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!

___________________________________________________________

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

Do It Yourself for Pet Friendly House

DIY Projects to Make Your Home Pet-Friendly

Courtesy of Life's Abundance Blog 6/25/19


If you're like a lot of new and prospective first-time home buyers, having your own home gives you the opportunity to do something you've always dreamed of ... welcoming a companion animal into your family!

In fact, it turns out that home buying decisions rely significantly on pet-related considerations. For pet parents, a house in a community with pet-oriented features will almost invariably win out over a community with numerous pet restrictions. With over 60% of American households that include a pet or want one, that's many millions of home buyers focused on their pets' needs.

Our love of pets is not just affecting buying habits, it's driving renovation decisions. This summer, countless families will be starting do-it-yourself projects with an eye toward making their homes more suitable or more comfortable for dogs and cats. In this post, we'll be taking a deep dive on some of the most common DIY projects for pet parents. So strap on your tool belts, recharge your power tools, dig out your measuring tape, crack your knuckles and let's get down to brass tacks. Or, nails, probably nails would be better. To the list!

Hot Dog a Doggie Door!

Your dog wants to go outside. Then he wants to come back in. Then he wants to go outside again. And the cycle repeats. Rather than giving yourself over to the whims of your dog, who quite frankly will be much happier if he can run around the yard whenever the inclination strikes, why not remove yourself from this equation entirely? A dog door offers the ideal solution. And, as far as renovation projects go, relatively easy to install.

Project Difficulty: pretty simple, actually.


Laying Down the P-Lam

Life is not always neat. Dogs and cats can track in all sorts of crud into your home. And sometimes they have accidents, too. Rather than risk a pee incident with your carpeted house, why not upgrade your flooring to something decidedly more pet-friendly? Scratch-resistant, stain-proof plastic laminate flooring offers a great way to avoid the unpleasantness of carpet stains. New homeowners, be forewarned, though ... tearing out old carpet and pads and laying down all new flooring is a bit of a challenge.

Project Difficulty: moderate, but big payoff.



The Wonderful World of Built-Ins

Like the groovy conversation pits of 60's post-modern ranch houses, the understated elegance of built-ins to accommodate pet food and water bowls, not to mention pet beds, are all the rage with your fellow DIYers. There's no better way to demonstrate that your pets truly matter to you (as in, this house was literally made for you to be here). Functionally, they're a dream. Straightening up for company has never been so simple. Though it is a bit more labor-intensive than first-time DIYers should tackle, if you have a good plan, anything is possible.

Project Difficulty: complex, unless you've had woodworking experience.


The Deluxe Mud Room

Mud rooms are not just for ranches and farm houses anymore. If you have rambunctious doggos who love to romp and wallow in the dirt, and maybe young children who enjoy the same, having a room between the messy great outdoors and the cozy cleanness of your living areas can provide the perfect buffer. Now, savvy homeowners are outfitting their mud rooms with plumbing! While some install an oversized sink that functions as a doggie bathing area, other deluxe mud room conversions also function as a laundry room as well as a changing area. Wouldn't it be nice to peel off dirty clothes and drop them in the wash before you enter your inner sanctuary? The benefits are tangible and numerous, if you're ready for a bigger project.

Project Difficulty: challenging (as they say, when plumbing's involved, best to leave it to the professionals).

The best part of committing to pet-friendly renovation projects, aside from the obvious benefits of each, is that not only is there very little chance you'll regret your decision but also that you'll almost certainly derive great satisfaction from these renos. A recent survey showed that four out five people were very satisfied post-project, even when they paid someone else to do all the work. And that number only goes higher when you do the work yourself!

So, the only question left now is, what will you build?

Fire Safety & Prevention for Families with Pets

Fire Safety & Prevention for Families with Pets

Courtesy of Life's Abundance Blog 6/20/19

When my mother was five years old, her house burned down due to a stove that was accidentally left on overnight. Decades later, she still remembers that night as if it were yesterday … the smoke filling the hallways, the feel of the grass under her bare feet. It happened, she said, so fast. Fortunately, everyone made it out alive.

When it comes to fire safety, most of us know the basics: pre-plan evacuation routes and during a fire, don’t open doors without first feeling for heat. But do your plans include your pet? An estimated 500,000 pets are adversely affected each year by house fires. For this reason, July 15th is designated as National Pet Fire Safety Day in order to raise awareness of pet safety during house fires and help you prepare so everyone is protected!

Safe Pet Evacuation

The first part of your pet fire safety plan should be to review your evacuation protocol, if you have one. And if not, today’s the day to make one!

1. Designate specific people for specific pets. Knowing in advance who grabs Oliver’s leash and who gets Fiona’s cat carrier streamlines the evacuation. Ideally the leashes and carriers should be kept in easily accessible locations.

2. Know your evacuation routes. A second story window is not going to be an accessible route for a large dog, so plan for exits pets can use whenever possible. It is important to remember that family members should never put themselves in danger for a pet, as difficult as that may be. First responders are trained to rescue our four-legged family members when it is unsafe for us to do so.

