Augustine's SuperFood Starter Kit - Original

Fresh Ingredients for you to purchase locally:
Broccoli
Carrot
Zucchini
Beetroot
Boiled Green Lentils
Raw Coconut Oil (Virgin Cold-Pressed)

The following ingredients are found in Augustine’s SuperBoost® which is part of the Augustine's SuperFood™ Recipes:
Flaxseed Meal
Barley Grass Powder
Arrowroot Powder
Sesame Seeds (ground)
Chia Seeds (ground)
Turmeric Powder
Lecithin Powder
Maca Powder
Wakame Powder

Flaxseed Meal

Vitamins: Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pyridoxine (B6), Folic Acid (B9), Ascorbic Acid (C), Tocopherol (E), and K.

Minerals: Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Zinc (Zn).

Essential Fatty Acids: Omega 3.

Other Nutrients: Fibre and Tryptophan (Trp).

Flaxseed meal is the richest plant source of antioxidant lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids that both help support an active immune system. The high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed meal also help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Flaxseed meal also has a very high level of highly digestible protein and essential amino acids needed to keep dogs fit and healthy. In addition, flaxseed meal contains high amounts of fibre that helps aid digestion.

Barley Grass Powder

Vitamins: Beta Carotene (A), Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pyridoxine (B6), Folic Acid (B9), Cobalamin (B12), Ascorbic Acid (C), and Tocopherol (E).

Minerals: Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) & Selenium (Se), and Zinc (Zn).

Essential Fatty Acids: Omega 3.

Other Nutrients: Antioxidants and Chlorophyll.

Barley Grass and the very similar Wheat Grass (and their juices) are the young (gluten-free) grasses of the wheat or barley plant. They are different from the wheat grain or barley grain that grow on the same plant and DO contain gluten. Barley Grass and Wheat Grass are grain-free.

Many pet owners mistakenly believe that their dog eats grass because its digestion may be upset. Sure, their digestion could be out of balance from having to eat processed pet food, but that's not the reason they eat grass.

When dogs first inhabited the earth - before they became man's (and woman's) best friend - they had to fend for themselves and forage for in-the-wild, raw, nutrition-rich foods. They ate grass and other vegetation because they wanted that green stuff, chlorophyll, vitamin C, other nutrients in the colouring matter (i.e., beta carotene), and especially, enzymes. Barley grass contains amino acids, vitamins and minerals that are necessary for a dog's nutrition.

Barley grass contains enzymes that help digestion in dogs. These enzymes also help to metabolise nutrients. Barley grass is a natural cleanser. The enzymes contained in barley grass detoxify the dog's organs, especially the liver and intestines. It rids the dog's body of waste matter, therefore promoting a healthy, well-functioning digestive system.

Because of the cleansing properties of barley grass, the dog's digestive system distributes the nutrients it obtains from its food and from the barley grass.

Arrowroot Powder

Vitamins: Thiamin (B1), Niacin (B3), Pyridoxine (B6), and Folic Acid (B9).

Minerals: Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) and Manganese (Mn).

Essential Fatty Acids: Omega 3 and Omega 6.

Arrowroot is also known as the obedience plant and is a herb found in rainforest habitats. It is a white powder like material which is obtained from the root of the Marantha Arundinacea plant. The old Caribbean Arawak people used the arrowroot plant as a staple. These plants are found in West Indies, Florida, Australia, South Asia, Brazil and Thailand. Arrowroot is essentially a type of starch which is extracted from the West Indian arrowroot rhizomes.

The Arrowroot is low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It is high in Vitamin B6, folate, thiamin, niacin, iron, phosphorus, potassium and manganese. It is a great substitute for humans and dogs that have allergies to wheat.

For many years, arrowroot’s benefits have been centred on the remedy for diarrhoea. There have been many studies performed on the possible remedies of arrowroot for digestive discomforts and distress. On the one hand, the high starch in arrowroot powder has a laxative effect and is often used as a mild laxative for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome; however, there are also many others who claim that arrowroot’s starch makes it an effective remedy for diarrhoea. It is possible that the demulcent effects of the arrowroot powder may soothe the bowels in patients of irritable bowel syndrome. It is from here that the common use of arrowroot as a remedy for diarrhoea has emerged. In a lot of gastrointestinal ailments, arrowroot powder is consumed orally to improve the symptoms.

The mashed rhizomes of arrowroot are used on septic wounds, and scorpion and black spider bites as it draws out the poison from the injured area.

Some key uses:

• Arrowroot is also traditionally used to cure gangrene.
  - It is a powerful antidote for poisonous plants.
  - Aids digestion and helps to regulate bowel movement.
  - Arrowroot powder mixed with water is cooled into a jelly like substance that is used for weaning infants.
  - Used in the treatment of smallpox.
  - Widely used as a medicine by people having dietary restrictions.

