BROWN RICE: Why Natural Whole Grains are Good for Dogs
Brown rice is a natural whole grain. It provides your dog with essential vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and amino acids. It is also a great source of fibre.
There are so many benefits to including brown rice as your dog’s source of fibre. By slowing down transit time, fibre helps to keep your dog feeling full for longer.
A diet high in fibre is also a great nutritional strategy for controlling your dog’s body weight. By keeping your dog a healthy body weight, you’re preventing her from getting diseases like diabetes. You’re also making sure that her joints stay healthy, so she can enjoy pain-free walks with you and her dog friends too.
Having a high-quality fibre source is very important to your dog’s gut health.
Have you heard of prebiotics?
Prebiotics are foods that are typically high in fibre that acts as food for the microflora in your gut.
Fibre can act as a prebiotic and increase the number of health-promoting microbiota in the gut, including lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
There are other benefits to including brown rice in Norman’s Naturals as well.
Did you know that brown rice is a source of methionine and cysteine (amino acids important to your dog’s heart health?)
There’s another important reason for including healthy fibre in your dog’s diet. That’s right: high-quality fibre can reduce the incidence of diarrhea.
Whether your dog loves dashing through the snow, playing with friends at doggy daycare, or leaping through hoops at agility class, Norman’s Naturals will give them the energy they need to make every day their best day.
~Guest Contributor, Alyssa Foulkes
Alyssa is a local dog trainer based in Guelph, Ontario.
Visit Norman's Naturals.com to order your bag today!
Subscription orders are now available!
Dogs need high-quality proteins to provide them with energy to run and play.
Chicken meal is an extremely rich protein. It is made of muscle meat.
Unlike chicken byproduct, chicken meal is made of 100% chicken meat. It is a trustworthy and consistent source of protein.
Chicken is also a source of methionine, cysteine, and taurine (amino acids important to your dog’s heart health.)
Did you know that dogs can convert the amino acids methionine and cysteine into taurine in their body?
It’s very important that your dog gets enough taurine in its diet because low levels of taurine in the blood can lead to heart issues like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM.)
Cases of DCM related to low levels of taurine in the blood have been reported in many different breeds, including Scottish Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Dalmatians, Boxers, Newfoundlands, Portuguese Water Dogs, English Setters, and Alaskan Malamutes. Providing these dogs with taurine improved their cardiac function.
Question: Which breeds are genetically predisposed to DCM?
Answer: Breeds with the highest prevalence of DCM include Dobermans, Boxers, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, English Cocker Spaniels, and Portuguese Water Dogs.
By carefully selecting high-quality food for your best friend, you will reduce the risk of your dog developing DCM.
Question: What about flavour?
Answer: Our Chicken and Brown Rice blend tips the scale on flavour. Just ask Moose!
Moose is a Doberman Pinscher, who was an extremely picky eater. He turned his nose up at every kibble until he found Norman’s Naturals. Three years later, it’s still the only food he’ll eat! He needs energy for the long hikes he loves to take with his owner.
What’s your dog’s favourite activity? Leave a comment below!
~Guest Contributor, Alyssa Foulkes
Alyssa is a local dog trainer based in Guelph, Ontario.
Visit Norman's Naturals.com to order your bag today!
Subscription orders are now available!
Is your dog overweight because your last trainer told you to feed her hotdogs? You fed her as strangers approached, as dogs walked by, and every time you saw a squirrel. You fed her every time she sat, every time she lay down, and every time she barked out the window. Sometimes when you fed her, you thought, “Am I reinforcing her for barking out the window, though?”
Your gut instinct was right. Your dog learned that when she barks out the window, the next thing she should do is run to you and get a nice piece of hotdog. What an awesome game!
Your veterinarian says that if your dog doesn’t lose weight, she’ll need knee surgery. She’s also at risk of getting diabetes.
How are you going to get your dog to listen to you without the hotdogs?
One of my newer clients called me for help with her rescue dog. She’d been training with food, but quickly realized that when her dog is outside and fixated on another dog (or person) she could “wave a steak in front of his face and he wouldn’t notice.”
Sound familiar?
Here are some training tips to help you reach your goal of a friendly family dog who is nice to strangers, doesn’t pull on the leash, and is a healthy weight too:
WHAT DOES YOUR DOG LOVE? — Your dog loves YOU! She will likely work for your praise. You should use your voice to praise your dog. Be aware that dogs who are very high drive and excited already don’t need your “Good sit!” to have as much enthusiasm as if your child just got into the university of their choice. All dogs are snowflakes. Figure out whether a calmer tone helps your dog know she’s done a good job, or if you need a little more enthusiasm (because your dog is a little bit shy and requires more encouragement.)
TOUCH — Along with your voice, some dogs are very happy to work for being petted. We’ve all seen a police dog getting thumped on the rump for a job well done. That doesn’t mean YOUR pet dog enjoys that much enthusiasm and force. Some dogs like that and some dogs don’t. Your dog may be a little shy and likes a gentle chest rub. Bottom line, know YOUR dog.
TOYS — Your dog loves tug o’ war. Use this to your advantage. Your tug toy is now your dog’s reward. Ask them to heel, lay down, or sit and reward them with a bit of tug. Before using this method, teach your dog a reliable “drop it” command.
PRO TIP: Dogs love to work for food and will often work for their food ration. Instead of using unhealthy, fattening hotdogs use their daily ration of Norman’s Naturals for training rewards.
We hope you have lots of fun learning about what motivates YOUR dog. Drop a comment below and let us know what your dog loves to work for.
~Alyssa Foulkes, MSc, Dog Behaviourist
Alyssa loves helping dog lovers build better relationships with their dogs. Beyond Dog Training offers in-home, in-car, and online training in Guelph, ON and the surrounding area.
