Your Pets Daily - dog nutrition

Three in 10 pet owners unknowingly feed their dogs toxic foods

Jessica Curtis — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Nearly three in 10 (29%) pet owners admit to feeding their dogs something toxic, with apple seeds the most common food they didn't realise could cause harm, new research reveals.

The study was conducted by dog-friendly holiday lettings company Canine Cottages, who also polled pet owners across the nation to reveal which foods they did and didn't realise caused harm to their pets, as well as how many have accidentally fed their furry friends something harmful.

Working with a vet, Canine Cottages has also created an interactive tool, highlighting how toxic foods can affect their pets from their inside, and advice on what to do to treat them upon consumption.

According to the research, of the most common toxic foods, the top 10 that British pet owners didn't know can be toxic to their dogs are:

Apple seeds (76%)
Artificial sweetener (75%)
Caffeine (70%)
Onions/chives (70%)
Coffee (69%)
Garlic (65%)
Grapes/raisins (63%)
Mouldy food (62%)
Alcohol (55%)
Chocolate (38%)

A further 2% of dog owners didn't think that any of these foods were toxic to their pets!

Shockingly, nearly three in 10 (29%) of pet owners admit to feeding their dog one of these foods without knowing that they could cause harm. According to the study, nearly eight in 10 (76%) pet owners were unaware that apple seeds could cause harm to their pets, and are assumingly unaware that they contain cyanide, a chemical that can cause hypoxia – a lack of oxygen delivery to the body.

Experts weigh in on how these foods cause harm and what course of action to take:

Three quarters (75%) of Brits didn't realise artificial sweeteners could cause harm, but as Dr Charley Webb, Vet and Nutritionist at VetChef.com explains, these "cause our pets' glucose to drop dangerously low within hours. Pets that ingest even small amounts of xylitol can have dangerous hypo-glycaemia and may be unconscious within one hour. This is especially dangerous and I avoid keeping any product containing xylitol in the house at all."

And although chocolate was the most 'well-known' of these toxic foods, 38% still didn't know that this could be harmful to their pets. As Dr Webb continues: "dark chocolate contains the chemical theobromine. In the short term (within a few hours) it can cause signs like slight twitching, high heart rate and hyperactivity. If untreated, pets can develop heart arrhythmias, kidney failure and seizures."

So, if your dog does accidentally eat something they shouldn't, what's the best course of action? With 47% admitting they wouldn't know what would happen to their dog if they ate something toxic, Dr Charley Webb, Vet and Nutritionist at VetChef.com offers her advice if you ever find yourself in the situation:

"If you think your pet has eaten something that might be dangerous to them, stay calm and try not to panic. The best course of action is always to call the vet for advice right away, even if it's the middle of the night or a weekend. Most pets recover fully if treated rapidly so it's important to tell your vet as soon as you know that it has happened, as this can prevent them from causing serious harm and in some cases could save their lives."

Commenting on the research, Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages, says: "We may all know certain foods that we should avoid feeding our furry friends, but it is surprising to see how many pet owners don't know that certain foods cold cause harm to their pets, for example chocolate or alcohol.

"Although in most cases a trip to the vets will be able to treat your pet in this instance, as pet owners it's important to understand what these foods can do to our beloved pets, hence why we have created this interactive tool, highlighting the harm they can cause. We hope this piece will help educate pet owners to understand the impact these foods can cause, especially as we approach the festive period and may be tempted to treat our pets to human food!"

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Best dog food for digestive problems

Experts guide to feeding our fussy furry friends

Katie Court — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Over the years, we've become accustomed to our canine friends devouring anything that's put down in front of them but like ourselves our dogs' habits can change and they may start becoming a bit more choosy when it comes to mealtimes.

Ensuring that you remain calm and create a relaxing environment is key to encouraging your dog to eat on a regular basis.

To ensure your dog is enjoying mealtime, here are Bella & Duke's natural canine behaviourist, Caroline Spencer's top five tips:

Find the right feeding location

Creating a calm feeding environment without distractions is fundamental when it comes to fussy eaters. Spend some time in the room where you'll feed before feeding so that you, and your dog, can relax before their meal.

