Archive for the ‘Feline Nutrition’ Category

I’ve had countless conversations with so many people about their cats and dogs and health issues they are dealing with.  One of the questions I always ask is “What do you feed him/her?”  The answer I usually get goes something like this:  “I feed her ‘X’, which is a great brand and really good food.”  And they say it with total conviction!  More times than not their beloved brand is one that uses cheap, unhealthy, and species inappropriate ingredients.

Probiotics are no longer just another buzz-word.  Like omega 3s were years ago, their popularity continues to rise as we learn more about what makes them so beneficial.  These tiny microbes are proving to be the missing nutrients necessary for optimal health in both humans and pets.  Consequently, most veterinarians are now embracing their use […]

The idea of feeding a raw diet for my cats seemed crazy years ago.  Back then I was brainwashed to think that feeding my cats dry food out of a bag twice a day for their entire lives was all they needed.  Boy am I glad I woke up!  One of the first raw diet […]

I read an article this week in a pet industry journal concerning how pet parents get innovative with their pets’ diet.  Apparently more and more pet parents, especially millennials, are getting smarter about what they feed their pets.  And they’re finding ways to make the meals a bit more nutritious.  Let’s face it:  caring for cats can get expensive, and premium cat food can put a strain on our wallets.  Are there ways to improve your cat’s diet on a budget?  Yes!  

If your cat could stand to lose a few pounds then read on! Not only is it vital for his health and longevity, it may be easier than you think. Learn what strategy I used with my own cat who needed to lose a pound or two and other great tips to keep your cat trim.

One of my clients has a kitty named Zoltan who has struggled with pancreatitis, which is why he originally reached out to me.  He is now eating a much better diet and his pancreatitis has subsided drastically.  However, now his kidney values have slowly increased to in the recent months.  His owner is now using a blend of kidney support supplements, but his vet is pushing a prescription kidney diet with lower protein levels.  The veterinary food has a high number of carbohydrates which will most likely re-trigger his pancreatitis.  What’s a cat parent to do? 

Proper nutrition is fundamental to our pets’ health, but have you ever considered how different foods affect our pets?  The kinds of food we feed our pets can have a direct affect on an animal’s condition.  Here are some fascinating things I learned about food therapy for pets.  

Consumer demand is changing what kinds of food grocery stores sell as increased amounts of organic, non-GMO, and natural products are taking up more and more space on shelves and displays.  Did you know these trends are now influencing the pet food industry?  Pet food ingredients that were taken for granted for decades are now being scrutinized more closely.

Our pets trust us to care for them and look out for their best interests.  Without question we shower them with amazing toys, plush, snuggly beds, and health care when needed; but how often do we question what we feed them?  Next to vaccines, diet is the second most important decision you will make for your pet. It has far-reaching consequences, many of which most pet parents pay little attention to.  This is why learning to read pet food labels is so important. 

In Part 1 of Understanding Cat Food Labels we covered meat, meat by-products, meat/bone meal, soy products, and fillers.  We also took a closer look at the guaranteed analysis on the label.  Today we’ll explore the elements of fats, vitamins, minerals, and taurine.  Just for fun, go grab a bag or can of cat food and let’s dive in together.