11 Spring Pet Safety Tips You Need to Know

Posted on March 5, 2020 - 4:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Depending on where you live, the tulips and daffodils may already be pushing up from the earth. You might spot robins feathering nests or a canopy of green buds unfurling overhead, and soon you’ll sleep with the windows cranked open. Ever notice how spring has a way of making the world feel fresh-scrubbed and alive?

No doubt, your pet is as eager to spend time outside as you are. But before you venture out, there are some things you should do to make sure your pet is safe and healthy this season. Here’s a checklist to help you on your way:

  • Initiate heartworm prevention — If your pet isn’t already on year-round heartworm prevention, now’s the time to make sure your dog or cat is protected. The parasite is transmitted by mosquitos, and infection is potentially fatal. Mosquitos can sneak indoors, so even indoor-only cats are at risk. (In one study, approximately one-third of the indoor-only cats tested were positive for heartworm infection.) Treatment can be risky and expensive for dogs, and there’s no effective treatment for cats. So prevention is the best approach.
  • Banish fleas and ticks — As the temperature rises, these freeloading parasites start actively looking for picnic spots on your pets. Fleas can make pets itch and twitch, and some pets are so allergic to flea saliva that a single bite can cause severe reactions. Once they’re in your house, fleas can be extremely difficult to eliminate. And ticks can cause serious tick-borne diseases. Ask your veterinarian to recommend an effective flea and tick preventive for your pets.
  • Double-check your pet’s identification tags — As the weather warms and more time is spent outdoors, there are more opportunities for pets to make a break for freedom. Make sure your pet’s ID tags are legible and contain all your current contact information. If your pet is microchipped, call the microchip company to make sure they have your most current contact information on file.
  • Watch for thawing ice — That same lake your dog raced across when the ice was two feet thick is becoming less safe by the minute. Keep pets on a leash and off the lakes, ponds and streams where they could break through thinning ice.
  • Retire that winter coat — Many pets start shedding their winter coats about now. Time to bring out your best inner groomer and help your dog or cat unload all that extra fur. If your pet has matted hair, let the professional groomers get the tangles out. A little brushing now can save a lot of time digging hair out of the vacuum cleaner later.
  • Freshen up pet beds and bowls — There’s nothing like sleeping in sheets that have just air-dried on the line outdoors. Chances are, your pet can appreciate fresh bedding, too. Now’s the time to wash those pet beds, bowls, toys and sweaters.
  • Make sure vaccines are current — Whether your dog is hobnobbing with other pups at the dog park or your cat is sunning itself on the outdoor catio, exposure to other pets can put them at risk for infectious diseases. Play it safe and update any vaccines that may have expired.
  • Prepare for allergy season — Does your dog scratch itself raw when the pollen swirls in the air? Check with your veterinarian to make sure you have allergy medications at the ready.
  • Clean up the yard — Pick up last autumn’s sticks and acorns that your pet could chew or swallow, and clear away leaf litter where ticks like to hide. Check your gardening supplies to make sure any lawn fertilizers, mulch or pest control products that may be toxic are out of your pet’s reach.
  • Bring the calm before (and during) the storms — If your dog becomes unglued when the thunder rolls, talk to your veterinarian about medications that can help ease your dog’s fears. Setting up a “safe room” away from doors and windows where your dog can curl up with his or her favorite toys may also help.
  • Ease into exercise — Has your pet been as much of a couch potato as you have over the winter? Then start outdoor exercise slowly and gradually build up the intensity as your pet’s muscles and endurance get stronger.

An interior graphic detailing a safety checklist of spring pet safety tips.

Now that you and your pet are prepared for spring, let the outdoor frisbee tournament begin. The sun is shining, so there’s no time to waste: your best friend is waiting to play outside with you.

Dogs at Work: Ratter Dogs Win the Rat Race

Posted on February 27, 2020 - 4:51 pm by
A white terrier dog sniffing the grass outside in the sun.

At the American Kennel Club Earthdog competition, terriers and other small breeds race through tunnels in search of rats. No rats are harmed, the AKC is quick to point out, because the rats are in cages, safe from canine jaws. Dogs win by simply finding the rat and barking within an allotted time. The whole point is to let dogs compete in a sport they were bred for years ago: rat catching.

A history of chasing vermin

A few centuries ago in Europe, when rural living meant rodents inevitably lived in close company with humans, rats became the scourge of every farm for destroying food sources and spreading diseases such as the plague.

