Rachael Ray’s star was launched in 2001, with a half-hour show on the Food Network. Fast-forward a little more than a decade, and now she has not one but three TV shows, including a daytime talk show, bestselling cookbooks, her own lifestyle magazine and a line of pet food products (called Nutrish) created solely for the purpose of raising money for at-risk animals.

She has partnered with the ASPCA for this year’s $100K Challenge, a three-month-long competition among shelters all over the country to increase pet adoptions. This year, more than $500,000 in prizes are being given away, which means countless animal lives saved. Two paws up!

In an exclusive interview with Pets Adviser, Rachael talks about her pampered pit bull Isaboo, her dogged charity work and why ignorance makes her unhappy.

Oh, and there’s this — she also confesses that she has actually eaten dog food.

My Interview With Rachael Ray

Your dog, Isaboo, must be one of the most well-fed pooches on the planet. If only we all had a personal cook like you! What kind of stuff do you make for her, and is it the same food you cook for yourself, or is it a dog-friendlier version?

We always make a dog-friendly version of whatever we’re having as a family. So she eats what we eat, but I adapt it so that it’s, you know, not too spicy and not too greasy or whatever.

And whenever she has a burger patty, I put a lot of parsley in it to keep her from eating the plants. If she’s not getting enough greens in her diet, she has a tendency to eat the plants. So that always tells me to add more parsley to her diet.

We like Nutrish, compared with other grocery store brands. Tell us a little about why you decided to put your name on this product.

Nutrish is made to human standards. There’s nothing in that bag I wouldn’t eat myself, and I literally have tried the kibble myself.

It’s very, very high-quality food at a fair price, and it’s a great way [for us] to generate income. It’s the same model we used for our efforts to help kids. We just made dedicated product within each of our product lines and said all of this will generate the money for that. So it was a great business model and has been very successful for Yum-O!, and I wanted to do that for animals as well because I’m a pit bull owner, and I’m an animal advocate, and my mom has 15 rescue cats of her own!

You give away not just “a portion” of proceeds, but ALL of your proceeds from Nutrish…

Every nickle!

Why did you decide to give it all?

Because that’s why we started selling the dog food. It was a way to generate income for animals in need. I mean, that was always the concept.

That’s awesome to hear. So, Rachael, how do you respond to knee-jerk reactions from people who point to isolated acts of aggression as an excuse to try to ban pit bulls or other specific breeds?

Ignorance always makes me sad.

Can you elaborate on that a little bit?

I mean, I think that people that are pit bull haters don’t understand that you can’t have a human that’s born evil. There’s no such thing as an animal that’s more evil than the next — it’s silly. If you treat creatures with love and respect, that’s what will reflect back at you. Any dog can be driven to be violent in nature, because, you know, they’ve been mistreated. And I think that my original statement stands. I feel sad for people that are ignorant about pit bulls or any other animal.

What does it mean to you to be a pet owner, and where does your endless passion for animals come from?

I can’t even put into words how much I love Isaboo and what she brings to my quality of life every day. And that’s why I’m an animal advocate.

Latest Updates:

• Diamond recall now involves two of its plants — Gaston, S.C., and Meta, Missouri (May 18)
• News of first known deaths (May 16)
• MSNBC reports number of sickened people grows to 16 total (May 11)

With the expanding recall of pet foods produced by Diamond Pet Foods, once again salmonella is a major concern. According to a May 16 article in The Gazette of Montreal, two shelter cats died after eating Diamond Pet Food products. These are the first apparent deaths from recalled food. At least 14 people have been sickened, although MSNBC has reported that number at 16.

Brands involved in the recall include various Diamond varieties as well as Kirkland Signature, Taste of the Wild, Canidae, Natural Balance, Solid Gold and a Wellness formula.

On May 18, the Diamond recall expanded yet again — and now includes potential salmonella contamination not only in its Gaston, S.C., plant but in its plant in Meta, Missouri, as well. (See our full list of 2012 recalls.)

It all made me wonder: Is it just my imagination, or are we seeing a major uptick in salmonella cases over the past few years? The answer: I definitely wasn’t imagining things. Keep reading to find out why.

‘No Progress Against Salmonella’

Salmonella contamination is on the rise, in pet food manufacturing as well as in the human food supply. In the past 15 years, concedes Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control, “We’ve made virtually no progress against salmonella.”

Testing back in 2003 determined that nearly 4 percent of raw meat and poultry in the United States was contaminated with salmonella. Six years later, the FDA found that 21 percent of chicken breasts in grocery stores had salmonella.

The bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antimicrobial agents, and new strains (there are more than 2,500 in all) are growing more virulent. We now know that certain “super salmonella” can potentially become hyperinfectious (that is, 100 times more virulent than normal), though thankfully this is extremely rare.

But What About Pet Food?

I recently spent five hours poring over dog and cat food recall data from the period of 2000 to 2012. I wanted to find a way to isolate and track salmonella cases. What I found was a sudden uptick beginning in 2007 and 2008, coinciding with two massive recalls in those years by Mars Petcare Inc.

(I won’t bore you with my long list of recall data, but I can email it to Pets Adviser subscribers upon request.)

What’s interesting to me is the sheer number of recalls in the period of 2007 to 2012 blamed on possible salmonella contamination. Such recalls have included pig ear treats, cat food, dog food, and brands ranging all the way from bottom-shelf Ol’ Roy and Purina to higher-end products made by Bravo! and Wellness.

I noticed that canned foods are very rarely recalled because of salmonella. A report from the CDC explains: “Canned pet food is unlikely to be contaminated with such pathogens because the manufacturing process should eliminate bacterial contamination.”

Pets Adviser does not recommend giving pig ear treats to your dog, because the pork is cleaned and flavored but not cooked, which might otherwise kill off the bacteria. If you must buy pig ears, look for individually wrapped items rather than those sold in bulk bins.

Cases Are on the Rise

The chart above represents, roughly, the impact of pet recalls due to salmonella over the past decade.

Getting an accurate picture is difficult because manufacturers report their recall figures in various ways. For example, one company may report that “a single lot” or ” a limited number” was recalled; another company may say 500 bags were pulled from shelves; yet another may say 10,000 pounds. Also, pet deaths and illnesses are poorly tracked because there is no centralized reporting system as there is with people.

How Does Salmonella Get Into Pet Food?

Salmonella, viewed from a microscope

The source of salmonella contamination can be stated in one word: poop.

Whether it’s the poop of a cow, mice or pigeons, feces are a natural carrier of salmonella because the bacteria can live in the gut of these animals. Let’s say there’s some infected cow dung that gets into the water supply on a farm. The farmer irrigates the field with that water, and suddenly — before you can say “Uh-oh” — the whole crop is contaminated with salmonella. In the case of pet foods, the more probable direct cause is that storage bins, equipment or workers’ hands are contaminated by a tainted ingredient.

Protect your pet and yourself; please read our tips on safe handling of pet food.

