P.O. BOX #224, BRIGHTON, ON Canada K0K 1H0
Web: www.kettlebyherbfarms.com E-Mail:
info@kettlebyherbfarms.com
Toll Free: 1-877-727-8344
Direct: 613-475-0994
Fax: 613-475-0230
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 1 MAY 2009
Gone to the dogs!
No,
I am not talking about our economy, although it certainly seems that
way………..I’m talking about DIGBY!
Ok,
so I went to the local humane society to investigate volunteering options, as I
mentioned in the last newsletter, and upon entering the kennel area……… low and
behold there was Digby…and well, as they say the rest is history!
His
original name was ‘Bonkers’ and the staff had given him the name ‘Higgins’ on
his first arrival at the humane society after being picked up by the dog
catcher. His owners claimed him that first time, but they didn’t come in for
him the second time he was impounded…needless to say he is now mine! He is a tan and white terrier mix. Some say
Yorkshire and perhaps Jack Russell. He is about a year old at best guess and
weighs about 16lbs. This is quite a
change from the Springers who tipped the scales at about 75lbs.
After
a weekend of trying out a variety of names, he seemed to respond best to
‘Digby’ so that was it. I was also
concerned that the name ‘Bonkers’ might deter some potential dog
sitters!!!! He is just like a little
teddy bear with attitude! You know that
commercial with the small dog running around and bouncing off the walls, while
the large dog looks totally bored, it is true, small dogs have more
energy! He runs like a mad man, can jump
about 3 feet in the air and also dances on his two back legs like a circus
bear!!!!
On
the positive side, he doesn’t chew the furniture--however, he does have an
affinity for shoes; rarely barks--however, he does have a mean little growl;
walks well on a leash; is totally house trained; loves the bath and sleeps all
night--as long as he is allowed on the bed (I gave in on that one, but he
doesn’t take up much room and rarely snores!).
He is also pretty good in the car, except I think he may have been used
to sitting on the drivers lap…and since that is not allowed under my watch, he
has taken to lying under the drivers seat…a bit un-nerving when driving along
and you feel something licking your leg!!! --we are still working on this!
With
the advent of my new four legged friend I needed to decide on his diet….in the
past I had always used commercially prepared food mainly for convenience.
Today, I pay more attention to my own diet
and really check out those labels, and Digby is helping me meet my daily
exercise requirements, so it seemed only responsible of
me to check out the labels on the dog foods and do some research on the
nutritional needs of canines.
The
commercial foods readily available were anything but impressive and the ones
that seemed healthy were quite expensive even for a small dog and most
contained artificial preservatives! There were also the frozen all-natural dog
dinners, very healthy, but really expensive. So I headed to the internet to do
some research. There was certainly a wealth of information and opinions! I read
about the raw food diet…but wasn’t quite sure I had that much faith in our food
safety or that I had the stomach to prepare it, not to mention that leg licking
issue! Some recommended a vegan diet and, however healthy that may be for
humans, I had my doubts that a carnivore would benefit from this diet alone,
not to mention the resulting bowel movements while he adjusts!
Then,
while browsing through a local pet store, I came across ‘Better Food for
Dogs’*, a Canadian Book, written by a veterinarian and a couple who own a
bakery for dogs in British Columbia. It contained a wealth of information on
dog health & nutritional requirements and even recipes for a ‘cooked whole
food diet’, as well as a list of foods that are toxic to dogs. Basically the diet consists of lean beef,
chicken, turkey or lamb mixed with brown rice, pasta or potatoes with an added
mix of a pureed (fresh/cooked) fruits and vegetables. It seemed well balanced,
natural and offered a flavourful variety of readily available whole foods. The
meals are quite easy to prepare (without gagging) and convenient, I can make
large batches and freeze it in serving size containers. It is also very
economical- they are just like the very expensive frozen dog dinners at three
to four dollars each but better suited to my budget restraints, costing about
$1.00/meal.
The
one common thing with all the suggested canine diet modes was the
recommendation of additional supplements in order to ensure an adequate supply
of nutrients due to the variability of nutrient content in whole foods. Well
now, here was something I could put my herb knowledge too!
So
based on this book’s recommended Dog Nutritional Requirements from the National
Research Council (www.nap.edu), I put my formulation cap on and came up
with ‘K9 GREENS’ an all natural supplement.
It contains the following
ingredients: (usage:1 tsp/cup of food)
Kelp-Potassium; Sulphur;
Phosphorus; Sodium; Iodine; B Vitamins; Folic Acid; Iron; Magnesium; Vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6, E;
Choline; Amino Acids; Zinc
Alfalfa-
Potassium; Magnesium; iron; Vit. B1,B2,B6,B12,
A, E and K
Chickweed-Magnesium;
Copper; Silica
Stinging Nettle-Chlorophyll;
Iron; Vit A; Potassium
Red Clover-
Magnesium; B3 & a blood cleanser.
