Generations - August 2018

August 2018

Chris Klein and Elisa Korentayer, with their sons Jasper, 1, and Zeb, 3, visit a scenic overlook at Los Glaciares National Park in southwestern Argentina, where they saw glaciers surrounded by snowcapped peaks. The family spent a month traveling and camping in the Patagonia region during February and March. (Submitted photos)

Local family visits bottom of the world

Patagonia journey reveals vibrant scenery, culture

By Robin Fish rfish@parkrapidsenterprise.com “Awe-inspiring. Overwhelming. Monumental.”

Local author, musician and singer-songwriter Elisa Korentayer used these words to describe the destination of her family’s one-month camping trip this winter.

“A place that evokes a wistful awareness of one’s own insignificance and emphasizes the cost of human survival,” she added. “But augmenting the drama of the land itself was how we saw it: strapped together in the tiny quarters of a B-class RV (an elongated van), trapped with a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old on endless two-lane roads with speeding trucks and few places to pause.”

It sounds like a long trip by any unit of measure.

Making up for it, though, is the fact that it was summer where Korentayer, husband Christopher Klein, and sons Zeb and Jasper spent most of February and part of March.

How far did they go? Almost to the southern tip of South America.

The Klein/Korentayer family started the trip in Florida, where Korentayer’s parents live. They flew to Buenos Aires and rented the RV there. Leaving city heat behind, they traveled across the Pampas and into Patagonia, a southern region of Argentina that some Minnesotans may think exists in fairy tales.

That may not be far from the truth, the way Korentayer describes it.

‘A visual explosion’

“The land is huge, vast, endless, dry flatness punctuated by jaw-dropping spectacle,” she writes.

“Monotonous miles of sand and gravel and rock, featuring only brown tufts of desert vegetation, herds of wild llamas and flocks of rhea birds. And then, a visual explosion. Craggy snow-covered peaks in shapes that seemed drawn by surrealist artists. Glis-

FAMILY JOURNEY: Page 3

Inside this issue...

2 It's gardening quiz time 4 When it comes to wine, what are tannins?

5 Can a debt collector take my Social Secruity benefits?

8 Consider less kibble, more raw veggies for dogs

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It’s gardening quiz time!

9. Are lilies best divided in spring or fall?

10. Are roses best planted deeply, with the crown buried three or more inches below soil, or with the crown right at the soil surface?

11. What is the disease that causes a grayish-white coating on plants like peonies, lilacs and vine crops?

12. Are lawn weed herbicides applied most successfully on hot summer days, or in the fall?

Growing Together

BY DON KINZLER Columnist It’s been nine months since our last quiz, so close your books and take out a sheet of paper. Do your own work and keep your eyes on your own paper. To modernize, I probably should rephrase, but “Shut down your personal learning devices and keep your eyes on your own Scantron” just doesn’t have the same ring.

These questions, quiz number nine of the past five years, can be answered with a few words.

1. Reducing the height of some plants makes them fuller, like pruning shrubs and pinching leggy geraniums. Will mowing the grass shorter have the same effect, making the lawn fuller?

2. If a tomato plant grown on an apartment balcony in the middle of a large city fails to produce fruit, could it be the absence of bees in inner cities?

3. To produce fruit, an apple tree needs pollen from a different apple variety. Can ornamental flowering crabs provide the necessary pollen?

4. When weeding flowerbeds, and gardens, is it OK to let annual weeds lay where pulled?

5. Can weeds become established in a rock-mulched landscape?

6. Mushrooms are fungi. Will commonly available garden fungicides kill mushrooms popping up in a lawn if applied properly?

7. If a freshly cut homegrown apple shows brown internal streaking, what is the most likely cause?

8. Can ornamental gourds and edible squash be planted side by side, with no fear of diminishing the quality of the squash fruit, or are they better segregated?

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1. No, mowing a lawn short will not make it fuller.

In fact, raising the mowing height shades the roots, conserves moisture and encourages a deep, vigorous root system, making the lawn healthier.

2. No, lack of bees won’t affect a tomato’s ability to bear, because tomatoes are self-pollinated primarily by wind instead of insect pollinators.

