If the expression “You are what you eat” holds true for animals, our dogs are might be in difficulty.
According to the Pet Food Institute, conventional kibble offered in 50-pound bags is prepared at heats, often over 600 degrees Fahrenheit, which procedure causes the development of sophisticated glycation end-products, described as AGEs. Research recommends that the build-up of AGEs in a dog triggers swelling in tissues and organs, which can result in a higher opportunity of persistent illness like cancer and diabetes.
In the U.S., 80-90 percent of dogs consume kibble a minimum of when a day, according to several family pet companies.
When retired Lynbrook instructor Rob Collorafi was faced with his own health problems twenty years back, he altered his diet plan.
An passionate family pet enthusiast, Collorafi, 57, then thought of enhancing the health of his animals.
“People know on some level when they walk down the dog food aisle and see pelletized dog food, they know they wouldn’t eat it,” Collorafi said. “We’re not quite comfortable with the ingredients but that’s what’s there.”
Collorafi and his business partner, Michael Gray, formed Totus Pet Food, a start-up that makes veterinarian-approved and canine-nutritional expert crafted dog food. Totus prepares its food — made with active ingredients like kale, pumpkin, and premium proteins — at lower temperature levels to decrease the opportunity of AGEs forming.
There are 4 alternatives for meals: Angus Beef, Tasty Turkey, Juicy Chicken, and a choice for puppies. The meals are tailored based upon each dog’s requirements and delivered all set to serve. The meals are packaged to stay fresh in the refridgerator and can likewise be frozen.
Gray, initially from Manhasset and now resides in Florida, said dog owners see an almost instant positive impact in their pooch after woofing down the very first couple of meals.
“We have had dog owners tell us that they already noticed a better level of energy and stamina,” Gray said.
For Collorafi, assisting animals live much healthier is a natural development in his own life. He said he drove 45-minutes from his home in Amityville to discover natural and healthy foods for his 6 kids. That’s when it occurred to him that the animals required much better nutrition, too.
“In our society, there’s been this gradual evolution over the last 10, 20 years of eating healthier,” Collorafi said. “Folks aren’t eating the same things they used to. We know certain foods aren’t good for us. It’s the same for our pets. It’s the next phase in the evolution.”
Collorafi was the band director at Lynbrook North Middle School for 22 years, and after that a primary band instructor at Waverly Park Elementary School for 12 years. His empathy for not just Lynbrook households however likewise kids assists explain his deep desire to make the world a much better location, beginning with animals.
“We wanted to do something beautiful for people,” he said of the factor he and Gray began Totus. “You can’t change the world, solve the arms race, but we realized we could do something really great for the health of people’s dogs, and that could be our contribution to a better world.”
Aside from the physical health advantages dogs receive from consuming much better, Collorafi — and vets nationwide — said healthier meals promote positive psychological health.
“When the dog eats this food, it satisfies them on a very deep level,” Collorafi said. “Not only are they satisfied, but they’re calmer and more docile. It’s food for the body, tummy, and mind. They come to have a greater trust in you because they know you’re taking care of them.”
Though the business concept was 3 years in the making, Collorafi said Totus is on its method to making its very first 500 deliveries to consumers. Soon, Collorafi said, they prepare to launch cat food of the exact same quality.
“This is food made with love — love of our families, love of our pets,” Collorafi said. “We made this with one goal in mind — to do better for our families.”
For more details, or to order, see TotusDog.com.
