FOOD AND SUPPLEMENTS FOR DOG’S HEALTH

 

Just like humans, dogs need food to survive. Thanks to commercially sold dog food, you do not have to look too far or work too hard to get something for your furry friend. But is commercially sold dog food nutritious enough for your dog? Yes, these foods have the needed nutritional balance to keep your pet healthy. However, you can also make home-based food for your dog that is just as healthy.

What about supplements? Do dogs need supplements in their diet? Well, yes. Turns out supplements can help to boost your dog’s health. They can also help manage health issues that dogs face, such as joint pains, coat issues, weight loss, gastrointestinal problems, inflammation, and cognitive disorders.

Healthy Food for Dogs

While many people foods are safe for dogs, they should generally only eat in them moderation.

Human foods that are safe for dogs include:

White rice

Cooked, plain white rice can be a good option for a dog with an upset stomach, as it is easy to digest and helps bind stool.

White rice can cause blood sugar levels to rise, however, so dogs with  diabetes should only eat it in small amounts.

Dairy products

Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and plain yogurt, are safe for dogs to have in very small quantities.

Eating too much dairy can cause digestive problems. This is because dogs have low levels of lactase, a digestive enzyme that breaks down the sugars in milk.

Dogs with lactose intolerance should not eat dairy products. Signs of lactose intolerances include diarrhea or vomiting after consuming anything that contains dairy.

Fish

Salmon, shrimp, and tuna are all safe for dogs to eat and good sources of protein.

Salmon and tuna are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep a dog’s immune system, coat, and skin healthy.

The B vitamins in shrimp can also help maintain a dog’s digestive system and promote healthy blood circulation.

It is important to cook fish before feeding it to a dog, as uncooked fish can contain harmful parasites.

Chicken

Plain, boiled chicken with no seasoning is a good option when a dog has an upset stomach.

Plain popcorn

Plain popcorn, without salt, butter, or sugar, can be a nutritional treat for dogs.

Popcorn contains minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, which are all important for keeping dogs healthy.

Make sure dogs do not eat any unpopped popcorn kernels, as this could cause them to choke.

Pork

Unseasoned, cooked pork is safe for dogs to eat.

However, they should only consume small portions of pork, as the high fat content is hard for dogs to digest, and it can cause  inflammation and  pancreatitis.

Refrain from feeding dogs bacon or processed ham, due to the high salt contents.

Turkey

Cooked turkey is safe for dogs to eat, but it should be plain and unseasoned. Many commercial dog foods contain turkey, as it is a good source of protein.

Before giving cooked turkey to a dog, remove the fat first. Too much fat can cause pancreas issues in dogs.

Bananas

Dogs can eat bananas in moderation. They are full of magnesium, which is important for good bone health.

Due to their high sugar content, bananas should only be an occasional treat for dogs.

These foods will help keep your dog healthy and jumpy.

What about Supplements?

Supplements can contribute positively to your dog’s overall health. However, there is very little research to prove that supplements actually work in dogs. That is why pet owners are advised to take the whole “supplements for dogs” rage with a pinch of salt. As much as it may sound brilliant and perhaps too common, it wouldn’t hurt to learn a few things first;

  • Talk to your dog’s veterinarian first before administering any supplement. Different dogs have different needs and excessive amounts of certain vitamins and supplements can hurt your dog. Too much calcium for example may trouble your dog’s skeletal tissues. If your dog is on other medications, supplements may interact harmfully with them.
  • Go for supplements from brands that specialize in a certain area or have licensed clinical studies of their supplements and vitamins.
  • Brands that emphasize quality control are a good choice. Check if they have a lot number.

That said, here are some proven supplements that can greatly benefit your dog.

  1. Glucosamine

Glucosamine is found naturally in cartilage and provides support for joints and bones. The right amount of this supplement can help repair and strengthen your dog’s joints and bones. It is also given to dogs with osteoarthritis to help alleviate the pain in joints. It’s not yet proven whether this supplement works on all dogs.

  1. Turmeric for Dogs

There is a chance that you already have turmeric spice in your kitchen cabinet. Did you know that this spice is healthy for your dog? Well, not necessarily your cooking spice, but there is a Turmeric for dogs supplement that has curcumin which is a compound that helps to reduce inflammation. Turmeric is also known to reduce itchiness in the dog’s skin.

