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December 23rd, 2008 by Nature's Farmacy
A Systemic Yeast Infection is a condition that occurs when yeast builds up in a dog’s body. This condition starts in the digestive system and is caused by a pH imbalance. During this imbalance harmful yeast that is normally present multiplies rapidly and systemically invades the body. During periods of pH imbalance and yeast invasion, more toxins are excreted from a dog’s lymph nodes causing excessive itchiness. The dogs will then lick or itch these “hot spots”. Although some dogs with systemic yeast infections may not exhibit any outward signs at all, most dogs will exhibit one or more of these symptoms:
• Yeasty ears (redness and/or dark gunk)
• Abnormal body odor
• Licking or chewing of feet, legs, groin, tail-head
• Excessive Itchiness
• Pustules on the body (hives/pimples)
• Redness, staining between toes
• Oily yet flaky skin
The Yeast genus has over 1500 species and new strains are discovered every day. Some of these species are beneficial and some are detrimental to Canines. Unfortunately, when testing for a yeast infection, those with limited microbiological backgrounds quickly assume these infections are all caused by the Candida albicans species of yeast. When Candida albicans is not found, they disregard Yeast Invasion as a cause for the symptoms and blame these symptoms on non-existent allergies or fleas. In most cases they simply use antibiotics. Antibiotics will kill all beneficial bacteria in the gut prolonging the pH imbalance and the yeast infection.
At Nature’s Farmacy we have been assisting breeders and owners with animals suffering from systemic yeast infections for over 25 years. Our approach is simple: Start at the source and work from the inside out. Most systemic yeast infections start from feeding grain based dog foods. Grain ferments in a dog’s stomach causing pH levels to change and create an environment that is more hospitable to negative yeast and bacteria than beneficial yeast and bacteria. Aside from the pH level, a healthy Canine digestive system is a perfect environment for negative yeast. Once the fermentation process causes pH imbalance, negative yeast will quickly begin to thrive and cause a rapid, systemic yeast infection. Simple diet changes, such as switching to a raw diet (link to diet) or feeding a grain free dog food and grain free treats, will eliminate the cause of the infection and allow recovery to begin. Remaining on a grain based dog food or feeding grain based treats will allow bad yeast to continue to thrive and can hinder or halt recovery. Most pathogenic yeast species thrive on carbohydrates and sugars. It is a common misconception that dogs use carbohydrates for energy so most dog foods contain them. Dogs actually will naturally use high quality fats, like those found in meat, for energy. A carbohydrate/sugar free diet is a must for dogs recovering from systemic yeast infections. Removing carbohydrates and sugars from the dog’s diet will make the food supply of most pathogenic species of yeast more scarce which will help to discourage new colonies and weaken existing ones so they can be more easily purged. Unfortunately, very few commercially available processed dog foods meet these requirements. There are no standards for the quality of dog food (as dogs are not food producing animals) and they can contain very poor quality ingredients. It is much easier and usually cheaper to feed a modified raw diet that consists of meat and vegetables. Feeding a homemade diet isn’t nearly as difficult as you might think and you will have peace of mind of knowing that your dog’s food meets human quality standards. You can learn how to feed your dog a diet of fresh, real food by reading Nature’s Farmacy’s free User Friendly Diet For Dogs With Yeast Infections. Please feel free to contact one of our qualified dieticians for assistance.
The seconds step is to crowd out the negative bacteria. A dog’s body has a limited amount of space for colonizing yeast and bacteria. Bombarding the animal’s body with beneficial bacteria and yeast cultures will crowd out the negative ones and in many cases, even consume them. Crowding out the negative bacteria and yeast with positive species will also help to speed the correcting of the pH levels as more digestion-friendly species begin to colonize and start competing for food physical room. To jump-start purging of systemic yeast pathogens and pH correction you will need a microbial product with high counts colony forming units of beneficial species of both bacteria and yeast, such as Nature’s Farmacy DOGZYMES Digestive Enhancer or Liquid Dispersible Digestive Enhancer. Initially, we recommend feeding double the usual suggested feeding rate to ensure colonization during this critical jump-start period. After the systemic yeast infection has been purged you may return to the normal suggested rate.
A useful third step is to kill the yeast in the skin. The medium chain fatty acids in our Organic Hawaiian Coconut Oil (Caprylic, Capric, and Lauric Acid) all work together to kill most common types of systemic yeast. In fact, many common prescription treatments for yeast infections are derived from coconut oil. The medium chain fatty acids travel throughout the skin killing systemic yeast that the Digestive Enhancer has pushed out of the inner body leaving nowhere for the yeast to thrive.
