Tel: 970.577.9184
    Simply DogsNorthwood, NH 03261 Tel: 603-942-8970
    Hot Diggity's Second location- Mashpee, MA 02649 Tel: 508-477-bone
    Beasty Feast- New York, NY 10014 Tel: 212.620.7099
    Posh- Pets Grooming & Boarding- Brooklyn, NY 11217 Tel: 718.230.1742
    Dog Abby Daycare, Ltd.- Brooklyn, NY 11231 Tel: 718.387.7767
    Dog House Chef - Amory, MS 38821 Tel: 662.257.4081
    Merrymac Dog Training & Nutrition Center- Marietta, GA 30066 Tel: 770.579.3865
    The Dawg Wash/Central Dawgma- Fredrick, MD 21701 Tel: 301.846.7771

    Please visit our website store directory for more store listings. Click here!

    Canada:
    Fit Dogs Toronto, ON M4M 2G3 Tel: 416.929.9287

    Online Stores:
    www.blossumvalleypetsupply.com- El Cajon, CA 92021 Tel: 619.334.2268
    www.doogiefood.comKingstown, RI 02852 Tel:401.667.0110
    www.food4pets.comStevensville, MD 21666 Tel: 410.643.3426
    www.seniorpetproducts.com Santa Monica, CA 90404 Tel: 310.315.2823


    Toxins & Vaccines

    Contamination in pet foods, as well as in our own (people) food is increasing, leading to chronic health problems. The issue begins when crops are grown with the use of genetically modified plants, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides; and continues with antibiotics, growth stimulants, hormones and other drugs given to livestock who consume these crops. This is not the end, more chemicals can be added to the meat before purchasing from the butcher; additives for coloring, softening, and preserving. A dog or cat's ability to detoxify the body and eliminate the buildup is limited to more naturally-occurring toxins, as opposed to today's MAN-ufactured chemicals. Once a body cannot detoxify a chemical, it must be stored in the tissues, thus interfering with normal function.

    Too much unnatural stimulation through commercial pet foods, over-vaccination, chemical pesticide treatments, and parasite infestation all lead to a breakdown in the body's immune and defense system.

    For example, if your pet is prone to seizures, these can be exacerbated by and increase in recurrence due to nutritional deficiencies. Research has shown that 100% commercial pet food feeding and parasitic infection are the main factors involved. This is not to say that seizures also arise from chemical imbalances and deficiencies, but moreso it is the buildup of factors inhibiting the body's natural function. Your companion should have access to fresh, minimally processed food, free of synthetic ingredients and preservatives, fillers, sugars and salt.

    All of The Honest Kitchen's blends are produced with human food grade ingredients, not feed grade (commercial pet foods). We use only hormone and antibiotic free meats of US origin, all of the fruits and veggies are Certified Non-Genetically Modified, our grains are Certified Organic as well as the flax seed and kelp. We Do Not use artificial preservatives, by- products, fillers, dyes, added salts or sugars. We do not use any of the red flag allergen-forming products of soy, rice, wheat, corn. These ingredients can also be hard for your pet to digest. Honest Kitchen diets are designed for the health benefits of our four footed ones and yours.

    When looking at the effects of Vaccinations, most Holistic Veterinarians and Practitioners believe that these contribute highly to the acute and chronic health problems now abundant in our four-legged friends. The purpose of an inoculation is to create a ‘mini-disease,' therefore allowing a body's defense system to engage and become resistant to the pathogen that was presented. However, in a more natural rendition of the story, when a dog or cat comes across a harmful substance, be it a pathogen, pollen, or foreign substance, the body's frontline of defense allows the animal multiple ways of warding off illness, namely at the ports of entry (skin, nose, mouth, and other mucous membranes). Conventional Veterinary practices calling for repeated vaccinations are slowly changing, as more research has indicated that antibody concentrations are sufficient to postpone annual vaccinations to every three years. Be sure to ask plenty of questions at your pet annual check up. Do your homework on vaccines and know when to say 'no'!!

    Most of the acute and chronic health problems arise from the combination vaccines given. For a canine, these include Parvovirus mixed with distemper, adenovirus, leptospirosis, and coronavirus. With this approach, several powerful pathogens sidestep the frontline defenses, rushing directly into the bloodstream. It is no wonder the immune system might get confused and overwhelmed, and attack the body itself.

    There are alternatives to vaccinating; one being less frequent inoculations. Take a stand against over-vaccinating by having your dog or cat's blood sent in for a ‘titer'. Your Veterinarian can send in a sample for this, a titer simply tests the concentration of antibodies to assess whether vaccination of that particular pathogen is necessary. If you are vaccinating; insist on single vaccination, 1 per visit, and only vaccinate a healthy pet (i.e. not at the same time you pet us undergoing surgery or other compromising procedures).

    Also, play an active role in decreasing the unnatural stimulants your dog or cat has to endure. This might take some time, however worth it all as you become educated and empowered in making the difference in the longevity or quality of your four-legged friend's life.

    If you would like more information on how to go about beginning this transition, please call or email us, we would be happy to help! Or reference Dr. Pitcairn's Natural Health for Dogs & Cats.