Vigilance at All Times

Here is something you should know. In a 2008 report, the CDC says that, to be on the safe side, pet owners should assume that ALL commercial dry pet food is at risk:

“Consumers and health departments should be aware that all dry pet food, pet treats, and pet supplements might be contaminated with pathogens such as salmonella, and consumers should use precautions with all brands of dry pet food, treats, and supplements.”

Remain vigilant, handle food safely (especially dry pet food) and be on the lookout for new recall announcements. Now, more than ever, you should sign up for free updates from Pets Adviser — you can use the quick form below.

–Last update: 5/19/12

We remember being told to keep raw meat away from fresh food, wash our hands after handling and many more precautions to take to minimize illness, but did you ever think contamination was hiding in your dog or cat food?

A recent multi-brand pet food recall confirms that people can get sick after handling tainted pet food, and this isn’t the first time it’s happened:

• At least 16 people (as of May 11) have fallen ill from Salmonella infantis during the current Diamond Pet Foods recall.
• By contrast, about 80 were sickened from 2006 to 2008 by Salmonella enterica during a Mars Petcare Inc. recall.

Children should know to wash their hands after touching pet food.

Types of Contamination

Salmonella is the bacteria most responsible for food-borne illnesses.

There are many different types of this bacteria that typically cause food poisoning. People most susceptible are young children and infants, elderly, and people with suppressed immune systems.

Symptoms in people can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Cramping
• Fever
• Headaches

Symptoms in pets can include:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Constant diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Drinking water excessively
• Lethargy (sluggishness or lack of energy)

Listeria (Listeria monocytogenes) is another type of bacteria that is found in contaminated food and causes infection. Listeria caused an outbreak in 2011 and puts pregnant women at significant risk due to the possibility of miscarriage or transfer of infection to the fetus. Newborns, the elderly and people with suppressed immune systems are also at risk. Symptoms in humans include fever and muscle aches and can sometimes include diarrhea or other complications in the intestinal tract. Symptoms in dogs that have been observed include septicemia, sudden death, uterine infections and abortions.

Mold and fungus contamination does not require contact with the pet’s food. You can disinfect mold found in the home, while other types naturally occur in the environment. Pneumonia in pets can also be caused by fungi in the environment and is not always the result of bacteria. Symptoms include skin and respiratory infections, coughing, loss of appetite, lethargy and difficulty breathing. If you have any type of mold in your home and your pet is having a veterinary procedure done, tell the veterinarian that your pet might have been exposed to mold. This is especially important if your pet will be given anesthesia.

How Contamination Travels

The bacteria mentioned are most commonly associated with food contamination but can spread between humans and animals.

Touching feces, food, saliva or other areas of discharge (cleaning eye ducts, for example) and surfaces that have come in contact with an infected pet or person provide various ways for bacteria to travel.

The dog food that has been contaminated most likely originated from an infected worker, a tainted additive applied after the cooking process in manufacturing the dog food, or equipment used to package the product. Mold and fungi can also form in a dog food bag that gets wet (which should be discarded).

Some ways of cross-contamination might be things you don’t even think about. Someone asked me why people are getting sick in the most recent recall instead of the dogs. “Are they eating the dog food?” this person asked. Of course not, but the pet owners are coming into contact with the tainted food, perhaps without realizing it. Infected pets may show no signs of illness.

Just yesterday I watched my friend put dog food in her dog’s bowl, and a stray piece missed the dish. She picked it up with her fingers and tossed it in the dish. Her food isn’t on the recall list and her floor is clean, she claimed, so no problem, right? Wrong.

While the brand of food may not have made it onto a recall list, you should still practice safe handling procedures.

Why Isn’t Contamination Caught Sooner?

Most testing of suspected contaminated materials occurs in a laboratory and can take up to 24 hours to complete.

Other forms of testing are being investigated, such as an application that uses light to detect the signature pattern created by bacteria in food and can be completed in 30 minutes. Don’t get too excited yet; the U.S. Department of Agriculture explains that this method is still in preliminary testing and may not be sufficient for detecting smaller concentrations of bacteria any time soon.

I Have Contaminated Food – What Now?

First, check to see if you, your pet or anyone in your household is showing symptoms of illness. If so, get to the doctor or take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

If you have confirmed that your pet food is involved in a recall, follow these steps:

• Isolate and seal the food in an airtight container. Recall notices advise people to completely dispose of the product, but I would keep the packaging and a small sample in case it is needed later for identification or further testing. There is a risk associated with keeping the contaminated material, so if you want to err on the side of caution, take a photograph of the packing and UPC code before destroying or disposing of the product. Previous outbreaks that have caused severe illness or death have ended up in litigation. We hope for your sake this does not happen, but if it does you may need to prove the product was in your home.
• Empty all pet dishes and wash them thoroughly with hot soapy water.
• Clean all kitchen surfaces, items and floors with hot soapy water. Do the same for any containers or areas the pet food was stored in or came into contact with.
• Inform everyone in the household that a contaminated item has been found and that hand-washing with warm water and soap is needed for handling any of the pet’s items, food, toys or feces. Always wash your hands before and after using the restroom or handling food.
• Seal the food before transporting it, if you choose to return the item to the store for a refund. You can cut the identifying label and place it on the outside of the package, but cover it completely with strong tape and wash your hands afterward.
• Monitor people and pets for signs of illness.
• Wash any reusable bags that may have transported the dog or cat food.

Avoiding Contamination in the Future

There are many ways bacteria can affect your pet and your home.

From watching my dog’s habits alone, I see that she runs through ditches and rolls around in the grass. Who knows what is in there, much less what was there before she got into play mode and covered her body in it.

Don’t worry, I won’t tell you to stop petting your dog or to quarantine her, but remember to wash your hands after playing with an animal that has been outside. Use extra care when picking up feces and wash your hands immediately after disposal. Thoroughly clean your dog or cat’s food and water bowls with hot soapy water before you refill them every day. Rinse well and dry before adding food and water.

Keep your pet’s food out of the kitchen and in an airtight, sealed container. Don’t feed your pet in the kitchen if you can avoid it; this is especially important for households with young children. The CDC warns that children under 2 have four times the risk of infection when the family pet is fed in the kitchen. Make sure your children understand their need for hand-washing — even after giving treats — to minimize illness.

Check the food’s expiration dates and stay updated on recall information. Throw out any food or food containers or bags that might have gotten wet or come into contact with moisture. Do not mix newly purchased food with old food; instead, use up or throw out the old food and clean the container.

Finally, if your dog or cat is overweight, a diet is in order. Overweight/obesity has been linked to decreased resistance to salmonella.

For a quick video overview, watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpqjJrbCq48

Additional Resources

• Safe Dog Handbook: Kibble wisdom
• FDA: Tips for preventing foodborne illness associated with pet food
• Live Science: Dry pet food linked to human salmonella outbreak

Check back here at Pets Adviser for the latest on pet food recalls. Consider signing up for our free email updates:

I never leave my dogs home alone without thinking of Enzo, the narrator of Garth Stein’s wonderful book The Art of Racing in the Rain.

