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"THE Expert on Pet Food. Nobody cares more, nobody’s done more on a national, international scene as far as finding out what these ingredients are that go into our pet food than Susan Thixton."
March 17, 2008 Alan Handleman
WZTK Talk Radio
Listen to 2007 interview w/Alan Handleman of WZTK Radio (click arrow to play)
Part 1
Part 2
About Susan Thixton:
Susan Thixton is internationally recognized as the pet food expert helping pet owners understand how to find the safest and healthiest dog and cat foods and treats. She's been called courageous, perseverant, even a "pet lovers caped crusader " for her 16 year study of pet food.
Pet Owners that have learned the 'truth' come from eight different countries around the world. Susan McFadden from Kentucky learned the 'truth' about her pet's food just months before the pet food recall. Had she not learned what was really in her poodle Ruby's food she would have been feeding some of the very same food that was later recalled and was responsible for the deaths of thousands of dogs and cats across the U.S. Susan M. wrote to Susan Thixton "I am so relieved that I was ahead of the game on my poodle “Ruby’s” health even BEFORE all the recent pet food recalls. The peace of mind I have of KNOWING I’m doing the best possible for Ruby to stay in my life as long as possible is as they say “priceless”."
Rob Zeis of North Carolina shared his story of his Irish Setter Lacy that used to refuse meals on a regular basis. Once Rob learned the 'truth' about his former pet food and found a healthy dog food - Lacy can't wait for mealtime everyday. Rob shared that Lacy's coat is now glowing and she's the picture of health - completely different from the same dog of several weeks ago.
Jodi from Amsterdam, Netherlands and Chris from Marseille, France both recently discovered Truth About Pet Food and even though this web site provides education and reviews on U.S. and Canadian pet foods, the resources on this web site helped them learn how to choose healthier foods in their respective countries.
Susan Thixton is the author of hundreds of pet industry articles and the 2006 released book Truth About Pet Food (currently being updated for a second edition). She is the publisher of the ONLY pet product consumer magazine Petsumer Report. And is a frequent speaker and radio guest all over the U.S. and Canada with more than 70 appearances in the last 2 years.
If you are looking for straight forward pet food information that can have an almost immediate impact on your pet's health - subscribe to the free newsletter, make sure and click on the 'Must Read' articles on the left, and subscribe to Petsumer Report to see reviews on close to 600 dog and cat foods and treats (adding 40+ each month).
Susan Thixton's 'truth' will help you find a safer, healthier dog or cat food that could add years to your pet's life.
“Due to your care for and love of dogs and cats and what they eat, we have you to thank for helping us in seeing the "Real Truth" about these bogus pet food makers. I am so glad I heard you on 101.1 Talk Radio, we would be still feeding our so loved pets the trash that these companies dish out.
Kay and I have really seen a huge difference in their activities. Just plain wide open. Our Russell's have always been very hyper dogs, but now, they are like live wires. We enjoy seeing them like this.
Thank you so much again Susan.”
Terry and Kay Mull
"Susan, I just wanted to let you know that I find Petsumer Report Online to be very easy to use. It is easy to move from subject to subject, I never get lost. It is very helpful being online, versus hard copy because I sometimes remember something I want to review from previous newsletters/reports and cannot seem to find my hard copy, but quickly can find Online and even print if I need to.
I thank you so much for all that you do to help educate the public to help our furry friends. Thank you"
Sonja
"I am so relieved that I was ahead of the game on my poodle “Ruby’s” health even BEFORE all the recent pet food recalls. The peace of mind I have of KNOWING I’m doing the best possible for Ruby to stay in my life as long as possible is as they say “priceless”."
Susan M
Pet Food Bites!
A fun series of videos featuring talking pet food and talking pets.
Click here to
watch our first
Pet Food Bites video!
Click here for the second Pet Food Bites video -
By-Products
Click here for Pet Food Bites #3
Chemical Preservatives
"Susan is doing an amazing job educating pet owners. Her work is more important now than ever."
"We need more generous people like her in the field. She does what she does to help others. So rare this day in age."
"Susan is so dedicated to her cause as we all should be. She needs to educate the public with all the research she has done and is continuing to do. Our pets & all animals in should to be feed with good quality products and ingredients. China will be our ruin along with companies that say they care but it really is about the bottom line. We need to become aware of the ingredients in pet food and Susan is leading the way for us!!"