Rats have been an issue for humans for so long that they star in multiple tales and legends. In 1284, German lore has it that the Pied Piper of Hamelin lured the town’s rats to their death in a river, only to kidnap the town’s children when he wasn’t paid. Jack Black, a famous British rat catcher, is said to have kept rat-baiting competitions stocked with his catch at the end of the 19th century. Spectators made bets on how fast dogs (mostly terriers) could kill all the rats released into a pit.

Eventually, farmers learned that dogs, especially those of the terrier sort, eagerly picked up the idea of rat catching, earning them a permanent home on the farm. In the 1800s, ratters were sent down mine tunnels and patrolled cotton mills and inns at night, lightening the rodent load wherever they went. Terriers even worked in the World War I trenches, where rats were attracted to dead bodies and human waste. The dogs made quick work of the rat population and provided comfort to soldiers.

An instinct to hunt

Ratters tended to be terrier breeds, such as rat terriers (obviously), Jack Russell terriers, Norfolk terriers, Yorkshire terriers, Sealyham terriers and Cairn terriers. Other rodent-chasers included dachshunds, miniature schnauzers and German pinschers. To this day, many of these breeds are known for digging, barking and investigating any marauders that dare enter the yard.

If you have hamsters, bunnies or other small pets around the house, beware: ratting breeds can easily mistake them for prey if the creatures make quick movements in their vicinity.

Still on the job

Ratting dogs are still valued for their rodent-killing prowess. Just ask the members of the Ryder’s Alley Trencher-fed Society (R.A.T.S.), a group of dog owners who prowl New York City streets and alleys at night, ridding the city of small varmints. They usually bring a veterinary technician along, to help with any bites or scratches that may need attention. It’s great entertainment for the dogs, and their handlers feel like they’re helping the community.

Grain-Free or Grain-Inclusive Recipes: Which One Is Right for Your Dog?

Posted on February 13, 2020 - 4:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Nowhere is there more choice, it seems, than in the dog food aisle at the grocery store. In addition to deciding whether your pooch prefers beef, chicken, fowl or fish or dry or canned, you can also choose between diets with or without grains. Confused? This should help.

What, exactly, is a grain-free pet food?

Grains serve as a source of carbohydrates to provide pets with energy, fiber and nutrients. These grains usually include corn, wheat, barley, oats, rye, rice, sorghum, millet, quinoa and chia seed. So naturally, diets that don’t include these ingredients are considered grain-free.

Is a grain-free diet the same as a gluten-free diet? Not necessarily. Gluten-free diets exclude grains that contain gluten, such as wheat, barley, rye and oats, but can include other grains such as corn, rice or sorghum that are gluten-free.

At the same time, grain-free diets aren’t necessarily carb-free, either. To provide carbohydrates (and energy), grain-free diets tend to use other ingredients such as vegetables or legumes. Diets with these ingredients could contain more carbohydrates than diets containing grains.

Why choose a grain-free diet?

Owners who believe their dogs have allergies may prefer a grain-free diet as a way to alleviate signs such as itching, scratching or gastrointestinal upset. But the truth is, the causes of most dogs’ skin allergies are environmental substances such as pollens, and molds — those dogs tend to itch in certain seasons of the year.

A small percentage of dogs who show signs year-round may have food allergies. While the allergies are usually triggered by a protein in ingredients such as beef or chicken, grains do contain protein and can potentially cause an allergic reaction.

In rare cases, the gluten in some grains can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and in some cases, spikes in blood sugar levels after a meal, which could be problematic for diabetic pets. The only documented gluten sensitivities in dogs have been in Irish setters and border terriers.

Why choose a diet containing grains?

If your dog doesn’t have a diagnosed medical condition that requires the omission of certain dietary ingredients, it’s generally recommended to stick with a diet approved for your dog’s life stage. Grains can be important sources of fiber, essential omega fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Ask your veterinarian to recommend a diet that’s right for your dog, which will likely be a standard food such as the one described above or a therapeutic diet for specific health conditions.

If you are a pet parent who worries that your dog has an allergy, discuss this concern with your veterinarian. The doctor will help you determine if your dog is truly allergic and if the allergy is to environmental factors or food.

Cat Dental Month: Why Are My Cat’s Teeth Disappearing?

Posted on February 6, 2020 - 4:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Inside the mouths of cats everywhere, teeth are disappearing. It’s not the odd tooth lost to trauma or periodontal disease; instead, it’s teeth that are essentially disintegrating. In fact, you might lift your cat’s lip and find only gum tissue where there once was a tooth.

