i think the most annoying part of dog food discourse is how many people will act as though proplan/hill’s/Royal canin diets aren’t extremely and prohibitively expensive and that THAT is the reason so many people look into healthy alternatives.

People complain about corn being in the first five ingredients on most of those feeds because, regardless of other factors here, that is not an expensive ingredient. But it makes up a large chunk of the dry food. So the dry food should be fairly affordable, right?

Oh… with tax you’re spending about $100 for one 45lb bag of food where the third ingredient is wheat and the fourth and fifth ingredients are corn.

Oh… well! It’s slightly cheaper! But the second ingredient is rice, third is wheat, fourth is corn, and then fifth is poultry byproduct. None of those are very expensive so this just must be the low end cost of dog food unfortunately. The vets recommend it so surely that means prices aren’t inflated, right?

Oh? This one has similar ingredients with the only real difference being no corn? And it’s half the price?? Well surely that’s just a fluke.

Oh. Oh no.

This one even has CORN in it and it’s $20 cheaper?? Wow!

Like listen at some point I don’t care if your dog food has the ichor of the gods in it, I’m not spending $100 every five days if there are cheaper options with just as many “good” ingredients in it. If you think I’m a dog abuser because I can’t afford this overpriced garbage, that’s too bad. I don’t care. My dogs are perfectly healthy with the food I give them. Great weight and great coat. People giving dog food recommendations that aren’t those top three hyper-expensive dog foods aren’t trying to epic own those dastardly vets half the time, but I really don’t blame the ones who do lose trust in vets when the only heartworm protection they recommend lately are expensive triple-action brands like Simparica Trio that costs $120+ as opposed to the other heartworm protections that are only about $40-$60 on average, which is still cheaper even if you add on a $20-$40 flea and tick protection separately, and only recommend dog food that costs $85+ a bag even if your dog doesn’t have specialized dietary needs.

Those top three foods are GREAT at making competent prescription diets, I don’t deny that. I do still have to criticize the pricing of those prescription diets though because I have spoken to DOZENS of people who had to pull their pets off of a prescription diet and struggle to find something comparable because they couldn’t afford the food, and that’s terrible! These are not poor companies! Purina, Royal Canin, and Hill’s can ABSOLUTELY afford to lower their prices to make their food accessible to people who need it for their animals but they don’t. They probably never will. Because at the core they are run by greedy corporations. It doesn’t matter how many good nutritionists are on board if the company is run by people who put profits over customers and make the food impossible for people to afford.

“Dangerous drinks are fun, but you could get hurt.” 

Life and Love | ABV: 33.64% | Yield: 3.30 fl oz | Whisky, Improved Whisky Cocktails, Dessert Drinks, Fandom Cocktails 

Vash over the first 5 episodes of Trigun STAMPEDE, airing this season from studio Orange, goes through a lot, and I don’t think that’ll stop being the trend any time soon. You know what he deserves? A delicious, donut-themed whisky cocktail. 

In a double old fashioned glass partially rimmed with red sugar crystals, add ice, then

2 fl oz or 60ml Whisky, See below  

2 dashes preferred aromatic bitters 

2 dashes preferred Cocoa bitters

.33 fl oz or 10ml Cacao Liqueur or Creme de Cacao

.33 fl oz or10ml Honey syrup

Stir. Serve as is or with a twist of lemon, which I decided to add a whimsical cheap bright red cherry to add to the red and dessert motifs and a sprig of mint to, a little plant-cue for our plant boy. 

On selecting Whisky here: I use a local Wheat Whisky that inspired me because it specifically invoked doughtnuts on the side of the bottle. Absent this incredibly niche and limited product, my suggestions are, but not limited to: 

Bourbon: Maker’s 46 or another wheater[though in the 1998 anime, Vash drinks Wild Turkey, which is a higher-rye bourbon. I leave this to your discretion. I tried it with Yellowstone bourbon, which has a fairly similar mashbill to WT. It was pretty decent!] 

Other good options: an Irish whiskey with those shortbready notes, or Nikka Coffey Malt for a Japanese whisky. 

Other ingredients: On Gunsmoke[or No Man’s Land] valuable ingredients like cacao would probably be preserved in alcohol, whether in bitters form or liqueur form. The lack of medical supplies also means that bitters may be used to ease minor ailments in some places, as tonic bitters were historically purported -- and marketed -- to do. In fact, even liqueurs like creme de cacao were originally produced seeking medicinal benefit! For sweetner, episode 24 of the 1998 anime shows Vash buying ‘honey donuts’, which makes sense -- they’ve got bugs for sure! ...Try not to think too hard about the state of bees in this biome while you’re drinking it... 

This is a strong drink, so remember Vash’s words before S1E3 ‘Peacemaker’, and live -- and drink -- in a way that lets you value life. 

“Those who make mistakes blame themselves and close their hearts. It's impossible to fix the mistake; men can't return to the past. That's why they drink. [... They do] nothing but drink, and question the glass after it's empty. "Am I wrong? Was I wrong?"’ 

How do people with chronic illness and no background in advocacy or research survive? I know the answer is often, "they don't." But I'm marveling at the amount of executive function I'm having to aim at simply maintaining access to the medications and supplements I need to find existence tolerable, the length of time the system is willing to shrug about severe new pain and the diagnostic tests for it, and the amount of research I need to have in hand in order to have a hope of getting what I need covered by insurance and if I'm daunted, with my background and skill in these specific areas, what hope does someone have if they don't have those skills?

That said, here's a list of things I've found that have helped that were hard to get or challenging to learn about:

1. Topical metformin in lipoderm cream is a compounded version of metformin that can assist in blood sugar control which has few-to-no intestinal side effects.

2. For insulin resistance, a combination of liraglutide and topical metformin has worked better for me than insulin.

3. If you have painful fat on your body (not just fat, but fat that it's very pressure sensitive with trigger points that rival fibro and are frequently misdiagnosed as such) you NEED to research lipedema. My pt does lymphatic drainage that is life changing and drastically reduces pain in reasonably lasting ways.

4. If you go low carb for glucose control, do not rely on almonds as a major replacement for wheat, especially if you also have POTS and need a lot of sodium as the combination is a recipe for kidney stones which suck a lot. Almonds are very high in oxalates.

5. Genetic testing can point out some weird ways in which your body differs from the norm and this may explain weird medication results. For example, long after I realized that swimming pools made me sick and warfarin was a dangerous drug for me, genetic tests discovered that I do not process certain chlorine byproducts normally and that I have multiple genes that cause me to process warfarin very slowly. I'm also bad at turning t4 into t3 which is probably why synthroid was so bad. And we discovered an extra, rare recessive blood clotting disorder. This was from running my raw 23&me thru Promethease.

6. If you don't tolerate a medication, check the inactive ingredients. Things like povidone and sodium lauryl sulfate are used to help solubility but can cause allergic reactions/intolerances. I found this out after years on Xarelto, which was exacerbating my joint pain, probably from the sls. Switching to injectables fixed the problem and I've been more stable on my ra meds since.

7. Not all supplements work as advertised and there are many garbage brands out there but there are also better companies which have quality products and some supplements can be very helpful.

Vitex: chaste tree berry can drastically improve hormonal balance and normalize cycles. This means more regular periods and often less pmd.

Magnesium (doesn't have to be fancy, even cheap mag works) can drastically improve chronic asthma. You don't have to use it instead of drugs, but I found I just didn't need the drugs once I started supplementing a normal amount daily.

Turmeric: I went off this due to the whole herb having high oxalates but the extract form is lower oxalate and the anti inflammatory properties are a mercy for me. I can't take nsaids, but I tolerate turmeric well and it reduces my pain level quite dramatically, improving sleep quality.

Milk thistle products are helpful for liver function and since my liver is always kinda iffy the milk thistle is super important to me continuing to tolerate my medication load. When I was on warfarin the stabilizing effect of milk thistle was quite dramatic and measurable until other factors kicked in.

A negative: if you are on any medications that process through the liver, CBD can be dangerous to your health. This varies by drug and pathway. Natural is not always safer. Do your homework beforehand.

I take other things but those are some of the most dramatic helps. I can do a list of supplement manufacturers I trust if people are interested.

What I currently do for pain is a combination of lidocaine patches, very low dose oxycodone, turmeric, physical therapy, ergonomics, and mobility/accessibility aides. I'd be happy to do a different post just about that.

The World's Top 7 Fast Foods

On sometimes, it's nice to treat yourself to some fast food. Whether it's for a quick bite on the run or a family dinner, fast-food restaurants have become increasingly common. Edmonton is home to a plethora of excellent fast-food alternatives, and you've found them right here. Here, we'll examine several of the best fast-food options that will satisfy your need without cheating you. We're going to take a tour of the top fast-food joints in Edmonton, where you can get everything from burgers to tacos and more.

Burgers

People in a rush often opt for burgers because of their convenience. Most folks can't say no to a juicy patty between two soft buns. Edmonton is home to a wide range of both permanent and pop-up burger joints.

The difference between a good burger and a bad burger lies in the components. A great burger requires a number of ingredients, including crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and juicy, grilled beef.

It's also vital to consider the variety of options available at a burger joint. Some restaurants stick to classics like cheese and pickles, while others get creative with novel additions like bacon jam and avocado salsa.

