Some dogs are not picky eaters. They eat anything we put in their bowl (sometimes even anything we accidentally leave on the table or drop on the floor!). While our canine friends are not choosy, as pet parents, we still want to give them the best and a bit of variety in their diet.
Adding variety to our dog’s diet is not only important for their health but it also makes mealtimes more fun. Lamb is quickly becoming a favourite alternative—and for good reason!
You must be thinking, ‘can my dog eat lamb?’ Yes, dogs can eat lamb. As with most meats, lamb is not at all toxic to your dog; canines are omnivores well-equipped to digest freshly prepared meat. As always, consult your vet before making any changes in your dog’s diet.
Why add lamb to your dog’s diet
Aside from beef and chicken, lamb is a great way for dogs to get the protein, fats, and essential fatty acids they need. It helps maintain digestive health, keeps teeth healthy, coats shiny, and provides energy.
If you have a physically active dog, lamb is a healthy and tasty treat after a workout. Lamb is full of protein that agile dogs need to thrive. Carbohydrates are a good source of quick energy, but protein gives your dog the building blocks their body needs. Because the dog’s body cannot store protein like it can fat and other nutrients, this must be provided in their daily diet.
Lamb is also a terrific alternative if your dog is sensitive to certain foods. Allergies can be a tricky thing—you need to know how they develop to treat them. But in most cases, it’s mostly because of excessive or near-exclusive consumption of one type of meat. Eventually, dogs’ bodies process the protein in that meat as a ‘familiar protein,’ which may result in allergic reactions. A novel protein source might be necessary, such as lamb.
Although lamb is a high-protein source, it should never be served raw or undercooked. Drain the fat and cook it separately before giving it to your dog. Too much fat in your dog’s daily diet can lead to severe health issues like pancreatitis. It’s always best to keep portions to a manageable amount.
Lamb health benefits
Other than being a tasty protein, lamb is high in other essential nutrients that contribute to a well-balanced, healthy diet. Here are some additional nutritional advantages of lamb dog food:
Rich in omega fatty acids – lamb contains beneficial omega-3 and -6 acids. These fatty acids also help prevent inflammation and promote kidney and heart function. Omega fatty acids help dogs with arthritis and other long-term pain disorders.
High in vitamins B12 and B3 – vitamin B12 is essential for a healthy immune system, nervous system, and RBC formation while vitamin B3 promotes better digestion and energy production.
Rich in iron and zinc – these minerals work by keeping the body’s functions in good shape, which makes it easier for your dog to fight off illnesses. Zinc is a crucial component of thyroid function and metabolism, while iron is vital for blood production, giving your dog the energy they need.
Getting the right nutrients makes a world of difference between sickness and good health. Add lamb to your dog’s diet by trying our Free-Range Grass-Fed Lamb adult dog food. We use a unique recipe that includes antioxidant-rich manuka honey and vitamin-rich rosehip, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for bone health.Our grain-free pet food is made in New Zealand with locally procured, single-source protein, making it suitable for dogs with allergies.
Lamb has numerous health benefits for your dog. As a natural source of healthy fats, minerals, vitamins, and acids, lamb is a superior choice—and the best part is that it is a flavour that dogs enjoy!
‘Small batch’ is the emblem we see on several products in our grocery aisles that has now made its way to our pet’s food bowls.
You may have stumbled upon the term while searching for quality pet food or a fellow paw parent may have recommended it. Whatever the case, pet food made in small batches is a promising new norm—it’s healthy and nutrient-dense, which means it meets our pets’ nutritional needs, adult or otherwise.
While it’s easy to chalk up a small batch as a trend, it’s more than just a buzzword or a fad. It’s here to stay (and for a long time). But what is it, and why does it matter?
What Is Small Batch?
Small batch is a more ethical approach to crafting high-quality pet food, where care and attention to detail influence the quality of the final product. Small batch production combines traditional and modern techniques, resulting in fewer but higher quality products.
