Sunday, February 5, 2017

Weight-Loss Tips For Pets




Pet obesity is a growing epidemic.  If your cat or dog is overweight, it can be discouraging but there is hope.  In addition to measuring out portions carefully, keeping treats to a minimum and ensuring your pet is getting daily exercise, here are a few more weight-loss tips to help your pet lose weight.

1- Avoid dry food as it is high in carbohydrates.  Feed your overweight pet more protein to control insulin spikes.  When we eat carbohydrates, our insulin spikes rapidly after and we feel hungry again.  A high protein diet with plenty of fiber in the form of vegetables mixed in can help your pet feel full and feel better!

2- Avoid High Fat Treats--For ex: A tablespoon of peanut butter or coconut oil can be nearly as many calories as a 1/4 of a13 oz can or 1/4 cup of pet food---it is highly caloric. If you use peanut butter to administer pills, try putting them in a small amount of canned food or pumpkin instead.

3- Feed 2 -3 Smaller Meals-Small meals regulate your pet's blood sugar and improve digestion. Best not to FREE feed even in multi-cat households as usually some pets end up overeating while others undereat. Use a small amount of pumpkin or add some green vegetables to help your pet feel more satiated.

4- Use vegetables, especially green vegetables to help your pet feel more satisfied--Fiber naturally slows down the digestion of sugars so adding plenty of fiber in the form of green vegetables will help regulate your pet's blood sugar and help them feel full. You can also use a small amount of pumpkin as well. Good vegetable choices for dogs: green beans, squash and a small amount of carrots. Many cats like pureed asparagus if it is mixed into their food.

 #askariel #healthykitty #ilovemycat #holistichealth #holisticpetsupply #cats #catstagram #catsofinstagram #pets #huskies #lovemydog #holistic #dogstagram #dogs #cats #healthypet #2017goals

Reasons Why We Love Our Pets



Sunday Scoop: Ever wonder why we love our pets so much? Pets have been a part of human companionship since the beginning of time. They fulfill some unique needs for us. Pets bring out our nurturing side because they are solely dependent upon us. Children love pets because of the reciprocal love they experience from cuddling and playing with them. Many of us consider our pets to be a part of our family and refer to ourselves as our cat or dog's Mom or Dad even if we don't have human children.

Pets love us unconditionally in spite of our flaws. They are there for us through thick and thin, through good times and bad times and love us throughout. When we walk through the door, the magic of that loving, warm welcome makes us come alive! Do you agree? #love #lovemykitty
#lovemycat #ilovemycat #valentine #lovemydog #ilovemydog #catsofinstagram
Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Is Your Cat or Dog Due For a Checkup At the Vet?

We humans get physicals annually, when was the last time your pet got a checkup? While estimates are approximate, one year of your life is equivalent to about 7 years of your pet's. Sadly pets age too quickly! Think about the last time your pet had a physical exam and lab tests. If it was two years ago, that would be as if you didn't see a doctor for 14 years! Going to the vet isn't just for when your pet is sick. Pets mask their health issues and a vet visit is the best way to take good care of them and catch things early, while still treatable! #askariel #healthykitty #ilovemycat #holistichealth #holisticpetsupply #cats #pets  #lovemydog


Join us now on Instagram! Be sure to follow @Ask.Ariel for cute pet pictures, videos and pet health tips. www.instagram.com/ask.ariel

Need help with your pet?  Email the experts at AskAriel.com at
support@askariel.com
Monday, January 30, 2017

Love Pets? Join The Fun With Our Valentine Toy Sweepstakes

Sweepstakes photo 3
Valentine Toy Sweepstakes


Valentine's Day is the best day to show how much your love your pet!  Beginning February 1st through Valentine's Day, Ask Ariel will give away one free cat or dog toy each day to a lucky winner!  Ask Ariel will randomly choose  the winner each day.  Here is all you need to do to enter in our Valentine Toy Sweepstakes:

1) Follow us on either Facebook or Instagram
If you haven't been following us, there is no better time as we will be posting daily tips to keep your pet happy and healthy!

2) Post a photo of your special Valentine pet(s) on either our Facebook page or tag us on Facebook or Instagram

3) Email us at support@askariel.com so we can contact you if you win!

Eligibility:  Winners must be adults over 21 years of age and US residents only.  

Each day we will randomly choose a winner and post a photo of their special Valentine pet(s)!  So start following us now and enter to win.  Can't wait to begin the fun and share our mutual love for animals all around!
Monday, January 23, 2017

Many Cats and Dogs Are Allergic to Poultry (chicken, turkey, etc)





DID YOU KNOW.... poultry is a big allergen for both dogs and cats. Pets can have digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhea or skin problems, itching and scratching
You may want to take a closer look at what you are feeding your pet. Poultry is one of the most common ingredients in pet food. However, poultry allergies in dogs and cats is a big problem. Even if your pet is not allergic to poultry per se, your cat or dog could be intolerant of it. Poultry is a common food allergy for allergic pets in the same way that dairy can be for many allergic people. It can cause a great deal of inflammation, which in turn weakens the immune system.