If you're craving a classic burger, Edmonton has several restaurants and mobile food vendors to choose from.

Pizza

Crust and all, there's nothing better than digging into a hot slice of gooey pizza. Macaroni and cheese, pineapple, and pepperoni are now pizza topping options.

Among its numerous benefits is pizza's widespread availability in Edmonton, from fine dining establishments to mobile food vendors. If you're looking for a cheap, family-friendly supper option, several pizza places offer deals on extra-large pizzas.

Try something new, such a calzone or stromboli, if you're a pizza fan who wants to broaden their horizons. Fillings of cheese, cheese, and veggies are folded into tasty pockets and served in the style of pizza.

Whether you need a quick lunch on the road or a relaxing family dinner in an Edmonton pizzeria, pizza is the answer to your hunger concerns.

Tacos

The popularity of tacos, which likely originated in Mexico but are now enjoyed around the world in a variety of forms, is unprecedented. Any kind of taco imaginable is available here, from carne asada to al pastor and everything in between.

The versatility of tacos is one of its greatest strengths. Fillings can be made from everything from vegetables and fruits to meats and even seafood. Cheese, sour cream, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and so much more are just a handful of the many toppings available.

But the tortilla deserves some recognition. Which is better, corn or wheat, to eat? Soft or crunchy? The number of options is practically infinite.

When compared to other fast food options, tacos stand out due to their unparalleled freshness. These days, tacos are often made fresh and topped to request at many restaurants in Edmonton.

You might always give it a shot on your own at home if you're feeling particularly bold. With just your ideas and some common materials, you could create something truly remarkable.

Both authentic Mexican tacos and creative takes on the dish, such as the bulgogi meat tacos for which Korea is known, are undeniably delicious.

Wrinkle cream

Ice cream is delicious at any time of year, but especially on a hot summer day or a cold winter night. A bowl of ice cream is something that would make everyone happy. One of ice cream's best qualities is the incredible room it gives you to experiment with flavors and toppings.

Edmonton is home to a wide variety of excellent ice cream shops. The city is home to both well-known scents like vanilla and more unique ones like lavender honey. There is a wide variety to pick from, from mom-and-pop shops to well-known franchises.

The trend of making artisanal ice cream from scratch using local ingredients is on the rise. Frozen delights produced with local ingredients, such as fresh fruits and herbs, are a big hit in Edmonton.

Making sundaes at home is fun because you can add any toppings you like.

Even in the dead of winter, Edmonton's many excellent ice cream parlors make it possible to give in to temptation.

Shakes You may cool off and fulfill your sweet tooth with a thick and creamy shake. 

Edmonton is home to some of the finest examples of fast food in the country, including some of the best milkshakes.

The iconic burger joint in Edmonton is well-known for its delicious shakes. These shops stock both time-honored classics like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry and cutting-edge options like Oreo and peanut butter cups.

There is a food truck in Edmonton that serves candy bar milkshakes topped with a dollop of whipped cream, some fresh fruit, and a straw.

Vegans can enjoy ice cream just as much as everyone else, thanks to alternatives like coconut and almond milk. If you're in the mood to splurge, you can add an espresso shot to your iced coffee shake.

Whatever your preferred taste, shakes are undeniably one of the best fast food choices.

Why is Cat Food Good for Your Cat?

Have you ever looked at your cats food bowl and been puzzled as to why they are eating so much of it? your cat has a greedy nature and if the food is delicious it will eat them until there is no more.

So, why is cat food good for your cats? Well, first of all let’s look at what it is. Cat food is basically just food which has been formulated specifically for cats. The ingredients are often very similar to human foods.

Cat food comes in a variety of forms.

Dry food

Dry food is made up of grains that have been cooked and then mixed with a gravy. Some popular brands of dry cat food include Royal Canin, Purina, and Whiskas. Dry food is a popular choice because it is cheap and widely available.

Wet food

Wet food is just that. Food that has been mixed with a gravy and is more like a stew. Wet food has additional ingredients such as meat or fish.

Nutrition

Cat food is full of nutrition. Most dry food has between 12-16% protein. Cats are very intolerant of wheat, so wheat free diets are often recommended for cats with allergies or intolerances. The general consensus for wet food is that it contains more protein than dry food.

Price

The cost of cat food is cheap. A bag of dry food which usually contains around 10-12oz will cost around $3.50. A bag of wet food which usually contains around 5.5 oz will cost around $4.50.

So, is cat food good for your cats?

Well, that depends.

Is your cat an healthy cat?

If your cat is a healthy cat then cat food will be good for them. However, if your cat has any problems, then it may not.

If your cat has problems such as diabetes, arthritis or hyperthyroidism then the food you choose should be carefully monitored.

If your cat is overweight

Cat food is often labeled as “weight management” or “light” food. This label is often given to food which is lower in calories and higher in protein.

The problem here is that if your cat is already overweight then they may not need this type of food. If your cat is overweight it may be better for them to try and lose the weight before switching to this type of food.

If your cat is underweight

If your cat is underweight then cat food will be good for them. However, if your cat is obese, underweight or overweight then a pin point diet may be required. A pin point diet is a specific diet which is created for your cat.

It is important to consult with your vet if you are unsure about your cat’s health.

If your cat is older

Cat food is often formulated for younger cats. The older your cat gets, the less appetite they may have. Older cats may also have health problems which prevent them from eating.

If your cat is old then it may be best to supplement their dry food with wet food. Wet food often contains more protein than dry food and this will help your cat to stay strong.

Cat food can also be given as treats. Treats should be given in moderation. Treats should be no more than 10% of a cat’s diet.

If your cat is healthy then cat food will be good for them. However, if your cat has health problems, then it may not be.

hi there, hope you’re doing well!! huge fan of your blog and have learned a lot about skincare so thanks for all the time you put into answering q’s!!

i had a question on a few products that I thought were interesting. there’s this exfoliator type product called Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub which i nicked off my sister lol, and I /felt/ like it made my skin brighter immediately after using. it’s similar to the Peter Thomas Roth peeling gel

I’m curious about the mechanism behind these - you put some product on your face and it essentially pills on the skin. the claim is it’s taking off dead skin cells. would love to get your thoughts on whether these are legit haha

i also tried out this Glow Recipe watermelon moisturizer which felt nice but wanted to get your opinion on the ingredients list (none of which I understand lol)

i know this is probably a ton of questions sorry but one last thing, do you have any recommendations for at home peels? I’ve used the ordinary’s 30% aha/bha peel which is nice but I was wondering if there are others out there. My skin seems to be pretty resilient and can take acids pretty well

thanks so much if you take the time to answer these!! :)

hi! thank you for appreciating the work i put into the blog haha :') here's what i think of these topics you mentioned:

1) ah, gommage scrubs — the age-old clickbait of "OMG look at all the dead skin cells that are being removed!". this class of products works by including in their formulas some sort of polymer: long molecules, like cellulose or carbomer, that, when applied onto the skin and rubbed, get tangled up in one another; the rest of the formulation is meant to evaporate so that these fibers of sorts are all that remains, and you end up looking like you're rubbing eraser bits onto your skin. unscrupulous marketers will try to tell you these are dead skin cells; they are most certainly not. they are the product's own ingredients. however! this doesn't mean they don't work. these little bits of rolled-up polymer do pick up skin cells and flakes, only at a much less impressive scale. usually they're combined with chemical exfoliants, like AHAs or enzymes, to help release the dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin so they can be rolled up more effectively. gommage scrubs (also known as peeling gels) are the gentlest form of mechanical/physical exfoliation. i've formulated one of these products myself (it was a major challenge)!

2) as for the glow recipe watermelon moisturizer, one awesome tool to help you decipher ingredient lists is the website INCIdecoder. while you should take their "goodie" and "icky" ratings with a grain of salt (not all fragrance or alcohol is evil), their explanations of ingredient functions are very accessible. my personal interpretation of this ingredient list: a lot of fluff for marketing purposes (all the plant and fruit extracts), plus wheat and soy protein, beta-glucan, glutamic acid and hyaluronic acid as humectants, and cetyl alcohol as the sole emollient. it will then be a rather thin and lightweight moisturizer, which fits the brand's targeting of balanced to oily skin types. nothing wrong with it, nothing outstanding either; it is overpriced in my opinion for what it does, but then again, all those marketing fluff ingredients don't come cheap. i'd personally opt for something simpler and more straightforward.

3) i've talked about at-home AHA+BHA peels in this post here! in short, the ordinary is still my pick out of all of the options in this class. branching out into different formulations, there are AHA+BHA options that include enzymes, such as the ones mentioned in this post.

Neven’s Sourdough Bagels

Here’s the good news: the best bagel recipe I’ve made has also been the least demanding one. How often does that happen?

The bad news is… well, there’s no bad news. These are delicious and fairly no-nonsense. The recipe follows; after that, scroll down if you’d like to learn more.

Neven’s Sourdough Bagels

Servings: 8 Time: 15 min mix + 6 hr proof + overnight proof + 1 hr boil & bake

INGREDIENTS:

450 g high-gluten flour (or bread flour, or all-purpose flour)

50 g whole wheat flour (or more of the above flour)

20 g sugar

10 g salt

250 g water

125 g ripe sourdough starter

DIRECTIONS:

In the bowl of your stand mixer, stir together the flours, salt, and sugar. Attach to the mixer equipped with the dough hook attachment. In another bowl or cup, mix the water and starter gently. Start the mixer on the lowest speed and slowly add the water+starter mix. Mix for 4 minutes, then stop and scrape down the sides, releasing the dough ball from the dough hook. Mix for another 4-5 minutes, until the dough is smooth.

