If you've spent any time in the dog owner community lately, you've probably heard the buzz around raw feeding. Raw meat diets (often called BARF, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) are gaining serious traction among pet owners who want to get back to basics and give their dogs the kind of nutrition their bodies were actually built for. At Sustenance Herbs, we believe food is medicine. That principle doesn't stop at your own plate. It extends to the four-legged members of your household too. Here's what you need to know about raw feeding, what the most popular proteins bring to the table, and how to make the switch from kibble the right way. What Is a Raw Meat Diet for Dogs? A raw diet for dogs typically consists of uncooked muscle meat, organ meat, raw meaty bones, and sometimes vegetables, fruits, and supplements. The idea is simple: dogs evolved from wolves, and for thousands of years before commercial pet food existed, they thrived on whole, raw animal proteins. Modern kibble, by contrast, is heavily processed. It's often cooked at high temperatures that degrade nutrients and frequently loaded with fillers, artificial preservatives, and starches that dogs have no biological need for. Raw feeding cuts through all of that and gets back to what dogs are designed to digest. The Health Benefits of Going Raw Dog owners who make the switch consistently report a wide range of improvements. Here's what the research and real-world experience point to: Improved Digestion Raw meat is more bioavailable than cooked, processed kibble. Dogs produce enzymes specifically designed to break down raw proteins and fats. Many owners notice smaller, firmer, less odorous stools, a direct sign that the body is actually absorbing more of what it's eating. Healthier Skin and Coat The natural fats found in raw meat, especially those from beef and poultry, are rich in omega fatty acids that support skin barrier function and coat shine. Dogs with dull coats, dry skin, or chronic itching often see dramatic improvements within weeks of switching. Better Weight Management Raw diets are naturally lower in carbohydrates than kibble, which means less blood sugar spiking, less fat storage, and a leaner body composition. For dogs carrying extra weight, this alone can be a game-changer. Increased Energy and Vitality Higher-quality protein and fat means more usable fuel. Many owners report that their dogs become noticeably more energetic, playful, and alert after transitioning. Cleaner Teeth and Better Breath The mechanical action of chewing raw meat and bones naturally cleans teeth and reduces tartar buildup. Bad breath, often accepted as just part of having a dog, frequently disappears entirely on a raw diet. Stronger Immune System A nutrient-dense, low-inflammatory diet supports a healthier gut microbiome, which is directly tied to immune function. Dogs on raw diets often experience fewer ear infections, hot spots, allergies, and vet visits overall. Breaking Down the Proteins: Beef, Chicken, and Turkey Not all raw proteins are created equal. Here's a closer look at the three most popular options and what each brings to your dog's bowl. Beef Beef is one of the most nutrient-dense options available. It's rich in iron, zinc, B12, and creatine, all critical for muscle function, red blood cell production, and neurological health. Beef liver, in particular, is one of nature's most complete superfoods and a staple in most raw feeding protocols. Beef is also higher in fat than poultry, making it an excellent choice for dogs that need to gain weight, support dense muscle mass, or live in colder climates where extra caloric density is beneficial. Ground beef with 20–30% fat content is commonly used as a base, with leaner cuts reserved for dogs managing weight. Best for: muscle development, high-energy dogs, cold-weather breeds, dogs that need caloric density. Chicken Chicken is the gateway protein for most raw feeders. It's affordable, widely available, and easy to source in whole or ground form. Chicken is leaner than beef and packed with easily digestible protein, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those just getting started on raw. Chicken backs, necks, and feet are excellent sources of raw meaty bones, providing natural calcium, phosphorus, and collagen. Chicken feet specifically are a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, key compounds for joint health that are often sold as expensive supplements. Best for: beginners, dogs with sensitive digestion, joint support, leaner protein intake. Turkey Turkey sits between beef and chicken in terms of fat content and is an excellent option for rotation feeding. It's high in tryptophan (which supports serotonin production and can have a calming effect), rich in selenium, and provides a slightly different amino acid profile than chicken. That's a big part of why variety matters in raw feeding. Turkey necks are a particularly popular choice for larger dogs, offering great dental benefits and a solid dose of natural calcium from bone. Ground turkey is easy to portion and great for dogs that are new to handling whole pieces of meat. Best for: variety and rotation, dogs prone to anxiety, medium-to-large breeds, dogs transitioning off chicken. How to Transition from Kibble to Raw Switching your dog's diet isn't something you want to rush, especially if they've been on kibble their whole life. Their digestive