a balanced dog is a #WeruvaDog #sponsored

March 2, 2016 Kristen Carr

Just when I thought all angles in the dry dog food world had been covered, along comes a brand new line of all-natural, premium-quality food from Weruva, a family-owned pet food company. We are always interested in learning about healthy pet food, but before N.A.S.H.A. and I even checked out Weruva® Caloric Melody™, I was impressed, as these friendly people sent us a hand-written note of appreciation just for giving their new food a shot. That personal touch tells me Weruva doesn't just say they care. They really do!

This post is sponsored by Weruva® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help create awareness about the launch of Weruva's new Caloric Harmony™ and Caloric Melody™ Dry Dog Food, but we only share information that we feel is relevant to our readers. Weruva is not responsible for the content of this article.

what is weruva caloric harmony and caloric melody?

Weruva Caloric Harmony and Caloric Melody are brand new on the scene. Their focus is not just on caloric intake, but on WHERE those calories come from. Nutrition matters for our dogs just as it does for us. When we choose–say–300 calories of vegetables vs. 300 calories of potato chips, our bodies thank us by operating at a higher level. Dogs have nutritional needs, as well, so making sure the calories they consume are coming from the right places is important for energy, overall health, and vitality.

achieving balanced canine nutrition

Weruva's New Caloric Harmony and Caloric Melody are about balanced nutrition for your dog. Image source: weruva.com

Weruva is rolling out their brand new line of premium dog food with the goal of providing our dogs the nutrition they need for optimum health. They explain that your dog's calories come from three places: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. More calories should come from protein than fat, and more calories should come from fat than from carbohydrates. Achieving the right balance is important for proper nutrition.

what makes weruva's caloric harmony and caloric melody so special?

I won't feed N.A.S.H.A. any food that compromises on quality. Weruva's new line meets our standards because it is all-natural and uses quality ingredients. It is important to us, too, that as a family-owned pet food manufacturer for over ten years Weruva uses ethical practices. We've been trying out the Weruva Caloric Melody Lamb Dinner with Lentils formula, which N.A.S.H.A. really digs! But what makes it so special?

• the main source of calories is protein, as it should be in a balanced canine diet

• there is no potato, wheat, corn, or soy

• there are no artificial flavors or artificial preservatives

• pumpkin is added for healthy digestion

• seaweed is added for natural prebiotic action

• includes salmon oil, linoleic acid, zinc, and B vitamins for healthy skin and coat.

• low fat

• low ash content

• gluten-free

• low-glycemic level to help maintain steady energy

• responsibly-sourced ingredients

N.A.S.H.A. seems to really love the Caloric Melody. She's pretty picky about food. There are three levels for her.

1. I smell it and walk away and refuse to eat it even if I starve to death.

2. I smell it and walk away, but I'll be back later when I'm super hungry. It will be consumed for survival.

3. I smell it and immediately dig in, whether I'm hungry or not, and then I beg for more, driving my mommy crazy by punching her in the leg while she's trying to work.

Weruva's Caloric Melody falls into category three. N.A.S.H.A simply loves it, and I can feel great about feeding it to her. It's a win-win! Except my leg is getting sore...

how can i learn more and purchase some for my pooch?

Pop on over to the Weruva web site to learn more.

Pet360.com carries the complete line of Weruva pet foods.

Connect with Weruva on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Is canine nutrition important to your family? Please share your thoughts!

maintaining a healthy canine diet with #NaturalBalance Limited Ingredient Diets® #sponsored

January 13, 2016 Kristen Carr

This post is sponsored by Natural Balance and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help spread the word about Natural Balance available at PetSmart, but Well Minded only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Natural Balance and PetSmart are not responsible for the content of this article.

As a pet sitting professional, I am often asked about diet recommendations. There are a lot of great pet foods out there, but there are also a whole bunch of seemingly healthy foods that I would steer clear of. Diet is one of the most important factors in a healthy lifestyle. Just like our skin, hair, body makeup and energy levels are affected by the foods we eat, your dog's skin, coat, weight, and energy are affected by the quality of the dog food you provide. I believe in rotational feeding, which means I feed N.A.S.H.A. a variety of high-quality dog foods. Though we throw in a new one now and again, there are a few staples in our lineup, and Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets® is one of our favorites.

