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Healthy from Head to Tail

We are what we eat. Just as how the food we consume on a daily basis affects our physical bodies and overall wellbeing, what we feed our dogs and cats impact the quality and longevity of their lives. Nutrition is the fundamental cornerstone when it comes to ensuring that our pets are healthy from head to tail. Though other factors such as veterinary care, living environment, exercise, and lifestyle also play a vital role, none matters as much as feeding them a wholesome diet rich in natural nutrients. Today, a range of common pet illnesses afflict dogs and cats. Ear and eye infections, digestive disorders, joint problems, itchy skin, bad breath, obesity, and a host of other symptoms plague modern-day pets. Even more alarming is the rise of serious ailments such as cancer or kidney failure. It breaks my heart to see pets as young as 3 years old diagnosed with a fatal illness. Sadly, what pet parents dont realize is that most symptoms are caused by food allergies or intolerances, and that life-threatening illnesses can be precluded by simply feeding their furbabies a healthy, nutritious diet! Before the rise of commercial pet food, dogs and cats consumed natural food foraged from the wild. The first commercial dog food, a bone-shaped biscuit made of wheat, vegetables, beetroot, and beef blood, was introduced in England around 1860. By the turn of the century, the Industrial Revolution and the rise of commercial slaughterhouses became the source of massive quantities of animal products deemed not fit for human consumption. These by-productsorgans, bones, heads, and hooveswere mixed with fillers and artificial additives, then packaged in colourful bags showing beautiful breeds of dogs and cats.Thus was the start of the multi-billion dollar pet food industry. The largest pet food recall took place in 2007, accompanied by thousands of reported pet deaths due to contaminated pet food. Over the years, a growing number of recalls of tainted pet food took place, with several incidents of possible Salmonella contamination in 2011. Amidst all this, how do pet parents choose the best pet food to feed their furbaby? I have 3 simple tips: 1. Read labels carefully to make sure that the pet food contains none of the bad stuff no harmful additives or artificial anything. Feed natural or organic if possible. 2. Know the source of the food and do research on the brand. Pet food made in the USA has higher safety and quality standards. Forget about China. 3. Look for fur-friendly ingredients containing real whole foods and essential nutrients to ensure optimum nutrition. As pet parents, we know all too well that the time we have with our furbabies is but fleeting. It goes without saying that the best way to love our pets and give them the best life possible is to feed them with nothing but the very best. Happy Pet Parenting,

to transform pet owners into pet parents

our vision

We believe dogs and cats must have the best nutrition and health care available. We believe dogs and cats are not toys for our amusement; they have feelings, they are very loyal and they need our tender loving care. We believe the best way to acquire new pets is through pet adoption from the animal shelters. We are against selling dogs and cats in pet shops which involves prolonged confinement in small cages. We are against all forms of animal cruelty including chaining and caging dogs. We support the good work of organizations like Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Compassion & Responsibilities for Animals (CARA), and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

our values

editorial staff
Christian Tan
president publisher

Romy Sia Pam So-Suarez

editor-in-chief

circulation manager editorial assistant

Yanni Cardeo Lou Bootan

Ronald Cruz
layout & design

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printer directory

Level 5, Shangri-La Plazal Mall, EDSA Mandaluyong City (632) 638-3372 Lower Ground Floor, Greenbelt 5, Makati City (632) 501-3680 Robinsons Magnolia, New Manila, Quezon City (632) 477-2963 Excelsior, Eastwood City, Quezon City SOON TO OPEN

Pam So-Suarez pssuarez@bowandwow.com.ph

We digest it for pet parents... The Bow & Wow Times tracks all relevant pet information from key websites, magazines, journals, animal research and studies, and other credible sources. Then we summarize what is essential for you to know in order to raise healthy and happy pets, and become the best pet parents you can be.The Bow & Wow Times is in no way intended to replace the knowledge and/or diagnoses of veterinary professionals. Always consult with your veterinarian whenever a health problem arises which requires expert care.

The Bow & Wow Times is a quarterly publication of the Healthy Options Group of Companies with corporate offices located at #3 Economia Street corner Calle Industria, Barangay Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City, 1110 and trunk line of (632)637-8888. For subscription inquiries, visit any of our stores listed above. Bow & Wow is a trademark registered at the Philippine Patent Office.

Issue No. 16

www.bowandwow.com.ph

healthy from head to tail

The Grain-Free Pet Food Revolution

By Alissa Wolf

Grain-free is currently the hot buzzword in the pet food industry, with a growing number of foods now on the market that are void of cereal grains such as wheat and other similar carbohydrates.

The Grain-Free Pet Food Revolution

healthy from head to tail

Grain-Free, as Nature Intended

While this is a revolutionary idea for the pet industry, this is a diet that pets particularly cats and dogs followed in the wild for eons. Cats in particular are obligate or strict carnivores that require meat protein to survive. Not only do they not need grains, these can actually be harmful as it could potentially contribute to obesity and diabetes, among other serious health issues, and are a leading cause of food allergies in cats and dogs. Cats do not eat grains in the wild. Dogs in the wild do not consume similar carb-based foods, either. Although cats and dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, their nutritional imprints remain the same as their ancestors. Thus, while there are those detractors who label this a fad, the fact is that grain free foods really are more species-specific, and do mirror what our companion animals would consume in the wild.

