FAQ Formulas For Life

There is really no comparison when it comes to raw vs. kibble dog food. The health and safety concerns of a raw food diet, coupled with its inconvenience and high cost, make it an impractical option for most dog or cat owners. Kibble offers an array of benefits without compromising nutrition, price, convenience, or pet safety. To read more see our blog post: https://www.lucypetproducts.com/raw-vs-kibble

Yes. Our Limited Ingredient Diet Duck & Potato formula is an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities.

The program rewards you a free bag of food or litter, after the purchase of 12 bags in a 12-month period. The free item must be the same size as the prior 12 bags purchased. You may change the formula within size. There are two ways you can participate and earn a free bag of food or litter. 1. Shop online at LucyPetProducts.com/shop or 2. Purchase the 12 bags at a participating independent pet specialty retail store. Please note: To be eligible to redeem a free item, all 12 purchases must be made within the same channel (either all 12 online at LucyPetProducts.com or all 12 purchased in a pet store). We regret that we are unable to track purchases made in a pet store to apply toward online purchases. We are not able to apply purchases from other online websites toward the redemption of a free bag as part of the Lucy Pet Rewards Program.

Lucy Pet formulas are not designed to address any specific medical condition. We advise that you consult your veterinarian regarding any specific health issues.

No. Lucy Pet Formulas for Life does not include any meat by-products.

Our dry cat food is formulated to meet all life stages, from a kitten, adult, and senior ages. The phosphorus levels are .29 grams per oz. and magnesium level is .17%, on an as fed basis, which is in accordance with AAFCO guidelines for feline nutrition. This diet is formulated for healthy cats and is not intended for cats with specific dietary restrictions. If your cat is on a restricted diet, consult your veterinarian to discuss if these levels meet their specific needs.

Our founder and President, Joey Herrick was a pioneer of natural pet foods nearly 30 years go. He developed many innovative products with unique formulations that improved the quality of pet food at a time when many pet foods were using basic quality ingredients. Always one to innovate and never copy, Joey started doing the research of what is missing in today’s diets for dogs and cats. He found that there are a lot of foods all saying the same thing in their marketing and started looking at it from a different point of view.

After reading studies in human health about digestion and gut health, he learned that there are 100 million more neurons in the digestive system than we have in our spinal cord. Experts believe the digestive system does far more than to process food. University researchers call the gut the second brain. Since the basic digestive systems in humans are similar to dogs and cats, Joey decided that digestion is something that needs more attention for the health of our pets. He found the most accomplished, respected and influential animal nutritionists in the industry who had been conducting research on the importance of fiber in the health of animals. He found that the types of fiber used in foods can make a real difference, and realized this nutritional research could bring significant health benefits to dogs and cats.

Lucy Pet is proud to work with Dr. George C. Fahey, one of the world’s leading experts in animal nutrition. Our Formulas for Life(™) diets are based on Dr. Fahey’s 40+ years experience. His extensive body of published nutrition research has established him as a bona fide expert in the pet industry worldwide. He heads our team of nutritionists to ensure our diets are precisely balanced and formulated. The beauty of Lucy Pet is the science behind our diets, so each kibble has the extensive experience of our team of nutrition experts. We go above and beyond to source quality ingredients such as French and USA-grown duck meat, US grown quinoa, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, wild Alaskan salmon, and more. Our diets focus on Gut Health by creating a healthy digestive system to feed the entire body system. It is so special we developed our P.B.F Prebiotic Balanced Fiber ™ blend with unique ingredients such as quinoa, pumpkin, and chickpeas.

Lucy Pet Formulas for Life ™ are made with natural ingredients, plus vitamins and minerals to ensure proper absorption. We do not add any Artificial Preservatives, Flavors, Colors.

All Lucy Pet Formulas for Life ™ diets are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including growth of large size dogs (70lb of more as an adult). Nutrient analysis of our formulas determined the caloric content and KCALs per cup. The resulting feeding guidelines are based on the National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. This data base is the culmination of scientific research and feeding trials for canines and felines and is what veterinarians use as well.

