When your dog’s pleading eyes melt your heart, it’s easy to give in and toss a nibble from your plate. You tell yourself, “it’s just a taste.” What you’re doing instead is reinforcing begging behavior. Janet Miller says a few simple tricks can convince your dog to stop begging every time you eat: Do not give in Ignore the behavior Close the door Use the your-place … [Read more...]
The best way to feed a cat
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the best way to feed cats is to replicate normal feline feeding behaviors, such as hunting and foraging),and to feed frequent small meals that the cat can savor alone. Source: Catster, March 25, 2019. Link. Also see: How to Feed a Cat, Cat Friendly Homes. Link. Cats prefer to eat multiple small meals … [Read more...]
Learn how to manage the gut
Prebiotics and probiotics are frequent considerations for multimodal therapies in monogastrics, regardless of species It can be difficult to remain objective about their benefits, but the growing body of work indicates that considering the microbiome will become more prevalent in managing disease risk and potential treatments. We gathered several references for … [Read more...]
Shark Tank’s Mark Cuban just invested $550,000 in a vegan dog treats company
Vegan pet food brand Wild Earth secured a $550,000 investment from Mark Cuban during a March 18 Shark Tank TV show appearance. He made the investment for two reasons: his belief in technological solutions to modernity’s challenges, and his concerns for environmental sustainability. Ryan Bethencourt, the CEO and co-founder of Wild Earth, said they are prototyping the dog food … [Read more...]
USA Today – Obesity in dogs and cats
It is common knowledge have too many overweight cats and dogs; 59.5 percent of cats and 55.8 percent of dogs. What is increasing is the percentage of obese pets according to new research from the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention. In 2018, 18.9 percent of dogs and 33.8 percent of cats were obese compared to 2013 where 16.7 percent of dogs and 27.4 percent of cats … [Read more...]
High nitrate in hay can kill cows
More than 200 cows in Missouri died last month from nitrate poisoning, according to the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. Unusual weather the last couple years likely set up this problem with nitrogen entering plants as nitrate during wet periods and remaining as raw nitrate because of dry weather. This may result in too much raw nitrate in plants … [Read more...]
Pet nutrition important conversation starter AVMA survey says
Eighty two percent of veterinarians responding to a recent survey from the American Veterinary Medical Association, said said, “all the time,” in response to the question, “How often do you start conversations with clients about pet nutrition?” It’s a hot topic. When asked if pet owners inquire more about pet food than in the past, 48 percent of the responding veterinarians … [Read more...]
Comparing meat and poultry cash prices
If your grocery expenses seem to be increasing, a current year compared to last year cash price review may be enlightening. Perhaps packaged goods are hitting your budgets harder than food animal products. Source: Feedstuffs, February 28, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Call it welfare or well-being, it’s about proper husbandry
Portia Stewart tackles semantics that help non-ag persons comprehend the challenges of raising meat and being good animal stewards. Young consumers want to learn a lot more about their food. One of the problems we have today is a lot of young consumers are totally removed from the world of the practical.” - Temple Grandin, DVM. Source: PORK, February 28, 2019. … [Read more...]
Dog with epilepsy? Ask about supplements!
Many dog owners add dietary supplements to their epileptic pet’s diet without consulting a veterinarian. Erin Y. Akin, DVM, DACVIM, shares information excerpted from a recent study on supplement use by owners of epileptic dogs. . . . less than one-fifth of owners sought advice from a clinician . . . clinicians need to actively engage with owners in discussion about epilepsy … [Read more...]
Cat food: what okay and what’s dangerous
Before indulging a family cat to the wide variety of foods in a home, consider what is good and what is dangerous. Dog food is a no-no, for example. There are human foods that cats can eat. There is a list of absolutely forbidden ones, as well. Any food not specifically formulated for cats can affect their digestive system, causing vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite. . . … [Read more...]
FDA investigating potential link between certain diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy
Updating a collaboration that began in July 2018, the FDA believes that the potential association between diet and DCM in dogs is a complex scientific issue that may involve multiple factors. The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN) will continue to investigate this potential association of … [Read more...]
Encouraging horses to drink
We’ve all heard the adage, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” While possibly true, the authors suggest the following to help a horse drink water: Make sure the horse can access clean water at all timesGive him some spaceTry electrolytes Source: EQUUS, February 15, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: Horses need water in winter, too. Be sure to keep water … [Read more...]
Petco versus PetSmart: no clear winner in big box dog fight
The pet business is one of retail’s long-term bright spots. But the dynamics of alternate sourcing, internet sales and aggressive competition challenge two of the large big box retailers. Private-equity firms bought America’s two biggest pet-store owners within months of each other. One spent billions to boost its online business by acquiring the top internet pet … [Read more...]
Observe manure to monitor nutritional status
Texas cow-calf consultant Dan Gary recommends using cow-pie-ology, the visual observation of manure, to determine the nutritional status of cattle. (research) shows . . . as manure piles stack up, more protein is needed. That’s because passage rate through the digestive system slows down and instead of a cow pie, there’s a cow stack. Conversely, excess protein results in … [Read more...]
