Raw Pet Digest April/May 2016

April/May2016

RAWPETDIGEST

IN THIS ISSUE: -Ho m eo p at h i c f i r st -ai d -W h i sk er st r ess -Si m p l e sw i t ch es t o h el p y o u r p et -A j o u r n ey t o r aw -A n d m u ch m o r e!

Cleo, a Canaan dog, who celebrates her 18th birthday on April 1. Photo credit: Kristin Clark

Raw Pet Digest Editor-in-chief: Kristin Clark Technical editor: Dr. Jeannie (Jeannette) Thomason

To get an annual subscription (6 issues): -Using PayPal: send $15.00 USD to kristin@rawpetdigest.com -Using Square: go to mkt.com/ rawpetdigest -Email kristin@rawpetdigest.com for alternate forms of payment

All emails and letters become the property of Raw Pet Digest and may be reprinted in future issues.

Our mission at Raw Pet Digest is to share information that supports natural health with a broad audience to help improve the lives of our carnivore pets. We believe that only the body is capable of achieving and maintaining true health, but we also believe that there are many things that we can do to help support the body in its quest to maintain balance (health). Raw Pet Digest aims to help educate and inform you about those things so that you can help your pet live a long life and thrive naturally.

DISCLAIMER: All information contained in Raw Pet Digest is intended for educational purposes only. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prevent, or treat any disease, illness, or injured condition of the body or pets, and the author(s), publisher, and contributors accept no responsibility for such use. Anyone or their pets suffering from any disease, illness, or injury should consult with their physician or veterinarian. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, all views expressed herein by those being interviewed or featured are their own views and do not necessarily represent the views of Raw Pet Digest.

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the author(s) and Editor-in-Chief. The articles herein are for educational purposes only. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader.

Lycan, Merlin, Midge, and Pansy. Photo credit: Bre Altherr

FEATURESAND COLUMNS Letter from the Editor - 4 Simple Switches - 5 Homeopathic First Aid for Animals - 10 Top-Notch Meat Suppliers - 13 Living the Good Life - 16 A Journey to Raw: Jen and Reese - 22 Whisker Stress in Cats - 23 The Benefits of Tripe - 25 Cleo taking a nap. Photo credit: Kristin Clark

How and Why to Use Diatomaceous Earth - 26 Spotlight on Health: Kim Bloomer - 30 A Heartfelt Thank You - 36 Face the Sheep, and Walk Away - 38 The Raw Pet Digest Survey Results - 43

A white cat in a field. Copyright: Riccardo Nikola Ziglio

Letter fromtheEditor Welcome to the first anniversary issue of Raw Pet Digest! It?s hard to believe that it?s been a year since the magazine first launched; what a journey! When I first started this magazine, it was with the intent to share information, in particular information about nutrition, that would help dog and cat owners learn how to support their pet?s health naturally. That?s still the goal, but we have expanded to talk about so much more than just nutrition. A species-appropriate diet is the foundation for a strong, balanced, healthy immune system, and because it plays such a big part in the health of our beloved pets, it will always play a big part in the magazine. But, we also are committed to bringing you information about other things you can do to help support your pet, along with information about specific issues that pets encounter (such as when we brought you the article by Jeannie Thomason about Canine Pancreatitis), or the article about whisker stress in cats in this issue.

This issue, in fact, runs the gamut in terms of topics and information. We have a fantastic and very practical article from Sarah Reagan about homeopathic first aid for animals. She talks about the concepts behind homeopathy, gives you information about what should be in your homeopathic first-aid kit, and discusses various ways you can give the remedies. We also talk about diatomaceous earth, which is an incredibly versatile and natural substance; non-toxic to pets and people, it can be used for lots of different things, such as parasite control, detoxification, and even a deodorizer.

And, we have an interview with Kim Bloomer, the co-founder of the American Council of Animal Naturopathy, about naturopathy and some of its principles

Kristin with Cleo, Motley, Elle, and Barkley. Photo credit: Adam Gilbert

This issue also has several articles about raw feeding. We share a story about one woman?s journey to feeding a raw diet to her dog, and I also share with you some of my favorite meat suppliers (and why I like them so much).

Because naturopathy is a holistic approach, we also have some articles that aim to provide support for the spirit as well. Check out the articles ?A Heartfelt Thank You? and ?Face the Sheep, and Walk Away?; my hope is you'll let their messages settle into your heart and mind.

Finally, I am excited to share the results of the Raw Pet Digest survey with you in this article.

The survey responses gave us some really valuable and great feedback, and we will be putting that feedback into action moving forward. Be on the lookout for future surveys.

Your input is invaluable, and we love hearing from you. We would love to hear what you were able to put into practice from this issue? send an email to kristin@rawpetdigest.com with your thoughts and stories. And, if you?re interested in being featured in a story about moving your pets to a raw diet, let us know!

Enjoy the issue, Kristin 4

SIMPLESWITCHES: EASYTHINGSYOUCANDORIGHT NOWTOHELPYOURPET

Merlin, an American Pit Bull Terrier. Photo credit: Bre Altherr

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We all know that there are lots of things you can do to help your dog or cat thrive. In Raw Pet Digest, we discuss lots of different ways to help improve your pet?s health naturally.

Some of these might involve big changes? changing from a kibble diet to a species-appropriate diet, for example. But there are also some quick, easy things you can do to help improve your pet?s health that take very little time or effort on your part. This article goes over some of those simple switches, and the best part is, you can start implementing these changes right away. Just like everything else we talk about in this magazine, these simple, easy changes will help your pet thrive naturally.

few minutes of brushing each day also helps you get really in-tune with your pet?s body, which makes it easier to identify any abnormalities quickly. And, it helps ensure that your pet is used to being handled on all parts of their body, which can come in handy in a wide variety of situations. If you?re curious about the best brush to use on your pet, take a look at the ?Natural Grooming? article by Bre Altherr in the February/ March 2016 issue of Raw Pet Digest.

So, if you don?t already, start brushing your dog or cat regularly. They will look better and feel healthier, and taking a few minutes each day to really focus on your pet and let the stresses of the day fade into the background might help you feel more balanced and happy too.

Regul ar brushing

Heal t hy, species-appropriat e t reat s

Whether your pet is long-haired or short-haired, they will benefit from regular, daily brushing. This is true whether it is ?shedding season? or not. Brushing your dog or cat regularly helps remove dead hair, distribute the natural oils on the skin and the coat, and gives you a chance to check for any scrapes, lumps, or bumps that your pet might have. It also deepens your bond with your pet, and is an incredibly relaxing activity to engage in when you?ve had a stressful day. A

Lots of people regularly tell me that they give their dogs and cats treats. If you love to give your pet treats, making sure you?re giving healthy treats is an easy way to help support your pet in their journey towards achieving and maintaining optimal health. If you are currently giving your pet store-bought treats (such as dog biscuits or cat treats), vegetables and/ or fruit (and this includes things like canned pumpkin), peanut butter, French fries, or other processed food, you have a great opportunity to start giving healthy, species-appropriate treats that will help support your pet in being the healthiest they can be. Many store-bought treats (for dogs and cats) are processed, can be harmful, and do not support the health of your pet. Our carnivore pets are not designed to eat fruits and veggies, and they can cause major problems. Peanut butter, French fries, and other processed food are also not species-appropriate, and they can cause problems as well. If you like to feed treats to your pet, choose something that is species-appropriate, like whole frozen sardines, chicken feet, liver (freeze-dried is

Paisley, a Yorkie mix. Photo credit: Bre Altherr

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fine), and so on. You can take a look at the articles ?Healthy Treats for Cats? and ?Healthy Treats for Dogs? in the June/ July 2015 issue of Raw Pet Digest for more information. There are lots of healthy options out there that will be a source of health, energy, and balance for your pet, so make the simple switch to giving healthy, species-appropriate treats.

Get t hat air f l owing Many of us spend the majority of our time inside, and so do our pets. While it is important for us and our pets to get outside and get exercise, sunshine, and fresh air every day, it is also a really great idea to give fresh air a chance to circulate inside too. In our house, we keep at least one window open a little bit all the time (only closing it when it?s raining heavily). And, anytime the weather is nice, we open up all the windows and let the house air out. Even if the weather isn?t perfect, keeping that window open a bit allows fresh air to come in and stale air to go out. We haven?t had an increase in our energy bills because of this, and we and our pets get the benefit of fresh air in our house almost all the time. Like I mention in the article ?The Importance of Fresh Air? in the February/ March 2016 issue of Raw Pet Digest, studies have shown that breathing fresh air can promote relaxation, increase feelings of happiness, and decrease stress. Making sure that you have fresh air coming into your house all the time is an easy, inexpensive switch you can make right away to help your pets, your family, and yourself be more balanced, happier, and healthier.

most places, the tap water is not clean and pure? as I describe in the article, researchers regularly find that the tap water in most places in America has chlorine, fluoride, chlorides, sulfates, bicarbonates, aluminum, nitrates, insecticides, herbicides, and even prescription medications (including antibiotics and hormones), along with lots of other substances that you don?t want going into your body or your pet?s body. So what can you do? Switch from drinking tap water to drinking filtered water, and make sure that you give your pet filtered water too. When it is clean and pure, water can help to support the natural oxygen levels and pH balance in our pets? bodies, which ultimately supports the immune system and your pet?s ability to thrive.

Give indoor cat s a way t o get out side Ok, this tip is species-specific, but it?s still important. Many indoor cats never get to go outside to get all the benefits (for example, sunshine, fresh air, and mental stimulation) that being outside provides. If you have an indoor cat (and our cat, Gryphon, falls into this category), you can still give them the benefits

Cl ean, pure wat er In the August/ September 2015 issue of Raw Pet Digest, we talked about the importance of clean, pure water (drinking pure, clean water also happens to be the third law of health). In

Gryphon outside in his enclosure. Photo credit: Kristin Clark

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of being outside without sacrificing their safety. You can get them a harness and leash and take them out for safe ?walks,? or you can get an enclosure that will give them a safe place to hang out in for an hour or two each day. Gryphon has a pen that we got on Amazon for about $40 that is designed as a rabbit enclosure. It was inexpensive, easy to set up, and it is portable and collapsible if we ever need to move it. It is easy to put Gryphon in there and leave him outside, knowing that he is safe from cars, other cats, dogs, and anything else that might be a danger to him.

