Vomiting is one of the most commonly reported clinical signs noted in feline veterinary exams. While many cat owners fancy their cats as just having “sensitive stomachs” or simply “eating too fast”, chronic vomiting is not by any means healthy or ‘normal’.
Fact: Kibble contains large amounts of carbohydrates (sugars), creating an environment where bad bacteria thrive – often leading to bad breath, plaque, and gum disease.
Pro Tip: While no diet can actively remove existing plaque, fresh or raw diets can help protect your pet’s teeth and gums by maintaining optimal stomach pH, which is required for the body to combat bacteria that leads to oral diseases.
Read More in our Dental Health Month article
Freeze-dried raw food is still raw and has not been cooked. Therefore, perhaps the best benefit of all is that it contains pristine nutrition for your pet: animal-based proteins, essential fats and amino acids in their most digestible, bioavailable form. At NPP we strongly believe that whole, fresh feeding is the best form of nutrition for your pet.
Perhaps the best perk about freeze-dried food is the versatility. Freeze-dried foods can be fed as:
Since freeze-dried foods are vacuum dried, they can be kept safely at room temperature. The compact, lightweight, nutrient-dense meal simplifies feeding while you’re on the road or away from home. In addition, the less weight in your day pack can make all the difference when you’re planning to hike that extra mile.
Unlike frozen raw food, freeze-dried foods do not require freezing, and therefore do not need to be thawed. When served as a topper or treat, you can feed it right out of the bag – no prep needed. If using it as a complete meal on a regular basis, freeze-dried formulas should be hydrated.
While freeze-dried formulas contain excellent high-quality protein and healthy fats, they have zero moisture, which can put unnecessary strain on your pet’s organ function over time. If freeze-dried food makes up more than 25% of your pet’s diet, we recommend adding some bone broth, goat milk, or warm water. Allow the food to soak for 5-10 minutes to absorb the moisture before feeding.
Freeze-dried foods tend to be a favorite amongst picky pets, commonly small dogs and cats. Here’s why: The freeze-drying process yields a final product that smells great and is relatively soft in texture. Prior to hydration, the food is dry but softer than kibble. After hydration, the food resembles canned/wet food. If your pet prefers a shredded texture, simply break up the pieces with a fork or your hand. If they prefer a smooth pate texture, leave the food intact.
Many pet-owners become frustrated if their pet doesn’t instantly fall in love with a frozen raw diet. For some pets, this transition can be off-putting: to go from eating a processed, extruded dry kibble to a cold, wet raw meal (think stale pizza crust to cold grass-fed prime rib). Freeze-dried formulas can help to bridge the gap with a room-temperature, palatable, fragrant, enticing meal that can gradually replace your pet’s kibble without the shocking change.
Avid raw feeders can all tell stories of the times they forgot to take out their pet’s frozen meals to thaw. Come dinner time, it’s nice to have a shelf-stable Plan B, just in case!
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, enhances joint health & can also help with these six ailments:
Our pet’s health wellbeing starts with quality nutrition. However, many people fear that changing their pet’s diet will cause digestive upset. After all, no one wants to clean up after a pet with an upset stomach! Therefore, a smooth pet food transition is key to ensuring optimal digestion. In this blog, we will share valuable insights on how to navigate the transition and avoid digestive upset.
Every pet is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to transitioning their food. The key is to adopt the “start low and go slow” strategy.
A common mistake is to wait until the pet food bag is empty before purchasing their new food. However, abrupt changes in the diet are likely to upset your dog or cat’s stomach.
Instead, we highly suggest planning for a gradual transition period lasting 10-14 days. This means to begin the introduction of new food while you still have 7-10 days’ worth of old food left. This timeframe allows your pet’s digestive system to adjust to the new food gradually. By taking it slow, you can minimize the chances of digestive upset and other discomforts.
Another common misconception is that a 50/50 mix of old food and new food is appropriate to start. While some pets may acclimate well to this type of transition, many will not. Instead, most pets do well with a 20-25% mixture of new food to 75-80% old food. This smaller increment will allow your pet’s digestive system to better adjust to the new food.
