Marley, one of the many furry faces behind Bibim Paws, turned 19 this past April and Joyce, founder of Bibim Paws, thanks his clean, fresh and organic diet for his longevity and health.
Marley was originally diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) after his vet noticed his kidneys had fluid cysts on one of his routine physical x-rays. After a couple specialist visits, they confirmed the fluid cysts on his kidneys and informed Joyce about this inherited kidney disease.
What is Polycystic Kidney Disease?
Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic disorder of the kidneys. Fluid filled cysts are found in the kidneys which affects the ability of the kidneys to perform their crucial role of filtering toxins in the body. The beginning stages of this disease start with small cysts in both kidneys that slowly begin to increase in size as the dog ages. Dogs who have PKD are given an average lifespan of only 8-10 years.
A lot of pet owners have differences in opinion when it comes to feeding raw or cooked. The issue around cleanliness and bacteria is a topic that concerns many pet owners who are looking into feeding their pet's raw food.
So are there risks when feeding your pets raw meat?
Yes! We want to be as honest as possible when it comes to what we produce and also shed a light on the industry of meat production.
The issue with handling and serving our pets raw meat is the risk of exposing ourselves and our pets to the bacteria that is present in raw food.
All raw meat do contain levels of bacteria if not cooked properly, but studies have shown that organic meats were 56 percent less likely to harbor multidrug-resistant bacterial contamination compared to conventional meat.
Why is there a difference?
Because conventional meat is mass produced in factory farms and facilities that are not regularly inspected so the issues around cleanliness and contamination are high. Also most conventional farms inject or feed their farm animals with antibiotics to combat illnesses that spread within their farms. Then these antibiotics are then passed down in the meat that are then sold to consumers.
On the other hand, meat that comes from certified organic farms must comply with strict standards including no antibiotic use (feed included) and their farms/facilities are inspected regularly to ensure cleanliness and that the organic guidelines are being met.
How can I reduce my risk of exposure to dangerous bacteria in raw food?
Again, we always want to be transparent with our products and hope more pet owners can learn about the importance of sourcing and organic ingredients. Raw can be a great, fresh option for some but please be extra cautious and know your meats!
Sources:
"Contamination of Retail Meat Samples with Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Relation to Organic and Conventional Production and Processing: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Data from the United States National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System, 2012–2017" - Environmental Health Perspectives
- Isobel Jennings, Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Cambridge University
The value and effectiveness of nutrition can be debated on whether synthetic vitamins are just as effective as vitamins sourced from whole foods. This debate trickles down from the same argument humans have about their own nutrition and now we want to highlight the same points for our pet's nutrition.
What are synthetic vitamins?
Synthetic vitamins are essentially "replicas" of the nutrients we can find in whole food sources. But most synthetic vitamins are made in the lab by substances with acids, bases, or other reducing compounds. The use of synthetic vitamins has gained popularity due to the modernization of agriculture and the depletion of nutrient rich soil. Sadly, as the demand for food in today's modern world grows, so does the lack of nutrients that used to be present in our soil and food. The use of synthetic and concentrated vitamins was originally used to supplement inadequate and "lacking" diets but is now used to fortify almost every diet, especially animal diets.
Why are synthetic vitamins used in my pet's food?
Most pet food brands (especially dry food) follow AAFCO's nutritional requirements for cats and dogs. AAFCO stands for Association of American Feed Control Officials. In order to advertise "complete and balanced” labeling based on AAFCO's standards, pet food companies must meet certain levels of nutrients.
So a lot of pet food companies formulate their recipes by using just a handful of "real" food ingredients and then filling in the gaps of missing nutrients by adding in synthetic vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. This is the easiest and cheapest way that most companies use to create recipe so it can be considered "complete and balanced". The screenshot below shows a typical pet food label that uses synthetic supplementation.
So what's the problem?
