Pets Care

Tips for promoting food safety in pets

While pet owners often take extra precautions in the kitchen when preparing food for their own meals, it is likely that the same hygienic habits are overlooked when handling their dog or cat’s food.

Although the pet food scare of last year may have altered consumer pet food buying habits, it is likely that the knowledge of how to properly feed a pet its daily nutrition requirements is still inadequate — which can impact their overall health and well-being.

Many people think of their pets as “garbage disposals”, as many dogs and cats have the tendency to eat any leftover scraps or nibble on grass, plants, or other inappropriate snacks… therefore giving the false perspective that their stomachs are infallible to afflictions.

However, dogs and cats are just as susceptible to food borne illness as humans. Therefore, it is important to strongly consider and enforce the same measures of safety when buying, preparing, and storing their food and treats to help prevent bacterial infections.

For pets, many health problems can be harbored internally and symptoms may be disguised for quite some time, sometimes only surfacing once the problem has metastasized and too late.

Therefore, the importance of giving pets the same attention in the kitchen during mealtimes cannot be stressed enough. Food borne illnesses like Salmonella are just as prevalent in pet foods and treats, and contamination can even be spread to human foods — creating the possibility of a chain of ill health in the household!

While the FDA has increased its efforts to minimize the incidence of infection, there are still precautions to take. Remember, prevention is best, and maintaining pet health now can save time and money in the future!

1. When buying food, make sure that containers are in good condition, free of signs of package damage such as dents or tears
2. Thoroughly wash hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling
3. Wash pet food bowls, dishes, and scooping utensils with hot, soapy water after each use
4. Properly dispose of old food in a covered trash receptacle
5. Refrigerate at 40 degrees or throw away any leftover wet pet food
6. Store dry product in an airtight container in a cool, dry place under 80 degrees
7. Keep pets away from all food storage, preparation, and garbage areas

Also consider the pet’s diet. While some owners believe the “raw food diet” is the healthiest, the FDA actually advises against raw meat, poultry, or seafood for pets due to the increased chance of illness associated with raw foods. If choosing to feed this diet, consult with a vet first and follow the following tips to help ensure safety:

1. Raw meat and poultry products should be kept frozen until ready to use

2. Avoid thawing foods on the counter; do so in refrigerator or microwave

3. Separate raw foods from other foods, and be sure to thoroughly wash surfaces, utensils (including cutting boards, preparation and feeding bowls), hands, and any other items that touch or contact raw meat, poultry or seafood with hot soapy water immediately

4. Properly store and refrigerate leftovers immediately or discard safely

Unfortunately, even with the best attempts to provide good care, pets often encounter some disturbances… however; most common problems can be managed with at-home care. In addition, just increasing awareness of these preparation habits alone can go a long way in helping maintain pet health.

Related Products

For supporting digestive and overall health:

* Digestive Support – Herbal digestive tonic supports healthy digestion in pets
* Flatulence Preventer – Promote digestive health and reduce common gas and unpleasant smells
* Immunity and Liver Support – Herbal tonic to support healthy immune system and liver functioning
* Kidney Support – Support healthy kidney functioning
* LiverAid – Effective natural tonic for the liver and pancreas
* Natural Moves for Pets – Treat constipation and improve digestive health
* Parasite Dr. – Natural remedy to promote digestive health and integrity
* RunniPoo Relief Maintain healthy digestion and bowel functioning
* Parvo-K – Promote digestive harmony and fluid balance
* SlenderPet – Helps your pets stay within normal body weight & maintain healthy metabolism and efficient digestion
* DetoxPlus – Support the body’s natural ability to eliminate waste & toxins, and promote systemic health
* GlucoBalance – Natural pancreatic tonic keeps blood sugar & insulin levels within normal range

When you bring a cat home, your responsibility is to take care of the animal. Cat owners, who are busy, normally leave their pets alone at home free to eat whatever they like. By not taking enough care of what their pet eats and not exercising them properly they are actually doing them a disservice.