From here, gradually increase the fraction of new food and decrease the old food over the course of 10-14 days, pausing for 2-3 days at each new ratio. Here is an example:
Cats are likely to refuse a new food without a slow introduction.
It’s important to note that this example may not work for every pet. Pets with a sensitive digestive system, for example, may need to start with as little as 10% new food, or pause for longer intervals between each step. Our team can hep guide you throughout your transition.
During the transition, it’s essential to keep a close eye on your pet’s reactions and adjust accordingly. If you notice any signs of mild digestive upset, don’t panic. Simply reduce the amount of new food slightly and proceed at a slower pace. Additionally, incorporating probiotics or digestive enzymes, such as goat milk or bone broth, can provide beneficial gut support and aid in easing the transition.
Why is a gradual transition important? Rapid switches in diet can shock your pet’s digestive system, leading to gastrointestinal distress. In some animals (especially cats) a rapid transition can also create food aversion. By allowing time for adaptation, you give your pet’s gut the opportunity to adjust to the new food’s ingredients and nutrient composition. This approach promotes a smoother transition and reduces the likelihood of stomach upset, diarrhea, or other digestive issues.
When it comes to transitioning your pet’s food, patience and attentiveness are key. By following the “start low and go slow” method, observing your pet’s reactions, and making adjustments as needed, you can help them adapt to their new diet with ease and ensure their overall well-being.
Remember, every pet is unique, so the transition process may vary. What works for one may not work for another. Stay attuned to your pet’s needs, consult with your veterinarian, and provide the care and attention necessary for a successful and comfortable food transition. Our team is always available to help guide you through your pet’s new food introduction.
When we feed our pets, many of us prefer to provide food sourced from animals that have been raised humanely, allowed to roam freely on pastures, or treated well in other ways. However, since these terms lack regulation, pet food brands can make claims about their product’s nature without the need to substantiate or define them. In other words, if a claim lacks the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) or Certified Humane label, it could simply be a marketing tactic.
So, what exactly do these labels signify, and how can consumers determine the truth behind their purchases? When it comes to animal welfare claims, both small and large farms can undergo independent third-party audits by organizations like GAP and Certified Humane, which assess and certify the level of animal welfare provided. In this discussion, we will primarily focus on GAP certification, as it is the label most consumers are familiar with.
GAP certification audits, if passed, assign a level of certification based on how the animals are raised, what they are fed, access to water, access to outdoors and how the animal was slaughtered — just to name a few. (Figure 1). All GAP farms are required to be audited at least every 15 months to maintain certification. Standards for all animals can be accessed here.
There is a significant contrast between the base GAP certification and the higher levels of 5 and 5+ certifications in terms of the environment provided. If we examine the different levels of GAP certification for chickens, we can observe that Level 1 does not necessitate outdoor or natural light access for the chickens and requires minimal space. This resembles the conditions typically associated with a ‘factory farm.’ On the other hand, when we consider Level 5 and 5+ chickens, we find that they require daily access to pasture starting from 4 weeks of age, and the pasture must maintain 75+% vegetative cover (refer to Figure 2). Both of these levels are GAP certified, but their implications are significantly different.
Another example is the labeling of “free range” chickens without GAP certification. In such cases, chickens are simply allowed access to the outdoors, but the USDA does not define the quality, duration, or size of outdoor space access. To make the claim of being “free range” with GAP certification, the product must meet at least GAP 3 or higher certification standards.
Figure 1: Date accessed: April 13, 2021: https://globalanimalpartnership.org/standards/
Understanding the various definitions of GAP certification is crucial to navigate its potentially ambiguous labeling. The situation becomes even more complex when pet food companies claim adherence to GAP or Certified Humane standards on their social media platforms, advertisements, literature, or websites, without actually displaying the corresponding labels on their packaging. This practice is deceptive to both consumers and retailers. During the process of compiling examples for this article, I encountered numerous instances where companies asserted GAP certification for all their products, yet the GAP label was nowhere to be found on their packaging.