3. Yes, ornamental crab trees in the vicinity are successful sources of pollen for apples.

4. If weeds are bearing seeds or flowering, remove from the garden. If not, uprooted weeds can be left to wither in the hot sun. Except purslane, which easily How deep should roses be planted? Michael Vosburg / Forum News Service re-roots, and is best removed.

5. Weeds can establish in rock mulch because many weed seeds easily germinate in the tiny amount of soil or decaying plant debris that accumulates between rocks.

6. No. Common garden fungicides are generally preventatives and have little or no effect on a mushroom’s established underground system.

7. Internal apple streaking is usually apple maggot, the region’s most common apple problem.

8. Yes, gourds and squash can be planted adjacent.

Even if cross-pollination could occur, the internal seeds would be affected, not the fruit.

9. Lily bulbs are best divided in September.

10. Roses are best planted deeply.

11. Powdery mildew, a fungus disease, causes the If squash are planed next to ornamental gourds, will cross-pollination affect the squash’s flavor? Michael Vosburg / Forum News Service grayish-white coating.

12. Spraying herbicide on hot days increases like- Don Kinzler, a lifelong gardener, worked as an NDSU Extension lihood of damage to surroundings from vapor drift, horticulturist and owned Kinzler’s Greenhouse in Fargo. Readers and weeds are more successfully killed in September. can reach him at forumgrowingtogether@hotmail.com.

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August 2018 FAMILY JOURNEY From Page 1

tening jewel-colored lakes fringed by hills and trees.

Carved rocky buttes in shades of scarlet and orange.”

Anchoring the couple to reality, Korentayer wrote, were the challenges of threading a path through crowds of vehicles at filling stations, keeping the children fed and entertained in buckled car seats “while also reclosing fridge and bathroom doors every time we hit a bump,” communicating with the locals in halting Spanish, and experiencing the two-hour ceremony of an Argentine restaurant meal while “keeping the squiggly children from throwing salt shakers and weaving between and under other patrons’ tables.”

Klein said he and Korentayer started taking annual international trips 10 years ago. “We usually go for about a month in the winter to somewhere warmer,” he said.

During past trips, they have visited Israel, Norway, Croatia, England, the Dominican Republic and New Zealand. In one trip, they visited Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and, Klein said, “the crown jewel of it all was Myanmar, the old Burma.

Wow! It was like stepping back 50 years in time.”

In order of most favorite to least, he said Argentina and New Zealand are “neck and neck” for the top two. “Argentina is just mind-blowingly beautiful,” he said.

It doesn’t hurt that both countries have summer while it’s winter here.

“I love two summers a year,” said Klein. “But the people there are awesome.”

While he agreed with Korentayer about the spectacular vistas, Klein seemed most impressed by the character of the people they met.

‘A wonderful culture’

Social highlights of their trip included opportunities to experience a gaucho festival, a social bonding ritual involving a tea-like drink called mate (MAHtay), two guided trout-fishing trips and leisurely meals centered around the parrilla (pah-REE-sha), or communal grill.

“We found the people in Argentina were extremely family-oriented,” said Klein. “Kids are very honored and come first. So, for example, whenever there was any place with a line, whether it was an airport or a grocery store or a restaurant, if you had your kids with you, someone would come and get you and bring you up to the front of the line.”

Describing the institution of the parrilla, he said, “There, if you sit down to lunch, it’s a two-hour

The Klein/Korentayer family pauses in front of a waterfall during a hike in Los Glaciares National Park, near El Chalten, Argentina.

affair. It could be an all-day affair, depending on who you’re with. You make the fire with real wood.

You have the coals. You might cook a goat or a lamb or whatever, and it’s just a several-hour or all-day thing. It wasn’t just, ‘Let’s have a meal and eat and then we’re done.’ It’s a big part of their culture. Like in Asia, they say, ‘Rice is life.’ In Argentina, I think it’s ‘meat is life,’ or ‘Parrilla is life.’”

Leaving homes and jobs for a month every year to travel the world might seem over-the-top for some, but the Klein/Korentayer family met a French family that took it even further.

“They had sold everything, quit their jobs, and were traveling around South America for a year,” Klein said.

The two-families crossed paths at a campsite that had an armadillo that would approach people and let them pet it. “This armadillo was already their friend,” said Klein. “The French word for armadillo is ‘tatou,’ so the boys had a really good time with the tatou. Even little Jasper was going, ‘Tatou! Tatou!’”

