A minute ago she was feeling blah. See the difference a dog makes?

As pet parents, we’re thankful for our dogs and cats. They’re always there for us on the good days as well as the times when we have to deal with dark clouds. Well, that’s life.

But your pet’s unconditional love is all yours, no matter what. Adding to that are the shared times, the fun and the excitement of running with your dog in the park, tossing a frisbee into the distance or cuddling up with your sweet cat on the couch. Well, get used to it, pets add life to your life.

Pets Are Amazing

Pets are amazing and guess what, so are pet stories. People love them, and as a pet parent we’re guessing you have more than a few to tell. There’s no better time than Thanksgiving for that. Why? Because you're bound to be asked what you're thankful for at the Thanksgiving table.

You could answer with all the usual stuff … family, friends and happiness. We’re all grateful for them. But don’t forget to give thanks for your furry friends. So get your pet stories out for Thanksgiving. To inspire you, read on for three of our own tales about pet brilliance, love and companionship. 

JoJo Is Bilingual

You know dogs are smart, but JoJo is brilliant. His new family raves about his intelligence, but there’s one thing they didn’t know. When his original owner came for a visit, they discovered he had taught JoJo German. When he said “mach sitz”, Jojo would sit. When he said “platz” JoJo would lie down. JoJo responds to 16 German commands. After having JoJo for a few months, the kids in his new family, Melissa, nine, and Aaron, seven, mastered all 16 commands. Surprise, surprise, they’re now bilingual, because JoJo is bilingual.

Pets are a-m-a-z-i-n-g. No wonder we are so thankful for them.

A Paw Placed On Her Knee

A Labrador called Sam went missing. His owner, Lauren, was…well, no words can describe her anguish. Nobody should have to go through that. Lauren made “Sam is Missing” posters and drove around the neighborhood calling for him. But no luck. A day later the phone rang. Someone from miles away found Sam wandering along a road. No film script could capture the joy of Sam being reunited with his owner. To show his appreciation, whenever Lauren sat down, Sam would be there to lift his paw and place it gently on her knee. To this day he’s still doing it.

Dating Advice from Gilly

Everybody loves talking to their cat because they often see their pet as human. A friend we met at a cat show heartily agrees. She’s forever talking to her cat, Gilly, asking about the guys she’s dating. Surprisingly, she gets meows of advice. Jonathan tops the feline popularity list with two meows. Marc is a close second with one meow. Poor Marc. As thanks for being such a good advisor Gilly is being included in the turkey festivities with Turkey Hearts Freeze-Dried Treats. So, happily it’ll be “turkey for all” on Thanksgiving Day.

Okay now, the spotlight’s on you for your own Thanksgiving pet stories. So go for it.

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Tip: Find a Beauty Bar with clean, botanical ingredients to nourish your skin.

Touchable results. Vibrant, healthfully nourished skin that retains moisture. A feast for your senses … beauty bars are back with all their nutrient richness. 

We’re talking about fresh, new soap formulations to pamper yourself and feel you’re doing the absolute best for your skin’s health with fatty acids, vitamin E, antioxidants and calcium.

The word is out on the soothing and calming effects of Beauty Bars. Their praises are being sung in salons, gyms, health clubs and on social media. Have you noticed? People are raving about how great they are. But great is only the beginning. Because more importantly, the right way to describe the new Beauty Bars is to say, “they really work”.  For us that’s huge.  Because we know people who are forever buying products but come away feeling a little let down -- their high hopes are not quite met. Sound familiar to you? But the new Beauty Bars are different, so write this memo to yourself: No let downs here.

Okay, we said Beauty Bars are back which immediately prompts the question, where have they been all your life? Like us you’ve probably been using facial cleansers. They’ve been on everyone’s shelf for a long time. But the scientists working in product labs have been making breakthroughs. They’ve been developing new beauty formulations by asking important questions.

