pet food safety and #giveaway with #DiamondNaturals

 It's unfortunate that it has become downright scary to feed our pets these days. Not only do we now worry more about nutrients and the quality of the ingredients, but we have to make sure the food we are feeding our pets hasn't been recalled due to contamination. It's alarming to hear about recall after recall. Pet food manufacturers are realizing how damaging these recalls can be, and reputable ones are taking drastic steps to ensure the safety of their food.

Diamond Pet Foods, who manufactures their pet food in the USA and has just introduced Diamond Naturals Grain Free, is one such company. Their commitment to food safety means that they are producing a product that we can trust. They say:

At Diamond Pet Foods, nothing is more important to us than the safety of our products. We adhere to stringent and scientifically advanced food safety protocols. We constantly monitor and test our raw materials, production environment, processes and finished products. By continuously improving performance with the latest advancements in science and technology, we've developed a comprehensive food safety system.

So what is their food safety program all about?

• on-site product testing: They test and monitor every part of the manufacturing process, including pre-production and post-production.

• mycotoxin control: Diamond Pet Foods describes mycotoxins as "toxic chemicals produced by fungi that can appear in grains." They allow no grain ingredients to enter their facilities without being thoroughly analyzed, and they perform 1,075 mycotoxin tests every week.

• microbial control and testing: The dreaded word we all hear is "salmonella." By adhering to a strict environmental monitoring program, Diamond Pet Foods analyzes the processing areas during production and after cleaning and sanitation. They conduct extensive tests, and ingredients must have a Certificate of Analysis, proving to be salmonella negative before being submitted to a Diamond Pet Foods Facility.

photo courtesy of Diamond Pet Foods

 * water and air quality: Integral in pet food manufacturing, Diamond Pet Foods uses a reverse osmosis water purification process and their zonally segregated manufacturing facilities are equipped with HEPA® filters.

• test and hold program: No food is distributed without certified, independent laboratory tests. 

• independent good manufacturing practices audits: Every Diamond Pet Foods facility undergoes an annual Good Manufacturing Practices audit to verify that the pet food produced has the "identity, strength, composition, quality, and purity that it is represented to possess."  

• state-of-the-art facilities in the United States: With Diamond Pet Foods, we can rest assured that all manufacturing is done in the US and is carefully monitored and tracked.

All of these practices help to ensure that the Diamond Pet Foods we choose to feed our pets are safe as well as nutritious. After researching their newest food, Diamond Naturals Grain Free in terms of safety, affordability, and nutrition, I felt confident letting N.A.S.H.A. try it when Diamond Pet Foods sent me a sample. Not only did I feel that she was getting a high-quality, safe food, but she was more than happy to partake and gave her review with a jump-up-and-spin, full-motion tail wag, and quick gobble. Diamond Naturals Grain Free passed the taste test, too.

Diamond Pet Foods is giving away some sweet swag to our readers. How awesome is that? Please enter, share, and spread the love. Good luck! 

check out the loot!

Connect with Diamond Pet foods on Twitter  and Facebook.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Diamond Naturals as part of the Blog Paws Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Diamond Naturals Grain Free dog food, but well minded only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Diamond Naturals is not responsible for the content of this article.

10 reasons to go grain-free for your dog with #DiamondNaturals

As with just about everything these days, whether or not to put your dog on a grain-free diet is hotly debated, as is every argument within the debate. We should feel lucky that we have so many high-quality options when it comes to providing nourishment for our canine family members. Though there are many options out there, and you should always choose a diet for your dog based on your dog's individual needs, providing a high-quality, grain-free diet like Diamond Naturals Grain Free is an excellent option for most dogs. Here are the top ten reasons to go grain-free:

1. A grain-free diet is more closely associated with a canine's natural diet. Before being domesticated, dogs ate a protein-centric diet composed almost entirely of meat. The little grain they did eat mostly came from the stomach contents of the animals the consumed. Going grain-free is only natural.

2. Your dog will have more energy. Protein is the main source of energy for dogs. Since they tend to turn their noses up at tofu and beans, your best bet may be to maximize their protein intake with a meat-based diet. A diet that includes low-quality grains (fillers) won't really provide your pooch with the energy he needs since it will mostly come out as waste. It echoes the way humans consume. If we eat a low-quality, high-carbohydrate diet, we stay hungry and we don't have the energy we need to get through the day. And it comes out as waste.

3. Your dog will shed less and have a healthier coat. Consuming low-quality grains on a regular basis does not provide your dog with the proper oils and nutrients she needs to maintain healthy skin and coat. Healthy coats are shiny and stick with your dog, mostly. We all shed some, but think about how one of the first signs of human malnutrition is brittle, breaking hair and hair loss. Same with dogs. The easy-to-digest animal fats in grain-free dog foods such as Diamond Naturals include the necessary oil to your dog's diet that is key to a healthy coat.

4. Dogs on a grain-free diet have fewer allergies. Most canine allergies are associated with the grains in dog food. A grain-free diet is usually the best choice for an allergic pooch, and is, in my opinion, the first thing a dog owner should try before subjecting their dog to allergy medications and bold lifestyle changes.

