Good Afternoon Evy,
It’s interesting to note that if a firm uses meat or meat by-products in a product that is not derived from cattle, swine, sheep, goats or a combination of these, then according to AAFCO regs., they are required to designate the animal from which the meat is derived in the ingredients list.
If I come across any other info. on this topic, I’ll send it your way.
Respectfully,
Chandra
Chandra Hardwick
Colorado Department of Agriculture
Feed Program Administrator
2331 West 31st Ave.
Denver, CO 80211
303-477-0081
Monday, May 28, 2007
Yucca Schidigera
Botanical Name: Yucca schidigera
Rich in anti-inflammatory phytosterols
Yucca contains natural steroidal-like saponins that are effective anti-inflammatories and anti-spasmodics known to reduce pain associated with arthritis and has been used with success for allergies and to strengthen the immune system. Yucca is used today to treat inflammation caused by degenerative diseases like arthritis and rheumatism. Rich in Vitamin A, B-complex and Vitamin C, Yucca is also a good source of calcium, copper, manganese, potassium and phosphorus. Originally used for both food and medicine, Yucca's natural steroid properties, Saponins, have been known to reduce inflammation and obstructions of the joints. Yucca also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that contribute to the cleansing of the colon, purifying the blood and helping keep the kindeys and liver free of toxins.
Yucca is used to treat migraine headaches, arthritis, hypertension, colitis, hypercholesterolemia, stomach disorders, diabetes, poor circulation, and liver and gallbladder disorders. Yucca in combination with a good diet and exercise may be effective for normalizing triglycerides, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Kumpi Pet Foods offers this information in response to inquires about the use of yucca schidigera in our products. This is not meant to be perceived as a medical claim. AAFCO protocol requires any company to restrict their comments about the medical efficacy of this ingredient.
Rich in anti-inflammatory phytosterols
Yucca contains natural steroidal-like saponins that are effective anti-inflammatories and anti-spasmodics known to reduce pain associated with arthritis and has been used with success for allergies and to strengthen the immune system. Yucca is used today to treat inflammation caused by degenerative diseases like arthritis and rheumatism. Rich in Vitamin A, B-complex and Vitamin C, Yucca is also a good source of calcium, copper, manganese, potassium and phosphorus. Originally used for both food and medicine, Yucca's natural steroid properties, Saponins, have been known to reduce inflammation and obstructions of the joints. Yucca also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that contribute to the cleansing of the colon, purifying the blood and helping keep the kindeys and liver free of toxins.
Yucca is used to treat migraine headaches, arthritis, hypertension, colitis, hypercholesterolemia, stomach disorders, diabetes, poor circulation, and liver and gallbladder disorders. Yucca in combination with a good diet and exercise may be effective for normalizing triglycerides, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Kumpi Pet Foods offers this information in response to inquires about the use of yucca schidigera in our products. This is not meant to be perceived as a medical claim. AAFCO protocol requires any company to restrict their comments about the medical efficacy of this ingredient.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Human Grade Ingredients In Pet Food
There are three primary classifications of meat in the industry when referring to fresh, live kill.
Human Grade: the meat that will end up on grocery shelves in the form of steaks, ribs, briskets, loins, etc.
Pet Food Grade: the meat used from the above mentioned live kill animal that doesn't end up on grocery shelves.
Feed Grade: not suitable for human consumption.
I can't help but wonder how many companies are stretching the verbage by using the Pet Food Grade meat that didn't end up on grocery shelves, but try to insinuate that since their meat came from an animal that was qualified as Human Grade, but they are using the Pet Grade, which came from a "human grade" animal.
That's been a long ongoing battle in the industry right now. There is not the manpower in the FDA or AAFCO to regulate every company to specify that they indeed are spending the extra money for the Human Grade meat - and from the price of pet food, I'd venture to say their costs would have to be MUCh higher if they were. It seems that they are stretching the truth here. And this information comes from talking directly with the actual suppliers of meat to the pet food industry.
I use Pet Grade that comes from the animals initially used for Human Grade products, but will not mislead my consumer by saying I use human grade, even though the quality of Pet Grade is just as high.
See how large the skirts are this industry has to hide behind and the spins they can put on things? Issues like this are just the tip of the iceberg. This is NOT a highly regulated industry and the American pet owner gets feed a lot of advertising/marketing to give them false senses of security.
How about this one?? The company that says "we use USDA Inspected Beef" - and then proceed to use 4D beef (dead, dying, diseased, disabled) - hey, they weren't lying that the beef was USDA inspected - it was just rejected.
Human Grade: the meat that will end up on grocery shelves in the form of steaks, ribs, briskets, loins, etc.
Pet Food Grade: the meat used from the above mentioned live kill animal that doesn't end up on grocery shelves.
Feed Grade: not suitable for human consumption.
I can't help but wonder how many companies are stretching the verbage by using the Pet Food Grade meat that didn't end up on grocery shelves, but try to insinuate that since their meat came from an animal that was qualified as Human Grade, but they are using the Pet Grade, which came from a "human grade" animal.
