Does Dry Pet Food Clean Your Dog’s And Cat’s Teeth
This one is very common, even among some veterinarians, but it is most definitely not true. Dogs and cats have very pointed teeth even their molars are sharp edged, not flat. These teeth are designed to bite, tear, and chew raw meat, so when a dog or cat eats kibble, they either swallow it whole or shatter it.
Kibble does not scrape down onto the lower parts of the teeth or near the gums, which is where dental problems start. In fact, kibble can contribute to dental problems when the shattered bits lodge between the teeth, promoting bacterial growth. Just like with your diet, carbohydrate food debris breaks down into sugar, which dental bacteria feeds upon.
However, kibble isn’t going to help. Healthy teeth start with a natural diet, healthy chews, and regular brushing.
Isn’t Feeding Raw Food Dangerous Due To The Risk Of Salmonella And E Coli
The digestive tracts of dogs and cats are very different than those of humans. The human digestive tract is approximately 25 to 28 feet long with a stomach acidity between 1.5 and 2.5, whereas dogs and cats have a much shorter digestive system at an average of 10 to 13 feet for dogs with an acidity of less than 1.
This means that raw food moves through your pet’s system in less than half the time it would through a human’s system, and the high acidity kills most bacteria. Even if the food was contaminated, it is unlikely that the microbes would enter the animal’s bloodstream.
Commercially prepared raw food manufacturers take measures to control against the presence of unwanted organisms such as salmonella and e. coli, so if you’re concerned about contamination, frozen raw diets are a good option.
If you eat meat, then you are aware of the precautions to take when handling raw meat. The same precautions apply to raw pet food: wash bowls, utensils and your hands after feeding and handling the meat. Keep the meat frozen until two to four days before feeding, and thaw in the refrigerator. Don’t leave the food down for your pet for more than 30-40 minutes, and throw any leftovers away after this time.
If you use common sense, feeding raw food is no more difficult or dangerous than any other pet food, and the health benefits are unparalleled.
Can Dogs Eat Cat Food Is Cat Food Bad For Dogs
If you have a dog, youve probably noticed that theyre crazy about cat food. But is eating cat food safe for dogs? While a little cat food occasionally is unlikely to cause your pup any harm, it should definitely not be offered on a regular basis. After all, theres a reason why dogs eat dog food and cats eat food specifically crafted for them.
Heres everything you need to know about the difference between dog and cat nutrition and whether it is safe for your canine companion to indulge in cat food.
Pro Tip: If your pup eats something they shouldnt, pet insurance helps ensure they get the professional help they need along with financial support for vet bills.
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The Root Of The Behavior
Just like dogs, cats are carnivores. Both cats and dogs have sharp front teeth built for tearing meat, but dogs also have teeth in the back of their mouths built for grinding up bones and even some plants. But that means that cat food is designed with more meat, which is essential to the feline diet. Cats also need taurine, an essential amino acid, and vitamin A to survive and be healthy. Dogs bodies produce taurine naturally, so it isnt present in their kibble. Cats need to eat it daily. They also need more vitamins and minerals in their food than dogs do. Regular deficiency in those vitamins and minerals can lead to a variety of other health issues, from skin and energy to gastrointestinal disorders and even seizures. If your cat eats dog food, it wont hurt if they sneak a bite on occasion, but they shouldnt be allowed to eat only dog food.
Experiment With Other Cat Food Flavors
Although it wont work for all dogs, you may be able to dissuade your dog from eating your cats food by picking another recipe. For example, your dog may love your cats chicken-flavored food, but he may not find a salmon-based recipe so irresistible.
This is obviously a bit tricky for owners who have finicky cats, but it is worth trying. Additionally, if it works, itll prove to be the simplest solution of all.
And while were talking about dogs who like to eat cat food, it is important to note that some dogs show a predilection for eating, um, pre-eaten cat food that they collect from the cats litter box.
This is not only a revolting practice, but it can also make your dog sick, so youll want to put an end to it as soon as possible.
Theres really only one way weve found to tackle this problem: Use a dog-proof litter box. There are a number of these products on the market, and several of them are quite effective. Check out our comprehensive guide to dog-proof litter boxes if you need help dealing with this particular problem.
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Complications Of Feeding Cat Food To Dogs
If your dog eats a lot of cat food on a regular basis, or if you are feeding your dog a diet of cat food instead of dog food, complications may arise, as it does not have the correct balance of protein, fiber, and all of the nutrients dogs need to stay healthy.
Dogs can certainly survive on cat food in a tough spot, but the nutrient imbalance can lead to gastrointestinal upset, obesity, and pancreatitis. Pancreatitis requires immediate veterinary care. Symptoms include abdominal pain and a hunched back, lethargy and weakness, appetite loss, vomiting and diarrhea, a distended abdomen, and fever. Even if your dog eats cat food and suffers no obvious ill effects, the high protein levels can be hard on his liver and kidney.