"Susan Thixton cares about animals and has personally answered my questions and concerns that I have had with my two cats over the last few years. Her information and insight are invaluable and I would love to see her be able to spread the word to any who have pets of any kind. Thanks, Susan, for all your support and direction."
"Susan's web site gives you the straight poop on what's in your pet's food and the positive changes you can make to ensure your pet's health with a good diet. It's a very humane endeavor."
"Susan works SO very hard to get truth out to pet owners. I personally have learned a lot from her newsletters and passed it on to others."
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From Susan Thixton (pet parent of 2 dogs, 1 cat, and 2 birds)
Internationally recognized pet food expert...
There are many things to consider when you choose a food for your dog or cat. Unfortunately, I
cannot give you all the answers, tell you what the perfect pet food is, or assure you that a food won't be recalled. But from the many newsletters and articles you'll find on this web site, you can learn how to maneuver through the pet food advertising, pet food labels, and find healthier quality dog foods, cat foods and treats for your pet. New articles are emailed to subscribers (please register above) and posted in the Paws Club Article Library. The more you learn about what your pet is eating - the healthier pet food and treat choices you'll make.
Please note: If your pet is currently eating a Rx diet to address the needs of a diagnosed disease - you MUST stay on that diet unless your veterinarian gives you approval to change. A disease must always be addressed first!
With a small bit of effort and reading, you will learn to make healthier and safer food and treat choices for your pet. The ONLY part of this web site that requires a membership fee - is Petsumer Report™. Petsumer Report™ does 'all the heavy lifting' for you - giving subscribers all the pertinent information to base their pet food selections on for a small yearly fee. Regardless whether you do your own reading and research on pet food - or let Petsumer Report™ do the research for you - please learn as much as you can about the food you give your dog and/or cat (and learn about the treats you give your pet too!).
Wishing you and your pet the best,
Susan Thixton
What you Don't Know
about your Pet's food
could greatly shorten their life.
Unfortunately, most pet owners have never been told about the many potentially dangerous ingredients in their pet's food. They have been forced to rely on misleading television advertising and misleading/confusing pet food labeling to base their pet food purchasing decisions on.
It goes far beyond pet food advertising however, the pet food industry pretty much controls itself - with the endorsement of the FDA and AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials). The fox is guarding the $26 Billion dollar a year hen house! The rules and regulations of the industry that makes your pet's food is a complicated mess of lax quality control, misleading ingredient definitions, and no mandatory testing of imports.
Just as an example, would you feed your dog or cat chicken feet or cow intestines?
You might be right now and not even know it!
Below is one example of what good nutrition can do for your pet.
Meet Bella and read her story...
Hi Susan,
In June I got the probiotic that you recommended and Bella has been getting it everyday. After I heard you on Allen's show (101.1 in N.C.) the first time I changed Bella's diet from XXXXX to XXXXX made by XXXXX. Then in June I started her on the new Probiotic you recommended.
Here is a little history on Bella (3 year old Maine Coon Cat). On 3/15/08 I had a shower insert put in my master bathroom shower. The person who installed the shower left 2 leaks inside the wall between the bathroom shower and the bedroom. The upshot is that the leak continued until I found mold growing on the baseboard in my bedroom. Bella spends her time in that room when I am at work and her favorite toy was against that moldy baseboard. The day after discovering the mold (4/26/08) I read an article in I Love Cats re black mold toxin killing 2 cats in Florida. The leak started on 3/15 but I am not sure how long the mold was there before I discovered it. I did some research, found a lab in Dallas Tx. who tested for mold toxins and had Bella tested. She was positive for 2 different toxins. The lab recommended some blood work which my vet did. At least one of the Toxins Bella has can do bad damage to the liver (cirrhosis, cancer, etc) so liver function tests were among the tests done. Bella's blood work was all completely normal. She has been started on Itraconazole to treat for the 2 toxins. It is supposed to kill any mold in Bella and flush the toxin from her body. After a month she will be retested. If the toxin is gone all is well. If the test is still positive she gets another month of the itraconazole. I am praying that the toxin will be gone. All the mold is gone from my home and the leaks have been fixed. Bella has the toxins but the results for both toxins was at the low end of the detectable range. Any toxin is bad but less is better than more.