How Grain Got into Pet Food in the First Place

Grains first began showing up in pet foods in earnest back around the time of World War II, when the commercial pet food industry began to take off, particularly in the United States. Manufacturers resorted to adding ingredients such as rice and wheat as fillers to packaged pet food as a cost-cutting measure. Nowadays, many of the lower quality pet food contain corn, soy, and other non-essential fillers. While this certainly was (and continues to be) healthy for the pet food industrys bottom line, this was and still is not beneficial for pets health. In the past several decades, there has been a dramatic increase in food-related illnesses and even deaths in pets as a result of diets that are way too high in carbs and fillers that have virtually no nutritional value for animals. To make matters worse, many of the pet food recalls of recent years have been the result of moldy and otherwise contaminated grain products in pet foods. So not only are grain-free foods now considered much healthier for pets, this has also been a boon to makers of premium, holistic pet foods that produce these brands. While these pet foods are much pricier than the mainstream commercial brands, pet parents who are a lot more educated about companion animal health and nutrition are willing to pay more for peace of mind and better health.

So, Just What is Grain-Free Pet Food?

This question may seem like a no-brainer. But this is a little more complicated than that. In addition to an absence of any of the primary cereal grains including wheat and barley, grain-free pet foods should not contain other starchy food products such as corn. Pet parents arent just seeking grain-free pet foods. Many are taking the concept a step further by opting to give their pets foods that are also gluten-free. This is a lot for a pet parent and retailer to swallow, if youll pardon the pun. Be that as it may, retailers that specialize in natural, holistic pet products are bound to see more and more customers that wish to place their pets on grain- and gluten-free foods. So, as always, its important to do your homework and learn as much about the available options as possible, to better serve your four-legged furbabies.
Source: petshops.about.com

The Grain-Free Pet Food Revolution

Issue No. 16

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healthy from head to tail

Nutrition Tips for Your Dog and Cat

The options are endless -- and overwhelming -- when buying pet food. Feeding your furr y family members a nutritious diet keeps t h e m h e a l t h y, s o examine all options, says Susan Lauten, Ph.D., president of Pet Nutrition Consulting. Good eating habits will keep them wagging their tails or purring for years to come.

5. Avoid on-demand feeding

Dont leave food out all day. Instead, establish a schedule by always putting out food at the same times and discarding after 30 minutes. This also allows you to monitor how much your dog or cat is really eating. Nearly every animal has moments of food fussiness. Lauten suggests doing these things to entice finicky eaters: Make it tasty. Add warm water to food, heat it in a pan or mix in a small amount of vet-approved herbs with heavy scents. Avoid hovering. Hell notice that youre watching and he will stop eating to get treats instead. Dont worry. Healthy dogs and cats can miss a meal or two as long as theyre drinking plenty of water. If its for more than a day or he experiences prolonged diarrhea or constipation, contact your vet.
Source: familycircle.com

1. Say no to scraps
Resist sharing your food. This can lead to obesity, since its often difficult to track how much youre actually giving your pet, and makes it more likely hell ingest foods that arent good for him.

2. Read the label

Look for the nutritional adequacy statement on bags and cans of cat or dog food to ensure that products meet all of your pets dietary needs for his specific life stage, as established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Treats arent required to have the AAFCO statement, so offer them sparingly, equaling no more than 10% of your pets diet.

3. Add variety
Occasionally include fruits and vegetables, such as apples (sliced, with seeds removed) and green beans, in your dogs diet, says C. A.Tony Buffington, D.V.M., professor of veterinary clinical sciences at Ohio State Universitys Veterinary Medical Center. Stay away from onions and grapes, which can be dangerous because theyre toxic. Cats can have very small servings of fruits and vegetables -- like bananas, carrots and cucumbers in bite-size pieces.

4. Practice portion control

Dont just follow package guidelines for how much to give your pet. Consider his breed, activity, and age. If your pet is gaining weight, reduce the portion size -- always measure servings -and the number of snacks. Consult with your vet for specific recommendations.

Nutrition Tips for Your Dog and Cat

safety first

Source: aspca.org

Pet Grooming 101

Issue No. 16

www.bowandwow.com.ph

healthy from head to tail

Rotation Feeding for Pets

Have you ever had the same meal for an entire week? A month? A year? What if you had to eat the same exact meal for your whole life? This is essentially what most of us do to our pets choose a food brand and stick with it. And while keeping your dog or cat on a consistent diet isnt unhealthy, some veterinary nutritionists are raving about an alternative called rotation feeding.