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It seems the unique charm of Argentine culture crystallized in Klein’s mind when the family took an unplanned side-trip to neighboring Uruguay.

“Going to Uruguay was totally different,” he said.

“Uruguay is an extremely wealthy country. Right away we knew we were in a different place because it was like your great big highways and beautiful roads.

All the billboards were advertisements for insurance or banking – people who have money and stuff to protect. The houses were big and magnificent.”

The contrast wasn’t only with the just-serviceable roads in Argentina or the tiny shacks where the poorest people live. Klein stressed “the culture in Argentina – I would say they’re very gregarious, vivacious, fun-loving people. That becomes very clear right away when you’re there. It’s a very nice, happy, engaging culture. Uruguay? They’re very buttoned down. It’s got a totally different feel to it. Not unfriendly, but very reserved.”

He added, “It was wonderful having the gift of spending that kind of time with my wife and kids.

You can do that here, though. The biggest thing that impressed us was the warmth, the authenticity, the welcoming attitude of the Argentine people, and how family is emphasized. It’s not just lip-service. It was really a wonderful culture to experience.”

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Reducing your junk mail Generations on the Move

BY KARIN HAUGRUD Columnist Are you getting unsolicited mail that’s more trouble than it’s worth?

Most of us are tired of seeing our mail boxes fill up with stacks of mail offering us items we would never dream of purchasing or asking us to contribute to causes we never heard of. This unwanted mail clutters our homes and costs hundreds of thousands of tax dollars to dispose of every year.

With a little patience, there are effective ways to tackle the problem.

Information about you may be collected and added to a mailing list whenever you enter a contest, make a donation, buy something, order a product or send in a subscription or warranty card. This mailing list may in turn be sold or traded with other companies.

This is how junk mail is generated.

Companies compile address for their direct marketing lists in a number of subtle ways, based on actions you may be taking without realizing the effects. The most common ways are simply by buying lists from catalog sales companies and magazine subscription lists. This is an important source of income to many magazine publishers and mail-order sales companies.

Another source is the use of the mail-in warranty registration cards.

If you’re not getting much junk mail, you can easily call the companies that sent you something and ask where they got your name. Normally, the people in the direct mail department will tell you the names of two or three places from whom they bought lists in the last month.

You can also head off the problem entirely by always telling organizations you deal with through the mail that you don’t want them selling your name.

You can do this by with a note when you order something by mail or send in dues. You can also send a separate note or call the national office on the phone.

To get off a national mailing list, you should write a letter to the Mail Preference Service (MPS) of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). MPS is a free service provided by the DMA to assist consumers in reducing the amount of unsolicited national advertising mail they receive at home.

In your letter, request your name and address be

deleted from all mailing and marketing lists. Provide them with all possible ways of spelling your name as well as the names of anyone else at your address who also does not want to receive junk mail. Be sure to sign and date your letter. Send your letter to Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008. Telephone number is 212-347-1222 or 212-768-7277.

When consumers register with MPS, their names are placed in a name removal file. This “delete” file is made available to business subscribers four times per year – January, April, July and October. Names are maintained on file for five years.

This article is made possible with Older Americans Act dollars from the Land of the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging. Call the Senior LinkAge® One Stop Shop at 800-333-2433 to speak with an information specialist, or check out our website at MinnesotaHelp. info. MinnesotaHelp.info is an online directory of services designed to help people in Minnesota find human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms of help.

Finding the best fit in a nursing home nationwide with five-star and below ratings. Some of the ratings come from government tracking, but much is self-reported. One negative is that there have been accusations of nursing homes being able to “game” the rating system. I can’t tell you how widespread this is, but there is a point to the skepticism since self-reporting isn’t necessarily going to CAROL BRADLEY BURSACK provide fool-proof ratings.