I told you the above info re Bella for a reason. Bella seems to feel wonderful and the fact that her vet exam and blood work was 100% normal substantiates that. The toxin was present in her urine sent to the Dallas lab. That is the only negative up to this point. She is eating good and begging for more food, taking her medicine like its manna from heaven and is a very playful and happy cat.
I have been thinking about all of this. The probiotic you recommended also has a goodly amount of antioxidant in it. The antioxidant is suppose to help flush impurities out of the body and particularly the liver and in the case of this mold the liver is the biggest concern. The XXXXX dry cat food also contain probiotics. I feel that the fact that I changed Bella's diet to one that is healthy for her is a big factor in her being able to fight off damage to her body that could have been caused by the toxins.
That brings me to the purpose of this email. If I had not heard you on Allen's show Bella would still be eating the XXXXX foods. I strongly feel that Bella has done so well so far because of the advice I got from you regarding good nutrition for her. Bella is my family and is very important to me. I want us to spend many many years together. Bella and I both thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Have a great day.
Mary S
North Carolina
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Scientific fact: Recent Veterinary science has determined by the cellular make-up of dogs and cats...
The average size dog should have a life span of
25 years...*
Cats should have a life span of 30 years.*
*Research by Drs. Diane Hericowa, Michael Hand, and Ted Mosier
Genetics - Environment - and Nutrition all play a role in the life span of your pet. Improve your pet's diet - improve their health and extend their life span.
"My cat is recovering from her skin problems!! So it sure that the cause was the food!!! I am so glad! I'll ask my mother in France to take a picture of my cat sometime, so you could see how much she improved: 70% healed.
Another thing I noticed with the two young female cats: they weren't able to sleep! During the day, every time I looked at them they weren't sleeping, and had big pupils... Now that I switched their nutrition too they can finally have a nap!
One thing for me is sure now: "XXXXXXX" foods are awful!!"
Chris Nivard
Marseille, France
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Have you ever really looked at the ingredient list on your pet's food or treats? Don't feel bad if you haven't, the television commercials and the front of the packaging purposely directs pet owners away from the ingredient list. But if by chance you've gotten out a magnifying glass to read the fine print of ingredients in the food - you still haven't been given the complete truth of what is in that food or treat. For example, one of the most common pet food ingredients is by-products...
Do you know what the common pet food ingredient 'by-product' is?
Sounds harmless enough doesn't it? Before I give you the official definition, let me ask you another question...Would you purchase a pet food that said "with Chicken Feet and Cow Intestines" blazoned across the label? No, you wouldn't. But chances are very, very good that you are feeding your pet chicken feet and cow intestines right now and not know it! You can thank the existing rules of pet food manufacturing for that.
Ok, here is the official definition of the common pet food ingredient by-product...
"the non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals. It includes, but is not limited to, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, partially defatted low temperature fatty tissue, and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents."
First, notice 'other than meat'. By-products are NOT meat. Yet many pet foods use this garbage of human food as a source of protein for your pet. Often, the front of the bag or can of the pet foods that utilize by-products are pictures of choice cuts of meat. And it's common that the actual pet food name will include the words 'Sirloin Tips' or 'Prime'. In other words, the front of the pet food bag or can does everything to imply you are feeding your pet choice cuts of meat, yet the ingredient listing tells you a completely different story.
That's not fair is it? But it is perfectly legal.
"Sue Thixton's Web Site is unique and important to all pet owners who care about what they feed their pets. I know of no other source of unbiased pet food (and treat) information available."
"Susan is the most devoted person about getting rid of the illegal ingredients being put into our pets foods. She really has gone over and above to get a resolution to this killing of our babies because of the garbage that has been allowed into their foods due to the lack of enforced standards and inspections."
"This has really helped me change the quality of all of my 6 pet's lives! I will forever be grateful, Thank You!"
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Learn the Truth About Pet Food!
Recent Pet Food Recalls...
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1995 - Nature's Recipe recalled close to 1 million pounds of dog and cat food due to wheat contamination.
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1999 - Doane Pet Care recalled over 50 brands of pet food due to grain contamination.
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2000 - Iams recalled products in seven states, over 200,000 pounds of dog food.
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2003 - Go Natural pet food recall due to unknown circumstances that caused liver disease in dogs.
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2005 - Diamond Pet Food recall due to grain contamination.
