So what’s the big deal with dogs and cats eating potatoes and grain—humans do that every day!

For the past fifty years, commercial pet food companies have assured us their pet foods are "nutritionally complete and balanced," or "scientifically balanced." They tell us these statements are formulated on study after study. Most of these foods are grain based—whole wheat, barley, oats, corn meal, or rice, with added synthetic vitamins and minerals. The latest trend in pet foods is the addition of potatoes. We love potatoes so why would we deny them to our pets? Because they contain a carcinogen—acrylamide--and as a daily maintenance food, potatoes are not a health food! The August 14, 2002, issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, reported that researchers at Stockholm University had evidence of the presence of high levels of acrylamide in carbohydrate rich foods like potatoes. Acrylamide induces gene mutations and has been found in animal tests to cause malignant stomach tumors. It is also known to cause damage to the central and peripheral nervous system. This can be a major reason for the dramatic increase in cancer and other health problems.

We have come to believe all of the propaganda surrounding the advertising campaigns of the large corporate pet food companies. The visual effects are stunning—a gorgeous dog running across fields with the sun glistening on its coat! Wow! But recently, a growing number of pet owners have begun to question the corporate pet food giants. Yes, the foods will sustain life but what quality of life and at what veterinary costs? The majority of pet companies utilize potatoes in their pet foods including veterinarian brand foods.

To help you take your pets back to an age when they were lean, healthy, and active from eating nature’s perfect GRAIN-FREE diet, we have created Great Life’s Grain/Potato-Free Diet for dogs and cats. As with our other pet foods, we have a unique process that allows us to bring you the raw foods your pets crave layered on a grain free kibble enclosed in wild salmon and organic coconut oil. NO refrigeration needed. Look at the ingredients and you’ll agree this food will help your pet live a longer, happier and healthier life.

We start with a base of free-range chicken, beef or buffalo or wild caught salmon and beef (cats). We use USDA human grade quality meats that do not contain rendered meats, hormones, pesticides or antibiotics. To these, we add the following:

Tapioca: a starch from the fleshy root of the cassava, made into"flour" contains calcium and small amounts of minerals.

Jicama: a legume grown for its large root is used as a starch. Jicama, a very good source of fiber, also contains potassium, and is high in vitamin C

Yams: starchy rhizomes containing good amounts of vitamin B6, potassium, and other nutrients. Yams contain a unique fat-like substance called diosgenin, which is classified as a hormone-like molecule and is currently being studied for its potential anti-cancer effects.

Pumpkin: low in calories and fat, pumpkin contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, plus lots of vitamin A, carotenoids, and is an excellent source of fiber and helps expel worms. 

Peas: are bursting with nutrients--8 vitamins, 7 minerals, dietary fiber and protein. These nutrients help support the energy-producing cells and systems of the body.

Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols): Dogs require fat in their diet for energy, as building blocks for hormones, and for a healthy nervous system. Chicken fat is an excellent fat because it is easily digested and contains good amounts of essential linoleic fatty acids and Omega 3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are involved in the body’s response to inflammation, swelling, redness, and itching.

 Flaxseeds: are abundant in omega 3 fatty acids, which are needed to produce flexible cell membranes. The body uses these fatty acids to form substances that offer protection against heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. They are also important to the skin and coat and provide important fiber.

Sun cured Alfalfa Meal: Alfalfa provides essential vitamins and minerals and is commonly used to detoxify the body, to help ease inflammation, and balance hormones. It is soothing to the digestive tract, improves the appetite and aids in nutrient assimilation.

Blueberries: are one of the richest sources of antioxidant phytonutrients protecting the body and brain from oxidative stress.

Cranberries: a cousin to the blueberry, they are unique in their ability to protect and treat the urinary tract and other mucous membranes against infections by preventing the adhesion of pathogens.

Kelp: This sea vegetable contains almost every mineral and trace mineral necessary for the health of mammals; it also contains amino acids and vitamins. Kelp boosts the immune system, regulates the glands, promotes regular heat cycles, supports motility of male semen, promotes a healthy coat, and detoxifies the body.

Eggs: are a great source of easily digested protein, and choline. Choline is a key component of acetylcholine. A neurotransmitter that carries messages from and to nerves, acetylcholine is the body's primary chemical means of communication between nerves and muscles. The pesticides and herbicides in common use are designed to destroy this neurotransmitter in insects but it can carry over to other species. Eggs are a rich source of lutein, a carotenoid thought to help prevent cataracts, and a source of B-vitamins, including vitamin B12.

Mangosteen: is a Southeast Asian fruit that has been used to relieve skin conditions, treat allergies, support the nervous system, as well as the cardiovascular system; aids in treating urinary and digestive problems. It is rich in phytoceuticals and antioxidants plus vitamins and minerals.

Reishi Mushroom: (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used in oriental medicine for thousands of years. Recent studies suggest reishi has beneficial action in treating diabetes mellitus, anti-tumor effect, and high blood pressure. In Japan, it is used as cardiotonic to treat circulatory problems. It has anti-allergenic properties because it inhibits release of histamine, which causes the body’s allergic reaction.

Turkey Tail: and its immune-enhancing activities have been extensively studied in Japan since mid 1970's; over 300 clinical studies have been conducted. The active constituent, PSP (polysaccharide peptide), is currently gaining respect for its effectiveness against tumors both in laboratory experiments and in clinical studies. Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, both recommend this mushroom as a supplement for chemo patients. Turkey tail it is also gaining recognition for its remarkable anti-aging qualities, and its use as an anti-virus and anti-inflammatory in the treatment of infection and inflammation of the upper respiratory, urinary and digestive tracts, including liver ailments, hepatitis B and chronic active hepatitis.