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As pet owners, we always strive to provide the best nutrition for our fur-babies. For dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, finding the right diet can be challenging. This is where limited ingredient dog food comes into play. Let’s explore what limited ingredient dog food is, its benefits, and why it might be the perfect choice for your pup.

What is Limited Ingredient Dog Food?

Limited ingredient dog food is formulated with fewer ingredients than traditional dog foods. The primary goal is to minimize the number of potential allergens and simplify the diet. There is no true definition of a limited ingredient dog food. However, typically, these foods contain:

• One Protein Source: Commonly used proteins include lamb, chicken, or fish. Some recipes use novel proteins like venison or kangaroo, which are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
• One Carbohydrate Source: Ingredients like brown rice, sweet potatoes, or peas are often used.

By limiting the variety of ingredients, these diets help identify and manage food sensitivities more effectively.

Benefits of Limited Ingredient Dog Food

1. Food Elimination Trial: Limited ingredient diets that contain ingredients your dog has not been exposed to previously can be helpful when undergoing an elimination trial to determine and diagnose food allergies in dogs.
2. Allergy Management: For dogs with food allergies, limited ingredient diets can help to eliminate common allergens and reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
3. Digestive Health: Simplified recipes are thought to be easier on the digestive system, making them ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. In these instances, it can be good to discuss whether a limited ingredient diet may be beneficial for your individual pup.

Choosing the Right Limited Ingredient Dog Food

When selecting a limited ingredient dog food, consider the following:

• Quality of Ingredients: Look for foods that use high-quality ingredients that are nutritious! Limited ingredient foods require highly nutrient dense foods to ensure the food is complete and balanced.
• Complete and Balanced: Ensure the food meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for a complete and balanced diet.
• Consult Your Veterinarian: Before making any dietary changes, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has specific health concerns.

By using fresh, wholesome ingredients, gently-cooked limited ingredient dog food provides optimal nutrition while minimizing the risk of allergies and digestive issues. If your pup is in need of a limited ingredient dog food, or a novel protein, look for our Kangaroo recipe, or our Rosemary Venison!

Limited ingredient dog food can be a game-changer for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Always consult with your veterinarian to ensure you’re making the best dietary choices for your pet.

Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com

As our feline friends age, their nutritional needs evolve. Senior cats, typically those over 7 or 10 years old, may require a diet that supports their changing bodies and helps manage age-related health issues. Here, we’ll explore key nutrients essential for senior cats, common health concerns, and how our gently-cooked Chicken Cacciatore dish can help keep your senior cat healthy and happy.

Common Health Concerns in Senior Cats

As cats age, they can become more susceptible to various health issues. Here are some common concerns for our senior cats:

1. Kidney Disease: A prevalent issue in older cats, kidney disease can often be managed with a diet low in phosphorus and high in moisture. The kidneys are organs that filter the blood to remove waste and produce urine. When cats are afflicted with kidney disease, their ability to efficiently filter waste is affected. Senior cats can be more at risk of developing chronic kidney disease as they are unable to regenerate and may be damaged over time with age.
2. Arthritis: Joint pain and stiffness are common in senior cats due to wear-and-tear. For cats who may be overweight or obese, the risk for arthritis is higher as they age due to increased load on the joints. Arthritis is a painful condition for cats. In dogs, multiple nutrients have been studied for their preventative and potential in pain management, though less research is available for cats. That said, omega 3 fatty acids are thought to be important in the maintenance of healthy joints.
3. Heart Disease: Maintaining heart health is crucial for senior cats and hyper cardiomyopathies can be quite common in cats. Heart health is, unfortunately, not heavily researched in cats; however, we know the importance of taurine, and other amino acids, as well as the omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for heart health and function!
4. Weight Management: Senior cats often face weight fluctuations. The majority of pet cats in North America are overweight or obese. Regarding seniors, this can result in other issues, such as greater risk for arthritis, as well as for Type II Diabetes. However, senior cats also tend to suffer from loss of muscle mass – a condition known as sarcopenia. Senior cats will benefit from a high-quality protein to maintain muscle, and in some instances, a lower calorie dense food could aid in preventing excessive weight loss.
5. Dental Health: Dental issues can make eating difficult for older cats. When cats have not had regular dental checkups and cleanings throughout their lifetime, this can increase the progression of dental diseases which can often be painful and difficult to treat.

