Posts Tagged ‘pet food direct’

Finding Weruva Even in the Hills of Vermont

Monday, January 18th, 2010

My neighbor Virginia up here in the hills of Vermont is also an ex-New Yorker  — they call all transplants “flat-landers” up here!. She cannot find what is my favorite (and her kitties’ favorite) cat food, Weruva, up here where are “centrally isolated,” as my husband describes it. So she is thrilled to be able to get Weruva via Pet food Direct (with a nifty 20% discount using coupon codes catchat20 or dogtalk20)  for her gorgeous pair of Siamese:

I want to thank you for the promo codes you gave me for petfooddirect.com.  I was able to get 20% off my cat and dog order! The order included a lot of Weruva cat food (my 2 cats favorite flavor is Paw Lickin Chicken).

Weruva Lover Loves Soulistic at Petco

Friday, November 27th, 2009

The good people at Weruva kindly forwarded this email they got about their new line of food made just for PETCO called Soulistic. I was really gratified to know people are learning about the less expensive alternative to Weruva. I love the ingredients of Weruva (and I deeply respect a company that has resisted making any dry food because they know it is bad for cats and have heard me call it “Kitty Crack” so many times) but many times I have felt conflicted recommending it because it is pricey and out of many peoples’ comfort zone for their budgets. So here is what Amy wrote:

Thank you for the SOULISTIC version of your food offered at Petco at an affordable price! I have purchased WERUVA for my cat, and heard about your SOULISTIC product offered at Petco by Tracie Hotchner on CAT CHAT® on MARTHA STEWART RADIO.  Thank you!  But I have only one wish: I use the small cans for my cat (1/2 can per meal) but my plastic can covers don’t fit your cans!  Do you know of a can cover available to fit your cans? I know it sounds petty… but the can covers are so much more convenient!

And David Forman, who owns Weruva, wrote her back:

Thank you for the email to Weruva/Soulistic and support of our products. You live in Natick, Massachusetts, home of our corporate headquarters! We love Tracie, and we are pleased to hear that you are a listener to her show. Yes, there is a cap that fits our 3.0 oz cans. It is called Kitty Kap, and it is available at one of Tracie’s favorite places to shop… Pet Food Direct. Here is a link to Kitty Kap, and if you use MYCATCHAT (thanks to Tracie) as a coupon code at checkout, you can get 20% off.

Tell Me More About BFF Food from Weruva

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Martha, one of my CAT CHAT® listeners, wrote to Weruva as follows:

I heard on Cat Chat® that you have come up with another brand of cat food, a little more reasonable for us with multi cat households. I would like some information on it. Didn’t see anything on your website…? Also, I order from Pet food direct and didn’t see it on there either. Any information would be helpful.

And David Forman, the owner, replied (proving why I love a company that doesn’t just have high quality canned only food for cats, but cares enough about every customer to answer them personally):

Thank you for the email to Weruva/BFF and interest in our products! The new line of food is Best Feline Friend (BFF for short), and we have a “basic” website up at www.bestfelinefriend.com. Pet Food Direct is running a special on Weruva BFF this month. Be sure to use CATCHAT20 at checkout for additional savings of 20%.

A bit about BFF and why we created it. . . the production, processing and sourcing of raw materials is the same as Weruva, and the quality is the same. However, there is a visual difference upon opening the can as we use different ingredients. We designed BFF, as you know, to be a lower price point than Weruva. Both Weruva and BFF compete with the human food industry for raw materials. However, BFF is less expensive as it uses a particular cut of tuna which is not as commonly consumed by people. Some stores feel either Weruva or BFF may be a better fit for their customers, and some of course feel that both are great on the shelf.

Kitty’s Sweet Personality on Wet Food

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

It is really a wonderful feeling to get a message like this – I told Della that it means the world to know I’ve been able to help Maggie and bring out her true sweet personality just by getting her off the “kitty crack” and onto wet food. Never doubt that the happiness and health of all your cats is based on ditching the kitty crack and feeding wet food only.

Dear Tracie – I have been listening to you for a few months now on Sirius radio and just had to tell you an incredible story. Sorry it is a bit long but I thought you would appreciate it.

