Whole Foods for Dogs and Cats

HUMAN-GRADE MEALS FOR OUR FURRY

Best Friends

by Ruth Roberts

nutritional science makes it look sophisticated; veterinarians endorse it and marketing agencies persuade guardians that it is the best option. Many pet guardians may be concerned that table scraps are not as healthy for their pet as kibble. As a result, most dogs and cats consume commercial diets, many of which include byproducts from the human food industry.

Kelly Swanson, a University of Illinois professor and the author of a 2018 nutrition study published in the Journal of Animal Science, told Science Daily, “A lot of companies test for complete and balanced nutrition but don’t go beyond that.” She further noted that her study evaluated certain diets by looking at additional factors: “Would dogs like them? Were they digestible? Would they increase activity?”

Leveling Up a Pet’s Diet

Because they are unprocessed and unrefined, pet diets made of whole foods contain more intact nutrients and provide more fiber for digestive health, which can help with constipation, diarrhea or both. According to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Animal Science, some types of fresh, “human-grade” food may be simpler for pets to digest than dry, commercial kibble.

A recent study examined the gut microbiome of pet and stray dogs from South Africa, India and Loas and compared their gut microbiomes to those of dogs that lived 1,000 years ago. The researchers found that the varied diet of the stray dogs of Loas had the most robust microbiome and that it was comparable to the diet consumed by ancient dogs. Like in humans, a healthy and balanced gut microbiome is important for digestion and to fight inflammation.

While there are some foods that pets should avoid, such as alcohol, dairy, chocolate and grapes, many types of meat and vegetables that humans eat can be served to their pets. Because whole-food ingredients like chicken, pork, lamb, beef and chicken eggs are readily available at local grocery stores, it’s easy to get started. The key is ensuring that a pet gets a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates.

There are plenty of homemade pet food recipes available online that consider this balance. The needs of a pet will vary based on species, age, weight and overall health, so consulting with a veterinarian is recommended to keep the pet’s health on track.

Tips for Homemade Pet Food Success

n If it is in the budget, choose grass-fed or pasture-raised meats, which have a healthy omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and are anti-inflammatory.

n The diet should include calcium, iron, zinc and other essential nutrients based on species and individual needs. Consult a veterinarian for guidance. n Although dogs do not require carbohydrates in their diet, they can digest them. Dogs use dietary carbohydrates to maintain and replace glycogen levels. n Introducing vegetable fiber—kale, collard greens and fruit such as apples—to a dog’s digestive system helps prevent gas pain. n Obtain ingredients from organic sources whenever possible, because they contain no pesticides or chemicals that could harm a pet’s health.

Best Foods for Pets

by Linda Stern

Just as people do, animals need a proper balance of nutrients to survive, and health is related to the quality of food that is consumed. Animals can survive on calories; however, if our pets are missing essential nutrients, their health can be compromised. Whole foods are balanced in a way that cannot be replicated, and added artificial supplements are not well-absorbed. Although a diet may appear balanced with the addition of artificial supplements, the body is unable to absorb nutrients properly as if received from whole foods. Many commercial diets have additives and fillers that are either harmful or not useful. Dogs and cats have no nutritional needs for carbohydrates, yet they are frequently the prominent ingredients in commercial formulations. This is also a primary reason many of our dogs and cats are overweight and have other health issues.

The more processed or cooked at high temperatures, the more nutrients in foods are destroyed. Adding nutrients does not replace those naturally occurring in food. Kibble is the worst in nutrient value. Most is processed at extremely high temperatures and use carbohydrates as a binder. Canned foods are next, and then freeze-dried. Raw foods are the least processed. Unless someone has a complete understanding of feeding raw foods, raw is not recommended, especially homemade raw, for most individuals. Making our own pet food can also be difficult, and there are companies that make quality whole foods for dogs and cats.

The protein source and vegetables used in pet food is only as good as where it is sourced. If it’s an organic source, certain rules have to be followed. No chemicals, artificial additives or GMOs are allowed. The food is not allowed to be radiated to extend its shelf life. Nonorganic meats frequently are frozen, defrosted and refrozen many times, allowing harmful microbes to multiply. This is one of many reasons meats should always be cooked if the source and handling is unknown.

