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Ingredient Insight: Ester-C®

by on February 21, 2012

We’re very proud of the premium ingredients found in our foods. In our Ingredient Insight series, our in-house vet Dr. Lisa Drapela provides an in-depth look at how these ingredients protect and boost your pets’ health and energy, why we chose them and what makes them unique. Read all of our Ingredient Insight blog posts here.

I’m sure most of you are familiar with the vital role vitamin C plays in a healthy human diet. While vitamin C is not a “required” nutrient for our pets, supplementation can be as beneficial for them as it is for us.  All of our Precise formulas feature a unique source of vitamin C for your pets: Ester-C®. Ester-C® Calcium Ascorbate is a special form of vitamin C that is important in many of the daily body functions.

Ester-C® promotes higher levels and longer retention of vitamin C in the body, providing support for the immune system. It has also been found to help decrease arthritis pain. Its water-based manufacturing process results in a pH neutral, or non-acidic, product that is easy on sensitive stomachs.

Want to know more? Check out the Ester-C® webpage to read all about its benefits and learn why we consider it an essential ingredient in our pet food.

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Ask Our Vet: What Precise formulas are suitable for my dog with wheat, corn, soya & peanut allergies?

by on February 9, 2012

Q: I currently own a 2-year-old, 30 kilogram Golden Retriever. She recently tested positive for allergies to wheat, corn, soya and peanuts. Would any of your products be suitable for my dog?

A: None of our products contain wheat, corn, peanuts or soy proteins. If these are the only allergens she reacts to, I would recommend our Precise Holistic Complete Large/Giant Breed Adult formula.

Our on-staff veterinarian Dr. Lisa Drapela is on-hand to answer questions about your dog or cat’s health. Whether you’re wondering about the best Precise formula or just have a general health question, visit the Ask Our Vet section here on the website to connect directly with Dr. Drapela. We’ll feature some of her answers here on the blog.

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Ask Our Vet: What Precise canned food formula is best for my cats?

by on January 18, 2012

Q: I have heard good things about Precise canned cat food but need guidance on which variety would be best for my cats. I have a 16-year-old that is overweight and a 9-year-old prone to UTIs. Can you suggest one of your foods that would work for both of them?

A: Any of the canned cat food flavors would be great for your cats. It depends on their likes and dislikes. All of the Precise canned cat foods are in a pate style and come in 5.5 ounce and 13 ounce cans. The Precise Holistic Complete canned cat formula, however, is in a flaked style and is only in the 3 ounce can for now.

There are several flavors in the Precise canned foods. The Chicken and Turkey formulas are very popular, while some cats enjoy the Ocean Fish variety. The canned food should greatly help your UTI-prone cat and the higher protein should help with weight loss for your older cat.

Our on-staff veterinarian Dr. Lisa Drapela is on-hand to answer questions about your dog or cat’s health. Whether you’re wondering about the best Precise formula or just have a general health question, visit the Ask Our Vet section here on the website to connect directly with Dr. Drapela. We’ll feature some of her answers here on the blog.

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Ingredient Insight: Selenium

by on January 12, 2012

We’re very proud of the premium ingredients found in our foods. In our Ingredient Insight series, our in-house vet Dr. Lisa Drapela provides an in-depth look at how these ingredients protect and boost your pets’ health and energy, why we chose them and what makes them unique. Read all of our Ingredient Insight blog posts here.

It is amazing the number of minerals, required in large and very small amounts, necessary for maintaining good health. The term “trace minerals” describes those that are needed by the body, but in limited amounts.

Selenium is one of those trace minerals, and is typically found in whole grain products, meats, poultry and fish. Excess amounts of selenium can be toxic, so it is important to have this mineral in the diet and it should be in complete balance with the other minerals.  Selenium is a key component in one of the body’s antioxidant systems. If selenium becomes deficient, more stress is placed on the body’s other antioxidant systems which can deplete them more quickly.

Selenium yeast is an organic form of selenium found in Precise canine formulas and is considered to be the safest form of selenium supplementation. In this form, it can be more easily absorbed by the body and can actually be stored in certain tissues for times of stress on the body. Dietary supplementation using selenium yeast promotes the body’s ability to counteract oxidative stress and protect against degenerative diseases such as cancer.

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Ask Our Vet: Why is my pup’s stool soft?

by on January 4, 2012

Q: I fed our previous 15-year-old Black Lab Precise food with great success. When we adopted our current Black Lab puppy, I continued with Precise. We started with Giant Breed Puppy formula and transitioned to Precise Chicken Meal & Rice Foundation formula. After transitioning, his stool became very soft. It was tested by the vet and the results were fine. What are your suggestions?

A: Loose stools can occur for several reasons, and it sounds like you have addressed the first one by getting your veterinarian to check for intestinal parasites. There are some intestinal parasites that are hard to find on stool tests so be sure to keep that in mind. It might be prudent to do a couple of rounds of Panacur® just in case.

Another reason for the loose stools can be the type of food and how much your puppy is eating. Loose stools will occur if your puppy is eating too much food for his body weight. If you send me your puppy’s weight and the amount of food he is eating, I can help you determine whether or not it is the correct amount.

The other reason for loose stools can be because of medications, treats, training treats or anything else he may be consuming. These often get overlooked, especially during holidays, so be sure you are not overdoing it.