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2006 - More than five million cans of Ol' Roy and other foods were recalled due to canning problems.
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2006 - Merrick Pet food recalled over 200,000 cans of pet food due to metal found in product.
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2006 - Royal Canin recalled four different varieties of dog and cat food due to vitamin overdose.
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2007 - The largest pet food recall in history recalling soft/moist foods and dry foods from hundreds of different manufacturers.
Recalled pet foods have caused countless pets to become ill and die. But your concern doesn't stop with recalls. Close to 80% of all commercial pet foods (and treats) contain one or more potentially harmful ingredient. The evidence is undeniable.
Health problems in dogs and cats associated with inferior nutrition...
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Kidney disease
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Obesity
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Digestive disorders
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Heart disease
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Urinary tract disease
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Dental disease
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Skin and coat disease
"I have learned so much about pet foods from Susan. She is not afraid to tell the truth about what is going on to protect our pets. I am so thankful for Susan. She is an angel to our pets."
"Our pets can't speak for themselves or read warnings on TV or in the newspaper. Most owners have only newspapers, TV, and warnings from the occasional well-informed vet to rely upon for information about food problems. Pet food manufacturers certainly don't warn anybody of potential problems with their products. Susan Thixton provides an extremely valuable service for all pets and their owners."
"Susan has very informative information about pet food, and the problems encountered in the last few years, plus suggestions on how to remedy this situation."
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Where to begin your pet food education...
Sign up for the Truth About Pet Food Newsletter. You will receive a monthly emailed pet food educational newsletter each month, along with any warnings or updates that are necessary. Scroll up to the top of this page to register or Click Here
Blog the Truth. Daily postings are put on the blog to seek out your opinions and for you to share stories. Click Here to visit the Truth About Pet Food Blog
Paws Club is the library of pet food articles - I share the pet food industry secrets I've discovered over the past 16 years. New articles and monthly newsletters are posted as they are written - also emailed to subscribers of the Truth About Pet Food newsletter. You should be aware that the information in these articles are NOT based on guesswork - I write about scientific data and pet food industry regulations. Click Here to visit Paws Club Library
Petsumer Report™does the work for you - giving subscribers ratings and vital information on over 550 dog and cat foods and treats - adding 40+ every month. "The most important development in pet care since the invention of the leash and the liter box!" Learn about the particular food, treat, or toy - BEFORE you purchase it! Don't waste your money on unhealthy or dangerous products. The key is to choose a food and treat that contributes to your pet's good health - not one that could detract from it. Petsumer Report™ will show you the difference. Click Here to learn more and subscribe to
Petsumer Report™
My own testimonial:
In August of 2000, Gunner, my German Shepherd began getting sores and losing the hair on his feet. My Veterinarian determined it was some type of allergy and sent us home with drugs and ointments, a $117.00 office visit with the medications. By the time the medication was gone, his feet were beginning to heal. But within a few more weeks, they started getting bad again.
I changed my dogs food from a good food to a best food. Within a few weeks, the sores on his feet had begun to heal. Today, his feet are perfectly healed - he takes no medication - he just eats a very good, human grade pet food. Within a few months Gunner will turn 14 years old - besides a little graying around the muzzle and moving a little slower than he used to, he is as healthy as he’s ever been. Below is a picture of Gunner playing in my back yard (the pictures were taken May 11, 2007). This is a 12 year old 100 pound dog! Large breeds of dogs don't live as long as smaller breeds. He's not eating a Senior Pet Food - he's not eating a prescription pet food - he's eating a QUALITY Adult Maintenance dog food. He has NO health problems. He's vibrant, happy and healthy!
Learn the Truth About Pet Food. This site is here to help you keep your pet safe and healthy. Please explore all the pages and articles in Paws Club, subscribe to the Truth About Pet Food Newsletter, contribute to the Blog, and subscribe to Petsumer Report.
Here's what just a few pet owners have shared about the 'truth'...
The Zeis Family
"I just read your email about dogs talking. I couldn't agree more. I have written to you in the past telling you about my Irish Setter Laci. How we had such a hard time getting her to eat and that ever since we switched her to Life's Abundance everything has changed. Now its actually hard to keep her quiet while I am getting there food ready. It actually hurts me to think that I wasn't listening before and I am one that has told people before that you need to listen to your dogs. I could tell you a number of stories about listening to your dogs but you obviously don't need convincing.
