How to Safely Store Dry Food

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We’ve all heard it before—Keep your pet food in the original bag, do not dump the food into a plastic container. But why?

Proper storage of pet food is essential in maintaining freshness and keeping your pet healthy. Pet food storage containers are typically not airtight. Therefore, these containers allow unwanted air and moisture to get into the food. Aside from the unwanted moisture, the oils and fats from the dry food can interact with the plastic of the container. All of this can cause mold to grow and make the food less palatable, and enjoyable for our furry friends.

Most kibble is dried before packaging to ensure there is no added moisture. Therefore, it is our responsibility, as consumers, to ensure that the moisture-free level remains that same after purchasing. Manufacturers specifically design pet food bags to prevent moisture and to keep the contents as fresh as possible. 

So what is the best way to store dry pet food? The answer is simple– in the original bag, in a cool, dry location. If the bag has a zip closure, it is recommended to expel all air before resealing. If there is no zip closure, release the air within the bag, and roll from the top. If a pet food storage container is available, place the bag into the container for optimal freshness. It is also possible to place sealed food in a refrigerator or freezer. 

NorthPoint Pets team

How to Ensure Quality and Transparency in Pet Products

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The Importance of Transparency in the Pet Industry

Transparency is a buzzword that has been used frequently in recent years, especially by companies within the pet industry. However, it’s important to note that transparency is not just a feel-good term – it’s a crucial aspect that should be present in all pet products, including food and supplements. The lack of transparency in the pet industry can have severe consequences for both pets and their owners.

The Dangers of Poor Transparency

Many pet products, including food and supplements, lack transparency, quality control, and accountability. This means that there may be toxins, poor sourcing, and formulation errors that can potentially harm pets. In the past, there have been recalls of pet food and supplements due to vitamin D and melamine recalls, pathogen recalls, and other contamination and formulation issues.

The Lack of Accountability and Standards in the Pet Industry

Pet food and supplement manufacturers often cut corners and do not do their due diligence because there are no set standards and accountability measures in place. Major organizations such as the FDA, AAFCO, WSAVA, and PNA have minimal standards, and these standards can be influenced by corporate funding. As a result, it’s often difficult for these organizations to police everyone all the time.

There are minimal requirements for foods, supplements, and other pet products to come to market. Some organizations allow these products to come to market without any adequacy testing, digestibility, or feeding trials. Unfortunately, animals often become sick or die before red flags are raised and an investigation is initiated. This underscores the need for more transparency and accountability in the pet industry.

reading a pet food ingredient label

Ask Questions Verifying Pet Food Quality:

  • Do you conduct a 3rd party nutrition analysis on all of your finished products?
    • Do your products meet an AAFCO profile?
    • Are you willing to provide a copy of that analysis? Note that most companies are deceptive and provide Target analysis, which is predicted. This does not equal a typical analysis, be careful
  • Do you conduct 3rd party digestibility studies for each of your formulas?
    • Do you make those publicly available?
  • Do you source any ingredients from China? Are you willing to provide certificates of origin? 
    • Note that ingredients from China are not necessarily bad as long as they are well-sourced, they are ensuring and verifying quality and purity via analysis and contamination testing. 
  • Do you complete analysis of your final product to ensure the formulation is correct and ensure there are not any contamination issues?

Keep in mind that digestibility and typical nutrient analysis mean nothing without the other. Digestibility shows the amount of nutrients absorbed. The analysis shows the amount of nutrients contained within a product.

Beware of the word proprietary – this does not hold a strong argument and may imply a lack of testing, or inadequate testing.

Ask Questions Verifying Supplement Quality:

When looking for any supplement for yourself or your pets you must ask the manufacturing company the following questions:

  • Do you inbound test your raw and/or concentrated ingredients for contaminants such as heavy metals, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals?
  • Do you test your ingredients, specifically active ingredients to ensure their concentrations are correct?
  • Do you source any ingredients from China? 
    • Are you willing to provide certificates of origin? 
    • Note that ingredients from China are not necessarily bad as long as they are well-sourced and they are verifying quality and purity. 
  • Do you complete analysis of your final product to ensure the formulation is correct and ensure there are not any contamination issues? This is important to ensure that active ingredients match the label.
    • Are you willing to provide an analysis for each lot/batch of your final product?
  • Do your company and products meet requirements to utilize the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) seal?
    • I would not recommend supplement companies that are not members of the NASC, especially CBD companies.

