ZiwiPeak's New Vet Darren Hawks DVM

Fri, Jan 28th, 2011 2:14:01 pm

ZiwiPeak would like to introduce Darren Hawks DVM our new ZiwiPeak Vet practicing in alternative nutrition, care and therapies.

www.veterinaryalternatives.us

I graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1988 . I then pursued an additional four years of post doctoral specialty training at both the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Tennessee, completing a residency in small animal internal medicine. I am a board certified specialist in internal medicine.

After practicing as a specialist in internal medicine, I began to realize that conventional medicine did not seem to be the right approach for many chronic disease problems. In addition, I began to explore the mind-body connection and the role of emotions in both disease and body issues. This exploration led to further training and certification in both animal chiropractic (AVCA) and in flower essence therapy for people (Flower Essence Society). I also pursued further education in Huna, Reiki (Reiki Master Teacher), Integrative Manual Therapy, homeopathy, herbs, and nutrition.

I am a believer in raw food diets. I myself eat a primarily raw food diet, and am amazed at the difference this has made in my own health and energy. Even if you are not motivated to explore raw food for your pets, I can assist you in good diet choices. Diet is the basis for all health, and not much progress can be made in disease states without providing the body its essential needs.

Although the majority of my formal training is for cats, dogs and humans, it is through my experiences with my own two Morgan horses that I have come to offer alternative therapies for the equines, too. I have studied chiropractic, myofascial release, IMT, barefoot trimming/hoof balance, metabolic issues, TMJ issues, digestive problems, etc, and successfully addressed these issues with natural therapies. Again, I do recommend a workup by your conventional veterinarian for any specific health problem or lameness prior to starting alternative therapies.

PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY

I offer a collection of alternative therapies including chiropractic, other manual therapies (myofascial release, Integrative Manual Therapy, Reiki), herbs, homeopathy, flower essences and nutrition.

My goal is to guide owners towards a total health program including diet, exercise, improved energy flow via body/energy work, removal of stress and toxins, as well as addressing emotions and stress. The central concept is to remove all impediments to the body's ability to heal itself. Simple concept, but not always easy to implement.

Diet and Kidney Failure in Cats

Wed, Apr 27th, 2011 9:49:01 am

Renal insufficiency, or kidney failure, is very common as our cats age. Early signs are subtle, seen only as increased drinking and urination. More advanced signs are weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting, and dull coat. Problems occur as the kidneys can no longer reabsorb water, leading to excessive urination and chronic dehydration. As problems progress, the kidneys cannot handle the breakdown products of excess protein, leading to the buildup of toxins in the blood (azotemia). This is reflected in an increased BUN and creatinine on blood work.

The goals of therapy for renal failure are to increase hydration, decrease the buildup of toxins in the blood, treat any possible underlying reversible disease (infection, hyperthyroidism), maintain good blood flow to the kidneys, and minimize any further damage.

Diet is a key component of the health program for a cat with kidney disease. But the goals may not be quite what you have been told. In my opinion, the most basic first step in mild to moderate cases is to increase water consumption. This means avoiding dry food (the reason here being that cats on dry food tend to be chronically dehydrated, but there is another important reason regarding protein sources which we will discuss in just a bit). Fresh or frozen unprocessed food, or as a second choice canned food, should be the diet of choice. Many cats with mild to moderate disease will improve with this step alone.

Secondly, the source of protein in the diet is crucial. Blood toxicity (uremia) from kidney failure occurs because toxins are created when excess protein is broken down. The amount of dietary proteins which is used to satisfy basic body protein needs does not create these toxins, but dietary protein in excess of these needs do. Different protein sources have different types of amino acids, and if the composition of amino acids in the food do not match the needs of the body, the unused ones must be broken down, thus creating toxins. So the goals are not only to provide just enough protein to meet needs, but also to provide the correct ratio of amino acids so that the unusable amino acids do create toxins. This means matching a cat's protein and amino acid needs with its food. Cats are pure carnivores, and their amino acid requirements are those found in MEAT. Not corn meal. Not soy. Not byproducts as the sole source of protein. MEAT. This may go against conventional wisdom, but it really does make sense.

So find a food that is based on meat, not carbohydrates. Interestingly, this means fresh or canned, since all kibbles will have a higher carbohydrate content. So you will solve two problems, high water content and high quality protein with one diet.

What about protein restriction?