He gets to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air every day (unless the weather is bad, of course). This simple switch has resulted in a much happier, calmer, and relaxed cat. He loves going outside, and I love knowing that he?s safe while he?s out there.

Cut down on t he t oxins in your home The cleaning products and air fresheners that lots of us use contain toxic chemicals that can have profoundly negative impacts on our pets. For an in-depth look at the topic, take a look at the article ?Hidden Toxins, Safer Alternatives? by Carole Milligan in the August/ September 2015 issue of Raw Pet Digest. While it can take some time to clear out all the toxic cleaners from your home, you can start the process by taking a look at ewg.org. This website is an incredibly helpful tool that can help you find better alternatives to toxic cleaners. As the website says: ?EWG?s Guide to Healthy Cleaning is an online safety guide for household cleaning products, launched in 2012 to help people find safer products that fully disclose their ingredients and contain fewer ingredients that are hazardous or that haven?t been thoroughly tested. The database

combines product ingredient lists gleaned from product labels, company websites and worker safety documents with information in more than 16 standard toxicity databases and extensive searches of peer-reviewed scientific literature.

The database provides easy-to-navigate safety ratings for more than 2,000 cleaning products.? You can look up products in lots of different categories; it is an excellent guide when you are looking for better, safer products for your home.

Another simple change you can make is to stop using air fresheners and scented candles in your house, and switch to diffusing essential oils. Air fresheners can cause changes in blood pressure and mood, and they can also trigger migraine headaches. Our pets are just as susceptible to the harmful effects of air fresheners and scented candles. By switching to essential oils (make sure that the essential oils you use are organic and have not been distilled with chemicals), you can keep your home smelling nice while at the same time providing a natural modality to help support, maintain, and balance your pet?s body (as well as, of course, you and your family?s bodies). Take a look at the articles ?Introduction to Essential Oils? and ?Building Your Essential Oil Kit? (both are in the June/ July 2015 issue of Raw Pet Digest) for more information.

Harnesses vs col l ars If you have a dog that pulls when you?re out on a walk, you might want to consider switching from a collar to a harness. There is evidence to suggest that collars can cause damage to the thyroid gland, which can lead to hypothyroidism (which may show up as weight gain, hair loss, skin problems, or other issues); lameness; neck injuries; and injuries to the spine. When your dog pulls on the leash while 8

wearing a collar, it can also restrict the blood, and even the lymph, from flowing optimally to and from the head. This can cause problems with the ears and eyes.

Switching your dog to a harness, particularly a front-clip harness, can help reduce the issues that dogs that are pullers experience.

Your dog may also benefit from chiropractic treatment to help make sure that their neck and spine is healthy and properly aligned.

For more information about chiropractic for your pet, see the article ?Animal Chiropractic Care? by Dr. Erin O?Connor in the August/ September 2015 issue of Raw Pet Digest.

Concl usion These are just a few of the many things you can do to help your pet live an optimal, quality life. These are all simple, easy switches that you can start to implement right away in your house. You don?t have to do them all at once? if it?s easier, you can try making one simple switch each week.

You and your pets will both benefit, and each positive change you make will help support your pet in becoming the very healthiest it can. Remember, every change you make has an impact, so no matter where you are in your journey to support your pet naturally, implementing these can have a huge effect on your pet, mind, body, and spirit.

-By Kristin Clark

Dog and cat enjoying each other's company in the great outdoors. Copyright: Vvvita

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HOMEOPATHICFIRSTAIDFORANIMALS having a homeopathic first-aid kit on hand. For those of us that adhere to natural, holistic lifestyles for our pets, an acute injury can be great cause for concern, not just for the animal?s wellbeing, but also because it may mean a trip to the vet, with all the complications that may bring. Certainly if life or limb is in jeopardy, then you should take your pet to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible. However, there are things that can be done either in the meantime, or perhaps even in lieu of a vet trip if the case is less serious. No matter what, it is highly recommended to familiarize yourself with potential injurious situations your pet can get into. Preparing yourself ahead of time, both emotionally and intellectually, will speed up resolution of most first-aid situations.

Homeopathic pellets. Copyright: Monika Wisniewska

One of the goals of Raw Pet Digest is to introduce you to various holistic health care methods for our animals, so that you have more options and tools to use when your pet needs something beyond that all-important species-appropriate diet. One such modality is homeopathy, and in particular, its use in first aid.

I think you will agree that our animals can get into some of the darndest situations! This is especially true for those that are allowed access to the great outdoors, but even those that primarily spend their lives inside (and we do hope they get to go out into the sunshine some each day!) can benefit from their human

Homeopathy is part of a holistic system of medicine and health care developed and refined

by Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) over most of his adult lifetime. The word ?homeopathy? derives from the Greek words hรณmoios and pรกthos, which mean ?like? and ?suffering? respectively, or what has come to be known as the law of similars. The underlying principles of homeopathy actually date back to Hippocrates (~460-370 BC); he would prescribe very small, yet still crude, doses of substances to counteract conditions those same substances actually caused in larger doses. This was the birth of Western medicine. Centuries later, Paracelsus (1493-1541) would say ?what makes a man ill also cures him;? he had remnants of this atavistic understanding about the association between disease and cure that Hippocrates first 10

laid out. But as Western medicine grew in use and scope, the law of similars was misused and basically misunderstood; it was found to be dangerous at best and deadly at worst, and so it was largely abandoned in favor of the suppression of symptoms (i.e. opposing the situation) and the eradication of morbid tissue via methods such as cauterization (burning), purging, and bleeding; along with methods we still use today, such as chemotherapy and radiation; detoxing; chelation; emetics (medicines that make you vomit); and phlebotomy (which is, as defined

by Merriam Webster, the letting of blood for transfusion, diagnostic testing, or experimental procedures). It was the genius of Samuel Hahnemann that revitalized the law of similars, making it safe, when he developed his principles of dose reduction; this came to be known as potentization of the substance. (Potentization as the term is used in homeopathy means dilution of a given substance beyond Avogadro?s number (any potency greater than 12C) AND succussion of the substance.) This dynamic method of dose reduction rendered substances that would be toxic in crude form completely safe and effective to use in anyone, including human babies and animals.

trauma and the remedy. In this article, we will explore some of the more common recommendations for putting together a homeopathic first-aid kit for your cat or dog and how to use the remedies. This list is certainly not exhaustive, but it is a great starting point.

True homeopathy is a safe and effective method of treatment, and with regard to first-aid treatment, it is simple enough to be given to animals by anyone? even those that have never seen a homeopathic remedy.

Those that are somewhat familiar with the time-consuming method of selecting the ?right? remedy under classical homeopathy (known as repertorization) will be pleased to know that this process is not needed in first-aid prescribing. In situations requiring first-aid treatment, we find there is a constant relationship between aspects of the shock or

Ledum: this is the remedy used for puncture wounds, and that includes punctures from insects (Apis is also used in insect ?bites,? particularly from bee stings).

Remedies Aconite: this remedy is known as ?arnica for the eye? in first-aid treatment. Any physical injury to the eye area calls for this one. This remedy is also primary in situations where there is shock with fear.

Arnica: this is the one remedy that should be in everyone?s medicine cabinet. It is the first line of defense in any situation that involves either emotional shock or physical contusion (bruising), or both.

Belladonna: use this remedy in situations of heat exhaustion/ overheating, sunstroke, etc; note that Glonoine is also typically given in these situations.

Calendula: this is the remedy to use for all cuts and scrapes Hypericum: think of nerves when you think of this remedy. Anytime there is damage to nerve-rich areas of the body, this is one of the remedies you will want to give.

Nux-vomica: when there is a situation of over-eating or gorging on something, give this remedy. Note there is a set of remedies that may be combined and used in digestive upset/ colic cases: -

Arsenicum (if poisoning is suspected) Nux-vomica/ Lycopodium (flatulence and bloat, is liver specific) 11

-

Carbo-veg (loss of vitality, collapse) All that is needed is to get the remedy on a mucus Colocynthis (use in any case that membrane, and in dire cases simply holding the centers around a colic) pellets or drops under the animal?s nose can begin Phosphorus: this remedy is used for bleeding to resolve the issue. How often to give the issues; certainly, you must take appropriate remedy(s) will depend upon the severity of the measures in arterial or venous bleeding, but situation. It can range from one or two doses capillary bleeding is the most common and given about 15-30 minutes apart in relative mild less-serious first-aid bleeding situation for situations (such as for bleeding from a nail this one. Apply pressure and give Phos trimmed too close), to dosing every minute or less in very severe situations (such as for an frequently until the bleeding is stopped. unconscious animal).

Ruta: this is the remedy to think of when there is a strain or sprain; it is generally given And don?t forget the emotional factor in yourself!

A little over a year ago, I opened my kitchen door along with Arnica. to discover two dogs attacking my cat. As soon as Silicea: use this remedy when your dog or cat I opened the door, the dogs were startled and gets some kind of foreign object stuck in released their hold on her; she ran inside their paw, etc. Please note that this remedy downstairs, hiding behind the washer and dryer. will extract objects, and that includes After I managed to pull the terror-stricken cat out implanted devices; use in lower potency and and examine her just enough to know there were do not continue beyond the immediate no organs hanging out, I began dosing both of us intended purpose. with all the appropriate remedies? I was about as terror-stricken as she was, and by doing so it How t o Give t he Remedies You may store and use the remedies either in allowed me the presence of mind to attend to her dry form (pellet) or wet form (pellets physical needs in a manner that saved her life. dissolved in 80/ 20 solution of distilled Aconite is one of the first remedies you will want water/ vodka and kept in a dropper bottle). in these kinds of situations.