The fourth step is to treat the external outbreaks of systemic yeast infections. In standard veterinary practice, most of the time this is the first or only part treated. Treating external symptoms without treating the underlying cause rarely works and symptoms quickly return when topical treatment is stopped. Please understand that topical treatments are only intended to provide relief for the animal’s symptoms. For topical outbreaks of most species systemic yeast, bacteria, or other fungi, we have found success using our topical bacteriocin, Clora-Care. The active ingredient in Clora-Care, Ambicin N, discriminates between harmful bacteria and healthy skin which allows the product to be gentle on the dog and aggressive on negative bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Clora-Care can kill negative pathogens and provide relief in as little as 15 seconds and can hold its killing power for up to 12 hours. Please note that Clora-Care will leave a harmless, temporary blue hue to the skin and hair. When treating “yeasty ears” it is important to clean them before applying Clora-Care. Use Nature’s Farmacy Easy Ear (An all Natural Essential Oil Blend) to thoroughly clean all debris from the ear. Easy Ear is formulated to gently lift the debris from the inner and outer ear. It removes the earwax while nurturing the ear skin to promote faster healing.
It is important to understand that there are no shortcuts when dealing with a systemic yeast infection. Failure to remove the source of the infection can prolong it indefinitely. Many dogs may never be able to return to a typical commercial diet of grain/carbohydrate based dog food without experiencing a recurrence of yeast invasion.
Nature’s Farmacy Inc.
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Posted in Digestion, Ear Care, Enzymes & Probiotics, General Health | 1 Comment »
August 29th, 2008 by Nature's Farmacy
Having provided Bovine, Porcine, and even Elk Bone meal for the past 20 years to our customers, we have grown alarmed with the issues surrounding these all natural sources. Governmental regulations have caused our impeccable suppliers to remove themselves from supplying us with these products.
We have developed using all human grade ingredients, a new product that we have dubbed Bone Builder. Its design would also allow us to call it muscle builder as well. Bone Builder allows us to mimic the best effects of Bovine, Porcine and even our very popular Organic Elk Bone meal.
All minerals extracted are from certified Organic sources and are safe for even human consumption.
Calcium is essential for building strong bones and teeth. It also works in a proper functioning of body’s cell membranes. Calcium plays an important role in muscle growth, blood clotting and heart stabilization. It reduces nervous disorders and muscle cramps.
To make Bone Builder better than traditional bone meals, Nature’s Farmacy has boosted up the Magnesium level to .50%. Magnesium is necessary for growth and development, wound healing, immune system function, nervous and cardiovascular system health, and the absorption of calcium. Magnesium regulates active calcium transport and is important for strong bones.
Where calcium stimulates the muscles, magnesium is used to relax the muscles.
Phosphorous is considered the twin nutrient to Calcium. Phosphorous hardens the bones and teeth. Phosphorous plays an important role in transforming proteins, fats and carbohydrates into fuel.
Phosphorous in also needed for the blood’s acid balance or pH.
Copper is involved in red blood cell proliferation and maximizes the oxygen intake of cells. This mineral enhances the blood vessel’s strength and elasticity and does protective work preventing cell damage.
Iron is a red blood cell component and therefore essential in oxygen’s circulation. Iron also is recognized to promote muscle function.
Zinc is involved in most of the body’s metabolic processes. First in encourages the healing of wounds and burns. Secondly, Zinc increases the sensibility of all sensory organs. Thirdly it enhances the immune system. It is necessary to insure the proper functioning of insulin and normalizes the formation of collagen in the body.
Manganese is essential in all enzymatic systems and necessary in bone structure.
Iodine has long been recognized for its role in Thyroid function.
Cobalt is an essential precursor to the absorption of B-12 vitamins.
Bone Builder M122 is available here.
Nature’s Farmacy Inc.
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August 26th, 2008 by webmaster
Our website is now green! Our host, HostGator, now uses renewable energy to both power and cool their servers!
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August 18th, 2008 by Nature's Farmacy
Pure organic and natural Muscle Builder is the ultimate whey protein isolate source for Canine athletes and health-conscious owners/handlers who want to build or maintain muscle mass on the Canine companions. Unlike other products, Muscle Builder contains no protein blends or unwanted ingredients. Purified through a proprietary ion exchange process, Muscle Builder contains all of the essential amino acids, and is rich in branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are metabolized directly and absorbed quickly into muscle tissue.
This exciting DOGZYMES® product, containing no carbohydrates, no fats, no sugars, no lactose, no artificial flavors is all natural and comes from only grass fed cows in New Zealand. DOGZYMES® Muscle Builder is 100% organically produced whey proteins isolate and Organic Peruvian Maca. An enhancing probiotic package is included to further its absorption into the Canine body. No preservatives and no fillers make DOGZYMES® Muscle Builder the only choice for Canine athletes.
