Q & A with Andi Brown, Director of Halo, Purely for Pets

Andi Brown, Director of HALO, PURELY FOR PETS advocates the importance of holistic health. Understanding the balance of Nature's Elements can significantly improve your pet's general wellness, elevate their immune system and keep them resistant to disease and degeneration, while enhancing their beauty. Since 1987, Andi has spoken at countless seminars and gained nationwide recognition for her appearances on radio and television, including "GOOD MORNING AMERICA" and "20/20", promoting the benefits of human-grade quality food and natural care for dogs, cats and birds.

Following is a list of Andi's answers to commonly asked questions about natural pet care. We hope you find these helpful, and please let us know if you have additional questions.

Q:  My pets (dog and cat) have fleas and ticks.  I bathe them on a regular basis, but they're still infested.

A:  Fleas are attracted to an animal in a weakened state.  The stronger the pet, the more resistant they'll become to most parasites.  Pets on our program of healthy foods along with proper nutritional supplements should not attract fleas and ticks.  Start using Spot's Stew along with Dream Coat and you'll notice a more healthy, vital pet in a very short time.  In addition, you should consider using Cloud-Nine Herbal Shampoo as part of their regular grooming.  It's safe, gentle and the great smelling aromatic oils help to keep pets clean.

Q:  My cats have ear mites and we've tried so many medications from the vet, but nothing works.

A:  So many pet owners report great success using the Natural Herbal Ear Wash.  Use it for fourteen days, morning and night.  It's soothing and gentle and works for almost any problem ear condition.  This product also helps with dirt, odors, earwax and even yeast infections.  Keeps ears smelling fresh and soothes irritations in the ears.  Make this product part of their regular hygiene and prevent future ear problems too! 

Q:  My poodle tends to have chronic eye discharge and eye stains on her face.  I try wiping away the brown stuff every day, but it keeps coming back.

A:  Many pets have chronic eye problems and the cause is generally two-fold.  Some pets are bred to have "peke faces" and therefore have bent tear ducts.  Debris can clog in the bend and the waste (which should be swallowed with tears) backs up in the tear duct, spills out on the face and produces ugly eye discharge. Try using the Herbal Eyewash Kit which opens up clogged tear ducts and cleans them out.  This product is great for eliminating bacteria (also culprit) in the eyes, which can cause swelling and redness.

Q:  My cat vomits after eating his dry food.  What does this mean?

A:  Commercial pet foods contain so many highly processed and over-cooked fillers like corn, wheat and rice.  Unfortunately, these ingredients are used in most every food on the market and they tend to literally "clog" up the pet's system.  It's difficult for the pet to process and digest foods with fillers, so we recommend Spot's Stew.  Pure meat and vegetables are easy for their digestive systems to handle and all the great ingredients get absorbed and utilized and food stays down and is eliminated through the regular channels of waste.

Q:  Both my dog and cat have perpetually greasy coats.  Even after I bathe them, they¡¦re still somewhat oily.

A:  Your pets are not emulsifying the fatty waste in their bodies.  We recommend Vita Mineral Mix.  It helps to push the waste out of the body through normal channels and not out onto the skin and coat.  It's also a sign that the food you're using is not a high quality product.  You could switch to Spot's Stew and the greasy coat should reverse itself, creating healthier skin and coat in no time.

Q:  I'm a great fan of Anitra Frazier and have used her book as a reference tool for years.  I noticed you use Montmorillonite in her Vita Mineral Mix and wonder what it is.

A:  Montmorillonite Clay is a wonderful source of trace minerals.  It's tasteless and odorless and provides all the same beneficial properties of Kelp.  It's actually the seabed that kelp grows in, but dogs and cats don't mind the taste.  It absorbs easily and is very digestible.

Q:  I have been using Calcium Ascorbate and Sodium Ascorbate for many years as part of my pets' supplementation.  How does Xtra-C compare?

A:  Both Calcium and Sodium Ascorbate provide some beneficial Vitamin C, but since they're buffered ¡V they are generally less potent than pure Ascorbic Acid.  Calcium Ascorbate contains calcium, which could throw off the important calcium-phosphorous ratio in your pet's system.  No pet needs additional sodium in their diet, so we don't recommend that either.  Since Xtra-C is pure Ascorbic Acid, you are actually getting the most potent Vitamin C (5,000 mg. per tsp.) on the market today.  Every pet needs extra Vitamin C in their diet for optimum health, so why provide your pets with a product that boasts fillers.  To get your pet accustomed to this supplement, start by using half the recommended dosage for a few days till their bodies become used to it and gradually increase till the desired results are achieved.