Dogs and cats are unable to break down the cell wall in vegetables, so they need to be cooked or broken down in a food processor. There are trillions of microorganisms in the body of our pets that depend on the quality of whole food.

Linda T. Stern, DVM, MS, CVA, is the owner of Healing Creatures Animal Hospital, located at 3300 Hartzdale Dr., Ste. 108, in Camp Hill. For more information, call 717-730-3755 or visit HealingCreatures.com. See ad, this page.

n Avoid processed foods and artificial ingredients.

n Look for pet foods without preservatives, byproducts, fillers or food dyes.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (aafco.org/consumers) offers a wealth of information and guidance regarding commercial pet foods and ingredients. While they do not have a whole foods classification, they do provide information about natural and organic pet foods.

Feeding pets whole food is a great way to help them stay healthy and happy. Make their food at home using fresh ingredients, or look for commercial brands that incorporate whole foods in their products. A pet’s best health starts in the bowl.

Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN, is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.

Calendar Of Events

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3

New Visions Friday Night Forum: History of Superstitions – 7-8pm. Do you feel lucky? Come with me on a journey into the human condition and examine some very ancient beliefs that ripple into current times, affecting how we live today: superstitions. $5. Online. Firefly Hollow Holistic Wellness: 717-814-9136. FireflyHollowWellness.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Basic Glass Fusing Class – 9:30-10:30am. Learn the basics of fusing glass, tools used, design techniques and types of glass used. Create a oneof-a-kind self-designed piece (appx 2” x 1 1/2”). All supplies provided. $20. The Center of Balance LLC, 29 N Jefferson St, Greencastle. 717-643-1404. TheCenterOfBalanceLLC.com.

Reiki IIIB Master/Teacher Class – 9:30am5:30pm. With Rickie Freedman. Learn the techniques to share attunements for every level of reiki and healing attunements. Will be able to begin teaching reiki after this class. Receive your Reiki IIIB Attunement, Manual and Certificate. Contact Rickie for prerequisites prior to registering. $350.

Reiki by Rickie, ReikiSpace & Learning Place, 2793 Old Post Rd, Ste 10, Harrisburg. 717-599-2299. ReikiByRickie.com.

Gendai Reiki: Level II – 11am-6pm. Course will advance upon techniques learned and discussed in Reiki I training. Students will complete the course certified in Reiki II. Reiki I scheduled for Mar 4. $200. Firefly Hollow Holistic Wellness, 200 Farm Ln, York. 717-814-9136. FireflyHollowWellness.com.

SUNDAY,

February 5

Mystic Sound Immersion – 11am-12pm. 1st Sun. Come relax, release and recharge as Jennifer Rabenstein guides you through a Mystic Sound Immersion by playing a variety of crystal singing bowls, rattles, drums, gongs, chimes and more. $22. ReWeaving Balance, 5A Harrisburg Pk, Dillsburg. 717-756-7079. ReWeavingBalance.Earth.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY

8

The Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Conference –Feb 8-11. “Learn & Grow Together.” For people that love to get their hands dirty, care about where their food comes from, understand the power of farming in harmony with nature and want to take action to grow a more just and resilient food system. Includes educational sessions on food and farming topics, workshops, a trade show and more. Register: PasaFarming.org/2023-sustainable-agriculture-conference.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Psychic Readings and Healings – 9am-5pm. Liz Anne, an Intuitive Palm Reader, Tarot Reader, and Medium, offers readings that center around clarity and direction, spiritual and emotional healing. $40/30 mins, $80/1 hr. Alta View Wellness Center, 4814 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg. Pre-registration required: 717-221-0133 or AltaViewWellness.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Basic Wire Wrapping Class – 5-6pm. Learn the basics of stone wire wrapping, tools used, the basic and specialty techniques. Create a unique piece of jewelry. All supplies provided. $15. The Center of Balance LLC, 29 N Jefferson St, Greencastle. 717643-1404. TheCenterOfBalanceLLC.com.