Small-batch producers make the conscious decision to create lower quantities rather than sacrifice quality to ramp up output.
earthmade by Boneve Small-batch Difference
Here in earthmade by Boneve, we craft in small batches and inspect each pack to make sure it meets our standards. It’s well-balanced nutrition combined with 100% locally sourced, grain-free, hypoallergenic, and limited-ingredient components selected to work together for pet diets. Plus, we use only the best quality protein sources (no antibiotics or hormones). All are GMO-free.
Combined with our well-thought-out recipes, the result is natural pet food that does not sacrifice nutritional balance.
The earthmade by Boneve difference is characterised by:
Quality – crafting in small quantities allows for more careful cooking and better production, resulting in a fresh, high-quality product.
Clean ingredients – the quality of ingredients is a huge factor in feeding our pets. Pet food made in small batches uses carefully chosen, whole ingredients that meet your pet’s dietary requirements for optimal health. Fresh and natural pet food eliminates the need for harmful additives, lowering your pet’s chances of developing or triggering a food allergy.
Better palatability – Small batch production often means that the products are always naturally harvested, so they taste better and are ideal even for the pickiest of eaters.
Additive-free – Our products are in their purest, most natural form because there are absolutely zero chemical additives or artificial extenders. These are unnecessary fillers since pet food aren’t supposed to sit on a shelf for years.
Purity – Recalls and contamination in pet food are becoming increasingly common, making the quality of ingredients even more of a worry. Small batches are less likely to be contaminated because they contain ingredients from fewer sources.
We do not believe in minimising expenses, cutting corners, or changing our methods. Our products stay true to our recipes, which embody our ‘less is more’ culture. Choosing our small batch of pet food means healthier, more natural, and more sustainable nourishment for your pets.
With small batch, the process is just as important as the ingredients. Because our focus is on quality, our small batch pet food not only makes our dogs and cats enjoy chow time a bit more, but they also gain more substantial nutritional and health benefits.
Browse our products and see the earthmade difference here.
Fat has a bad rep; we often look elsewhere when we find it on food. But fat is an essential component of a well-balanced diet; an inadequate balance of good fats in our dog’s diet results in dry, itchy skin, dull coat, weakened immune system, and vulnerability to other health problems.
One alternative is chicken fat. It’s a highly digestible source of animal fat with a high linoleic (omega-6) acid content. Chicken fat not only provides a more natural source of omega-3 fatty acids but it also makes food more appetising for our dogs. It’s a natural animal fat source that provides your pet with essential fatty acids that they can’t produce on their own but are vital for proper growth and development. Fats also help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Vitamin D, in particular, helps the body take in calcium and keep your dog’s bones healthy and strong.
Chicken fat can be part of a healthy diet for your dog. But, as always, the key is moderation and making sure that your protein, carbs, and fat are all in the right amounts.
In case your dog is allergic to chicken, this means they are actually allergic to the protein found in chicken meat rather than chicken as a whole. And because chicken fat has no chicken protein, it’s less likely to provoke your dog’s immune system.
Dog food with fats already in them is the best and wholesome option, like earthmade by Boneve grain-free dry food. It’s a great choice for growing dogs and sensitive dogs alike, packed with tasty protein, iron, essential nutrients, novel ingredients, and chicken fat. Our chicken fat is easily digestible, so dogs can quickly turn it into energy.
If you reside in a chilly climate, your dogs will require extra energy to stay warm. A higher fat diet can help while also providing them with the stamina necessary to adapt to the cold and wind.
As always, make the change gradually when introducing a new diet to your dog. If you have concerns about your dog’s allergies, please consult your veterinarian before selecting a new dog food or switching from an existing one. Your veterinarian can go over the ingredients and assist you in choosing the best food for your dog.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need a hefty amount of protein to be healthy. They can eat meat like chicken, fish meat like tuna, salmon, and sardine. But this also begs the question, ‘Can cats eat beef?’
