Good Eats for Canines – The Dish on Dog Food
By Hana Haatainen Caye
As intelligent human beings, we usually know when we’ve eaten too much of the wrong thing. And when our doctor tells us the long term consequences of our binges, we can make an informed decision to eat more nutritious meals and less of the bad stuff. Our pets don’t have that luxury. After all, Rex can’t read labels or shop at Whole Foods. That means he’s counting on you to fill his bowl with meals that’ll keep him healthy, happy and functioning at the highest level possible.
Fido is What Fido Eats
Like humans, dogs need vitamins and minerals, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and water in amounts that vary according to their weight. Plain and simple, most commercial dog foods, particularly low-cost economy brands, do not meet all the nutritional needs of all dogs. It is the over-consumption of these low-quality foods that leads to malnourishment and a laundry list of associated problems. Chronic infections, diseases of the digestive tract, arthritis, diarrhea, vomiting, bad smelling feces, loss of fur, allergies, circulatory problems, low energy levels, periodontal disease, stress and anxiety are among the many ailments associated with a poor diet. However, because most of these issues have several other causes, malnourishment can be tricky to diagnose. One should always consult with a vet to rule out any other possible causes before making any dietary changes.
It’s also important to note that, while emaciation is a strong indicator that a dog is malnourished, being overweight doesn’t rule it out. A portly pooch is just as likely to be suffering from poor nutrition and is doubly at risk for degenerative joint disease, diabetes, orthopedic problems and respiratory troubles. In order to avoid such life (and quality of life) threatening conditions, it’s absolutely vital to ensure your pet is eating the right kinds of food.
The Price of Premium
Unless you’re making well-researched meals from scratch, the best and simplest way to get your dog the nutrition he needs is to switch to premium dog food. Premium and super premium dog foods are specifically designed to provide a balanced meal with mostly organic, all-natural ingredients and no harmful fillers. Yes, premium is generally more expensive than economy brands initially, but it pays for itself in two very important ways.
First, the more nutritious the food, the less your dog needs to consume. According to a study done by Nan Weitzman and Ross Becker on the website www.petcaretips.net, the suggested feeding for a 40 lb. dog is 6 cups per day of economy brand food, compared to 3 ¼ cups per day of premium food and 1 ¾ cups per day of super premium food. That means you’ll have to buy over twice as much economy brand food in order to satisfy your dog’s nutritional needs. Secondly, your dog’s health will thrive when it is not being compromised by poor nutrition, which means fewer costly visits to the vet.
Nutrition 101
Not sold on premium? Healthy alternatives are out there; finding them just takes some nutritional know-how. Start by familiarizing yourself with your dog’s specific nutritional requirements by consulting with your vet. Resources like Better Food for Dogs: A Complete Cookbook and Nutrition Guide, by David Bastin, Jennifer Aston and Dr. Grant Nixon, D.V.M., which contains a comprehensive chart that can help you determine your pet’s exact nutritional needs, can also be invaluable.
Once you know what your dog needs, choosing wisely is a matter of reading labels carefully with an eye for quality ingredients. The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Office) has made this job easier for you by insisting that all dog food ingredients be listed by their common name and in order of weight. They also require that the guarantee analysis, feeding directions and calorie statements be included on every label.
Where’s the Beef, Barley & B12?
While there is a movement toward feeding dogs a vegan diet, this is generally not advisable. There are no complete proteins in plants, nor is there any vitamin B12. Plus, dogs need foods that are easily digestible and plants do not meet this criteria. A balanced dog food should have a specific meat listed as the first ingredient, followed by whole grains such as brown rice, barley or rolled oats. These are excellent sources of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and protein. You’ll also want to look for niacin, preformed vitamin D and the amino acid Arginine.
Just Say No
As important as your dog’s needs are, it is equally important to pay attention to what your pup does not need. Fillers like beet pulp, for example, are believed to cause gastric torsion (potentially fatal bloating) in Bloodhounds and similar heavy-chested breeds. Other ingredients to avoid include:
- Synthetic Preservatives: Usually found in low-cost, low-quality foods, artificial preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), propyl gallate, and ethoxyquin have been linked to cancer in animals. Look for natural preservatives such as Tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), citric acid and rosemary extract.
- Meat Meal and/or Bone Meal: According to Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph. D. and Elizabeth Renaghan in the book Earl Mindell’s Nutrition and Health for Dogs, if the meat on the label is not specified as lamb, beef, chicken, etc. and is not marked human-grade or USDA, there is a possibility it came from diseased, drugged and decaying animals.
- Fish Meal: According to the U.S. Coast Guard regulations, all fish meal not destined for human consumption must be conserved with ethoxyquin, a substance that can be poisonous to animals.