Our animal nutritionist selects quality ingredients to ensure your dog lives a long and healthy life. By combining a variety of different nutrients, she ensures that our kibble is both balanced and tasty.
By carefully selecting a variety of meat, grains, legumes, and even amino acids, our nutritionist makes sure that your dog gets the necessary nutrients he requires.
Here are our top five ingredients:
CHICKEN MEAL
Chicken meal is an extremely rich protein. It is made of muscle meat. Chicken is a great source of methionine and taurine (amino acids important to your dog’s heart health).
BROWN RICE
Brown rice is a natural whole grain. It provides your dog with essential vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and amino acids. It is also a great source of fibre.
WHOLE PEAS
Peas are a dependable source of plant protein and also contain vitamin K, manganese, fibre, and carbohydrates.
WHOLE OATS
Oats are high in methionine and cysteine. These amino acids are important for your dog’s heart health. Oats are a whole grain and provide lasting energy to your dog.
BARLEY
We use this whole grain to support your dog’s digestive health. It is an excellent source of fibre, carbohydrates, and B vitamins.
Bio-Ag Consultants & Distributors Inc. is a leading Canadian manufacturer of high-quality premixes and supplements. Located at Wellesley, ON we service a client base throughout Canada, the United States and internationally.
Position responsibilities are varied and include working closely with our President and General Manager, regulatory bodies, supporting other team members and client interaction.
Responsibilities include:
Maintain the FeedAssure (HACCP) program
Maintain Ractopamine Free program
Maintain Organic Program
Prepare and monitor all required submissions related to product registrations (CFIA, PMRA, VHP)
Maintain all necessary documents and data to ensure regulatory compliance (Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations, Fertilizers Act and Regulations, Canadian Organic Standards, CFIA, Health Canada, USDA, FDA, etc.)
Qualities we’re looking for:
Embraces or intrigued by the Bio-Ag philosophy and expectations
Agricultural background
Self-starter (takes initiative and can work independently)
Contributes to team effort
Attention to detail and highly organized
Be driven to learn
Ability to interact in a positive, friendly manner with co-workers, customers, and sales representatives
Not afraid to ask questions
It’s beneficial if you have the following skills or experience:
Post-secondary education in Ag Science-related field
Be familiar with Office 365
FeedAssure Certificate
HACCP and Food Safety Program Certificate
FSPCA PCQI FDA Training
Experience in a regulatory or policy position
Experience with HACCP programs
This is a Full-time position; approximately 35-40 hours per week. Schedule flexibility is available.
Interested candidates are asked to forward their resumes by November 2, 2020 to hr@bio-ag.com. Use the subject line “not afraid to ask questions” Attention: Parry.
Bio-Ag Consultants & Distributors Inc. is a leading Canadian manufacturer of premixes and animal feed supplements, with an emphasis on antibiotic-free markets.
As stated by Bio-Ag’s founder, we are motivated in our Mission “because farmers deserve better.”
Job Tasks
Must be able to get to our Wellesley location
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm.
Mixing (premix) and related record keeping
Bagging
Bin filling
Some shipping/receiving
Some customer pick up
Some picking
General housekeeping
Skills Needed
Attention to detail
Eager to learn
Enjoys learning new software
Enjoys physical work and getting dirty
Not afraid to ask questions
Bonus
Forklift license
Experience with tractors, skid steers, etc.
Dangerous Goods training
WHMIS training
First Aid certification
We Will Train You On...
Software used
Procedures
Licenses required
Please submit your resume or expression of interest to hr@bio-ag.com
Bio-Ag is open and producing premixes and supplements. However, we are asking clients to avoid coming to the office. It is crucial that we minimize staff to exposure so we can keep providing those important products you need. If you must pick up at the office, please conduct the transaction by phone/email/fax. Staff will leave the product on our pickup dock. If you need assistance at loading, please request that when placing the order.
Phone: 1800.363.5278 or 519.656.2460
Email: orders@bio-ag.com
Bio-Ag Consultants & Distributors Inc. is a leading Canadian manufacturer of premixes and animal feed supplements, with an emphasis on antibiotic-free markets.
As stated by Bio-Ag’s founder, we are motivated in our Mission “because farmers deserve better.”
Position responsibilities are varied and include working closely with our Controller, our President, our clients and suppliers.
Financial Department
All A/P transactions including entering invoices & prepping for weekly cheque run
Monitor and establish pricing, in consultation with Controller
Oversee, prepare and distribute price lists
Prepare, analyze and distribute monthly sales performance reports
Complete bi-weekly sales reports for commissions
Reconciling bank accounts
Monitor & forecast need for USD funds
Oversee and contact overdue A/R
Inventory management & support
Purchase Order reconciliation
Facilitating year-end inventory process
Provide support to the Controller in a variety of financial and strategic planning areas
Provide support to our emerging Business Process Re-engineering project
Requirements
A minimum of two years’ experience in a similar environment
Intermediate academic achievement in a recognized business program and/or documented accounting courses
The candidate we seek will demonstrate exceptional abilities in:
Microsoft Office with emphasis on Access and Excel
A major Business Package: Sage Business Works, Great Plain, SAP
Costing assessment & pricing structures
General
Embraces Bio-Ag’s philosophy and expectations
Agricultural background
Self-starter [takes initiative and can work independently]
Contributes to team effort
Interacts in a positive, friendly manner with co-workers, customers and sales team
This is a Full-time position; approximately 35-40 hours per week.
Schedule flexibility can be a consideration as well as occasional work-at-home options
Interested candidates are asked to forward their resumes by November 19, 2018 to