The liver processes fats, proteins and other nutrients to convert them to the relevant substances that the body requires to function properly. The liver also filters toxins that the cat may have consumed through food or drugs or paint scrapings.

The problem with a cat’s liver is that it is not very efficient and cannot process fats as it should. Too much of fat in a cat’s diet leads to accumulation of fats around the liver causing a common feline liver disease, hepatic lipidosis, commonly known as fatty liver disease.

Obese cats are more susceptible to fatty liver disease. Obesity in cats is dependent on various factors:

* Breed, with mixed breeds being more prone to obesity.
* The natural ageing process.
* Genetic predisposition.
* The sterilization of female as well as male cats.
* Hypothyroidism.
* Excess intake of calories.

Unlike fatty liver disease in dogs, fatty liver disease is the most common feline liver disease. Cats do not exercise like a dog and the only option left for cat owners to manage obesity in cats is to regulate food. Cats usually regulate their food and eat only as much as they require.

However, if the cat is regularly exposed to large quantities of food there is a strong possibility of overeating. Instead of frequent small meals, even if you regulate only the total quantity fed in 24 hours, you have to at least keep a watch on the amount of calories you are feeding. Kittens, on the other hand, should only be given small meals four to five times a day.

Feeding your cat spontaneously without prior preparation can do a lot of long term harm to your cat’s liver health. It is better to take care of the following:

* Cats require a high protein diet and cannot adjust to a low protein diet. Cats are carnivores and must be fed with substantial quantities of meat.
* The majority of calorie intake should come from non-protein sources.
* Instead of depending upon commercial cat foods, try to prepare it yourself with eggs, cottage cheese, rice, meat and fish.
* Cats are usually averse to diet changes and finicky about food. Add a dash of salt, meat chunks or fish, preferably salmon, mackerel or tuna, if you must feed a commercial diet.

The fundamental symptoms of fatty liver disease in dogs and cats are loss of appetite and weight loss although the cat may be apparently overweight. It is, however, not known whether the disease causes loss of appetite or the other round. But once there is an accumulation of fats around the liver, the cat’s liver cannot metabolize and remove it.

Cats need an amino acid called arginine for maintaining proper urea cycle for converting ammonia to urea. In a critical situation, the body consumes proteins from muscles for the requisite supply of arginine, which can prove to be fatal.

* 1/2 cup raw trimmed beef
* A few tablespoons of beef broth (Preferably not the canned or cubed variety)
* 2 tablespoons cooked oatmeal
* 1 tablespoon dried barley grass powder (Find at a pet food store)
* 1 cooked minced veggie (Your cat’s favorite – Carrots are often a favorite)

Cook raw trimmed beef in just enough broth to cover, over medium to low heat. When beef is cooked thru shred with fork and mix with the broth in which it was cooked. Add the minced veggie and the barley grass powder. Stir well. Last add the oatmeal to achieve the consistency that your cat likes. This is a good cat food recipe for indoor pets

Most pet owners don’t know that their refrigerators are likely to contain common human treats that can kill or severely harm their pets!

While for pet owners the passing holiday season means overeating and an expanded waistline, for our pets, being overindulged with too many table scraps could result in a fatal outcome.

Recently, the ASPCA ran a report on toxic foods for pets, and for most of us, the foods that can hurt your pet are a shocking surprise.

To ensure your pet’s health and safety, take a look at some foods that can be harmful:

Chocolate—This delicious treat is made with cocoa beans, which contain a chemical called theobromine that is toxic to dogs. Keep this in mind, especially on Valentine’s Day!

Grapes—While the exact reason why they are harmful is unknown, they have been linked to cases of acute kidney failure.

Cocoa mulch—The bean shells of cocoa, which are a by-product of chocolate, are used as mulch for landscaping. Many people are unaware that the toxic chemical theobromine is present in this type of mulch that is often ingested by curious pets.

Fatty foods—Fats are difficult for a dog to digest and can overtax the pancreas, leading to potentially fatal pancreatitis.