Key Nutrients for Senior Cats

Because of the greater risk for certain diseases and health conditions in senior cats, there are some specific nutrients of interest for seniors.

1. Protein: Senior cats need high-quality protein to maintain muscle mass and overall health. This can help in preventing muscle mass loss and sarcopenia.
2. Phosphorus: Phosphorus is often the mineral of interest when trying to mitigate kidney issues. In senior cats where kidney disease may be a concern, minimizing excess phosphorus could be beneficial in reducing stress on the kidneys.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s, found in our cat recipes through anchovy fish oil, are vital for reducing inflammation, supporting joint health, and maintaining a healthy coat. They may also be important in heart health for cats!
4. Antioxidants: Ingredients rich in antioxidants, such as tomatoes which are high in lycopene, can help support cell health and have potential anti-aging benefits which have been observed in humans.
5. Water: Often under looked is the role of water in feline health. Hydration is key to a healthy cat and can be helpful in maintaining energy expenditure, cell health and function, kidney health, and skin and coat health!

Why Gently-Cooked Food?

Gently-cooked food is a great option for senior cats. It can provide a highly digestible option for senior cats and help to maintain hydration by adding some extra moisture into their diet. Gently-cooked foods can also be easier on the teeth than a traditional kibble and are highly palatable for our cats!

Tom&Sawyer’s Chicken Cacciatore dish is crafted to provide high-quality, easily digestible nutrients that support the unique needs of senior cats. By using fresh, wholesome ingredients, we ensure your cat gets the best possible nutrition to thrive in their golden years. See Tom&Sawyer’s three complete and balanced cat meals here!

In conclusion, feeding your senior cat a diet rich in essential nutrients and tailored to their specific health needs can significantly improve their quality of life.

Before switching your cat’s diet, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian to ensure the new food is right for them.

Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com

 
References:

Churchill, J.A., & Eirmann, L. (2021). Senior pet nutrition and management. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 51(3), 635-651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.01.004

Laflamme, D., & Gunn-Moore, D. (2014). Nutrition of aging cats. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 44(4), 761-774. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.03.001

Pittari J., et al. (2009). American Association of Feline Practitioners: Senior Care Guidelines. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 11(9), 763-778. https://doi-org.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/10.1016/j.jfms.2009.07.0

Who said you should never play with your food? When it comes to providing fun and games for your pup, playing with food should actually be encouraged!

This type of play falls into the enrichment category, and it is essential for keeping your dog mentally stimulated, physically active, and overall happy. Gently-cooked foods, with their high-quality ingredients and appealing flavours, can be a fantastic tool for enrichment.

Here are some creative ways to use gently-cooked foods to engage your dog:

1. Lick Mats

Lick mats are a great way to slow down your dog’s eating and provide mental stimulation. Here’s what to do: Spread gently-cooked food on the mat. Tom&Sawyer has 9 complete and balanced gently-cooked recipes to choose from, so pick your dog’s favourite protein to get started! You can also add a splash of Tom&Sawyer Beef or Chicken Bone Broth to make it more enticing and increase the difficulty level!

2. Slow Feeders

Slow feeders are designed to make your dog work a bit harder for their food, which can help prevent – excuse the pun – wolfing down their food. This can also help improve digestion! Here’s what to do: Fill the slow feeder with gently-cooked food to turn mealtime into a fun and engaging activity. You can also add Tom&Sawyer Beef or Chicken Bone Broth and freeze to increase the difficulty!

3. Food Toys

Interactive food toys, like Kongs or puzzle feeders, can be filled with gently-cooked food to keep your dog entertained. These toys encourage problem-solving and can help reduce boredom and anxiety.

4. Squeeze Tubes for Training

Using a squeeze tube filled with gently-cooked food can be a high-value reward during training sessions. If your gently-cooked food is a bit too chunky you can always blend it down for easier use. It’s easy to carry and allows you to give your dog a quick, tasty reward for good behavior.