Transfer the dough to another, lightly oiled bowl (I like a wider, shallower container for this) and cover. Leave on the counter for 4-6 hours; it will need less time on a very hot day, more on a cold one.

Once the dough looks smoothly inflated—note that it may not double in size—use a bench scraper or knife to cut into ~112 g balls. Shape each into a ball by pulling the sides towards the middle and pinching together, then flip it over and roll on the counter to form a smooth top and a bottom sealed together by rolling. Place these balls on a half-sheet pan (18″ x 13″) and cover with a clean, non-terry towel. Rest for 10-15 minutes.

Shape bagel rings by grabbing a ball and poking a hole through its center with an oiled or floured finger. Then gently stretch out the ring, doing your best to keep it even all around. No need to sweat this too much; the bagels will smooth out a lot during the bake. Here’s a video of my stretching method:

Once all the rings are on the sheet, cover it well with plastic wrap or place inside a large proofing bag. Stick it in the fridge. (I realize this can be tricky, but do your best to Tetris your jars and Tupperware™ to create an even horizontal surface.) Let them proof for 12-48 hours.

The next day, before you bake, do the following in this order:

Preheat your oven to 500ºF with a rack in the top third. (The exact placement will depend a bit on your oven; see what works best.)

Fill a very wide pot with ~3″ of water and bring to a boil; turn down to a steady but controlled boil. Place a spider or slotted spoon nearby.

Put a large pan next to the pot and cover it with a clean towel; this is where you’ll place the bagels after boiling them.

Grab a metal pan of any size and fill it with at least a cup of water; this will be your steam pan. I use a cheap aluminum pan. Please, please DO NOT use glass, Pyrex, or ceramic; they may shatter.

Take the bagel pan out of the fridge and uncover it.

Grab another half-sheet pan and line it with parchment paper.

You’ll boil the bagels briefly, drain them on the towel-lined sheet, then place them on your final baking sheet. Try to work quickly as it’s best for the bagels to go from the boil to the oven without much delay.

When the water is boiling, pick up one bagel and gently lower into the water. (You can use your hand to do this, not the spider.) Add 2 or 3 more bagels—whatever fits comfortably in your pot. Boil them for 40 seconds, then flip and boil another 40 seconds. Scoop out onto the towel, flipping over so the puffy, smooth side faces up. 

Boil the rest of the bagels in batches. As the boiled bagels cool off a bit—it should take just 30 seconds to a minute—gently move them to the final baking sheet.

When all the bagels are boiled and on the sheet, take your steam pan and put it on the very bottom of your oven. It will quickly begin to steam; this will give the bagels their crunchy outer crust. Now slide the bagel pan into that top-third rack of your oven.

Bake for 10 minutes without opening the door; you want the steam to stay inside. Open the door, rotate the pan, and bake another 5 minutes. At this point, assess how dark the bagels are. Too dark for comfort? Drop the temperature to 450ºF or even 425ºF. Or not—I do 500ºF throughout the whole bake myself.

After the 20 total minutes of baking, the bagels should look puffy, smooth, golden, and wonderfully micro blistered. Take them out of the oven, then move to a cooling rack.

Wait 20-30 minutes before slicing them; I know, I know.

I’m not going to tell you what to put on them or how to eat them—that’s between you and your maker. Enjoy!

OCCASIONALLY AMUSING NOTES:

But Neven, am I not supposed to be using lye or baking soda or something?

This is certainly the typical method for making bagels: add a terrifying drop of caustic lye to your water while wearing scuba gear and praying on a rosary. It’s meant to create a certain bagely something, contribute to the chew or mouthfeel or whatever… After making several batches that turned out “alright” and weren’t any chewier than anything else, I gave up and started boiling my bagels in plain water. And look at me today!

Did I read that right, you bake at 500ºF? Some say, like, 375ºF?

Bagels I baked at any temperature below 475ºF turned out pale and unsatisfying. Maybe my oven is broken? Either way, give it a shot and drop the temp if you feel you need to. (My bet is, you won’t.)

Do you have a version made with commercial yeast?

I was not happy with the flavor or the bake of the yeast-based bagels I made. Sorry. —Sourdough Guy

What’s a proofing bag?

One of those things they use on the Great British Bake Off. They’re sweet! So much easier than wrapping plastic on top of dough. Get ‘em here. Oh and those flat parchment paper sheets? So much better than the dumb rolls!!

Can I make a dozen bagels?

You can, I believe in you! Just 1.5x the recipe (it should work fine in a typical stand mixer) and bake on a Big Sheet pan (21″ x 15″). It’ll be a bit of a squeeze to fit 12 bagels on a half-sheet pan.

Oh right, I don’t have a stand mixer!

Mix the dough by hand 🙂

Are those bialys up there?

Heck yeah those are bialys up there. Here’s how to do those: Ball up dough, but don’t poke any holes through it. Proof in the fridge as above. In the morning, pizza-shape it into a disc about 5-6″ in size, with a puffy rim. Top with chopped garlic or sautéed diced onion mixed with poppy seeds. Obviously, don’t boil them, just bake them.

How do I store any leftover bagels?

“Leftover bagels? Does not compu [giant hook drops from the sky and pulls me into the clouds, screaming] Once they’re totally cooled off, place your bagels in a paper bag or bread box overnight; they’ll toast up fine in the morning. If you don’t get to them that next day, then slice them and store in the freezer. You can then thaw for a few hours and toast.

That’s it! Thanks for reading!

P.S. I put pimento cheese and beet + smoked salmon cream cheese on these bagels. Nice, huh?

P.P.S. When I link to products above, I use an Amazon affiliate link; if you choose to purchase anything this way, I thank you.

English Bulldogs: The Best And Healthiest Foods For English Bulldog ..!

English bulldogs are an ancient breed originally created by breeding fierce animals with smaller ones. When used during bear or bull baiting events (essentially dogfighting), humans could protect themselves while betting on which animal would win out and thus make money off the spectacle. The result is an adorable medium-sized puppy who wants nothing but love. Today, despite their aggressive origins, these dogs have been bred to be sweet, gentle, and timid; they no longer look like what you'd expect from a traditional English Bulldog anymore!

For this reason alone, if you've been thinking about getting an English bulldog, then you must know how to feed them because they might suffer from different health issues such as food allergies, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, Cushing's Disease, and more. Unfortunately, there is not enough information available on the internet related to the best foods they can eat to maintain optimal health. So, we created a helpful guide for you that will provide you ample guidance.

Types of Bulldog

The Bulldog is not a single breed but rather many different types of breeds. Name the word "bulldog," and an image of a muscular, hefty dog with a wrinkled face comes to mind for most people; but there's more than one type! Here are some following types of bulldogs.

1) Olde English Bulldogge

The Olde English Bulldogge is also known as a pure-breed American pit bull terrier. These can get up to 100 pounds and are not recommended for apartment living because of their size; they need room to run around. In addition, the United Kennel Club bred them to avoid interbreeding with other dogs like the American Staffordshire Terrier, making it lose its "true" pedigree. The Olde English Bulldogge was originally developed to preserve the breed's original look before showing restrictions had been applied in the UK. It has a larger build than the modern-day Bulldog but still looks relatively similar otherwise.

2) The French Bulldog

Frenchies are the perfect dog for anyone who desires a faithful, intelligent pet. They have bat-like ears and come in many colors, with their most popular is black and white and cream or brown combinations of these two colors. These dogs can be great companions to individuals living alone due to their loving nature, which is entertaining because they require constant attention from owners! French Bulldog's intelligence has been proven by how quickly it responds when given commands such that some people call them "the Einsteins of Dogs."

3) American Bulldog

The American Bulldog derived from bloodlines present in colonial America before the Civil War between two countries (the US and England). English Bulldogs were brought here due to their popularity in England and their appearance in Roman culture. The American Bulldog is a big, sturdy family dog who loves children and has an innate need for human companionship. They make great fire dogs because they have strong noses that help save their humans from fires or other serious accidents (there's plenty of evidence online about how this breed saved its owner).

4) Pit Bull

Englishmen originally bred the pit bull terrier for entertainment in fighting matches. This type of bulldogs was used in blood sports like bear-baiting or as amusement in building anger in dogs by holding restrained bulls or bears while two dogs fought to the death over them and other similar forms of barbaric entertainment. Both sides claim their own history, whether they have been around for thousands of years or hundreds.

5) English Bulldog

Bred in the United Kingdom and can be traced back through standard bloodlines to ancient times. The English Bulldog is a popular pet for families due to its affectionate nature and calm temperament. The breed has broad chests, wide-set shoulders, drooping jowls that give them their signature look of being "bulldognish" (droopy). Their skin can be loose as well as short coats in colors like brindle or white. A male average about 54 pounds while females average 50 pounds with ears rosed instead of double flopped over on the head and piebald striping patterns on the body with black noses.

