maintaining a healthy canine diet with #NaturalBalance Limited Ingredient Diets® #sponsored

This post is sponsored by Natural Balance and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help spread the word about Natural Balance available at PetSmart, but Well Minded only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Natural Balance and PetSmart are not responsible for the content of this article.

As a pet sitting professional, I am often asked about diet recommendations. There are a lot of great pet foods out there, but there are also a whole bunch of seemingly healthy foods that I would steer clear of. Diet is one of the most important factors in a healthy lifestyle. Just like our skin, hair, body makeup and energy levels are affected by the foods we eat, your dog's skin, coat, weight, and energy are affected by the quality of the dog food you provide. I believe in rotational feeding, which means I feed N.A.S.H.A. a variety of high-quality dog foods. Though we throw in a new one now and again, there are a few staples in our lineup, and Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets® is one of our favorites.

Maintaining a Healthy canine diet with Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets–well minded

When I was a kid, no one in my class was allergic to peanuts or had a gluten sensitivity. And pretty much every family dog ate some kind of crappy puppy chow and seemed to do just fine. I can't get into all of the ins and outs of how these health issues may have developed in humans and canines, but, over time, it seems we're witnessing more and more diet sensitivities. 

If your dog has food allergies or is sensitive to traditional dog foods, a food with limited ingredients may just be the ticket. The fewer the ingredients, the less chance of a reaction.

why is Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets such a great food for dogs? 

PetSmart® carries a complete line of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets (L.I.D.) for both cats and dogs. You can find dry, canned, and treat formulas at your local PetSmart or at Petsmart.com. What is so great about a "limited ingredient" pet food? And why Natural Balance?

• The foods contain a single-source animal protein, which may help pinpoint the source of the sensitivity and help you avoid it in the future.

• Natural Balance offers unique proteins such as rabbit, venison, bison, and wagyu beef. Some of our pets have developed sensitivities to the proteins more commonly used in pet food, so switching things up can help.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets offers grain-free options.

• A variety of grain-free options are available. Grains are another common culprit of food sensitivity in our pets.

• Natural Balance limits the carbohydrate sources, thus minimizing the chance for food sensitivity.

• No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Hallelujah!

• The food contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that, along with a quality protein, support healthy skin and a shiny coat.

• Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets are suitable for all life stages.

• Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets are backed by a "Buy with Confidence" guarantee, which means their food is tested, and you can see the results of your particular bag of food on the Natural Balance web site. How awesome is that?

our experience with Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets

N.A.S.H.A. was quite curious about the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato and Fish Formula.

As you know, we rotate N.A.S.H.A. through several natural pet foods. We do this to try to avoid her developing food sensitivities and also to keep her happy and interested at mealtime. Would you want to eat the exact same thing every day for your whole life?

It's great that Natural Balance offers a variety of unique proteins, so if your pet is allergic or sensitive, you can stay within the family, yet still offer variety. 

For the past month, N.A.S.H.A. has been enjoying the Sweet Potato and Fish formula. My family groaned when I brought it home from PetSmart, thinking it would be super stinky (they are anti-fish dog food for that reason). Fish is super healthy for dogs, so I sometimes opt to suffer through the stink. But the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets fish food...er...dog food...you know what I mean...isn't stinky at all! No, really!

N.A.S.H.A. has been enjoying the Sweet Potato and Fish Formula.

N.A.S.H.A. loves the food and has had no problems adjusting. She punches me in the leg for second helpings, a practice that can be quite irritating, but at least I know she's enjoying the food. Her skin and coat have been really healthy, even though here in the Arizona desert, it's the driest time of the year. I wish my skin and hair were tolerating the season as well! At ten years old, N.A.S.H.A.'s energy level has been great, and she's been able to keep up with all of our holiday antics.

We will definitely keep Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets in our food lineup. As I've mentioned in the past, several of my clients have had great success with it, as well, and it's my go-to recommendation for pets with food allergies or sensitivities.

where to find Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets

Find the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets lineup at PetSmart.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets is super easy to find at your local PetSmart, and if a store is not conveniently located nearby, just pop over to PetSmart.com.

Click here to learn more about Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets and their "Buy with Confidence" guarantee.

Is your pet on a Limited Ingredient Diet? We'd love to hear about your experience!

