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What’s in YOUR Pet’s Food?

Today's pet parents are paying more attention to what's really in the food they're feeding their pets. And so they should!

The quality of the various ingredients found in pet food formulas is important, as higher-end ingredients typically provide better nutrients and tend to positively contribute to overall health and well-being.

Understanding a pet food label doesn't have to be difficult. There are several key words to look for:

→ By-products, such as poultry or chicken by-products, are meat processing leftovers that are lower quality protein sources and are tougher to digest.
→ Fillers, such as corn bran or soybean mill run, are food processing waste products that bulk up a food to satisfy your pet's hunger, but contribute little to his nutrition.
→ Glutens, such as corn gluten meal or wheat gluten, are a form of protein that bump up protein levels, but are of less nutritional value than better quality proteins like meats and meat meals.

Nutrience contains no by-products, no fillers and no added glutens. No bad anything.

Learn more about how to interpret a pet food label here.

Compare your pet's food! Our nutrition experts wanted to know what kind of ingredients were in the other pet foods out there. We decided to share the results of these comparisons, so you can see for yourself how the food you're currently feeding your pet compares to Nutrience.

Click here to see how our lines of food compare to what you may currently be feeding your dog or cat. We're so proud of our carefully-formulated foods that we'll give you even one more reason to try it - a coupon off your next purchase! Register for yours just for taking our Compare & Save challenge.

Springtime Care for your Dog and Cat

What an unusually mild winter we Canadians have just come through! But no matter how much or how little we're forced to battle the snow in winter, spring will always be accompanied by its own special concerns about caring for our pets.

Weight Management
Pets can put on a few pounds over the winter as they cocoon inside a warm house. Just as with people, spring brings with it more opportunities to head outdoors to socialize, play and explore. The extra calories burned by these activities may lead to some weight loss in the pet.

In addition to increasing activity, cutting calories can contribute to trimming down to a healthy weight. Adhere to portion recommendations on pet food packaging. If you're feeding these portions and your pet is still overweight, a slight decrease in portion may be all that's needed.

If your pet eats with gusto, he may not be satisfied with smaller portions. In this case, foods with fewer calories per portion can help. Your pet can still eat the quantities he's accustomed to, but takes in fewer calories. Nutrience offers several options of lighter foods you can try:

- for any dog needing a light formula
- for the special needs of older dogs

- for any cat needing a light formula
- for a cat less inclined to head outdoors
- for the special needs of older cats

Grooming
Most dogs and cats grow winter coats as the cold moves in, shedding them in the spring. Some coat types require help to shed, and shouldn't be neglected, but often the winter coat falls out on its own. Helping it along with a grooming routine encourages good skin and coat health. Head outside and use tools to work the extra hair out of your pet's coat so less falls out on your floors!

Grooming stimulates blood flow and the skin's natural oils, for supple, moisturized skin and shiny fur. It's also pleasant bonding time, and the massaging action feels great to the pet. Working on your pet's coat allows you to check him out up close, looking and feeling for lumps, bumps, and other abnormalities.

Pets have different grooming needs depending on their coat type. Consult this guide to determine what grooming tools are best for your dog.

Spaying and Neutering
In the sunny, warming days of spring, pets are much more likely to interact with each other. While pets should never be allowed to roam free, trips to the dog park and simple walks around the block give plenty of chances for pets to become friendlier than we'd like. Sadly, this often leads to unwanted puppies and kittens.

Pet overpopulation could be helped tremendously if everyone arranged with their vet for the very simple procedure of spaying or neutering their pets. It decreases a pet's natural urges, but if it does happen, owners won't need to find homes for unwanted critters.

Spaying or neutering a pet can also reduce the risks of cancer and some infections, and may decrease aggressiveness and the desire to roam. While having the surgery at an early age is recommended, it is never too late to have a pet spayed or neutered.

Good nutrition keeps up a pet's strength and aids in wound healing. Nutrience puppy foods and kitten foods need no supplementation, and are easy to transition to. So, your baby gets fewer tummy upsets, and you can spend your time giving him the love he deserves. Good food and lots of love mean a speedy recovery - and back to bouncy sooner!

Pest Control
Pests like fleas, ticks, mites, worms and heartworm have a way of rearing their ugly heads come springtime. These parasites can have effects on your pet ranging from annoyance to death, hence the importance of educating yourself on the various threats in your area.

While they have different ways of being transmitted, one thing remains the same: they can be effectively controlled via products available at pet stores and via your vet, who will discuss with you what you need to be concerned about and how to keep your pet safe.

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The above are simply some topics to keep in mind to keep your pet healthy. Make an appointment for your springtime visit with your vet, who will discuss with you the specific needs of your pet.

Here's to a happy and healthy spring!

 

Nutrience and Rolf C. Hagen Inc. to Donate $14,000 in Food for 125 Rescued Dogs

MONTREAL (March 28, 2012) - Nutrience and its parent company, Rolf C. Hagen Inc. (Hagen), are proud to announce over $14,000 worth of food will be donated to feed 125 dogs that were rescued recently from a commercial breeding operation in the Chaudière-Appalaches region, located south of Quebec City.

The animals were seized and removed after multiple investigations indicated the dogs were not receiving proper care. The rescue operation, which was carried out by Humane Society International/Canada and the Quebec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with the mandate of ANIMA Québec), is the second time these organizations have teamed up in recent history. Last year, HSI Canada assisted the Quebec government in the historic rescue of more than 500 dogs from Canada's largest commercial breeding operation near Shawville, Quebec. Nutrience was also involved in that operation, donating over $35,000 in food and essential supplies that helped care for the dogs during a 3-month period.