Questions like, what if we combine plant-based ingredients in a bar that avoid sulfates, chemicals and harmful additives. Or ... what if we aim for a range of scented soaps that, for once, don’t irritate the skin. Then there are exfoliants. Could we start with gentle lathering agents then add fine sea-salt or tiny, almost microscopic crystals that exfoliate without damaging sensitive skin.

Activated charcoal acts like a magnet to pull toxins from pores.

And what about hydration? If you think like us, that’s the key. So, can the new soaps help with that? The answer is yes, but here’s the thing, even with a good facial cleanser you still need to finish with a moisturizer. The same is true with Beauty Bars, but you’ll be pleased to know skin experts have made many of them hydrating in the best way. Adding glycerin and ceramides sees to that. In plain English, Ceramides retain the skin’s moisture and seal out harmful elements.

Explore Beauty Bars and you’ll discover organic, botanical ingredients play a key role. Which is why a light lathering session leaves you feeling relaxed and radiant. It’s a bit like a mini visit to a day spa. The development labs have created rejuvenating formulations that allow you to add a luster to your skin. How do we know this? A friend who is forever experimenting, lathered up several different beauty bars, rinsed away the bubbles and started taking selfies to compare the results. She used bars with fragrance, bars without, and bars with the fresh scent of essential oils. But what came first for her was a need for gentleness and a soft finish to the skin.

Gentleness is essential when you understand how your skin is formed. It’s developed in layers, taking about three weeks for the innermost layer to emerge on the surface. So even if you’re around 30, your skin is only about three weeks old – which is reason enough to treat it like a baby. 

For that there is a sea salt cleansing Beauty Bar we love as it also soothes, calms and hydrates your skin. It’s our Charcoal and Sea Salt Soap. It’s made with tea tree oil distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca plant found in Australia. Its skin care benefits are many but the most important one is its ability to soothe the skin. Activated charcoal creates tiny internal spaces or holes in the charcoal, making it extremely absorbent. When applied to the skin, it acts like a magnet by sticking to and pulling out dirt, oil and toxins from pores, providing a deep clean and clearer skin. Science triumphs and you benefit.

Now that you've got a clean fresh foundation you’re ready to apply your moisturizer.

You may have stopped growing but your skin hasn’t. Mother Nature provides you with new skin every three weeks -- then it’s up to you to maintain it and a beauty bar is the best tool in your skincare arsenal.

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Tip: It's important to have basic commands taught to avoid unwanted jumping.

As pet parents, we wish we could bring our furry friends with us everywhere we go. Luckily, pet-friendly events exist where our dogs can gather with others and socialize, as we chat and eat or listen to music with like-minded people. Whether it’s at a festival, restaurant, or other public event, these 5 tips will help to keep your pet safe and happy.

Think About Your Pup

You know your pet best, so you’ll know if they’re comfortable being out in public places or not. If they get anxious easily or nervous by loud sounds or crowds, it might be best to keep your pup at home. But if they seem relaxed when around other people and especially other pets, then feel free to leash them up and take them along.

Check For Their Tags

Before leaving for an event, make sure they have a well-fitted collar with updated tags. Unexpected loud sounds could cause your pup to run off, so it’s important to check that their tags are up to date with your correct phone number in case they get lost. And if they have a chip, then double check that information is current as well.

Pack a Bag

While you’re getting them ready to go, pack a bag with all of their essentials. You’ll want to bring healthy, delicious treats for them to snack on, especially if you’re enjoying food at the event on your own - and don’t forget water as well! Dogs, especially those with a lot of fur, can get heat exhaustion at outdoor events, so make sure they have access to clean water at all times to keep them hydrated. While you’re enjoying the event, you want your furry friend to be entertained as well, so pack their favorite squeaky toy for them to play with.

Tip: Make sure your dog is comfortable around other people and pets prior to taking them out and about.

Have The Basics Down

Not only is this a safety tip, but it’s also an etiquette tip. You might have a dog that loves to jump and play rough, but some pet parents might not be too fond of that. This is where it’s important to have the basic commands down, such as “sit” and “stay.” If a person, or their dog, approaches and your dog is getting too excited, tell them to “sit” to avoid any unwanted jumping on others. Be sure to reward them with yummy treats for their good behavior!

Be On The Lookout

You never know what could be a potential danger to your pup at events. This could be anything on the ground or within reach including broken glass bottles or foods they shouldn’t eat. Always keep an eye on your dog and keep their leash on in case there’s anything around that could endanger them or make them sick.

When taking your dog to an event, you’ll likely have to focus more on them than the event itself in order to keep them safe and happy. However, as loving pet parents, this is a small price to pay for having our loyal companions by our sides.

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Tip: Use healthier ingredient alternatives in your recipes to create just-as-delicious holiday meals.

We’ve all been there. You’ve finally managed to get your wellness goals on track, but then the holidays roll around. The spirit of the season along with decorating, gift shopping and delicious food and desserts can sometimes result in your health taking a backseat - but this is totally normal.

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, so the last thing you should do is beat yourself up over a slice of pie or a festive cocktail. So, while you’re indulging in the festivities with your friends and family, here are some realistic ways to stay healthy through the holidays.

Rethink Your Fitness Routine 

You’re not alone if you think of the holidays as one big festive blur. With parties to attend and travel arrangements to make, it’s easy to forget to schedule your normal fitness routine. There’s no problem with giving yourself a bit of a break during the holidays - as long as you keep your body moving. 

For example, instead of hitting the gym 5-6 times a week, try a goal of 3-4 times a week. Or, if you normally work out for an hour a day, know that even 20 minutes of weight training or a HIIT workout is enough. This leaves more time for holiday activities while still getting in a good sweat and still have time for holiday fun. 

Tip: While your loved ones are visiting, suggest taking a walk together to get a little movement in your day.

Another idea you can incorporate into your fitness routine is including your loved ones. They’re likely visiting you for the holidays, so what better way to spend time together and feel great than by taking a stroll to check out the holiday lights or doing a yoga class to unwind after a long day of holiday shopping.

Healthy Holiday Substitutes

If your schedule is getting a bit too busy to incorporate a workout, there are always changes you can make in the kitchen. One of the best parts of the holidays is there’s no shortage of delicious food and drinks. You might normally take one look and feel a sudden pang of guilt, but in reality, you don’t have to indulge.

It’s time to rethink the idea that all delicious desserts have to be a guilty pleasure. Instead of cutting yourself off, try healthier options. There are plenty of healthy dessert recipes out there that are perfect for the holidays. 

Happy Holidays to you and your family. With these simple tips you’ll be feeling much better come January 2nd.

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Fall ushers in pumpkin spice mania, apple flavored everything, sweaters, boots, and all things warm and cozy. Throw in the excitement of Halloween, with its costumes, candy, and parties, and you can’t help but want to celebrate. For cat and dog lovers like us, it’s only natural to want to celebrate with our furry friends. Here are a few tips to help you and your pet enjoy a safe and relaxing Halloween together.

Pet Treats, Not Human Treats

Just like you wouldn’t let your kids eat just any Halloween candy, it’s also wise not to share it with your pet. We know it’s hard to resist those convincing puppy dog (or kitty) eyes but candy has a laundry list of ingredients that aren’t meant for cats or dogs. This includes chocolate, xylitol, sugar, and so many other hazardous substances.

Instead, treat your pet with something meant just for them, like our Premium Cow Ears, Antioxidant Health Bars, or Gourmet Cat Treats. This way, they can be included in the holiday fun without putting their health at risk.

