Q: I am curious as to what the ash content is in the spot stew (dry) for cats…my male cat has had 2 UTIS and issues with urince crystals in his bladder. My vet said it is from his diet….I said ‘WHAT?” “I feed him a cat food that is $20.00 a bag and all good stuff! It can’t be! He said I need to find out how much ash and magnesium is in the food because that’s what is causing them. If someone could get back to me I would appreciate it. Thank you…….Jeannie

A: Hi Jeannie, thanks for writing. Please read my article on Feline Urinary Problems. It was once thought that crystals and urinary problems were related to the ash content of the food, but all recent research has disproven this. All specialists in this field now agree that ash is minimally important and the very best thing we can do for cats with urinary problems is feed a pH neutral diet (which Halo is) and increase the amount of water they drink. The article gives ideas on how to increase water intake–but start with canned food only.

Hope this helps.
Dr. Donna Spector

Michelle, whose greyhound Obi has kidney issues, listens to Tracie Hotchner on Martha Stewart Living Radio. Michelle wrote Tracie for help, and now Obi is sure happy with Tracie’s recommendation of Halo!

See Tracie’s blog post on the topic here.

Thank you, Humane Society, for helping make our Freekibble Hi-5 charity promotion a success! We were honored to be on their homepage, and covered in their popular Kind News web site.

Click over to our News page for the full scoop of Freekibble.

Along with the excitement and merriment of the holidays come possible dangers for your pet. Learn what Plants and Holiday Decorations are the most hazardous, what holiday foods to avoid and what pet gifts are best not given! Armed with helpful and healthful information, you are sure to have the happiest of holiday seasons! Cheers!

Click here to read complete article.

“You know, you could do wonders for yourself by eating well,” began Gordi’s massage therapist. “You may not see the signs yet from eating the average commercial diet, but you will. Do you even know what’s in dog food?…

“It’s full of fillers and meal — seriously, dis-gus-ting. The fillers are bad and the meal is worse. What is meal, you may ask. Well, it’s discarded animal waste that’s been re-engineered to look like ‘good’ food. Humans won’t eat that, so why should we?” Her massage got deeper as she became more hysterical.

“Darling,” she barked, “reading labels should not be for Dolce & Gabana. Always read the can labels and avoid ‛chicken meal,’ by-products, and nasty fillers.”

She paused to breathe.

“I do,” I said with dignity. “In fact, I eat only organic snacks and Halo food.”

This 8-part series shares PetMD blogger Rick Tamargo’s fanciful account of his yellow Lab Gordi’s transition to Halo. While told from the dog’s perspective, the series is based on real-life Gordi’s actual transition to Halo Spot’s Stew (wet and dry mixed), treats, supplements and grooming products – all supervised by Dr. Donna Spector.

Click here to read this week’s full story.