Green tea, marigolds, flaxseed and chicory root – ingredients with scientifically-proven properties typically found in health food stores – have been combined with the latest in nutritional research to offer dogs complete, natural protection in common areas of health with the launch of Natural Defense™ premium food for dogs.

Developed by an expert team of veterinarians and pet nutritionists and manufactured in Canada, the entire Natural Defense™ product line features a variety of natural extracts plus vitamins, minerals and other trace nutrients scientifically proven to proactively support dog well-being in five key areas – immune health, joint health, digestive health, oral health and skin and coat health. Free of artificial colours or flavours, Natural Defense™ products come in an adult dry formula as well as in three healthy snack varieties which, when fed regularly, provide an added level of defense to a dog’s oral, digestive and joint health. Natural Defense™ products will be available at major retailers nation-wide in early February.

“With the Natural Defense™ brand we have provided dog owners with a scientifically-proven, natural approach to proactively support their pet’s well-being and overall health,” said Sandra Hinojosa, product development manager, Mars Canada™. “One example of improvement we saw during our initial trials were dogs that had regained their playfulness and energy levels after six weeks of daily feeding of Natural Defense™ Joint Health snacks and were once again able to undertake normal activities like running, jumping and climbing stairs”.

Key areas of health for dogs

The development of the Natural Defense™ brand addresses the growing consumer demand for pet food that features natural extracts scientifically proven to proactively support the areas of health that are of primary concern to dog owners.

A 2005 study found that 80 per cent(1) of dogs over the age of three may have oral care issues, which typically range from poor teeth and gums, as well as halitosis, more commonly referred to as ‘dog breath’. One in five dogs over the age of one(2) have been observed to experience mobility issues, which could be attributed in part to the rapid growth rate of puppies (approximately 12 times faster than human babies(3)). This can translate to extra wear and tear on joints while they are still forming. And while it may appear that dogs are able to eat just about anything, their digestive system differs greatly from humans. The transit time for food traveling through a dog’s digestive system is 12 to 30 hours, while humans can take up to five days, making digestive health important to ensure food is properly utilized by the body. Finally, the condition of the skin and coat is very important to a dog’s overall health as they have thinner skin compared to humans(4) which also must act as a protective barrier against external factors.

“As many of us strive to remain fit and active as we age, we are also looking to ensure our pets will age gracefully with us, so they can enjoy as much as possible, the vitality and vigour they had as puppies throughout their life” said Hinojosa. “As with humans, there has been a significant movement from reactive to a proactive approach to promote pet health and wellbeing. By feeding products like those in the Natural Defense™ product line-up, we can take a proactive approach to our pet’s health with products that leverage science and nature to help protect them.”

Mother Nature’s defenses at work

Similar to natural extracts, vitamins and minerals taken by humans to improve their overall health and wellness, Natural Defense™ premium dry dog food and healthy snacks leverage some of the most well-known and documented ingredients to help aid in dog well-being and quality of life in key areas:

Immune Health – Marigold extract, vitamins E & C and taurine provide an added level of defense against everyday challenges to the immune system

- Marigold has been valued for centuries as a powerful antioxidant that also supports eye health

- Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to help boost immune function and enhance iron absorption

- Vitamin E, an immune enhancing antioxidant, helps protect the skin

- Taurine, known for its antioxidant activity, helps stabilize cell membranes

Joint Health – Omega 3 from flax seed plus glucosamine, a natural component derived from shrimp shells, supports fundamental joint care protection

- Omega 3 helps preserve joint lubrication by protecting the synovial fluid and membranes which provide a cushion-like protection to joints

- Glucosamine is a key building block for joints

Digestive health – Whole wheat, barley and sugar beet pulp promote optimal digestive health

- Whole grains and fibers are a great source of carbohydrates, which provides energy needed for dogs to be active

- The combination of grains and fibres in Natural Defense™ Premium Dry Food provides dogs with an optimal balance of soluble and insoluble fiber to promote proper digestion and help protect their health

Oral Health – Myrtle leaf and green tea extract are natural botanicals that help support oral health

- Myrtle is proven to help manage bacteria associated with plaque formation which promotes healthy gums

- The patented texture of the Oral Health Snack helps to clean down to the gum line

- Green tea helps promote fresh breath

“For years, we have educated humans on foods that have a beneficial effect on health, and how eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods can support overall health and wellness,” said Amy Snider-Whitson, a food and nutrition trend expert. “It comes as no surprise that we are seeing these same natural extracts, such as flaxseed, barley, vegetable oils and green tea, benefiting dogs in a similar way and helping owners proactively promote protection for life.”

