18 minute read
BEYOND KIBBLE
How to Shop for the Healthiest Pet Food
by Sheila Julson
People are always striving to improve the quality of life for their pets. For some, this means making homemade dog and cat food or buying meat directly from a local butcher, but not all pet parents have the necessary time, space or finances. While there are better quality kibble and canned pet foods available today than in the past, along with frozen raw and freeze-dried raw foods, an overwhelming volume of choices can confuse even the savviest consumer.
Cecille O’Brien Greenleaf, a holistic veterinarian in San Jose, California, advises pet parents to use the same criteria they do when shopping for human food—look for the freshest, cleanest ingredients possible, a limited ingredient panel and no chemicals and pesticides.
“Look for human-grade ingredients that offer the most vitality,” she emphasizes.
She notes that some larger manufacturers have been caught using the least expensive ingredients they could find, including diseased animals that have been rejected from the human supply chain. Ingredients on panels are listed by weight from highest to lowest, so the first one listed is the one that weighs the most. It should be pure meat—chicken, beef, venison or fish. Proteins such as chicken liver, organ meat or eggs may follow. “If there are many synthesized items in the ingredient list, that is to be avoided,” she says.
Frozen raw and dehydrated raw foods provide optimal nutrition while more closely mimicking
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pets’ primal eating patterns. The extrusion process that some pet food manufacturers use to make kibble can overcook the product. To compensate, synthesized vitamins are often sprayed onto the finished product, similar to how many children’s breakfast cereals are produced, she explains.
When purchasing kibble, look for brands that are minimally processed and provide vitamins directly from the ingredients; a long list of supplements on an ingredient list means the food has been highly processed.
There has been recent debate within the animal care community as to whether grain-free diets are more helpful or harmful to pets. O’Brien Greenleaf notes the jury is still out on how some grains affect pets or whether grain-free diets are better. “It depends on how contaminated or genetically modified the grains are, and whether grains agree with your pet,” she says. Testing is now available to help determine ingredients to which a pet may be allergic.
She also recommends adding high-quality fish oil to pet’s food to help quell inflammation that can cause skin issues and other disorders.
Smaller Manufacturers Emphasize Quality Control
Randi Ross owns the franchise in Campbell, California, for Ben’s Barketplace, a Northern California pet food store chain that specializes in quality foods for dogs and cats. She notes that corporate mergers and acquisitions over the years have put many large
pet food brands that are carried at big-box Adding high-quality fish stores into the hands of conglomerates that also produce candy, soap and other oil to pet’s food will help non-pet products. This can lead to lack of oversight and quality control issues. quell inflammation that Many smaller, specialty pet food stores can cause skin issues and carefully screen the brands they carry. They offer products made by smaller other disorders. companies that produce just pet food and embrace a holistic, farm-to-table philosophy regarding how they source their ingredients and manufacture their foods. The melamine pet food recall of 2007, in which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found chemical contaminants in vegetable proteins imported from China used as ingredients in pet food, prompted many people to look for “Made in the United States” on packages. However, even if a brand is labeled as American- or North American-made, it doesn’t necessarily mean all of the ingredients were sourced from America, Ross says. Freeze-dried raw meal toppers and pour-over broths have become popular ways to add nutrition and flavor to kibble. When purchasing those products, she says, the same rules apply as when shopping for food: look for single or limited-ingredients on product panels and be wary of excessive filler ingredients like corn or wheat. “We help educate people on the true cost of pet ownership,” Ross says. “Spending a little more money now on high-quality pet food ultimately keeps dogs and cats healthier, reducing the need for veterinarian visits, pharmaceuticals and antibiotics.” Sheila Julson is a Milwaukee-based freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings magazines throughout the country.
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We carry the top holistic brands of Dog and Cat food. We Carry a large seletion of Raw and Freeze dried diets.
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MARCH-MAY
Rooted Visionaries – Self-acceptance, chi gong, sexual embodiment. Heal trauma and receive community support. 2 workshops weekly and a monthly session for $222. Mother Bear Sanctuary, 20470 Barton Rd, Pinckney. 734-796-6690. Mother BearSanctuary.com.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2
Deepening Your Connection with Your An-
gels and Guides – Wednesdays, Mar 2-Apr 20. 6-7:30pm. Course designed to offer confidence and clarity to consciously source and strengthen that connection. $120/series, $20/class. Higher Self Bookstore, 313 E Front St, Traverse City. Pre-registration required: 231-941-5805 or Higher SelfBookstore.com.