That's been a long ongoing battle in the industry right now. There is not the manpower in the FDA or AAFCO to regulate every company to specify that they indeed are spending the extra money for the Human Grade meat - and from the price of pet food, I'd venture to say their costs would have to be MUCh higher if they were. It seems that they are stretching the truth here. And this information comes from talking directly with the actual suppliers of meat to the pet food industry.
I use Pet Grade that comes from the animals initially used for Human Grade products, but will not mislead my consumer by saying I use human grade, even though the quality of Pet Grade is just as high.
See how large the skirts are this industry has to hide behind and the spins they can put on things? Issues like this are just the tip of the iceberg. This is NOT a highly regulated industry and the American pet owner gets feed a lot of advertising/marketing to give them false senses of security.
How about this one?? The company that says "we use USDA Inspected Beef" - and then proceed to use 4D beef (dead, dying, diseased, disabled) - hey, they weren't lying that the beef was USDA inspected - it was just rejected.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Canned Pet Food Comments
Thanks for writing me back Evy. Sorry Ive been a pest. Im just worried about my babies. I have always fed just dry, but I just have one cat Frank who has to have a treat of something else!! Can you tell me why your nutritionist thinks canned is causing problems? Is it the way it is manufactured..bacteria...etc..? I am clueless on the subject and would really like to know his thoughts, since my frankie LOVES it and I want the best for my kitties. Also I know your nutritionist is super busy, and I know you are too, but the next time you talk to him, could you also ask him what he thinks of giving a spoonful a meat baby food (just turkey and turkey broth, no onion/garlic) mixed with water for a treat everyday? Frank and Cooper really seem to love that. A vet tech told me it could cause pancreatis, then another told me it was fine. I dont want to hurt my kitties, and the vet is NO HELP in this question other than recommending horrible food!
Dear Cat Lover ~
Pet nutrition is an 'absolute' science with very little room for give when it comes to pet food. AAFCO and the NRC (National Research Council) have established both minimums and maximums for many of the minerals and vitamins used in pet food. When people start introducing other things it is hard to give an educated opinion as to whether it is 'good' or 'bad' for the pet. I give Tonga just the tiniest piece of white chicken meat that I've cooked for myself as her treat. Cats especially do have a delicate system and I hate to sound like a broken record, but nutrition is science, science has studied min/max impact of vitamins and minerals; going outside those bounds with other foods throws off the whole balance, or has the potential to I should say.
The genesis of canned pet food was putting to use what legally can't be put into dry food. That, along with the probabilities of contamination and the lack of quality control has my nutritionist sitting with a big thumbs down. As I read through the posts folks make about canned pet food, you can really see what he is talking about. Getting consistency is really hard and so is quality - and his opinion to me stands as gold, since I've heard from too many pet owners, both dog and cat, how they have changed from 'premium' foods over to Kumpi products and finally found the results they were looking for.
Just an FYI for you to think about.....the major reason wet foods appeal to dogs and cats so much are how the nasal receptors are reacting to the high amount of molecules quickly evaporating off the wet product. The smell is more pungent and is why they tend to dig into it. That being said, remember that pets are much like people, with personal proclivities. But overall, you will find that to be the case.
I personally wouldn't touch canned pet food and also don't want to play with the balance Mark has established with the product line. I've seen enough and heard enough to abide by that, but also respect people who make a different choice. You can see online the choices people have made and the different issues their cats are suffering with. A good and solid dry food that controls the vitamin/mineral intake with a tiny treat now and then is the safest thing I understand to be the best. My cat at 16 is doing sooooo well without canned, I believe Mark's science to be valid and is the route I advise folks to take.
I do always appreciate hearing from you!
Evy
Dear Cat Lover ~
Pet nutrition is an 'absolute' science with very little room for give when it comes to pet food. AAFCO and the NRC (National Research Council) have established both minimums and maximums for many of the minerals and vitamins used in pet food. When people start introducing other things it is hard to give an educated opinion as to whether it is 'good' or 'bad' for the pet. I give Tonga just the tiniest piece of white chicken meat that I've cooked for myself as her treat. Cats especially do have a delicate system and I hate to sound like a broken record, but nutrition is science, science has studied min/max impact of vitamins and minerals; going outside those bounds with other foods throws off the whole balance, or has the potential to I should say.
The genesis of canned pet food was putting to use what legally can't be put into dry food. That, along with the probabilities of contamination and the lack of quality control has my nutritionist sitting with a big thumbs down. As I read through the posts folks make about canned pet food, you can really see what he is talking about. Getting consistency is really hard and so is quality - and his opinion to me stands as gold, since I've heard from too many pet owners, both dog and cat, how they have changed from 'premium' foods over to Kumpi products and finally found the results they were looking for.
