Much information has been circulating around the web about rice and recently detected levels of arsenic when tested.Dr. Tim’s is pleased to inform you that our rice source has been tested twice in the last year and a not trace of arsenic was detected. A link to a recent story of arsenic detected in rice.

Why do we include the prebiotics Inulin(chicory root) & Beet Pulp in our diets? Colon health is the answer as good health all starts there. Inulin (Chicory Root Extract),is also known as endive and used in salads, stimulates the growth of friendly bacteria and contributes to a healthy digestive tract by driving out pathogens like E coli. It is a starch that escapes digestion until it reaches the colon, or large intestine. There, it is a food source for the “good” bacteria that live in that part of the gastrointestinal tract. It also aids in the reduction of gas, which...

Why is Dr. Tim’s Kinesis Grain Free different than the rest on the market? Let’s compare a few things. Look at the amount of omega 3 fatty acids sourced from fish versus plant origin, for instance. Nearly all of the 0.98% Omega 3 fatty acids in Kinesis Grain Free originates from ocean fish, specifically menhaden oil. Omega 3 fatty acids from plants work a completely different route in animals than does their marine fish based counterpart. Marine fish oil exerts a much greater anti-inflammatory effect as compared to plant origin omega 3’s. Also, our protein is 84% derived from animal sources,...

Animal based proteins in our diets are what we are about. The amount of the protein that is derived from animal sources averages between 85-90% of the total protein that is in our foods. So, if you choose Pursuit, for example, 90% of the protein present in the kibble comes from other animals such as salmon, chicken or herring. We believe dogs and cats are meant to eat protein from other animals to promote exceptional health and well being. Highly concentrated plant proteins such as gluten meals or pea protein are not part of our diets. Those are better suited for...

What is a functional ingredient in pet food? Read below and learn more about what has been in Dr. Tim’s diets for years now. The functional ingredients in Dr. Tim’s Pet Foods include porcine plasma(anti inflammatory and immune system stimulant), beet pulp(moderately fermentable prebiotic and fiber source), chicory root(prebiotic) and probiotics that are applied after the heat of extrusion(healthy bacteria to help prevent disease). To learn more, please read this article http://petfoodindustry.com/Default.aspx?pageid=5306&id=46136&terms=limited+ingredient+kore

We have been looking for a website where actual ratings by users are posted and the best we can find is on Dog Food Chat. Below are the ratings for some of the popular brands. We were quite surprised that in most cases the marketing and cost just don’t translate into a happy consumer.   We put these up as a reference, so consumers have an idea of what other consumers think. We are not expressing an opinion on these formulas. These are ratings out of a possible 10. As of this morning the Dr. Tim’s line is rated 9.1/10.Acana...

The itchy animal-how to understand what is going on and how to try to fix it. This is an article by Dr. Tim that many may find interesting and helpful. Share it with others, please. The itchy dog or cat. By far the most common issue I’ve seen over the years as a veterinarian. Let’s take a look at the reasons behind the itching, and how we can best treat these animals. First, consider all of the reasons why your dog or cat could be itchy: Atopy (pollen allergy that is seasonal and makes them itch at their ears, face,...

Question Is your dog food good for a diabetic dog? I had him on w/d and he won’t eat it…therefore no insulin shot. I Need something good and healthy that he will eat, and doesn’t have to be a prescription dog food. Thanks. P.S.why doesn’t dog food mfgs. made diabetic dog food…there is a big market for that. Aleta Answer I am a firm believer that the lower the carbohydrates in food, the better for any diabetic, be it a dog or cat. I can make huge improvements with the regulation of a dog or cat when I get the carbs...

Question “How much Dr. Tim’s to feed 10 week old lab pup?” Andrea    Answer The best way to know how much to feed a pup is to touch them a lot. Make sure there is some cushion over the ribs but you can still feel them. Too ribby means more food. I would guess a 10 week old lab would be in the 3/4 to 1 cup twice a day range. If you are feeding too much the puppy may get soft stools, so you would adjust down somewhat until firm stools occur. Thanks and good luck with that...

Question I have a 2yo lab, field lines, who is highly active and difficult to keep weight on. However, when we had her on a high calorie high protein diet (Evo/Orijen) she had urinary problems and our vet recommended we not go much over 30% protein (if at all) and stick with a low ash product. Which of your formulas would you recommend? My second question is sort of rhetorical- I live in Ohio (Dayton) but am having trouble location your product line, which is ironic given it is made here 🙂 Do you have any plans to expand your market?...

Question "Where is your dog food made? We are concerned with the recent recall of dog food and the various brands that are all made at the same factory.FYI we buy our Dr Tims at Rudy’s feed and seed in Holmen WI. Rod is a great resource for pet owners looking for quality foods. He highly recommends your foods. We are very happy with it and the health of our labrador. Our jack russell likes it too and he is the pickiest eater on earth." Sandy Answer Our food is made at CJ Foods in Nebraska. Timothy A. Hunt, DVM

Question My family is going to have an 8 week old Golden Retriever puppy join our home in a couple of weeks. I am planning on transitioning her from the current food she is on (Purina puppy chow) to a higher quality dog food. Which food would you recommend switching her to and what process/timeline do you recommend? Steven Answer With a good quality food you can change by mixing 50/50 for 3 days and transition over. For a Golden, I would do Kinesis as the food for a puppy. Good luck and enjoy those baby teeth! Timothy A. Hunt, DVM