THURSDAY, MARCH 3
Online: Vegan Indian Cuisine – 6-7pm. Tarah and Satya of Zest Plant-Based Kitchen will share some easy and delicious Indian dishes that you can make to warm up a winter evening. $10. Register: Oryana.coop. Alicia Olatuja: Intuition: Songs from the Minds of Women – 7:30pm. Olatuja has been astounding audiences with her exquisite vocals, artistic versatility and captivating demeanor since she first came into the national spotlight in 2013. $40, $30, $15/ students. City Opera House, 106 E Front St, Traverse City. CityOperaHouse.org.
FRIDAY, MARCH 4
FWW Conversation: Women + Money Panel Dis-
cussion – 12-1pm. Join the Foundations of Wellness for Women for a panel discussion with 3 experts on money and finance. If even the thought of talking about money and finances makes you feel uneasy, learning more about it may help set your mind at ease. Bring your money and finance questions to the experts. $18. Via Zoom. 734-418-2188. Register: Tinyurl.com/yckzy3jc.
SATURDAY, MARCH 5
Medical Intuitive Readings – 11am-6pm. Kathleen Sherman is a Medical Intuitive, Channel and Reiki Master. She combines Medical Intuition, Shamanism and Quantum Energy Healing for soul realignment. $55/30 mins, $111/60 mins. Higher Self Bookstore, 313 E Front St, Traverse City. Pre-registration required: 231-941-5805 or Higher SelfBookstore.com.
FRIDAY, MARCH 11
Seminar: Your Personal Path to Everyday Ful-
fillment – 7-9pm. Webinar focused on personal healing and self-love. After the webinar, hosted by Rise Anew, LLC, learn to live your life with contentment, self-love, happiness that radiates from within, a positive outlook, purpose, and the ability to be happy both alone and within relationships. Free. Calendly.com/riseanew/fulfilled. Fierce Women’s Conference – 9:30am-3pm. Conference will leave you feeling refreshed, restored, empowered and fierce. $20. 2445 S Lincoln Rd, Mount Pleasant. Tinyurl.com/2zej9z2e. Guided Snowshoe Hike – 10am. Executive Director Angie Quinn leads on a tour on wooded, snowy trails to view the sculptures in the Art Park. If there is no snow, it will be a hike. $5/adults, free/children. Michigan Legacy Art Park, Crystal Mountain. More info: MichLegacyArtPark.org. Guided Winter Hike – 10-11am. Enjoy the tour led by Executive Director Angie Quinn as we snowshoe/ hike over approximately 1.5 miles of hilly wooded trails to view the sculptures in the Art Park. $5/adult, free/children & veterans. Michigan Legacy Art Park, 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville. 231620-4025. MichLegacyArtPark.org.
Seminar: Your Personal Path to Everyday Fulfill-
ment – 10am-12pm. See Mar 11 listing. Calendly. com/riseanew/fulfilled.
Tapping Maple Trees – 11am-12:30pm. Program will cover all of the equipment you need to get started, as well as how to do it at home. Get a chance to tap a tree, and see maple syrup being made, from tree to bottle. $10/person. Grass River Natural Area, 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire. Must register: GrassRiver.org.
SUNDAY, MARCH 13
ONLINE: The Equinox Challenge – Mar 13-20. 9-10am. Energetic Geometry is offering a 7-day exploration of the history, rituals, and spirituality of the equinox sun, hosted by Karen and Dominique Susani. Participate in simple, but potent exercises; discover sacred equinox alignments; explore healing rituals from ancient times; prepare charged healing water, a secret guarded by the alchemists; and feel the beauty of the equinox sun and expand their spirituality. $37. Register: EnergeticGeometry.com.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
2022 Business Expo & Taste of Charlevoix – 4-7pm. Features vendor booths in a wide range of categories, including retail, professional, industry, service, tourism and more. Also features restaurants offering attendees a sampling of their culinary specialties. $5 admission. Castle Farms, 5052 M-66, Charlevoix. Charlevoix.org.
