The acquisition of Wenger is a platform investment into new, complementary and attractive growth markets for Marel and will form the fourth business segment alongside poultry, meat and fish.
We sent questions (twice) to both celebrity pet food brands, they didn’t respond.
Halo provides us answers to our follow up questions.
SquarePet and Mud Bay partner.
Is there anything better than coming home from a long day to your furry four-legged friend? The wagging tails, happy meows and excited greetings can help make the stress of any day seem lighter.
Whether you have a dog, cat, bunny, hamster, bird, or any fur-end in between, it’s no secret that our pets can bring immense joy to our lives by providing us with comfort, laughter and motivation.
We work hard to keep our pets happy and healthy, and when it comes to our dogs, there is infinite research available to us for promoting and maintaining canine health.
But did you know that having a dog can improve your physical and mental health too?
More and more research is being conducted to assess the benefits that dogs can have for their humans.
Here are 5 ways that dogs can help improve our mental well-being:
1. Exercise
It’s no surprise that exercise makes it to this list. Exercise has many overall physical health benefits, but it also has the potential to reduce stress and improve mental health. And while many of us equate health with intensive exercise, a simple walk can provide similar results! It is also more common for pet owners to walk their dog through green spaces (i.e. a local park, trail, by water, etc.) rather than busy streets, and it’s been shown that being in nature can also increase positive psychological well-being.
Photo by Phil @feelalivenow
2. Companionship
This one may seem obvious, but dogs provide us with companionship – they are a true friend to us. They listen to us when we need to talk, they lay with us when we are sad, and they will get excited for all the things that excite you. Multiple studies have shown that people feel less lonely or isolated when they have a pet, and having a pet help support feelings of self-esteem and self-worth.
Humans are naturally social, and while a dog alone can provide a level of companionship, they are also a source for human-to-human interactions. People love dogs, and so it is not a surprise that when walking with a dog you may encounter people and stop to have short conversations. Dog owners tend to connect when they bring their dogs to the dog park.
Photo by CJ Infantino
3. Routine
Another way dogs help to improve mental wellbeing is through routine. Every dog owner has their own schedule for walks, pee breaks, feeding times, and playtime with their dogs. It may seem small and insignificant, but routines are highly beneficial for our mental health. A daily routine can minimize stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and can improve your self-esteem and mood.
4. Sensory Stress Relief
The simple act of petting a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and increase hormone levels that trigger feelings of happiness and calmness. In addition, playing with a dog has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress. We often underestimate the power of touch, but the enormity of its effects on mental wellbeing are clearly displayed through the act of being around our dogs.
Photo by Lydia Torrey
5. Purpose
Last but not least, dogs can provide us with a sense of self-worth and purpose. By providing for our pets we establish the feeling that we are needed, and this, in turn, nourishes our need to nurture. This is especially important for elderly populations in that walking, grooming, feeding, and taking care of a dog can provide a new sense of purpose.
The association between dog ownership and mental health is clear, and it’s no wonder that dogs truly are man’s (and woman’s) best friend.
Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com
References:
Aydin N et al. 2012. “Man’s best friend:” How the presence of a dog reduces mental distress after social exclusion. J Exp Social Psych, 48: 446-449.
Johansson M et al. 2011. Psychological Benefits of Walking: Moderation by Company and Outdoor Environment. Appl Psych: Health Wellbeing, 3: 261-280.
McNicholas J et al. 2005. Pet ownership and human health: a brief review of evidence and issues. BMJ, 331: 1252-1254.
National Institutes of Health (NIH). Physical activity may reduce depression symptoms. Jan 15th, 2019.
Powell L et al., 2018. Expectations for dog ownership: Perceived physical, mental and psychosocial health consequences among prospective adopters. PLoS One
Ramirez MTG & Henandez RL. 2014. Benefits of dog ownership: Comparative study of equivalent samples. J Vet Behav, 9: 311-315.
While A. 2017. Pet dogs as promoters of wellbeing. Brit J Commun Nurs, 22: 332-336.
Start your pup’s day off on the right paw by adding this recipe to their breakfast (or breakfast for dinner!) menu.