Q:  I have a large dog that is starting to show signs of arthritis.  He's a Great Dane, and I'm getting nervous about him developing hip dysplasia as well.  I want to do the best for him.  Any suggestions?

A:  There are three products we recommend for both arthritis and hip dysplasia.  Xtra-C is an incredible product that helps to relieve pain and detoxify the body.  There have been amazing studies by holistic veterinarians on the benefits of mega-doses of vitamin C (the primary ingredient in Xtra C), to help correct dysplasia in dogs.  It does this by building collagen, the connective tissue that binds ligaments and joints.  In addition, Vita Mineral Mix supports the muscular-skeletal system and provides all pets with greater ease of movement.  For optimal results, we suggest using them together.
Important Note:  It's very important to keep a pet with tendencies toward muscular-skeletal problems from being or becoming overweight.  Unwanted pounds put additional stress on the body's structure and makes it more difficult for the pet's motor function.  The good news is that we don't know of any animal that is overweight on a steady program of Spot's Stew.  Since there are no fillers, (corn, wheat or rice) like in commercial pet foods, the overall health and vitality should improve dramatically in a short time.  In addition, we've made Hip, Hip, Hooray!!  -  which is a combination of Glucosamine and Chondroitin. These neutraceuticals work miracles because we combine them with tasty enzymes - they stay in the body longer and produce even better results.

Q:  My schnauzer is always getting hot spots, skin irritations, rashes and little bumps on her back.  I need to do something fast.  She tears at herself all night long.  Can you help?

A:  Start using Dream Coat now and it wouldn't hurt to double up on the dosage either.  The skin problems that you mention are all too common and it's a sign that there's not enough Essential Fatty Acids in the diet.  Dream Coat is loaded with Vitamins A, D & E (which directly benefits the skin) and it also contains Garlic Oil to boost the immune system.  Halo uses cod liver oil too, which helps to neutralize irritations on the skin, so your schnauzer should calm down and get relief quickly.  You'll love the results.

Q: My dog has bad breath and I've heard brushing the teeth can help.  Do you have anything for that?

A:  We all know that we are what we eat.  Pets should not have bad breath if they're eating food that's pure, clean and healthy.  What you are noticing is not really in the mouth, but more likely in the digestive tract.  Highly processed commercial pet foods can clog up in the system and because they're so difficult for the body to eliminate fully, they end up sitting in the body and become putrid.  Start using Dream Coat to clean out the debris that's causing the problem.  Switching to a more healthful food will make a big difference as well.  Spot's Stew is easy for the body to absorb, utilize and fully eliminate.  If the pet also has a bad odor coming from the skin ¡V you'll want to start the very same regime.  All pets should smell clean and odor free with regular hygiene.

Q:  My cat is always eating my house plants and my dog likes to eat grass.  Is this O.K. for them to do?

A:  Pets that eat potted plants or grass are not getting enough greens in their diet.  Out in the wild, animals would consume fresh prey that could have eaten herbs, plants or berries.  Your pets are very good candidates for Vita Dreams, Daily Greens.  This product provides them with healthy chloraphyllins, which should satisfy their green food nutritional needs. 

Q:  I have an older dog that doesn't have a lot of energy anymore.  Is there anything to perk her up?

A:  Live enzymes and antioxidants can promote stamina and energy in most any pet.  Try a steady program of Vita Dreams, Daily Greens and don't forget the Xtra-C.  Most people notice improvement very quickly.

Q:  Can all of your food supplements be used together, or will I overload my pet?

A:  Food supplements should be chosen for your pet's individual nutritional needs.  The vitamin supplements we make work very well together and since they are all very unique and different, they will not overlap.  You may use all the supplements at once, or chose the ones that fit your particular pet's needs. 

Q:  I've heard digestive enzymes are important to help my dog process food better.  Do you offer any?