Place the food on the floor where your dog is going to feel comfortable eating, avoid passageways, hallways or even the corner of the room – they need their 360 vision to eat in comfort.

Sit with your back to your dog when they're eating so they don't feel watched and can eat uninterrupted.

Timing mealtime

You may find that your dog, especially an anxious dog, eats better in the evening.

You are calm, the day is done, everyone is home and more relaxed. Feeding your dog once a day is perfectly fine.

Add tasty additions

Adding a favourite natural, dehydrated treat like our Supreme Sprats or a little bit of beaten raw egg to their food will encourage many fussy dog to get stuck in.

You could also sprinkle their meal with antler powder, drizzle some bone broth over it or even add a small amount of tinned sardine in spring water to enhance the aroma.

The scavenger method

Dogs are natural opportunists when it comes to kitchen scraps. Try the method of 'obliviously' dropping your dog's food on the floor for them to hoover up.

By avoiding eye contact or communication this helps eliminate any added stress your dog may have.

90% of dog owners have seen this method succeed with their fussy eaters.

Ration portions

Many dogs prefer to eat smaller dollops of food, and some will even take it back to their special places to eat.

If your dog often takes food and treats to their bed or under a table, put their meals down there for them to enjoy them where they prefer.

Caroline Spencer, natural canine behaviourist at Bella & Duke added; "It can be a worry when our pets stop eating but more times than not there is a simple reason behind it. Before racking up the vet bills consider how you can help create calm around mealtimes and think about how their meals are being presented to them.

"By adding a simple spruce to their meal or by making it more interactive can really help peak their interest".

Here are Caroline's top ten reasons why your dog might stop eating;

A health issue
Age
Holding out for a treat
New unfamiliar food
Coming into season
Warm weather
Separation anxiety
Chemical residue after washing
Owner's stress, wellness and mood
Certain medications can also reduce or increase your dog's appetite

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dog nutrition

Research shows raw feeding can protect your pet from chronic illness

Tom Stone — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

A recent study from the University of Helsinki has captured headlines for its claims that young dogs and pups that are fed leftovers from their owners' dinner could benefit from improved gut health and avoid many of the negative impacts of highly processed pet foods such as kibble. It also highlighted that feeding young dogs a non processed meat based diet was protective against chronic enteropathy (CE) later in life.

Leading UK raw pet food company, Bella & Duke have come out in support of the focus to shift from highly processed diets. Making the switch to a species-appropriate diet, such as raw, offers the healthiest and most natural option for your dog, packed with essential amino acids and proteins that aren't found in most kibbles.

Following the stark finding that even feeding your pet the leftovers from your own dinner would provide them with a more nutritionally dense diet than kibble, Bella & Duke's Chief Consulting Nutritionist, Rowan Sanderson praised the study for highlighting the importance of feeding meat based diets and offered his insight into why feeding a raw diet makes the most optimal choice in your dog leading the happy, healthy and long life they deserve.

A raw diet for dogs should consist of a balanced mix of muscle meat, bone, and organs, mimicking the diet of wild canines. It may also include a healthy selection of fats, vegetables, and seasonal berries.

Whilst Bella & Duke agrees with, and champions what Dr Anna Hielm-Björkman exclaims in the study. It is important to still be aware of what exactly you are feeding your pets from your leftovers. We know that health travels up and down the lead, if you do feed your dog leftovers, avoid cooked bones as they can splinter easily, highly salted foods or excess carbohydrates like roast potatoes.

Bella & Duke's Chief Consulting Nutritionist, Rowan Sanderson, said: "The study recently published by the University of Helsinki is a fantastic showcase of the adverse effects a highly-processed diet can have on your pets. Anna Hielm-Björkman has been a huge inspiration behind the work we do at Bella & Duke, we are in complete agreement with the study and that owners would be better off feeding their pets their own leftovers, within reason.