Can You Give Cat Food To Dogs
Dogs should not be fed cat food and dog owners who have cats should ensure their dogs access to cat food is restricted. One of the reasons for this is cats are carnivores and their diet is almost exclusively made up of meat. Dogs, on the other hand, are omnivores and need a much more balanced diet to meet their nutritional requirements.
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Can Dogs Eat Marijuana
Marijuana contains THC, a psychoactive chemical that causes a high in people. Just a small amount of marijuana can be toxic to dogs. Here are the common symptoms of marijuana toxicity in dogs: slow response times, dribbling urine, heart rate change, neurological stimulation, hyperactivity, coma, and even death. Read more about dogs and marijuana.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapples
Pineapple is safe for your dog to eat. It has many vitamins and minerals, which can help boost your dogs immune system and digestive health. However, pineapple is high in sugar, so moderation is key. If youd like to learn more about safely giving your dog pineapple, read our can dogs eat pineapple article.
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What Dog Food Is Killing Dogs
A pet food recall is widening after the Food and Drug Administration announced that more than two dozen dogs died after eating Sportmix brand dry kibble. The statement issued on Monday said that the suspect is aflatoxin, a byproduct of a corn mold Aspergillus flavus, which at high levels can kill pets.
Is Cbd Safe For Dogs
CBD may be a natural way to treat anxiety, pain, skin conditions, neurological disorders, and more. But is it effective and safe for dogs?
From the limited veterinary research performed so far, reports show that CBD is safe and effective for managing arthritis in many dogs. More research needs to be done to evaluate how CBD could help with other conditions in dogs, such as seizures.
Be sure to choose a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer. Many companies are joining the CBD hype, so the CBD product at the best price may not be the safest for your pup. Do your research before you get started.
Also, your vet understands your dogs unique needs better than you or the company selling the products, so be sure to check with them before administering. Be aware, though, that your vet is not legally allowed to recommend CBD treatment for your dog.
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Why Do Dogs Love Cat Food So Much
There’s no doubt that dogs love cat food. Some dogs love it so much that their owners use cat food as a high-value treat to reward them for exceptional performances. Dogs love cat food so much that many cat owners are forced to feed their cats in separate areas that are out of the dog’s reach. Dogs even enjoy eating cat food after it has been digested: There’s no denial that many dogs perceive kitty’s “Tootsie rolls” as a pure delicacy.
So what makes cat food so appealing to dogs? Is it just the fact that it’s different? Does Rover get an adrenaline rush when he steals it? Is it more appealing because it’s left out longer ? Or does it actually taste better?
A History Of Recalls Coverups And Scandal
Some cat food brands are plagued with problems. Some facilities have done poorly in FDA inspections. Others have been implicated in crime. Recalls can happen to the best cat food brands, but good brands always handle them gracefully. In contrast, a bad cat food brand becomes even worse when things go wrong. Instead of issuing a recall and being frank about what happened, unscrupulous brands attempt to cover up the problem.
Secondly, recalls shouldnt happen more than once every five years. If your cat lives for fifteen years, and you continue to feed them they same food, they could be exposed to a recall three times or more. Thats gambling with your cats health.
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Construct A Feeding Chamber For Your Cat
If you are the DIY type, you can make your cat a secure feeding chamber that allows him to eat in peace and prevents your dog from stealing his food.
You can make such a feeding chamber in several different ways, but the simplest way is to just purchase a large plastic storage box and cut a door in the side that is big enough for your cat, yet too small for your dog. Serve up dinner inside the container and voila! Canine-free cat food consumption.
Sportmix Premium High Energy 26/18
This makes the top of our worst dog foods list because of the sheer number of dogs that were affected by the aflatoxin levels found in several Sportsmix products, including this one.
Many pets have died and many more were left ill.
But even without the aflatoxin situation, this recipe was not a particularly good one to begin with. We normally like dog foods that start with a meat ingredient because that shows that meat makes up the most volume in the recipe. However, we arent sold on byproducts, and this recipe starts with one.
When byproducts are mentioned, it means this is what is leftover after the meat is removed. So a chicken byproduct meal is essentially dried out chicken leftovers that may include organs but also other stuff like hide, hair, or intestinal contents .
Are these harmful to your dogs? No. Are these nutritious? They can be. But are these high-quality ingredients? Definitely not.
Aside from the byproduct meal ingredient, this recipe also contains meat meal. But that ingredient is ambiguous. What animal was used? Which part/s?
The thing about unnamed ingredients is that it could mean anything. The meat could be sourced from one animal or it could be sourced from several. Its not a quality ingredient, thats for sure.