A:  Yes.  We think that Vita Dreams, Daily Greens are the best source of digestive enzymes on the market.  In addition to the enzymes, they also provide healthy herbs, plants and berries along with valuable antioxidants ¡V so you get a lot more than just the enzymes.  They're a complete multi-vitamin and mineral supplement as well.

Q:  My dog Itches, Scratches and tears his hair out in patches.  I'm at the end of my rope.  He's so miserable.  We've tried steroids, cortisone and steady doses of prednisone.  It seems to work for a few days and then Jake is back to square one.  I've had him tested for an allergy and no one can seem to help.  Is there something we've missed?

A: This is the single most common question we get at Halo, Purely for Pets.  75% of the pets in this country are treated for symptoms of allergies.  We have come to understand that it¡¦s more than likely - just a deficiency. What's really sad is that most people (including veterinarians) are missing the single most common denominator in every pet¡¦s life and that is the quality of food that they're eating.  Most pet foods on the market barely sustain life and there are none that are out there that really promote great health, with the exception of Spot's Stew.  When you understand what goes into commercial pet foods, what is left out of them and how they're processed, it¡¦s easy to understand why so many pets have such a hard time with what they're eating.  In addition, most pets with skin problems or coat problems respond beautifully to Dream Coat.  We have seen miraculous results when feeding this product.  It's necessary for an animal to have oil in the diet, and if you¡¦re feeding dry food, remember why they call it dry!  The food is literally all dried out!  The skin dries out, the coat dries out, and the digestive system dries out.  That pet is sure to become depleted.  Add back in the beneficial oils in Dream Coat and you'll be amazed.  Your pet will be happier and healthier too!

Q:  My sister's dog is very high strung and nervous all the time.  Pete barks at everything.  Is there something she can give him?  The Vet suggested tranquilizers but since I'm against drugs and I told her there had to be a better way.

A:  You're very wise to try something natural first.  Many pet foods contain potentially harmful chemicals and preservatives and they could have a really bad effect on the nervous system.  Change to a natural diet (Spot's Stew is our favorite) and you should notice improvement in Pete's attitude.  You'll also want to include Vita Mineral Mix. It has great nutrients to calm the nerves and soothe the system.

Q:  All three of my dogs are overweight.  They get lots of exercise, but the Vet put them on a "light prescription diet¨.  They seem so hungry all the time now, and I feel a little guilty about the whole thing.  What else can I do?

A:  The main problem tends to be the amount of fillers used in pet foods on the market today.  The typical fillers are corn, wheat and rice.  Even brown rice is considered to be a filler and not part of what the animals would be eating in the wild.  The excess amounts of carbohydrates (found in fillers) can cause extreme weight gain and these products should be avoided.  Be sure to read your pet food labels.  Most pets tend to slim down beautifully when eating Spot's Stew.  It helps to regulate their metabolism and I'm certain they'll love the new food and will feel completely satisfied.

Q:  My cat has had some recent bouts with FUS.  The Vet suggested a prescription diet because he feels it¡¦s also the early stages of renal or kidney failure.  It¡¦s so distressing.  I want Saffy to be healthy and feel good all the time.  Do you have anything for her?

A:  Feline Urologic Syndrome and kidney failure tend to be associated with poor quality diets.  Sometimes high ash and magnesium content can trigger FUS related problems.  Spot's Stew for Cats has the lowest ash and magnesium content of any cat foods that we know of.  There are both under .05 percent.  In addition, grains in commercial cat foods can cause the Urine PH to become alkaline, which can also trigger FUS.  Spot's Stew has no grains at all, which means that the urine should remain constantly acidic, which keeps the urinary tract free of bacteria, which can also cause FUS and stones in the bladder.  In addition, SPOT'S STEW has a very high moisture content, which helps the kidneys to easily process the protein through the body, so your cat¡¦s organs can function and eliminate waste properly and not have to work so hard.  To ensure an acidic urine, add Xtra-C and Vita Dreams, Daily Greens to the food every day. 

Q:  I have heard that Taurine is critical to my cat's health. How do I know that she's getting enough?

A:  Taurine is critical to your cat's health!  Without it, a cat can go blind.  Taurine is found abundant in muscle meat.  Spot's Stew contains wonderful amounts of chicken, turkey and liver to provide your cat with Taurine that's easy to assimilate. 

