Dilly Paws

19/08/2023

😊👌The proof is in progress!

While there is no one size fits all, there is value in feeding minimally processed foods. Kibble is regarded as ultra-processed and this puts strain on the body over time.
This is why I never recommend feeding ONLY kibble, add some fresh and take the first step to improving the diet over time.

Just like with human nutrition we make small changes to see positive changes and try our best to make healthier choices, the same can be done for our pets.

To learn more about how to add fresh to kibble and to make better kibble choices for your pet, register for my online courses via thinkific website or schedule an online consult with me.

I am V, a certified canine nutritionist, passionate about coaching pet parents to make better food choices for their pet's wellness and vitality. I work with kibble, cooked and raw foods.

19/08/2023

Enrichment treat in the garden today.

I decided to do a scatter/scent feed. They enjoyed 'hunting' for these treats and sniffing them out.

I always recommend single ingredient meat treats rather than anything processed or baked etc. Treats are still counted as part of the diet and here I used dehydrated rabbit ears for the added fibre content.

Note my garden is not sprayed with any pesticides or chemicals so scatter feeding is safe.

Do you do enrichment feeds? Share with my below.

28/05/2022

Please please please NEVER feed these type of treats/chews.

There are far safer and more appropriate options. Rawhide is a byproduct of the leather industry.

26/05/2022

Read below for the thoughts on the latest Hills product by world renowned canine nutritionist and author Dr. Conor Brady.

I copied and pasted his text here so you have the info from the source. Note this is an overseas product and might not be available here yet..but the concept of reading ingredients and becoming critical of what you feed is important here.

"Hill's Science Plan PERFECT DIGESTION MEDIUM Adult dog food with Chicken & Brown Rice Contains ActivBiome+, a Hill's exclusive blend of prebiotics to help rapidly nourish & balance your pet's unique microbiome."

The ingredients are:
Wheat, maize, chicken (5%) and turkey meal (total poultry 9%), animal fat, maize gluten meal, digest, brewers' rice, brown rice (4%), barley (3.2%), oats (3.2%), ground pecan shell, minerals, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, dried citrus pulp, dried cranberries.

😠 First ingredient wheat gluten - for good digestion?!!!!

25/05/2022

This super star has been on a raw-only diet for a few months now & has FINALLY lost the extra weight. He's got his curved figure back and is much happier!

Some necessary TMI - He is not battling with his a**l glands needing to be regularly excreted anymore (this is a common pug problem).

24/05/2022

It's that simple 😉👌

24/05/2022

Raw chicken feet are great for your pet's dental health and joint health . They contain glucosamine and chondroitin which are both associated with good joints - They are building blocks of cartilage and connective tissue.

Both Cats & Dogs LOVE these treats.🐾

23/05/2022

Due to family commitments I have had to postpone my P**P PAWTROL course for the 4th June.

This does however give you time to register if you would still like to attend.

This course is ideal for pets have digestive upsets, skin issues or poor absorption of nutrients. We will dive into some science of companion animal digestion and microbiology so you can gain some insight on how important the gut microbiome is. I will reach you what a perfect stool should look like and how to achieve it, as well as managing minor upsets at home.

Registration link in the graphic. Will also post it to my stories for ease of access, or DM me for it.

22/05/2022

Yes, dogs can eat bananas **IN MODERATION**.

Bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.

21/05/2022

HOW DOES A RAW DIET AID DENTAL HEALTH?

Well, the high meat and moisture content keep the mouth appropriately acidic, hydrated, and starch-free. Raw foods have active living enzymes which support healthy flora in the mouth which promotes healthy gums and reduced presence of tartar. A pink tongue & gums and shiny teeth are the visual benefits of a healthy mouth.

MYTH: Dry pellets "scrub" away any plaque.
If this were the case, then why are teeth cleaning visits to the vet an annual occurrence?

*Plaques, stained teeth and tartar buildup have been accepted as normal for most dogs & cats when this is a very unnatural sign of improper diet, bacterial imbalance and chronic disease.

20/05/2022

May your weekend be filled with glorious cat naps!

19/05/2022

Do you throw away your egg shells?

Don't....these shells are worth keeping. They are almost completely calcium carbonate and make THE most bioavailable calcium supplement you can find.

Suitable for humans too😉. Reel coming soon on how I make them into a supplement.

18/05/2022

Not sure how much you should be feeding your four-legged family member? This guide makes it really simple in knowing how much you should be feeding your pet, based on their IDEAL weight.

If you have any further questions, give us a shout or pop them in the comments below 😀👍

17/05/2022

Dehydrated treats are considered one of the most ideal grain-free treats for our pets because nothing else is added, only the raw ingredient. The raw ingredient is dried at such a low temperature, it is slowly cooking the ingredient without compromising its nutrient value.

These dehydrated rabbit ears aid in dental hygiene, and the fur is a source of fiber and natural dewormer. Both dogs & cats LOVE them!