This raises the question: What level of GAP certification are they referring to? One particular company went so far as to state:
“All of our livestock is under the Global Animal Partnership – a RARE standard to have in the pet food industry… We believe that all animals should be able to live in their natural environments and be able to express themselves freely and eat their native diets.”
Ironically, none of their products featured the GAP label, leaving retailers and consumers unable to determine the specific level of GAP certification achieved by each formula. The statement on their social media implies that GAP certification ensures access to natural environments such as outdoor spaces and green pastures for all livestock. However, it’s important to note that not all levels of GAP certification require such “natural environments” (refer to Figure 2). In other words, unless the individual product packaging displays the GAP label, there are no guarantees that the product complies with any GAP standard, let alone Level 5 or 5+.
Figure 2: Date accessed: April 13, 2021: https://globalanimalpartnership.org/standards/chicken/
The figures presented above clearly illustrate the significant variations in GAP labeling certifications. It’s important to understand that these certifications are not equal. To simplify, Base Level 1 is comparable to many conventional factory farms, which can achieve different levels of GAP certification. Conversely, Level 5 and 5+ certifications provide animals with a markedly different living environment and overall life experience compared to Level 1.
In the context of human food, we do encounter higher levels of GAP certification more frequently, albeit not consistently. However, when it comes to pet food, the higher levels of GAP certification are much less prevalent. These levels involve additional care and costs, making the associated products more expensive. Even retailers like Whole Foods, who offer GAP certified products in their Meat Department ranging from base to 5+, do not commit to a specific level of GAP certified products. This is likely due to the higher costs and limited availability of products with these higher certifications.
You may be wondering if the availability and affordability of higher levels of GAP certified products in the human food supply also extend to pet food. You would be correct to assume that level 4, 5, or 5+ meat products are rarely found in pet food. The mass production of pet food faces challenges in maintaining a steady supply of these products. Additionally, their cost is often prohibitive for consumers by the time they reach store shelves. In our research, we found a limited selection of pet food products containing GAP 4 beef and one GAP 4 lamb kibble. However, their high price of approximately $90 USD for a 24lb bag makes them less attractive to most consumers, who are more likely to opt for freeze-dried or raw alternatives. It’s worth noting that these products also include whitefish meal and herring meal alongside lamb, further diminishing their appeal.
However, we do observe the more common usage of GAP Base Certification through Level 3 in pet food, as these standards are relatively easier to meet. Nonetheless, products with these certifications tend to be on the higher end of the price range for pet foods. Unfortunately, without understanding the meaning of certification levels, consumers can be deceived by labeling systems, assuming that products with the label or claim are superior to those without. The truth is that a pet food without a GAP label may be equally as good or even better than those with the label.
Before you venture out to purchase pet foods that are GAP certified, it may be best to check what the levels of certification mean for that particular protein here: https://globalanimalpartnership.org/standards/.
In today’s consumer-driven market, the welfare of animals and responsible ingredient sourcing has gained significant importance, and rightfully so. Pet food manufacturers have recognized this and adapted their marketing strategies to create an illusion of transparency, responsibility, and sustainability. For example, GAP certification can provide insights into the care and well-being of animals used in the production process. However, it’s important to note that these certifications do not guarantee quality or assure nutrition and food safety, regardless of the claims made by pet food companies in their marketing efforts.
GAP labels should not overshadow the necessity for pet food companies to conduct comprehensive nutritional analysis, digestibility studies, and implement test and hold practices for their final products. These labels can help consumers distinguish companies that genuinely prioritize animal welfare and responsible sourcing from those that do not. However, if companies fail to employ basic validation and food safety testing for their end products, it puts the health of pets at risk. The question arises: What does this mean?
Transparency in the pet industry is crucial for retailers and pet owners. Request nutrient analysis and digestibility data from pet food companies. Inquire about “test and hold” protocols to prevent pathogens and contaminants. Sadly, popular brands, including raw pet food brands, often lack these safety measures, resulting in avoidable recalls.