Sesame Seeds (ground)

Vitamins: Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), and Folic Acid (B9).

Minerals: Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Selenium (Se), and Zinc (Zn).

Essential Fatty Acids: Omega 6.

Other Nutrients: Fibre and Tryptophan (Trp).

One of the first oil seeds known to humankind, sesame seeds are used in culinary as well as in traditional medicines for their nutritive, preventive, and curative properties. Its oil seeds are sources for some phytonutrients such as omega-6 fatty acids, flavonoid phenolic anti-oxidants, vitamins and dietary fibre with potent anti-cancer as well as health promoting properties.

Sesame seeds are one of the richest vegan calcium sources. They are especially rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acid oleic acid, which comprises of up to 50% of the fatty acids found in them. Oleic acid helps to lower LDL or "bad cholesterol" and increase HDL or "good cholesterol" in the blood. Research studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in mono-unsaturated fats, helps to prevent coronary artery disease and stroke by favouring a healthy lipid profile.

They are also a very good source of dietary proteins with fine quality amino acids essential for growth.

Sesame seeds contain many health benefiting compounds such as sesamol (3, 4-methylene-dioxyphenol), sesaminol, furyl-methanthiol, guajacol (2-methoxyphenol), phenylethanthiol and furaneol, vinylguacol and decadienal. Sesamol and sesaminol are phenolic anti-oxidants. Together, these compounds help stave off harmful free radicals from the body.

Sesame is amongst the seeds rich in quality vitamins and minerals. They are very good sources of B-complex vitamins such as niacin, folic acid, thiamin (vitamin B1), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and riboflavin. They also contain folic acid which is essential for DNA synthesis.

Niacin is another B-complex vitamin found abundantly in sesame. It helps reduce LDL-cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition, it enhances GABA activity inside the brain, which in turn helps reduce anxiety and neurosis.

Sesame seeds are incredibly rich sources of many essential minerals. calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, selenium and copper are especially concentrated in sesame seeds. Many of these minerals play a vital role in bone mineralization, red blood cell production, enzyme synthesis, hormone production, as well as regulation of cardiac and skeletal muscle activities.

Chia Seeds (ground)

Vitamins: Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), and Cobalamin (B12).

Minerals: Boron (B), Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Molybdenum (Mo), and Zinc (Zn).

Essential Fatty Acids: Omega 3 and Omega 6.

Other Nutrients: Antioxidants: Chlorogenic Acid, Caffeic, Myricetin, Quercetin & Kaempferol Flanovols, Fibre and Tryptophan (Trp).

Chia Seeds are a powerhouse nutritional food with benefits superior to flax seeds. Chia has a very mild flavour (and no "fishy" taste like other foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids). Chia seeds are the highest known wholefood source of Omega-3 fatty acids and are a very good source of fibre, calcium, iron, and manganese. Chia seeds are 30% oil, of which 30% is omega 3 and 40% is omega 6. Chia seeds have a long shelf life (4-5 years) and they also have approximately two times the protein concentration and up to ten times the oil concentration of other grains. Other seeds with harder shells, such as flax seeds, require grinding to make them digestible and have a very short shelf life in the ground form.

Chia has three times more iron than spinach. Chia's protein is complete with all essential amino acids and is gluten-free. Chia has 19 to 23% protein content, more than that found in traditional cereals such as wheat (13.7%), corn (9.4%), rice (6.5%), oatmeal (16.9%) and barley (12.5%).

Chia seeds have become very popular in recent years because they offer balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, high-quality protein, antioxidants and many other nutrients.

Turmeric Powder

Vitamins: Pantothenic Acid (B5), and Folic Acid (B9).

Minerals: Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Zinc (Zn).

Other Nutrients: Fibre.

Anti-inflammatory

Curcumin is believed to be a potent anti-inflammatory, according to professionals at the University of Florida's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. This can be helpful for painful inflammatory conditions.

Beneficial to the liver

Curcumin is believed to stimulate bile production in the liver, essential to the digestion of dietary fats. As working dogs need their diets to consist of at least 20 percent fat, healthy bile production is paramount to good health. Pregnant, nursing and underweight dogs also need a diet fairly high in fat, which means they need healthy bile production to digest it all.

Antioxidant

Antioxidants are substances such as vitamin C or E that remove potentially damaging agents, called free radicals, from the body. Free radicals can wreak havoc in the body and possibly lead to such conditions as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Dogs need antioxidants just as humans do to mitigate this free radical damage. There are many options for providing antioxidants to your dog, including fruits and vegetables. The active ingredients in turmeric, though, will also provide an antioxidant boost to your dog’s food.