Just an FYI for you to think about.....the major reason wet foods appeal to dogs and cats so much are how the nasal receptors are reacting to the high amount of molecules quickly evaporating off the wet product. The smell is more pungent and is why they tend to dig into it. That being said, remember that pets are much like people, with personal proclivities. But overall, you will find that to be the case.
I personally wouldn't touch canned pet food and also don't want to play with the balance Mark has established with the product line. I've seen enough and heard enough to abide by that, but also respect people who make a different choice. You can see online the choices people have made and the different issues their cats are suffering with. A good and solid dry food that controls the vitamin/mineral intake with a tiny treat now and then is the safest thing I understand to be the best. My cat at 16 is doing sooooo well without canned, I believe Mark's science to be valid and is the route I advise folks to take.
I do always appreciate hearing from you!
Evy
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Kumpi Retailers
Dear Denise ~
Thanks so much for the order and I also did get your email about distributor possibilities in NY. Honestly, none of the people out of state are people that I approached. They all approached me. Above and beyond that, I need for them to have a personal relationship/trust with the food and I need the chance to get to know them myself a bit.
The moment the foods leaves my charge (I have it shipped directly from my manufacturer to me) I need to know that the food won't be sitting in direct sunlight or exposed to extreme heat (the fats can get compromised) and that the product is being cared for as well as I do. It takes a long chain of events to make sure that the food someone buys that says "Kumpi" on it is of the best quality possible.
My background is in dog behavior and I know that most stores are being bombarded weekly with pet foods that are seeking shelf space. I am not like the 'corporate' products and that is one other part of me not being like them. It takes more than money and space to sell Kumpi. I know all of my out of state retailers and respect them immensely.
I know it may sound like a peculiar 'business plan' but I wasn't 'planning' on the growth of the company being so strong through grassroots. I feel a strong need to keep it protected. My confidence level in my product line is immense and my trust of the people who sell it needs to be as strong.
Hope this makes sense to you :))
Blessings ~
Evy
Thanks so much for the order and I also did get your email about distributor possibilities in NY. Honestly, none of the people out of state are people that I approached. They all approached me. Above and beyond that, I need for them to have a personal relationship/trust with the food and I need the chance to get to know them myself a bit.
The moment the foods leaves my charge (I have it shipped directly from my manufacturer to me) I need to know that the food won't be sitting in direct sunlight or exposed to extreme heat (the fats can get compromised) and that the product is being cared for as well as I do. It takes a long chain of events to make sure that the food someone buys that says "Kumpi" on it is of the best quality possible.
My background is in dog behavior and I know that most stores are being bombarded weekly with pet foods that are seeking shelf space. I am not like the 'corporate' products and that is one other part of me not being like them. It takes more than money and space to sell Kumpi. I know all of my out of state retailers and respect them immensely.
I know it may sound like a peculiar 'business plan' but I wasn't 'planning' on the growth of the company being so strong through grassroots. I feel a strong need to keep it protected. My confidence level in my product line is immense and my trust of the people who sell it needs to be as strong.
Hope this makes sense to you :))
Blessings ~
Evy
Kumpi Dog Food Testimonials
Hi Evy,
We made it through the gastrointestinal portion of the detox program with relatively few incidents--thank heavens. The replacing of the coats is still in full swing--wow!! It's ok though because my house is a total mess with the kitchen gutted to be redone, so a little extra fur floating around is nothing...
An interesting note though. Since Homer, our bloodhound, went off of his prednisone back in December, I haven't been able to get him to lose the extra weight he gained. However, I weighed him last week and he is down to 120 lbs. That's a loss of over 10 pounds!!! He looks so much better without the "bloated" look and only has about 5 more to go. He is back to acting like a puppy much of the day, which is a sort of mixed blessing. He was a very mischevious puppy, so I'm back on 24/7 babysitting duties so he doesn't eat anything he shouldn't....
Their new coats are definitely softer; I'm sure they're shinier too, but it's kind of hard to see because they always have a layer of dust on them from the outside. (We have clay here so either it's total mush when it's wet or very hard and dusty when it's dry.)
They are all thriving on the food and run around the yard playing again, which thrills me. I can't thank you enough for offering your food. Especially with the ever-expanding recall list, it's good to have peace of mind. Thanks again for all of your help and offering your product over the internet.
Take care,
Margaret (and Lucy, Joe, Thumbs & Homer)
(May 16th)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I wish you could see what your food has done for Harley, our eight year old German Shepherd. He is the littermate of Hannah, our female that we lost two years ago to hemangiosarcoma. While he was definitely not in poor health, he had occasional bouts of IBS, his nose would crack and dry out, sebaceous cysts, etc. Now, there is no IBS, the one little cyst he had on his back has dried up and disappeared, his teeth are getting whiter, and his nose has cleared up and is soft. Also, he now "prances" when we walk. What a dramatic difference!!
Thanks so much for all you do for our furry children!!!
