Litter Box Scoop: Why Does My Cat Urinate So Much?

Posted on November 24, 2016 - 2:03 pm by
Frequent urination in cats

Cats have been dubbed the masters of disguise for their skill at masking the signs of illness. Fortunately for their owners, cats can’t always bury the evidence even if it is a pain getting rid of the smell of cat pee. In fact, leaving behind larger amounts of urine, or urinating more frequently in general, may be your cat’s way of hinting at a serious health issue.

What Goes In Must Come Out

If you’re finding more urine in the litter box, it usually means your cat is drinking more, too. On average, a healthy 10-pound cat usually drinks about one cup of water a day.

An interior graphic explaining that if your cat drinks more than a cup of water per 10 pounds of body weight, you should call your veterinarian.

If you suspect that your cat is urinating more, try to determine how much they drink in 24 hours. Measure fresh water into a bowl in the morning, and then keep track of how many times you refill the bowl, measuring each time. The next morning, measure how much is left in the bowl. (For homes with more than one cat, you may need to isolate the cat in question in their own room during this time.) If your cat drinks more than a cup of water per 10 pounds of body weight each day, you should call your veterinarian.

A number of diseases can make your cat thirstier. The most common are kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism, an overproduction of thyroid hormone. Of course, hot weather can make your cat drink more too, so increased urination doesn’t always indicate a health problem.

While you may be tempted to limit your cat’s water so there’s less to clean up in the litter box, you should never do this without consulting your veterinarian first. This can lead to severe dehydration and make matters worse. It’s better to keep filling the water bowl to keep up with your cat’s thirst.

Changes in Urination Could Be Signs of Something Bigger

Frequent and apparently painful urination can be the sign of a partial or full blockage of the urethra, the tube that channels urine from the bladder to the outside. This tends to occur more often in male cats because their urethras are typically longer and narrower than those of female cats.

These cats tend to void smaller amounts of urine than their large-volume counterparts. They may strain, cry out in pain and even leave evidence of bloody urine. Because the cat may associate the litter box itself with pain, it may avoid the box entirely and urinate in other areas of the house.

When to See Your Vet

If you suspect your cat may have a urinary blockage, it’s a medical emergency, and your cat needs to see the veterinarian immediately. If confirmed by the veterinarian, your cat will most likely require anesthesia and emergency care to unblock the urethra.

If your cat’s not straining to urinate, but just appears to be urinating more, it’s still important to schedule a veterinary visit in the near future. Your veterinarian may recommend blood tests, a urinalysis and possibly X-rays or other tests to help determine the cause of the problem.

The Role of Nutrition in Urinary Health

In many cases, your veterinarian may recommend a special diet to help support your cat’s health. For example, some therapeutic foods have been shown to help slow the progression of kidney disease and extend the cat’s lifespan. Other diets may help put diabetes into remission, so the cat no longer needs insulin. Still other foods may help reduce or eliminate the need for hyperthyroid medications and even help urinary blockages from recurring in the future.

All of these make for a happier, healthier kitty. So your cat may leave fewer hints about their health in the litter box.

Adopting Pets with Chronic Illness

Posted on November 17, 2016 - 6:21 pm by
pets with chronic illness

Of the 7.3 million dogs and cats that enter U.S. shelters each year, those with chronic health issues are at a distinct disadvantage. Among those considered “less adoptable,” these pets can take four times longer than average adoptable pets to find a home, according to research by Petfinder.com. For some dogs and cats, the wait is more than two years.

And that’s a shame, because pets with chronic illness have lots of love to offer. Thinking about pet adoption? Here’s why you should consider a special-needs pet.

It Could Literally Save a Life

While about 2.7 million animals are adopted from shelters each year, about the same number are euthanized, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Despite the growth in no-kill shelters and rescue organizations, pets with chronic diseases may be overlooked and ultimately put to sleep because crowded facilities simply cannot afford to keep them all.

By adopting a special-needs pet, you could give that dog or cat years of life it may not have had otherwise.

Many Chronic Diseases Are Manageable

Just because a health condition can’t be cured doesn’t mean pets can’t live with it for years. Take arthritis, for example. With weight and pain management and regular, low-impact exercise under the guidance of a veterinarian, pets can live long, happy lives.