3. Increases water consumption. Water is critical to all life forms. However, not all pets drink sufficient water. One way to remedy this is to add high moisture foods to your pets diet, such as canned wet food. This will often prevent health problems such as urinary issues, liver disease, and constipation. 4. Reduce risk of food allergies and intolerances. If consistently fed the same food, some dogs and cats may develop an allergy or intolerance to common ingredients such as chicken, beef, wheat, corn, or soy. Rotation feeding reduces the risk because the ingredients and formulations are not in your pets diet long enough for him or her to develop an adverse reaction, such as vomiting, diarrhea and hives.

What is Rotation Feeding?

Rotation feeding is really all about variety. Its a holistic and nutritional philosophy that offers your pet a dietary alternative by varying both food proteins (chicken, beef, lamb, etc.) and food forms (raw, frozen, wet, dry, etc.). This way, your dog or cat is able to enjoy and experience different flavors and textures for health and happiness.

How is Rotation Feeding Beneficial?

Proponents of rotation feeding boast about the many health and behavioral benefits, but here are four particular benefits that may interest you: 1. A more complete approach to nutrient intake. Many pet foods on the market are designed to be complete and balanced. However, food ingredients each have a unique nutritional profile. Components such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids can be found in different quantities, depending on the type of food. By combining specific complete diets, rotation feeding allows your pet to experience the benefits of two or more foods. 2. Creates excitement during mealtime. Some dogs and cats become uninterested in their food once they are accustomed to certain textures, flavors and even brands. With rotation feedings, its like a new tasty adventure is waiting for your pet every time they go to their food bowl!

When Should I Start My Furbaby on Rotation Feeding?

Its much easier to start rotation feeding while he or she is still a puppy or kitten (assuming they are already eating solid food), but thats not to say an older dog or cat cant benefit from rotation feeding, too. It just may take a little bit more patience. Often, its recommended that small amounts of the new food be blended into the regular diet, so that your pet may become accustomed to the taste and texture of the food slowly, especially if you are switching between brands with different formulations. This may be an issue for some pets. The most important part is that you consult a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist before beginning rotation feeding. They can assist you in choosing which foods are best for the rotation and ensure that you continue to provide your dog a balanced diet. Also, keep a feeding diary. Nothing fancy, but keeping track of what you are feeding your dog will help immensely should he or she have difficulty processing a new pet food.
Source: petmd.com

Rotation Feeding for Pets

Issue No. 16

www.bowandwow.com.ph

healthy from head to tail

Pet Food Allergies

Common Allergy Symptoms in Dogs
EARS:

FACE:

Appearance: muzzle, chin and areas around the eyes reddened with hair loss. Behavior: scratching or rubbing face with paws or against furniture.

Appearance: waxy discharge; redness; odor. Behavior: scratching or rubbing ears with paws or against furniture.

SKIN:

Appearance: reddened; possibly with crusts or scales; odor with secondary infections Behavior: scratching & licking sides/belly, elbows, groin

HAIR/COAT:

Appearance: bald spots, brown discoloration where licking has occured. Behavior: scratching sides/belly, rubbing face against furniture or carpet, licking.

FEET:

Appearance: inflammation, redness, odor; brown discoloration where licking has occured. Behavior: licking and chewing of feet/pads.

Pet food allergies are defined as immune system or inflammatory responses triggered by certain foods. Other pets may not have true allergies but are still sensitive to certain ingredients, on a less severe level. While often referred to as allergies, these types of lower-grade long term reactions to diet are more accurately described as food sensitivities or intolerances. A food allergy or sensitivity is entirely specific to the individual animal and a food that is non allergenic for one pet may cause severe reactions for another. Just as a cake may be labelled hypoallergenic for most human beings because its made without nuts, dairy and gluten, it could cause a severe and even fatal

reaction for a person with a strawberry allergy, if it is made with strawberries. Similarly, a hypoallergenic pet food made with, say, lamb and rice or duck and potatoes, will not even come close to improving the situation for a dog who is allergic to lamb or potatoes. There are lots of different theories about how and why pet food allergies occur. Most holistic practitioners agree that true allergic reactions are usually the result of an underlying health problem or system imbalance. All dogs and cats are exposed to a variety of allergens in daily life and never have a reaction of any kind. Pets dont actually develop allergies as a result of exposure to

Pet Food Allergies

healthy from head to tail

Common Allergy Symptoms in Cats

EARS:

itchy ears & ear infection

SKIN:

itchy or twitchy skin, pulling out tufts of hair, scabs, hair loss

EYES:

itchy, runny eyes

PAWS:

paw chewing, swollen pads

TAIL:

itchiness at base of tail

allergens, but because they have suddenly become susceptible or vulnerable in some way. Feeding a single type of food long term without any dietary variety is also thought to be linked with an increased risk of food intolerances developing. Pets that enjoy a varied, whole-food diet develop far fewer food sensitivities than one-food pets. Poor quality food in itself may deplete the immune system over time, because its laden with toxins and other substances that place unnecessary burden on the body, or because they lack impor tant nutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, and so on. Many

such nutrients may not be included in AAFCO nutrient profiles but are still vital for the long terms optimal health and vitality of a cat or dog. Vaccines, chemicals, medications like antibiotics or steroids, stress and genetics can all predispose the pet to food allergies as well. Its true that certain ingredients have a much higher incidence of causing allergic reactions than others, but the key is to uncover what your own pet can and cannot tolerate. For many pets, the most common culprits are wheat, corn, soy, rice, and sugar beet pulp as well as various preservatives and by-products.
Source: thehonestkitchen.com

