Pet Nutrition by Dr Noman Tariq

10/02/2024

Read my new blog on
Pre and Pro biotics for Dogs: What Is The Difference?

Learn how to keep your dog healthy with pre and pro biotics for dogs. This guide shows you the benefits, like better digestion and a stronger immune system, and gives tips on choosing the right ones and using them safely. Great for dog owners wanting to help their pets feel their best.

24/11/2023

Read my blog
What Food is Good For Dog Weight Loss – Weight Deduction Plan

Discover how to combat dog obesity with effective weight loss strategies in our comprehensive guide. Learn about what food is good for dog weight loss

23/09/2023

𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗔𝗗 𝗙𝗥𝗨𝗜𝗧𝗦/𝗩𝗘𝗚𝗚𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗗𝗢𝗚

Dogs can safely enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of their diet, but there are some they should avoid. Here's a list:

🍑Fruits dogs can eat🍑:

1. Apples (remove seeds and core)
2. Bananas
3. Blueberries
4. Cranberries
5. Mango (remove the pit)
6. Oranges (in small amounts)
7. Peaches (remove the pit)
8. Pears (remove seeds and core)
9. Pineapple
10. Raspberries
11. Strawberries
12. Watermelon (remove seeds and rind)

🥕Vegetables dogs can eat🥕:

1. Carrots (cooked or raw)
2. Cucumbers
3. Green beans (cooked)
4. Peas (cooked)
5. Pumpkin (cooked, not pie filling)
6. Spinach (in moderation)
7. Sweet potatoes (cooked)

🚨Fruits and vegetables dogs should avoid🚨:

1. Grapes and raisins
(toxic and can lead to kidney failure)

2. Avocado
(contains persin, which is toxic in large amounts)

3. Onions and garlic
(can be toxic, especially in large quantities)

4. Tomatoes
(in large quantities, as they contain solanine)

5. Mushrooms
(wild mushrooms can be toxic)

6. Rhubarb
(contains oxalates, which can be harmful)

7. Corn cobs
(can cause intestinal blockages)

Always introduce new foods gradually, in small amounts, and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions. While fruits and vegetables can be a healthy addition to a dog's diet, they should not replace their primary dog food.

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10/09/2023

https://medium.com//why-dogs-develop-allergies-an-untold-story-cd2b4d639e8a

Introduction: When we think of dog allergies, we often focus on common allergenic ingredients like corn, wheat, dairy, and soy, or…

07/09/2023

Nineteen different studies or case reports, representing a total of 330 dogs, have described cutaneous lesions associated with adverse reactions to specific foods or ingredients. In these studies, adverse reactions to beef, dairy products, chicken, and wheat have accounted for over three-quarters (78%) of all the reported cases in dogs.
Read Further:

There are several misconceptions about pet food allergies that can lead to confusion among pet owners. It’s important to understand these…

06/09/2023

https://medium.com//understanding-your-dogs-protein-needs-a-comprehensive-guide-276dea02adcf Understanding Your Dog's Protein Needs: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

06/09/2023

"Nutrition Matters: The Role of Nutrients in Your Pet's Well-being"

Did you know that just like humans, animals need a balanced diet to stay healthy? This includes carbohydrates, fats, minerals, proteins, and water. Manufacturers carefully design pet foods to provide all the necessary nutrients for your furry friends.

But did you know that these foods are also tailored to specific stages of a dog's life? Some foods are hypoallergenic, while others are formulated to address specific health conditions. Each nutrient in your dog's food serves a specific purpose, from maintaining muscle tone to building strong bones and teeth, fighting infections, and even helping with everyday activities.

Proteins, for example, are essential for muscle development and growth. Fats provide energy and support brain function, while keeping the skin and coat healthy. And let's not forget about minerals and vitamins, which are crucial for muscle contraction and disease prevention.

A well-balanced diet not only affects your dog's body condition and muscle tone but also contributes to their skin and hair coat. Foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can give your furry companion a shiny and healthy coat, while reducing itching and irritations.

Carbohydrates play a vital role in digestion and elimination. They help break down food and ensure that nutrients are readily available and easily digested by the body.

04/09/2023

HOW OLD IS THAT KITTEN?

Week 1:

🟥Newborn kittens are born blind and deaf. They rely on their sense of touch and smell to locate their mother and littermates.

🟥They spend most of their time sleeping, nursing, and cuddling with their mother and siblings.

🟥During this week, their primary focus is on gaining weight and staying warm.

Week 2:

🟦By the end of this week, kittens' eyes start to open, but their vision is still very limited.

🟦They begin to develop their sense of smell further.

🟦Some kittens may try to start walking, though their movements are still wobbly.

Week 3:

🟪At this point, their eyes are fully open, and their vision is improving.

🟪They will start attempting to stand and walk more steadily.

🟪Baby teeth may begin to emerge, and they might start exploring their surroundings a bit.

Week 4:

⬛Kittens become more mobile and playful, engaging in "play" behavior with their littermates.

⬛They start grooming themselves and each other, learning social skills.

⬛They should be fully weaned off their mother's milk by the end of this week.