Synergistic effect with other herbs

Curcumin can provide a synergistic effect with other herbs, which means the herbs increase each other's beneficial effects. Bromelain, an extract of pineapple stems, is a herb that works well in this way with cur cumin. Bromelain can decrease what is known as "circulating immune complexes", which can cause immune system damage. When combined with curcumin, the two increase each other's absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In other words, by taking both curcumin and bromeliad, the body will absorb more of both herbs than if they were taken alone.

Lecithin Powder

Vitamins: Choline, Tocopherol (E), and K.

Minerals: Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).

Essential Fatty Acids: Omega 3 and Omega 6.

Other Nutrients: Acetylcholine (Ach).

Phospholipids (commonly referred to as lecithin) are natural compounds found in plant and animal tissue. Phospholipids, in simplistic terms, are composed of fatty acids (linoleic (omega-6), oleic, palmitic, linolenic (omega-3) and others), phosphorus, choline (a B-vitamin) and other lesser compounds. Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes, are synthesized in the body, and are the most abundant lipid component in animal cell membranes. Adding additional lecithin to human diets, as well as animal diets, is proving to be very beneficial as its value as a “functional food” is being discovered.

Enriching dog diets with lecithin can result in better-looking dogs, mentally sharper dogs and dogs that perform at a higher level. Dogs receiving additional lecithin are known to have a healthier coat and better skin condition compared to that of dogs not receiving lecithin. Research has demonstrated that supplementing dog foods with 1% to 3% lecithin provides the phospholipids and essential fatty acids needed to maintain membrane fluidity, permeability and integrity as well as the synthesis of some other metabolically active compounds. Dogs with healthy skin are more resistant to irritations, infections, allergens, and scrapes, and cuts heal more quickly. Likewise, their coat has the sheen and lustre that just radiates “healthy dog.”

Cell membranes throughout the body are affected by greater lecithin consumption. The impact on skin and hair is visually apparent; however, virtually all cells return to “normal” when a more optimal level of lecithin is consumed. The synthesis of certain metabolically active compounds returns to normal, permitting more normal overall metabolic function and put simply, “Things just work better!”. Dogs maintain their appetite and keep better condition during heavy training and working; not only do they look better, but they also respond and perform better physically.

Choline, a component of the phospholipid phosphatidylcholine, is a B-vitamin. Choline has long been known as a component of acetylcholine - the chemical compound essential for nerve impulse transmission. Also, choline, when supplied in sufficient amounts, “spares” methionine, a dietary essential amino acid needed for protein synthesis. By sparing methionine, choline indirectly aids in normal protein synthesis.

New research shows that choline (from lecithin) probably is essential for normal brain development. Research at Duke University indicates that offspring from bitches fed diets supplemented with lecithin during gestation and lactation were, in effect, “smarter” than offspring from bitches fed un-supplemented diets. Brain development studies with rats tend to support the findings of the Duke researchers. These researchers found that in laboratory rats, choline supplementation is critical during certain periods in gestation and lactation. Actually, supplementation during days 12-17 (embryonic) and days 16-30 (postnatal) is critical in rat brain development. These time periods coincide with cholinergic neuron (neurons requiring acetylcholine) formation (prenatal) and nerve-nerve connections (postnatal) in the memory area of the brain. Similar critical periods for choline (lecithin) supplementation may also exist in dogs.

Trainers report that dogs fed lecithin containing supplements for several weeks before starting training are easier to train, learn more quickly, and “know what is going on” better than dogs not fed lecithin until they arrive at the kennel for training. These trainers also recognise that dogs getting lecithin-based products are in better condition and have more stamina than un-supplemented dogs.

While lecithin can also be derived from sunflower, we purposely stick to soy lecithin as it is a better quality product; despite being derived from soy, it is not soy and is not considered to be a soy allergy risk. Additionally, the process in which sunflower lecithin is derived and stabilised contains chemicals that we do not have to use for our soy lecithin. Please note that even the certified organic lecithin out there is not always truly lecithin. For example, lecithin granules can be made up of approx.. 80% stabilisers and while these may not always be harmful, you are not really getting much lecithin and in turn the efficacy is greatly reduced.

Maca Powder

Vitamins: Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pyridoxine (B6), Cobalamin (B12), Ascorbic Acid (C), Calciferol (D), Tocopherol (E), and Bioflavanoids (P).

Minerals: Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), and Zinc (Zn).

Other Nutrients: Amino Acids.

Maca Powder from the Maca root is an excellent natural source of vitamins and minerals and it grows in the mountains of Peru where it has long been known for its fertility and aphrodisiac qualities. Modern scientists find that it regulates the hormone system, resulting in numerous health benefits, such as increased energy and libido levels and decreased stress.

Increase stamina

Maca Root is rich in plant chemicals that provide the body with a boost resulting in greater capacity for endurance.