HIGHLIGHTS:
PROTEINS:
GOOD FOR: Healthy puppies (with the puppy booster), adult dogs, healthy or under weight seniors, dogs with gluten or grain allergies, dogs with loose stool, may be beneficial for dogs with diabetes or for those requiring weight loss*. * For dogs with diabetes or for a dog undergoing an energy restriction, this recipe should only be used when in consultation with a veterinarian |
Beef up your dog’s breakfast with our Goji Berry Beef recipe! Lean ground beef provides a high-quality protein. Whole grain oats add fibre for digestive health, texture, and various vitamins and minerals.
And Goji berries, blueberries and blackberries form an unstoppable antioxidant superfood blend.
This is a simple recipe with delicious, high-quality ingredients so even the picky-eaters can enjoy and benefit! Here are some of the benefits of our
Goji Berry Beef recipe:
- Antioxidants: Our Goji Berry Beef recipe is jam-packed with antioxidants from Goji Berries, blueberries, and blackberries. Antioxidants are used throughout the body to rid it of harmful compounds called reactive oxygen species, or free radicals. This results in many health benefits such as skin and coat health, disease prevention, kidney and liver function, and many more!
- High-quality beef: This recipe’s high-quality protein source delivers all of the required amino acids your dog needs. Amino acids help build and maintain strong muscles, keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny, and provide long-lasting energy! The added bonus? Beef is delicious!
- Hemp seed oil: This omega oil contains many vitamins and minerals that promote health for your pup. One study in humans found that hemp seed oil relieved symptoms of atopic dermatitis! Studies have also shown that hemp seed oil contains an ideal omega-3 to 6 ratios to promote health.
- The Omega 3-6-9 ratio of the Goji Berry Beef diet is perfect for anti-inflammatory effects that come from an ideal blend of Goji berries, hemp seed oil, blueberries, and oats. Your dog’s joints will thank you, and their skin and coat will be the envy of all at the dog park.
- Whole grain oats are the perfect addition to any breakfast. They contain antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties, and supply fibre. Fibre is great for gut health, maintaining blood sugar levels and can promote satiety so that your dog is full for longer!
Make this nutritious recipe part of your pup’s morning routine so they can greet the day at the head of their pack!
Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com
Do you give your dog a bite of your food every now and then? It’s likely something that most dog owners do — after all, it can be so hard to resist those sweet doggie eyes!
Whether you have a hard time saying no when your dog asks for a taste of your food, or if your dog has a habit of getting into things they shouldn’t, it’s important that dog owners are aware of the common foods that are poisonous for dogs.
Here’s a list of five ingredients that most people have in their home that can cause severe illness — and in some cases, death — in dogs.
Note: If you know, or even suspect, that your dog has ingested any of these items, call your veterinarian or take your dog to the nearest emergency clinic.
1. Chocolate
There are two major components in chocolate that make it toxic to dogs, both of which are classified as methylxanthines. The first is theobromine and the second is caffeine; small doses of either component can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive panting, and hyperactivity in dogs. Chocolate toxicosis can occur when dogs consume large amounts, with the lethal dose being approximately one ounce of chocolate per pound of body weight. Chocolate toxicosis results in tremors, abnormal heart murmurs, seizures, and ultimately death.
2. Onions and Garlic
Onions, and other vegetables in the Allium spp. genus (i.e. garlic, leeks and chives), contain high levels of sulfur-containing oxidants. These have been associated with hemolysis, a condition affecting the red blood cells. The onset of hemolysis is often slow, but can lead to anorexia, increased heart rate, weakness, and ultimately death.
3. Grapes
Consumption of grapes (and raisins) is associated with kidney failure in dogs; however, it is unclear what component in grapes causes this. Death has been documented in dogs after consuming a minimum of 3-5 grapes. Dogs may experience abdominal pain, weakness, drowsiness, dehydration and tremors.
4. Macadamia Nuts
As with grapes, is not known how macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs; however, within 12 hours of consuming macadamia nuts, a dog may show clinical signs of toxicity such as anorexia, vomiting, nausea, muscle weakness, and tremors. Death is not usually an outcome of macadamia nut ingestion, and most signs disappear after 24 or 48 hours.
5. Citrus Fruits
The high levels of citric acid in citrus fruits can cause stomach upset and digestive issues in dogs when consumed in large quantities. At extreme levels, damage to the central nervous system can occur.
Things to Remember
Keep all food items out of reach for your dog, whether it’s harmful or not. If your pup eats extra food or food they aren’t used to — even if it’s safe — they can still experience digestive upset.
If your dog has consumed a food item that is not on this list, or if you are unsure about whether an ingredient is harmful for dog, you can use the ASPCA website to verify. You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7611.