Either a 30C or 200C potency is fine in first-aid situations, but typically going above or below that potency is not used in these kinds of acute situations.

-By Sarah Reagan Sarah Reagan is a researcher in Goethean animal science with a primary interest in the human/animal relationship. She holds a doctorate in natural animal science/naturopathy (KCNH) and is working towards an MSc in Human/Animal Studies (HAS) at Bircham International University.

She also holds an Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Homeopathy (BIH/USA), and she is a registered homeopath through NUPATH. Sarah serves on the Board of Directors of the Society for Animal Consciousness, and she is the equine instructor with American Council of Animal Naturopathy. Sarah has authored and co-authored several books and has written multiple articles for various publications.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat disease as defined within the various states?Veterinary Practice Acts (VPA). It is recognized that ?homeopathy? is listed in some VPAs; it is also recognized that some states do not even allow the animal?s owner to treat their own animal; please consult your state?s VPA if you have any questions in this area.

Homeopathic pellets. Copyright: Marko Volkmar

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TOP-NOTCHMEATSUPPLIERS One of the most common questions I hear from people who are starting to feed their carnivore pets a species-appropriate diet is, ?What?s the best place to get the food from??

While there are lots of companies out there that are really good, I wanted to share three companies from which I regularly buy my pets? food. I am not affiliated with any of these companies in any way (other than being a very happy customer!), and I?m not receiving any compensation for highlighting them here. My motivation is to share this information with you, in case you are looking for good meat suppliers for your pets as well.

In general, I don?t recommend getting your pet?s food from the grocery store. It can be tough to find organic, pasture-fed, antibioticand hormone-free meats from the grocery store, and if you do, often it?s expensive. I do sometimes use the grocery store in a pinch, but I prefer to plan ahead and stock up from other, more affordable sources.

While the companies I?m going to discuss in this article aren?t the only ones I do business with, I do find that they consistently offer a high-quality product at reasonable prices, and their customer service is exceptionally high.

So, without further ado, let?s get to it!

Rabbit s4u The first company I want to discuss is Rabbits4u.com. Run by Carla Carter, Rabbits4u offers lots of different options for dogs and cats. While they do have a great selection of

Raw meaty bones. Copyright: Cybertrone

rabbits, they also regularly offer other proteins, such as chicken, beef, and sheep. Carla also has other options that sometimes come through? I?ve gotten guinea pigs and ducks for her, for example. One of the things that I absolutely love about this company is that you can request the meat exactly how you want it.

For example, if you want whole prey chickens with the feet and heads intact but the feathers plucked, they can do that. If you want whole prey rabbits with the fur still on, they can do that. You can often get ground meats, bone-in meats, and boneless meats. And, Carla works very hard to get you the sizes of things you want. For example, I often order some quantity of rabbits that are 2-4 pounds (she often has larger and smaller, depending on what you need), chickens that are 3-5 pounds, and then some quantity of bone-in and boneless beef 13

and sheep. I also sometimes order organs (of various proteins) from her? my most recent order included a quantity of beef testicles.

The orders are shipped out on Tuesday, and they come from various points in the country depending on what you order. I have consistently been impressed with the options I?ve been offered when I?ve ordered from Rabbits4u. If something is out of stock, Carla works very hard to try and find an equivalent, and then checks to see if it?s an acceptable option. They don?t tend to ship more than 50 pounds in a single container, so bear that in mind if you are planning a big order. If you aren?t sure exactly how much to order, Carla will help you figure out how to maximize your order and minimize your shipping costs, which is something I really appreciate.

Rabbits4u also has a commitment to the animals they raise. On their website, they state that they ?raise all of their animals as humanely and healthy as possible and respect their sacrifice of their life.? They also are committed to dispatching their animals in a humane manner. This is important, because the health and welfare of the animals that go to feed our pets are vital. In general, the people that raise the meat for Rabbits4u are, first and foremost, raising meat for their own consumption, and are looking for an outlet for their excess animals. According to the website, right now Rabbits4u has producers in Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin, and they are looking to add more producers throughout the country to cut down on shipping costs and delivery time.

Layne Labs The next company I want to talk about is Layne Labs. Based in Arroyo Grande, California, Layne Labs offers whole prey mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, baby chicks, and quail.

Like Rabbits4u, they have outstanding customer service and affordable prices.

Depending on where you are located, shipping can be expensive, but if you?re close enough that shipping costs are reasonable, they are a wonderful option.

The products offered by Layne Labs are all whole prey, with fur or feathers intact. Fur and feathers are fiber for our carnivore pets, so it?s important to feed this type of food when possible. You can select the appropriate size of prey you need, based on the species and size of animal you are feeding. For example, they offer rabbits ranging in size from 0.5 pounds to over 10 pounds, and they have a wide range of quail sizes, along with other sizes of rats, mice, chicks, and so on. One of my favorite things to order from Layne Labs is quail, and I have been consistently satisfied with the product received.

To get in touch with Carla or place an order with Rabbits4u, you can visit their website at www.rabbits4u.com.

King, an American Bully, enjoying a raw meaty Photo credit: Kimmeal.

Bloomer Pansy, a Chihuahua, eating bone. a species-appropriate Photo credit: Bre Altherr

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Just as with Rabbits4u, Layne Labs makes a commitment to the animals they raise and sell for animal food. They have an ?Animal Bill of Rights? on their website, which states: Al l Animal s Born in Our Facil it y Have Cert ain Inal ienabl e Right s. These Incl ude: A Stress Free Living Environment A Constant Flow of Fresh Air Clean Drinking Water Fresh Food, Available at All Times Clean, Dry Bedding Peace and Quiet Natural Day and Night Light Cycles To Be Treated Humanely, with Compassion and Respect If you are looking to add variety to your pet?s diet, I would encourage you to contact Layne Labs. A quick tip: I have found that, even if their website says they are out of stock of something, they still sometimes can get certain quantities of that product for me. So, if you are looking for something specific and it shows as out-of-stock on the website, it?s worth calling them directly to see if they can help you.

tongue, trachea, gullet, and ground bone; a ground green tripe and organ meat blend (only available in 2 lb. rolls); and frozen beef pancreas (available in 2 lb. rolls). In addition to their ground offerings, they offer cow gullets (which have a lot of chondroitin sulfate), whole bovine tracheas (also a great source of chondroitin sulfate), raw cow hooves, and raw cow hooves stuffed with tripe.

Because green tripe is loaded with nutrients, probiotics, and enzymes, we feed it to our dogs regularly. I have found that Greentripe.com is the best supplier of raw green tripe, even though it is only available already ground. I also sometimes order the gullets and tracheas as special treats for the dogs? they love them, especially Barkley and Motley.

I have always found the customer service team at Greentripe.com to be incredibly friendly and helpful. They are always happy to answer any question I might have? for example, the first time I called them, they even gave me tips about the best way to thaw the tripe so it wouldn?t stink up the house? and they are very helpful in figuring out what I can buy to maximize my order while keeping my shipping costs reasonable.

To contact Layne Labs, go to their website at www.laynelabs.com.

Their website contains a lot of great information, including a nutritional analysis of green tripe, information about why green tripe Greent ripe.com The last company I want to mention in this is beneficial, and other informative reading. article is a bit more specialized than Rabbits4u To see their products and order from them, visit or Layne Labs. As the name suggests, their website at www.greentripe.com.

Greentripe.com specializes in ground green -By Kristin Clark tripe, although they do have other products as well. Their ground green tripe comes in 1 lb., 2 lb., and 5 lb. chubs. They also offer 1 lb., 2 lb., and 5 lb. chubs of ground green tripe with trachea and gullet; 1 lb., 2 lb., and 5 lb. chubs of ground green tripe with muscle meat, heart, 15

LIVINGTHEGOODLIFE

A cat sleeping on the bed. Copyright: Sundaymorning01

In this installment of our series about the eight laws of health, we?re going to cover the 7 th law of health: rest. This law has two main components: sleeping and fasting. The first, and perhaps most obvious, component of this law is that your pet needs a sufficient amount of good quality sleep each day. Compared to humans, dogs and cats sleep a great deal. On average, dogs sleep anywhere between 12 and 14 hours each day, and some may sleep more.

Our cats sleep around 15 hours per day on average, but again, it can vary widely. Because they are carnivores, it makes sense that the sleep patterns of our dogs and cats are different both from our own (as omnivores) and from herbivores, such as horses. Horses, for example, evolved to be ?trickle feeders,? meaning that they adapted to need a steady

supply of small amounts of food going into their stomachs almost constantly. This is why horses in natural settings spend so much time grazing relative to the time they spend sleeping. We are omnivores, and adapted to hunt but also to forage. Carnivores, on the other hand? which both our dogs and cats are? evolved to spend time stalking, chasing, and bringing down prey. This takes a tremendous amount of energy, because they need to be able to travel in search of the prey (sometimes for miles), then call upon their energy reserves to chase the prey and bring it down, and they need to have enough energy to eat the prey, which (as you will know if you feed a species-appropriate diet) definitely takes some energy. Dogs in particular also tend to gorge when they eat, so their bodies have to devote a lot of resources to digestion.

A dog and cat resting together out on the deck. Copyright: Vmorfield

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After expending all that energy, carnivores have to sleep and get that energy back, and over time, carnivores evolved to sleep for large parts of the day, to build up energy reserves that could be used later when they were needed.

