Medical Conditions and The Pet Food Diet

More and more people are discovering the benefits of feeding a healthy, natural diet to their dogs and cats. It has become increasingly apparent that chronic illnesses can be avoided through correct dietary practices, and an increasing number of people are willing to go the extra distance to make this a reality.

According to Veterinary Pet Insurance, the most common cause of vet visits among dogs in 2009 was ear infections, followed by skin allergies, skin infections and hot spots, gastritis and vomiting and enteritis/diarrhea. The most common medical condition in the feline community was lower urinary tract disease, followed by gastritis/vomiting (usually food-related), chronic renal failure, hyperthyroidism and diabetes. All of these conditions are food related. 
All of these conditions can almost always be avoided through the feeding of natural pet food. What do we mean by ‘natural pet food’? The companion animals that we have chosen to share our lives are carnivores. The cat is a true carnivorous animal, and must be fed meat in order to maintain optimal health. The cat does not require vegetables, fruits or grains, and these foods should be avoided. The dog requires meat as the dietary mainstay, followed by vegetable matter to some degree. Grains do not form a part of the canine diet due to their high carbohydrate content.

Dog Anal Glands

Anal glands are two small glands located within and on either side of the anus.  They are filled with a brown substance that has a very foul, musky smell.  Based on dog behavior, it is thought that the purpose of the anal glands is for the application of pheromone-rich secretion to the outside of the stool, in order to mark territory.  This function is thought to be of great importance to roaming animals.  When dogs meet one another, they also raise their tails and excrete a small amount of this substance.

Most dogs empty these glands on their own whenever they have a bowel movement or during exercise.  However, dog anal glands are frequently impacted, and the problem usually occurs in smaller breeds.  These glands become impacted for a variety of reasons, the main one being a high fiber diet of questionable commercial pet food.  The glands do not express properly in the presence of a soft, fibrous stool.  The dog’s natural stool consistency tends to be rather dry and hard if an appropriate diet is being fed.  These small, dry stools are more effective at expressing the anal glands than a softer, larger stool.  In our experience, veterinarians do not understand this concept, and they will usually recommend a high fiber diet.

‘Scooting’, licking and biting the anal area may indicate compaction or infection.  Digital inspection by a veterinarian is indicated, and antibiotic treatment may be necessary if infection is present.  Some complications from anal gland compaction, infection or abcess may occur, including: fistulous tracts leading from the infected sacs and rupturing through the skin.  Occasionally a rash around the anus may develop due to self-trauma, and matters may progress to the point of temperament changes.

Many pets may rub or lick their rectal area for reasons other than impacted anal glands.  Allergies, tumours or parasites may be the cause of the discomfort, however the vast majority of cases point to anal gland issues. 

Manual expression by a vet or pet groomer is often helpful, but the best option is a healthy diet.  This disorder is associated with poor diet, and usually with dogs fed on a low quality commercial dog food.  The bulk (grains and other cheap filler) should be eliminated from the dog’s meal plan, and a healthy meat-based diet should be fed exclusively.  If a change in diet and/or medication does not alleviate the situation, surgery may be the only reasonable alternative, however this should be a last resort.

For long term health of anal glands, a species appropriate diet is essential, and here at Know Better Pet Food, we have witnessed very positive results with innumerable cases of chronic anal gland disorders.  Using ‘Better In The Raw’ or ‘U-Stew’ as indicated, the stool is generally much harder and more compact, thus making anal gland excretion more effective, and veterinary visits a rarity.

For more information on anal gland problems e-mail us  at info@knowbetterpetfood.com or call us toll free – 1 866 922 6463

   

Homemade Pet Food

Homemade Pet Food

The nutritional factor

When it comes to the difference between the typical commercial pet food which has been rendered, cooked, refined, expanded, extracted, sterilized, fortified, modified, aromatized and dehydrated, and a balanced homemade diet of fresh meat and veggies there is obviously no argument.  The nutrition factor is unquestionably far superior when you take matters into your own hands.

The convenience factor

Balanced, homemade pet food doesn’t get any easier than this.  Just add meat and water.  Made in large volume, and frozen for future use, what could be easier!

The ‘thrive vs survive’ factor

Quality of life depends on optimal vitality, and optimal vitality is not derived from a bag of dry pet food, but rather from a diet based on natural, wholesome ingredients.

History is an excellent teacher, and if past experience is any indicator, our company history has seen many success stories.  For the past eight years our customers have witnessed improved health in the hundreds of dogs and cats who have been fortunate enough to have been provided with the most wholesome canine diet available.  We have been witness to improved health in such areas as arthritis, IBD, diabetes, allergies, dry, itchy skin, tartar control, weight control, etc.  Puppies have been raised, geriatrics have renewed energy, and almost without exception, dogs and cats have heartily enjoyed their meals!

The cost factor

When compared to a very low quality kibble or canned diet, the homemade cat food or dog food diet is generally more expensive.  BUT when one considers the many trips to the vets’ office when chronic health conditions arise, the cost factor is no longer valid.  What is the price of optimal health and longevity?  Or more to-the-point, what is the cost of poor health and shortened life span?