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By Candace T. Botha Now Harnessing the Power of Nature to Relieve & Prevent Common Health Issues in Dogs more than ever, as dog owners realize the critical importance of wholesome nutrition in the overall health, well being and longevity of their beloved, four-legged friends, the foods and supplements that are provided to nourish them have taken on an even greater significance. At times, the choices seem not only endless, but also confusing, even for well-educated pet owners who want—and demand— only the very best for their dogs. But, what if you were to discover that there actually is a simple solution to improve the health of your pets with what Mother Nature provided us with long ago? What if there were all-natural food supplements that could be added to your dog’s current diet to alleviate digestive issues, resolve diarrhea, relieve itchy skin, inflammation and allergies, eliminate intestinal parasites, boost the immune system and metabolism, control weight issues and improve the skin and coat…naturally? Sound too good to be true? And if it is true, could this be the global pet industry’s best-kept secret? Or, is it that such simplicity, if promoted, would interfere with the growth of commercial pet food manufacturers, or the pet industry in general? The good news is such supplements do exist, and, what’s more, they are 100 percent natural and free of additives and preservatives. And if you have not yet heard of these supplements, the name you need to know is Olewo. For more than 35 years, Olewo (pronounced “o-leave-o”) allnatural pet food supplements have been added to the daily diets of dogs around the world. Made by Olewo GmbH in Germany, these supplements have been available in the United States for about 15 years. “Our customers always are pleased to know that Olewo supplements have been proven and trusted for more than 35 years,” says Manatee County resident Ina Schielke, who is the exclusive distributor of Olewo products in the United States and Canada. “Thirty-five years is longer than most pet product manufacturers have been in business and a track record very few companies can offer for their products,” Ina says. “Olewo supplements were developed long before natural products were common, which makes the Olewo manufacturer in Germany a leader and not a follower.” Dogs actually need some vegetables in their diet because they contain many important health-promoting nutrients. Many of those nutrients often are lacking in commercial pet foods. Olewo supplements are made from two of the most nutrientrich vegetables—carrots and red beets. Rich in beta-carotene, vitamins B, C, D, E and K and a plentiful source of calcium, manganese, phosphorus and potassium, Olewo Carrots for dogs are made from 100% fresh, premium carrots that have been preserved naturally through dehydration. Although best known for reducing and eliminating diarrhea in dogs—often after just two feedings—Olewo Carrots also can cure stomach upset and loose stool, while relieving itchy skin and adding a healthy sheen to a dull coat. They also are an effective, all-natural dog dewormer, ridding the intestines and colon of unhealthy parasites. Equally impressive in its ability to counteract a range of common health conditions in dogs, Olewo Red Beets are not only rich in antioxidants and fiber, but, like Olewo Carrots, they are easy to digest. Made from 100% fresh, premium red beets—not beet pulp—Olewo Red Beets are nature’s own antidote for skin allergies, hot spots and itchy skin, because they offer effective detoxification and anti-inflammatory support when added daily to a dog’s diet. The supplement stimulates the appetite of even the most finicky eaters and also promotes a healthy metabolism, while aiding in weight management in dogs of all sizes and breeds. Jam-packed with nutrients, Olewo Red Beets are rich in betalain, folate, Vitamin C and manganese and are an excellent source of iron, potassium, magnesium and other important nutrients. Savvy pet owners are certain to ask: If carrots and At left, Ina Schielke, the exclusive distributor of Olewo supplements in the United States and Canada, visits with canine campers at Four Paws Doggie Day Camp in Bradenton. All photos by Connie Summers beets are so nutritious, wouldn’t it be best to just give dogs raw vegetables? “The problem with raw vegetables is that the vitamins and minerals are embedded in cellulose, a carbohydrate that is difficult to digest; therefore, the dog’s body will not be absorbing the valuable nutrients,” Ina says. Olewo Carrots and Olewo Red Beets are easy to digest, allowing dogs to absorb and utilize the amazing nutrients in these vegetables. The vegetables used to make Olewo supplements are especially nutritious because they are grown in the flat terrain of Northern Germany, known for its extremely fertile soil. The vegetables are grown on farms dedicated to Olewo pet products, and they go directly from the fields into preparation to avoid the loss of any nutrients. Olewo vegetables have been tested to exceed farming standards required for vegetables produced for human consumption—and they are NOT genetically modified! In fact, during one of Olewo’s recent shipments from Germany, the Food and Drug Administration lab tested a batch of Olewo Carrots upon entry into the United States, and absolutely no chemical residue was found. Being a discerning dog owner and having gained a tremendous amount of knowledge about animal nutrition with more than a decade of experience in the local pet community, Ina believes that despite increased attention to the role nutrition plays in good health in recent years, many dogs are still undernourished due to the fact that most dogs receive commercial foods. “Our pets simply are not getting enough natural nutrition,” Ina says. “Even many of the holistic foods now on the market are still lacking in nutrient levels because they are highly processed, just