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What is in your pets food is important — but have you ever thought about HOW those ingredients are gathered? Thanks to Petcurean for sponsoring this post.
Dig in — it’s organic!
It took me awhile, but I eventually discovered what was upsetting the gut of my rescue pup, AJ. As I have mentioned here before at 5 Minutes for Mom, from the advice of a neighbour and the input from our vet, I discovered that my dog’s skin issues and loose stool issues were coming from an intolerance to his food.
Once I put him on premium, grain-free dog food, his problems resolved. (Interestingly, if I even feed him treats that have grains or other difficult to digest ingredients, he will develop rashes and loose stools.)
So, at my house, we are camp “grain free” when it comes to dog food. We LOVE Petcurean — and AJ has told us he is a die hard fan of all of the flavours that he has tried so far.
While the ingredients in our pets’ food are essential for the optimal health of our pets, it is also important to consider HOW those ingredients are sourced…
Now, I understand if you are thinking, “Hold up, now I need to feed my PETS organic food?!?” I agree, organic food is expensive and buying organic for our own food is hard enough.
But, the great thing about more and more of us consumers opting for organic options is that means more and more businesses and farms are striving for healthy, sustainable organic practices. And the more popular it becomes, the more options we have.
It is a holistic thing — it isn’t just about the food we put in our mouths. Buying organic is about how we look after the earth that provides for all of us and how we help preserve and protect it for our children and their children.
Do I shop exclusively organic? No. But I do my best to purchase organic as often as possible and I try to pay attention to where and how ingredients are sourced.
When a company is working hard to ensure they are producing their products with ethical and sustainable practices that makes me a loyal customer — and that is one of the reasons I LOVE Petcurean and their new line GATHER.
ABOUT GATHER:
With the knowledge that consumers are increasingly demanding sustainability, transparency and organic ingredients in their pet food, and scrutinizing more than ever for quality and safety, Petcurean created GATHER. GATHER is a new category of pet food crafted from certified, organic, non-GMO and sustainably produced ingredients. The recipes are perfectly blended and balanced to provide dogs and cats with premium quality, natural nutrition and are free from rendered ingredients.
GATHER comes in three varieties for adult dogs:
WILD OCEAN Line-Caught Cod, FREE ACRES Organic Free-Run Chicken and ENDLESS VALLEY Vegan
And one for adult cats:
FREE ACRES Organic Free-Run Chicken Recipe
CERTIFICATIONS:
Pet food certifications are used in the food industry to provide information to consumers about the way in which a food is produced. Certifications are developed by governments or independent organizations which establish the certification’s ‘standards’. These are the documents that describe the criteria a food producer must meet in order to become certified. To become certified, food producers must undergo a highly detailed audit by an accredited company that determines whether the certification standard is being met. The certification cannot be used by the food producer until the auditor determines that all of the relevant criteria on the standard are fulfilled. To maintain certification, most certification bodies require an annual re-certification audit.
GATHER™ dog and cat recipes have received three different food certifications to provide transparency about the ingredients that have been carefully selected for these diets: Organic, Vegan, Marine Stewardship Council. Find out more here.
FARMER/PRODUCER PROFILES:
GATHER Wild Ocean & Free Acres: Petcurean is always thinking and talking about pet nutrition, formulations and ingredients for their premium-quality pet foods. Excited by all the benefits of krill, they include it in two new GATHER recipes; Free Acres ™ and Wild Ocean™ for dogs. Their producer partner is Aker Biomarine, certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (Aker Biomarine’s extraordinary sustainability practices were critical in their decision to partner with them). The krill in GATHER is fished from the oceans surrounding Antarctica, using proprietary Eco-Harvesting™ technology. This prevents by-catch (fish and animals other than krill) and brings the live krill onto the ship where it is processed immediately to ensure maximum freshness.
GATHER Wild Ocean: Catching cod by longline is one of the most environmentally-friendly and sustainable methods of fishing used today. A particular school of cod can be located, identified, and brought on board, without the damage to the ocean floor associated with some net fishing. Individually-hooked fish are handled carefully, and the minimal by-catch of fish other than cod are released, live. These are just a few of the reasons Petcurean chose Alaskan Leader Fisheries LLC to supply them with their Alaskan Leader® brand cod for their GATHER Wild Ocean Recipe. Alaskan Leader, family founded and family run (just like Petcurean), operates out of Dutch Harbor, Alaska. The fish they provide for GATHER Wild Ocean is the same Alaskan cod that’s sold in supermarkets and served in fine restaurants.