Benefits Of Having An English Bulldog As Pet

The English bulldog has many benefits to its owner. First, it makes a great companion because it loves attention and will always be there when needed. Second, bulldogs are also known for their ability to calm down young children and even older adults suffering from depression (as long as they get plenty of affection in return). English Bulldogs are especially skilled at this because of their kind nature. Third, Owning an English Bulldog is relatively cheap compared to other dogs who need more extensive care. In general, the English bulldog makes a great pet. Finally, They are very friendly and give their owners plenty of affection in return for being treated well. If you want to get a dog that can provide comfort when needed, help relieve stress and depression, and provide companionship for yourself or your family, an English Bulldog may be right for you!

1) It Helps With Depression

Because the majority of these dogs love human company so much, they make excellent companions for those who like affection but do not have anyone to hug during their daily routine. Also, since these dogs are so easygoing and calm, having one around can help ease the stress from the tension caused by depression.

2) Very Kind With Children

These dogs have been proven to be especially good with children because of their gentle nature. This is also beneficial to adults who have insomnia or other sleeping disorders. In addition, having a bulldog in the home can provide comfort and security for parents who may have trouble sleeping at night due to worries about their job or family life.

3) Save Owner Money

Owning an English bulldog is relatively cheap compared to other dogs who need more extensive care (such as those that require grooming services). English Bulldogs do not need much exercise either; they are content with taking a walk around the neighborhood or simply exploring the house. These dogs also eat less food than other breeds, which can save money on pet food purchases.

4) Easy To Train

English Bulldogs are one of the world's most popular dogs for their friendliness, and they're also really easy to train. They learn fast, so if you can teach them a few tricks, it won't be long before your pup opens doors or turns off lights without being told! Of course, these pups aren't known as "the brightest," which means that don't expect too much from them when it comes to solving puzzles, but with some training, these doggies will come up big in life by learning tasks such as getting dressed on their own instead of relying solely on human help.

English Bulldogs Prone To Food Allergies

The English Bulldog is one of the most recognizable and iconic dog breeds. Unfortunately, the breed's popularity has actually sparked a few woes, including health issues related to their distinct looks. If you're thinking about getting an English Bulldog, you should know that they are likely to suffer from allergies.

While all dogs can develop food sensitivities, Bulldogs seem more susceptible than other dogs. There's no way to tell for sure if your puppy will become allergic after eating certain foods (or treats). Some owners even start feeding their pups a new diet with little or no problems. Your dog could just get a little itchy or have mild gastrointestinal issues for a while and then eventually adjust fine to their new diet. For other dogs, a new diet causes major skin problems that require immediate attention and care. The worst cases can even result in chronic itching and constant scratching, hot spots on the nose and face, or even hair loss.

Commonly allergenic foods for English Bulldogs are wheat (even small amounts), dairy products, soybean(s)/soy(ed) products (including soy-based treats), corn/corn products (including corn-based treats), flour/wheat flour, or any ingredients containing these items from any source listed above.

If you are worried about what you should feed your beloved pet, you do not need to worry further; you can check our great options here: "best food for English bulldogs in 2021".

What Should You Consider Before Buying the Best Food for English Bulldogs?

English bulldogs are one of the most recognizable breeds in terms of their short muzzle, flat face, and small jaw. Unfortunately, this gives them many health problems, including difficulty chewing food properly or eating without difficulties breathing. They also often have dental issues that can lead to other complications; they may get an immune system disorder or digestive troubles, and obesity because they can't exercise enough due to physical limitations from those ailments. Furthermore, when it comes down to lifespan English Bulldogs don't have much going for them, with 8-10 years being the average age before illness takes over - some living longer than others but not by too long either way!

Consider these important things before buying food for English bulldogs:

1) Choose Healthy Food

English Bulldogs are not as hearty and healthy as other dogs. This is because they have a sensitive stomach that is easily upset by certain ingredients in dog food, such as because they can't digest them well. The efficient way to avoid this problem is with high-quality meat sources like beef or chicken, which will provide the protein your bulldog needs without upsetting his delicate system too much. Besides grains like bulgogi ingredients which may be difficult on their digestive system, there is plenty of other safe options, including fruits and vegetables that can be good nutrition for your lovely dog.

2) Age

The best food for your English Bulldog depends on its age. Puppies require more DHA and protein to support healthy growth, while adults need higher fat content with lower protein levels. Seniors who are growing old should also be given a diet containing joint health ingredients such as glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate in order not to experience weight gain problems caused by arthritis-related inflammation!

3) Budget

Your English bulldog is worth so much to you that the best food out there for it should be your top priority. But, make sure you get one at a good price with great quality! Dry foods are generally cheaper than wet brands However, if you can't find these high quality dry or wet foods locally, in that case, it's worth ordering them online as shipping costs will often be cheaper than purchasing from pet shops or interacting with veterinary clinics for each new purchase trial-and-error (which may end up being harmful to your dog).

If you are having problems finding the best food for your lovely English bulldog, then don't worry; we have great options for you; check out our best food for English bulldog 2021.

Conclusion

English Bulldogs are known for their loving natures, but they often suffer from health problems such as obesity and breathing difficulties. A balanced and healthy diet will provide all nutrients to your lovely pet without disrupting digestion or causing weight gain. Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dog Food contains everything your Bulldog needs in one bowl of food while keeping his digestive system clear. Not only does it come with vitamins A, C & E, which help strengthen bones and teeth along with omega 3 fatty acids crucial for heart function; this formula has been slowly cooked, so there's no risk of choking on chunks! Furthermore, it will provide them with energy throughout their day so they can be more active! To find out more about the best food for your bulldog…Click Here..!

Hedgehog Precision diet: a preliminary review

Anyone who has been following my blog for a while knows I’m very interested in hedgehog nutrition and always looking for ways to improve my hedgehogs’ diet.

Diet and nutrition has always been a subject of debate in the hedgehog community, since there is so little known about the nutritional needs of our pets and because there still isn’t a proper hedgehog kibble on the market. With hedgehogs being insectivorous omnivores, creating a diet for them hasn’t been that easy. The current hedgehog foods are made with low quality and species inappropriate ingredients. For that reason many owners turn to dry cat food, as they have done for years. With hedgehogs being hedgehogs however, and not cats, it should be obvious that this diet is far from ideal. You can read more about hedgehog nutrition, hedgehog food vs cat food and more here in my nutrition article.

It shouldn’t be hard to imagine my excitement when Kimberly from West Coast Hedgehogs, who has been a respected member of the hedgehog community for years and author of the book Pet African Hedgehogs - A Complete Guide To Care, started working on developing a proper hedgehog diet.

Hedgehog Precision

Since hedgehogs are primarily insectivorous, the food is insect-based, unlike other hedgehog foods which contain mostly fillers such as soy, wheat and corn which are difficult to digest for hedgehogs.

As the food is still in development, there is no finalized form yet so I cannot give out any information regarding nutritional data or a full ingredient list at this point. There will be three formulas of the staple diet to meet different metabolic needs: a standard diet, a high calorie diet and a weight control diet.

Right now the diet uses black soldier fly larvae meal: these feeders are known for their well balanced Ca:P ratio and their relatively low fat levels. It should be noted that it is likely impossible to make a diet which contains no vertebrate meat or cellulose based filler at all, so I suspect the final product will at least contain some of those - but it should be a huge step up from what’s currently on the market.

On top of the food being biologically appropriate, the insects are raised on pre-consumer food waste and since their feed conversion and water/electricity usage is much more efficient than that of conventional meat production, they’re much more environmentally sustainable! So it’s not just better for your hedgehog, it’s also better for the environment.

Next to the staple diet Hedgehog Precision also sells treats (which are already for sale at this moment): dried mealworms, dried black soldier fly larvae and Bug Blocks, which are small cubes made of 100% insects.

A closer look at the HP food

I got to preliminary test the food - or rather, my animals got to test it. Because who’s a better tester than the hedgehogs themselves?

However they can’t do it without me (although admittedly that would make things a lot easier): first of all it has to be ordered through the website, which is easy to navigate and use. There are different payment options including PayPal, which is a huge plus for an international customer like me. Shipping was $20, which is not terrible for international (although not very cheap either) but it was FAST. Usually orders from the US take 2-3 weeks to arrive, but my HP order got shipped on a Tuesday and arrived next Monday - so within a week! (Shipping within the US costs around $10-$15)

My test package contained a few samples of the Hedgehog Precision formula, a sample of Bug Blocks, and some dried black soldier fly larvae. Let’s take a look at the HP formula and the bug blocks:

The HP formula is a small kibble with pieces in slightly varying sizes. It is relatively hard, but can be crumbled between your fingers by using some force. The bug blocks are easily crumbled or pulverized and are a bit of an odd mix between crispy and soft.

When compared to a standard cat kibble, the small size is very obvious. What is a bit more difficult to see in the pictures but something I immediately noticed is how the HP formula doesn’t have that fatty sheen most cat kibble has. It appears less fatty, is smaller and easier to crumble. This makes it much more suitable for hedgehogs: most cat kibble is too big and hard for hedgehogs, which can cause dental problems, something hedgehogs are already prone to. (Please note that this might not be the final form and shape of the food)

Testing the food

Of course the next step was to have the food tested! I gave it to all my hedgehogs and tenrecs. Tenrecs have similar dietary needs and tend - at least the lesser hedgehog tenrecs - to be very picky when it comes to kibble. Most of my animals are quite the easy eaters, except for Máni (African pygmy hedgehog). He’s extremely picky and trying new foods with him has always been difficult.