Visit Natural Balance on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

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how a limited ingredient diet can benefit your dog

want to know a bit about me as a pet blogger? the 2016 pet blogger challenge

To my own fault, I'm not typically very introspective, and I'm trying to improve on that. I decided to participate in the 2016 Pet Blogger Challenge, when the community of pet bloggers reflect on the past year's accomplishments and set goals for the upcoming year. So if you're dying to know a bit about me as a pet blogger, you've come to the right place!

1. How long have you been blogging? And, for anyone who is visiting for the first time, please give a quick description of the subject of your blog.

I started my first blog as a sort of diary/document of my son, Porter, when he was born almost nine years ago, but I only shared it with family and close friends. I started the Well Minded blog in March of 2013.

As a professional pet sitter for over ten years and a wellness advocate, I try to stay focused on pet lifestyle and wellness. 

2. What is the one thing that you accomplished during 2015, either on your blog or because of it, that made you most proud?

I tend to undervalue my work. In 2015, I created a media kit for the first time and provided it when I received inquiries. I also took the initiative to approach brands with my media kit and received favorable results. I feel that by providing a solid outline about what I can offer and what I expect in terms of compensation has not only increased my income, but has also bolstered my self-confidense as a professional blogger. I am still happy to volunteer my time and platform for worthy causes.

3. Which of your blog posts was your favorite this year and why?

My favorite post of 2015 was When a Pet Passes Away: A Pet Sitter Perspective. I lost a very special client to cancer this year...that's what it's about.

4. A common theme from last year's challenge was that many of us wanted to increase the size of our audiences. Whether or not we intend to monetize our blogs, it seems we'd all like to reach more people. It feels good to know that we're connecting with others, sharing a laugh or supporting a cause, and it's motivating to see those numbers grow! What is one thing you've done in the past year that has brought more traffic to your blog?

I've put myself out there on social media more than ever. I used to think that providing links to my posts was egocentric, but when my readership growth stalled out, I realized that I needed to share what I was writing. Each month, I chose one social media platform to focus on, and I'd "work" on that platform for fifteen minutes each day. I set a timer, and I did not allow myself to do anything else for that fifteen minutes (we all know how difficult that can be, especially when it comes to social media). I definitely saw a growth in my platform of focus each month, as well as in my readership and my page views.

5. Which of your blog pots got the most traffic this year? Why do you think it was so popular?

My most-read post–by far–is  Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Natural Flea Prevention and Control. I think people are looking for more ways to get chemicals out of their lives. It's something that has been important to me for many years, and it's a subject I plan to focus more on in 2016. If I can educate people about the damage we are doing to our bodies and our pets by using everyday seemingly "safe" products and provide natural alternatives to help people and their pets live a healthier lifestyle, I've accomplished something valuable.

6. What is one blog that you read religiously–other than your own–and what makes you such a devoted reader?

If I'm being completely honest, I don't read any blog religiously. There are too many that I love! I will say that I read many of my fellow BlogPaws members' posts regularly. For something un-pet-related, I often check out Scary Mommy. It's real, hilarious, and occasionally crass. I also keep up with Brie Brie Blooms. Aside from being ultra-creative in ways that I am not, the author, Heather, got me started in professional blogging and continues to be my mentor. 

7. What resources do you rely on to enhance your technical, writing, photography, social media, or other skills that improve your blog?

The BlogPaws web site, team, and members have been a great resource to me, as has my mentor, Heather, of Brie Brie Blooms. In 2015, I was accepted as a member of the Social Fabric community (after several attempts), a select group of influencers. They offer valuable courses on all things blog, which I will continue to take advantage of in the coming year. 

8. What is the best piece of advice you can offer other bloggers?

Keep learning and embrace change. There is so much to learn when it comes to blogging, and standards and practices on social media change constantly. I try to spend fifteen minutes (yes, again, I set a timer) each day focusing on educating myself about blogging. It doesn't seem like much time, but just committing and setting aside that time to grow and learn has been valuable to me. It's true–you learn something new every day!

9. What is your vision for your blog in 2016? Do you have specific goals?

I have two specific goals for 2016. First, I'd like to improve my photography. I'd like to get better equipment and take a photography class. Second, I'd like to try to write more consistently. I tend to be inspired and write a bunch of posts all at once, then I hit a lull and stall out. So I'll publish a bunch of posts in a row, then nothing for a week. If I can publish more consistently, I think my readership will grow.