Cats with feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus often have many good years ahead of them. Since they can be contagious to other cats, they’re perfect for single-cat families who will keep them indoors.

Other chronic conditions such as kidney disease, thyroid disease and allergies can often be managed with nutrition and/or medications. Even chronic behavior problems like separation anxiety may be addressed with patience and the help of your veterinarian.

Any Pet Can Develop a Chronic Disease

When you bring a pet into your life, it should be a lifetime commitment, through sickness and in health. If you were to adopt a healthy puppy, there’s no guarantee that it won’t develop a chronic disease. When you adopt a special-needs pet, you have the advantage of being able to talk to a veterinarian before you sign any papers. That way, you can know in advance what kind of veterinary care and financial commitment will be needed, as well as what the long-term prognosis is for the condition.

Hospice Care: Adoption with a Purpose

Unfortunately, some homeless pets are diagnosed with terminal illnesses, such as cancer, that may limit their life spans. What could be more meaningful that opening your heart to give them a comfortable, loving home for the last months or weeks of their life?

If you’re really inspired, you could help your new companion with a bucket list.

Chances Are, You’ll Get Rescued, Too

A chronic disease rarely stops a dog or cat from lavishing love on the people around them. Your kindness will no doubt be repaid many times over with kitty head butts, the happy dance at the front door and simply quiet companionship on the couch. What are you waiting for?

Work With Your Vet to Choose an Over-the-Counter Food for Your Diabetic Pet

Posted on November 10, 2016 - 8:02 am by
Taste of the Wild

A diabetic pet can be expensive. There’s the cost of the insulin, the syringes and the frequent veterinary visits. So do you really need to pay for a prescription diet, on top of all that?

Not necessarily.

It depends on several factors, including whether your diabetic pet is a cat or a dog, their weight and any other health conditions.

Cats usually have type 2 diabetes, meaning their bodies may be unable to properly use insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Sometimes, this type of diabetes can be reversed, meaning the cat can go into remission and insulin injections are no longer needed. And diet can play a big part in that.

Dogs, on the other hand, tend to have type 1 diabetes, which is a deficiency in insulin. Diet may help manage the condition, but it usually can’t lead to diabetic remission.

Because there are many factors to consider, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian when choosing a food for your diabetic pet.

For Diabetic Cats, Protein’s Where It’s At

In studies, diabetic cats given insulin and a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet were more likely to go into remission than those fed a high-fiber, moderate-carbohydrate diet. Because cats are obligate carnivores, the high-protein diet more closely mirrors a diet they might eat in the wild.

Your veterinarian may also recommend a canned formula. Compared with dry diets, canned foods tend to be higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates.

If you switch your diabetic cat to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, it’s important to do so under the guidance of a veterinarian. With this type of diet, your cat may need less insulin over time. Giving the same amount of insulin could put your cat at risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. While cats in remission no longer require insulin, it is important to keep feeding the high-protein diet to reduce the likelihood of them becoming diabetic again. With this type of diet, your cat may need less insulin over time. However, it’s important to always work with your veterinarian to ensure you aren’t putting your cat at risk for hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.

For Diabetic Dogs, Fiber May Help

Unlike cats, diabetic dogs do not require a high-protein diet, but they may benefit from a diet that’s high in fiber. This type of diet can slow absorption of glucose from the intestines, so there are fewer spikes in blood glucose directly after a meal.

A diabetic dog that is well controlled on insulin and is a normal weight may be fine on complete and balanced over-the-counter foods that are appropriate for the dog’s age and health. Again, it’s important to consult your veterinarian to make sure a diabetic dog is receiving the nutrition they need.

Weight Is Another Issue

While weight loss in an overweight pet is usually a good thing, it can also be a sign of diabetes. If that’s the diagnosis, and the pet’s condition becomes controlled with insulin, the weight loss should slow down or stop. However, if the pet remains obese, your veterinarian may recommend a special (either OTC or prescription) diet. For animals who are diabetic, obesity can make their cells less sensitive to insulin. In these cases, a weight management diet that helps them gradually lose weight might be best. A high-fiber, low-fat and low-calorie diet may be beneficial for both dogs and cats. The high-protein diet mentioned above may also help cats drop the additional pounds.