Increase libido

In Peru, Maca root has long been known to be a powerful aphrodisiac. According to research, it helps to boost libido and enhance virility. It has been compared to Viagra in its potency. Maca root has the capability to affect and balance the production of hormones, which has an anti-ageing effect. It also has the ability to enhance fertility.

Research carried out on Maca root has demonstrated its huge amounts of nutritive elements, such as a rich variety of minerals (iron, sodium and calcium), vitamins B1, B2, C and E, and amino acids.

Wakame Powder

Vitamins: Beta Carotene (A), Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Folic Acid (B9), Cobalamin (B12), Ascorbic Acid (C), Choline, Tocopherol (E), and K.

Minerals: Iodine (I), Iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Phosphorous (P), Potassium (K), Selenium (Se), Sodium (Na), and Trace Minerals.

Essential Fatty Acids: Omega 3.

Wakame has one of the highest nutrient-to-calorie ratios (from a vegetarian source) of anti-inflammatory Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acid (EPA). The salty taste is not just salt but a balanced, chelated combination of sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron and trace minerals.

Nutrition

The tiny calorie content in wakame is due to its low levels of fat and carbohydrates. It's also rich in vitamins and minerals, folate and soluble / insoluble fibre.

Weight control

Minerals and vitamins aren't the only thing scientists have found in this brown seaweed. It is said that chemists in Japan have discovered that wakame contains a compound, fucoxanthin, that seems to reduce the accumulation of fat in animals. Fucoxanthin gives wakame its brownish appearance and aids in photosynthesis. This compound appears to stimulate fat oxidation and encourages the liver to produce more DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that helps reduce the bad cholesterol associated with heart disease and obesity.

Anti-Cancer properties

Wakame also seems to prevent cancer. A 2003 article in "Breast Cancer Research" reported that the sea vegetable is also rich in iodine. In a previous Japanese study on breast cancer, this trace element was found to suppress, and even kill mammary tumors. It is speculated that the iodine in wakame and other seaweeds that are so prevalent in Japanese cuisine are responsible for the relatively low breast cancer rate in both human males and females in Japan. This hypothesis is based on the observed increase in breast cancer rates among Japanese women who turned to a Western - style diet with less seaweed intake.

Augustine's SuperFood™ ‐ Original Puppy
Protein - 15.5% (Stand Alone: 8.4%)
Fat - 9.8% (Stand Alone: 22.7%)
Fibre - 2.5% (Stand Alone: 6.9%)
Salt - 1.1% (Stand Alone: 9.7%)

Augustine's SuperFood™ ‐ Original Adult
Protein - 16% (Stand Alone: 9.7%)
Fat - 5.7% (Stand Alone: 11.3%)
Fibre - 2.8% (Stand Alone: 7.8%)
Salt - 1.1% (Stand Alone: 10.4%)

Original - Puppy & Adult

New Original Expert and Vegan recipes coming soon.

How much should I feed my dog(s)?

Puppies (per day)
1-2 kg: 150-300g
3-4 kg: 250-450g
5-6 kg: 450-625g
7-8 kg: 525-750g
9-10 kg: 650-900g
11-12 kg: 750-1100g
12+kg: 1100-1400g

Adult Dogs (per day)
Under 5kg: 90-200g
5-10 kg: 250-425
10-15 kg: 425-575g
15-20 kg: 575-700g
20-30 kg: 700-1000g
35+ kg: 1200-1400g

Important points before feeding

The guide above refers to complete, ready-to-eat food which includes meat in the original recipes. We recommend minced meat when possible as it mixes better with Augustine’s SuperFood™.

If you wish to feed offal or organ meats, they can make up 20% of the recommended meat portion in the recipes. Please note that we do not recommend feeding offal more than 3-4 times a week.

Puppies under 4 months of age should be fed the minimum amount, while puppies over 4 months should be fed anywhere up to the higher end of the scale.

Feed puppies 3 times a day and adult dogs twice a day with as much time as possible in between feeds.

It is very important not to feed the daily amount in one go as this may cause bloat, which can be dangerous. Additionally, to reduce the risk of bloat do not feed for at least 45 minutes before and after exercise and ONLY feed when the heart rate is at resting pace. A light walk is not considered exercise.

You know your dog(s) better than anyone, so please remember that the guide is just that – a guide. One 10kg dog will expend a lot more or less energy than the next so commence by keeping to the feeding guide strictly for the first 7 days and then adjust accordingly. For example:

a) If your dog needs to lose weight, feed the amount on the lower end of the scale and do so earlier in the day to allow time to burn off energy.

b) If your dog needs to put on weight, feed the amount on the higher end of the scale and ensure there is time for the dog to sleep shortly after eating.