It’s no surprise if your cat turns up their nose at even the most decadent of food. So we’re always on the lookout for alternatives that aren’t just delicious but nutritious as well. The thought may have crossed your mind to let your finicky friend try beef, but you’re unsure if they can eat it or if it’s actually safe for them.
Can cats eat beef?
The simple and straight answer is, yes, your cat can eat beef. It’s nutritious and an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It will even help give their muscles and soft tissues the building blocks they need to repair and stay healthy. Most cats like to eat beef, so they are likely to enjoy some every now and then.
As with any new food, some cats may get a reaction on the first try. Start with a small amount. If your cat enjoys it and there are no ill effects, you can continue to include beef in their diet.
A reasonable suggestion would be to feed them beef once or twice a week. This way, you can be sure that your cat’s getting everything they need while also enjoying a little variety. When in doubt, talk to your veterinarian to help create a diet designed specifically for your cat’s needs.
Health benefits of beef
Beef is also rich in minerals like iron, zinc, manganese, and selenium, which are all important for health and nourishment. Beef is also a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and B complex vitamins.
It’s well-known that cats require adequate taurine intake, and beef liver is a wonderful source. Feeding your cat beef liver will keep them strong and healthy while meeting their taurine needs.
Can cats eat raw beef?
There’s a significant debate on whether or not a raw diet is advisable for cats.
Nutrition-wise, raw beef brings some benefits to your cat’s health. Raw beef is high in protein, nutrition, and moisture. It’s suitable for cats who don’t like to drink water.
However, we have to be cautious of the meat’s source, especially its quality and handling process (particularly salmonella). Cats can get sick because of parasites and bacteria living in raw meat. It’s possible for cats to pass this on to humans, spreading bacteria around the house.
Raw beef can pose a threat to your cat’s health. Always get ingredients from safe and reliable sources to ensure food safety. Our cats’ ancestors have grown in the wild, and meat from prey has always been their primary diet. But our domesticated felines have come a long way, so raw beef may be too much for their sensitive stomachs to handle.
If you want to try feeding raw beef to your cat, reach out to an animal nutritionist. They can assist you in developing a complete and balanced diet for your cat that includes raw beef. They can also advise you on how to properly manage a raw diet.
The pros of beef for your cat
Beef comes with many benefits. The fatty acids found in meat improves a cat’s coat and gives it a healthy sheen. Chewing raw beef also aids in dental health, making teeth strong and sturdy.
Just be extra cautious as raw beef (or any kind of raw meat, for that matter) tends to come with bacteria. Some can be good for your cat, but most are not. Certain harmful bacteria, like salmonella, E. coli, and legionella, can pass from cats to humans, which can cause illness in both.
Also, if your cat accidentally ingested a piece of bone, it could lead to choking or internal injuries. This requires immediate attention and can sometimes need a surgical procedure to remove the bone.
To include beef in your cat’s diet without the risk of harmful bacteria, try earthmade Free-Range Grass-Fed Beef. Our beef is free-range and grass-fed, sustainably sourced from New Zealand. Our kibbles are also BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy)-free. BSE is a transmissible and fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects cattle, which has never been detected in New Zealand.
It’s enriched with rosehip extract and high in antioxidants, vitamins A and E, and omega-3 fatty acids. It also has kiwi for vitamin C, which helps with hairball control. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also present for joint health. Manuka honey’s antibacterial properties can strengthen the immune system while also reducing gut inflammation. earthmade kibbles are suitable for all life stages too.
The verdict is beef can be safely fed to cats. Start in small quantities to give your cat time to adjust to their new food. This also gives you ample time to check for side effects that can cause health problems. As always, consult your vet to make sure beef is suitable for your cat.
Time to spring into action! April is Canine Fitness Month, and it’s the best time to grab your running shoes together with your furry best friend.
Our loyal companions need regular exercise for both their physical and mental health. Because dogs tend to become sedentary as they age, they can be prone to obesity, which can cause sore joints, diabetes, and more.