Why is this happening? As part of Pet Dental Health Month, we’re sharing insights into this common, and often painful, cat dental condition: tooth resorption.

Although tooth resorption can occur in dogs, it’s much more common in cats, affecting between 20 percent to 70 percent of felines. It tends to occur in adult and older cats, generally sparing those under two years of age. Purebred breeds, such as Persians, Abyssinians, Siamese, Russian blues, Scottish folds, and Oriental shorthairs are more commonly affected than mixed breed cats.

What is feline tooth resorption?

It’s a syndrome in which specialized cells called odontoclasts destroy a permanent tooth from within, often progressing to every part of the tooth. The resorptive process often irreparably destroys the dentin — the dense, bony tissue that makes up the bulk of the tooth — until there’s very little or nothing left of it.

What causes this condition?

Although affected teeth may have the “moth-eaten” appearance of a human cavity on X-ray, experts don’t believe these lesions are actually cavities, which are typically caused by bacterial plaque and periodontal disease. Brushing your cat’s teeth is not likely to prevent this condition (but it can help prevent periodontal disease). In fact, the exact cause for these lesions is still unknown.

The process has been likened to the erosion that happens to the teeth of people with bulimia, from exposure to acidic stomach contents. Some have proposed that hacking up hairballs may lead to a more acidic environment in feline mouths, but this has not been proven.

Is it painful?

Cats with the condition rarely show signs of pain, especially when the resorptive lesions are below the gumline. But once the lesions spread above the gum, exposure to bacteria can lead to inflammation. And if the process has eaten into the tooth pulp cavity, which contains a nerve, we can guess that this is painful.

It’s common to see resorptive lesions where the tooth meets the gumline. On close inspection, it may appear as a bright-red indentation in the tooth. When the veterinarian touches this lesion with a probe, cats often “chatter” their jaws in reaction.

What are the signs?

Because cats are generally a stoic sort, the signs of tooth resorption are often subtle. You may notice that your cat swallows kibble without chewing or tilts his or her head to chomp exclusively on one side. Your cat may drop food out of its mouth when eating or have difficulty picking up food in the first place. When the pain becomes more severe, your cat might drool, shake its head, sneeze, rub at its face or refuse to eat.

How are resorptive lesions diagnosed and treated?

If you suspect that your cat may have oral pain, it’s best to schedule a veterinary dental exam under anesthesia with X-rays. That will enable the doctor to thoroughly examine your cat’s teeth both above and below the gumline.

If your veterinarian finds any tooth resorption, extraction may be required to relieve pain, prevent the progression of resorption and help keep your cat eating comfortably. After a few days, you might be able to give them a little human food treat for being so brave (if your vet agrees, of course).

Cruciate Ligament Ruptures in Cats

Posted on January 30, 2020 - 4:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Cats have a reputation for always landing on their feet. One cat, in fact, fell 32 stories, suffering only a minor lung puncture and a chipped tooth. It was released from the hospital in two days, according to the Animal Medical Center of New York City.

What makes cats so lucky? They have an innate righting reflex, whereby the vestibular apparatus in their ears enables them to determine which way is up. They then turn their heads and their bodies follow, often enabling them to land feet first.

Of course, not all cats fall from great heights or survive a fall without injury. It’s possible for your cat to injure itself simply from jumping off the kitchen counter. Among the myriad of injuries that can happen when they do stumble is a cruciate ligament tear in the knee. While it’s more common for people and dogs to experience this kind of injury, it does happen in cats, and it can be the cause of hind limb lameness.

What are cruciate ligaments?

Inside the knee, there are four bands of fibrous connective tissue, or ligaments, that help stabilize the joint. Two of those ligaments, the cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, help connect the top leg bone (the femur) to the lower leg bone (the tibia). Along with the surrounding muscles, they help keep the knee joint stable during movement.

What causes ligament tears or ruptures in cats?

The cranial cruciate ligament may tear, or partially tear, for a number of reasons. Most often, the ligament may rupture due to trauma, such as getting hit by a car or if a cat jumps from a height and lands the wrong way. Or the ligament may become weakened from wear and tear over the years.

Sedentary, obese cats have a double whammy: ligaments can be strained from carrying too much weight, and they may lose muscle tone from lack of exercise, which requires the ligaments to work harder to support the knee. Often the menisci, or cartilage that cushions the two bones, can become torn as well, which adds more pain.