Advice to Consumers

This is not a comprehensive list by any stretch. The key take away is that consumers should start asking questions of manufacturers in order to encourage change. The reality is that very few companies can answer these questions because most do not adequately test their products at all stages. By opening up a dialogue about the importance of doing so can help prevent future issues within the industry.

If companies are unwilling to transparently answer these questions or use the excuse of information being proprietary I would strongly suggest that you find another brand. Not being transparent or testing products when it comes to ensuring safety is unacceptable. Brands that are not meeting these standards could potentially be poisoning the market for other companies who do their due diligence. As consumers demand better.

About the Author: Nicole Cammack

Nicci is the owner of award-winning NorthPoint Pets & Company, in Connecticut. She is also the Founder & CEO of Undogmatic Inc. Her undergraduate and graduate education includes biology, chemistry, business, and nutrition. She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry on multiple R&D projects and has had the privilege to learn from leading international figures in the human and pet health industry. She regularly lectures at national conferences, including federal, state, and municipal K9 events. Her current research involves identifying pathogenic risk factors and transmission among raw fed pets through a comprehensive worldwide survey.

www.northpointpets.com
www.undogmaticinc.com

How to Save Money on Your Pet’s Diet During Tough Times

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As the pandemic continues, many pet owners are facing financial difficulties, causing them to rethink their pet’s diet. Raw and canned pet food feeding households are switching to kibble or supplementing with it to save money. In this article, we’ll explore some factors to consider when making the switch.

Calculating Carbohydrate Content

When looking for a lower cost alternative to raw or canned pet food, consider a lower carbohydrate kibble. To determine the percentage of carbohydrates, add together the percentages of protein, fat, moisture, fiber, and ash. Since ash is often not listed on the label, estimate it to be around 6-8%. Subtract the total from 100 to get the carbohydrate content.

Protein Quality

A low carbohydrate kibble does not automatically guarantee adequate or high-quality protein. Your dog or cat needs to consume a certain amount of total grams of protein rather than an overall percentage. If you’re transitioning from raw to kibble or supplementing your pet’s raw diet with kibble, it’s crucial to reach out to pet food companies and request:

  • Third-party digestibility data for the specific formula you are considering feeding. Do they conduct digestibility testing for all of their formulas? Just one? Or none?  This is important because if the food is not highly digestible, then the amount of protein is irrelevant since the animal may not be able to utilize it.
  • A typical AAFCO nutrient analysis to determine if they regularly analyze their formulas for adequate nutrition that meets or exceeds AAFCO standards. Over time companies average these analyses together (typical) in order to provide a profile of that food over time. Most companies don’t conduct these tests and will instead provide a “targeted analysis” which represents the nutrition of that food as formulated on paper. It may not actually represent what is in the final product – AND if the company does not provide digestibility data it may mean that those nutrients may not be absorbed or metabolized adequately.
  • Pay attention to the calorie ratios of the food you are considering. Specifically, look at protein to calorie, carbohydrate to calorie, and fat to calorie ratios. This information will help you determine if the food is suitable for your pet’s specific needs. It may also indicate the accuracy of claims made on the packaging.

adding raw dog food to dry dog food

Adding Fresh Food

Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your pet’s bowl can provide numerous health benefits, whether you feed kibble or raw. Using foods that may otherwise go to waste can also help reduce costs. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that neutralize toxic free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage.

A lot of us raw feeders choose to feed raw due to health conditions, disease prevention, and/or personal choice. While much of the evidence supporting these diets is anecdotal, there is a lot of research emerging to support these diets. Regardless, we do know there is sufficient published evidence to show the detriments of processed kibble and canned foods. For this reason, many of us worry about transitioning back. The good news is the researchers at the University of Helsinki DogRisk group have shown that feeding just 20% fresh food with processed food (i.e. kibble and canned food) reduces the incidence of inflammatory biomarkers quite significantly. 