Q:  My vet wants Amber (my 13 year old Maltese) to be on a low protein diet because she has kidney disease.  Is Spot's Stew good for her?

A:  Spot's Stew is low protein for sure, but even more important is the fact that it's such high quality protein, that the body is able to assimilate, utilize and eliminate the food with ease.  The protein sources all come from USDA APPROVED MEATS (which means that this food is actually approved for human consumption).  Some foods can contain meat by-products, which are rejected for humans to eat.  We want all of our animals to eat the same kind of quality we insist upon having for the rest of our family.

Q:  What are By-Products?

A:  By-Products are food stuffs that are rejected for human consumption.  They can consist of beaks, feet, feathers, hoofs, hair, eyeballs or connective tissue.  While it's a horrifying thought, some pet food companies have also actually even used ROAD-KILL and the remains of animal carcasses from Humane Societies in their foods.  If your food doesn't say right on the label that it's made in a USDA Kitchen, you could be feeding your own pets some awful things.  Spot's Stew is the only food for pets that I know of that is truly approved for human consumption.

Q:  Is Spot's Stew good for puppies and kittens?

A:  Spot's Stew is perfect for all life stages.  However, we believe that each pet has unique nutritional needs, depending on their age, activity level, breed and climate.  Choose the supplements that are best suited to support your pet's body during all life cycles. 

Q:  My cat won't eat anything but the food I get from the grocery store.  How can I get him to switch to your healthy food?

A:  So many cats are just "Creatures of Habit" and they like what you gave them yesterday.  70% of the cats really love Spot's Stew on day one.  30% need a little assistance.  The good news is that there has never been a single case of a cat starving itself to death, when food was present.  You may have to be strong and "put your paw down" if you want to make the change to the healthiest food in the world, but it will definitely be worth it.  Remember that Spot's Stew has no flavor enhancers, like salt or sugar (which is found in most every other product)  In addition, your cats might not be all that familiar with chunky meats and healthy vegetables.  Once they make the switch though, you'll see better coats, dispositions, more vitality and healthier digestive systems.

Q:  I've heard that dry food keeps teeth clean.  So what should I do if I'm feeding only Spot's Stew?

A:  There is no documented evidence in the world, that dry food keeps teeth clean.  Of all the Veterinarians we've interviewed, not one of them found that pets eating dry food had any less dental problems than the ones who ate canned.  This is a myth that was made up by the dry food manufacturers to prompt people to have a reason to buy their products.  As a matter of fact; healthy food makes healthy bodies, including teeth and gums.  Think about it this way:  If you ate a salad or an apple, you wouldn't feel the need to brush your teeth.  If you ate a few cookies, you'd be encountering some "cookie-muck" between your teeth.  Dry food cakes onto the teeth and gums in the same way cookies would too!

Q:  I have a cat with diabetes.  We give him daily insulin shots.  Is there anything else I can do for this problem?

A:  There are more documented cases of dogs and cats with diabetes than ever before, and we believe it's related to a poor quality diet.  The good news is that there¡¦s a lot you can do for your pet.  We have gotten remarkable feed back about pets with this disease, when the pet owner uses Spot's Stew along with Vita Dreams, Daily Greens.  One of the worst things for any pet with diabetes is to have grains in their diet (such as corn, wheat or rice).  Grains (which are high in carbohydrates) turn to sugar in the body and this can upset the insulin levels in the blood.  A food that is free of grains is much healthier for the pets and many pet owners have reported a reduced need for insulin shots, and some have even been able to forego them all together.  Please consult with your Veterinarian and continue to monitor the blood levels, but you and your pets should be very happy with the overall results in their health.

Q:  My two dogs have been diagnosed with Cancer in the past two years. I've heard this was very common and the Vet is recommending surgery and chemotherapy.  It's very expensive, but I want to do everything I can for them.  Anything you could help us with would be appreciated.