Yes. Our foods are recommended by Dr. Karen “Doc” Halligan is the Chief Veterinary Officer of the Lucy Pet Foundation and is a renowned veterinarian, author, and celebrity spokesperson. She has developed a distinguished veterinary medical career while establishing herself as a national authority on animal health. She is a sought-after pet health expert and featured spokesperson in the media. As a practicing veterinarian, she understands the importance of feeding high-quality nutrition in the overall health of an animal.

We recommend consulting your veterinarian for specific health questions for your pet.

All Lucy Pet Formulas for Life ™ diets are formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages of puppies and kittens to adults and senior pets. Our formulas are nutrient-dense, with high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber, as well as the essential vitamins, minerals, supplements and antioxidants necessary for growth and development.

All Lucy Pet Formulas for Life ™ diets are formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages, including senior pets. Our formulas are nutritious with high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber, as well as the essential vitamins, minerals, supplements and antioxidants necessary for growth and development. One very important factor in senior pets is to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is the leading health issue in senior pets, so we recommend following our feeding guidelines based on the age and weight of your pet. Equally important with senior pets is to ensure regular exercise to keep them fit and healthy.

Our bags are recyclable and non-pollutant; however please check with your local community recycling program to understand what types of packaging they accept.

Our Exclusive P.B.F Prebiotic Balanced Fiber ™ is a breakthrough nutritional advancements for optimized digestion and gut health. It promotes a healthy gut environment and enables absorption of desirable nutrients. Until recently the importance of the gut in overall health wasn’t understood. Today we know that the digestive tract goes far beyond just processing the food your pet eats. That’s why we developed our Lucy Pet P.B.F. Prebiotic Balanced Fiber ™ Your pet’s gut plays a key role in natural immunity to disease, and maintaining a healthy gut can contribute to a healthier pet.

Your pet needs bacteria in the gut for a variety of reasons, such as healthy digestion and gut function and bacteria from getting out of control.  Having a diverse population of prebiotics provides nourishment for the gut bacteria, which in turn nourishes the entire body. This approach can be the first line of defense to helping to keep the entire body healthy.

Until recently the importance of the gut in overall health wasn’t understood. Today we know that the digestive tract goes far beyond just processing the food your dog eats. That’s why we developed our Lucy Pet P.B.F. Prebiotic Balanced Fiber ™

We all know that fiber is important because it promotes the movement of food through the digestive system, and produces consistent stools. However, new research shows that having a variety of fibers with a precise blend can produce an optimal environment in the digestive tract to create prebiotics to perform at their peak.

Prebiotics are fermentable fibers, also known as a resistant starch. Resistant starches are dietary fibers naturally found in foods like whole grains, and legumes such as beans, lentils, and peas.

Your pet’s gastrointestinal system uses acids, enzymes, and other secretions to break down food as it passes along. As the fibers break down and ferment, they produce prebiotic bacteria. Your pet needs bacteria in the gut for a variety of reasons such as improving digestion, keeping the body healthy, and helping other systems performing. The prebiotic fiber ingredients will ultimately encourage better nutrient absorption.

A healthy immune system means that the immune system is able to respond appropriately when faced with different challenges. Every day your pet’s immune system is challenged by viruses, bacteria, environmental toxins and other pathogens. In addition stress and poor nutrition can also affect immune health.

The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. The immune system not only affects health, but energy levels, ability to deal wth stress and more.

The body contains trillions of microbes to form the microbiome, or gut flora. The microbiome is a key part of digestion, impacts immune strength and recent human health studies suggest plays a role in many more aspects including weight and mood. Prebiotics help support bacteria in the gut mircobiome which may lead to improved health.

• Gut Health is about achieving balance in the digestive system.
• Everything we eat or drink affects our gut bacteria diversity, and ultimately our overall health.
• Diets low in fiber may not create a thriving gut environment.
• Prebiotic fibers help to keep it flourishing, keeping the gut health on track.
• Consuming a wide variety of prebiotic fibers encourages gut bacteria diversity. 