Many pets that have diabetes for a long time before they are diagnosed may actually become too thin. In these cases, your veterinarian may recommend a high-fat, high-protein diet to help them back to a normal weight, or keep them on the same diet but in increased quantities.

Take Other Health Conditions Into Account

If your pet has other health conditions, such as kidney or digestive tract disease, your veterinarian may suggest additional adjustments to your pet’s diet. A cat with advanced kidney disease, for example, may benefit from a diet that is somewhat lower in protein and phosphorus than the high-protein foods typically suggested for cats with diabetes only.

The Bottom Line

Diabetes in a pet isn’t a death sentence, and it’s certainly not a death sentence for your wallet. While some cases require more complicated measures as far as diet goes, it very well may be possible to buy what your pet needs over the counter. Since every pet is unique, it pays to work with your veterinarian to land on the diet that works best for your pet.

RELATED POST: A Suddenly Picky Kitty May Have Hepatic Lipidosis

Changing Your Pet Food: Why and How?

Posted on November 3, 2016 - 8:07 am by
Taste of the Wild

There are many reasons to consider switching pet food flavors, types or brands.  But how do you go about changing your pet food, and how do you know it’s really time?

Your pet may eagerly devour a new type of pet food. But your pet’s digestive tract may not be as enthusiastic: Vomiting, diarrhea and gas are just a few of the potential consequences to a sudden food switch. That’s why food transitions should be made gradually, over the course of a week or more, to give your pet’s digestive tract a chance to adjust.

The Right Time to Change Foods

Your pet’s nutritional needs often change with different life stages. So it makes sense to move to a different food when your pet grows from a puppy or kitten to an adult and again when they enter their senior years.

Certain health conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes or simply weight gain may necessitate a diet change. Or you may just have personal reasons for trying a new formula, such as ingredient or brand preferences (Taste of the Wild, for instance, has plenty of enticing selections) or just to save money. It’s important to note that if your pet suddenly stops “enjoying” the current food you purchase, you should consult your veterinarian before making a switch.

Whatever the reason, there are actually times when you may not want to change your pet’s food, and that’s when your dog or cat is really sick. A diet change may add more stress to a body that needs to focus on getting healthy.

It Takes a Little Patience

Whether you’re switching brands, changing from dry to canned food or simply changing flavors, the key is to make the transition gradually.

Start by adding a small amount of the new food while slightly reducing the previous food. That means the pet starts with about 75 percent of the previous food and 25 percent of the new food. Over the course of the next 7 to 10 days (14 days for dogs with sensitive stomachs), you can gradually alter the food proportions to 50 percent of the previous food with 50 percent of the new food, then 25 percent previous food with 75 percent new food until the pet is finally eating 100 percent of the new food.

An interior graphic depicting how to gradually introduce new food into your dog's diet across a 7- to 10-day period or 14 days for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

If your pet experiences any vomiting, loose stools, excessive gas or digestive noises, talk to your veterinarian. Usually, it’s better to slow the transition even further than to abruptly switch back to the previous diet.

Making the Pet Food Switch Easier

If you’ve been free-feeding your pet, this may be a good time to switch to regular meal times. Instead of leaving food out all day, place the bowl down, then remove whatever your pet hasn’t eaten after 20 or 30 minutes. For pets that may not be enthusiastic about the change, slight hunger pangs may prompt them be more accepting of the new food.

Since cats have a reputation for being finicky eaters, it helps to expose them to different types of foods as kittens. Try feeding them both dry and canned foods, as well as different sizes and shapes of kibble (with gradual transitions, of course). This may make food transitions easier later in life.

If your cat refuses the new food, you don’t want him or her to go without eating for more than 24 hours; this can lead to a serious medical condition called hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver. When transitioning your cat to canned food, try warming the food slightly so the aroma can entice him or her. You can also try breaking up the daily food allotment into smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day or even employing food puzzles to help make meal time less ho-hum.