The heavy reliance and use of synthetic vitamins in our pet's food is not the same as using whole food sources. There are issues regarding overdosing, lack of nutrients (bio-availability) and quality that can affect our pet's health when using synthetic vitamins.
Firstly, the overdosing of synthetic vitamins can be extremely dangerous for our pets. Especially fat soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E and K which cannot be expelled from the body as easily as water soluble vitamins which are excreted in the urine.
This chart from Truth About Pet Food: from 2019-2022 showcases how the second highest cause of pet food recalls was caused by "Excess vitamins/minerals (mainly excess vitamin D)" accounting for nearly 12,277,322 pounds of pet food.
Even though fat soluble vitamins are a big concern, sometimes water soluble vitamins can also pose a risk. For example, an early study done at UC Berkeley by Alice Faye Morgan PhD (from the letters of Dr. Royal Lee) that demonstrated the use of administration of synthetic B vitamins to dogs actually caused a worse state of health than pure starvation. This study showcased how the use of synthetic vitamins may be more dangerous because there are a lot of factors that need to be involved and present in the dog's body in order to utilize a certain type of synthetic vitamin efficiently (and safely!). We will discuss how synthetic vitamins are metabolized in another post!
In simpler words, it is not as easy as most people may think when adding synthetic supplements to a diet. It is not a simple math equation. There are levels to synergy and metabolism that cannot be replicated in a lab.
What are the side effects of synthetic vitamin toxicity?
Early signs of vitamin toxicity can include not eating, lethargy and/or weakness. Other clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased thirst, increased urination, and weight loss. Vitamin toxicity can even lead to kidney failure and, in some cases, death.
Back in 2018, Hill's Nutrition had a recall that affected their prescription diets which contained toxic levels of synthetic Vitamin D. Many pet owners began submitting complaints and reports to the FDA after their pets became ill and died.
Even though some synthetic vitamins can be excreted from the body, some vitamins can affect pets differently and have deadly consequences like the 2018 Hill's recall. Synthetic vitamins in our pet's food should be looked at as seriously as prescription pharmaceuticals because the risk of side effects can be deadly.
So what should I do?
- Avoid pet food brands that say "EXCEEDS" nutritional requirements. Some companies like to think that they are doing our pets a favor by stating this, but it can be harmful in the long run especially if the dosage is on the high end.
- Look for clean, whole food ingredients only! Unfortunately, most of the pet food on the market uses synthetic vitamins in their recipes.
That's why Bibim Paws chose to only use high-quality, whole food ingredients in all of our recipes. Obtaining nutrients from organic, whole food sources is less risky because the body is equipped to work in harmony with every molecule that is present in a whole food ingredient. There are "co-factors" (think of them as assistants) present in whole food ingredients that know how and when to balance and eliminate themselves from the body if consumed in excess more efficiently than synthetic vitamins. They work in harmony with each other and have their own back-up and automated emergency plan in place so you don't have to worry about extreme side effects.
Sources (and a couple other articles below that are interesting reads regarding synthetic vitamins in dogs):
Science, "The Effect of Imbalance in the Filtrate Fraction of the Vitamin B Complex in Dogs," Agnes Fay Morgan, March 14, 1941, Pg. 261.
Truth About Pet Food, "2019 through 2022 Pet Food Sales And Recalls", Susan Thixton, February 23, 2023.
More reads:
Frost, D. V., & Dann, F. P. (1944). Unidentified Factor(s) in Yeast and Liver Essential to Cure of Achromotrichia in Dogs on Synthetic Diets. The Journal of Nutrition, 27(5), 355–362.
Krehl, W. A., Teply, L. J., & Elvehjem, C. A. (1945). Effect of Corn Grits on Nicotinic Acid Requirements of the Dog. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 58(4), 334–337.
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The presence of prescription medication for pets will always be needed but at what point does it become unnecessary and excessive? There are certain illnesses and diseases that will always require the strength of prescription medicine but the over reliance on certain medications can be harmful in the long run for our pets. The journey to find safer, alternative options should not be hard for pet parents to find with a little research.