Even though our dogs and cats, for the most part, don?t spend time hunting for their meals anymore, that drive to store extra energy is still very much a part of them. And so, it is important to make sure that they are getting the highest-quality sleep that they can (as well as making sure that their energy is appropriately drained through exercise, and they are being supported through a proper diet). For more about exercise, please see the June/ July 2015 issue of Raw Pet Digest. For an in-depth look at how to feed your carnivore pet, please see the April/ May 2015 issue of Raw Pet Digest. One of the best ways to ensure that they get the best sleep possible is to make sure that it is completely dark at night when it is time to go to sleep. Making sure that the sleeping area is free from electronics, lights, and noise goes a long way towards ensuring that your pets (and you!) get a refreshing night?s sleep. You may also want to have at least one room in your house that is free from electronics. Electronics have been shown to disrupt sleep and actually promote wakefulness. Our retinas, and the retinas of our dogs and cats, contain photoreceptors that sense light and dark. The information transmitted by these photoreceptors aid the brain in determining whether it is day or night, and help align the circadian rhythms to the day/ night cycle. Even the small amount of light put off by electronics (such as clocks, cell phones, and tablets) can disrupt these circadian rhythms and make it more difficult to fall asleep and get into the proper sleep cycle

Kitty, a black cat, resting. Photo credit: Mardi Linane

when sleep does occur. Making sure that the area is as free from light as possible will go a long way towards improving the quality of your sleep, and the quality of your pet?s sleep.

Another major part of the seventh law of health is fasting. One caveat: in the discussion about fasting, I am referring specifically to dogs that are fed a species-appropriate diet.

There is still much debate as to the appropriateness of fasting for cats, in large part because of a potentially fatal condition called hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). However, if you have a dog, and you are feeding it a species-appropriate diet, fasting can be very beneficial. Fasting reduces inflammation and is a form of healing. Fasting, which is done by animals in the wild, gives the body a break from the duties of digestion. Our dogs evolved to eat large meals intermittently, and it is that intermittent fasting that gives their digestive system a chance to rest and heal.

One analogy that I like to share with people when discussing fasting is to think about working for months at a time without any breaks or vacation. Eventually, anyone who does this gets burned out and irritable. Their productivity goes down, they aren?t able to 18

Rest isnot idleness,andtoliesometimesonthegrassona summer day,watchingthecloudsfloat acrossthesky,is hardlyawasteof time. -Sir JohnLubbock 19

focus as well, and they may start to get stressed or sick. When the digestive system? whether it is ours or our pets? is asked to work constantly without a break, the same thing happens.

Fasting provides a ?vacation? for the digestive system. Keep in mind, too, that digestion takes a lot of energy. When the body is digesting, it must use energy that could otherwise go towards healing (such as reducing inflammation)? it cannot heal and digest at the same time. When fasting, the body has a chance to detox and come back into balance. By feeding our dogs in a way that is closer to how they would eat in the wild, we give their bodies a chance to heal, because they don?t have to constantly spend energy digesting. Intermittent fasting also improves the immune system (which is vital in maintaining optimal health) by reducing free radical damage and reducing cancer cell formation. Remember that, in the wild, animals that are sick will fast, sometimes for days, to give their bodies a chance to come back into balance and get rid of the infection.

This is an instinct that lets them reduce stress on their internal systems. It?s interesting, because humans are the only species who tend to eat even when we?re sick.

When it comes to how often you should fast your healthy, raw-fed dog, you have lots of options. You will have to experiment to find what is best for you and your pet, but I can share several different models for you as a starting point. If you currently feed your dog twice per day, you might start by reducing the amount to once per day (feed them the same amount in one meal instead of two). You may notice a healing response, or detox, when you do this.

Your dog may vomit or experience some diarrhea. Let everything settle down and even out again before you change the feeding frequency again.

Once everything is back to normal, you may decide to feed your dog every other day (this is what we typically do with our dogs). On some occasions, you may decide to fast your dog for two days in a row (we recently did this when they had an extra-large meal). Or, you may decide to allow them to eat as much as they want at mealtime, and then fast them until their bellies are back to normal size. You may decide to fast them one day per week.

Or, you may decide to feed them every day for a few months, and then fast them for a number of days in a row. There are lots of ways to fast, and as I said, you should experiment until you find something that works for you and your dog.

When I tell people that we typically feed our dogs every other day, they often say that their dogs would never get used to that. However, it is surprising how quickly our dogs adapt to what is, after all, a more natural way for them to eat. It only took a few days for our dogs to get used to the routine, and now they really only get excited to eat when we actually start pulling the food out and they see that mealtime is really going to happen. I know an agility trainer who fasts her raw-fed dogs intermittently, and she once told me that sometimes she briefly forgets to feed her dogs at their normal mealtime because they

A cat sleeping in the sun. Copyright: Kuno01

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are so calm about meals. Her dogs (Border Collies) have lots of energy, but mealtime doesn?t cause any stress in them, because they are used to fasting intermittently and because they eat at different times in the day.

One other tip? if you decide to fast your dogs, you may want to avoid exercising them intensely on their fast days. Remember the fifth law of health: all things in moderation! Let them rest, if they seem tired or are going through a detox.

You may find that a gentle walk on the fast day is perfect. Or, you may find that your dogs actually have more energy on fast days (ours do), and you may decide to let them run around and burn off energy. Again, keep an eye on your individual dog, and let them guide you in what they need.

The importance of resting cannot be overstated. Making sure that your pet has adequate sleep, and that their sleep is high-quality, will go a long way towards supporting them holistically so they can thrive in optimal health. Remember, that is the goal of the eight laws of health: following them allows the body, mind, and spirit to be as balanced and strong as possible, so that optimal health and vitality can be achieved and maintained. Giving your pet a chance at rest, and (if appropriate) fasting them, are vital parts of keeping them healthy, happy, and thriving.

-By Kristin CLark

Barkley getting ready for an afternoon nap. Photo credit: Kristin Clark

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AJOURNEYTORAW: JENANDREESE Whether you are already feeding your pets a species-appropriate diet, or if you are still working on taking that step, I hope you will enjoy this story of one woman?s journey to feeding raw. We will bring you stories like this from time to time, because they let you see how different people feed a species-appropriate diet. I think, whether you are already feeding raw or haven?t started yet, that you might find a tip or learn something by hearing about someone else?s journey.

Many people are worried that feeding a species-appropriate diet will be inconvenient, or that the cost of food will be prohibitive and/or outweigh the benefits. Seeing a wide variety of stories, from people who have moved their pets off of kibble and onto a raw diet, will also show you that there are lots of different ways that you can feed raw. This story is from a woman who has a dog that she moved to a commercial raw diet. Future stories will cover other situations, from people with cats, to people feeding prey model raw, to people following a gorge-and-fast model or feeding frankenprey.

Enjoy!

Jennifer decided to switch her dog, Reese (a Dachshund mix), to a raw diet when Reese was 3 ½ years old. She first heard about raw diets from the pet boutique that she takes Reese to. After feeding him dry kibble for three years, she decided to make the switch.

After making the switch to a raw diet, Jennifer says that she noticed that Reese?s coat became very shiny and soft. She also noticed how clean his teeth became. She says that he poops less, and overall, he is in great health and condition.

This is in stark contrast to when he was on kibble? she says that when he was eating a kibble diet, he was very gassy and had very little energy.

It?s especially noticeable that he has more energy, because she loves to go with him to the dog park and play fetch. Now that he?s on raw, he has a ton of energy for that!

Jennifer finds her meat suppliers through the pet boutique. They offer three different brands of raw food. She has found a brand that she loves, and Reese loves it too. She gives Reese a wide variety of proteins, including turkey, beef, bison, chicken, and fish. Reese eats twice per day? once in the morning and once at night.

Jennifer ultimately decided to make the switch to raw after learning about the natural ingredients in the food. While she does say that the price of raw cut into her financial situation, because she sees an improvement in her dog?s health, she pays the extra amount. And, she finds raw very convenient, saying that she loves how easy it is to defrost the food and serve it to Reese.

Jennifer says that she highly recommends feeding a raw diet. As she told us, now that she?s moved Reese to a raw diet, she'll never go back to dry kibble again!

Reese, a 3-year-old Dachshund mix.

Photo credit: Jennifer Joyce

-By Kristin Clark

WHISKERSTRESSINCATS Have you ever seen your cat pull food out of their bowl (if you use one), dump it next to the bowl, and then? and only then? eat it? leaving food bits and debris scattered in a big mess all over? Or seen them eat just a small amount of food off the top of the bowl, and then beg for more, completely ignoring all the food that?s still in their bowl? Why do they do this? Are they just being prima donnas? Or is there more to it than that?

Turns out, there is a valid reason as to why your cat might be doing this, and it?s not to make your life more difficult. It?s called whisker stress, and it has to do with? you guessed it? their sensitive, extraordinary whiskers.

To really understand whisker stress, let?s take a look at your cat?s whiskers. Whiskers? in all mammals, not just cats? provide additional information about the objects with which the animal comes into contact. Many animals? whiskers are so finely tuned that they can even give information about air movement. They help enhance the animal?s senses, particularly its short-distance vision. Because they are so rich in blood vessels and nerve endings, they are extraordinarily sensitive. And, because they give so much information about nearby objects and air movement, they also help cats and other mammals navigate through their surroundings.

Each whisker? and cats typically have between 8 and 12 on each side of their face, as well as shorter whiskers on their chins, above their eyes, and even on their legs? is essentially set up to transmit information about pressure that is applied along the whisker to the base, which contains the follicle and receptors. And, the tip of each whisker has proprioceptors, which are sensory organs that are very sensitive to pressure. These proprioceptors are incredibly sensitive to the slightest pressure. Cats can use their whiskers to determine how far away an object is, where it?s located, and? quite amazingly? even the texture of the object.

So what does all this have to do with your cat?s meal-time habits?

Well, because the proprioceptors are so incredibly sensitive, it can actually be very painful for your cat to eat or drink out of a bowl that is so narrow that their whiskers touch the side of the bowl. Some cats that are experiencing whisker stress will actually use their paws to scoop food out of their bowl,

Kitty, a black cat, showing off her beautiful? and extremely sensitive? whiskers. Photo credit: Mardi Linane

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and others will only eat off of the very top. In some instances, you may notice that your cat, while clearly hungry, seems reluctant to eat. They may meow at the bowl, even if there is food in it, pace around the bowl, or stand by it for a time before eating. In all of these examples, they are trying to avoid having to cram their sensitive whiskers in to the bowl, which is very uncomfortable for them.

