Dogs Dinner

19/03/2022

https://www.facebook.com/1646643745564154/posts/3122056168022897/

Vegan Omega 3

19/02/2022

Most people are quite surprised when they first see meat meal. It is a fine, dry, brown powder which, for many years, has formed the backbone of the dry dog food industry around the world. It can be listed in a number of ways, with or without the animal source. For example, meat meal from chicken could be labelled as 'meat meal', 'chicken meal', 'chicken meat meal', 'dehydrated chicken' or 'dried chicken'.

Meat meal is made from the parts of animals that aren't consumed by humans. This could be up to a third to a half of the original animal and generally includes residual meat, offal, connective tissues and in some cases bones. According to UK Feed Stuffs Regulations, meat meal "should be virtually free of hair, bristle, feathers, horn, hoof and skin and of the contents of the stomach and viscera".

The process by which meat meal (and many other animal by-products) are created is called rendering. First the animal raw materials are ground and cooked, usually with steam, for a period of 40 to 90 minutes at temperatures of approximately 115 to 145oC. Moisture is removed and pressure is applied to separate the melted fats from the protein and bone solids. The cooking kills all micro-organisms and parasites. Following the cooking and fat separation, the mix is further processed by additional moisture removal and grinding to form the powder.

How much the rendering process affects the nutritional quality of meat is a matter of some debate but most nutritionists agree that meat meal is unlikely to be quite as nutritionally beneficial for dogs as fresh meat ingredients.

It is, nevertheless, still an excellent source of natural, bio-appropriate amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), fats and certain minerals and vitamins. Furthermore, because meat meal is only around 5-7% water, it is far more concentrated than fresh meat (which contains roughly 70% water) and as a result much less is needed. For example, 20% fresh meat would only equate to around 6.5% meat meal. This is an important consideration when comparing the meat contents of dry dog foods.

If the source animal is not specified, the general term 'meat meal' means that it could have come from any species of 'warm-blooded land animal'. Broad terms like this are often used by dog food manufacturers instead of naming each ingredient either because the recipe regularly changes and/or because naming the ingredients would put customers off.

22/01/2022

This is a post on a FB group where the owner was desperate to sort her dogs skin condition. Well this says it all. Making your own dogs food and switching to natural treats allows you to know exactly what is going into your dogs body. Many skin conditions are caused by poor diet especially low nutritional kibble. Look at the difference in his skin since his diet has charged.

30/12/2021

Carrots make a great treat for dogs, and they have loads of amazing benefits too.

Not only are they fun to eat, they are packed with goodness like carotenoids (a type of antioxidant), fiber and vitamins. Some of these include vitamin C and K (needed for blood clotting) and potassium.

An antioxidant called beta-carotene, also found in carrots, helps dogs to produce vitamin A. This is used to develop their eyesight.

Carrots also contain most of the B vitamins, which is required for energy production.

And they can help your dog’s teeth too. Because they’re so crunchy and can help with plaque and debris.

18/12/2021

It’s no secret some commercial dog foods can be missing nutrients key to your dog’s health and happiness.

So often dog owners add ‘extras’ to their dogs meal to give them a big health boost.

With so much information out there, it’s hard to know what foods are best.

But just as important – which foods to avoid.

Today we’ve put together this post to give you some new ideas you can use to improve the nutrition in your dog’s diet. Some of them might surprise you!

So let’s look into the top ten foods that are fantastic for upgrading your dog’s nutrition.

Today we will look at Fish and it's benefits to your dog.

Fish can be an important part of your dog’s diet because they contain Omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are super important for keeping your dog’s skin, coat and brain healthy.

And they’re really easy to get into their diet because they’re found in oily fish that is common on supermarket shelves.

Try adding oily fish, like salmon, mackerel and anchovies. These are the highest in Omega-3.

These fish can also be used for anti-inflammatory purposes and can help conditions like arthritis and similar joint problems.

Adding fish to your dog’s diet also gives them a reliable source of protein.

As a bonus, they are also super tasty and most dogs will love eating them. Plus, they’re easily digested by dogs of all ages.

Look out for the next one in the top ten.

If you would like to learn more or to discuss your dogs diet please message me.

21/11/2021

Do you have a new puppy and you are unsure what to feed them?

Or do you have a dog who has skin or ear problems that just will not go away despite all yours and your vets best efforts?

Are you just overwhelmed about what different foods there are for your dog and want to make the right choices. Kibble, Wet, Cold Pressed, Raw?

Does your dog have bad breath or flatulence?

Do you want to make sure you are giving your dog the best nutrients for a long and healthy life?

As a Canine Nutritionist I can give you the insight and facts into what to feed your dog based on their ideal weight and breed. We will discuss all the nutrients your dog needs to ensure we give them the best defence against possible health issues. We will explore all types of dog food and work out what is the best in nutritional value and within your budget.

For a chance to win a free 45 minute consultation with a tailored eating plan, share and like this page.

You owe it to your canine companion to give them the best in nutritional food and treats for a long, happy life.

05/11/2021