„No food made from cultured animal cells approved or otherwise accepted for use in animal food.“
Safety regulations remain the same, number of recalls have not.
As your cat ages, their body goes through many different phases and meeting the appropriate nutritional requirements at each life stage is critical.
The Kitten Stage (post-weaning to 6-8 months)
During this stage of life, your little kitten is gearing up to grow into a full-sized cat. While a full-sized house cat is still relatively small, that growth takes a lot of energy for your little kitten, more energy than is required to maintain their body weight!
Some key nutrients during growth for kittens include:
- Energy: While not technically a nutrient, energy is derived from nutrients, specifically protein, fats, and carbohydrates. A kitten requires more energy than an adult cat due to the immense energy it takes to build and grow body tissues.
- Protein: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require high levels of protein compared to their omnivorous counterparts (dogs). Cats rely heavily on protein for energy and for development.
- Calcium and Phosphorus: Bone development relies heavily on calcium and phosphorus (and vitamin D), and as such, kittens require more calcium and phosphorus in their diet at the appropriate ratio!
- Fat: We often think of fats as the “devil” but essential fatty acids (i.e. arachidonic acid which is essential in cats during growth, but not for dogs) are important for regular growth and cognition in most species, including cats! Fats aid in cognitive development and function, skin and coat, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and are important for cell membranes and function!
The Adult Stage (up to 7 years of age)
The adult stage, or when your cat has reached their full growth, causes some shifts in their nutrition from the kitten stage. Importantly, throughout this stage, your cat may need nutritional adjustments.
The first few years of this stage, your cat may still have quite a bit of energy to expend. With increased play comes increased requirements for energy intake (calories) through the diet. During the adult stage it is important to acknowledge any increases or decreases in energy or play behaviour in your cat and adjust according.
Some key nutritional qualities to look for during this stage:
- Energy: Energy is important at every stage. During the adult stage energy intake is important for maintaining body weight and preventing obesity which can result from excess energy intake. Feeding guides are useful for estimating how much energy your cat needs, however, it is important to adjust based on their own individual differences.
- Vitamin A: Did you know that unlike dogs, cats cannot synthesize vitamin A from beta-carotene? This results in a greater need for vitamin A in cats. Vitamin A plays many important roles in the body including vision, reproduction, fat metabolism, and liver function.
- Protein: We’ve said it before (and we’ll say it again), cats require higher levels of protein compared to most other species. Protein is required to meet their needs for nitrogen and for amino acids (of which 11 are essential for cats). High-quality proteins should be a staple for any feline diet!
- Fibre: Fibre is often overlooked in cats due to their high protein requirements, however, new research is showing that fibre may still be an important factor to consider for cats, though at lower levels than for dogs. Fibre can help with satiety, preventing obesity, and for maintaining a healthy microbiome!
Seniors (7+ years)
While we often associate senior cats with cat naps, these oldies still need good nutrition (it takes a healthy diet to nap that much)!
While the nutritional requirements (according to AAFCO) don’t necessarily change for senior cats compared to adult cats, there are some nutrients to consider for senior cats:
- Phosphorus: Ensuring healthy kidney function with age can be supported by a slight reduction in phosphorus levels. Senior foods for cats still need to meet the phosphorus requirements (as set by AFFCO/NRC), but ensuring the levels are on the lower end of that requirement can reduce the strain on the kidneys.
- Protein: Muscle wasting is common in aging cats, so ensuring high-quality protein in your senior’s diet is critical to maintaining muscle mass!
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Unfortunately, many of our senior cats are overweight, which can have negative consequences such as osteoarthritis and diabetes. While low fat meals can be helpful under these circumstances, ensuring their diet contains the beneficial, anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids can help with weight loss and may even be helpful for joint pain!
- Antioxidants: With increasing age comes an increased risk for diseases such as osteoarthritis, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, can be beneficial in reducing the number of harmful reactive oxidative species, thus potentially reducing the risk for oxidative stress. Look for diets with ingredients that are rich in antioxidants.
So, whether you have a kitten or a senior kitty, you can use these nutrition guidelines to help you choose the best food for your cat.