There is some controversy regarding protein restriction for cats with kidney disease. First and foremost, there is no evidence that protein restriction prevents kidney disease in healthy cats. There is also no solid evidence that protein restriction prevents further damage to cats with existing kidney disease. What protein restriction might do is help decrease the amount of toxins (reduce azotemia or decrease BUN) so that your cat feels better. But there is still controversy there, too, despite what your veterinarian might tell you. In my opinion, there are no clinical studies showing conclusive benefit of protein restriction in cats with renal failure. I am not saying that there is no benefit, just no conclusive proof of benefit, meaning that we just do not know for sure. Even experts agree that the degree of protein restriction possible in cats is somewhat limited by their higher protein requirements. My advice to you would be to try a protein restricted diet only if your cat is not doing well and see if improvement is noticed. All veterinarians will agree that eating something, anything, is better than not eating (the body will digest its own muscles, which is the highest protein diet possible and obviously not good for the body), and some cats will not eat a protein restricted diet.

Let me put in a plug for my diet recommendations. I much prefer fresh food to processed food. This would usually be in the form of homemade diets (please, please be sure to follow a respected recipe!) or commercially prepared frozen diets. These can be fed raw (AFTER you have educated yourself on the feeding of raw foods) or lightly cooked.

Another option is ZiwiPeak, an air dried meat formula with minimal processing. In my opinion, this would be the next best to fresh food, better than canned or kibble. ZiwiPeak has the advantage of containing organ meat in proportions to that found in nature, along with omega 3 fatty acids of animal source. It is also convenient, with no worries associated with the handling of raw foods. Just be sure to thoroughly soak ZiwiPeak prior to feeding.

If canned food is your choice, then I would recommend the ZiwiPeak canned foods. As with the entire ZiwiPeak line, the canned food has free-range meats with no added hormones or antibiotics. The meat comes from a consistent, New Zealand known source. The ratio of meat to organs is that found in nature, mimicking what a pet would eat in nature. All of these are important factors when choosing your pet's food.

Advanced cases of kidney failure might require a lower protein diet, but a meat based diet is my preference for mild to moderate kidney problems in cats. You can be guided by your cat's appetite, weight and energy levels. Try the lower protein diets if your cat is having problems and see if you notice an improvement . I would like to mention here that the BUN of a pet on a meat-based diet can be higher than that of a pet on a grain-based diet- and still be normal and healthy.

Since the goal is to supply only the needed amount of protein, fat is often the other part of the equation to supply calories (rather than simple carbohydrates). Cats do metabolize fats better than people and dogs, so the higher fat content is usually not a problem. High quality fats, however, might be hard to find. Processed fats (exposed to the high heat and temperatures associated with canning) can cause free radical damage and inflammation. Thus we are back to fresh, frozen or air dried diets as the better choice.

Speaking of fats, one of the additional recommendations for cats, dogs, and people with renal insufficiency is to include omega 3 fatty acid supplements in the diet. Omega 3 fatty acids decrease inflammation and help maintain blood flow to the kidneys. Cats do require an animal source for some needs, so think about krill or fish oils.

Other alternative therapies include glandulars (supplements containing actual kidney tissue along with supportive nutrients; Standard Process products would be an good example), homeopathic remedies, and Chinese herbs.

Subcutaneous (SQ- under the skin) fluids can be an invaluable, life-prolonging therapy which can be provided at home (ask your veterinarian). Check for possibly treatable underlying conditions such as hyperthyroidism (blood test) or kidney infection (urine culture). Minimize vaccinations to only that which is truly needed, and space them out rather than giving them all at one time. Consider testing antibody titers instead of automatically giving vaccines. Excessive stimulation of the immune system with vaccines can result in antigen-antibody complex settling out into kidney tissue, causing inflammation and further compromise in kidney function.

Potassium supplementation is often a good idea in cats with kidney disease, as overall body depletion can occur even if blood levels of potassium are normal. You can talk with your veterinarian regarding available supplements.

Summary:

High moisture food- fresh (raw or lightly cooked), soaked ZiwiPeak or canned

Good quality protein- meat based, not kibble

Supplement potassium and omega 3 fatty acids of animal source (krill, fish oil)

Kidney glandular such Standard Process

Lower protein diet if your cat is doing poorly and continue with that diet only if improvement is seen

SQ fluids if recommended by your veterinarian

Avoid vaccines if possible

Consider homeopathy and Chinese herbs

Darren Hawks, DVM Veterinary Alternatives www.veterinaryalternatives.us

So What Is All This "Holistic" Stuff About?