  1. Vitamin C

We all know how incredible vitamin C can be in boosting your immunity. Turns out it’s also a powerful antioxidant with tons of health benefits for your dog. Vitamin C can help aging dogs with memory problems.

  1. Chondroitin

This one works in a similar way as the glucosamine supplement. It’s known to improve joint health in dogs and prevent inflammation. You can also give it to your dog to prevent injury and improve mobility.

  1. Fish Oil Supplements

Fish oil supplements are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These help to improve your animal’s fur quality. It also helps to reduce the itchiness in your dog’s skin – finally something to stop the incessant paw-stabbing.

Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Your Dog

While we consider dogs to be members of our family, feeding them the same food we eat can cause injury to them. Dogs are not used to eating the oily, fatty foods that we do, and they can get diarrhea and upset stomachs from them. It’s important to know what foods are toxic to dogs and avoid them.

Chocolate and Caffeine

It’s a pretty well-known fact that chocolate is harmful to dogs. Unlike their feline friends, most dogs don’t have an “off” button when it comes to finding food. The amount and type of chocolate your dog consumes determines the symptoms and toxicity level he will experience. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, abdominal discomfort, lethargy, muscle tremors, irregular heartbeat, high body temperature, seizures and death. The darker the chocolate is (for instance, baker’s chocolate or cocoa powder), the more dangerous it is to your puppy. They contain a higher concentration of caffeine and theobromine, both of which cause toxicosis in dogs. Keep your dog away from caffeinated beverages as well. Learn more about the dangers of your dog consuming chocolate here.

Grapes and Raisins

While grapes and raisins are not harmful to some dogs, they have been associated with kidney failure in others. Simply put, it’s not worth the risk to find out! Vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea can occur within 12 hours of ingestion. If the symptoms are not treated, they can lead to dehydration, decreased appetite and increased urination followed by decreased urination. If your dog has consumed grapes or raisins and these signs occur, take her to a vet immediately. Your dog can develop long-term kidney disease or even die from kidney failure within three to four days.

Alcohol and Raw Bread Dough

Small amounts of alcohol found in drinks, syrups and raw bread dough can be poisonous to dogs. These products contain ethanol, and beer also contains hops, both of which can cause alcohol intoxication. Signs of intoxication include vomiting, disorientation, high body temperature, restlessness, excessive panting, muscle tremors and seizures. Dogs who show signs of alcohol intoxication should be monitored by a vet until they recover, as it can cause failure of the organ systems and even death. The yeast in raw bread dough can also cause stomach expansion, which can result in tissue damage and difficulty breathing.

Onions and Garlic

Anything in the onion family–from garlic to shallots to scallions to chives–is toxic to dogs. They contain compounds that can cause gastroenteritis, anemia and serious damage to the red blood cells. Garlic is considered to be five times as potent as onions. Signs of onion or garlic poisoning often do not appear for several days after ingestion, but include lethargy, weakness and orange- to dark red-tinged urine. Japanese breeds of dogs such as Akitas and Shiba Inus tend to be more sensitive to garlic and onions.

Other Foods Harmful to Dogs

Dairy products can upset your dog’s digestive system and cause diarrhea as well as food allergies. Ingestion of just a few macadamia nuts can cause weakness, paralysis and lack of coordination. Avocados contain persin, which can cause mild stomach upset in dogs. The bones in meat, chicken and fish can also be very hazardous to your dog. They can splinter and stick in the throat, break teeth or cut the intestines.

If you are unsure if you can feed a food to your dog, always consult your veterinarian first. As a general rule of thumb it is best to avoid feeding your dog human food anyways. While it can be hard to ignore those puppy dog eyes looking at you at the dinner table, feeding your dog can often result in weight gain among other more serious issues. To keep your dog out of harm’s way, it is best to stick to a diet of food specifically formulated to meet your dog’s nutritional needs.

Conclusion 

Dogs need healthy food to keep them going and healthy. As it has been said before, a happy dog makes a happy owner. However, when it comes to supplementing their diet, there is a lot you can do to help your canine friend. Many brands sell dog supplements that you can easily buy. Make sure you consult your dog’s pet before you administer any supplement to keep everyone healthy and happy.