Looking to add gently cooked meals to your cat’s diet? Check out our recipes for cats here.
Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com
At Tom&Sawyer, not only do we feed our pets like family, but we treat them like family, too! And that means letting them sleep on our bed (shhhh!), treating them to healthy, fresh food, and taking them with us wherever we go.
Now that the warmer weather is here, patios across the city are opening up, which means that summer is right around the corner. And to us, it only makes sense that after you visit the dog park, you hit up your favourite patio for a cold drink and bite to eat, too.
Photo by Shumilov Ludmila
Since we’re not ones to leave our pups at home, here’s a list of our favourite dog friendly patios in Toronto that you can enjoy with your best four-legged pal.
Our Top 5 Dog Friendly Patios
The Dive Shop
A local hangout with cool surfer vibes, The Dive Shop is the place to be if you have a dog. Not only does it boast great food and drinks, but this sand-filled dog friendly patio also has a dog menu. Yup, you heard that right — your pup can get a Tom&Sawyer meal, a treat, and even puppacino if you really want to spoil them. Check out their dog menu here. Located at 1036 Gerrard St. W.
Left Field Brewery
Craft beer and baseball, yes please! Along with their team, this husband and wife duo brews baseball-inspired full-flavoured beers. Their head of security and customer relations is none other than the four-legged, floppy-eared Wrigley, so it’s no wonder that if your dog is welcome to join you for a pint, provided they’re well-behaved and on-leash (note – there’s no outdoor patio, but there is a great atmosphere!. What’s even better? Some of Tom&Sawyer’s treats are made from the leftover spent grains from Left Field, so when you buy a beer from here, you help make a treat for a dog, too. Located at 36 Wagstaff Drive.
Blood Brothers Brewing
Located in a gorgeous century-old former horse stable, come here if you want to try any of their 19 different beers on tap, or enjoy their comfort food menu prepared by the award-winning restaurant, Beast. Visit their dog friendly patio from 4pm to close on Fridays, and noon to close on Saturdays and Sundays. Located at 165 Geary Ave.
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This plant-based restaurant has delicious, healthy vegan eats, smoothies, and wellness lattes. Its friendly, cheery and welcoming atmosphere makes it no surprise that they love dogs! Check out their dog friendly patio for a fun, relaxed outing with your pup. Located at 1122 Queen St. West.
High Park Brewery
Committed to sustainability, community involvement and inclusion, this west-end brewery is inspired by High Park itself. Come by for the tap room and eats, but “sit and stay” for the dog friendly patio. Located at 839 Runnymede.
And there you have it! If you know of a dog friendly patio in your area that you think we should add to this list, send us a message at info@tomandsaywer.com.
But what about the by-products of lab grown meats?
Warning: graphic images.
We know that many pet owners are desperate for accurate, trustworthy information about how to feed their pets, whether they’re healthy or if they have a medical condition. However, even knowing who to talk to about your pet’s nutrition can be confusing! Learn more about Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and an easier way to find one.
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Ultimate Guide to Baking Yummy Treats for Your Dog Sitting Customers
Dog sitting is a very rewarding job. But sometimes, your customers need a little help warming up to you. Not every dog is a social butterfly, and they may feel a little shy at first. Plus, if they don’t know you, they may feel a little stressed without their pawrents.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to gain your client’s love, trust, and affection. One of them is by offering yummy dog treats that you’ve baked yourself.
If you want to get your canine clients’ tails wagging, we’ve got everything you need to know about using treats to win them over.
Why You Should Bake Homemade Treats
Dogs, like humans, have favorite foods, preferences, allergies, and ingredients they’re sensitive to.
By baking treats yourself, you have full control over what goes into them and can ensure that each client will be happy and safe to eat the snacks you provide. Homemade treats also allow for a personal touch and show pet parents that you truly care for their animals.
Dog Baking Essentials
You don’t need many things to start baking your homemade dog treats.
The chances are you already have the essentials in your kitchen. Baking dog treats requires the same tools and utensils used in normal baking—metal trays and cookie cutters for biscuits, silicone molds for frozen treats, and, if you have one handy, a dehydrator for jerky.