Proper Party Provisions

Similarly, if you plan to host a Halloween party, take some time to consider what types of foods you might have available for guests. If possible, consider omitting foods like raisins, grapes, and dark chocolate that can be very dangerous, or even fatal, to pets if they should happen to pick up any scraps off the floor. Instead, you many want to:

• opt for pet-safe foods
• ask your guests not to feed your pet any human food without your permission
• keep any off-limits food covered and out of reach

Sensible Soundscapes

Whether hosting a party, or welcoming trick-or-treaters, many of us love to play spooky music or haunted house sounds during Halloween. If you do this, try to be mindful of any sounds that you know your pet is afraid of or dislikes. This can include high-pitched sounds, dogs barking, hissing cats, creepy steps, or any other noise your pet may have had an unpleasant experience with in the past.

Music is often a safer choice than sound effects when it comes to pet-friendly ambience, but this is totally subjective depending on your dog or cat and their triggers.

Careful Costumes

One of our favorite parts of Halloween is the chance to dress up with our pets. There are so many cute combinations, and there’s nothing more fun than taking a picture with your cat or dog dressed  in your Halloween finest; however, it’s important to make sure your pet’s costume is safe. For example, avoid costumes that are too long and drag under your pet’s feet. This could cause them to trip, slide, or fall. Additionally, if your pet’s costume has a headpiece, make sure it’s secure so that it doesn’t fall down over their eyes and block their vision. Finally, make sure there are no parts on your pet’s costume that they might be able to tear off and swallow (potentially causing them to choke), and nothing that could cut or irritate them.

Leashed Loves

If you choose to take your pet trick-or-treating, be sure to have them well-controlled on a leash and keep them close at all times. Command your dog to sit, if possible, before ringing doorbells at neighbors’ homes. If you’re trick-or-treating in a dark and/or congested area, consider putting a glow in the dark leash or collar on your animal, to make it easier for you and others to see them.

While we love the idea of taking our pets trick or treating with us on Halloween, if you know that your pet is easily stressed or startled, it might be best to leave Fido or Fifi at home where they’ll feel safe.

Contained Creatures

If you opt to stay home and hand out candy, make sure your cat or dog - especially if they’re not good with strangers - won’t be able to escape when you open the door to greet trick-or-treaters. For some pets, this is as simple as telling them to sit before opening the door. For others, it might be better to put up a gate, keeping your pet away from  the door. And for those that love to make a break for it? It might be worth placing them in a spacious pet crate or confining them to a room with a door so you can both enjoy your Halloween.

No matter how you decide to celebrate Halloween with your pet, they’ll be grateful for everything you do to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable Halloween.  With just a little bit of planning, you and your fur baby can enjoy a fun and memorable spooky season together. Happy Halloween!

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In an ever-growing world of clean skin care products, trendy ingredients have been appearing everywhere, such as essential oils and extracts. First, is this something you even need in a product? Second, how do you know if lavender oil or lavender extract is right for you? It mostly comes down to understanding their differences. Let's take a slightly deeper dive into the benefits that each one offers.

Essential Oils vs Extracts 

One of the main differences between essential oils and extracts is that oils are highly concentrated, while extracts are more diluted. Why? Because these plant-based products are created in two very different ways. 

Essential oils are made from the aromatic parts of a plant, which are simply the parts that contain volatile oils. In order to collect these oils, the plant generally undergoes a complex steam distillation process.  

While this process is no easy task, it does release the plant’s oils in their purest form. As a result, the oil maintains more of the plant’s antibacterial and antiviral properties - which is a huge plus! This is also the reason that essential oils tend to have a much stronger aroma than extracts.  

Extracts produce a more watered-down version of a plant's elements, and they’re also much easier to create. Think of the process as similar to soaking your tea in hot water.  

Plants can be turned into extracts by soaking them in anything from water or glycerine to alcohol, allowing them to release their properties into the surrounding liquid. This creates a sort of infusion that isn’t quite as strong as what you’d get from a pure essential oil. 