5. Scent Detection Games

Hide small amounts of gently-cooked food around the house or yard and let your dog use their nose to find it. This game taps into their natural foraging instincts and provides excellent mental stimulation.

6. Frozen Treats

Make frozen treats by mixing gently cooked food with a bit of water or broth and freezing it in ice cube trays. These treats are perfect for hot days and can keep your dog occupied for a while. Read this blog post on ways to keep your pup cool in the summer heat for more info! 

7. Stuffed Chews

Fill hollow chews with gently-cooked food and freeze them. This provides a long-lasting chew that can help keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated.

8. DIY Food Puzzles

Create your own food puzzles using household items. For example, place gently-cooked food in a muffin tin and cover each section with a tennis ball. Your dog will have to figure out how to remove the balls to get to the food.

Give Enrichment Tools a Try! 

Using gently-cooked foods as enrichment tools can enhance your dog’s daily life by providing mental stimulation, physical activity, and delicious rewards. Whether you’re using a lick mat, slow feeder, or engaging in scent detection games, these creative methods can help keep your dog happy and healthy. Always supervise your dog during enrichment activities to ensure their safety and enjoyment, and most importantly, have fun!

Visit www.tomandsawyer.com to pick up some gently-cooked meals and start your dog’s enrichment journey today! You can also find a list of retailers that carry Tom&Sawyer here. 

Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com

As pet owners, we want the best for our furry friends, and that includes providing them with nutritious and delicious meals. Gently-cooked dog food, and fresh dog food, have gained popularity for its numerous health benefits and high-quality ingredients. Let’s explore why gently-cooked food might be an excellent choice for your dog.

What is Gently-Cooked Dog Food?

Gently-cooked dog food is prepared by cooking ingredients at a low temperature, just enough to kill harmful pathogens while preserving the natural nutrients and flavours. This method ensures that the food retains its nutritional value, making it a wholesome option for your dog. Gently-cooked food also offers a safer alternative by eliminating harmful pathogens while retaining nutritional benefits.

There are many different ways this can be done. For example, some companies might put all of the ingredients into a sous-vide and cook all at one temperature. At Tom&Sawyer, we treat each ingredient individually.

That means every ingredient is carefully considered and cooked at its own optimal temperature and method – then our ingredients are mixed together. This is to ensure your pup is getting the MOST out of each ingredient.

Benefits of Gently-Cooked Dog Food

1. High Nutritional Value: By cooking each ingredient at its own optimal method and temperature, we can highlight nutrient retention. This means ensuring more availability of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes compared to other methods of cooking.
2. Digestibility: The gentle cooking process can make the food easier to digest as shown in previous studies compared to kibbles. This could be particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.
3. Skin and Coat Health: High-quality ingredients and the preservation of essential fatty acids, as well as the high moisture content can all contribute to healthier skin and a shinier coat. A recent publication also highlighted the potential benefits of fresh, cooked food on the skin microbiome of dogs.
4. Enhanced Flavour and Taste: We find that our loyal companions find our gently cooked food highly palatable due to its natural flavours and textures. This can be especially helpful for picky eaters.
5. Gut Health: As shown in previous studies, gently cooked food fed to dogs alters the gut microbiome when compared to dogs eating kibbles. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for your dog’s overall well-being!

Why Choose Gently-Cooked Food?

Choosing gently-cooked food for your dog means opting for a diet that prioritizes quality, nutrition, and safety. Here are a few more reasons why it might be the right choice for your pet:

• Wholesome Ingredients: Our gently cooked foods use fresh, high-quality ingredients without artificial additives.
• Balanced Nutrition: Our recipes are formulated to meet the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the National Research Council (NRC), ensuring your dog gets a complete and balanced diet.
• Convenience: We offer home delivery and subscription, making it easy to provide your dog with nutritious meals!

Gently-cooked dog food offers a nutritious, delicious, and safe option for feeding your dog. With its high nutritional value and digestibility, it’s no wonder more pet owners are making the switch. By choosing gently-cooked food, you’re giving your dog the best chance at a healthy and happy life.

P.S. Dogs aren’t the only pets that can benefit from gently-cooked food! Check out our gently-cooked meals for cats here. 

Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com

REFERENCES:

Geary, E. L., et al. 2022. Effects of a mildly cooked human-grade dog diet on gene expression, skin and coat health measures, and fecal microbiota of healthy adult dogs. Journal of Animal Science, 100:1-15. doi: 10.1093/jas/skac265

Oba, P. M. et al. 2020. True nutrient and amino acid digestibility of dog foods made with human-grade ingredients using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Translational Animal Science, 4:442-451. doi: 10.1093/tas/txz175

Leverett et al. 2022. Fresh Food Consumption Increases Microbiome Diversity and Promotes Changes in Bacteria Composition on the Skin of Pet Dogs Compared to Dry Foods. Animals, 12(15). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151881

“Sawyer’s just the best little buddy. He means the world to me.” – Peter, Tom&Sawyer Co-Founder and Sawyer’s Paw-rent

Our pets are a part of our family and everyone that has a dog, a cat, or any pet can understand that the bond between a pet and a paw-rent is one of the most fulfilling feelings! We are very lucky to be living in a time where our pets have become one of our family members that we take care of just like we would a human child. Similar to parenting a human child, caring for a fur baby also involves different parental roles and delights. 

In this blog, we asked Peter, Sawyer’s Dad and Tom&Sawyer Co-Founder, some questions to better understand not only what it’s like to be a dog dad, but what it’s like to be Sawyer’s fur-dad! 

What is your fondest moment or favourite memory of Sawyer to date?

As many paw-rents can relate, Peter said, “This keeps changing!” and that there are so many moments that he thinks about, often to bring a smile to his face when he’s travelling or away from Sawyer. There were 5 specific memories or moments that Peter shared with us that highlight different sides of Sawyer’s personality and the experiences they share. 

First was, “How he greets people!” 

Yes, you read that right, Sawyer has a contagious smile that brightens your day whenever he walks into a room! Peter said he loves, “how he just throws so much excitement, love and enthusiasm into when he greets me (and many others) with his smiling, excited head movements, and how his tail wagging makes his entire body shake with excitement. It just absolutely melts my heart every time I see it – it never gets old.” 

Peter notes that when they were first training Sawyer to stay at home alone they would make such a big deal saying hi when they came back, “that over time he learned to do the same thing back to us – smiling, snorting, all excited!”

Playing is one of the major experiences that is shared between a pup and their paw-rent and is one of Peter’s favourite moments with Sawyer. Sawyer is a lucky pup that has many different toys to play with and loves going through all of them one by one (making sure they are all there!). Peter said, “While he likes playing with his toys on his own, his favourite (and mine) is when he gets a toy in his mouth (usually with a squeaker) and he lays on his side and holds the toy with his front paws while chewing it, when he tosses it away aggressively, waiting for me to put it back into his mouth and paws, only for him to toss it away again….this cycle will be repeated so many times, each time with him flicking the toy away with a power and straightening of his front legs! It’s hilarious to watch, and over time he gets more into it, squeaking the toy and making groaning sounds, and after a while he gets too amped up and starts getting agitated, groaning more and showing his teeth like he’s getting annoyed, but he doesn’t want you to stop.”

Peter also mentioned his love for Sawyer’s protective instincts as a 10 pound yorkie-poo and mentioned how, “he thinks he’s over 100lbs if he feels that he has to protect either me, Kristin or our home. We would so love to know what he is thinking!”

Even though he’s a pretty tiny pup, Sawyer has so much energy that one of their shared hobbies is going on long hikes! One of his favourite hiking spots is the Ganaraska that is an amazing outdoor wilderness space in Ontario with about 11,000 acres of woods and trails. Peter said, “Sawyer just loves hiking the trails here, all times of the year. Some days we will do the Orange loop that overall is about 12 km of hiking, which is a long way for a 10 lb yorkie-poo, but the entire time he pulls in excitement and with each hill climb he goes faster and is stronger….until he sees the parking lot and gets ready to get his treats and rest in his bed on the ride home!”

Most of our pets have a favourite word they learn to get excited by when they hear it like “walk”, “treat”, or “park”, but to Sawyer, everything said in a “cookie voice” will be considered a treat! Peter said, “I cannot do it very well, but Kristin can do a higher pitched cookie voice where basically Sawyer will do anything when that voice is used…like when he has to take a pill and with that voice he thinks it’s a candy!”