To combat a sedentary lifestyle, Canine Fitness Month encourages paw parents to take a step toward developing healthier habits with our four-legged family members. Regular exercise is crucial to your dog’s health, and it comes with a plethora of benefits, including keeping your dog’s joints and muscles healthy, shedding extra pounds, and working off the excess energy. Plus, it’s a great bonding time too! But before you start, check with your veterinarian to make sure your dog has a clean bill of health before exercising.
Now, time to stretch your legs! Here are some ways to help boost your dog’s activity level.
Walking
Walking around your neighbourhood is one of the best and simplest ways to start your dog’s road to physical fitness. Walking provides mental stimulation, physical exercise, and a chance to socialise. Like kids, dogs are curious and want to explore. If they are confined indoors for too long, they will get bored, which can sometimes lead to destructive behavior.
Walking helps with proper weight and it’s a good outlet for pent-up energy. You can also consider walking as a training opportunity. Not all dogs are comfortable to walk on a leash, so this is a chance to teach your dog how to follow your lead. Don’t forget to bring treats and water for your dog and yourself!
Playtime
Playing with your dogs is always fun. What we don’t often consider is that the benefits go well beyond just having fun. Aside from bonding with your dog, playtime can improve behaviour and relieve stress.
Adding in a little more playtime improves your dog’s overall mood (yours too). Spending time with your pup can have a calming effect, and some studies have shown that it can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Dogs with regular play are also less likely to develop problematic behaviour like excessive barking and chewing. When dogs get bored, they’ll find their own ways to entertain themselves—and that boredom often leads to chewed-up shoes and a couch. Keep your dogs active and engaged with regular playtime!
Hide-and-seek
Hide-and-seek can boost your dog’s problem-solving abilities, stay calm when you are gone, and reinforce their recall skills (running back to you when called). It’s an exercise for both the dog’s body and brain because they’ll have to think and walk around to search for you.
Dogs have all the basic instincts for hide-and-seek. Teach your dog the rules, and you both can have fun indoors or out playing this beneficial game. Don’t forget to reward your dog with treats or a belly rub for being a good sport!
Take the stairs
Stair exercise may not be suitable for all dogs, but it comes with a lot of benefits for those who can. One of the many advantages of stair exercise is that it uses muscles not typically targeted when walking. It engages a dog’s legs, hips, shoulders, lower back muscles, and even their core.
Dogs have to lift their entire body weight from one step to the next. When they go back down, they have to control their descent, which involves negative contraction of the muscles. However, this exercise should be done carefully, as running up and down the steps at speed may result in injury.
Dog park visits
Going to the dog park rather than the yard fosters a more active environment. Dog parks are an excellent place to improve your dog’s social skills by letting them interact with other dogs of all shapes, ages, breeds, and sizes. They will also have the chance to meet and greet lots of dog-loving people. Dogs who interact and play with others get a lot of mental stimulation as well.
Make sure your dog is comfortable playing with others before going to the dog park. Not all dogs are candidates for dog-park play, and not all dog parks are suitable for all dogs.
Nosework
Nosework is probably one of the best activities you can do to bond with your dog. Inspired by working detection dogs, nose work taps your dog’s hunting instincts for a specific purpose: to detect a scent and find its source.
No prior training and obedience are required for nosework. Start with hiding treats and reward your pup after they find it! This will help increase their interest in the game. The beauty of this sport is that it allows your dog to use their most highly developed sense while also keeping them active physically. Plus, nosework helps shy or fearful dogs build confidence or channel the energy of hyper dogs into fun searches.
Any dog can do nosework. You can set it up anywhere, even in the smallest of spaces.
Obstacle course
Dogs are a big fluffy ball of energy. As you can probably guess, agility is great for helping your pup release their potential energy in a safe and fun way.
Jumping is a great first activity to teach your dog, especially if you’re both new to obstacle training. Setting up your own is doable without breaking the bank. If you have a laundry basket, empty cardboard boxes, or a stack of pillows, you’re ready to make short, beginner jumps for your buddy.
Apart from the physical benefits, an obstacle course can also help build your dog’s confidence, develop self-control, and strengthen natural instincts, to name a few.
