Natural Balance's quality: How good ingredients make good dog food #WeBelieveinNB

We've been talking about Natural Balance® for the last few months. We like the food for its Limited Ingredient Diets, its Buy With Confidence™ guarantee and its commitment to making sure you get the right food for your dog through its Nutritional Experts.

But here's another reason we love Natural Balance -- the premium quality ingredients.

This post is sponsored by Natural Balance and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping to share our thoughts about why we believe in Natural Balance as a quality food for our (dog(s) or cat(s), Life With Beagle only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Natural Balance is not responsible for the content of this article. 

Why doesn't my dog like her food? My conversation with a Natural Balance nutrition expert #WeBelieveinNB

What do you do when you know you've bought good quality dog food and your dog just won't eat it?

A couple months ago we started talking about why we like Natural Balance® Limited Ingredient Diet.

But Lulu even after a week of mixing her food, she wouldn't eat the Natural Balance alone.

Not sure what I was doing wrong, I decided to ask an expert. Natural Balance is happy to oblige.

This post is sponsored by Natural Balance® and the BlogPaws® Professional Pet Blogger Network™. I am being compensated for helping to share our thoughts about why we believe in Natural Balance as a quality food for our (dog(s) or cat(s), Life With Beagle only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Natural Balance Pet Foods is not responsible for the content of this article.

4 ways Natural Balance dog food helps you buy with confidence #WeBelieveinNB

Last week, we talked about why Lulu and Jasmine are on a Limited Ingredient Diet. We use food like Natural Balance® because the company uses simple ingredients, a single source of animal protein and no grains.

But one thing we love about Natural Balance is how well they make sure their food is OK for my dogs. It's called the Buy With Confidence™ guarantee, and there are 4 steps to it.

This post is sponsored by Natural Balance® and the BlogPaws® Professional Pet Blogger Network™. I am being compensated for helping to share our thoughts about why we believe in Natural Balance as a quality food for our (dog(s) or cat(s), Life With Beagle only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Natural Balance Pet Foods is not responsible for the content of this article.

Need a Limited Ingredient Diet? Buy Natural Balance with confidence #WEBelieveinNB

We are a Limited Ingredient house. Lulu and Jasmine have long been on simple formula diets with single animal proteins and no grains. And we like Natural Balance's® Limited Ingredient Diet.

This post is sponsored by Natural Balance® and the BlogPaws® Professional Pet Blogger Network™. I am being compensated for helping to share our thoughts about why we believe in Natural Balance as a quality food for our (dog(s) or cat(s), Life With Beagle only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Natural Balance Pet Foods is not responsible for the content of this article.

Limited ingredient diets for allergy-suffering dogs #naturalbalance

When it comes allergies, diet can be everything.

Jasmine gets quite itchy when she eats things she shouldn't. Her skin also gets dry and flaky if I let it go too long. She'll scratch and scratch, sometimes all night. That's why we've been sticking to limited ingredient diet dog foods -- like Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets®.

Itchy dog? #NaturalBalance Limited Ingredient Diet at PetSmart

When it comes to bonding with your dog, I've yet to meet a pup who doesn't love the idea of going for a ride -- even if they, like Jasmine, get a little car sick. Especially when that ride leads to goodies for them.

So today, Lulu, Jasmine and I headed to PetSmart®. We're trying out a new dog food, and we wanted to pick out just the right kind.

Why I am still feeding my dogs Merrick even after the Purina deal

Full disclosure: I've received some free food and treats from Merrick in the past. However, I am not receiving anything from Merrick right now, and I have never received monetary compensation.

A few months ago, I wrote about Purina acquiring Merrick Pet Care. I wrote how angry people are about the move, mostly because they don't like Purina and they saw Merrick as selling out.

Well, it's been about 6 months since then. And guess what? I'm still feeding Merrick. Why? Because it works.

Merrick bought by Purina: The Pros and Cons of mergers

Merrick will soon be owned by Nestle Purina.

To say people are disappointed would be an understatement. Hundreds of people on Merrick's Facebook and Twitter accounts are telling them they will stop feeding their dog Merrick.

I myself am a bit concerned. I am supposed to be working with Merrick on its new Limited Ingredient food line.

Jasmine sits with a bag of Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet food.