Columnist The other end of the spectrum is the business rating site Yelp. This platform is generally used by peoDear Carol: My parents have lived together in ple who have had experience with a particular facilassisted living for several years and loved their life- ity. The issue here is that people are more likely to style, but now my mother, due to a massive stroke, complain than compliment. Therefore, someone may will require nursing home care. I’m aware that we rate a nursing home very low because they are furimust consider available openings, but we’d like to ous about a particular issue and this rating may not have options. From the talk around the assisted liv- reflect fairly on the facility. People who are pleased ing facility, nursing homes in our community are all may not think to write a review. Use Yelp cautiously, quite good but some seem better than others. Any understanding that it, too, is an imperfect tool. tips? – MC My own criteria? Visit the facilities yourself. Stop in Dear MC: It’s tough to make these choices and, unannounced. How is the staff relating to the people in the end, you’ll have to go by your instincts, but they are caring for? Do they look them in the eyes? there are two major online tools that can help. One is Do they smile while interacting? How do they relate Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare and the other is to one another? Are the hard-working, hands-on the business rating site Yelp. They actually represent aides treated respectfully by social workers and/or two ends of the spectrum. floor nurses? This kind of interaction is telling about Nursing Home Compare rates nursing homes the culture of the home and the caregivers and, to

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me, the staff is the leading factor when it comes to finding a good facility.

Investigate the programs as well. While bingo is still popular with many older residents, a good facility should have moved beyond that. They should offer a chance to make art, enjoy music, exercise, play games and interact as the residents are able. Some facilities will have children from day care centers visit. Pets are a plus, as are living plants. In other words, signs of life rather than a feeling of impending doom are what you are looking for. Smiles, respect, calm behavior in a crisis, these are all important.

If possible, try to obtain references from families who’ve had loved ones living in a particular facility.

Perfection doesn’t exist, so don’t be unrealistic about facility care, but expect them to be up-to-date on the idea of person-centered care rather than the old rigid models.

Carol Bradley Bursack is a veteran caregiver and an established columnist. She is also a blogger, and the author of Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. Bradley Bursack hosts a website supporting caregivers and elders at www. mindingourelders.com. She can be reached at carolbursack@msn. com.

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August 2018

Red and white grapes in a barrel after harvesting.

When it comes to wine, what are tannins? ple. Check the alcohol level, and the residual sugar content. If both are high, they could be the culprits.

Wines with an alcohol by volume amount of 12.5 percent and residual sugars below 5 percent might be the answer to solving the headache problem with red tannic wines. Look for red wines with labels that identify as being dry or off dry.

BY RON SMITH I’ve often referred to grapes being soft pressed Columnist upon harvesting, with the juice and grape skin contact monitored by the vintner to get the right level of Tannins are part of the biochemical makeup of liv- color and tannin impact in the finished wine. ing, fruit-producing plants. In high concentrations The soft pressing ruptures the skins to release the in under-ripe fruit, they remain unpalatable until a juice, but does not fracture the seeds, which would particular level of ripeness takes place. impart a bitter taste to the wine. Cheap red wines The fruit is considered most highly edible with typically hard press their grapes, which results in a sugar content and acidity level that makes them some seed fracture, with the resulting bitterness in appealing to the consuming animal. That consuming the wine masked by the addition of sugar. animal could be anything including an insect, a bird Some tannin impact can be ameliorated with or one of us. decanting before a formal tasting or consumption Tannins are intended by nature to be a defense for a couple of hours to allow mellowing. This is mechanism to assure species survival, since the peak especially true with light red wines that were aged in of ripeness indicates the seeds within are mature new oak barrels. Along with decanting, bottle aging enough to germinate and continue life on their own. at home for about a year will aid in softening the Cut open an unripe apple, tomato or grape. Do the tannin impact. same with a ripe companion of the same species and Ever notice in a wine-tasting session that one of note the seed color and taste differences between the last wines tasted were ones you most enjoyed? them. Experienced vintners do this with their grapes You purchase a couple of bottles to consume at home to time their harvest as close as possible to what to find them only just so-so? is considered the optimal ripeness to begin the The mistake you made was the decision to purwine-making process. chase the wine after your taste buds became fatigued.

Some tannin impact gives red wines the structure That’s why sipping water with red wines is important that aids in taste enjoyment. Strong red tannic wines – to keep the taste buds sharp. are blamed for causing headaches for some peoIf you are tannin sensitive, then go for the lighter

World of Wine

tannic wines like merlot or malbec, and stay away from the varietals with typically high tannin content like nebbiolo or cabernet sauvignon.

Ron Smith, a retired NDSU Extension horticulturist, writes weekly about his love of wine and its history. Readers can reach him at tuftruck1@gmail.com.

