My pet food was on the list of recalls last year and now I feel I have to question EVERY product I want to buy for my pets!

Do you ever feel as though your entire grocery list for your pets is off limits? A lot of us who had never worried about safe, clean food got a VERY rude awakening the past several months. Even when we were used to reading labels to make sure we were buying healthy food and treats, we soon learned that was no longer an assurance of safety. - so try this simple cat and dog chow recipe for your pets.

So, what can you do about it?
I’ve received many e-mails and phone calls asking for simple lists and recipes to make for your pet. While this was a pretty normal reaction to the storm of recalls, few pet owners realized the sacrifice and time that would be required to return to making pet food.

Obviously, the decision to make your own pet food depends on the type of pet you own. For example, it’s much easier to cook up or mix up food for a cat than for a large St. Bernard. If you are determined to go this route, there are some ingredients that you SHOULD NOT include in a diet for your cat or dog. This list comes from the ASPCA and is based on illnesses and deaths in pets, not on hearsay.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- Alcoholic beverages
- Avocado
- Chocolate (all forms)
- Coffee (all forms)
- Fatty foods
- Macadamia nuts
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions, onion powder - all forms
- Raisins and grapes
- Salt
- Yeast dough
- Garlic - all forms
- Products sweetened with xylitol - artificial sweetener

Now, as promised, here’s that healthful chow mixture for your dogs or cats - simple to make and good for your pets. I prefer recipes that do not make wheat, corn or white flour a major ingredient because a number of pets are allergic or sensitive to those items.

Meat, Vegie and Rice Stew
INGREDIENTS
3 pounds minced chicken meat or ground hamburger
2 1/2 cups frozen vegetable blend (no garlic or onions), minced
4 cups rice
6 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup olive oil

DIRECTIONS
Place chicken, vegetables, and rice into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Stir in water until the mixture is smooth. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

Everyday, Common Sense Precautions
Now that we've dealt with pet food and other toxic ingredients, perhaps the next most important thing for you to remember is to have a qualified veterinarian examine your pet if anything unusual occurs – whether it is from food or from other products they are exposed to during an average day. Unusual symptoms might include vomiting, lethargy, listlessness, incontinence, loose bowel, or general loss of appetite.

I like to remind pet owners that their companion animals can be affected by products they are using in their homes or cars where the animals live. For example, most people don’t realize that air fresheners with synthetic chemicals and fragrances settle to the floor where pets walk in the residue, clean their paws and ingest the toxins. It's pollution - and very toxic at that. As a result of the indoor pollution many pets are exposed to, we are seeing an increase in the number of chronic illnesses in our pets just as we are seeing it in the general human population.

These are just SOME of the reasons that led me to develop the organic pet by Chaé products that include grooming products like the foaming waterless shampoo that deodorizes as it cleans and conditions your pet’s coat. Combined with the odor control formulated with just a hint of mint, your pet’s sleeping and living areas can remain fresh without harmful, toxic chemicals or fragrances. I've also developed a trio of wound and pain management Purifying products – to sanitize, cleanse and treat wounds and inflammation.

Learn about toxins that affect your pet’s health, not just about the food they eat. Your pet is counting on you – be their advocate! Look for natural, organic products that are certified by an organization you trust. ALL the organic pet by Chae products carry the Certified ToxicFree Product seals - an indication that these products contain no carcinogens, no hormone disruptors, no neurotoxins and no other known harmful ingredients.