Best regards,
Rich
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Compliment! My 12 year old shep mix Jaks has finished his first bag of Kumpi. Vet visit this morning to follow up on a Lyme DX of December. My Vet warned me that he would most likely still show + in the titer....to her suprise and mine his Lyme is almost fully resolved. My Vet was amazed at my boys coat as well. He looks great! I attribute his excellent condition to his organic health as highly influenced by KUMPI. My Vet may enquire about retailing Kumpi from their office. Canines in the NE are constantly challenged by various tick borne diseases, notably Lyme- they need all the help that they can get and Kumpi is their allie !
Very pleased! Just re-ordered. Thank You, Evy.
Martha
We made it through the gastrointestinal portion of the detox program with relatively few incidents--thank heavens. The replacing of the coats is still in full swing--wow!! It's ok though because my house is a total mess with the kitchen gutted to be redone, so a little extra fur floating around is nothing...
An interesting note though. Since Homer, our bloodhound, went off of his prednisone back in December, I haven't been able to get him to lose the extra weight he gained. However, I weighed him last week and he is down to 120 lbs. That's a loss of over 10 pounds!!! He looks so much better without the "bloated" look and only has about 5 more to go. He is back to acting like a puppy much of the day, which is a sort of mixed blessing. He was a very mischevious puppy, so I'm back on 24/7 babysitting duties so he doesn't eat anything he shouldn't....
Their new coats are definitely softer; I'm sure they're shinier too, but it's kind of hard to see because they always have a layer of dust on them from the outside. (We have clay here so either it's total mush when it's wet or very hard and dusty when it's dry.)
They are all thriving on the food and run around the yard playing again, which thrills me. I can't thank you enough for offering your food. Especially with the ever-expanding recall list, it's good to have peace of mind. Thanks again for all of your help and offering your product over the internet.
Take care,
Margaret (and Lucy, Joe, Thumbs & Homer)
(May 16th)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I wish you could see what your food has done for Harley, our eight year old German Shepherd. He is the littermate of Hannah, our female that we lost two years ago to hemangiosarcoma. While he was definitely not in poor health, he had occasional bouts of IBS, his nose would crack and dry out, sebaceous cysts, etc. Now, there is no IBS, the one little cyst he had on his back has dried up and disappeared, his teeth are getting whiter, and his nose has cleared up and is soft. Also, he now "prances" when we walk. What a dramatic difference!!
Thanks so much for all you do for our furry children!!!
Best regards,
Rich
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Compliment! My 12 year old shep mix Jaks has finished his first bag of Kumpi. Vet visit this morning to follow up on a Lyme DX of December. My Vet warned me that he would most likely still show + in the titer....to her suprise and mine his Lyme is almost fully resolved. My Vet was amazed at my boys coat as well. He looks great! I attribute his excellent condition to his organic health as highly influenced by KUMPI. My Vet may enquire about retailing Kumpi from their office. Canines in the NE are constantly challenged by various tick borne diseases, notably Lyme- they need all the help that they can get and Kumpi is their allie !
Very pleased! Just re-ordered. Thank You, Evy.
Martha
Thursday, May 17, 2007
KumpiKat Testimonials
Love the cat food! All four of my cats are crazy about it. It is very rare for them all to agree on one brand but this is the one. I have an insulin dependant diabetic (Annie), an overweight three legged( Izzy- Hebrew for great gift), a 16 year old( Pooky) and a for the most part ( health wise anyway) normal one ( TC for too cute or terrible cat depending on the day). They are all rescue cats. We also have 3 rescue dogs. Your products are great. Thanks for making them available to all of us.
Blessing and peace,
Beverley
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I just wanted to tell you that my 3 cats LOVE Kumpi! With all the recall insanity, I've changed their food a few times and they have been reluctantly eating everything else. When the Kumpi arrived they were all over the box before I even opened it! I am very pleased. My girl who has been vomiting for a long time hasn't in the past week or so, my one overweight guy loves the fod, but isn't overeating, and the picky one can't get enough. Thank you so much! I'm glad I found out about Kumpi through the Itchmo forums. We will be ordering again soon. Yoiu have fans all the way up here in Vermont!
Thanks for all you do,
Michelle
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The recent pet food recall not only concerned me, it reminded me of my dislike of by-products and so much corn meal in my cats' food. But since it seemed most brands contained them, I didn't feel like I had a lot of choices.
Several weeks ago I decided once and for all to find a truly different food, to solve an immediate problem with a cat who was vomiting, and another cat who had long lasting effects from being sick.
First, my only boy cat, a little orange tabby named Yukon, came to me as a three month old shelter kitten, and very, very sick with a respiratory infection that was so difficult to get rid of. I found out later, sadly, it killed all the other kittens who had been in the same kennel the day I adopted Yukon, including two of his litter mates. His growth was stunted and his fur has never been very soft or shiny, no matter what I fed him. In just a few weeks on Kumpi Kat Yukon has grown more than he has in months. He's bigger than two of the three girl cats now! It's happened so fast, that it still surprises me each time I see him, because he looks like a different kitty. :) I wish I had "before and after" pictures! His fur is soft and shiny and he's even MORE of a cuddle muffin than he was before. He LOVES his Kumpi and turns his nose up at anything else. It's been so exciting to see.