Natural Defense™ premium dry food is available in 3 kg and 6.8 kg bags, with a manufacturer’s suggested price of $13.99 and $24.99, respectively. Digestive Health Snacks are available in 400g pouches with an MSRP price of $4.99; Joint Health Snacks in 154g cartons with a MSRP of $6.99; and Oral Health Snacks in 150g cartons in both medium and large sizes, with a MSRP of $6.99.

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Green Pet Organics™ introduces Simply Wild™ Natural Dog Treats, all-natural holistic biscuits made for dogs. Simply Wild™ dog treats come in five different flavors, Maple Glazed Bacon, Peanut Butter, Grilled Bison, Lamb & Trout, Venison & Apple.

Green Pet Organics™ introduces Simply Wild™ Natural Dog Treats, all-natural holistic biscuits made for dogs. Simply Wild™ dog treats come in five different flavors, Maple Glazed Bacon, Peanut Butter, Grilled Bison, Lamb & Trout, Venison & Apple. Simply Wild™ can be used in conjunction with Green Pet Organics™’ Wild Alaskan Salmon Treats™ that are designed to support healthy hearts, joints, coats and skin.

Simply Wild™ treats are made with real whole foods like farm fresh vegetables, nutrient-rich fruits, human grade meats, wild game and omega-rich wild trout. Simply Wild™ treats are made wheat-free, corn-free and soy-free. Simply Wild™ Maple Glazed Bacon flavor contains Potato, Pork, Lecithin, Arrowroot, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, Natural Smoke, Rosemary. Simply Wild™ Peanut Butter flavor contains Barley Flour, Natural Crunchy Peanut Butter, Rolled Oats, Tapioca Flour, Water, Blackstrap Molasses, Brewer’s Yeast, Garlic. Simply Wild™ Grilled Bison flavor contains Potato, Bison Liver, Brewer’s Yeast, Lecithin, Blueberries, Arrowroot, Rosemary. Simply Wild™ Lamb & Trout flavor contains Barley Flour, Trout, Oats, Smoked Trout, Blueberries, Wild Rice, Garlic, Rosemary. Simply Wild™ Venison & Apple flavor contains Ground Barley, Ground Brown Rice, Venison, Apples, Peas, Carrots, Oats, Brewer’s Yeast, Garlic, Parsley, Rosemary.

In addition to Simply Wild™, Green Pet Organics™ also offers glass and surface cleaners specially designed for pets. These products include the Glass & Surface Cleaner and the All-Purpose Household Cleaner. Green Pet Organics™ is a leading manufacturer of 100% natural products for pets.

Contact Edward Lew at 1-800-306-7910 ext. 269 for more information about Green Pet Organics™’ products or visit www.greenpetorganics.com.

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Dynamite Marketing, which makes natural dog food and nutritional supplements such as a probiotic for dog health, is inviting Facebook fans to enter a drawing to give 200 pounds of its Super Premium Dog Food as a charitable donation to the animal shelter of the winner’s choice.

In addition, Dynamite will donate one pound of natural dog food to the Idaho Humane Society for every fan who signs up by March 19.

This continues Dynamite’s practice of making charitable donations as an incentive. Last year it offered top distributors the choice of a prize such as a trip to Hawaii or a charitable donation to the organization of their choice. The result was $22,000 in donations to animal charities.