Wed, Apr 27th, 2011 9:44:01 am

The word "holistic" has its origins in "whole". One of the distinguishing features of a holistic approach to health or medicine is looking at the "whole" patient Cat or Dog. The answer to many health problems often lies in very basic principles of old fashioned health education- appropriate diet, exercise, water, maintaining positive emotions/mental health, species-appropriate environment, and avoidance of toxins. Holistic medicine might at times include conventional medicine when appropriate (when the body is unable to cope with a particular health problem on its own).

"Alternative" therapies would be those methods of healing which are not embraced by conventional medicine, usually due to lack of evidence, or if the particular modality is based on concepts outside of conventional wisdom.

"Homeopathic" is a term reserved specifically for the use of specially diluted/energized forms of medicine. Homeopathic remedies are vibrational, rather than pharmaceutical, in nature. Homeopathy is just one specialized branch of holistic medicine.

The primary goal of holistic medicine is to remove enough obstacles to cure that the body can use its innate intelligence to heal itself. Holistic medicine attempts to address overall health with the idea that all the individual problems are linked in one picture. In most cases, an attempt is made to not suppress symptoms, as symptoms are considered only a signpost of an underlying problem, not the problem itself. Interestingly, suppressing symptoms is actually considered to damage health by driving the expression of disease deeper into the body, where more critical organs or systems become affected. The true underlying problem (often energetic, emotional, mental or environmental) is deeper than the presenting symptoms. This is in contrast to conventional medicine, which typically addresses individual symptoms, and treatment is aimed at relieving those symptoms.

It is amazing what the body of a Cat or Dog is capable of if not impeded. Alternative therapies often appear to work like "magic", but that just demonstrates the power of healing inherent in the body. The goal of holistic medicine is to remove as many obstacles to cure as possible in order to unleash this inherent power. Conventional medicine can fail to give vitality and true health, even as it pushes symptoms away (into hiding) because the medicines used can actually impede the body's attempts at deep healing.

Darren Hawks, DVM Veterinary Alternatives www.veterinaryalternatives.us

Allergies in our Cats and Dogs

Tue, Feb 22nd, 2011 11:26:01 am

Summary

* Allergies occur when an over-reactive immune system attacks substances that would normally be tolerated

* Conventional therapy using steroids and antihistamines works quickly and provides relief but does not address the root cause of the over-reactive immune system

* Alternative therapies for allergies address the balance of the immune system and overall health so that the allergy no longer exists. The patient is healthier after treatment

* A species-appropriate diet free from chemicals, preservatives, and over-processing is the primary treatment for allergies and most other health problems

* Probiotics, omega 3 fatty acids, digestive enzymes, herbs, homeopathy and many other therapies can be a part of the treatment plan for allergies

Many of our pets suffer from allergies- itchy skin, chewing paws, rubbing the face, recurrent ear infections, frequent skin infections, hot spots, vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, gas and bloating, among many other things. What goes wrong with the immune system, and what can we do about it?

There are a few types of common allergies: Atopy (inhaled allergies associated with pollen, mold, dust, and other air-borne particles), food allergies (can cause skin and/or gastrointestinal signs), contact allergies (grass, laundry detergent, cedar bedding; usually a smaller area of the pet), flea allergies, and asthma to name a few.

The immune system normally protects us from "foreign invaders" such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. But sometimes a substance, or antigen, which would normally be tolerated (seen as normal by the immune system) is attacked. Pollen, mold and dust are "normal", but an allergic patient's immune system might now see them as an invader. Inflammation (of the skin, stomach, intestines, joints, etc.) is created to evict the "invader".

What causes the immune system to start attacking things it really should tolerate as normal? Here are some potential causes:

1. Missing nutrients such as trace minerals and omega 3 fatty acids. The body simply does not have the basic equipment with which to quiet daily inflammation.

2. Having to deal with too many toxins, such as those created by the processing of food (AGEs, rancid fats-see discussion under alternative therapies), food additives, preservatives, chemicals in the water and air, etc. Even overfeeding, a VERY common practice for pet owners, can contribute to the overwhelm of a system. The liver is particularly sensitive to the end result of the body processing too much "bad" stuff.

