Should My Pet Switch to Raw Food?

Should My Pet Switch to Raw Food?

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Switching your dog or cat to raw food can bring many positive benefits to your pet, but there are important factors to consider.

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Our 18 Best Lick Mat Treat Fillers

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edit+xClone Element
Lick mats are an effective tool to help pets that struggle with anxiety. At NorthPoint, we’re frequently asked about lick mat fillers. Here are our top suggestions for lick mat fillers!

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FAQ CBD

Frequently Asked Questions About CBD for Pets

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Pet owners have been turning to CBD to promote calm and relaxation in the presence of chronic pain, anxiety, and inflammation. We are frequently asked about CBD, so we wanted to create this quick primer to answer some of your most pressing questions. 

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Our Top 3 Calming Supplements for Summer

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Summer travel, holiday fireworks, and thunderstorms can all cause anxiety even for generally calm pets. Our top 3 recommendations are based on safety, quality, and feedback from our customers!

  • Super Snouts CBD treats and tinctures 
  • Nootie Progility Calming Treats (non-CBD) with melatonin 
  • Dog Almighty Calming Bone Broth Elixirs

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Dealing with “Frito Feet” and Yeast Overgrowth in Dogs

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Have you ever cuddled up next to your dog and noticed a distinct smell coming from their feet? It’s not uncommon to notice a distinct odor, often referred to as “Frito feet,” emanating from their paws or ears. This smell is typically associated with yeast overgrowth, a common issue in dogs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes of yeast overgrowth, its connection to diet, and effective remedies to alleviate discomfort. By prioritizing a healthy diet and making informed choices, we can promote our dogs’ well-being from the inside out. Let’s dive in!

Fresh dog food

Introducing fresh, whole foods to their diet can promote a healthy gut and aid the immune system in resolving yeast issues.

Understanding Yeast Overgrowth and its Odorous Effects

Yeast, a naturally occurring fungus in dogs and humans, can become problematic when it proliferates excessively. It thrives in warm, moist environments, commonly leading to the noticeable smell in our dogs’ feet and ears. Therefore, addressing yeast overgrowth involves understanding the factors contributing to its occurrence.

Causes of Yeast Overgrowth in Dogs: Environmental and Dietary Factors

Yeast overgrowth can be triggered by various environmental and dietary factors. Moisture, warmth, and certain ingredients in dog food can create an ideal breeding ground for yeast. For example, dry kibble foods contain a significant amount of starchy carbohydrates that feed bad bacteria. It’s essential to identify these factors to effectively manage and prevent further issues.

Importance of a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy dog. By prioritizing high-quality ingredients and avoiding ultra-processed foods, we can support our dog’s overall well-being. A nutritious diet strengthens the immune system and helps combat yeast overgrowth. Minimally processed foods and those lower in starchy carbohydrates can help promote the growth of healthy bacteria, boosting your dog’s immune system for long-term health.

Incorporating Fresh Foods and Supplements to Combat Yeast Overgrowth

If you suspect your dog has yeast overgrowth, dietary adjustments may be necessary. Introducing fresh, whole foods to their diet can promote a healthy gut and aid the immune system in resolving yeast issues. Supplements such as probiotics and digestive enzymes can be beneficial in restoring and maintaining optimal gut health. These supplements support a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria, aiding in the elimination of yeast overgrowth. Consult with our knowledgeable staff to find the right options for your dog.

Five Reasons Your Dog Stinks

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Unpleasant odors emanating from our canine companions can be a cause of concern for dog owners. While a certain degree of odor is natural, persistent and pungent smells may indicate underlying issues that need attention. In this article, we will delve into the top five reasons behind unpleasant dog odors and provide practical remedies to address them. Let’s explore these reasons and discover effective solutions to tackle them head-on.

Reason 1: A Yeast Infection 

Yeast overgrowth is a common cause of unpleasant odors in dogs. The musty, pungent scent associated with yeast is often likened to moldy bread or cheese popcorn. Yeast infections typically affect the ear canals or paws of dogs, with the latter sometimes referred to as “Frito feet” due to the similarity to corn

chips. Common signs of yeast overgrowth include smelly paws, a musty odor, excessive scratching, itchy paws, and butt scooting.

