I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.

For more than 18 months, I've been on this endless road of seemingly small jobs working with companion animals. Each one meaningful but the sum of it all is still shaping itself. I'm hoping by doing the little jobs very very very well, the big one will come. I'm trying to get my foot into the door of an industry that is making genuine, positive differences in the health and well-being of pets.

I'm taking risks and thinking outside the box. I'm out there talking to strangers convincing them that I can help them.  So far, they're listening and asking questions. Now, I need them to believe in me and say Yes! But just how do I do that?

I know that my self-doubts fall away when I'm clear, honest and passionate about my goals. All I can do is stay on course.  

Persevere.

Breathless, we flung us on a windy hill; Laughed in the sun, and kissed the lovely grass.

If you are thinking about taking a special trip with your dog, there is one place you must go...together...Glen Highland Farm in New York. GHF hosts an awesome Camp for dogs and their people in July and from July to October, vacation with your dog(s) on 175 acres of beautiful rolling hills via Country Getaways.

We drove coast to coast a few years back with Josey & Lucas to vacation at GHF. The trip was simply amazing. At GHF, BCs were off-leash on the trails and everywhere else on the property, too.

This photo pretty much says it all - pure freedom and joy....

All progress occurs because people dare to be different.

I love to cook and read recipes. So I thought it interesting to collect ingredient lists (1) from 11 frozen raw food chicken products and where I could find it, I pulled guaranteed analysis info, too. Most look just like my grocery list! We can learn a lot from them.

Get the Facts
Do you read human & dog food labels and ask - What does this term really mean? I'm talking about natural, organic, free-range, hormone-free, etc. In college I studied soil science so when I think of organic, it is a sustainable way of producing & harvesting food crops without conventional pesticides and fertilizers, etc. At the moment, I know no one can claim that organic produce is more nutritious than conventionally grown produce. The scientific evidence is just not there yet; but it's coming! Because dog food companies claim to use human-grade food stuffs, the facts below pertain to human foods and may or may not apply to dog foods.

• No steroid hormones are approved for use in poultry (chicken & turkey) and swine (pork). (2)
• Certain steroid hormones have been approved for use at very low concentrations to increase the rate of weight gain and/or improve feed efficiency in beef cattle. (2)
• A product containing no artificial ingredient or added color and is only minimally processed (a process which does not fundamentally alter the raw product) may be labeled natural. (3)
• "No antibiotics added" may be used on labels for meat or poultry products if sufficient documentation is provided by the producer to the [USDA] demonstrating that the animals were raised without antibiotics. (3)
  
• The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people. (4)
• Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that products are completely free of residues; however, methods are used to minimize pollution from air, soil and water. (4)
• Natural does not mean organic. Natural and organic are not interchangeable. Other truthful claims, such as free-range, hormone-free, and natural, can still appear on food labels. However, don't confuse these terms with "organic." (5)

I like these facts because I can balance it with what I already know. They guide me. Helps me decide if that package of organic, antibiotic-free, hormone-free boneless chicken meat is worth buying.
 
Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!
I respect the companies (below) for daring to be different in the pet food industry. Though frozen raw food, in my opinion, should stay a niche market. It's too unconventional for the mainstream. Each chicken recipe below is unique and we already know there is no right or wrong way to feed raw. Some products appear more homemade looking than others. Some come in commercial packaging and others packed in simple containers. A few with added vitamin and mineral supplements and others without. Read on!

Aunt Jeni's Chicken - Ingredients: Bell & Evans® Chicken; Chicken heart; Chicken liver; Chicken gizzards; finely ground, real, raw Chicken bones; pureed carrots, broccoli, cabbage, sweet potatoes, and apples; farm-fresh whole eggs (including shells); ground organic flax seeds; fresh garlic; raw, unpasteurized honey; organic, unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar; powdered organic alfalfa and kelp; fresh parsley. Guaranteed Analysis: Moisture 71.0%, Protein 10.0%, Fat 10.0%, Fiber 2.0%, Ash 2.3%, Calcium 1.07%, Phosphorus 0.85%.

Bravo Original Formula Chicken - Ingredients: Antibiotic-free chicken necks & frames, antibiotic-free chicken, antibiotic-free chicken organs (hearts, gizzards, liver), green beans, acorn squash, broccoli. Guaranteed Analysis: Moisture 70.38%, Protein 14.24%, Fat 8.32%, Fiber 0.2%, Ash 3.41%, Calcium 0.96%, Phosphorus 0.60%.