Pet Food Allergies

Issue No. 16

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healthy from head to tail

7 Pet Food Secrets Revealed

By Anthony Bennie

X
Pet Food Secret #1
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BRAND

But pet food labels are only required to give what is called a guaranteed analysis with the total percentage of protein regardless of the source. So a high protein pet food for our carnivorous companions might have little or no meat based protein if it has ingredients such as rice gluten meal, corn gluten meal, or wheat gluten meal providing the bulk of the protein. And the percentage of carbohydrates isnt required at all on pet food labels. So unless you pay close attention and learn to read between the lines on pet food labels, you could be buying a pet food with very high carbohydrates from grains and almost no meat protein. (See our article on pet food label on page 12.)

Pet Food Secret #2

The best fat sources make for the best coats. But pet food labels arent much help in identifying good fats. Certain fats are proven to have higher levels of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids that help keep coats shiny and skin healthy. Pet foods with fats such as sunflower oil, chicken fat, and safflower oil give your pooch or kitty healthier skin and a more beautiful coat than generic animal fat or beef tallow. Research shows that the Omega 3 fatty acid components EPA and DHA boost the immune system and can improve memory and brain function. Talk about food for thought! These nutrients are found in fish oil, flax, chia, algae, krill, hemp, and other sources. Sounds relatively simple, right? But pet foods are only required to disclose the total percentage of fat, not the fatty acid components. Foods with lower quality fats get a pass. The good news is that natural and holistic pet foods that do include one or more of these beneficial fats tend to trumpet it. Since they are expensive ingredients, the maker wants you to know they are making a good product. You can learn to look for this information and see a difference in your pets health and appearance.

Dogs and cats are essentially carnivores, and their systems are designed by nature to digest moist meaty meals in the form of prey. Kibbled pet food consists of pieces of hard and densely concentrated nutrients. It is by definition not natural for carnivores to eat un-hydrated dry food and get their best possible nutrition out of these locked up food sources. Pets that get the right nutrition consisting of hydrated and moist foods are happier, healthier pets who love mealtime.

Pet Food Secret #3

The best quality natural dry pet foods are worth the extra moneybut youll only get the most out of these foods if you hydrate and combine them with a moist and varied diet. Serving water next to dry food is not hydration. Some dogs hardly even chew kibble, as dog guardians will attest! When a bowl of hard dry kibble goes into their stomachs and then they drink a big bowl of water, the effect is of creating a big lump of predigested dry food in their stomach. Over a period of hours, a good portion of the food is broken down by stomach acids, digestive enzymes, and probiotic good bacteria, but who knows how much of the food value is being used to nourish the dog or cat and how much is wasted? Many pets are afflicted with chronic stomach problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.
7 Pet Food Secrets Revealed

The best dry kibble foods are those with the most and best meat protein, with the lowest percentage of carbs; but pet food labels dont give consumers this simple and crucial information Nutritionists who believe in natural feeding for canines and felines can differ in their opinions, but its hard to find disagreement on the strong need for digestible meat-based protein sources such as chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, fish, and others. So a desirable dry food is one with more than half of its calories from animal protein. Add a low percentage of carbohydrate calories from grains or other plant based material and you have a decent dry pet food.

healthy from head to tail

Feeding hydrated food, if not exclusively, at least as a key part of the diet, is a common sense step to improving your pets digestive health. High quality meat-based kibble can be hydrated for greater digestibility and be a great base for a mixed moist diet including fresh meats and small amounts of veggies.

Pet Food Secret #4

Cats have trouble drinking enough water, so their food choices should ALWAYS include hydrated dry kibble or canned wet food. Cats should have canned food as part of their diet because they have a high risk for urinary tract problems if they are not eating thoroughly hydrated food and flushing their systems regularly. Most cats dont drink a lot of water; you will see that their little tongues dont scoop water like dogs tongues. This is why cats will be attracted to falling water such as a dripping faucet because it cascades down into their mouths for easy refreshment, instead of having to coax it into their mouths from below. Cat water fountains with flowing water are a modest investment that your cats will enjoy and will help them to keep hydrated.

for Labrador Retrievers. But in reality, if we study the wild cousins of our carnivorous companions, we see that there are really only two diets in the animals life: mothers milk for a short period of time, and then a transition to prey. Wolves of all ages eat the same things. The carnivores food supply varies by time of year and geography, but all of the animals eat the same things. This fractioning of dog diets into life stages came from a realization that low meat grain-based dog did not support the nutritional needs for puppies after weaning or of pregnant or nursing moms needing extra nutrition to support their babies before and after they were born. If all dog and cat diets were truly designed to be high quality carnivore foods, these distinctions would not be necessary. There are special circumstances that demand special diets, including illnesses or chronic conditions treated by veterinarians that lend themselves to micromanaging the diet such as reduced protein for animals suffering kidney disease. But maybe if we fed our animals more like nature intended, there would be far less health issues to deal with in the first place! Choose a good food that supports all life stages and only change if you dont like the results. Its fine if you like to switch foods occasionally just to introduce a variety of foods to your pet. But you dont need to automatically switch just because a dog or cat turns a certain age if you are happy with the feeding program you are using.