To give you an idea of how sensitive a cat?s whiskers are: if a single whisker moves 1/ 200 th the width of a human hair, it sends a signal to their brain. Now, picture how intense the signal must be if they have to cram their whole face into a bowl, smashing their whiskers up against the sides while trying to eat. Their whiskers have evolved to give them information about their environment and make sure that, for example, they are able to navigate through narrow spaces safely, and if the bowl is too small, those same whiskers constantly send signals to their brain that the space is too narrow and they need to stop trying to fit their heads in there.

So what can you do if your cat is experiencing whisker stress? Luckily, the fix is relatively simple.

You can feed them using a bowl that takes their whiskers into account. The bowl should be wide enough and shallow enough that their whiskers

A cat intently watching something in the distance. Copyright: Vitaliy Maselko

don?t touch the sides, even if they put their whole heads in to get at food on the very bottom. You can use a shallow plate or saucer, or you can purchase a bowl specifically designed to relieve whisker stress. Some good options are Dr. Catsby?s Bowl for Whisker Relief or Trendy Pet?s Whisker Free Stress raised bowl. (Note that I have no affiliation with either company and receive no monetary compensation for mentioning them in Raw Pet Digest).

Whether you decide to buy a bowl specifically designed to relieve whisker stress, or if you just choose to feed your cat using a wide, shallow plate or saucer, their mealtimes will be much more comfortable and enjoyable if you make sure to feed them using an appropriately sized and shaped dish.

Their whiskers are extraordinary tools, but they can also cause them some stress if they are fed out of a bowl that is the wrong size or shape. The good news is that the fix is easy and inexpensive, and it can have a profound impact on how much your cat enjoys their meals? and cut down on the mess you have to clean up too!

-By Kristin Clark

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THEBENEFITSOFTRIPE

A cow in a pasture. Copyright: Loshadenok

Often, people ask me if there is any particular food I recommend most for species-appropriate diets. While I always advocate variety? various protein sources, such as chicken, beef, pork, turkey, sheep, and so on? I do also highly recommend feeding green tripe to carnivore pets regularly.

What is green tripe, you ask? Tripe is another name for the stomach of ruminating animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats.

You may have seen bleached, processed tripe at the grocery store, but when you are feeding tripe to your carnivore pets, use green tripe, which is the raw, unbleached tripe. Once the tripe is processed and bleached, it has almost no nutritional value whatsoever, but green tripe has a myriad of benefits. Interestingly, green tripe is more brown than green, but it often has a greenish tint from the hay or grass that the animal was digesting. And, because the hay or grass has already been broken down and digested by the herbivore, it does not stress the carnivore?s body to consume it.

When we look at the nutritional analysis of green tripe, we see that the ratio of calcium

to phosphorous is about 1:1, which is exactly what our dogs in particular need. And, the calcium and phosphorous are also bioavailable to your pet, which means that they can use all of the calcium and phosphorous supplied by the green tripe. Additionally, green tripe?s overall pH is 6.84, which is slightly acidic and good for digestion. Green tripe contains iron, potassium, zinc, and selenium, along with several other important nutrients. It also contains a large amount of Lactobacillus Acidophilus (probiotic).

Green tripe contains the right proportions of Linoleic and Linolenic, which are essential fatty acids (meaning that your pet can?t make their own, but must get them from their food). Green tripe also contains digestive enzymes and amino acids, both of which are vital to supporting the health and vitality of our carnivore pets.

Like anything else you feed your pet, make sure the green tripe you feed is from organic and pasture-raised ruminants that are hormone and antibiotic-free. This helps ensure that your pet gets the most nutrient-rich tripe available, and that they don?t take in anything that will cause their immune system problems.

Tripe has a fairly strong smell, so you may want to store and thaw it outside, or in an airtight container if you have to put it in your refrigerator.

Add green tripe into the rotation of meats you feed your carnivore pet; its nutritional value is excellent, and the probiotics, digestive enzymes, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients it contains will greatly benefit your pet. For information about where I get my green tripe, see the article ?Top-Notch Meat Suppliers? in this issue of Raw Pet Digest.

-By Kristin Clark 25

HOWANDWHYTOUSE DIATOMACEOUSEARTH

Lake Casit as dry river bed. Copyright : Debra Tosca

One of the most versatile items to have on hand, whether you have dogs or cats, is diatomaceous earth (DE). You may be familiar with its application in swimming pools, but it can be used for many other things as well. For those that haven?t used it or seen it, diatomaceous earth is a chalky substance that is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms (single-celled organisms). These diatoms fossilized over eons in lake beds; as the lake beds dry up, the fossilized remains are exposed and can be collected.

Grades of DE There are actually several different grades of diatomaceous earth.

Pure Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is unaltered and 100% natural. It is mined and packaged, but the key point is that it is not altered in any way. This is the only grade that you should use on or around your pets. Pool Grade DE is intended for use as a pool filter, but because it is heated to incredibly high temperatures (1000° C), its chemical structure is actually altered so that it is primarily crystalline silica. This can be very dangerous to consume, or even breathe in, so please make sure that you are using Pure Food Grade DE on and around your pets. You should note that some companies sell DE blends and still call them Food Grade. While these are considered safe, at least in general, I only use

Pure Food Grade DE (no additives) with my pets. All of the uses outlined in this article specifically refer to Pure Food Grade DE. If you have any doubts as to the grade of DE, ask the company that is selling it.

DE Uses Non-toxic pest control Now that you have an understanding of what DE is and the various types of DE available, let?s take a look at some of the ways you can use it.

DE is an excellent insecticide, and one of the benefits is that, because of the way it works, it is completely non-toxic to humans and animals.

That?s because DE kills insects through a mechanical, rather than a chemical, method. DE is made up of tiny particles, each with sharp edges (if you looked at the particles through a microscope, they?d actually resemble broken glass), and those edges pierce the exoskeleton of the insect (DE cannot affect skin in this way, which means it is safe for humans and animals).

The insect then dehydrates and dies. Larvae and adults are both affected this way.

In addition to being non-toxic, insects can?t build up a resistance to DE, so it won?t get less effective over time. Keep in mind that DE, while effective, does take a bit of time to work.

Depending on the insect, it may take a few hours or even a few days to kill them.

Remember, though, that it can be used to treat internal and external parasites, all without the side effects that many chemicals cause.

DE is great to use to address fleas, ticks, and other external parasites. One of the most effective ways I have seen it used to address flea and tick problems in cats and dogs is with these simple steps:

Copyright: Brezra

1. Vacuum the places your pet likes to spend their time. The reason for this is to help pick up any parasites and their eggs; 27

2.

3.

4.

5.

since pests aren?t affected by DE until they hatch, you want to get rid of the eggs to help break the cycle.

Apply the DE to the areas in your house that your pet frequents.

Leave the DE down for 3 days or so, then vacuum it up. Leaving it down for this length of time will give the DE time to do its work, and vacuuming will pick up any dead bugs and their eggs.

Give your pet a bath (you may want to use a moisturizing shampoo, because DE can dry out the skin).

Treat the areas your pet spends time in regularly? when fleas and ticks are at their height, you may want to treat as often as twice per week, leaving the DE down for 3 days each time.

DE is also great at helping get rid of internal parasites, particularly roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, and hookworms.

Because you want to make sure that you get rid of all of the parasites, you should use it for at least 30 consecutive days. Feeding it for at least 30 days helps ensure that newly hatched parasites are killed, and it also helps ensure that no matter where the parasite is in the body, it eventually gets killed.

When feeding DE as a dewormer, a little goes a long way. You should check with the manufacturer for specific dosage recommendations, but the following gives you a general idea of what I have frequently seen recommended for dogs and cats (please do your research and contact the company from which you purchase the DE to determine the appropriate amount for your pet, if you choose to give it): -

-

1 tsp. for dogs under 50 pounds 1 tbsp. for dogs between 50 and 100 pounds 2 tbsp. for dogs over 100 pounds ½ tsp. for cats under 7 pounds 1 tsp. for cats between 7 and 13 pounds 1 ½ tsp. for cats over 13 pounds

Remember, if in doubt as to how much to give, do your research and speak with someone knowledgeable in using DE with animals. If you do decide to feed it, make sure it's mixed into the food really well to help make sure the powder doesn't get into and irritate your pet's lungs.

In addition to using DE in your home and on (or in) your pet, you can also sprinkle it in your garden and lawn areas to help keep pests under control. If you have issues with pests in your garden, it?s a great alternative to chemical pesticides. It is effective against ants, caterpillars, cockroaches, snails, spiders, termites, fruit flies, earwigs, and bed bugs, to name just a few. You can sprinkle it around, or mix it with water and spray it around. You do need to apply it on a regular basis. Keep in mind, though, that it will kill all insects that it comes into contact with, even the ones that eat other insects (such as spiders, ladybugs, praying mantises, and ants). If you are looking for a form of pest control that will maintain balance in your yard?s ecosystem, see the series about pest control in the December 2015/ January 2016 and February/ March 2016 issues of Raw Pet Digest.

½ tsp. for puppies and small dogs 28

Deodorizer DE is useful for more than just parasite control.

Another great use for DE is as a deodorizer, whether it is for litter box odor control or a deodorizer for your pet or house. To use DE as a litter box deodorizer, add some DE (I have seen recommendations for about ž cup of DE for each pound of litter) to the litter. Make sure that the DE is evenly distributed throughout the litter (you can use the scoop to mix it all around) and that it is well mixed? remember that it is a lung irritant if inhaled, so it is important to make sure that you mix it in well enough that your cat isn?t breathing in the DE when it uses the litter box. The DE will help to absorb moisture, cut down on or eliminate the smell, and it will also get rid of parasites that might be in the litter box.