If you’re still having trouble, talk to your veterinarian. Some food transitions may lead to a bacterial imbalance in the digestive tract that can require added probiotics or even antibiotics. Your veterinarian can help get your pet back on track in no time.

RELATED POST: A Suddenly Picky Cat May Have Hepatic Lipidosis

Probiotics Maintain the Natural Balance for Your Pet

Posted on October 27, 2016 - 8:25 am by
Taste of the Wild

The digestive tract is more than a conveyor belt for processing food. It’s also the largest immune organ in the body. As such, it’s believed to play an important role in your pet’s overall immune function and health. And probiotics are essential to helping it do the job.

Much of the digestive tract’s ability to affect immunity depends on the balance of beneficial and potentially harmful bacteria inside the digestive tract. Normally, these bacteria help digest food, absorb nutrients, support intestinal function, manufacture vitamins and modulate the immune system.

But the natural balance of these bacteria in your pet can be disrupted by a number of factors such as sudden diet changes, garbage ingestion, the stress of boarding or travel, and even antibiotics. This can cause an increase in harmful bacteria at the expense of beneficial bacteria, leading to diarrhea and sometimes vomiting.

Restoring the balance with probiotics

Oral administration of live, beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, in the right amounts may help boost the number of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract and reduce the number of harmful bacteria. Although scientists are still learning about probiotics, studies in both human and veterinary medicine have shown promising results. Human studies, for example, indicate that probiotic administration may help with intestinal disease, diabetes, some skin allergies, weight loss, liver disease and more.

The nutritional benefits for pets may also extend beyond resolving diarrhea. One study in puppies, for example, showed that probiotics may help improve their immune response to vaccination.

How probiotics work

While probiotics are still being studied, it has been suggested that they work by making the intestinal environment less welcoming for harmful bacteria. These beneficial bacteria may make the surrounding area more acidic, take up adhesion sites on the intestinal lining, use up more nutrients and even produce compounds that might destroy the harmful bacteria.

All probiotics aren’t the same

The next time your pet has diarrhea, you might be tempted to feed him grocery store yogurt, with active bacterial cultures. But the same probiotics that may help people might not do the trick for animals. There is some evidence that species-specific probiotics, containing the particular strains of bacteria normally found in the dog or cat’s digestive tract, may deliver better results.

Of course, it doesn’t matter if the probiotic contains the right bacteria if they can’t survive manufacturing, storage or the acids in a pet’s gastrointestinal tract. So probiotics must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they’re viable in the animal. Testing is also important to make sure the bacterial strains are safe for the animal, capable of enhancing the bacterial balance in the gut, and ideally, able to positively impact the immune system.

Probiotics for pets are typically available in pill and powder form, or may be part of a nutritious diet. For example, every Taste of the Wild dry canine formula is enhanced with K9 Strain® Probiotics and every Taste of the Wild dry feline formula contains Viables® Probiotics. These strains are added after the cooking process to help ensure the beneficial bacteria are alive and able to support healthy digestion for your pet.

As always, if you have any questions about how probiotics can help your pet, talk to your veterinarian.

A Suddenly Picky Kitty May Have Hepatic Lipidosis

Posted on September 29, 2016 - 8:29 am by
Taste of the Wild

Cats have a reputation for being finicky. Unlike their canine counterparts, who can vacuum up a meal in seconds flat, cats often nibble at their food throughout the day. So when the food bowl goes untouched for a few days, you might not think much of it.

But you should.

When cats stop eating — even for as little as two days — they can develop a serious and potentially fatal liver condition called hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease.

About Hepatic Lipidosis

The body relies on fats for energy, and the liver plays a critical role in making, breaking down and distributing fats. When cats stop eating, fats are mobilized from other areas in the body and brought to the liver. The liver can become inundated with fat to the point where it can no longer function properly.

At this point, cats typically refuse to eat, even when the most delectable morsel is dangled in front of them. If treated early, there’s a good chance of recovery. But some cats will unfortunately succumb to liver failure.

Risk Factors for Hepatic Lipidosis

Cats who were once overweight or obese who undergo a sudden loss of appetite and weight are commonly affected. But any cat can develop hepatic lipidosis.