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Potassium is important to good health Penne with Spinach, White Beans, and Garlic Oil 8 oz. 100 percent whole grain penne 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 6 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 6-oz. bag baby spinach 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed

BY ELLIE BAUER 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted RDN, LD Parmesan, for serving Cook penne according to package instructions Potassium is involved in every heartbeat, muscle until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup starchy contraction and nerve transmission, but we don’t pasta water. Return pasta back to the pot. get enough of it.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat.

According to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines, “few Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 Americans, including all age-gender groups, conseconds until fragrant. sume potassium in amounts equal to or greater than Add garlic sauce to the pasta in the pot. Turn on the [adequate intake level].” fruits and vegetables. Excellent sources of potassium medium heat. Add spinach and white beans and Getting enough potassium is related to decreased include a large baked potato with skin (1,644 mg), reserved pasta water and cook until warmed through incidence of high blood pressure and thus decreased one cup canned white beans (1,189 mg), and one cup and spinach is wilted. stroke and kidney diseases. Research has also con- baked sweet potato with skin (950 mg).

Season with salt and pepper. Pour into a bowl and nected potassium with decreasing bone loss and Good sources include one cup acorn squash (896 garnish with walnuts and parmesan. kidney stones risk. mg), one cup cooked spinach (839 mg), one cup avoThe recommended potassium intakes are 3,000 cado (728 mg), one-quarter cup roasted soybeans Ellie Bauer is a community-focused registered dietitian mg for preschoolers; 3,800 mg for elementary-aged (632 mg), and one cup orange juice (496 mg). Note nutritionist at WIC. Her goal is to increase agriculture, food, and kids; 4,500 mg for middle school students and 4,700 the skin of the potato and sweet potato are really nutrition literacy for a healthier community. mg for teenagers and adults. where most of the potassium lies, so make sure you Sources: Hartley, R. (2016, May 5). Penne with Spinach, White While it might be tempting to just take a potas- eat that, too! sium supplement, eating whole foods that contain Here is a recipe that combines two great potassi- Beans, and Garlic Oil. NIH. (2018, March 21). Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved from Potassium. USDA, & HHS. (2010, potassium will also provide other micronutrients um sources, white beans and spinach, and is totally December). 2010 Dietary Guidelines. Retrieved from Health.gov. and fiber, important to all-around health. flexible. Add veggies, subtract spices or modify Zelman, K. (2018, April 30). Micronutrients: Potassium. Food and Finding food sources of potassium is pretty easy flavors depending on what is in your cupboard and Nutrition. Retrieved from Micronutrients: Potassium. since potassium is in all food groups, especially what your family likes to eat.

Nutritional Nuggets

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Can a debt collector take my Social CLASSIFIEDS Security benefits?

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ernment can pull 15 percent of your benefits to cover your debt, but under the Debt Collection ImproveDear Worried, Whether your Social Security benefits are garnish- ment Act of 1996, it must leave you at least $750 each able or not depends on whom you owe. Banks and month. That is, unless the levy is for federal income other financial creditors, for example, can’t touch taxes. In that case, the government isn’t required to your Social Security checks. But if Uncle Sam is col- leave $750 behind.

The other exception is for child support or alimony lecting on a debt, some of your benefits are fair game. payments. Depending on your state laws, the court Here’s what you should know. may be able to take half of your benefits or more to Creditor protections pay your obligations to your children or ex-spouse.

If you have credit card debts, medical bills, unpaid If you think your Social Security benefits might be personal loans or payday loans, you’ll be happy to raided to pay overdue bills, you need to address the know that your Social Security benefits are safe from problem – don’t ignore it. Most government agencies your creditors. are happy to work with you so long as you’re willing Section 207 of the Social Security Act prohibits debt to work with them. collectors or a bankruptcy court from dipping into The government typically sends several letters your bank account to take Social Security money for about a debt before it takes action. The final letter purposes of paying off what you owe. will inform you of the intent to levy Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI), veterans ben- payments, and after that, you have 30 days to contact efits, federal employee and civil service retirement the agency and work out a payment plan. benefits and benefits administered by the Railroad Retirement Board Administration can’t be touched Get help To get a handle on your debt problems, consider either.

