Brown Rice--Is It Healthy For Your Cat or Dog?

Rice is one of the world’s most popular foods, is a major component of many people’s diet and often considered a “comfort” food, but should it be for your pet? It is important for us to remember that what is considered a “healthy” diet for humans does not always translate to be the same for our canine and feline companions.  Brown Rice is less processed than white rice and is produced by harvesting the seeds running the rice through a rice huller that removes the outer grain husk.  White rice has the added step of removing the germ and the inner husk which then removes even more nutrients and fiber.

Why Is Rice An Ingredient Dog and Cat Food?
Many pet food companies use rice as a “healthy” inexpensive carbohydrate that has less incident of being an allergen then other grains such as corn. It is a filler that can bring up the protein percentage on the label INSTEAD of using the more costly real meat, fish or poultry.   “Premium” brands may market the fact they use brown rice or even organic brown rice as a benefit, but the fact is, the rice is still a replacement for the real nutrition a pet needs.   Feeding brown rice and starchy carbohydrates can affect the pet's overall nutritional balance contributing to obesity, yeast overgrowth, diabetes and a weakened immune system.  Most pet nutritionists agree that dogs (and cats) were originally meat-eaters and although they have become more “domesticated”, this still holds true. Cats are carnivores and do not need carbohydrates while dogs thrive when their diet consists of minimal carbohydrates.

Effects of Rice on Your Pet's Health
If your pet is showing signs of itching, licking, chewing, digestive problems, urinary tract infections, hypothyroidism (dogs), hyperthyroidism (cats), upper respiratiory infections and so on (the list goes on and on), grains such as rice, no matter how wonderful they sound for you to eat, should not be a part of your pet's.  The ONLY time rice may be helpful (and even then our preference would be to feed sweet potatoes instead) is when the pet requires a low protein diet due to kidney failure or liver disease. Yes, there are plenty of exceptions where some pets seem to do just fine on diets with plenty of grains, but as a general rule, grains such as rice contribute to inflammation and an increased carbohydrate load.

Avoid Rice AND Grains In Your Pet's Food and Treats

We do not recommend feeding your pets treats or pet foods containing brown rice or any rice. Just a few examples of cat and dog food brands that contain rice:  Rachael Ray Nutrish,  Canidae Life Stages, Blue Buffalo Life Protection,  Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets, Nature's Recipe Limited Ingredient,  Nutro Wholesome Essentials, California Naturals Dry,  Simply Nourish, Royal Canin and Hills Prescription Diets, Purina ProPlan and many, many more.

Have A Question About Your Pet's Well Being? Read our articles about pet nutrition or email us at support@askariel.com  Please be sure to include your pet's diet on the order form at checkout and our nutritionist will include a diet suggestion for your pet on the order packing slip that comes with your product directions.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Rescue dog Wrangler (a special needs dog) wanted to make sure you smile today! Wishing you and your pets a Happy St. Patrick's Day with a pot o' gold of good health!  Wrangler is featured her with the AskAriel.com supplements he takes.  Wrangler has a feeding tube and many health issues, but is loved and cherished by all!

Jack Russell Terrier With Kidney Disease Lives To 16 1/2 Years

Puck with his girl Kinzie

Puck the Jack Russell Terrier suffered with Kidney Disease and other age related conditions. He was helped with the use of Ask Ariel's supplements, which enabled him to spend more time with his girl Kinzie! Here are the kind words his family shared with us:

"We found Susan Davis and Askariel.com after our dog (Puck the Jack Russell Terrier) was diagnosed with renal failure when he was around 8. We were devastated. A friend sent us to Susan, who not only gave us hope, but was by our side, helping us with diet and supplements and everything we could do to support his body. If we ran out of Renelix I would see a change in him within a few days. I got to the point where I always had an extra one on hand.  We are so grateful that Susan's knowledge and expertise helped Puck live to the ripe old age of 16 1/2. Thank you Susan - for all you do!"

Sue, Mike, Kinzie, (and especially) Puck  - California 

Some of the products that helped Puck were:

Renelix- detox formula that flushes out toxins accumulated in the kidneys.

Power Probiotic for Pets-supports digestion and overall good health (great for all pets!)

Soothing Digestive Relief for Pets- provides a calming, healing effect to your pet's intestinal tract

Purrfect Pet CoQ10- powerful antioxidant, scientifically proven to slow the progression of kidney disease

Lypozyme- Digestive enzymes that helps with the digestion of protein, fats and carbohydrates

5 Pet Safety Tips As Winter Ends

Spring is almost here and we have all enjoyed some unseasonably warm, beautiful weather.  But the cold weather and potential for a few last storms is still projected.  Keeping your pet safe and warm will help avoid accidents.  Here are a few safety tips:

• Carefully assess ice conditions for thin ice when walking your dog near waterways. Even at offleash parks there are often ponds with opportunities for a dog to fall in.  Thin ice can be hard to detect so if you do let your dog run offleash, especially in wilderness areas, be vigilant to monitor your pet at all times.  Sadly, every year dogs die because of falling through thin ice and often there just isn't the time or resources readily available to save them.