Maintaining a Healthy canine diet with Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets–well minded

When I was a kid, no one in my class was allergic to peanuts or had a gluten sensitivity. And pretty much every family dog ate some kind of crappy puppy chow and seemed to do just fine. I can't get into all of the ins and outs of how these health issues may have developed in humans and canines, but, over time, it seems we're witnessing more and more diet sensitivities.

If your dog has food allergies or is sensitive to traditional dog foods, a food with limited ingredients may just be the ticket. The fewer the ingredients, the less chance of a reaction.

why is Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets such a great food for dogs?

PetSmart® carries a complete line of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets (L.I.D.) for both cats and dogs. You can find dry, canned, and treat formulas at your local PetSmart or at Petsmart.com. What is so great about a "limited ingredient" pet food? And why Natural Balance?

• The foods contain a single-source animal protein, which may help pinpoint the source of the sensitivity and help you avoid it in the future.

• Natural Balance offers unique proteins such as rabbit, venison, bison, and wagyu beef. Some of our pets have developed sensitivities to the proteins more commonly used in pet food, so switching things up can help.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets offers grain-free options.

• A variety of grain-free options are available. Grains are another common culprit of food sensitivity in our pets.

• Natural Balance limits the carbohydrate sources, thus minimizing the chance for food sensitivity.

• No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Hallelujah!

• The food contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that, along with a quality protein, support healthy skin and a shiny coat.

• Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets are suitable for all life stages.

• Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets are backed by a "Buy with Confidence" guarantee, which means their food is tested, and you can see the results of your particular bag of food on the Natural Balance web site. How awesome is that?

our experience with Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets

N.A.S.H.A. was quite curious about the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato and Fish Formula.

As you know, we rotate N.A.S.H.A. through several natural pet foods. We do this to try to avoid her developing food sensitivities and also to keep her happy and interested at mealtime. Would you want to eat the exact same thing every day for your whole life?

It's great that Natural Balance offers a variety of unique proteins, so if your pet is allergic or sensitive, you can stay within the family, yet still offer variety.

For the past month, N.A.S.H.A. has been enjoying the Sweet Potato and Fish formula. My family groaned when I brought it home from PetSmart, thinking it would be super stinky (they are anti-fish dog food for that reason). Fish is super healthy for dogs, so I sometimes opt to suffer through the stink. But the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets fish food...er...dog food...you know what I mean...isn't stinky at all! No, really!

N.A.S.H.A. loves the food and has had no problems adjusting. She punches me in the leg for second helpings, a practice that can be quite irritating, but at least I know she's enjoying the food. Her skin and coat have been really healthy, even though here in the Arizona desert, it's the driest time of the year. I wish my skin and hair were tolerating the season as well! At ten years old, N.A.S.H.A.'s energy level has been great, and she's been able to keep up with all of our holiday antics.

We will definitely keep Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets in our food lineup. As I've mentioned in the past, several of my clients have had great success with it, as well, and it's my go-to recommendation for pets with food allergies or sensitivities.

where to find Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets

Find the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets lineup at PetSmart.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets is super easy to find at your local PetSmart, and if a store is not conveniently located nearby, just pop over to PetSmart.com.

Click here to learn more about Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets and their "Buy with Confidence" guarantee.

Is your pet on a Limited Ingredient Diet? We'd love to hear about your experience!

Visit Natural Balance on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

how a limited ingredient diet can benefit your dog

getting ready to #mixitup with Instinct Raw Boost Mixers #sponsored

January 8, 2016 Kristen Carr

This post is sponsored by Instinct® and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about instinct® Raw Boost® Mixers, but Well Minded only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Instinct is not responsible for the content of this article.

As a professional pet sitter and wellness advocate, I completely understand the benefits of feeding my dog a raw diet. But, if I'm being honest, I just don't. It's a pain in the...you know. So I do the best I can with high-quality grain-free dog foods that we feed N.A.S.H.A. in rotation. If I could incorporate raw food into her diet without all the hassle, I definitely would.

Guess what.

I just found out that I can!

Getting Ready to #mixitup with Instinct® Raw Boost® Mixers–Well Minded.

Nature's Variety® Instinct® is one of our favorite high-quality dry dog foods. We've had it in our rotation for years. I was really excited to learn that they now offer Instinct Raw Boost Mixers, freeze-dried raw mix-ins to compliment and enhance our pets' regular diets. Now we can provide the benefits of a raw diet, minus the intimidation factor.

what is raw?