To address a yeast infection in your dog, it’s crucial to assess their diet. Ultra-processed, starch-heavy foods like dry kibble can encourage the growth of bad bacteria, allowing yeast to thrive in your pet’s body. While topical remedies such as medicated shampoos and sprays can provide temporary relief, a lasting solution requires a dietary change to prevent the recurrence of yeast overgrowth.

Reason 2: Gas Attacks

While it’s natural for dogs to pass gas, excessive or foul-smelling gas may indicate an underlying issue. Simply keeping your dog away from the trash might not be enough to control their gas. An unhealthy diet can be a significant contributor to your dog’s stinky gas. We can assist you in finding the best diet tailored to your dog’s health needs, helping alleviate the problem.

Reason 3: Bad Breath

Puppy breath can be endearing, but when bad breath sets in, it can be quite overpowering. Typically, bad breath in dogs is the result of bacterial buildup in

Bad breath dog odor

Poor dental health, tartar accumulation, infections, or periodontal disease can contribute to foul-smelling breath.

their mouths. Additionally, poor dental health, tartar accumulation, infections, or periodontal disease can contribute to foul-smelling breath.

Dog owners often find it challenging to maintain their dog’s dental health, but it doesn’t have to be a hassle. Check out our blog post on various methods to keep your dog’s dental hygiene in check, ensuring fresh breath and overall oral health. Check out our blog post on different ways to keep your dog’s dental hygiene in check. 

Reason 4: Anal Glands

Dealing with malodorous anal glands can be unpleasant. These glands are located on the sides of a dog’s rectum. Normally, healthy anal glands should not emit any odor. However, if you detect a fishy smell, it could indicate a problem with your dog’s anal glands. Symptoms such as leaking, a pungent odor, butt scooting, or signs of pain may indicate the need for expressing the anal glands, which requires a visit to your vet.

Reason 5: Lack of Grooming

Regular brushing of your dog between baths is vital for removing dirt, dead skin, and other debris trapped in their coat, effectively reducing unpleasant smells. Thorough brushing goes a long way in keeping your dog stink-free.

Grooming wipes and deodorizing sprays can also help your pet to smell fresh in between baths. Another simple trick to keeping your dog clean is to keep their bedding and toys clean. It keeps both your dog and house smelling fresh. 

The Good, Better, and Best Dental Care for Your Pet

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Your pet’s dental health is an important piece of their overall health and wellness. Oral disease can be caused by diet, genetics, or poor oral care. Poor dental health can lead to other ailments, which is why pet owners should learn how to care for their pet’s teeth early.  As with most ailments, prevention of oral disease is key. Taking preventative steps saves you the time, stress, and money it takes to treat oral disease down the road. 

Good preventative care should:

Canine dental cleaning

Without routine dental care at home, veterinary dental cleanings may be necessary.

  • Remove tartar and plaque
  • Prevent tooth decay and gum disease
  • Kill harmful bacteria
  • Help prevent plaque
  • Freshen breath

Good: Food and Water Additives 

Teef! Supplement

What it is: A very fine, tasteless, and odorless prebiotic-based powder you add to your dog’s water.

How it works: Teef! promotes healthy teeth, gums, and fresh breath by encouraging the growth of healthy bacteria in the mouth. 

How to use: Add Teef! powder into your pet’s water bowl.

 

DentaTreat Supplement 

What it is: A powdered cheese enzymatic meal topper for cats and dogs.

How it works: The first four ingredients are actually dried cheeses, which aside from being super tasty, makes your pet salivate. The saliva activates the enzymes that help to break down some of the sugary starches left in your pet’s mouth after eating and helps flush out some of the bad bacteria.

How to use: Sprinkle it over your pet’s meal or spread across your pet’s teeth and gums with your finger. 

*Pro Tip: Picky eaters (and kitties) LOVE the smell and taste of DentaTreat. After all, who doesn’t love cheese!?

 

Canine Dental Wipes

What they are: Small round medicated wipes formulated to clean your dog’s teeth and gums.

How they work: Dental wipes remove and prevent dangerous plaque, tartar, and bacteria for optimal oral health and hygiene.

How to use: Working from back to front, wipe medicated pad on the inner and outer teeth and gums. For best results, use twice daily after each meal.

NPP Pick: Nootie dental wipes

Better: Chew, Chew, Chew!