- By-Products: Ingredients like hulls, crushed peanut shells, crushed corn cobs and mill run are unnecessary fillers. They offer no nutritional value and are difficult for animals to digest.
- Cellulose: Another filler with no nutritional value, cellulose is the pulp from fibrous plant materials, usually wood.
As you read labels, make sure you also check the expiration or processed-on date. Dog foods with no synthetic preservatives typically have a shelf life of no longer than six months. A complete list of ingredients to avoid can be found at www.dogfoodproject.com, along with a detailed explanation on what to watch out for on food labels.
Feeding Time
Regardless of the food source, be sure to abide by the feeding directions on the labels. A pooch that is overeating premium food is going to end up with many of the same weight-related issues as his overweight, economy brand-eating cousin. Dividing food up into 2-3 small meals per day, depending on your dog’s weight requirements, is advisable. A handy online calorie counter to help you determine how many cups of food your dog should be eating daily can be found at www.the-puppy-dog-place.com.
The way to a dog’s health is through his stomach. It may take some adjustments to get your dog on the road to good health through nutrition, but the long term effects are plentiful. Choose wisely. It will be worth every extra tail wag!
The Top 10 Premium Dog Foods
According to www.the-puppy-dog-place.com
- Innova Evo: Made with high quality meats and has the highest protein content of any meat-based dry food.
- Orijen: This ‘biologically-appropriate’ food is composed of 70% meat and 30% fruits and vegetables.
- Canidae: All natural and holistic, only human-grade ingredients are used in Canidae’s line of grained and grain-free formulas.
- Solid Gold: Eight ranges of dog foods are packed in special ‘foil barrier’ bags, eliminating the need for preservatives or flavor enhancers.
- Blue Buffalo: Gluten-free recipes developed by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists. Size and age-specific formulas are available.
- Natural Balance: Dick Van Patten’s brand made it on the list with organic, hypoallergenic and reduced calorie varieties.
- Nature’s Variety: Another holistic brand that is 100% free of corn, wheat, soy, chemicals and artificial colors and preservatives.
- Timberwolf Organics: Contains high levels of animal-based protein, multiple grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds and herbs.
- Wellness: Offers a wide range of holistic offerings, including the Simple Food Solutions line which is perfect for pups suffering from food allergies or sensitivities.
- California Natural: Another good choice for dogs with allergies, this brand offers high quality, nutrient-rich, chemical-free formulas that are age and size-specific.
Out n About April
Out n About April
Doug Bradford
By Callie Thomas
“No man is an island, entire of itself…any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” – John Donne
In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt formed the United Service Organization, more commonly known as the USO, which unified several support organizations that had mobilized to assist the growing U.S. military that was heading into World War II. The objective was to provide the emotional sustenance and recreational opportunities needed by our troops.
The USO has evolved since the days of Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny and scores of others who have entertained our service men and women. And while it remains steadfast to its original mission, developing new programs that meet the ever-changing needs of the troops and their families is also very important. Today, the USO continues to lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families and serves as America’s support link.
Resident Doug Bradford knows what it’s like to be in the military, having served in the Navy himself. In fact, it seems to be a family tradition; his father, two brothers and father-in-law are all Navy, and Bradford’s eldest son recently graduated as a Navy Seal. So it is easy to understand the passion and dedication Bradford has in his current position as the Center Director for the new USO Las Vegas Center at McCarran Airport.
Bradford was not only the right choice for his role with the USO Las Vegas because of his personal experiences in the military, but also because of his natural talents as a communicator. The 25-year resident was a general assignment reporter for KLAS-TV8 and his reporting beat was cops and courts. After about three years he was hired as Public Information Officer for the City of Las Vegas where he was responsible for all media relations for the Mayor and City Council. Doug has also worked as Director of Public Communication for Clark County and as a Government Affairs Consultant for both Nevada Power and Science Applications International, specifically on the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Project. “I believe in the power of information and making a difference in the community,” says Bradford. “Every job I’ve had in Las Vegas has revolved around informing people about the community in which they live.”
His enthusiasm is evident when describing the USO Las Vegas Center at McCarran Airport, which opened on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2010. “In just 82 days the center was operating and providing a variety of services for our men and women in the military,” he said. The 2,830 square foot USO Lounge includes desktop and laptop computers, video gaming systems, 12 lounge chairs in the movie theater/sports lounge as well as cell phone use and a fully stocked snack bar. “Everything in the center is provided for the troops free of charge. The mission of the USO Las Vegas is to provide our service men and women with a bit of home and to say thank you for their sacrifices as they fight for the freedoms we enjoy.”