What's a pet owner to do? Most pets love chicken & turkey .......Sure, you want to spoil your pet, but try taking a ride on the wild side and look into some exotic flavors such as rabbit or venison. There are lots of tasty freeze dried, raw and canned options. 

 Please limit or avoid dry food as it is much harder to digest and can contribute to yeast overgrowth and digestive problems. Dry food is not an ideal option for cats since they are not great water drinkers and can benefit from a high moisture diet to prevent urinary tract problems.  

Join us now on Instagram! Be sure to follow @Ask.Ariel for cute pet pictures, videos and pet health tips.
www.instagram.com/ask.ariel
Friday, January 20, 2017

Are You Feeding Your Cat The Ingredients They Need?



Cat owners often select their pet's  food  based on the packaging, company advertising or recommendations from another cat lover, rather than the actual ingredients on the labelCats are carnivores and need meat to survive.  The ideal diet to fulfill a cat’s dietary needs are raw frozen diets as they are the most natural to what a cat might eat in the wild.  What are raw frozen diets?  Click here to learn more in this article: Pros and Cons of Feeding Your Dog or Cat a Raw Food Diet Cats need enzymes, meat and other  essential nutrients that cannot be converted within their bodies and they must consume  from animal tissues.  These nutrients include Vitamin A, Niacin, Arginine, Taurine, Felinine, protein and arachidonic acid. 

Unfortunately most cat foods are a long way away from containing the type of ingredients that can help a cat flourish.  This is due to a variety of reasons but primarily cost.  By mixing in wheat gluten for example, the perceived protein level of the cat food is elevated.  By adding in carbohydrates such as grains, peas, flours, etc, the product is less costly.  By adding in food dyes and manipulating the shapes of the treats, they are appealing to you as the owner, rather than what is actually healthy food for your cat.  

However,  another key reason why cat food ingredients don't resemble what a cat really needs is because cats can be very finicky.   Being finicky has helped cats survive by avoiding poisonous or tainted food as they have a capability to taste bitter flavors easily.  However, many pet food manufacturers have tricked cats using less then nutritious ingredients by adding artificial flavors, salt and even sugar to their food and treats, resulting in a cat craving foods that aren't nutritious for them.

How can you as the pet owner help your kitty eat the right foods?  Don't fall for the tricks!  Read the label!  Primary ingredients in cat food should be meat, fish or poultry.  Additional ingredients should be names you can pronounce and are familiar to you.  Keep the ingredients simple and avoid grains, fillers, chemicals and food dyes. If you find that your cat's food isn't meeting the standards you would like, it may be a challenge to convert your cat to a healthier diet.  Your kitty may resist at first, but stick with it.  Start with just the smallest amount of the new food mixed into the old food and slowly, slowly you can convince your cat that it is good.  Try not to get discouraged.  There will definitely be a nutritious food you can find to keep your cat healthy without compromising on taste!

For more healthy pet tips, follow us on www.instagram.com/ask.ariel

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Tips To Help Your Dog Lose Weight


Dennis Before

Dennis Now
Pet nutrition is very important to us at Askariel.com, That is why this story caught our attention.   Brooke Burton, rescued her miniature dachshund Dennis at a weight of 56 pounds!   He now weighs a trim 12 pounds.  The message that diet and exercise can work to improve your pet’s health is undeniable.  See the Today article to learn about Dennis’ journey. Burton has also joined forces with Ohio State University to form Dennis’ Legacy, which is a nonprofit venture whose mission is to “support nutritional education and care of obese animals”

Pet obesity can lead to many health concerns including: joint pain, digestive system issues, and undue stress to their heart and lungs. Unfortunately the majority of pets are overweight.  Some factors contribute to their pet's obesity---feeding too many carbohydrates in food, not getting enough exercise, free feeding and "overtreating" our pets.  When a pet has too many carbohydrates in the diet, just like with people, they feel overly hungry.  Their insulin spikes from the carbs.  To help your pet feel less hungry, you can add more fiber (e.g. vegetables such as green beans and pumpkin) and be sure you are feeding a high protein diet.  Dry kibble is very high in carbohydrates so choosing a canned or raw frozen diet and mixing with plenty of vegetables will help.  If possible, try to feed your pet a mid-day meal as it is easy to feel famished by the end of the day.  Avoid free feeding.  Feed pets regular meals to prevent overfeeding.  Finally, we all love to spoil our pets, but the best way to keep your pet fit and trim is to use the treats after exercising and keep a designated amount per day in a little bag so that you know when you reach the limit.  Food isn't the only way to spoil your pet.  A big hug, a nice walk and a little extra attention seem to work quite well too!

Visit www.AskAriel.comhttp://www.askariel.com/dog-health-questions-s/1924.htm for more information about the best diets to feed your pet!