If you aren’t a regular baker and don’t already have these things at hand, there are dog baking kits on the market to get you started. You can invest in dog-themed cookie cutters and molds, as well as dog-themed decorations and packaging to make the treats extra special.
Once you have baked the treats, storage is equally important. Many recipes produce large quantities of treats that can be stored for weeks to months. Invest in airtight containers that will preserve the crunchiness and taste of your treats.
Taking the Necessary Precautions
It’s important to be cautious with what and how much dogs are eating. You should consult with each dog’s owner to find out their dietary requirements and preferences and check each recipe for possible allergens.
There are ingredients you wouldn’t normally think to reconsider, such as flour and wheat that are harmful to some dogs. You should familiarize yourself with ingredients that are known to be toxic to dogs, like chocolate, onions, and garlic. As a general rule, go for organic ingredients and avoid using artificial flavorings and sweeteners.
You should also adjust recipes so that each dog has suitable portion sizes. While dog treats can be great for supplementing their main meals and providing extra nutritional value, it can be detrimental to feed dogs too much. Some dogs are able to consume a lot of calories, as they have high metabolisms, while others gain weight quickly. Factors to consider include their age and size.
Make sure to supervise your dog sitting clients while they are consuming your homemade treats to see how they react. Also, watch out for potential choking hazards. If you have senior clients, consider baking them softer treats so they’re easier to chew.
Homemade Dog Treat Ideas
Now that you know how to get started and which precautions to take, you might be wondering which treats to prepare. There are many recipes available online, and the volume of options can be overwhelming. There are some creative and complex recipes out there, but baking dog treats doesn’t have to be difficult, nor do you need to run out and buy a million ingredients.
The following list has a diverse range of healthy dog treat options accessible to beginner bakers.
Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits
Dog biscuits are a classic treat for canines. Coupled with peanut butter, a universal favorite amongst dogs, this crunchy treat will make your clients go crazy. Peanut butter is a great source of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats, so this treat provides a lot of nutritional value.
While peanut butter is a great option, be cautious when making any peanut butter–based treats. Many sugar-free or low-sugar peanut butter brands contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Watch out for this ingredient, as it can be lethal, even in small amounts.
Meat-Based Treats
Dogs are naturally carnivorous, and meat-based treats will cater to their palettes and nutritional needs. You should opt for lean, healthy cuts of meat for these treats. Good options are chicken, beef, and fish. Processed meats should be avoided as they are unhealthy.
For an option high in protein, vitamins, and essential nutrients, bake liver-based treats for your clients. You’ll be surprised to find that dogs go crazy for these!
Hypoallergenic Treats
If you’re hoping to make a big batch of treats you can offer to all of your dog sitting clients, you should look into baking hypoallergenic treats, which are safe for most dogs. These are also useful to look out for if you’re catering to singular dogs, or dog owners, who have any specific allergies.
Protein allergies, which prevent dogs from eating chicken, soy, or dairy, are surprisingly common. In this case, you might want to opt for recipes that use novel proteins instead. You will also find that many recipes are peanut butter–based, which dogs and dog owners alike could be allergic to—in this case, recipes that recommend good substitutes are helpful.
Cakes for a Special Occasion
A homemade cake can be a great gift to a dog sitting customer on a special occasion—especially for a birthday, which many pet parents love to celebrate.
Baking a good dog cake might seem like a challenge, but there are plenty of easy recipes. You can even try out one of our three-ingredient dog cakes! These cakes can be simple, yet very delicious, and your dog customers are bound to feel spoiled on their special day.
You can make dog cakes with ingredients you have lying around, like dog biscuits—this can form the base of a yummy kefir cake, if you’re looking to bake a uniquely delicious treat with a recipe suitable for beginners.
Grow Your Four-Legged Fan Club
All in all, baking dog treats should be an enjoyable, stress-free activity. However, you should also know how to calculate profit margin to ensure that your dog sitting fees cover your ingredients and leave you with a little extra for your effort too.