3. Display a window cling. Speaking of first responders, did you know you can put a vinyl adhesive sticker near your front door that alerts firefighters that there are pets in your home? Many fire stations make these available to the public, or you can easily shop for them online. Make sure they are updated regularly so first responders know how many pets are living in the home, should an emergency arise when you are away or incapacitated.

4. Keep collars on at all times. This is good practice in general, but in the specific case of house fires this makes it much easier for a firefighter to safely bring your pet out of the house. And, should they escape during an evacuation (not uncommon in times of extreme distress), he or she will have their contact information readily available on their tags.

Fire Prevention

Did you know dogs and cats are blamed for about 1,000 house fires every year? No, these are not deliberately destructive acts of arsonist-inclined companion animals. But still, yikes! Take the time to employ a few preventive strategies to ensure your dog or cat doesn’t inadvertently cause a flammable disaster.

1. Use flameless candles. Pets and open flames are a dangerous mix, particularly when you have a curious cat who likes to knock things off the coffee table. Flameless candles powered by LEDs are a pretty and safe alternative. If you really want to light that scented candle, make sure your pets are never left unattended in the same room.

2. Use knob covers on the stove. Did you know that stove tops are the number one way pets accidentally start fires? One minute they’re trying to get a look over the counter to see if there’s any food up there, the next thing you know you’re getting a call from the fire department while you’re in the middle of a work meeting. Knob covers- the same type used to prevent toddlers from starting the stove- work like a charm.

3. No glass on wooden decks. Many people like using glass bowls for pet dishes. There’s nothing wrong with that, but glass can act like a magnifying glass and set a wooden deck aflame. It might seem crazy, but it happens! Switch the bowls out for ceramic or plastic, and you’re all set.

4. Use a monitored security system or smart alarm. Traditional smoke alarms are a vital component of fire safety, but they’re only useful for people in the house at the time. Pets home alone have no way of alerting us if there’s a problem, but monitored security systems can react quickly before a fire gets out of hand no matter where you are in the world. Conversely, a good alternative to monitored systems are smart alarms. Today’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors function not only as in-house alarm systems, they can also send text and push notifications wherever you’d like. Our system controls the thermostat, the smoke detector, security camera, and tells us if one of the kids left the front door open.

We’ve come a long way since that chilly night decades ago where my mother watched her house disappear. With today’s safety precautions, there’s a lot you can do to make sure your family doesn’t endure a similar tragedy. Or if you do, that everyone makes it out quickly and safely. By taking steps now to minimize the dangers and to develop a well-defined plan, everyone in your home can have peace of mind and rest a little easier.

Dr V
Dr. Jessica Vogelsang, DVM

Bully Sticks

Buffalo Bully Sticks by Life's Abundance 

These wholesome dog treats …

• Help reduce tartar and maintain canine dental health

• An alternative to beef bully sticks

• Contain no additives or preservatives

• Provide a rewarding chewing experience

Our premium dog chews may be the perfect treat! Try a pack today and you’ll notice a happier dog with a brighter smile! 

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW/MORE INFORMATION

• Free-range, grass-fed buffalo
• No additives or preservatives
• Help reduce tartar and maintain dental health
• Product of India

Why Does My Pet Eat Grass

Dog and or Cat Eating Grass ?

It’s a question pet parents routinely ponder. While there are competing theories regarding why dogs and cats consume grass, a conclusive answer has yet to be supported by scientific study. Here’s a brief overview of the current speculation behind your companion animal’s impulse to graze …

1. It’s an ancestral thing. The prey of wild dogs and cats frequently have grasses in their intestinal system, so domesticated dogs and cats still retain a yearning for a spot of grass in their diet.

2. Our companion animals know of some nutritional value in grasses that we have yet to uncover (such as antioxidants).

3. They do it to provoke vomiting if they’ve eaten something that has upset their stomachs.

4. They are augmenting their keen sense of smell with taste to discover more about their environment.

5. They simply like the taste and texture of grass, so it’s just for the sake of satisfaction!

Although we may never know the exact reason why, we do know that this is one of the most commonly asked questions that veterinarians hear from their clients. If you notice excessive grass-eating with either your dog or cat, please consult your vet.

Life's Abundance Dog Food Sample

Life's Abundance All Life Stage Dog Food Sample Pack 

Your pet deserves the advantages of great nutrition. 

This pack contains a sample of our All Life Stage Food for Dogs plus one Antioxidant Health Bar, a delicious treat with a hefty helping of vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene. 

Your sample pack will include:

• Life's Abundance All Stage Dog Food for Puppies and Adults Dogs
• One Antioxidant Health Bar

CLICK HERE NOW TO ORDER

Limit 2 per order. Small shipping charge applies. $2.95 for 1 sample pack and $1.00 for each additional sample pack. Shipping can vary if samples are combined with regular products.