system needs time to adjust, and going too fast can cause loose stools or upset stomach. Here's a straightforward approach that works for most dogs: Week 1: 75% Kibble / 25% Raw Start by mixing a small amount of raw into their regular kibble. Keep it simple: one protein, no organ meat yet. This lets their gut bacteria start adapting without being overwhelmed. Week 2: 50% Kibble / 50% Raw If things are going well (normal stools, good energy, no signs of distress), bump up the ratio. If you see loose stools, slow down and hold at the previous ratio for a few more days. Week 3: 25% Kibble / 75% Raw You're almost there. By this point, most dogs are adjusting beautifully and you'll likely already start seeing improvements in coat and energy. Week 4: 100% Raw Full transition. Welcome to the raw feeding world. Important note: Some raw feeders prefer to transition cold turkey (no pun intended) rather than mixing, arguing that kibble and raw digest at different rates and shouldn't be combined. If your dog has a strong stomach and no history of digestive issues, this can work. That said, the gradual approach is safer for most dogs, especially older ones or those with a history of GI sensitivity. A Few Things to Keep in Mind Raw feeding is incredibly rewarding, but it does require some diligence: Source quality matters. Look for human-grade, responsibly sourced meat from reputable suppliers. The better the source, the better the outcome. Balance over time. A single meal doesn't need to be perfectly balanced, but across a week, you want variety: muscle meat, organ meat (especially liver, no more than 10% of the diet), and raw meaty bones. Handle with care. Practice good hygiene when handling raw meat. Wash bowls, surfaces, and hands thoroughly. Talk to your vet. Ideally, find a vet who is supportive of or familiar with raw feeding. Not all are, but the raw feeding community has grown significantly and integrative vets are becoming easier to find. Final Thoughts Making the switch to raw isn't just a diet change. It's a philosophy shift toward treating your dog as the carnivore they are, rather than a convenient consumer of processed food. The results speak for themselves: shinier coats, cleaner teeth, leaner bodies, better digestion, and dogs that simply seem happier. If you've got a dog who's been dealing with chronic allergies, digestive issues, weight struggles, or low energy, raw feeding might be the reset their body has been waiting for. At Sustenance Herbs, we're here to support every member of your household on the path to better health. Paws included. Please visit our storefront to shop our raw offerings. Have questions about raw feeding or how our herbal supplements can complement your dog's raw diet? Reach out. We'd love to help. Disclaimer: This post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian before making significant changes to your pet's diet.

National Banana Bread Day is here, and while humans enjoy a warm slice with coffee, our furry friends deserve a treat too. That’s why we’ve crafted a dog-friendly banana bread recipe that’s safe, healthy, and super tasty for your pups. Why This Recipe is Safe for Dogs This recipe uses only dog-safe ingredients: ripe bananas, eggs, unsweetened applesauce, coconut oil, and whole wheat or oat flour. There’s no chocolate, raisins, xylitol, or added sugar, which can all be toxic to dogs. It’s a wholesome way to share the joy of banana bread with your four-legged companion. Dog-Friendly Banana Bread Recipe Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed 2 eggs 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or plain yogurt 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour) 1 tsp baking soda Optional: 1/2 tsp cinnamon Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mash the bananas and mix in eggs, applesauce, and coconut oil. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and optional cinnamon. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before slicing into dog-sized pieces. Serving Tips Keep portions small—this is a treat, not a full meal. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer. Watch your pup’s reaction the first time—they may go nuts for it! Sharing homemade treats with your dog is a fun way to celebrate special days together. This banana bread isn’t just safe—it’s a reminder that a little creativity and care can make everyone feel special, from your desk to your dog bed.

More pet owners are turning to herbal supplements to support their animals health naturally. Herbs like turmeric, nettle, and boswellia can help maintain joint comfort, while adaptogenic herbs may assist with stress and immune balance. Unlike synthetic solutions that often target a single symptom, herbal blends work to support overall wellness. Quality matters. Look for clean sourcing, transparent ingredient lists, and formulas designed specifically for pets. Avoid products with fillers, artificial flavors, or unclear dosages. When introduced slowly and paired with a balanced diet, herbal supplements can help animals maintain mobility, digestive balance, and a healthy coat. Pet parents should always consider age, breed, and existing health conditions before starting anything new. Herbal support works best as part of a proactive wellness routine, not just when problems arise. With thoughtful use, herbal supplements can become a simple daily habit that supports long term vitality.