Enzo is a dog. Not just any dog. Enzo is finalizing what he believes to be his last lower-order rotation before his reincarnation as a human. In one poignant episode from the novel, Enzo’s caregiver becomes violently ill. She is incapacitated for three days and Enzo is locked inside the house, alone with no food and only toilet water to drink. The account of those days is provided entirely by Enzo, and it is heart wrenching.

The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautiful, intelligent book and a must-read, consistently topping bestseller lists of dog books — but today I am writing about automatic dog feeders with timers.

Anxiety about running late or experiencing an emergency while the dogs are home alone is a big worry for many pet owners. If you are fortunate enough to afford and find a reputable doggie au pair, you may still experience a nagging pang of apprehension when the animals are left locked inside. Considering an automated feeder becomes an option worth investigation.

How Do They Work?

One of my dogs is a food maniac. He will eat nearly anything that hits the floor and will not stop until the last morsel is gulped away with satisfaction. The idea of putting down enough food to carry him thorough an entire day or more is not an option; he would gorge until he lapsed into a food induced coma!

For animals like my Luke, an automatic dog feeder with a timer may be a good idea. These products are designed to store food in an air-tight hopper. The hopper then dispenses the fresh food in pre-measured quantities, at timed intervals into the pet’s feeding dish. They are available in a wide range of sizes, materials, programming options and price ranges.

Nourishment Throughout the Day, at Specific Times

4 Meals feeder

A nutritional, balanced diet means more than quality food in measured quantities. A good canine diet includes scheduling food intake that not only controls hunger but provides the pet with easier digestion. Regular feedings minimize a pet’s potential for food aggressions and maximizes a healthy, energetic lifestyle. When your schedule is unpredictable or your dog’s eating periods need regulation, an automatic dog feeder with a timer is the best choice.

Products like the 4 Meals Tray Automatic LCD Clock Pet Feeder will serve your dog designated, pre-measured meals over a 24-hour period. Food volume is adjustable and dispensed in sections of a turntable. The 4 Meals feeder has a pet-proof, lock-on lid and is shaped much like a traditional dog bowl with rubber seals to prevent accidental tipping and spillage. The rotating lid has an “anti-jamming” feature and will distribute wet or dry food.

And get this: If you want to provide a word or two of encouragement to your pet, the 4 Meals feeder is equipped with a voice recorder! The device operates on 4 “C” cell batteries (with low-battery alarm). The 4 Meals feeder currently sells on Amazon.com for $34.99.

Multiple-Day Feeders

Ergo auto feeder

Regular meal schedules are of particular importance if a pet is diabetic. Scheduled feeding avoids hypoglycemia, pancreatitis and other such conditions. Meals in conjunction with medications such as insulin are critical to stabilizing blood glucose. Automatic pet feeders with timers are great solutions for workaholics, elderly or physically challenged pet owners, anyone who finds feeding their pet at regular intervals a challenge.

Some feeders are designed to dispense over several days. The Ergo Automatic Pet Feeder is one such multiple-day device, and is available in three sizes of dry food:

1. Small (5 pound capacity), $109
2. Medium (10 pound capacity), out of stock
3. Large (20 pound capacity), $139

The preset trigger drops dog food from the hopper into the bowl as calibrated by the digital timer. The Ergo dispenses food up to eight times a day and runs on 120 volt AC power. Included is an adjustable stand to raise the bowl up to 13 inches.

Health and Convenience – Automated

Hammacher Schlemmer model

Obesity in dogs is an emerging epidemic problem, and it creates similar issues with animals as with humans, including diabetes, liver disease and osteoporosis. Conservative estimates suggest that one in four dogs suffers from being overweight. The common-sense approach to the overweight pet (and human) is diet and exercise. Experts agree that a regimen of several small, balanced meals a day is the appropriate start to a weight-control solution.

Hammacher Schlemmer, the retailer that prides itself on offering “the best, the only, and the unexpected” may have outdone itself with its programmable pet feeder. The Hammacher Schlemmer Best Automatic Pet Feeder With Timer uses a patented flexible drive that delivers from two tablespoons to six cups of food — without deviation — at preset intervals.

The hopper holds up to 10 pounds of moist or dry food and can be programmed for up to five feedings per day. HS boasts the only feeder that is battery-powered (requires 6 “D” cell batteries) with an AC adapter for backup. The feeding bowl is even mounted on an adjustable, raised base that holds water to prevent infestation from ants! This automated feeder retails for $249.95.

Options for anxious pet owners are abundant. Automatic dog feeders with timers provide a solution when you need the reassurance that regular meals are not interrupted. Automatic programmable feeders ensure:

• Your pet’s health and energy
• Regular nourishment throughout the day
• Food intake monitoring
• Prevention of gorging
• Diabetes controls
• Caregiver convenience

The only element manufacturers of automatic feeding equipment haven’t figured out is the ultimate cleanup — which, in my estimate, would be priceless!

Or: Make One Yourself

Talk about creative… The video below shows a motorized feeder (with timer) built with Legos and other odd parts by someone with probably too much time on his hands. It’s not the best-looking feeder out there, but it certainly does the trick. Take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSw9K3jn83M

Additional Resources

• WebMD Ask the Veterinarian: Feeding tips for big and little dogs
• Peter A. Graham BVMS, PhD, CertVR, MRCVS: Information on canine diabetes
• ASPCA: How to care for overweight dogs

Editor’s Note: To download our free 5-page report on the China danger, see below the article. We ask that you try out Pets Adviser by email — it’s totally free.

Chinese ingredients have been back in the news again, as pet food products are once again “suspected” of causing health problems. No surprise. As Pets Adviser has now covered in great detail, tainted ingredients are a disaster just waiting to happen (again).

On November 18, 2011, the FDA announced that an outbreak of sick and dying dogs may be caused by chicken jerky pet treats that are being imported from China. The treats are also sold as chicken tenders, chicken strips or just plain chicken-flavored pet treats.

Here’s what the FDA said in a November news release:

“In the last 12 months, FDA has seen an increase in the number of complaints it received of dog illnesses associated with consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China.”

The rather vague statement concluded by saying that the FDA has launched an investigation, yet it proposed no recall of the treats. So believe it or not, these treats are still on store shelves. The affected brands have been identified in the press as Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch jerky tenders/treats, both made by Nestle Purina PetCare Company; and Milo’s Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats, made by the Del Monte Corporation.

Finally Investigating

Here’s the deal: Complaints started rolling in to the FDA in 2007 about these treats, around the same time as the massive, deadly recall of pet foods containing melamine from China. Then, in 2009 and 2010, there were fewer complaints about the chicken jerky treats. Now again, in 2011 and especially in 2012, as dogs are being sickened yet again by the questionable treats, the FDA has finally begun to take action. It’s almost as if the FDA hasn’t wanted to ruffle any feathers.