Stress in the household, such as a recent move to a new house, the addition of a new pet or child, workmen in the house, or the absence of the owner during a vacation can put a cat off their food as well.

Cats can also feel nauseated or lose their appetites due to underlying medical problems, such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, cancer and kidney disease.

Or a cat may develop the disease as a result of escaping outdoors and being without food for a few days. In many cases, no obvious cause can be found.

How Do I Recognize the Signs in My Cat?

While a dog can go for a day or two without eating, a loss of appetite in a cat for this amount of time is a good reason to visit your veterinarian. In addition to anorexia, cats with fatty liver disease may exhibit weight loss, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea and may seem less social, opting to hide in closets or under beds. As the disease progresses, the cat may become jaundiced, or icteric, evidenced by a yellow tint to the ears, gums and the whites of the eyes.

How Is It Diagnosed?

After a physical exam, your veterinarian may recommend blood tests, a urinalysis and X-rays. Definitive diagnosis usually requires a liver biopsy, performed during an ultrasound exam or via surgery. At the same time, your veterinarian will look for underlying diseases that could be causing the appetite loss, which must be treated as well.

How Is Hepatic Lipidosis Treated?

The prognosis is best when the disease is detected and treated early. However, the signs of fatty liver disease can be subtle, so many cats aren’t brought to the veterinarian until the problem is fairly advanced. These cats usually require hospitalization with IV fluids and other supportive care.

The cornerstone of treatment, though, is getting food into the cat’s digestive tract. These cats typically refuse to eat on their own, and force-feeding can exacerbate the problem because it is often stressful for the cat. That’s why we recommend that you speak with a veterinarian before taking action.

Your cat will be given a specific diet, designed to provide the right nutrients and calories, formatted as a liquid or slurry that can be syringed through a feeding tube. Your cat may also be prescribed additional medications to stimulate the appetite, prevent vomiting and help support the liver. Any underlying medical conditions must be treated as well.

Depending on the cat’s condition, it can take as long as two to four months until your cat is eating on his or her own. There is some good news, though: Once these cats recover, they’re not likely to develop the disease again.

Healthy Snack Choices to Tip the Scales in Your Pet’s Favor

Posted on August 25, 2016 - 8:20 am by
Taste of the Wild

Food is love, right? We embrace our pets with tasty morsels as a reward for going potty. Or a buttery biscuit slipped under the kitchen table. And a scoop of ice cream while watching TV. So is it any wonder that an estimated 56 percent of dogs and 60 percent of cats in America are overweight or obese?

But pets are often the real losers when we show this kind of love. Overweight dogs have been shown to live an average of two years less than their lean counterparts. And extra weight puts pets at risk for all kinds of health problems, from diabetes, arthritis and high blood pressure to heart and lung disease, cranial cruciate ligament injury and numerous types of cancer.

So if you really want to show your pet how much you love him or her, consider switching to healthy, low-calorie treats. And remember, if you don’t want your pet’s diet to become unbalanced, treats should never account for more than 10 percent of the total calorie allotment for the day. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian how many calories your pet should be eating daily, and if there’s a treat available from your favorite pet food manufacturer, don’t hesitate to ask about it as well.

FOR DOGS, THINK FRUITS AND VEGGIES

Most dogs are more than happy to crunch on a raw carrot. Same goes for green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, celery, cucumber, zucchini and even cubes of baked sweet potato. You can slice ’em, dice ’em and even cook vegetables, too. And there’s no need for butter, salt or candied sauce — most dogs like veggies just the way they are.

Popular fruits for dogs include bananas, pears and apples (just make sure to remove the apple seeds, which can contain small amounts of cyanide). Strawberries, raspberries, oranges and blueberries are OK too. You can even puree fruits like pumpkins and seedless watermelons and freeze them inside a Kong. Just don’t go overboard because too many fruits and vegetables could lead to gastrointestinal upset.

A handful of air-popped popcorn, without added salt, is another low-calorie alternative.