So which should you choose? Well, there are pros of each:

The Pros of Oils

As mentioned, oils tend to be very concentrated and contain important natural properties of a plant in their purest form. That's why you'll find antioxidant-rich oils such as grapeseed, cranberry seed, and thyme oils in products like facial serums. Another benefit of oils, when it comes to skin care, is that a little goes a long way. Often, just a few drops are more than enough to cover your whole face.

The Pros of Extracts

While extracts may not be quite as strong as oils, by being less potent they tend to be a great choice for sensitive skin while still providing plenty of benefits. Our Facial Cleanser, for example, uses extracts like sugar cane, white willow bark, and citrus peel to exfoliate your skin without causing irritation. 

If you’re the type of person who wants the best of both worlds or you have trouble deciding, just take a look at our Facial Moisturizer. Its expertly blended with both essential oils, like pomegranate seed oil, as well as extracts, such as olive oil extract. This combination allows you to experience both types (oils and extracts) while still getting a slew of skin-loving benefits.

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You don’t need us to tell you that a bored dog is not a happy dog - and as a caring owner, that’s the last thing you want. After all, your dog deserves all the love and care you can give.

With that caring in mind, this blog shares three fun ideas to help increase your dog’s happiness and good behavior. But first, how do you even know if your dog is bored?

Look for these signs

Uh-oh, something’s been chewed. You come home and the rug is a sorry sight. Vets call it “problem behavior.” A friend shared this story with us. While she was away, her pup went to work on her husband’s loafers. Size 10s were chewed down to size 9s. And no wonder, dogs need stimulation -- in fact, they can’t be without it. So when we enrich their world, they become happier and better-behaved.

It’s easy to sense how your dog misses you when you’re away. Especially when you consider that millennia ago dogs were bred to have a working role. But most dogs aren’t working these days – they have little to do. This is evident when you consider the in-home security footage of one owner’s home while he was away. He saw an unhappy pooch… and rolls of unraveled toilet paper decorating the living room. Charming.

Dogs look to us for engagement and fun. Your dog deserves a lifestyle that beats a ho-hum existence. Because, according to ancient Greek wisdom, for a human or dog to thrive in top form, a healthy mind in a healthy body is key.

 Try these three fun ideas:

1. Head to the park. A potty break or walk around the block for a bored dog may not be enough. Instead, go out for some intense playtime. It could take the form of an energetic frolic or the tried and true game of fetch with a stick, frisbee or tennis ball. Grab that barely-used tennis racket and hit a ball into the distance for your dog to fetch. And do it again and again. Watch your dog exhibit an Olympic performance with a smile that widens every time you send the ball flying.

   
   

2. Friends for your dog. You enjoy meeting new friends and, of course, your dog does too. Especially when there’s a chance to cut loose and run with them in a safe, protected area. Dog parks are a roam-free environment that could offer slides, hurdles, hoops to jump through as well as water features like spraying fountains.
3. Scrumptious chew treats. Dogs adore our Pork & Apple Sausage Recipe. So they’re perfect for a game of “Find the Treats.” It’s as captivating for your dog as it is for you entering a kitchen with delicious smells coming from the oven. You become transfixed by trying to discover where that aroma is originating from.

Got that picture? Now apply it to a fun game with your dog.

Start by hiding the Pork & Apple Sausage Recipe in interesting places, use your imagination, be creative. Then set your dog on a search. Encourage your dog, signaling if they are hot or cold. Great fun erupts when the treats are discovered. That’s when you can lavish praise on your intrepid hunter. You’ll make your dog feel extra-special and proud ... but that’s only the beginning.

Because “Find the Treats” helps put an end to destructive behavior. It fulfills your dog’s love of chewing with something that’s tastier and healthier than a pillow or your beloved loafers. You both benefit as play promotes better behavior and bonding.

The former chief veterinarian of the RSPCA in Britain, Mark Evans, adds to that:

“There’s a growing acceptance among scientists that play is very, very important and the type and frequency of play are really good indicators of a dog’s quality of life.”

