Monthly Archives: April 2022

What is Dietary Fibre?

Dietary fibre is a type of plant-derived carbohydrate. Carbohydrates can be broken down into simple versus complex. Simple carbohydrates would include sugars like glucose. However, dietary fibre is a complex carbohydrate consisting of many simple sugars in different configurations. 

The dietary fibres are indigestible, meaning that your pet cannot break them down and digest them. The most common classification for dietary fibre is solubility: soluble fibres and insoluble fibres. However, they can also be classified by viscosity and fermentability. 

Viscous fibres will thicken in water to create a gel-like substance, whereas non-viscous fibres will not. Fermentable fibres are metabolized by microbes in the digestive system and provide an energy source.

However, the digestive system cannot metabolize non-fermentable fibres. The non-fermentable fibres are considered bulking agents! It may seem counter-intuitive, but even though fibre cannot be broken down and digested, they can still provide many benefits for both us and our pets! 

Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre

In humans, dietary fibre has been heavily studied for its many health benefits. Recent research shows that these benefits appear to be similar in our pets. 

Dietary fibre may have benefits for preventing obesity, diabetes, and cancers and aiding in healthy digestion and gut health, weight loss, lowering blood pressure, and maintaining blood sugar levels.

Gut Health Benefits of Fibre: 

Fibre helps to maintain a healthy gut, specifically fermentable fibres. It promotes a healthy gut microbiome by acting as a food source for the microbiota. These beneficial microbes ferment the fibre, producing short-chain fatty acids. The “good” bacteria benefits while the growth of the“bad” bacteria is prevented. 

Fibre can also affect gastric emptying by slowing it down. This means that food will leave the stomach at a slower rate, increasing the amount of time food is in the gastrointestinal tract. These factors can help your pet feel full for longer and provide digestive enzymes more time to properly digest the food, all of which may also reduce the bulk of your pet’s poop and frequency!

Crude Fiber vs Total Dietary Fiber

When you look at the label on your pet’s food, you’ll see that Crude Fibre is included in the nutrient analysis. What does this tell you about the fibre content of the diet?

Honestly, not much! Crude fibre accounts for only the insoluble fibres, namely cellulose and lignin. 

Total dietary fibre accounts for both the soluble and insoluble fibres and is often considered more valuable when evaluating the fibre content of a pet food diet.

Currently, AAFCO only requires that pet food labels state the crude fibre content. However, there is a push from the industry and research community to change this to include total dietary fibre. 

Sources of fibre in pet foods

Fibre is an important component, and it is one (of many) reasons to include plant sources in our pet’s diets. 

Both soluble and insoluble fibres are important:

Good sources of soluble fibre can consist of:

1. Oats
2. Sweet Potatoes
3. Broccoli
4. Carrots
5. Apples

For insoluble fibres, good sources can include:

1. Brown rice
2. Quinoa 
3. Amaranth
4. Potatoes
5. Tomatoes

If you have any questions about your pet’s diet, Tom&Sawyer meals, or dietary fibre, connect with our in-house animal nutritionist, Hannah Godfrey, at hannah@tomandsawyer.com. 

Written by Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. | Ph.D. Student in Animal Nutrition

Plaque is a fact of life. It’s why we humans are taught to brush our teeth daily. But what about our four-legged friends?

In the past, the wild ancestors of cats and dogs maintained their dental health through their diet. The prey they ate supplied the needed nutrients to maintain dental health, while the act of chewing through muscle fibres cleaned their teeth physically. That said, dental health is still difficult to maintain for wild animals, and plays a critical role in survival.

Today’s pets do not hunt for their meals, and so dental health has become an even more significant concern – periodontal disease affects over 80% of pets over three years of age.

That’s a scary number! Dental disease is painful, can be expensive to treat, and older animals may not be able to withstand the surgeries necessary to fix it. That’s why dental care is so important.

So how do you spot dental problems?

Dental disease begins with the build-up of plaque – a soft layer that forms on the tooth surface. This layer contains lots of harmful bacteria that can cause inflammation. This is the first step to periodontal disease. 

