Brushing your dog's teeth at least 3 times a week is essential for good dental health.  Train your dog to accept teeth brushing early on. 

Some common house plants are poisonous to dogs and cats. If you see your pets chewing on the plants, it is better to remove the plants.

Small breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds. Tiny and toy breeds only become "seniors" when they are around age 10.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

– Anatole France

"In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats."

- Unknown

Dogs scoot because of overly full anal glands. Adding fiber to your dog's diet can minimize the necessity of manual anal gland expression.

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”

– Roger Caras

Pet food usually includes these essential nutrients: protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, water.

Digestive enzymes and probiotics can help maintain a healthy digestive tract and improve the absorption of nutrients.

Ingredients in pet food should be high quality and highly digestible. Your pets cannot digest feathers, hide or hoofs (animal digest / by-products).

Both flaxseed oil and fish oil provide omega-3 EFAs. However, the omega-3 EFA in flaxseed oil (ALA) is an inactive form and must be converted to EPA and DHA, the active forms of omega-3 EFA.

“The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.”

─ Mark Twain

Freeze drying is a process that involves freezing the product, lowering pressure, then removing the ice by sublimation. In contrast, conventional drying uses heat to remove water.

How much you should feed your pet depends on its age and activity level.  Daily feeding amount in food label only serves as a reference.

“Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.”

– George Eliot

Paraben and its derivatives are commonly found in pet shampoo to prolong shelf life, but they may cause allergic contact dermatitis in pets and human.

Complete and balanced pet food are those with added vitamins and minerals.  Those without are labeled as food for supplementary feeding only.

"In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this."

- Terry Pratchett

Dogs and cats most often develop allergies to the protein in meat and dairy products.  Hydrolysis is a method to break down protein molecules to prevent food allergies.

Grapes, raisins and currants can cause kidney failure in dogs. Currently, it is not known why these fruits are toxic. Individual dogs have different sensitivities to these fruits.

Chocolate is toxic to dogs because it contains a chemical called theobromine. The first signs of theobromine poisoning are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urination.

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.”

– Josh Billings

Preservatives such as Ethoxyquin and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) are banned from human consumption. Avoid them in pet food as well.

The majority of essential oils are toxic to cats. All cats lack glucuronyl transferase, a liver enzyme, that helps to break down most essential oils.

Some low-quality cat litters contain crystalline silica dust.  Crystalline silica can may accumulate in your cat’s lungs, resulting in silicosis.

"As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat."

- Ellen Perry Berkeley

“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”

– Will Rogers

Some nutrients are lost due to heat and high pressure in pet food production.  Vitamins and minerals are added to make the food complete and balanced.

The first three ingredients are the most important in pet food. You can tell if the food is grain based or meat based.

Wise Pet is a holistic pet shop selling only high quality natural pet products. We provide free delivery on orders over $400.  Delivery will be made within 2-4 business days.  For delivery under $400, please refer to shipping policy. Tier price discount and volume discount are available for selected products (please check our discount page for details).   

Notice: Wise Pet was founded in 2003, specializing in premium pet products.  We have absolutely no relationship with [Wise Pet 寵物士多].  For any product defect problem regarding [Wise Pet 寵物士多], please contact that company directly.

Pet Food Ingredients

Pet food ingredients

All pet foods call themselves "premium" but are they made with human grade ingredients or diseased/decay meat and left-over grain fragments unfit for human consumption? How to distinguish good vs bad ingredients? What ingredients are used in premium pet food? What ingredients should be avoided and why?

A good diet should contain human grade and natural ingredients, with no by-products, fillers and additives (artificial flavor and color). Here is a list of ingredients found in our products.


Healthy ingredients:

Alfalfa - A source of nutritional fiber, micro-nutrients, iron and chlorophyll. Aids in healing allergies, stomach ailments and bad breath, cleanses the kidneys and removes poisons from the body, neutralizes acids, is an excellent blood purifier, improves the appetite and aids in the assimilation of protein, calcium and other nutrients.

Amaranth - An excellent source of carbohydrates and linoleic acid. It also has great flavor that complements the flavor of barley, oats and rye. Calms the stomach, reduces tissue swelling, removes worms and parasites from the digestive tract.