Natural or Synthetic (Dog) Chews (Nylabone, Benebone, Antlers) 

What they are: Natural and/or synthetic chews designed to scrape plaque off your dog’s teeth and massage the gums. Synthetic chews (Nylabone and Benebone) have unique shapes and textures infused with flavors.

How they Work: These physically scrape off plaque and tartar and massage the gums while your dog chews on them. They will naturally wear down gradually as your dog chews.

 

Digestible Canine Dental Chews

What it is: A digestible chew that targets plaque and freshens breath. 

How it works: Dental chews are soft enough to bend but tough enough to pull plaque and tartar as your dog chews on them. They typically contain non-toxic oils (such as rosemary, peppermint, or lemongrass) to freshen breath. 

How to use: Give these to your dog once daily. They will be chewed and digested in one sitting.

NPP Pick: Merrick Fresh Kisses

Best: Diet and Routine Dental Care

Raw bones (recreational and meaty bones) 

What they are: Meaty bones (such as chicken, duck, or turkey necks) are mostly meat and cartilage and will be consumed entirely. Recreational bones (beef marrow bones) have small amounts of meat/cartilage attached and will be chewed but not consumed entirely. 

How they work: These physically scrape off plaque and tartar and massage the gums while your pet chews on them. 

How to use them: Introduce raw bones into your pet’s diet slowly. Start with short chewing sessions that are 5-10 minutes in duration and gradually increase chewing time. Learn more about how to safely feed raw bones here. 

 

Minimally Processed Fresh Food Diet: 

What it is: A fresh food diet rich in minimally processed protein and fat from animal sources, with little to no starchy carbohydrates. 

How it works: While diet will not necessarily clean your pet’s teeth, the minimal carbohydrate percentage in a raw food diet means less bacteria that cause oral disease – which is the best step you can take to prevent the growth of plaque and tartar. Raw food diets also contain natural dietary enzymes that protect the teeth and gums. Lastly, these diets do not contain harmful aflatoxins and skip the chemical compounds that put stress on your pet’s immune system. 

How to use: We recommend using commercially prepared raw food items as a compliment to your pet’s diet or as a complete meal. 

 

Regular Teeth Brushing: 

This is the gold standard in preventative oral care for your pet. Leftover food particles stuck between teeth and gums are swept away with brushing motion. For maximum benefits, brush your pet’s teeth daily after meals. 

How to do it: It’s best to introduce teeth brushing as a regular occurrence for your pet, so it becomes part of your daily routine. Start by using your finger to massage the teeth and gums. Once they have adjusted to your finger in their mouth, you can start using a finger brush, and then graduate to using a pet toothbrush. 

Pets are unique and there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to dental hygiene. Take time to find what your pet likes and what works best for your pet’s dietary needs, genetics, and lifestyle. 

2021 Storefront Retailer of the Year by the Independent Pet Innovation Awards

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

NorthPoint Pets becomes the first-ever single independent store to win the award. 

CHESHIRE, SEPTEMBER 15, 2021– NorthPoint Pets & Company announced today that the company was named the 2021 Storefront Retailer of the Year by the 3rd Annual Independent Pet Innovation Awards. 

NorthPoint Pets was selected from a field of over 1,250 nominees, including other top companies and innovations from across the pet care industry.  

I’m humbled to accept this Pet Innovation Award on behalf of our team at NorthPoint Pets,” said Nicole Cammack, NorthPoint Pets & Company’s founder. “To be recognized alongside Airvet, PetSafe, Vetster – and all the other great companies and products serving pets – is truly an honor. This award is a wonderful validation of the hard work, dedication, and care that our team delivers to our customers and their pets each and every day.”  

The Pet Innovation Award comes on the heels of NorthPoint Pet’s recognition by Pet Business Magazine as the #1 Independent Pet Store in the United States in 2020, solidifying NorthPoint Pet’s reputation as one of the nation’s and region’s premier pet nutrition resource center and supply store. 

ABOUT THE INDEPENDENT PET INNOVATION AWARDS 

The Independent Pet Innovation Awards program is the industry’s most robust recognition platform for innovators and leaders in the pet industry. Judged by senior marketing and product professionals in the pet product space, the coveted Independent Innovation Awards recognize the world’s best pet companies, products and services. 