Hardened plaque, also known as calculus or tartar, begins to build on the surface if the soft plaque is not regularly cleaned off the teeth. While soft plaque can be removed by brushing, tartar is hard, and can need veterinary attention to remove. Periodontal disease begins as plaque and tartar keep building up.

Signs of periodontal disease can include visible plaque and tartar build up on the surface of your pet’s teeth, inflamed gums, bad breath, excess drool, bleeding from the gums, and pain when chewing.

Here are 5 tips for maintaining healthy teeth in your cat or dog!

Tip 1: Regular Dental Checks

Regularly having your cat or dogs teeth checked by your veterinarian is key to healthy teeth. Your veterinarian can help catch signs of dental disease early, and work with you to help reduce or prevent further damage. 

You can also perform basic dental health checkups at home in-between vet visits.

Get your catto or doggo comfortable in your lap or on the floor, and gently pull back their lips to see their teeth and gums. Don’t stick your fingers in their mouth – just push the lips up. Check the front and back teeth for bleeding, cracks, and less obvious signs of dental disease like red gums and brown or yellow discolouration of the enamel. A bad smell coming from your pet’s mouth can also be a sign of dental disease – particularly an infection.

Be proactive during vet check-ups and ask your veterinarian to check your pet’s teeth. Work with your vet to determine the best dental care routine for your pet!

Tip 2: Regular Teeth Brushing

Just like us, our pets need regular tooth brushing.

You might ask – doesn’t chewing kibble clean my pet’s teeth? The answer is mostly no.

Products that have the VOHC Seal (see Tip 4) include certain ingredients that have been clinically proven to prevent plaque build-up. They may also have certain textures that prevent food crumbs from getting stuck between teeth. However, many other “dental” chews and kibbles do not have the VOHC seal, so their dental hygiene claims aren’t guaranteed to be clinically tested.

Brushing their teeth daily is the best thing you can do to maintain your pet’s dental health, though brushing even once a week has been shown to help reduce the risk for periodontal disease! 

To get your pet used to brushing their teeth, you may need to go through an acclimation period. The first step is to introduce your pet to tooth brushing tools (More on appropriate tools in Tip 3). Once they have had a few chances to sniff the toothbrush and paste they will feel more comfortable. 

Slowly build up to the actual act of tooth brushing. Your pet may need a few days of simply putting the brush into their mouth, and other pets may need some time to get used to the tooth paste. Take it easy and ask your veterinarian for additional tips for starting your pet on a regular dental routine.

Tip 3: Use Pet Friendly Tools

Cat and dog teeth are different from ours, so using dental products specially designed for your pet’s teeth is a must. In fact, using human toothbrushes or toothpastes can hurt and even poison your pet.

You can find cat and dog toothbrushes at your vet, as well as local pet stores and online stores. Some look like smaller versions of our toothbrushes, and some are similar to finger brushes for babies. If your pet doesn’t like one kind of toothbrush, try different ones until they’re comfortable getting their teeth cleaned.

Pet friendly toothpastes can also be found at your vet’s or in your local pet store, and many are flavoured to make the tooth brushing experience more pleasant for your friend. It’s critical that you don’t use human toothpaste for your pet – many human tooth pastes are formulated using xylitol which is toxic for our pets.

Tip 4: Look for the VOHC Approval on Dental Products

Not all dental care products are created equal. When looking for any dental products for your pet, always look for the VOHC Seal. This seal is granted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council to products that have been clinically tested and shown to prevent plaque or tartar build-up. 

We always recommend checking with your veterinarian before starting your pet on a new product. Another important factor to consider is whether your pet already has periodontal disease. Many of these products will not treat periodontal disease and should be only be used for prevention. They may also cause additional pain for your pet if periodontal disease is not treated.

Tip 5: Ensure Proper Nutrition!

Good nutrition forms the foundation for healthy gums and teeth. 

Proteins, minerals, and certain vitamins are all important for the development and maintenance of your pet’s gums and teeth. 