Sold individually or packs of 5! 🐾

16/05/2022

Eggshell powder is a great **natural** source of calcium for your pet.

A small amount can be added to your pets meal if they are not getting a sufficient amount from their current diet👌

16/05/2022

Being a pet parent is about ensuring you giving your pet everything they need.

Needs are more basic and involve survival more than wants. The may want that great smelling treat from a box but do they really need it? Will be beneficial to their lifelong health?

It's about asking the tough questions and seeking out the right people to answer them.

One of the doccies I recommend to ALL pet parents is this one. PET FOOLED opens your eyes and mind to the pet feed industry and lights that spark of enquiry.

It's available on Netflix and YouTube. I will be hosting a FREE online screening soon if anyone is interested with a Q&A session with me afterwards.

Pop a comment below if you would like an online screening so I can gauge interest.

16/05/2022

TUNA

This is an example showing that not ALL fresh foods are suitable for your pet [ the list is not very long].

Tuna is often given to cats and sometimes to dogs. I have even seen cat-tuna in the supermarkets. The only reason we include fish in our pets diet is to accommodate for the Omega 3s, trace minerals and vitamins that they require.

I don't recommend feeding tuna for the following main reasons:
1. It is high in mercury as it a predatory fish. It bioaccumulates all the mercury form the tissues of the fish it eats, which then gets deposited into the tuna's flesh.
2. It is very low in omega 3s compared to other fish.

Swop out the tuna for tinned pilchards, sardines or mackerel which are more beneficial to your pet's health.

10/05/2022

Oh the tough life of these raw fed hooligans 😆❤️

29/04/2022

C H E E E E E S E !! 😁🌞

Happy Friday friends! We hope your day is as bright & beautiful as our boy, Titan's cheesy grin! 💕

22/04/2022

Premade raw meals sold in 1kg packs 😁👌

Contact us for more details!

20/04/2022

We've had nothing but fantastic feedback on the Wagalot bone broth, from customers & our own poochies too 😁

Honestly, it's a great addition to a bowl of pellets, rather than a preservative & processed-packed sachet of pets gravy. We give our dogs a few teaspoons with each meal and they love it! 😉👌

17/04/2022

I laughed. 😆

17/04/2022

Repeat after me...

''Chocolate isn't good for dogs (or cats)'' 😌👌

Thank you, and have a fabulous festive family day! 💕

16/04/2022

Did you know that a loss of appetite is a sign that your pet may be stressed? I'm sure you already know this ☺️ But here are some helpful tips that can help your stressed furr-baby.

Please comment below if you have any helpful suggestions as well ☺️💕

-Exercise (best stress reliever!)
- Mental stimulation. Engaging with your cat in their favourite game is a fantastic way of calming their nerves.
- Chewing
- Scratching, get a scratch post for your cat or they might take their anxiety out on your furniture.
- Licking. The licking-maze is the greatest invention for anxious pets!
- Make sure they have their own safe space, whether it be a comfy bed or a warm spot near the window. They need to have a safe place to withraw to when they are feeling insecure in their surroundings.

14/04/2022

Rabbit ears - Perfect Easter treats for your furr-babies!😁👌

Sold individually or in packs of 5🤚

14/04/2022

14/04/2022

Please support!

Join us for our Easter Eggstravaganza this Saturday, 16 April 2022! 🌈

Our Village Green, Hidden Treasures Marquee, Nursery, Tea garden, and Paws for Coffee trailer will be open from 8am-3pm as well as delicious cakes from Sweet-Heart Treats!

*Meet the Jive Bunny at 10:30am and have your picture taken with him. 🐰
*Learn to dance with DanceMagic and kids dancing with Kevin Ellis👯‍♀️
*Prizes for the best dressed 👗
*Jumping Castle and Face painting
*Eggsiting discounts for our shoppers ‼

We need your support now more than ever💕💕

14/04/2022

The last few days have been harsh to say the least. The footage we have seen of areas around Durban, along with our very own Waterfall neighborhood, has been heartbreaking. Our hearts are aching for people we have never even met.

Being the fanatical pet people we are, we have been following the SPCA updates on social media. In short, all we want to say is that if you are able to help by donating to this organization of incredible people, please do. Their details are on their FB page, but if like most of us you are just not able to, then please show your support by visiting their incredible stores & tea garden. Their food is delicious and the atmosphere is lovely. They cater for children and you are bound to have a great time there, if even just for a coffee stop!

The team at the Kloof & Highway SPCA are truly special, and they need all the support they can get right now.

08/04/2022

Fact 😉👌

07/04/2022

FALSE!! Certain vet's may be wary of raw feeding simply due to lack of information or a negative experience with the diet, such as treating pets who are malnourished due to an unbalanced raw diet.

However, there are MANY vets who feel positively about raw feeding and seek to educate pet owners. There are a pro-raw feeding vets in the Upper Highway area, who are fantastic!