10. You have the attention of the pet blogging community–is there one blogging challenge you'd like help with, or one aspect of your blog that you'd like input on?

I'm open and grateful for any and all feedback and help! I have come a long way, but I have a long way to go.

Just me and one of my favorite clients.

getting ready to #mixitup with Instinct Raw Boost Mixers #sponsored

This post is sponsored by Instinct® and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about instinct® Raw Boost® Mixers, but Well Minded only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Instinct is not responsible for the content of this article. 

As a professional pet sitter and wellness advocate, I completely understand the benefits of feeding my dog a raw diet. But, if I'm being honest, I just don't. It's a pain in the...you know. So I do the best I can with high-quality grain-free dog foods that we feed N.A.S.H.A. in rotation. If I could incorporate raw food into her diet without all the hassle, I definitely would.

Guess what. 

I just found out that I can!

Getting Ready to #mixitup with Instinct® Raw Boost® Mixers–Well Minded.

Nature's Variety® Instinct® is one of our favorite high-quality dry dog foods. We've had it in our rotation for years. I was really excited to learn that they now offer Instinct Raw Boost Mixers, freeze-dried raw mix-ins to compliment and enhance our pets' regular diets. Now we can provide the benefits of a raw diet, minus the intimidation factor. 

what is raw?

Feeding raw is just as it sounds, serving your pet uncooked food. It's traditionally a pretty expensive and labor-intensive process. Nature's Variety explains just what a raw diet provides:

• food is not cooked

• contains pure, whole-food ingredients for optimal nutrient absorbtion

• contains natural enzymes for digestive health

• provides nutrition in its purest form–proteins, vitamins, and minerals are ready for the body to utilize

To learn more about a raw diet from the fine folks at Nature's Variety, click here.

benefits of feeding raw

So why is it so healthy to feed your pet a raw diet? 

Raw diets are the most natural diet for your pet. A raw diet is nutritious and easily-absorbed into your pet's system. Basically, it's what your pet would eat in the wild, should he not be snuggled up in a cute sweater next to you on the couch right now. As we humans seek out whole foods and steer away from the processed junk we've been consuming, we desire the same nutrient-rich, chemical-free options for our pets. Enter the raw diet.

go get Instinct Raw Boost Mixers–it's easy!

I am super excited to have found Instinct Raw Boost Mixers because now I can incorporate a raw element into N.A.S.H.A.'s diet without the hassle. I just mix it right into her regular food. The fine folks at Nature's Variety have developed high-pressure processing that ensures safety without cooking the food. So it's raw, but in a kibble-like form that is easily mixed into your pet's existing grub. The Instinct Raw Boost Mixers work great with kibble or cans, and you don't even have to add water. What could be easier?

Learn more about Instinct's quality and safety standards regarding Instinct Raw Boost Mixers by clicking here.

I love that they offer trial sizes. So if you aren't sure about the raw deal, or you're not sure you pooch will dig it (who are we kidding?), you can purchase convenient one-ounce packages. 

It's great that Instinct offers trial sizes of their Raw Boost Mixers. Someone is lurking in the shadows, eager to see what this new culinary adventure will bring.

I found the complete lineup at my local PetSmart®. Since N.A.S.H.A. isn't a great car dog, we usually leave her behind, but my daughter helped me spot what we were looking for on the shelves. She was excited to have found the Instinct Raw Boost Mixers right away. They come in chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb varieties. 

You can also find Instinct Raw Boost Mixers at PetSmart.com

Some treasure-hunt...even a six-year-old could easily find Instinct Raw Boost Mixers at our local Petsmart.

It was easy to find Instinct Raw Boost Mixers with the rest of Nature's Variety Instinct lineup at PetSmart.

Decisions, decisions...which bag of Instinct Raw Boost Mixers should we choose?

We're getting ready to mix it up! I received some samples of Instinct Raw Boost Mixers, and N.A.S.H.A. loved them so much that we snagged ourselves a big ol' bag. We're planning to mix them into her food each day, and I can't wait to see the positive changes for myself. I know one thing is for sure: N.A.S.H.A. loves the way they taste! She's super interested in breaking out the big bag. I'll keep you posted on how things go.