Feeding raw is just as it sounds, serving your pet uncooked food. It's traditionally a pretty expensive and labor-intensive process. Nature's Variety explains just what a raw diet provides:

• food is not cooked

• contains pure, whole-food ingredients for optimal nutrient absorbtion

• contains natural enzymes for digestive health

• provides nutrition in its purest form–proteins, vitamins, and minerals are ready for the body to utilize

To learn more about a raw diet from the fine folks at Nature's Variety, click here.

benefits of feeding raw

So why is it so healthy to feed your pet a raw diet?

Raw diets are the most natural diet for your pet. A raw diet is nutritious and easily-absorbed into your pet's system. Basically, it's what your pet would eat in the wild, should he not be snuggled up in a cute sweater next to you on the couch right now. As we humans seek out whole foods and steer away from the processed junk we've been consuming, we desire the same nutrient-rich, chemical-free options for our pets. Enter the raw diet.

go get Instinct Raw Boost Mixers–it's easy!

I am super excited to have found Instinct Raw Boost Mixers because now I can incorporate a raw element into N.A.S.H.A.'s diet without the hassle. I just mix it right into her regular food. The fine folks at Nature's Variety have developed high-pressure processing that ensures safety without cooking the food. So it's raw, but in a kibble-like form that is easily mixed into your pet's existing grub. The Instinct Raw Boost Mixers work great with kibble or cans, and you don't even have to add water. What could be easier?

Learn more about Instinct's quality and safety standards regarding Instinct Raw Boost Mixers by clicking here.

I love that they offer trial sizes. So if you aren't sure about the raw deal, or you're not sure you pooch will dig it (who are we kidding?), you can purchase convenient one-ounce packages.

It's great that Instinct offers trial sizes of their Raw Boost Mixers. Someone is lurking in the shadows, eager to see what this new culinary adventure will bring.

I found the complete lineup at my local PetSmart®. Since N.A.S.H.A. isn't a great car dog, we usually leave her behind, but my daughter helped me spot what we were looking for on the shelves. She was excited to have found the Instinct Raw Boost Mixers right away. They come in chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb varieties.

You can also find Instinct Raw Boost Mixers at PetSmart.com

Some treasure-hunt...even a six-year-old could easily find Instinct Raw Boost Mixers at our local Petsmart.

It was easy to find Instinct Raw Boost Mixers with the rest of Nature's Variety Instinct lineup at PetSmart.

Decisions, decisions...which bag of Instinct Raw Boost Mixers should we choose?

We're getting ready to mix it up! I received some samples of Instinct Raw Boost Mixers, and N.A.S.H.A. loved them so much that we snagged ourselves a big ol' bag. We're planning to mix them into her food each day, and I can't wait to see the positive changes for myself. I know one thing is for sure: N.A.S.H.A. loves the way they taste! She's super interested in breaking out the big bag. I'll keep you posted on how things go.

If you're ready to take the plunge like we are, now is a great time. Instinct Raw Boost Mixers larger bags are currently 20% off at PetSmart!

You can check out the Instinct Raw Boost Mixers lineup by clicking here.

I'd say this is a bit easier than traditional raw diet preparation.

Do you feed raw? Or have you tried the Instinct Raw Boost Mixers? I'd love to hear your opinion as we embark on this raw food journey.

Visit Nature's Variety Instinct on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

why should I buy grain-free dog food? #sponsored

December 8, 2015 Kristen Carr

I am being compensated for helping to spread the word about Brothers Complete. Well Minded only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. All opinions are my own. Brothers Complete is not responsible for the content of this article.

Many high-quality dog foods are now grain-free or offer grain-free varieties. While not all grains are created equal, these grain-free foods, in general, may be slightly more expensive than their grain-containing counterparts due to the fact that grain is less expensive than meat protein and other natural, nutritious ingredients. But the increase in cost is worth it for two important reasons:

1. Grain-free foods are typically healthier for your dog

2. The extra money you spend on a high-quality grain-free food will save you in the long run since many costly veterinary treatments can be prevented with a better diet.

And, unless you are buying bottom-of-the-barrel (please say you're not) grocery store brand dog foods, going grain-free isn't really that much more expensive.

Why should I buy grain-free dog food?–Well Minded

Brothers Complete is a great high-quality, grain-free option. Plus, the people are awesome–they truly care about your dog. What a concept!