Contrast this with what Pets Adviser has been saying for some time now — that the situation is critical.

As a refresher, let’s talk about what happened in the past. In 2007 thousands of dogs and cats were killed because of tainted ingredients sourced from China — notably the additive melamine, otherwise known as a fire retardant and a plastic used in cheap lawn chairs. That’s right, lawn chair plastic. In all, 60 million packages of pet foods were recalled during what was by all measures a pet-food catastrophe.

Now, nearly five years after that fiasco, many pet owners now assume that new, stronger regulations are in place to protect them. Not true.

While it’s true that melamine — “suspected” of being the 2007 culprit — is now virtually gone from most pet foods, it’s also unfortunately true that manufacturers have been creating dangerous new ways to cut corners and save money in China by introducing ingredients such as a “hydrolyzed leather protein,” made from scraps of leather.

Here’s just a brief list of recent blocked imports from China — stuff that the FDA actually did somehow manage to catch before it reached us:

• Dog food made by the Wenzhou Huahui Leather Co. — blocked because of melamine contamination/poison (February 2012)
• Chewing leather strips (dog toys) — apparently contained Salmonella (October 2011)
• “Gourmet” pet treats — melamine contamination (September 2011)
• Pet treats — melamine (January 2010)
• Animal food additive — melamine (November 2010)
• Pet fish food — melamine (August 2010)
• Rawhide dog chews — melamine (July 2010)

The FDA often uses words like “filthy,” “putrid” and “poisonous” in its descriptions of blocked imports from China.

Chew on These Numbers

Here are some cold hard facts.

• Did you know that over the past decade, Chinese food imports into America have tripled?
• Were you aware that 70 percent of dog and cat food products in the United States were imported from China?
• Finally… the scary part: Did you know that a mere 1 to 2 percent (at most!) of foodstuff imported to the United States from China is ever inspected at our borders? The rest sails through, no questions asked. There’s only so many inspectors available to check out the mountain of imports.

In fact, Chinese pet food ingredients are so widespread that they are in virtually every pet food on the market in the United States, regardless of whether your pet food bag says “Made in China” (which it most certainly does not). Pets Adviser has done an investigation that showed that even some top-shelf brands contain ingredients sourced from China. (Please see below for details on how to download our free report to learn which top brands don’t contain them.)

Jerky Investigation Steps Up

OK, let’s return to the chicken jerky treats that are in the news right now. According to a document from the FDA, the agency has reportedly finally started testing in 2012 for heavy metals in the treats — and the results are not in yet. Heavy metals could include arsenic, lead, mercury, even uranium, all of which could cause the symptoms (acute renal failure) shown in the affected dogs. Surprisingly, the FDA is reportedly also running a DNA analysis on the treats. The agency hasn’t commented on these tests, but DNA analysis could mean the FDA has doubts that there’s really chicken in the treats after all. Now that is scary!

The current round of testing is a positive sign after months of what appeared to be a collective shrug of the shoulders from agency higher-ups. But it’s not enough. Why is there no recall yet? Why are some stores STILL carrying these deadly treats?

“At the slightest doubt, these products should have been recalled, especially knowing there was a link or at the very least a caution/warning label put on the packaging warning the consumers,” says Robin Pierre, a co-founder of the group Animal Parents Against Pet Treats Made in China, which has organized a protest on April 1. Robin blames Waggin’ Train treats for the death of her 2-year-old pug.

Some legislators have become outspoken about the issue in Congress, another step in a positive direction.

How You Can Take Action

Here’s what you can do. You can join Animal Parents Against Pet Treats Made in China on Facebook. There, you can get the details on the April 1 protest against stores selling the treats.

Ask your local pet store why it is still stocking these dangerous products!

Finally, please spread the word. Many pet owners still don’t realize what’s going on. Help us educate everyone by sharing this article. Like it on Facebook, tweet it to your followers, share it with your Google circles, email it to your friends. Every small action you can take right now can help.

Download Our Free Report Now

To get your hands on our FULL, new five-page investigation into Chinese ingredients in pet food, simply subscribe (it’s totally FREE) to Pets Adviser by email, and you’ll get instant free access to the complete report, in a beautiful PDF format that you can print out and save. Simply use the quick form below:

Additional Resources

• FDA: Caution on chicken jerky products
• Food & Water Watch: A decade of dangerous food imports from China
• Ask a Vet Question: Chicken jerky recall 2011
• Food Safety News: More on chicken jerky pet treat alert
• Pet Pardons News: Leaked FDA document shows lack of proper pet treat testing
• Food Safety News Dogs continue to fall ill

Watching all the ads for dog food on TV, you’d think that every meal for your dog is a sumptuous buffet of meaty flavors, packed with vitamins and minerals. Back in the real world, however, it’s a different story.

Yes, it may be the case that many dogs have gotten by on a diet of low-quality kibble, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for your own pet. Picture the terrifying result if you ate fast food day in and day out (you saw Super Size Me, didn’t you?) — well, that’s what poorly made processed food is doing to your dog.

Highly digestible foods are ideal. Poor-quality dog foods have fillers such as corn. These fillers make your pet feel full but are actually highly indigestible, meaning your dog poops more and is gassier too. This is why feeding a healthier food means your dog will actually eat less.

We know you can’t wait to get to our list of the Best Dog Foods, and we’ll get to it soon, we promise! But for now let’s turn to what you don’t want in your pet’s food, and why it’s important to know exactly what’s inside the bag.

Think like a chef and start with the ingredients. Just because a bag is colorful and says, “Formulated by a veterinarian” or “Now with even more meat!” doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Also, terms like “gourmet,” “premium,” “super premium” and “ultra premium” on dog food labels are meaningless. Believe it or not, these products are not required to uphold any higher standard of quality. Even a claim of “human-grade meat” is questionable. For example, meat that was once deemed safe for people may have spoiled and found its way into the pet food.

The secret to finding the best food for your dog isn’t that much of a secret — the info is printed right there on the bag.

Learn to Read the Labels

If you’re interested in a healthy diet, you probably know about reading nutrition labels on packaged food for humans. But did you know that you should be doing the same thing for dog food labels?

Take a moment to look up your dog’s food on a nutrition website like ­DogFoodAnalysis.com. The way you’ll find things worded by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) can be quite sneaky, if not downright deceptive. Ask yourself why the ingredient names are worded in a particular way. Use common sense, and if something sounds mysterious or is oddly nonspecific, consider switching brands.

Not All Meat Is Created Equal

The best dog food is high in protein and low in fillers. As a general rule, two or more different meat sources, like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, salmon or elk, should appear in the first five ingredients. It’s even better if the meat source is meal—meat without added water weight.

You also want to be able to identify the meat sources. “Poultry,” for example, could be practically anything vaguely related to poultry, including chicken byproducts (yuck), so look instead for plain “chicken” or “turkey” on the label; these are known as named (or specific) meat sources.

