SHOPPER'S HELPER — Canine Diet and Nutrition
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Diet & Nutrition

The Nature of Animal Healing: The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat
This book was written by (veterinarian) Dr. Martin Goldstein and published by Knopf in April 1999. This paperback version was published in June 2000. If there is only one book that you ever buy for your cherished canine companion, this is the one! It is a groundbreaking, inspirational guide that no pet owner should be without. Dr. Goldstein actually shows you what and what not to do and the whys behind these decisions. He details his success treating cancer and leukemia, utilizing acupuncture and homeopathic medicine. His incredible "Alphabet of Ailments" tackles common problems one by one in a clear and effective manner. Dr. Goldstein also addresses the power of the mind-body connection when we think about what provokes and how we cure disease. In his comforting way, that comes from being in veterinary practice for 25 years, he offers his wisdom on dealing - both physically and psychologically - with the death of our most cherished companions. Finally, there is a comprehensive source guide which lists pet health-care centers, doctors, and products. In that way, you will be able to act on the advice and recommendations in this "I-can't-put-it-down" book.
 
Food Pets Die For, 2nd Edition (2003)
This book was written by Ann N. Martin. The author investigated the pet food industry for seven years in writing this book. Her findings and facts are verified and footnoted throughout the book, revealing a shocking but truthful inside look at what is legally allowed in pet food. Her book is the first to look at this issue in depth. Veterinarian Dr. Michael W. Fox says, "Ann Martin is to the pet food industry what Rachel Carson was to the petro-chemical pesticide industry. "Gar Smith of "Earth Island Journal," wrote, "Ann Martin's book rips the curtain off one of the most suppressed news stories of the decade...It took courage and amazing persistence to write this astounding book." New update discusses the contents and manufacture of commercial pet foods. Claims that pet foods contain road kill, contaminated meat, toxic chemicals, and so on. Also has a fairly large section of nutritious, easy recipes for homemade pet foods and other tips for healthy pets. Recipes seem to be good.

The Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook (2008)
This fabulous book comes from Jessica Disbrow Talley and Eric Talley of The Bubba Rose Biscuit Company. When it comes to dog biscuits, there's a lot out there, but not one is as concerned with your pet's health and happiness as this one. While most of the competition goes for novelty, The Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook stands alone in featuring tail-waggingly tasty 100% organic ingredients. Written by an expert who runs the Bubba Rose Biscuit Company, it contains more than 100 all-natural recipes, double what most other dog cookbooks have. That's sure to appeal to owners eager to feed their dog homemade treats, after the recent commercial pet food scare. The wholesome doggie dishes (all tried, true and taste tested) include a Luck of the Irish Wolfhound dog treat with such ingredients as oat flour and spinach leaves, and a beef-based Grillin and Chillin hot dog! With over 100 recipes, this makes a great gift for all dog lovers. This beautiful 6.5" x 9" hardcover book is 224 pages and features rounded corners, a canvas cover and sewn in ribbon bookmark. It truly is a top-notch gift item.

The Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook Kit (2009)
This fabulous kit comes from Jessica Disbrow Talley and Eric Talley of The Bubba Rose Biscuit Company. With the success of their first book, The Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook, they decided to release a kit containing a 25 recipe cookbook and 3 cookie cutters to get you baking. Any pup would flip head over paws for Pawlickin’ Chicken, or melt for Tuna Melt. And imagine how that tail would wag at the sight of Canine Quiche and Pumpkin Muttins! They’re all wheat-free, corn-free, and soyfree, and thanks to the cookie cutters that come with the kit, you can even make treats in cute doggy shapes like bones and pawprints. This makes a great gift for all dog lovers. This beautiful 6.5" x 9" kit folds open to contain the book, plus a tray that houses the cookie cutters so they can stay stored together. The softcover book has 48 pages. It truly is a top-notch gift.