Hiking
Hiking is not just a great way to relax; it’s also the best time to bond with nature. You don’t need any high-tech gear to start. If you can walk, you and your dog can hike!
Adventuring with your dog in the woods is a great workout that doesn’t feel like it. Your focus will shift to the beauty of nature and your dog’s enjoyment.
Hiking helps with weight maintenance and mental stimulation as trails provide new scents, sounds, and sights. Make sure your dog is physically ready before hiking! Once you start hiking, increase the distance and intensity over time.
Swimming
Besides being fun, swimming does great things to your dog’s overall health. Water resistance makes your dog work harder to swim.
The aerobic workout helps improve muscular strength while also working the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It’s also an excellent therapy for dogs rehabilitating from an injury or surgery or having joint problems.
Not all dogs are good swimmers. If your pet struggles with swimming, use a safety vest designed for dogs. This will help them stay afloat and have a great time.
Puzzles
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Give your dog the mental stimulation they need for a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Puzzles provide mental exercise, decrease anxiety and boredom, and increase your dog’s problem-solving skills. Keep in mind that most dogs are quick to solve the problem. To keep your dog motivated, advance your pup to more complex puzzles once they’ve mastered the simpler ones.
Many interactive toys are designed to stimulate a dog’s brain and satisfy natural canine behaviours. Look for one that best resonates with your pup!
Remember that exercise needs are based on your dog’s age, breed, size, and overall health. A good rule of thumb is at least 30 minutes of exercise every day (when in doubt, reach out to your veterinarian). Younger dogs and dogs bred for sports may need much more.
Keep your dog’s vaccination up to date to prevent transmission of diseases when socialising or exploring nature. Don’t forget to keep your pup hydrated too! Outdoor activities are fun but can sometimes be strenuous. Last but not the least, reward your dog for a job well done! A reward will make them look forward to your next adventure!
Any cat parent will tell you that senior cats are wonderful companions and make excellent cuddle partners. But as your feline friend ages, their needs will change and they’ll require extra love and care to stay healthy.
What once was a rambunctious kitty is now older and beginning to show subtle signs of ageing –often referred to as ‘slowing down.’ Cats mature between 7 to 10, become officially old at around 11, and geriatric around 15 years. It’s important to recognize that senior cats have entirely different needs.
Caring for your ageing cat takes extra time and effort. You may need to make changes around the house and their everyday routine. We’ve compiled a few helpful tips to increase your cat’s quality of life as they age.
Change their diet
A proper diet means feeding the right food at the appropriate amount. As cats get older, their bodily function and nutritional needs will change. They often become thinner, losing both fat and muscle mass. Their system now makes more effort to digest and absorb nutrients, particularly fat and protein.
High quality and easily digestible protein from sources like chicken is beneficial for senior cats along with a diet that’s low in sodium and phosphorus. Senior cats are prone to kidney problems as they age so those with chronic kidney disease should go for a kidney support diet. Food with glucosamine and/or fatty acids such as DHA is also ideal, especially for senior cats with mobility issues. Gradually transition to avoid stomach issues. If you’re unsure of how to begin, your vet can help guide you on the most suitable diet for your senior cat.
Senior cats are also prone to obesity. Be mindful of the extra weight that puts more pressure on your cat’s joints.
Keep them hydrated
Staying hydrated is incredibly vital for senior cats. Water intake keeps organs functioning properly. It supports a healthy urinary tract and helps the kidneys flush out toxins. Cats can be picky with water, so it’s best to encourage them to drink enough. Getting your cat hydrated is just as important as feeding them proper nutrition.
To encourage water consumption, give your senior cat easy access to their water bowls. Don’t forget to consider your senior cat’s personal preference in water (cool, warm, etc) and to use their favorite water bowl if they have one.
Place them in areas they frequent and always keep the bowl fresh and wash every after use. A drinking fountain is also an excellent way to entice your senior cat to drink. Cats are keener on flowing water than a stagnant one. If you suspect that your cat is dehydrated, reach out to your veterinarian.