Byproducts include more than just internal organs like hearts and livers. It’s true that a dog in the wild will eat pretty much anything on a carcass, but byproducts in dog food are an entirely different matter. Byproducts are usually made from rendered animal parts and other disgusting tidbits. In an average bag of cheaply produced dog food, the byproducts might be composed almost entirely of chicken heads, feet, bones and even feathers. It’s garbage that was unfit for human consumption, yet many manufacturers consider it perfectly acceptable fodder for your family pet.

Also, watch out for meat meal and (generic) bone meal, both made from parts that were unfit for human consumption.

Just Say No to Unhealthy Fillers

As you review the ingredients, watch out for corn, wheat and soy, which are common, inexpensive fillers—and not great for your dog. Avoid them, though their presence isn’t necessarily a deal-killer. Poorer-quality grains that are reused from human industry are common, too, but low in nutritional value. Corn gluten meal provides some protein but not enough to be near a top ingredient.

An ingredient called “beet pulp” can spell trouble for your dog, and not just because it’s loaded with sugar. This nasty stuff can swell up to ten times its usual size inside your dog’s colon. So steer clear of any products that list beet pulp as an ingredient.

Other Dangerous Ingredients

“Animal fat” and similar nonspecific ingredients are truly frightening. Working from the vague AAFCO definition, we can assume that animal fat is derived from the four D’s of the slaughter industry—dead, diseased, disabled or dying before slaughter—or could even be derived from road kill or a euthanized dog. Scary stuff indeed.

Ethoxyquin, a poison, is banned from human food—but it’s fair game in some commercial pet foods. So are BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), which have been linked to cancer. Make certain these three preservatives are not on your chosen brand’s list of ingredients.

Look for Quality

An outstanding protein should be the very first ingredient on the package, and possibly second or third—think bison, salmon meal, turkey or chicken meal, for example.

Although “fillers” is a dirty word, commercial dog food does need a binding agent for the meat, as well as a carbohydrate to balance the diet. Great grains include brown rice, oatmeal, millet and barley. White rice is okay, ideally a little farther down the list of ingredients; brewer’s rice is not okay. If the label lists three kinds of rice, realize that it’s simply too much filler. Lastly, avoid sweeteners.

Best Dry Dog Foods

OK, now for the part you’ve been waiting for. Pets Adviser recommends these high-quality brands, listed here alphabetically:

• Artemis Fresh Mix Maximal
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck
• Canidae Grain Free pureSKY
• EVO Turkey & Chicken
• Go! Natural Grain Free Endurance Forumla
• Nature’s Variety Instinct Duck Meal & Turkey Meal
• Orijen 6 Fresh Fish with Sea Vegetables
• TimberWolf Wild & Natural Canid
• Wellness CORE Original

* * *

This article is adapted from Pets Adviser’s new book, No-Nonsense Dog Nutrition. Want to know why Science Diet or Eukanuba may not be the best choice for your dog? Want to know more about providing the longest, healthiest life possible for your dog? Then please read this important bulletin.

P.S.: In our highly-rated book, we reveal which of the 10 foods above contain no ingredients imported from China. You don’t want to skip it!

P.P.S.: Your dog is depending on you. Don’t you owe it to your pet to arm yourself with the knowledge to keep him happier and healthy for a long, wonderful life? Please read this now.

Photo: ColorblindPICASO/Flickr

Question: My dog regurgitates 95 percent of the time after she eats her “breakfast,” the first meal of the day. There’s never a problem after she eats other meals. She’s now on a special diet, but that hasn’t helped.

My vet suggested a surgery to cut the sphincter muscle. Does this make sense to you? — T. M., Orlando, Fla.

Dr. Colin Burroughs, an internal medicine specialist and chair of the small animal clinical science department at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, says the surgery you speak of requires cutting the muscle at the junction of the stomach and small intestine. It’s an appropriate surgery when that muscle has grown too much, and won’t relax, therefore preventing the stomach from emptying.

However, this condition, called pyloric hypertrophy, is typically seen in only a few breeds, mostly miniature and toy dogs. Also, dogs with this condition usually vomit several hours after eating, as opposed to immediately after a meal. “Consider verifying the diagnosis with a board-certified specialist in internal medicine,” Burroughs said.

Your dog may simply be scarfing down her first meal too fast. Try feeding her that first meal from Kong, Busy Buddy or Dogzilla toys. These are toys that you pour kibble into. Dogs have to roll the toys for the kibble to fall out. Aside from being fun, it’ll slow down your dog’s eating habits since only a few pieces of kibble fall out of the toys at a time. If your dog is on moist food, split up her morning meal into four portions and place each part in a dish in various places around the house.

Aside from the fun of searching out her food — and additional exercise — she’ll be able to inhale only a quarter of the food she did previously. There’s no downside to slowing down her food intake, and doing so might just solve your dog’s problem.

This article originally appeared at WebVet.com with the title “Why Does Our Dog Vomit After Breakfast?” It was written by Steve Dale and reviewed by Amy I. Attas, V.M.D. Photo: CowCopTim/Flickr

Your dog is what your dog eats. So if your pup is chowing down on cheap kibble that is mostly nutritionless filler, nauseating byproducts and dangerous chemicals, you might be giving your pet a lifetime of health complications.

It’s a stinky fact: Dogs fed unhealthy table scraps or low-grade pet food tend to be extremely gassy. Phew! Is it any wonder that the problem clears up immediately after you switch to a better food?

Now ponder this statistic: A staggering 54 percent of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese, according to a recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, and that number continues to grow. It’s an epidemic.

First, a Little History

Commercial pet foods went mainstream in the 1930s, during a shattered economy. Until then, most people simply fed their dogs leftovers from home-cooked meals. But as budgets grew leaner, leftovers grew sparser. It was cheaper to buy food specifically made for dogs—and so it was that a gigantic industry was born.

Before long, the manufacturers had Americans duped into believing that their processed, mass-produced food was the only truly healthy way to feed pets. As time went on and more consumers were indoctrinated to the “benefits” of commercial dog food, the quality of the ingredients plummeted dramatically.

Today, it seems as if consumers will feed their dog anything that a veterinarian—or some paid celebrity—endorses. But like most media campaigns, at the heart of it lies a disturbing truth: It’s all a great big pack of lies.

No, we’re not going to tell you that home-cooked meals are the only way to go. Actually, contrary to what some other books on dog food tell you, there’s nothing wrong with feeding your dog commercial food, as long as you select one with quality ingredients.

1 Easy Tip!

Let’s face it: Dog nutrition can be a vastly complicated subject. But if you want a straightforward, no-nonsense, easy way to determine which dog foods to eliminate from your top choices, here is one easy tip…

Take a look at the dog food label, and if you see any of the following 7 phrases, move on to the next product, without reservation:

1. Byproduct
2. Animal fat
3. Animal digest
4. Beet pulp
5. Ethoxyquin
6. BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
7. BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

* * *

This article was adapted from Pets Adviser’s new book, No-Nonsense Dog Nutrition. Your pet is depending on you — so learn more about providing the longest, healthiest life possible for your dog. Read this very important bulletin.

