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Reports of sick pets submitted to FDA by pet owners.

Northwest Naturals recall has been „terminated“.

A non-negative test result confirms nothing (but overzealous regulatory authorities).

As pet owners, we all want the best for our furry friends, and a nutritious diet is key. Interest in fresh, gently-cooked pet food has grown, and for good reason.

The appealing flavours and textures of gently-cooked food make it a great choice for picky eaters. Plus, it’s been linked to several pet health benefits and can help with many health issues.

Gently-cooked food is prepared at the same minimum temperatures used to make our own food safer to eat. It involves cooking ingredients at low temperatures – just enough to kill harmful pathogens like E. coli and salmonella. This keeps the food safe while preserving its natural flavours and nutritional value.

What should I look for when choosing gently-cooked pet food?

Here are three major things that differentiate the options available:

● Complete & Balanced: If you’re feeding this food as all or part of a primary diet (more than 10% of your pet’s daily intake), look for „Complete & Balanced,“ indicating the food meets the nutritional needs for your pet’s specific life stage (whether puppy, kitten, adult, or all life stages), otherwise it is not meant to be fed as a diet.

● Human-Grade: Look for “100% AAFCO Human Grade Dog/Cat Food” on the label. This means the food is made in a facility that meets human food standards. If you don’t see this exact claim, it’s not human-grade and is a lower-grade product.

● Cooking Style: Look for gently-cooked food that prioritizes cooking each ingredient separately. This shows that they understand the temperature’s effect on digestibility and availability of each ingredient, plus the best taste and texture. There is also “sous vide“ cooking, which sounds fancy but means that all ingredients are cooked in one plastic pouch at the higher temperature needed for meat, destroying nutrients in delicate vegetables.

Where do I find and how do I store this type of food?

In the freezer! Gently-cooked pet food is free from preservatives, so it stays fresh when frozen. Defrost the package under running water, and store leftovers in an airtight container inside your fridge for up to 4 days – just like your own leftovers.

Can I make gently-cooked food for my pet at home?

While it’s possible, here are three reasons it’s not recommended:

1) Ingredient Inconsistency: When buying ingredients from the grocery store, there can be nutrient differences between brands or availability, and what you may think is a minor change of an ingredient can have a major impact on nutritional levels.

2) Improper Cooking Methods: How you cook each ingredient matters. For example, if broccoli isn’t cooked enough, your pet may not be able to absorb all its nutrients. If you overcook or burn the chicken, valuable nutrients your pet needs from that ingredient are destroyed.

3) Not Complete & Balanced: Studies have shown that 90% of homemade pet food recipes are missing at least one essential nutrient leading to an unbalanced diet over time.

Now I’ve made the switch, how do I know it’s working?

Your pet is eagerly eating their new gently-cooked food and now you’re eager to see all the benefits. One of the first things you may notice is a change in your pet’s poop – and poop can tell us a lot about our pet’s health! You’ll likely start seeing smaller, firmer, and healthier-looking poops. But why does this happen?

According to new research at the University of Illinois, gently-cooked, human-grade pet food can alter the microbiome and was reported to have a higher digestibility of certain nutrients, such as protein, compared to other types of food like kibble. It makes your pet feel their best from the inside out. Benefits of a healthy microbiome and digestible pet foods can include:

● Better digestion

● Improved nutrient absorption

● Increased energy (the zoomies!)

● Stronger immune system

● Shiny skin and coat

Adding even a small portion of gently-cooked food to your pet’s bowl can make a noticeable difference in their health and well-being. Try it today and see for yourself.

 

CBD oil has become a popular natural remedy for dogs. It offers potential benefits for various health conditions like anxiety, joint pain, and inflammation. But with so many products available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your furry friend. Choosing the right oil for your dog requires more than just picking the first product you see online or at the pet store.

When it comes to picking the best CBD oil for dogs, several factors can guide you in making a safe and effective choice. The oil is derived from the hemp plant and interacts with your dog’s endocannabinoid system. It plays a role in regulating pain, mood, and immune response. So, to help you, let’s look into choosing the right product for your furry friend.

What to Look for When Choosing

Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate

CBD oil typically comes in two forms: full-spectrum and isolate. Full-spectrum oil contains all the compounds found in the hemp plant, including small amounts of THC (less than 0.3%), while isolate contains only pure CBD.

• Full-spectrum cannabis is often considered more effective because of the „entourage effect,“ in which all the cannabinoids and terpenes work together to enhance the benefits.

• Isolate, on the other hand, is ideal if you want to avoid THC altogether, though it may not be as potent as full-spectrum.

Third-Party Lab Testing

It is one of the most important factors when choosing CBD oil for your dog. Look for brands that offer third-party lab results that confirm the product’s potency. Ensure that it’s free of harmful contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, or mold. A reliable company will make these lab results easily accessible to ensure transparency. Never settle for a product without this certification.

Organic and Non-GMO Ingredients

Since dogs can be sensitive to chemicals and additives, always opt for a CBD oil made from organic and non-GMO hemp. It reduces the risk of ingesting pesticides or synthetic chemicals that could be harmful in the long run. Organic ones are purer and more natural, so your dog can benefit without unwanted side effects.

Proper Dosage 

Dogs, like humans, vary in size, so the proper CBD dosage depends on their weight and specific health needs. Most oils come with dosage recommendations based on your pet’s weight. Always follow the recommended guidelines on the product label and start with the lowest dose to observe how your pet reacts. Gradually increase if necessary, but never rush into giving too much.

How to Introduce CBD Oil 

Once you’ve chosen the right CBD oil, it’s important to introduce it gradually into your dog’s routine. Start by adding a small dose to their food or administering it directly under their tongue using a dropper. Observe behavior closely for any side effects, such as drowsiness or stomach upset. Most tolerate CBD well, but every dog is different, so it’s best to monitor them carefully in the first few days.

Finding the best CBD oil for dogs doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Remember, it’s always a good idea to talk to your pet’s vet before introducing any new type of supplement to your pet’s diet. With careful research and attention to detail, you can find the best CBD oil that supports your dog’s overall health and well-being, providing them with the relief and comfort they deserve.