Today you have to read the bottom of my column first (my little biography). OK, so now you know who I am and you will understand when I tell you my Spring Break was marred by not so great news at both places at which I work.

While sitting poolside at Hilton Head I got the telephone call that the owner of Turandot (one of the most beloved stores in Broad Ripple) has decided to close the business. Suffice it to say everyone needs a new chapter in life. I will share with you more on that in a future column.

The pet food recall came on strong while I was trying to get away from it all. All of us are concerned about our pet's food and we are all now reading the contents of every product we buy. That's a good thing. There are words on some labels that need definition. Let me help.

The problem with the tainted foods is wheat gluten (and now also rice gluten) that came from China. Some of the manufacturers cut some expense and out-sourced that ingredient and got a bad batch. Not all wheat gluten is bad. If you have a food or a treat that lists it, I would be wary until you clear it with the manufacturer.

As we have become more health conscious we have passed it along to our pets. We feel guilty when we eat junk food because we know better. There is no worse junk food than that of pet food. Let me share some disturbing ingredients with you that are generally found in supermarket and discount store pet foods. The primary ingredient is corn, wheat or soy leftovers with little nutritional value. These cause many pet allergies (licking paws, scratching, chewing the base of their tails). Meat byproducts can be anything from animal heads, hooves, skin, beaks, feathers or 4-D animals (dead, diseased, disabled or dying) and can contain harmful substances such as worm-infested organs, cancerous tissues, blood clots and contaminated blood. Preservatives such as ethoxyquin, BHA and BHT have been linked to cancer. Propoline glycol becomes addictive and makes pets finicky eaters. Sometimes leftover grease from restaurants and outdated meats from supermarkets are added.

Reject anything that includes meat byproducts, artificial coloring and artificial preservatives. When reading labels make sure that the first ingredients are meat proteins such as chicken, turkey, salmon, lamb etc. Never accept corn or grains as the first ingredients. Our pets are meat eaters (like it or not) and they need meat for a balanced diet. Cats are the most carnivorous and must have meat or they will become ill. Fats are added to food to give good taste. While chicken fat is good and easily digested, "animal fat" is not. The source could be anything, even possum. Look for natural preservatives such as Vitamin C and E. Cranberries are excellent in cat food as they help to prevent urinary crystals. Blueberries are a natural anioxidant. Taurine is an ingredient that benefits heart and vision. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids improve the coat and skin and help to prevent hot spots. Yucca schidigera reduces stool and breath odor. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are ingredients most beneficial for arthritis and joint health.

The more grain there is, the less digestible it is, the more you have to feed. The more you have to feed, the more you pay and the more you have to clean up. It makes sense to buy a premium food, as that can end up costing less because you feed less and save on vet bills. The industry has overused the word "premium" to lure you. A true premium food will not have grains as the primary ingredients.

Many of you are about to give up and cook your own. Don't! It's a huge commitment of time and you can't do a good job balancing all the vitamins and minerals. The manufacturers do that best.

In light of all the confusion, fear, and concern, I am happy to talk with any readers who have questions.