I recently changed my shih-tzu’s brand of food to Wellness 1+1. It is one carb and one protein all-natural lamb and brown rice. He was on a different brand of lamb and brown rice before this, and his poop size was substantial for a 14 pound dog. But now he only has rabbit pellets or noticeably smaller poops. He seems OK and has a poop at least once a day and is still active and playful. Could it be because there are fewer by-products in his new food? Should I be worried? How can I tell if this is a problem? —Mandy

Better Dog Food, Less Poop

Congratulations, Mandy — you are experiencing one of the many wonderful results of feeding your dog an excellent diet. Better dog food, less dog poop!

The reason is simple: Without fillers and empty carbs, your doggie absorbs and utilizes more nutrients, which means there’s less waste. Less waste = less poop.

Of course, in your situation, it depends on what food you switched to Wellness from. If it was of similar quality, then it could be that your dog processes the new food’s formula differently.

“Bone Poop”

If picking up less poop is as important to you as feeding your dog the very best diet, then you might switch to a raw diet, which consists of raw meat, bones, fruits and vegetables, with no grains or saturated fats. A healthy, balanced raw diet may provide a shinier coat, whiter teeth, freshened breath and poo that you’ll find to be small, hard, white, chalky and almost odor-free (we call it “bone poop”).

There’s no need to worry unless your dog is straining and having difficulty pooping. This can sometimes be an issue with harder stool, even if it’s small. If you do notice your dog having a tough time pooping, add a tablespoon of canned pumpkin to each of his meals. If the condition persists, it’s time to contact your veterinarian.

* * *

Pets Adviser’s new book, No-Nonsense Dog Nutrition, is out now! Want to know why Science Diet or Eukanuba may not be the best choice for your dog? Want to know more about providing the longest, healthiest life possible for your dog? Then please read this important bulletin.

P.S.: In our highly-rated book, we reveal our list of the top 10 dry dog foods on the market. You don’t want to skip it!

P.P.S.: Your dog is depending on you. Don’t you owe it to your pet to arm yourself with the knowledge to keep him happier and healthy for a long, wonderful life? Please read this now.

Photo: lightninglandon/Flickr

Good Dog Food vs. Bad Dog Food

Some of the most popular mass-market dog foods are also the worst for your dogs.

The catchy commercials on TV might be adorable, and they might persuade you that the food is of good quality, but in reality the most common brands score very low on the nutritional scale.

To illustrate the point, let’s compare the ingredients of a bad dog food — Walmart’s best-selling pet food Ol’ Roy — with the ingredients in a great dry dog food.

Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition

Despite Walmart’s claims that its Ol’ Roy line features “high-quality ingredients” and “quality protein,” this cheapo brand is generally regarded as the worst dog food on the market. Yes, it’s easy on your wallet, but so what? Would you expect your children to subsist on a diet of McDonald’s? Just look at these awful ingredients:

Ground yellow corn, meat and bone meal, soybean meal, chicken by-product meal, wheat middlings, animal fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid), natural flavor, brewers rice, salt, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, choline chloride, color added (titanium dioxide, yellow #5, yellow #6, red #40, blue #2), zinc sulfate, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, niacin, copper sulfate, vitamin A supplement, biotin, manganous oxide, calcium pantothenate, vitamin B12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), riboflavin supplement, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, folic acid, vitamin D-3 supplement, cobalt carbonate

The first ingredient is corn — which dogs have a difficult time digesting. It’s one of the most commonly used fillers in low-quality food. (Why? Because corn is cheap, and big companies make more money by being cheap.) Next up is an unnamed “meat” and unspecified bone meal, which could be anything from goat parts to road kill to euthanized pets. The soybean meal is a poor-quality filler used to boost the protein content — yet more filler. As for chicken byproduct meal, well it could pretty much mean anything… except a quality protein source.

Middlings are essentially floor sweepings with no nutritional value. The last main ingredient is animal fat (yuck), just as nebulous as chicken byproduct meal.

Orijen 6 Fresh Fish With Sea Vegetables

Now let’s examine the ingredients list for a high-quality dog food, Orijen 6 Fresh Fish. Feast your eyes on this:

Fresh boneless salmon, salmon meal, herring meal, fresh boneless herring, fresh boneless walleye, russet potato, sweet potato, peas, salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), fresh boneless lake whitefish, sun-cured alfalfa, fresh boneless flounder, fresh boneless northern pike, pea fiber, organic kelp, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, turnip greens, apples, cranberries, blueberries, licorice root, angelica root, fenugreek, marigold flowers, sweet fennel, peppermint leaf, chamomile, dandelion, summer savory, rosemary, vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine, folic acid, biotin, -vitamin B12, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, selenium yeast, lactobacillus acidophilus, enterococcus faecium

The differences between Orijen and Ol’ Roy are immediately noticeable. Besides the six different types of fish, there’s good meat in meal form (salmon meal, herring meal). There are zero grains, which is fantastic because grains are not a natural part of the canine diet. There is quite a range of fruits and vegetables here as well as probiotics. Though you won’t find this info on the label, Orijen products are free of China-sourced ingredients, which is another huge plus.

* * *

This article is adapted from Pets Adviser’s new book, No-Nonsense Dog Nutrition. Want to know why Science Diet or Eukanuba may not be the best choice for your dog? Want to know more about providing the longest, healthiest life possible for your dog? Then please read this important bulletin.

P.S.: In our highly-rated book, we reveal our list of the top 10 dry dog foods on the market. You don’t want to skip it!

P.P.S.: Your dog is depending on you. Don’t you owe it to your pet to arm yourself with the knowledge to keep him happier and healthy for a long, wonderful life? Please read this now.

As I sit at my table enjoying my morning cup of coffee, I glance out my kitchen window. Lo and behold, there is Bunker, my pit bull, attempting to bury the chicken bone I gave him earlier.

Why do dogs bury their food? I faithfully feed my dogs twice a day, and quite often throw in a snack between feedings. So what gives dogs the urge to bury some of the food?

Why Do Dogs Bury Food?

According to the book Why Do Dogs Do That?, wild dogs learn early in life that food may be hard to come by. So when they find a feast, they do the smart thing: bury some of it to enjoy later. It’s kind of like setting up a “food bank.” This practice is called caching. Wolves and foxes also share this behavior.

So, maybe domesticated dogs are already equipped with the innate notion that being fed regularly is a sign of leaner times coming. They may bury food so they can be assured of having something to munch on later. Not to worry, though: A canine’s digestive system is built for eating foods that have been buried a while.

Even Indoor Dogs “Bury” Stuff

An indoor dog may hide a bone or piece of food under throw rugs or furniture cushions. This is common behavior. Dogs have pretty good memories, so it’s a safe bet they’ll be back later to retrieve their buried treat.

