Life's Abundance Pet Food - Why Consumers Trust Us

Why Consumers Trust Life's Abundance Pet Food

from the Life's Abundance Blog 7/1/19

NOTE: Life’s Abundance is not the subject of any FDA investigations or cases of DCM.

The FDA’s June 27 update linking 16 dog food brands to reports of the canine heart disease dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has pet parents understandably concerned. Our hearts go out to affected families, and we’re happy to address your questions about our brand.

Our Purpose is YOU

At Life’s Abundance we are fueled by our passion for helping families, including pets, live longer, happier, healthier lives. You and your family are at the top of our minds as we develop products, select ingredients, choose suppliers and answer your questions.

If you already feed your companion Life’s Abundance food, thank you for placing your trust in us. If you or someone you know is considering making a switch, we hope you will choose Life’s Abundance.

Our way of thinking sets us apart, but it doesn’t end there.

• Authenticity. We don’t buy into fads and marketing gimmicks. Our formulas are based on proven science and evolve only when research confirms that an adjustment will provide a nutritional benefit. In fact, because we are proactive in our approach, we were among the first to include guaranteed probiotics in our foods.
• Guaranteed Taurine. We guarantee minimum amounts of taurine in all of our dry dog foods. Though this nutrient is not required by AAFCO, we have always seen it as an important and beneficial supplement in our dog foods.
• Regular Testing. We regularly test all of our dry foods. Some tests are standard protocol and some go above and beyond standard requirements. For example, after a 2018 FDA report indicated there may be a link between DCM and taurine deficiency, we re-tested taurine levels in all of our dry dog food diets. Then, later that year we re-tested Vitamin D after a series of recalls due to an excess of this nutrient. In all cases, we remain vigilant about the safety of our products.
• Proven Results. For two decades families like yours have trusted us to provide the best nutrition for their pets. Generations of dogs and cats have thrived on our products and thousands of pet parents have shared their experience through reviews we can be proud of.
• Feeding Trials in Process. We recognize the importance of standardized, scientific testing and the value of Feeding Trials and we are underway with the process to trial all of our dry dog foods.
• Quick Notification System. We are proud of the fact that we have never had a recall. But, what we are most thrilled with is our Quick Notification System. Unlike most brands, because we have a direct relationship with customers, in the event there is ever an issue with a product, we will be able to notify consumers immediately. Rather than waiting to hear about a problem in the news, from a friend, or never hearing about it all, Life’s Abundance will contact you directly by email, phone or even mail. That’s a level of service you simply can’t get anywhere else.

As a company and as pet parents ourselves, news of events like DCM makes us pause to acknowledge what it means to be based on a foundation of integrity, and to appreciate those families whose well being our products support.

Be assured, we are monitoring this investigation closely and will provide updates as they become available.

FDA Named 16 Dog Food Brands Involved in Official Reports of Heart Disease

Bulletin: FDA Named 16 Dog Food Brands Involved in Official Reports of Heart Disease

Courtesy of Life's Abundance Blog 6/28/19 

NOTE:
 NO LIFE'S ABUNDANCE PET FOODS ARE INVOLVED IN THIS FDA REPORT OR DCM.

In July of last year, the FDA's investigation of consumer reports concerning an increase in the number of incidents of a heart disease called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The dogs did not have a predisposition to DCM but they did frequently eat dog foods containing peas, lentils and other legume seeds or potatoes as main ingredients.

The FDA has updated their investigation into the DCM cases and named 16 brands eaten by dogs involved in the official report. Only brands named 10 or more times are in this list while some reports listed multiple brands and other listed none.

Top 16 Pet Food Brands Associated with DCM Cases:
(Original FDA Post, click here)

Acana - 67
Zignature - 64
Taste of the Wild - 53
4Health - 32
Earthborn Holistic - 32
Blue Buffalo - 31
Nature's Domain - 29
Fromm - 24
Merrick -16
California Natural -15
Natural Balance -15
Orijen -12
Nature's Variety - 11
NutriSource - 10
Nutro - 10
Rachael Ray Nutrish - 10

Officials said “The FDA is working with the pet food industry to better understand whether changes in ingredients, ingredient sourcing, processing or formulation may have contributed to the development of DCM."

If you or someone you know is feeding one of the brands listed above, now may be a good time to make the switch to a premium Life's Abundance diet. If you already feed Life's Abundance to your companion, you can remain confident in your choice and our commitment to helping families, including pets, live long, healthy lives!

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You may be aware that the FDA is alerting pet parents about reports of a heart disease called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and diets containing “peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients.” In other words, ingredients typically found in raw, vegan, exotic, home-prepared and grain-free foods.

It is important to understand the FDA says “the underlying cause is not known, but it is thought to have a genetic component”. That is why there is an investigation of this issue.

At Life’s Abundance, we’re concerned, too. We have been involved in this discussion within the veterinary and nutritional communities, and are closely monitoring all developments. Below are answers to common questions you may have concerning this situation.

What is DCM?

It is a disease of a dog’s heart muscle that results in an enlarged heart.

Is DCM genetic?

Breeds more frequently affected include large and giant breed dogs. It is less common in small and medium breed dogs with some exceptions.

Which dogs are more likely to have DCM?

At present, it appears there may be three sub-sets of dogs to consider:

1. Dogs that are genetically predisposed to DCM. Heart disease is common, affecting 10% of all dogs, with even higher rates in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers, and Boxers.  
2. Dogs experiencing dietary taurine deficiency.  
3. Dogs susceptible to DCM for reasons unrelated to diet.

Is it safe to continue to feed Grain-Free food?

We have always held the position that taurine is important for dogs and include it in all of our dog food recipes, including Grain Free. What makes us different from most other brands is that we guarantee the amount of taurine in all of our dry dog food formulas. This means that each meal is guaranteed to supply your dog with this important nutrient!

What if I don’t want to feed grain free food?

If for any reason you do not feel comfortable continuing with a grain-free diet, it’s easy to switch to Life’s Abundance All Life Stage Dog Food containing grains and guaranteed taurine.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER/VIEW LIFE'S ABUNDANCE DOG FOODS

The FDA has compiles a list of questions you may have about the initial investigation, click here