Nuts—The high phosphorus content in nuts is linked to the formation of bladder stones. Macadamia nuts in particular are especially harmful.

Onions—Studies show that onions as well as onion powder can prompt hemolytic anemia in dogs.

Potatoes—Though rare, the toxin solanine can be found in a potato’s green sprouts and skins. Potatoes should therefore be cooked and mashed in order to be safe for your pet’s consumption.

Artificial sweeteners—Consuming large amounts of these synthetics can lead to an abrupt drop in blood sugar levels, causing symptoms such as depression, loss of coordination, and seizures. In as little as 30 minutes, signs of toxicity can become apparent, and immediate veterinary treatment is necessary.

Turkey—The consumption of turkey skin is linked to acute pancreatis most likely caused by its high fat content.

Other foods listed by the ASPCA as harmful:

Alcoholic beverages

Avocado (the only “fatty” member of the vegetable family)

Coffee (all forms of coffee)

Moldy or spoiled foods

Salt

Yeast dough

Garlic

To help counteract any internal damage that may have been caused from these foods, consider supplementing your pet’s diet with natural remedies to restore health.

PetAlive Digestive Support is a great detoxifying agent which soothes gastric mucus membranes and inflammation, while also relieving symptoms of chronic digestive disorders and conditions.

PetAlive DetoxPlus also works to purify the blood and eliminate toxins, and can be very effective for systemic recovery after illness.

In addition to human foods that can be toxic, think twice about the prescription drugs you are giving your pet, as recent studies have shown that they can be harmful, too.

The FDA reported new information on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which have been linked to 22,000 cases of illness in dogs, with nearly 3,000 of those being deadly. Meanwhile, manufacturers continue to tout the safety of these drugs when used according to the label, and claim that vets are provided with information on their potential side effects.

However, there are natural options available for treating your pet without risking harmful side effects or fatal consequences. Preventative measures can also be taken to promote vitality and balance in the body. PetAlive Immunity & Liver Support acts as a liver tonic to boost immune functioning and resistance to disease and infection, while aiding overall systemic function and toxin elimination.

You can also try Flatulence Preventer, Parasite Dr. and RunniPoo Relief for effective support.

“This product (Flatulence Preventer) definitely works! I wouldn’t have believed it without seeing the difference. Our cat has food sensitiveness which causes terrible gas and bloating and she has been on a special diet for years with not much improvement I must say. Your remedy makes her more comfortable after food and we can give her a bigger variety than before. It looks like we found the cure after so many years and so much expense – a simple natural remedy!” — Ziggy

“My daughter has been using your (people) products for her family for some time and she has always recommended them for me. As I am very healthy, I have not had much need for any medicine (Thank goodness!) My cats do get worms no matter what I do and it was great to discover that you have a pet website. The Parasite Dr has lived up to its promise and I can certainly recommend it to other pet owners” — Carole

“Pet Alive is the only product line I trust for my animals. I use your remedies for all my cats and dogs and have just added RuniPoo Relief to my collection. I just wanted to let you know that once again I am not disappointed. RuniPoo Relief is just as effective as all your other products.” — Tammi Berera

How Low Quality Foods can be Hurting Your Pets

A few short months ago, pet owners everywhere were afraid to feed their pets for fear of what they might be ingesting. Every time you turned on the news, there was an update on the “Pet Food Scare”.

Although the situation has now subsided after more than 60 million bags and cans of pet food were recalled, concerns with production and safety standards were raised regarding the high levels of hazardous food that slipped through to the retail market. The situation caused pet owners to question the quality and safety of even the well-recognized brands on the market.

Disturbing Findings on Nutritional Content

James Morris and Quentin Rogers, two Molecular Biologists at the University of California at Davis, found a lack of information on the bioavailability of nutrients in many of the common dietary ingredients used in pet foods. “These ingredients are generally by-products of the meat, poultry and fishing industries, with the potential for a wide variation in nutrient composition,” the biologists stated.

Given the varying degrees of quality, it is impossible to be sure that your particular batch of food will be of the same nutritional value as another.