I started out by trying the Bug Block treats - and they were a complete hit with everyone except Máni, which was to be expected. Embla (North African hedgehog) is a very skittish guy and doesn’t like to take treats from my hands or tweezers unless they are very tasty morioworms, but he grabbed the Bug Blocks straight from my fingers! Bowie (common tenrec) liked them so much she grabbed the second one together WITH my fingers...

... well, at least she really liked them (and my fingers are okay)!

In the evening everyone got the HP kibble formula added to their regular food. Embla and Bowie hovered it up straight away, and the lesser hedgehog tenrecs have been nibbling from it over the course of several days (they are slowing down for hibernation already and have largely stopped eating). Only Máni didn’t eat any of the HP formula in the first night and picked out his old food between the new. As the “cold turkey” method is usually the only thing that works to get him to eat new food (and even then he doesn’t always eat it), I decided to take out his old kibble on the second night and just fill his bowl with the HP food. The next morning it was all gone, and he has been eating it for several nights until I ran out of my test samples. Usually it is advised to gradually introduce new foods so it doesn’t upset the hedgehog’s stomach, but other than a slightly greenish tint to his faeces the first night there weren’t any issues with switching Máni over. While he has been eating the HP formula, he still refused to eat the Bug Blocks and I haven’t been able to convince him to eat those. Don’t think the others will mind though, more for them!

Conclusion

The food was a huge hit from the beginning with all my animals except for Máni, but even with him being such a picky eater it was actually fairly easy to switch him over. The Bug Blocks could be a good option for people who are unable to feed live insects, although I still think those are a must for hedgehogs due to their nutritional value and since they provide important foraging enrichment. I am not sure if I would use the blocks since I already feed a lot of insects, but I could see them being useful to bring along to the vet or on other trips as it’s much easier than carrying a box of worms around.

If the Hedgehog Precision kibble formula would end up in the direction I’m hoping it’s going - primarily insect based, and with little fillers - I think it could be a great staple diet. As we know so little about what hedgehogs need it should likely have similar nutritional values as high quality cat kibble (with some needed adjustments) since that seems to be working to some extent - but with much better, biologically appropriate ingredients. I can’t wait to see the final formula and am hoping for a chitin-rich, high fibre, high protein and low fat food. I am very excited to see what the end result will look like and with the information I’ve received so far, I think it would definitely be worth feeding and could very well become the best dry kibble option currently on the market. 

The Hedgehog Precision food is currently being developed and will be for sale sometime soon. Right now you can already order the Bug Blocks, dried mealworms and dried black soldier fly larvae on the HP website. Note: this review was not sponsored in any way.

Read more:

Hedgehog Precision website

Hedgehog Precision Facebook page

The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best Supplements for Your Body

What are the best supplements for you? Do I really need to take the best supplements?

In an ideal world, we would not need to supplement. We’d get all we need from food—especially if we’re eating real food, fruits, veggies, meats and fish, nuts and seeds.

However, as great as real food is for us, it’s important to recognize the outside forces working against our optimal health and absorption of these nutrients in our modern lifestyles including:

Chronic stress

Toxic burden (both from foods, additives, environmental chemicals, hygiene/cleaning products)

Pesticides

GMOs (genetically modified organisms)

A decrease in soil diversity and health (leading to a decrease in nutrient quality)

Poor sleep quality

Poor water filtration (tap water)

Less outdoor/nature exposure

Disconnectedness with community/social relationships (a la technology)

Sedentary lifestyles—traffic, desk jobs, screen time

Over-use/reliance on antibiotics and other medications (damaging the gut and liver)

With multiple variables working against us in all directions, supplementation with particular vitamins and minerals is like health insurance for all the daily healthy habits that you practice.

This will help you get the most out of them. And, while you cannot out-supplement a poor diet or poor lifestyle choices, you CAN have the best supplements to compliment all the “hard work” that you already do for self-care (like eating a nutrient-dense diet, regular exercise and movement, social connectedness, outdoor exposure, organic skincare, etc.). 

So what are the best supplements to choose if you want to maximize your health?

Not just any supplements—smart best supplements.

There are some general rules of thumb to consider for “smart supplementation,” including:

1. Be selective with your supplementation (Not all supplements are created equal).

2. Customize your vitamin and mineral needs for your body (not what Google or a news 

headline tells you that you need).

3. Get nutrients from food whenever possible.

Here is your Guide to Smart Supplementation, with 7 things to consider when investing in your “supplemental” health insurance.

1. Not All Supplements Are Created Equal

Just because the label says “fish oil” does not mean “fish oil.” Unfortunately, just like the words “natural” and “organic” are not regulated by the FDA when it comes to food (“certified organic” is), supplements are not regulated—thus, even though it looks like fish oil and says “fish oil,” does not mean it’s fish oil. And the same goes for most all vitamins and minerals on shelves.

Many of these formulas and best supplements sound good in theory, but with long shelf lives, unknown processing practices, hot shipping conditions, and potential for rancidity (particularly fish oils), how do you know what is legit? Typically with this one, you get what you pay for. Cutting corners in the name of cheap best supplements can have long-reaching health effects. Especially, if a product contains the wrong ingredient form or potentially harmful contaminants. Or if the active ingredients aren’t absorbed properly.

There’s a reason there is a difference in a $50 probiotic compared to a $10 one.

In addition, pharmaceutical-grade best supplements—those straight from the company and/or a healthcare practitioner have a likelihood of being “more legit” than those you find from third-party sellers or on the generic supplement aisles at the grocery stores.

In a study (FDA, 2012) of 120 immune support and weight loss supplements purchased from retail stores (CVS, Walgreens, etc.) and Internet sites, the FDA found that not one supplement met criteria the that the FDA recommends for competent and reliable scientific evidence when best supplements boast claims and that the majority of supplements had not been tested on humans.

Another study (Newmaster et al, 2013) tested 44 bottles of popular supplements sold by 12 retail companies and outlets. They found that many were not what they claimed to be, and that pills labeled as popular herbs were often diluted — or replaced entirely — by cheap fillers like soybean, wheat and rice. For examples, two bottles labeled as St. John’s wort for treating mild depression, contained none of the medicinal herb. And of the 44 herbal supplements tested, one-third showed outright substitution, meaning there was no trace of the plant advertised on the bottle — only another plant in its place.

The bottom line?

Go with a reputable company, and consult a holistic healthcare practitioner who often has a direct line to pharmaceutical-grade (much more regulated) supplement companies. Many pharmaceutical-grade companies have higher regulation and are continually researching and testing the efficacy of products, such as Thorne Research and Metagenics.

2. How is Your Digestion?

Before we even talk any more about supplementing properly, let’s first talk about your digestion—how is it? If you are not digesting your nutrients in the first place, than the best supplements you take matter very little (unless they are digestive supplements).

That said, boosting your supplement (and nutrient) power with some helpful digestive practices could be the secret sauce for getting the most out of any supplements you take, including the basics like:

Chewing your food well, drinking water throughout the day.

Refraining from processed and refined foods. Slowing down while you eat, eating healthy fats and foods containing fat soluble vitamins (especially Vitamin D, Vitamin K and Vitamin A).

Reaching for organic produce and grass-fed/pastured meats as much as possible.

Resorting first to investing in digestive best supplements, before spending money on any other supplements (that may or may not digest properly).  

A quality probiotic, plus potentially some digestive enzymes, HCL (hydrochloric acid) could be the “secret” sauce for you, particularly if leaky gut, digestive distress, or other gut-related inflammation (like allergies, headaches, food sensitivities, blood sugar imbalances, etc.) are at play. Ensure your digestion is up to speed (daily bowel movements, decreased bloating/gas, etc.)

3. More is Not Necessarily Better

More always seems better right? So, more greens and more working out. Additionally, more kombucha as well as more vitamins and minerals. But it’s not always the case. When we take more than we need—of any best supplements for too long toxicity can happen (overload), and have the opposite effects we originally intended in the first place.

The alternative? Maintenance supplementation—using best supplements generally as a baseline and extra little booster to the foods you do eat. Maintenance supplementation involves supplementing with selected micronutrients that are difficult to obtain even in the context of your nutrient-dense whole-foods diet. Best supplements in this category are generally taken in small doses, indefinitely and vary from person to person, depending on your body’s needs.

For instance, I take a daily B-Vitamin Complex, Cod Liver Oil and Zinc supplement because of my history of being low in the nutrients these supplements provide as well as noting a significant difference in how I feel when I take them (way better).

All this said, there IS such thing as therapeutic supplementation—a short-term dosing of supplements to help boost any deficiencies you may have—often times in “therapeutic dose,” or higher amount.

For example, you might take a round of “anti-microbial” (gut killing) supplements for a solid 30-60 days if you’ve been diagnosed with SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). Also, you might kick up your vitamin C a notch if you feel a cold coming on. A healthcare practitioner can help guide you in therapeutic supplementation.