Pet Food Secret #5

Seeing a meat ingredient first on the list does not guarantee that a pet food is TRULY meat based. Labels must have ingredients listed in order of weight before processingnot as they exist in the finished product. Be sure that if a moist fresh meat ingredient like chicken is listed first on a dry pet food label, the very next ingredient should be a something like chicken meal, lamb meal, beef meal, or any concentrated dry meat protein source. Otherwise, its probably not a true meat based pet food.

Pet Food Secret #7

Organ meats and other unconventional dog food and treat sources can be superbly nutritious and should NOT be overlooked in a healthy overall feeding program, but watch out for countries of origin and chemical preservatives and other additives in food and treats. While we humans may flinch a bit at the thought of eating a diet rich in more organ meats and specialty meats like liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, and tripe, in fact these organ meats tend to be far more nutritious than plain lean muscle meats.They are of course rich in animal protein, but also full of natural A and B vitamins, minerals, and taurine, an essential amino acid for carnivores. Some foods and treats use supplemental taurine which is a synthetic form of what your pet would get naturally from a high meat diet. Treats from liver, heart, and lung can be very healthy and much preferable to a high carb cookie or biscuit snack. Natural chews from connective tissue such as trachea and tendons can be roasted into a consistency almost as hard as bone, so a dog can enjoy these and get the tooth-cleaning and gum scraping benefits of real bones without the risk of splintering. And unlike bones, trachea and tendons are fully digestible. You are much better off if you only buy products made in the USA as they are made from USDA-inspected facilities, and their food safety laws are among the strictest in the world.
Source: clearconsciencepet.com
www.bowandwow.com.ph

Pet Food Secret #6

The Lifestage and Lifestyle Shuffle is more about profit than diets. These days, it is astounding to see the variety of pet foods on the shelves of pet specialty stores, grocery stores, natural food stores, and big box warehouse clubs. Not only are there hundreds of brands, there are a dizzying variety of food and treat options within those brands. One of the ways that manufacturers have managed to control shelf space and gain more market share is by creating customized foods that are purported to fill very specific needs for certain pets. This strategy started with the worlds top selling kibble at the time adding a puppy food to their lineup decades ago. Now we are assaulted with the message that we need different foods for every age from puppy to senior; every activity level and lifestyle from couch dog-tato to canine athlete; every size range from toy to giant breeds; and now even foods marketed for just one breed or group of breeds, such as foods especially

7 Pet Food Secrets Revealed

Issue No. 16

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healthy from head to tail

Making Sense of a Pet Food Label

As more and more pet parents consider feeding their dogs and cats a healthy diet, learning about the ingredients in your pets food becomes all the more important. While many leading dog food and cat food brands cover the front of their bags with beautiful photography or illustrations of healthy ingredients, the ingredient listing on the back is where you can determine whether your pets food is as good as you think.

How to compare pet food

When evaluating pet food ingredient listings, consider these factors:

1. Ingredients
The difference between ingredients and nutrients needs to be clarified. Ingredients are the vehicles that provide nutrients, while nutrients are food components that suppor t life and are metabolically useful. For example, lamb is an ingredient that provides nutrients such as protein, fatty acids and vitamins.

What is a pet food label?

A pet food label is a legal document regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and is the primary means of communication between the pet food manufacturers and pet owners.
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Making Sense of a Pet Food Label

healthy from head to tail

The first ingredient by weight is the most important because there is more of that ingredient than any other. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. The high water content in chicken, beef and lamb makes these ingredients weigh more than dry ingredients such as grains, meals and vitamins, so they are often listed first. The top 10 ingredients usually comprise 80% or more of a dry pet foods entire formula and give you a real insight into the formulas overall quality. Some pet food brands define their ingredients in several different ways so that the ones of lower quality appear further down the ingredient list. For example, a product list could contain chicken, ground corn, corn gluten, ground wheat and corn bran. And, if you were to group all of the corn ingredients as one, they might far out-weigh the amount of chicken in that food, and be the first listed ingredient. Be sure to read all of the ingredients at the end of the listing to know if any artificial preservatives and colorings are being used. Now that you have a basic understanding of how to read a label, its important to know the specific ingredients that comprise healthy dog and cat foodas well as the ingredients that should give you pause.

2. Guaranteed Analysis
Indicates minimum or maximum levels of nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber and moisture. Does not indicate or provide exact levels of nutrients in the pet food and is not a guarantee of the nutritional quality of the pet food. Moisture levels in pet foods vary, making it nearly impossible for an average pet owner to accurately compare nutritional information.