3. Leaky gut syndrome. The cells of the intestines are normally knit closely together. Irritation of the intestines through poor diet, loss of good bacteria, drugs, etc., can result in increased space between the cells, allowing particles of things that would normally never see the interior of the body into the blood stream. This sets off inflammation in both the intestines and throughout the body. Leaky gut syndrome is likely associated with inflammatory diseases throughout the body. This is one major reason why probiotics (good bacteria), colostrum, and a good diet can help so much with allergies and inflammation.

4. Stress- can come in many forms. You might not think much about stress in your pet, but there are many potential sources of stress in your pet's life. Not having basic, instinctual needs met can cause all sorts of problems. Lack of exercise, not enough play or positive interaction with owners, lack of mental stimulation, and no outlet for normal behaviors such as scratching (cats), chewing, or digging can definitely have negative effects. Other possible sources of stress might include previous emotional trauma, loss of a close human or pet, anxiety, and difficult interactions with other pets.

Even the energy in a home, or that of the people in the home, can cause stress for a pet. Anger, arguing, fear, anxiety, problems with finances or relationships, or just the scattered, frenetic or chaotic energies of a family can be the root of problems at times. Even too much neurotic focus on the perceived health problems of a pet can result in unintentional consequences. Sometimes the energy of the entire household must be managed in order to improve a pet's health.

5. For those of you with a more esoteric leaning, allergies can also be caused by trauma or emotions experienced at the time of exposure to an "allergen". It is the holding of these negative energies that got "stuck" to an "allergen" that is being attacked by the immune system. Also, "holes" in your energetic field can make you more vulnerable to outside influences. This is where some of the energetic modalities such as flower essences and NAET can be beneficial.

Conventional Treatment

The goal of most conventional treatments is to get rid of the symptoms- itchy skin, infections, vomiting, etc. With this approach, the root cause (what made the immune system over reactive?) is not addressed, although the patient will likely experience great relief.

Common treatments include:

1) Antihistamines- keep mast cells from releasing histamine, which reduces redness, itching, swelling, etc

2) Immunosuppression- steroids (prednisone, dexamethasone, cortisone) and cyclosporine (Atopica) SUPPRESS the immune system so that it cannot react

3) Allergy shots- the patient is given very small doses of whatever they are allergic to. The doses are very gradually increased over time, and the patient develops tolerance to the allergens

There are some consequences to a conventional approach:

1. Side effects of drugs themselves. Prednisone especially can cause increased thirst, urination, and hunger as well as pot belly (weak abdominal muscles and liver enlargement), ligaments prone to tear (anterior cruciate ligament tears), lethargy, anxiety, panting, weight gain, and with long-term use, liver problems

2. Suppressed immune system (which is how prednisone and cyclosporin work) can result in skin, bladder and upper respiratory infections

3. Suppression of disease. This is probably a new concept for many of you. If instead of treating the root cause of any particular symptom (by healing the body so that the symptom resolves by itself), you "suppress" the symptom by just removing the outside manifestation (for example, itching), that disease process is driven deeper into the body. So instead of having external skin problems, you might treat with prednisone and then have the underlying "illness" show up in a more critical, deeper body system such as the lungs (asthma) or nervous system (seizures). A conventional doctor might think the diseases unrelated, but the suppression of one problem might have led to the expression of a more serious one over time.

Other things that might be helpful in controlling allergies might include:

Preventing exposure to a known allergen. This requires allergy testing or detective work

Wiping paws after walking outdoors or on grass (use something without chemicals or fragrance!)

Using an air purifier to remove molds, pollens, smoke, etc

Feeding a hypoallergenic/ limited antigen diet for food allergy- this is a different concept than that of using a good diet for overall allergies. A hypoallergenic diet simply avoids the problem rather than corrects the immune system's reaction. Hypoallergenic diets are also specifically for food allergies, not other forms of allergies. But hypoallergenic diets are a critical part of the overall therapy of food allergies. Just be sure to check the ingredient list for undesirable ingredients. Toxins associated with processed foods can still be an issue with many processed hypoallergenic diets, in which case a fresher form of hypoallergenic diet might be a better option.

Check kitty litter for dust or possible allergens

Frequent bathing with a soap-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soap. This can remove allergens from the skin and minimize exposure

Hypoallergenic laundry detergent- Cats and dogs are allergic to fragrance

Minimize house dust- vacuum with a HEPA filter, use a HEPA filter for heating/AC

Wool, feathers, mold, cedar beds- remove if suspected as cause of allergy.