We all know we should brush our dog's teeth every day. But let’s be honest, most of us don't. And when we do, it’s a battle. But did you know that plaque isn't just a surface stain? It’s a biofilm of bacteria that can enter your dog's bloodstream and affect their heart, liver, and kidneys. By age three, many dogs show signs of periodontal disease. It starts as a thin film of plaque, but quickly hardens into tartar. This isn't just a cosmetic issue. This bacteria can travel through the gums, into the bloodstream, and eventually settle in the heart, liver, or kidneys. Why Brushing is a Battle We Usually Lose. Daily brushing is difficult. Even if your dog tolerates it, you are only cleaning the surfaces you can reach. You aren't addressing the biofilm, the microscopic city of bacteria living under the gumline. The Biological Reset. To truly fix oral health, we have to change the chemistry of the mouth. This is where Pet-Riodontal comes in. Instead of relying on a plastic brush, it utilizes a sophisticated blend of probiotics and enzymes. Enzymatic Action: These enzymes naturally break down food particles and plaque before they have a chance to mineralize into rock-hard tartar. Probiotic Crowding: By introducing "good" bacteria, we crowd out the "bad" bacteria that cause rot and odor. The Result? Clean teeth, healthy pink gums, and breath that doesn't make you turn your head. Best of all? You just sprinkle it on their food. No wrestling, no stress, just science. Shop the Solution: Pet-Riodontal

Many of us bring intention and care to our own diets and wellness routines. It makes sense that we want the same level of clarity and confidence when it comes to what our dogs consume and how we support their long-term health. A recent independent analysis by Clean Label Project found that many commercial dog foods, especially highly processed dry kibble, may contain higher levels of heavy metals and processing-related contaminants compared to fresher food options. Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury were detected in some products. These findings highlight the importance of looking beyond marketing claims and thinking about cumulative exposure over a dog’s lifetime. The study also noted that less processed and fresher food options tended to show lower contaminant levels overall. For health conscious pet owners, this reinforces the importance of paying attention to ingredient sourcing, transparency, and overall wellness support. What this means for you: • Daily exposure matters and small choices add up over time• Not all contaminants appear on ingredient labels• Supporting your dog’s overall health and resilience is just as important as evaluating their food At Sustenance Herbs, our focus is on helping pet owners take proactive steps toward whole body wellness through natural herbal supplements that support digestion, immune balance, mobility, and long term vitality. Even when you cannot control every aspect of your dog’s diet, you can still support their health from the inside out. If you are already taking a more intentional approach to your pet’s wellness, explore our natural supplement line and start building a daily foundation that helps support long term health and resilience.

Joyce has successfully formulated a variety of products to help the fragile immune balance swing in a positive direction. The Bor-L- Immune product includes 5 herbs that are anti spirochete, as well as an anti-inflammatory for the treatment of Lyme infection. This therapeutic blend has antimalarial properties, protects heart smooth muscle, and increases liver function to describe just a few benefits of this tincture. The tincture crosses the blood-brain barrier which is critical to the often manifested neurological presentation. It also has the capacity to get into the cartilage and synovial tissue which is often a terrible complication of the Orthopedic presentation. Antibiotics often drive the infective agent deep into tissues to protect itself which can worsen the presentation. Immune function and atrophy of the spleen and thymus is often the result of these stealth infections which are addressed with this herbal tonic.  Cytokines such as IL2 are unregulated initially with a tick bite can disrupt the delicate TH1 TH2 balance of immune regulation. Low levels of CD4 with chronic suppression of T helper cells is one of the biological markers of Chronic Lyme. The formula helps increase the TH1 response with the initial assault. Cats Claw is one of the functional ingredients that acts as an immune tonic that can aid in the prevention of Lyme. This powerful ingredient has been shown to deal with the Arthritic presentation of the disease. It also has proven to increase CD57 and NK cells for the improvement of the frustrating chronically low CD57 and elevated C6 protein as well as low MSH marker. Neem leaf is a powerful part of this blend to affect positive changes in the intra and extracellular compartments of cellular physiology with resistant Malarial bugs. Neem is a powerful anti-parasitic and antiviral agent. Japanese Knotweed is high in vitamin C which helps in a collagen matrix for support and repair. This herb also crosses the Blood-Brain Barrier which is a powerful tool in chronic disease. To summarize this information, it is my personal experience with a 20-month-old German Shepard puppy who walks and runs daily in the great outdoors, who has lowered her C6 titer and improved her immune panel from IDEXX greatly. As a Board Certified clinical Neurologist and a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist it is my clinical and personal experience that Joyce is a great resource to help turn the tables on the frustrating world of chronic Lyme.   Dr. Richard Herbold Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist

Here are a few “tried & true” ways to get compliance from a dog or cat that is a picky eater and may not initially like the change added to their food:  Start with 25% of the recommended amount, based on the weight of your cat or dog for a couple of days added to their food. Gradually increase amount of supplement over 1-2 weeks to get them used to the “now” familiar taste.  Another way to achieve compliance and be healthy is to add Sardines “packed in water with NO-salt added”.  This will also give your pet a great boost of Omega 3’s. Raw meat that is good quality, or if you prefer, lightly cooked, or canned Ziwi Peaks, dog or cat food that gives them ideal nutrition overall. You can also use a small amount of water added to absorb the supplement.