The nutrient absorption rate of Augustine’s SuperFood™ is extremely high so your dog doesn’t need to eat until it cannot eat anymore to reach its daily required nutrient intake. The quantity of each ingredient has been carefully considered for optimum results.

Dogs in the wild would eat every 3-4 days if they were lucky, indeliberately harnessing the healing and health benefits of fasting. The trouble today is that dogs eat too much, too often, and usually not the right foods. For this reason, I do not recommend feeding bones daily but rather at the most every 3-4 days. One serving of bones can replace one meal of Augustine’s SuperFood™.

In between or as a replacement to bones you can feed vegetables like carrots and zucchinis and depending on your dog’s size and strength you can try goat horns or naturally-shed antlers (preferably elk over deer). Alternating between these is ideal. You can cover any of them in Raw Coconut Oil while it is in liquid state and refrigerate them for a few minutes until the oil hardens before serving. This will make them more tasty and healthier. Feeding raw, whole vegetables is done for the sake of teeth and gum health and not so much for nutrition. It is also a good way to keep dogs busy and stimulated. Remember, it is the rubbing action that helps to remove plaque.

Preparation

Augustine’s SuperFood™ is designed for optimum freshness and for this reason the original versions must be mixed with the meat of your choice when you are ready to serve.

1. Take out a bag of Augustine’s SuperFood™ the night before you wish to feed and leave it out to thaw.

OR

1. Take out a bag of Augustine’s SuperFood™ from the freezer 20‐30 minutes before you wish to serve and place in warm water (not too hot) in the sink along with the meat (if applicable) until it defrosts and reaches room temperature.

OR

Mix Augustine’s SuperFood™ with the meat well in a bowl and serve (unless you prefer to cook the meat). For best mixing, we recommend powder-free, latex-free food-handling gloves. If for any reason you wish to cook or sear the meat, you must allow it to cool before mixing or you risk burning all the nutrients.

Examples of ASF to meat ratios to combine if using an original recipe:

70g bag of ASF - mix with 125g of meat
140g bag of ASF ‐ mix with 250g of meat
280g bag of ASF ‐ mix with 500g of meat

If defrosting enough food for two or three meals for the day, cover any remaining food and keep refrigerated. Depending on the room temperature, remove from fridge with enough time for it to naturally warm up before serving the next meal.

Ensure that any defrosted food is fed within 3 days.

Mixing in other supplements
All Augustine’s Approved® supplements work synergistically and can be mixed together just before serving. We recommend that Faith’s Cleanse & Detox® and The Exchange® are mixed well into the food in the first meal of the day.

Storage
Keep frozen or refrigerated.

Protein is calculated on a dry-matter basis, so the results below will make the food appear to be lacking in protein while this is in fact not the case. Please refer to the FAQ section under Why is the protein content so low? for a more detailed explanation.

Please note that the laboratory results below for Augustine’s SuperFood™ Original – Puppy & Adult recipes were achieved using raw, human-grade kangaroo meat. We do not recommend this meat today for ethical reasons.

Why do I have to use so much of Augustine’s SuperBoost® to make Augustine’s SuperFood when the feeding guide states to use far less?

When you are adding ASB™ to an existing ready-made food, it is implied that the food is balanced to a reasonable standard, so ASB™ is being used a supplement - a bonus to the diet.

When you are making Augustine’s SuperFood™, you are starting from scratch and are relying on the product to supply the recipe with a fair portion of nutrients. By not using the amount recommended in the recipe the diet will certainly be lacking and this can result in issues stemming from nutritional deficiencies, and the listed benefits of the recipes will no longer be accurate. There will be an immediate noticeable difference in stools and they will likely be soft.

25 reasons why Augustine’s SuperFood™ is the world’s greatest dog food.

100% Certified Organic company and ingredients:

We are certified by ACO and ALL of the ingredients we produce and recommend to make Augustine's SuperFood™ are 100% certified organic.

Made fresh

Augustine’s SuperFood™ is to be made fresh using premium ingredients. We do not use or recommend seconds.

Refrigerated for maximum freshness

Can you name a single human food company worldwide that produces dry or canned food for humans and promotes it as a balanced healthy meal to be eaten every day of our lives? Stuck? Humans are meant to eat fresh food and our canine companions are no different.

Made to human standards

Although a permit is not needed to make food and supplement products for animals in Australia, Augustine insisted that we be regulated under human food standards. This means that you too can enjoy the benefits of all of our products.

Versatile

Augustine’s SuperFood™ is extremely versatile. It can be mixed with any protein source, or not. It can be stuffed into toys, fresh bones or fed as a standalone meal.