Help with their grooming and hygiene
Cats are fastidious groomers but your senior cat may struggle to groom themselves as much as they used to. A loss in mobility or health issues may make it difficult for them to reach certain areas of their body. Help maintain their coat in good condition with gentle brushing, trimming their fur, or bathing them in lukewarm water.
The claws of an ageing feline can become thick and brittle and may require more frequent clipping. You can trim them on your own or professionally to ensure no overgrown nails could cause them pain.
It’s also important to look after your senior cat’s teeth and gums. Poor dental hygiene can put them at risk and cause damage to other organs. Brush their teeth daily at home or talk to your vet about maintaining good dental health for senior cats.
Keep them moving and active
It’s sad to see our cats become less active as they age. No more sudden swinging from drapes or chasing laser pointers! However, it’s vital that they remain active for good health, just not with vigorous exercise as it can potentially injure them.
Make time for gentle play to get your senior cat’s joints moving and increase blood flow throughout the body. Use catnip, feathers on strings, or soft toys you can toss to get them moving.
But don’t forget their mental health. Mental stimulation is crucial for preventing cognitive decline. Food games will help stimulate their mind to keep it active and sharp.
Take your senior cat to regular visits and exams with your trusted veterinarian since it’s best to detect health problems early. Senior cats need your love, compassion, and attention. Give them extra care and cherish every moment together.
Many dogs become lifetime companions for humans. A pup can be born in a household, grow up, then reach old age at the same address. Dogs have limited lifespans, but that doesn’t make them any less special than a human’s other companions in the household. We can treat these canines with care that they deserve, especially once they grow old. So it’s not surprising that managing senior dogs continues to be a trending topic among pet owners. What are some significant steps to take as you care for your ageing dog at home? Follow these tips below.
Provide Accessories for Senior Dogs
Just like us humans, senior dogs don’t have the same strength or vitality they had when they were younger. This is why certain products or accessories are available to help senior dogs maintain a comfortable quality of life at their age. Orthopaedic beds, warmers, and anti-slip socks are some examples you can provide for your elderly doggy. These simple investments can help relieve joint aches, maintain a comfortable temperature, or stabilise walking.
Maintain a Healthy Diet for Them
Feed senior dogs food that’s recommended for their age to maintain a healthy diet for their age. Follow a veterinarian’s advice if your senior dog has specific medical needs. After all, veterinary doctors know what diet or supplement would best work for your pet’s condition. Your canine companion’s diet becomes more delicate as they age, so don’t feed them anything not approved by their vet.
Visit Your Veterinarian Regularly
Speaking of veterinary help, pet owners are still expected to visit their trusted vets regularly. This lets veterinarians monitor your senior dog’s health and recommend specific plans of action in case of medical conditions that need urgent attention. This habit is a worthwhile investment with how it gives you peace of mind and your ageing dog a healthier quality of life.
Maintain Their Mental and Physical Activity
Stimulate your dog with brain games and scavenger hunts to keep their mind and body active at their age. You can do these at a pace that they can keep up with so as not to tire them out. For example, you can hide their favourite treats at various hidden spots around the house that they can then go and find. For physical activities, you can do simple fetch, provide chew toys, or do simple swimming if your canine is unafraid of the water.
Senior dogs deserve the same attention and love we gave them when they were younger, if no moreso. They are our furry, loyal life companions that often bore witness to every ups and downs in our life. They might not have the same youthful playfulness they had before, we must still understand their lifespan, age, and the changes that come with such. By taking these to heart, we can learn to respect our canine friends and realise our role as their human caretakers.
The time we have with our cats and dogs will never be long enough. But just like us, they grow old and their habits change. Understanding our pets’ life cycle allows us to enjoy each stage and cherish every moment with them.
Our pets’ life stage is one of the most important factors in their overall wellness and health. As they grow, their bodies change, and so do the nutrients from their food—such as protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Knowing what to expect with your pet’s different life stages won’t leave you surprised when they start showing signs of odd behavior. But before we dive in, first thing first.
