Here’s what you need to know about the Vitamin D Scare for your dog:
In the midst of the nationwide dog food recall, we thought we’d take a moment to help clarify the situation and offer some helpful resources. The central issue of the recall is that several brands of dog food have been tested carrying toxic levels of Vitamin D. According to the Animal Health Foundation, signs and symptoms that affected dogs may experience include “vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss.”
The FDA has advised that, “Vitamin D at toxic levels can cause kidney failure and death. Pet owners whose dogs have been eating the recalled brands and are showing these symptoms should contact their veterinarians.” If a brand you purchase is on this list, you need to get it away from children, pets, and wildlife immediately.
This event is only the latest in a series of mishaps that have plagued the dog food industry as of late. 37 separate recalls on pet food have been issued in 2018 alone, including reports of salmonella, listeria, and more. That list, issued by Dog Food Advisor, can be found here.
After noticing health problems with our own dogs over many years, we at Flourish decided to make our own food. The results for our own dogs as well as for fellow breeders have been astounding. Recently we’ve begun sharing our solution to the general public. If you’re interested in trying out the formula with your own animals you can visit our website to order a bag and learn more.
The Recipe
After exploring every available option and coming up empty-handed, we decided to make our own food that was phytoestrogen free and safe for our dogs. Here’s the breakdown:
Chicken & Turkey Meal
Chicken and Turkey meals are made by taking fresh chicken and turkey and removing the excess water inside. This results in a highly nutritious form with nearly 3x more protein than their “fresh” counterparts. “Fresh” meat feeds have meat listed as a much higher ingredient than it should, due to all the water weight. A split protein source gives your dog a more balanced healthy diet by providing more amino acids for your dog.
Fish Oil and Fish Meal
These ingredients are rich in omega 3’s. Though they are more costly than flaxseed (also high in omega 3’s), which most dog food companies use, they don’t come with the massive negative side effects that come with flaxseed (one of the worst endocrine blocking ingredients). It also gives you a 3rd healthy protein source for your dogs, giving them even more amino acid diversity.
White Rice and Potato
White rice and potato are highly digestible carbs for dogs. They are also extremely low in phytoestrogen, making them an ideal source of energy for your dog. We split the carbs between the two to help provide a more balanced diet, and not overwhelm your dog’s system with one or the other.
Chicken Fat Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols
Chicken fat provides your dog with an all-natural source of fat, which is preserved with antioxidants to ensure it’s kept stable and healthy. This gives your dog much-needed energy to be at their best all the time
Tomato Pomace
Your dog needs fiber to have a healthy bowel. Tomato pomace is a low-cost ingredient that is rich in lycopene, without the drawbacks of ingredients like beet pulp. Your dog gets the fiber they need without making the food unaffordable.
Vitamins and Minerals
We worked hard to provide a food that is good for all breeds and all life stages. We accomplished this through a careful balance of Vitamins and Minerals. This means your dog will have everything it needs, from puppy to advanced age.
Brewer's Dried Yeast
Brewer’s yeast is often taken as a health supplement due being a rich source of B vitamins, chromium, and protein.
Natural Flavor
We defer to the natural flavors of the ingredients in our recipe without adding any artificial flavorings or chemicals.