Consider Freeze-Dried Foods

If you’re feeding commercial raw, consider freeze-dried foods. Traditionally, these foods have been cost-prohibitive, but there are now highly digestible and affordable brands, such as Northwest Naturals and Vital Essentials. These foods are shelf-stable, lightweight, and easy to store or transport.

Conclusion

Switching to a lower cost alternative to raw or canned pet food can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can make a more informed decision about what to feed your pet during these tough times. Remember, adding fresh foods and considering freeze-dried options can help you save money while still providing your pet with a healthy diet.

*This article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to provide medical advice or replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian.

About the Author: Nicole Cammack

Nicci is the owner of award-winning NorthPoint Pets & Company, in Connecticut. She is also the Founder & CEO of Undogmatic Inc. Her undergraduate and graduate education includes biology, chemistry, business, and nutrition. She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry on multiple R&D projects and has had the privilege to learn from leading international figures in the human and pet health industry. She regularly lectures at national conferences, including federal, state, and municipal K9 events. Her current research involves identifying pathogenic risk factors and transmission among raw fed pets through a comprehensive worldwide survey.

www.northpointpets.com
www.undogmaticinc.com

Considerations for Pet Food Bulk Buying and Shelf Life

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As a pet owner, you’re probably familiar with the idea of buying pet food in bulk. It can be a convenient way to save money and ensure you always have enough food for your beloved pets. However, with the current economic situation and the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, it’s important to reconsider this practice. While it’s understandable to want to stock up on essentials, including pet food, there are some things to keep in mind.

Industry data sources show that many pet owners have stocked up on pet food, often purchasing enough to last for months. While this might seem like a smart move, it can actually lead to problems, particularly if packages are opened or damaged. In this article, we’ll explore why buying pet food in bulk might not be the best choice right now, and what you can do instead to ensure your pet stays healthy and well-fed.

Let’s take a look at the specific types of pet food for more information:

Considerations for Buying Dry Pet Food in Bulk

An unopened bag of dry pet food (kibble) can last up to 24 months, but fish-based food may only last for a little over a year. This is assuming that the manufacturer has ensured proper levels of tocopherols as natural preservatives. However, once the bag is opened, the shelf life of pet food becomes relatively short and should be consumed within 30-45 days. You can extend the shelf life of pet food by freezing it and using airtight containers, but be cautious when using plastic bins as they may pose health concerns. Unfortunately, most pet food companies do not evaluate the stability of their food and its nutrients after the bag has been opened.

The Risks of Improper Storage

When pet food is stored for a long time, especially if the package is opened or damaged, there is a significant risk of fats spoiling, mycotoxin contamination, pathogenic bacteria, and storage mites. Dumping bags of kibble into dry food storage containers is one of the most common mistakes. Improper storage of kibble is a major reason for food-related illness in pets, which is often not considered until it’s too late. To learn more about the dangers of pet food storage containers, read our other blog here. 

Caution When Buying in Bulk

If you have a small pet or one that only eats a small amount of kibble, be cautious when purchasing a large bag of pet food. While the affordability of a large bag may seem tempting, bacterial growth, infestation, and rancidity may make your pet ill and erase any cost savings. To purchase in bulk, it’s best to buy smaller bags and store them in a freezer if possible. Remember to rotate the stock and avoid mixing old food with newly-opened bags to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and rancidity.

Considerations for Buying Canned Pet Food in Bulk

Once opened, canned food can be refrigerated and stored for a couple of days. However, it should ideally be used within the same day. Many who feed canned pet food know that many dogs and cats won’t touch canned food after it’s been refrigerated. Depending on the amount your pet consumes you may want to consider brands that offer a smaller can size to avoid tossing out extra food from larger cans. 