If you're ready to take the plunge like we are, now is a great time. Instinct Raw Boost Mixers larger bags are currently 20% off at PetSmart!

You can check out the Instinct Raw Boost Mixers lineup by clicking here.

I'd say this is a bit easier than traditional raw diet preparation. 

Do you feed raw? Or have you tried the Instinct Raw Boost Mixers? I'd love to hear your opinion as we embark on this raw food journey.

Visit Nature's Variety Instinct on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

pet sitter life: open door policy

As a professional pet sitter, my integrity is just as important as the care I provide. After all, I'm entering your home when you aren't there and I'm making sure your beloved furry family members are safe, healthy, and happy. Cutting corners is not an option. I employ professional standards that I practice upon each visit. One of these standards is my "open door policy."

Pet Sitter Life: Open Door Policy–wellmindedpets.com

what is the open door policy?

What is my "open door policy?" 

Any open door remains open, and any closed door remains closed.

This may not seem like a big deal, but it is.

why is the open door policy important?

The open door policy is important for two main reasons.

1. Privacy. I respect the privacy of my clients. Any closed door is off limits. During each visit, I patrol all open areas of the home to make sure there haven't been any "accidents" and to make sure everything is safe. If a door is closed, there is no need for me to enter.

2. Safety of the animals. If I open a door, there is a chance the animals in my care would accept the invitation to enter. A sneaky cat could slink in and become trapped without food or water until my next visit. Yikes! The open door policy is especially important in homes with cats. 

are there exceptions to the open door policy?

Cats who like to hide may sneak into an off-limits room if the door is opened.

The only reason I would open a closed door in a client's home is if I suspected an animal was trapped inside.

During my first visit of any service period, I make a mental note of which doors are open and which are closed. When visiting a couple of cats last year, I had a terrible time finding one of them. I looked everywhere, and then it dawned on me that one of the bedrooms that was open the previous day was closed. I opened the door, and out scrambled the cat, straight to the litter box, then quickly to her food and water. Poor thing! She'd somehow gotten into the room and shut the door on herself. I don't know if she'd been trapped for one hour or twenty-four, but she was ready for the bathroom and some nourishment. I called the clients and let them know that she'd trapped herself in the bedroom, and they let me know that it wasn't the first time she'd done it. They were thrilled with my idea to keep the door open with a heavy object, and she didn't become trapped again. 

Just last week, I was sitting for three cats, one of which is super friendly social, and two of which think I am there to skin them alive, so they keep to themselves. I've cared for them regularly for a few years, now, so I know all the hiding places. I checked every one, and couldn't find them anywhere! I sent a text to my client:

"I can't find them anywhere...do you think they may be trapped in a closed room?"

She responded "Oh...they have a new hiding place. Check inside the box spring in the master bedroom."

I pulled up the comforter and saw the entrance where the fabric was torn. I turned on my phone's flashlight, shone it inside, and, sure enough, two pairs of reflective eyes looked back at me. They were safe! Having let the client know that I suspected the cats were trapped, she was able to fill me in on the new hiding spot, so accessing a restricted area was unnecessary.

professional policies

Worrying about doors may seem like overkill, but I believe that this level of detail is required both for my clients' privacy and the safety of the animals in my care. Considering these types of things is what sets a professional apart. I find that my clients appreciate the attention to detail and know that they can trust me to respect their privacy as well as provide excellent pet care. 

how a limited ingredient diet can benefit your dog #NaturalBalance #sponsored

As we continue to understand the toll conventional dog foods are taking on our canines, better alternatives become available. I, for one, am sick and tired of our dogs being sick and tired from eating sub-par food full of artificial ingredients, artificial colors, and harmful chemicals. What you feed your dog is arguably the most important contributor to his well-being, so it's important to choose a high-quality, natural food. Limited ingredient diets are becoming increasingly popular and increasingly necessary for the health of our pets. Natural Balance® Pet Foods are at the forefront of the movement.

How a Limited Ingredient Diet Can Benefit Your Dog–wellmindedpets.com

This post is sponsored by Natural Balance and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help spread the word about Natural Balance available at PetSmart, but Well Minded only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Natural Balance and PetSmart are not responsible for the content of this article.

what is a limited ingredient diet?