“People Food” Dogs Can Eat
There is some good news! If you’re looking to feed your dog “people food”, check out Tom&Sawyer’s meals for dogs. Our meals are gently cooked and made with human-edible cuts of meat, fresh fruits and veggies and created by chefs, balanced by nutritionists and thoroughly tested for safety. In fact, our fresh cooked meals are so good, you could eat them too!
Phone numbers to keep on hand in case of an emergency:
- The Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 | www.petpoisonhelpline.com
- ASPCA: 888-426-4435 | www.aspca.org
- Your local veterinarian
- Your local emergency veterinarian for emergencies that occur after-hours
Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com
Reference:
Merck Veterinary Manual
Everything you need to know about bringing home your new puppy
Did someone say puppy!? There aren’t too many things more exciting than bringing home a new fur-baby, but at Tom&Sawyer, we know how overwhelming it can be, too.
. Photo by hannah grace on Unsplash
That’s why we’re here to help you start off on the right paw! We’ve put together our best new puppy tips, complete with a handy shopping list, puppy food recommendations, and how to find the right vet for you.
Let’s get started!
New Puppy Shopping List:
1) Leash and Collar
Choosing a leash and collar can be fun — there are so many different patterns and colours to choose from. Make sure you choose a leash and collar made with durable material, and if your puppy is tiny, ensure that the leash clip isn’t too heavy. You should be able to fit two fingers in between your pup’s collar and neck — any smaller is too tight, and any looser could mean that your pup could wiggle out and run free.
We don’t recommend retractable leashes as they can be unreliable and may encourage bad walking habits. For large breeds they are also not durable enough. Choose a strong, sturdy leash that will be comfortable for you and your pup.
You may also want to consider the use of a harness. Harnesses can reduce tension around the neck, which is especially important when training a new puppy who is still learning not to pull. Harnesses can also be more beneficial for large breeds and large-chested breeds. Choose a harness with both a front and back clip so you can figure out what is most comfortable and effective for you and your puppy.
Photo by Ryan Antooa on Unsplash
2) ID Tag
ID tags come in many adorable shapes and colours, and are used to ensure that if your puppy were to ever get loose, someone can identify and return them to you. Consider adding your pet’s name and your phone number to the ID tag. Most pet stores have an in-house ID tag machine that can help you create your puppy’s tag on the spot. In addition, adding a rabies vaccination tag can reassure someone that your pet is safe to approach. Many cities and municipalities require you to register your puppy as well. Make sure you know your area’s by-laws and get the appropriate tags for your pup.
3) A Puppy Bed
Choosing the right bed for your new puppy can be hard with so many options out there. Think about your pup’s breed and size and choose accordingly. Make sure it is durable (puppies love to chew!), washable and waterproof so you’re ahead of the inevitable potty accidents.
Photo by Vlad Tchompalov on Unsplash
4) Crate
The crate will be your puppy’s safe haven! While your pup may not love the crate at first, make sure you research how to crate train your pup and what you can expect. If you don’t give in to your puppy’s initial cries, over time the crate will become your puppy’s favourite cozy place. Training your puppy to sleep in a crate will also give you peace of mind — after all, there will be times when you need to leave your puppy home alone or unattended, and knowing your puppy is safe and happy in their crate will make your outings without your pup more enjoyable.
When choosing a crate, remember that it should be large enough for your puppy to have room to stand up and move around, lie down, and stretch out! These requirements should continue to be met as your puppy grows.
5) Food and Water Bowls
Food and water bowls are always fun to pick out. For larger breeds, bowls that are raised can reduce stress and tension on their necks while eating. Stainless steel bowls are easily to clean, whereas plastic bowls can wear out easily (especially if your puppy chews!) and may hold onto pathogens and bacteria more readily.
6) Toys
Be sure to have lots of toys ready for your puppy! Toys encourage mental stimulation and can be used to help curb behaviour and provide comfort during the teething process. It’s a good idea to have toys with different materials available to get an idea of what toys your puppy prefers. Always supervise your puppy when they are playing with a toy — puppies can chew excessively and swallow pieces they shouldn’t.
Photo by Lucrezia Carnelos on Unsplash
7) Grooming Supplies
Be sure to have a brush, comb, and/or grooming mitt ready for your puppy. Choose a brush that is well suited for your puppy’s fur type. Don’t forget nail trimmers, shampoo and a wash towel, and a toothbrush and toothpaste. It’s good to get your puppy used to handling for nail trimmings, grooming, and teeth brushing early on!