You can also use it as a deodorizer for any place that doesn?t smell clean and fresh by dusting it into the carpet (or wherever the odor is less than pleasant). Leave it down for a day or so to give it time to absorb the odor, then vacuum it

Barkley exploring a lake at the Prado Recreation Dog Park.

Photo credit: Kristin Clark

up. You may want to use a shop vac, rather than a regular vacuum cleaner, because DE can burn regular vacuum cleaners out.

Supplement DE is primarily composed of amorphous silica, but it also has magnesium, calcium, titanium dioxide, and other trace minerals. Because of this, it can be a very beneficial supplement to give your pet (and to take yourself!). Pet owners that give DE on a regular basis have noticed improvements in their pets, such as improved coat and better digestion. Studies have also shown that DE can absorb all manner of things, such as endotoxins; heavy metals, such as mercury and lead; organophosphate pesticide residues; drug residues; and more.

Feeding DE to your pet can help support your pet?s body in an overall detox, and it is also a powerful digestive aid and can help support the health of the digestive system.

Concl usion DE is an incredibly powerful, non-toxic tool with a wide range of benefits for your pet.

Because it can safely address parasite issues in and on your pet, you can use it in lieu of other toxic pesticide control. It is also a non-toxic way to control pests in your house, and it can be used as a deodorizer and as a supplement for your pet (humans can reap the benefits of this powerful supplement too!). Remember, you should only use Pure Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth for any of the uses discussed here, and if you haven?t used it before, do your research to determine correct dosages and application methods before you use it. While it is non-toxic, care should be taken in using it, so seek the guidance of a knowledgeable person before you use it on, in, or around your pets.

-By Kristin Clark 29

SPOTLIGHTONHEALTH: KIMBLOOMER,V.N.D.,N.D.

Schat zie, a Carol ina dog. Phot o credit : Kim Bl oomer

This month, our "Spotlight on Health" series is focused on Kim Bloomer. She is an animal naturopath and also certified in small animal nutrition. Dr. Kim has years of experience in animal wellness, and she is a published author, writer, and blogger. She also co-hosts Animal Talk Naturally, and she is the co-founder of the American Council of Animal Naturopathy. She is passionate about the field of animal naturopathy, and has a wealth of hands-on experience, as well as all the knowledge she has found through her research, about natural health. If you are interested in learning more, you can visit http://aspenbloompetcare.com/.

Nutrition has always intrigued and interested me for the very same reasons? I inherently understood that wellness and good health must start there. So I was destined to ?find? naturopathy.

I talked to her to find out her thoughts on carnivore nutrition, animal naturopathy, and some of the trends that she?s seeing among our animals. Enjoy the interview!

2. Tel l me a l it t l e bit about why you (al ong wit h Jeannie Thomason) st art ed t he American Council of Animal Nat uropat hy.

1. I know t hat you are passionat e about animal nat uropat hy. In f act , you are a co-f ounder of ACAN! You al so own Aspenbl oom Pet Care, have writ t en numerous bl og post s and art icl es, and have several books publ ished. How did you f irst f ind out about animal nat uropat hy, species-appropriat e diet s, and nat ural heal t hcare? What drew you t o t hem? I?d al so l ove t o get some insight on how you got t o where you are t oday.

Well, animal naturopathy actually found me. It?s a long story, but I was searching for a way to learn more about whole, natural health for animals. All the information I could find was in human health, so I started studying human naturopathy.

My journey into this field was a little different and maybe even backwards from others. I have worked with animals in various professions since age 16. So for me, it has always been about animals, but I?ve also been interested in human health due to my own challenges as a child. Since the age of eight, my desire has been for animals and people to be well. Even though I didn?t know what all that meant or even how to make that happen at that time, it became my life passion.

My dog Shadrach was the reason I began looking into species-appropriate diets and whole, natural health. He wasn?t thriving? in fact he wasn?t doing well at all with a conventional approach. Through a series of circumstances, one of which was ultimately very serious, I decided natural health was the only way he was going to do well. I dove in and never looked back. He was my muse and to this day he is still inspires me, even though he passed away in 2011.

Well, this also is another of those ?we didn?t try? to do things. It happened. We were working with a natural health college that wanted a certifying board to support their graduates in animal health.

We did not? I repeat, did NOT? want to take this on, because we were used to being sole proprietors and doing things our own way. We also felt we needed more business knowledge. They pushed us, and since we had wanted to teach, we finally agreed. However, we didn?t stay just a certifying board long because we saw some big gaps in the college?s curriculum, so we decided to create our own classes. We based these on our understanding of what TRUE traditional naturopathy entails, and we particularly created the classes to fill a need that was there but that wasn?t being fulfilled wholeheartedly in other programs. We decided to create a program that was focused on a true, whole health approach, not the ?integrative? or ?minimal this, that, or the other? thinking that is pervasive in ?holistic? animal care. We decided the focus is almost always on the convenience of humans over the needs of animals, so we decided to make ACAN about the latter.

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3. In t his magazine, we t al k a l ot about t he principl es of nat uropat hy. For me, one of t he most import ant part s of nat uropat hy is empowering and educat ing peopl e so t hey can t ake responsibil it y f or t heir own pet ?s heal t h, and support t hat pet on it s journey t owards opt imal heal t h. What ?s t he best piece of advice you can give t o peopl e l ooking t o hel p t heir pet s achieve t rue heal t h?

I would ask them if, when they brought their new companion home, was it truly to be a companion, or a medical bill? If the former, then I?d say care for your companion according to their species? needs, and your animal will BE

that companion you desired. If you make it about your own convenience or what your vet says, then your companion is certain to become the latter. And for the record, with due diligence in our responsibility to our animals, a whole health, naturopathic approach to companion animal care actually becomes very convenient.

4. Do you have any specif ic ideas on why diseases l ike cancer are appearing in our dogs at younger and younger ages?

Sure I do. It is all because we are doing things according to a conventional, man-made approach to animal care, based on economics and marketing instead of what nature has always dictated they need to thrive.

5. What do you say t o someone who is nervous t o make t he swit ch f rom f eeding kibbl e t o f eeding raw?

Do you have any t ips f or peopl e t hat are get t ing int o raw f eeding?

First, ask yourself why you are nervous. Remember, we have all been conditioned to believe the marketing brought to us repeatedly on television and also when visiting veterinary clinics.

Non-species-appropriate diets are one big marketing scheme designed to appeal to two things: your needs and convenience. Your pets don?t enter the equation.

Your dog or cat is a carnivore, same as a lion or wolf.

The only difference is in size. Also, remember? you aren?t the one being asked to eat a raw meat, bone, and organ diet. Your dog or cat is, and they are quite capable of handling that the same as any other carnivore. Find a mentor/ health coach if you are nervous and get some guidance. It will cost you less time, energy, and frustration in the long run if you simply invest now at the beginning of this raw journey.

Pansy eating a raw meaty bone. Photo credit: Bre Altherr

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6. There are l ot s of raw diet phil osophies out t here (commercial l y prepared raw, prey model raw, a mix of raw f oods t hat are cut up f or t he animal , et c.). Have you f ound one t ype t hat you pref er? If so, which one? Does it ever depend on t he dog (size, breed, act ivit y l evel )?

Simple answer is all of the above can work. Prey model raw, gorge fed is the ideal. However, that said, not everyone is able to do that, so I have found the next best is what we call franken prey or parts. For me, commercial raw is the last option, and I always encourage people to only use a brand that does not include vegetables or grains, which is contrary to popular veterinary myth. However, any of the above is better than kibble.

7. What sort of prot eins do you t ypical l y f eed your own dogs? Can you describe a t ypical day in t heir diet ?

Mine don?t get lots of variety like others. It?s just how it is? they get turkey, chicken, beef, and lamb. And we never get enough to do the whole prey model? not from lack of trying, although I?ll say I know I could try harder. My male, King, would eat anything, I?m sure. Both dogs were raised on kibble initially before coming to us. Neither of them had any problems switching to raw. My male was switched at 6 months of age and came to us at 13 months. My female came to us at 7 years of age.

9. I read an art icl e a whil e ago f rom a vet t hat argued t hat t here are l ot s of chemical s f ound in soil t hat f ind t heir way int o grasses and ot her pl ant s consumed by herbivores. These herbivores t hen get t he chemical s in t heir bodies, and t hese are concent rat ed even more in t he carnivores t hat eat t hem. The art icl e t hen went on t o say t hat , f or t his reason, f eeding our dogs and cat s a vegan (or at l east a veget arian diet ) was saf est f or t hem. What is your response t o t his? What do you say t o peopl e who are concerned about t he chemical s and t oxins t hat herbivores are exposed t o?

All I have to say to this is nothing about that makes a lot of sense. But, I have heard even worse than that coming from those most people put their trust in for the health and well-being of their animals. I would say that trust is often misplaced.

That sort of logic isn?t logic, but it is an agenda. First of all, we have a choice on where we obtain the animals that are fed to our dogs and cats. Secondly, dogs and cats are NOT vegan or vegetarians. They are carnivores, plain and simple. Their anatomy and physiology dictate they eat raw meat, bones, and organs. We don?t try and force horses to eat meat, bones, and organs because the grass has pesticides, do we? A better solution is to stop using pesticides and support the ecosystem naturally. While it may not all be easy, it is simple? and logical.

8. How import ant is it f or meat (incl uding bones and organs) t o be organic, hormone-f ree, ant ibiot ic-f ree, and past ure-raised?

It is very important, considering carnivores are at the top of the food chain and will therefore receive the largest concentration of toxins that the herbivore or omnivore they consume has eaten. The saying ?We are what we eat? is very true for all species. And yes, we consider antibiotics, especially in the synthetic form, to be toxins, as are all the excess hormones; these are contributing to many problems in all animals as well as humans.