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Looking for a smoothie that’s delicious, nutritious and affordable? Packed with protein, antioxidants and nutrient-dense greens, this smoothie not only gives you incredible energy, but it’s simple to make. Just combine three of our delicious supplements and a few of your favorite fruits. Best of all, it costs less than your daily pick-me-up.

Ditch the morning coffee and muffin and start your day off feeling great!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed, frozen berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)
• 1/2 cup frozen cherries
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, or milk of choice
• 1 scoop Life’s Abundance Vanilla Plant Protein
• 1 scoop Life’s Abundance Cherry Minerals and Antioxidants
• 1 scoop Life’s Abundance Greens Blend
• Optional: a handful of kale or spinach to amp up the green factor

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender
2. Puree until smooth
3. Add more milk if the blend is too thick
4. Enjoy!

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Are you stressed out? If you’re like most Americans, chances are the answer is, “Heck, yeah!” Unfortunately, stress is a way of life for too many of us. Whether it’s concerns over family, work, relationships or even daily traffic jams, there seems to be a never ending stream of stressors.

There are many different facets of stress. It can help you in some instances and hinder you in others. And there are coping mechanisms that can diminish it (the bad stress). If you’re already feeling too stressed to read the rest of this article, then it’s a pretty good sign that you should keep reading - so take a deep breath and read on.

What is stress?

Stress covers a range of physiological responses to certain life events, such as a threat, a heated argument, and real or imagined danger. In short, stress is your body’s way of protecting itself in the face of these challenges. Your body releases adrenaline and cortisol hormones in order to prepare you to take action. At the same time, your blood pressure rises, breathing becomes more rapid and your heart starts pounding. These physiological changes can help boost your strength, bolster your stamina and hone your focus, which is why some people claim they work well under pressure.

Common stressors

Some common negative stressors can include workplace stress, the death of a loved one, divorce, injury or illness. Even seemingly positive life events can bring with them stressors such as marriage, buying your first home, having kids, or even getting a promotion. Stress can even be self-imposed from pessimism, perfectionism, or the inability to accept uncertainty.

Are you a serial stressor?

There’s no doubt that stress can help you meet short term challenges. However, chronic stress can leave your body feeling overworked and can be detrimental to your health. Moreover, long-term stress can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, lead to premature aging, and leave you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.

If you believe you might be suffering from debilitating chronic stress, the first step is to talk with someone trained to help you overcome these stressors, like a doctor or therapist. Next, try your best to avoid negative coping mechanisms such as smoking, overeating, or drug abuse. Here are our tips for reducing stress in your life in a healthy and more practical way:

Talk to a Friend: Expressing your feelings to a trusted friend can lighten your load. Remember, the more you isolate yourself, the more susceptible you will be to stress.

Exercise: Walk, swim or take a bike ride. When you exercise at a certain level over a period of time, the body produces chemicals that can make you feel good.

Eat a Healthy Diet: We know it can be difficult, but try to avoid fast foods loaded with fat and preservatives, overly salted foods, caffeine and sugar. Make sure your diet includes proteins, whole grains, fresh veggies and plenty of water.

Laugh: You read that right. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.”

Meditate: There’s no need to take a class or even buy a book on meditation. Just find a comfortable and quiet spot and think about all of the positive things in your life. Make an effort to feel truly thankful for each of them.

Curl up with a furry friend: We have to admit - this might be one of our favorite things to do. Spending quality time and cuddling up with your pet can lower blood pressure and stress levels.

Do nothing: Yep, nothing! Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that it’s okay to just do nothing at all for a while. Stop whatever activity is at-hand and savor the moment.

No matter which techniques you choose to incorporate in your routine, we truly hope they’ll help you to live a more abundant life, with less stress!

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While looking for healthy products for your furry friends, you’ve probably faced a slew of information, and we understand how overwhelming it can be - especially since you want to give them the best life possible. We want to be clear about what goes into our products because we want you to feel confident in the product you’re feeding your pets. We’re proud of our products but your trust in our company is more important.