3. Nutritional Adequacy Statement or AAFCO Statement

AAFCO is an organization that sets the nutritional standards for pet foods sold in the United States. This legally required statement verifies the testing method used to determine nutritional adequacy. The statement indicates whether the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for a specific lifestage of your pet (growth, adult, pregnant/nursing), or if the product is nutritionally adequate for all lifestages.

Healthy ingredients found in quality pet food:

Real meat such as chicken, fish or lamb, is a source of highquality, highly digestible protein. Proteins are essential for growth, maintenance, reproduction, repair and energy. Whole grains such as brown rice, barley and oats supply complex carbohydrates to maintain your dogs or cats energy level and healthy fiber not found in most processed grains Veggies and fruits provide essential phytonutrients, antioxidants and enzymes, plus natural vitamins, minerals and fibers that promote and maintain health and wellness.

Characteristics of good pet food:

Complete provides adequate amounts of all the required nutrients Balanced the nutrients are present in the correct proportions Digestible your pet is able to digest the food and absorb the nutrients Palatable appealing enough to be eaten Safe free of toxins or anything which could harm a pet Choosing the best food for your beloved pet isnt easy, especially when there are so many brands touting themselves as having high-quality ingredients. As a pet parent, you should know that nutritional excesses can be as harmful and are more common than nutritional deficiencies. Next time youre in the store, take a minute to review the dog or cat food youre using. With what youve learned about pet food labels, that minute could mean a big difference in your pets life.

Many unhealthy ingredients found in leading commercial dog and cat food:
Poultry By-Product Meal which contains no nutritive value. Artificial color and chemical preservatives like BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, and propylene glycol. They provide no nutritional value and have been associated with possible carcinogenic side effects. Corn, wheat and soy have been linked to allergic reactions in some dogs and cats.

Source: bluebuffalo.com, hillspet.com, pfma.or.uk

Making Sense of a Pet Food Label

Issue No. 16

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breed spotlight

Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is the largest of the Arctic dogs.This thick, well-built dog is solid with a plumed tail that is held over the back. The head is wide with erect ears. The eyes are of medium size, dark brown, almond in shape and are obliquely placed in the skull. The dog holds an image of a wolf but with a proud, sweet expression. Dark eyes are preferred; blue eyes are a fault according to the written standard. The feet are large, of the snowshoe type with tough pads. The thick, coarse double coat averages one to three inches in length and comes in a range of light gray to intermediate shadings of black, sable, and shadings of sable to red. Combinations include wolf gray, black and white, wolf sable (red undercoat with dark gray outer coat) or red. The only solid color allowed is white. The dog often has darker highlights and sometimes has a dark mask or cap. The legs and muzzle are almost always white. In some areas, dogs may be either smaller or larger than the official standard. The Alaskan Malamute has a dense coat that should be brushed twice a week. This breed sheds very heavily. The undercoat comes out in clumps twice a year. Bathing is most unnecessary, as the coat sheds dirt readily. Dry shampoo occasionally.This dog is clean and odorless. The Alaskan Malamute is extremely loyal and intelligent, sweet and most affectionate toward its master. Great with children who are old enough to play with him safely. If its canine instincts are met, it matures into a dignified and mellow adult dog. They are very friendly and therefore are not suitable as guard dogs.
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Malamutes are happiest living outdoors as long as they receive enough companionship, but they also enjoy living indoors where their human pack lives. Without firm leadership and daily mental and physical exercise, these dogs may become destructive nuisances, acting like big, rambunctious puppies. Males can be very dominant. This breed needs the humans around him to be firm, confident and consistent pack leaders. This breed is a thrifty feeder and needs less food than you might expect. However they do tend to wolf down whatever is offered, which can lead to obesity and bloat. What to feed an Alaskan Malamute is dependent on many things --- owner choice, dog, health concerns and availability of either kibble or raw ingredients. On average, Alaskan Malamutes (or any northern breed) can have higher dietary requirements for zinc and EFAs (fish oil). Malamutes are quiet compared to most dogs but they do like to howl and dig.This breed should be supervised around unfamiliar small animals, as they have a strong prey instinct. This does not mean they are not good with small animals; some Malamutes have been known to raise small kittens as their own. Both sexes can be combative with other dogs, especially with the same sex and breed, so firm handling and training are necessary to curb this. Proper socialization with people and other dogs is imperative. Obedience training is highly recommended.
Source: dogbreedinfo.com

Alaskan Malamute

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ask the vet

Ask the

et

By : Ma. Mylene L. Maranan, DVM Bow & Wow resident veterinarian

Q: Are grains unhealthy for dogs?

A. Dogs also use some undigested grain as a source of fiber to regulate their digestive processes. While it is true that dogs cannot digest raw grains like herbivores, they can utilize cooked or predigested grains very well. This is especially true of easily digestible grains like rice. Corn and wheat, on the other hand, are much harder for dogs to digest. Any grain, however, needs to be fed in moderation. Unlike herbivores, such as horses, or even true omnivores, like humans, dogs do not thrive on diets made up predominantly of grains. This is because their digestive tracts are too short to fully process raw grain. The best use for grain in high quality canine diets, then, is as a source of carbohydrates and fiber. Using grains as a source of cheap protein is less than ideal for dogs.