Many are unaware of the damages the processed, and specifically grain based pet foods can have on our dogs. We all want the best health for our pets, whilst leftovers may be fine to feed on occasion, the facts show there is nothing better for your pet than a high quality species-appropriate raw diet, which offers the healthiest and most natural option for your pet. There are only benefits to starting your pet on a raw diet – from maintaining a healthy weight, aiding digestion, supporting healthy bones and joints, to keeping coats soft and shiny and moreover there are no long term studies to suggest that a processed or kibble based diet is the best option when thinking about your pet's health.

While the study highlights chronic enteropathy and other gastro-intestinal diseases there is also a strong correlation between inflammation in the heart and diets which are high in lectins. This can be found in many types of kibble as they need starches to hold the bits of kibble together. This and the high heat process of making kibble cooks out any of the nutrients that were once in there."

To help better understand the benefits of a raw diet, Rowan lists his top 10 reasons to to transition to raw feeding:

Helps maintain a healthy weight - Obesity is the number one health issue facing our pet population today. A raw diet has the correct balance of "Macronutrients", higher protein, moderate fats, and low carbohydrates which translates to your dog naturally storing much less body fat.

Supports digestion - Dogs are natural carnivores and as such their digestive enzymes are geared for raw meat! Research has shown that a raw meat diet is not only easier for canines to digest but it is also better absorbed meaning those all-essential nutrients get used as nature intended.

Improves toilet habits - This is one of the first things owners' comment on when they begin feeding raw to their pet. In the absence of those fillers found in processed food, the "end product", your pet's stool, is smaller, firmer, easier to pass and even helps express their anal glands on exit. Less fermented grains also means significantly less aroma and it's easier to dispose of which makes for happier pet parents.

Supports Oral Health - A diet that is lower in carbohydrates, is naturally low in the sugars that unhealthy mouth bacteria thrive on. Dogs can get gum disease too, and this can have a downstream health impact on their pancreas, heart, and brain. In fact, a healthier oral microbiome is associated with lower inflammation in your pet full stop.

Glossier skin and coat - A raw diet is high in the healthy unoxidized fatty acids, omega 3 and 6 as well as the key amino acids for hair production. This means their fur is kept oh so soft and shiny, without excess shedding. Bella & Duke's customers have also reported that their dog smells clean and healthy without that 'dirty dog' smell.

Supports healthy bones and joints - Raw bone is a key component of the raw diet and is a rich source of calcium and phosphorus in the exact ratios required for bone health, repair, and growth. Raw food also contains connective tissues, which is an excellent source of chondroitin and glucosamine as well as collagen to support your dog's joints and keep them healthy. Just as important with a raw food diet, are the foods which are excluded such as grains or grain substitutes. Emerging research correlates much higher joint inflammation with grain consumption.

Supports the immune system - Raw meat provides high-quality protein aminos and key bone fibers which support a healthy gut lining. The gut is both the headquarters of your dog's immune system, sending important health signals around its body, and the gatekeeper for toxins, keeping them at bay and supporting overall immune health. A measured amount of vegetables and berries provides an array of immune-supporting vitamins as well as antioxidants and phytonutrients which help your dog to stay healthy and keep their immune system strong.

Balanced Behaviour - Eating food that satisfies their biological needs not only supports your dog's physical health, but it also supports their mental wellbeing too. A healthier gut helps make all important neurotransmitters to keep your dogs happy as well as healthy.

Balanced energy levels - A raw diet provides both healthy protein and fats in the ratios they thrive on, meaning that your dog will have plenty of consistent energy to join you on walks, explore and interact with the world around them. Goodbye processed food sugar slumps and snoring on the sofa!

Supports cognition and emotional health - We now know that good gut health plays an important role in mood, memory, and focus. We also know that pets fed a varied raw diet have a more developed gut microbiome, particularly with some key longevity species. This contributes to your dog's mental wellbeing and also supports memory and learning. The healthy fats in raw food help to protect and support your pet's brain which may reduce cognitive decline as they age.