Made using highly digestible whole food ingredients

The majority of pet foods rely on synthetic supplementation to compensate for the natural, wholefood nutrients that are destroyed during industrial cooking (irrespective of the price or quality of the ingredients). Synthetic supplements are also used to help products meet standards (e.g. AAFCO and FEDIAF) that will permit companies to label their products as ‘nutritionally balanced’. While on paper these products appear to be balanced, it is no secret that many synthetic vitamins lack the important nutritional co-factors needed to assist the body in absorbing and assimilating them.

Unlike synthetic vitamins, wholefood complexes are recognized by the body as real food, enabling the body to digest and assimilate wholefood nutrients without having to rob itself of the trace minerals and other co-factors necessary to complete the vitamins’ synergistic operation. Vitamins and minerals in wholefoods are bound to natural food complexes with other vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals and trace elements.

Research indicates that synthetic vitamins may actually cause nutritional deficiencies. When you take a synthetic vitamin, it needs the co-factors normally found in the wholefood in order to complete its action. When those co-factors are not present, it will draw the co-factors from your body. You may feel good for a while but when the co-factors run out, you will begin to feel worse.

Prolonged use of synthetic products cause drug like reactions, stimulating rather than feeding the body. Many synthetic supplements, especially calcium and iron, are not well absorbed and can lead to problems such as mineral imbalance. Common synthetic iron supplements can cause constipation and darkened stools, and calcium supplement users may develop kidney stones.

Synthetic vitamins are also often highly processed. They are usually manufactured at high temperatures and moreover contain many artificial or toxic ingredients such as dyes, preservatives, coal tars, sugars, starch, and other additives (similar in molecular structure to paint and plastics).

Every ingredient in Augustine’s SuperFood™ has a positive purpose and is ONLY there for the benefit of our dogs.

GMO Free

None of our products contain genetically modified organisms. This means that even our lecithin, which is derived from soy, is risk-free.

Gluten Free

You will find that most dry foods (kibble) contain gluten meal. This dried residue made from corn is added to pet food to slow down the transition of rancid animal fats. Essentially holding in wastes, corn gluten in even small quantities affects a dog’s liver and kidneys. Corn is the third most common cause of food allergies in dogs.

Dairy Free

The most common allergies in dogs are caused by dairy.

Grain Free

Dogs do not need grains. It is a cheap filler that poses no major health benefit to dogs. Remember that there is only so much you can fit into one kilo of food so it is important to make every gram count.

High in antioxidants

Augustine’s SuperFood™ is made using a number of fresh wholefood ingredients that provide dogs with truly accessible antioxidants.

Safe and healthy for dogs with a myriad of ailments

While dogs can react to just about anything (I’ve seen dogs react to carrots), we have taken every precaution to ensure that all ingredients are of the lowest risk possible. At the very least, for short-term use our Vegan recipes are a healthy and natural alternative to “prescription diets” for dogs that react to meat proteins.

While our focus is on prevention, most people come to us after there is an issue. We have found our recipes to be beneficial for dogs with dozens of problems including (but not limited to) pancreatitis, IBD, arthritis, diabetes, various cancers, obesity, kidney failure, lack of energy, agility problems and after-birth depletion.

"From a very sick little boy to a little man of HEALTH!

I would be remiss if I were to not review Augustine’s SuperBoost and Augustine's SuperFood. Little Oscar (Maltese x Australian Terrier) was vomiting 3-4 times a day and nobody could work out why.

We now make Augustine’s SuperFood using the recipes on the Augustine Approved website (Augustine’s SuperBoost and veggies are included as part of the recipe).

Your recipes have literally changed Oscar's life. Three days after changing Oscar’s diet he stopped being sick and his constant tremors disappeared. He stopped dragging his behind (anal gland issue) and his aggressive chewing of his feet (he's a little dog) has gone down to about 1%, opposed to about 70-90% (season dependent).

Oscar has lots more energy, is more playful and takes longer walks. He's been on the new food for about 2 months now. He's a happy little chap and we are so grateful to Phivo and Augustine for this change.

I know it is Augustine’s SuperFood making the difference as one time I ran out of it and only fed Oscar meat for about 3 days. On the second day, he was straight back to being sick again. Then we put him back on Augustine’s SuperFood and… all better. :)

P.S. Oscar is a VERY fussy eater but he wolfs Augustine’s SuperFood down!”

- Tasch Temple-Smith

Truly holistic with a strong focus on illness and disease prevention

Over the years we have watched pet food manufacturers produce poor food but add ingredients specific to producing glowing coats, only to then (as predicted) see product recalls because dogs were becoming very ill.

The beauty of quality wholefoods and a natural approach is that our food and products help the entire body without the side-effects. Augustine’s SuperFood™ is appreciated much like an old home movie… many years down the track.