It's done amazing things for Jasmine so far. She's stopped scratching and her flaky skin is gone.

So now I'm left wondering if this wonderful food will stay that way.

Why would a company that produces high quality foods sell out to a big company that has a bad reputation?

There are benefits for the companies.

Dog parents: Stop shaming people about dog food!

FULL DISCLOSURE: I am not being compensated for this post by Nutro or Merrick, though I have received food or compensation from both in the past.

I got into an argument in a beagle Facebook group.

It was over an article by Reviews.com that claimed only 25 dog food brands were "safe." I disagreed with some of the article's assertions, including regarding certain ingredients and some of their methodologies.

I was basically told (passive-aggressively) that I was knowingly putting my dogs in danger by feeding them "unsafe" dog food.

People, I'm done. I'm over it. 

Eat Your Vegetables! 6 veggies your dogs can eat

Lulu loves her veggies.

And I don't just mean her sweet pea toy. And it's not just because she's a beagle and beagles will eat almost anything. Dogs like veggies in general! And most are really good for them.They're great as treats, and if you need to get your pet to slim down they are great to use as a low calorie replacement if you have to reduce their food.

So in honor of National Eat Your Vegetables Day (which is June 17), here is some food for thought for dog owners every where.

#WholeBodyHealth: What pet owners say is important #sponsored

This post is sponsored by Natural Balance and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Original Ultra Whole Body Health Pet Food, but Life With Beagle only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Natural Balance is not responsible for the content of this article.
**************************

Remember this?

Last month we asked you guys to take a survey on what Whole Body Health meant to you in terms of your cat's health or your dog's health. The survey results are now out.

Here's two numbers I find interesting: 

• 97 percent of pet owners believe nutrition is important for pet health and well-being.
• 55 percent of pet owners say nutrition is the most important factor for pet health.

If this is the case, why are some of the top-selling dog foods in the world so horrible for your dog?

A good dog food should not be so full of fillers. It should have high-quality protein. It should be properly balanced in terms of vitamins and minerals.

The good news is many pet owners are moving to better quality foods. So now is a good time to talk about the sponsor of the infographic.

First, a word about the sponsors of the survey, Natural Balance. They've come out with a new pet food line called "Original Ultra Whole Body Health." 

The new line includes a gluten-free formula for both dogs and cats. It focuses on seven key areas:

1. Supports Neural Development: Formulated with optimal levels of  DHA EPA from marine sources to support an active, healthy brain.
2. Supports Healthy Skin & Coat: Balanced Omega‐6 and Omega‐3 ratios support healthy skin and a luxurious coat. 
3. Digestive Support: Using multipl  types of fibers – fruits & grains – our unique fiber layering system helps maintain healthy digestion.
4. Healthy Muscle Development: Quality proteins to help support healthy muscle, important at any age. 
5. Antioxidant Nutrients: Our proprietary blend of antioxidant nutrients helps maintain a healthy immune system. 
6. Strong & Healthy Bones and Teeth: Proper levels of calcium and phosphorus maintain strong bones for all that fetching and playing. 
7. Helps Maintain Healthy Heart & Eyes: Added taurine for healthy heart and eye function.

Natural Balance uses chicken, chicken meal and duck meal, or venison, turkey meal and lamb meal for its Original Ultra Whole Body Health varieties. And among the ingredients is brown rice, oats, potatoes, pea protein, blueberries, cranberries, carrots and flaxseed. 

The food is for puppies through seniors. Here's why Natural Balance does that:

In Nature, your pets would not have the choice of puppy or kitten formulas; they would simply live on a diet of mostly meat and and some grain. In a natural free environment, animals instinctively eat more or less, depending on their age and activity level. Puppies will require a higher caloric intake than an adult, therefore we suggest feeding puppies, up to 6 months of age, two or three times a day. Natural Balance Products are scientifically formulated to provide  complete and balanced nutrition for all stages of your pet's life. We recommend that you do not add vitamins, minerals or any other supplements, except upon the advice of a veterinarian.

Interested in trying it for your dog or cat? Here's you chance at a coupon.

“Click here to download a coupon for $3 off the Original Ultra Whole Body Health dry formulas. Act quickly as the coupon expires December 31.”