GATHER Endless Valley & Free Acres: Farmer Direct is a farming co-operative based in Saskatchewan, Canada. Their 60+ strong family farms grow certified organic oil seeds, oats, lentils, beans, wheats, ancient grains and peas to the Canadian Organic Regulation, USDA National Organic Program and the European Union Organic Standards. The farmer-owners in the cooperative have been stewards of the land for generations. In fact, a number of the families have been farming the same land for over a century and were practicing organic agricultural techniques before organic certification was even available.
GATHER Free Acres Organic Free-Run Chicken: When Petcurean was creating their new GATHER Free Acres recipes for dogs and cats, they wanted to have certified organic chicken as a primary protein source. Their search for the ideal partner took them across North America. They spoke to many producers, inspected their farms and finally decided on a family-owned and operated company in Northern Indiana known as Miller Poultry, who’ve been around since 1942. The folks at Miller provide Petcurean with a reliable, consistent source of USDA certified organic, free-run chickens that are raised in smaller flocks on Amish family farms.
These “broiler quality” chickens are fed an all-vegetable, antibiotic-free diet with no animal by-products, animal fats or artificial coloring. They also have access to the outdoors and three living enhancements that include things to perch on, hide behind and run through. Miller Poultry strictly adheres to the humane treatment policies defined by the Whole Foods animal welfare spokesperson, Temple Grandin. They don’t de-beak their chicks and use both male and female chickens. Miller has invested heavily in “Where Food Comes From”, a program that allows them to trace every bird to the specific farm where it was raised. And although chicken production is a water-intense process, they capture and treat all the water they use in the harvesting process, and then spray it on croplands surrounding their plant.
This remarkable-quality organic chicken with USDA/MOSA/BRC/GAP certifications is the single source poultry protein in GATHER Free Acres recipes for dogs and cats. It’s a perfect meat source, in that it’s a high-quality protein which supplies all essential amino acids; it’s a source of omega 6 fatty acids and a source of essential vitamins and minerals, in particular niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium.
Save $5 on any bag of GATHER™
If you want to check out GATHER for your pet, jump on over to Petcurean and grab a coupon for $5 off any bag of GATHER.
Simply fill out a form to receive an electronic coupon that you can print at home and redeem at your pet specialty store. This offer is only valid in the USA and Canada.
Giveaway
Two lucky winners will each receive a coupon for a FREE 16 lb bag of GATHER dog food.
Please leave us a comment telling us a little about your dog… what’s his/her name and breed, how old he/she is, etc. Then complete the entry form below.
Open to both US and Canada.
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Disclosure: This post is sponsored, so extra thanks for reading and sharing.
Written by Janice Croze, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom
Talk with me: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
Pin with me at pinterest.com/5minutesformom
Katrina says
Nice info! It’s really important what you feed your dog? I appreciate the way you’ve explained everything, definitely a good read for a dog owner like me. By the way you have nice a nice dog!
Philip Lawrence says
My dog’s name is Abby and she is a one year old English Springer Spaniel.
Hollie Jahnke says
I have an 8 month old Golden Retriever named Luke. 🙂
Chris L says
Baby is a 7 yr old Boxer mix.
Michael Bohenek says
My family has three dogs. The first was named Ruffy and he is 8 or 9 years old. The second was Happy. He was adoped and the age was unknown. The last one is Oreo and he is about 4 years old. Ruffy and Happy are both Cocker Spaniels. Oreo is a Shih Tzu and Pomeranian mixed breed.
Lesley F says
I have 2 rescue dogs that are 13 & 14 and are amazing
Taryn T says
We have two dogs, Nellie and Gillie, they are mixed breeds, a little hound dog, maybe some lab and beagle! They are sisters and about four years old. Because of the hound dog ears, they are prone to ear infections, so we must carefully watch what they eat.
Leela says
We named him after the simpsons dog 😉
Lori Walker says
I have two dogs – Jade is a blue heeler and is 11; Kayla is a Siberian Husky and is 9.
kim keithline says
I have 3 dogs, Blue a chihuahua who is 17. Dexter is a chiweenie and he is 3 and Luke he is a chiweenie and he is almost 1
Kathy Pease says
Our dog Duke is 2 years old and he is an Australian Shepard
Erica B. says
Radar is a hound mix and is 11 years old.
Chris L says
Baby is a Boxer mix. She is just a huge love bug. She almost never barks & is just always going for lovings & a scratch behind the ears.
KellyPC says
We have cats but Jake is my moms dog, he’s 10 & he’s the cutest Golden Retriever ever!
