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Raw Feeding & Kibble – the myths

3 Minute read, August 21, 2024

Feeding raw dog food and dry kibble together in the same meal is not recommended due to their different digestion rates. Raw dog food digests in approximately two hours, while dry kibble requires eight to ten hours to digest. Combining these food types disrupts the digestive process and leads to vomiting or diarrhoea. Furthermore, continuing to feed kibble prevents a dog from achieving the complete health benefits of a full-time raw food diet. Owners must serve these distinct food types in completely separate meals to safeguard digestive health.

Does your dog eat grass?

3 Minute read, August 21, 2024

Dogs eat grass primarily because they enjoy the texture and taste rather than due to a nutritional deficiency. However, excessive grass eating accompanied by a gurgling stomach or vomiting indicates an underlying dietary issue. This behaviour stems directly from food intolerance, excessive bone content, or high dietary fat levels. Owners resolve this issue by introducing digestive supplements such as Dorwest Easy Green or Proflax Tummy Tastic. Balancing the daily dietary formulation and introducing these targeted supplements stops the behaviour and stabilises canine digestive health.

Offal – What is it?

2 Minute read, August 13, 2024

Offal is organ meat that provides a highly concentrated source of essential nutrients for dogs. A complete canine raw diet must contain ten per cent offal to meet these nutritional requirements. These organ meats include liver, kidneys, brains, and testicles. Offal is significantly richer in vitamins and minerals than standard muscle meats. It delivers essential micronutrients including vitamins A, B, and D. It also contains vital minerals such as phosphorus, iron, copper, and selenium. These nutrients support overall canine health, immune function, and organ vitality.

Kefir

2 Minute read, August 13, 2024

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that provides significant health benefits for dogs. It is produced by fermenting kefir grains containing bacteria, fungi, and yeasts in goat or cow milk. This supplement is highly rich in beneficial probiotics, vitamins A, B, D, and K, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. It supports the canine digestive system, alleviates gas, and relieves upset stomachs. Additionally, kefir possesses powerful antibiotic and anti-fungal properties that promote healthy skin. Regular consumption also assists dogs recovering from pancreatitis, joint issues, and anaemia.

Vaccinations

2 Minute read, August 13, 2024

Titre testing determines whether an adult dog requires booster vaccinations by measuring circulating antibody levels in the blood. Core vaccines against canine distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus establish long-lasting immune memory following initial puppy courses. Annual blood serology confirms active immunity before any booster injection is administered. A positive titre score verifies protective antibody levels and prevents unnecessary over-vaccination. Revaccination is indicated only when antibody concentrations fall below protective thresholds. Non-core bacterial vaccines against pathogens like leptospirosis require separate annual consideration due to short-lived antibody persistence.

Worm, Flea & Ticks

2 Minute read, August 13, 2024

Natural parasite control for dogs combines dietary remedies for internal worms with plant-based deterrents for external fleas and ticks. Feeding treats with intact fur, such as dried rabbit ears, provides insoluble fibre that physically sweeps worms and parasites out of the digestive tract. Routine faecal egg count testing verifies whether intestinal worms are present before administering targeted treatments. Topical herbal repellents containing neem, lemon balm, or apple cider vinegar alter skin scent to deter biting fleas and ticks. Regular grooming and physical coat inspections remove external parasites before attachment occurs.

Why Eggs are good for Dogs

2 Minute read, August 7, 2024

Eggs provide dogs with a complete source of highly digestible protein, essential amino acids, and vital fatty acids that support lean muscle maintenance and coat health. They supply crucial vitamins including vitamin A, vitamin D, riboflavin, and vitamin B12 for immune function and cellular repair. In addition, the eggshell membrane and crushed shell offer concentrated calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus to strengthen bones and teeth. Feeding whole raw or cooked eggs delivers balanced, nutrient-dense nourishment that promotes long-term canine health.

Sprats for Dogs

2 Minute read, August 7, 2024

Sprats are nutrient-dense oily fish that provide significant health benefits for dogs of all sizes and breeds. They are naturally rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids, which actively reduce inflammation, relieve joint stiffness, and enhance skin and coat condition. In addition, these small whole fish deliver highly digestible protein alongside essential vitamins and trace minerals that strengthen canine immune function. Feeding sprats regularly supports healthy cognitive function in senior dogs. Because they are soft, small, and easily digestible, sprats serve as an ideal whole-food supplement or training treat.

Bone Broth – The Benefits

2 Minute read, August 7, 2024

Bone broth provides essential nutrients that promote joint health, improve digestion, and support immune function in dogs. It is rich in collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which strengthen cartilage and maintain joint mobility. The natural gelatin extracted from simmered bones soothes and repairs the digestive tract lining. Bone broth delivers vital amino acids like glycine that aid canine liver detoxification. This nutrient-dense liquid hydrates dogs while encouraging appetite during recovery from illness. Regular inclusion in a dog’s diet bolsters the immune system and enhances coat vitality.

Reasons for Upset Tummies

3 Minute read, August 7, 2024

Dogs and puppies develop upset tummies and sudden diarrhoea primarily from environmental triggers, medical treatments, and dietary indiscretions. Routine vaccinations cause temporary digestive distress through immune responses or vet-visit stress. Chemical worming and flea treatments trigger gastrointestinal side effects including loose stools. Ingestion of foreign items, scavenged waste, or inedible objects on walks irritates the intestinal lining. Feeding a temporary bland diet of plain cooked fish, chicken, or scrambled eggs settles canine digestive irritation until bowel movements normalise.

The Importance of Variety: Why Mixing Dog Food Brands Matters

4 Minute read, March 31, 2024

Mixing and rotating dog food brands ensures comprehensive nutritional balance while preventing dietary boredom and food intolerances. Every commercial brand features unique formulations, meaning rotational feeding fills micronutrient gaps that single-brand diets create. Exposing dogs to diverse proteins, vitamins, and textures lowers the likelihood of developing chronic food sensitivities. Varied meals also stimulate appetite and discourage selective eating habits. Regular dietary variation strengthens gut adaptability, making future food transitions seamless. Pet owners achieve optimal dietary diversity by rotating between three to four distinct, reputable brands.

Do I raw feed my puppy?

4 Minute read, March 8, 2024

Puppies can safely eat a raw food diet from weaning age, provided the meals are formulated specifically for their rapid developmental requirements. Complete raw puppy recipes contain finely ground bone, muscle meat, offal, and a precise calcium-to-phosphorus ratio essential for skeletal formation. Starting a puppy on a single protein, such as chicken or turkey, prevents digestive upset before introducing varied meats. Young puppies require feeding across three to four daily meals adjusted to five to ten percent of their body weight. Commercial pre-prepared raw minces ensure compliant FEDIAF nutritional adequacy without the risks of home-prepared imbalances.

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