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Adding Years to your dog's life

Katie Court — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Dog lovers have been told they can help their furry friends live as long as possible with a new premium dog food designed for every individual dog. It's been developed based on the principles of a longevity study by Dr Gerald Lippert which shows dogs fed a fresh, wholefood diet can live up to three years longer.

Now Years.com has developed a Complete Nutrition System to maximise the lifespan of each breed of dog based on these principles. Every dog who is fed Years, has a chef preparing their bespoke meals and nutrition plan.

Meals include meats you would eat yourself, including steak and chicken thigh as well as vegetable nutrients to meet each dog's exact needs. The Complete Nutrition System also includes prebiotics, probiotics, a superfood supplement and breed specific recipes.

Customers sign up for the service by providing detailed information about their dog including its age, breed, weight and gender as well as its lifestyle and exercise habits. They then receive steam cooked meals created by a team of chefs using wholefood, seasonal ingredients and prime cuts of meat.

The team behind the new brand are so confident that they can achieve their goal of helping pets live a longer, happier, healthier life they named the company Years.com.

Over 21,000 Years.com meals have been trialed by dogs ahead of launch with the complete nutrition system tailored to breed and each individual four legged customer.

It's priced from just £1.05 per Complete Nutrition System depending on the dog's breed, size and activity levels. A 17kg Border Collie, female, spayed, who enjoys 2 hour walks a day and the occasional snack would cost £2.90. That would include 400g fresh, wholefood meals using human grade meat and vegetables, a superfood supplement to support a dog's digestion, joints and coat health and probiotics and prebiotics to support a healthy microbiome.

Tasty meals include Chicken Thigh Vegetable Casserole, Beef Steak Hotpot and Turkey Thigh with Cranberries. All recipes have been created with a team of nutritionists including a Board Certified Vet Nutritionist, of which there are only two in the entire UK.

Years.com co-founder and dog owner Ivan Barashki said: "It was important for us to develop a nutrition system to support every dog - as dog lovers we know every animal is different. Over the last three years, we've worked with qualified vets and dog nutritionists to scientifically perfect our recipes. We use these studies and data, alongside the information customers provide us with about their dog to create a highly accurate recipe. This determines the exact number of calories and ingredients you should be feeding your dog.

"Early feedback from customers has been incredible - their dogs are loving the meals perfected for them. Next for us is meals for puppies which are due to launch in May. The nutrition they need is very different to that of an older dog and because we refuse to compromise with a one size fits all approach, it was important for us to get this right for them. We're looking forward to seeing just how much they love the meals."

Co-founder Darren Beale added: "It really is unlike anything ever offered to dog parents before. No more hoping you're feeding your dog the right nutrition, no more ordering toppers and supplements to enhance kibble. With one click, you can be confident your dog is getting 100% complete nutrition for them from wholefood meals."

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Vet reveals the popular dog food brands you should avoid feeding your dog

Your Pets Daily Editor — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

With so many brands to compare, it can be confusing to know what to look out for in ingredients lists, particularly if your dog has a sensitive tummy, an allergy or falls into the puppy or senior category.

To save dog owners the hard work, the in-house veterinary surgeon at Pooch & Mutt, Dr Linda Simon, has weighed in on some of the UK's most popular dog food brands to see what nutritional value they are really offering your furry friends.

Read below to see what Dr Simon thinks about these popular dog food brands.

Dry food: Pedigree Vital

As one of the original and most well-known commercial dog food brands in the UK, you'd think Dr Simon would give them a gleaming review. However, this is not the case.

"Dogs require a high-quality protein for muscle repair, as well as a healthy coat and skin, so ideally, a good quality dog food would have whole meat or fish as the first listed ingredient. This is not the case for Pedigree. Instead, Pedigree lists cereal as its first ingredient and only contains 7.2% meat as a whole."

"The recommended carbohydrate percentage in dog food is 20-45%. This Pedigree food contains 82% carbohydrates, which could lead to significant weight gain in dogs, not to mention other issues such as difficulty building muscle, passing more stools, experiencing more digestive problems and sluggishness."

"Dogs require a high-meat diet to get the nutrients they need, and Pedigree's focus on cereal and carbs alongside a very low meat content makes it less favourable in comparison to some other brands."