I have had one of my cats, Maggie, for 14 years. As a kitten she was sweet and affectionate (even slept on my head). We had her spayed and she didn’t come out of the anesthesia right away and I really nursed her back to life… even giving her water with a eye dropper. The vet discovered at the same time that she had kidney disease and to start her on KD. So after she was better, I did what he told me (it is only now that I see the connection). She changed so much (all these years I thought she had brain damage from not coming out of the anesthesia). She didn’t like being petted or would not sit on my lap. She never liked being groomed either brushing or trimming of nails. She also started leaving little presents around the house. After a few months, the vet suggested I put her on Buspar because she had separation anxiety. I did that and initially Maggie was better but went back to leaving presents everywhere after a few months. (I eventually stopped the Buspar with no change in her personality) Sometimes she would let others hold her but she never let me touch her without trying to bite or scratch me. Recently, Maggie got an abscessed anal gland and although the vet only sedated her, she wasn’t doing well afterward. She wasn’t eating at all… so I started giving her turkey baby food. As she got stronger, I added canned cat food. I have been listening to your show and about nutrition for cats and Pet Food Direct. Although I haven’t done Pet Food Direct yet, I decided to use some of the cat food on your list. I have been feeding both my cats this way for several weeks now. During Maggie’s recovery period, she let me hold her and even slept with me. I, of course, thought she was just in pain and would go back to her old crabby self. Well, thankfully she if back to my sweet, affectionate and loving cat. Everyday, I kept saying I can’t believe she is so sweet. The only reason I can see for her remarkable change is her diet. I know it seems incredible and my family thinks I am crazy but they are coming around because they can’t believe how nice she is to me. It truly is a miracle. I only wish I had known this 14 years ago…

So I wanted to thank you for helping me. If it wasn’t for CAT CHAT® I probably would never have heard of the special diet. Thanks to you I have my adorable cat back. I will keep listening, because you always have useful info that I use with great success.

But as happy as I was to get this news, soon thereafter Della wrote again, and it seemed like her vet was bound and determined to get that cat back onto prescription kitty crack – which is a sadly common practice that Dr. Elizabeth Hodgkins and many more up-to-date vets strongly oppose. Here’s what Della wrote:

Maggie had some kidney level elevations but not too serious. The vet said they have elevated again slightly since Oct. and he wants me to put her back on KD for her kidneys. Background: Maggie has had elevated numbers since she was a kitten and the vet put her on KD at that time. She was on KD for 13 years and then I switched in Oct. Thanks so much for your help with this matter. I look forward to hearing from you. I was hoping you had a suggestion for me. Mostly I have been using Paul Newman’s food and several of the other brands you suggested. I really don’t want Maggie to change again but I also want her to be healthy. Please let me know if you have any ideas.

Thanks so much.

I know that your desire is for Maggie to be healthy, and you have seen for yourself how wonderfully she is doing physically and emotionally now that she is receiving proper nutrition. The LAST thing you want to do is set her back by returning to the highly-processed dry food which is not only made of lesser quality ingredients but low-quality protein in low amounts is not considered good management of kidney problems by leading vets. High quality protein – with as much moisture as possible – is what her body needs to function best. Certainly you want to keep checking her blood levels but unless the levels rise and/or the phosphorus level rises (in which case you can put a phosphorus binder in her high quality food, rather than lowering the quality of the food!) stick with the program. Not only do many aging cats have kidney values which deteriorate as the natural progression of time, but given that you fed her kitty crack all her life. it’s wonderful she’s still going strong. Only now you have the “new and improved version” of Maggie! But it might be time to consider a holistic vet who will support what you are doing for your cat, rather than undermining it. Even a cats-only vet might be an improvement. You live in San Francisco which is a hot bed of alternative-thinking practitioners of every kind – use the links on my website to find possible new vets.

Tracie

The Cat Bible

The Cat Bible

Proper Diet for Rufus

Friday, February 6th, 2009

Hi Tracie,

You may remember Rufus (Boxer). Today while you were on on Sirius with Mario on the afternoon show, you mentioned a 28-day test for a dog food company specializing in natural foods for dogs. It sounded like the foods come pre packed? If Rufus could be a candidate for the pilot, I know he would be interested.