Understanding Packaging Lingo

If you examine the ingredients listed on a bag of pet food, chances are you’ll see the word “meat byproducts”. While this may seem like a harmless term, by definition, it means that the food is of such low quality that it is unfit by human consumption standards.

The Animal Protection Institution explains that when an animal goes to the slaughterhouse, the nutritious lean meat is used for human food, while remains of the carcass end up in pet food.

“Bones, blood, intestines, lungs, ligaments, and almost all the other parts not generally consumed by humans — are known as “by-products,” “meat-and-bone-meal,” or similar names on pet food labels. Many of these remnants provide a questionable source of nourishment for our animals.”

Common Ailments Linked to Low Quality Food

In addition to your pet not receiving adequate nutrients, they can develop serious health problems by eating food of poor quality. Common problems reported among both dogs and cats are urinary tract infections and urinary system problems.

These are most commonly the direct result of a poor diet, as the Animal Protection Institute reports that many pet foods have an overabundance of certain minerals that can cause stones and blockage in the urinary system.

Pets can develop heart disease as a result of a deficiency in certain amino acids. Since the protein sources for most pet food are byproducts and of such low quality, they don’t provide full nutritional value.

Other conditions that have been linked to low quality food and insufficient diet are hypothyroidism, prostate and urinary conditions, liver troubles and a wide range of digestive problems. Some reports indicate that low quality pet food may cause trouble with managing diabetes in pets as well.

What You Can Do

While most commercial pet foods still leave something to be desired in terms of their ability to provide complete nutrition for the life of your pet, some are much better than others. Get Tips on How to Read Pet Food Labels

Supplementing your pet’s diet to receive optimal system functioning is also key. Natural remedies can be an extremely effective way to both guard your pet against some of the negative effects of poor food as well as to keep their immune systems and natural detoxification systems working at their highest potential.

Natural Remedies work to treat your pet’s system as a whole so that it can protect and heal itself.

ThyroPet – Treat causes and symptoms of hypothyroid conditions

Heart and Circulation Tonic – Improve circulation and promote heart and artery health

Immunity and Liver Support – Strengthen and improve immune system and liver functioning

Digestive Support – Treat digestive conditions and improve digestive functioning

Liver Aid – Stimulate and improve liver functioning and prevent disease

ProsPet Drops – Maintain prostate and urinary health

UTI Free – Treat causes and symptoms of urinary tract infections

If you are making a switch in your dog’s diet, consider detoxifying his or her system if you are worried about the effects their old food may have had on them.

Controlling your pet’s diet and nutritional intake is one of the most important ways to help maintain health and happiness throughout their life, and the Native Remedies line of natural herbal and homeopathic products can help.

Detox Plus – Cleanse the system and eliminate toxins from the body

LiverAID – Stimulate and improve liver functioning and prevent disease

“Your DetoxPlus capsules have been marvelous for my Golden Retriever who has been looking under the weather lately due to, we believe, preferring to eat our food than hers! Your Detox Drops for people have helped me and so I thought I would try them from your Pet website. I have been very happy with the results. Now… my husband????”-” — Freda

“I have a tiny Yorkie name Tiffy. At about 6 months of age, she developed a liver shunt. She has been on Liver Aid and Liver Detox products for about three weeks now, and we cannot believe the positive changes, particularly in her energy levels. I also decided to give my Maltese both of these products, and I realized that she stopped itching and licking herself all the time. I am so glad I found your products and I look forward to trying many others. I would recommend your products to anyone. I had nothing to lose, and I gained everything because our animals are everything to us. They are part of our family, and they are priceless.” — Dena

This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was a 56 pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix who ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1 AM on Wednesday but the owner didn’t call my emergency service until 7 AM.

I had heard somewhere about raisins AND grapes causing acute renal failure but hadn’t seen any formal paper on the subject. We had her bring the dog in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the doctor there was like me—had heard something about it, but…. Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give I V fluids at 1 1/2 times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours.