The effects of calcium and phosphorus are most well known. A good calcium to phosphorus ratio is important for tooth maintenance. Calcium deficiencies and excess phosphorus have been associated with increased risk for dental disease. 

Fresh, whole foods that are formulated to be complete and balanced are important for overall health and nutrition. 

Our meals at Tom&Saywer are formulated specifically for your pet and also include optimal calcium to phosphorus ratios!

Many of us went into the new year carrying a little extra holiday weight, that may also include our four-legged family members. 

In a previous blog, we discussed why obesity is a health risk in dogs, as well as how to safely help your pup shed those extra pounds using evidence-based weight loss tips. But there is so much more to weight management than “calories in, calories out.”

While most literature about weight loss for dogs covers calories and fibre, often missing from the weight loss discussion are the micronutrients. Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals needed in the diet of all living organisms in small amounts.

Although your pet only needs a small amount of these nutrients, they can have a huge impact on overall health. Here we will highlight five micronutrients that you most likely had no idea related to weight health!

       1. Iodine

Iodine is found in fish, seaweed, dairy products, eggs, and other animal products. In pet foods, you can often find iodine included as potassium iodide, sodium iodide, calcium iodide, or potassium iodate.

Both you and your pet need iodine to synthesize thyroid hormones. These hormones are used to regulate your pet’s energy utilization. Adult dogs at maintenance require 220 mcg/1000 kcal ME, and adult cats at maintenance require 350 mcg/1000 kcal ME, according to the National Research Council (NRC).

Iodine deficiencies can result in hypothyroidism which can cause stunted growth, poor coat quality, and importantly, weight gain. 

Medium to large-sized dogs, specifically Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Boxers, Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels, may be more prone to an iodine deficiency.

Photo by Alice Castro from Pexels

Ensuring there’s enough iodine in your pet’s diet is critical to proper health and nutrition. However, too much iodine can cause hyperthyroidism. It’s a delicate balance, and exact levels of iodine (or any other nutrient) in food are impossible to measure outside of a lab. This is why it’s important to choose a pet food certified for nutritional balance by qualified animal nutritionists.

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Avocados are delicious, nutritious, and super versatile. Make sushi, avocado toast, guacamole, avocado smoothies, fried avocado bites, and more! It’s not hard to see why people love avocados, and why they have become a staple ingredient in households around the world. With so much avocado being enjoyed, it’s only natural that someone had to ask: can dogs eat avocado, too? 

Whether or not dogs can eat avocado is a tricky topic that has attracted a certain amount of controversy between dog owners on either side of the argument. Here, we’re breaking down what you need to know about feeding your dog avocado and offering up some tips for safely treating your pup. 

Breaking Down the Controversy

The avocado plant and parts of its fruits (aka avocados) contains a chemical called ‘persin,’ which the plant uses to protect itself from parasitic fungi. Persin is safe for humans but extremely toxic or even deadly to a number of animals. Here’s a quick rundown of common pets and how they are affected by persin:

Persin does not have the same extremely toxic effect on dogs that it does on some other animals, and most bad reactions to the chemical are limited to stomach problems like vomiting, and diarrhea plus all the things that usually come with a sick dog: lethargy, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping or getting comfortable, etc. 

This is where the controversy comes in. 

Persin is present throughout the plant but is least concentrated in the ripe flesh of the fruits. With generally very little persin in the part of the avocado that we eat, some people feel comfortable sharing a slice with their dog now and then, while some people think it should be avoided altogether. 

So, which side of the argument do you fall on? Let’s take a look at some of the facts. 

Should Dogs Eat Avocados? 

A slice of avocado likely won’t cause your dog any significant harm, but could it cause any significant good?

Avocados are packed with healthy unsaturated fats, protein, and fiber that makes them a fantastic addition to the human diet, but far too fatty for dogs to eat regularly. Long-term consequences of a high-fat diet for dogs go far beyond weight gain and can create inflammation, pancreatitis, and cardiovascular disease. 

Again, a single slice of avocado isn’t going to do damage, but it’s worth considering whether you should allow your pooch to develop a taste for these calorie-dense fruits. 