The primary role of the immune system is to defend the body against foreign invaders or abnormal cells that invade or attack it. The immune system functions in the same way in horses as it does in dogs, cats and humans. When the immune system is out of balance, it can sometimes cause itchiness, fever, or swelling in the body to signal if there is something wrong. Just think of the immune system as a search and destroy system. It kills invading pathogens and antigens to prevent them from causing harm. Most vaccines work by stimulating the development of specific immunity. Vaccinations have been developed for many diseases in animals as an effective way of enhancing the immune response to a specific invader. However, overuse of vaccinations can create an imbalance in the immune system by over-stimulation. When this happens, the animal can have an auto-immune reaction. This can be true with the constant use of “stimulating” herbs as well. If we constantly stimulate the immune system, it’s possible to can create an auto-immune reaction, especially if vaccines and various drugs are being used or the animal is in a stressful situation (physical as well as emotional stressors), all can affect the thymus. But we don’t want to ignore the immune system hoping for the best by doing nothing. This brings us to: HOW can we bring balance our pets immune system? So the short answer is with immune modulators. The ideal combo platter for your pets immune system includes the use of Essential Fatty Acids, Pre and Probiotics, Phytonutrients that have specific immune modulating capabilities (Adaptogens) and contain a myriad of vitamin and minerals, creating total synergy for the immune system. This may sound complicated but a balanced formula can make your daily feeding regime easy and complete. The base of our Wellness Blends, Canine, Feline and Equine are species selected Adaptogens, pre/probiotics and some essential fatty acids that are found in hemp seeds though dogs and cats should have added Omega 3’s, EPA and DHA. What is an Adaptogen? Definition by David Winston, RH, AHG Nontoxic to its recipient Produces a nonspecific response in the body i.e., if the immune system is heightened, adaptogens can depress for balance. If depleted, can enhance. Increases the power of resistance against multiple stressors including physical, chemical or biological agents. Has a normalizing/balancing effect on the organs caused by stressors. They help to counter chronic immune cell depletion and improve the body’s defenses by increasing the production of specialized cells. Also help produce an increased secretion of cortisol in response to injury or infection Have a direct effect on the nervous system, allowing for an improved mind-body connection. They also offer an increased resistance to pathogens and infections by providing increased immunity. Immune amphoteric: this is an immune modulator. An herb that can enhance or depress immune function or reduce overstimulated immune response to bring the body to a normal state. Examples: Ashwagandha-American Ginseng- Asian Ginseng -Cordyceps -Holy Basil-Licorice-Reishi-Eleuthero-Shilajit         Immune stimulants: boost the immune system Examples: Astragalus, Lycium, and Schisandra and Cat’s Claw (to a certain degree)     Eleuthero root is one of my favorite adaptogens for all animals as well as humans. It increases energy, endurance, longevity, immunity, skin and muscle tone and bone strength making it a necessary herb for athletic or working dogs and horses. It prevents lactic acid build up while enhancing circulatory action and is especially good with older animals as it relieves stress and improves resistance to infections. Recommended reading Adaptogens by David Winston, RH, AHG        

Winter walking in the woods, especially in the deep snow can show us the challanges of our bare foot pets. When the snow clings and snowballs form to cause pain and irritation, the longer the walk the worse it can get. But not only is walking in the snow an issue many towns salt the sidewalks with not "Salt" as we know it but chemical snow melters like Calcium Chloride, this poses a different health challenge and can burn the feet, here are some things you should know before setting out on a walk with your pup to keep him safe and comfortable. Use a petroleum free (natural, organic) Paw protector - Protect-A-Paw, click here to order Reapply as needed on long walks Use Paw protector especially for walks on city pavements Check out Joyce's Article written for Maine Dog Magazine to read about the joys of wintering with your pet and how to avoid the pitfalls - click here or go to the publications page at the top of the website and look for the article: Winter 2017 - Embracing Winter With Your Pet Did you know that salt and most ice melt products can be extremely irritating and toxic to your dog?  Remember, the summer heat causes hot pavement and beach sand that can severely burn your pups' feet, keeping them safe only takes a couple of minutes.  Protect-A-Paw protects all year round. Enjoy and Happy Wintering!