To help break the cycle of dependence on prescriptions, here is a short list of just some of the most commonly prescribed medications that your pet may be stuck with:
1. Prednisone: a corticosteroid, which manages inflammation in diseases linked with a weakened immune system. This synthetic steroid, has anti-inflammatory properties. You can administer this medication orally, topically or via an injection.
What is it used for?
Prednisone is usually prescribed by vets as an anti-inflammatory to help alleviate a wide variety of symptoms including allergies and itching.
What are the side effects?
Vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, increased urination, increased hunger, restlessness, panting. Long term side effects can cause:
Is there a better alternative?
Most of the time, prednisone will only be needed for a short amount of time to alleviate symptoms. But it would be best to find the cause of why the itching and allergies began. Tests for allergic reactions and diet changes can help find the source and cause of symptoms instead of continually relying on prednisone to suppress and hide the symptoms.
2. Famotidine or Omeprezole (Pepcid for pets): an anti-ulcer drug of the histamine receptor-2 (H-2) antagonist class. Stimulation of H-2 receptors (targets) located on the cell membranes of stomach cells leads to secretion of gastric acid. It is NOT FDA approved for pets but vets still prescribe it.
What is it used for?
Famotidine is used to treat excessive stomach acid production, esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
What are the side effects?
Is there a better alternative?
Over time, the effectiveness of Famotidine can wear off if it is continually used and should not be used in pets with kidney and liver issues. Some safer alternatives would be adding a small amount of crushed ginger to their diet to help aide in digestion and relieve stomach ailments. The Supaw Kimchi was specifically made to help pets with GERD and other stomach issues. The ginger helps as an anti-inflammatory and soothes the digestive tract to reduce discomfort and nausea.
3. Prescription strength flea and tick medication: such as Bravecto, Nexgard, etc. They are usually are prescribed in drop form or chewable tablets.
What is it used for?
Prevention of fleas and ticks. After medication is given as a chew or applied topically, the product reaches the fluid layer under your dog’s skin. When fleas and ticks feed on your dog’s blood, the medication gets into their system and causes them to die.
What are the side effects?
Is there a better alternative?
There are natural flea and tick preventative options for pets, such as using flea products with essential oils like tea tree, lemongrass, etc. Another natural ingredient that may help prevent fleas/ticks include Diatomaceous Earth (food grade). Diatomaceous Earth is a powdered substance made from a soft sedimentary rock that occurs naturally in the environment. This rock is formed over time by the fossilized remains of one-celled organisms called diatoms that naturally contain silica. Dead diatoms decay and fossilize over time, forming sedimentary rock deposits in bodies of water. These deposits can be mined and easily made into a fine powder. You can sprinkle this powder on carpet, bedding, furniture, and your pet's fur to help kill any fleas/ticks around your home. Make sure to only use the "food-grade" option.
Hopefully the reliance and dependence on certain medications can be reduced and replaced with safer, natural alternatives. There are options, we just have to make sure to stay informed and question what we are really giving our pets.
Like we mentioned before, there is always a need for prescription medicine especially during times of emergency or if there are no other options available. Please remember to always go over prescriptions with your vet, mention any concerns and monitor closely for side effects.
References:
"Pet Medications in the United States, 2014-2019 & 2022 (6th Edition)" https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/08/28/1907548/0/en/Pet-Medications-in-the-United-States-2014-2019-2022-6th-Edition-Pet-Medication-Sales-to-Surpass-12-Billion-by-2022.html
"Animal Drug Safety Communication: FDA Alerts Pet Owners and Veterinarians About Potential for Neurologic Adverse Events Associated with Certain Flea and Tick Products" https://wayback.archive-it.org/7993/20201222192100/https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/animal-drug-safety-communication-fda-alerts-pet-owners-and-veterinarians-about-potential-neurologic
"Repeated Famotidine Administration Results in a Diminished Effect on Intragastric pH in Dogs" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5259645/
"Psycho-Behavioural Changes in Dogs Treated with Corticosteroids: A Clinical Behaviour Perspective" https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/5/592
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That's why we made sure to consult and work with board-certified vet nutritionists when learning and formulating our fresh food recipes.