5. Dogs on a grain-free diet enjoy better health. Consuming low-quality grains that are included in low-quality foods are of no benefit to your animal. The dog foods that include these fillers often include other harmful ingredients such as chemical preservatives and artificial colors. Your dog definitely doesn't need those! These types of chemical additives are linked to cancer, liver problems, joint degeneration, and a whole host of other health issues. Most grain-free foods are high-quality. You can be fairly certain that when the grains come out, so does the other junk. Dogs on a grain-free diet might enjoy more energy, fewer allergies, better weight management, and a healthier digestive system.

6. Dogs on a grain-free diet have better breath. Nutrition has a huge impact on dental health, both for humans and dogs. If your pooch is eating a high-quality grain-free diet, odds are, he will enjoy better dental health. If his teeth aren't rotting, his breath will be better, of course.

7. Grain-free dog foods are thought to be more easily digested. Some argue that dogs simply can't digest grains. I believe that this can be partially true. High-quality grains can add fiber to your dog's diet, which can be beneficial. Not to get too personal, but we all know that some of the things we eat come out just as they went in (I'm not the only one, right?). That's okay. We may not be gaining nutrition, but we are gaining fiber. The problem? Most undigestible material in dog food is low-quality. They need a bit of high-quality fiber. So if you feed your dog a grain-free diet and feel that she needs more fiber, try pumpkin!

8. Dogs on a grain-free diet produce less poop. It's true. It really is. I know–first hand–because I alternate my dog between high-quality grains and grain-free foods. And I pick up her poop. It's smaller and less frequent when she's going grain-free. This theory is reinforced by the animals I see as a professional pet sitter. Dogs on high-quality grain-free diets poop less. And toot less. They use more of what's in the food to help their bodies go, so less waste comes out. Does Walter the Farting Dog live in your house? Try going grain-free, and I'll betcha things will get better.

9. The poop produced stinks less. One of the most glamorous parts of my job is scooping the treasures left by my sweet canine clients. I have become somewhat of an excrement expert and can confidently tell you that the poop produced by my clients on a heavily-processed, low-quality diet filled with grain fillers such as corn, gluten, or wheat flour have gaggy-stink poop that can be smelled for miles when the wind picks up. Even if the pet owner hasn't revealed the brand of food they feed their dog, I can almost always tell if it's one of the worst. Kinda like when you eat Taco Bell and then the next day...well, you get the idea.

10. Dogs on a grain-free diet consume less food. For sure. They get more energy from the food they are eating, so they consume less. I have personally tested this theory when I switch my dog from high-quality grain foods to grain-free. She eats WAY less on the grain-free food. I feed her a small amount twice a day, and she's good to go. Sometimes she doesn't even eat it all. When she's on the food that includes grain, even though it's high-quality, she eats more and begs for snacks between meals. A grain-free diet can help with weight management AND finances because our pooches consume less. For tips on how to find an affordable, grain-free food, please check out grain-free dog food that doesn't break the bank.

Diamond Naturals Grain Free has three high-protein grain-free choices. Beef & Sweet Potato, Chicken & Sweet Potato, and Whitefish & Sweet Potato. Real beef, chicken, and fish protein sources not only provide your dog with the energy he needs, but are a natural source of amino acids. And the sweet potato provides complex carbohydrates so your dog can keep his energy level up throughout the day. The fruits and vegetables in each variety are a great source of antioxidants and fiber for optimal health.

Going grain-free with a food like Diamond Naturals Grain Free is an excellent choice for most dogs. Have you gone grain-free? Tell me your experiences! But let's not go all congress on me, okay? I've had about enough of that, regardless of which side you're on.

Connect with Diamond Naturals Grain Free on Facebook.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Diamond Naturals as part of the Blog Paws Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Diamond Naturals Grain Free dog food, but well minded word only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Diamond Naturals is not responsible for the content of this article. 

grain-free dog food that doesn't break the bank

Regardless of our financial situation, we all want the best for our pets, especially when it comes to health and nutrition.

Grain-free dog food is associated with high-quality pet food, and high-quality pet food is associated with a high price tag. With few exceptions, buying a ten-pound bag of high-quality grain-free dog food will be more expensive than buying a bag of "chow kibble chemical nuggets." On the other hand, savings on vet bills and the likelihood that your dog will consume less food if it is nutrient-rich can really add up, which can completely offset the extra expense.

So let's assume you're ready to switch your dog to a high-quality grain-free food. And let's also consider that you're concerned about the cost. I get that. Our family is on a budget, and I can say with confidence that I save money by feeding N.A.S.H.A. a high-quality, mostly grain-free diet. If you're, too, making this choice, then how can you find what you're looking for at a price your family can afford? There are so many great options in terms of food and in terms of where to buy that food, so where do you start?