Jessica Wiebe says
My girl’s name is Coco. She’s a 16 year old German Sheppard. She’s so sweet, but has had issues with anxiety since our other two dogs have passed. We’re amazed at how healthy she manages to still be. I guess she won the German Sheppard genetic lottery?
Angela Thorpe says
We have an amazing mutt named Zarfira. She is an absolute sweetheart. She just turned one.
Cassie says
I have a 15 month old female German Shepherd named May and she is my world! She’s as sweet as can be, very intelligent, and has a personality that just radiates! She’s approximately 68 lbs and lovesss to eat. I put her first so I always try to make sure she has quality food, plenty of exercise, and endless love.
susan smoaks says
my dog is a mixed breed rescue. She is about 40 pounds, medium sized she is the best.
Stephanie Liske says
We have 3 pups. Killer is 5, and he’s a min pin. He’s my buddy. We have Lilly, she is 4, and she’s a min pin. She’s not all there but we love her just the same. And we have Chaos. She is a pit. She loves everyone and is full of energy. She’s 2.
Robert says
ruby is her name and shes a jack Russell mix cuz of long legs like a miniature greyhound found her last winter abandoned on road she is totally part of family now we wanted a small dog but you don’t always get what you want still she is less than 25 lbs and we love her
Virginia B says
I have 2 dogs a chiweenie mix that is 18 months old and a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix that is 7. We got them at the local animal shelter.
Ashley Collier says
My dog is a mix I got at the SPCA when he was 4 and he will be 9 in August. I love him so much. His name is Roscoe
Kim Naumann says
I have a 10 yr old Yorkinese named Tank and a Shih tsu female 2 yrs old named Phoebe.
Darlene Carbajal says
My dog is a male. His name is Biscut! He is a mixed chihuahua and he’s the smartest dog ever!
Elizabeth Brooks says
We have a shih tzu named Katie
sarah k says
We have three, small under 4lb Maltese and one Australian Cattle Dog.
Doris Humber says
I have an English Bulldog. He is turning 6 years old this July. He is quite a character lol stubborn and so loveable!
Kimmy Ripley says
I have a 4 year-old whippet rescue dog named Stormy and she is sweet as sugar!
Aaron says
Rolly is an Old English Sheepdog. He is almost three. He is not very smart.
Marlene V says
My dog is a Manchester Terrier. Her name is Dasha and she is one years old. She is full of energy but also loves to cuddle!
Susan Smith says
My dogs name is Daisy and she is a 13 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She is the ultimate lap dog.
Winnie B says
My frenchie is almost 7 y/o! Looking for food with simple ingredients as she is starting to have food sensitivity issues.
Jammie says
We have two dogs, one is pitbull/chow and we have had him since he was 6 weeks old. He is now 5 and lazy lazy and lazy. Our second dog we rescued 2 years ago, someone dropped him off. He is a mix no idea with what. He is hyper and will always be a puppy. He wants to play play and play. He eats EVERYTHING and just our problem child. But loves them both
Jeanna says
We have a 2yr old YorkiePoo named Sammi! She is the sweetest little thing and is very protective of the kids!
Nannypanpan says
It would be for my moms 9 yr old boxer
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says
our dog, george, is a mix and he is 16 years young <3 xoxo
Carly Daring says
I have a 2 year old lab named Cooper!
Dawn says
My dog is a pug amd named Jakobi
Very loving little guy who is now getting a bit grey on his chin!
dave says
my dog is about 8 years old Havanese
vickie couturier says
I have a 5 yr old chichuchua named peanut,,he is a funny little guy,,,he likes to cuddle on the couch he is a rescue dog that we rescued from the pound
shirley says
We have a mixed breed, Ms Girl, left by 3 owners, but now here at her home forever.
Elena says
I have 7 years old Golden Retriever Blondie and 2 years old Lab mix Rocky
Kristin McCall says
I have a maltipoo dog named Teals. She is very needy but she loves everyone. She has a lot of energy and is a great at snuggling. She is a year old.
Jen D. says
My dog, Tillie, is a 14 year old Bichon. Although she is old, she still has a cute, sweet personality. She is sensitive to pet food – it makes her itch. She still loves to go for a ride, but is resistant to a nice walk. Her best friend is my cat Libby – they really look out for each other.
Athena says
Zoe is a Boston Terrier mix and she’s 4 years old.
Annette says
Bo is a 5 year old lab rescued from a shelter. He loves to go for rides and to play in the pool.