How can you tell if your cat has a problem?

Cats are experts at hiding signs of pain. Even so, the signs may depend on whether your cat has a full cruciate tear or a partial tear. With a full tear, your cat may suddenly stop using one rear leg or intermittently favor one rear leg. Or your cat may shuffle or crouch in the rear when walking.

With a partial tear, the signs may be more subtle, such as your cat may not jump up or down like it used to in the past. The signs can also be more general, such as lethargy, unwillingness to walk or aggression when touched.

If you suspect the injury, your veterinarian will examine your cat’s knee for signs of pain, joint laxity, swelling and muscle atrophy. He or she may also recommend X-rays to look for extra fluid in the joint.

How are cruciate tears treated?

Surgery is generally recommended to stabilize the joint, because painful osteoarthritis will most likely develop as long as the joint is unstable. Also, it’s possible for your cat to tear the other cruciate ligament because it may put all its weight on the opposite leg to relieve pain in the affected limb.

In the case of a partial tear, your veterinarian may recommend conservative therapy. This may consist of restricted activity, cage rest, physical therapy, weight loss if needed and appropriate pain medications. If there is no improvement after several weeks, surgery is usually recommended.

Of course, your veterinarian is the best person to advise you on the best approach to help your cat. And just to be on the safe side, remove access to ledges and balconies, so you won’t have to find out if your cat can really land on its feet.

Preventive Health Care for Pets

Posted on January 30, 2020 - 2:21 pm by
A veterinarian and a child with a brown dog

When it comes to veterinary care, many pet owners subscribe to the old axiom, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” In fact, the 2017-18 edition of the AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook says that nearly 46 percent of cats and 17 percent of dogs didn’t visit their veterinarian during that span.

But waiting until something is “broke” is like waiting until your house is on fire before buying a fire extinguisher. By the time a pet shows signs of illness, the disease may have progressed so far that it may be more difficult and more expensive to treat than if it had been caught earlier — not to mention the extra discomfort the pet may have experienced.

Preventive healthcare…prevents

More and more, veterinarians encourage owners to focus on preventive healthcare. These simple steps can help prevent dogs and cats from contracting many diseases in the first place and may help detect problems earlier, when they may be more amenable to treatment — and when treatment typically has a smaller price tag.

The preventive care your pet requires will depend on the animal’s age, lifestyle, health status and risk factors for disease. Your veterinarian can tailor a preventive care plan for your pet’s precise needs, but it will most likely include some of the following:

Annual physical exams

Your pet should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year. If he or she is older or currently has a health condition, those visits should be even more often. The goal is to detect subtle signs of disease as early as possible, or to monitor disease progression to keep your pet healthy and comfortable for as long as possible. It’s also a good opportunity to discuss any concerns about your pet’s behavior and general well-being.

Spay and neuter

Neutering a male pet early helps prevent testicular cancer and prostate disease. Likewise, spaying female cats and dogs when young can help reduce the risks of mammary cancer and pyometra, an infection of the uterus that often requires emergency surgery. Appropriate timing for this important surgery should be discussed with your veterinarian and may vary based on your pet’s breed and lifestyle. Sterilization can also help reduce behaviors such as roaming, urine marking and aggression.

Screening tests

Many health conditions aren’t obvious to the naked eye. That’s why your veterinarian may recommend tests to help detect diseases early, such as urinalysis and general blood tests as well as more specific diagnostic tests to check for thyroid disease, feline leukemia and more. Depending on your pet’s age, your veterinarian may also suggest other diagnostics such as X-rays or blood pressure measurements.

Nutrition/weight management

Research has shown that keeping your dog lean can actually help prolong life, and the same is most likely true for cats. You can help achieve this by feeding a complete and balanced food designed for your pet’s life stage, providing regular exercise and not going overboard on treats.

Dental care

Dental disease is one of the most common — and preventable — conditions in dogs and cats. It’s often painful. It can lead to tooth and bone loss. And dental infections can spread bacteria to organs throughout the body. Regular dental exams and prophylactic cleanings can help remove tartar and bacteria under the gum and freshen breath. Even better, regular at-home tooth brushing can help extend the time between professional cleanings.

Vaccinations

Some vaccines, such as rabies, are required by law, but others are important to help protect your pet from serious and potentially fatal diseases. Indoor-only pets can still be exposed to viruses, so you should discuss your pet’s disease risks with your veterinarian and select the right vaccination program for your pet.