Right now I buy two types of Innova dry food for Senior and for (slightly) overweight dogs and I mix them. He always has his kibble available and I fix him Oatmeal, toast or eggs in the morning; late afternoon I fix him something too. Usually potatoes, fat free gravy, cottage cheese and always a veggie. Peas, green beans, broccoli. He gets his afternoon potion of Platinum Plus mixed into his afternoon food. He probably does need more meat, but as I eat very little meat I usually give him what I eat.

Thank you for always providing great info. I and always learn something new.

Regards,
Judy

Dear Judy

I’m so glad you’re enjoying what I have to offer and I admire the loving efforts you are making to feed Rufus well – however, as you yourself suspected, there is a lack of muscle meat in his diet. And unfortunately you are feeding a “LITE” food- one of the most contradictory products on the market, since they usually make dogs gain weight while under-nourishing them. I’m not sure if you have THE DOG BIBLE yet but you really need to read that nutrition section to learn why that category of kibble is one of my least favorite. Please take the time to read the Q&A’s posted on The Dog Bible section of my website, along with all my blogs on nutrition. I hate to be critical because you are going to so much lovely trouble for him, but he’s getting too much carbohydrate – oatmeal and toast and potatoes – which isn’t balanced with a quality, minimally processed protein source. Eggs and cottage cheese are great, but Rufus needs some chicken, beef, fish and/or lamb.

And what’s up with “fat free gravy?” That sounds like some horrible chemical-laden concoction and doesn’t belong in anyone’s dish! Please lose that ASAP!

Plus, he needs to eat twice a day, not three times. Over-working his digestive system – as is free feeding. You can continue if you want, of course, but nibbling all day long on highly processed carbohydrates really isn’t healthy for Rufus anymore than it would be for you – two healthy meals, with quality protein as the main course, is what you need for him.

Which brings me to your question – about the feeding plan I am helping to develop with Smartpak, a very unusual company (have a look at their page on my website – and at their own website, too. Yes it will be customized and arrive at your door, but it isn’t quite ready to roll yet. I am going to keep your contact information so you can be amongst the first to give it a try.

–Tracie

Tracie,

Thank you for opening my eyes (again). I will immediately begin feeding Rufus more meat as you suggest. In fact I have one morning appointment today then I am stopping at the store.

Also, I just ordered his Innova food yesterday at Pet Food Direct I ordered Innova Sr Plus Adult Dry and Innova Adult Large Bites Red Meat Formula Dry, and btw, they will not accept your CATCHAT code for a discount stating I used it one other time and it can be used only one time? I didn’t push it, they gave me a 13% discount but 20% would have been better.

I will also move to feeding Rufus 2 times a day. Right now he is a poop machine and per your information that is probably due to his current feedings. Funny, how a person doesn’t realize the most obvious until someone like you points it out.

I will look forward to being on the list for Rufus to try Smartpak.

And yes, I have The Dog Bible and will be sure to get myself into the food section. I guess I didn’t pay all too much attention to that thinking I was feeding Rufus so well.

Thank you again for all you do for all of us!

Regards,
Judy

Thanks for hearing with such open ears and eyes!

I am copying a wonderful man at Pet Food Direct who is going to sort out the confusion re: my coupon code – NO – it is absolutely to be used every time you buy there. [MAYBE THEY CHANGED IT TO RADIOPET....JAY?? OR MAYBE THE MACHINERY GOOFED UP]

I am asking JAY to please CANCEL your order once he contacts you for the information because

1) Wrong discount
2) You must cancel the food you bought completely

Let’s get him off light food forever. And onto a better quality food

If you’re going to hold off on protein then go to WELLNESS CORE or EVO – they are the highest protein from best sources. But if you’re going to start giving him cans of food or boil chicken or cook ground turkey or beef, then my favorite best-priced kibble (which i personally buy from PFD) are BY NATURE ORGANICS — both dry & canned — it is organic (or even the slightly less costly non-organic they make is good too)