Muscle Builder is comprised of high-biological-value proteins and proteins that have different functions. The main whey proteins are beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactoglobulin, two small globular proteins that account for about 70 to 80% of total whey protein. Proteins present in lesser amounts include the immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM, but especially IgG, glycomacropeptides, bovine serum albumin, lactoferrin.
High-protein diets like those containing DOGZYMES® Muscle Builder have been found to reduce body weight and increase insulin sensitivity. There are several animal studies in which whey and whey factors are said to exert some positive effects on immunity and cancer. Observed immuno-enhancing properties are believed by some researchers to be related only partially to Muscle Builder’s nutritional effects. Enhancement of host humoral immune response has been associated, in some of these studies, with whey’s role in increasing glutathione levels in the body.
In animal studies at Australia’s University of Adelaide, whey proteins were found to be protective against colon cancer, relative to red meat and some other protein sources. A whey protein diet significantly decreased tumor burden and extended life in mice with colon cancer, compared to mice with colon cancer fed-standard diets.
Feed up to 1 gram of organic DOGZYMES® Muscle Builder per pound of body weight. Store at room temperature.
Muscle Builder can be purchased here.
Posted in General Health, Supplements | 1 Comment »
August 13th, 2008 by Nature's Farmacy
What is CoQ10?
CoQ10 is a naturally occurring compound found in each cell in the body of dogs and all animals. CoQ10 plays a key role in producing energy in the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the cell sections responsible for the production of energy in the form of ATP.
Why Canines need CoQ10
- Heart failure
- Cardiomyopathy
- Canine heart attack prevention and recovery
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Gum disease
- Kidney failure
- Migraine
- Counteract prescription drug effects
DOGZYMES Heartwise: Anecdotal evidence indicates these All Natural and Holistic ingredients have benefits to the cardiovascular system of mammals.
Guaranteed Analysis/Each Capsule Contains: 135 mg of CoQ10, 315 mg of a Proprietary Blend of Organic Spirulina, Organic Yucca schidigera, Organic Gingko, Organic Lecithin, Organic Omega 3, Organic Hawthorne Berry, Organic Dandelion, Organic Yarrow, L. Carnatine, L. Taurine.
Ingredients: CoQ10, Organic Spirulina, Organic Yucca schidigera, Organic Gingko, Organic lecithin, Organic Omega 3, Organic Hawthorne Berry, Organic Dandelion, Organic Yarrow, L. Carnatine and L. Taurine
Feeding Rate: One Capsule daily for small animals, 2-3 capsules for large animals.
Heartwise can be purchased here.
Posted in Heart Health, Specialized Support | No Comments »
August 12th, 2008 by Nature's Farmacy
What is MSM? MSM is derived from DMSO a liquid by product from the pulp paper industry. It is absolutely impossible for MSM to be an all natural product; rather it is a chemical derivative.
Sulfur is present in every cell of every living organism. Although we do get sulfur from much of what we eat there are cases that require MSM supplementation. Some animal research indicates MSM has the ability to relieve pain associated with:
- Degenerative arthritis
- Chronic back pain
- Chronic headache
- Muscle pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Tendinitis and Bursitis
- Post – traumatic pain and inflammation
- Allergies
There is much hype about the use of MSM as a cure all unfortunately there is little or no research to prove its efficacy. At Nature’s Farmacy, we do find anecdotal evidence that it helps in some cases of arthritis and therefore carry the product. Our MSM is 99% pure and of Human Grade.
MSM can be purchased here. MSM is an ingredient in Phyto-Flex CCM Plus and Bone & Joint Integrity.
Nature’s Farmacy Inc.
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August 12th, 2008 by Nature's Farmacy
*This proprietary blend of Phytonutrients is the most complete and nutrient dense green food available world wide for canine and feline diets.
*An abundant all-organic source of vegetables, herbs, grasses, and fruit that is free from corn, fillers, and preservatives.
*All Ingredients are 100% Organic and originate in the USA!
Ingredients: Kelp Powder, Alfalfa Powder, Ground Flaxseed Extract, Barley Grass Powder, Parsley Powder, Wheat Grass Powder, Oat Bran, Barley Malt Powder, Apple Fiber, Citrus/Fruit Pectin, Beet Powder, Soy Sprout Powder, Hawaiian Spirulina, Carrot Powder, Broccoli Powder, Tomato Powder, Kale Powder, Celery Powder, Cauliflower Powder, Asparagus Powder, Brussels Sprouts Powder, Garlic Powder, Ginger Powder.