Witness this dalmatian in bone-burying action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFEw9jdRcy4

If a dog does not feel safe at the moment, he may tend to bury his food — which is a way to keep others from getting those morsels before he can eat them. Meanwhile, shy dogs might prefer eating alone. If other animals are around, they may choose to bury their food simply so they can enjoy it later.

Although you may assume that food hoarding is caused by your pet’s dislike of certain foods, chances are if he doesn’t like something he just won’t eat it.

Health Problem? Not Likely

Medical problems of any nature are not likely reasons for the food-burying habit. Animals with a health problem will generally ignore their food completely. If they don’t feel well enough to eat it, they certainly can’t muster up enough strength to bury it.

So, if you’re wondering why do dogs bury their food, rest assured that in most cases it is simply a combination of your dog’s personality and certain territorial factors.

In the off chance that food hiding is an ongoing problem with your pet, try feeding in a different location or maybe at a different time.

***

Once more I look out to see what Bunker is up to now. I see him relaxing under the shade of a tree. He seems to relish in the fact that he has some backup food ready just in case I forget to feed him later. I can’t really blame him for being prepared!

Additional Resources

• Pet Education: Why dogs bury bones
• Southfork Animal Hospital: Dogs and digging problems [Download]
• Cesar’s Way: Why does your dog bury her treats or toys?

Photo: Waldo Péndola G./Flickr

I’m sure many dog owners all around the world have asked themselves, “Why do dogs eat so fast?”

I’ve owned several dogs in my lifetime, and every one was a fast eater, whether they were around other dogs or all alone.

Take my dog, Sweet Pea, for example. She never took time to taste her food. She would begin chowing down as soon as she saw the food heading toward her doggie dish. She never graded it, gulping down anything, from lettuce to pineapple to meat.

Could it be that a dog’s strong sense of smell enhances any flavor?

Why Do Dogs Do That: A Collection of Curious Canine Behaviors suggests an explanation for this “chow-hound” attitude, stating that it lies in the competitive instincts whenever “social carnivores’’ — such as wolves — bring down prey. The animal that eats faster is in a better position to survive and pass along its genes.

Fun Facts About Dogs: Inspiring Tabs, Amazing Feats, and Helpful Hints states that unaware of when they would get their next meal, wild dogs ate as quickly and as much as they could to ensure that their larger rivals would not have much to steal.

The Brake-Fast dog bowl safely slows down meal times.

Instead of pondering the question “Why do dogs eat so fast?” just try slowing them down a bit. You can buy special dog bowls made with different size knobs at the bottom. A dog cannot push the knobs out because they are attached. This slows the dog’s eating down because it has to fish out the food instead of gobbling it down. These special dog bowls are easy to clean and easy to use. (One great brand recommended by the staff at Pets Adviser is the Brake-Fast dog bowl, pictured here.)

By slowing down their table manners, dogs will prevent problems such as vomiting, choking and bloat.

Another choice is to place a bowl upside down inside the feeding bowl. Put the food in so that it goes around the inner bowl, allowing the dog to get only a mouthful at the time.

Whatever method you choose, your dog will maintain better health and may even find that it enjoys savoring the good taste of its food.

Who knows? You may get noted as having the best table-mannered dog in the neighborhood, and your dog will think it has the best food in town. It will be saying “Rrfff, it’s s-o-o-o good!”

Photo: Amarand Agasi/Flickr

In 2007, roughly 17,000 pets were sickened — and 4,000 dogs and cats died — from tainted commercial pet foods made with ingredients imported from China.

The culprit? Melamine, a chemical made from coal. For years animal feed producers in China ground it into a powder and mixed it into dog food and cat food. Why? To save money, of course. Melamine looks just like protein on inspection results, so it’s a cheap way to make the food look like it has more protein than it really does. Unfortunately, melamine (also used to make those ubiquitous plastic chairs seen on front porches everywhere) had the nasty little habit of killing dogs and cats by the thousands.

China’s food manufacturers operate in a culture of cutting corners and compromising safety. If it’s not melamine, it’s another dangerous additive just like it. For example, the newest cost-saving scheme is to sometimes mix in a hydrolyzed leather protein additive (made from scraps of cow skin). The curing chemicals used to make that leather can kill our pets in high enough doses.

Here’s the thing, though: U.S. manufacturers are utterly dependent on Chinese ingredients. In the past 10 years, food imports to the United States from China have tripled. China now supplies 70 percent of dog and cat food imports to the United States.

This growth is happening so quickly, and on such a massive scale, that inspectors in China openly concede they’re unable to keep pace. And if you think the U.S. is looking closely at this stuff, think again. Just 2 percent (or less) of food imported from China is ever inspected when it reaches our borders. That’s right: 2 percent.

Does My Dog Food Have Chinese Ingredients?

Take a look at the label on your dog food and treats. Does it say “Made in China” anywhere? If so, toss it in the trash.

Your run-of-the-mill dog food very likely does have Chinese ingredients in the mix. It’s up to you to decide if it’s a risk you’re willing to take. But you’re not off the hook even if you’re faithfully buying a high-end brand. The FDA does not require “country of origin” statements on pet food; and, well, US manufacturers aren’t going out of their way to blatantly advertise a China link to their “premium” food.

I decided to contact the manufacturers of 10 of the best dog food brands on the market to inquire about Chinese ingredients. I sent an email to the makers of the following products, which I consider to be some of today’s “best of the best” of the commercial dry dog foods:

• Artemis Fresh Mix Maximal
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck
• Canidae Grain Free pureSKY
• EVO Turkey & Chicken
• Go! Natural Grain Free Endurance Formula
• Nature’s Variety Instinct Duck Meal & Turkey Meal
• Orijen 6 Fresh Fish with Sea Vegetables
• Taste of the Wild Wetlands with Roasted Fowl
• TimberWolf Wild & Natural Canid
• Wellness CORE Original

I asked them all, “Can you please tell me if any ingredients are sourced from China?” Their answers, overall, were shocking, and you need to see what they told me…

Read Our Free Report!

This is only an excerpt. But there’s so much more, and it’s totally free! To read our FULL five-page investigation, simply subscribe to Pets Adviser (don’t worry, it’s also free), and you’ll get instant free access to the complete report, in a beautiful PDF format that you can print out and save. Use the quick form below:

Top photo: klynslis/Flickr

Rachael Ray and her pit bull, Isaboo

For years I was firmly convinced that grocery stores would never stock quality dog food. The top grocery-store brands — Pedigree, Purina and Iams — all contain loathsome amounts of fillers, fats and animal byproducts. Corn is usually the main ingredient, distantly followed by meat protein.

When people have asked my advice about quality dog food, I’ve always told them to avoid buying food anywhere except pet-specialty stores, like Petco, PetSmart or their local feed barn. It’s one of my many animal welfare soapboxes.

Sometimes I could see a brief facial expression flicker across the person’s face, which I knew meant that if a grocery store didn’t carry it, the person’s pets didn’t eat it. Making an extra stop at a pet-supply store isn’t always convenient.

Grain- and Filler-Free

But now, thanks to celebrity chef Rachael Ray, I can change my little speech.

