Raw Diets For Pets vs. Kibble

Raw Frozen Diets

When it comes to pet food, commercially prepared raw frozen diets are the gold standard. Raw frozen diets contain fresh protein (meat, poultry, etc) combined with vegetables and omega oils giving pets easily digestible, optimal nutrition that is low in carbohydrates. Some major brands include: Stella and Chewys, Instinct, Primal for example. Raw frozen diets can be especially helpful for pets with allergies, digestive problems and young, active pets. These are high protein diets containing real meat and poultry, organ meats, vegetables, omega oils and assorted nutrients. The ingredients are well balanced and speak for themselves.

Raw frozen diets are expensive and some cats won't eat them. Raw frozen diets don't have to be an all or nothing part of the pet's diet. Mixing a portion of raw frozen diets into your pet's food is a great option and is far better than not mixing in any at all. Many brands have tasty raw "mixers" and freeze dried raw options that pets will eat readily.

Pets that eat a raw frozen diet are getting a high moisture content which promotes overall health. This is why pets that eat raw frozen diets drink less water. The food is highly digestible so the stool size is often much smaller especially when compared to dry kibble. Since raw frozen diets are low in carbohydrates, they are an excellent choice for pets with allergies and/or yeast.

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Dry Kibble Diets

Dry kibble is highly processed pet food made with carbohydrates to form the food along with a limited amount of protein. A portion of the protein percentage reported on the label is often derived from the starchy carbohydrates (e.g. potatoes) rather than from meat, fish or poultry. The primary reason dry kibble is produced is for convenience--not for your pet's nutrition. Carbohydrates used to make kibble range from grain-free legumes and potatoes to the less healthy grains such as rice and barley. Dry kibble can lead to bloat, yeast, itching, poor digestion since their ingredients are made for ease of administration. It can also contribute to autoimmune disorders in both cats and dogs.

Dry kibble is affordable and processed with preservatives to ensure a long shelf-life. Pets eating dry kibble often have large stools since many of the ingredients are not well digested. Cats are carnivores and have no need for dry kibble and yet, most cat foods are made with them. If you do choose to feed your pet dry kibble, please consider adding some raw frozen, canned or homemade food to their diet (NOT tablescraps!). Including lean protein, crumbled raw freeze dried or some raw frozen nuggets will add to their overall nutrition and good health. At the very least, consider adding green beans and other fresh vegetables to a dog's dry kibble to add enzymes and fresh nutrients to the diet.

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When You Have To Leave Food Out

Dry kibble is a convenient way to leave food out for pets especially for working professionals. While free feeding is not optimal, sometimes it is a necessity when you are working long hours. We love our pets but we have to work. If this is your current situation, consider feeding dry kibble when you are not home and raw when you are OR as an even better alternative - consider RAW FREEZE DRIED. Raw freeze dried food is made with the same ingredients as the raw frozen diets but cooked slightly at low temperatures to make it a stable food that can be left out (if your pet doesn't devour it). Brands such as Stella and Chewys and Instinct offer companion freeze dried foods to their raw frozen diets for just this reason.

Finally, dehydrated food is made to appear as a "homemade alternative" and is also made with carbohydrates but these diets generally contain more nutritious ingredients and can be mixed with raw frozen diets. Due to the carbohydrates in most dehydrated food, these diets are not nearly as beneficial as raw frozen diets, but their convenience makes them a healthier option than over processed dry kibble.

Why Are Too Many Carbohydrates A Problem?

Why are too many carbohydrates a problem? Carbohydrates convert to sugar and can lead to yeast, diabetes and even cancer. Most notably they can affect immunity and worsen autoimmune disorders. Many cat owners with autoimmune disorders such as stomatitis are feeding their cats dry food not realizing that the carbohydrates in the food are worsening their cat's condition---the carbohydrates convert to sugar feeding the bacteria in the mouth. Moreover, while protein and fats are slow to be digested, the sugar from carbohydrates are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, spiking (and then dropping) insulin making pets hungry faster. Is your dog always acting starved? Could be that your dog is eating a kibble diet loaded with carbohydrates.

In summary, finding the right balance that works for your lifestyle, budget and your pet's well being can be accomplished by choosing different forms of food. If at all possible, try to incorporate something fresh (vegetables or lean protein) into your pet's diet.

Power Probiotic For Dogs and Cats

Power Probiotic For Dogs and Cats

Indicated for: bad dog breath, IBS, skin problems, pets that have been on antibiotics or steroids, diarrhea, chronic urinary infections, yeast, stomach upset, eye stains, poor digestion, immune support, stomatitis, pets eating a raw food diet This fabulous product has so many benefits:

*Supports digestion and overall good health (great for all pets!)
*Powerful immune support
*Helps with allergies, digestive problems and ear infections
*Essential for pets that have taken antibiotics or corticosteroids
*Helps stop bad breath
*Reduces tear stains

Not all probiotic supplements are alike. In fact, many lose their potency before you ever open the bottle. And... many probiotics that are manufactured for pets are of inferior quality. They are easily killed by heat, air and moisture. This probiotic for cats and dogs has been tested extensively and has shown to be 95% effective EVEN after exposure to 100 degree heat for over a week. We have tried many pet and human probiotics on the market and have found this blend to be highly effective but also an excellent value for the quality.