These yummy treats can form part of your business plan, and they’re sure to make you a favorite not just with your 4-legged customers, but with their owners too!
As our furry friends grow older, they often begin to experience a range of physical and behavioural changes that can be challenging to navigate. As pet owners, it’s important for us to understand and embrace these changes so we can help our aging canine companions live their best lives.
From adapting to changes in energy levels and appetite to managing unexpected bursts of activity (also known as „zoomies“), adjusting to an aging dog requires patience, compassion, and dedication. In this article, we’ll explore some common challenges that arise when caring for an older dog and provide tips for successfully navigating this new phase in your pup’s life – all while maintaining a strong connection built on love and care.
Photo by Reba Spike
Navigating the „Zoomies“: Understanding and Managing Sudden Bursts of Activity in Your Aging Dog
As dogs get older, their habits change, and their activity levels will be one of the most noticeable signals of a different lifestyle. You’ll start to notice more sleeping, less games of fetch and less excitable moments. When you start to see this, taking a look at their nutrition could be key to helping them keep their energy levels up. Watching an older dog get the zoomies again always brings a smile to our faces – you can definitely help them find their puppy moments by adjusting what you feed them.
By thoughtfully adapting our care strategies to match changes in our furry friends‘ lifestyles over time, we’re building precious memories together while ensuring they receive all necessary support.
Providing adequate nutrition balanced with physical activity is key; nutritious food options may become more important than ever before since aging dogs have different dietary requirements than younger ones.
Photo by Ruby Schmank
If you need more information on how to feed your aging dog, check out this article: Senior Dog Food: A Guide to the Healthiest Food for Your Senior Pup
Keeping up-to-date with regular check-ups at the veterinarian allows early detection of potential health risks like arthritis so that we can work proactively where possible rather than reactively when issues arise suddenly.
We can’t escape aging – not as humans or dogs, but there are ways to keep up a healthy balance to provide for lots of youthful moments! Keeping our four-legged friends happy and healthy helps them face challenges unique from their youthful days: there’s no doubt that experiencing life’s joys alongside them offers priceless rewards!
Appetite Changes: How to Adapt Your Canine Companion’s Diet to Support Their Health and Well-being
One of the most common challenges faced by aging dogs is changes in appetite. As our furry friends slow down with age, they naturally require fewer calories to maintain their weight. Additionally, many older dogs experience digestive issues or may no longer tolerate certain types of foods. It’s important for pet owners to pay close attention to their dog’s eating habits and make necessary adjustments to their diet accordingly.
Photo by Erda Estremera
To support your aging canine companion’s health and well-being, consider switching them to a high-quality senior dog food that provides balanced nutrition without overloading them with excess calories. You may also need to adjust portion sizes or offer several small meals throughout the day instead of one big meal.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to consult with your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your dog’s appetite changes. They can help identify underlying health issues that may be causing changes in dietary needs and provide guidance on appropriate feeding strategies for your specific pup. Focusing on proper nutritional support will help your senior canine companion thrive through their golden years.
Energy Levels: Embracing Your Aging Dog’s Limitations and Finding New Ways to Keep Them Active and Engaged
As our beloved pets age, it’s important for us to understand and respect their changing energy levels. Just like humans, dogs experience a natural decrease in energy as they grow older. This means that those long hikes and vigorous games of fetch might be too much for them now. It’s our job as responsible pet owners to find new ways to keep our aging companions active and engaged.
Photo by Jeremy Perkins
One way to do this is by transitioning from high-impact exercises to more low-impact activities such as gentle walks or swimming sessions. These types of exercises can provide the same amount of physical activity while being gentler on your dog’s joints, which may become weaker over time.
As your dog gets older, it’s also crucial to pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain during exercise and adjust accordingly. It’s also essential to remember that mental stimulation is just as crucial for an aging dog as physical activity. Puzzle toys or slow-feeding bowls can help keep your furry friend mentally engaged without requiring too much physical exertion.
With thoughtful care and intentional adjustments, we can ensure that every stage of our companion’s lives is filled with love, adventure, and joy – even if it looks different than before!
You asked for it, we did it.