like the other brands with lower quality ingredients. In addition, synthetic vitamins are added after the high heat processing to meet the minimum nutritional values established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). “Pet food manufacturers are continuously updating their pack- aging showing the fresh meats, poultry, fish, vegetables and fruits with which they have been made,” Ina adds. “But what goes into making the food is not as important as what is left in the food after it has been highly processed—which is far from its natural state.” Ina strongly believes that even raw diets and home-cooked foods also can be lacking in important nutrients. “There still can be a gap in the nutrient levels,” she says. “However, Olewo food supplements can close that gap with the added natural nutrition they provide, while ensuring that your dog is receiving the nutrients he or she needs to enjoy optimal health, be vibrant and thrive. “Most dogs are lacking nutrients from a natural source, and the great thing is that every dog can benefit from the natural nutrition in Olewo supplements,” Ina continues. “No matter what food you are feeding your dog—whether it is a raw or a homecooked diet, a premium holistic dog food, or if it is a big brand dog food from the grocery store—Olewo supplements significantly will increase the food’s nutritional value.” As Olewo’s exclusive U.S. distributor, Ina has more than 10 years experience in the local pet industry, with a background in business administration and sales. Born and raised in Germany, Ina traveled to Texas in 1985 for a 12-month assignment at the Corporate Office of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) she was working for at the time in Germany. What was intended to be a one-year stay in the states became a permanent move when she met the man she ultimately would marry. After living in various cities throughout the country, the couple moved to Florida’s Gulf Coast, where they eventually opened Petropolis, a small specialty pet store in downtown Sarasota. “Whether stocking harnesses and leashes or supplements and treats, we were very selective about what we carried at Petropolis Continued on page 48 and only sold products in which we believed,” Ina says. Ina first became familiar with Olewo when one of her customers at Petropolis requested the company’s products. “Back then, distribution of the products in the United States was being handled by another company in Georgia,” Ina says. At the time, one of Ina’s own dogs, a black Lab mix named Wilma, who she adopted from Bishop Animal Center, was suffering with severe skin allergies. “Wilma was biting, scratching and itching constantly,” Ina recalls. “She actually chewed holes in her leg! “We took Wilma to several veterinarians and spent thousands of dollars on allergy testing,” Ina continues. “The more tests we did, the more conflicting results we received. Poor Wilma suffered for nearly three years until we found an answer.” Where to Buy Olewo Carrots & Red Beets Amy’s Natural Pet Pantry - Blackburn Point Plaza, 1078 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey - 941-244-2260 Bone Appetite - 5275 University Parkway, University Park 941-359-1010 Holistic for Pets - 713 Honore Avenue, Sarasota - 941-3784367 • 5770 Ranch Lake Boulevard, Bradenton - 941-753PAWS (7297) Pet’s Life Naturally - 523 8th Avenue West, Palmetto 941-723-1715 Pet Supply Center - 3558 Webber Street, Sarasota 941-925-4376 Pets Plus - 8943 US Highway 301 North, Parrish 941-776-0770 Perks 4 Pets - 7228 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton 941-795-PETS (7387) Important Note: Not all stores carry a complete inventory of Olewo supplements. Please call in advance to check on availability. That answer was Olewo Red Beets. “Within just a couple of weeks of taking the beet supplement with her food, Wilma’s biting, scratching and itching completely stopped,” Ina says. “Personally, I was sold on the supplements, and we began sharing them with our customers at Petropolis. Olewo quickly became one of our best-selling products.” Ina—who now has two Dachshunds, littermates Trudy and Gerry—lost another Dachshund, Waldi, who was the first dog she had prior to learning about Olewo supplements. “Waldi suffered from ongoing colitis,” Ina recalls. “We gave him the best dog food we carried at Petropolis, but couldn’t get the condition under control with diet and treatments from our veterinarian, and we felt he died prematurely. I often think that if I had only been able to give Waldi Olewo Carrots at that time, I know he could have stayed with us longer.” Ina’s success in treating Wilma’s skin allergies with Olewo Red Beets inspired her to learn more about the company and its supplements. “On one of my visits to Germany, I met with the CEO of Olewo, who ended up offering me an opportunity to take over the Olewo distribution because of issues the German manufacturer had with the current U.S. distributor at that time,” Ina says. When Petropolis’ lease was up after five years in business, Ina decided to pursue the new venture as the United States distributor for Olewo, and she founded Olewo USA with the mission of bringing Olewo supplements to even more pets in this country to help improve their health. “We knew that we would be able to reach many more pet owners than we were able to reach with our small pet store in Sarasota,” Ina says. That was three and a half years ago. Now available in all 50 states and Canada, Olewo has a loyal following. “Olewo Carrots and Olewo Red Beets are specialty products that have not been distributed through the traditional channels, mainly because of how the previous U.S. Olewo distributor of 12 years was distributing the products,” Ina says. Olewo Pet Food Supplements primarily have been sold via the Internet. However, as awareness of Olewo products is flourishing, a growing number of customers want to be able to purchase the products at their local pet