Merlin eating a raw meaty bone. Photo credit: Bre Altherr

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10. I have had many dif f erent peopl e t el l me t hat t heir vet s t ol d t hem t hat t heir specif ic breed of dog cannot digest meat and prot eins as wel l as ot her breeds, and so t hey shoul d f ocus on f eeding f ruit s and veget abl es. Have you ever come across any breed t hat does not digest meat , bones, organs, and gl ands wel l ? Why do you t hink t hat vet s are saying t his? In part icul ar, I have heard t his about Rot t weil ers, Labradors, Dachshunds, Terriers, and Aust ral ian Shepherds, so it ?s a pret t y wide range.

Again, I would advise them to consider the source that told them this. First all, where is their in-depth nutritional training for all species and breeds? It is not there. Secondly, ALL animals are opportunistic. Just because something is available for them to eat does not mean they should eat it or that it is expedient for them.

Also, realize that there are other contributing factors to the problems in these breeds; in the name of prevention, we inject toxins into them and slather toxins on them, and this contributes to DNA damage that is then passed on. These aren?t breed anomalies, these are toxin-damage anomalies: epigenetic damage.

11. Why do you t hink t hat t here is a common myt h t hat dogs are omnivores and shoul d be f ed f ruit s and veget abl es (and even grains)?

Marketing. It has always been about economics and marketing, right from the onset. Again, animals are opportunistic when it comes to surviving. Humans are opportunistic also? when it comes to greed and power. Put the two together and you have the answer to your question.

12. What physiol ogical dif f erences do you see bet ween kibbl e-f ed dogs and raw-f ed dogs?

From puppy hood? A huge difference! The kibble-fed puppies are slower for longer, less agile, and definitely fatter. Kibble-fed dogs are often obese, yet they are usually hungry because they aren?t being fed what their body needs to

thrive. When you understand they are designed to be strong and healthy so they can procreate and produce strong offspring, and you understand that nutrition is the foundation for that strength and vitality, then you understand that kibble-fed dogs will never be satiated or healthy? regardless of all the stories we are told. Other things factor into those stories, as we know, but those things are often left out of the equation when storytelling.

Raw-fed dogs appear to be stronger, more agile, and more alert. They have shinier coats, no ?doggy? smell, much smaller poop that that biodegrades quickly, and clearer, brighter eyes. Really, the list is endless.

13. What are your t hought s about f ast ing? Do you f ast your own dogs?

Yes, fasting is good to rest digestion and it allows the immune system to regenerate. Yes, my own dogs get fasted, although not as often as I?d like, and the reason for that could fill a chapter in a book.

14. I know t hat you use Young Living essent ial oil s wit h your own dogs. How did you get int o essent ial oil s? What is your f avorit e t hing about essent ial oil s? Do you have a f avorit e essent ial oil ?

Yes, I do use Young Living, and yes, definitely with my dogs. As I said at the beginning, my journey into naturopathy began because of my dog, Shadrach, a Neapolitan Mastiff. The beginning of my journey led me to Young Living and the use of essential oils before I ever dove into naturopathy fully. My favorite thing about essential oils is that we can use them as ?tuning forks? to keep our bodies vibrating at the right frequency for wellness. IF I had to choose just ONE oil as my favorite it would be frankincense, because it is gentle while being so versatile and effective for mind, body, and spirit.

15. What is your background?

I have my doctorate in animal naturopathy, I am certified in small animal nutrition, and I am a former 34

veterinary technician. I have worked in a variety of animal-related jobs starting at the age of 16.

Awareness is the greatest ~Eckhart Tolle

agent

for change.

16. Is t here anyt hing el se t hat you woul d l ike t o share t hat I may have missed? Pl ease incl ude anyt hing at al l t hat you woul d l ike.

Finally, I want to say that my own journey into naturopathy was because of my very special dog, Shadrach. I felt that he deserved, after the horrible start in life he had (he was very abused and First, I want to share some of my favorite quotes; neglected), the best. While I didn?t know what that they sum up different parts of my journey: was at first (other than love, a warm bed, and some The greatest enemy of knowledge is not junk food and toxins as preventives), I learned ignorance. It is the illusion of knowledge.? because I felt he deserved to thrive. I think they ALL ~Daniel J. Boorstin deserve that, don?t you? And because of that I There is no shame in not knowing something. learned. Anyone can if they choose to.

The shame is in not being willing to learn. ~Alison Croggon

Schatzie out on a run with Kim . Photo credit: Kim Bloomer 35

AHEARTFELTTHANKYOU Naturopathy, and all of its principles, encompass much more than just doing this or that to keep the body healthy. Naturopathy is a holistic approach that recognizes that it is important to support the whole being: mind, body, and spirit. And quite frankly, one of the best ways to help keep the spirit healthy and supported is by practicing gratitude and compassion so that they become second-nature. We have the ability to choose whether we focus on the negative or positive, and studies have shown that the brain actually develops neural pathways and connections based on what we habitually focus on or do.

To simplify it, the more we choose to focus on the positive? for example, the more we choose to cultivate compassion? the more we

notice positive things. Why is this important to talk about in a magazine devoted to our beloved pets? Well, because our animals are incredibly attuned to our emotions, when we are happier and more grateful, they are happier, calmer, and more balanced. With all of this in mind, and as part of an overall practice of appreciation, we will be including a gratitude page in each issue. In this page, I want to call special attention to the people, and even animals, that have made a profound impact on that issue (and it wouldn?t surprise me if other expressions of gratitude sneak in from time to time!). I also invite you to reflect on what you are grateful for? perhaps it is your dog waiting by the door when you get home after a long day, or your cat falling asleep in

A very happy dog running at the beach. Copyright: Onigiriwords 36

your lap while you watch TV, or perhaps you have reason to feel profound appreciation because you had one of those days where everything seemed to go smoothly and effortlessly. There are an infinite number of things for which to be grateful, and when you start to turn your attention to those things, you will start to notice more and more things to appreciate. And, as you start to realize how much there is in your life to be grateful for, your spirit will start to experience joy on an increasingly bigger and bigger level. By feeding your spirit in this way, you are helping to support yourself and those around you? including your animals? holistically, on a deep and powerful level. So take a moment, right now, to feel appreciation for something in your life. Set a reminder to pause at least once per day to do this. Over time, it will become second nature, and you will experience a greater harmony and vitality in yourself and your pets.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Adam Gilbert, Sarah Reagan, Milton Clark,

Jennifer Joyce, Kim Bloomer, Bre Altherr, and Mardi Linane for their contributions to this issue, and all the contributions they have made to previous issues. They have shared ideas, contributed to or authored articles, and graciously allowed me to use photos that they took, and Raw Pet Digest is infinitely better because of them.

I also want to express my deepest gratitude to Jeannie Thomason, Midi Fairgrieve, Jennifer Lee, Raven Tolliver, Thomas Sandberg, Jennifer Hughey, Roberta Jamieson, Tracy Dion, Jim Clark, Erin O?Connor, Jess Ray, Kelly Ablard, Jill Ermel, Patty Jicha, Shannon and Tyler Bowling, Alison Peloquin, Tracy Covington, Carole Milligan, Peg Clark, and Cheryl Olmstead, because each and every one of them has contributed to Raw Pet Digest in some way (through ideas, articles, or photos), and helped to make this magazine better.

I also want to say thank you to everyone that took part in the Raw Pet Digest survey.

It was amazing how many people completed the survey, and I am profoundly appreciative.

And finally, to all of the readers of Raw Pet Digest, I want to express my deepest, deepest thanks to you. This magazine is intended to support you in helping your pets to live the happiest, healthiest, longest lives possible, and I am so grateful to each of you for supporting the magazine and your pets by taking the step to subscribe and read, and then apply whatever you can to your own pets.

-By Kristin Clark

Flowers. Photo credit: Milton Clark

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FACETHESHEEP,ANDWALKAWAY

Sheep in a f iel d. Copyright : Mark Hooper

As you know, I believe that our pets teach us many, many things. Our dog Elle, for example, has taught me so much about being in the moment and finding joy in everything around me. Barkley has helped me build confidence and self-esteem, and he has helped me learn how to relax. In fact, every animal I?ve spent time with has taught me something. Those lessons don?t always just come directly from the animal, though. Sometimes the lesson comes through an experience we share with a pet, and it is one of those that I wanted to share with you here. While the lesson doesn?t pertain directly to naturopathy, it is one that has been incredibly valuable in shifting how I interact with other people and animals in every aspect of my life. It even informs how I relay information in this magazine, or to clients. It is my hope that sharing this insight, which has had a profound impact on me, might have a similar impact on you, and the way you relate to the people and animals around you. ?Face the sheep and walk away.? That?s not really a command I ever expected to hear, and yet that single, simple phrase has grown to be a kind of mantra for me. But what does it mean?

Well, it all started when I took Barkley sheep herding one weekend. Neither Barkley nor I had any real experience herding sheep, but I figured it would be something fun to do with him and maybe help deepen and strengthen our bond. Plus, he?s part Border Collie, so I thought that he might take to it like a duck to water. When we got there, the trainer took Barkley into a round pen with four sheep to see how he acted. Once he determined that Barkley wasn?t going to eat the sheep (at least, I assume that?s what he was looking for), I got to go in the pen and try my hand at working with Barkley to herd the sheep.

Before we get to the main part of this story, let me back up just a bit. When we are teaching or training dogs (well, when we are teaching anything, really), we have to be able to reward them when they are doing something right so they know it?s the behavior or response we are looking for, and they?ll be more likely to keep on doing it. In sheep herding, at least the way this trainer taught it, a similar concept applies.

The goal, or pattern, for the herding, at least at the beginner level (which was definitely where Barkley and I were at), is fairly simple? the dog should stay a certain distance from the sheep and run around in an arc behind the herd so that the outside sheep is forced to turn in towards the center to get away from the dog, and then the dog runs in an arc around the other way and turns the sheep back again towards the center. This keeps the herd nicely bunched up together and drives them forward all at the same time. The reward, since obviously you can?t stop and pet the dog or give it a treat, is to step backwards so that you aren?t in between the dog and the sheep. This removes the pressure your body presence has on the dog (the reward) and keeps the sheep moving towards you.