 

Author Bio

Emily Harrinson is one of the most influential editors of a big company in London. She has been working in this company since 2006. Her main hobby is reading books. Also, if you are asking yourself how do I pay someone to do my assignment, Emily can help. She is an excellent contributor to essay writing websites. She is fond of sports and music and loves being very positive always.

 

NutriFusion®

NutriFusion provides highly nutritional blends for pets, dogs in particular. These blends are available from premium pet companies such as Sundays for Dogs and Guardian Pet Food. NutriFusion® vitamin blends for pets are made from fruits and/or vegetables

NutriFusion can help! Visit us at www.nutrifusion.com.

Plant-Based Vs. Animal-Based Products: Advantages and Disadvantages

 

Many people are exploring different kinds of diet today to fit their lifestyle, schedules, and even principles in life. The two main diet categories depend on what type of food could be consumed which are either plant-based or animal-based products. There are a lot to be considered when changing or adhering to a certain diet because it would mean adapting and staying consistent to consuming food products that you might not be used to. Aside from the nutritional factor, the budget for food must also be taken into consideration since it would affect how you usually manage your finances. To help you evaluate what kind of diet would work best for you, we have come up with both pros and cons of plant-based and animal-based products below. Let’s start digging in!

Nutrients

This is perhaps the most important factor that should be well thought out before deciding on what diet to take. While meat is rich in iron and zinc, plants contain a more sufficient and wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Supplements would be needed to get the nutrients that are harder to absorb when in a plant-based diet.

Aside from the fact that it would be difficult to do away with animal products, there’s a risk of nutritional deficiencies when the right intake of plant-based products is not planned correctly. This will certainly affect how you feel and look. Though, when successful, there are a ton of benefits to enjoy which include lowering the risks of diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

On the harder hand, animal-based products boast the amount of protein it can give to the body which is vital for cell and tissue regeneration. The protein from animals can also be better absorbed by the digestive system compared to those obtained from plants. However, remember that animal proteins contain higher fat content which contributes to health problems that could appear in the future such as blood pressure issues and heart disease. Animal proteins can also overwhelm uric acid levels which could crystallize and cause severe pain. These situations can be prevented when animal proteins are taken moderately. Planning, coupled with discipline, is key to eating healthy which is beneficial for your skin and body as a whole.

Eco-friendliness

It is no secret that plant agriculture has a more positive impact on the environment than animal agriculture which usually requires more resources, emitting more production-related greenhouse gasses (GHG). These GHGs are nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and methane among others. For instance, beef emits the highest levels of GHG followed by lamb and mutton according to the Our World in Data report. Moreover, one beef cow raised for slaughter takes more than 5,000 gallons of water which could already be used for growing several plants.

 

NutriFusion

Just 1 in 10 adults meet the federal fruit or vegetable recommendations, according to a study published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). This report highlights that very few Americans eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables every day, putting them at risk for chronic diseases.

Studies have shown that supplementation with extracts from fruits and vegetables may improve inflammation and oxidative stress.

NutriFusion develops all‐natural fruit and/or vegetable powders that are nutrient dense for use in foods, beverages, supplements, and pet foods.

NutriFusion can help! Visit us at www.nutrifusion.com

Infographic: Human Foods Your Dogs Can & Cannot Eat

Who doesn’t sneak their pets a table scrap or two during dinner? 

When you’re opening a bag of chips, your dog will probably run from a room on the other side of the house. Their puppy eyes convince you to share your snack with them. 

Sneaking your dog a few leftover foods may seem like a way to show your affection. However, it can also be more harmful that you’d think.

Some human foods are healthy choices that can be added to your dog’s regular diet. But, some of them are extremely dangerous for dogs that can cause illness and even death if they ingest them.

Also, your dogs can have allergies, too. In this situation, human foods might not for them. Feeding them a special diet for allergy dogs can help lower your dog’s risk of developing an allergy or manage your dog’s allergy symptoms.

Before sharing your food with your furry friends, it’s important to know that what you’re feeding them won’t harm them or necessitate an emergency visit to the vet.

