Healthy Dogma launches Kickstarter for petfood product

Healthy Dogma, a company that produces healthy petfood and treats, has launched a 30-day Kickstarter campaign to introduce a new instant version of its petfood: a dehydrated mix of human-grade chicken, fruits and vegetables sourced in the US.
PetMix chicken dinner only requires the addition of water to provide a homemade meal for dogs, according to the company. Ingredients include chicken, whole egg, apples, carrots, flax, kelp, chicken liver, bananas, blueberries, broccoli, parsley, ginger, celery, lettuce, watercress, spinach, coconut oil and probiotics.
As of January 26, 2015, the campaign had raised US$2,255 of its US$10,000 goal.

Excalibur Dehydrators launches clear-door dehydrator for homemade pet treats

Excalibur Dehydrators offers a clear-door dehydrator for homemade pet treats, which allows users to view drying progress without interrupting the process, according to the company. The doors are available in five or nine tray models with a timer, or as an add-on accessory for current owners of Excalibur dehydrators.

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Excalibur also offers recipes to make the treats, with no additives and no preservatives. Recipe options include chicken jerky strips, vegetarian and vegan treats, sunflower treats for dogs, cats and horses, and sweet potato dog chews.

More pet owners taking on challenge of homemade petfood

More pet owners are looking to the idea of making their pets' food alongside their human family meals, in spite of the challenges it presents.
According to many veterinarians and petfood producers, it can be difficult to formulate an animal's diet at home. “When you open a bag or can or box of petfood, you know that every kibble or food in the can is going to be formulated to meet the nutritional needs of the animals according to the feeding directions on the bag,” said Nancy K. Cook, vice president at the Pet Food Institute. Still, those who choose to make their pets' food themselves have cited lack of health problems and longevity as two reasons why they go homemade. Others simply want their pets' eating habits to reflect their own.
Experts say that pet owners must be very careful. If pets are not fed the correct balance of proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins, according to clinical nutritionist Joseph J. Wakshlag with the Baker Institute for Animal Health at Cornell University, they can experience several health disorders, including anemia, broken bones and loss of teeth from lack of calcium.

Will eased safety rules for homemade goods spread to food for pets?

A recent article from the Associated Press (AP) caught my eye. It described how several states--Wisconsin, Wyoming, Maine and Tennessee were all referenced--are easing licensing and inspection regulations for homemade goods sold at farmers markets, on small farms and in similar venues.
As more US consumers become interested in buying local or locally grown food, the article says, a few states are creating exemptions for "amateur chefs" who want to sell their extra jams, canned goods and the like. The exemptions are starting a debate about balancing the need for food safety with "regulatory common sense" and causing anxiety among food processors who are still required to follow inspection and licensing rules.
This got me thinking about how many times I've heard owners of small petfood companies, especially those specializing in raw products, describe how they started making food for their own dogs in their kitchens, then began sharing the food with friends and acquaintances and then, based on the response, decided to make and market the foods on a larger scale.
Many of these start-ups have gone on to become successful petfood manufacturers that now have state-of-the-art safety and processing programs. But how many of them start out giving away or selling their homemade products without any sort of safety standards in place? As long as they are taking care to not subject their own pets to unsafe foods, should we all trust that those foods, like the homemade goods for humans mentioned in the AP article, need not meet licensing and inspection regulations?
What do you think?

Book provides pet owners, vets info for home-made meals

Recently released Home-Prepared Dog and Cat Diets, Second Edition by Patricia Schenck provides an introduction to dog and cat nutrition, pet diets listed together in a cookbook style, and recipes that are adjustable for any size dog or cat.

Pet insurance company advises vets to approve pet diets

Whether homemade or commercial petfood, Animal Friends Insurance advises pet owners to consult with a vet about the specific needs of their pets before outlining a diet plan.
The company said that with pre-packaged animal products, vets could also advise on how to read the packaging to determine the quality and nutritional value of the ingredients before purchasing.

Pet nutritionist to discuss homemade petfood

Pet nutritionist Hilary Watson will speak at two events in November about pet nutrition and homemade dog food.
Watson says dog food should include protein, fat, 11 vitamins and 12 minerals, balanced properly. Her book, Complete & Balanced 101 Healthy Home-made Meals for Dogs, covers tested recipes for pet owners seeking an alternative to store brands. (See another presentation from Kathryn E. Michel on unconventional diets.)
November events:
Watson will speak at the Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association seminar, Wednesday, November 4, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Harbourview in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. For more information, call Wendy Regular at +1.877.909.2242, ext. 119.
Watson will also speak to dog breeders and owners about petfood manufacturing, ingredients and quality assurance, Thursday, November 5, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Harbourview in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. Register online.