Fat Dog

Do you have a fat dog? Be honest. No one likes to admit that their pet has put on a couple of extra pounds. Do you find yourself making excuses like: "He is not fat, just big boned," or "She isn't fat she just needs a haircut," or do you just respond with flat anger and denial like, "How dare you call my princess fat!" There is no use denying it. If you have a fat dog, you have a fat dog. Just accept it, take ownership that it is your fault, and do something about the situation. It will be life extending for them. It's time for a doggie exercise plan!

The two most important parts of an exercise plan:

The two most vital parts of any exercise program are diet and exercise. Like two wings of an airplane you are not going to be going anywhere with out both of them. You can't have one without the other.

Dog Diet:

The first place to start in any exercise regime is diet. Just like with a human exercise program is doomed to ultimate failure with out taking proper diet and nutrition into consideration, so to will your dog's exercise program will end failure with out taking time to revaluate what you are feeding your dog. Read the nutritional information on the back of your dog's food. Is it healthy? Is it good for your dog? Now the trick is to find a dog food that is healthy - you are their food source, so they are counting on you to pick the best!

Ben's Bark Ave. Bistro has great advice on choosing the healthiest dog food, and what you should look for. Maybe it is time to consider a more natural, fresh approach to feeding your dog, and go with the BARF diet, which is a more natural and healthier diet, based on what your dog would actually eat in the wild.

The obvious question and most easily identified source to the problem is; are you feeding your dog too much? Are you giving them more than the recommended portion size at each meal-time? The dog food manufactures usually put serving size information on the side of the dog food containers. Make sure the portion size matches perfectly. There is a fine line to the calorie count when breed and age are taken into consideration.

Exercise:

Now this is the fun part! There are many ways that your dog can get some exercise. All of them are equally as effective, if done every day with consistency. Ideally you would mix and match these methods of exercise to keep both you and your dog from getting bored.

Play with your dog! Get the doggie toys out, and start playing. All of the tried-and-true games work great for exercise: catch, fetch, tug-o-war, and a host of other fun dog games.
Walk your dog! Taking your dog for a walk is a great way to get exercise for both you and your dog. Just grab a leash and some pooh bags and get going. If they haven't been for a walk in a while start them off gradually with a short walk, and gradually increase the walks length. Just like a weight trainer don't go to heavy for your heavy dog. Moderation until the weight comes off and the activity can slowly increase.

Run with your dog! This is a great way to get exercise especially if you are getting a bit rounded in the ol' belly area. Take it easy at first—take your dog for a short run. But after a while this can be a great way to bond with your dog as well as getting some much needed exercise.

So get to it! Your dog's excess weight won't go away by itself. Plan out the perfect exercise plan for your dog, and watch as the diet and exercise melts those pounds away. Don't let winter add to the problem. Remember a healthy dog is a happy dog, and no one wants to be fat!

Here at Ben's Bark Ave. Bistro your pets health is our #1 Goal! Ask us for our opinion on diet, excercise and the proper treats.

Prescription Pet Food…. Corporate Deception

Did you know that the Prescription Diet® (Prescription Diet® is a registered trademark of Hills® Pet Nutrition, Inc.®) your veterinarian prescribed for your dog doesn’t really require a prescription in the true sense of the word? I’m willing to bet that most consumers and perhaps even some vets are unaware that there are no special ingredients inside these diets that are NOT regulated by the FDA or DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), requiring an official prescription.

In the dog food world, the term Prescription Diet® describes an effective marketing agreement between a hundred-million dollar pet food manufacturer and the veterinarian community. This agreement allows for the sale of their foods through licensed veterinarians only. Veterinarians benefit because they can achieve a much higher mark-up on these foods than they would by offering foods widely available without a “prescription.” The pet food manufacturer, in return, gains credibility as a manufacturer of veterinarian-recommended food and uses that as an endorsement, if you will, for the rest of their products.

Prescription diet is an industry-coined term and holds no legal meaning. An informal price survey amongst veterinarians selling 30-pound bags of Prescription Diet® R/D® (weight reduction) found the average price to be $61.00 or $2.03/lb. Alternatively, a 40-pound bag of Hills® Science Diet® Adult Light with similar ingredients and guaranteed analysis statements cost $43.99 or $1.09/lb. From a layperson’s viewpoint, both foods (containing corn, chicken by-products, and cellulose) seem to be used for similar goals, yet the formula available only through licensed veterinarian’s costs nearly twice as much.

Although, both of these food varieties are inferior dog food products. The wide variety of healthy and nutritious products that we stock at Ben’s Bark Ave Bistro far exceed the nutrition that would be achieved from feeding either of these products.

Sophisticated Marketing Guarantee Veterinary Cooperation

In addition to creating pet food to address specific health issues, they also created a detailed and very successful marketing plan to gain credibility within the veterinary community. To disseminate knowledge about K/D®, P/D® (K/D® and P/D® are registered trademarks of Hills® Pet Nutrition, Inc.®) and the foundation among veterinarians, to encourage a favorable image among them and to develop a whole new area of professional and public relations as it may relate to veterinarians.

With the help of a public relations firm, they created the “Student Agent Program,” designed to indoctrinate promising young veterinary medical students to act as liaisons to help educate their young, impressionable classmates about these diets.

Dr. Michael W. Fox, co-author of Not Fit for a Dog! The Truth About Manufactured Dog and Cat Food, explained it this way: “Until recently, vet students in the U.S. and other countries were taught cat and dog nutrition by veterinarians employed by pet-food companies. Now more schools have staff teaching a short course in companion animal nutrition, but only too often their research and lectureships are funded by pet food manufacturers.”

If a veterinarian won’t budge from the idea of a Prescription Diet®, it may be time to locate a holistic veterinarian for a second opinion. Contact the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) at the vet finder on the group's web site, www.holisticvetlist.com.