The shelf life of most canned varieties of foods is 2-3 years. Therefore, stocking up is generally not a problem. Although, when shopping online or at discount retailers it is always a good idea to check the dates on the items you purchase.  One of the benefits of shopping small is that canned food is carefully tracked and rotated within the inventory to ensure maximum shelf life. 

Considerations for Buying Freeze-Dried Pet Food in Bulk

Easily becoming the “unofficial” pet food of the pandemic, freeze-dried foods offer the best of both worlds – lesser processed food AND shelf-stability.  Generally, these products take up less room and weigh substantially less than kibble and canned food so storage is also a plus. This is actually an option many raw feeders use when traveling to cut down on weight and the use of refrigeration and freezing. Many kibble, canned and raw feeders actually use freeze-dried as a supplement to regular meals, intermittently replacing meals and/or as treats. 

At first, glance, freeze-dried foods may have the perception of being more expensive, but in fact, may be just as or more affordable than canned and raw food options. These foods have had most of their moisture removed, which is also the bulk of the weight and what takes up the most amount of room which gives the perception of less food. Instead what you’re left with is a highly nutrient-dense, and likely a higher digestible product which you can choose to add water back to. Lastly, pets love freeze-dried foods since they are typically higher in meat and are generally much more palatable. 

Most of these products have expiration dates of 2 years or more – however, there is evidence on the human side to suggest that these foods have shelf lives of 20-30 years. Not something we would recommend planning on, but if the situation was dire, they are an option.

Check out some of our favorite freeze-dried options from Northwest Naturals and SmallBatch.

Considerations for Buying Frozen Raw Pet Food in Bulk

As of the publication date of this article, it is likely that a meat shortage will affect the pet food supply. The closure of slaughter and packing outlets due to COVID-19 infections among workers is taxing the supply chain. This, in turn, is already having a domino effect on the number of animals that will be bred and raised for consumption. Farmers and ranchers do not want to invest in raising animals that they will be unable to send for slaughter – a grim aspect of the reality we are facing.

If you have visited a grocery store recently you know our meat prices are rising, and this will likely happen for raw pet products too. If you don’t feed raw and think you are safe, it’s not the case. While this will impact all pet food types, it will likely be seen in raw and fresh food categories first. 

Stocking up more than a couple of months’ worth, depending on the quality of the packaging may yield some of the same problems we see with kibble. Fats within the raw are susceptible to oxidation, and nutrient loss as time passes. If you have the ability to stock up, you may also want to consider supplementing with freeze-dried foods that have a longer shelf life. 

If you are a raw feeder and need more information on switching or supplementing to kibble and other affordable options please read here.

*This article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to provide medical advice or replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian.


About the Author: Nicci Cammack

Nicci is the owner of award-winning NorthPoint Pets & Company, in Connecticut. She is also the Founder & CEO of Undogmatic Inc. Her undergraduate and graduate education includes biology, chemistry, business, and nutrition. She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry on multiple R&D projects and has had the privilege to learn from leading international figures in the human and pet health industry. She regularly lectures at national conferences, including federal, state, and municipal K9 events. Her current research involves identifying pathogenic risk factors and transmission among raw fed pets through a comprehensive worldwide survey.

www.northpointpets.com
www.undogmaticinc.com

 

 

 

 

fresh strawberries for dogs

Should I Feed My Pet Fresh Fruits & Vegetables?

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Should we be adding fresh fruits and vegetables to our pet’s meals?

It seems like every week, we hear one thing and the next week it changes (like the great butter vs margarine debate). When it comes to our pets, nutrition is almost like a religion with many different beliefs and philosophies. Unfortunately, many of these arguments are based more on emotion than science. Although there is scientific evidence to support various nutrition philosophies, the interpretation of evidence can lead to potentially unsafe practices.

To make matters worse, marketing practices can further confuse pet owners and veterinarians, leaving them unable to distinguish fact from fiction. Despite this, we have seen significant shifts in recommendations for both humans and pets and diet-related diseases like insulin-dependent diabetes and obesity cannot be ignored. In humans, there is ample evidence to support a causal relationship between high intake of processed foods (containing refined carbohydrates/sugars) and insulin-dependent diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic-related diseases. It makes sense that we would worry about the same issues in our pets, considering that most dry pet foods contain between 40-60% refined carbohydrates.