The Changeover That Works - Part 2 Written by Joyce Belcher - Herbs for Life,Inc First, remove all other food.  Present the raw food in a small amount, keeping your mind and spirit happy and positive regarding the balanced nutrition you have just offered to your cat, telling them how delicious it is.  Do what’s natural, smack your lips, be happy then leave them with it and start your own dinner or do something other than watch them.  Start with 1 tbls. per cat.  You can always give a tad more if they want it but only a tad.  If you feed too much right out of the gate and they devour it, you risk the chance that this new “real food” may be too rich for them.  With a tiny amount, you will be doing them a great justice.  They will remain interested and hungry for the next feeding, they will detox the poor quality commercial food from their system and take the first step to ridding the salt addiction.  Always add a little warm water to the food as they may vomit if it’s too cold. Let’s say the cat eats nothing, snubbed his nose at it and walked away.  Wait about 45 minutes then happily remove the food and forget the whole thing.  If they ask for food between meals give them extra love and attention.  Active play is especially good because it will work up an appetite.  Repeat this procedure for a minimum of 4 meals, that’s only 2 days.  A fast of two days is beneficial for healthy cats because old wastes and toxins will be excreted by the body quickly.  NOTE:  no fasting at all for kittens, cats w/ diabetes, cancer or hyperthyroidism unless carefully monitored by a veterinarian. If your cats are in the small percentage that has not eaten the new food after 2 meal attempts, they will now be hungry and will jump at any compromise you offer.  Use something from the list (see below) of “Bribe Foods.”  Take the tablespoon of raw diet and mix it with 2 tbls. of “bribe food.”  This will satisfy his addiction to salt (momentarily) but continue to keep the small portions gradually decreasing the amount of Bribe food while increasing the raw diet.  By doing this gradually, they will soon lose the salt addiction and start feeling better.  Cats are smart about choices, they know what makes them feel good and then will only eat “the feel-good food.”  Here’s how that will look: First two days.  3 parts Bribe Food to 1-part ideal diet.  Feed extremely small meals, about ½ the size of your cat’s usual meal.  If he wants more, give him only the ideal diet food (sans the bribe food). Next three days.  50/50 ratio.  Keeping the meals very small as before. Next three days.  One-part Bribe Food to 3 parts ideal diet.  From then on, your cat will be happy to eat only the ideal diet and be on his way to a healthy, happy life!  Your cat can finally have as much as he likes twice a day. If you’re feeding some vegetables they must be cooked in order for your cat to digest them.  Use 1 oz of cooked veggies to 1 lb raw meat-organ blend. Veggies:  Steamed broccoli, carrot, zucchini, winter squash, sweet potato, kale chopped fine. You can use an organic raw egg; 1 per pound of meat.  The egg counts toward your meat portion. Round this out with a good complete daily supplement containing vitamins, minerals, trace minerals.   Bribe Foods:             1 tsp. canned food, seafood type             ½ slightly cooked chicken liver             Canned mackerel or sardines (preferably packed in water w/no salt added)             Juice from canned tuna   Raw Meat Diet for Optimum Health and Safety Choose high fat meat (15% or more). Cats require more fat than we do. Choose from raw beef, chicken, duck, turkey, rabbit or venison, organic or antibiotic/hormone free, and must be human grade. Be sure there is calcium in the meat. It’s very important to balance the phosphorus and calcium (see recipe in Part 1) or buy ground raw food containing the ground bone. An imbalance, over time, can cause heart and lung problems but it’s quite simple to balance this. As with any animal or fish protein, whether for yourself or your pet, use safe handling. Thaw frozen meat in refrigerator or quickly in sink using a glass bowl, only thaw enough for 3 days max, wash the cat dish immediately after he eats, every meal. Need some help choosing your cats ultimate raw diet?   Give us a shout, we're happy to help.  connect@sustenanceherbs.com      800-510-9597