    Visit our resource page for additional recommendations. Click here!


    The Rabies Challenge Fund

    For the coming month, the Rabies Challenge fund will be our chosen charity, receiving a portion of the profits from all double pack sales.

    World-renowned vaccine research scientist and practicing veterinarian, Dr. W. Jean Dodds of California, and pet vaccine disclosure advocate, Kris L. Christine of Maine, have established The Rabies Challenge Fund to raise money to fund a 7 year rabies vaccine challenge study in the United States. This study aims to determine whether vaccinating with rabies at seven year intervals offers sufficient protection against the disease, versus more frequent vaccination.

    Many pet caregivers are becoming aware of the possibility that over-vaccination can have harmful effects on pets - and the Rabies vaccine is no exception. The incidence of rabies exposure in companion animals and humans, though very low today, still remains a distinct possibility. Consequently, the Federal and state governments require every dog to be vaccinated against Rabies every three years (still even annually or biannually in a few states).

    However, the veterinary community is increasingly concerned that rabies vaccination given this frequently is not only unnecessary but also responsible for inducing adverse reactions that lead to both acute and chronic immunological and other disorders. Although a French medical study completed in 1992 showed that rabies vaccine is protective for at least five years, Federal and state legislatures have not accepted this finding. Thus, the health and well-being of millions of dogs in the United States remain threatened by the potential for adverse vaccine reactions.
    In addition to the challenge study, the fund will finance a study of the adjuvants used in veterinary rabies vaccines and establish a rabies vaccine adverse reaction reporting system.

    To order a Double Pack Click here!

    For additional information on this study Click here!


    Cleansing recipe

    Spring cleansing with Blended Greens recipe- helps to flush those toxins before they seep in deep. When you see how green this recipe whips up you too will feel clean.

    We do what we can to help limit the amount of chemicals our pets are exposed to, but life is not always that free of toxins. Think of where those paws go in a day; parks with fertilizers, de-icing chemicals on the sidewalk, water pollution they swim in, air pollutants, carpet and car cleaning agents, etc. Now can you count how many times your pet licks himself clean in a day!

    This is a nice mix of some cleansing herbs and veggies that can be mixed into a fresh Honest Kitchen meal, or if you are strong, this mix can be used to aid in a 1 day fast for your dog. Cat fasts are not recommended more then 12 hours, especially in over-weight felines.

    (Organic, fresh ingredients are recommended)
    2 cup spinach (washed)
    1 medium zucchini (chopped into chunks)
    2 stocks of celery (chopped into chunks)
    1 tsp. lemon zest
    2 cup parsley
    2 cloves garlic (optional use for cats)
    2 cups filtered water

    Place water and herbs in blender, mix in blender until evenly distributed. Add remander of ingredients, puree for 1- 2 min. Serve fresh, refrigerate remainder. Mixture will stay fresh in fridge for 2 to 3 days. You can alternate some of the veggies; try kale, chicory, and apples.

    Spinach- anti- oxidant to aid in eliminating free radicals released in the cleanse, also raw spinach aids in the removal of fat-soluble toxins.
    Garlic- helps remove discarded hormones and drugs. Garlic should be used freshly chopped or mashed, upon oxidation is when the healing properties become most active. When feeding garlic to cats limited intervals and small doses are recommended.
    Parsley- diuretic helps to remove and flush kidney toxins
    Lemon- helps to neutralize liver toxins

    This mixture can be added to your pets Honest Kitchen meal for 1 week for a nice cleanse. Provide plenty of fresh filtered water and a healthy amount of fresh spring weather exercise.

    To visit Honest Kitchen's recipe book. click here!


    Book review

    Four Paws Five Directions by Cheryl Schwartz, DVM
    Our book review this month is on a book which encompasses Acupuncture, Herbal medicine, Acupressure, & Food therapies. Four Paws Five Directions delves into the world of Chinese Medicine, simplifying this complex practice of preventative healthcare. The book was published ten years ago and has been a mainstay in our office here since The Honest Kitchen's inception four years ago.

    TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine can be a bit daunting at first, especially in a Western world where preventive modalities are not frequently used in the conventional Western medical approach. The book's outline covers Chinese Medicine theory – complete with an explanation of Meridians and the Five Elements, which are important in recognizing imbalances in the patient's constitution. Dr. Schwartz then goes through Diagnosis, Treatment; with each body system explained, and a List of Plates. These plates correspond to Meridians and Acupressure points. Personally, I appreciated the photos of her dog & cat models used for the plate depictions, as they were achieved through an obviously gentle and ultra-humane approach - with a cat shown batting a ball of string to show the underbelly. And although the terminology is extensive, Dr. Schwartz breaks down each philosophy as well as giving examples from canine and feline patients she has treated herself. With clear, uncomplicated strategies to diet and acupressure, you can assess the constitution of your dog or cat, and apply these at home.

    We should also mention that The Honest Kitchen does not endorse a book with the intent of anything other than sharing our experiences and knowledge of publications that have made an impact in our lives, or those of our four-legged friends.

    For a list of additional recommended readings please click here!

    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.


           
    designed by digital-telepathy : .
    		Copyright 2004 - The Honest Kitchen