Sounds pretty straightforward, huh? Here?s what happened. Barkley went charging off in a big sweeping arc around the sheep, and I whirled to face him, and the trainer (apparently recognizing that Barkley was doing it right and therefore should be rewarded) said ?Great!

Now face the sheep and walk away.? I promptly faced towards the sheep, then turned around and started to walk away from them.

The trainer yelled out ?No, face the sheep and walk away.? Slightly bewildered, I squared up towards the sheep (and in the meantime, Barkley was racing around the herd, excited beyond belief) and then turned around and 39

started to walk away. He yelled again, louder: ?Face the sheep and walk away!? And again, and again, with me saying things like ?I have no idea what you mean!? It was comical and frustrating all at the same time.

Finally, it was like a light bulb went off, and I realized that what he wanted me to do was BACK UP. So, I faced the sheep dead square and started backing straight up for all I was worth, and was rewarded with a ?Yes!? from the trainer. That left me wondering: ?Why didn?t he just say face the sheep and back up??. I mean, clearly I didn?t have a clue what he wanted, and he was just yelling louder and louder and clearly getting more and more frustrated with me. I, on the other hand, was getting frustrated and confused because I was trying to follow his instructions, but it just wasn?t clear what he wanted. And this whole experience led to another, more significant light bulb going off. So many times, we assume that our dogs (or cats, or horses, or husbands, or wives, or boyfriends, or girlfriends, or parents, or children, or co-workers? or anyone, really) know exactly what we are asking of them or what we want them to do. Sometimes they do, but sometimes what is perfectly clear to us doesn?t

FLock of sheep. Copyright: Mikel Martinez de Osaba

make any sense to the other person or animal? or they think it makes sense but are really interpreting it incorrectly. After all, when he said ?Face the sheep and walk away,? the trainer knew in his mind that he wanted me to back up, but it took me a long time to figure that out? and we speak the same language! It?s even harder when dealing with animals because we don?t have a common language. How many times have you asked your dog to do something and, when he doesn?t respond ?correctly,? you say the command louder, or correct him, or get frustrated and impatient? It?s important in those moments to put yourself in your dog?s shoes (or horse?s, or cat?s, or other person?s) and ask yourself whether it?s really, truly, 100% crystal clear what you want. In the case of your dog, if you aren?t willing to bet your own money that he?ll do the command 95% of the time, then I would question whether he really, truly knows what you want him to do. And if he doesn?t really know the command, then why get frustrated if he doesn?t do it? Why fall into the trap of saying it louder, or correcting harder, or losing your

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?Adopt thepaceof nature: her secret is patience.?

-RalphWaldoEmerson

patience or temper? If he doesn?t know what you want, getting angry won?t help him learn faster, but it might teach him that you have unreasonable expectations and aren?t a fair leader. Instead of getting frustrated, I would suggest doing what I wish the trainer had done for me? give the command in a different way, explain it in different terms, or show exactly what was wanted. After all, just like with our dogs (most of the time), I was more than willing to do exactly what he told me, I just needed a little clearer explanation from him about what, exactly, that was.

The naturopathic principles that we talk about in Raw Pet Digest? feeding a species-appropriate diet, exercising properly, addressing the root cause of the issue rather than suppressing the symptoms, and so on? are crystal clear to some people. To others, particularly those who

haven?t been exposed to these concepts, they are sometimes a bit more difficult to assimilate. And that?s just fine. We will continue to weave these concepts through the magazine, and find different ways to support you as you apply them to your pet?s lives (and maybe even your own life). So, if you find that you are having trouble with a particular concept, cut yourself some slack.

You might want to reach out to a qualified animal naturopath that can provide one-on-one assistance, or you might decide to just sit and let the concept percolate around a bit, until it begins to make sense.

Remember, this is a journey. Relax and enjoy it, and have faith in yourself and your ability to take that next step, no matter where you happen to be in your journey right now.

-By Kristin Clark

A dog herding sheep. Copyright: Kittiphan Teerawattanaku 42

THERAWPETDIGEST SURVEYRESULTS

The results of the Raw Pet Digest survey are in!

A big, huge thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out the survey; your answers and feedback are so valuable in helping us to continue to improve the magazine so that it can help support you and your pets as much as possible. All the survey respondents will receive a free one-year subscription extension as a thank you for taking the time to give us feedback.

The survey results were overwhelmingly positive, which was really great, and we also got some great insight into where we can take the magazine in upcoming issues. We thought you might be interested in seeing some of the results of the survey as well, so we?ve pulled together some of the statistics and feedback for you here. As always, if there?s anything we can do to make Raw Pet Digest more relevant to you and your pets, please email me directly at kristin@rawpetdigest.com, and let me know!

We are here to support you and your pets in their journey towards optimal health, and we love hearing from you as to how we can do that even better. But for now, let?s take a look at some of the results from the survey!

One of the things I thought was fascinating was seeing where our readers are in their raw feeding journey. 70% of you feed your pets a species-appropriate (?raw?) diet, and of that 70% , 5% have been raw feeding for less than a year, 21% have been raw feeding for 1-3 years, and 36% have been raw feeding for more than 3 years. 30% of our readers are not yet feeding raw, but hopefully, with the guidance and advice in the magazine, they will dive in and make the switch!

I was really surprised with the results of the question ?What would you like to see covered more in Raw Pet Digest?? I thought that it

would be an even mix of answers, but almost half of you (48% ) said you want to see more articles about natural alternatives to conventional medications/ treatments. So, that is something we will be doing more of, as a direct result of your survey responses. 25% of you wanted to see more information about raw feeding, 10% of respondents were interested in seeing more articles that focus on cats, and 17% wanted more animal interest stories.

We asked people how relevant the articles are to their own situation, and fully 97% of you said that they were very relevant. And, when we asked how often you can incorporate information from RPD into your own situation, 93% of you said ?Very often? or ?Somewhat often.? We also learned that lots of you would be interested in receiving Raw Pet Digest in a print format? 82% of you responded that you were ?Very interested? or ?Somewhat interested.? I am really interested in offering the magazine in a print format too, and we are currently looking at various options to make that happen.

I want to share the feedback we received from you in response to the question ?What can we do to make it even better??, as I thought you might enjoy seeing what your fellow subscribers had to say about the magazine (note some responses have been edited for clarity and/ or space constraints): I t?s pr etty gr eat alr eady!

I r eally like the br eadth. M aybe som e m or e on tr aining techniques? You have so m uch infor m ation. I know your infor m ation would be r eally helpful to other s.

Other than the possibility of having a har dcopy of each issue, ther e is nothing that would m ake this m agazine even better .

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Love it? keep up the am azing wor k.

I feed som e pur chased, gr ound, and fr ozen food for m y dogs. M aybe cover what is involved in finding a good br and and why.

Although this m ay be contr ar y to what you believe is the best.

I don?t have any im pr ovem ent suggestions at this tim e. Content is excellent!

Pr actical advice, categor ies of food, per centages, optional supplem ents to help r eplace categor ies if needed. Ser ies helping br eakdown categor ies going in-depth.

I think it is gr eat the way it is [? ] I would say m aybe m or e about other ways to keep our pets healthy.

Such as the way we com m unicate with them and tr ain them .

M aybe som e inter views with good dog tr ainer s. I love Kevin Behan. I know he doesn?t feed r aw but he knows the way a dog wor ks and thinks. Lee Char les Kelly in N ew Yor k too.

I have loved the m agazine and look for war d to each issue.

I would love to see an ar ticle about r aw br eeder s, and how we ar e tr uly m aking a differ ence in the health and well being of dogs long ter m .

I just think the ar ticles ar e fantastic, but m aybe m aking them in par ts (i.e. Par t 1, 2, 3) etc will m ake them m or e inviting to r ead...

I t?s per fect.

I ?ve been ver y happy with ever y issue so far .

Just continue? it?s gr eat.

Pr inted and r eceived via m ail.

I r eally would like it in pr int.

Ar ticles about her bs, super foods, dog health.

natur al

healing,

Ter r ific fir st year ! Really enjoy the ar ticles and pics!

Keep up the gr eat wor k!

I think the pr oduct you have now is ver y inter esting. I have only had one issue so far .

M akes m e r ethink m y feeding of m y pets.

Thank you!!

I enjoy the ar ticles and love the photos! I r eally enjoyed the ar ticle on ir idology.

Continue pr oducing it. :)

Once again, thank you to everyone that filled out the survey! We will work hard to keep producing a magazine that consistently brings you information that will empower you to help support your pet so that it will thrive throughout its whole life.

-By Kristin Clark

Merlin getting ready to eat. Photo credit: Bre Altherr

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THESURVEYRESULTSATAGLANCE Percentage of raw f eeders:

Wh at you w ant to see more of :

Not yet a raw f eeder ? 30%

Natural al ternati v es ? 48%

Less th an 1 year ? 13%

Practi cal i nf o about raw f eedi ng ? 25%

1-3 years ? 21%

Cats ? 10%

M ore th an 3 years ? 36%

A ni mal i nterest ? 17%

How i nterested you are i n getti ng a pri nted v ersi on of Raw Pet Di gest:

How of ten you can i ncorporate th e i nf ormati on:

V ery i nterested ? 53%

V ery of ten ? 38%

Somew h at i nterested ? 29%

Somew h at of ten ? 55%

Somew h at di si nterested ? 9%

Not v ery of ten ? 7%

V ery di si nterested ? 9%

How rel ev ant th e arti cl es are to your ow n si tuati on: Th ey are v ery rel ev ant ? 97% I h av e not f ound th em v ery rel ev ant ?3%

Barkley at the beach. Photo credit: Kristin Clark

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Barkley on a hike. Photo credit: Kristin Clark

RAW PET DIGEST April/ May 2016