Parasite protection

All pets, even those who are indoor-only, should be on year-round, broad-spectrum parasite control for intestinal worms and heartworm. Regular fecal exams are also important, not just for your pet’s health but because many intestinal parasites can be spread to your human family members. You should also consult your veterinarian about flea and tick control; risks for these pests depend on your area.

The whole package

To help encourage more pet owners to focus on preventive healthcare, many veterinarians offer special packages that bundle these services, often at a discount. That way, you know exactly what your pet needs for the year. Even better, you can probably spread the expenses out over the year so it’s easier on you, too. And that makes your next trip to the veterinary clinic relatively painless for everyone.

Dogs at Work: Standard Poodles Were Born to Be Bird Dogs

Posted on January 23, 2020 - 4:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild Pet Food

Not all standard poodles are froufrou, overly coiffed dogs adorned with diamond-studded collars and red-painted toenails. Some of them actually like to get dirty.

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Standard poodles were originally bred as bird dogs and can now be found leaping from duck blinds, flushing waterfowl and retrieving the birds with a soft mouth.

A History of hunting

The standard poodle’s hunting roots can be traced to Germany, where they were used as duck hunting dogs at least 400 years ago. In fact, a hint to the breed’s hunting history is hidden in its name: The English term “poodle” is actually shortened from the German name Pudelhund, which combined hund (dog) and pudel (puddle) from the term pudeln, meaning “to splash about.”

The breed’s popularity spread across Europe, becoming known as the chien canard and caniche, or “duck dog,” in France. Although the poodle is the national dog of France and is often thought of as a “French poodle,” the country is not part of the breed’s official name.

When the American Kennel Club (AKC) was established in the late 1800s, it classified standard poodles in the non-sporting group, but other dog clubs had a different opinion. To the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and the North American Hunting Retriever Association (NAHRA), the breed is a retriever, and the United Kennel Club (UKC) considers it a sporting breed.

Now, the standard poodle is the only “non-hunting” breed that is eligible for AKC Retriever Hunting Tests, which measure a dog’s ability to perform against a standard (rather than competing against other dogs) in actual hunting scenarios when the dogs must track down felled birds.

Why do poodles excel in the field?

To clarify, we’re referring only to standard poodles, the oldest and tallest of the poodle line, not the smaller miniature or “toy” poodles (although they have been known to hunt truffles and small prey closer to the ground).

A standard poodle is defined as being at least 15 inches in height at the shoulders, but most dogs used for hunting average about 24 inches in height. Generally lean and full of energy, standard poodles have a reputation for being one of the most intelligent breeds and tend to be easy to train. And in hunting, training can be important — some poodles may have lost the hunting instinct through breeding over the years.

They have a moisture-repellent coat — perfect for diving into the pond after ducks — and they don’t shed. That said, the fine, curly coat keeps growing, so if it isn’t trimmed regularly, it will wind into cords that reach the floor. And that puffball trim standard poodles are so known for? It actually started as a way to make it easier for the dogs to hunt. Hunters shaved the dog’s neck, legs and tail to help provide mobility in the water, but left the chest, hips and leg joints covered to provide insulation in cold temperatures.

These days, hunters typically keep the dogs’ coats trimmed to about an inch in length. At that length, the coat curls tightly next to the skin to provide warmth and protect the canines from being scratched by brush.

Finally, standard poodles are typically happiest with their people. So, spending time in nature with “the guys” can be one of their favorite activities.

The Science (and Art) of Properly Measuring Pet Food Portions

Posted on January 16, 2020 - 4:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild Pet Food

If you’re like many pet owners, you feed your dog or cat a specific amount of food that you measure out using some type of measuring cup. And you’re pretty darn accurate with your measurement, right?

Would it surprise you to learn that many pet owners aren’t all that accurate when measuring their pets’ kibble?

That’s right. According to a study done by University of Guelph veterinary researchers, pet owners need to rethink how they measure dry kibble. Consistent measurement errors such as those found in the Guelph study could lead to undernourishment, but more likely would result in weight gain or obesity.

Testing dog owners’ measuring skills

The study, which was first published in August 2019 by the journal Veterinary Record, asked 100 dog owners to use one of three common tools to measure out kibble: a standard 2-cup scoop with graduated markings, sold at a local pet store; a 2-cup liquid measuring cup typically used for baking and cooking; and a 1-cup plastic dry-ingredient measuring cup.