A limited ingredient diet is exactly what it sounds like–a food with limited ingredients. You know how you've been taught to go straight to the ingredient list when you choose a food for yourself or your family? The same is true for your pooch, except he can't read and likely doesn't care, anyway, so you'll have to do that for him. A limited ingredient diet is a simplified dog food that typically contains a single-source, unique animal protein, limited carbohydrate sources, and is offered in grain-free formulas.

what are the benefits of a limited ingredient diet?

As our dogs become sensitive to the many ingredients and fillers found in lower-quality food, it is sometimes tough to determine the culprit ingredient(s). By switching to a limited ingredient diet, you can more easily isolate what your dog is sensitive to and avoid that food moving forward. Limited ingredient diets may help dogs with food sensitivity issues, including:

• general food sensitivity issues including low energy and low performance

• stomach sensitivity issues including bowel upset

• food allergies to meats and fillers including skin allergies, stomach upset, weight gain, and anal gland issues

Several of my clients have had success with Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets.

As a professional pet sitter for over ten years, I am witnessing a trend. Pet parents are seeking out higher-quality, natural foods for their dogs. Many of my clients-dogs and cats alike–have switched to Natural Balance® L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets and have been very pleased with the results. I saw a huge change in my client, Clifford*, an adult mixed shepherd. He began to develop skin allergies, and, over time, his symptoms became unbearable. He would constantly scratch, and he began to lose fur, revealing dry, red patches of skin. The poor guy seemed miserable, so his parents switched him over to Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets, specifically the Sweet Potato and Fish Formula. Within a few weeks, Clifford's skin allergies showed tremendous improvement, and within three months, he was symptom-free. Though I can't guarantee you'd achieve the same results, it sure as heck is worth a try!

natural balance l.i.d. limited ingredient diets at petsmart®

I love going into my local Ahwatukee PetSmart® here in Phoenix, Arizona. Everyone is always super friendly and helpful. I often go in just to check out the latest and greatest, even if I don't plan to make a purchase (we all know how those plans go). Natural Balance offers a huge variety of foods for dogs and cats, but since I'd seen such success with my clients who switched to Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets, I wanted to check out what they had to offer in that arena. PetSmart carries a complete line of Natural Balance dry, canned, and treat formulas for cats and dogs.

Natural Balance is easy to find at your local PetSmart!

Since N.A.S.H.A. has such a wispy, dry coat and is getting on in years, I like to make sure I'm feeding her the highest-quality foods I can, so I was excited to check out Natural Balance as a possible addition to our feeding rotation. I decided we'd try the same formula Clifford had success with, the Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato and Fish Formula.

why we love natural balance l.i.d. limited ingredient diets

Aside from the fact that N.A.S.H.A. thinks the food I brought home tastes great, there are lots of reasons we love Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato and Fish Formula:

N.A.S.H.A. has really taken to Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato and Fish Formula.

• single, high-quality protein source: salmon, which provides essential amino acids that help maintain strong muscle tone and a healthy, shiny coat

• grain-free formula helps with digestive health

• works for all breeds and life stages

• can help you systematically specify your dog's source of protein

• balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty acids help to maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat

• no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives

We love to be active outside with N.A.S.H.A., so we hike on a regular basis with her. She takes little steps and skips, and she is getting older, but keeping her on a high-quality, natural diet has allowed her to continue to keep up with the family. She's still a feisty one!

To check out the breadth of Natural Balance's offerings and see feeding guidelines, visit the Natural Balance web site, click here.

To purchase Natural Balance Pet Foods, visit your local PetSmart, or click here to visit the PetSmart web site.

buy with confidence

Buying a new pet food can be scary. It seems that something is being recalled on a daily basis, so we worry that what we're feeding our pets today might be recalled tomorrow. With Natural Balance, we don't have to worry. No, really! They offer a "Buy with Confidence" guarantee:

The health and safety of your pet is our first priority. Every production run of Natural Balance pet food is tested before distribution so that you can "Buy with Confidence." Not only do we test all products in our state-of-the-art in-house laboratory for nine known contaminants before they reach store shelves, but simply enter the product date code (on our web site) to find actual laboratory results posted in real-time. 

How awesome is that?

Click here to see their "Buy with Confidence" guarantee for yourself!

Have you tried Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets? How has transitioning to a limited ingredient diet helped your pet?

Visit Natural Balance on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

*names have been changed in the interest of privacy