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Greetings!

 

It's a hot summer and the Olympics are here.  Did you know that certain foods can heat a body or cool it down?  Did you know that seasons affect what your animal should be eating?  In this issue, learn how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can make a world of difference in your animal's health.  Food labels can be tricky.  Learn what you should avoid.  You should always be cautious of foods from China.  We've provided information on the latest pet food alerts.  So enjoy this issue and learn tips to feed your animal like an Olympic champion!

 

Blessings!

 

Kim & Allison
The Lightfoot Way

 

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 Tips
                                Improving Health with 
                        Traditional Chinese Medicine
 

5 Element SmallTraditional Chinese Medicine or more commonly referred to as TCM has been the philosophy and theory of the Eastern culture for over five thousand years. The Chinese use the earth and all of its natural elements to bring harmony and balance back to the body. Unlike Western medicine, TCM does not treat the outward symptoms or diseases from the outside in, instead they use TCM as a way of life to maintain balance and prevent injury, illness or disease from the core or root of the disharmony. This is done by keeping our life energy or chi flowing harmoniously through the body, and when a disharmony occurs they can associate it with the specific organ that is being affected by using the two main cornerstones of TCM - the Yin and Yang principle, which is hot/cold, in/out, excess/deficient and the Five Element Theory, which is Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood.

 

Along with these two fundamental theories of TCM, they use a combination of natural and energetic methods such as acupuncture, acupressure, herbs, food therapies, tuina massage, tai chi and qigong to restore balance in the body. The Lightfoot Way Food Action/Food Therapy Charts apply these components of the elements and Yin/Yang so you can determine what indications are going on with your animal and thus determine what organ, element, deficiency or excess is happening and what foods and herbs to feed.  Muscle Testing can help you figure out what proteins (Warm, Neutral or Cool) to feed and whether an animal has a deficiency or excess. This is a natural, non-invasive way to heal the body and bring balance back without harsh medicines or surgeries.  Click here to learn more about how you can apply this to your animal's life.  

 Food Labels & Pet Food Alerts
          
Food Labels

 

Did you know that many commercial mixed diets are not always consistent and the ingredients may change over time as manufacturers change their formulas?  This can be hard on your animal's health.  If it is a fixed formula, ingredients are listed on the bag.  But if the bag has a tag or label, most of the time it is not a fixed formula, which means the ingredients can change and you may not be aware.

 

For all animals, avoid chemicals like BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, menadione (dimethylprimidionol sulfate), propylene glycol, propyl gallate and other foods such as artificial colors, flavors, corn syrup, sugars and salt.  For dogs and cats, avoid by-products.  They are the meat product that is left over like hooves, heads, feet, beaks, etc.  Stay away from general ingredients like "animal" fat or "animal" meal and look for a known source like beef.  Dogs and cats can't digest corn in any form and many animals have sensitivities to it.  Many animals are allergic to soy, also.

      

Pet Food Alerts

 

Vets are reporting kidney problems in sick dogs from sweet potato jerky treats, tenders, chips, twists, wraps, etc. from China.  Symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, increased thirst and urination may show up hours or days after treats are consumed.  The brands implicated are Beefeaters Sweet Potato Snacks for Dogs (16 varieties of yam-related treats), Canyon Creek Ranch Chicken Yam Good Dog Treats (Nestl� Purina), and Dogswell Veggie Life Vitality (4 varieties).  If your pet is sick from a sweet potato treat or chicken jerky treat (chicken treat issues started in 2007 and since then there have been reported deaths) made in China, get them checked out by your vet.  It is best to avoid foods from China.

 

Nature's Variety is doing a voluntary recall of their Prairie Beef Meal & Barley Medley Kibble for dogs due to an off-odor smell that may develop over time.  The products are not contaminated but some are not remaining fresh.  You can get a refund or exchange from your retailer.  If you have questions contact the consumer relation's team at 1-888-519-7387.

The Lightfoot Way
FOOD ACTION & FOOD THERAPY CHARTS
 
These are the charts we use to help us determine which meats, dairy, grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, herbs, etc. to feed.  The charts are applicable to both people and animals.  You can download the 2 charts for $8 or purchase laminated (back to back) for $14. 
                            
                             Click here to order.Food action chart   Food therapy chart