Cat Nutrition Archives - The Pet Times Asia

New Ways To Optimise Your Pet’s Nutrition: Exploring Toppers, Supplements, And Inexpensive Tips For Better Health

Darrshini Rajan — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 21:31:02 +0000

Introduction: Optimising Your Pet’s Nutrition

In the aisles lined with pet food options that stretch for what feels like miles, finding the right nutrition for your furry friend can sometimes feel like a daunting task. We all know that fresh, homemade meals are the gold standard, but let’s be real – life gets busy, and not everyone has the time or resources for that. Fret not, fellow pet parents! There are still plenty of ways to give your pet’s meals a little extra oomph without a culinary degree or a hefty wallet.

Now, when it comes to topping off your pet’s plate, don’t limit yourself to the fancy stuff at the pet store. Your local grocery aisles are a treasure trove of topper possibilities, just waiting to be discovered. Be sure to carefully review the ingredient list to avoid any harmful additives. Remember, simpler ingredients are often better. Just like us, our pets need to stay hydrated, especially if they’re chowing down on dry kibble. Adding a bit of moisture to their meal is as easy as pouring a bit of broth, lactose-free pet milk, coconut water or even just plain water over their food. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s sure to make your pet’s taste buds happy.

Beneficial Supplements to Optimise Your

Pet’s Nutrition

There is a wide array of beneficial supplements available in both fresh and synthetic forms that can be used to enhance your pet’s meals. Let’s start with probiotics. Powdered probiotics are beneficial for supporting your pet’s immune and digestive systems, minimising gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea and constipation, and promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Fresh options such as raw goat milk and yoghurt provide additional sources of probiotics. If your pet is sensitive to lactose, be sure to get lactose-free options for any dairy products.

Omega-3 fatty acids can benefit your pet in many ways, such as promoting joint health, bolstering healthy brain function, regulating the immune system, reducing inflammation and improving their skin and coat. Omega-3 fish oil can be purchased off the shelves easily. Fresh sources such as green-lipped mussels and oily fish like sardines and salmon are great additions and can be found freeze-dried or dehydrated. Canned sardines in water (without added salt) can be a convenient way to incorporate Omega-3 into your pet’s meals.

In addition to being rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, green-lipped mussels also contain glucosamine, which contributes to joint health. Fresh sources of glucosamine can be found in poultry feet, necks, bone broth and organ meats. Eggshell membranes, another source of glucosamine, can be peeled off cracked eggs and saved for consumption. Additionally, eggshells can be crushed and fed to your pets as well as a calcium supplement.

Dehydrated bones, poultry feet and poultry necks contribute positively to your pet’s dental health. Chewing on these items helps to remove plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth. Additionally, serving them as chews can offer mental stimulation for your pet. It is crucial to steer clear of feeding cooked bones to your pets, as they have a tendency to splinter and lead to potential health issues. Remember to supervise your pet whenever providing any type of chew to prevent choking hazards.

Incorporating vegetables and fruits into your pet’s meals can be beneficial, but it’s crucial to do so in moderation. These should only constitute around 10% of their overall diet. Vegetables, abundant in fibre, antioxidants and various nutrients, offer a range of health benefits. Since dogs lack the enzymes necessary for digesting vegetables effectively, it’s essential to cook them thoroughly and cut them into small pieces. Easily accessible options like broccoli, carrots, pumpkin, and cauliflower can be included in your pet’s meals. Fruits, although nutritious, contain sugars that should be monitored carefully. It’s important to be aware that certain vegetables and fruits can be harmful to dogs, just like other types of foods. Conducting thorough research before introducing any new food to your pet’s diet is crucial for their safety.

You can add these toppers to your pet’s meals every day. Just choose ingredients that match your pet’s size and health. Both dogs and cats can benefit from what’s mentioned here, but be careful with foods that might worsen certain health issues. Always check with your vet before trying something new in their diet.

Innovative Options to serving a meal.

To further enrich your pet’s dining experience, think beyond the bowl and consider using slow feeders, snuffle mats or frozen bowls. These innovative options provide more than just a meal – they offer mental stimulation and engagement.