Then, several weeks ago, my long haired cat, Taimyr, was vomiting and it didn't resolve with a hairball. I knew it was time to take her to the vet when she vomited right back into her food bowl while trying to eat. (This was pre-Kumpi). None of the other cats were sick, so I knew something was very wrong. Taimyr stopped eating and an x-ray showed a mass in her abdomen. She had to have surgery on May 12th and they removed a three inch long, 1 inch diameter mass of hair in her intestine. Poor kitty! Her fur is the longest I've seen and I tried to keep up with the grooming, but obviously not well enoughy. We think she has Maine Coon in her family tree, as her hair brushes the ground. My husband nicknamed her "Musk Ox".
Because Taimyr had become anorexic during this, they sent her home with a nasal feeding tube and I had to give her "kitty Ensure" every two hours. She was listless and sad, but not enough to pull her tube out early! I got the go ahead from the vet to give her solid food, and she has been happily eating Kumpi Kat ever since. The vet had drilled into me how difficult it can be to get an anorexic cat to eat again, but she took right away to the Kumpi. Also, at a follow up appointment with a different vet, the vet almost removed Taimyr's stitches too soon because her abdomen has healed so well! She's a happy, alert and feisty kitty again. I really believe its the superior protein and nutrition that has helped her recover so quickly. She gets her stitches out later today and will get out of "purgatory" (the spare bedroom) to be with the other cats again, and its been hard to contain her because she has so much energy. I'm SO happy I found such a nutritious food to give her during her recovery.
Thanks for making such a great product, and expect to see more orders from us in the future. :)
Take care,
Melissa
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
My dear Evy,
I so appreciate your note here! I've recommended your foods to a number of my neighbors, I know one has already ordered, and another neighbor will when she returns from vacation. I have a petsitting business here, so I'm carrying the Kumpi message with me, along with samples, to all of my folks.
You know, your bag of KumpiKat only states that "significant" results may be seen in just ONE bag. I know that only Our Lord Jesus can guarantee us all miracles. So I'll just say that this first bag of KumpiKat produced "...just this side of miraculous results!"
Our four cats, Spud, Wilbur, Harry and Frieda, seem to have reclaimed their "inner-kitten." We first began to notice the change in their coats, and for four long-haired cats, that's a lot of coat! All four are rescue cats, so I just figured that how they look - is just how they look - end of story. Nope, these critters are amazing!
The most wonderful thing, if you can stand another "cat-poop" story, is the change for our dear Spud. Spud is now 5 years old, we adopted him from our shelter here when he was just about 3 weeks old. A farmer found him along the side of one of our country roads next to a potato field (hence - "Spud") the guy driving by thought the kitten was a tiny potato along side of the road, but the potato MOVED! Thank Our Lord!! But when the little guy was brought to the shelter the immediate decision was to euthanasia him, he was simply too small, completely dehydrated, and was not going to make it. I'm on the list out there for the "hopeless cases, but what-if-there's-a-miracle." Anyway, after serious nursing him just to survive, it was clear he'd always have colon problems, and very serious ones. Well, not since KumpiKat!!! For the first time in FIVE YEARS that little Spud can do real poop - and all on his own! Evy, we can't thank you enough for your tireless labor of love for producing nutritious and healing food for all pets.
I feel the spirit truly feel that the spirit of your own dear Kumpi dog lives on and gives new health and life to so many. Kumpi may be an angel now, but you carry the message for him, and I thank you for that.
Phoebe
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hello Evy,
My furballs have been on your KumpiKat for 2 months plus...after reading your testimonials, I realized that my Chloe's eyes do not run or get infected anymore since she's been eating Kumpi...furthermore, all my cats have slimmed down, their coats are incredible shiny...and their vomitting is next to nil, except for the occasional hairball.
Amazing...thanks you!
Susan Hoch
Blessing and peace,
Beverley
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I just wanted to tell you that my 3 cats LOVE Kumpi! With all the recall insanity, I've changed their food a few times and they have been reluctantly eating everything else. When the Kumpi arrived they were all over the box before I even opened it! I am very pleased. My girl who has been vomiting for a long time hasn't in the past week or so, my one overweight guy loves the fod, but isn't overeating, and the picky one can't get enough. Thank you so much! I'm glad I found out about Kumpi through the Itchmo forums. We will be ordering again soon. Yoiu have fans all the way up here in Vermont!
Thanks for all you do,
Michelle
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The recent pet food recall not only concerned me, it reminded me of my dislike of by-products and so much corn meal in my cats' food. But since it seemed most brands contained them, I didn't feel like I had a lot of choices.
Several weeks ago I decided once and for all to find a truly different food, to solve an immediate problem with a cat who was vomiting, and another cat who had long lasting effects from being sick.