And for more updated and promotions from Natural Balance, like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Win some Evanger's food for your dog (and cat) *SPONSORED*

Evanger's pet food is one of the sponsors of the Lulu's Favorite Things Campaign, which raises money for Harbor House of Central Florida's Paws for Peace Walk. Thanks to the help of companies like Evanger's, we raised $500 for Harbor House. You can continue to help us raise money by going to the Harbor House website. And keep reading for our great giveaway below.

________________________________________________________________

Hello all, Galadriel here. Servant is supposed to write these posts on Saturday, but she is useless. 

She kept trying to get me to pose too. What am I, a dog?

She is trying to get me to pitch a dog food too. But the company makes dog food I can eat. Weird, huh?

Evanger's has been making pet food since 1935. And it's all made in the USA, right in Illinois.

They have several varieties, including the new super premium line, and grain-free line. Mom especially likes the grain-free line.

Look at this ingredient list on the can of salmon.

That's it, three ingredients on this can. This is not a complete meal though, these grain free cans. They are meant to be meal toppers. And dogs and cats can eat these.

There are more on this can, but mostly it's vitamins and minerals, and it's meant to be a complete meal:

Still the first ingredients are all natural and wholesome.

Did you notice something else? Evanger's food is Kosher for Passover? It's approved by the Chicago Rabbinical Council.

Evanger's has a new line -- Super premium food. It's mostly for dogs, though the sweet potato is safe for cats too.

In the super premium line, there are lots of vitamins from spinach and kale.

There's chicken, beef, duck and lamb and rice. There's also a vegetarian variety if your dog prefers.

You can find Evanger's in boutique stores and online. They also sell dry food and treats.

Now! Here's your chance to win some Evanger's food. Remember, it's made in the USA with wholesome ingredients!

You can choose from two packages:

• $25 in Grain-Free Game Meats for dogs or cats
• $25 variety pack of dog or cat food

The giveaway ends July 2. All you have to do is follow the Rafflecopter's instructions, and be sure to leave me a comment.

The fine print: This post is sponsored by Evanger's. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Evanger's, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Evanger's is not responsible for the content of this article.

. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Caturday: Natural Balance Fat Cat or Fat Dog food GIVEAWAY

Hello all, Galadriel here!

I know this post is a bit late. Stupid servant belly-aching about her belly. Oh well, every day should be Caturday anyway.

When Natural Balance began selling Fat Cat and Fat Dog food, the company offered the servant the chance to try the food and giveaway a coupon for a loyal reader.

The beast, the servant says, is in good shape.

I, on the other hand...

I perhaps could lose a bit of weight.

So the servant picked up a bag of this Fat Cat food.

Fat Cat and Fat Dog, I'm told, are designed to help pets specifically to lose weight or maintain it. It has less calories than the reduced calorie food.

I like it because it tastes like chicken and salmon, which I like. Plus, I don't need to eat much to feel food. The servant gives me about 3/4 of a cup, and I graze on it throughout the day. Of course, I am not losing as much weight as I should, because I still demand my Natural Balance Platefuls pouches every once in a while. I just eat less dry food.

I am looking a lot better. Of course, I'm still fighting the servant on using the yellow thing she got from Natural Balance.

But she did put me on the scale today, and I am down to 15 lbs. Not bad. Everyone else notices I'm not so much of a fat cat as I was either.

Still, I have a ways to go. I might need to have the servant reduce my food.

Now from the servant:

PROS:

• Galadriel took to the food very well. She likes it a lot. 
• I have seen noticeable loss in her size. 
• You can adjust food according to what else your pet needs in their diet.

CONS:

• There is only kibble. So if your pet doesn't eat kibble, this will not work for you.
• You need to keep a good notes to make sure you see proper weight loss, that way you can make adjustments.
• The diet works best when you increase exercise. This has been crazy tough with Galadriel.

DISCLAIMER: Natural Balance provided me with the free coupon to give away. Every thought in the review, however, is my own.


 

RECALL ALERT: Eukanuba, Iams dog food

Certain Iams and Eukanuba dry dog food bags are being recalled because of possible salmonella contamination.

From the Proctor & Gamble news release:

"The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) has voluntarily recalled specific lots of dry pet food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. These lots were distributed in the United States and represent roughly one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of annual production. No Salmonella-related illnesses have been reported to date in association with these product lots.