Create your Chart of Origin with the Archetypal Wheel – 6-8pm. Based on the work of Caroline Myss. Learn your individual archetypes that create patterns in your life and discover where they are in your wheel, which correspond to the 12 houses of the zodiac. $40. ReWeaving Balance, 5A Harrisburg Pk, Dillsburg. 717-486-7823. MellaLunaHealing.simpletix.com.

Valentine’s Dinner with Musical Guests John & Helena Protopappas – 7-9pm. Join Firefly Hollow for an intimate, catered vegan Valentine’s dinner and Special Musical Performance with John & Helena Protopappas. $75. Firefly Hollow Holistic Wellness, 200 Farm Ln, York. 717-814-9136. FireflyHollowWellness.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Savethedate

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Full-Body Reflexology Certification Course – Feb 11-12. 10am. Learn techniques that align the body in a healthy and restorative way. This process elevates the body’s own natural electrical energies by clearing neural pathways facilitating the reconnection of severed or broken nerve paths to promote healing. NCBTMB provider #155. 12 CEs. $425. Health Quest Holistics, 1517 N 7th St, Lebanon. Details: 717-228-0612 or HealthQuest4Life.com.

Archangel Michael, Mother Mary, Padre Pio Channeling – 10am-4pm. With Pat Cassel. Messages from Archangel Michael and the Angels, and potent healing energies from Mother Mary and Padre Pio are awaiting you. $100/hr, $60/30 mins. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717-240-0400 or Info@Gracefull-Heart.com.

Psychic and Angel Readings – 10am-5pm. Sue Petersen is trained in Celtic and Native American Shamanism and psychic readings. She is reikiattuned and offers a deep connection to the spirit and angelic realms. $45/30 mins, $80/60-mins. Alta View Wellness Center, 4814 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg. Pre-registration required: 717-221-0133 or AltaViewWellness.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12

“Rei-flexology for Two” – 2-4pm. With Trish Zook and Karin Phillips. Workshop, designed by Trish Zook, combines the gentle flow of reiki with the physical touch of reflexology. This truly unique method provides peaceful relaxation to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. $100/couple. Reiki by Rickie, ReikiSpace & Learning Place, 2793

Old Post Rd, Ste 10, Harrisburg. 717-599-2299. ReikiByRickie.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

The Pleasures of Presence: Sensory Meditatio n – 12-1pm. Explore your senses. Learn to lead yourself through this practice. Connect with self, Earth and peace during the day. Indoor/outdoor practice for all ages. Free. Zoom. Register: Justin@WildSpiritPaths.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Reflexology and Ion Foot Cleanse – Feb 15-17. 9am-6pm. Lynn Diehl offers private reflexology sessions and ion cleanse foot baths. $75/reflexology; $40/foot bath. Alta View Wellness Center, 4814 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg. For appt: 717-221-0133. AltaViewWellness.com.

Shamanic Journey and Sound Healing Around the Stargate – 7-9pm. With Linda Gareh-Applegate, Holly Blyler, Sharon Askey. Relax, rejuvenate and rebalance with potent sound healing. Sound can provide an opportunity to breakdown patterns no longer serving you. $20. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717-240-0400 or Info@Gracefull-Heart.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Savethedate

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Meet Dr. Tia at New Location Open House –Feb 17-18. 5-9pm, Fri; 10am-2pm, Sat. Join us and meet Dr. Tia at The Counseling and Wellness center behind Clearview Shopping Center for an Open House. Free 15-min health consults, energy sessions, light refreshments, functional medicine educational opportunities and more. Free. The Counseling and Wellness Center, 1000 Carlisle St, Ste 2225, Hanover. 717-885-6638. DrTiaMcLaughlin.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Intuitive Tarot Readings – 10am-4:30pm. With Judy Winfrey. Receive messages that offer clarity and guidance which can help you with everyday life as well as help open you to your own potential $80/hr. Gracefull Heart, 1953 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle. Pre-register: 717-240-0400 or Info@Gracefull-Heart.com.

Tarot Readings – 10am-5pm. Tarot Reader and Astrologer John Tucker answers questions through the tarot in these private sessions. $100/ hr, $60/30 mins. Alta View Wellness Center, 4814 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg. Pre-registration required: 717-221-0133 or AltaViewWellness.com.