There are, however, some fruits and vegetables you definitely don’t want to give dogs because of potential toxicity. These include grapes, raisins, currants, onions, garlic, chives and leeks. It’s also best to avoid fruits with large pits, which could pose a choking hazard or result in a digestive tract obstruction.

Good and Bad Fruits and Veggies for Pets Chart | Taste of the Wild

WHAT ABOUT CAT TREATS?

Cats, being carnivores, are all about lean meats and fish. A few bites of salmon, tuna or lean chicken will most likely elicit a purr. Raw vegetables, including carrots, green beans and broccoli are fine as long as they are cut into tiny pieces. To avoid a choking hazard, cooking the vegetables may be a better option. A spoonful of canned pumpkin (without added spices) can provide your kitty with added moisture and fiber, too.

Surprisingly, many cats are fond of fruits such as cantaloupe and watermelon. But it’s not the sugary flavor they’re after, since cats can’t taste sweetness.

Garlic, onions, chives and leeks are also on the no-no list for cats because of potential toxicity.

With so many healthy options for your pets, you can treat them with love and still help them keep their svelte shape.

Why Mutts? Why Not?

Posted on July 28, 2016 - 8:38 am by
Taste of the Wild

Purveyors of designer dogs recently discovered what mutt owners have known all along: Amazing things happen when you mix things up.

Although breeders can command large sums for crossbred dogs such as labradoodles, puggles, schnoodles (schnauzer and poodle) and chugs (Chihuahua and pug), mutts really aren’t that different — their genetic decks are just shuffled a bit more.

To help celebrate National Mutt Day on July 31, we’re honoring mixed-breed dogs with a list of things that make them so great.

Mutts are the most popular dogs in America

According to the American Humane Association, mixed breed dogs account for 53 percent of all dogs in the United States. Why are they so popular? Maybe it’s because you can get a dog that’s as one-of-a-kind as you are.

They’re anything but cookie cutter

If variety really is the spice of life, mutts can add more zest. After all, they come in every shape, size and color imaginable. Whether you prefer long or short curly coats, sweeping tails or little nubs, smooshed-in noses or elegant snouts — even freckles — there’s no doubt that there’s a mutt out there with the perfect combination of features you have in mind.

They bring out the best in you

If you’ve got a soft heart, look no further than your local animal shelter. According to a recent study, approximately 95 percent of the dogs in shelters are mutts.  Adopting a mutt is a win/win: You can feel good about giving a deserving dog a place to call home and you get a great companion in the bargain.

They’re conversation starters

At the dog park, people can’t resist guessing whether your dog is a papillon-Lhasa apso mix or a Bedlington terrier-cocker spaniel combination.  You can keep them guessing or you can submit a doggie DNA sample to help you identify the branches and leaves on your pup’s genealogical tree

They’re no less (or more) healthier than purebreds

For years, it was generally accepted that mixed-breed dogs were healthier than purebreds because they swam in a deeper genetic pool. A recent study examining 24 genetic disorders shows that may not necessarily be the case. While purebred dogs had a greater risk of developing 10 of the disorders than mutts, another 13 disorders seemed to affect both purebreds and their mixed counterparts, including hip dysplasia, cancers and patellar (knee) luxation.

Moral of the story: Mutts may be more likely to escape some genetic disorders but not all of them. With a DNA test, you might be able to determine breeds most likely in your pup’s mix, so your veterinarian may be able to monitor or screen for genetic diseases associated with those breeds.

They’re just like us

If the popularity of human DNA genealogy tests is any indication, aren’t we essentially mixes ourselves, just trying to determine our own personal ancestry? As such, it’s easy to understand why mixes of the canine kind are so deserving of our love.

Making MORE Sense Out of Pet Food Labels… Know What You’re Feeding Your Pet — Part 2

Posted on July 15, 2016 - 1:54 am by
Taste of the Wild

Missed Part 1? Click here to visit it!

Food aisles in your favorite pet store can be colorful and bewildering places, especially for new pet parents. So how is a pet parent to decide which dog or cat food to buy?