What's a board certified vet nutritionist?
A board-certified vet nutritionist is a vet specialist who continued their studies in pet nutrition after graduating from vet med school.
The requirements to become board-certified include: "After achieving a degree in veterinary medicine and completing at least 1 year of internship or clinical experience, residency training includes at least 2 years of study, with a focus on both basic and clinical nutrition as well as research and teaching. Trainees study under the mentorship of at least one board certified veterinary nutritionist and often with contact with many others over the course of the program. Some programs also require graduate-level coursework and rotation with other specialists (such as Internal Medicine, Critical Care, and Clinical Pathology). Trainees must prepare and write up three case reports to qualify to take the board exam. The two day written examination is offered annually and covers a wide range of nutritional and medical knowledge."
Why is this important?
Most primary care vets do not specialize in pet nutrition after graduating from vet med school which limits their knowledge on the nutritional needs and important details about our pet's diet. Nutrition is just a small course that most vets complete during their schooling so they do not learn much about this field. But board-certified vet nutritionists have extensive, hands on experience in this field and can educate pet parents about their pet's diet.
What is the difference between a "nutritionist" and a "board-certified nutritionist"?
Some "nutritionists" can claim that they are knowledgeable in the field of nutrition for pets but may lack experience and research about this topic which can be dangerous for pet parents. The spread of misinformation can lead pet parents into confusion and not be able to provide their pets with the diet they need. The term "nutritionists" can not be protected so many can claim this occupation without much education. Some can enroll in online courses for certificates which may only require 100 hours of courses.
We believe that experience and education can definitely make a difference in opinion for our products and our pets so we chose to work with only board-certified nutritionists to provide only the best from the professionals.
Sources:
"American College of Veterinary Nutrition" - https://acvn.org/
"The Perceived Importance, Emphasis, and Confidence in Veterinary Nutrition Education of First-Year Canadian and US Veterinary Students" - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8368460/
]]>"There's no way we can really tell that...if the ingredient says meat and bone meal -- you'll know if that's cattle, sheep or horse... or Fluffy." - Hersh Pendell, Former AAFCO President
Many consumers believe and think that the pet food industry must have some form of regulation or rules. They do BUT these regulations and rules can easily be bypassed and broken because the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) do not actually review or approve each pet food product on the market.
This gives companies many loopholes that they can jump through to make the most cost effective product for pet food consumers, which is a scary thought to think about especially if there are no actual agencies that physically review and audit every ingredient that is being used.
Some alarming ingredients that may be in your pet's food include: diseased animals (by-products from slaughterhouses), plastic from expired food and euthanized animals (this includes cats and dogs).
Here are a few articles from other fellow pet food advocates that expose and show the reality behind the pet food ingredient business:
(WARNING: SOME OF THESE ARTICLES MAY INCLUDE GRAPHIC IMAGES)
Slaughterhouse waste: https://truthaboutpetfood.com/pet-food-ingredient-secrets-spills-on-new-york-highway/
Plastic in pet food and feed: https://truthaboutpetfood.com/plastic-in-feed-and-food/
Euthanized animals: https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-industry-exposed/dogs-meat-meal/
Pet food is a form of business, but not all companies can look past the dollars and cents that they are earning in order to do better for our pets. The bottom line for most of these companies is the profit that can be earned which is a sad but ugly truth that pet owners should be aware of when looking for your next bowl of pet food.
For pet owners who'd like to learn more and stay up to date with news/recalls, we recommend subscribing to Truth About Pet Food. There are tons of articles that may be beneficial for pet owners who are interested in learning more about the ins and outs of the pet food industry.
]]>Yes. It does.