"P&G is retrieving these products as a precautionary measure. Consumers who purchased a product listed below should stop using the product and discard it and contact P&G toll-free at 800-208-0172 (Monday – Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM ET), or via website at www.iams.com or www.eukanuba.com. "

Also:

"Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

"Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian."

Proctor & Gamble also owns the Natura brands -- Innova, California Natural, EVO. Those brands have also been dealing with Salmonella recalls over the last few months.

Here are the lots that are affected. Iams dry cat food is also under a recall. None of the treats or wet food are under a recall.

EUKANUBA DRY DOG FOODS
Description					Size			Lot Code			UPC Code			Best-by Date
Eukanuba Dog Food Base Large Breed Mature Adult					15 LB			31874177			19014270156			6Nov14
					30 LB			31874177			19014270309			6Nov14
Eukanuba Dog Food Base Maintenance Mature Adult					30 LB			31954177			19014149308			14Nov14
Eukanuba Dog Food Base Maintenance Puppy					16.5 LB			31884177			19014042234			7Nov14
					33 LB			31884177			19014609468			7Nov14
					5 LB			31884177			19014039852			7Nov14
Eukanuba Dog Food Base Small Breed Adult					16 LB			31904177			19014010516			9Nov14
					4 LB			31904177			19014039722			9Nov14
Eukanuba Dog Food Base Small Breed Puppy					16 LB			31944177			19014010509			13Nov14
					4 LB			31874177			19014039678			6Nov14
					40 LB			31874177			19014011070			6Nov14
								31944177			19014011070			13Nov14
Eukanuba Dog Food Breed Specific Boxer Adult					36 LB			31944177			19014019588			13Nov14
								31954177			19014019588			14Nov14
Eukanuba Dog Food Breed Specific Chihuahua Adult					4 LB			31884177			19014607037			7Nov14
Eukanuba Dog Food Breed Specific Labrador Retriever Adult					36 LB			31954177			19014019564			14Nov14
Eukanuba Dog Food Premium Performance 30/20 Adult					33 LB			31884177			19014609475			7Nov14
Eukanuba Dog Food Professional Feeding Bag Small Breed Puppy					44 LB			31874177			19014113194			6Nov14
Eukanuba Dog Food Weight Control Large Breed Adult					30 LB			31894177			19014269303			8Nov14
								31924177			19014269303			11Nov14
IAMS DRY DOG FOODS
Description					Size			Lot Code			UPC Code			Best-by Date
Iams Dog Food Healthy Naturals Chicken Adult					13.3 LB			31884177			19014612017			7Nov14
								31904177			19014612017			9Nov14
								31924177			19014612017			11Nov14
								31934177			19014612017			12Nov14
								31944177			19014612017			13Nov14
					2.9 LB			31944177			19014700165			13Nov14
					25.7 LB			31884177			19014700646			7Nov14
								31894177			19014700646			8Nov14
								31904177			19014700646			9Nov14
								31914177			19014700646			10Nov14
								31934177			19014700646			12Nov14
					5 LB			31904177			19014612635			9Nov14
								31914177			19014612635			10Nov14
Iams Dog Food Healthy Naturals Weight Control Adult					13.3 LB			31894177			19014612024			8Nov14
Iams Dog Food Premium Protection Chicken Adult					12.1 LB			31894177			19014611362			8Nov14
Iams Dog Food ProActive Health Large Breed Mature Adult					30 LB			31884177			19014611331			7Nov14
Iams Dog Food ProActive Health Large Breed Senior Plus					13.3 LB			31934177			19014612000			12Nov14
					26.2 LB			31934177			19014700615			12Nov14
Iams Dog Food ProActive Health Large Chunks Adult					15 LB			31944177			19014610815			13Nov14
Iams Dog Food ProActive Health Small Breed Adult					13.3 LB			31874177			19014610990			6Nov14
								31894177			19014610990			8Nov14
								31924177			19014610990			11Nov14
					3.1 LB			31874177			19014700110			6Nov14
								31894177			19014700110			8Nov14
					5 LB			31874177			19014612055			6Nov14
								31894177			19014612055			8Nov14
								31924177			19014612055			11Nov14
Iams Dog Food ProActive Health Small Breed Puppy					5 LB			31904177			19014700943			9Nov14