Creston Valley Meats Berry Chicken Mix - Ingredients: ground chicken with bone and organs, Spinach, Squash, Broccoli, Carrots, Raspberries, Blueberries, flax seed, honey, salmon oil. Guaranteed Analysis: No information available.

Excel K9 Diet Chicken - Ingredients: Whole ground chicken, including bone and organ meat, assorted fruits and vegetables as season permits, kelp, alfalfa, lecithin, whole egg, organic apple cider vinegar, organic salmon oil. Guaranteed Analysis: No information available.

K9 Kraving Chicken & Vegetable - Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Hearts, Chicken Gizzards, Chicken Liver, Ground Chicken Bone, Sweet Potato, Broccoli, Linseed (Flax) Meal, Sunflower Meal, Tomato Pumice (Dry), Carrots (Dry), Kelp (Dry), Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Natural, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin A, Niacin, D Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin, Selenoyeast, Biotin, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine HCL, Thiamine Mononitrate, Cobalt Carbonate, Folic Acid, EDDI (source of iodine). Guaranteed Analysis, As Fed: Crude Protein (Min.) 13.0%; Crude Fiber (Max.) 1.0%; Crude Fat (Min.) 10.0%; Moisture (Max.) 70.0%.

Nature's Variety Chicken - Ingredients: Chicken, Raw Ground Chicken Bone, Turkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Heart, Apples, Carrots, Butternut Squash, Ground Flaxseeds, Montmorillonite Clay, Chicken Eggs, Broccoli, Lettuce, Spinach, Dried Kelp, Apple Cider Vinegar, Parsley, Honey, Salmon Oil, Olive Oil, Blueberries, Alfalfa Sprouts, Persimmons, Duck Eggs, Pheasant Eggs, Quail Eggs, Inulin, Rosemary, Sage, Clove. Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min): 13.0%; Crude Fat (min): 6.0%; Crude Fiber (max): 2.0%; Moisture (max): 68.0%.

Primal Chicken Mix - Ingredients: Chicken Neck, Chicken Frames, Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Organic Carrots, Organic Dandelion Greens, Mango, Organic Apples, Organic Parsley. Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 13.0%; Crude Fat (min) 6.0%; Crude Fiber (max) 1.0%; Moisture (max) 71.0%.

Raw Advantage Organic Chicken Dinner - Ingredients: organic chicken, organic millet, organic oats, organic carrots, organic zucchini, organic kale, organic beets, organic ground flaxseed, organic dried kelp, organic wheatgrass, organic garlic powder and organic lecithin. Guaranteed Analysis: No information available.

SmallBatch Chicken - Ingredients: Free Range Chicken Frames (including muscle meat and bone), Yams*, Egg Yolks*, Kale*, Carrots*, Broccoli*, Squash*, Basil*, Parsley*, Rosemary*, Salmon Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar*, Kelp*, Bee Pollen*, Grapefruit Seed Extract*. (*organic) Guaranteed Analysis: Moisture 72.2%; Protein 12.1%; Fat 9.9%; Fiber 0.5%; Ash 2.8%; Calcium 0.51%; Phosphorus 0.3%.

Stella & Chewy's Chicken - Ingredients: Chicken (ground with bone), chicken liver, chicken gizzard, pumpkin seed, organic cranberries, organic spinach, organic broccoli, organic beets, organic carrots, organic squash, organic apples, organic blueberries, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, direct-fed microorganisms (Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Enterococcus faecium), magnesium oxide, natural tocopherols, vitamin E supplement, biotin, potassium iodide, vitamin D3 supplement. Guaranteed Analysis: crude protein min 15.0%; crude fat min 9.0%; crude fiber max 2.0%; moisture max 70.0%.

Steve's Real Food Chicken - Ingredients: Ground chicken (with ground bone), Broccoli, Romaine Lettuce, Carrots, Cantaloupe, Chicken livers, Chicken gizzards, Flaxseed, Egg Shell Powder, Sardine/Anchovy Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Kelp, Sea Salt, Extract of Chicory (FOS), Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Rosemary Extract, Natural Flavors. Guaranteed Analysis: Protein: 10.0% minimum; Fat: 6.0% minimum; Fiber: 1.0% maximum; Moisture: 78.0% minimum.

Bottom Line: Reading through the ingredients, helps me sort out what's most important in a frozen raw food product. Raw is a part of my variety/rotation feeding method and these products make it convenient. At the same time, I'm interested in learning how to make it myself, too. 

Resources:
(1) All of the product ingredients were sourced from companies’ websites.
(2) Food & Drug Administration (FDA) - Product Safety Information on Steroid Hormones
(3) U.S. Department of Agriculture - Meat & Poultry Labeling Terms
(4) Organic Trade Association - National Organic Standards Board Definition of "Organic"
(5) U.S. Department of Agriculture - Understanding Organic

Notes: This post was updated on October 20, 2010 to include facts on meat and poultry labeling. Other updates were made, too.

It is not down in any map; true places never are.

Kitty Hawk - 2004

Josey when she was 6 months old at Kitty Hawk, 

where we exercise during the fall & winter seasons.

There is comfort and joy watching Josey 

take the same route to the fence line year after year.

Every exit is an entry somewhere.

The other day I blogged about the foster BCs that have come through our home. I'm happy (and sad) to tell you that Juno found her Forever Home today! In the rain we drove to the mega dog park at Point Isabel to meet J & S. Immediately, J was smitten with Juno but sensed that S (the wife) had hesitations. Juno was a sweetheart the whole time at the busy dog park with the rain and all. She charmed them for sure. When it came down to making a decision about whether or not Juno would go home with them, S burst into tears. She was not sure if she was ready to let go of "Kira" (her BC mix that died 5 months ago). We were all quiet; but that's when Juno jumped into her lap to say, You're ready. I pretty much lost it after that, seeing that little gesture from Juno. I cried when I said good-bye to Juno (and I had not cried for Jim or Maddie). It just came pouring out...still not sure why. Juno will get a lot of love with her new family (and they plan to add a second dog later on). I'll feel better once I hear from Juno's Forever Home in a few days.

Hey Juno!  Lucas looked for you when I came home from the road trip. The first thing Josey did was pick up and play with the last toy you touched as if to reclaim it. I'll be missing you June Bug.

The art of reading between the lines is as old as manipulated information.

Innovation is at an all time high in the dog food industry. Take something we already know about human health, diet, exercise and weight management and apply it to dogs. Ta-dah! A new product that claims it will forever change the way consumers feed their dogs. It's called Proportions by SmartPak Canine. Proportions? Are you kidding me? Say proportions 3 times! In a nutshell, SmartPak combined 3 of their existing products PortionPaks (of dry dog food), LiveSmart Hearty Stew and LiveSmart Harvest Mix into this new snazzy product called "Proportions Whole Food Program." Are you snickering yet? According to this website: "Proportions program touts itself as a healthy alternative to the conventional canine diet & works by:

1. Reducing carbohydrates and starches by feeding a reduced portion of high quality dry food;
2. Increasing healthy, natural proteins and vegetables via a “stew” portion; and
3. Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in the diet with a “harvest mix” portion."

More from Proportions' website: "Proportions has created a convenient, easy way for anyone to feed a whole food diet.  Simply pour the 3 separate pouches of Hearty Stew, Crunchy Blend and Harvest Mix into his bowl and stir. Because of the delicious pumpkin soup, there’s no need to add water!"

Here's a snap shot from the SmartPak catalog - a "thought provoking" write up called 

"Four ways to you can build a better bowl of dog food."

1, 2, 3, 4 read more about each below

Here are SmartPak's products that make-up the Proportions Whole Food Program (though I'm not sure if the 4th product is included). We love to read labels and ask questions here at Around the Dog Bowl. 

Take a look for yourself, too!

BTW LiveSmart does not make a grain-free dog food

LiveSmart Chicken and Brown Rice Adult Formula (dry food)


"A high protein (24%) formula made with wholesome, high quality ingredients." [You can choose any dry food they sell (I think) for this component of the feeding program.]
Size: PortionPak (you specify amount per pak); 15 lb. and 30 lb. bags. Price: PortionPak prices vary;  15 lb. bag $22.95; 30 lb. bag $43.95. Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oats, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat (Naturally Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, a Source of Vitamin E), Dried Eggs, Natural Flavor, Whole Ground Flaxseed, Whole Sweet Potatoes, Whole Carrots, Whole Apples, Herring Oil, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Garlic, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium thermophilum Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium longum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Lecithin, Choline Chloride, Zinc Proteinate (source of Zinc), Iron Proteinate (source of Iron), Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate (source of Manganese), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Cobalt Proteinate (source of cobalt), Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Copper Proteinate (source of Copper), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Rosemary Extract, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide (source of iodine), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite. Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein min 24.0%; Crude Fat min 14.0%; Crude Fiber max 4.0%; Moisture max 10.0%. Calories: 408 kcal/cup.

LiveSmart Hearty Stew (wet food)

"Hand-carved, human grade white meat chicken comes in a rich pumpkin soup with carrots and peas."  Size: Small (3 oz/85 g), Medium (5.3 oz/150 g), Large (7 oz/200 g); 28 individual pouches per box. (Small replaces approximately 1/4 cup of dry kibble; Medium replaces approximately 1/2 cup and Large replaced approximately 3/4 cup.) Price: Small $24.95, Medium $39.95, Large $49.95 Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Water, Pumpkin, Carrot, Pea, Tapioca Starch, Sunflower Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Fish Oil, Xanthan Gum, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Nicotinic Acid (Source of Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement (Source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement. Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein min 12.0%; Crude Fat min 1.2%; Crude Fiber max 0.5%; Moisture max 84.0%. Calories: I could not locate info on calories (kcal/cup).

LiveSmart Harvest Mix (dehydrated raw fruits & vegetables)


"Human-grade dehydrated fruit and vegetable mix includes carrots, spinach, apples, blueberries and more, as well as enzymes that aid your dog’s digestion."  
Size: 8 oz. jar or 0.5 lbs. (approximately 56 servings for dogs up to 50 lbs, 28 servings for dogs 51 lbs and over) Price: $14.95 Ingredients: Dried Carrots, Freeze Dried Broccoli, Freeze Dried Spinach, Freeze Dried Peas, Dried Apples, Freeze Dried Blueberries, Freeze Dried Bananas, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract, Dried Pancrelipase. Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein min 14.8%; Crude Fat min 2.5%; Crude Fiber max 22.0%; Moisture max 5.0%.

LiveSmart Canine Health (all-in-one supplement)


"Contains wellness ingredients that support the health of digestive, immune, joint and other systems. Helps keep dogs in peak condition with enzymes, pre- and probiotics; omega fatty acids; bioflavonoids and other antioxidants; plus glucosamine and MSM for strong bones and healthy cartilage."  
Size: bottle of 240 tablets (26-50lbs = 4 tablets daily) Price: $37.95 Ingredients: L-Glutamine, Glucosamine HCl (shellfish) 240 mg, Linolenic Acid (Omega 3) 131 mg, Taurine, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) 70 mg, Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) 31 mg, Pine Bark Extract, Fish Oil Powder supplying Eicosapentanoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexanoic Acid (DHA), N-Acetyl Cysteine, Arabinogalactan, L-Carnitine, Calcium Pantothenate (B5), Pancrelipase supplying Amylase, Protease, and Lipase, Quercetin, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Oat Beta Glucan, Ginger Root Powder, Magnesium, Curcumin Extract, Green Tea Extract (decaffeinated), Bromelain 2400 GDU, Oleic Acid (Omega 9), Alpha Lipoichylsulfonylmethane (MSM) 70 mg, Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) 31 mg, Pine Bark Extract, Fish Oil Powder supplying Eicosapentanoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexanoic Acid (DHA), N-Acetyl Cysteine, Arabinogalactan, L-Carnitine, Calcium Pantothenate (B5), Pancrelipase supplying Amylase, Protease, and Lipase, Quercetin, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Oat Beta Glucan, Ginger Root Powder, Magnesium, Curcumin Extract, Green Tea Extract (decaffeinated), Bromelain 2400 GDU, Oleic Acid (Omega 9), Alpha Lipoic Acid, Lactoferrin, PrefloratinMF Plus®(a proprietary blend of Mannanoligosaccharides, Fructooligosaccharides, L. acidophilus, and B. longum). Dried Liver (porcine), Isomalt, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stabilized Flax Seed Oil Powder. 


Bottom Line: Am I right? Clever? Anyway, informed dog owners and enthusiasts will not be fooled by this innovation. Okay, I give Proportions' website credit for having educational materials entitled "How to Read a Label" and "Good and Bad Ingredients" in their Canine Nutrition University. It is a starting point for the masses to change how they feed their dogs. Who is their target audience? I imagine people who typically buy dog food at Wal-Mart, Target or their grocery store and those who would be drawn to pretty websites like Proportions. Because of the convenience, lazy people would like it too. I could not locate a price per box of Proportions on their website - that is odd! They are providing free samples but you have to enter data about your dog and yourself.  

