Here are the basic points to help you to understand why we include a preservative system in Dog-Wa, and why you might be glad we did.  You may also want to read this article on preservatives by Dr. Leon.

Making Dog-Wa as a liquid supplement allows us to deliver the benefits of cold-pressed, fresh herbs – not dried, dehydrated, heat-processed, or pasteurized versions of fresh herbs. Liquids and fresh foods are prone to microbial growth and contamination by substances such as E. coli and Salmonella. In order to retain freshness and maintain safety, we must protect them from such contaminants.

Therefore, Dog-Wa has a preservative system based on sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate.  Sodium benzoate, naturally present in cranberries, prunes, and apples, is used to preserve salad dressing, beverages, jams, and cough syrups.  Potassium sorbate is used to preserve salad dressings, dried foods, herbal supplements, and personal care products.  We use the two in small amounts.  By using both in combination, we can use less of either than we would if we used only one.  In combination, the two agents prevent contamination and spoilage caused by bacteria and fungi, stop decay caused by oxidation, and prevent the breakdown of the fresh nutrients in Dog-Wa.  Their use not only prevents spoilage, but also maintains levels of nutrients like amino acids and vitamins.  Both are FDA approved for human and animal consumption and are "GRAS" ("Generally Recognized as Safe") for people, dogs, and cats.

Our preservative system allows Dog-Wa to deliver the holistically balanced extracts of fresh, pesticide-free herbs that make Dog-Wa so effective in maintaining your pet's health. These preservatives are metabolized and passed through the digestive system within hours of ingestion.  Once Dog-Wa is diluted out, per the instructions, the preservatives are actually present at levels much below the maximum levels recommended by the federal government.

Our number one concern is your pet's health and safety. Making a product that is 100% safe will always be our commitment to you and your pet. We do not use ingredients like ethoxyquin, BHT, and BHA.  We never use ingredients that are approved for animal use but are not approved for human use. We believe that any ingredients that are acceptable for pets must be acceptable for people too. For the same reason, all our ingredients are grown and made exclusively in the USA.

Why not Pasteurization?

We carefully researched the option of pasteurizing Dog-Wa, and there are two main reasons why we chose the current preservative system over pasteurization.

First, the heating required for pasteurization dramatically diminishes the vitamins and micronutrients found in fresh herbs. Pasteurization, dehydration, or heat processing would result in an unacceptable level of nutrient loss. We were not satisfied that any of these options would result in a product that would deliver the benefits of fresh herbs.

Secondly, pasteurization only maintains product safety while the bottle is unopened. Once you open the bottle, the product is subject to environmental contamination and spoilage just like any other foodstuff. Any food or drink you serve your animals may sit for some time at room temperature before they are fully consumed. Our preservative system protects Dog-Wa for up to 3 months in your refrigerator after the bottle is opened, and also in your pet's bowl at room temperature.

For more information about the function and safety of the preservatives in Dog-Wa see Dr. Leon's column or contact us.

Dog-Wa Works!

My dad shares Ivan with my family, and he's pretty suspicious about natural and holistic kinds of remedies.  But we got Dad to try the Dog-Wa when he baby sits Ivan, and even he agreed there was a big difference.  Thanks for a great product."

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