“We tossed around ideas in our brainstorming sessions, trying to determine what would really motivate people who use our dog food and other products,” said Callie Novak, Dynamite vice president. “They are passionate about making the world better. We attract people driven by projects that help animals, improve soil, and save lives. The local animal shelter is always a favorite, and a place where we can contribute to dog health. For many of our fans, giving to a charity actually is more of a motivation than a personal prize.”

Dynamite has been making all natural dog food for four generations. It also makes natural food and nutritional supplements for cats, horses and virtually every member of the animal kingdom. Dynamite products are available through more than 4,000 individual distributors across the country.

All products use only natural ingredients and are made in the United States for quality control. Dynamite’s recently developed Ultimate Dog Food is a raw, natural dog food that does not need to be refrigerated.

Additional information is available at www.DynamiteMarketing.com or by calling 1-800-697-7434.

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Ragazzilife.com, the web based social network for dog parents and certified canine nutritionist Stacy Alldredge host a fun and informative culinary event. Stacy Alldredge will talk about natural, well balanced and home cooked dog cuisine and prepare special tasting menus for dogs to try on site. Parents will be able to network and mingle while enjoying complementary cocktails, wine and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. The event is hosted in a fabulous and private NYC Soho loft.

Why is it that as a society, our diets have taken a positive turn towards whole, organic, and unprocessed foods, yet our “best friends” are still getting servings of dry or greasy mystery chunks? What is really in your dog’s food?

The nation’s top selling dog food contains the following ingredients: Meat by-products, Modified corn starch, Soy flour, Potassium chloride, Tricalcium phosphate, Titanium dioxide colour, Salt, choline chloride, ferrous sulfate, Thiamine mononitrate, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, niacin, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, vitamin B-12 supplement, pyroxidine hydrochloride, potassium iodide, folic acid, and sodium selenite.

What a mouthful – literally.

And what in the world are those ingredients? www.RagazziLife.com (the social network for dog owners) will be hosting an event on Wednesday December 9th from 6:30-9:30pm with special guest canine nutritionist and behavioral Stacy Alldredge. Stacy will dispel rumors and concerns associated with home cooked, natural and well balanced dog cuisine as well as prepare and create special tasting menus for all dogs to enjoy!

Does Fido need to lose a couple pounds? Is Spot allergic to most foods? Should Boomer just eat healthier? Stacy will present three different recipes that target and help your dog’s dietary issues. With Stacy’s certified nutrition expertise, no pooch will leave hungry, but they’ll all leave healthier. And with ingredients straight out of most people’s traditional holiday dinner menu (apples, asparagus, turkey, fish, beef, pasta, rice and more), event attendees will know that their dogs are eating as well as they are this holiday season.”

For more information please visit: http://www.ragazzilife.com/store

Wag, Wine and Dine
Wednesday, December 9th
6:30pm – 9:30pm
Safe Harbor Loft
446 Broadway (b/t Grand and Howard)
3rd Floor

About RagazziLife.com:
RagazziLife.com is an exclusive web based initiative for dog-parents. Based on the deep bonds that dogs can offer, it’s no surprise that we’ve transformed from dog owners into uncompromising and unconditional dog-parents. The idea of this user-friendly, invite-only community is to connect these uncompromising dog lovers so they can interact by email, chats, dates, and fun events with their dogs.

Once a member of the online community, users will have access to discover the best services, the best products, and the best information for their dog. RagazziLife.com will offer several sections of the site:

About Stacy Alldredge:
An ardent advocate on behalf of dogs for approximately 20 years, Stacy Alldredge is a specialist in canine behavior problems and a certified canine nutrition specialist. Stacy has successfully trained several thousand dogs and their guardians to enhance the quality of both their lives. Stacy was the canine nutritional consultant on the recently published cookbook, THROW ME A BONE: 50 Healthy, Canine Taste-Tested Recipes for Snacks, Meals and Treats by Cooper Gillespie. She lectures regularly and has been featured on ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s Today in New York, Fox News as well as New York 1. Stacy is a consultant to numerous national and regional veterinary and breeder organizations as well as a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, The United States Dog Agility Association, The National Club for Dog Agility, and The North American Flyball Association, as well as multiple certificates in Applied Animal Behavior.

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