Joyce Belcher Renowned author,owner of Herbs For Life,Inc. and formulator of Sustenance Herbs product line. It’s the most natural and nutritious diet of all for cats 1) When feeding quality meats, it will eliminate your cat’s exposure to dangerous chemicals,        preservatives and GMO’d ingredients 2) Raw fed (balanced raw diet) cats do not have urinary issues such as crystals, stones, etc 3) No dander! (I’ll explain later) 4) Longevity, teeth, coat, more playful, happier, ocular health, friendliness, less vet bills. A question presented to the Feline Nutrition Foundation asked:  “what is an obligate carnivore?” was answered like this in the article written by Margaret Gates: “People refer to cats as obligate carnivores when they are trying to emphasize the fact that cats are a little  different than many other meat-eating predators. Obligate means "by necessity." The dictionary definition is:  1. Restricted to one particularly characteristic mode of life.  2. Biologically essential for survival.   Combining obligate with carnivore is pretty clear. Cats must eat meat, it is an absolute biological necessity. © 2017 Feline Nutrition Foundation - Read more....  So, there you have it, the real reason for feeding your cat a raw diet. Why is Raw better than cooked? When food is cooked, both vitamins and enzymes are destroyed and the fat and protein molecules can be altered by the heating process making it more difficult for the cat’s system to digest and use them. Also, cats need a balance of calcium and phosphorous and the best way to get this is with raw bones ground into their meat. Without this they can quickly become seriously deficient in several crucially important vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. This is where the word “balanced” comes in. If you were feeding only raw meat (while more nutritious than cooked meat) your cats diet would be lacking in potassium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, and vitamins A, D, E, B-12 and choline, essential fatty acids, as well as a lack of phytonutrients, antioxidants. Cooked diets will not be able to provide the bones as you cannot feed cooked bones safely, they can impact the intestines of any pet. When a cat is fed a raw, well-balanced diet they have no dander! I’ll explain………dry food is just that, dry, uninteresting and absolutely loaded with sodium. This is not the worst of it, they also commonly include ingredients such as: Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Pork Fat, Chicken Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Brown Rice, Chicken Liver Flavor, Calcium Sulfate, Lactic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil, Soybean Oil, Calcium Chloride, Iodized Salt And this is for an Obligate Carnivore!! Ugg, these labels, these ingredients….What the heck are the veterinarians and manufacturers of such products thinking, are these healthy for any one of our CATS??  It’s all marketing hype and we, as a society believe every word we hear, until we don’t. And when we don’t is when we see the poor quality of our cats’ coat or the inability to digest well, the overbearing stench of the litter box, (oh yeah, that is another benefit to a raw fed cat, the litter box barely stinks) urinary tract infections, cardiovascular disease, joint degeneration at middle age, it’s all because of processed “food” that claims to be what your cat will thrive on. So, when your cat consumes the grains, soy and toxic ingredients from the so-called food, their bodies must eliminate them to try and balance their systems. Dander is toxins, toxins create dander. Eliminating all these crappy filler GMO’d ingredients (that will never provide healthful nutrition to the cat you love) and feeding them a whole, well-balanced raw food diet, will eliminate dander. This is pure love for people that have allergies to cats. I have saved many a cat from being removed from their homes by changing their diets, adding in probiotics and detoxing the toxins out of their bodies. People who love cats that couldn’t have them as pets, now have them as pets, healthfully for both parties. Did you know that cats have a nearly zero tolerance for sodium, especially when it comes from Iodized salt? Nearly ALL the dry and canned food produced today for cats has sodium levels that are off the charts, most at over 1000 mg per cup.  Here is the breakdown for making a well-balanced, raw food diet for your cat: Raw Meat Recipe 16 oz. meat 2 oz. raw bone, ground 2 oz. organ such as liver, heart, etc. (this is your source of essential Taurine) 1 oz. cooked vegetable (if you choose to add veg for fiber) and can help support elder kidneys A good complete daily supplement containing vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, plant based, no synthetics or fillers. Be sure to check in for Part 2: “How to transition your cat to a raw diet with little effort and complete success!”  The path to healthy, happy cats is their diet first