For more on this topic click here.
Nicole is the founder & 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.
Proper hydration impacts your pet’s health at many levels and is the most powerful, least expensive improvement you can make to their diet. READ MORE
The reason you’re reading this is that you have some interest in the small animal world, whether it pertains to chinchillas, guinea pigs, mice, rats, rabbits, gerbils or hamsters. In this article, you will learn about the nutrition, housing, and health concerns your small pet will need/have. Most small animals share the same nutrition and housing needs, but there are some variations as well.
Chinchillas enjoy enrichment toys.
Treats: Offering your small pet treats will help build a bond between you and your pet, but they should only be offered sparingly. Giving treats frequently can lead to an aversion to their healthier foods.
Reasons to contact your vet: abnormal eating/drinking, sores on feet, overgrown teeth, lethargy, blood in urine, sneezing or trouble breathing, wet or soiled tail (hamsters/gerbils), loose/soft/lack of stool, or bald patches in the fur.
Oxbow Animal Health. Oxbow Animal Health, www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/.
Riggs, Natalie. “Do Guinea Pigs Need Vitamin C? #Absolutely, They Do.: Small Pet Select.” Small Pet Select Blogs, 30 Nov. 2019, smallpetselect.com/the-importance-of-vitamin-c-for-guinea-pigs/.
Pet parents often mistakenly blame specific ingredients on their pet food label for their pet’s allergy symptoms. However, allergies to common food ingredients like chicken, beef or other whole foods does not make much sense. While pet food allergies do exist they are incredibly rare. What pets DO react to is the quality of the pet food ingredients and processing they go through. There can also be additional additives and other ingredients causing allergy symptoms – and they usually aren’t listed on the label! Check out this piece by board-certified veterinary nutritionist Dr. Donna Raditic & Dr. Chris Zink, one of the world’s top canine sports medicine and rehabilitation veterinarians.
If you’ve noticed tear stains on your dog’s or cat’s face, you’re not alone. Tear staining is a common concern among pet owners, and it can be caused by various factors. While blocked tear ducts and certain breeds are often associated with tear stains, there are other underlying causes that complicate the issue. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different factors contributing to tear staining and provide practical solutions to prevent and treat this condition. From proper grooming techniques to dietary adjustments and specialized products, we’ll help you find the most effective strategies to address tear stains and restore your pet’s vibrant and clear eyes.
Tear staining, more often than not, is noticed on white pets but can affect any color pet. It makes the color of the coat around the eyes a brown, red, or copper color. It has always been believed that tear staining comes from epiphora (or excessive tear production) – but that’s not always the case.
It’s a common misnomer that the only cause of tear staining in our pets is the overproduction of their tears. Aside from a blocked tear duct and breed, there are plenty of other causes that complicate the main factors listed above:
The brown color of tear stains comes from porphyrin – iron-containing molecules that come from break down of hemoglobin. These molecules can be excreted through the GI tract, saliva, urine, and tears! The majority of pets have these molecules in their tears, but some pets have more molecules than others, which results in staining.
To prevent irritation and inflammation, keep the hair around your pet’s eyes trimmed shorter than the rest of their coat. This helps to avoid hair getting into their eyes and causing discomfort.
Take a close look at the appropriateness and quality of your pet’s food. Opt for foods that contain high moisture, quality protein, and minimal carbohydrates. Foods with excessive carbohydrates can promote inflammation in the body. Also, steer clear of preservatives, fillers, and additives, as they can trigger inflammatory reactions. Pay attention to the carbohydrate content in your pet’s diet, including treats.
pH imbalances in your pet’s body can affect tear staining. Certain medications prescribed by veterinarians, such as omeprazole and Pepcid, can raise stomach pH levels and lower pepsin levels. This can lead to malabsorption and maldigestion. Discuss any medications your pet is taking with your vet to understand their impact on tear staining.