Q: What is really in mass-produced pet food?

A. Mass-produced pet food generally contain chicken, turkey, beef, pork, etc. that come from factory farms and are contaminated by the chemical and pharmaceutical residues used during the livestock production cycle. One of the most common causes of food intolerances and allergies in pets is oxytetracycline, an antibiotic that has been used for over 30 years and contaminates the meat produced in factory farms.

Q: What are the benefits of organic pet food?

Q: Is it true that by-products can contain hair, hooves and floor sweepings?
A. Most pet owners have no idea of how different their pets could feel (and look) if they were fed naturally healthy and toxin-free diets. We spend time buying ourselves organic food and researching preservatives in baby food, without realizing that most of the pet foods ingredients are highly polluted. Feeding our furbabies mass-produced pet foods laden with chemical and pharmaceutical residues negatively affects their health and even their behavior. The average life span of our pets has become shorter due to poor diets, but they have the potential to live a much, much longer life with natural or organic diets. A. Animal by-products consist of some pretty icky things that you probably wouldnt consider edible. In fact, animal by-products absolutely are not meant for human consumption. The wide array of animal by-products include stock on farms that becomes diseased and dies for a number of reasons, including cancer, and fish, milk and eggs that are not fit for human consumption. When animals slaughtered for meat are butchered, certain parts may be put to the side that are not meant for consumption. These parts, such as blood, hides, bones, hooves, feathers, udders, hair, intestines and even floor sweepings can also be used as byproducts.

Ask The Vet

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How Exactly Does Diet Relate to Illness?

Has your pet been receiving long term medication for a chronic (non-life-threatening) health problem for months or even years, without a true cure ever taking place? Of course, some health conditions do require long term drugs in order to be properly and safely managed but if the medications for issues like itching and ear infections or gastrointestinal upsets are simply hiding the symptoms and not bringing about real healing at the root of the problem, it may be time to consider diet as the culprit. Open up to the idea of taking a fresh look at food, and the role it can play in your pets well being. While it is important to always get a vets diagnosis on whats going on with your pet, it is worth considering food as medicine, if a constant supply of prescribed medications only seems to suppress the symptoms without providing a long term sustainable cure. Several of the top reasons that cats and dogs are taken to the vet are often directly related to the food they eat. Heres a quick look at how food and disease are interrelated, and some factors to consider in your journey towards complete and lasting pet health. 1. Ear Infections are often caused by a build-up of yeast in the ears. Did you know that yeast usually over-grows when there is an overload of sugar in the system? This sugar is usually caused by excess grains in the diet as well as an excess of sugary fruits and simple carbohydrates in the food and treats you provide. Think about removing all grain from the diet including treats. 2. Urinary Tract and/or Renal Problems plague a surprising number of cats and dogs. Extruded, kibble diets are starting to be called into question for their role in the ever-increasing rate of urinary tract problems including crystals, stones, and bacterial infections of the bladder and urinary tract, as well as kidney disease and full-blown renal failure. These types of diets are not biologically appropriate in the true sense of the word because they contain nowhere near the moisture levels of these animals natural prey. In fact, they are so devoid of necessary moisture that some pets become chronically dehydrated and thus more prone to urinary tract problems. Try feeding a canned, or other higher moisture diet because pets fed these tend to experience less urinary tract infections and crystals overall, and holistic vets recommend a moist diet for cats in particular.
How Exactly Does Diet Relate to Illness?

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3. Kidney disease. Chronic dehydration associated with dry diets may also be a contributing factor in the development of kidney disease and chronic renal failure in older cats. Cats have a low thirst drive, in the wild they would get most of their water from their prey. Cats eating dry food do not drink enough water to make up for the lack of moisture in the food. Cats on dry food diets drink more water, but the total water intake of a cat eating canned food is twice as great. Supplementing with beneficial bacteria from the right probiotics is helpful since the bacteria are capable of using excess kidney toxin called urea for their own growth. Feed a good variety of high quality protein diet, ideally wet food since dry food stresses the kidneys by absorbing water and creating a persistent state of dehydration. It is wise not to feed beef, buffalo or bison as they have a higher content of inflammatory factors which affect the immune system function. 4. Itchy skin hot-spots (pyoderma) and chewing at the feet, are classic signs of food intolerances. Some of the most common allergens for pets include glutinous grains like wheat, corn and soy and warming meats like lamb. If hot spots and other skin irritation just occured suddenly, think back to whether you recently changed to a new food. If youve been battling the problem for a long time without improvement, consider a switch to a very simple diet with no grain, a few veggies and a cooling or neutral meat like duck, turkey or beef. Diets made with lamb should be avoided for pets that are prone to hotspots and general itchy skin conditions. In traditional Chinese medicine, lamb is a warming (yang) food that can aggravate these issues. Instead, a cooling (yin) food should be fed. Avoid by-products, chemicals like BHT, and any foods with wheat, corn, soy or rice. Often, removing these few things from the diet has a tremendous positive impact on skin health. 5. Gastrointestinal Upset (diarrhea, colitis, irritable bowel) are almost always related in some way, to diet. Grain is one of the most common culprits. Eliminating grains, especially those like wheat, corn and soy, or beet pulp, those with gluten and those which are genetically modified, can have a truly beneficial effect on chronic intestinal problems. Many pets suffer with ongoing, intermittent diarrhea for years before the connection to diet is made, and their owners are often astounded when a simple switch to a grain-free, more pristine diet is made. Chemical preservatives, cheap fillers, and artificial colorings can also aggravate sensitive tummies. What should you do? It takes some care to transition a sensitive pet to a new type of food. Overnight or cold turkey changes should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, as this can actually exacerbate the upset. Instead, try transitioning slowly over a few days, which