Also EVANGERS in a can – they make many of the top-end dog food brands but their own brand – TASTE OF THE WILD is an American-made very low priced very good quality kibble – I use that too

Not the same brand all the time – mix it up

Let me know how it goes

Tracie
The Dog Bible by Tracie Hotchner

Boston Terrier with Skin Problems

Saturday, January 3rd, 2009

I got this message from a man whose dog has chronic skin problems:

I called in to your show regarding the skin infections on my 2 year old female Boston terrier. You suggested I give her ground beef (or chicken), boiled with carrots for 2 weeks. I assume I drain off the fat after it boils. Correct? You said I could make enough for 2 weeks and freeze it in packs.

I’ll get antibiotics from the vet one more time to help clear it up.

You said to go to www.dogbible.com and there was a downloadable diet there. I went there and got the message “DogBible.com is currently undergoing a major upgrade.”

Do you have a diet in a .pdf?

By the way, my last Boston (this is my 3rd) lived to 12 years old. He was born with a bad liver and the University of Florida vets at the vet school, said he would not live to age 4. Apparently, I take good care of my babies.

I look forward to your input. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Thanks from Ron

Hi Ron – I’m so glad you got in touch because I need to clear up the advice I gave you. If I recall, you said you dog had recurring skin infections and your vet was using antibiotics to clear them up but they would recur – and maybe was also using prednisone tablets?? In any case, my suggestion of what is called an “elimination diet” was for two reasons: to clear your Boston’s system of the poor ingredients and even toxins in the commercial kibble which was her exclusive diet, and also to remove any of the ingredients which may have been causing skin reactions or allergies. So yes, the idea of feeding a bland protein source (be it chicken, beef or lamb) with chopped or grated carrots and rice is the way to do that. Of course all fat should be drained. A tablespoon of plain yogurt with every meal is great too, especially being on antibiotics.

I need to add that this diet would be a good one for the life of the dog, as long as you supplement it with a full balanced product like Platinum Performance. I recommend it to everyone as the finest and most effective glucosamine/chondroitin/omega-3 joint formula, but it is also the ideal way to provide all the vitamins and other nutrients a dog needs if you are home cooking. You can only buy this supplement direct from the company in California and you can find the link to the company on my website, as they are one of the first sponsors of the work I do. However, my website is the name of my book, THE DOG BIBLE, so you need to put in www.TheDogBible.com and you’ll get right there. I do not have any recipes on the website, but many blogs and Q&A’s on nutrition. The book I am a big fan of that does have super recipes is Liz Palika’s book THE ULTIMATE PET FOOD GUIDE – it is linked on my website and you can listen to my interview with her on DOG TALK by going to that section of my website and downloading the show. While you’re there, put your email address in the spot indicated and you’ll start receiving the pod cast of the live show every Saturday afternoon, which is my gift to everyone.

If you buy a copy of THE DOG BIBLE – which I humbly recommend because of the extensive nutrition information – please send me your mailing address and your Boston’s name so I can autograph a bookplate to her to put in it. I will also send you a sample of the most amazing healthy food from THE HONEST KITCHEN, which is a raw dehydrated food with protein, vegetables and carbs made from human grade ingredients in a human food factory.

The other thing that is indispensable for any dog with skin issues is an omega-3 fish oil and the only one sold for pets that has the seal of purity and freshness from the Norwegian government is Nordic Naturals. I have invited them to be website sponsors because of my high regard for the unmatched excellence of their oil, so you can read about them on their page on my website. Most good pet stores carry it or you can go to www.petFoodDirect.com and order it and get 20% off by putting catchat or dogtalk as the coupon code. My dogs’ coats have developed a high shine and they shed less since they’ve been on it.

It certainly seems clear you love your dogs and care for them beautifully – what a shame that the professionals in your life (and that of most dog parents) haven’t steered you well about nutrition. Kibble alone – even the highest quality – cannot be a complete diet any more than eating breakfast cereal three meals a day for your entire life would satisfy or properly nourish you. Please do stay in touch and good luck with her skin.

Tracie
The Dog Bible by Tracie Hotchner

Cats Eating Everything in Sight!