Can Pets Digest Carbohydrates?

We know vegetables are important in the human diet, some more nutritionally beneficial than others, and the same applies to our pets. While the debate amongst many within the pet nutrition industry may disagree – our dogs are not wolves (read more here), and they can digest carbohydrates. While the ability to do this varies between various breeds, the focus of this blog isn’t the ability of our pets to digest carbs – instead, it is the benefits they obtain from fiber, antioxidants, and other phytochemicals contained within fruits and vegetables.

Our canines & felines need muscle meat, organ & bone partly due to the bioavailability of amino acids and other nutrients. If you were to give your dog the option of meat or plants/vegetables, studies show they would choose meat. However, when offered together, most dogs and some cats will consume fruit or vegetables too. Some trial and error with various cooking methods, chopping, mincing, or even blending in a food processor may entice those who may be pickier.

Why Supplementing Your Pet’s Diet with Vegetables is Importanthungry dog with fruit and vegetable bowl

As a pet owner, you may wonder if it’s necessary to supplement your pet’s diet with vegetables, especially if they don’t seem to like them. After all, isn’t pet food already complete and balanced? While pet food does provide the necessary nutrients, adding vegetables to your pet’s diet can provide additional benefits.

Vegetables and plants are abundant in vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fiber, and even beneficial bacteria. However, for pets that primarily consume canned and/or kibble food, adding fresh plant-based foods can provide protective benefits. Canned and kibble foods tend to have high levels of carcinogenic chemicals called advanced glycation end products, or AGEs.

The Negative Effects of AGEs

AGEs are naturally present in animal-based products, and additional AGEs form during the cooking process. Since dogs and cats primarily eat these types of food their entire life, their toxic load is much higher as a result. Toxic loads can negatively impact various organ systems, overall health, and even shorten the lifespan of pets and people.

The good news is that antioxidants and other phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables, particularly leafy greens and berries, help to ward off some of the negative effects of AGEs. By adding fresh, organic, raw, or lightly cooked plants and veggies to your pet’s diet, you can help to reduce the toxic load and improve their overall health.

The Limitations of Commercial Pet Food

Even the best raw, kibble, or dehydrated foods lack the benefits of fresh, organic, raw, or lightly cooked plants and veggies. By supplementing your pet’s diet with fresh plant-based foods, you can help to provide a well-rounded and balanced diet that supports their health and well-being.

Fruits and veggies you can feed to your pets include:
  • Leafy greens (rotate for variety)
  • Green beans
  • Broccoli/Cauliflower
  • Summer squash
  • Blueberries
  • Watermelon
  • Pineapple
  • Apples

….just to name a few!

What Foods are Safe for Dogs and Cats?

While there are only a few things dogs and cats can’t have, quantity is what matters. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

  • Monitor Onion Intake – Large amounts of onions can cause Heinz body anemia in pets, but small amounts in tomato sauce are usually fine. Garlic is safe in moderation and may benefit the immune system, while also serving as an effective flea & tick preventative.
  • Avoid Grapes and Avocados – Grapes and avocados may affect pets differently, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
  • Experiment with Fruits and Vegetables – It’s okay to experiment with new fruits and vegetables one at a time, and observe for any adverse reactions. Fresh and healthy table food can be shared with your pet in moderation. 
  • Cats and High-Starch Foods – For cats specifically, avoid high-starch foods like potatoes, pumpkin, and grain-based products. Cats lack adequate enzymes to digest carbohydrates. Instead, focus on low-starch vegetables that are rich in antioxidants to support their digestive system.

How much to add?

These additions for cats should be kept low, however, they can be added to dog’s diets in greater amounts. Cats should consume no more than 5%, and dogs should be no more than 15-20%.

 

*This article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to provide medical advice or replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian.