Bibim Paws chooses to use only organic, whole food ingredients in all of our products and for a good set of reasons that not only benefits our pets but our planet.
To start, the use of pesticides and chemicals on crops causes high levels of heavy metals and chemicals to be present in our food. And these pesticides have been linked to Leukemia, Parkinson's and so many more diseases. Imagine the negative effect this must also have on our pets.
Also the use of pesticides depletes the soil of any nutrients and weakens plants that try to build a resistance to bugs and weeds.
Secondly, the overuse of antibiotics and hormones on farm animals is concerning for both the animals and humans on this planet. The rise of antibiotic resistance is growing and some are beginning to see the correlation between the meat that we are consuming that has been treated with these medications. Not only is this a major concern, but the farm environment that farm animals are compacted and squeezed into is also very concerning. The rise of diseases that spread between farm animals due to poor, unsanitary conditions is not only inhumane, but is a dangerous environment for diseases to spread outside of the farms to our tables.
And lastly, the impact of factory farming and pesticides on our environment is another major cause for concern. The amount of chemicals that leech into the soil and our water is harming the planet and causing pollutants to contaminate the food, water and air we breathe. These chemicals and waste from our farms do not just disappear, they need to exit somewhere and end up back on our plates at the end of the day.
This is why we push for organic ingredients in all of our products. Not only for the health of our pets, but for ourselves and our planet. Hopefully, we can help continue to make a change in the pet food industry and also change the way we source and view our food for the better.
]]>Music. It can bring us joy, uplift our spirits and even help alleviate our anxieties. But do our pets feel the same way about our favorite tunes? Now that we're spending more time indoors with our furry friends, providing a relaxing and stress free environment is important for both humans and our furry friends, especially during these strange times.
Dogs and cats have very different hearing capabilities compared to humans. A cat's hearing is twice as sensitive as dogs, while dogs have hearing five times more sensitive than ours. Cats are great at filtering out what they don't want to hear (like our constant nagging) but have no problem hearing a treat bag opening from across the house. They are great hunters as well due to their incredible hearing abilities and can hear higher frequency noises that come from small mammals. Cats can hear a frequency range of 45-64 KHz while humans can only hear a frequency of 20-23 KHz.
Dogs also have amplified hearing and can hear 40-60 KHz. They have 18 muscles in their ears to help control and locate where the sound is coming from. When a dog knows when someone is at the door or is scared, they are hearing noises that the human ear cannot pick up. So loud noises, like fireworks, are terrifying for our pets with their sensitive hearing.
But what about music for pets? Some owners leave music playing when they are away from home to help their pets relax and provide some kind of comfort. But do we really know if it is helping?
For dogs, there have been two major research studies on music preferences. The first study included shelter dogs and reported that dogs barked less and spent more time relaxing with classical music compared to heavy rock, human conversation, pop music and the control group. The dogs showed a preference to a slower tempo and music that had less complexity. Harp music also showed evidence to decrease heart rate and respiration rate and promote better recoveries in dogs that were hospitalized.
But what about cats?
Not so much. Cats on the other hand appear to be quite fond of some noises, like their owner's voice, but act fearfully towards other sounds like a vacuum cleaner. But there have been several studies that have proven that cats do like feline-appropriate music to the point that they even rub against the speakers.
What is feline-appropriate music? It is music composed specifically for felines. The notes are similar in frequency to the notes of a feline purr, or the low-pitched and high-pitched sounds of meows. Here is an example:
So do our pets enjoy music? Yes! Just maybe a little different kind of tune.
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"You look back 50 years ago, where some will say that the cancer rate may have been one in 100 dogs. Today, according to PhDs, the dog has the highest rate of cancer of any mammal on the planet. Literally, from last year, them saying one in two, to this year, one in 1.65 dogs will succumb to cancer...and one in three cats." - The Truth About PET Cancer
We all dread hearing the C word. Especially when it involves loved ones, including our furry friends.
