Organic vegetables and sprouts is not without risks; the e-coli problems in Europe should be a concern in pet diets also. Dr. Gary Pusillo Poop is to an organic farm as liquid nitrogen fertilizer is to an Iowa corn farm. With the e-coli outbreak in Europe, we should be careful in believing that the term organic guarantees safe, risk free foods. All sorts of human and animal waste are used in organic farming operations throughout the world. Human waste; sometimes called night soil;”has been used to raise vegetables in Europe...

In the world of fat supplements for animals most supplement and feed companies treat your pet as if you were at a Pretzel stand. To the traditional supplement and feed companies your pet only needs the “pretzel” that they sell no matter the species, age or physical condition of your pet. If you have a Amazon parrot, “give them one of our pretzels”. If you have a poodle, “give them one of our pretzels”. If you have a tiger “give them a big one of our pretzels”. If you need something a little...

Dr. Gary Pusillo The pet food isle in most grocery stores has hundreds of potential choices; each a colorful reminder of what is possible. For most of us, life on a farm will be something only experienced in movies and on the internet. The diminishing amount of family farms and local farm markets will inevitably become more difficult to find. When you have a choice, you can make a decision to buy only locally grown, fresh and family farm-identified food that ensures that we will maintain the farmers that most likely will provide...

          Although SOME ‘sponges’ (and Doggie Dental chews), if chewed very well, are easily passed through the digestive system.  Some Veterinarians highly discourage their feeding due to several concerns including the possibility of mild dehydration and sometimes even blockages.  Though most dogs chew them up very well and they are super tasty, often being compared to a nutritious McDonlads french fry, these products are of very poor nutrition quality and should be avoided.  Always consider feeding...

We all know that the pet industry today has a lot of flaws.  These flaws are now migrating their way over to the human side of things.  Not only can you catch parasites from your pet but now you can catch them just by handling their food!  What worries me is that this information JUST came Are they really so different? Both need help with the simple things in life we take for granted. This bond can have so many positive effects but do we see it for what it really is? Or is it just a pet? out on the news a few days ago. ...

Politicians found to be illegally spending taxpayer money, Senators suddenly being exposed with lovers other than their spouse, movie stars caught drugged out; easily create excuses and fake remorse once they are caught and face a guilty verdict.  There are times in all our lives that we have to decide once and for all what we stand for and what our identity really is. If you believe in an optimum diet for your pet then follow your belief no matter what the “real” cost!  If you want a raw diet without the initial cost,...

I know people in the US that are using implants in their best animals. I think the US will one day require every animal to have its own permanent ID for traceability.  Under regulation from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, all sheep born in the United Kingdom on or after Dec. 31, 2009, must have two identifiers: one electronic and one visual. The Netherlands also passed similar legislation. The legislation was drafted, in part, to facilitate the early identification of health and safety problems through...

Every morning before I go to my office, I take a very brisk 1 mile walk on the gravel road that borders our farm. I feel I have the major responsibility in preventing my body from becoming a hood ornament. If I jump directly in front of a speeding car that I know is approaching at take-off velocity, I deserve what I get. Each day, no matter how inconvenient it might be to get prepared for my walk, I put on bright cloths so the drivers can see me in any type of weather situation.  I walk on the best side of the road for the type...

The world on forensics has presented me with a potential new assignment. Apparently our across sea ties have been supplying potato starch to the pet industry with a devastating consequence. Since the economy of America has caused the significant slowdown of home building, the need for adhesives in the manufacturing of particle boards and plywood has declined. Europeans have been supplying China and other Asian countries with a potato starch made from the potato, Amflora. Amflora is a genetically modified (GM) potato grown in...

By Peter Kaufman: Just because a dog or cat loves to eats a particular food doesn’t mean they should eat it. Dog’s especially are notorious for eating almost anything i.e furniture, shoes and even their own poo. Why then do we use our pet’s reaction (positive or negative) to a particular food or treat as the barometer of whether or not we feed it?  Of course food and treats have to be palatable but should we compromise (or give in to guilt) and allow junky ingredients or empty calories to over ride good nutrition?...