The protein source in your pet’s food can contribute to tear staining. Red meats, which are high in iron, can intensify tear stains in some pets. If your pet is prone to tear stains, consider eliminating red meats from their diet to see if it helps. The additional iron and magnesium in red meat require extra effort for the body to break down, putting additional stress on the liver. Excess iron intake can lead to an overproduction of porphyrin, the compound responsible for the brown color in tear stains.
Tap water, particularly well water, often contains iron and magnesium, which contribute to the formation of porphyrins. Using filtered water to provide your pet with clean drinking water can help prevent or treat tear stains.
To clean up existing tear stains, opt for specially formulated dry shampoos or waterless shampoos. These products offer better control and are gentler around sensitive eyes, reducing the risk of irritation.
Avoid using plastic bowls for your pet’s food and water as they can harbor bacteria more easily than glass, ceramic, or stainless steel bowls. Bacteria from the bowl can transfer to your pet’s coat and lead to infection. Regardless of the material, make sure to clean your pet’s bowl regularly with soap and water to prevent the spread of bacteria.
In cases where entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid) is the cause of tear stains, surgical intervention may be necessary. This procedure requires your pet to undergo anesthesia, and the surgeon will remove a section of skin on the eyelid to correct the condition.
Certain medications, minerals, and vitamins can help treat infections and ulcerations associated with tear stains. Consult with your vet to determine the appropriate options for your pet’s specific condition.
Overusing antibiotics can disrupt the healthy bacteria in your pet’s gut, which play a role in reducing inflammation. If your pet frequently requires antibiotics, work closely with your vet to identify the underlying cause of recurring infections and find alternative solutions to minimize antibiotic usage.
Nootie offers an affordable and veterinary-quality pre-soaked wipe that helps to remove buildup and prevent staining around the eye.
EarthBath also offers a waterless eye wipe, although it’s not formulated specifically for tear stains. This product is made with natural and organic ingredients, which help provide a preventative and maintenance solution for less severe staining.
Remember the ears! A high-quality ear cleaning solution can help remove buildup and keep ears and eyes clean. Some ear related issues can contribute to inflammation, including the eyes. Some of our favorites include EarthBath, Earth Animal & Kenic. For stubborn ear buildup, or dogs who spend a lot of time swimming we like Liquid Health’s ear cleaning solution. Our team would be happy to help you pick out the best option for your situation.
Omega 3 fatty acids are known to be lacking in most diets for pets and even humans. A high-quality fish oil, manufactured under stringent standards, can effectively reduce inflammation. Additionally, human studies demonstrate the beneficial effects of essential fatty acid supplementation in addressing eye problems [1]. To ensure the highest quality, opt for fish oils packaged in glass (not plastic), stored in the refrigerator, and ethically sourced. We recommend brands like Nordic Naturals, Thorne, and Omega Alpha, all available on our shelves.
Regular exercise is important! Just like humans, canines and felines benefit from regular exercise to reduce stress, maintain a healthy weight and promote proper digestion. Exercise promotes blood flow, oxygenation and therefore helps to effectively cleanse all organ systems, including the skin and liver! In addition, regular exercise can help keep bodyweight in check. Excess bodyweight – even a pound or two in cats and dogs – can increase inflammation on many levels. It’s a simple and seemingly small detail that makes a world of difference!
Reduce or eliminate high carbohydrate snacks. Instead, opt for freeze-dried meat, jerky and chews instead of biscuits. The majority of pet biscuits contain minimal or no meat, instead being filled with ingredients like flour, tapioca, molasses, maple syrup, potatoes, and other starches and sugars. These directly influence the amount of inflammation within the body. Some of our favorite pet treats include Small Batch, and Northwest Naturals. You can even supplement some frozen raw food as treats for a healthy and high value treat! Our team will be happy to show you their favorites too – just ask!
Be attentive to additives/preservatives, red meat and excess carbs in your pet’s food. These often tend to cause inflammation and irritation, resulting in tear stains. A fresh, well-balanced diet is best in pet’s who suffer from tear staining! Just remember that it may take several weeks to months to see a difference – patience and consistency will eventually pay off!
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