Participating dog owners were then asked to measure out three amounts of dry dog food — ¼ cup, ½ cup and 1 cup — using their assigned measuring cup or scoop. The volume of kibble measured by each dog owner was weighed on an electronic gram scale and compared to the correct weight.

Substantial inaccuracies were found in kibble measurements, which ranged from 48 percent too little to 152 percent too much dog food. However, measurement inaccuracy varied with the cup or scoop used and the amount being measured. Those dog owners who used the 2-cup liquid measuring cup were most likely to mismeasure all three portions. Those who were most accurate were those owners who used a 1-cup dry-ingredient measuring cup to serve 1 cup of kibble.

Measuring Kibble in a Cup | Taste of the Wild Pet Food

“We found it particularly concerning to see how often participants over-measured the assigned portions, particularly given that there is an ongoing problem with obesity,” said lead author Jason Coe, DVM, PhD, in a University of Guelph news release. “Dog owners can easily overfeed their animals if they don’t measure out portions correctly, putting their animals at risk of several obesity-related diseases.”

What’s a conscientious pet owner to do?

A measuring cup or scoop is the most obvious way to measure out dry dog or cat food. But as diehard bakers and food scientists know, measuring cups are imperfect tools. What can responsible dog or cat owners do?

Here are four suggestions to help you not mismeasure kibble portions:

  • Use a dry-food (or ingredient) measuring cup that’s matched to the amount of kibble needed. Consider buying a set of quality dry measuring cups specifically for your pet’s food. Before you buy, check out some of the online reviews, like the ones here and here.
  • Be consistent with your measurement technique each time you measure. Consider scooping kibble from the package, shaking or tapping the measuring cup gently and leveling the amount of kibble so that it’s level with the rim of the cup. (No mounds of kibble above the cup’s rim!)
  • Decrease the number of times you measure kibble during the day. Simply measure out the full amount of food your dog or cat needs for the day and place it in a storage container or plastic food storage bag. Then, when it comes time to feed your pet, you can “eyeball” how you divide the food for each meal. If you feed two meals daily, then split the daily amount roughly in half. If you prefer to feed three meals daily, then split the daily amount into thirds.
  • Use a kitchen food scale to weigh the amount of kibble you’re feeding your pet. According to Coe and other veterinary nutritionists, the gold standard is to weigh out food portions. Some pet food manufacturers now include the weights (in grams) of serving sizes as part of the feeding guide on their dry pet food packages. Other companies report how much an 8-ounce measuring cup of a particular food weighs in grams or ounces so you can do the math (dry-ingredient measuring cups measure by volume, not weight).

If you want to start weighing your pet’s kibble but the feeding guide only includes volume measurements, contact the pet food manufacturer’s customer service team for information. You can reach the Taste of the Wild customer service team by calling 1-800-342-4808. The weight of 1 cup of food varies from one formula to the next, so you’ll want to know which brand and formula you’re feeding when asking for information.

Portion size is important

Feeding the correct amount of food is as important to your pet’s nutrition and overall health as choosing the “right” food. A pet’s nutrient requirements aren’t just met by the nutrient levels in a food. The amount of food offered and eaten, including treats, help satisfy a pet’s nutritional needs. If you have questions about what and how much to feed your pet, please talk with your veterinarian.

RELATED POST: Selecting the Right Food for Your Cat

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Does My Pet Need Supplements?

Posted on January 9, 2020 - 4:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild Pet Food

These days, people are all about health, wellness and prevention. So much so, in fact, that consumers in the United States will spend an estimated $32 billion on vitamin and nutritional supplements in 2019.

You may have wondered if your dog or cat could benefit from supplements, too. Many pet owners have already decided: About a third of U.S. households with dogs and one-fifth of those with cats use pet supplements, according to the research company Packaged Facts.

The most commonly purchased supplements for pets, according to a survey of pet owners, include those for joint health, heart health, skin and coat health, digestive health/hairball prevention and omega fatty acid supplements. More recently, there’s been increasing pet owner interest in CBD (cannabidiol) for pets, with purported benefits ranging from pain management to anxiety relief.

But here’s the thing: Some supplements may be helpful, others may be harmful and some simply aren’t necessary. Here’s what you should know.