Cornucopia Typical Analysis Per Pound
- Vitamin A: 57,000 IU/lb
- Vitamin D-3: 8,000 IU/lb
- Vitamin E: 460 IU/lb
- Vitamin C: 3,400 MG/lb
- Riboflavin: 45 MG/lb
- d-Pantothenic Acid: 190 MG/lb
- Choline: 7600 MG/lb
- Niacin: 225 MG/lb
- Thiamine: 20 MG/lb
- Pyridoxine: 20 MG/lb
- Biotin: 10 MG/lb
- Folic Acid: 5 MG/lb
- Copper: 100 ppm
- Iron: 1,000 ppm
- Manganese: 1,500 ppm
- Iodine: 5 ppm
- Selenium: 1.5 ppm
Feeding Instructions: For general diet supplementation, feed 1/4 teaspoon for each 10 lbs. of bodyweight daily. For raw fruit & vegetable substitution, mix equal parts of water & Cornucopia.
(3 tablespoons of water blended with 3 tablespoons of Cornucopia is equivalent to one pound of fresh vegetables. Our diet recommendations are to feed 1 pound of raw meat with this volume of Cornucopia/water mix.) Supply plenty of fresh clean water.
Cornucopia can be purchased here.
Nature’s Farmacy Inc.
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August 11th, 2008 by Nature's Farmacy
Preparation instructions:
Mix the pumpkin, calcium carbonate, corn oil and salt. Add remaining ingredients except the vitamins and probiotics. Add vitamins and probiotics before feeding.
7% Diet: 1068 KCAL
- 3/4 cup Pumpkin
- 1 large egg
- 1 oz. Liver
- 3 Tb sp. Gain & Shine
- 1 tsp. coconut oil
- 3/4 tsp. KA Calcium
- 1/4 tsp. Electrolytes
12% Diet: 1145 KCAL
- 2/3cup pumpkin
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 oz. Liver
- 3 Tb sp. Gain & Shine
- 1tsp coconut oil
- 3/4 tsp. KA Calcium
- 1/4 tsp. Electrolytes
16% Diet: 1119 KCAL
- 2/3 cup Pumpkin
- 1/2 cup diced poultry
- 1/3 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 oz. liver
- 3 Tbsp. Gain & Shine
- 1 tsp. coconut oil
- 3/4 tsp. KA Calcium
- 1/4 tsp. Electrolytes
Approximate feeding recommendations: Please check with your veterinarian/nutritionist.
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August 8th, 2008 by Nature's Farmacy
Neem oil is a broad-spectrum botanical insecticide from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). Amazingly, the neem tree produces a compound called azadirachtin, which protects it from damaging insects. Seeds of the neem tree contain the highest concentration of azadirachtin.
Neem seed oil (NSO) is composed of a complex mixture of biologically active compounds. Nature’s Farmacy Neem oil is removed from the seeds because only pure neem oil has this insecticide capability. Neem oil has been used for hundreds of years in controlling plant pests and diseases. Many researchers have shown that the spray solution of neem oil helps to control common pests like ticks, fleas, and flies.
For pets, neem oil can be added to pet shampoo to kill ticks and fleas or the area where the pets usually use can be treated with neem oil spray. Recommended ratio for making spray solution: mix 1 teaspoon pure Nature’s Farmacy Neem oil in a quart of warm water and 1/4 tsp. pet shampoo or dish liquid (As a surfactant). Shake it well to mix properly. Quantity of neem oil can be increased proportionately for making spray in larger quantities. A light mist is all that required to treat your animal.
Neem oil can be purchased here
Nature’s Farmacy Inc.
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Posted in Flea Control | No Comments »
August 8th, 2008 by Nature's Farmacy
There is a minimum of 272 mg of both DHA and EPA per teaspoon of Ultimate.
DHA- docosahexaenic acid and EPA- eicosapentaenoic acid
DHA suspiciously at best enhances brain function, and EPA supposedly lowers cholesterol, which is not prudent discussion in Canine. The research just isn’t there and doesn’t justify the hype of the past 5 years.
What we do know is in balance omega 3,6,9 are found in every cell and are important to every system in all mammals. Diets containing too much omega 6 and 9 are prevalent in humans. Extra omega 3 often is easily noticed by an improvement in skin and hair. In humans when we look better, we feel better.
Anecdotally we continually get confusing reports of miracle changes with omega 3 additions. Here in a business that sell omega 3 every day, we know all to well that a number simply see no difference with the addition of omega fatty acids. The variances between diets, species, breeds, families, and individuals each make a sound theory impossible.
There have never been reported any negative effects of too much omega 3 causing harm.
Nature’s Farmacy Inc.
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