Please note that it is very important to use the Probiotic if you are feeding your pet a raw food diet. The Probiotic helps to balance out the intestinal flora and promotes optimal health and immune function. This product can be safely used for very young pets and should be considered a part of a pet's "diet" rather than a supplement, especially if using a raw food diet.

World's Oldest Cat Nutmeg Passes Away at 32

This past week in England the world's oldest cat, Nutmeg, passed away at the age of 32 from heart failure. Usually domesticated cats only live to an average of 15 years, so this was truly amazing. Nutmeg was a remarkable cat, but so were his adopted parents, who found him in their garden 27 years ago and took incredible care of him. According to Liz and Ian Finlay, his heartbroken owners, Nutmeg took full advantage of all of his nine lives!

Signs to Watch for in Senior Cats

The advances in veterinary care, nutrition and the increase knowledge of supplementing with holistic care are all helping our pets live longer.  Here are red flags to watch for in senior cats.  Early detection and action can help your senior cat enjoy their golden years.

Weight loss or changes in appetite-seek medical attention to determine cause, kidney disease is a common disorder in older kitties that can cause weight loss

Dental Disease (stomatitis)- can cause appetite issues

Change in mobility- joint pain
Litter box issues-urinary tract infections and kidney issues are more common in older cats

Behavior changes- cats may withdraw if not feeling well

Changes in grooming habits-cat are groomers and if they are unkept could be a sign your kitty isn't feeling well.

My Can't Won't Eat! Reasons Why Your Kitty May Not Be Eating Well

We were recently contacted by a client that wanted to know what to feed her 10 year old cat, who had started to  be "finicky" about food recently.  She went on to explain that, a few weeks ago, her furry baby had stopped eating her regular dry food.  She then tried a few different canned foods, only to have her lose interest every few days, and finally resorted to pieces of cooked chicken and tuna.  She did not notice any other changes in her cat's behavior.

It is important to know that a change in your cat's eating habits usually indicates a problem! It is not common for a cat to get "tired of the food". You need to get to the bottom of the issue sooner than later.  Even if your cat is drinking it can become dehydrated, which can have devastating results.There could be many reason a cat will stop eating, here are the most common:

Dental Problems-Your cat's mouth may be sore...it could be from an injury, broken tooth, an infection or from a common condition known as stomatitis, which causes it to be painful to chew.  You will need to have an assessment of your pet’s mouth, treatment of cause and possibly a dental cleaning to resolve the issue.

Gastrointestinal Issues- If your cat has nausea due to gastrointestinal (GI) problems, he or she will not want to eat. Often cats with GI problems will have weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.  Power Probiotic and Soothing Digestive Relief provide relief for the discomfort associated with GI symptoms. There are many reasons your cat could have GI issues, some include

• Parasites (Colostrum + Power Probiotic can help ward off parasites, especially if your cat is vulnerable and has had these previously)
• Colitis (acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane lining the colon)
• Gastroenteritis (inflammation or infection of the GI tract)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation or infection of the pancreas)
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)  inflammation of the intestinal lining which is often due to food allergies
• Cancer (e.g. intestinal lymphoma)

Kidney Disease-Very common, particularly in older cats, not wanting to eat is kidney disease. Kidney disease causes acid to build up in the GI tract which causes nausea. Only your veterinarian can diagnose kidney disease so it is again important to have your feline examined as soon as possible.  Using Gastro ULC + Power Probiotic can greatly help.  Kidney disease is very common in senior cats.  It can be treated using the appropriate kidney friendly diet, IV fluids, subcutaneous fluids done at home along with a few supplements.

Other Possible Causes-If you rule out major diseases or conditions, your veterinarian may ask you about any changes in the cat's routine or living conditions.  Cats can be sensitive to changes to their environment and may stop eating if feeling anxious or depressed.  Or perhaps they recently received a vaccination and is not feeling quite itself.  

Refusal of food can have significant consequences, and determining the underlying reason quickly is important.  Unlike dogs, cats can get very sick quickly from not eating and early intervention is key. Seek help from a veterinarian professional immediately if your cat stops being interested in eating. 

 Diet changes can help bring about relief very quickly.  Many cats that not feeling well are eating nothing but poultry and fish.  These protein sources, along with the grains and starches found in dry foods are hard to digest for many cats and can be a big allergen too.  Many times pet owners have tried various foods already so getting help from a professional can make a difference.  Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist will provide a free diet suggestion custom tailored for you cat with your order. Be sure to include what you are currently feeding on the order form at checkout.