Dr. Greg's Dog Dish Diet: Sensible Nutrition for your Dog's Health (2010)
We love how Dr. Greg begins his book: “I’m Dr. Greg Martinez and I feed my dogs people food, even though in veterinary school I was taught to use only commercial dog food. In truth, feeding healthful people food to dogs contradicts most everything I was taught.” Committed to helping as many dogs as he can, the April 2007 pet food recall was clearly his epiphany. Dr. Greg admits to previously being a kibble pusher, but now knows each dog is an individual, and that: “Kibble + dog = Fat in 50% of Dogs.”
 
We used kibble once upon a time, even graduating to organic kibble, which somehow meant we were doing even more for our kids. But, honestly, just pouring dried, processed chunks into bowls—even if the ingredients were impeccable—was not an accomplishment. Only laziness kept us from home-cooking. But, once the commitment was made, it was amazing how efficient we became at making and freezing meals in advance.
 
An easy and fun read, Dr. Greg’s Dog Dish Diet is both personal and practical. It is filled with oodles of easy-to-remember sound bytes of tasty information, nutrition & ingredient charts, and conversion info on kilograms to ounces (to determine calories). The secret recipe that Dr. Greg shares is a keeper. And, we may never forget his spot on Dog Better Health Rule #6: “Treats are the crack cocaine of the canine world.” Dr. Greg believes changing your dog’s diet may help relieve weight gain, red and painful ears, flaky and inflamed skin, hotspots, stomach upsets, and urinary infections. In his book, you will learn about: food allergens; choosing healthier dog treats from the refrigerator that will save you money; the importance of adding needed healthful fats and oils; cutting calories without leaving your dog hungry/unsatisfied; and, feeding your dog’s inner wolf by simulating the ratio of proteins, carbohydrates and fats that sustained dogs earliest ancestors.

If you order a personally autographed book online at Dr. Greg's site and mention the Land of PureGold Foundation, he will donate $5.00 per book to our nonprofit. You will also receive a special chart to download, print out and post near your dog's feeding area. This chart will help you to quickly get started making changes in your dog’s health and creating a Dog Dish Diet for Your Dog.

Dr. Becker’s Real Food for Healthy Dogs & Cats: Simple Homemade Food (2010)
We have loved Dr. Karen Becker for a while now, having carried her crispy Bison Bite wonders for several years. So, it would be hard to imagine that her new book wouldn’t be a winner. And, she had our own personal hero, Dr. Allen Schoen’s blessing, his providing this incredible review about the book being: “the most informative, educational, practical and helpful book I have ever read on home made diets for your animal companions.”  

Dr. Becker begins the book with the most common of common sense, even though it has escaped the masses: “The truth is, food is just food. There’s no “dog food,” “people food,” “cat food,” “bird food” — it’s all just food, with the balance and ingredients differing depending on species. A fresh food diet is best for all living beings.” This inexpensive, 85-page book is definitely a MUST-HAVE resource. Important areas related to preparation principles, equipment and storage are discussed as Dr. Becker is all too aware of our fast-geared culture and self-imposed time constraints. There is a great discussion of protein, fat, carbohydrate and water, as well as what needs to be added and left out of diets. And, there are also almost 50 pages of recipes with great rotation planning.

We do have some different views of what type of fatty acid supplements to provide in the diet, believing that Wild Salmon Oil (rather than Krill or Flax Oil) is the most efficient and research tested as based on some 10,000 studies over 40 years. Although Dr. Becker believes that a raw diet is best, she does believe that cooking a homemade meat-based diet is acceptable as some “dogs don’t like raw food or don’t do well on raw food.” We minimally cook our Golden Alfie’s 100% organic diet as we believe a raw diet can be compromising for dogs with particular immune system problems and medical conditions.

Protect Your Pet: More Shocking Facts (2001)
From Ann Martin, the author of "Food Pets Die For." Talks about the dangers of commercial pet foods, the raw meat diet controversy (she is totally opposed to Dr. Billinghurst's BARF diet), excessive vaccinations, increased cancer in pets, and provides healthy recipes and resources.
 
Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats Third Edition (2005)
By Richard & Susan Pitcairn. Updated and expanded, How to choose a healthy animal, dozens of recipes for delicious, economical, healthful pet food--with completely updated tables, charts and nutritional guidelines, how to give your pet a checkup, what's really in pet foods--and which ones to avoid to ensure your pet's best health, special diets for special pets, a guide to handling emergencies that includes techniques for external heart massage, artificial respiration and control of bleeding, plus a Quick Reference section that gives specific instructions for preventing, diagnosing and treating a wide range of animal diseases and disorders. Approach is drug-free and holistic with special attention to homeopathic and alternative remedies and treatments.

Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: The Healthful Alternative 
This book was written by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, PhD and published by Iowa State University Press in January 1999. It is a first-of-its-kind nutrition and dietetics book. There are over 200 computer balanced recipes to provide complete nutrition for healthy or unhealthy pets. And, nutrient content data is given for each recipe, including proteins, fats, and calories.

The Allergy Solution for Dogs: Natural and Conventional Therapies to Ease Discomfort and Enhance Your Dog's Quality of Life (July 2000)
Written by Holistic veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier. When your dog is constantly scratching and uncomfortable, you need answers. If the problem is allergies, this book can help you provide the best care possible for your beloved companion. The book focuses on the pros and cons of natural and conventional treatments, as you will discover: The benefits of nutritional supplements such as antioxidants and fatty acids; How to reduce or eliminate the use of steroids and antihistamines; The benefits of herbal therapy and acupuncture; and, ·Diet and nutrition tips for dogs of all ages.  

Ultimate Diet: Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats (1998)
By Kymythy Schultze. Natural nutrition for dogs and cats. Contents include: species-appropriate nutrition, basic food groups, making the meal, snacks, treats and travel, herbs and green food, cautionary foods, making the switch, anti-cancer diet, pregnancy, puppies and kittens, seniors, food sources of nutrients, and an extremely valuable resource, Holistic Animal Yellow Pages.
 
K9 Kitchen - Your Dog's Diet: The Truth Behind The Hype (2002)
By Monica Segal. Debunks many of the myths surrounding canine diets by showing that each dog is an individual with unique nutritional requirements. Provides a starting point and then shows ways to modify diets for dogs with problems ranging from pickiness to chronic medical problems. Packed with facts and studies, but still contains simple advice for feeding the family dog. Case histories, also how to individualize a diet for your own dog!

Feeding Your Dog For Life (2002)
By Diane Morgan. The real facts about proper nutrition. More and more people are becoming convinced that proper nutrition is one secret to a long and happy canine life. The absolutely optimal diet for dogs is a home-prepared one which is nutritionally balanced and customized for the dog's age, breed, activity level, and health. This book will explain exactly how to achieve that. For the many people who have neither the time nor the inclination to prepare a home-cooked diet for their pets, the book examines various commercial diets, and tells the reader how to select the best one for their own dog and situation. It also shows how to spice up a dog's diet without having to spend hours in the kitchen doing so.
 
Reigning Cats and Dogs 2nd Edition (2002)
By Pat McKay. New edition devoted to giving you the necessary information on feeding your cats and dogs with fresh, wholesome foods. You will be able to provide a nutrition program for your animals which will solve many of their ailments, such as skin & coat disorders, allergies, arthritis, ear and eye problems, liver, kidney and bladder dysfunction, weight problems, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, fleas, parasites and more. Once your pet is receiving the proper nutrition, you will see all the difference in the world even if you thought your pet was already healthy! Tips on detoxification and fasting as well.

Work Wonders: Feed Your Dog Raw Meaty Bones (2005)

New from the author of "Raw Meaty Bones." If dogs could talk what would they say is the best diet to keep them in tiptop condition? Would they recommend a selection of cans and packets or would they recommend a fresh rabbit and half a chicken? The author inspires us to see a dog's dietary needs from a dog's perspective taking account of Nature's teachings, easily understood science and sound common sense.