The next time your veterinarian suggests a diet for your four-legged friend that you’re not comfortable with, don’t hesitate to ask questions. A good veterinarian, traditional or holistic, will welcome that discussion and encourage you to look at all the options available. At Ben’s Bark Ave Bistro we share our knowledge and expertise for every pet, large or small.

Here is to the health and longevity of your pet!

CETYL M, AN AMAZING PRODUCT!

With old age come achy joint, stiffness and pain which can be debilitating. Arthritis is a degenerative disease causing inflammation of joints. It occurs when the lubrication and cartilage in one's joints is no longer sufficient to keep the joint moving smoothly, the bones may come into contact with each other and cause mild to excruciating pain.

As you know…. like humans, pets can also suffer from arthritis preventing them from walking and running normally. Arthritis can cause swelling, stiffness, pain and discomfort which leads to weakened mobility taking away your pets gusto for life. Older pets are much more prone to arthritis, but younger pets can also experience joint problems, making prevention even more important. Here are a few preventive steps and tips you can do at home to make your arthritic pet feel more comfortable and breathe life back into your furry friend.

1. Help Your Hound Shed Pounds-
If your pet is overweight or inactive then they have a higher risk of suffering from joint pain. Keeping your dog slim, trim and fit will help reduce the amount of stress extra weight can place on the joints, giving your pet some joint pain relief. So, cut back on your pet's treat intake, do away with the table scrap diet and switch to lower calorie senior pet food with less fat and more fiber. As many of you have heard us preach before, the caloric intake of your pet is critical. The average 65 pound dog, for instance, requires roughly 1450 calories per day. When eating one of our healthy kibbles this measures up to about 2 ½ to 3 cups of food per day, excluding, any treats! For example 3 biscuits can be equivalent to one cup of food.

2. Exercise is key!
Regular exercise helps keep arthritis under control. Taking your dog for a 20 minute brisk walk several times a day will work wonders. If your dog is unable to do a 20 minute walk, try shorter walks up and down a small incline/hill.

3. Let Them Sleep Indoors-
Cold and damp places can cause your pet's joints to hurt. So, make sure to bring your dog inside at night, and give him a warm, soft place to lay away from drafty doors and windows.

4. Make Feeding Time Easier-
Often times pets with arthritic stiff neck can have a difficult time eating. For more convenience, place your pet’s food and water bowls up off the floor so they don’t have to lower their head as much during mealtime. Consider a raised feeding bowl.

5. Lend Your Climbing Pet a Helping Paw -
Arthritic pets often have a hard time with mobility, making jumping up and down and climbing stairs quite a painful task. Installing a ramp will help assist your pet in getting around and help your pet maintain some independence.

6. Give Your dog Cetyl M-
The best thing to do for prevention is to give your pet an effective joint supplement that contains Cetyl M. Cetyl M is like WD 40 for their joints. Much like glucosamine has been proven effective in reducing inflammation and lessening your dogs joint pain, Cetyl M is DRAMATIC! All of our dogs take it and we have seen an incredible difference. We sell bottle after bottle with nothing but rave reviews for the product. If you have an older, or orthopedic dog give it a try. You will be glad you did.

Watch This Amazing Video!

JUST ADDED TO OUR PRODUCT LINE ORIJEN & BLUE BUFFALO !!!!

Announcing the newest lines of health food added to Ben's Bark Ave Bistro's inventory of nutritious pet food products!

ORIJEN
AWARD WINNING & BIOLOGICALLY APPROPRIATE PET FOODS

“Cats and dogs evolved as hunters and despite a modern lifestyle, their digestive systems remain unchanged”.

A Biologically Appropriate diet is formulated to match the same balance of protein and fat from meat ingredients that cats and dogs would find hunting in the wild—while keeping in mind that a modern lifestyle of regular meals and less exercise means a reduced calorie requirement. The Biologically Appropriate concept is simple: in correct ratio and quantity, include the fresh, whole foods that nature evolved dogs and cats to eat while excluding ingredients like cereal grains that are not part of the natural diet.
The peak health of our companion cats and dogs depends upon the quality proteins and fats they derive from meats - not from carbohydrates and grains. High-protein, low-carbohydrate and grain-free, ORIJEN features high inclusions of fresh regional ingredients in a Biologically Appropriate ratio of 70 percent meat, 30 percent fruit and vegetables and zero grain (70/30/0). ORIJEN closely matches the foods that dogs and cats are evolved to eat, providing them nourishment as Mother Nature intended.


BLUE BUFFALO

All Natural and Healthy Dog Food with Natural Ingredients

Now you can feed your puppy, adult dog or senior dog with the same care you feed your family. All of our natural dog foods have real meat, fish, or poultry as the first ingredient, plus wholesome whole grains, garden vegetables and healthy fruit. All of our dry dog food formulas contain exclusive LifeSource® Bits — a precise blend of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These include ingredients that have been shown to help strengthen your dog or cat’s immune system, support their specific life stage requirements and protect them from the negative impact of environmental toxins. In addition, all BLUE healthy dog foods contain NO chicken or poultry by-product meals, artificial preservatives, corn, wheat or soy.

OPEN FOR ONE WEEK!

Hello Ben’s Friends!

We have been open for one week now and we can honestly say there has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the new location in the Nugget Plaza. Everyone has expressed their cheerful approval of the location, the store itself (although temporary), and the ample PARKING!

It’s been very gratifying to see all of the familiar and friendly faces, that we have come to know and spend time with in our previous location. We have also had the pleasure of meeting new customers as well. It is rewarding to share our knowledge and passion for keeping all cats and dogs as healthy as we possibly can through their proper nutrition.

There was a little confusion at first with the exact location. So as a reminder, we are at the east end of the center directly below the Sharp Bicycle sign in Suite 180. This is our temporary spot until our permanent Suite 120 is completed in the fall. Additionally, our new phone number is: (916) 797-DOGS (3647) just in case.