Alternative Therapies for allergies:

1. Nutrition, nutrition, nutrition- the first and foremost foundational element in the treatment of most body imbalances! The goal is to supply all needed nutrients in OPTIMAL levels, not just enough to prevent deficiency diseases. You will want to avoid processed foods and treats (watch those treats and read your labels!). The high temperature and pressure used for kibbles and canned foods convert healthy fatty acids into inflammatory trans fatty acids, as well as create free radicals and Advanced Glycation End-products (AGE‘s), all of which contribute to degenerative diseases throughout the body. Ideally, one would try to mimic what your pet evolved to eat- dogs mostly meat, with very little grain/vegetable; cats with extremely limited vegetable (grass) and grain (only what would be in prey stomach); organs, tripe (intestines), and bone. Today's convenient but processed foods have way too much grain/carbohydrate, which is used primarily to keep costs down and to be able to create a kibble (for your convenience, not your pet‘s health!).

The optimum diet for not only most health problems, but also for just basic health, is a balanced, unprocessed raw food. Enzymes, antioxidants, proteins and fat are not denatured by the high heat and pressure of processing. This allows the body to spend only the energy needed for digestion, allows easy extraction of nutrients, and avoids over-taxation of the liver and other organs to excrete all the inflammatory/toxic products either purposely added (preservatives, flavors, GMOs) or unintentionally created by processing. Some conditions in Traditional Chinese Medicine might benefit from light cooking of the diet, but the temperatures used for home cooking are much lower, and much less damaging, than typical commercial processing.

The next best food is an air-dried raw diet such as ZiwiPeak (currently the only such diet available!). The lower temperatures and absence of pressure during the preparation creates less damage to the ingredients. One major advantage is that it is very convenient, especially for those with hectic schedules or an aversion to raw meats. Ziwi Peak also has the advantage of using free-range, antibiotic- & hormone-free meats of a consistent and known source, along with organ meat, tripe and bone in the proportions found in a whole prey body- just what they would eat in the wild. Results with ZiwiPeak for allergies are still phenomenal!

The dehydrated meat diets are the next category. The high meat content, absence of grains, and probable lack of chemicals (always check the ingredient list) make them a good choice.

Grain free kibbles with high percentage of meat are definitely lower on the list, but much better than the average kibble. Still, any kibble has more carbohydrate (even if it is potato or pea) than a cat or dog would eat in the wild. Again, this is done for your convenience, not your animal‘s health! Avoid any kibble with grain as the first ingredient at all costs, even if your pet has not health problems (unless your veterinarian specifically prescribes such a diet for a severe health problem; even then I would check for options)!

2. Avoid garbage in- don't tax the already stressed system. The body needs to heal the damage, not spend energy getting rid of new stuff every day. Avoid foods with preservatives, artificial ingredients, grains, propylene glycol, BHA, BHT (please note that any fat source on the ingredient list that does not specifically say "naturally preserved" can still contain BHA/BHT if the preservatives were added prior to coming to the pet food manufacturer!) or other chemicals. Use purified water. Avoid plastic food and water bowls, and minimize exposure to EMF. Avoid stress- use exercise, pheromones (DAP, Feliway), and environmental enrichment to address the individual emotional and social needs of a cat or dog.

3. Probiotics, digestive enzymes, and colostrum - Probiotics are becoming the new big thing for health. They actually help modulate the immune system and have shown benefits for asthma, gastrointestinal disease, and more. Most of the cells of the immune system are in the gastrointestinal tract. Keeping them happy helps reduce inflammation throughout the body and helps regulate the immune system. Digestive enzymes can keep partially undigested food from reaching the lower intestinal tract and causing a reaction. Colostrum can help with leaky gut syndrome. All of this can help with allergies.

4. Detoxification- sometimes feeding a raw diet allows the body to gently detoxify on its own. Sometimes skin problems can actually worsen for a time in the beginning as the body rids itself of toxins it was incapable of processing when on overload from a toxin-filled processed diet. Sometimes additional detoxification is warranted. Fasting can be an excellent jump start for an allergy program, for both pets and humans. Talk with a health care provider familiar with fasting first. Herbs and nutrients can be used for a colon and/or liver detoxification; again talk with your doctor first for guidance.