The USO is a private, nonprofit organization which relies on the generosity of its donors. They provide services at airports and military bases around the world and even send celebrity entertainers, snacks, sports equipment and the like to the forward-deployed troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Aside from the entertainment function, the USO also helps wounded warriors, as well as the families of fallen soldiers. “I have an affinity for helping my brothers-in-arms by doing what I can,” Bradford said. “I am honored to serve our Armed Forces and their families.”
Doug has also been involved with many local charities including Spread the Word Nevada Kids to Kids, a literacy organization, and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, where he served as Chairman of the Board. And then there’s Operation Godspeed, a group which raised over $1.2 million to build a non-denominational chapel at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. He is as proud to help others as he is in sharing his experiences with his family, which includes wife Lauren and sons Mark and Chase. “I have worked with and met some outstanding people who share the same joy I get when working with charities. I encourage everyone to find a way to help their fellow Las Vegans. Giving back to your community is the least you can do.” For information on donating to the center, email Doug at DBradford@uso.org.
Michael Herrera
By Callie Thomas
“You just gotta ignite the light…and let it shine
just own the night…like the Fourth of July” – Katy Perry
It only takes a spark to ignite a fiery sense of community among neighbors. As it happened, resident Michael Herrera was just what the neighborhood needed in 2003 when he became a homeowner in Coventry Homes at Anthem. The firefighter/paramedic is driven by his passion to help and serve the community, and his efforts have fostered friendships and a sense of giving among his neighbors. “I’ve always enjoyed serving the community by responding to medical emergencies, house fires, traffic collisions, flood emergencies and helping others in their time of need,” says Herrera. “The progression to start a community organization in our own neighborhood felt natural to me.”
Not one for “sitting on his hands” and “letting opportunities pass,” Michael started what has become the Coventry Neighborhood Watch Program in February of 2009 in association and cooperation with the police department of Henderson. Largely through the magic of Facebook, something Michael is a master at utilizing, the program has effectively created a community that socializes and supports one another in various ways, from watching out for vandalism to exercising in the park.
The Coventry Neighborhood Watch Program has grown to include sub clubs, a few neighborhood groups that get involved in benevolent programs. The Coventry Mom’s Club has supported Help of Southern Nevada by adopting needy families for Christmas this past year. They raised over $1,000 to provide gifts for the families. The Coventry Fitness Club Members are participating in a 5K fundraiser to support the March of Dimes and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Neighborhood Watch members also donated 115 toys to the Southern Nevada Firefighters Burn Fund. The group is active in helping families within the Coventry community, too. “When it was revealed that a few of our neighborhood kids have Type I Diabetes, the Coventry Homes at Anthem community members supported the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation by attending events that help to raise funds for the organization,” said Herrera. All of the clubs help to create a desirable and safe community. Residents choose to participate under their own volition with varying levels of effort. All participation is voluntary.
Herrera feels that the quality of the community depends on the energy of its residents. By creating a culture within the neighborhood that encourages residents to become engaged, along with an inviting atmosphere where families rely on one another, community members will help to stave off crime and suspicious activity. “We also continue to host various events that encourage interaction like our Spring Fling Picnic, various outdoor picture shows in Harmony Park, a July 4th block party, Halloween Safe Street and even a visit from Santa Claus,” he said. All of the neighborhood events are free and funded by the residents.
Michael Herrera is proud of dispelling the statistics from a recent UNLV study which found that only 33% of respondents felt a strong sense of belonging in their neighborhood. The Coventry Neighborhood Watch program and resident gatherings have greatly challenged those statistics. He feels a sense of pride in raising his own family in the area, which includes wife Amity, two and a half year old son Jaxson, and their soon to arrive new baby. “We’re not alone in our homes, neighborhoods and communities that our children will live in someday. We are all responsible for creating the kind of neighborhood you want to live in, thrive in and raise your family.”
Susan Pucciarelli
By Callie Thomas
“Ours is a circle of friendships united by ideals.”
– Juliette Gordon Low, Founder of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America
You may remember the first time you or your daughter wore that first Girl Scout uniform (years ago it was green or brown with matching knee socks, no less) and the sense of pride and accomplishment you received as you earned the badges for helping others in the community. The camaraderie that develops among the girls and their troops continues to set the stage for building character and skills for success in the real world. Resident Susan Pucciarelli is a mom that can relate, having had two girls that joined the Girl Scouts in first and second grade. Moreover, she’s been involved with the organization, in addition to other charitable organizations that assist youth in our community, for the past 14 years in a variety of capacities.