A:  We could probably write a book on this one.  It's unfortunate that pet diseases have risen to epidemic proportions in this country and there are so many things to consider.  First of all, food is the foundation of life.  With great food, great health follows.  Without it, we are open and susceptible to disease and degeneration.  First and foremost, chemicals in the diet can cause the body's immune system to be compromised.  So many chemicals and preservatives are used in commercial pet foods and have been documented and known to cause cancer in laboratory animals.  Opt for a natural diet always.  In addition, we do know that "we are what we eat" and so many pet foods are made up of fillers and poor quality ingredients.  Pet food companies are permitted to use 4-D Meats.  (Animals classified by the department of Agriculture as unfit for human consumption, but approved in pet foods.  They are actually livestock that arrived at the slaughterhouse DEAD, DISEASED, DYING OR DISABLED!)  This is why healthy, homemade food is so important.  Spot's Stew is the only pet food on the world that's made in a USDA Kitchen with entirely wholesome and human-grade ingredients.  In addition, you must detoxify the body and support the immune system with great supplementation.  If they were my own dogs, I would use all of the supplements that Halo makes, along with the healthy food.

As the great philosopher Hippocrates wrote: "Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food". In essence, great food, along with proper supplementation can assist the body's immune functions to stay strong throughout the years.  Your pets are lucky that you're now seeking great health for them from a place of prevention.

Q:  Do you sell anything natural for hairballs?

A:  Hairballs are created when kitty cleans herself and ingests loose, dry hair.  Since we like to treat the cause, and not the problem, I would recommend Dream Coat mixed in with the food.  This great product helps to eliminate excess shedding, so kitty should not be swallowing so much hair.  It will also help to push any fur balls through the regular channels of waste, so don't be surprised if you see a hair ball in the litter box in a few days.  Dream Coat food supplement is really healthy for your cat!

Q:  My dog has been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  He's on medication now, but he still has difficulty going on a regular basis.  Is there something we can do?

A:  Food that is difficult to digest is difficult to eliminate.  Typically the problem is much more prevalent when using dry food, but many canned foods can cause it to happen as well.  High quality food that is easy for the body to assimilate, utilize and eliminate is definitely a must for your dog.  Grains (like corn, wheat or rice) can also be a real culprit here too, so opt for feeding Spot's Stew. There's nothing easier for your dog's body to process.  In addition, I would want to clean out the digestive tract of the debris that is obviously clogging it up and incorporate Dream Coat into the food.  Most people have reported noticeable improvement within days. 

Q:  I'm really surprised that you don't offer a dry food for those of us who want one.  What's your reason?

A:  We know that in human nutrition, the more a food is cooked and processed, the less nutritional benefit it has.  Dry Food is all dried out.  All of the beneficial Fats and Oils to help the skin and coat are cooked and rendered useless. For instance: raw vegetables are better than cooked vegetables.  Or better yet, another example is two steaks on the grill.  One is rare and the other is well done. We all know that the rare steak contains more vitamins and minerals than the one that is burned.  We want to offer only the best products to promote great health for your pets and since we wouldn't compromise our own pets' in any way, we would not compromise yours either.  We want you to experience the best results for the ones that you love and we will not offer anything mediocre.  Try your pets on a steady diet of Spot's Stew for one month.  The health benefits and the results will be unmistakable.

Q:  What makes your treats so healthy? 

A:  We take choice cuts of  USDA-approved whole meat  -- free range chicken, Argentinian beef, wild Alaskan Salmon, and wild Pacific cod and freeze dry them to preserve them. There are no additives, no chemicals, no preservatives, fillers, and no sugar or salt added. That's why Liv-a-Littles are the only pet treat in the world that is healthy enough for humans to eat!  Just ask Montel Williams, who was recently seen eating Liv-A-Littles on his television show how great the Halo, Purely for Pets treats really are.  Be sure and try our newest flavor Liv-a-Littles Wild Alaskan Salmon.  Rated 4 "paws" up in a random 4,000 pet survey.  Also available:  Liv-a-Littles Chicken, Liv-a-Littles Beef, and  Liv-a-Littles Codfish.

Q. Is catnip okay? I buy Kitty, my little grey tiger cat, catnip toys, but lately when I bring a new one home, she gets very aggressive, even growls! Sometimes she eats it.

A. First, buy only 100% organic like our 7th Heaven Catnip.  Then offer a small amount only once or twice a week.  Some will eat it while others will roll around in it - let  kitty choose.  In moderation, it's a purrrrrrrrfectly safe treat.  Cat toys are a whole other issue.  Unless you can be sure of the quality of the catnip inside, you're better off buying organic or growing your own.

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