stores, so the company is now further expanding into the retail market from coast to coast. To date, Ina says, the entire company mainly has been built by word of mouth. “Pet owners try the supplements and are blown away,” Ina says. “They then share them with friends and family members who also have pets, and they are equally amazed at the results.” Testimonials from loyal Olewo customers—some who own or manage local pet businesses or work in animal rescue—abound. According to Mark Wyman, one of the managers of Pets Plus, 8 to 10—if not more—of the customers that come into the Parrish pet store complain that their dogs have allergies…each day! “Nearly every customer to whom we give an Olewo sample comes back and buys the products,” Mark says. “People give it to their pets and then recommend it to their friends, and it sells like wildfire, simply because it’s a good, solid product that works.” Cheryl Tuttle and Heike Caspary of Four Paws Doggie Day Camp in Bradenton also are avid proponents of Olewo supplements. The camp, which is designed to give young dogs an opportunity to socialize and learn how to play under the supervision of professionals, has a roster of more than 75 “campers,” who frequently suffer from allergies and digestive upsets. Cheryl and Heike’s first line of defense: recommending Olewo Carrots and Red Beets. Cheryl, a professional dog trainer who also is the owner of The Last Paw Dog Training, first was introduced to Olewo products six or seven years ago. “A friend of mine recommended using Olewo Carrots when one of my dogs had diarrhea,” Cheryl recalls. “It worked so well in regulating his stools that I always kept a bag in the cabinet.” After meeting Ina and learning about the health benefits of Olewo Red Beets, Cheryl began adding them to her Pug’s diet. “At the time, Mercedes was suffering from severe environmental allergies and also had a yeast issue that affected her skin. She Above, Ina Schielke (center) with Heike Caspary (left) and Cheryl received medication every day, but it was not helping. Tuttle (right) at Four Paws Doggie Day Camp share samples of Olewo “Once I added the Olewo Red Beets to her diet, her skin issues Carrots with eager campers. Photos on these pages by Connie Summers subsided. Using the beets didn’t stop the allergen, but it did significantly reduce the inflammation,” Cheryl adds. “I love Olewo weeks for about a year and a half to help control his allergies,” products; I highly recommend them, because they are both safe Jessica says. “He suffered terribly with itchy red skin and bald and effective.” spots from chewing his hair out. Heike, who, like Ina, also is from Germany, learned firsthand “Heike told me about Olewo supplements, and I started givabout the value of adding Olewo supplements to her Great ing Bentley the carrots and beets,” Jessica continues. “After two Dane’s diet about four years ago. weeks, he was less itchy, and within a month, all of his symptoms “Typically, a Dane has soft stool, which makes it difficult to were gone. scoop,” Heike says. “Adding Olewo Carrots to the dog’s diet “Olewo supplements have worked miracles with Bentley; I made the stool firmer and easier to pick up.” truly believe they are great products,” Jessica says. “I wish I had As Heike read more about Olewo, she realized the full specknown about them before Bentley received the steroids.” trum of health benefits of its supplements. So, in her current role What’s most appealing about using Olewo supplements is that as a board member for Southwest Great Dane Rescue, Heike says a small daily serving packs a powerhouse of nutrients. Serving that every dog that is surrendered to the nonprofit group is given sizes are based on weight and range from 1/2 teaspoon to 2-plus Olewo supplements for a week or two to “flush out the system tablespoons daily to add healthy, all-natural nutrition to a dog’s and boost their antioxidant levels.” diet. And, of course, Heike adds Olewo Carrots and Red Beets to How confident is Ina that Olewo supplements can remedy a her own dogs’ diet at home. range of common health issues in dogs? “My dogs love them. “If I forget to add them to their food, they “Every company says their product is the best,” Ina says. “But look at me as if to say, ‘Hey, something is missing,’” Heike says they don’t have the track record of Olewo supplements. with a laugh. “What truly amazes our customers is that they actually can see Mary Lupi, founder of Safe Haven Animal Rescue of Florida, a difference in the health of their pets after adding Olewo Carrots Inc., has been a loyal Olewo customer for years. She, too, says and Red Beets to their dog’s diets for a short amount of time,” Ina that every dog that comes through the local nonprofit group adds. “You typically don’t get these kind of results with other pet receives Olewo Red Beets and Olewo Carrots as part of their diet products. to ensure optimal health before they are placed in new homes. “Olewo supplements are truly the best products you can buy to Jessica Anderson, owner of Happy Hounds Pet Sitting and make a difference in the health of your pet.” Grooming, is another firm believer in the natural healing powers of Olewo supplements. Jessica, who also works as an assistant at Olewo Carrots are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1 Four Paws Doggie Day Camp, has a five-year-old Beagle named pound bags to 33 pound bags. Olewo Red Beets are sold in sizes Bentley who suffered from severe skin allergies. Her veterinarranging from 1 pound bags to 16.5 pound bags. Carrot and beet ian determined the allergies were environmental and not diet supplements for horses and small animals also are available and can related and prescribed steroids to relieve Bentley’s extreme be ordered online at www.olewousa.com. For more information about discomfort. Olewo USA and Olewo products, please call 941-322-9638, or “Bentley was receiving steroid injections every four to five visit www.OlewoUSA.com.