Avoid poisonous plants for goats
Goats eat everything, right? Apparently not. Knowing what to feed goats involves education. Katherine Drovdahl reviews toxic plants and acknowledges there is not a comprehensive list of toxic or poisonous plants for goats. Even good plants can develop into a dangerous toxic condition called enterotoxemia if goats overeat on any plant they are not used to Source: … [Read more...]
Smarter snacks and treats
Consumers are seeking treats that are palatable to their pets and provide wholesome, natural nutrition at a good price, writes Keith Loria. He reviews trends, challenges and options in the retail treat marketplace. Source: Pet Product News, February 2019, page 40. Link. Loria reviews trends including superfoods, increased protein options and price sensitivity using … [Read more...]
Help clients offer diets for pets’ life stages
Deborah E. Linder, DVM, DACVN, Tufts University, recommends veterinarians study established guidelines and give clients clear direction in selecting the appropriate pet food at each life stage. Source: Clinician’s Brief, January 2017. Link. A careful discussion of BCS, life stage, medical conditions, and AAFCO nutrient adequacy statements can better guide owners in … [Read more...]
Bad attitude or equine ulcers?
Show horses are prime candidates for ulcers because exercise, stress and travel are proven risk factors. “The interesting thing about this disease is that it seems to be affected by the environmental stressors,” Sherry Johnson, DVM, says. “Management, stress levels and even housing conditions have been shown in literature to be associated with a horse’s chances of developing … [Read more...]
She’s not pregnant. That cat is fat!
Overweight cats are at risk for a host of health issues. Sassafras Lowrey shares five health risks for overweight cats worthy of sharing with cat owners: DiabetesHigh blood pressureBone/joint damageFatty liver diseaseSkin problems Cats who are overweight are known to have shorter life spans, and the associated health problems can be deadly to the cat. Not only that, … [Read more...]
Trends in pet food ingredients
Before it becomes kibble, pet food formulators and manufacturers must make ingredient choices and find suppliers to meet the demands of new formulations. Consumers increasingly expect pet foods to be free from additives, have clean labels and be formulated as specialty diets. It is a complex challenge. Source: Pet Food Industry, February 2019, page 12. Link. One aspect of … [Read more...]
No, cats cannot be vegan
A study of U.K. cat owners revealed one in five were not aware their pets were carnivores and required animal products in their diets to thrive. It is believed similar ignorance exists in U.S. cat owners. Veganism simply cannot be a lifestyle choice you make for your cat, even if you make it for yourself. Source: Tufts Catnip, February 2019. Link. It is not possible … [Read more...]
Pets, like us, continue to put on pounds
Despite veterinarians’ reports that nearly half the they see are overweight or obese, only 17 percent of their owners acknowledge it. Others may realize it, but don’t see the increased weight as a problem. It is a serious problem, according to pet health insurer Nationwide. It reports that obesity in dogs and cats has risen eight years in a row. Obesity related insurances … [Read more...]
Pardon me, that horse is . . . uh, fat!
Obesity in horses carries a bunch of problems. David Ramey, DVM, shares some of the them, offers solutions and a story, as well: Fat horses are insulated horsesExercise intoleranceLaminitis You should be able to feel your horse’s ribs easily, but not see them (much). Source: Horse Network, January 27, 2019. Link. Keep your horse at a good weight. He’ll feel better, … [Read more...]
7 secrets to choosing the best food for cats
Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott discuss cat food secrets and present information for cat owners to help them make the best choices for their individual animal(s). Their topics cover: Tinned food versus dry foodRead the ingredient listWhat’s the deal with grain?Good fats vs. badFiber versus fillerAdd fresh foodsConsider your cat’s life stage and activity level Source: … [Read more...]
Stop buying grain-free pet food!
Grain-free dog food, accounted for 44 percent of pet food sold in specialty stores in 2017, according the New York Times. Along with pet foods that are vegan, organic, raw and you name it, consumers continue to increase spending on specialty pet food. However, veterinarians are concerned that grain-free diets pose health risks to dogs, especially if consumed long-term. FDA … [Read more...]
Focus on what you can control
Clint Schwab* reminds swine producers to remember to let technology take a backseat to good old-fashioned execution. Regardless of individual species focus, any animal health pro will capture something useful in his article about human and animal resources and maximizing production. He discusses training, feed quality, biosecurity, breeding and stress reduction. . . . … [Read more...]
Researchers bust antimicrobial-resistance myth
It would seem logical to assume beef from cattle treated with antibiotics would carry more resistant bacteria than beef from “antibiotic-free” production systems. Testing this hypothesis researchers with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have shown shows similar levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in ground beef raised with and without antibiotics. The … [Read more...]
Vegetarian-fed animals: Good marketing, bad for industry
Finding the right balance between science and marketing is an everyday challenge for animal health pros. Nutritionist Ioannis Mavromichalis, Ph.D., offers perspectives on why all-vegetable diets may not be best for animals or the animal protein industry: It’s not true to the consumerIt’s not true to the animalWhat about vitamin B12?Do not drive your customers to decide … [Read more...]
Treats with meat attract cat owners
Cat owners want options and they are looking for treats with high-quality ingredients with a focus on meat. Retailers and manufacturers agree that cat owners are willing to try new treat ideas if they meet their nutrition expectations, including protein. Source: Pet Product News, January 2019, page 54. Link. Cats are carnivores, and a healthy treat or food choice must … [Read more...]