SATURDAY, MARCH 19
MapleFest – 11am-3pm. Stop by any time and see the process in action of making maple syrup. Ask staff questions and hike on the trail to see where we tap trees, hang buckets and lines, and collect the sap. Grass River Natural Area, 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire. GrassRiver.org.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23
Kayak Tour Zoom Class – 12-1pm. Join Education Director, James Dake, on a virtual paddle down the river to learn the natural history of the river, its flora and fauna, and GRNA’s conservation efforts. Free. Register: GrassRiver.org.
FRIDAY, APRIL 1
First Fridays in Downtown – 3-6pm. Also held May 6. Enjoy shopping, random giveaways, great food from local restaurants, and kid-friendly activities in Hoop Skirt and Van Pelt Alleys. 109 Mason St, Charlevoix. DowntownCharlevoix.com.
FRIDAY, APRIL 8
Yoga Retreat Weekend at Chateau Chantal – Apr 8-10. With Cristin Hosmer. A retreat weekend that combines creativity, playfulness and inspiration into a variety of classes focused on Spring and Renewal. $496-$684. 15900 Rue de Vin, Traverse City. Reservations required: 231-223-4110. ChateauChantal.com.
SATURDAY, APRIL 9
Basics of Photography 101 – 10am-1pm. With the Charlevoix Photography Club. Will cover topics such as how to best use the camera you have, shooting modes, settings, the exposure triangle, the rule of thirds and composition, editing your photos and more. Charlevoix Circle of Arts, 109 Clinton St, Charlevoix. Pre-registration required: CharlevoixCircle.org.
ongoing events
daily
Sacred Lights Collective Events – Begins Mar 20. A digital platform and virtual community for seekers and facilitators to walk the spiritual path together offering daily classes, groups and workshops. With Aria Mae Everts. Virtual. 774-578-2762. SacredLightsCollective.com.
sundays
Men’s Circle: Stories in Council – 6:30pm. 1st Sun. An open group of men who come together in a safe, confidential space to share and gain from each other’s experience and presence. Free. Yoga Bellaire, 216 Portage Dr, Bellaire. YogaBellaire. com.
mondays
Cancer Care Support Discovery Call – 6-6:30pm. For those looking to incorporate a holistic, functional element of care into their cancer treatment plan by working in conjunction with your oncologists, surgeons, primary care physician and physical medicine practitioners. More info: MIHolisticMed.com.
Empowerment Circle – 10:30-11:30am. With Heather Zigler. By bringing new light to an ancient and traditional tool used by indigenous people around the globe. Circles are a place to transform ME to WE as a space where the principle of sharing power with each other exists instead of having power over one another. 1st class free. Pure Essence Wellness Center, 1240 E 8th St, Traverse City. 231499-8595. HeatherZigler.com. Turntables and Tacos – 4pm-close. Stone Hound Brewing Company, 3593 Bunker Hill Rd, Williamsburg. 231-421-5010. StoneHoundBrewing.com.
wednesdays
Empowerment Circle – 5:30-6:30pm. See Tues listing. Pure Essence Wellness Center, 1240 E 8th St, Traverse City. 231-499-8595. HeatherZigler. com. Trivia – 7-9pm. Hosted by Quizding. Stone Hound Brewing Company, 3593 Bunker Hill Rd, Williamsburg. 231-421-5010. StoneHoundBrewing.com.
thursdays
Gentle Yoga – Feb 10-Mar 3; Apr 7-28; May 5-26. 10-11am. 4-wk sessions. With Janae Ernst. Incorporates mindful movement, breath work and somatic exploration to reduce stress and cultivate ease. No experience necessary. $50/nonmember, $45/ member, $15/drop-in. Charlevoix Circle of Arts, 109 Clinton St, Charlevoix. CharlevoixCircle.org. Weekly Facebook Live with Dr. McSwain – 5:306pm. More info: MIHolisticMed.com.
The Goddess Workout Beginner Hula Dance
Class – 6:30-7:30pm. For absolute beginners of all ages, sizes and shapes. Learn basic hula moves and combinations. $80/8-wk session, $15/drop-in. First Congregational Church, 8066 W State St, Central Lake. AmiraHamzarRaks.com. Red Tent: Women’s Circle – 7pm. 2nd Thurs. Meet local women, share your journey and grow together. Hosted by Aria, Red Tents are a gentle introduction to women’s sacred circles. Free. Yoga Bellaire, 216 Portage Dr, Bellaire. YogaBellaire.com. Community Night – 7-9pm. 4th Thurs. Each month we will host a different theme for connecting with your fellow Bellaire community members. Movie nights, potlucks, cacao and conversation, etc. Everyone welcome, including families; do not need to practice yoga. Yoga Bellaire, 216 Portage Dr, Bellaire. YogaBellaire.com.
fridays
For absolute beginners of all ages, sizes and shapes. In-person & Zoom. $40/mo, $15/drop-in. Pure Essence Wellness Center, 1240 E 8th St, Traverse City. 231-499-8595. AmiraHamzarRaks.com.
saturdays
Indoor Farmers Market – Thru Apr 30. 10am2pm. Presented by The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Free admission. Mercato, 830 Cottageview Dr, Traverse City. TheVillageTC.com/ farmers-market.
farmers markets directory
So many healthy outdoor activities await us in the summertime— picnics, sporting events and boating, just to name a few. Best of all is the cornucopia of fresh, local produce we find to fuel our seasonal fun. A plethora of farmers’ markets spring up each year that allow us to skip the middleman and get food straight from the people that grow it. Not only is it more nutritious than store-bought, it creates a much smaller carbon footprint on the environment than extensive shipping and we get to
SARA HARDY DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET
Between Cass and Union Streets, Traverse City 231-922-2050 June-October Saturdays 7:30am-12pm Wednesdays 8am-12pm
FARMERS MARKET AT THE VILLAGE & GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS
830 Cottageview Dr, Ste 101, Traverse City 231-941-1900 Traverse City's only year-round indoor market. Mondays, May-October, 2pm-6pm Saturdays, November-April, 10am-2pm
EMPIRE FARMERS MARKET
10234 W Front Street, Empire 231-866-0922 Saturdays, June 11- September 3, 9am-1pm
GROW BENZIE FARMERS MARKET
5885 Frankfort Hwy, Benzonia 231-882-9510
The Goddess Workout Beginner Belly Dance
Rhythms: Maksoum – 6-7pm. Learn to play the finger cymbals in a beginner belly dance class taught by certified GoddessLife instructor, Amira Hamzar.
HELP WANTED
LOOKING FOR DEDICATED AND PASSIONATE DISTRIBUTOR / SALES OF ALL- NATU-
RAL PRODUCTS. This is not a MLM, this is based on product sales of retail and sales to the public. This will include contacting the public as well as outdoor and indoor events. Calling on stores and businesses. Must be passionate about healthy living and helping others be healthy. Michigan-made products. We are a licensed, insured, certified Company. Please contact U.P. Chaga Connection 906-282-0787 (Serious inquiries only).
talk to farmers about how we can make better decisions all-year long.
INTERLOCHEN FARMERS MARKET
2112 M 137, Interlochen 231-970-1340 Sundays, 9am-2pm
GLEN ARBOR FARMERS MARKET
6394 Western Ave., Glen Arbor 231-866-0922 Tuesdays, June-September 9am-1pm
LAKE LEELANAU FARMERS MARKET
112 W Philip Street, Lake Leelanau 231-866-0922 Sundays, June 14-September 6 9am-1pm
NORTHPORT FARMERS MARKET
105 Bay Street, Northport 231-866-0922 Fridays, June 7-September 13, 9am-1pm
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER ARTISANS & FARMERS MARKET
461 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey 231-347-4337 October to June, 10am-1pm
ADVANCED WELLNESS COACHING & COUNSELING
EARTH LABS
317a E Front St, Traverse City 231-421-1490 EarthLabsHeal.com
Subtle modalities including sound, light, frequency and thermogenic therapies to enhance and transform your quality of life. Our techno-therapy will reduce pain and restore energy. See ads pages 23 and back cover.
CBD PRODUCTS
MY CBD
Kelly Young MyTCBD.com
All-Natural CBD products. We source from only organic, environmentally socially responsible companies that believe in cruelty-free testing. Life is too short to feel anything less than your personal best. Ask about our distributor options where you can be your own boss. See ad page 26.
ARIA MAE EVERTS
Coach, Facilitator, Healer Aria@AriaMae.com AriaMae.com
Spiritually integrative coaching, healing and retreats for Conscious Leaders. In-person and virtual personal development for those who envision a world where all life is honored. See ad page 22.