Your pet’s nutritional needs
Good nutrition is the cornerstone of lifelong health for our pets. One of the most important feeding fundamentals to remember is that dogs and cats do not have the same nutritional requirements. Cats are obligate carnivores, while dogs are considered omnivores. Dog food lacks some of the essential nutrients cats need (the opposite may be true as well).
In general, dog food may have a combination of meat, fruits, and vegetables. On the other hand, cats need a higher amount of protein in their diet. Both cats and dogs break down protein during digestion and absorb amino acids from it. Dogs require 10 essential amino acids while cats require 11 proper growth and development.
Besides the nutritional component, taste is a big difference between dog food and cat food. Cats may not appreciate some elements found in dog food. Meanwhile, dogs may enjoy cat food because of its high protein content, but that doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for them. Plus, protein levels in cat food might upset your dog’s stomach, so best to keep it out of reach.
Your pet’s life stage
Now that we’ve covered your pet’s nutritional needs, here’s a brief guide on what to expect as your pets move through different stages of life.
Puppies and kittens
The most crucial stage of growth is the puppy/kitten stage. Feeding them properly will avoid stunted growth and deficiencies.
Both puppies and kittens need food higher in calcium and phosphorus, which help good bone health. But for the first four to five weeks, it’s essential to let puppies and kittens nurse for as long as possible. They get essential protection from germs through antibodies in their mother’s milk. If their mother isn’t around, milk replacement formulas, commercial or homemade, would suffice.
By the fourth or fifth week, puppies will start getting their teeth, and the weaning process will begin. Puppies may eat solid food at about 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 weeks old. They become mobile at this age and will start to explore their environment. If you see your puppy sampling food from their mother’s bowl, it’s usually a sign that they are ready to try solid food.
On the other hand, kittens usually start weaning from three to four weeks old, taking two to three weeks to complete. This is the time to start setting out moistened food for them. Kittens typically have sensitive tummies so a longer food transition period is recommended. By the time your kitten is five to seven weeks old, they are ready to get nutrition from solid food.
Adult cats and dogs
Adult pets require a balance of protein, vitamins and minerals, fatty acids, fibre, and carbohydrates. Their diet should have just the right amount of calories to maintain a healthy weight.
For dogs at this stage, the food they need will largely depend on size and breed, and to a lesser extent, how regularly they exercise. Ensure you’re not overfeeding or underfeeding by keeping portion sizes consistent, which helps maintain your dog’s ideal weight.
Meanwhile, cats are creatures of habit so getting them into a fixed feeding routine as soon as they reach adulthood is most effective. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all diet that’s ideal for ALL cats, but they do need food that’s high in protein. Cats break down amino acids faster than dogs, but they’re also unable to make their own. Their bodies’ metabolism does not adjust the rate of protein breakdown (like other animals do), so they consistently need a high amount of protein in their diet.
Senior pets
Senior/mature pets have no medically clear definition. The label ‘senior’ or ‘mature’ generally refers to dogs older than six to eight years, but it depends on the dog’s breed. For example, smaller breeds are considered seniors when they are 10 to 12 years old, but bigger breeds become seniors at five or six years old.
Senior or mature dogs usually require reduced fat and calories but with a blend of vitamins, minerals, and supplements. This is to help their immune system and promote healthy kidneys and joints. Some may need more protein in their diet because the protein stores of a senior dog run out more quickly than those of younger dogs. Dogs start to lose muscle mass as they age—just like us—but extra protein may supply the amino acids to help make up for that loss.
Cats mature between 7-10 years while senior catsare generally classified as ‘senior’ between 11-14 years old. Like dogs, cats use less energy as they age so they won’t need as many calories to keep them going. Plenty of cat food is formulated with protein that’s easier on a mature cat’s stomach and gentler on their teeth.
What we recommend
Made for all life stages, earthmade products are easily digestible and nutritious. It’s naturally made without using artificial preservatives.