Your Yoga Retreat Day – 11am-4:30pm. Oneday yoga retreat for yogis of any level. Come take multiple yoga classes, have a delicious lunch, educational session, meditation and reiki. Meet our team and have some fun and relaxation. $75. Your Yoga, 1900 Orange St, York. 717-586-6494. YorkYourYoga.com.

Animal Communication Level 1 – 12-6pm. With Dawn Tule. If ever wondered what your animal friend was thinking/feeling; want to open to a different way of communicating with all life; love animals and want to connect on a deeper soul level. $185; early bird discounts available. Inner Peace and Wellness Center, 1073 Pottsville Pk, Shoemakersville. 717-486-7823. MellaLunaHealing.simpletix.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Mediumship Sessions and Intuitive Card Readings – 9am-4pm. 3rd Sun. Medium Melissa Colucci offers guidance and connection to the spirit realm in private sessions. Please bring an object of special meaning to those who with you wish to connect. $75/45 mins, $133/1 hr. ReWeaving Balance, 5A Harrisburg Pk, Dillsburg. 717-756-7079. ReWeavingBalance.Earth.

Savethedate

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Trauma & Grief Support Group – 5-7pm. Join Carrie Tetkoskie, RN, BSN, for her monthly support group. She will also review techniques designed to heal your nervous system, physiological and psychological well-being. $13. Sage Integrative Medicine & Wellness, 5015 E Trindle Rd, Mechanicsburg. Pre-registration requested: 717-775-8100 or SageMedicineWellness.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Creative Paint Night – 6-8pm. 3rd Tues. As an intuitive artist, Jennifer Rabenstein loves to show others how they can let that creativity flow whether doing a guided painting, modifying a guided painting, or going rogue and creating their own unique piece. $33. ReWeaving Balance, 5A Harrisburg Pk, Dillsburg. 717-756-7079. ReWeavingBalance.Earth.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Intentions Oils/Stones Class – 5-6pm. Create a unique essential oils intentions air spray with stones, your choice of 3 intentions to choose from. All supplies provided. $20. The Center of Balance LLC, 29 N Jefferson St, Greencastle. 717-643-1404. TheCenterOfBalanceLLC.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Shamanic Journey for Healing and Clarity –6-7:15pm. With Dawn Tule. Connect with your Animal Guides and Spirit Helpers on a meditative journey to experience healing and clarity in your life. $20. ReWeaving Balance, 5A Harrisburg Pk, Dillsburg. 717-486-7823. MellaLunaHealing. simpletix.com.

Friday Night Forum: An Evening with the Angels with Tom & Katie Hirt – 7-8pm. In-person & online. Tom & Katie Hirt are angel readers who offer uplifting, motivational, and spiritual insights from their communication with the angelic realm. $5.

Firefly Hollow Holistic Wellness, 200 Farm Ln, York. 717-814-9136. FireflyHollowWellness.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Psychic Readings and Healings – 9am-5pm. See Feb 9 listing. Alta View Wellness Center, 4814 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg. Pre-registration required: 717-221-0133 or AltaViewWellness.com.

Reiki I Training – 10am-4pm. Join Heather AuxtSnelson of Inner Light Reiki & Spiritual Life Coaching for a 1-day Reiki I class where you will learn the skills to self-heal, heal others and even your pets. Reiki I attunement, manual and certificate included. $175. ReWeaving Balance, 5A Harrisburg Pk, Dillsburg. 717-756-7079. ReWeavingBalance.Earth.