4. Multi-Vitamins Aren’t All They Are Cracked Up to Be

Taking a multi? You may want to think twice. The problem with multivitamins is that they often contain too little of beneficial nutrients (like magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2). Too much of potentially toxic nutrients like folic acid, calcium, iron, and vitamin E. This means that multivitamins can cause nutrient imbalances that contribute to disease.

Research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2013) found that multivitamins were ineffective in preventing cancer, cognitive decline and other claims multi-vitamins had been known to make. And another review in the Journal of the American Medical Association, that evaluated more than 68 trials with 230,000 participants, found that treatment with synthetic vitamins (i.e. fake, cheap vitamins) often found in multivitamins (such as beta carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E) may actually increase the risk of death.

The consensus on taking a multi-vitamin? Save your money, and instead, reach for the actual single vitamins and minerals that you DO need. 

5. Observe

So how do you know what vitamins or minerals you really do need in the first place—and is it even worth it? Vitamin and mineral supplementation CAN be tremendously beneficial. Particularly, given the lack of nutrient-density in much of our modern-day food supply and overburden of outside toxins—given you do invest in quality supplements; you lack certain micro-nutrients in your diet; and you are taking the right supplements for your body.

Interestingly, it is always advised, for starters, you work with a knowledgeable healthcare provider—such as a nutritionist or functional medicine practitioner—who can help you navigate what your body needs. However, simply being in touch with your body can point you in a good direction.

Here are common signs and symptoms, and the minerals and vitamins most often associated with them:

Craving chocolate often?—Magnesium (Topical Oil, Natural Calm, Greens, Raw Nuts/Seeds, Raw Cacao)

Neeeeeed Coffee or Caffeine?—Amino Acids (Tyrosine, DLPA), Sodium (Sea Salt), Phosphorus (pinto beans, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts, lentils)

White Spots on Fingernails? Zinc deficiency

Fatigue, Muscle Aches or Weakness?—Vitamin D , Iron (grass-fed red meat, organ meat, shellfish, canned sardines, broccoli, kale, spinach, *never supplement with iron unless you are extremely low)

Low Energy, Anxiety, and/or Anemia—Vitamin B-12

Skin Breakouts, Acne, Inflammation– Omega 3, Digestive Enzymes

Dry Skin, Wrinkles—Biotin, Sulfur (egg yolks, meat, poultry, and fish, garlic, onions, brussels sprouts, asparagus, kale, sauerkraut).

Thyroid Imbalances (enlarged thyroid), Shortness of Breath, Weight Gain/Weight Plateaus—Iodine (iodized salt, plain yogurt, fish, seaweed, pastured eggs)

Suppressed Immunity (frequently sick)—Vitamin A (Cod Liver Oil), Omega 3’s, ProbioticsConstipation- Zinc, B-12

6. Test, Don’t Guess

In addition, to observation and checking in with yourself (signs and symptoms), testing—(both lab and functional evaluations) conducted by a nutritionist, functional medicine practitioner or other healthcare provider can help take the guesswork out of “what to take.”

Instead of supplementing with a cocktail of nutrients you think you do need, get some blood work, or other necessary clinical labs run to address other imbalances (such as gut-health or hormone needs) in order to determine a no-nonsense nutritional therapy supplement protocol to help bolster your bod back to it’s happy place.

7. The Bottom Line: Get as Many Nutrients from Food As Possible

Best supplements can be great, but nothing beats real food. Aim for food and nutrient density (fresh organic produce, pastured and grass-fed meats, organic organ meats, wild caught fish and seafood, quality fats—avocados, coconut oil, ghee, pastured butter, fermented foods) and variety to get the diversity of minerals and vitamins you need.

Sure chicken, broccoli and sweet potatoes are healthy, but when we eat the same foods day in and day out, are we truly being healthy?—Getting the diversity of health-giving nutrients our body desires?

In addition, Whole foods are more effective than supplements in meeting nutrient needs.

For example, cancer-fighting antioxidant-rich berries, spinach and broccoli. These are tremendously more effective than any synthesized supplemental form of Vitamins and Minerals we could take. Or a balanced plate at meal times throughout the day. This is consist of proteins, veggies and healthy fats. This balanced plate can provide a pure amount of vitamins and minerals you may try to get in your multi-vitamin.

Ultimately, aim to get the majority of your nutrients from food as possible. Use supplementation wisely to help re-calibrate the body when deficiency is warranted. 

The post The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best Supplements for Your Body appeared first on Meet Dr. Lauryn.

Source/Repost=> https://drlauryn.com/wellness-knowledge/best-supplements-for-your-body/ ** Dr. Lauryn Lax __Nutrition. Therapy. Functional Medicine ** https://drlauryn.com/

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Her company offers world-class service with a degree of high quality and enthusiasm that conjures up belief. In fact, they encourage such belief with our company that we have interaction the providers of Tidewater Catering nearly exclusively. But again it’s really up to the Bride & Groom what they provide out. Majority of people maintain candles in their houses they usually get costly quite quickly. I don’t see anybody throwing away a candle, cleaning soap, etc. unless they simply love spending their very own money as a substitute of getting free things. And with that donation thing, it’s a candy thought however there are people who would just discover that low cost & impersonal. Catering Your Personal Marriage Ceremony It’s also necessary to permit for flexibility in your event’s schedule. For instance, if you’ll be opting for a plated dinner, purpose to allow a number of additional minutes to get visitors seated and ready to enjoy their meal. While deciding on a catered menu choice can certainly be one of the thrilling features of planning your upcoming event, it could oftentimes show to be one of the challenging, too. Luckily, reputable caterers will have the power to offer loads of steerage on this area – it’s what they do best! However, it’s essential to have a common idea of which menu options may be the most effective match for your own distinctive occasion and visitor listing, even earlier than touching base with a caterer. With such an array of catering service kinds to choose from nowadays, it may possibly really feel formidable to determine which is ready to ultimately offer the best really feel, flow, and function in your occasion. The three several sorts of caterers are front-facing caterers, catering cooks, and catering managers. Front-facing caterers usually assist with setup and guest relations, catering chefs persist with the kitchen, and catering managers oversee the complete catering group of servers and cooks. Enter the precise dimensions of your serving area together with customized serving platter and furnishings measurements to nail down your client’s imaginative and prescient for the circulate and presentation of your catering. Create a couple of completely different layouts utilizing a free event diagramming software program similar to Social Tables. See what catering style greatest for your marriage ceremony, banquet, or company occasion. Your menu ought to replicate your overall wedding fashion and who the two of you're as a pair. So, how do you select the proper catering choices in your wedding? We’re sharing professional ideas from two of the most effective wedding caterers in Jacksonville, FL, Chef’s Garden and EFS Catering. We’re evaluating the pros and cons of different types of meal service that will assist you select the options that greatest suit your wedding ceremony vibe and budget. Family-Style Reception - While you may assume your homemade reception dinner is perfect for family-style service, we recommend you strongly reconsider. Family-style receptions use servers to deliver food to friends at their pre-assigned tables. Restaurant Recycling Water Pollution – Thousands of chemicals from cleaning merchandise are washed into streams and rivers. Some persist in the environment and enter the meals chain. Some restaurants and meals institutions have resumed their enterprise operations despite the worry of a brand new wave of infections. To ensure safety, the resumption of the restaurant and catering sector has been consistent with... Food service is a common term for businesses, establishments, and corporations responsible for any meal prepared outside the home. Reducing food waste is considered one of the biggest challenges for the HORECA (Hotel/Restaurant/Café) and hospitality industry world-wide. In the UK alone, over 4 million tonnes of natural waste is thrown out every year. The food we throw away is a waste of valuable sources; it's costly to purchase and dispose of. Food has a high carbon ‘footprint,’ and it requires considerable power to provide, harvest, transport, process, package, retail and prepare and consequently has a severe impression on our planet. Goodr’ 外燴 delivered real-time neighborhood and environmental reporting and analytics, allowing us to optimize buying decisions and reduce waste faster. To date, Goodr has recovered over 500,000 lbs of meals resulting in hundreds of thousands of meals served to native nonprofits. Sometimes not all the dishes can fit into the washer and their perhaps a excessive demand for objects such as glasses. Hand-washing dishes may help alleviate this drawback and keep away from backup within the kitchen. Food distributors and caterers working on campus are encouraged to make use of compostable or reusable meals service ware. Valentines & Special Occasion Particularly useful when you have characteristic meals such as desserts or towers, you possibly can incorporate these branding and signage alternatives into the buffet or station. This is a superb example with every podium containing a different sweet deal with at completely different heights to create a dynamic display that is ornamental and interesting. Segregated platforms are stepping up the food show game. Share boards are similar to grazing tables, however the friends are sometimes seated at a shared board. Plates are handed and objects enjoyed family style. This sort of interaction facilitates dialog. In the past, if we did not have entry to a fully-functional kitchen on website, there have been certain foods we couldn't supply due to high quality, taste and well being and security laws. We have been absolutely thrilled with the service and food you catered for my husband's sixtieth party. There was a lot selection to select from and Leslie helped me create the right menu. Will the ceremony area have to be reworked into the dining space, and presumably a dancefloor? Weddings are closely choreographed events, even tiny ones, so we are likely to advise full-service catering if you would like everything to run like clockwork. Thank you for a successful dinner delivery to the Hillcrest Hospital COVID ground nursing employees on Saturday night.

