Our Organization was founded on the idea of QUALITY over QUANTITY. One of our core values is the belief that the dogs on our roster should receive the same quality of care, diet, training, and medical attention as my own personal pets. Rather than treating or feeding conservatively to increase the number of dogs on our roster, we commit 100% to each individual pulled into our program. So, to feed a commercial dog food would actually go against our mission statement.I began really researching canine nutrition as a vet tech after seeing the staggering number of repeat visits for pets with allergies and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting. I began feeding my dogs holistic in 2007 and would NEVER go back to commercial.Commercial dog foods (Purina, Science Diet, Nutro, Pedigree, Iams, etc.) contain fillers, byproducts, and chemicals like preservatives. Fillers such as corn, wheat, whey, and soy are usually 2 out of the top 3 ingredients for these brands, with the other being some sort of meat byproduct or meat byproduct meal. Not only do these fillers cause gastrointestinal upset, but commonly severe allergic reactions as dogs, by nature, are unable to digest them.Fillers and byproducts fill the stomach for a short time, but then flush through the system rapidly to rid the body of indigestible materials. As a result, stools are often huge, smell terrible, and happen often. Many dogs also become overweight because they need to eat more food, more frequently to feel full, when all they really need is complete digestible nutrition.Holistic food is not made simply to sate hunger, but for the overall health of the dog. It is made with all natural, human-grade ingredients. For instance, instead of byproduct meal, you get actual hormone-free meat as a protein source. Instead of fillers and chemicals, you get whole eggs, apples, garlic etc. etc.As far as the cost, I get this a lot. People seem shocked by the price, which surprises me as the brands we use are comparable to commercial dog food (examples listed, bottom). In fact, it is actually cheaper to feed holistic because the dog eats 20-40% less food than when fed a food with indigestible fillers and byproducts. The dog needs much less food to feel full, to be healthy and happy. They also have fewer and much less unpleasant bowel movements because there is so much less waste. Dogs age slower, have less occurrence of gastrointestinal upset, and virtually eliminate allergies. This of course translates to less vet visits and bills for the dogs’ guardian.I hope that this explanation has shed some light on holistic feeding. I encourage everyone to do their own research and consider switching to holistic if you have not already! If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask!Rafi JohnsonDirector, Willy’s Happy EndingsCOMMERCIAL DOG FOOD PRICE LIST (Large Bags)Nutro max/naturals: $37.99 – $51.99Purina One: $22.99 – $37.99Iams: $33.99 – $45.99Eukanuba: $34.99 – $59.99Science Diet: $32.99 – $56.49Our prices for holistic dog food vary by formula and brand, but range between $40 and $65 including tax
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