Psychic Readings – 10am-5pm. Psychic William Stillman connects to the spirit realm to bring forth messages in private, 1-hr sessions. Bring photo of loved one (living or deceased). $200 cash only. Alta View Wellness Center, 4814 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg. Pre-registration required: 717-221-0133 or AltaViewWellness.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Meditate with Bhante Soma: Blessings for the New Year – 2-3:15pm. Spend time monthly with Bhante Soma, Monk in Residence. Meditate together and listen to a dharma talk. Have your questions about Buddhism answered. Receive your personal New Year Blessing Bracelet by Bhante Soma. Love donation. Reiki by Rickie, ReikiSpace & Learning Place, 2793 Old Post Rd, Ste 10, Harrisburg. 717599-2299. ReikiByRickie.com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27

“Create Your Own ReikiBox” PlayShop – 6:308:30pm. With Rickie Freedman. Create own reiki box which can be used to share reiki with several people and circumstances at the same. Prerequisite Reiki II Class any lineage. Includes guided meditation and self-reiki session. $30. Reiki by Rickie, ReikiSpace & Learning Place, 2793 Old Post Rd, Ste 10, Harrisburg. 717-599-2299. ReikiByRickie.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Wonder & Greening Energy: Reinvigorating Earth and Spirit Connection – 12-1pm. Join this experiential conversation with the works of Rachel Carson and Hildegard of Bingen. Reinvigorate wonder, connection and the greening energy of Mother Earth in your life. Free. Zoom. Register: Justin@WildSpiritPaths.com.

Plan Ahead

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Savethedate

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Foot Reflexology Certification Course – 9am. This 1-day intensive class has everything you need to be successful as a reflexologist. Handson class plus continued support beyond the classroom. NBCTMB provider #155. Course offers 10 CEUs. Those seeking certification complete case studies and additional assignments. $325. Health Quest Holistics, 1517 N 7th St, Lebanon. Details: 717-228-0612 or HealthQuest4Life.com.

Classifieds

NOTE: For guidelines and to submit a classified listing, email Publisher@ NaturalCentralPA.com. Listings are $25 for up to 25 words, or $1 per word over 25 words. Deadline is the 1st, for the next month.

Business Opportunity

START A CAREER YOU CAN BE PASSIONATE ABOUT – Publish your own Natural Awakenings magazine. Home-based business complete with comprehensive training and support system. New franchises are available or purchase a magazine that is currently publishing. Call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com/mymagazine.

Energy Work

ENERGY CONSCIOUSNESS TRANS -

FORMATIONAL HEALING – Brennan Healing Science Practitioner, 25 years’ experience. Forgotten life experiences and traumas are stored in the body’s cellular memory and continue to affect adult experiences. Healing these distortions allows the body to self-heal. Healing on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Distant healings available via Zoom. Energybodyworks.com. Tinyurl.com/ Asha-HER-Summit. 717-843-5672.

Help Wanted

CASHIER – Full- or part-time. Sonnewald Natural Foods in Spring Grove is seeking an experienced, accurate, neat and organized cashier; a strong team player with excellent customer service. Includes Fridays and Saturdays. Employee discount, paid vacation and holidays. Application at Sonnewald.org. See ad, back cover.

MASSAGE THERAPISTS & HOLISTIC PROFESSIONALS – Full- or part-time. Team-led, fun and supportive work environment. Send resumes to FireflyHollowWellness@gmail.com. Apply or learn more at FireflyHollowWellness.com. 717-8149136. See ads, pages 11 and 13.

SALESPERSON/COMMUNITY LIAISON – Natural Awakenings is looking for the right person with a passion for building relationships and selling print and digital advertising in the healthy, holistic and sustainable niches in South Central PA, as an independent contractor, partor full-time. Email your resume to Publisher@ NaturalCentralPA.com.

Organic Shopping Online

ESSANTE ORGANICS – The Organic Living Company – Toxic-free, plant-based, chemicalfree and organic lifestyle products for body, home and baby. Includes PH alkalizing supplements, skincare products, essential oils and more. Exclusive, weekly sales and discounts online at EssanteOrganics.com/SLStecher or call Susan L. Stecher at 717-571-7084.

Wellness Services

HOLISTIC HEALING – With Reiki, Yoga, Personal Training, Meditation & Holistic Coaching – In person or virtual. Guiding you through a unique combination of healing modalities. Karen East is accepting new clients. BalancedLifeTrainer.com. 717-343-1571.

Positive Expansion for Natural Awakenings

Recently, KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub, acquired Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation. Find out why the merging of these two companies is a Nexus for Consciousness, Healing and Hope, and why you should care. Good things are on the way.

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