Sensitive stomachs: Hills Science Plan Perfect Digestion Adult 1+

"Pooches with sensitive tums need food that's specifically designed to aid digestion and gently support their delicate gut ecosystem; otherwise, they can suffer with frequent diarrhoea, constipation, bloatedness and/or smelly farts. Not a great time for the pooch... or the parent!"

"The ideal food for dogs with sensitive tummies avoids too many carbs, as that can lead to obesity, diabetes and other chronic medical issues. Some nutritionists also advise against grains and wheat, as many dogs find them hard to digest. Hill's contains an excess of carbs in its ingredients list - including wheat, maize, rice and oats."

"In reality, the best core ingredient for a gut-friendly dog food would be a whole, lean protein which helps build the dog's digestive system with its anti-inflammatory effects, instead Hills main ingredients are wheat and maize."

"Lots of dogs can digest all kinds of food, but if your dog has a sensitive stomach, you'll want to be more careful and choose gentle, digestible ingredients, something that unfortunately, this Hills Science food does not particularly offer."

Sensitive skin: Royal Canin Skin Care

"One of the big perks of feeding your dog the right diet is that it can contribute to comfortable skin that's free of itchiness and a smooth, shiny coat. Many dogs with sensitive skin have allergies - to grain or otherwise - so dog foods that contain grain will be riskier for them."

"Royal Canin has maize, gluten and rice as its first three ingredients when protein rather than carbs are of more benefit to a dog's diet."

"Dogs with sensitive skin benefit from supplements for skin and hydration. Collagen as well as omega fatty acids are great examples of this. Royal Canin does actually include omega fatty acids which are great to reduce inflammation. However, a dog with sensitive skin often has allergies, so foods full of grains - such as Royal Canin's - could be seen as riskier, so I would be cautious in choosing this food to help with your dog's sensitive skin."

For puppies: Harrington's Puppy

"Getting the food right for young pups is super important - they need all the extra nutrients and whole foods they can get to develop strong bones and muscles as they rapidly grow. Alongside this, the right food needs to be gentle on their small, delicate tummies."

"The first ingredient in Harrington's is 'meat meal' - a powder made from animal parts that humans don't consume. As it's created by rendering, this can affect nutrient bioavailability, meaning many of the important nutrients can be lost."

"It's key to know exactly what you're feeding puppies, so that if they react badly to a meal, you can clearly read the label to investigate the ingredients. The nutritional information of Harrington's is vague - it's unclear which meats are included. This means the contents could change over time and cause a reaction or digestive issues in your pup."

For seniors: Bakers Senior

"Much like puppies, senior dogs need special care when being fed - their diets must be gentle on the stomach yet full of whole ingredients to keep them nourished, lean and spritely in this late stage of life."

"Bakers contains a very low proportion of meat at 5.1%, which is not clearly labelled, and listed as 'Meat and animal derivatives".

"As a senior dog is less active than a younger dog and their metabolism has slowed, they shouldn't eat too many carbs wherever possible. Senior dogs who are overweight have a worse quality of life and tend to pass away months, or even years sooner than slender, healthier dogs. Bakers contains an excessive amount of carbohydrates, at 52% wholegrains."

"Finally, to help a senior dog have the best quality of life, the addition of supplements and nutraceuticals can have a positive impact on their ageing body and functions. Bakers contains no supplements or nutraceuticals, so whilst this might taste great to your pooch, it really won't be offering them much support in terms of their ageing joints and body."

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Seasonal Superfoods to Boost Your Dog's Nutrition This Christmas

Tom Stone — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000

With the cold winter weather approaching, and Christmas just around the corner, the change in season brings many delicious and nutritious foods that are perfect for making wholesome meals.

And while you might have heard about superfoods for humans, what exactly is it that makes food 'super' for our dogs?

Ahead of the festive season, we've spoken to the team of nutrition experts at tails.com, on the benefits of adding 'superfoods' to your dog's diet this winter and beyond, as well as how you can introduce them gradually so your four-legged friend gets the most out of meal times.

