When looking for a food … Ask the right questions

What’s in it and what’s not

• Look for named species meat, fats and meals ( Chicken Meat, Salmon Oil, Turkey Meal ) – Meals are ground dried meats that provide higher protein pound for pound than fresh meat.
• Avoid non-named species of meat, fat or meals ( Meat and Bone Meal, Poultry Fat, Fish Meal )
• Look for a mix of Fresh or Dehydrated Fruits, Vegetables and dairy products ( Carrots, Apples, Cranberries, Blueberries, Whole Eggs )
• Look for whole complex carbohydrates ( Whole Brown Rice, Whole Barley ) versus grain fractions ( Brewers Rice, Ground Corn )
• Avoid foods that are associated with allergies and other intolerances such as Wheat, Corn, Soy

Where is the ingredient position

• To be considered a meat-based diet, fresh meat and or meals must be the first ingredients in the diet. Fresh Turkey, Turkey Meat
• Ingredients are listed in order of their weight. The farther down the list the smaller the % of the ingredient. Vitamins account for only 1% of what is in the food bag. Anything falling below the vitamin or minerals has little or no bearing of importance and is only added to meet AAFCO standards.

Which kibble to choose

Limited ingredient diets/single-source protein diets

Limited ingredient diets typically contain one meat, one or two carbohydrates, and one fat while single-source protein diets may utilize a single source of animal proteins, a variety of grains, fruits, and veggies.

Great for pets with allergies and stomach sensitivities (vomiting, gassy pets). Also great for puppies/kittens or rescues that need easing into eating quality kibble or for pets with unknown previous feedings. Many pet owners rotate feeding different protein sources, single-source protein foods makes rotating easy.

A limited ingredient diet may reduce the likelihood of feeding an ingredient that may be an allergen or a reason for some other intolerance.

Grain-Free Diets – Turkey/Fish Fusion

Formulas that contain no grains like rice, barley, corn, wheat, oatmeal, and quinoa. Designed to mimic how a dog would feed in the wild: Usually higher levels of meat protein and lower levels of carbohydrates.

Best suited for overweight dogs, very active dogs, and dogs that are picky eaters. A very desirable diet for most dogs because of the healthy ingredients and high meat content. Note: Not all grain-free diets are equal; some contain no grains but can contain high levels of carbohydrates.

The First 5 ingredients make up a formula diet. If you have Chicken, Lentils, Peas, Chick Peas, Chicken Fat, it is higher in starch/carbohydrates.

Higher Meat/Meal proteins, unlike fats and carbohydrates, cannot be stored in the body, therefore grain-free diets can be effective in helping dogs maintain or lose weight and also help rebuild muscle and bones in very active dogs.

All Round Natural/Holistic Diets – Lamb & Rice/ Chicken, Rice & Veg

Will contain named meats, no by-products, quality grains, no wheat, corn or soya, named dairy products, fruits and vegetables, sometimes with pre and or pro-biotics.

These types are formulated for pets owners who want to feed a good all-around quality diet. Often formulated for different ages and sizes of pets, as well as all life stages. Better quality ingredients means less feeding and reduced stools.

Raw Feeding

A raw diet reflects what our pets’ ancestors ate in the wild for thousands of years. A balanced raw diet will match a pet’s biological needs and allows their digestive tract to perform at its best. Raw diets have grown significantly in the past few years largely due to improving the quality of life for many pets. Some of the benefits of raw diets include: shinier coats, healthier skin, fresher breath/cleaner teeth, improved digestion, reduced allergy symptoms, decreased shedding, increased stamina, and firmer smaller stools. Raw diets offer higher levels of digestive enzymes. Adding even some raw into a dog/cat’s kibble diet can provide health benefits such as increased moisture and digestive enzymes. The practice of “feeding some raw is better than none” has helped improve many pets’ health.

What happens when you feed healthier foods like Harlow Blend?

• Healthy skin and coat, less shedding and dander
• Cleaner teeth and fresher breath
• Better digestion, less gas, bloat and stools
• A stronger immune system from the start throughout the pet’s life
• Better weight management, more active and playful
• Reduces behavioural problems and hyperactivity
• Feed less (foods are nutrient-dense)
• Named meats/meals, no fillers or by-products