IAMS DRY CAT FOODS
Description					Size			Lot Code			UPC Code			Best-by Date
Iams Cat Food Healthy Naturals Chicken Adult					16 LB			31874177			19014611881			6Nov14
								31944177			19014611881			13Nov14
					5 LB			31874177			19014612697			6Nov14
								31944177			19014612697			13Nov14
Iams Cat Food Healthy Naturals Weight Control Adult					5 LB			31894177			19014612703			8Nov14
Iams Cat Food ProActive Health Chicken Adult					10.8 LB			31864177			19014612086			5Nov14
								31904177			19014612086			9Nov14
								31914177			19014612086			10Nov14
								31924177			19014612086			11Nov14
								31944177			19014612086			13Nov14
					17.4 LB			31864177			19014611836			5Nov14
								31864177			19014611836			5Nov14
								31914177			19014611836			10Nov14
								31924177			19014611836			11Nov14
								31944177			19014611836			13Nov14
					3.2 LB			31904177			19014612659			9Nov14
								31924177			19014612659			11Nov14
								31934177			19014612659			12Nov14
								31944177			19014612659			13Nov14
					5.7 LB			31864177			19014612499			5Nov14
								31914177			19014612499			10Nov14
								31924177			19014612499			11Nov14
								31944177			19014612499			13Nov14
					6.3 LB			31944177			19014611621			13Nov14
Iams Cat Food ProActive Health Chicken Kitten					17.4 LB			31904177			19014611867			9Nov14
					3.2 LB			31904177			19014612628			9Nov14
								31954177			19014612628			14Nov14
					5.7 LB			31904177			19014612505			9Nov14
								31904177			19014612505			9Nov14
								31954177			19014612505			14Nov14
Iams Cat Food ProActive Health Digestive Care Adult					16 LB			31904177			19014611904			9Nov14
								31954177			19014611904			14Nov14
					3 LB			31904177			19014700202			9Nov14
								31954177			19014700202			14Nov14
					5 LB			31904177			19014612451			9Nov14
								31954177			19014612451			14Nov14
Iams Cat Food ProActive Health Hairball Adult					16 LB			31874177			19014611911			6Nov14
								31954177			19014611911			14Nov14
					3.1 LB			31884177			19014700219			7Nov14
								31914177			19014700219			10Nov14
								31954177			19014700219			14Nov14
					5 LB			31874177			19014612420			6Nov14
								31884177			19014612420			7Nov14
								31914177			19014612420			10Nov14
								31934177			19014612420			12Nov14
								31954177			19014612420			14Nov14
					9.8 LB			31894177			19014612161			8Nov14
								31914177			19014612161			10Nov14
Iams Cat Food ProActive Health Hairball Mature Adult					5 LB			31954177			19014612604			14Nov14
Iams Cat Food ProActive Health Weight Control & Hairball Adult					16 LB			31884177			19014612147			7Nov14
								31914177			19014612147			10Nov14
								31924177			19014612147			11Nov14
								31934177			19014612147			12Nov14
								31944177			19014612147			13Nov14
					2.9 LB			31914177			19014700240			10Nov14
								31924177			19014700240			11Nov14
								31934177			19014700240			12Nov14
								31944177			19014700240			13Nov14
								31954177			19014700257			14Nov14
					5 LB			31884177			19014612789			7Nov14
								31914177			19014612789			10Nov14
								31924177			19014612789			11Nov14
								31934177			19014612789			12Nov14
								31954177			19014612789			14Nov14
					5.5 LB			31924177			19014611652			11Nov14
					9.8 LB			31884177			19014612130			7Nov14
								31914177			19014612130			10Nov14
								31924177			19014612130			11Nov14
								31934177			19014612130			12Nov14
								31944177			19014612130			13Nov14
Iams Cat Food ProActive Health Weight Control Adult					16 LB			31874177			19014612178			6Nov14
								31934177			19014612178			12Nov14
					5 LB			31874177			19014612680			6Nov14
								31934177			19014612680			12Nov14
					9.8 LB			31874177			19014612123			6Nov14
Iams Cat Food Professional Feeding Bag Chicken Adult					33 LB			31914177			19014105458			10Nov14
								31944177			19014105458			13Nov14