When it comes to our dog's digestive health we hear the words “Probiotics” and “Prebiotics” often. What are Probiotics and Prebiotics? The simplest answer is that Probiotics are live cultures of “good” bacteria that help the digestive system work efficiently. These friendly floras include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. Probiotics do much more than just aid digestion. They also are beneficial in inhibiting the growth of yeast (Candida), increasing energy levels, absorbing nutrients, detoxifying, reducing food intolerance and inflammation.

Stress, antibiotics, environmental changes and pollutants are just a few of the things that can deplete or diminish the healthy bacteria in your dog’s intestinal tract. Supplementing with Probiotics and Prebiotics will assist in increasing the friendly bacteria and inhibiting the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Dogs with large amounts of “good” bacteria are better able to remain healthy in times of stress or environmental changes or when exposed to the toxins we all face in every day life.

Phrases such as “you are what you eat” and “go with your gut” are based on the truth that a healthy digestive system enables the body to defend against illness and improve general health and well being.

Prebiotics nourish the existing probiotics in the gut. Simply put – Prebiotics feed Probiotics. Prebiotics are functional foods that pass through the digestive system such as artichokes, whole grains, or herbs such as chicory root or dandelion root. While there are many foods and herbs that function as Prebiotics; Chicory root and Inulin are the most commonly added to dog food and treats.

Now that you know the benefits of Probiotics and Prebiotics for your dog’s health; how do you make sure to get them into his diet?

The two fold approach of adding Probiotics to increase the levels of beneficial bacteria and Prebiotics to feed the existing healthy bacteria is becoming more common in premium dry dog foods. Merrick, Wellness Super5 Mix, Dogswell Shape Up and Go Natural are just a few dog foods that contain both.

If you are looking for Probiotics to add to pet food, Wholistic Pet Digest-All Plus is a supplement that contains Probiotics, as well as a host of digestive enzymes to contribute to a healthy intestinal tract. Or if you just want to increase the amount of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract, Wholistic Pet Acidophilus contains pure Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures.

NaturVet Enzymes & Probiotics contain a concentrated enzyme blend derived from vegetable sources and live Lactobacillus Acidophilus to help support a healthy digestive tract.

Now Grain Free Dog Treats and Eagle Pack Holistix Holistic Biscuits for Dogs are two treats with both Prebiotics and Probiotics.

The addition of Probiotics and Prebiotics to your dog’s food will assist him in remaining healthy and active throughout his life.

Dear KONG Customer,

No KONG pet treat is involved in the recent recall of peanut butter. We do not receive any ingredients from the company involved.

Since we ship worldwide, KONG pet treats are subject to strict regulations regarding the presence of Salmonella. All KONG consumables meet with recommended heat treatments (cook times and temperatures) and each batch is tested by certified third party laboratories for Salmonella and Enterobacteriaceae. No KONG consumable has been subject to recall. All KONG pet treat manufacturers are inspected and certified by USDA/APHIS.

The KONG Company sells two peanut butter flavored dog treats. The peanut butter flavor in KONG Stuff’N Peanut Butter Flavored Treat (paste) contains no peanut butter. The peanut butter ingredient used in KONG Peanut Butter Snacks comes from North Hampton Peanut Company. The North Hampton Peanut Company is in no way involved in the recall.

Additional information is available at www.nationalpeanutboard.org and http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html.

Sincerely,
Chuck Costello
Product Manager

Many people want to cook for their cats and dogs, but they don’t know where to begin. Concerned about making sure their pet’s diet is nutritionally complete, people shy away from trying to prepare homemade pet food. But with help from these two great books, anyone can create a terrific, nutritious menu for the family cat or dog!

Real Food for Cats features 50 well balanced recipes that are sure to lure your cat away from the can opener. All of the vet-approved cat food recipes and cat treat recipes in Real Food for Cats are easy to prepare. Real Food for Cats contains recipes organized into the following categories: Treats, Fin, Feather, Hoof, Egg, cheese, and more, Tandem cooking, and Special diets. Also included are tips on cat care, recipes for you and your cat to share, and how to handle prescription diets for cats with special needs such as allergies, obesity, impaired liver and kidney function and urinary stoppages.

Cats paws-itively love the recipes in Real Food for Cats Patti Delmonti’s purr-fect writing adds to the fun, while Anne Davis’s whimsical illustrations depict cats in all their glory. If you are looking for a great way to begin cooking for your cat, look no further than Real Food for Cats.

Real Food for Dogs by Arden Moore features 50 well balanced dog food recipes and dog treat recipes that are sure to please even the most discerning of dogs, and their owners. All of the vet-approved recipes in Real Food for Dogs are made with everyday human ingredients, available in any supermarket. And the recipes make it very easy to prepare homemade dog food recipes. Real Food for Dogs contains recipes organized into the following categories: Treats, Meaty meals, Fish and fowl, Vegetarian meals, Special occasion meals, and Special diets. Also included are the basics of canine nutrition, and special prescription diets for dogs with special needs such as puppy growth, senior dogs, overweight dogs and allergies.

Most important, dogs love the recipes in Real Food for Dogs Arden Moore’s witty writing brings the topic to life, while readers laugh out loud at Anne Davis’s illustrations. If you are looking for inspiration and easy recipes to begin cooking for your dog, Real Food for Dogs has just what you are searching for.

There are numerous treats out there for your cat. What makes one cat treat better than another? It depends on the benefits you are looking to receive. As far as dental treats go, Feline Greenies should be your first choice. But what makes them so good?

Feline Greenies are 100% nutritionally complete and balanced for your adult cat. They are formulated with additional vitamins, minerals, and taurine to help supplement your cat’s regular diet. Feline Greenies have no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, and are only 2 calories per piece. Their unique teeth cleaning shape is clinically proven to help reduce tartar and plaque build up.

Cats are notoriously picky eaters, but they love Feline Greenies. Numerous tests by cats have indicated that they are completely satisfied with the taste. Available in five mouthwatering flavors, Ocean Fish, Oven Roasted Chicken, Savory Salmon, Succulent Beef, and Tempting Tuna, you are certain to find one your cat will devour.

Feline Greenies may be fed as a snack in conjunction to your cat’s regular diet. They are recommended for any breed of cat, aged 10 to 12 months and up. Feline Greenies are not recommended for kittens under 10 months of age. For optimal dental benefits, feed Greenies Cat Treats to your cat daily. Be sure to monitor your pet while he eats his treats, and always provide fresh water for your cat.