When I clipped two outstanding coupons ($4 off!) for Ray’s new pet food line, Nutrish, I checked out the food online.

Much to my surprise, her kibble focuses on grain- and filler-free ingredients, listing chicken as the first two ingredients; the beef kibble does the same for meat. Her treats, Just Six, contain only (you guessed it) six ingredients, making them far healthier than Milk Bonz.

Okay, so Nutrish isn’t a premium-quality kibble. It does have corn meal and animal fat, but in much smaller amounts than you’d normally find in a grocery-store pet food, only about 15 percent. I’d call it a “high quality” food, which is just fine for keeping your dog healthy and fit.

It’s No McDonald’s, But It’s No Whole Foods Either

Look at it this way: Alpo has the nutritional qualities of a Big Mac. Beneful and Iams are similar to El Pollo Loco. Costco brand food is on par with a healthy meal at Applebee’s, and premium-quality foods are comparable to Whole Foods. Nutrish lies somewhere between Iams and Costco, perhaps a Souplantation salad bar or a nice bowl of noodles and vegetables?

One of the reasons I’m so excited about this food is that it’s readily available where most people shop, which means that it will be easier for the average Jane or Joe to purchase more nutritious food for their dogs. It’s still more expensive than Alpo, but it’s reasonably priced and affordable for most households. You can even buy it at Wal-Mart!

If you’re interested in trying Ray’s line, available in chicken and beef, visit her website to sign up for a free sample. After you complete the little form, you can also download a coupon for $3.50 off. If you’re a coupon champ, head to Ralph’s this week to pick up 12-lb bag, regularly $14.99, on sale for $11.99. With the coupon, that’s only $8.49 per bag or $.70/lb.

Another thing I love about Nutrish is that Rachael Ray donates a portion of sales to four animal rescue organizations: BADRAP (the best rescue in the WORLD), the North Shore Animal League, the ASPCA and America’s Vet Dogs, a nonprofit that trains service dogs for military veterans.

Lest you think Ray is paying me for this Nutrish dog food review, fear not: I’m just an excited consumer. I bought two bags today and will start switching my dogs to it tomorrow. Fingers crossed, please, for an easy transition!

There ARE Better Dog Foods Out There

As mentioned, Nutrish isn’t awful, but it’s not the best you can feed your dog. Pets Adviser’s book No-Nonsense Dog Nutrition explains why. Want to know more about providing the longest, healthiest life possible for your dog? Then please read this important bulletin.

P.S.: In our highly-rated book, we reveal our list of the Top 10 dry dog foods on the market. You don’t want to skip it!

P.P.S.: Your dog is depending on you. Don’t you owe it to your pet to arm yourself with the knowledge to keep him happier and healthy for a long, wonderful life? Please read this now.

If you’re like me — or anyone else trying to stick to a budget — then you’re always looking for ways to spend less money. Here are a few ways to save big on your pet’s veterinary costs.

1. Prevention

Just as with humans, the best way to save big on vet bills is to avoid them. A healthy diet and regular exercise are the best preventives. Make sure your dog gets some form of exercise daily — walks, trips to the dog park, play dates with other dogs, playing games with you — and eats a premium diet. Your cat doesn’t need formal exercise, but playtime has great benefits.

Commercials for Pedigree and Purina products tell you their food is healthy, but if you check the labels, you’ll see that the food you buy in grocery stores is high in fat and fillers, no matter how “healthy” it claims to be. By heading for your local pet store or feed barn, you can buy a premium food for only a little more, one that is actually good for your pet.

When you find a premium food you like, try to buy it in bulk. For example, the Natural Balance Fish & Sweet Potato food I buy at the feed barn costs about $37 for a 15 pound bag, whereas the 28 pound bag costs only $47.

2. Annual Vet Visits

If you see your veterinarian annually, you’ll up your chances of finding a problem before it becomes a serious (and expensive) issue. For example, if you have your dog’s blood tested every year, you’ll become aware of conditions like diabetes and cancer when there still may be a chance to successfully treat them.

If you have more than one pet, try to take them in at the same time. It’s a bigger financial outlay all at once, but most veterinarians give a multiple-pet discount, so you’ll wind up paying less in the long run.

3. Home Remedies

For very basic health problems, like constipation, diarrhea, conjunctivitis and fleas, you can try home remedies for pets before you shell out funds for a vet visit your dog or cat may not need. Keep in mind, though, that if the “DIY” remedies don’t seem to be working, or if the condition worsens, you should take your pet to the veterinarian immediately.

4. Low-Cost Clinic for Basic Services

If you adopt your pet from a shelter, he will most likely already be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, which will save you a bundle in vet fees. However, if your pet does need these services, you can take him to a low-cost clinic to for basic procedures, saving the big bucks for your pet’s annual visits at your regular veterinarian’s office.

Look around for vaccination clinics. Many pet supply stores offer them, as do feed barns. Our dog park even offers them on Sundays! Many animal shelters will also vaccinate or microchip for reduced rates.

5. Avoid the Emergency Vet

If you notice that something seems off about your pet, try to do something about it during regular business hours. Although emergency vet visits can be essential in many situations, they cost about 50 percent more than visits during business hours. When you’re deciding on a veterinarian, try to select one that is open late every day of the week.

6. Make Informed Decisions

If you’ve ever had to visit the vet for more than just a sniffle, you know how confusing it can be when your vet presents different options, especially since some of them can be very expensive. Since the vet is the expert, most people sign off on procedures they may not need, just because they aren’t very knowledgeable about pet health.

It’s possible that if you put off those pricey X-rays for one day, your dog’s constipation might clear up on its own. If you live in an area where heartworm is extremely rare, perhaps your pet doesn’t need the recommended test and preventive medication.

Read up on your dog’s breed and familiarize yourself with common health issues and remedies. If your veterinarian recommends something expensive, get a second opinion. Use common sense when you evaluate the estimate.

7. Save on Medication

If your pet is on a maintenance drug for a chronic condition, such as thyroid problems, arthritis or heart murmur, ask your vet if he can give you a prescription for a human equivalent. Although your health insurance won’t pay for it, you can purchase many commonly used drugs for $4 at Target or Costco.

Look online for flea control products, discount medications and vaccinations you can administer yourself. Ebay is a good source for flea and tick control, and sites like 1-800-PetMeds.com offer significant discounts on medication.

8. A Word on Pet Insurance

Although pet insurance is a safe way to ease your mind about unexpected vet costs, it’s even better if you create a savings account for your pet. With pet insurance, you’ll pay monthly premiums and may never need to make a claim. If you’re able to save $5,000 or so for emergencies, you’ll accrue interest and avoid paying monthly premiums. If you DO consider shopping around, we recommend getting a quote from a company called Embrace Pet Insurance, or another such reputable insurer.

Do you have any tips for saving on your pet’s healthcare costs? Tell me about them in the comments section below.

Photo: Joseph O’Connell/Flickr