Cancer is rising in both humans and our pets. It is a terrifying reality to face for pet owners today. Cancer causes nearly half the deaths of dogs and about a third for cats.
It is important to know the signs of cancer and learn ways to avoid this dreaded disease.
Here are some warning signs of cancer in your pet:
- swollen lymph nodes
- a growing or changing lump
- distended abdomen
- unexplained weight loss
- unexplained lameness
- excessive vomiting or diarrhea
- straining to urinate
- oral odor
There are several studies pointing to causes of pet cancer which includes both genetic and environmental influences. Genetically, we cannot control what kind of genes our pets are inherited with especially with pure bred dogs. Dogs that are bred for a specific breed, like Golden Retrievers, have a higher risk of cancer due to the limited gene pool they have been exposed to. On the other hand, mixed breed dogs have a higher gene pool so they do not have a limited number of genes that have been continually passed down, which decreases the risk of passing down a cancer causing gene.
One way pet owners can prevent cancer in our pets would be to take control of the environmental and lifestyle factors they are exposed to. Most importantly, nutrition should be at the top of the list. What we feed our pets has a great impact on their health since this is what they are feeding on daily to fuel their bodies. Processed kibble is stripped of most nutrients since they undergo high temperatures during cooking and then synthetic nutrients are sprayed on to try and add back some nutritional value to their feed. If your pet continues to eat this kibble on a daily basis, eventually their health will begin to diminish as they age and their bodies will become depleted of the fresh and nutritious food they need to thrive. A fresh food diet can help pets from the inside out because fresh diets provide the nutrients, minerals and antioxidants needed to neutralize and fight the cancer causing free radicals absorbed from our environment.
Other causes of cancer could stem from over vaccination and exposure to chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and insecticides. All of these elements contain carcinogens that are linked to cancer in both humans and pets. A lot of pet owners are starting to steer away from harmful, chemical products and using more natural products and remedies to avoid any kind of exposure to these carcinogens. A natural and holistic approach to curing ailments is a much safer alternative to chemical or synthetic medications. For pet owners, the best possible advice suggests maintaining immune systems at optimum levels through nutrition, weight control, and regular exercise.
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1. Always provide plenty of H20
Many pets every year suffer from dehydration during the hot summer months. It is important to always carry around water and provide them a drink as much as possible. Dogs get much thirstier than humans do when it gets hot. Some signs of dehydration include excessive drooling, wobbly legs, heavy panting and dry gums. Always provide fresh, clean water inside your home and bring water with you when traveling with your pet. Switching to fresh pet food also provides the great benefit of extra hydration due to the extra moisture it contains.
2. Never leave your pet in the car
Pets love traveling with their humans whenever possible but lots of owners have to leave them inside their cars when going inside stores. When the weather heats up, the temperature inside of cars heats up very quickly. Leaving pets inside a vehicle for a few minutes can be very dangerous. It can take less than 10 minutes to develop heat stroke in cats and dogs when left inside of a very hot car. It is also illegal in many states to leave pets inside your vehicle due to the dangerous conditions they may be exposed to so please leave your pets at home or take them with you when exiting the car.
3. Do not shave your pet
We all love a cute haircut on our pets and most people would think that shaving our pet's hair can help them stay cooler during summer months. But a pet's coat naturally helps them keep cool when the temperature rises outside. Trimming your pet's hair is fine but please refrain from shaving their entire coats. At least an inch of hair can help protect them from sunburns when outside.
4. Keep their paws cool
When taking your pet's outside during a sunny day, try to keep your pet off of hot surfaces like asphalt and cement. Their paws are sensitive to extreme heat so stick to the shady side of the street. Hot surfaces can burn their paws and also increase their body temperatures which may lead to overheating.
5. Lather on the sunscreen
Did you know pets can suffer from sunburns too? Especially light colored coats and shorter hair breeds. Sunburns hurt and can even lead to skin cancer. If your planning a fun day out in the sun with your pet, apply sunscreen every couple hours on bellies, ears, nose and other parts of our pet with the least hair. Use only pet-friendly sunscreens.