Top 10 Puppies of Dog Puppies Reviewed by Puppy Food Judge 🏆

Top 10 Puppies of Dog Puppies Reviewed by Puppy Food Judge 🏆

CHECKOUT 10 most popular dog foods for puppies:

✅[ Wag Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food]

✅[Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach, High Protein Dry Dog Food]

✅[ Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food with Real Meat]

✅[CESAR Small Breed Dry Dog Food Spring Vegetables Garnish Dog Kibble]

✅[Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food, Steak & Vegetable, All Bag Sizes]

✅[Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food]

✅[ Kibbles 'n Bits Original Savory Beef & Chicken Dry Dog Food]

✅[Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Adult Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food]

✅[IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken]

✅[ Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food, Beef, Pea & Brown Rice Recipe]

✌️ Transcription ✌️

The dog's favorite food doesn't always look good, it sounds reasonable, does it? Yet sometimes it is true and sometimes it is not. I am a dog food judge and have reviewed 10 most popular dog food for puppies. To see the full analysis download my comparison table above. 10 Most Popular Puppies:

Natural Balance Puppy Formula The Natural Balance puppy formula is a very popular product but what about health? Organic puppy food produced outside: a) Storage. b) Grain. c) Wheat. d) Soy. However, these foods contain many plant-based proteins that are less acceptable.

Hill's Science Diet For Small And Toy Breed My analysis shows that Hill's Science puppy's diet is well balanced and there are no harmful preservatives and soy. However, I did find 4 problematic ingredients: a) Wheat. b) Maize. c) Peas. d) Dried beetroot plant.

Taste of Wild Dog High Prairie Venison & Bison Taste Of The Wild type of food is very popular online. However, the Taste Of The Wild puppy diet is the third but not the case in terms of health. It is perfectly balanced and contains a lot of animal-based protein.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppies The product is well balanced and the condition was good until I did an ingredient analysis. I found 6 problematic ingredients.

Puppy puppy growth and protection formula When I checked out the Pedigree product I was completely shocked. This is the fifth best-selling puppy product on the internet. This diet contains 12 ingredients that are problematic in some cancers and dangerous to the puppy's health.

Iams Proactive Health Iams puppy food is cheap but not very healthy. The diet is well balanced but still contains 6 problematic ingredients. My judgment is 65/100.

Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Food There were 7 problematic ingredients in the analysis.

Okay, the next meal will show you something different.

Wellness Core Puppy Brand Wellness Core is actually a healthy and well-balanced puppy food.

Orijen Puppy Food Orijen Puppy's diet is becoming more and more popular, so why? However, it is produced as a biologically green fodder (BARF) and in my experiments, I found that the Orijen puppy is the best dog food for puppies. Oriental puppy food: a) It does not contain any harmful ingredient. b) It does not contain grain, wheat, soybeans or preservatives. c) Ingredients processed in a frozen form. d) It has a balanced texture full of fresh and raw meat.

Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers Stella & Chewy Foods is well known as the best ice cream products on the internet. It would be great puppies too. This puppy diet is balanced and healthy but expensive.

This presentation contains images used under a Creative Commons license. Click here for a complete list of photos and symbols: https://app.contentsamurai.com/cc/239756

Benefits of biodegradable plant pots

Benefits of biodegradable plant pots Seed germination is one of the most demanding processes when growing plants. As a rule, even the preparation work takes a lot of time and effort: gardeners try to get a clean pot and decontaminate the soil in different ways. And there is a lot of work to be done when replanting or transplanting plants.Biodegradable plant pots are vacuum-formed and glued together so that they do not decompose in water and stand up to intensive watering. Roots grow easily through the bottom and walls. Thanks to this, the seedlings continue to grow smoothly, free of disease, and, most importantly, without losing roots.The product produced with high-quality mineral wool can be used for more than one year, thus greatly reducing the cost of growing vegetable crops, green plants, or flowers. In terms of physical properties, it is close to surface peat and is sterile, i.e. free of weeds, pathogens, and toxic substances, and can be used as artificial soil.Coconut bud planters are the classic form of planters made of pressed coconut fibers, bound together with natural latex. They can be used to grow seedlings or seeds for planting seedlings of any shrub or tree. Coconut substrates are also sold in the form of pressed trays, briquettes, and even figurines.Biodegradable pots are made from natural ingredients based on corn starch, sugar cane, wheat, and bamboo. After two months, the pots break down under the influence of moisture, heat, and bacteria in the soil. RunSun Houseware design As a global leader in Houseware, RunSun provides more than 2500 Houseware designs for Europe, America, and Australia. #Amazon #Biodegradable #Bulk #Buy #Cheap #Flower #Houseplants #Manufacturers #Plant #Pots #Sellers #Succulent #wholesale Contact RunSun Email: [email protected] WeChat/Whatsapp: (+86)13246751686 Phone: +86 13246751686 Website:https://www.runsun-trans.com/ https://www.runsun-trans.com/benefits-of-biodegradable-plant-pots/ Read the full article

Some of the Most Delicious Indian Desserts and Their Origin

Having a sweet tooth is tough but having one while living in India is a nightmare! Some might call it a blessing because of the number of sweets that are available throughout India. From very sweet to sugar-free desserts Indians have everything to offer. Each Indian state, even most Indian cities have their own special sweet dish to offer. These sweet dishes are also available now at Dosa and More, a cheap Indian restaurant in Berlin. 

Most Indian sweets are made using milk or any other form of milk like khoya, malai, etc. The key to making the perfect Indian dessert is patience and practice. It is very difficult to perfect an Indian sweet dish in the first try. They are made by old chefs or halwais and sold at specific local shops. People from different cities, countries and continents visit these Indian cities and states to get the original flavours of the Indian sweet dish famous there. 

Some Indian sweet dishes require only three to four ingredients while some come with a whole lot of spices, dry fruits, nuts, ingredients and even take hours to make. People, especially those who have been cooking Indian cuisine for a long time, are experts in making all kinds of sweet dishes. In Indian festivals and during the festive season consumption of sweets increases manifolds. To commemorate any auspicious occasion, Indians eat sweets, they bring sweets as gifts and even serve them to guests to welcome them to their house. Good Indian restaurants in Germany, Australia, US, Africa and everywhere else in the world have these sweets available for people of that country to try and enjoy. 

Given below is a list of famous Indian sweet dishes and the city or state in which they are made: 

1.      Sandesh: Made in West Bengal. Sandesh is a white coloured sweet dish that requires only three ingredients to make. 

2.      Modak: Originated from Maharashtra. Modak are small, white coloured dumplings made out of rice flour or wheat flour, stuffed with sweetened crushed coconut or jaggery.

3.      Mysore Pak: As the name suggests this sweet dish is from Mysore. A royal dessert made using ghee, sugar, gram flour and cardamom.

4.      Gajar ka Halwa: Made originally at the heart of spiciness, Punjab, this dish has everybody’s heart. Every Indian mom’s favourite winter sweet dish is Gajar ka Halwa. 

5.      Gulab Jamun: Be it North Indian or East or South or West India, everyone is a fan of Indian Gulab Jamun. Authentic Gulab jamun are made using khoya or processed milk solids, dipped in sugar syrup. Try delicious Gulab Jamun at the best Indian restaurant in Berlin, Dosa and More. 

6.      Petha: A soft, melt-in-mouth delicacy from Agra, Uttar Pradesh. One of the most popular Indian sweet dishes is made using pumpkin, loaded with sugar and made into special white or yellow coloured candies.

7.      Peda: Another speciality of Uttar Pradesh! Peda are made abundantly in Mathura. People from all over the country make a special stoppage at Mathura to grab a bite of the special peda made using khoya, sugar and traditional Indian flavorings, including cardamom seeds, pistachio nuts and saffron.

8.      Jalebi: The most famous Indian street food dish that exists. Jalebi is consumed differently in different parts of India. It is made out of a batter of urad dal flour and later dipped in sugar syrup to sweeten the dish. 

9.      Neyyappam: A sweet dish of Kerala. Made using ghee, rice, jaggery, coconut pieces and cardamom powder, Neyyappam are found all across Kerala but are of irresistible flavour in Thiruvananthapuram. 

10.  Raj Bhog: A delicacy from the Indian state of Bihar. Raj Bhog looks very similar to rasgulla because of its shape and colour. The white coloured balls are made of milk, suji and lemon and infused with herbs like cardamom and saffron. 

11. Kaju Barfi: A diamond shaped cashew dish. Served extensively during the hindu festival made with a thick mixture of cashew nuts, milk, sugar, and ghee. It is one of the most popular Indian sweets consumed worldwide.

12. Rasgulla: Soft, textured dumpling like sweet dish that took birth in east Indian mainly Bengal and Odisha. Like various others they are also loaded in sugar syrup after they are cooled. 

Indian sweet dishes have paved their way into the hearts of millions all over the world and their fondness is ever growing. Famous Indian and international food chains serve Indian sweet dishes at their restaurants. Thanks to the availability of Indian groceries and ingredients through online supermarkets everywhere, one can now easily make Indian sweet dishes at home or try them from some of the best Indian restaurants near them. Famous Indian brands like Haldiram and many more have also released Indian sweet dishes packed or frozen or even ready to make pouches to help citizens all over the world make these delicacies at their home without going through a lot of trouble. 