 

About the Author: Nicole Cammack

Nicole is the founder & owner of multiple-award winning NorthPoint Pets & Company, in Connecticut, USA. She has completed undergraduate work in biological sciences, business and holds an M.S. in Nutrition. Currently, Nicole is pursuing a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Sciences (Canine Nutrition/Metabolomics) at the prestigious University of Georgia in the USA.
Her background includes experience in the pharmaceutical industry on multiple R&D projects and has had the privilege to learn from leading figures in the human and pet health industries. Nicole has been heavily involved in police canine nutrition within the USA, helping to improve the modern care and feeding of working dogs. Her interests include working dog nutrition, raw feeding, pathogens, metabolomics, and nutrition’s relationship to disease in humans and canines. Her current research involves the exploration of the canine urinary metabolome and the relationship to diet.

Publications: Cammack, N.R., Yamka, R.M., and Adams, V.J. (2021). Low Number of Owner-Reported Suspected Transmission of Foodborne Pathogens From Raw Meat-Based Diets Fed to Dogs and/or Cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 8. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.741575.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.741575/full

Contact:

www.northpointpets.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-cammack-8400084b/?trk=author_mini-profile_title

 

 

Engage Your Pooch: Fun Ways to Keep Your Dog Mentally and Physically Active

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More people are home with their pets these days and just like their humans, pets need to stay both mentally and physically engaged. Rather than have your dog decide how to entertain himself (i.e. eating your favorite shoes or chewing on your couch cushions) here are a few ideas to try out with your pooch.

Teach your dog to “Find It!”

Teaching your dog the basics of scent work is both mentally and physically engaging for your pet by making him feel useful and productive.  All you need are some treats and/or toys. Have your dog “stay” in a certain spot. Place a bit of food or his favorite toy at the other end of the room. Give your dog a command to “find it”. After doing this a few times your dog will understand what you want him to do.

Once your dog seems to know “find it” try increasing the nose challenge. While your dog is in the stay position put the treat or toy out of his line of sight.  The idea is to increase the distance between your pet and the treat/toy.

Using a treat that is “smelly” and putting it out of his line of sight is a great way to teach your dog to use his sense of smell and not sight.  Be sure to shower your dog with praise when he finds the treat.  While teaching this skill, you may want to begin by dragging the treat along the floor to create a scent path until he gets more adept at using his nose.  Place treats in various locations around your home, some easier to find and others more of a challenge.

Another simple nose work game is “which hand”.  Hide a treat in one of your hands while your dog watches and ask your dog “which one”?  If he chooses the wrong hand don’t give him the treat.  When he chooses the correct hand, reward him with the treat and lots of praise.  He will learn to use his nose rather than eyes to find the treat.

Interaction & Play

In addition, to “hide and seek” with treats and toys, there are a number of other games you can play with Rover.  Here are a few:

Tug of War:  Always fun for dogs, a good teaching tool and great exercise.

Fetch: Of course, only if you have the space to do this safely!

Puzzle games: There are many different “treat” puzzles on the market to challenge your pet. We have several options like snuffle mats, Paw5 bowls, Mine Pet Platters, Kong Toys, Licki Mats & more!

Chasing bubbles: All you need is just a bottle and a wand. Bubble stuff is generally non-toxic and this can be great exercise.

How to choose the right toy

Toys provide a great outlet for your pup’s mental and physical energy. A popular one is a stuffed Kong. You can stuff the toy with a variety of treats that will keep your pet busy and entertained. Another great option is our new Licki Mats – these are textured silicone mats that you can put yogurt, peanut butter, canned food, etc. and freeze it!  This provides a long-lasting treat that results in a tired pup! Again, dogs love a challenge and these are great ones that tend to hold up to dogs who may need tougher options. Luckily, they make various sizes for all size dogs!

Why chewing matters

Chewing is a great form of mental stimulation because it allows them to focus on one thing to engage various muscles that surround their jaw resulting in one tired pup!  Great all-natural, non-toxic options include Earth Animal No-Hides, Stash bully sticks, raw bones, duck necks, turkey necks, antlers, water buffalo horns, and more!