The dog’s BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less than 27) and creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal). Both are monitors of kidney function in the bloodstream. We placed an I V catheter and started the fluids. Rechecked the renal values at 5 PM and the BUN was over 40 and creatinine over 7 with no urine production after a liter of fluids.

At the point I felt the dog was in acute renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight as well as overnight care. He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values have continued to increase daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. He was on 3 different anti-vomiting medications and they still couldn’t control his vomiting.

Today his urine output decreased again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to 220. He continued to vomit and the owners elected to euthanize.

This is a very sad case—great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins could be a toxin. Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk. Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic. Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats. Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Laurinda Morris, DVM
Danville Veterinary Clinic
Danville, Ohio

Read rest of article here: http://www.snopes. com/critters/crusader/raisins.asp

Fatty acids, especially oils from coldwater fish, have been recommended in people for lowering triglycerides, reducing secondary cardiovascular disease (and probably primary disease,) decreasing heart arrhythmias, decreasing blood pressure, and improving rheumatoid arthritis.

They are also possibly helpful in preventing stroke and treating cancer, allergies, and mild depression. Since fish oil taken for many months can lower vitamin E, most products contain added vitamin E.

In pets, fish oil may be beneficial for heart disease, cancer, allergies, arthritis,kidney disease, and autoimmune diseases. I use high doses (2-4 times the label dose) in my patients and most can have their conventional medications lowered.

Side effects of fatty acid supplementation are rare. Fish oil may decrease platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding time. Contamination of fish meat (not oil) with methylmercury can occur. The human literature reports that fish oil may slightly increase LDL (bad) cholesterol although this does not seem to be common or of any significance in most cases.

The human literature also reports multiple cases of bleeding (in the brain) when high dose doses is combined with ginkgo. I have not seen any side effects in my patients except the very rare case in a few dogs that smelled fishy.

Milk thistle is a well-known liver tonic. Milk thistle extract provides liver protection by stabilizing the cell membranes of the liver cells, aids in detoxification of toxins (especially those absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract,) stimulates protein synthesis and regeneration of damaged liver cells (actually helping the diseased cells to heal,) and also acts as an antioxidant.

Milk thistle is one of my favorite supplements for just about any disease, as the liver is involved in all disease processes. Many of my holistic clients like extra liver support during treatment with any conventional medications, including when they administer monthly heartworm and flea medications.

Milk thistle is very safe to use and I’ve never seen any side effects from its use. Based upon general safety guidelines in people, it’s probably best not to use it in pregnant animals without veterinary supervision.

According to some herbalists, long term use can result in depressed liver function unless chronic liver disease is present. Milk thistle is not recommended for use in normal pets but rather those that have diseases of the liver or affecting the liver.

About the author

Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Author, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, and the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats. Dr. Shawn is the medical consultant for Pet Togethers, a pet supplement company.

http://www.pettogethers.net/healthypet

Echinacea is among the best known supplements and has been touted in people for helping in the recovery from a variety of illnesses, especially the cold and the flu. Echinacea is usually prescribed as an immune-boosting supplement for pets.

I use it for a number of disorders, especially bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, and chronic diseases of any organ. It’s also one of my favorite supplements for pets with demodectic mange.

Echinacea is generally considered safe when used under supervision. In the older literature, there is a warning not to use this herb for certain immune disorders (autoimmune diseases, diabetes) and disorders with diminished immune systems with low white blood cell counts (feline leukemia and immunodeficiency diseases.)

However, echinacea has been used in these instances without obvious harm. Generally, echinacea is not meant for long term use and most doctors limit its use to a few months at a time.

Garlic is a favorite herb used by many pet owners to control fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects. While many of my clients swear by the ability of garlic to control fleas, and while I have no problem recommending its use, controlled studies have shown garlic to be ineffective as an insecticide. Garlic also has show antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties.