If you haven’t had the chance to stop by yet, please do. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Sally, Brad, Ryan, Chance & Dante’

THE NEW STORE IS OPEN!

Hello Ben's Friends!

After eight straight days of working until after midnight every day, and our only off day to attend our oldest son's wedding, we have opened our new store!

It was a tremendous amount of work, yet worth the effort. On our very first day every one of our customers that came by raved about the new location and the ease of the PARKING! We think you will agree.

We are at the east end of the shopping center between the Sharp Bicycle Shop and the Top this Yogurt Shop in Suite #180.

Thank you for your patience and now that we are fully operational we are looking forward to seeing you soon!

To Our Loyal Customers:

Thank you all for your patience and understanding during what was to have been an easy transition to our new location, months ago and the lack of entries to our blog as a result.

After more than 10 months, the location that we previously had identified at Sunset Blvd & Highway 65 unfortunately did not work out for us. The original March timeline has obviously expired.

It’s easy to see that we have out grown our old location and the parking continues to be a nightmare. Never the less our lease expired on June 1st, and our current landlord has been unyielding even in these trying economic times.

Our family thanks you, our customers, for being a constant through this troublesome economy. We hope that our family’s commitment to your pet’s and the business of feeding ALL dogs and cats a healthy and nutritious food have helped to see us through. No matter the size or shape - Maine Coon, Chihuahua or Great Dane - we spend the time to consult each animal companion to insure their pet’s optimal health!

We are very excited to inform you that we have confirmed our new LOCATION! It’s a short drive from our previous store and YES, it has plenty of parking too! It “will be” twice the size and has super easy freeway access. Due to our already expired lease and the lack of progress on the previously identified building, we found ourselves scrambling for a new store location at the last minute.

This new location will afford us the growth needed for our business and a much larger selection of healthy and fun products our customers have come to expect from Ben’s Bark Ave. Bistro! We will be adding many new lines of healthy foods, as well as new collars, leashes, toys and treats!

Although, our new store is still under construction and it will take about 90 days to complete the “real” store, the landlord has afforded us a temporary location in the same building until ours is completed. Therefore all of the current products and a few new ones will be available during the relocation.

We will now be located in the Nugget Plaza at Pleasant Grove Blvd. and Fairway Drive, just off of Highway 65 in Roseville. Our “temporary” store will be right between “Top this Yogurt” and “Sharp Bicycles.” So please excuse our lack of décor for the next couple of months while the permanent store is finished.

To complete our transition to the new center we will be closing the last week of July, with our soft opening in the temporary space on Monday, August 2nd 2010. So please stock up on food so you don’t run out. We will have our GRAND OPENING celebration as soon as the permanent store is finished!

Although our location has changed, our commitment to you and your pets has not! Please remember:

"The single largest contribution you can make to your pet’s health and longevity is the quality of food you provide for them!"

From our family to yours, thank you for your trust, your patience and understanding. We look forward to seeing you all very soon!

Here’s To the Health of Your Dog and Cat!

The Romero’s - Sally, Brad, Ryan, Chance & Dante’

BULLY STICKS

Bully Sticks for dogs are also called pizzle sticks. They're made from bull penises, though they're often marketed as dried muscles or tendons. They come in various styles, lengths and widths to suit any dog's chew toy needs, and since they contain 100% beef, they're safe and healthy for your dog to eat. Bully Sticks last a long time and will not break or splinter.

How Bully Sticks for Dogs Are Made

Bully sticks for dogs are made of dried bull penises. All natural bully sticks contain only pure beef, and they make a great chewy dog treat.
Manufacturers make bully sticks by removing the bull penis, cleaning it and then hanging it upside down, it may be stretched to make a larger chew, and it may be twisted or braided. Once the penis has been stretched and shaped, it's smoked or dried to make a long lasting, safe dog chew toy.
Bully sticks are available in a number of different sizes. Dogs of all sizes can enjoy bully sticks.

Benefits of Bully Sticks for Dogs

Bully sticks are safer for dogs than rawhide and other treats, because they're all natural and free of dyes, chemicals and pesticides. They're easy for your dog to digest, and their manufacture is monitored by the USDA, to ensure the quality of the ingredients.

Bully sticks are a great way to help maintain your dog's oral hygiene and health. They can prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, and help to stop the formation of cavities. Bully stick chew toys for dogs can help prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis, both of which can cause not only oral pain, inflammation and tooth decay, but can also lead to chronic and life threatening disease in the heart, liver, kidney and joints when bacteria spread from the mouth throughout the rest of the body.

Bully sticks are also a great way to help your dog relieve stress by chewing. Bully sticks last longer than other chews, and they have a long shelf life.

Why You Should Choose Bully Stick Dog Treats for Your Dog

Bully sticks are high in protein, but low in fat, so they make a great treat for overweight dogs. They're also high in vitamins and minerals, like calcium and magnesium, which your dog needs for good health.

Traditional rawhide chew toys present a choking hazard for many dogs, especially larger dogs, since they're capable of breaking the rawhide into small pieces which could lodge themselves in your dog's windpipe and cause him to choke.

Ben, our mascot, once started to bloat due to a raw hide being lodged in the back of his stomach. He would have died in about 5 hours, but a $2,100 surgery and six weeks of down time saved his life.

Bully sticks, however, are far less hazardous, since it's much more difficult for your dog to break the bully stick into smaller pieces. However, you might want to protect your dog by taking away the bully stick when it becomes very small, and replacing it with a new one.

THE DIETARY NEEDS OF DOGS AND CATS

The dog is, by all scientific standards and by evolutionary history, a domesticated wolf. We illustrated the anatomical features of dogs and cats that classify them as carnivores, and explained how these features adapt dogs and cats for digesting proteins and fats from animal flesh, – not carbohydrates from plants.