Let's start with the food, itself. And, for the sake of argument (and so this essay doesn't become War and Peace), let's look hard at one high-quality grain-free food: Diamond Naturals Grain-Free. This food is a great one to look at because it has the fiber that some grain-free foods are criticized for lacking, has high-quality ingredients, and it's also priced fairly in the market of options. They offer three varieties, perfect for rotation-feeding: Beef & Sweet Potato, Chicken & Sweet Potato, and Whitefish & Sweet Potato.

Diamond Naturals Grain-Free describes their food as:

Everything your dog needs for good health and nothing he doesn't.

Though dogs have adapted to a domesticated, omnivorous diet over the centuries, a protein-based diet free of grains more closely mimics their ancestral beginnings. Dogs are able to digest grains, but their bodies don't break down grains as efficiently as they do proteins and fats. This is why a diet free of grains and made with limited protein sources is an excellent option for all dogs, but especially those with food sensitivities.

Regardless of whether you serve your dog a grain-free diet or not, you want to make sure that the first ingredient in the food is a protein, so you want to avoid a grain-BASED food. How do you know? A grain should not be the first ingredient, and you should avoid low-quality grains, such as corn, gluten, or wheat flour.

So what about Diamond Naturals Grain-Free? Their Web site explains:

The first ingredient in every formula of Diamond Naturals Grain-Free is animal-sourced protein from trusted sources, for superior taste and nutrition. Sweet potatoes provide complete carbohydrates for all-day energy, while fruits and vegetables add powerful natural antioxidants for optimal health and vitality.

Diamond Naturals Grain-Free is by no means your only grain-free or quality dog food option, but it is a great example of what to look for.

So where can you get it, and is it affordable?

We're lucky these days that we have so many options, not just in terms of what we purchase, but also in terms of where we purchase it and what we pay for it. If you're willing to put in a little bit of leg-work, you'll be able to find the food you want to feed your dog at a most reasonable price, and don't forget to look for online codes or local store coupons for additional savings.

I first look to small local stores because I like to support my local community, and, as a small business owner, I choose first to support other local small businesses. One thing I've discovered about my local small pet store is that they are quite knowledgeable and willing to work with me. They haven't hired the teen-thing who is willing to work for minimum wage (no offense to teen-things who are willing to work for minimum wage...I have one! But I wouldn't want him advising me on dog food choices), but they hire people who, through experience, education, or both, know what the heck they are talking about and truly want to help you find the food that works best for you and your dog. You can ask them tons of questions, and they can give you options that will be most beneficial for your dog and won't put a strain on your pocketbook. I have also found that my local pet store is willing to provide me with samples. I get some snack-size pouches of recommended food, and I can analyze the ingredients and let my pooch do a good old fashioned taste-test. I mean, even if I purchase the best food ever made, it does no good if my dog won't eat it! Local small businesses often offer discounts or coupons in local papers, on line, or even if you just ask, so give it a shot!

If all else fails, I hop online. I love online shopping. I can stay in my pjs, and I almost always feel like I get a great deal, because, literally, the retail world is at my fingertips. You can almost always find a coupon or code for a discount. The only disadvantage is that you're usually not shopping local that way, and you usually don't get that personal experience that can be so valuable, especially when the well-being of your pet is the question. What you get in exchange, that can be equally valuable, is a ton of anonymous (raw and truthful) product reviews. When I shop online, I rely on reviews. And I'm rarely dissatisfied with my purchase because I read them and take them to heart.

So let's go back to our example, Diamond Naturals Grain-Free. Lucky for me, they have a "where to buy" function on their Web site, so I can check out whether or not there's a local store that offers it. Sweet! I found two local pet stores–within three miles of my home–who offer Diamond Naturals Grain-Free. One offered me a $3 coupon just for signing up for their loyalty club!

But let's pretend my local stores didn't offer Diamond Naturals Grain-Free...

I'd then look online. Diamond Naturals Grain-Free offers a function on their Web site that points you to online retailers who carry the formula. You may be loyal to a particular online retailer who offers you incentives to shop with them. Ask if they carry Diamond Naturals Grain-Free, and see if they will give you a discount if you purchase your dog food of choice from them. You can find some crazy deals online!

tips for finding the affordable grain-free food that is right for your dog:

• utilize the personal experience and expertise of your local pet stores

• ask local pet stores if they can give you samples of the foods you are considering

• ask your local pet store if they offer loyalty discounts or coupons

• do online price comparisons and read reviews (reading reviews can be helpful even if you take your business offline)

• search for online coupon codes if you make your purchase on a Web site

• ask online retailers at which you frequently shop if they carry and will offer a discount on the food you'd like to purchase

Finding a suitable high-quality grain-free dog food that is affordable will be simple, when you know what to look for and where to go. When we're on a budget, we often have to be resourceful about purchasing what our family needs at an affordable price. Our dogs are family, so it stands to reason that finding a high-quality grain-free option that fits into our budget like the one from Diamond Naturals is a no-brainer!

Connect with Diamond Naturals on Facebook.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Diamond Naturals. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Diamond Naturals Grain Free dog food, but well minded word only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Diamond Naturals is not responsible for the content of this article.