Aarone Mawdsley says
his name is archie he is a 8 year old pomerianian
Maria says
We have adopted our dog when he was 3.5 years old. He is Havaneese and absolutely amazing dog. Learns very quickly and is very obidient
Ron Friesen says
We have two rescues, Brina is a husky/collie X who’s almost 10, and Quinn is a lab/husky/hound X who’s 1.
Cindy Peterson says
My little buddy is a Coton de Tulear. A 9 pound bundle of good cheer. He will be ten this year. He has survived two emergency surgeries and endured many hours of physical therapy. All with a wagging tail.
Leigh Anne Borders says
We have two dogs, a chihuahua and a schnauzer mix. They are about 10 years old. The chihuahua is tiny weighing only 3 pounds and our mix is 15 pounds. We absolutely adore them. They bring us so much joy!
Amanda Eagan says
Two rescue pugs Otter and Abby. Both ages are unknown but estimated around 9 and 10. They love food, car rides, and walks.
Joni Taylor says
I have 2 fur babies. They are sisters that we rescued. They are Jackabees. Half Beagle, half jack russel terriers. I never wanted dogs but I am their person and I love them so much. They will be 2 on the 4th of July
Denise B. says
We have a Siberian husky that is a little older than one year old.
Calvin F. says
I’ve got a cat, named Jarrod, but I don’t have a dog. This prize would be a gift for a friend I have so many friends with cute dogs.. Shibu is the most popular here.
Clare O'Brien says
My dog’s name is Gracie. She is going to be 7 in June and she’s a shih tzu.
Kelly D says
Our dog is Molly. She is a black lab.
Debbie White Beattie says
My dogs name is BLUE and he’s more than our dog, he’s a part of the family. He’s a 11 year old Shih Tzu that is the laziest dog in the world because he would much rather just play indoors and only go outside to do his business. But every day I try to take him for a walk although it feels like I’m more of a goat herder as I keep repeating come on, lets go until I’m satisfied he’s gone far enough. He has a very unique personality that’s for sure but I can’t imagine my life without him!
nickie says
My dog is named Chade, a chocolate lab and 2 years old
Cathy Truman says
Our boy Bailey is a black cocker spaniel who is our joy and happiness. He is 3 years old
and still has a lot of puppy in him. He is so full of love and energy we love him so much.
Denise Sachs says
My dog is an 11 year old Pomeranian mix named, Carlo.
Cheryl says
We have two small senior female dogs. Pepper Too is a salt & pepper miniature schnauzer and Mitzi is a black & tan dorkie (dachshund/yorkie designer hybrid).
Cindy Brooks says
We have two Bichon Frises that look like this: https://www.koocanusabichons.com/ They are both girls. Glacier will be 5 in September and Lily will be 2 in the same month.
Shelley Joy P says
I have a spaniel mix named Kandy who is turning 18 years old next month 🙂 I also have a terrier mix named Ella who is 6 and a doxie mix named Diamond who is 4.
HEIDI CARLSON says
Our rescue pug is named Dexter and he is about 6 years old and is my constant sidekick :).
Beth T. says
We’re a 4 dog family. We have Nick, who was born in our guest room, the son of a dog we adopted from a shelter 14 years ago. He’s a joy, and a reminder of his brother and two sisters, who have passed on. Nick’s not lonely, though, because we also have Billie, a 4 y/o terrier/border collie mix, Silas, a 3 y/o shepherd mix, and Cora, a 1 y/o mystery pup. We love them dearly and are careful with what we feed them. Now that the new administration is loosening FDA rules concerning oversight of pet food, I think it will be even more important for us to be careful with the food we choose and consider who makes it and where it is sourced.
Saundra Bowers says
We rescued our puppy about 2 1/2 months ago. His name is Zunebug and he is a German Shepherd/Shetland Sheepdog mix, 5 1/2 months old. Been many years, but Zunebug is so well mannered and no accidents or whining. He fit right to us.
Steve Weber says
My dog name is Nancy – and she is 5 years old.. she is chug!
Tracy Pryor says
My dog’s name is Miko. He is a 12-year-old German Shepard mix.
Jonnie says
Our pup is named Layla and she turns 2 at the end of June. She’s a mix of mini schnauzer, mini american eskimo and shiba inu but the schnauzer is the breed that really shines through in her looks. She has always been a nervous dog and she hates getting groomed but she is also playful, loving and a wonderful companion to our whole family.
Anita L says
I have 2 dogs named Baine and Taz. Both are mixed breed dogs that were strays. One male and one female.
Stephanie LaPlante says
My uncle’s dog’s name is Molly and she’s an American Bulldog. Such a loving girl.