Dogs run the gamut of ‘I want to eat everything’ to ‘eating isn’t fun,’ but earthmade Free-Range Grass-Fed Lamb Adult Dog Food is brimming with tasty protein, iron, and essential nutrients that they can’t say no to. It boosts your dog’s vitality, strength, and energy. With added rosehip for coat care, manuka honey for antioxidants and healthy digestion, and kiwi for vitamin C, it’s great for both adult and senior dogs.
It also has glucosamine, which helps support joint health and slow down the progression of arthritis, and chondroitin, which improves mobility in your senior pet’s arthritic limbs. It’s an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids for a more robust immune system and enhanced brain development.
Cats can be picky eaters but not with earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Cat Food. It’s an ideal addition to their diet as it’s rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids that can lessen allergic reactions and develop better skin and coat, to name a few. It’s high in antioxidants, vitamins A and E, and kiwi for vitamin C. Kiwi also contains a good amount of fibre that can help with digestive issues and hairball control.
As always, speak to your vet when making major changes in your pet’s diet. They can guide you with what’s best for your pet inside and out.
Each stage of your pet’s life has its own challenges but it also comes with joys and experiences to remember. Make every moment count and be proactive in supporting them as their health and needs change.
There is nothing more natural than food made fresh from the source. This is why the popularity of locally-sourced ingredients keeps attracting new followers through the years. Such ingredients benefit humans, pets, and the environment in specific ways.
Experts and laymen alike cite health benefits as the main reason why locally made ingredients are better than ones imported elsewhere. Besides this, you might not be familiar with the other benefits of ingredients sourced locally. Here are four major benefits of locally-sourced ingredients to humans, nature, and pets.
Reduction of carbon footprint or pollution
For the environment, locally-sourced ingredients minimise pollution because they don’t typically call for far transportation. Usually, importation of ingredients involves air, land or sea transport that consumes fuel and expel smoke during long drives. Locally-sourced ingredients have less need of this, which helps reduce carbon footprint and pollution. While it may be impossible to completely omit carbon footprint in business, let’s support brands that reduce as best as they can.
Safety checked by local authorities
Local authorities can also guarantee the safety and quality of ingredients made locally. They are able to get more hands-on and see the production themselves. Local authorities may already know the farmers and producers who handle the ingredients, so there’s a level of trust and familiarity in the process. An example would be the ingredients of pet food brand earthmade. They are checked for safety and quality by the Ministry of Primary Industries in New Zealand where earthmade ingredients are made.
Freshness and nutrients with less travel time
The certification issued by authorities guarantee the quality of locally-made ingredients, but another factor is also the travel time. Produce gets picked once ripe, but the time it takes to pack and ship them to stores elsewhere can make them less fresh for consumption. Locally-made ingredients are not coated with chemicals that help them withstand the long commute since such trips aren’t really needed. Because locally-sourced ingredients don’t have such chemicals, these benefit people who want to eat food they choose and enjoy much of its nutrients.
Palatable for pets with picky tastes
Because locally-sourced ingredients tend to be safe, fresh, and packed with nutrients, they can be more palatable as food for pets with picky tastes. Animals have keen senses when it comes to what they eat, so it’s no surprise that they would prefer tasty and nutritious food compared to one that smells and tastes less fresh or healthy. Common household pets like dogs and cats have finite lifespans, so pet owners have to choose food that has the finest ingredients for pets to stay healthy.
Going for Local
Now that you know the benefits of ingredients sourced locally, you can rethink your current choices when it comes to food for you or your pet animal. We’ve learned that such ingredients not only benefit humans and animals but the environment as well. This is the reason more and more are going for local sourcing when it comes to food.
With earthmade, we humans, pets, and Nature are all stakeholders. The brand is conscientious with how the business might affect all three, so we do our best in following these four aspects: reducing our carbon footprint, seeking local authorities to check our production, keeping our products fresh, and ensuring our pet food is palatable for picky pets. This is why we champion locally-sourced ingredients.