COOKING & TEA BREWING
SPICE & TEA MERCHANTS
145 E Front St, Traverse City 231-947-7423 SpiceMerchants.biz/traverse-cityspice-store
Providing the world’s best herbs, spices and teas for your kitchen. We carry over 200 spices from everyday use to the most exotic as well as over 120 different teas. See ad page 19.
PURELY CBD
1112 E Front St, Traverse City 231-421-1070 PurelyCBD-TraverseCity.com
At Purely CBD Traverse City, we strive to provide our customers with top-quality products that help serve their personal needs. As a locally owned business, we are dedicated to caring for our community and prioritize your overall well-being. See ad page 25.
CHAGA PRODUCTS
U.P. CHAGA CONNECTION
906-282-0787 MidnightSpcl_59@yahoo.com UPChagaConnection.com
Freshest, cleanest, wildest organic Chaga available in the Upper Peninsula. State certified. Im mune-Boosting Superfood. For centuries, people have used chaga mushrooms for medicinal purposes. Packed with antioxidants, its extract may fight cancer, chronic inflammation, improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels. See ad page 24.
FRESH MILK HERD SHARES
SHARED BLESSINGS FARM
7291 18 Mile Rd, Marion 231-743-2286
We are a family farm focused on healthy soils to produce healthy animals so they can produce healthy raw milk for your good. Taste to know the difference. See ad page 16.
GIFT CERTIFICATES
URBAN OASIS SALT SPA
13709 S. West Bayshore Dr, Traverse City 231-938-6020 UrbanOasisSaltSpa.com Give the gift of health and beauty this holiday season. Treat a loved one to our dry salt therapy, massage, detox, organic facial services, or exclusive salt room made from 15,000 pounds of Himalayan pink salt that supports overall health and wellness. See ad page 20.
GRASS-FINISHED BEEF
SHARED BLESSINGS FARM
7291 18 Mile Rd, Marion 231-743-2286
We are a family farm focused on healthy soils to produce healthy grass-finished animals rich in minerals and omega-3s and omega-6s with real fat that is good for you. See ad page 16.
HALOTHERAPY
URBAN OASIS SALT SPA
13709 S. West Bayshore Dr, Traverse City 231-938-6020 UrbanOasisSaltSpa.com Dry salt therapy, massage, detox, organic facial services, exclusive salt room made from 15,000 pounds of Himalayan pink salt supports overall health and wellness. See ad page 20.
HEALTHY PET
SQUARE DEAL COUNTRY STORE
900 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City 231-946-5030 SquareDealCountryStore.com
Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the best food, treats and products for your pets. See discounts page 27.
HOLISTIC MENTAL WELLNESS
KELLIE ZIEHM
Kellie.Amare@yahoo.com 734-344-2339 AmareMentalWellness.com
Come join my team with this ground floor distributor opportunity with the only holistic mental wellness company in direct sales. I’m also looking for healthcare professionals to join our influencer program. See ad page 3 and 11.
THE GROW STORE
90 N U.S. Hwy 31 S, Traverse City 231-421-5191 Facebook: The Grow Store Traverse City
Serving Traverse City and the Northern Michigan region since 2009. Specilizing in organics, hydroponics and lighting systems for the indoor grower. A locally owned, service-oriented company. See ad page 25.
LESS ANXIETY NATURALLY
EARTH LABS
317a E Front St, Traverse City 231-421-1490 EarthLabsHeal.com
Advanced technologies in the sound and light lab ease anxiety and relieve chronic pain. Enhance your mood and bring balance to the limbic system. See ads pages 23 and back cover.
WHOLE HEALTH TRAVERSE CITY
3639 Cass Rd, Traverse City 231-943-2100 WholeHealthTC.org
We help people suffering with chronic joint and muscle pain, and peripheral neuropathy to decrease pain, increase quality of life, and maximize their competitive edge. See ad page 9.
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION
503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info
Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 7.
INNER LISTENING™ WORKSHOPS
Rev. Julie Chai 231-922-9699 InnerListening.me
Inner Listening™ workshops for compassionate self-awareness, presence, serenity, love, and joy, offer you the theory, practice, and support to move beyond emotional reactions and into deep healing, compassion, and empowerment. See ad page 21.
SCHOOL / EDUCATION
NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION
503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info
Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 7.
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