ABOUT NORTHPOINT PETS & COMPANY 

Located in Cheshire, Connecticut, NorthPoint Pets & Company is more than just a pet store, it’s a nationally recognized Pet Resource Center. NorthPoint Pets provides pets and pet parents with premium food, and unbiased and honest information regarding the care, feeding, and behavioral drivers of dogs and cats. NorthPoint Pets collaborates with pet owners to put every pet on a personalized path to better their nutrition and wellness, keeping pets happy, healthy and safe.  

 

2021 Storefront Retailer of the Year – Independent Pet Innovation Awards 

2020 #1 Independent Pet Store in the U.S. – Pet Business Magazine  

 

Won’t my dog (or my family) get sick if I feed a raw diet?

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We have always received advice to cook meat thoroughly in order to eliminate pathogens such as Salmonella, E. Coli, or Campylobacter. However, there is limited documentation linking raw feeding to enteric pathogens. A study conducted by DogRisk1 examined stool samples from dogs fed raw diets and those fed kibble-based diets. The study found that “Zoonotic meat-borne bacteria, such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, and enteropathogenic Yersinia, were only sporadically detected in RMBD (raw meat-based diets) by PCR.”1 In other words, there is no consistent association between raw diets and enteric pathogens.

By following basic, safe handling practices (which we already do when handling our own meat to prevent illness) – such as practicing good hand hygiene, disinfecting surfaces after preparation, and not feeding spoiled meat – the risk of enteric pathogens can be minimized.

It is worth noting that some of the largest and most significant pet food recalls in the U.S. have been linked to dry food. This indicates that heat-treated foods also carry a significant risk of pathogens. Additionally, research shows that most pet owners do not regularly wash their hands or clean their pet food bowls. Therefore, regardless of the type of food you feed your pet, it is important to practice proper hygiene.

 

REFERENCES:

  1. Anturaniemi (o.s. Roine), J., Barrouin-Melo, S., Zaldivar-López, S., Sinkko, H., & Hielm-Björkman, A. (2019). Owners perception of acquiring infections through raw pet food: a comprehensive internet-based survey. Veterinary Record, 185(21). https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.105122

From a Vet Tech: “Why I Add Fresh Food for my Dogs”

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As an experienced dog owner, I understand the importance of providing a well-rounded diet. In this blog, I’ll share my experience and insights on the benefits of incorporating fresh foods into your canine companion’s kibble-based diet. Learn how these simple additions can promote hydration, improve coat and skin health, and support overall well-being for your beloved pets.

How I feed my dogs

I have three dogs: Tyson (a Pit mix), Pongo, and Lila (the Dalmatians). I rotate the protein choices for their kibble every bag. Since I feed a primarily kibble diet, I like to add a lot of fresh foods to their bowls like raw meat toppers, raw organic eggs, goat milk, bone broth, blueberries, green beans, sweet potatoes, broccoli, bananas, the list can keep going. All of these toppers are great sources of moisture being added to the diet, as kibble is very dehydrating to our pet’s body and organs.

What fresh foods do I add?

I add blueberries as they’re a great source of antioxidants and beneficial to the immune system. Adding certain leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce, kale,

Why I add fresh food to my dogs' kibble

Morgan with her dogs Tyson and Pongo

 collard greens, are great sources of natural fiber. Raw organic eggs are full of amino and fatty acids and amazing for skin and coat health. While feeding raw eggs you can also feed the shell (farm fresh only- as store bought egg shells can be bleached and can contain chemicals). The shell is a great natural source of calcium, helping to support strong bones and teeth. Let’s not forget about adding the eggshell membrane as well! The white membrane of the eggshell is full of collagen which is amazing for supporting and/or rebuilding joints.

Why do I add fresh food?

The biggest benefit of adding fresh foods and toppers is I have peace of mind knowing that my dogs stay hydrated — not just from their water bowls. On top of that, their coats shine, their teeth are pearly white, they’re fit and lean, and they’re happy! 

I pay extra close attention to my Dalmatians’ diet because the breed is prone to creating urinary crystals and stones. Their genetics create an overabundance of uric acid in the urinary tract therefore leading to the creation of urinary stones. That being said, I focus on keeping them hydrated because it helps to flush some of the uric acid out. Since adding fresh food to my Dalmatians’ diet, their urinalysis results have been much better and a significant decrease in crystals as well!

Even something as simple as adding filtered water or fresh fruit and vegetables to a pet’s diet can go a long way for the pet’s health. Hydration is a huge key when being fed primarily dry based kibble food.