Week 5:

🟫The kitten's coordination and agility improve significantly.

🟫They become more curious about their environment and might show interest in solid food.

🟫Social play becomes more frequent, and they learn essential hunting and fighting skills from their siblings.

Week 6:

🟧Kittens are now fully weaned and can eat solid food.

🟧They become more independent from their mother and start exploring further from the nest.

🟧Litter box training may begin during this week.

Week 7-8:

🟩Their motor skills continue to develop, and they become more adept at climbing and jumping.

🟩The mother cat may start to wean them off her completely during this time.

🟩By week 8, most kittens are ready to be separated from their mother and littermates and can be adopted to their forever homes.

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04/09/2023

WATER INTAKE FOR PETS

Textbooks define normal water intake as 1-3ml per kilogram of bodyweight per hour

(equivalent to approximately 20-70ml/kg/24hrs).

🔴Dogs: In a 24-hour period, a healthy dog is recommended to drink 60-80ml of water per kilogram of body weight.

So if your dog weighs 5kg, this would amount to 300-400ml of water.

🟡Cats: Cats have a lower recommended intake than dogs, with the ideal amount being 40-60ml, per kilogram, per day.

So if your cat is 4.5kg, this would mean 180-270ml of water per day.

🟢Rabbits: Relative to their size, rabbits need a lot more water than other animals. Per kilogram, a rabbit should be getting anywhere from 120 to 150ml per day.

Between liquid water and the water in fresh veggies, a 5-pound rabbit may have as much as 340ml.

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12/07/2023

WHY DOGS AND CATS EAT GRASS?

Plant eating is a common behavior that usually occurs in normal dogs and cats.

It is generally unassociated with illness or a dietary deficiency but reflects an innate predisposition inherited from wild canid and felid ancestors.

🍀 More studies are needed, but plant eating likely serves a biological purpose.

🍀 One explanation is that plant eating played a role in the ongoing purging of intestinal parasites (nematodes)

🍀 in wild canid and felid ancestors (that were always exposed to intestinal parasites).

As observed in wild chimpanzees, which eat whole leaves from a variety of plants, the plant material passes through the intestinal tract,

increasing intestinal motility and wrapping around worms and thereby purging the tract of intestinal nematodes.

🛟 Younger animals were observed to eat plants more frequently than did older animals.

🛟 Perhaps young animals eat plants more often because they are less immune to intestinal parasites

🛟 and are actively growing, thus nutritional stress could be more costly than in adults.

Whether intestinal parasites in wild ancestors of domestic cats were less prevalent than in wild ancestors of domestic dogs is an open question.

Certainly cats are more fastidious about making their f***s, a major source of intestinal infestations, less available for incidental ingestion.

In addition, plant consumption is not usually associated with gastrointestinal illness but instead may be a trait inherited from their wild ancestors. Advise owners to keep their grass-eating dogs and cats away from chemically treated lawns and toxic plants.

Credit
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25/06/2023

When choosing a brand of pet food, it's important to consider several factors. Here are some key things to look for on a pet food packet:

1. AAFCO Statement: Look for the statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) that indicates the food is complete and balanced for the specific life stage of your pet (e.g., "This food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog/Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for [life stage]"). This ensures that the food meets basic nutritional requirements.

2. Ingredients List: Pay attention to the ingredients list. Ingredients are typically listed in descending order by weight. Look for high-quality protein sources (e.g., chicken, beef, fish) listed as the main ingredients. Avoid foods with generic terms like "meat" or "animal by-products" as the primary protein source.

3. Guaranteed Analysis: This section provides information about the minimum percentages of crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and maximum percentages of moisture. These values give you a general idea of the nutrient composition of the food.

4. Nutritional Adequacy: Check if the pet food is formulated for your pet's life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior) or for all life stages. Each life stage has specific nutritional requirements, so ensure the food is appropriate for your pet's age and size.

5. Feeding Guidelines: Look for recommended feeding guidelines based on your pet's weight. This can help you determine the appropriate portion size to feed your pet.

6. Quality and Sourcing: Consider whether the brand mentions the quality of ingredients used or sources them responsibly. Brands that prioritize high-quality ingredients and have transparency about sourcing are usually more reliable.

7. Additives and Preservatives: Some pet foods may contain artificial additives, colors, or preservatives. Look for foods with natural preservatives like tocopherols (vitamin E) instead of potentially harmful ones like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.

8. Allergen Information: If your pet has known allergies or sensitivities, check if the food contains any potential allergens, such as grains, gluten, soy, or common protein sources like chicken or beef.

9. Manufacturer Information: Check for the contact information of the manufacturer or the brand. A reputable company will provide clear contact details and may also have a website or customer service line you can reach out to for additional information or concerns.

Remember that individual pets may have specific dietary needs or health conditions, so consulting with a veterinarian is always a good idea to determine the most suitable pet food for your furry friend.

13/06/2023

Understanding Pet Food Labels - AAFCO
Pet food labels contain a lot of information including details that are required by state regulations as well as information specific to the product, e.g., claims. According to the AAFCO Model Pet Food Regulations, pet food labels should contain the following information.

Note: The location of the information on pack can vary.