How does Sawyer make you feel?

We all know that having a pet in our lives makes us all feel soft and fuzzy inside and make us forget any troubles we might have experienced during the day the second we get back home and see them! Peter said that although Sawyer is a bundle of energy when he wants to play, he also loves to relax and cuddle. “He exudes a love and caring that just makes me feel so wonderful.” 

Sawyer also knows how to match his fur-dad Peter’s energy, “The odd day when I don’t feel great and I’m resting in bed, he wants to be right by my side and stay with me. Other days when I’ve got lots of energy, he wants to go outside for walks, play in the backyard or throw around his toys with me” A dog is truly man’s best friend and as Peter also mentions, “He’s just the best little buddy. He means the world to me.”

Dogs, just like human children and adults alike, like routines. They know when they usually go for their walks, when they get food, and when they are tired and ready for bed. Peter mentioned how Sawyer is very routine-oriented and one of his favourite parts of their daily routine is when Sawyer starts to feel tired and is ready for bed! Peter said, “We go up to bed together, and he whacks with his paw at the sheets which is my signal to lift them so he can snuggle underneath them right up alongside me (always on my right side). After a while he gets a bit hot and needs to come out and rest with his head above the covers next to me.”

Our dogs can also help us maintain our own routines in times we may not even realise we are outside of our regular schedule. They will remind us it’s time to take a short break to go on a walk, or that it’s time for a post-dinner treat and that we may also feel snackish since they are definitely ‘so hungry’ even though they just had their dinner. Peter mentioned that as someone who never went to bed at a regular time or really looked forward to sleep, “Sawyer has created a routine where I cannot wait to get into bed and settle down for the night – and it’s almost exactly the same time every night when he is tired. I love that he has instilled a very healthy habit in me!”

What does being a dog dad mean to you?

Being a dog dad can mean many different things to different people and everyone has a unique bond with their pup that brings out different emotions. These relationships and emotions may also differ depending on the time our pups enter our lives. Peter mentioned how he grew up on a farm and has always been around dogs except for the time he was in university but that Sawyer is the smallest and “the first humanised dog” he’s ever had! Peter said, “Sawyer truly is one of the family in our house, in our travels and in our bed. This is the first time I’ve had this level of love for a dog – he truly is my little buddy.”

Peter and Sawyer have a great relationship. “I am so proud to be Sawyer’s dad.” Peter mentioned that even though Sawyer is particular with picking his dog friends, he loves to meet people and to introduce his human friends to Peter by bringing him over as if saying “Hey dad, meet my new friend!” 

He also mentioned how having Sawyer has offered him a new perspective on pets and said, “Since getting Sawyer I truly understand the deep emotional connection you can have with a family dog or cat. While walking or driving I now notice every dog and cat around, and take a moment to admire how cute they are and how they interact with their humans.”

Peter also commented that a dog dad can take on many different forms of relationship. He shared, “I have friends who are amazing dog dads to larger hunting dogs who likely think I’m a little over the top giving Sawyer the best life I can. Heck, we started a pet food company just for Sawyer so he would have the healthiest food imaginable for him – and so we could do something to help all pet parents who feel the way about their family dog or cat as we do with Sawyer.”

After talking about Sawyer’s inclusion in most family activities, Peter had to mention Sawyer’s love for the summer which comes with “lots of walks in the warmth, seeing his ‘people’ friends, and he doesn’t have to wear the ridiculous number of jackets we have for him in the winter!”

But the one thing he is not able to join in on is…golfing. As mentioned earlier, Sawyer has many toys and loves to play but has developed a bit of an obsession with balls, including golf balls! Peter finished off the interview and explained by saying “He would really get over-stimulated to the point where we no longer have any balls around him, and have to dodge kids with balls when we are out walking.” Thus, he can no longer join them at the golf club….booo!

Peter and co-founder Kristin love Sawyer so much that they started Tom&Sawyer just for him (and named the business after Sawyer, too!). Check out Tom&Sawyer’s healthy, gently-cooked meals that have helped Sawyer, and other dogs and cats across Canada, thrive.