will allow his good gut flora to adjust.You could also add a tablespoon or two of plain yogurt or a probiotic, to help ease the transition. Be cautious when supplementing with a probiotic for extremely sensitive animals, as it can sometimes make matters worse if you add more than one new thing at a time. In these cases, its better to move to the new food first and then supplement after the transition has been successfully completed. 6. Obesity is one of the most common health problems in pets. Feeding recommendations or instructions on the packaging are sometimes inflated so that the consumer will end up feeding and purchasing more food. Obesity may also be related to high-carb, high-calorie dry foods. Both dogs and cats respond to low-carb wet food diets. Overweight pets are more prone to arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Dry cat food is now considered the cause of feline diabetes. A daily romp in the park goes a long way toward clearing out fat globules, activating and lubricating the joints, and eradicating boredom. Boredom can be a major contributor to overeating. Dietary restriction, increasing the fiber in the diet and decreasing the fat are three major factors to be considered when trying to create a weight-loss diet for obese dogs. The most important of these is to simply cut back on the amount of calories consumed. Many commercially available dog foods are higher than necessary in both fats and carbohydrates. But more importantly, the carbohydrates in many dog foods are refined. Refined carbohydrates tend to make their fatty deposits directly onto the belly and ribs. The easiest way to lower carbohydrates and still top off your dogs hunger pangs is to increase the amount of fiber and veggies in his food.
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Although it is true that dogs are primarily carnivorous, canines in the wild get plenty of fiber and vegetable matter from the intestinal tracts of animals they eat and from munching on grasses and twigs. So, whereas a dogs prime dietary ingredient should be meat, additional fiber is a good way to keep the bowels moving and help prevent obesity. Vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants which all have numerous health benefits. 7. Heart disease is an often-fatal disease in cats and some dogs, and is now known to be caused by a deficiency of the amino acid taurine. Blindness is another symptom of taurine deficiency. This deficiency is due to inadequate amounts of taurine in cat food formulas, which in turn occurs due to decreased amounts of animal proteins and increased reliance on carbohydrates. Cat food are now supplemented with taurine. New research suggests that some dog breeds are susceptible to the same condition. Supplementing taurine may also be helpful for dogs, but as of yet few manufacturers are adding extra taurine to dog food. 8. Hyperthyroidism in cats may be related to diet.This is a relatively new disease that first surfaced in the 1970s. Some experts theorize that excess iodine in commercial cat food is a factor. New research also points to a link between the disease and pop-top cans, and flavors including fish or giblets. This is a serious disease, and treatment is expensive. 9. Vomiting or Enteritis can also correspond with food. The consumption of spoiled food or other unsavory objects (such as stones, dead animals or food wrappers) can trigger a bout of vomiting, but a food allergy can also cause a dog or cat to regurgitate their meal soon after eating.
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If you recently switched to a new diet and your pet vomits, take a look at the ingredient panel and see what new ingredients are present in this diet, and which he wasnt consuming before. It may take time to transition to a new food, and mixing the old and new diets together for a few days can help your pet adjust. But if vomiting occurs each time he eats, consider the possibility of a food allergy, and try another recipe thats free of the suspect allergen to see if that helps. If you have a pet with a condition thats among the top reasons pets visit the vet, do look at diet as a possibility. Just as one food can be the cause of a problem, another can be the medicine your animal companion needs. Many pet owners find it helpful to keep a journal of what theyre feeding and how their animals symptoms change. Cut out ingredients panels to save writing everything down and over time you may be able to identify a pattern of what makes things better or worse. Of course, food and diet are not always directly related to health problems, but its quite surprising what a little investigative work can dig up. If food doesnt seem to be the cause, a truly holistic approach will help you look at every other aspect of your pets life: the laundry detergents you use for her blankets, floors cleaners used in the home, hemicals sprayed in the yard or park where you walk, or maybe the treats that someone else is sneaking your pets way. Leave no stone unturned in your quest to find the true cause, and you may be on the way to eliminating the need for long term medications, prescriptions diets and expensive vet visits, many of which can have horrible side effects.
Source: homevet.com

How Exactly Does Diet Relate to Illness?

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