Parsley-
Folic Acid; B2,B5, B6 and Vit A
Garlic-
Potassium, Phosphorus; Sulphur; Zinc; anti-viral and anti-fungal
Cayenne-Zinc,
Vit A, Calcium, Potassium and Rutin
All
this research also led to a reformulation of our PET TONIC, which Digby also gets. Dogs require more Omega 3 than Omega 6 and the
best source is fish oils. Although plant oils, like Flax Seed Oil, are high in
Omega 3’s, they are not in a usable form for canines. Having said this, the ‘experts’ did agree
that these plant oils do provide valuable ingredients that were essential to
healthy skin and coats; were anti-inflammatory and did appear to provide some
anti-cancer properties and that these oils should be included in their
diet.
Kettlebys’
Pet
Tonic contains:
(usage:
½ tsp/cup of food)
Cod Liver Oil-(natural) Omega 3; Vitamins D & A, DHA; EPA; anti-inflammatory;
skin/coat
Salmon Oil-(natural)- Omega 3; Vitamins D & A, DHA; EPA; anti-inflammatory;
skin/coat
Flax Seed Oil- (natural) Omega (3),6,9 ;anti-inflammatory; skin & coat
Apple Cider
Vinegar-(unfiltered) Potassium; digestive enzymes;
digestive tract acid/alkaline balancing
Sunflower Oil-Omega 6; skin/coat
Vit E-(natural)-skin health & natural preservative.
Bone meal is also a necessary addition to any dog diet that does not include raw
bones. This is a great source of calcium
and dogs have a greater need for calcium than humans. With the addition of these supplements, plus
a bit of yogurt for some probiotics, this whole food diet should provide all
the necessary nutrients for a healthy, happy Digby!
With
this type of diet, there is no kibble crunching, which helps control
tartar. But never fear… the book also
contains a tasty treat section of some very healthy recipes with good dental
cleaning qualities……………………Of course brushing helps!
HERE’S DIGBY!!!!
Here
is the info on the book:
*BETTER FOOD FOR
DOGS ISBN 0-7788-0056-3
PUBLISHED BY:
ROBERT ROSE INC. PRICE: $19.95CDN
So what’s happening at
Kettleby Herb Farms?
·
In Celebration of our 15th
year we will be waiving the handling fee on
all orders until Sept. 1, 2009. Thank you for your continued
support!
·
Fundraiser Update-Our ‘Sleeping Children Around
the World’ Christmas fundraiser raised $350.00!!!!
Enough to purchase 10 ‘Bed Kits’
with your enthusiastic and generous support-Thank you! As soon as I receive the photos from the
distribution, I will do my best to post them. Twenty ‘Skin Deep’ Sampler Packs were also delivered to the Women’s
Shelter in Cobourg prior to Christmas, which were gratefully received. It is
true….the real joy is in the giving!
·
Digby is so impressed with his new ‘K9 Greens’, he suggested that we add
it to our product line. It is available
in four sizes: 100g- for dogs 20lbs or less (~ 65
teaspoons) for $8.00 / 200g- for dogs 20-50lbs (~130
teaspoons) for $16.00 / 300g- for dogs 50lbs & over (~ 195
teaspoons) for $24.00.
Usage is 1 tsp/cup of food and each size is the appropriate two month
supply. If you have several dogs we also offer a 1kg package for $68.00-but recommend that you use it up within a
2-3 month period as it will lose its optimal nutritional value after this time.
·
With his ‘dogged’ determination, Digby also convinced me to offer
a ‘K9 Combo ’- Buy any size package of ‘K9 Greens’ & you can get a 250ml bottle of ‘Pet Tonic’ for $12.00 (reg. $16.00) or the 500ml size for $24.00 (reg.$30.00) !!! …….I am such a ‘push over’ when it comes to dogs! Order on-line www.kettlebyherbfarms.com or toll free at 1-877-727-8344--before he
eats another shoe and I am not feeling so generous! *
BONE MEAL is also available…look in our Pet Section for details*
·
I have noticed an increase in seed orders this year. Great to see
so many of you are taking the plunge or perhaps, I should say shovel, and
planting herb and vegetable gardens this year! Nothing beats fresh herbs right
out of the garden for all your summer cooking!
Here’s hoping for a great growing season!
·
And last but not least……. what Kettleby
Celebration
would be complete without a special on our ever popular Herb Infused Oils- ‘BUY 4 & GET 1
FREE’ until Sept 1/09-your choice of oils!. Makes a great
‘Father’s Day’ gift for all those ‘Barbeque Kings’ out there. Ok, that’s it…….I have done my part to
stimulate the economy!!!!!
Have a great summer!
Sue