Monday, July 1, 2013

Cat Chat presents the Book:Health and Nutrition for DOGS and CATS:A Guide for Pet Parents by David G. Wellock, ENTER TO WIN!

As many of you know who have followed Cat Chat for some time now,  I consider myself to be a "cat hobbyist or a pet parent."   As a "cat hobbyist or a pet parent" there are red-flag topics that I felt that I wouldn't broach on his blog, and were better left to those in the cat blogging world that I consider to be "Cat Experts, (either by virtue of their "pedigree" or their life experience)." What topics are those?

Health and Nutrition

I have always felt if I were going to attempt to discuss my red flag topics it would boil down to regurgitating information from the internet, but much of that information is difficult to understand, and taking the time to peruse it? Much worse! For those of you who are like me, "cat hobbyists or pet parents" and need and would like information and guidance from those that ARE "in-the-know", our prayers have been answered! Enter  the book Health and Nutrition for DOGS and CATS: A Guide for Pet Parents by David G. Wellock, which I am delighted to say was sent to me by the author, to share with all of YOU!


FROM THE PUBLISHER: Health and Nutrition for DOGS and CATS: A Guide for Pet Parents by David G. Wellock is timely, informative, and delivers sensible information on topics of importance to all pet owners.  From reading pet food labels to storing food, from understanding appropriate calorie intake to food allergies, David Wellock helps readers better understand the dietary needs of their dogs and cats.
David G. Wellock is a "seasoned expert in the care and feeding of dogs and cats. He provides fact-filled, no nonsense, understandable information on the topics pet parents need to know in order to purchase and prepare food and develop an appropriate diet for their furry charges."

For me, this is not a book that I would sit and read the way I would a novel, rather,  it is an invaluable resource that I will refer to again and again. Take a look at a few of the chapter topics and you will see why:

  • The Rise of Pet Foods
  • Shopping for your Pet's Food
  • How to Read a Pet Food Package
  • Nutrition and Osteoarthritis
  • Dental Details
  • Urinary Disorders
  • The Scoop on Poop
Want to know?
  • About grain-free diets?
  • Red-flag ingredients that should NEVER be in the food that you purchase

One of my personal favorites from this book is a list of:
Dave's Table Scrap Rules:
  • Leftovers designated for your pets should consist of lean meats and veggies
  • All things in moderation
  • Portion control
Just to name a few!
What I love about Dave, (yes, "Dave!"  is that his writing style isn't lecturing, condescending or "preachy", his style is such that you feel as if you can have a conversation with him without feeling intimidated!)  also,  that after fourteen years in the pet food business (he had opened his own store!), he is "still learning about cats and dogs and their nutrition and health issues." Dave says: " Much of the knowledge I have acquired over these years has come to me as a result of interaction with customers and their pets. My store became my school, and my customers and their pets my teachers. My opinions are anecdotal rather than scientific, based on my experiences in dealing with thousands of customers and their pets. Hopefully whatever passes for wisdom and insight on the pages of this book will benefit you, my fellow two-footers, in your dealings with those furry family members sharing your life."

There you have it, a book written for the "cat hobbyist" (as I like to refer to myself) or as Dave lovingly says "parent of a pet" or  "paropet." A book written in language that even I can make sense of, I am certain that you will be able to as well!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David G. Wellock is the owner/operator of a franchised Global Pet Foods store in St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada, where he currently resides.

ONE LUCKY PERSON WHO RESIDES IN THE USA WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER TO WIN A SIGNED COPY (A $36 value!)!

HOW TO ENTER: just leave a comment telling me what your cat's (or dog's or pig's or whatever!) favorite food is (the "favorite food" can be "people food" or commercial!) The give-away is open NOW and will end TUESDAY JULY 9TH  AT 5PM. Comments that do NOT  follow the requirement will be disqualified. 

WINNER will be chosen by random.org and will be announced THURSDAY, JULY 11th.

Good luck!
If you can't wait to see who wins the contest, you can purchase Health and Nutrition for DOGS and CATS: A Guide for Pet Parents, in either hardcover form or as an ebook by visiting the publisher by clicking here, or visiting Amazon by clicking here, or visiting Barnes & Noble by clicking here. 


41 comments:

  1. Looks like a great book Caren!!!

    We wanted to thank you for Jimmy's birthday wishes and let you know that we're returning to blogging next week. Hope you'll pop back again for a visit :-)

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    1. Hi Cat! You are most welcome and me popping back? That's a no-brainer! Of course!!!! Have a great week!

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  2. Sounds like a great book! We see that Cody must have read the chapter on getting his veggies!

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  3. I leave a comment even if I don´t live in the US and can win the book :)
    Sounds like a pawssome book !
    Mom doesn´t like to read books with a lot of pointers in them.
    Happy Monday to you :)
    XOXO

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    1. You are so sweet! I wish I could have had this give-away for everyone, I am so sorry that I can't. Shipping costs out of the U.S. are high and the author is sending the book
      xoxoxo

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  4. Needless to say we are in the UK so don't include us. Have a marvellous Monday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  5. That sounds like a book Mommy should have! The bit about nutrition and osteoarthritis captured her attention. Alas! We don't live in the US. :(

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  6. Hi Caren,

    Nice to meet you.
    Just decided to came over to visit you from http://jollypawprints.blogspot.com.au/
    You have a very informative blog!
    Thumbs Up!