This raises the question of which foods are appropriate for their carnivorous anatomy, and which are not?

As the dog's internal physiology does not differ from the wolf, dogs have the same physiological and nutritional needs as their wild predator cousins, whose diets are almost exclusively proteins and fats.

Modern dogs of all breeds are not only capable of eating the food of their wild ancestors, but actually require it for maximum health. This is because their basic physiology has changed very little with domestication—despite the obvious differences in their physical appearances.

ANIMAL SOURCE PROTEINS

Protein is the staff of life for dogs and cats – essential to basic body functions, including cellular regeneration, tissue maintenance, hormone and enzyme production, and the provision of energy.

Although protein is essential, not all proteins function equally, with protein qualities varying enormously between various sources.

Three factors effecting protein quality include:

1. PROTEIN SOURCE

2. AMINO ACID COMPOSITION

3. DIGESTIBILITY

PROTEIN SOURCE
Due to the different amino acid profiles contained in animal and plant proteins, ANIMAL PROTEINS are considered ‘complete proteins’ for dogs and cats, while PLANT PROTEINS are considered ‘incomplete proteins’.

AMINO ACID COMPOSITION
ANIMAL PROTEINS contain all of the amino acids essential to dogs and cats in quantities that match the requirements needed for their overall health, maintenance and growth.

PLANT PROTEINS such as corn gluten, soybean meal or plant protein isolates, do not contain all of the amino acids in the right proportions that a dog or cat needs, even though a vast majority of recognizable dog and cat foods contain these inferior ingredients. Unsuspecting companions unknowingly feed these inferior foods daily to their pets. Amino acids essential to dogs and cats often missing in plant proteins, include arginine, taurine, methionine, lysine and tryptophan.

PROTEIN DIGESTIBILITY
Protein digestibility is a key quality measure. After all, what good is it to have a food made with a higher quality protein if it’s not also easy to digest? A food with high protein digestibility is one that can be broken down into smaller easy-to-absorb components easier and quicker than others. In the short digestive systems of dogs and cats, plant proteins are far less digestible than meat proteins. Animal source protein is the best choice - it is easily digested and contains the amino acids essential for dogs and cats.

THE ANATOMICAL DIFFERENCES OF HERBIVORES, OMNIVORES & CARNIVORES

To understand the nutritional needs of dogs and cats, it is useful to begin with a basic understanding of their anatomical features, and how they differ from herbivores and omnivores.

By understanding which anatomical features are associated with each kind of diet, we are able to classify an animal as:

1. CARNIVORE (meat eaters),

2. HERBIVORE (plant-eaters), or
3. OMNIVORE (both meat and plant eaters)

This classification helps understand which foods the animal is actually adapted to eat.

HERBIVORES (cows, sheep)
Herbivores eat plants, not meat. So it’s no surprise that their anatomical features are adapted to process carbohydrates and other nutrients produced by plants. Anatomical features common to herbivores confirm their adaption for a plant-based diet.

1. LONG DIGESTIVE TRACTS up to 10 times their body length are needed due to the relative difficulty with which plant foods are broken down. Herbivores have significantly longer and much more elaborate guts than do carnivores.

2. SQUARE & FLAT MOLARS provide an ideal grinding surface to crush and grind plants (but not meats). A lower jaw with a pronounced sideways motion facilitates the grinding motion needed to chew plants.

3. CARBOHYDRATE-DIGESTING ENZYMES IN SALIVA. AMYLASE is a digestive enzyme in saliva that helps in digesting carbohydrates. Herbivores methodically chew their food to ensure the thorough mixing with amylase.

OMNIVORES (pigs, bears, humans)
Omnivores (from Latin: omne all, everything; vorare to devour) are evolved to eat both plants
and animals. As general feeders, omnivores are not specifically adapted to eat meat or plant material exclusively. Anatomical features common to omnivores include:

1. MEDIUM LENGTH DIGESTIVE TRACTS that provide the flexibility to digest both vegetation and animal proteins.

2. FLAT MOLARS AND SHARP TEETH developed for some grinding and some tearing.

3. SALIVA CONTAINS CARBOHYDRATEDIGESTING ENZYME AMYLASE which is responsible for the majority of starch digestion.

CARNIVORES (wolves, dogs, cats)
Carnivore means 'meat eater' (Latin carne meaning 'flesh' and vorare meaning 'to devour') and classifies animals whose diets consist mainly of meat – such as dogs and cats.

The anatomical features of carnivores are:

1. SHORT, SIMPLE & ACIDIC DIGESTIVE TRACTS. Protein and fat from animal source are quickly and easily digested – hence the short digestive system of dogs and cats. The ability of dogs and cats to secrete hydrochloric acid is also exceptional. To facilitate protein breakdown and kill the bacteria found in decaying meats, dogs and cats are able to keep their gastric pH around 1-2.

2. SHARP TEETH (designed for slicing meat, not grinding plants). Carnivores have elongated teeth designed for tearing and killing prey. Their molars are triangular with jagged edges that function like serrated-edged blades that give a smooth cutting motion like the blades on a pair of shears.

3. JAWS MOVE VERTICALLY unlike herbivores and omnivores that grind their food by side to side chewing, the jaws of dogs and cats operate vertically to provide a smooth cutting motion, and open widely to swallow large chunks of meat.

4. NO AMYLASE IN SALIVA. Amylase in saliva is something omnivorous and herbivorous animals possess, but not carnivorous animals like dogs or cats. As amylase is not present in saliva, the burden is entirely on the pancreas to produce the amylase needed to digest carbohydrates. Feeding dogs as though they were omnivores or herbivores makes the pancreas work harder in order to digest the carbohydrate-filled foods (instead of just producing normal amounts of the enzymes needed to digest proteins and fats)

CONCLUSIONS | CATS & DOGS ARE DESIGNED FOR AN ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY MEAT-BASED DIET

Several key anatomical features separate dogs and cats from omnivores and herbivores, while clearly classifying them as carnivores with an adaptation for an almost exclusively meat based diet.