Neven’s Pizza Dough

Sour cream, mozzarella, Sulguni cheese, pepperoni. Home oven, baking steel.

I like pizza, and I make it often. You also like pizza. Perhaps you’d like to make it as well? Here’s the recipe for my sourdough pizza, ideal for Neapolitan or NYC-style pies, baked in a home oven with a baking steel or stone, or in an outdoor oven. Scroll past the recipe if you’d like to learn more!

Neven’s Sourdough Pizza

Servings: two 12” pizzas. Time: 3.5 hours (mix and proof) + 1 to 14 days (fridge-ferment) + 6 hours (final proof) + 10 to 20 minutes (shape, top, and bake)

INGREDIENTS:

260 g high-gluten or bread flour (or all-purpose flour)

40 g (15%) whole wheat or rye flour (or any flour, really)

9 g (3%) salt

15 g (5%) ripe sourdough starter

200 g (66%) water

DIRECTIONS:

Put all the dry ingredients into the bowl of a stand mixer (”a KitchenAid”) outfitted with the dough hook and stir with a spatula to combine. Add the starter and about 2/3 of the water. Start the mixer on low speed and mix for 1 minute; add the rest of the water, and mix for 4 more minutes. Switch to medium speed and mix for another 5 minutes. If at any point the dough threatens to crawl out of the bowl, stop the mixer and scrape the mess back down into the bowl.

Once mixed, move the dough to a new bowl. (I prefer a shallower, wider, non-metal one myself.) Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in a warm spot (70–74°F?) for 3 hours. Every 30 minutes or so, perform a stretch-and-fold.

Scoop the dough with a flexible dough scraper onto a lightly oiled work surface and cut into two 262 g portions. Shape each portion into a ball, tucking the ends in toward the middle to form a taut, balloon-like surface on one side. Pop into a lightly oiled 16 oz deli container (do you have some from food deliveries?), messy side down. Cover and pop in the back of the fridge for 1-14 days. (I find the flavor is best around 7 days.)

6 hours before baking, remove the containers from the fridge and leave them on the counter. 2 hours before baking, uncover them. This will dry out the top somewhat, which is great; that will become the not-so-sticky bottom of your crust.

Portioned dough balls after being uncovered.

If using a home oven: 1 hour before baking, pop a baking stone or baking steel or upside-down pan on a rack 6-8" from the top broiler. Crank it up to 550ºF and leave it there.

To stretch the dough: hold the container upside down and wiggle the dough out of it gently; dont worry about whether it stays a perfect ball. Place it into a shallow, wide bowl of flour and make sure the wet end and the sides get some flour (not too much) on them. Place it on your wooden peel with the dry (previously the top) side down and press gently around the inside of the rim to make a little ringed pizza-prototype.

Then pick it up and stretch with your knuckles (don’t use your fingers). It should be very friendly, stretchy without any pullback or tearing. Stretch to 10" in size. Shimmy the peel a bit to make sure no part of the dough has stuck; repeat this shimmying every minute or so if it takes you that long to top it.

Stretching the dough using knuckles only.

My topping strategy for a standard cheese pizza: layer the dough with sliced mozzarella cheese, then add dabs of sauce, and your toppings. Now gently tug under the rim all around to stretch to 12″; the weight of the toppings will help prevent pullback.

Redistribute the toppings if needed. Shimmy again. Expertly slide onto the steel/stone/pan.

If using a home oven: set a timer for 4 minutes. Then, open the oven door and check the underside of your pizza. Almost done, while the top is still a bit pale? If so, slide a metal pizza pan (or a cookie sheet or something else thin, metal, and as large as the pie) under it. This prevents the bottom from getting overbaked. Rotate the arrangement 180º to get even baking. Set a timer for 3 minutes.

When the pizza is gorgeous, slide it out with a metal pizza peel or a large flat spatula or whatever. (Don’t use your wooden peel—that’s for shaping and launching only.) Rest it on a cooling rack for 1-2 minutes to dry out the bottom. Then move to a cutting board or plate and slice. (Don’t use your wooden peel for this either, please!)

If using an outdoor pizza oven: if you own one of these, you probably know what to do. Have at it, sport!

Sour cream, mozzarella, provolone, chives and garlic chives. Ooni Koda oven.

33% whole wheat in this dough. Aged for 9 days in the fridge.

- - - END OF RECIPE - - - - - - NOTES AND MUSINGS FOLLOW - - -

A note on baker’s percentages 

When a dough is “66% hydrated,” that doesn’t mean the final ball of dough is two-thirds water. Rather, what bakers mean is, water is equal to 66% of the flour weight. Got it? That way, you can measure out your flour and scale all the other ingredients to it. I no longer refer to a recipe when I mix the dough, because I’ve memorized the percentages: 66% water, 3% salt, 5% starter. I also know that I need 150 g of flour per pizza; from these figures I can easily arrive at the weight of the other ingredients. Can you do the math in your head for, say, four pizzas? It’s easy! (Or maybe I’m just a math genius. (I am not a math genius.))

Just TWO pizzas? So what’s my boyfriend going to eat?

You can easily double the recipe. I wouldn’t go beyond 2x; you can’t mix much more than a kilo of dough in a typical stand mixer. If you’re doing a big pizza party and you want to make eight pies, first of all, congratulations! second, do it in two batches.

Do you think I’m the sort of person who has sourdough starter just sitting around?

“What does it matter what you say about people?”

I get it. I wasn’t always a Sourdough Guy. So, let me give you a recipe using commercial yeast. Bonus: it’s faster!

Normal-Person Pizza

Servings: two 12” pizzas. Time: 3 hours (mix and proof) + 10 to 20 minutes (shape, top, and bake)

INGREDIENTS:

260 g high-gluten or bread flour (or all-purpose flour)

40 g (15%) whole wheat or rye flour (or any flour, really)

9 g (3%) salt

3 g instant yeast (~1 tsp, about half a little package thingy, 1%)

200 g (66%) water

DIRECTIONS:

Put all the dry ingredients into the bowl of a stand mixer (”a KitchenAid”) outfitted with the dough hook and stir with a spatula to combine. Add about 2/3 of the water. Start the mixer on low speed and mix for 1 minute; add the rest of the water, and mix for 4 more minutes. Switch to medium speed and mix for another 5 minutes. If at any point the dough threatens to crawl out of the bowl, stop the mixer and scrape it back down into the bowl.

Once mixed, move the dough to a new bowl. (I prefer a shallower, wider, non-metal one myself.) Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in a warm spot (70–74°C?) for 2 hours. Every 30 minutes or so, perform a stretch-and-fold.

Scoop the dough with a flexible dough scraper onto a lightly oiled work surface and cut into two 262 g portions. Shape each portion into a ball, tucking the ends in toward the middle to form a taut, balloon-like surface on one side. Place on a well floured board; flour the top some more; and cover with a clean, non-terry (non-”fuzzy”; you want “smooth”) kitchen towel. Rest for another 1-2 hours, watching for the dough to grow some more and start looking really taut and ready.

Proceed with the tossing, topping, and baking.

Carmelina brand tomatoes, sauced; garlic, fresh oregano. Ooni Koda oven.

Wait, but I don't have a stand mixer either 😐

“It’s always gonna be something with you, isn’t it, Joe?”

No, that’s cool, that’s cool. Just mix by hand. Or by spatula, really. Mash it and fold it and fold it and mash it. Make sure you do frequent and thorough stretch-and-folds in this case. You really want to distribute everything uniformly in there.

And now, a word from our sponsors

(Note: none of the following products or brands are my sponsors. This is merely an idiom, come on.)

Juuuust in case you’re looking to add to your kitchen setup, here are the products I use for pizza making. Some of the links below include my referral code, which means I’ll get a tiny cut of the sale; the price is the same to you, though, so like, what does it matter? (I still feel a little uneasy. Sorry.)

Ooni Koda outdoor pizza oven. Simple, portable, hot as heck. Makes pizza you simply can’t get out of a home oven. These links give you 10% off! (UK link, EU link. These links all give you 10% off. BAM!)

Carmelina canned tomatoes in puree. Sweet, rich, flavorful. Buy them by the case.

Tillamook sour cream. Yes, sour cream makes a perfect sauce for a white pizza—which is generally an easier base to put creative toppings on! Make sure to buy the stuff where the ingredients are just cream and cultures, none of this cornstarch/carrageenan nonsense.

For flour, look for a local mill, if possible. Shop at restaurant-supply stores!

16 oz deli containers. Washable, sturdy, endlessly reusable. Love ‘em.

CoverMate bowl covers. Reusable, washable, transparent, secure.

Gram-precision kitchen scale. You know you need one. My favorite feature: extra long timeout (before it turns off) so I can forget to get the flour and run downstairs and hunt for it and when I come back, my measurement is still up on the screen.

I also like Ooni’s bamboo and metal peels a lot. You can get very cheap ones on Amazon, but understand that they’re… cheap.

Saf-Instant yeast. It’s got the cutest box. You can keep it in the freezer for years and use it right out of the freezer.

Oxo pizza cutter wheel. Whatever wheel you buy, just make sure it’s large and heavy—that’s what helps you cut neatly.

In conclusion

Pizza is good. Thank you.

Sliced mozzarella, parmesan, Carmelina brand tomatoes. Home oven, baking steel.