Slow feeders

Slow feeders are fantastic for pets who gobble down their food too quickly. These specialised bowls have obstacles and ridges to slow down eating, encouraging your pet to savour each bite and engage in a more natural eating behaviour.

Snuffle Mats

Snuffle mats are another great option, especially for dogs who love to sniff and explore. These mats are filled with nooks and crannies where you can hide your pet’s kibble or treats, turning mealtime into a fun scavenger hunt. Watching them use their noses to find their food is not only entertaining but also mentally stimulating for them.

Frozen Bowls

For an extra dose of excitement, try freezing your pet’s meals in a bowl. As they lick away at the frozen goodness, they will not only enjoy a tasty treat but also engage in a calming activity that can help reduce anxiety and tire them out. It’s a win-win for both mental and physical enrichment!

Conclusion

Whether you opt for a slow feeder, snuffle mat or a frozen bowl, adding these enrichment tools to your pet’s mealtime routine can turn a simple feeding into a stimulating and satisfying experience. So there you have it – a guide to upgrading your pet’s meals without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. After all, a happy pet is a healthy pet and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing those tail wags and purrs of contentment after a delicious meal!

The post New Ways To Optimise Your Pet’s Nutrition: Exploring Toppers, Supplements, And Inexpensive Tips For Better Health appeared first on The Pet Times Asia.

Picky Eaters: An Informative Guide to Why Your Cat is Picky Eater.

Pet Times — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 01:42:00 +0000

Introduction: Cats that are picky eaters

To many cat owners, their furry friends may resemble toddlers. This might be true for some, especially during mealtimes. As their parent, you may experience the frustration of your cats being picky eaters to no matter how cheap or expensive the food is. This sometimes happens when introduced to new food or even when they have been eating the same food for months or years. As such, some owners may blame their cat for being high maintenance.

Cats can be fussy eaters. However, this is due to their instincts regarding food, their food habits, and preferences. It is imperative to pay close attention to the changes in your cat’s desire to eat food. If your cat suddenly stops eating or eating more, you may need to visit a veterinarian.

In this article, there might be some answers to your frustration with your picky-eating felines.

Factors influencing a cat’s eating habits

Alike their bigger, wild cousins, cats are obligate carnivores which means they rely heavily on nutrients found only in animal products. Their diet has evolved to consume almost entirely meat, contrary to omnivores such as dogs. This means they source foods that contain high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and a minimal amount of carbohydrates. Cats may be sensitive to certain ingredients found in commercial cat food. Commercial cat foods come in three varieties: dry, semi-moist and canned. These products vary in terms of water content, protein content, calorie intake and digestibility.

Dry Foods

Dry food has the least water content, containing 10 per cent or less. It is frequently coated with flavour enhancers, such as animal fat to make it more appealing to the cat. However, some cats may be pickier to dry foods compared to semi-moist and canned foods. This may vary depending on the types and quality of the ingredients which also may be less digestible. In using dry kibbles, it is important to keep them in an airtight container to prevent nutrient deterioration and maintain flavour.

Semi-moist Foods

Semi-moist foods are meat and meat byproducts which contain approximately 35 per cent water content. Other ingredients such as cereals, grain byproducts, soybean meal and preservatives are added to the foods. Semi-moist foods may appeal more to some cats rather than dry food. However, after opening the package, the food can dry out and can quickly become rancid.

Canned Foods

Canned food has the most water content, containing at least 75 per cent of moisture. There are plentiful varieties available, which can be significant if your cat is a picky eater. Canned food has a long shelf life but once opened, any unused portions should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage and maintain quality. (2) Although canned foods are a crowd favourite especially among cats, some brands may be nutritionally incomplete. It is also important to read the nutritional information carefully such as specialty cat food items. Despite the different types of food your cat may prefer, they must have the right amount of water intake in their daily diet.

A cat’s smell and taste in foods

Contrary to popular belief, cats have a weak sense of taste, so they rely mainly on their sense of smell. A human has approximately 9000 tastebuds which can distinguish many flavours, but a cat has only about 480 tastebuds which distinguish everything but sweet. A cat’s perception of taste is different. They use their Jacobson’s organ, between their mouth and the nasal cavity, so they can literally “taste” the smell of their food. Thus, cats decide primarily on the scent of their food whether it is tasty or not.