Apples - Fresh apples are an excellent source of pectin, which is a natural fiber responsible for removing toxins, reduces risk of heart disease and is beneficial for diabetic animals.

Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger, Bacillus subtilis fermentation extracts - contain all-natural enzymes (plant origin) that help digest plant and animal, protein, fats, oils, starches in the body. Also act as a probiotic and help to reduce stress and prevent sickness.

Barley - A highly digestible natural whole grain, providing excellent quality protein, carbohydrates and fiber. It is an excellent source of B vitamins and Lysine, an essential amino acid lacking in many dog food ingredients.

Beta-carotene - Antioxidants such as beta carotene neutralize free radicals and protect against certain cancers, cataracts and heart disease. Carrots and sweet potatoes are good source of beta carotene.

Brewers Yeast - (Nutritional Yeast) A rich source of the B vitamins, contains 16 amino acids, 14 minerals and 17 vitamins. Protects, binds and rids from mycotoxins, which cause liver and organ damage.

Brown Rice - Contains a generous supply of B vitamins, plus calcium, phosphorus, and iron. A source of complex carbohydrate, provides quick energy and is higher in protein than milled white rice.

Blueberries - Blueberries are rich in vitamin A & C, potassium and fiber. Fresh blueberries provide flavor, taste and color of fresh fruits.

Canola oil - Cold pressed canola oil does not contain hexane, which is used to extract many other vegetable oils. It is high in linoleic acid, Omega-3 fatty acid, necessary for a healthy coat.

Carrots - A natural source of beta-carotene. An antioxidant, essential for interacting with free radicals caused by environmental pollution. It is believed to minimize hypersensitivity, allergies and cancer.

Chelated minerals - Amino acid (protein) bound chelated minerals are digestible forms of minerals which are easily absorbed by the body three to ten times greater than common minerals.

Chicken - Edible portion of deboned chicken meat. Certified by USDA as fit for human consumption. Highly digestible, excellent source of amino acids and a source of good quality protein. It is also very palatable to dogs.

Chicken & Turkey Meal - Hormone free, antibiotic free and ethoxyquin free. Human grade meat, flesh tissue and skin only.

Chicken Fat - Source of Omega-6 essential fatty acids. Human grade fat naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols and ascorbic acid.

Chondroitin sulfate - The fluids in the joints is depleted in older dogs. Chondroitin Sulfate attracts fluids to the joint's cartilage matrix, making them more resilient and mobile. Additionally, numerous studies point to chondroitin sulfates as being positive modulators of inflammatory conditions, like arthritis.

Cranberry - Prevents the spread of bacterial infections in kidneys and the urinary tract. Helps prevent Cystitis.

Digestive enzymes - Hydrolyzes proteins, fats, oils, starches and carbohydrates for better digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Eggs - An excellent source of protein and contains all the essential amino acids.

Filtered water - Water which is filtered to remove impurities such as asbestos, chlorine, pesticides, heavy metals such as lead and a variety of chemicals that are known carcinogens.

Fish meal - Fish meal is highly palatable and a good source of protein, fish oils and Omega-3 fatty acids which are all critical for healthy skin and coat, normal reproduction, proper body function and improved growth rate of young puppies.

Flax seed/flaxseed meal - Also known as linseeds, flax seed is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seeds are high in fiber that adds bulk to the diet. Omega-3 essential fatty acid in flax seed also improves shine of the dog and cat's coat. It also aids in movement of food through digestive system.

Kelp - Rich in vitamins and contains 30 minerals, controls the thyroid and regulates the metabolism which aids in the digestion of foods and the burning of calories, also with brain and nerve function.

Peas - Dogs and cats love the flavor and taste of garden peas. Peas are high in magnesium and soluble fiber. They are a great representative of the "Green" vegetable group.

Garlic - Fights parasites in intestinal tract, repels fleas and ticks and boosts immune system. It is also a palatability enhancer and helps to lower blood cholesterol and promote digestion of food.