8) Puppy Food!
At Tom&Sawyer, we think that choosing the best puppy food for your new fur-baby is so important, we’re giving it its own section!
What to Feed Your New Puppy
Starting off on the right paw with good quality, fresh and nutritious dog food will ensure that your puppy will be healthy for years to come.
Puppies need diets high in protein, with moderate fats (especially those omega-3 fatty acids), and adequate calcium and phosphorus.
When choosing the best food to feed your new puppy, our fresh pet meals can be a great option – just add our Puppy Booster to make our meals puppy-friendly!
To see fresh and healthy meals for your pup, click here.
Transitioning to Your Puppy Food of Choice
To start, it’s a good idea to bring home a bag of the food your puppy is currently eating when you adopt them. Then, transition slowly to your food of choice – you can always use our Transition Guide to help!
How Often to Feed Your Puppy
Small breeds up to the age of 4 months should be fed approximately 3 meals a day. From 4 to 10 months of age, frequency can be reduced to 2 meals a day. For larger dog breeds, feed 3 meals a day until the age of 6 months. From 6 to 12 months of age these large breed puppies can be reduced to 2 meals per day.
A Last Step: Find a Veterinarian
When choosing a veterinarian, consider location and the services that they offer. We highly recommend checking a place out before making a final decision. Ask Questions – it’s the best way to see if you will communicate well with this person. You need to feel confident and comfortable with whoever you choose.
Additional Considerations:
1) Puppy training classes can be a great way to get the basic training down. There are lots of options out there, so look for a training class that works best for you.
Photo by Ayla Verschueren on Unsplash
2) Daily routines are vital for you and your puppy. Regular feeding times, walks, and bathroom breaks can actually limit stress for your pup and may also be good for their gut (think regular poop schedules).
3) Due to the COVID pandemic, there has been a rise in dogs with separation anxiety. Routines can help reduce this, but it’s also important to train your new puppy to being home when you aren’t. Simple crate training tricks can help with this!
Congratulations on your new Loyal Companion! To get more tips and tricks delivered to your inbox, join our newsletter here.
Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com
We’re the same type of weird if, as a pet parent, you obsessively study your pet’s poop.
What is it trying to tell you? What influences your pet’s bowel movements?
Fibre – The Digestive Tract Chaperone
Everything you feed your pet affects their digestion and poop. Protein, fats, and carbohydrates all impact your pet’s health. But they all rely on fibre to get where they need to be.
Fibre slows down the movement of food through the digestive system.
But what does that mean?
When food moves through your pet’s digestive system slower, their body has more time to extract nutrients from the food.
The more food that is digested and absorbed, the less waste there is to be deposited in your pet’s poop. This means the bulk of their poop will be made up of indigestible fibre, as opposed to nutrients they missed out on.
The slowed movement of food through the digestive tract may even prolong the time before your pet’s next poop.
Fibre can also influence physical characteristics of poop, such as shape and firmness.
What about other nutrients?
Protein, fats, and carbohydrates can also affect how quickly food is digested, but what’s more important for these nutrients is their digestibility.
Fibre can help your pet absorb more nutrients from their food, but that isn’t much good if the nutrients are low-quality or hard to digest. And the less their gut absorbs, the more nutrients end up in their poop, and the more poops you have to scoop!
To feed your pet for better poops, look for highly digestible ingredients and a moderate fibre content! (Hint: We’ve saved you the trouble by making nutritionist-developed pet meals with the highest quality, human-edible ingredients already.)
Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com
or
1. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a common disorder that can affect both cats and dogs. In pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes inflamed commonly due to an overabundance of incoming inflammatory cells.
The pancreas itself is responsible for producing many digestive enzymes and secreting them into the small intestine where they become activated. These enzymes then help your pet digest their food. In addition, the pancreas is important for blood sugar regulation by secreting insulin and glucagon.
When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the digestive enzymes can leak into the abdominal cavity and become activated. This can cause damage to other organs such as the liver, bile duct, and intestines.
Many dogs will recover from a pancreatic episode with proper medical treatment and an appropriate diet. Recurring episodes can lead to chronic pancreatitis and may require a long-term change in diet and additional treatments.