What are 'superfoods' and what are the benefits of adding them to your dog's diet?

While there is no scientific definition of what a 'superfood' is, the term typically refers to those that are packed full of good nutrients and minerals, and have high nutritional density. To put it simply, they are there to support a dog's general health.

Whilst a lot of pets will enjoy diets that consist mainly of tailor-made wet or dry food recipes to suit their needs, adding a few superfoods in moderation can have many benefits to your dog's health. This can include providing them with more energy throughout the day, maintaining joint, kidney, and liver health, as well as boosting immune systems, and providing shiny and healthy coats.

What superfoods can I feed my dog this time of year?

1. Cranberries

As the festive season approaches, one particular food stocked in your cupboards that can be added to your dog's diet for a nutrient boost is cranberries.

Dogs can safely consume fresh or dried cranberries in small quantities and they are a tasty, low-calorie snack that can be added as a topper to your dog's meals during the Christmas festivities.

Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins C, E, K, which will naturally support your dog's immune system. They also contain proanthocyanidins, which can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.

2. Carrots

Carrots are another commonly sourced superfood you can count on to be around during the winter season, and make a tasty and healthy treat for dogs. You can steam/boil them and serve them mashed or cut them into carrot sticks and feed them raw depending on what your dog prefers (crunchy raw sticks make a great option for teething puppies).

Not only that but carrots are also full of vitamins and minerals including A, C, K, and potassium, which can support overall health and the immune system in particular. The root vegetables are also high in Beta-carotene, which is a precursor to Vitamin A that acts as an antioxidant.

3. Sweet Potatoes

Though they might not be your go-to option for a Christmas dinner, if you're looking for a nutritious and filling superfood option, then look no further than sweet potatoes. You can boil or bake them before mashing or chopping them up to add to your dog's dinner.

Loaded with vitamins and minerals including A, C, B6, beta-carotene and potassium that helps promote eye and heart health alongside a healthy immune system, sweet potatoes are also low in fat, making them great for dogs with dietary restrictions. They are also a great source of fibre to help regulate canine bowel movements.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries are the perfect sweet treat for your dog this winter and can be enjoyed fresh or even frozen as a treat, or a tasty topper for their dinner.

Known to contain antioxidants that protect your dog's cells from harmful molecules known as free radicals, blueberries are a great food to support your dog's immune system. Alongside being rich in vitamins C and K, blueberries also contain manganese, a trace element which contributes to bone and joint health, neurological function, and reproductive health.

5. Apples

With the weather getting colder, there's nothing like a warming apple pie for dinner, so why not let your four-legged friend join in on the classic winter flavour by adding some sweet and delicious apples to their diet?

Simply remove the seeds and core (as they can upset your dog's stomach when consumed), and chop the rest of the apple up into bite-sized chunks or slices to give to your dog.

The nutritious snack is full of fibre to aid your dog's digestion and to help regulate canine bowel movements. They are also rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health. Apples are also good for oral health in dogs, as chewing on slices of apple may help to clean dogs' teeth.

What do you need to consider when introducing superfoods to your dog's diet?

- Make sure you do it gradually

When you introduce superfoods to your dog's diet, you must do it gradually and in small servings, as certain foods may not agree with your dog's stomach. If you notice that your four-legged friend begins to experience any kind of symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting as a result of the new food, stop feeding it to your dog immediately and contact your vet.

- Consider that not all foods are safe for dogs to eat

If you want to introduce superfoods to your dog's diet, you also need to consider that while they might have the same benefits, not all foods are safe for them to eat. Foods to avoid can include (but are not limited to) garlic, dark chocolate, chives, avocado, and certain types of nuts as they can be extremely harmful to dogs if consumed in large amounts.

- Make sure to treat your dog in moderation

As well as introducing superfoods to your dog's diet gradually, you also need to make sure that you treat them in moderation alongside their regular balanced diet, as the could be a concern as well as the additional calories which could cause weight gain. Do consult with your vet first if your dog is diabetic, on a special diet or overweight.

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