Saturday, December 27th, 2008

Thanks to you, I have converted all 5 of my cats to wet food 1 year ago. 1/2 can 2 times per day. 4 domestic short hair and 1 feral. All went well, the overweight cat lost 8 pounds and did well and everyone else maintained weight. These are indoor and outdoor cats that live on a farm and you know Fat Oscar the big white one was your Biggest Kitty Loser contest.

The problem: All of these cats are attacking human food. They seem hungry constantly. They are eating food on the table when I eat, bread in wrappers on the counters, dog food during preparation for my 9 dogs on the farm. I don’t think 2 times per day feeding is enough to satisfy or sustain and have been feeding 3 times per day with winter weather rolling in.  They live inside with come and go at will. Any suggestions?

Thanks from Cindy

I think what you have is 5 really healthy, hale and hearty cats who are burning up their food at a higher rate of metabolism because they do go in and out (since it is safe on your farm) and the weather has turned cold which burns more calories (just as you suspected). So it’s not how many times a day, but how much at each feeding. Have your tried giving them twice as much – a whole can each? Remember the true Cat Chat® rule is not just no kitty crack, and to feed twice a day, but to give the cats as much as they will eat in about a 15 minute mealtime. I’m not trying to bust your piggy bank but I’ll bet they are walking away from their food bowls still hungry. You can save money by getting the larger size of cat food cans and also explore Pet Food Direct, which gives my listeners a 20% discount and isn’t just super-convenient in bringing that cat food (and litter, etc) right to your door, but is often cheaper than the store. Try doubling their rations and let me know what happens. And however much you’re spending, please don’t swear at me under your breath! Because you will be saving on the vet bills you won’t have and having much happier, healthier cats who will live longer. And that is priceless, as the ad says.

Tracie

The Cat Bible by Tracie Hotchner

Bibles for All

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008

I got this hilarious and heartfelt letter – and I do hope the Bibles help with peoples’ ignorance – they just don’t know any better, plus they may be hard-headed – I’m hoping there’s a chance they will call in??

Hi, Tracie -

I am requesting the bookplate for The Cat Bible and The Dog Bible. I ordered The Dog Bible for my ex husband, since he has about 3 pugs and doesn’t believe me when I tell him about the yearly shots and what food to feed them. Two of his pugs are so obese that their back legs drop out from under them. He is planning on getting joint surgery for them, instead of giving them a proper diet and exercise. He is a truck driver and it’s hard for them to exercise. His pugs are Tank, Dozer and Leiah

I also ordered The Cat Bible for my girl friend who has a cat that looks like he ate a basketball. She also doesn’t believe me about the food issues and declawing her cats… how horrendous. She has 3 other cats that look fine, but need to be informed about the inoculations and good food. Her cats are named, Sneakers, Frodo (he is the basketball), Astro and Starship.

I am hoping that these books will get my point across without them getting mad at me. I tend to be a bit of a ranter when it comes to these issues.

I love your show and listen to it every Wednesday night on my way home from work…

Hugs to you and thank you for giving my family and me all this information!!

I also am trying to order from Pet Food Direct but forgot the code to put in… I used radio pets. But it doesn’t work.

NOTE: The discount codes are DOGTALK or CATCHAT and are also posted on my website along with a bunch of other stuff.

Tracie

The Cat Bible by Tracie Hotchner

The Dog Bible by Tracie Hotchner

Puppy Picking The Right Way

Thursday, November 27th, 2008

A wonderful listener took my advice and now has a gorgeous young four-legged gentleman as their new family member.

How are you? I just wanted to follow up with a picture of our German Shepherd puppy we got from the breeders in Pennyslvania, Shepherds of the Mount since you were so kind as to take the time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions and offer advice. His name is Sky, 9 weeks old, and he has now been a member of our household for a week. He’s really a sweet although mischievious little guy, very even tempered and has a hearty appetite. It was wonderful to meet the breeders and Sky’s parents and siblings in their home; my husband and I were really impressed with how dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable they are, giving insight as to the personalities of each of the puppies in the litter.

Just to let you know, I purchased a crate through Smart Pak (as well as gates), and also have purchased puppy food and other goodies through Pet Food Direct.

Anyhow, thank you again!

Your grateful fan,
Monday

Congratulations! What a stunning little boy – I’ve got his photo going up on the gallery of my website and your kind note posting in my blog so everyone can see how a good person picks a puppy the right way. Also, my gratitude to you for supporting sponsors of my website since they make it possible for me not to take any advertising and tell the truth about all aspects of the world we share with our pets. I would add two things to Sky’s life right now, especially given the joint issues which often plague Shepherds. Get him on Platinum Performance supplement with every meal and it will be a health booster while protecting his joints at an early age – and get Nordic Naturals Omega-3 pet oil for the same reasons (and accept no substitutes since much of the omega-3 oil on the market for pets is rancid or impure). Enjoy a wonderfully long, happy and healthy life with him. Send photos as he grows!

And P.S. please read the information about “early spay/neuter” on the bulletin board page of my website and delay neutering Sky until he is 12 months old. I think it will protect him in various ways.

Tracie

The Dog Bible by Tracie Hotchner

Dog Allergic to Just About Everything! (expanded)

Friday, November 14th, 2008

I currently purchase most of my dog food, treats, etc. from Pet Food Direct. Their customer service is wonderful and their prices are quite reasonable. However, I am planning on switching my dogs (2 Labs and 1 German Shorthair) over to The Honest Kitchen. One of my Labs has some serious food and environmental allergies and I’m hoping The Honest Kitchen will help her. Unfortunately, Pet Food Direct does not carry it and the shipping costs at most places is quite high. Would love it if you could get them to carry it so I could purchase everything in one place. I’ve emailed them to see if they’ve thought about it, but they have not yet responded.

Thank you,
Barbara

In terms of the ordering, here’s the answer and explanation from Lucy Postins who owns the Honest Kitchen:

“We have a policy not to go through these mass online retailers as it makes it so difficult for the smaller local stores to compete, and we are really trying to support the local stores as much as possible. I do see the benefit to the customer of being able to order everything all in one place but unfortunately I’ve also seen the downside of going through these larger retailers (both online and the major chains) in terms of being dropped by local stores. I’d be happy to help Barbara find a local store in her area that carries the food, or another online reseller that might be convenient for her, if she’d like to email me with her location. She can also order form our web site if she wants and I’d be happy to provide her with a coupon for her first order if that would help any?”

Thank you! But, unfortunately, she appears to be allergic to bananas too which means I can’t even feed her the Preference. She is allergic to the weed English Plantain which the banana is a member of the Plantain family. Within two weeks of feeding her the Preference, her hair is falling out again. But, at least I could feed my other dogs the Honest Kitchen while I continue my search for something she’s not allergic to.

So I told Barbara: I would take Lucy up on this offer. As far as the bananas go, not all Honest Kitchen recipes include them and in fact they have just come out with a simplified, less-expensive flavor of their food which might be perfect for that super-sensitive Lab of yours! She actually sounds like a dog I would cook for, if I were you, and add Platinum Performance as a supplement to balance the food. Let me know which of Lucy’s options you’d like to do: find a nearby retailer or get a coupon for online ordering.

Tracie -

Thank you so much for checking into this for me. I totally understand Lucy’s position and can agree with her. I have already searched her website and found the nearest store to be around 25 miles from where I live but not too far from my husband’s workplace.

Unfortunately, at this time, none of her wonderful formulas will work for Dixie. In addition to bananas, she is also allergic to turkey, chicken, barley, flax, soybean, brewer’s yeast and green peas and about 20 trees, grasses and weeds! So, she is definitely a special project of mine. I am leaning towards the homemade food but am still quite intimidated by the thought of it. Before I do, I will continue her current regimen (Cal Nat Lamb & Rice with Evo Duck/Venison canned) until my quest for a premade dehydrated or raw food that suits her needs is exhausted.

Thank you both for your time and assistance. I will also continue to stay up to date with Honest Kitchen in the hopes Lucy will eventually come up with the right formula for her. I am going to start my older Lab on the Honest Kitchen and eventually my German Shorthair puppy as I still believe her food is one of, if not, the best food out there.