Here is a detailed chart about 50+ human food your dog can and can not eat from CyberPet. If you’re not sure it’s safe for your dog, keep reading!

 

[fusion_code]PGEgaHJlZj0naHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY3liZXJwZXQuY29tL2h1bWFuLWZvb2QtZm9yLWRvZy8nPjxpbWcgc3JjPSdodHRwczovL3d3dy5jeWJlcnBldC5jb20vd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMTkvMDYvSHVtYW4tRm9vZC1Zb3VyLURvZ3MtQ2FuLUFuZC1DYW4tTm90LUVhdC5qcGcnIGFsdD0nNTArIEh1bWFuIEZvb2QgWW91ciBEb2dzIENhbiBBbmQgQ2FuIE5vdCBFYXQnIDU0MHB4IGJvcmRlcj0nMCcgLz48L2E+[/fusion_code]

Broccoli Powders Reduce Food Waste and Enrich Better-For-You Products

Food waste is a common problem, especially when using different kinds of produce. For instance, a stalk of broccoli does not get utilized, and more than 40% of the vegetable gets thrown away. This is just one of the top reasons why broccoli powders and other vegetable powders are a growing category of ingredients for better-for-you products

Converting broccoli and other vegetables into powder has a lot of potential. The vegetable powders can be used by food & beverage brands to improve the nutritional profile of their products. Consumers are searching for simple, easy to read ingredients that have positive impacts on their health.

Broccoli Powders and Vegetable Powders Pack a Nutritional Punch

John Lloyd, CEO from Hort Innovation, noted that an average adult in Australia does not consume the recommended daily amount of vegetables. This is also the same with American consumers. To address this problem, Australian researchers converted broccoli into a powder that can be used in different applications. The people behind the broccoli powder belong to R&D and Marketing Sydney-based company, Hort Innovation. This product aims to provide consumers not only one serving of broccoli but more by just using two tablespoons of the powder.

NutriFusion has taken this a step farther with our GrandFusion fruit and/or vegetable blends. By blending powdered fruits and vegetables, we can create a complete combination of essential micronutrients. We have fruit and vegetable blends with up 21 vitamins and minerals all from plants. Food, Beverage, Supplements, and Pet brands are adding this to their products to quickly enhance the nutritional profile without impacting the flavor or texture.

Perfect for Better-For-You Products

It can be added to coffee, tea, and other beverages. Moreover, it can also be added to different kinds of food such as pastries, cakes, and many others. Broccoli powders and vegetable powders provide convenience especially among those who dislike eating their greens. It is advantageous for many people as it does not only help improve the intake of vitamins and minerals, but it can also provide a substantial amount of proteins and fibers.

There is simplicity involved when making this broccoli powder. Mary Ann Augustin, the lead researcher for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), noted that the broccoli powder was made from whole broccoli that has been dried and pre-treated to lock in the flavor and nutrient profile. With this process, nothing is lost because even the stalks and leaves are used.

broccoli powders vegetable powders fruit powders vitamins minerals better for you products

The Future Of Vegetable Powders

But aside from broccoli, companies like NutriFusion also produce other vegetable powders such as spinach, kale, and alfalfa. But more than vegetable powders, the NutriFusion also developed fruit powder blends made from blueberry, strawberry, apple, cherry, and many others. Many food manufacturers are now incorporating fruit and vegetable powders to improve the nutritional content of their products.

Converting vegetables into their powder form can also help reduce the output to the environment. Vegetable powders provide options to growers to grow value-added vegetables in order for them to earn more. The success of broccoli proves that other vegetables and produce can be used turned into powder and food manufacturers can become successful in their endeavors.

Inspired by www.fooddive.com

nutrifusion download R&D resource kit

Pet Food is Starting to Look a lot Like Human Food

The evolution of pet food has come a long way. Gone are the days when pet foods were made from mystery meat and tons of synthetic ingredients. Today, many Americans are feeding their pets with foods that humans also eat. Many pet parents opt for pet foods that are marketed as non-GMO, organic, grass-fed, and other healthy monikers. These types of pet foods including grass-fed beef for dogs and high protein organic beef are especially growing in the market.

