YOU MAY NOT KNOW…
Eric van Kooten, an accomplished aviculturist from The Netherlands, is HBD’s Ambassador to International Distributors.
Here he meets with an Australian distributor, Dr. Jade Kingsley, BA/BSc, BVSc, PgDip, MANZCVS,
Director, Veterinary Nutrition Solutions,
vetnutritionsolutions.com.au.
BEHIND THE SCENES
PASS ON THE PUFF
Many extruded pet foods are designed to “puff” or expand during processing. Expansion creates a lighter product with a highly uniform appearance. Harrison’s diets, however, are intentionally designed to be nutrient-dense rather than expanded…
TOXIN ALERT
Strawberries
In many parts of the country, summer is the perfect time to buy strawberries right from the farm. But what about the strawberries you find at the grocery store?
CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT
Enzo and Donnie
Enzo came home with us, and a month later, we got a call to say the owners of Donnie (Enzo’s sister) were moving and could Donnie come and live with us too. Or course we said yes immediately. Enzo and Donnie have been inseparable since…
DISTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT
Tai Wai Animal Hospital: Connecting Nutrition with Avian Care in Hong Kong
By Dr. Erika Vernia, Hospital Director
For more than 20 years, Tai Wai Animal Hospital has worked with Harrison’s Bird Foods to support the health and wellbeing of companion birds in Hong Kong…
SPECIES FOCUS
How to Live with a Goose
Geese make intelligent, loyal and entertaining pets with long lifespans of up to 20 years. They act as natural lawnmowers and vigilant watchdogs, but require a significant commitment, ample outdoor space to graze, secure predator-proof housing, and tolerance for loud vocalizations during breeding season…
AUGUST PRODUCT SPECIAL
Enjoy $10 off on 5lb Juvenile Handfeeding Formula with code 10offJuv!
TAKE $10.00 off 5lb
Juvenile Handfeeding Formula
by using code 10offJuv at checkout.
Retail only – No limit to amount purchased. While close-out supplies last.
Only at www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com
BEHIND THE SCENES
Pass on the Puff
Many extruded pet foods are designed to “puff” or expand during processing. Expansion creates a lighter product with a highly uniform appearance. Harrison’s diets, however, are intentionally designed to be nutrient-dense rather than expanded.
Our ideal production temperature is under 200°F, which helps preserve the integrity of the ingredients while producing the dense texture our diets are known for. The difference between expansion and non-expansion can be surprisingly small. At approximately 211°F, ingredients remain dense, while at 212°F and above, expansion begins.
TOXIN ALERT
Strawberries
In many parts of the country, summer is the perfect time to buy strawberries right from the farm. But what about the strawberries you find at the grocery store?
Driscoll’s is the world’s largest strawberry company. Neighboring communities, clean food activists, and a whistleblower from the inside say that Driscoll’s berries are grown without soil in an excessive amount of plastic, carry pesticide residues at levels banned in other countries, and are contaminated with PFAS forever chemicals and microplastics.
Product checks by an independent testing organization, Mamavation.com, found Driscoll’s non-organic strawberries contained residues of 12 different pesticides at levels prohibited in the European Union, Taiwan, Chile, Korea, and Russia. The US still allows PFAS at levels other countries have deemed unsafe.
The good news is that we can all skip the plastic berries. Find organic strawberries grown by real farmers in nutrient rich soil with the Real Organic Project.org directory.*
* From Organic Bytes Newsletter #950 from Organic Consumers Association, 2026
How to Clean Fresh Produce After Purchase
In a large bowl or basin, mix a teaspoon of baking soda for each cup of water or mix 1 part distilled white vinegar to 3 parts water. Soak produce (strawberries, peaches, grapes, whatever) for 5-10 minutes. Take the produce out of the soaking water rather than pour it out, so dirt can settle to the bottom. Rinse under running water to remove any remaining residue and baking soda or vinegar on the surface.
CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT
Cockatiels Enzo and Donny
Enzo came home with us, and a month later, we got a call to say the owners of Donnie (Enzo’s sister) were moving and could Donnie come and live with us too. Or course we said yes immediately. Enzo and Donnie have been inseparable since.
They are both silly tame. Enzo is sassy — she struts her stuff like it’s no one’s business and loves to cuddle up into you. Donnie is goofy — she loves to sprint everywhere and likes most to hold her head up against you for cuddles. Donnie will ride on your head as you walk around, while Enzo rides on your shoulder. Enzo and Donnie were thought to be boys, but after a few eggs, they obviously were girls.
They are now 8 years old and have been eating Harrison’s maintenance nuggets since they were a few months old. We adore them, and Harrison’s Bird Foods have kept them healthy and thriving all these years.
Katey and Dan
(Enzo and Donnie’s mum and dad)
DISTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT
Tai Wai Animal Hospital: Connecting Nutrition with Avian Care in Hong Kong
By Dr. Erika Vernia, Hospital Director
For more than 20 years, Tai Wai Animal Hospital has worked with Harrison’s Bird Foods to support the health and wellbeing of companion birds in Hong Kong.
What makes Tai Wai unique is its ability to connect trusted nutrition with veterinary care. As an established veterinary hospital with extensive experience in avian medicine, its team supports birds throughout every stage of their health journey—from preventive care and nutritional guidance to diagnostics, treatment and long-term health management.
Beyond the hospital, Tai Wai works closely with bird owners, retailers and veterinary professionals to promote responsible bird care. The team provides practical owner education, clinically informed nutritional guidance and support for retailers seeking to communicate the importance of balanced, formulated diets.
Tai Wai is also developing closer relationships with exotic animal clinics and the wider avian community, helping to strengthen professional collaboration and ensure that birds receive appropriate veterinary support when needed.
For Tai Wai Animal Hospital, Harrison’s represents more than bird food. The long-standing partnership brings together nutrition, veterinary expertise and community education—with one shared goal: helping birds live healthier, happier lives.
Erratum: Tom Huang, featured in last month’s Distributor Spotlight, is responsible for Harrison’s distribution and education throughout Taiwan.