• Prebiotics are a special class of functional food ingredients that resist digestion in the stomach and are selectively fermented in the colon (large intestine).
• They are typically soluble fibers, however, other types of ingredients have been recently classified as prebiotic fibers; such as resistant starches and non-digestible sugars called oligosaccharides
  
• While most prebiotics are dietary fibers, many dietary fibers are not prebiotics.
• Not all dietary fibers are considered prebiotics, as some aren’t fermented by the gut at all, as is typical of non-soluble fiber, or aren’t selectively fermented, meaning they feed gut bacteria. 

No. Since we buy our duck and chicken meal only from a specific supplier, we can trace every ingredient lot back to the farm to be certain that are free of antibiotics and artificial growth hormones.

We do not add any ethoxyquin to any of our ingredients and do not purchase any ingredients that have it added. We carefully source our salmon and salmon meal from the cold waters of Alaska and preserve it naturally with mixed tocopherols and citric acid.

No, we do not.

No, artificial preservatives, flavors, colors or sugars are added.

We use a low ash, chicken meal, a high quality protein source that contains muscle meat. By AAFCO definition and law, it cannot contain heads, feet or intestines. Our chicken meal is high quality and does not contain any “4-D” ingredients (dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals) or any other waste products. We do NOT use Chicken by-product meal, which contains various parts of the chicken, including heads, feet, intestines.

Yes. We source our salmon from Alaska and test for metals. Additionally, all of our finished diets are tested for heavy metals post production.

Lucy Pet cares about your pet and the source of proteins used in our diets for your pet. As such, we are committed to only use the highest quality, safe ingredients from trusted suppliers with Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level 2 Certification, a recognized standard by the Global Food Safety Initiative. These suppliers are fully vetted and government inspected for their practices starting from ranch or farms. Our supplier controls the entire supply chain, we can vouch for the quality of all our products. From farm to manufacturing, full health & traceability documentation. We do not source any ingredients from China. Our Duck is from France, USA, and Canada, Salmon is Wild Alaskan Salmon, and our Chicken is from the USA.

Yes. Taurine is essential for cats and kittens for the proper functioning and health of the eyes and heart. It is also beneficial for dogs, so it is added to all our diets.

At Lucy Pet, we formulate not based on trends of fads, but what is best for the animal. Our team of nutritionists and experts has over 200 years of combined experience in animal nutrition. Using science and fact as a guide, we set protein levels, along with levels of fat, carbohydrates, and fiber at optimal levels for peak performance. We do not distort one nutrient just for marketing purposes to “win” a sale. Despite what some brands of pet food offer, dogs and cats bodies will not absorb or utilize protein beyond a specific level. It is also our nutritional philosophy that excessive protein levels can unnecessarily tax some vital organs. There are no long-term scientific studies on the effects of feeding extreme protein levels, and as such we do not recommend that consumers select a pet food based on that single criteria.

Yes, we follow AAFCO guidelines for our formulas. High levels of Calcium and Phosphorus can interfere with absorption of some trace minerals and cause deficiencies over time. Lucy Pet has carefully formulated our diets to ensure our levels meet the correct specifications of AAFCO.

Some pets will have a moderate increase in stool. Our formula adds quality fibers for specific dietary health benefits. The stool volume initially varies by a pet, due to the overall condition of the gut, including factors like stress, the current health of the animal, etc. When changing your pet’s diet, you may observe a slightly larger stool volume for the initial transition period. This is normal and your pet will adapt after a short period. If you see a significant change in stool volume during the transition period, it is best to take a slower approach to changing your pet’s food, to allow their digestive system more time to adjust to the new diet by slowing the transition amounts of old food to new food.

The key to switching foods is to do it gradually. In some instances, a pet can experience soft stools during the first week when you switch and transition to any new food.

Once your pet has fully transitioned to Lucy Pet Formulas for Life ™ the stools should be firm and well formed. You should be able to easily pick up your pet’s stool and see “scoring” segments. Most dogs will have a bowel movement 1 or 2 times a day, while cats may be 1-3 times per day.

During the transition period of changing your pet’s diet, it is normal to observe some low to moderate flatulence (gas). This is a normal transition as your pet’s digestive system adjusts to the new ingredients. Once your pet has fully transitioned, this should discontinue. It is important to note that most often, gas occurs from swallowing air. Observe your pet to see if there is any eating behavior such as gobbling up food quickly due to competition from another pet, or stress in the eating area. Always allow your pet to eat in peace, so they can relax and enjoy their food.

While these ingredients are not “bad”, over the years, some pets have been exposed to those ingredients and have developed food sensitivities to wheat, corn and soy. Therefore, we do not include these in any of our diets.

Lucy Pet Formulas for Life ™ have an expiration of 15 months from the date of manufacture. We use no artificial preservatives, only natural mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E). Since oxygen is the enemy of kibble, it is best to store it in an airtight container. If you cannot store our bag in an airtight container or bag, be sure to roll the bag closed and tight to minimize exposure to air. This will also keep your kibble fresh and free of pests. Never feed a food after its expiration date.

We use no artificial preservatives, only natural mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E). Since oxygen is the enemy of kibble, it is best to store it in an airtight container. If you cannot store our bag in an airtight container or bag, be sure to roll the bag closed and tight to minimize exposure to air. If stored properly, an opened bag can last 90 days.

We recommend storing Lucy Pet Formulas for Life ™ in a cool dry place. Since oxygen is the enemy of kibble, it is best to store it in an airtight container. If you cannot store our bag in an airtight container or bag, be sure to roll the bag closed and tight to minimize exposure to air. This will also keep your kibble fresh and free of pests.

The chicken meal we source has a  low ash specification. Low ash ingredient chicken meal costs more to procure, but we understand that this is important to pet parents, and to senior cats. A variety of ingredients in a formula (other than chicken meal) contribute to total ash, and we take that into consideration when we formulated this diet.

Lucy Pet does not use any artificial colors or dyes, and we never bleach ingredients. We prefer to use ingredients as nature provides from the farm or ranch. Normal factors in nature such as soil, weather, climate and season can affect the color of vegetables and proteins. Just as you might notice in the produce department at your local grocery store, vegetables sometimes vary in nature.

Nutritionists recommend feeding your pet twice a day, following feeding guidelines as directed for your pet’s age and weight. Your veterinarian can help you determine the optimal feeding schedule and frequency, depending on the health of your cat or dog.

Lucy Pet recommends to follow the feeding guidelines, generally twice per day. The objective is to ensure your pet does not become obese, so if your pet tends to over eat, measured feeding times are the best option to keep your pet at optimal weight.

We strongly discourage from feeding table scraps to your pet. Lucy Pet Formulas for Life ™ are complete and balanced with the correct levels of essential vitamins and minerals pets require. Feeding table scraps over time are dangerous because they would consume less of their complete and balanced diet in favor of highly seasoned table scraps. This may also interfere with healthy digestion and cause stomach upset.

Generally for most pets you should be able to see a defined tucked abdomen and distinct waistline. You should be able to feel the ribs if you gently rub your hand over the ribcage. Obesity is the #1 health issue for dogs and cats, and most pet parents are in denial about their pet’s weight. Consult your veterinarian to check your pet’s weight. A diet of restricted calories, measured feeding, and regular exercise will usually make a big difference in keeping your pet at a healthy weight.  If your pet is overweight, be sure to cut back on the treats, those add calories too!

Congratulations on expecting a new litter. For pregnant and lactating dogs or cats, it is important they consume enough food for their own needs and to nourish their future offspring. The typical increase in consumption can range from 25% to 50% more than their usual level. Because their caloric requirements increase dramatically, you should consult the feeding guidelines for a pregnant/lactating pet. We recommend consulting your veterinarian for specific feeding guidelines for your pet.​

Your pet should have full access to fresh water at all times. A healthy pet will usually drink the amount of water they need. Clean and sanitize your pet’s water bowls often to minimize the growth of bacteria. 

Some cats do not consume enough water due to accessibility or other factors. Since pets (cats especially) are often attracted to gentle “running water”, a pet water fountain may be a helpful option to encourage your pet to drink more water. 

Always monitor how much water your pet consumes. Water is an essential nutrient, so it is beneficial for them to consume as much water as they want. 

If your pet’s water consumption declines, be sure to notify your vet. Drastic changes in water consumption may be critical to observe as a potential indication of other health issues. Your veterinarian can answer specific health-related questions if necessary.

No. Lucy Pet does not test any of its products on animals. We allow our own pets to use our products as we develop and perfect them.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible to regulate all pet food manufacturers. The USDA is responsible to inspect pet food plants and perform full audits annually.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is the non-profit organization that sets standards for both animal feeds and pet foods in the United States. They are an association of local, state and federal agencies charged by law to regulate the sale and distribution of pet foods. They are responsible to develop and implement uniform and equitable laws, regulations, standards, definitions and enforcement policies for regulating the manufacture, labeling, distribution and sale of pet foods. All Lucy Pet Formulas for Life™ are formulated to meet AAFCO requirements as complete and balanced as the primary diet. See our specific product labels for more details.

Lucy Pet Formulas for Life ™ are made with truth in labeling, honesty in formulations and attention to detail. Our Quality Assurance Program gives you peace of mind that what you feed your cat or dog is safe and the highest quality. The health and safety of your pet are our top priority. We check every production run of our products for 9 known contaminants before distribution so that you can be assured they meet our strict Quality Assurance Standards. Our manufacturing plants are HACCP certified and exceed FDA, AAFCO, GCMP and USDA industry-wide standards. Our partner plant staff are also certified with Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals (PCQI) to comply with the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.Visit our Quality Assurance page to learn more.

Our products are available through pet specialty retail stores, check out our retail store locator to find a location near you. Our products are also available from our own website at LucyPetProducts.com

We recommend checking with your pet specialty retailer to determine if there are promotions in your area. If you join our Lucy’s Friends e-mail list you will receive exclusive offers and advance distribution of money saving coupons and promotions. Periodically we also offer coupons and special offers from our Facebook page. You can “like” us on Facebook at Lucy Pet Products to view rebates, coupons or promotions that are made available to the public.

We are committed to helping animals by donating to the Lucy Pet Foundation, whose mission is to reduce pet overpopulation and support other animal welfare causes.

A. It is important to remember that no single ingredient is the most important in a pet food. It can be challenging to assess and compare pet foods because there are so many available. Some brands on the market hyper-focus on the first ingredient, or even the first 4-5 ingredients. While these do represent the highest percentage of the formula by weight, a dog or cat would not survive or be healthy on just those first 5 ingredients. In fact, it is the combination of ingredients which contribute to the total nutrient profile and quality of a food.  It is critical to understand that protein alone does not provide all of the necessary nutrients for dogs and cats.  

A. Carbohydrates can vary in quality and nutrient contribution, depending on the formula. They can play an important role in dog and cat nutrition, such as providing energy, protein, and fiber. The quality of carbohydrates that we use are highly digestible. 

The protein levels in our diets vary by formula. It is important to understand that these contribute protein and also essential amino acids, prebiotic fibers, and are complex carbohydrates and resistant starches which ferment in the large intestine as part of our P.B.F. blend. Specific, real animal or fish protein contribution to total protein ranges by formula from 58%-61%    

A. Carbohydrates are the  PREFERRED source of energy for dogs and cats and are well utilized by both species. There is no scientific or nutritional reason to reduce their concentration in dog and cat foods.The cooking process of extruding and retorting pet food cooks the starch ingredients, making them nearly completely available to the animal, similar to other ingredients.

There are many examples of carbohydrates (such as peas, lentils, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, tapioca, potato, and others) that are very healthful ingredients. These all have an excellent carbohydrate, fiber, and protein composition, and are excellent carbohydrate sources in quality pet foods. 

It is critical for pet parents to understand that obesity is NOT caused by carbohydrates. Obesity is caused by poor feeding practices of dog and cat pet parents who do not follow the feeding directions of the food manufacturer.  

Health conditions such as inflammation, diabetes, and metabolic issues are caused by many factors, some of dietary origin and some not of dietary origin.  To blame carbohydrate ingestion on these conditions is scientifically unsound.  Both carbohydrates and proteins (such as animal proteins) have the same caloric value (4 kcal/g). Management of total caloric intake by the dog and cat parent would go a long way in solving the obesity problem currently experienced by pet animals.