We have our dog, N.A.S.H.A., on a rotational diet, which means we feed her a variety of high-quality dog foods on rotation, most of which are grain-free. One of our favorites is Brothers Complete, a high-quality kibble that comes in a variety of protein varieties, including chicken, turkey, lamb, and venison. There are lots of reasons why we love Brothers Complete, one of the main reasons being that they are totally grain-free.

why are grains bad for my dog?

• Dogs do not need carbohydrates to provide glucose to their bodies like humans do. Dogs convert fat into glucose and energy, a process called gluconeogenesis. Gesundheit. Grains in dog foods are unnecessary, taking up space that could be filled by other nutritions ingredients. Grains are used in dog food as cheap fillers.

• Most grain used in dog food is poor quality grain that was rejected from the human food industry. The grain stored in hot silos for several months and can often become contaminated by rodents, insects, grain storage mites, their droppings, and their carcasses. Ewww. As if that isn't bad enough, the heat in the silos often causes growth of fungus and toxins, some of which can be harmful or even fatal.

• Grains contain physic acid. Physic acid binds to essential minerals and eliminates them from your body, so your pooch won't receive all of the benefit of the good nutrients in the food. The soaking process our ancestors used to remove the physic acid from the grain has been eliminated in the name of efficiency. So not only are grains non-essential fillers, they actually detract from the nutrients your pet needs.

• Ingestion of some grains in dogs can cause "leaky gut," a condition that results in increased intestinal permeability. The culprit? Gliadin that triggers the release of the chemical Zonulin. The result? An increase in allergic reactions, skin conditions, and immune dysfunction.

• Processed grains and potatoes have a high glycemic index. Since dogs don't need carbohydrates, their systems react as if they have eaten sugar, causing an insulin spike. Over time, this can cause stress to the pancreas, leading to insulin resistance. The dog's body creates more and more insulin to compensate, which can eventually lead to diabetes.

• Even when potatoes are fresh, they aren't good for dogs. But it gets worse. For optimum freshness, potatoes should be stored in the dark, between 55° and 60° F. Most dog food companies do not keep to these standards. Potatoes that are exposed to light, damaged, or are allowed to get above 65° for too long produce a potent toxin called solanine.

• Grains and potatoes have high levels of lectins, which are damaging to your dog's overall health for several reasons. Lectins interfere with the absorption of nutrients and protein digestion and can result in anemia and diarrhea. Lectins can also cause leaky gut, immune dysfunction, and inflammation. They can create food sensitivities by causing the immune system to create antibodies against them, hence the increase in dogs with food allergies and sensitivities. Hormone interference caused by lectins can affect your dog's metabolism, possibly contributing to weight gain. And that's not all...they can also cause problems for the intestines, pancreas and liver. Bad news!

if grain is so bad for my dog, why do so many dog foods include it?

One reason: it's cheap. If grain is a main ingredient or even included at all, the dog food is cheaper to produce than a food that does not contain grains. The more grain (like, is it one of the first three ingredients?) in the food, the cheaper it is to make. Large dog food companies can then charge less for their food, appealing to a broader group of pet parents, or can gain a higher profit margin on their food.

To me, that's wrong and creepy. I'd rather pay a little bit more for my food and know that the company I'm purchasing from has N.A.S.H.A.'s best interests at heart. Plus, if I feed her a higher-quality, grain-free food, she'll be healthier, and I'll save on vet bills over time.

But what if your veterinarian recommends a food with grains?

I urge you to think about who is to profit from that.

Brothers Complete explains it well:

There are many veterinarians and nutritionists who say that dogs should not have a problem eating grain or potato; and there have even been studies designed to prove the same thing. The studies are usually funded by large dog food companies that have a vested interest in convincing veterinarians and the general public that grain and potato is good for dogs, or at least doesn't do them any harm. Given our experience with thousands of dogs over the years, we do not agree with that point of view.

I know, I'm mad, too. But there's something we can do about it.

how can my dog benefit from a grain-free diet?

Brothers Complete, one of our favorite grain-free dog foods states:

Brothers Complete Dog Food is a great grain-free option.

Years of actual experience operating a dog food store has given us the vantage point of being able to observe the effect of diet on many thousands of dogs over extended periods of time...Many dogs were seemingly fine eating grain- or potato-based dog food when we first met them, but, over the years, if they didn't eliminate grain and potato from their diet, the majority of them eventually did develop problems. Switching them to grain- and potato-free foods quickly eliminated the problems and was further confirmation that grain and potato were primarily responsible for the problems.

Dogs switched to a grain-free diet will typically see dramatic health benefits, including:

• Healthier skin and coat.