Note: We do have great “Boredom Bag” options – our staff will ask you a variety of questions to determine your dog’s likes, dislikes, sensitivities, activity level, and chewing habits to create a customized bag of treats, toys and extra surprises for your cat or dog!

Master the basics…and more

dogs hiking running jumping over log

OK – so we’re all a little guilty (maybe) for letting our dogs off easy. Brush up on basic obedience, or take the opportunity to teach your dog basic obedience commands: sit, down, stay, drop it, and come here.

Take it a step further and teach your dog basic impulse control commands: wait, stay, settle, down, and “place”.  Start by teaching your dog to look at you.  Always reward patient behavior.

Teach your dog a new “skill” like putting their toys away, naming their toys, and finding their toys.  Start with one specific toy that you give a name.  With some practice and praise your dog will learn his specific toys by name.

When teaching your dog a new trick, you may consider clicker training as an option.  This uses conditioning to teach your dog that when he hears the clicker he will get a treat for doing the task he was asked.

Grooming

Sure, not all dogs are fans of being groomed but it does need to be done now and then.  Brushing, bathing, nail trimming … reward good behavior with treats and praise. It’s important to remember to be patient, dogs can pick up on our anxiety and stress – stay calm!

Calm time

It doesn’t always have to be about physical and mental challenges.  Some snuggling together on the couch, a “doggie massage”, or even reading to your dog can be a wonderful way to spend some quality time with your dog.

If your dog is normally crated when you are at work, it is probably best to continue to utilize crate time for short periods of time during our quarantine times. This may help to reduce separation anxiety when we do begin to return to work.

From teaching your dog tricks, basic scent training, playing games, and providing chew treats/toys there are many great options to keep your pet mentally and physically challenged.

 

Publications: Cammack, N.R., Yamka, R.M., and Adams, V.J. (2021). Low Number of Owner-Reported Suspected Transmission of Foodborne Pathogens From Raw Meat-Based Diets Fed to Dogs and/or Cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 8. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.741575.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.741575/full

Contact:

www.northpointpets.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-cammack-8400084b/?trk=author_mini-profile_title

 

The Hidden Dangers of Storing Pet Food in Plastic Bins

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If you chose to use storage containers, always keep the food in the original packaging and then place it into the bin. Find out why.

Read more
improving bowl of dry kibble

How to Improve the Quality of Dry Food

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We recommend a variety of supplements for varying reasons, however the most common reason is to improve upon a kibble. Here are some of our favorite tips for improving the health of your pet on dry food:

Read more

Tips for Choosing the Best Pet Food Options

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In previous posts, we discussed the history of dry food or “kibble” and why it may not be the best option for all pets. Today, pet owners have a variety of options to choose from, including canned food, freeze-dried meals, and raw diets. However, with so many choices available, it can be challenging to navigate the market and find the best options for your pet.

Spotting Deceptive Tactics

As consumers, it is essential to be aware of the deceptive tactics some manufacturers use to sell their products. Some companies may market their products as “premium” or “natural,” but in reality, they contain fillers and low-quality ingredients. To avoid falling prey to these tactics, it is crucial to read the label carefully and understand the ingredients listed.

Changes in the Pet Food Industry

The way we purchase pet food has also evolved over the years. In the past, most people bought their pet food from local feed and farm supply stores. These stores provided quality products at affordable prices and were centrally located. However, with the rise of big-box retailers and online shopping, many of these small businesses have closed.

While online retailers offer convenience, some pets have suffered as a result. Products may sit in warehouses for months, leading to expired or stale food. Additionally, there have been instances of customers purchasing expired food from online retailers and attempting to return it to local stores. To ensure the quality of your pet’s food, it is best to purchase from a reputable, local pet supply store.

Choosing the Best Pet Food

At local pet supply stores, pet owners can find a variety of local and all-American options, as well as some Canadian and European brands with unique quality control measures. It is essential to read labels carefully and choose products without fillers or low-quality ingredients. Some family-owned pet food manufacturers offer high-quality, honest products, and even provide free samples to try before you buy.