The recall involved 50- and 44-pound bags of Premium High Energy with an expiration of either March 2 or 3, 2022. The recall was later expanded to include more recipes and the updated toll numbered over 70 dogs dead and at least 80 more ill.
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How To Keep Your Dog From Getting Into Cat Food
If you want to avoid animal mishaps, its best to create separate feeding areas for your feline and canine pets and times as much as possible. Dog-proof your cat food in a sturdy, airtight container, or secure the cupboard with a lock or homemade contraption .
And its time to stop leaving your cats food out 24/7. According to Puzerewski, free-feeding your cat is generally not a good idea. YouTubes cat whisperer, Jackson Galaxy, strongly agrees, saying it discourages a healthy cycle of play, anticipation and reward.
Instead, have someone take the dog out for a walk or keep her in another room while you feed your cat during specific mealtimes, preferably as a reward after playtime.
Finally, wean your dog away from cat food by stocking up on healthy dog treats and using proper pet training techniques.
Tips To Stop Your Pets From Eating Each Others Food
Sometimes the temptation of your cats food may be difficult for your dog to resist. To avoid having your dog eating your cats food:
- Feed your cat in a separate room that your dog doesnt have access to, e.g., feed the dog in the kitchen and the cat in the laundry room.
- Feed your cat on a high shelf or counter.
If these techniques are not successful at keeping the pooch away, consider getting a cat-sized crate or box into which the dog cannot fit, and feed your cat in the crate/box. Finally, if all else fails, install a pet door to a separate room, such as the laundry room, that is either too small for your dog to use or that is activated by a remote on your cats collar. Close the door to deny your dog access to the cat food, and monitor feedings to make sure that each pet eats its own food.
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Important Differences In Nutritional Needs Between Dogs And Cats
Dogs and cats are completely different species with their own set of nutritional requirements. Like humans, dogs are omnivores, requiring a balanced mix of both meat and plant-based diets, while cats are known as obligate carnivores, requiring a high-protein meat-based diet. The minimum requirement for protein in cats and dogs respectively is 26% and 18% of dry matter. Cats are also able to tolerate a higher fat content than dogs, with their minimum requirement for fat content being 9% and 5.5% 1. There are also some specific amino acids that cats require in their diet as they are unable to synthesise these for themselves, including arginine and taurine, so for this reason, you shouldnt feed dog food to cats2,3.
Do Pets Need Life Stage Appropriate Diets Like Puppy Kitten And Senior Formulas
Life stage diets were created as a marketing tool: the more formulas manufacturers develop, the more shelf space they command. While it is true that puppies and kittens need more food for their size than adults, they don’t need a specially formulated puppy or kitten diet. A high-quality, varied diet is the best option for your young pets.
For puppies, this can include dry food, canned, freeze-dried, dehydrated, and raw food.
For kittens, kibble is not recommended to be a large portion of the diet as it can contribute to dehydration, urinary tract issues and less than optimal health over time. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they eat mostly meat and very little carbohydrates. High meat, grain-free foods are a good option if you’re supplementing with kibble, but canned, freeze-dried, dehydrated and raw are the best choices.
Feeding younger animals more frequent meals, like 3 times per day, is helpful while they are in their biggest growth phase. After three or four months of age, two meals per day is sufficient for most animals. Puppies and kittens should be kept slim, just like adult animals. Keep an eye on your little companion’s waistline and don’t let them get round.
Senior animals tend to slow down as they age, so while their calorie requirements may shrink, their need for the healthiest food you can provide is never greater.
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Unique Nutritional Needs Of Cats
As obligate carnivores, cats require animal-based nutrients such as muscles and organ meat to survive. Plant-based proteins such as gains and vegetables are not good substitutes. As they evolved and consumed prey that had already digested plant-based nutrients, cats metabolisms lacked the enzymes necessary to convert those nutrients as efficiently as animal proteins. Moreover, the proteins derived from animal tissue contain a different amino acid profile than plant-based proteins, which do not contain all the essentials for the health of an obligate carnivore.
The cats that occupy our lives today have adapted to this with a shortened digestive tract and altered enzyme capacity.
Cats also need more protein in their diets than dogs 2 to 3 times the amount! And kittens require 1.5 times more protein than puppies. This is primarily because cats use protein for growth, body maintenance and energy. Most other mammals do not use protein as energy, and their bodies can adapt to low-protein diets, conserving amino acids to manage any deficits.
A cats body must use protein. And when there is not enough in their diet, they become malnourished quickly, especially when sick or injured.
In addition to their higher requirement for protein, cats also need increased amounts of certain amino acids found naturally in animal tissue.
Dogs bodies produce their own taurine.
Cats also have other unique needs for certain vitamins: