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