• If the weather starts to warm up and you are enjoying a little fresh air with the windows open, be sure to put screens on if you have cats.  Your cat may see the open window as a wonderful new opportunity and could fall or jump out.

• If there is another snowstorm, watch out for ice melts which can be toxic to dogs.  Dogs can lick their paws after a wintry walk and expose themselves to chemicals.  Be sure to clean your dog's paws with a moist towel after a walk.

• Bathe your pet as little as possible if there is another cold spell. Overbathing can dry up the essential oils on your pet's coat.

• Keep your dog on a leash if there is heavy snowfall.

Blind Kitty With UTIs and Kidney Problems Feels Better!

Zinky

Meet Zinky! Zinky is a blind 10 year old kitty who was rescued from a shelter when she was kitten.  She developed an infection at 6 months which caused her to go blind.  Her Mom Carole takes amazing care of her and says that Zinky is so sweet and follows her everywhere.  Zinky was having some health issues but her Mom just reported the following:

"Zinky was having UTIs and Kidney problems until I found Ask Ariel and give her Power Probiotic, Renelix, and Oxicell. Now she is doing great!!  Carole-Connecticut, 2017

We are so happy our products could help Zinky feel better and grateful for the wonderful pet parents such as Carole who rescue pets from the shelters.

Canine Hypothyroidism And Seizures in Dogs

Did You Know? Seizures in dogs are often associated with low or borderline low thyroid function which is known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and various bodily functions.  Thyroid values can vary considerably and vets interpret results differently.  Just as in people, symptoms of hypothyroidism should weigh in heavily in the overall assessment of the pet. 

In dogs, hypothyroidism can lead to a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, lethargy, skin problems, dull coat, symmetrical hair loss or thinning hair (especially on the tail) and neurological abnormalities. Seizures are one of the potential neurological issues that can manifestation when a dog has hypothyroidism.

The exact mechanism by which hypothyroidism can lead to seizures is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the disruption of normal neurological function which is caused by an imbalance of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones have important roles in maintaining the health and function of the nervous system and when there is a disruption seizures can occur.  This can happen sometimes when an older pet suddenly starts having seizures.

If your dog is having seizures ask your veterinarian about a thorough evaluation, including blood tests  that can assess thyroid function and help diagnose hypothyroidism. Confirming your dog's values are mid-range not at the low end of "normal" can help you determine the appropriate treatment which can aid in managing both the underlying thyroid disorder and the seizures.

What Else Can Cause Seizures In Dogs?

Seizures in dogs can be traumatic for the pet owner and the dog but there is hope.  Maintaining proper digestive health and controlling food allergies can also help control seizures.  Seizures can be triggered by allergies, stress and gastrointestinal issues which is why it is so important to keep dogs with hypothyroidism on a regular schedule, feeding them 3 daily meals with plenty of exercise.  To learn more about how to help your dog with seizures, please read our comprehensive article about holistic care for dogs with seizures. 

What Are Soybean Hulls and Why Are They in Your Dog's Food?

Ingredient of the Week #1:  Soybean Hulls

Each week, we will be featuring a pet food ingredient to help pet owners be more aware of what is in their pet's food.  Sometimes the ingredient may be a healthy ingredient and sometimes it may not.  Our goal is not to pick on brands or pet food manufacturers but rather to encourage you to READ the LABEL!  If you can't pronounce an ingredient in your pet's food, then maybe it shouldn't be there.

What Are Soybean Hulls?

Seriously, do you really want this in your pet's food? Soybean hulls are an inexpensive filler used to add bulk to animal feeds.  It is seen in reduced calorie pet foods as a source of fiber so the pet feels satiated.  Why not add nutrient rich sources of fiber to your pet's food such as green beans or pumpkin? Soybean hulls are the skins of soybeans and a waste product remaining after processing soybeans into oil and meal.  Soybean hulls offer little nutritional value, if any, and can be problematic for a variety of reasons.

First, do you really want soybeans in your pet's food to begin with, let alone the WASTE PRODUCT of soybeans.  Most soybeans are genetically modified (contain GMOs) but pet food manufacturers like to add soybean oil, meal and hulls because they are an inexpensive form of oil, protein and bulk.  High levels of the chemical pesticide RoundUp are found in GMO soy--a potential carcinogen for your cat or dog.  The soybean itself contains toxins that can be hard to digest for some pets and cause gastic distress.  Soy also interferes with thyroid function AND is linked to seizures in cats and dogs.  The list goes on and on.  We do not recommend feeding your pets treats or pet foods containing soy and especially not soybean hulls.  Some common brands containing soybean hulls:  Hills prescription diets (some varieties), Hills Science Diet Light, Purina Dog Chow Light.

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