"It is a very rewarding feeling knowing that the 125 dogs rescued in this most recent seizure will now receive the love, attention and medical care they deserve. It's even more gratifying to be able to play a part in nourishing them back to health by donating our food. Nutrience and the Hagen company remain committed to the "No Bad Anything" mission for pets, which continues to feed pets in need and educate the public about proper pet care and nutrition," stated Warren House, Canadian Marketing Manager at Rolf C. Hagen Inc.

"Humane Society International/Canada thanks Nutrience and Rolf C. Hagen Inc. for their generous donation of dog food for our emergency sheltering operation. This important contribution will help put more than 120 rescued dogs and puppies on the road to recovery. This is the second time they have donated to HSI Canada's efforts to stop puppy mills in Quebec and help give rescued dogs the second chance they deserve," said Rebecca Aldworth, Executive Director of Humane Society International/Canada.

About Nutrience: A registered trademark of Rolf C. Hagen Inc., Nutrience believes that every pet deserves quality food and a chance at a long and healthy life. Only the finest ingredients are selected for Nutrience foods, which are proudly produced in small, highly-controlled batches in the company's very own state-of-the-art facility. No by-products. No fillers. No added glutens. No bad anything. This is the Nutrience pledge. www.Nutrience.com or www.NoBadAnything.com

About Rolf C. Hagen Inc.: Founded in 1955, Rolf C. Hagen Inc. is a leading international manufacturer and distributor of pet products, pet food and pet supplies, with facilities located throughout North America, Europe and Asia. www.Hagen.com

About Humane Society International/Canada:Humane Society International/Canada is a leading force for animal protection, representing tens of thousands of members and constituents across the country. HSI/Canada has active programs in companion animals, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammal preservation and farm animal welfare. HSI/Canada is proud to be a part of Humane Society International-one of the largest animal protection organizations in the world, with more than eleven million members and constituents globally-on the Web at hsicanada.ca.

NUTRIENCE AND THE ONTARIO SPCA, WORKING TOGETHER TO STOP BAD THINGS HAPPENING TO GOOD PETS

TORONTO, ON (March 13, 2012) - Continuing a long-standing commitment to helping abused and neglected animals, Rolf C. Hagen Inc., parent company of Nutrience, has joined forces with the Ontario SPCA to raise money and hope for animals in need.

Click here to view a television commercial highlighting the importance of stepping in to help stop the abuse and neglect of pets.

Between March 19th and May 31st Hagen will donate $5.00 to the Ontario SPCA when a person buys a specially marked bag of its Nutrience pet food, to a maximum donation total of $40,000.

A special sticker on each bag of food will include a donation PIN# which when entered on the Nutrience No Bad Anything for Pets Facebook application, or on www.NoBadAnything.com, will trigger the donation. Facebook users will be able to share their involvement in the donation drive as well as track the progress of rescued pets all from within the Facebook application.

In addition to supporting much-needed rescue and relief efforts each participant will have the opportunity to win a cash prize of $500 with the option to donate the prize amount to the Ontario SPCA. If donated the full prize amount will be matched by Hagen resulting in a $1000 donation to Ontario SPCA. Nutrience customers will be able to participate in five prize draws following the promotion period.

"The Ontario SPCA rescue and relief efforts help thousands of animals every year. As a non-profit organization, we are pleased to see a company like Hagen taking the initiative to work with us to help more animals across Ontario" - Kate MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario SPCA

"We are proud to have the Nutrience brand involved with such a great cause. It is also very rewarding to know that the funds provided are going to help provide a first of its kind emergency response vehicle in Canada. The Hagen Company has had a long standing tradition of support for animals in need and this effort is very much in line with our goal of no bad anything for pets." - Warren House, Canadian Marketing Manager, Rolf C. Hagen Inc.

The need for rescue and relief efforts in Ontario is constant. The Ontario SPCA responds to an average of 13,000 - 15,000 reports of animal cruelty each year, and cares for nearly 25,000 animals annually. All efforts are carried out through donations and would not be possible without the continued support of companies and the public. Whether it's an orphaned pet needing home, a family that needs temporarily shelter for their pet after a natural disaster, or the rescue of an animal from neglect or cruelty, the rescue and relief team is there to provide essential aid to animals in need.

To take part in the effort to help abused and neglected pets, click here.

About Rolf C. Hagen Inc. (Hagen)

Founded in 1955 and fueled by a love for animals big and small, Hagen is a Canadian-owned, independent, family-run business that has become a globally respected manufacturer and distributor of pet food and supplies. Committed to providing the highest quality nutritional pet foods Hagen stands by its pledge of No Bad Anything. Hagen's commitment to bettering the lives of all animals extends beyond food to include many long-standing relationships with organizations and charities that improves the lives of animals. These include donations of both food and money to underfunded animal shelters, animal hospitals and other organizations that care for animals. To learn more about Hagen and Nutrience brand pet foods, pet care and nutritional information visit us online at www.nutrience.com

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society:

Protecting animals since 1873, Ontario SPCA is Ontario's Animal Welfare organization. A registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities, Ontario SPCA relies on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation; veterinary services; community outreach; advocacy; and humane education.

Ontario SPCA is mandated under the Ontario SPCA Act to enforce animal welfare legislation and the Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.

Ontario SPCA provides leadership in animal welfare innovations including introducing high-volume spay/neuter services to Ontario and opening the Provincial Education and Animal Centre.

OntarioSPCA.ca
Adopt • Learn • Volunteer • Donate

Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002