5. Omega 3 fatty acids are an important supplement for allergies. These fatty acids actually decrease inflammation in the body. Fish oils are the most common source, but one does have to be aware of quality issues with oxidation (both during manufacturing and storage), mercury, and arsenic. Krill oil can avoid some of these problems. Cats supposedly require an animal source, but I have seen improvements in both cats and dogs with Missing Link, a flax-based supplement.

6. Temporary relief- sometimes you need something to help while waiting for deeper treatments to work. Cool water bathing (with just water) can take down the itch and make a pet less miserable. S ome herbs, such as nettles, can be used in a conventional, suppressive way to minimize itching and histamine release. Topical application of diluted essential oils (please check with a veterinarian first, as some oils are toxic, especially for cats), herbal teas, Noni/lavender gel, or calendula gel can be helpful. Exercise can also help decrease itching, theoretically by helping move stagnation in the liver. If absolutely needed, use conventional medications such as antihistamines or prednisone in low doses; just be sure to let your holistic veterinarian know.

Allergies can be a frustrating problem, and alternative therapy might take several months rather than just the few days required for conventional treatments. Conventional therapy works quickly because it simply removes the symptoms. But remember, the goal of alternative therapy is to re-establish health and remove the root cause of the unbalanced immune system. That way, you have a healthier pet!

Darren Hawks, DVM Veterinary Alternatives www.veterinaryalternatives.us

Darren Hawks DVM talks on Raw Diets

Mon, Feb 21st, 2011 9:06:01 am

Raw food is my first choice in diet, for myself and my pets. Why? Most fundamentally, because I feel 100% better myself, and because it is only natural for my pets.

A balanced raw food diet gives you or your pet more energy, helps prevent degenerative diseases and aging, balances body weight, improves skin, improves signs of allergies, improves clear thinking, and decreases digestive disturbances. How does a raw diet accomplish all this? Read on and learn!

The alternative to raw food is standard processed foods such as kibble and canned food (or boxed, canned, or otherwise prepared for yourself). What you might not know is that the high heat and pressure used in the making of kibble and canned foods denatures (changes the shape, and hence the body's ability to use) delicate nutrients. This includes enzymes, antioxidants and micronutrients, all of which are essential for optimal health and vitality.

Your pet's body (or your own body) must work harder to digest processed food (because processing has inactivated the needed digestive enzymes that would be present in raw food) and gets less out of it (because many nutrients have been destroyed). The body then sends signals to keep eating because it has not yet gotten enough nutrients, leading to overeating and weight gain (can you relate?). On my own mostly raw diet, I now eat so much less with no cravings, because I am getting more out of less food.

The result is weight loss without trying, because my body is not telling me I need more "X". The same is true for your pet. Your pet will eat less, poop less, and will either lose or gain weight as needed.

I would challenge each and every one of you to try a three day trial of eating raw foods yourself. You will immediately notice a difference so marked that you will be sold on the possible benefits for your pet, and maybe even yourself!

Feeding a raw diet does come with some responsibilities. A balanced diet is a must. A pet owner must either purchase a prepared raw diet that has been balanced, or do diligent homework to design a balanced home made diet. Also, the handling of raw meat must be done with conscious care- do not let thawed meat stay in the refrigerator for more than 3 days; do not let meat stay out in food dishes for more than 30 minutes; wash dishes immediately after eating; take typical care with surfaces that come in contact with raw meat. Raw diets might not be optimal for pets with severely suppressed immune systems, such as those on chemotherapy.

If you feel that you are not quite up for a completely fresh, raw diet, ZiwiPeak offers an exceptional alternative. ZiwiPeak is air dried at temperatures that do not destroy delicate nutrients, but at the end of processing is exposed to a quick burst of higher temperature to kill bacteria. The minimal exposure to heat preserves more nutrients than dehydration or other processes. It is safe for those with a suppressed immune system.

ZiwiPeak is also extremely convenient: No defrosting, easy to store, and simple to feed. Pets love it, so there are usually fewer transition problems. ZiwiPeak has many of the same health benefits as fresh, raw food. It can help with allergies, skin problems, energy, and weight issues. The diet is complete, 95% digestible, with the percentage of meat, organs, tripe, bone and greens to mimic that of fresh prey.

The next best thing to fresh raw!

Darren Hawks, DVM Veterinary Alternatives www.veterinaryalternatives.us