"Work Wonders" provides essential information for dogs and their owners, veterinarians, educators and anyone interested in dogs, diets and health. Leads us through the practical essentials of dog feeding including how to source, store and prepare raw food. It also deals with risk management, junk-food induced diseases afflicting modern pets and the epidemic of canine oral disease and "dog breath."  

Herbs for Pets
By Mary Wulff-Tilford & Gregory Tilford. All you ever wanted to know about herbs for pets. Contents include: Principles and Practices of Herbalism; Natural Nutrition: the Foundation of Holistic Health; Material Medical; An Herbal Repertory for Animals; Complementary and Alternative Therapies, and numerous appendices. Extensively illustrated in full color. This is a great addition to the library of anyone who is interested in natural health!  

Complete Herbal Handbook For the Dog & Cat (1992)
By Juliette de Bairacli Levy. Dog and cat owners are becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of processed pet food and the possible side-effects of over-use of antibiotics and hormone treatments. This new up-dated edition covers natural rearing, herbal medicine and disease prevention. New edition.
 
Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (1999)
By Ruth Winter. Definitions for the layman of ingredients harmful and desirable found in packaged foods. This is a book designed for human food consumption but is also applicable to dogs and cats. Essential for anyone who wants to make informed, healthier choices at the supermarket and at the table.
 
Performance Dog Nutrition: Optimize Performance with Nutrition (2005)
By Jocelynn Jacobs. The first and only nutrition book written with the special needs of your performance dog in mind. An excellent resource for determining what food is best for your dog to enhance working ability, also a great reference when special nutritional situations arise. Will help you discover why different types of performance dogs have different nutritional requirements; how to make your dog a top winner with simple nutritional recommendations; the benefit of certain nutrients and how they promote peak performance; how to find nutritional solutions to performance problems. Author is a veterinarian, breeder, handler, sled dog musher and a nutritional expert in both performance dog and reproductive nutrition.
 
Dog Health & Nutrition for Dummies (2001)
By veterinarian, Chris Zink. Shows you how to optimize your canine companions' physical and mental health. Provides tips on canine nutrition, diet, and special food-related health problems (obesity, diabetes, etc.). Experts give you advice on exercise, recognizing and treating common maladies, and caring for the older dog. Also covers canine first aid, drugs, and alternative therapies.

Gourmet Dog Biscuits from your Bread Machine (2001)
By Sondra Macdonald. Now your dogs can say goodbye to the cardboard taste of commercial dog treats! This unique cookbook is full of wholesome, natural treats you can make in your bread machine. The recipes are healthy and easy to prepare, and you probably have many of the ingredients already. There are recipes for treats made with chicken broth and beef broth, as well as nonfat for your overweight pooch, and even vegetarian recipes. Recipes have been tested on dogs of all sizes and shapes, and have passed the test!
 
Dogs, Diet, and Disease (2001)
By Caroline Levin. An owner's guide (and holistic approach) to Diabetes Mellitus, Pancreatitis, Cushing's Disease, and more. Delves into some of today's most troubling canine illnesses, including those above, plus: hypothyroidism, liver disease, kidney degeneration. Takes an in-depth look at what factors really cause canine illness, examines options for treatment, and provides detailed instructions on how to care for chronically ill dogs. You can help your dog have a better quality of life and spare your future pets a lifetime of chronic disease. Topics include: normal canine metabolism and digestion; explanations of disease processes; autoimmune disease and hormonal function; commercial and homemade diets; giving insulin injections; home blood glucose testing; hypoglycemic episodes; comfort measure for Cushinoid dogs; digestive enzymes and other nutritional aides; related ophthalmic diseases and treatment; urinary tract disease, infection, and incontinence; skin problems; liver, thyroid and dental issues; emotional support for owners.

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