First, my only boy cat, a little orange tabby named Yukon, came to me as a three month old shelter kitten, and very, very sick with a respiratory infection that was so difficult to get rid of. I found out later, sadly, it killed all the other kittens who had been in the same kennel the day I adopted Yukon, including two of his litter mates. His growth was stunted and his fur has never been very soft or shiny, no matter what I fed him. In just a few weeks on Kumpi Kat Yukon has grown more than he has in months. He's bigger than two of the three girl cats now! It's happened so fast, that it still surprises me each time I see him, because he looks like a different kitty. :) I wish I had "before and after" pictures! His fur is soft and shiny and he's even MORE of a cuddle muffin than he was before. He LOVES his Kumpi and turns his nose up at anything else. It's been so exciting to see.
Then, several weeks ago, my long haired cat, Taimyr, was vomiting and it didn't resolve with a hairball. I knew it was time to take her to the vet when she vomited right back into her food bowl while trying to eat. (This was pre-Kumpi). None of the other cats were sick, so I knew something was very wrong. Taimyr stopped eating and an x-ray showed a mass in her abdomen. She had to have surgery on May 12th and they removed a three inch long, 1 inch diameter mass of hair in her intestine. Poor kitty! Her fur is the longest I've seen and I tried to keep up with the grooming, but obviously not well enoughy. We think she has Maine Coon in her family tree, as her hair brushes the ground. My husband nicknamed her "Musk Ox".
Because Taimyr had become anorexic during this, they sent her home with a nasal feeding tube and I had to give her "kitty Ensure" every two hours. She was listless and sad, but not enough to pull her tube out early! I got the go ahead from the vet to give her solid food, and she has been happily eating Kumpi Kat ever since. The vet had drilled into me how difficult it can be to get an anorexic cat to eat again, but she took right away to the Kumpi. Also, at a follow up appointment with a different vet, the vet almost removed Taimyr's stitches too soon because her abdomen has healed so well! She's a happy, alert and feisty kitty again. I really believe its the superior protein and nutrition that has helped her recover so quickly. She gets her stitches out later today and will get out of "purgatory" (the spare bedroom) to be with the other cats again, and its been hard to contain her because she has so much energy. I'm SO happy I found such a nutritious food to give her during her recovery.
Thanks for making such a great product, and expect to see more orders from us in the future. :)
Take care,
Melissa
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
My dear Evy,
I so appreciate your note here! I've recommended your foods to a number of my neighbors, I know one has already ordered, and another neighbor will when she returns from vacation. I have a petsitting business here, so I'm carrying the Kumpi message with me, along with samples, to all of my folks.
You know, your bag of KumpiKat only states that "significant" results may be seen in just ONE bag. I know that only Our Lord Jesus can guarantee us all miracles. So I'll just say that this first bag of KumpiKat produced "...just this side of miraculous results!"
Our four cats, Spud, Wilbur, Harry and Frieda, seem to have reclaimed their "inner-kitten." We first began to notice the change in their coats, and for four long-haired cats, that's a lot of coat! All four are rescue cats, so I just figured that how they look - is just how they look - end of story. Nope, these critters are amazing!
The most wonderful thing, if you can stand another "cat-poop" story, is the change for our dear Spud. Spud is now 5 years old, we adopted him from our shelter here when he was just about 3 weeks old. A farmer found him along the side of one of our country roads next to a potato field (hence - "Spud") the guy driving by thought the kitten was a tiny potato along side of the road, but the potato MOVED! Thank Our Lord!! But when the little guy was brought to the shelter the immediate decision was to euthanasia him, he was simply too small, completely dehydrated, and was not going to make it. I'm on the list out there for the "hopeless cases, but what-if-there's-a-miracle." Anyway, after serious nursing him just to survive, it was clear he'd always have colon problems, and very serious ones. Well, not since KumpiKat!!! For the first time in FIVE YEARS that little Spud can do real poop - and all on his own! Evy, we can't thank you enough for your tireless labor of love for producing nutritious and healing food for all pets.
I feel the spirit truly feel that the spirit of your own dear Kumpi dog lives on and gives new health and life to so many. Kumpi may be an angel now, but you carry the message for him, and I thank you for that.
Phoebe
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hello Evy,
My furballs have been on your KumpiKat for 2 months plus...after reading your testimonials, I realized that my Chloe's eyes do not run or get infected anymore since she's been eating Kumpi...furthermore, all my cats have slimmed down, their coats are incredible shiny...and their vomitting is next to nil, except for the occasional hairball.
Amazing...thanks you!
Susan Hoch
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Dog Food Nutrient Request
I need a detailed analysis on the adult formula please. Not noted on your site. Thank You.
Tina
Dear Tina ~
My nutritionist needs about forty extra hours a week right now :)
He is in high demand with other projects and doing a nutrient analysis on the dog food like he did on the cat food is on his list. Schedules are running tight for quality people in the pet food industry right now.