Health issues

Sometimes their picky behaviour can be related to a health issue. Cats with dental disease may have mouth pain and difficulty chewing their kibbles. To prevent this, daily brushing helps remove plaque buildup. You will need a cat-specified toothbrush and feline toothpaste – never use human toothpaste! Cats who have kidney disease may experience nausea, which reduces their appetite. Arthritis pain in older cats may be reluctant to get up to eat. Cats with nasal congestion may have a decreased desire to eat because they cannot smell their food well which can dissimulate their desire to eat. Medical conditions affect cats’ appetite or cause them to be picky eaters. If you notice any physical discomfort in your cats while eating, you should seek out veterinary help.

Behavioural reasons for picky eaters

Sometimes their picky behaviour can be related to a health issue. Cats with dental disease may have mouth pain and difficulty chewing their kibbles making them picky eaters. To prevent this, daily brushing helps remove plaque buildup. You will need a cat-specified toothbrush and feline toothpaste – never use human toothpaste! Cats who have kidney disease may experience nausea, which reduces their appetite. Arthritis pain in older cats may be reluctant to get up to eat. Cats with nasal congestion may have a decreased desire to eat because they cannot smell their food well which can dissimulate their desire to eat. Medical conditions affect cats’ appetite or cause them to be picky eaters. If you notice any physical discomfort in your cats while eating, you should seek out veterinary help.

Natural Instincts can make them picky eaters

There are several reasons for your cat’s fussiness. Your cat’s instincts for hunting are often related to their picky eating. Like wild cats, they typically hunt frequently for their meals throughout the day, from dawn to dusk. Thus, your cat may prefer to eat multiple small meals throughout the day which might make them seem like picky eaters.

Nurtured Preference

Cats are introduced to their preferred foods from kittens. They especially learn what is acceptable to consume from their mother, which usually influences their diets when they mature. As a result, you must expose young kittens to foods with varying flavours, textures, sizes, shapes, and consistencies so they can be more accepting of different foods as adults. This can be useful if they need to follow a specific diet later in life for medical reasons.

Location

Sometimes it is the location of their food bowl that is preventing them from eating. They need to eat in a low-stress environment with agreeable cleanliness. They would not eat if their food is placed near their litterbox, or when their food is stale or in a dirty container. Some cats will refuse to eat much if their food bowl is near their water bowl.

Tips for dealing with cats that are picker eaters.

Establish a Routine: Try to feed your cat at the same times each day. Cats thrive on routine and knowing when to expect meals can help them develop a regular eating habit.
Warm the Food: Some cats are more enticed by the smell of warm food. Try warming wet food slightly to enhance its aroma.
Interactive Feeders and Toys: Use puzzle feeders or treat dispensing toys to make feeding time more engaging and fun for your cat.
Avoid Free-Feeding: Instead of leaving food out all day, provide meals at specific times. This can make your cat more eager to eat when food is available.
Limit treats: Too many treats can reduce your cat’s appetite for regular meals. Keep treats to a minimum and ensure they are given at consistent times.
Hydration and Wet Food: If your cat prefers dry food, try mixing in a small amount of wet food. Wet food can also help with hydration, which is crucial for cats.
Create a Calm Environment: Make sure your cat’s eating area is quiet and away from loud noises or stressful situations.
Monitor Changes: Keep an eye on your cat’s eating habits and weight. Sudden changes can indicate health problems and may require you to consult with a veterinarian.

Conclusion.

Managing a fussy eater requires patience, consistency, and sometimes even a bit of experimentation to see what works and what doesn’t. Establishing a routine, offering a variety of high-quality foods rich in nutrients and creating a calm feeding environment can significantly improve your cat’s eating habits. Additionally, ensuring regular veterinary check-ups is essential in your cats health journey. By incorporating these strategies, you can help your cat develop a more consistent and healthy eating pattern, contributing to their overall well-being and happiness.

References:

https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/why-are-cats-picky-eaters

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