STOMACH TYPE & LENGTH
• Dogs & cats posses a short, simple gastro-intestinal tract. Because meat is easily digested (relative to plants) their small intestines are short.

A high concentration of stomach acid helps quickly break down proteins(Carnivores have a stomach acidity of about pH 1 - compared to humans at pH 4 to 5).

TEETH & JAWS
• A large mouth opening with a single hinge joint adapted for swallowing whole chunks of meat.

• Short and pointed teeth designed for grasping, ripping and shredding meat(not grinding grains).

• Teeth and jaws designed to swallow food whole(not for chewing or crushing plants).

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
• Adapted to break down protein and fat from meat (not plants or grains), the saliva of dogs and cats does not contain the digestive enzyme amylase.

• Carnivores don’t chew their food. Unlike carbohydrate-digesting enzymes,protein-digesting enzymes cannot be released in the mouth due to the potential of damaging the oral cavity (auto digestion).

• Therefore, carnivores do not mix their food with saliva—they simply bite off huge chunks of meat and swallow them whole.

THE ANATOMY OF EATING

As a faithful companion to humans for some 10,000 years, the trend to humanize our companion dogs comes as no surprise.

Yet despite his long and close association with humans, the dog remains closest genetically to the gray wolf, with whom he shares over 99% of his mitochondrial DNA. The close genetic relationship between dog and wolf led the Smithsonian Institution to reclassify the dog from its previous separate species designation of Canis familiaris to Canis lupus familiaris. In other words, the Timber wolf, the Tundra wolf, and our beloved companion dog, all fall under the genetic umbrella of the gray wolf: Canis lupus.

Just like wolves, all dogs are evolved as carnivores, with anatomical features that clearly adapt them for meat-based diets. Understanding the anatomical differences between carnivores, omnivores and herbivores helps understand why dogs and cats are classified as carnivores and what foods best match their anatomy.

NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Dogs must be fed a proper diet that supplies all 36 of their essential nutrients in the correct quantities and portions in order to maintain optimal health throughout all of their life stages. The primary goal of feeding dogs include maintaining optimal health, allowing a normal (but not excessive) growth rate, supporting gestation and lactation, and contributing to high-quality performance. Proper feeding throughout the dog’s life also contributes to its long-term health, vitality and longevity.

All dogs require an adequate intake of nutrients every day to maintain their essential health. Requirements for energy and certain nutrients can vary significantly during the lifetime of an individual dog. Increased demands occur during growth, reproduction and physical work. A decreased requirement of some nutrients and energy occurs as dogs attain adulthood and as they age. In addition to these changing needs within their life cycle, the nutritional requirements of individual dogs also can vary considerably.

For example, the energy needs of a 65 pound Basset Hound will be significantly lower than that of a working dog of the same weight.

It's imperative to provide your dog with the best nutrition available to insure his vitality and longevity. Remember, a 75 lb. dog can be fed an excellent food for about 85 cents per day. Less than a cup of coffee! If they could I am sure they would buy you a cup too!

Choose Wisely....

Choosing pet food is a very personal decision for you and your pet, and no one formula is ideal for every breed. High protein, meat-based diets are not simply for pets with kidney/urinary issues or high metabolism pets, they are ideal for many because of the fact that dogs and cats are carnivores, not meant to eat cheap grains or fillers. Cheap grains are fillers metabolize into sugar, causing a host of problems including allergies, behavior issues and also poor muscle building. Food companies add corn/wheat etc to keep the price down and an important factor to keep in mind is that when you feed a higher quality food, you don't pay more in the long run because your pet will eat less in order to receive the optimal nutrition from the food. Not to mention the money saved on vet bills resulting from the problems caused by the poor quality nutrition. Foods full of fillers equal garbage in and garbage out. Meaning more of the inferior food is required in order to attempt to receive the necessary nutrition, which is never achieved. Resulting in increased stool output to rid the body of the cheap grains and fillers that are unnecessary and un-digestible (such as corn). Shouldn’t you spend your money on your pet, not your vet?

The most important thing for a pet owner considering a new food is to read, read, and read the label. Make certain you understand the needs of your pet’s nutrition and just as importantly, how to define good ingredients from bad. The first ingredient should be a human grade and specific (i.e: Lamb, Chicken, etc.) meat meal because it means the water has been removed prior to weighing. Corn, Wheat, Glutens, BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin, By-products, Animal Digest and chemicals, preservatives are all ingredients you want to avoid!
BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin are KNOWN carcinogens, yet many unknowingly feed them to their pet every day.

We can't begin to tell you how many clients ask us to decipher the current label of their pet food and are appalled when they understand, exactly what is in the food they are feeding. Mostly because they didn't read the label, or more commonly, simply didn’t understand what the ingredients were.

It’s important to be informed about what your pet requires for ultimate health, and to be informed about the toxic effects of many ingredients that are in grocery store, big box and mass produced brands. At Ben’s Bark Ave. Bistro we offer frequent buyer incentives and we will take the time to share all we know about the proper nutrition for your pet with you.

Be informed and knowledgeable about the food choices for your pet and about the ingredients in each of the healthy formulas available.

At Ben’s Bark Ave. Bistro, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being!

"Cooking" For Your Dog

Lately we have had several customers with smaller breed dogs relate that they are “cooking for their dog.” The most common explanation is that their dog is “finicky.” We have had this conversation countless times and try desperately to educate these pet owners on the detriment and risk that they are placing their beloved pet in by cooking. These unsuspecting owners truly believe that they are doing the right thing by their dog. Nothing could be further from the truth. The only thing that happens is a full stomach and the loss of proper nutrition. A dog “requires” 38 different vitamins, minerals and trace elements that they simply cannot obtain from “cooked people food.” The dog’s digestive system is not that of a human! Dogs must eat appropriately. It is possible to “prepare” an appropriate meal for your dog, but cooking is not part of the preparation. Additionally, all of the required nutrients do need to be added as well. It is possible, but very labor intensive.

Cooking renders the food biologically inappropriate in a fundamental way for dogs. Cooked food loses nearly all of its nutritional value, including enzymes and biologically active essential fatty acids. The latter, being damaged by heat and oxygen, become slow poisons, doing irreparable damage. Cooking causes complexes to form between proteins and starches, between vitamins and trace minerals, and between minerals and minerals. Cooking produces carcinogens and anti-immunogens. Many minerals, essential amino acids and vitamins also become indigestible.

Your dog is not finicky; he’s just learned to manipulate your good conscience. Feeding should be in-line with a part of your dog’s obedience. Do not let your dog graze all day. Allow a maximum of 15 minutes for mealtime and then remove any remaining food. Your dog will respond to mealtime in a more enthusiastic manner when this method is followed.

All of the pet foods that we supply at Ben’s Bark Ave. Bistro are complete and contain every essential nutrient your dog requires on a daily basis.

At Ben’s Bark Ave. Bistro, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being!

B.A.R.F. (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)

Does the BARF diet return our pets to nature?

No. It’s not possible and also unnecessary. Instead, the BARF diet mimics the natural or evolutionary diet by using appropriate foods. The natural environment is disastrous. It includes lack of shelter, starvation and attack by potential food, attack by other predators and the complete lack of medical and surgical intervention. This is not what we want for our pets. We want an environment that maximizes health. That includes a Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet. A BARF diet.

Should I cook the patties or medallions?

Cooking would render the food biologically inappropriate in a fundamental way. Cooked food loses much nutritional value, including enzymes and biologically active essential fatty acids. The latter, being damaged by heat and oxygen, become slow poisons, doing irreparable damage. Cooking causes complexes to form between proteins and starches, between vitamins and trace minerals, and between minerals and minerals. Cooking produces carcinogens and anti-immunogens. Many minerals, essential amino acids and vitamins also become indigestible.

How much should I feed my adult dog?

Adult dogs can be fed between 2-3% of their body weight. We recommend starting with 1/2 pound of food per 25 lbs of body weight daily and make adjustments according to your dog's age and activity. Remember that a healthy dog is not overweight.

How much do I feed my puppy?

Nature's Variety recommends feeding puppies up to 10 % of their body weight. Therefore, if your pup weighs 10 lbs you should feed 1 lb of food divided between 3 or 4 feedings per day. Growing puppies, especially the large breeds, should be kept lean so adjustments to feeding amounts will have to be monitored closely.

Do I need to supplement the Raw Diet?

Nature's Variety looks to whole raw foods to supply nutrients. Nature's Variety sources and uses evolutionary foods. That is why we insist that a wide variety of foodstuffs make up the components of this diet.

Can I feed processed foods with the Raw Diet?

Yes. Even though raw leaves the stomach and is digested more quickly than kibble, it is no different from adding canned food to kibble. In fact, the added moisture from the raw helps to speed the gastric emptying (the stomach will empty when the contents have been liquefied).

What about bacteria in raw foods?

The presence of bacteria in raw food often worries pet owners and vets. They assume these bacteria will make pets sick. However, dogs, being scavengers, have evolved to eat and thrive on bacteria laden food, requiring them for immune system maturity. Wild dogs eat the gut contents of their prey, and the feces of many different animals. They eat soil, contaminated meat, buried bones, and infected meat and so on. These are all a source of microbes and any toxins they might produce. That is why the bacteria in raw meat are of no consequence to ninety-nine plus percent of dogs. This does not mean we recommend bacteria laden food for our pets. What it does mean is that pets that have eaten commercial pet food for most of their life are safe eating raw food from clean sources.

Are there safe handling procedures for the Raw Diet?

Common sense must prevail when handling raw meat. You do this all the time when you prepare a meal for the family. After handling raw meat for your pets, do wash your hands before eating your own food. Sterilize any knives, surfaces or utensils used in the preparation or handling of your pets' food. We recommend using a stainless steel dish which is washed thoroughly with soap and hot water after every meal. Discard any uneaten food and store raw pet food in such a way it does not contaminate human food. After thawing the food, we recommend it is only kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It's that simple!

How is Nature's Variety packaged?

In patties weighing 8 oz each, 12 per bag. One ounce Medallions have 48 to a bag, and there are 2 lb. Chubs. They use sturdy, freezer-friendly poly packaging that reduces environmental waste. Packages are date coded to comply with our extensive trace back system which allows complete tracking of all raw materials from sourcing to finished product.

Are there bones in the Raw Diet?

It is natural for both dogs and cats to eat bones. Both a dog's body and a cat's body are designed to use bones as its main source of minerals - including calcium and phosphorus. Our pets' bodies have been doing this for millions of years. Your pet won’t suffer mineral deficiencies, imbalances or excesses, when raw meaty bones make up the bulk of its diet. This applies to all ages, and all breeds, including puppies and kittens. Because bones are the storehouse of all the minerals your pet requires in perfect balance, and in the perfect form for optimal absorption. The bones in Natures Variety products are very finely minced making them very safe to feed to your pets.

Why so many green leafy vegetables?

Domestic pets should be getting their carbohydrate in a similar manner and balance to their wild ancestors. That means feeding fresh, raw (non starchy-low glycemic) vegetables (and some fruit). The green vegetables contain only small amounts of starch and some simple sugars. More importantly they are chock full of enzymes, nutraceuticals, phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.

With no grains or starchy vegetables, where does my dog get it's energy requirements from?

When our pets eat a poor quality dry pet food, most of their energy comes from carbohydrates. That is, from starch, and also, from added sugar. Both sugar and starch are damaging forms of carbohydrate that are biologically inappropriate for pet animals. Together, these two carbohydrates make an enormous contribution to the degenerative diseases in our pets. When pet animals eat their evolutionary diet (the BARF diet) their energy comes principally from protein and fat and very little from carbohydrates. Deriving their energy principally from fats and proteins is health promoting for our pets. Grains can cause sugar levels to rise and then quickly fall causing highs and lows in insulin levels. Grains contain very few vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals in comparison to vegetables.

Will Nature's Variety keep my dog's teeth clean?

The results are in and it's obvious that dogs fed a raw diet have much cleaner teeth. The processed or cooked foods eaten by dogs today are high in two substances; soluble carbohydrates and soluble calcium. These two nutrients attack a dog's mouth at every meal. In addition, processed foods do not contain the naturally occurring enzymes found in raw foods so necessary for clean teeth. Through the use of raw bones and a healthy BARF diet, your dog can have a sparkling smile!

Can I expect a change in stool volume?

Depending on what your dog has presently been eating, stool size ins generally much more compact and odorless than when a dog has been fed processed pet foods. This is because our BARF diet contains no extra or unnecessary fillers or grains. The stool color may vary somewhat depending on which protein source is being fed.

At Ben’s Bark Ave. Bistro, we embrace a mission that places your dog’s health and well-being at the forefront of all we do. This is the driving vision behind the raw dog food diets that we endorse and feed our dogs!

The Raw Diet:

Increasing the health, well-being, longevity, and reproductive capacity are the four most important reasons for feeding your dogs a raw dog food diet. A raw dog food diet may also minimize trips to the vet, something your pet and wallet will thank you for.

What constitutes a raw dog food diet? Feeding your dogs what they are designed to eat. Dogs are designed to eat what they’ve been eating for millions of years: raw, fresh foods. A raw dog food diet resembles what their ancestors ate. This closely resembles what wolves eat today. Though dogs are omnivores, they are hunters and scavengers, requiring a diet heavily based on meat and bone. Notice how happy your dogs gets when you give him a bone? Your dogs are simply reacting according to their instincts and genetic programming. This is the basic philosophy behind feeding your dogs a raw dog food diet. You’re simply providing your dogs a diet that they’re supposed to be eating. Of course, you won’t hear any of the major dog food corporations embrace this philosophy. Major dog food corporations are similar to most corporations today, where their utmost concern is their bottom line, not the health and well-being of their clients.

Major dog food corporations make their food out of a slew of rejected grains and meat, not to mention the addition of preservatives and other harmful chemical agents. What’s happening in the major dog food suppliers is paralleled in the fast food industry today. Both are providing sub-standard food that is cheap to make, filled with preservatives and toxic chemicals, but convenient to buy and eat. We all know the dangers we face as humans if we were to eat nothing but fast food. Why would you treat your dogs any different? Eating a raw dog food diet is just as important for your dogs as eating a well balanced diet is for you.

A raw dog food diet consists of many natural, uncooked foods of both animal and plant origin. A raw dog food diet will include such things as muscle meat, bone, fat, organ meat, and vegetable materials. Modern dogs are not only capable of eating the same food their wild ancestors ate, but they actually require such a raw dog food diet to ensure optimal health. The canine’s basic physiology has changed very little with domestication, despite the obvious differences in their modern physical appearances and behaviors. Many zoologists embrace this rationale and follow such a regimen to preserve an animal species.

A raw dog food diet must be, above all things, biologically appropriate. It is with this philosophy in mind that we at Ben’s Bark Ave. Bistro carry Nature’s Variety brand dog foods.

For example, Natures Variety Raw Beef Ingredients are:
Beef, Beef Liver, Raw Ground Beef Bone, Beef Heart, Beef Kidney, Apples, Carrots, Butternut Squash, Ground Flaxseed, Chicken Eggs, Broccoli, Lettuce, Spinach, Dried Kelp, Apple Cider Vinegar, Parsley, Honey, Salmon Oil, Olive Oil, Blueberries, Alfalfa Sprouts, Persimmons, Duck Eggs, Pheasant Eggs, Quail Eggs, Inulin, Rosemary, Sage, Clove. Nature’s Variety brand dog food includes many different varieties such as beef, chicken, lamb, venison and bison medallions, patties or chubs and more.

At Ben’s Bark Ave. Bistro, we embrace a mission that places your dog’s health and well-being at the forefront of all we do. This is the driving vision behind the raw dog food diets that we endorse and feed our dogs!

Dog Separation Anxiety:

Some people equate it to a baby being separated from their mother so dog separation anxiety is not unlike that very situation. When a puppy is sold, essentially it’s being separated from its mother, siblings, and surroundings. This results in a state of anxiety.

During this period of dog separation anxiety, the puppy yearns for something tranquil, someone who is always available to nurture. It’s a delicate balancing act: as the responsible pet owner you want to provide your pup with the love and attention it needs. On the other hand, you need to create an environment which fosters independence to reduce dog separation anxiety.

In fact, the “wrong” amounts of dog separation anxiety, meaning an unhealthy balance such as dogs which give birth to a large amount of offspring tend to generate an environment where dogs are awake a lot, sleep very little, they don’t get along well with other dogs and may end up biting. As such, when they’re scolded, they don’t necessarily know what they’ve done wrong.

Eighty percent of a dog’s adult behavior has been learned when it was an infant. The beginning years are crucial to developing a healthy adult dog as well as reducing dog separation anxiety. Consider this: dogs with separation anxiety need your help. You can help them during the initial adjustment period. Be in command and ensure he responds to your commands such as for food, attention, etc. This will calm him down but be sure to positively reinforce the behavior and let Fido know that you’re the one in charge.

Dog separation anxiety also references space. Sure, it’s nice to feel loved and your dog will want to be close to you, touching you, sitting on you or near you at every waking moment. This is too much. You’ll need to create the separation yourself: your dog needs his own space. Whether it’s a dog bed or his own blanket and toys, it’s important to give him meals and treats in his space, not yours. Let him enjoy his peaceful dog bed and realize that you may be inadvertently contributing to dog separation anxiety. Create space for him to be independent.

Trust us: this doesn’t mean you love him any less!
Another way to reduce dog separation anxiety is to teach your dog. Find new ways to spend valuable time with your dog; time that doesn’t involve you at his side. In fact, developing a confident dog entails daily, interactive training sessions which will only strengthen the communication you have with your dog.

At Ben’s Bark Ave. Bistro, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being.

Spring is here. Lawn and garden dangers are too!

As the weather warms up, neighborhoods seem to spring into lawn and garden care, as well. Many common fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides can be toxic to animals if inhaled, absorbed or ingested. There is some indication from recent studies that the rising rate of certain cancers in dogs and children may be linked to herbicides and pesticides. To be safe, make sure you read and follow the directions carefully and be conscience of these possibilities while on your daily walks. During and after treatment of your own yard, be sure to keep your pets away from the lawn or garden until the area is completely dry. In some cases, this could mean an entire day. If your pet is accidentally exposed to any lawn or garden treatment, act quickly. Wash your pet immediately with liquid dish soap and call your veterinarian.
Want a safer alternative?

Go organic. In general, these kinds of lawn and garden treatments are safer. However, again, please read and follow the instructions carefully.

Ben’s Bark Ave. Bistro wishes you and your pet a happy and safe Spring!

Salmon Oil or Flax Seed Oil:

Salmon Oil & Flax Seed Oil are an important source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3 EFAs are beneficial to the immune system, the nervous system, the heart, and help stop inflammation, such as in arthritis and allergies. They also support brain development of puppies and fetuses. This is probably the most important supplement to give, no matter what you feed, as Omega-3 EFAs are hard to find even in a natural diet, and are highly perishable when exposed to heat, light or air, so they do not survive in commercial foods even if added. Omega-3 EFAs are found in fish body oil, not liver oil. They are also found in flax seed oil. Recommended amount is 1000 mg fish oil (containing 300 mg combined EPA/DHA) per 30 pounds (14 kg) of body weight. Maximum dosage for dogs with health problems would be 1000 mg fish oil (300 mg EPA/DHA) per 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of body weight. Note that fish oil is not the same as cod liver oil, which is high in vitamins A and D. Never add cod liver oil to a commercial diet, as they are already high in vitamin D, and too much is harmful.

Ben’s Bark Ave Bistro carries both Grizzly Salmon Oil & Flax Seed Oil from Solid Gold, for your dog's ultimate health!

With - What Does It Mean to Your Pet?

How important is the word "with"?? It's very important in conveying what is really in that pet food you're purchasing. An unsuspecting consumer purchasing a food named "Brand X with Lamb and Rice" will likely assume that "lamb and rice" are the primary ingredients of this food. It's clearly stated on the bag, right? Wrong. In actuality, the addition of the word "with" to the label means the manufacturers are only required to include lamb and rice as 3% of the total food ingredients. If this food was labeled "Brand X Lamb and Rice Dog Food", AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) would require the lamb and rice combined to comprise 95% of the total ingredients (excluding water used for processing) - a very HUGE difference for such a small word!

Don't Feed Corn!

Corn often appears as one or two of the top three ingredients in lower quality pet foods, yet it’s purported to be the third highest allergen for dogs and cats. It causes shedding, itchy skin, buildup in the ears, and, in some cases, throwing up. Dogs will bite at their paws and cats will cough up hairballs. Long term, corn can cause stress on the kidneys. This can result in health problems, including renal failure, as the animal ages. So why do so many pet food companies put corn in their food? Quite simply, corn is cheap and it boosts the protein percentage in the guaranteed analysis of a pet food. These are the only reasons for its use. There is a lack of regulation in the pet food industry that allows the use of inferior ingredients, but the brands we carry adhere to their own higher standards. The brands we provide at Ben’s Bark Ave Bistro use all natural ingredients and USDA grade meats. They use only good, easily digestible whole grains, not inferior grains like corn, wheat and soy.

Meat vs. Meal on Pet Food Labels

What is the difference? Are they good or bad? First off, it's a given that we are talking about high quality sources, not the inferior sources and by-products used in some brands of pet food.

Meat - Pet food labels found in grocery and mass marketers like to use chicken or lamb to represent real meat. It is real meat, but it is 70% moisture. This leads you to believe that their product is meat based. Chicken or lamb meats are heavier than grains prior to cooking. The moisture contained in the meats is reduced by 2/3 after the cooking process, thus leaving the total formula as a grain base food after processing. Something to consider - Is that hamburger 1/4 pound before or after cooking??

Meal - Chicken, turkey and lamb meals are dry and are less than 10% moisture and contain 50-65% meat proteins. In processing, the meat meals do not shrink below the grain weight, thus producing a true meat based formula for your carnivores. AAFCO label rules require that the heaviest to the lightest ingredients be the order listed on the guaranteed analysis panel, regardless of water content.

That being said, a combination of meat and meal is even better.

Our Promise To You!

To provide the healthiest food products available for your pet and to teach you about the healthy pet food alternatives that are available.
We simply ask that you take the Ben's Bark Ave. Bistro Pledge for your pet's health and longevity:

BEN'S BARK AVE. BISTRO PLEDGE:
"I will never again buy unnatural food for
my pet. I resolve to learn the nutritional needs of my canine or feline companion,
and to the best of my ability I will
feed my pet according to its nature
and not in accordance with commercial
pet food advertising and exploitation."