I have another success story to tell you about. We have adopted a "special needs" Golden Retriever about 5 months ago. His name is Rany. He was a mess when we got him. He had some issues with biting (not out of anger or even fear but more like anxiety). After the third time he got my face, I almost gave up. Luckily after about 3 weeks we started seeing improvement. He started calming down and that's when we went to work on the rest of him. His coat was in terrible shape. It was course and coming out by the handful. Now he probably has one of the softest and shiniest coats I have ever seen on a dog. He is calm, attentive and completely trust worthy. I know that a good part of his overall improvement is due to the change in his diet. Just like the change we saw in Laci. WOW is all I can say about him.
The picture I attached is of Laci (Irish Setter, Rany (Golden), Toast (Golden Doodle) and Jakie (Schnauzer).
Toast, we have had on LA since we got her and of course she is in great health. We have decided to baby sit Jakie for my wife's brother for the next year. It is working out great so far.
One more thing. I have been talking to everyone I can about you and what I have learned from you. I know of at least a dozen dogs (other than my own) that are being fed a much better diet than before.
I was so relieved that with all of the dog food issues that have come to light, was that I didn't have to worry about what mine were eating.
Well, thanks again for what you have done. Not only for my dogs but for all of the others out there as well.
Sincerely,"
Rob Ziese
 
"My pet's love their New food. They seem to eat less Than with their Grocery store pet food. They have more energy. Coats look better. All around they are better, And I feel better knowing there aren't any bad things in their food.
Makein' Doggone sure my pets are healthy,"
Sonja Gagnon
"Thank you Susan! My kitties are doing very well, and a change for the better is recognized. They seem to have more energy and less regurgitation (good for both of us). Also, with this food they seem to stick to the diet. With other foods, they seemed to constantly beg for more because they were not actually getting enough to eat."
Tawnya and Chris Plate
"I learned about the Pet Food problems from a
radio show that you were on in North Carolina. I am looking forward to receiving the new food and switching both my two cats and dog over to food that
can benefit them. They are such a wonderful part of our lives that I feel terrible about what I have been feeding them.
I am also going to let others know about the problems with pet food. Thank you
for your perseverance and courage on this topic."
Brooke
"Susan, I heard you on the radio with Alan H. and nearly drove off the road. So glad I was listening but little did I know my husband was also tuned in and heard the show. Needless to say he launched as soon as I walked in the door! I just stood there and listened to him go on and on and when he was finished I said, yes Honey, I heard it. Anyway that started our search to find a food that was clean for our girls.
Thanks for the E-book and I will keep you posted."
Diana
"Susan,
First let me say THANK YOU!!! for enlightening me about pet food!!! I heard you on the Allen Handleman show and was amazed!!! As a pet owner who had to put her 13 yr old, long hair tortie to sleep due to a metastasized tumor I was VERY interested in learning ways to keep my current pets healthy!!
I have made it my mission to convert all my friends and family to the TRUTH!! You are a wonderful person and a pet lovers Savior!!!!"
Leaha Deardorff
"My dog, a yellow Lab name Cornbread, is a finicky eater which is unusual for a Labrador. I have fed him only all natural premium dog food since he was a puppy. However, he has never liked any of the brands (Wellness, Flint River) I've been feeding him. I have always had to doctor up the food to get him to eat all of it. Now, even mixing LA with the Wellness, he eats it all without any doctoring whatsoever.
I am so glad that I was able to hear you on the Allen Handleman show last week and learn about Life's Abundance pet food. Just from what I have read and from what I have heard from you, I feel that I am providing the best preventative medicine possible by switching to Life's Abundance.
I thank you and Cornbread thanks you."
Bracken J.
North Carolina
Want to quickly see which pet foods use REAL Healthy, Premium ingredients and ingredients that are
not
imported from China?
Click on the Petsumer Report™ Link below!
Petsumer Report™ subscribers are provided with reviews on over 550 different pet foods and treats (as of 4/1/08) with 40+ new products added each month.
Click Here
Want to learn more about the pet food industry, pet food ingredients, pet food labeling, news on recalls, and other important news for pet owners?
Click on the Paws Club Link below and Register for the
Truth About Pet Food Newsletter at the top of this page!
Paws Club is the library section - holding all of the past newsletters
and articles about pet food and pet care.
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