So how can we help? We have an entire menu dedicated to supporting a healthy digestive system and preventing pancreatitis flare-ups. Our low-fat menu meets the criteria for fat levels recommended for dogs at risk of pancreatitis which is less than 25 g fat/1000 kcal ME, with some diets as low as 20 g fat/1000 kcal ME. We also formulate our diets to ensure a healthy level of omega 3 fatty acids which can have an anti-inflammatory effect and help prevent inflammation of the pancreas.
2. Skin & Coat Health
Our fresh, gently cooked meals can also be beneficial for maintaining a healthy skin and coat for your pet.
The key to a healthy looking coat starts with nutrition! For a healthy skin and coat look for foods that are high in moisture (hydration), antioxidants, proteins (specifically amino acids that are essential for skin and coat, and of course, omega-3s!
Foods that are high in moisture, like our fresh pet foods, ensure your pet is consuming enough water – very important to ensure proper skin.
3. Allergies or Adverse Food Reactions
If your pet often has itchy skin, ear infections, hair loss, or experiences vomiting and diarrhea frequently, they may have a food allergy, food intolerance, or adverse food reaction.
Novel proteins and limited ingredient diets are a great approach at minimizing the risk of your pet being exposed to a food item that may be causing these reactions.
Novel proteins are animal (or plant) products that are new to your pet. The lack of exposure to these proteins often lowers the risk of your pup having an adverse reaction.
Diets with limited ingredients also minimizes risk of exposure to ingredients that your pet may be allergic to or may react to.
At Tom&Sawyer, we want all pups to thrive! That’s why we have three meal options for dogs that use novel proteins with limited ingredients.
You can read more about food allergies HERE
4. Diarrhea or other GI Problems
Pets with diarrhea and other GI issues may benefit from fresh pet food. When your pet is experiencing diarrhea, this is usually associated with shifts or even depletion of microbes in their microbiome.
A healthy microbiome is diverse and often bountiful in “good” bacteria. A study at the University of Illinois observed that fresh pet food had an effect on the microbiome in dogs.
In addition, hydration is highly important for a pup with diarrhea due to the greater water loss in their feces. Replenishing their hydration levels can help with full body recovery, support, and prevention.
Dietary fibre is another critical ingredient for gut health. Fibre has many benefits for your pup, with gut health being one of those!
Fibre can act as a food source for the “good” bacteria in the microbiome, overall promoting a healthy gut microbiome. You can read more about dietary fibre HERE.
Other benefits our fresh pet foods provide for those healthy poops are the highly digestible protein sources and other nutrients. The greater digestibility may help with nutrient absorption and maintenance of a healthy, functioning gut.
5. Weight Management
Unfortunately, pet obesity prevalence continues to rise with more than 55% of dogs considered overweight or obese.
Weight management and weight loss plans often include choosing a diet that is high in moisture, high in total dietary fibre and protein, and contains anti-inflammatories (think omega-3s) and antioxidants (think vitamin A and E).
Water is often a forgotten nutrient, but it is vital to healthy pups! Fibre can also slow the movement of food through the digestive tract making your pet feel full for longer! This also helps your pet get the most out of their food as it allows more time for digestive enzymes to work their magic.
Proteins are important for many body functions and of course for maintaining and building muscle! During weight loss, high protein foods are recommended to maintain muscle mass, so that the weight your dog is shedding is mostly fat mass.
In addition, obesity can cause an increase in free radicals and inflammation in the body. Our fresh, gently cooked meals are jam-packed with antioxidants and nutrients that are considered anti-inflammatory.
You can read more about the benefits of antioxidants HERE
Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com
References
APOP. 2018. Accessed at: https://petobesityprevention.org/2018
Burkholder WJ, Toll PW. Obesity. In: Hand MS, Thatcher CD, Reimillard RL, Roudebush P, Morris ML, Novotny BJ. editors. Small animal clinical nutrition, 4th edition. Topeka, KS: Mark Morris Institute. 2000.
Case L.P. et al. Canine and Feline Nutrition: A resource for companion animal professionals 3rd ed. May 19, 2010.
Do S, Phungviwatnikul T, de Godoy MRC, Swanson KS. 2021. Nutrient digestibility and fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites in dogs fed human-grade foods. Journal of Animal Science, 99(2). https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab028
Weber M, Bissot T, Servet E. Sergheraert R, Biourge V, German AJ. A high-protein, high-fiber diet designed for weight loss improves satiety. J Vet Intern Med. 2007.