Susan has worked hard to build her career in the banking industry and is currently with City National Bank in the lending area. “During my banking career, I have helped clients enhance and expand their businesses, purchase their own office buildings and develop new retail centers and office complexes,” Pucciarelli said. Her initial desire to become involved with helping the youth in Southern Nevada is a direct result of her work in the banking industry. “Many companies, including local banks, participated with community organizations to help the youth in Clark County. I have participated in several programs focused on encouraging and helping children throughout my career.”
Susan has been involved in programs with Child Haven, the PayBac program, which encourages middle school students to stay in school and graduate, as well as Junior Achievement. The latter is a program geared toward teaching business, economics and life skills to students in grades K-12. It was when her two girls joined the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada that she found a need for parental involvement as leaders and within the structure of the council. “I knew the organization would benefit them,” Susan said. “I believe strongly in the program offered to young girls and in the mission of the world-wide organization, which is to build courage, confidence and character in girls to make the world a better place.” The Southern Nevada chapter is currently 10,000 girls and adult members strong. Membership is open to all girls 5-17 years of age. Today there are 3.2 million Girl Scout members throughout the United States and more than 92 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas.
Pucciarelli began her support on the Finance Committee and later on the Executive Committee when there was a need to relocate and build a new, modern structure which would accommodate the growth of Girl Scouting in the area for the next 50 years. “I was Treasurer for the organization for two terms, during which time the construction of the facility began and was completed.”
Susan’s outreach efforts are also felt at her church, St. Thomas More, through the Youth and Life Teen programs. She is also involved in the Peacemakers ministry which makes scripture quilts for those that are homebound and for the bereavement group. “I have sewn since I was in middle school and enjoy making quilts. When people are suffering from illness or from the loss of a loved one, they find great comfort in the quilts.”
Susan Pucciarelli is proud to give back in appreciation of the many people and mentors that have given her the skills and the time that have enabled her to grow and be successful in Las Vegas. “The community has allowed me and my husband Paul to raise our two girls, keep them safe and afford me the opportunity to enjoy my family. Giving back is the right thing to do that will make a positive difference in someone else’s life.”
Barton H. Foutz, D.D.S.
By Callie Thomas
Dentistry in America dates back to 1760, when John Baker traveled from England and became the first practicing dentist. One of America’s most famous heroes trained under Baker and became the country’s first forensic dentist. Paul Revere, who is most fondly remembered for his midnight ride and alert about the British troops, was the first dentist to assist Crime Scene Investigators (yes, they had CSIs even then). Over the years, dentists and dentistry has made a difference in the health and well-being of a nation and inspired dentists in this country to reach out to other lands to lend a hand. Resident Barton H. Foutz, D.D.S. is one such dentist, who has provided his expertise to assist teens and young adults in El Salvador and Honduras.
Dentistry runs in the Foutz family. Barton is a fourth generation dentist. His great grandfather practiced in Utah around the turn of the century. His grandfather practiced in Las Vegas from 1942 to 1968 and his father had a practice here for 35 years. So it is easy to see that Barton would have an interest in carrying on the family tradition. For 25 years, Dr. Foutz has continued his proud legacy by providing Nevada families with the finest dental care that commitment and technology can provide, from preventative to cosmetic to restorative. “I love staying up with current dental treatment modalities,” says Dr. Foutz.
Barton is husband of twenty five years to wife JoAnne and father of five children. It was his eldest daughter’s LDS mission to El Salvador that first inspired this Las Vegas dentist to use his skills to help other children. “I’ve learned that we in the United States are very privileged. My oldest daughter described the living conditions she had encountered there. Soon after her return, we went as a family, and I had the opportunity to join a group from Smiles for Central America.”
Teams of dental and medical professionals and volunteers travel to Central America to participate in Smiles for Central America. Their focus is to provide dental and medical services for young men and women in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. The group provides hope, love and support, as well as a variety of community service projects for orphanages, children’s cancer hospitals, maternity hospitals, dental schools and families in need. “I helped to treat over 570 teens and young adults. It was an absolutely amazing experience. It was a great feeling to know that we could use our skills to help many who had never been to a dentist before.”
Foutz’s dedication for helping others continues, and he has also traveled to Honduras to help in a similar fashion. “After El Salvador last year, I went to San Pedro Sula in Honduras. My family couldn’t come that time but it was still an amazing experience to join with nearly a hundred other people, all with the same objective. You have an amazing sense of connectedness that would be hard to get in any other way. We treated over 400 young people there.”