• Elimination of allergic reactions in the skin.

• Reduction in systemic inflammation.

• Healthier immune system.

• Healthier digestive system.

• Better nutrient absorption, resulting in better overall health.

While no food is a miracle cure, switching your pooch to a grain-free diet such as Brothers Complete can help him better deal with any health issues that may arise. Since our dogs are considered family members, it's important to educate ourselves and provide our canine kids the optimum in pet nutrition, setting them up for great health and longevity.

Visit the Brothers Compete web site for a wealth of canine health information and to learn more about their high-quality, grain-free dog food.

Visit Brothers Complete on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+.

Have you switched your dog to a grain-free diet? What health benefits have you noticed? Please share your story so we can learn from your experience!

a fresh take on kibble with brothers complete #sponsored #giveaway

October 30, 2015 Kristen Carr

Sometimes kibble gets a bad rap. Granted, there are some pretty crappy ones out there, but there are also some excellent options. We feed N.A.S.H.A. mostly kibble-type dog food and we rotate her diet regularly in order to keep things interesting for her and so her body gets proteins and nutrients from different sources. Since we regularly switch things up, we have the opportunity to try different types of food. We will only feed her what we consider to be the best of the best, and we keep those in our rotation. We think about the quality of the food as well as the quality of the company making the food. Brothers Complete has a fresh take on both.

Brothers Complete offers a fresh take on kibble. wellmindedpets.com

brothers complete's fresh take on kibble

Brothers Complete offers high quality dog food in several protein varieties: chicken, turkey, lamb, and venison. Their web site has a plethora of information about why their food is so healthy for your pooch, but I'll give you the highlights:

• gmo free

• grain free and potato free

• sugar-free

• suitable for all sizes and life stages

• contains digestive enzymes, selective prebiotics, and encapsulated probiotics

• contains human-grade proteins

• over 90% animal protein

• great for dogs with allergies, skin issues, or sensitive tummies

Brothers Complete says

The Brothers Complete lineup of dog food.

The Brothers Complete family made the purposeful decision to not create a kibble dog food unless it would be the most nutritious, health-promoting dog food that it could possibly be–better than the best kibble there was. For ten years in our dog food store, we observed first-hand the recurring health problems that affected so many dogs–many of which ate the "best" kibble dog foods. We were convinced that something better had to be possible, and we were determined to create it.

I don't know that I have words to describe how much N.A.S.H.A. loves this food. I'll let her show you.

N.A.S.H.A. loved Brothers Complete. Like Crazy Eyes kind of love. wellmindedpets.com

This food is seriously the sh– ...it's really great. But there is something even more special about it. It's fresh.

Brothers Complete uses a combination of four natural preservatives. The industry standard is one or two.

Most pet food companies produce and store large amounts of kibble in order to have enough to supply to distributors. As a result, product is typically stored in a hot warehouse for six to eight months before being delivered to stores. Quite often, the fat oxidizes to some degree and becomes rancid. No, thank you. Since Brothers Complete sells mostly directly online, they produce food in small batches as needed, putting the food in the hands of the customer about three to six months sooner. The food that is stored for a short time at the Brothers Complete facility is kept cool in their warehouse at 55-60°. From there, the bags are shipped directly to customers.

Did you notice those metal bags? They aren't meant to bling-out the food and attract you to something shiny; they serve a purpose. The high tech, 4-ply, metalic bag protects the food from insects, moisture, light, and oxygen, keeping the food fresher and safer. The natural preservatives used in dog food are degraded by heat and light, so not only does the metal bag protect the food, itself, it also protects the natural preservatives, keeping it fresher.

Dogs overwhelmingly love the taste of Brothers Complete because it is so fresh! N.A.S.H.A. agrees and gives it her stamp of approval. Though we haven't made it through all of the varieties, yet, she thinks the venison version is delectable. I was impressed by the crunch! I know that might sound ridiculous, but I've never heard a food crunch like this. Brothers Complete even sounds fresh. Check it out:

brothers complete's fresh take on business

In addition to organizing their business to mostly ship directly to the consumer, which allows them to deliver a higher-quality fresher product, the people at Brothers Complete are truly special. It's a family run business, and they treat their customers like family (I mean in the good way). That personal touch means so much. They are truly the most generous, NICEST people who want the best for their customers.

The people at Brothers Complete will bend over backwards to make sure you and your dog have a positive experience with their food and treats. A great product and wonderful ethics? I'm in!