The trend of pet foods – particularly high-end pet foods – is becoming closer to that of human food. It is essential to take note this overlap. For instance, pet foods now contain whole berries and other ingredients that humans would often snack on. Don Tomala, president of Matrix Partners, a pet-product manufacturer, noted that the current trend in pet food is to humanize the products.

But more than put healthy ingredients, most pet owners are also very particular with the branding and packaging of pet foods. Gone are the days when pet owners would choose a dog food with a colorful caricature of pets. Today, they will likely pick products that display real dogs that seriously look healthy – similar to the packaging found in products sold at natural retailers like Whole Foods.

Pet Food Humanification Reflects Pet Owners’ Preferences

But the humanification of pet food reflects the preference of the pet owners themselves for healthy food. Moreover, many pet owners treat their pets as their children instead of animals thus they want only the best for their pets. The popularity of the term “fur babies” is a clear example that pet owners are already treating their pets just like humans and so they want only what’s best for their “babies.” In the past five years, researchers have noted that many pet owners are looking for pet foods that they would also buy themselves.  This trend is affecting food manufacturing companies as many have introduced their own lines of pet food. The exciting part is that any trend that you can see in consumer food can also be applied to pet food.

Increased Revenue

Tomala noted that American pet owners were spending around $18 billion on pet food in 2009. Sales have grown to $30 billion since last year. This outpaces the rate of pet ownership and means that people are spending more on pet food than they did ten years ago. Many food manufacturing companies have benefited from this trend. San Diego-based company Honest Kitchen uses human-grade ingredients to make their pet food. However, it is not only human-grade ingredients that they use but they also strictly follow all human food regulations. This is to ensure that pet foods are not only safe but also effective.

Inspired by www.theatlantic.com

nutrifusion download R&D resource kit

Pet Market is Facing Same Challenges as Big Food

Makers of pet foods are hoping new pets can compensate for a recent dip in sales. High-end pet foods made with more expensive ingredients make up a large portion of the market share for the animal food market. Treats and snacks for cats and dogs are also bought more frequently than foods. The high influx of new products adds stress to the pet market as prices are being driven down. The pet market is now facing much of the same issues as big food in the human market.

Between 2006 and 2010, a 30% rise in spending on pet food occurred. Young adults were providing their pets with grain-free kibble and wild caught tuna before focusing on other aspects such as purchasing a home or having a child. Many of these people treat their pets as if they are their first child!

Stats Fur The Pet Food Market

In contrast, pet food spending per home only increased by 5% from 2010 to 2017. The same buyers from years prior are now shifting their focus onto obtaining a house or having a child. These achievements are both costly and can show why spending on pet food has lowered. Analysts believe that sales on pet food will continue to increase in years to come—albeit slowly at around 3% per year, as the next generation continues to get pets.

Large corporations including Nestlé, General Mills Inc., and J.M. Smucker Co. have all recently acquired new pet food brands. Nestlé reallocated $320 million in the creation of a brand-new factory to produce U.S. pet food. Mars Inc. also invested over $7 billion to 800 different animal hospitals, as well as animal day-care centers and veterinary laboratories.

2017 experienced the introduction of over 4,500 different new pet food-related products, which equated to a 45% increase in new products found in 2016. These products were mainly high-end, which grew profits up for companies. The average cost for pet food is up to $2.55 a pound as opposed to $1.71 in 2011.

In April, Blue Buffalo pet food was acquired by General Mills in a deal costing $8 billion. This resulted in a greater influx of premium pet food products to grocery channels and other large retailers. General Mills experienced growth of 9% whereas their human brands like Yoplait and Hamburger Helper experienced a 2% dip in sales.

Although sales have been down for large brands such as Kibbles ‘n Bits and Gravy Train, Smuckers is still confident in the growth opportunities within the pet market. Many remain hopeful as the pet population experiences much faster growth than the human population, resulting in a need for more and more food.

While the big name and high-end pet foods may experience slight dips from time to time, many signs indicate the opportunities for growth within this market. How is the human market adapting to these similar changes?

Inspired by www.wsj.com

NutriFusion Pets CTA vitamin and mineral premixes pet food pet treats natural ingredients