    Cheers,
    JPP

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  7. Awwww Cody loves his greens!! Good luck to all entering!! Take care
    x

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  8. Great review! My cats have always been Purina cats, so I assume they really like it. They live long and have dreams of prospering. tee hee

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  9. What a way cool book! And it's written by a "Dave" which is of course my very own Dad's name......what's my favorite food? I think the entire universe knows that by now - BACON!!!! YAY!!

    Kitty Hugs, Sam

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    Replies
    1. it IS a "way cool" book! Thanks for entering and good luck!

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  10. Would love to enter. Avalon's favorite food is Almo Nature, an Italian organic brand that's even better quality than human's food. Unfortunately, because of his hyperthyroidism he has to follow a strict diet.

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  11. Yeast. Nutritional yeast. I will KILL for nutritional yeast. Yup. True story. I want to know what that book says about nutritional yeast. Send it over. Signed, Bugs. PS. That Valentina just to my right here? She looks pretty cute. Send her over too.

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  12. HEY!! Where did Valentina go??? Who's this "Beau," From Friends For The Dearborn Animal Shelter??? I said WYANDOTTE and VALENTINA. Beau is of no interest!

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  13. That does look like an interesting book. The only people food we eat is chicken. Thanks for the great review.

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  14. We love Global Pets, we get all our food at them.

    Lee's favourite treat is probably a french fry!

    Have a great day!

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    1. that is great to hear!!! You have a great day too and good luck!

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  15. I so know what you mean by red flag topics! There is some things I don't even touch (like health) because I haven't studyied to be a vet! I know I can't enter the contest, but my cats eat Science Diet. I just have a hard time keeping my cat Chestnut's weight down tho. He is allways a fat kitty, and he only eats kibble!

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  16. Great timing to post this since it's Canada Day and Dave is a fellow Canadian. Favorite food? Cheese. I'm not keen on the term pet hobbyist. I seems like someone who keeps pets as a hobby? P.S. did you get my email about your address so I can send the book you won?

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    1. Hi Layla. Actually the timing was a complete coincidence. I had posted almost the identical review on Dakota's blog a few weeks ago (only with a dog slant)
      Thanks for your input, no my pets aren't my "hobby", I was trying to say that I don't pass myself off as a health/nutrition "expert" when I am not.
      Dave loved the review the first time it ran on Dakota's blog because he said that was precisely the type of reader that is book is directed to. That being said, I do appreciate your input.
      No, I didn't receive your email. Where did you send it?

      Delete
  17. That sure sounds like a good one! My favorite food is Fancy Feast!!!

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  18. Wow that looks like a great informative book! We eat a mixture of things and mainly because I have such a finicky system.I eat Meow Mix and the other kitties eat Friskies. Mom has tried to get us better food. But it seriously nearly killed me twice so after the last time, Mom said MM is what I tolerate, I'm 14 it's what she gonna give me. I love it.

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  19. That looks like a great book, Caren. Moosey says his favorite food is "whatever the Mom or dad are eating (including lettuce)." MOL! Seriously, though, he eats Royal Canin High Protein Low Calorie, and LOVES it. :)

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  20. Jack's favorite food is what ever I'm having.. although he so rarely gets it :)

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  21. It's always nice to have simple info at your fingertips.
    That was a good review too :)
    Purrs Tillie and Georgia,
    Treasure,Tiger,JJ and Julie

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    Replies
    1. thanks so much! I agree about "having simple info at your fingertips"
      ((((hugs))))

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  22. I've seen this book before and have heard great things about it.
    Since I'm no expert either, I'd LOVE to have this as a resource. : )

    So onto the fave foods:
    Katie: freeze dried salmon
    Waffles: whatever Katie is eating
    Glogirly: cake WITH frosting ; )

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  23. There are eight of us and none of us have any particular favorites, but some of our previous meowmates did. Madison went crazy for the juice that green olives soaked in. And Thelma, she liked the little bit of water that was left after broccoli was steamed. Hope that will qualify us for the contest. Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

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  24. I'm not from the USA, so I wish everyone good luck!

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  25. Oh my gosh bubby loves chicken and that pic is soo funny hahah. thanks for the chance to win.
    crichmanfreebies@gmail.com

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  26. My dogs don't have a favorite food.. They don't discriminate and gobble everything down with the same gusto.. My cat loves canned food, any canned food.

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  27. I don't live in the USA, boo...(actually I live closer to the author) but thought I'd share anyway:

    Eugene's favourite food - TREATS! He loves Temptations Dairy the best. As for the girls - Blanca and Nikita love any kind of meats and cheeses!

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  28. I would love to win this dog and cat heath book. My cat loves to eat almost everything which I feed..

    Keeping my fingers crossed ;)

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    1. rebecca, thanks so much for your interest but the give-away ended July 9th.
      If you keep reading though, we will have another give-away for another book this weekend!

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  30. amazing pics and great tips for better health of pets. i intend to keep a cat and a dog, these tips would be handy.

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