As an employee-owned purpose-driven company, we think differently and our definition of transparency includes giving you a behind the scenes look into our decision to conduct dog food feeding trials - and why it should matter to you. 

What Are The Pet Food Standards?

Did you know that there are two ways a dog food maker can demonstrate the nutrition of their foods? These are set by the Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the association that establishes nutritional standards within the pet food industry.

Nutrient Analysis

The most common of the two is through nutrient analysis. This involves laboratory testing of the finished food that measures how much of each key nutrient is present compared to the required amount. Beyond the required nutrients, additional tests can be ordered to tell a more complete story about the formula. For instance, if a brand prioritizes antioxidants they’ll want to test for that number, though it’s not required.

This additional nutrient analysis testing is the method we at Life’s Abundance have used for over two decades, and now, as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, we’re engaging in the second of AAFCO’s sanctioned tests - Feeding Trials.

Feeding Trials

Simply put, feeding trials allow us to study the nutritional value a pet gets from consuming a food. So - how does it work? Eight dogs are exclusively fed the food being tested for a number of weeks (duration varies based on life stage). Periodic blood tests and the dog’s weight are tracked and recorded to demonstrate that the nutrients shown on paper actually make it into the dog’s body at life-sustaining levels. The dogs are always humanely treated and if for any reason they aren’t doing well on the food they are immediately taken off the trial. 

Why Conduct Feeding Trials?

First and foremost, we have a responsibility to the hundreds of thousands of dogs eating our food, and because of this, it’s important to know how nutrients in our formulas behave once digested by the dogs eating them. Our formulation philosophy for years, has been made up of nutritional analysis and decades of anecdotal evidence but with the addition of science-backed feeding trials, that philosophy is even stronger. 

In the veterinary world, feeding trials are the gold standard to demonstrate a food’s nutrient value. Now when your vet asks if your dog’s food has been through a trial, if you’re feeding Life’s Abundance, you can confidently say ‘yes.’ We know from all our veterinary consultants and colleagues how important feeding trials are to veterinarians as a mark of quality assurance. This is our way of showing we're absolutely serious about making the best food out there.

The decision to conduct feeding trials was a years-long process involving many levels of staff at Life’s Abundance. We’ve:

• consulted with veterinarians,
• consulted with insiders who have seen many sides of laboratory research,
• looked for alternative testing protocols,
• interviewed testing companies and toured testing facilities ourselves

It took all of this time, effort and consideration to be certain we’d found a testing company that met our standards for animal care, interaction, environmental enrichment and overall welfare. It was important for us to take this time so that we feel as good about the process as we do the results, so you can too.

What Feeding Trials Won’t Tell You

Though a feeding trial is a true scientific study, it will only tell you whether a food is adequate enough to keep a dog alive. It won’t tell you about the quality of the ingredients or if they have any health enhancing benefits. At Life’s Abundance, it’s more than formulating, making and delivering great food. It’s about getting the ultimate nutrition into your dog so they can thrive.

Feeding trials take time to complete but we’re dedicated to taking as many of our products through trials so you can have full confidence in our products. Here is our feeding trial status as of Fall 2021:

• All Life Stage Dog Food, Lamb Meal & Brown Rice - Successfully completed Summer 2022.
• Adult Weight Loss Dog Food - Successfully completed Spring 2020.
• All Life Stage Dog Food, Chicken Meal & Brown Rice - Successfully completed Summer 2021.
• Grain Free All Life Stage Dog Food - In queue to start. Tests are not run concurrently which makes the timeline to complete the series quite long.

We remain dedicated to adopting certified testing methods to reassure our customers of the quality of our product. If you’re not currently feeding your pet Life’s Abundance food consider making the switch to our uniquely formulated foods that have feeding trials to back their efficacy.

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