Along with the nutritional concerns of feeding your dog avocado, the un-peeled or whole fruits can be unsafe in a dog’s hands…er…paws. If eaten, the thick, hard skin of the avocado could cause intestinal blockages. It also contains far higher levels of persin than the flesh, which could increase distress. Finally, there’s the pit, which could easily become lodged in a dog’s mouth, throat, or windpipe. 

Basically, avocados are kind of a logistical nightmare, and you ideally wouldn’t want your dog to start seeking out avocados on their own, since they can be a choking hazard if not prepared correctly. 

Safety Tips

If you are dead set on feeding your dog some avocado you’ll need to be ready to do some supervision. Offer your dog a size-appropriate piece, then be sure to watch them for the next 24-48 hours for any signs of stomach issues including discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, or dehydration. Any sign of these symptoms means you should give your pup avocado as a treat again. 

If you see no signs of a reaction, it may be safe to continue giving your dog small pieces of ripe avocado every now and then. Avocado fruit should not be fed as part of a regular diet, and should only occasionally be offered as a special treat. 

If your dog shows signs of really liking avocados, make sure to keep them far out of reach of your pup. This means keeping them away from the edges of countertops, keeping them in the refrigerator, or keeping them in a closed container. 

As always, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet for further information and to consult them on which foods are safest and healthiest for your pup. 

The absolute safest way to give your dog avocado is to simply not give them the real thing! Cute avocado toys are a fun way to share your love of avocados with your dog without any risk of needing to clean up puke! We love this avocado toast slice plush, the perfect homage to the Millennial food trend that took over the world. 

FAQ: Can Dogs Eat Avocado?

Still looking for an answer to a specific question about whether dogs can eat avocado? Let’s quickly run down the most frequently asked questions on this topic:

Can Dogs Have Avocado Skin?

NO! Dogs should not eat avocado skin. It is thick, hard to digest, and can cause serious tummy aches.

Can Dogs Have Avocado Pits?

NO! Avocado pits are a choking hazard, and if eaten, could cause serious gastrointestinal distress.

Can Dogs Have Avocado Flesh?

Yes, but only in very small amounts. Remember that some dogs may have a negative reaction to the low levels of persin in avocado flesh and that avocados are not a good source of nutrition for dogs. 

Does Avocado Dog Food Exist?

There is commercially produced dog food that contains avocado. The brand uses avocado flesh and avocado oil as ingredients in its formula, which is carefully balanced to be nutritionally complete. While this may be a safe way to include avocado in your dog’s diet, you should first consult with a veterinarian. 

What Are the Side Effects of Eating Avocados in Dogs

The most common side effects are indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea. Because all dogs are different, some may have no reaction to avocado while others may have a severe reaction. 

Can Dogs Eat Avocado Oil?

Avocado oil is safe for dogs in small amounts. The oils of the avocado do not contain persin, but are still high in fat and should be fed only in limited amounts. A little bit in a treat is no problem!

Can Dogs Eat Guacamole?

NO! In addition to the avocados in guacamole, guac contains high levels of sodium, garlic, and chilis, which should never be fed to your dog. 

Can Dogs Eat Avocado Ice Cream?

No! In addition to the avocados in avocado ice cream, it contains lots of sugar, which isn’t good for your dog. If you want to give your dog a cool treat, serve up a dog-friendly puppuccino or ice cream for dogs! 

TLDR: Can Dogs Eat Avocado?

Yes and no. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if you want to feed avocados to your dog. If you choose to do so, be sure to carefully peel, pit, and portion them before serving, and don’t let it become a habit! Consult with your veterinarian on the best serving size, or to find out where they stand on the avocado controversy!

If you’d like some less controversial fruits to feed your pooch, choose one of these totally safe options: 

• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Cucumbers
• Raspberries
• Watermelon

If you really want to treat your pooch to something special, pick up some tasty morsels from The Dog Bakery! Our treats are formulated with care to be safe and irresistibly delicious. 

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