While advancements in the pet food industry have brought about many positive changes, it is crucial for pet owners to be informed and make the best choices for their pets. By choosing quality products and supporting local businesses, we can ensure that our pets receive the nutrition they need to live healthy, happy lives.

The best advice I can give when choosing a pet food is twofold:

Understand How to Read a Pet Food Label

If you’re a pet owner, it’s important to know what your pet’s food is made of. Understanding pet food ingredients can help you make better choices for your pet’s health and wellbeing. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking at the ingredients in your pet’s food:

reading pet food ingredient label

  1. Know the source of each ingredient: It’s important to know where each ingredient comes from to ensure the quality and safety of your pet’s food. Look for pet food brands that use high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

  2. Consider your pet’s digestive system: Cats and dogs have shorter digestive tracts than humans, which means they may have difficulty digesting grains and carbohydrates. Look for pet foods that are easy for your pet to digest.

  3. Watch out for deceptive labeling: “Meat first” labeling can be deceiving because ingredients are listed by weight before cooking. This means that the first ingredient may not actually be the main protein source. Look for pet foods that have a high percentage of whole proteins.

  4. Understand meal ingredients: Meals, such as chicken meal or fish meal, are not necessarily bad ingredients. However, you should avoid by-product meals. Look for pet foods with whole protein meals as the first ingredient for optimal nutrition.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can make informed decisions about the pet food you purchase and help ensure your pet stays healthy and happy.

Shop Small

If you’re in Connecticut or any other state, you’ll find many small pet food supply stores. Shopping small has many advantages:

  • Direct access to the owner who truly cares about the quality of products on their shelves and the pets they are feeding. Family-owned businesses have a unique sense of pride, vast knowledge, and experience in many brands and types of food. Unlike big-box stores, small businesses provide individualized approaches to each customer.

  • Small businesses can actually be more affordable. Big box stores have huge overhead and investors, who are concerned with the bottom line. Many small businesses will meet or beat the large competitor’s price and offer frequent buyer programs.

  • Many online retailers have shipping costs wrapped into their “low price”. Although online retailers offer convenience, your local small retailers often offer excellent prices. Many small businesses will even deliver, sometimes even on the same day! 

  • Frequent buyer programs can’t be found through online retailers, nor can their knowledge or experience.

  • Many stores have owners and staff who are college-educated pet nutritionists. Some staff members also have additional certifications in pet nutrition, allowing them to spend extra time combing through ingredient labels, and vitamin panels to find the perfect food for your pet. 

  • Many small pet supply stores have an extensive knowledge and offering of nutritional supplements that can help support whole body health as well as help pets with many types of disease.

  • Small businesses have exclusivity with many small companies that offer unique treats, toys, foods, and accessories that can’t be found online or in big box stores.

  • Small businesses give back to the community. They support local sports teams, youth groups, music programs, senior programs, rescues, and local pounds. They annually donate several TONS of food to local rescue and municipal pounds.  Keeping business local provides support for the community in a much greater way than you could ever imagine.

A Balanced Approach to Pet Health

We believe in treating each pet as an individual, not just another animal to be sold products or treated with a one-size-fits-all protocol. We’ve found that the healthiest pets have benefited from a unique balance of traditional medicine, holistic medicine, and wholesome nutrition.

Small (Affordable) Changes for Big Improvements

While we highly advocate for a fresh, organic, raw meat diet, we understand that it may not be feasible or affordable for everyone. However, even small changes can make a big difference. For example, adding fresh food to your pet’s dry food can help improve their health. We understand that budget is a concern for many pet owners, so we strive to help our clients do the best they can within their means.

If you have scraps of meat or vegetables left over from cooking, why not add a small handful to your pet’s bowl? Even cats can benefit from fresh food, though it may take them 2-4 weeks to adjust to changes in their diet. At our pet store, we encourage all pet owners to try adding fresh food to their pet’s diet and see the difference it can make.