I'm looking forward to him getting it done too, but he is not an employee of my company; he does contract work for me.
Thanks!
Evy
Evy
This is extremely disapointing, Though I detest AFFCO and the Center for testing they use for testing, It is required by Law that an anaylysis be done before your product ever go on the market. I will advise all those who have asked me to inquire to steer clear of your products until such a time as more inforemation is available. Due to the recent incidious recall on pet so called foods, (i feed a raaw diet) people are refusing to go out and buy anything Nnot highly recomendfed The 30+ chat groups that I deal with will all be adbised. Thank you for your time.
**I wrote Tina and asked her permission to post her emails**
Evy
yers you may and may i say I would love to see the analysis when you get it. of all you kibbles.
where you get your ingredients as well how you came up with this recipe
even a basic one would help...............can you also advise as to where you buy your ingredients from??
I dknow you deal allot with the K9 dogs.Police etc. In fact one of the Top breeders we deal with is
a great GSD breeder.
the reason i take such an interest is 30cyears of dogs and everything my husband and I have been through with them
from Cancer, hip dysplasia, unknown muscle degeneration disease, I read books, attend seminars & am what my freinds say the true pessimist or Devils advocate of pet kibble. (or cement as I call them)
Have many wonderful Canadian raw feeder friends as well nutritionists friends.
At this time I only refer people to one dry food company, if i can get honesty and information , I would love to also be able to refer a second.
Dear Tina ~
The analysis required by AAFCO is already posted on the websites - kumpikat.com and kumpi.com - where the ingredients are listed. The kumpi.com page has a statement about origin sources. Nothing is sourced from China. I did not come up with a recipe, I contracted with a multi-species nutritionist who has done zoological formulation as well as domestic formulas. I have worked in the field of dog behavior for over 35 years and share your concerns. It was a combination of watching students return with puppies to take the class a second time, sharing how the dog they took through the program the first time had died of cancer between six and nine years of age; and losing my own GSD just after his fifth birthday to cancer that caused me to fire corporate America and begin my own company. My other career was in full bloom and 'starting a pet food company' was the last thing on my mind. I understand your opinion about the industry on the whole and respect your choice to feed raw. Just to let you know, I do not ship to Canada and only conduct business in the lower continental US.
The initial analysis required by the Dept of Ag in the state of Colorado is requested as a one time thing, so they have proof that the formulation of a product will produce what is required for the guaranteed analysis on protein, fat, fiber and moisture, as well as conforming to the nutrient profile as set forth in the AAFCO manual. Those were performed over eight years ago and I don't readily have the information as to which lab performed the test. What is important is that the food tested to AAFCO's specifications, I am registered with the state and they test the food in the state of Colorado each year, for every product on shelves to make sure that we meet the guaranteed analysis of protein, fat, fiber and moisture.
As I mentioned in another email, you will find a full nutrient analysis (not to be confused with the guaranteed analysis, which is already on both sites) on KumpiKat at that website and have asked my nutritionist to provide one for the dog food site as well. Right now, the time of quality people is at a high premium and I can't promise when that will be provided.
It sounds like you too are heart and soul with GSD's and it's wonderful that you study about the physiology as deeply as you and your husband have. Thanks for writing!
Evy
Tina
Dear Tina ~
My nutritionist needs about forty extra hours a week right now :)
He is in high demand with other projects and doing a nutrient analysis on the dog food like he did on the cat food is on his list. Schedules are running tight for quality people in the pet food industry right now.
I'm looking forward to him getting it done too, but he is not an employee of my company; he does contract work for me.
Thanks!
Evy
Evy
This is extremely disapointing, Though I detest AFFCO and the Center for testing they use for testing, It is required by Law that an anaylysis be done before your product ever go on the market. I will advise all those who have asked me to inquire to steer clear of your products until such a time as more inforemation is available. Due to the recent incidious recall on pet so called foods, (i feed a raaw diet) people are refusing to go out and buy anything Nnot highly recomendfed The 30+ chat groups that I deal with will all be adbised. Thank you for your time.
**I wrote Tina and asked her permission to post her emails**
Evy
yers you may and may i say I would love to see the analysis when you get it. of all you kibbles.
where you get your ingredients as well how you came up with this recipe
even a basic one would help...............can you also advise as to where you buy your ingredients from??
I dknow you deal allot with the K9 dogs.Police etc. In fact one of the Top breeders we deal with is
a great GSD breeder.
the reason i take such an interest is 30cyears of dogs and everything my husband and I have been through with them
from Cancer, hip dysplasia, unknown muscle degeneration disease, I read books, attend seminars & am what my freinds say the true pessimist or Devils advocate of pet kibble. (or cement as I call them)
Have many wonderful Canadian raw feeder friends as well nutritionists friends.
At this time I only refer people to one dry food company, if i can get honesty and information , I would love to also be able to refer a second.