Garlic can cause anemia in dogs and cats due to the presence of S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide and N-propyldisulfhide. Therefore, it should not be used in pets with anemia. As a general guideline, 1 clove of garlic per 10 pounds of body weight for dogs (and 1/2 clove per cat) can usually be fed safely each day. If you use garlic regularly (as a general food supplement,) it would be wise to have your pet’s blood checked every few months to make sure anemia is not occurring.

Ginkgo is a well-known and popular herb that has a number of uses. It is best known as a supplement that may improve cognitive disorder in aging people and pets, particularly in those with mild dementia (Alzheimer’s in particular.)

While its ability to prevent blood clots can be beneficial in certain cases, a well-known side effect of ginkgo is increased and potentially serious bleeding problems. In people, bleeding (including fatal brain hemorrhages) have been reported when ginkgo was combined with high doses of fish oil or other anticoagulants.

About the author

Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Author, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, and the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats. Dr. Shawn is the medical consultant for Pet Togethers, a pet supplement company.

http://www.pettogethers.net/healthypet

For those that feed the raw diet to your pets and claim that they do not need vegetables and fruits in their diets, I beg to differ. Let’s examine the actual “diet” of the wild canines and felines.

They do, indeed, hunt their meat “on the hoof,” as it were, but they do not, I suspect, empty the stomach contents of their prey, nor the bowels of their prey, before consuming it. At least, not entirely.

That is one of their sources of vegetable matter. You think they don’t need it? Have your dogs ever eaten the feces of other animals? Why do you suppose that might be? Because they crave the vegetable matter, perhaps?

Many years ago, we had a beagle-terrier mix that ran loose. She was free to eat the kibble dog food we provided, or hunt. We know that she hunted rabbits, squirrels and other wild prey. But, I was amazed to see her, one day, laying in the field in front of our house eating something.

I got closer and she was eating a windfall apple. This was in a time before mankind was filling all our foods with hormones and preservatives; when wild and domestic meats were more ‘organic.’

So, why would this dog be eating apples by choice? Perhaps because that was a part of the natural diet of the species? Have you ever observed your cats and dogs eating grass? It is commonly thought they do that to settle their stomachs for some reason, but I suggest that they do that as a part of their natural diet.

Just as humans need a variety of sources of vitamins and minerals, I cannot imagine that the canines and felines in our lives don’t need the same. Research indicates they do.

I am not a veterinarian, nor a scientist, simply an observer of my companion animals. The mother of my current Border Terrier gave me a mystery in 2003. I had planted one single tomato plant in my little garden plot, thinking that it was only for me. As the tomatoes ripened, I noticed that several came up missing. I thought that someone walking along the road was stealing them.

What I observed, finally, was this Border Terrier bitch eating my nearly ripe tomatoes. While I do not feed a raw diet, I do feed a decent premium kibble that has chicken and rice as the first two ingredients.

Rice is known to be one of the less allergenic of the grains. I suspect that the other grains are allergenic because of the things that mankind does to them before they are fed to any animals, in any form (and humans).

While I don’t disagree that a raw diet of natural meats would be beneficial to dogs and cats, I do disagree that they do not need fruits, vegetables or carbohydrates as part of their natural diet.

What they don’t need, and neither do we humans, are the chemicals and hormones added to the feed of commercially raised animals. It is my sincere belief that these additives are not only detrimental to their health, they are detrimental to our own.

About the author

C. Rogers Upson is a published author on several websites and in several anthologies. This article can be published on your website or in your newsletter, so long as the resource information is intact and nothing is changed. Her website is http://www.edragonmarketing.com

Vegetables in your dog’s diet, and minor amounts in your cat’s diet, can enhance their health and provide a rich and diverse supply of nutrients, enzymes, healthy fibre and antioxidants. In the wild, dogs and cats would have acquired plant foods through the semi-digested remnants in the stomachs of their prey; vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.

Canines possess a greater ability to break down plant matter and synthesize relevant nutrients therein. Because of this, although classified as carnivores, they are in fact omnivorous and are not solely reliant on animal meat for sustenance. Wolves can be observed eating fallen fruit and berries, and first consume the stomach and intestines of their prey where plant foods can be found.