But be aware that your creditors can still take legal contacting a nonprofit financial counseling agency, action against you to recover what you owe them, which offers free and low-cost services on managand depending on your state’s law, they may be able ing financial problems. To locate a credible agency to garnish your wages and tap into other allowable in your area, use the National Foundation for Credit Counseling website at NFCC.org or call 800-388assets, if you have any.

2227.

Government garnishment You also need to make sure you’re not missing out If, however, you owe money to Uncle Sam, it’s a on any financial assistance programs. The National very different story.

Council on Aging’s website (BenefitsCheckup.org) The federal government can garnish a portion of contains a database of more than 2,500 federal, your Social Security benefits for repayment of several state and local programs that can help seniors with types of debts, including federal income taxes, fed- prescription drug costs, health care, food, utilities, eral student loans, state-ordered child support and and other basic needs. The site will help you locate alimony, nontax debt owed to other federal agencies, programs that you may be eligible for and will show defaulted federal home loans and certain civil pen- you how to apply. alties. (If you receive SSI, those benefits cannot be garnished under any circumstance.)

Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, How much can actually be taken depends on the Okla. 73070 or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to type of debt you owe. In most situations, the gov- the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Call or stop in today to find out more about our facility.

001709149r1

Noon meal served • Court’s Hair Care Salon • Conveniently located within short walking distance to downtown, banking, grocery and pharmacy • Controlled access entry system • Housing assistance available • No application fee

www. parkrapidsenterprise .com

Coach Bus Trips STATE FAIR

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30 Fee: $50 DULUTH & STONE LAKE CRANBERRY FESTIVAL

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 & 6 Fee: $260 (double occupancy) NASHVILLE SHOW TRIP

DECEMBER 1-9 Fee: $973 (double occupancy) 001754771r1

PARK RAPIDS DISTRICT 309 COMMUNITY EDUCATION

- FOR MORE INFORMATION www.parkrapidscomed.com or call 218-237-6600

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Consider less kibble, more raw veggies for dogs never be fed to your dog. Of course, this is also true with any raw food left on the counter.

Fungi releases toxins, and has an effect on cats, dogs and humans. Recently, I was exposed to raw cat food that was molding in a box and I disposed of it immediately. I instantly washed my hands thoroughly, and my symptoms for the entire day mimicked a

BY CECELIA MICHAELS head cold. I continued to smell the mold spores in my Columnist nose. I felt sluggish, had a runny nose and remained lethargic into the night. When I woke the next day I felt great, and it dawned on me, I had been exposed Pet food varieties are vast and plentiful and can to mycotoxins. seem confusing to the consumer.

Carbohydrates is the number one product in pet The one piece of information I can offer that may foods that may be the horrible beast making your dog help when deciding on a food is dogs are omnivores or cat overweight. Unfortunately, pet food manufacand cats are carnivores. turers need starch to make the food stick together.

Omnivores can consume many forms of food, Consumption amounts labeled on pet food bags usually in small amounts, such as meat, vegetables, are only a guide. Consider cutting back one-third for fruit, eggs, potatoes, bone, organ meats, berries, nuts each meal. Corn, wheat, oats, barley, and rice are all and even some whole grains. carbohydrates. These ingredients are usually added Grapes and raisins have been considered a carrier to pet food and are considered a filler. When feeding of mycotoxins (a production of fungus), and should kibble, investigate the carbohydrates that are loaded

Pet Companions

in the food you feed. Consider feeding less of the kibble and add vegetables, bone and raw meat to their diet. Just watch the pounds come off! The dogs coat will become soft and shiny, and the teeth decay will slow down, too.

Other carbohydrates and binders you see listed in pet foods are lentils, peas, chickpeas, beans, potato and sweet potato. This is a reasonable ingredient; however, too much of this can be disruptive to the dog’s gut when feeding a in raw form, especially peas. If feeding fresh raw peas, re-examine the amount you feed.

I’m very careful with raw food, and I only use glass and aluminum bowls that are cleaned on a regular basis. This should also be a consideration when feeding canned food for your feline companions.

I like feeding some kibble to my dog; however, I absolutely love to provide raw, too.

Cecelia Michaels is the owner of Lickin’ Good Whole Pet Foods and is certified in pet food nutrition. Readers can contact her at petcompanions316@gmail.com