Our on-staff veterinarian Dr. Lisa Drapela is on-hand to answer questions about your dog or cat’s health. Whether you’re wondering about the best Precise formula or just have a general health question, visit the Ask Our Vet section here on the website to connect directly with Dr. Drapela. We’ll feature some of her answers here on the blog.

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Ask Our Vet: What do you recommend for a formula with no wheat, soy or corn?

by on December 22, 2011

Q: My 12-year-old West Highland White Terrier is having yeast problems, causing itchy paws. He recently started the Nzymes treatment recommended by Hemopet’s Dr. Jean Dodds. Dr. Dodds advised feeding our dog a grain-free formula with no wheat, soy or corn. What do you recommend?

A: I recommend the Precise Holistic Complete Small/Medium Breed Adult formula. It does not contain wheat, soy or corn. It does not contain potatoes either, which can be a problem when you are fighting yeast problems.

Additionally, I recommend you check into inhalant allergies, also called atopy. The symptoms of atopy are constant licking and chewing of the feet, leaving them constantly moist and in turn helping yeast grow. The yeast problems your dog has may merely be a symptom of a deeper problem, which may be atopy.

Our on-staff veterinarian Dr. Lisa Drapela is on-hand to answer questions about your dog or cat’s health. Whether you’re wondering about the best Precise formula or just have a general health question, visit the Ask Our Vet section here on the website to connect directly with Dr. Drapela. We’ll feature some of her answers here on the blog.

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Ingredient Insight: Omega-3

by on December 7, 2011

We’re very proud of the premium ingredients found in our foods. In our Ingredient Insight series, our in-house vet Dr. Lisa Drapela provides an in-depth look at how these ingredients protect and boost your pets’ health and energy, why we chose them and what makes them unique. Read all of our Ingredient Insight blog posts here.

Omega-3 fatty acids are not only essential for human health, but for your pet’s health too! Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fatty acid that must be balanced with the Omega-6. Since the body can’t produce essential fatty acids, it is vital that pets acquire them through diet and nutrition. Omega-3s are especially important for pets with allergic, autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.  New discoveries are being made everyday that highlight the role of fatty acids in the body.

That’s why Precise Holistic Complete includes fish oil and/or flaxseed in all of its formulas. Flaxseed and fish oil help promote overall heart, vision, joint, skin and coat health. Both ingredients provide a great source of omega-3 fatty acids to help moderate your pet’s immune system.

Want to know more? Check out this article on fatty acids and pet health from Pet Education.

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Ask Our Vet: Tear stains

by on November 7, 2011

Q: Do you have any suggestions on what is causing my dog to have prominent tear stains? Is it food related?

A: There are several possible reasons that tear staining occurs. They can range from blocked tear ducts, hair growth, fleas and allergies. Dogs may also have more than one cause of staining. Here is a link that I think best covers the whole tear staining problem. I hope this helps.

Our on-staff veterinarian Dr. Lisa Drapela is on-hand to answer questions about your dog or cat’s health. Whether you’re wondering about the best Precise formula or just have a general health question, visit the Ask Our Vet section here on the website to connect directly with Dr. Drapela. We’ll feature some of her answers here on the blog.

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Ask Our Vet: Could itchy skin be from food allergies?

by on November 3, 2011

Q: I have an 11-year-old miniature poodle with many problems. We have tried to change his diet several times, but he still battles itchy skin. He is constantly licking and chewing at his feet. The vet gave us antibiotics and steroids which helped while he was on them. Any suggestions? Should I change food?

A: It is not likely that a food change by itself will cure this problem. Please visit this link about food allergies. One of the most important sections is where it talks about the use of steroids. They do not generally have any effect on food allergies.

You are likely dealing with atopy (inhaled allergies) to something or maybe more than one thing. You need to find a good food from a reputable company that your dog actually likes and stick with it. Then talk to your veterinarian about doing some skin allergy testing just like they do in people, which are more accurate than blood tests.

Good luck, and I hope you find some relief for your dog.

Our on-staff veterinarian Dr. Lisa Drapela is on-hand to answer questions about your dog or cat’s health. Whether you’re wondering about the best Precise formula or just have a general health question, visit the Ask Our Vet section here on the website to connect directly with Dr. Drapela. We’ll feature some of her answers here on the blog.

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Ingredient Insight: The Salmon Myth

by on November 2, 2011

We’re very proud of the premium ingredients found in our foods. In our Ingredient Insight series, our in-house vet Dr. Lisa Drapela provides an in-depth look at how these ingredients protect and boost your pets’ health and energy, why we chose them, and what makes them unique. Read all of our Ingredient Insight blog posts here.

Salmon meal is an integral part of several of our new Precise Holistic Complete foods. Not only is it an excellent source of protein but it also has the added benefit of supplying a natural form of omega-3 fatty acids to the food.

There is a myth about salmon being harmful to dogs and cats that should be clarified.  The truth is raw salmon can cause a condition known as salmon poisoning in dogs.  It does not affect cats at all.  The disease is actually caused by a bacteria in the salmon.  Cooking the salmon destroys the bacteria making salmon meal completely safe and healthy for both dogs and cats.

Questions? Please submit them to me in the Ask Our Vet section.

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