Dear Tina ~
The analysis required by AAFCO is already posted on the websites - kumpikat.com and kumpi.com - where the ingredients are listed. The kumpi.com page has a statement about origin sources. Nothing is sourced from China. I did not come up with a recipe, I contracted with a multi-species nutritionist who has done zoological formulation as well as domestic formulas. I have worked in the field of dog behavior for over 35 years and share your concerns. It was a combination of watching students return with puppies to take the class a second time, sharing how the dog they took through the program the first time had died of cancer between six and nine years of age; and losing my own GSD just after his fifth birthday to cancer that caused me to fire corporate America and begin my own company. My other career was in full bloom and 'starting a pet food company' was the last thing on my mind. I understand your opinion about the industry on the whole and respect your choice to feed raw. Just to let you know, I do not ship to Canada and only conduct business in the lower continental US.
The initial analysis required by the Dept of Ag in the state of Colorado is requested as a one time thing, so they have proof that the formulation of a product will produce what is required for the guaranteed analysis on protein, fat, fiber and moisture, as well as conforming to the nutrient profile as set forth in the AAFCO manual. Those were performed over eight years ago and I don't readily have the information as to which lab performed the test. What is important is that the food tested to AAFCO's specifications, I am registered with the state and they test the food in the state of Colorado each year, for every product on shelves to make sure that we meet the guaranteed analysis of protein, fat, fiber and moisture.
As I mentioned in another email, you will find a full nutrient analysis (not to be confused with the guaranteed analysis, which is already on both sites) on KumpiKat at that website and have asked my nutritionist to provide one for the dog food site as well. Right now, the time of quality people is at a high premium and I can't promise when that will be provided.
It sounds like you too are heart and soul with GSD's and it's wonderful that you study about the physiology as deeply as you and your husband have. Thanks for writing!
Evy
Getting Started
To keep all of my online blogging to one place, I have decided to start my own blog. This gives me the opportunity to post questions I receive (by express permission from the sender only) and my answers, so folks can read all the comments I have about particular issues.
If you can take the time to read the contents at kumpi.com and become familiar with the history of the company and some basic information, that will help a lot! There has been understandable anxiety among pet owners since the recalls began and I've spent many hours on the phone talking with victims - both who have lost pets and those living with some who are living compromised lives with uncertain futures. Along with you, I never thought the day would come that something as simple as buying pet food would create such fear and panic. I have seen it the emails I've received and heard it reflected in the phone calls as well.
Strong safeguards are in place for my product line - I have an incredible team behind me with a fantastic manufacturer and nutritionist. Not only have the 'dries' for the ingredients that my pet food tested negative for melamine - sample products of KumpiKat and Kumpi dog food have tested negative for melamine, cyanuric acid, aminopterin, amilorine, amiloride and aflatoxin as well. These tests have been conducted by Accutrace Testing:
http://accutracetesting.com/
and testing will continue as new food is manufactured. Accutrace Testing is an independent third party laboratory and an excellent resource for anyone who would like to have their pet food tested - any brand, wet or dry. Special rates are offered to the general public. Pet food companies are not privy to any discounts.
Since I wasn't trying to start a pet food company in the first place, I hope you realize that the only real difference between me and most of you is that I know a bit more about what goes into the whole process. I began this company while still enjoying my first career of working in the field of dog behavior. It has grown by grass roots and was really started for my own comfort zone, to have absolute control over my the diet of my own dog and cat.
I have loved pets my whole life and Kumpi Pet Foods is my passion. Thanks for reading and I hope you check back from time to time!
If you can take the time to read the contents at kumpi.com and become familiar with the history of the company and some basic information, that will help a lot! There has been understandable anxiety among pet owners since the recalls began and I've spent many hours on the phone talking with victims - both who have lost pets and those living with some who are living compromised lives with uncertain futures. Along with you, I never thought the day would come that something as simple as buying pet food would create such fear and panic. I have seen it the emails I've received and heard it reflected in the phone calls as well.
Strong safeguards are in place for my product line - I have an incredible team behind me with a fantastic manufacturer and nutritionist. Not only have the 'dries' for the ingredients that my pet food tested negative for melamine - sample products of KumpiKat and Kumpi dog food have tested negative for melamine, cyanuric acid, aminopterin, amilorine, amiloride and aflatoxin as well. These tests have been conducted by Accutrace Testing:
http://accutracetesting.com/
and testing will continue as new food is manufactured. Accutrace Testing is an independent third party laboratory and an excellent resource for anyone who would like to have their pet food tested - any brand, wet or dry. Special rates are offered to the general public. Pet food companies are not privy to any discounts.
Since I wasn't trying to start a pet food company in the first place, I hope you realize that the only real difference between me and most of you is that I know a bit more about what goes into the whole process. I began this company while still enjoying my first career of working in the field of dog behavior. It has grown by grass roots and was really started for my own comfort zone, to have absolute control over my the diet of my own dog and cat.
I have loved pets my whole life and Kumpi Pet Foods is my passion. Thanks for reading and I hope you check back from time to time!
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