“Natural” or “organic” doesn’t always mean safe

While there’s a general perception that any supplement with these words on the label should be harmless, that’s just not the case. Some supplements can be dangerous to people and pets, even leading to death. Supplements have landed both humans and pets in the emergency room, and Consumer Reports even published their “Dirty Dozen” list of human supplements that are best avoided.

Because pets may metabolize supplements differently than people, those products deemed “safe” for humans may not be for pets. And you should never assume that a human dose is the same amount a pet should receive. Supplements may also cause interactions with the medications the pet is currently taking.

Will vitamin supplements help your pet?

“If your pet is eating a complete and balanced commercially available pet food, supplements are not recommended unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian,” according to the American College of Veterinary Nutrition via AVMA.org. Adding vitamins and minerals to such a diet could lead to unsafe or toxic levels in your pet.

Often no proof of efficacy

Supplements are considered a dietary “food,” rather than a drug. As such, they aren’t required to prove safety, efficacy or quality before being marketed. They also don’t need to pass the rigorous Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing usually required for drugs. Very few reputable studies have been done to verify the efficacy of supplements designed for humans, let alone those created for pets.

What you see isn’t always what you get

There is very little oversight on the manufacturing of supplements, so you can’t be assured that ingredients or amounts listed on the label are actually what’s in the bottle.

Here’s an example from the human supplement world that shows the willy-nilly state of supplement quality assurance. Recently, the New York State attorney general’s office investigated top-selling herbal supplements sold at four national retailers: GNC, Target, Walgreen’s and Walmart. Test results showed four out of five products didn’t contain the herbs listed on the labels and often contained inexpensive fillers like houseplants and powdered rice and even ingredients that could be dangerous to people with allergies.

The attorney general’s office charged the retailers with selling fraudulent and potentially dangerous supplements and asked the retailers to remove the products from their shelves.

Follow your veterinarian’s advice

The bottom line is that while there are supplements that may be helpful to your pet, especially if he or she has conditions such as osteoarthritis, heart disease or anxiety, you should always consult your veterinarian before giving anything to your pet. Your veterinarian can recommend a product, a brand he or she trusts, as well as the proper dose for your pet.

Ancient Grains in Pet Food: Focus on Sorghum

Posted on January 2, 2020 - 4:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild Pet Food

In the last few years, few pet food ingredients have been as misunderstood as grains. Some folks wondered if grains were necessary at all, or suspected they could have a negative impact on pet health. But as it turns out, grains such as corn, rice, barley, oats — and sorghum — can play a significant role in your pet’s diet.

In fact, dietary grains can be important in the treatment of many common pet conditions, from diabetes and obesity to gastrointestinal problems, according to a recent article in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association.

What, exactly, do grains do?

Dietary grains primarily serve as a source of carbohydrates. Your pet’s body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, the basic form of energy utilized by the cells of the body. Proteins and fat can also be metabolized into glucose, but the process is often more complicated, so carbohydrates may provide energy faster and more efficiently.

Of course, carbs aren’t a replacement for high-quality proteins (especially for cats, who tend to require more dietary protein than their canine counterparts), but they can offer other advantages. For instance, carbs also provide a source of fiber. While fiber isn’t a nutrient, per se, it can help your pet feel satiated, which is helpful for those chubby pets that constantly beg for more, more, more.

Studies in dogs have shown that dietary fiber may also slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream after a meal, which can be helpful with diabetic control. Fiber is also critical for digestive health and keeps things moving so pets don’t suffer from constipation.

What about sorghum?

Sorghum is a cereal grass that originated in Africa, and the first evidence of the grain was found at an archeological dig on the border of Egypt, dating back to 8,000 B.C. It eventually spread to India, China, Australia and America, where Ben Franklin wrote about sorghum in 1757.

As a dietary grain, sorghum serves as a great source of carbohydrates (and energy). In addition, it:

  • Contains protein, important for building healthy bones and muscle
  • Has been shown to have a lower glycemic index than rice, meaning that it releases glucose into the bloodstream more slowly, which may be helpful for diabetic pets
  • Is rich in essential omega fatty acids, which can have antioxidant effects
  • Contains niacin and thiamin, B-vitamins that help the body absorb nutrients
  • Includes minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, copper, calcium, zinc and potassium

People are even finding that the nutty flavor of sorghum offers a great alternative to rice and quinoa in their meals. It’s gluten-free, so even those with celiac disease find it easy to digest.

Though it’s still early, sorghum is gaining favor, and more nutritionists are finding a place for it in both human and pet diets.