Glucosamine - Substance made by the body's cartilage cells. Glucosamine is naturally occurring amino sugars found in all tissues of the body and are the integral part of the "glue" which holds tissue cells together. Glucosamine is the biological chemical that forms the major cushioning ingredient of the synovial fluids of the joints and surrounding tissues. It also helps prevent osteoarthritis by slowing degeneration and/or rebuilding cartilage. Along with chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine helps in the treatment of osteoarthritis and the development of bones, cartilage and skin tissues.

Grapeseed oil - Rich in vitamin E and is loaded with Omega-6 (linoleic) fatty acids which is excellent for the skin and coat.

Lactobacillus, Acidophilus, Streptococcus faecium fermentation extracts - Probiotics for better digestion and absorption of nutrients, they act to exclude and prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing and creating digestive upsets, help to prevent sickness and stress.

Lamb - Finest American lamb, hormone free, antibiotic free and ethoxyquin free. Human quality meat.

Lecithin - Used in the digestion and absorption of fats.

Linoleic Acid - Omega-6 essential fatty acid for healthy skin and coat.

Minerals - Complete balanced minerals containing amino acid chelated minerals.

Oatmeal - Oatmeal is highly digestible source of carbohydrates, protein and nutritional fiber. It also provides balanced amino acids, essential for re-building healthy muscle tissues.

Ocean whitefish - A good source of essential Omega-3 fatty acid in abundance, to counteract the excess Omega-6, for dog and cat's healthy skin and coat.

Omega-3 essential fatty acid - Omega-3 fatty acid plays critical role in therapy of immunosuppression. Fresh fish and flax seeds are the primary sources of Omega-3 EFA.

Omega-6 essential fatty acid - Omega-6 fatty acid is rich in corn, cotton, sunflower and soybean oil, generally gives rise to pro-inflammatory chemical messengers. Linoleic acid is an important source of Omega-6 EFA. It helps develop healthy and shiny skin and coat.

Omega-6 & Omega-3 Fatty acids ratio - A balance ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids (4-6:1) is important for good health. It can improve the coat and help to avoid hot spots, hair loss and allergy problems caused from flea bites, repeated licking and from a fat imbalance.

Prebiotics - Made of primary sugars such as glucose and sucrose. These are food for probiotics.

Probiotics - Natural micro-flora containing enzymes and friendly bacteria that help the digestion process, thus providing more efficient utilization of food and eliminates some gas problems and bloating after meals.

Quinoa - A highly nutritious grain, rich in amino acids and is an excellent energy source.

Rosemary - A stimulant of the circulatory system, to treat bad breath, stimulates the hair bulbs to new growth. Employed for its savory usage.

Sage - Strengthens the mind and concentrating abilities. It aids in healing skin sores and skin eruptions and removing dandruff. It has been mostly employed in disordered states of the digestion and for its savory usage.

Sweet potatoes - Excellent source of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and beta-carotene. The starch in sweet potatoes converts to sugar easily and provides quick energy. Sweet potatoes are not part of the "Night Shade" family.

Sunflower Oil - Source of Omega-6 essential fatty acids. Cold pressed, naturally preserved and is rich in linoleic acid. It is known for producing a beautiful skin and coat, as well as a visible sheen.

White Rice - Of all grains, rice is the most easily digested and least likely to cause allergic reactions. Rice clears up psoriasis and is an anticancer and antidiarrheal. Rice lowers cholesterol and prevents kidney stones.

Vitamins - Complete vitamins including antioxidants, vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, alpha-tocopherols.

Yeast culture - All natural live yeast culture, it acts to stimulate microbial and enzyme populations in the animals digestive system. Live yeast cultures plus dried fermentation solubles.

Yucca schidigera - Yucca is a desert plant, it is a natural source of digestive aid. It is also known to reduce breath and fecal odor. Used by the Indians of the southwest for skin disorders, skin eruptions and helps avoid inflammation.


Ingredients to Avoid

Animal digest - A material which results from chemical and/or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean and undecomposed animal tissue. The animal tissues used shall be exclusive of hair, horns, teeth, hooves and feathers, except in such trace amounts as might occur unavoidably in good factory practice and shall be suitable for animal feed. If it bears a name descriptive of its kind or flavor, it must correspond thereto. Animal digest is a cooked-down broth made from unspecified parts of unspecified animals. Any kind of animal can be included: goats, pigs, horses, rats, etc. The animals can be obtained from any source, so there is no control over quality or contamination.