So...what do you think?

Disclaimer: See right side bar.

The meeting of two eternities, the past and future....is precisely the present moment.

Updates on Juno, Maddie and Jim

If you've been following us, we opened our hearts & home to foster border collies for BCRNC. It's been an amazing, surprising experience so far. Below are updates on these BCs. New to the blog? Click on each name for previous posts. Enjoy!

Juno patiently waiting for dinner

Juno - current foster BC
She is foster BC number 3. Been with us since Monday and tonight (finally), she and Lucas wrestled each other! They've been dogzoomin' daily but the wrestling-style of play lets me know that Lucas is having fun with the new dog. Josey hates the chaos (Miss Fun Police) so we keep her away to keep everyone safe. Juno is the most challenging because her energy is crazy high, almost uncontrollable. But she's figuring out our routine helping to ease her worries. She's more relaxed after heavy exercise; we walk on leash, run off leash and play with toys. A few days ago, she'd still be panting and pacing. Juno is exercised twice a day right now because it still feels like summer around here; it's just a hot mess. Two applications came in for Juno already but we immediately rejected one and the other applicant is looking at another dog too. Depending on that outcome, Juno may or may not have her Forever Home this weekend. Meanwhile, I'm relying on Lucas to help me teach Juno to play and relax, too!

When BCs find Forever Homes, I keep in touch during a two-week period. It's not standard protocol but I think follow through is important. The lives of these adopted dogs have changed once again and being there helps them, new owners and me, too. I'm surprised that I think of them as often as I do.  Updates are always fun. Here are email excerpts from their new owners...

Maddie - adopted (fostered Sept-Oct)
"Within minutes after you left, Maddie started running laps around the house at top speed with Lacey on her tail. She made the pond a stop on one of her laps and dove in like she's been doing it her whole life. She is a VERY powerful swimmer and has absolutely NO fear of water. Her and Lacey now make regular trips to cool off and of course chase a toy if I throw it in. Her and Lacey became immediate friends and were rolling around and play biting. Maddie looks to her like a big sister and tags her around everywhere and they play constantly. She also gets along great with our little 14 yr old Holly. No playing for the old lady of course but Maddie never bothers or chases her. We'll be inviting other play friends over after she gets settled in.

Maddie has got to be the best snuggler as you know. She never hesitates to make herself a space on the couch or the bed. You've taught her well on kenneling because she immediately took to her dog house and will wait there until her food is served. Also, kudos on the obedience and leash training, you made it a snap for me to continue. She sits, lies down, heals and is getting better every day with a stay. She's very smart! Oddly I didn't hear her bark until yesterday. Of course she does the "woo woo" greeting which is most endearing, but is almost silent otherwise. I truly believe she must have some Basenji in her.

I could go on and on. We are so incredibly happy with Maddie and thank you for everything you've done and for allowing her into our lives."

Jim - adopted (fostered July-Sept)
Jim's new owner is the worrying-type. She was anxious about taking him to the dog park because she just adopted him but I reassured her that his social skills are rock-solid. In fact, Jim and I went to the dog park half a dozen times and there was never an issue. He was Velcro the first time but once he figured the place out, all was well. Here's a happy progress report on Jim:

"I took him to the dog park in Roseville this morning. He was a little scared, which I anticipated, and kept his tail tightly tucked between his legs. We walked around the park for at least 1/2 hour, so he could smell and investigate everything. After about 45 minutes, I began to see a change in his demeanor. He started gaining confidence and his tail came out from between his legs, he became curious about the other dogs, and the next thing I knew he was racing out to the middle to herd a black Lab who was chasing a ball. He suddenly started having so much fun, and would run with the other dogs, but always mindful of where I was and returning periodically to check on me. It was a little disconcerting having a couple of Great Danes, a Pit-bull, and a Boxer who weren't exactly well-behaved, and he looked really little compared to all the other big dogs. I was worried for his safety, but he had a blast and got to expend some energy! He was one fast little runner and his speed really surprised me! He was a tired pup when we returned home, and I figured this would be a good time to try and leave him for a bit. When I returned, there were a lot less drips on the floor by the window, so I think he napped and hopefully, was less anxious about my leaving."