Do Grain-Free Diets For Pets Work?

Many pet owners learn about grain-free diets for their cats and dogs after their pets experience health issues such as ear infections, IBS, allergies and more. Some pet owners just want to feed their pets a healthier diet. What are grains? Common grains in pet food include rice, quinoa, oats and wheat. Why avoid them? They are high in carbohydrates and cause inflammation. But grain-free is only the first step..... Many grain-free pet foods replace the grains with starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes, chickpeas, lentils and pea flour. Pet owners may wonder why their pet is eating a grain-free diet yet still having symptoms such as itching and scratching, excessive licking, digestive problems? The reason is that these starchy carbohydrates still are too high in sugar and may be very hard to digest for some pets. 

Limiting carbohydrates by feeding a raw frozen diet or raw freeze dried (not the same as dehydrated which tend to also be high in carbohydrates) can help. Many canned foods are low in starchy carbohydrates but you need to carefully look at the ingredients to be sure that the diet is primarily animal or fish protein and vegetables. Feeding a diet that contains fresh ingredients with a hypoallergenic protein (e.g. rabbit) can give your pet much needed relief.

If your pet is having digestive issues or problems with scratching and allergies, please email us at support@askariel.com and we will be happy to help.  Please know we cannot provide veterinary advice but we can provide articles and information to help you make an informed decision.  Please include your pet's diet on the order form at checkout and our nutritionist will include a diet suggestion on the packing slip that comes with your product directions.

Honoring Rescuers During National Volunteer Week

In honor of National Volunteer week, we would just like to thank ALL of the wonderful rescuers across this country and abroad who are dedicated so much of their time, money and effort to save and rescue the lives of countless abandoned, neglected and homeless animals. When I ran Ariel Rescue (100 years ago), there was NO INTERNET. Now we can see the animals available for adoption at the shelters but in those awful times, there were barely lists of animals "to be destroyed".Thanks for all the wonderful rescuers, we are saving so many more lives because of your dedication and grateful for the help of technology too!

Here we are at the Husky Haven of Los Angeles adoption event last weekend. So many terrific volunteers! A few people applied for dogs but careful screening (impulse adoptions NOT a good idea!) some extra steps are needed to ensure proper fencing and here's hoping a few of the nice families will follow up and adopt!

Natural Treatments For Pancreatitis In Dogs And Cats

What is Pancreatitis and What Causes It in Dogs and Cats?
Pancreatitis in dogs and cats is inflammation and swelling of the pancreas. Both cats and dogs can develop pancreatitis at any age and it can occur in mild or severe forms. Depending upon the severity of the attack, your pet may need IV fluid therapy and medications for pain and inflammation.  The goal of the treatment is to give your pet’s digestive system complete rest so even water intake may be restricted.  Acute pancreatitis is the more severe form that can be deadly and needs immediate medical attention.

Pancreatitis in dogs and cats can be triggered by eating table scraps, a fatty or rich meal, spicy foods or even foods that your cat or dog isn't used to eating.  Being mindful about what you feed your pet can help (avoid trigger foods such as spicy or fatty table scraps) but also be careful to keep trash tightly closed as pets can get pancreatitis from eating spoiled food.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs and Cats

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Pain or distention of the abdomen
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Weakness or Lethargy

Natural Remedies for Pancreatitis In Dogs And Cats

  The Pancreatitis Support Kit

Three key components of the Pancreatitis Kit are all needed to work synergistically to help the pet digest and break down their food:

Lypozyme -a gentle digestive enzyme for dogs and cats that helps break down fats, protein and carbohydrates.  Lypozyme takes the workload off your pet’s pancreas by providing the enzymes readily available for digesting the incoming food. 

Power Probiotic-essential for all pets, but especially for those with a pancreatic condition.  Dogs and cats with pancreatitis need pet probiotics to maintain proper digestive health.  Power Probiotic repopulates good intestinal flora and supports your pet's bowel and immune health, reducing inflammation. Pure, safe and natural--absolutely no fillers!

Liver and Gallbladder Support Supplement for Pets -helps the liver break down fats and improves bile flow.  This helps the liver and pancreas work together to digest fats more easily and reduce inflammation.

Gastro ULC  -provides natural stomach acid relief, coating the stomach to relieve pain.  Many pets eat better after using Gastro ULC. 

Yorkie's Pancreatitis Improves Naturally!

Layla

"Layla is our Yorkshire Terrier who was diagnosed with pancreatitis. Our vet wanted Layla to be put on a canned prescription formula to manage this and I knew I couldn't do that because I didn't agree with the ingredients in these foods. I talked to a friend who had used Ask Ariel's products and diet suggestion in the past for her Yorkie with great success. Layla was put on Ask Ariel's Lypozyme and Power Probiotic along with the natural diet. Layla's Spec numbers went from 740 (under 400 is considered normal) in October, down to 164 in February...I recommend Ask Ariel to anyone I meet who is dealing with a dog with health issues."  
The Pluss Family

How to Avoid Pancreatitis Flare-Ups

Although Pancreatitis can be a deadly disease, it can be prevented. The best way to prevent a pancreatitis flare-up is to avoid giving your pet table scraps, keep them on a low fat diet and keep the trash tightly closed.  Have healthy, low fat treats such as a few small pieces of lean meat or baked fish, cooked or raw vegetables or low fat freeze dried fish or venison treats. Avoid treats with sugars such as molasses as that creates more work for the pancreas!  Make sure all family members and house guests understand the ramifications of giving table scraps.  Be sure trash is properly sealed and place any greasy cooking pans away from pesky paws.

If your pet is diagnosed with pancreatitis, it is important to use a low fat, high fiber diet to avoid any future flare-ups.  Many of these pets may also have food allergies, irritable bowel or elevation of the liver enzymes (e.g. sluggish bile flow).   Please include your pet's diet and health issues on the order form at checkout.  Ask Ariel will provide a diet suggestion on the packing slip that comes with your product directions.

Husky Recovers From Pancreatitis with Use of Natural Supplements

Emma

"We got some great news today...our 13 year old diabetic Siberian Husky "daughter" Emma just got a positive report regarding her pancreatitis.  Her levels, which were almost 1,000 are now normal.  I have got to credit your LypoZyme capsules for contributing to this.   Emma is also a "new dog" as far as her activity level is concerned and we can tell that she is feeling good.  You have a customer as long as we are blessed with Emma as a family member. The picture was taken only last week."   Errol -  Arizona  

Pets Need Routine And A Regular Schedule

Pets are creatures of habit and thrive on a regular schedule. With our hectic lifestyles it can be very difficult. Pets can become very stressed when their routine is varied and this can lead to sickness and disease. It can also lead to destructive behavior too. Try to feed your pets at the same time each day and give supplements and medicines on schedule. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you. (We all know how easy it is to forget what time it is.) If your work hours vary, see if a family member or neighbor can help feed the pet at the same time each day. When pets are concerned, a good routine means a healthy pet!

Colostrum And Probiotics Helps Pets With Worms And Parasites

Has your pet had a bout of worms, giardia or parasites? Puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable. Parasites, giardia and worms can create inflammation in your pet’s intestinal tract even after the medication has been completed. It’s important to help heal the intestinal lining to prevent recurrence and chronic gastrointestinal problems. Using Power Probiotic and Colostrum for Pets during or immediately after treatment for worms or parasites can help repair the intestinal lining and prevent recurrence.  Please note that these home remedies are not a substitute for the pet medications that kill worms and parasites but should be used in conjunction.

Natural Remedies For Pets With Chronic Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Lilly

Renee contacted us, in July 2013, upset and frustrated because at that time, she said “I have spent hundreds in the last two months. Lilly had a urinary tract infection (UTI) last month and now this month, she also had an infection last year. I need your help…”

Susan Davis, Pet Nutritionist, recommended changing her diet to a grain-free, hypoallergenic diet and using natural holistic supplements which would help reduce the potential for infection and improve her health overall. 

  

Renee used the following home remedies to help her dog Lilly with much success:

Pet UTI Prevention Formula- Acidifies the urine and helps clear bacteria and pathogens from the urinary tract, present in UTI infections, reduces inflammation and help promote healing.

Power Probiotic for Pet- Best Probiotic for dogs and cats!  Replenishes friendly bacteria in the digestive tract that has been killed off by antibiotics.  Pure and natural--no fillers!  A "must" for pets with a history of urinary tract ( or any type) infections. Helps to ward off repeat urinary tract infections.  

NotaSAN Drops – Natural homeopathic formula that controls inflammation and infections. Very helpful if your pet has been on antibiotics as it helps to prevent recurrence of an infection. Use with QuentaSAN for best results. Gentle, easy to administer and safe for long-term use.  

QuentaSAN Drops -Natural homeopathic formula that fights bacterial and viral infections. Use with NotaSAN to stop the cycle of chronic infections.  

Amazing Omegas for Pets-  A researched-backed, concentrated, therapeutic fish oil providing a powerhouse of Omega 3s in just a few drops.  These omega 3s can reduce inflammation and give relief from the uncomfortable symptom of UTIs.

Two years later we received this note from Renee

"Just want to say, "THANK YOU"!  THANK YOU”! Took your advice and had vet take urine with her fasting and her PH was 7 this month…Blood test and urinalysis came out good. (She has been UTI free since on your diet plan and supplements) Lilly was 8 years old last November 17, 2014.  She has battled UTI 's from spring of 2012 until I found you on the internet in July 2013.  I was a little skeptical at first, but I tried it anyway, and glad I did, as it worked.  You have helped Lilly much."  Renee and Lilly 2015

Lilly’s latest update

"My sweet little baby Lilly was eleven last November.  The Vet says she is in great shape. Thank you, Susan, for your diet and supplements for UTI's over several years ago.  The supplements are good quality and they work!” Renee and Lilly 2018

Why Are Raw Frozen Diets Beneficial For Cats and Dogs?

Raw Frozen Diets Contain Food In Its Natural State

When it comes to pet food, raw frozen diets are unmatched due to the wholesome and balanced nutrition they provide for cats and dogs.  These diets contain real meats, ground bones, vegetables and fats in their natural state.  Since the food has not been overprocessed or overheated,  they are highly digestible and pets absorb the nutrients,  leaving a lot less poop for you to pickup!  A raw frozen diet can improve digestion, help with allergies, strengthen immunity, improve your pet's coat quality and reduce inflammation. Raw frozen diets are the gold standard of pet nutrition for many pets but if your pet has any history of allergies or digestive issues, choose a hypoallergenic source of protein such as rabbit and transition slowly.   

If your pet is finicky or very sensitive, you can slowly introduce a raw frozen diet by starting with a companion product from the same brand in freeze dried form.  Examples:  Instinct and Stella and Chewys offer the same ingredients in their raw vs freeze dried diets.  Most pets love the taste of the freeze dried so you can start with small pieces and then include both raw and freeze dried in their bowl. 

In summary, raw frozen diets offer the following benefits to pets:

1) contain fresh real ingredients
2) easily digestible so your pet absorbs more of the nutrients
3) reduced poop
4) low in carbohydrates so reduces yeast and allergy symptoms
5) healthier gums and teeth
6) improved digestive health