At Taste of the Wild, we believe pet parents have a right to know what they’re feeding their canine and feline companions. The pet food label contains valuable information, if you know how to read it. Since a majority of pet owners commonly look at the product name, guaranteed analysis and ingredients list, we’ll decode pet food names, explain what the “guaranteed analysis” means (as well as what it doesn’t mean), and translate some confusing chemical names found in the ingredients list into their common nutrient names.

What’s in a name?

The product name — Canyon River Feline Recipe with Trout and Smoke-Flavored Salmon, for example — is one of the first things buyers notice on a pet food label. It’s often what causes them to stop, look more closely at the product, and decide to buy or not to buy. Because pet parents often search for food that contains specific ingredients, many pet food names highlight those key ingredients. But what many cat and dog owners don’t realize is that the product name says a lot about the presence of the named ingredient in the product.

In the United States, a pet food’s name is subject to strict rules created by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and adopted by state governments.

  • The 95% rule ­— Pet foods meeting the 95% rule have very few ingredients and simple names, such as “Kitty’s Favorite Tuna Food.” At least 95 percent of the food must be the named ingredient, not counting the water added for processing and added vitamins and minerals. When added water is considered, the named ingredient must still make up 70 percent of the product.
  • The 25% or “dinner” rule — If a pet food names an ingredient that accounts for at least 25 percent of the total product weight (not counting water for added processing) but less than 95 percent, the name must include a qualifying term such as dinner, platter, entrée or formula.
  • The 3% or “with” rule — Add the word with to the product name and the food is only required to include 3 percent of the named ingredient.
  • The flavor rule — The pet food must contain enough of the named ingredient for the ingredient to be detected, but a specific percentage is not required.

Guaranteed nutrient amounts (analyses) are not a reflection of quality

Pet parents also frequently look first at the guaranteed analysis section of a pet food label for information about that product. This is the section where you’ll find the minimum percentages for crude protein and crude fat and the maximum percentages for moisture and crude fiber. These are the four nutrients that pet food makers must list in the guarantee. Many manufacturers will also list other guarantees within this section.

Unfortunately, many dog and cat owners find the word crude confusing — and even disturbing enough that they call the pet food manufacturer. There are three keys to understanding this part of a pet food label:

  1. Crude refers to the specific method of testing used to estimate the amount of the nutrient present in the food, but the term does not refer to the quality of protein, fat and fiber.
  2. Only minimum and maximum amounts are provided; these percentages do not reflect the exact amounts of protein, fat, fiber and water in the product.
  3. The values are provided on an “as is” basis, meaning that the amount is based on the food as it is fed to your dog or cat including the water present in the food.

You can use the guaranteed analysis panel for a rough estimate of protein, fat and fiber in a specific food. But these numbers are only a starting point when comparing different products or brands. To more accurately compare products, these percentages must be converted to a dry matter basis (the amount of food without any water), since different foods contain varying amounts of water.

What’s in this pet food?!

If the ingredients list on the pet food bag is one of the first things you look at when choosing a cat or dog food, you’re not alone. More than half of surveyed pet parents in the United States say ingredients are a very important factor in their choice of pet food. In particular, according to a survey by Field Agent, a majority of these pet owners are looking for foods made with “real meat.”

By law, pet foods sold in the United States must list each ingredient, including additives, in the ingredients statement of the label. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, which doesn’t tell you the amount or quality of the ingredient. However, you can use the ingredients list to determine whether the primary ingredients are from plant or animal sources, or if the food contains an ingredient to which your pet is allergic or intolerant.

Another helpful fact about the ingredients list: AAFCO has established names and definitions for many ingredients used in cat and dog foods. If there isn’t an AAFCO name for a particular ingredient, then the common name (for example, peas, potatoes, cranberries) is used. And what about the unfamiliar chemical-sounding names, like pyridoxine hydrochloride, ascorbic acid and ferrous sulfate? Those ingredients are typically vitamins and minerals — vitamin B6, vitamin C and iron, respectively — that must either be approved by the Food and Drug Administration or be generally recognized as safe to be included in pet food.

Veterinary nutritionists caution pet parents to not spend a lot of time trying to decipher the ingredients list for good reason. Both nutrients and high-quality ingredients are important to meeting your pet’s nutritional needs. A pet food is the sum of its thoughtfully blended parts, with the quality of the food overall being more important than the presence of any one particular ingredient.

