VetChef

19/10/2024

Just a follow up on my post about dental care for dogs - I've been looking into this more over the last month, and I think there is definitely a real issue being caused by the increasing cost of veterinary dental care potentially preventing people from keeping their dogs' teeth healthy.

But to be sure, and to help me think about how to help solve this issue, I need some more information - which is where all you lovely dog people out there come in. I've put together a new survey to find out more about the current situation and present some ideas for solutions, so it would be amazing if as many dog parents as possible could fill this out for me - it only takes a minute or two at most.

Here's the link (it's a Google form) - https://forms.gle/PYX91QLnVdpDnmbt8 And please share this post as widely as possible so I can get as many responses as possible.

Thanks!

Help us design new and better dental healthcare services for dogs (and cats) by letting us know how you currently look after your pets' teeth - and what services you might consider using in the future.

20/09/2024

I looked in my dog's mouth the other day and I was shocked.

Although she's only 4 years old, there was a lot of tartar build up on her teeth, and some areas of redness on her gums which indicate early stage periodontal disease.

Although I'm a vet, I've not been in practice for a few years, and like a mechanic's car, Pip's teeth have clearly not been looked after as well as they should have been. So, I got in touch with my local vet to enquire about having her teeth cleaned, and guess what they quoted me?

£450! And that was just for the basic scale & polish, with the total bill potentially reaching over £1000 if she needs any teeth extracting. I was amazed - it seems so much more expensive that when I was last in practice - so I rang around a few more practices and got the same kind of answer; £350 - £550 for a basic, routine dental procedure.

With these kind of prices seemingly the norm I started to wonder how this is affecting access to veterinary dental care and the health of our pets - and if so, what could be done about it.

To find out more, I need your help - give me a couple of minutes of your time to complete this short survey, and that will help me work out if there really is a problem/ opportunity here - or whether it's just me being a bad pet parent!

https://lnkd.in/eP4K9qN9

11/07/2024

As our four-pawed companions enter their golden years, they experience changes to their bodies much like we do and so need new attention, particularly when it comes to their diet.

Just like us, senior dogs have unique nutritional needs. Understanding these needs and adjusting their diet accordingly can make a significant difference to their quality of life.

As they slow down, their metabolic rate reduces too, meaning they require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. Reducing their caloric intake is important, but we still need to ensure they get all their necessary nutrients.

They’re not quite as active as they used to be, but our dogs still need high-quality protein to maintain muscle health.
Senior dogs especially need a diet rich in easily digestible protein to support muscle maintenance and overall health.

Essential fatty acids help to maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat and help to prevent skin dryness and irritation.
High-quality fats support overall health while a lower fat content in your senior dog's diet helps to manage their weight.

You’ll notice changes in their digestion too as they age. Increasing the levels of good fibre in their food helps to keep their digestive system functioning smoothly.

Fibre also helps your dog feel fuller, reducing the likelihood of them overeating.
Remember, effective weight management reduces the risk of age-related health issues like arthritis and heart disease, so we do need to keep an eye on their waist-lines. Lower calories, digestible proteins, and healthy fibre can all help with keeping them trim and active.

Antioxidants such as Vitamins E and C, are vital for supporting your dog’s immune system and overall health. These nutrients combat the effects of aging and keep your dog feeling youthful.
Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can support joint health and mobility, making your dog more comfortable and a good balance of calcium and phosphorous is crucial for bone health.

VetChef’s Senior meals are developed specifically with older dogs in mind. We’ve reduced the fat content and increased fibre while maintaining a good level of healthy protein in the form of freshly cooked beef or lamb. We’ve added hempseed oil for improved condition with chondroitin, glucosamine, and turmeric to support healthy joints.

A good balance of fresh vegetables helps to support a healthy gut microbiome, healthy digestion, and brings essential antioxidants, trace minerals, and vitamins to their bowls.

We’ve gently cooked our recipes for improved digestibility whilst maintaining nutritional values and great flavour that even the most particular of our canine companions can enjoy!

You can order our Senior Recipes with a 20% OFF Introductory Offer via our website.
Choose from Lamb Casserole or Cotswold Beef. All of the ingredients and nutritional information is available on our website with links below in.

If you need any more advice on feeding your dog, we have free and comprehensive and impartial nutritional consultations available.

06/07/2024

At VetChef, we’re experiencing some problems with dogs taking their humans on a detour.

Just off the beautiful canal-side walk in Brimscombe, is the VetChef kitchen.
My dog directed our walk all the way from home to VetChef and took some persuading to come back to our walk!
VetChef is certainly one of his favourite destinations!

Meet Oscar. He’s an 8 year old Collie x German Shepherd and is in the best shape of his life after a difficult start. Switching to VetChef has transformed him. Brighter eyes, better coat, and for the first time ever, he gets excited about meal times!

28/06/2024

VetChef’s popular Oak Smoked Liver Training treats are now available in 200g refill packs.
They’re made by hand in our Stroud kitchen and lightly smoked to give a super-scrummy flavour. There’s nothing added, no preservatives or fillers, just great quality local beef liver.

In keeping with our low-impact ethos, these packets are also biodegradable.

Now available at VetChef.com, the VetChef Kitchen at Brimscombe, and the Shambles market in

06/06/2024

06/05/2024

We're expanding our team!
VetChef is excited to be able to offer a new, varied role at the kitchen in Brimscombe.
As a small team, we all get involved in the various aspects of the business. We're looking for someone adaptable to join our growing team who is happy to get stuck in with the kitchen and warehouse, to help customers, and attend events throughout the season.

We run a stall at the Saturday market, so we'd like someone to man the stall either alongside the work at the kitchen, or as a standalone job. This will require someone who is happy to work alone and is confident to speak to new and existing customers.

Training will be provided and some experience in customer service, hospitality, or catering will be beneficial.

We look forward to hearing from you!
VetChef

10/04/2024

Are you thinking of getting a new puppy this Spring?
Have you considered how you might feed them to promote healthy growth and long-term health and well-being?

The range of available dog food is vast, and information can be confusing or contradictory.
So how can you choose what's best for your precious pup?

The first 12-18 months of a young dog’s life are a crucial period that can influence their health and well-being for the rest of their lives. From diet to training, vaccinations to socialisation, many factors can play a significant role in on your dog’s future wellness, so it is important that you navigate this period with care and attention.

Read more in Vet, Dr. Joe Inglis's most recent blog post about feeding your puppy.
Link in the comments.

06/04/2024

The .dog Easter hunt is underway - 100's of dogs sniffing out prizes in the Hyde park undergrowth. So much canine cuteness in one place!