Promotes a lean and healthy body weight

When dogs are fed appropriately, they naturally assume their perfect weight and do not need heavy dieting. It is vital that dogs consume plenty of good quality fats because this is where they get their energy. The secret in Augustine’s SuperFood™ is that when mixed with a lean meat (original versions), its main source of fat is composed predominately of medium chain triglycerides. The same applies for the vegan recipes that do not require meat. MCT’s are very special and are not like other fats. They go straight to the liver and get converted into energy. The more energy your dog has, the more it exercises. The more it exercises, the leaner it stays, and the leaner it stays, the less chance it has of developing obesity related issues.

Dogs consuming Augustine’s SuperFood™ regularly without the use of processed treats are lean and muscular.

Contains super foods consumed by top-performing athletes

Augustine’s SuperFood™ naturally and safely does what other unnatural products try to do synthetically. Augustine’s SuperFood™ is an organic and healthy performance enhancer. It’s a great feeling seeing a dog reach its full potential without the side effects of a drug-like high.

Free of nasties and unnecessary ingredients

Augustine’s SuperFood™ does not contain additives, chemicals, colourings, dairy, fillers, flavourings, gluten, grains, meat or animal by-products, preservatives, salts, sweeteners, synthetics and GMO's.

Low GI

Low GI foods are broken down more gradually. This leads to blood glucose levels that are more stable. This can help prevent a seesaw effect with fluctuations in both mood and energy and is a prime reason why diabetic dogs improve drastically when fed Augustine’s SuperFood™.

Due to the increased digestion time, low GI foods release their energy more slowly into the bloodstream which in turn prolongs the feeling of being full.

Say goodbye to smelly poos

One of the main reasons that canine excrement smells overly terrible is because the food is not being properly processed by the body. The poorer quality the food is, the quicker it starts to smell.

Additionally, lacking good quality fibre and / or enough exercise means that the digestive system is not stimulated enough to expel waste. Dogs will then hold food inside the body for extended periods of time and it will become rancid before it is expelled.

The most common feedback is that dogs on the Augustine’s SuperFood™ diet have perfect and almost odourless excrement.

High absorption rate

The reason that dogs on the Augustine’s SuperFood™ diet have almost odourless excrement is because the majority of the food is utilized by the body within a reasonable time frame. What is being expelled is primarily fibre which is important because toxins bind to fibre and this is key in toxin elimination. If you are switching over from dry or canned foods you will notice that your dog’s stools break down much faster than processed kibble and canned food stools.

Reduced meat consumption

There are things we can do to reduce the consumption of meat. The non-vegan versions of Augustine’s SuperFood™ need to be mixed with just 64% meat versus the majority of fresh foods on the market that contain 80%-95% meat. Using less meat allows space for many other powerhouse, absorbable nutrients. Our Vegan versions help our planet while still providing a very balanced diet. If you would like your dog to eat meat, it is still a good strategy to alternate between the vegan and non-vegan versions because not only does it help reduce the consumption of meat, it also helps to give the digestive system a bit of a break while eliminating toxins through its high fibre content.

Large variety of nutrient sources

Most dog foods derive their vitamins from 5 or 6 nutrient sources while the rest of the ingredients are there to shelf stabilize and fill the food. Augustine’s SuperFood™ derives its nutrients from 15 different (16 in the vegan recipes) fresh powerhouse ingredients.

Not irradiated

Some of the imported dog food products are irradiated to meet strict quarantine guidelines. By law, dog food products do not have to state that they have been irradiated. Irradiation is costly and can have an adverse effect on your dog’s health.

Not retorted

Our food is sealed fresh and does not go through the canning process called retorting. Retorting is the process of reheating cans at very high temperatures once they are sealed. This is done in order to kill bacteria and extend shelf life. Retorting also kills many nutrients, so synthetic supplementation is often used to meet the minimum dietary guidelines.

Not baked

When you bake food, naturally you burn most of the nutrients and rely heavily on synthetic supplements to meet the minimum dietary requirements.

Anyone can make Augustine's SuperFood™ at home

People often say to me, “You make dog food? But how?”. It shouldn’t be regarded as a mystery and it’s pretty simple to make. Dogs are designed to eat fresh healthy food and I encourage you to prepare your own Augustine’s SuperFood™ at home. For your convenience and cost effectiveness, Augustine’s SuperBoost® is available for purchase. It consists of our proprietary blend of the nine certified organic super food powders found in Augustine’s SuperFood™.

What to expect when switching to Augustine's SuperFood™

Fast results

Being highly digestible and nutrient dense, Augustine’s SuperFood™ produces quick results in overall performance and health. It is not uncommon for people to report seeing a noticeable improvement in their dog’s vibrancy and overall health within only a few days of using Augustine’s SuperFood™. Naturally, the worse condition the dog is in, the faster and more noticeable the results will be.

“Hi Phivo, Hope you are well. We recently had some great news regarding Bear with perfect kidney readings for the first time in her lifetime. Our vet is extremely impressed with your products and has contacted you in regard to Bear's diet… I was unaware he was going to contact you but as mentioned, he was so impressed that he jumped onto your website after our visit and was keen to get some more info as so many of his clients are seeking a natural alternative to food and he has seen the results with Bear.”

- Lisa Neil

A Smooth transition

Switching from processed to fresh foods or going back and forth is usually likely to unsettle a dog's tummy. With that being said, my experiences tell me that another common reason why dogs have trouble switching to raw is because the new foods the dogs are being given are not balanced, and by balanced I am not just referring to the acceptable nutrient levels, but more so to the balance of fats, to protein and to fibre.

A common misconception is that giving a dog a high-quality, rich game meat is worrisome because it gives dogs the runs. Well, imagine if you ate soup for a week… Would you expect to have solid stools? Feeding a dog nothing but rich game meat will eight times out of ten cause tummy problems purely because there is nothing accompanying the food to offset its richness. I have found the switch to Augustine’s SuperFood™ to be seamless and I attribute this to its perfect balance.

Once the last of your dog’s previous diet is expelled, you should expect to see a very visible change in your dog’s poop as new and better poops will begin to come out. Depending on the diet you are switching from, it is not uncommon for the last of the diet to come out as either runny or very solid.

More hydration

If you are switching from dry food (kibble), it may appear that your dog is eating more food than before and drinking less water. This is because dry food lacks moisture (essentially dry food is a dehydrated nutritional concentrate), so dogs drink lots of water to compensate for the lack of moisture in the dry food.

Say goodbye to smelly poos

One of the main reasons that canine excrement smells overly terrible is because the food is not being properly processed by the body. The poorer quality the food is, the quicker it starts to smell.

Additionally, lacking good quality fibre and / or enough exercise means that the digestive system is not stimulated enough to expel waste. Dogs will then hold food inside the body for extended periods of time and it will become rancid before it is expelled.

The most common feedback is that dogs on the Augustine’s SuperFood™ diet have perfect and almost odourless excrement.

A shiny and healthy coat

Augustine’s SuperFood™ contains nutrients that aid in the reduction of fur-loss and producing sleek and shiny coats.

More energy, more alert, more responsive

It’s a no brainer that with everything in life you get out what you put in. We all notice a big decline in brain function when we lack sleep and good food. Now imagine the performance and brain function of a dog that is on an average diet compared to a dog on a super diet.

Reduced or eliminated medical issues

Food IS medicine, so the better the food, the less chance of medical problems. The most important effect Augustine’s SuperFood™ will have on your best friend(s) will be evident in years to come. Augustine Approved® products are appreciated much like an old home video ‐ much further on down the track.

Reduction in the desire to eat grass

One of the primary reasons that dogs consume grass is that they are lacking nutrients, so they attempt to obtain them by eating various things in their environment including grass. This is not to be confused with dogs consuming grass as a cooling mechanism when out running.

Augustine’s SuperFood™ is rich in nutrient dense, organic barley grass that has an identical taste to the grass our dogs would find outside.

Improvement in dogs with food related intolerances and “allergies”

Before spending hundreds of dollars on medical tests and therapies for your dogs, give Augustine’s SuperFood™ a try along with Faith’s Cleanse & Detox®, Augustine’s® SuperBath and Augustine's® SuperBalm (or consider a Healthy Skin Bundle). If you are not in a position to make Augustine’s SuperFood™, you can try the three products mentioned above and additionally Augustine’s SuperBoost® and Raw Coconut Oil.

It is not uncommon for dogs that change to our diet to have a considerable reduction in their “allergies”.

The vegan versions of Augustine’s SuperFood™ are a perfect short-term aid for dogs that are reactive to meat proteins. If there is a reaction to an ingredient, it must be removed from the diet for some time before the dog is able to improve.

Please be reminded that if your dog suffers from allergies, we ask that you give us a fair trial and do not feed it anything else during the trial period. 7-14 days is ample time to see an improvement.

Lean and healthy body weight

When dogs are fed appropriately, they naturally assume their perfect weight and do not need heavy dieting. It is vital that dogs consume plenty of good quality fats because this is where they get their energy. The secret in Augustine’s SuperFood™ is that its main source of fat is composed predominately of medium chain triglycerides. MCT’s are very special and are not like other fats. They go straight to the liver and get converted into energy. The more energy your dog has, the more it exercises. The more it exercises, the leaner it stays, and the leaner it stays, the less chance it has of developing obesity related issues.

Dogs consuming Augustine’s SuperFood™ regularly without the use of processed treats are lean and muscular.