Felines on the other hand are obligate carnivores and are unable to manufacture essential nutrients from plant matter. These include the amino acids taurine and arginine, and the fatty acid arachidonic acid. Unlike omnivores cats also cannot convert vitamin A from beta-carotene in plants and need animal-derived sources of vitamin A such as liver. Accept for smaller prey which cats eat whole, in the wild the stomach and intestines tend to be avoided, yet organs such as heart, liver and lungs are enjoyed.

Cats require a lot more protein in their diet than dogs and are in no way adapted to digesting carbohydrates. In the wild vegetable matter in their diet is minimal and in a semi-digested state in the guts of their prey. Cats can rely pretty much entirely on protein and fat for energy conversion, both being converted into glucose by the liver, and other essential nutrients can be gained through meat, soft tissue and bones.

Thankfully pet owners are beginning to move away from toxic, poor grade and species-inappropriate commercial pet food. Natural, holistic, homemade and raw diets are being favored, which can include healthy plant-based ingredients (not grains however, which are used as cheap fillers in commercial products and ill-suited the physiology of cats and dogs). The beauty with homemade meals is that you can ensure fresh quality ingredients and easily incorporate vegetables and fruit.

Where dogs can eat around 30% plant foods in their daily diet, cats only require around 5-10%. With both, ensure veggies are blended well as they do not easily digest cellulose. This also makes it easy to mix the vegetables with the rest of the homemade meal. As cats only require a very small proportion of veggies in their meal, you can blend veggies and freeze the mix in an ice-cube tray, defrosting one cube a day for their meals.

Include a range of vegetables and always aim to include something green. Green vegetables contain chlorophyll which is cleansing and detoxifying. Chlorophyll is a great liver ally, assisting in the removal of toxins and heavy metals from the body and also shows anti-carcinogenic potential. Human studies in China have found that chlorophyll may help delay the onset of symptoms of liver cancer caused by mycotoxic grains as are sometimes found in commercial pet foods.

You can use throw away vegetable parts such as outer leaves, ends and stems or left over cooked vegetables that you don’t consume. Raw is always preferable however as nutrient and enzyme content is maximum.

You can supplement your dog or cat’s diet with superfoods such as kelp or alfalfa (the latter more suited for dogs) and algae such as chlorella and spirulina. These are very alkalizing however and as dogs and cats in particular require an acidic diet, only very small amounts are advisable. Always research dosage amounts before giving any kind of supplements.

Vegetable Choices

You can experiment with most vegetables. Try any of the following: carrots, celery, chard, spinach, avocados, kale, squash, watercress, cabbage, turnips, broccoli, peas, green beans, cauliflower and asparagus.

Some below-ground vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes are included here. These are higher in sugar content however and as such should be used in smaller proportion to any above-ground vegetable choices. You can add some occasional fruit also such as blueberries, bananas, apples, papaya or pear.

As a note, raw onions are not friendly on your pet’s digestive system and can be dangerous to their health so should be avoided. Garlic is also a health risk for cats, though minor amounts occasionally in your dog’s diet may serve as a natural flea repellent, be sparing however as the sulphides in garlic can be detrimental to the blood cells of animals. I also avoid tomatoes, peppers, cucumber and potato.

Nuts and seeds can also be a valuable addition to your pet’s diet, containing healthy oils (walnuts and flaxseeds are particularly high in omega-3 oils), as well as vitamin E and minerals such as selenium (a powerful antioxidant particularly high in Brazil nuts).

You can grind your nuts and seeds before adding to your pet’s meal. Only small amounts are needed; for larger dogs aim for one nut or a few seeds a day, smaller dogs and cats every few days.

If you would like to change your pet’s diet to a healthy, holistic, species-appropriate diet or are embarking on a natural homemade or raw food diet research the area first as nutritional balance is essenital.

About the author

NATURAL NUTRITION GUIDE FOR DOGS AND CATS: http://www.pet-nutrition-guide.com