Animal fat - Obtained from the tissues of mammals and/or poultry in the commercial process of rendering or extracting. Animal fat is a byproduct of meat meal processing. The origin of the contributing animals is never known, and the resulting oil is very low in linoleic acid - an essential fatty acid that is important for skin and coat health.

Artificial flavors and colors - Humanly-contrived additives, used to enhance a product and to appeal to the human eye. Use of these ingredients can conceal damage or inferiority, or make the product appear better than it actually is.

BHA/BHT - Short for Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), both of which are chemical preservatives. BHA and BHT have been banned from human use in many countries. In the US, they are still permitted in pet foods.

Beet pulp - The residue from sugar beets which has been cleaned, freed from crowns, leaves, and sand, and extracted in the process of manufacturing sugar. Beet pulp is added to some pet foods to act as a fibrous stool hardener.

Chicken by-products - Consist of the rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered chicken, such as heads, feet, viscera, free from fecal content and foreign matter except in such amounts as might occur unavoidably in good processing practices. Chicken by-products are an inconsistent ingredient because of the multiple organs used, their constantly changing proportions and their questionable nutritional value. Chicken by-products are much less expensive and less digestible than chicken meal.

Chicken digest - A material which results from chemical and/or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean and undecomposed chicken tissue. Chicken digest is a palatability enhancer made by reducing (cooking down) chicken meat and fat into a concentrated liquid or dry product.

Ethoxyquin - A chemical preservative that is not approved for human use.

Lamb by-products - Consist of the rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered lambs, such as heads, feet, viscera, free from fecal content and foreign matter except in such amounts as might occur unavoidably in good processing practices. Lamb by-products are an inconsistent ingredient because of the multiple organs used, their constantly changing proportions and their questionable nutritional value. Lamb by-products are much less expensive and less digestible than lamb meal.

Lamb digest - A material which results from chemical and/or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean and undecomposed lamb tissue. Lamb digest is a palatability enhancer made by reducing (cooking down) lamb meat and fat into a concentrated liquid or dry product.

Meat by-products - The non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals. It includes, but is not limited to, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, partially defatted low temperature fatty tissue, and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents. It does not include hair, horns, teeth and hoofs. Meat by-products are not meat. They can include almost any part of the animal other than meat. Because any mammal can be used, cheaper meats like horse, pig, or goat are often included.

Poultry - The clean combination of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of poultry or a combination of thereof - exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, and entrails. Poultry is an unpredictable ingredient, which can contain any type of fowl, including buzzards, geese, and other birds.

Poultry by-products - Consist of non-rendered clean parts of carcasses of slaughtered poultry such as heads, feet, viscera, free from fecal content and foreign matter except in such trace amounts as might occur unavoidably in good factory practice. This is a low-quality, inconsistent ingredient, with constantly changing proportions, and questionable nutritional value. The origin can be any fowl (turkeys, ducks, geese, buzzards, etc.), instead of a single source, like chicken. Poultry byproducts are much less expensive and less digestible than chicken.

Poultry digest - A palatability enhancer made by reducing (cooking down) meat and fat into concentrated liquid or dry product. Poultry digest can be made from any fowl (turkey, geese, buzzards, etc.) This is an inconsistent ingredient which can contain unpredictable birds unsuitable for human consumption.

Poultry fat - Obtained from the tissues of poultry in the commercial process of rendering or extracting. Poultry fat is a by-product of meat processing. The origin of the contributing animals is never known; the source can be any fowl (turkey, chicken, geese, buzzard, etc.) and the resulting oil is very low in linoleic acid -- an essential fatty acid that is important for skin and coat health.

Turkey by-products - The rendered clean parts of carcasses of slaughtered poultry such as heads, feet, viscera, free from fecal content and foreign matter except in such trace amounts as might occur unavoidably in good factory practice.

Wheat gluten - The tough, viscid nitrogenous substance remaining when wheat is washed to remove the starch. Wheat gluten is a cheap by-product of human food processing, the result of washing wheat and letting the starchy liquid dry. It offers almost no nutritional value, and serves mostly to bind the food together.