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Vacation with Your Best Friend

Posted on July 7, 2016 - 8:32 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Pets have never been a bigger part of the family. So it only makes sense to include yours on the family vacation, right? Before you go, we’ve compiled some tips to help keep your pet safe and comfortable.

Consult your veterinarian

Your pet should be healthy enough for travel and current on his or her vaccinations. Share your vacation destination with your veterinarian so they can determine how to protect your pet from potential risks in that region. When you’re escaping the snowdrifts for the beaches, it’s easy to forget about flea, tick and heartworm preventives, so make sure you bring the right parasite protection.

Update your pet’s identification

No matter how careful you are, pets can escape and get lost in unfamiliar locations. That’s why your pet should have an updated ID tag on his or her collar, including the address of your destination and your cell phone number.

If your pet dashes out without their collar, a microchip provides a backup. Veterinary clinics, shelters and animal control centers can scan your pet and find out how to reach you. Before departure, make sure your microchip company has your current contact information, including where you can be reached during vacation. There are even GPS devices with apps that enable you to track your pet’s location from your smartphone.

Make your pet at home in a carrier

Whether you’ll travel by plane, train or car, it’s best to have your pet in a well-ventilated carrier. The carrier should be roomy enough to allow your pet to stand, turn around and lay down. Always provide fresh water and a litter pan for cats.

If your pet isn’t accustomed to being in a carrier, introduce it to them at home, several weeks before your departure. Pad the bottom with their favorite blanket and place treats or toys inside so they associate positive things with it. Leave the door open so they can explore inside, then try closing the door for short periods, gradually extending the time the door is closed.

Traveling by plane

For flights within the United States, you’ll need a health certificate from your veterinarian within 10 days of departure that verifies your pet is healthy and current on vaccinations. International travel means additional paperwork and some countries require a quarantine period, so it’s important to determine what’s required well before you leave.

Although small pets may accompany you in the cabin in an approved carrier, larger pets generally travel in the cargo bay. During warmer months, try to schedule flights in the morning or evening when the temperatures are cooler. In winter, book flights in the middle of the day. Because tranquilizers can slow your pet’s breathing, they’re typically not recommended.

Traveling by car

Inside the car, pets should be in a carrier so they don’t distract the driver or become airborne in the event of an accident. The carrier should be anchored down so it doesn’t shift with the movement of the car.

Although dogs may ride in a seat if they wear a harness that fastens to a seat belt, avoid the passenger seat, because pets can be seriously injured if the airbag deploys. Regardless of how cute it may be, never let your dog ride with his or her head out the window while the car is moving. And never leave your pet in the car unattended.

If your pet isn’t used to riding in a car, make a few trial runs in the weeks before your trip. Place your pet in the carrier, drive around the block and then reward your pet with praise or treats. Gradually extend the length of the drive, ending somewhere fun, like a dog park.

Locate pet-friendly accommodations

Before you go, find pet-friendly hotels along the way. Some may have limitations in terms of pet breeds and sizes, while others may offer special services like dog walking while you’re out for dinner. It’s best to know before you go.

Bring the right stuff

Things to pack include:

  • Your pet’s regular diet
  • Food and water bowls
  • Bottled water
  • Regular medications
  • Flea, tick and heartworm preventives
  • Cat litter pan, litter and scoop
  • Dog waste bags
  • Leash and collar
  • Bedding
  • Grooming supplies
  • Life vests for dogs
  • Sunblock for pets prone to sunburn
  • Current veterinary contact information
  • Contact information for clinics en route and at your destination
  • Proof of current vaccination status
  • Pet first aid kit

Consider a pet staycation

While it may be fun to have your pet accompany you on vacation, travel can be stressful, especially for cats and elderly pets. If your pet’s health or temperament could make travel a challenge, consider a pet staycation. Many boarding facilities offer group playtime, swimming and other activities. And if your pet can’t stay with a friend or relative, it’s possible to hire a pet sitter to care for your pet in the comfort of your home. With the right planning, a little R&R can do you both some good.