]]>What might be causing excessive gas?
Your pet's diet alone may be to blame for all that flatulence. The fillers found in many commercial dog and cat foods may contain hard-to-digest ingredients such as soybeans, beans and corn. The gas that accumulates in the digestive system become foul-smelling due to the bacteria leftover from foods that were not completely digested in the stomach and small intestine.
Should I be concerned?
Excessive gas buildup is a major sign that something is wrong with your pet's digestive system. Most of the time, gas is normal but especially foul-smelling or excessive gas may warrant a trip to the vet. A checkup with your vet can help rule out other major causes such as parasites and other diseases.
How can I prevent excessive gas?
Just one of the awesome perks of feeding a fresh food diet is the reduction of excessive gas. Pets who are fed a fresh diet filled with whole foods consisting of 2/3 meat and 1/3 veggies usually never have any problems with gas because the food is easily digested with no trouble. Switching to higher quality pet food can certainly help and make progress towards a healthy digestive system.
]]>Kibble. It has been around forever and we've been taught to believe that it is healthy for our pets. It is affordable, easy and a convenient option. But where are these ingredients coming from? What is a "by-product meal"?
The list of mystery ingredients found on most commercial pet food labels contain fillers and "meals" that most of us never question. But it is about time we did.
So to begin, most "by-product meals" are meat cuts that are sourced from diseased farm animals that could not be sold for human consumption. This list includes: slaughterhouse waste (organs, heads, hooves, beaks, feet), road kill, spoiled supermarket food, dead zoo animals, euthanized pets and more.
All of these ingredients go through a rendering process where everything is thrown into a grinder and mixed together until you end up with some kind of mystery paste. There are no strict guidelines in the pet food industry so other things like plastic and metal can end up getting into this mix and still be processed into pet food. The idea of safety and nutrition is entirely nonexistent in commercial pet food.
The pet food industry is filled with companies that try to profit off this kind of waste. Most kibble is sprayed with some kind of fat to make it appetizing for our pets to eat. But what's really inside is shocking. So please be aware the next time you are at the store shopping for your pet's next meal.
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The earliest research on pets and mental health dates back 30 years. Psychologists of the University of Pennsylvania conducted a study where they measured what happens to the human body when a person pets a friendly dog. They found that the human's blood pressure went down, heart rate slowed, breathing became more regular and muscle tension relaxed. These signs of reduced stress gave researchers evidence of the mental health benefits of pets.
Also pets like to live in the moment and reminds people to enjoy the NOW. This can help people become more mindful. Mindfulness is the psychological process of bringing one’s attention to the present moment. Therefore, pets can help enjoy and appreciate the present moment.
Lastly, pets love us unconditionally. This is good for mental health and it stimulates the brain to release dopamine, the chemical involved in sensing pleasure. The companionship and love we feel from our pets is unmatched and most importantly remind us to be happy and stay pawsitive!
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Don't ignore signs of excessive thirst from your pets. These signs usually appear especially in pets that are fed kibble diets. Pets become extremely thirsty on dry food because of the lack of proper hydration in the kibble. The amount of protein in dry pet food may be high, but the amount of moisture is practically none due to the drying process.
Pets are in a constant state of dehydration when fed kibble diets which is a sign of stress on their kidneys and liver (due to the highly concentrated amounts of dried protein in the dry food). These symptoms will eventually become bigger problems as pets age. Common problems such as diabetes, kidney failure, hyperthyroidism and urinary tract diseases are some common issues that most pets have to suffer from due to lack of water intake.
Fresh pet food contains at least 80% water while dry food contains about only 10%. Switching to fresher options will help pets take in the proper water and hydration they need to maintain a healthy system.
Our pets cannot talk to us about how they're feeling so good observation and taking action is key to preventing diseases and helping them live a happy, long life. ♡
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