Dr. Foutz has also been volunteering his time right here in our community for many years in a variety of positions for the Boy Scouts of America. “This has been going on for the last twenty years,” says Foutz. “I have served as a crew leader, a varsity coach, assistant district commissioner and a chartered organization representative. I believe the Boy Scouts of America teaches young men and women to serve others and live a moral, valued life. These youths are our future. We need to invest in helping them succeed in every way possible.”
Dentist, father and family man, Barton Foutz leads by example, giving his time and energy to both his family and patients, while maintaining a lifelong endeavor to help and serve others in our community and abroad.
Carole Slotemaker Ryland
Carole Slotemaker Ryland was, among many things, a beloved teacher at Bob Miller Middle School until her passing in May of 2010. One of our community’s unsung heroes, it is for her efforts to bring education, love and compassion to the community that we now share her story.
After receiving her undergraduate degree in Art, Carole completed her Master’s in Education and began teaching with the Clark County School District in 1982. Throughout her career, she shared her passion for the classics with students at Woodbury Jr. High School, Greenspun Jr. High School, The Meadows School and Miller Middle School. But her passion spread far beyond the classroom and into the community with her volunteer work with the Children’s Services Guild and her devotion to aspiring writers with the Southern Nevada Young Writers Project.
Carole will be remembered for her kind and generous spirit, and her untiring efforts as a teacher to bring out the best in each of her students. In memoriam of all that Carole contributed to the community, a scholarship fund has been set up in her name. More information about the Carole Slotemaker Ryland Memorial Scholarship can be found at www.thepef.org/scholarships.xml.
Robert “Bobby” Ellis
Not long ago, in the quiet aisles of Green Valley Library, teen services librarian Jessica Sullenberger and a handful of teens had a wish: to create a Teen Lounge inside the library. All they needed was the cash, so they entered the Pepsi Refresh Challenge for a chance to win a $25,000 grant. While the library ranked 158th out of 1096 in the challenge, an amazing feat in itself, they fell short of winning the grant.
Upon hearing this news, local philanthropist and business-owner Robert “Bobby” Ellis came in with a rather unexpected assist, donating $25,000 of his own money to the cause. “This is the future generation that will run this country, and if they have a place to go, it’s great for them,” said Ellis, president and CEO of Snap Towing.
Through his generosity, Ellis all but guaranteed they’d have that place, along with great things to go inside. When finished, the Teen Lounge will double the space available for teen studying and socializing, and be filled with furniture, computer equipment, art, electronics, a video game library and a high-interest, non-fiction book collection. That’s a fairy-tale ending we can sink our teeth into. For information on the Teen Lounge, visit www.mypubliclibrary.com or call 492-6581.
Spread the Word Nevada
February 25th was a great day to celebrate for local elementary school students and Spread the Word Nevada. Not only did the day mark Spread the Word Nevada’s adoption of Lincoln Elementary School, it was also a 10-year milestone for the nonprofit organization.
Dedicated to advancing early childhood literacy, Spread the Word places books into the hands and homes of children within Southern Nevada”s low income communities through various programs. Through school adoptions, Spread the Word provides students at adopted schools with monthly book distributions and family literacy services they might not otherwise have access to. “It is an on-going struggle for schools to help low income communities support the academics of their students at home,” stated Lincoln Elementary School principal Keith France.
Lincoln is the 23rd school adopted by Spread the Word in ten years, so the event was cause for celebration. At two surprise assemblies highlighting the organization’s Kids to Kids program, Laurie Hartig, Founder and Program Director, kept students in suspense as she guided them on a magic carpet ride describing the adventures experienced through books. After the celebration, each student walked away with their very own tote bag and five books. For more information, visit www.spreadthewordnevada.org.
Foundation for Positively Kids
Spring cleaning came early this year, bringing with it a spirit of renewal at the Foundation for Positively Kids’ Brighten Up the Bins event on March 25th. During the mass volunteer effort, over 200 community leaders, supporters and students revealed the true colors of charity as they slapped fresh coats of yellow and red paint on 145 of the foundation’s clothing donation bins.
More than just drop off spots for unwanted clothing, these bins provide necessary funds the foundation has used to help over 8,000 medically fragile and terminally ill children since its inception in 1999. Each year, over $125,000 is generated from clothing donations at these bins, which are placed at retailers across the valley. All proceeds directly fund patient services, such as skilled pediatric nursing, home health care services, medical daycare and early intervention services.
“Our bins provide an inexpensive way to help our mission of providing quality of life for medically fragile, medically dependent, and developmentally delayed children,” said Fred Schultz, CEO of Positively Kids. “We hope our newly ‘brightened bins’ will help spread the word on the importance of supporting these children.” Check for bins at retailers such as Walgreens, City Stops and Speedee Marts near you. For more information, visit www.positivelykids.org.
