The Honest Kitchen - pet food with a passion

Companion animal obesity is becoming increasingly common. In the US, The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) found approximately 53% of cats and 55% of dogs were overweight or obese in 2010.

As a general rule of thumb, your pet is at a healthy weight if the ribs are easily felt, stomach doesn’t sag and the waist is easily noted when viewed from above. Your pet is overweight if ribs are difficult to feel under the fat, stomach sags, back is broad and flat and the waist is barely visible or absent. If you feel your pet might be overweight, your best bet is to take them to their vet for a screening.

Those extra few pounds do more than provide extra fluff, it places unnecessary burden on their joints, organs and overweight pets are at high risk for: Osteoarthritis, Type 2 Diabetes, Respiratory disorders, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Heart Disease and many forms of Cancer, according to the APOP.

Ever wonder what those pounds would equate to if fido or fluffy was a person?

Obese Cat – 19 pounds, Ideal weight 10 lbs is analogous to:

A 5’4” female adult weighing 276 lbs (131 lbs over maximum normal weight of 145 lbs)
A 5’9” male weighing 321 lbs. (152 lbs. over maximum normal weight of 169 lbs)

Obese Dog – 48 lbs, Ideal weight 20-22 lbs is analogous to:

A 5’4” female adult weighing 317 lbs (172 lbs over maximum normal weight of 145 lbs)
A 5’9” male weighing 368 lbs. (199 lbs over maximum normal weight of 169 lbs)

(data from The Association for Pet Obesity: http://www.petobesityprevention.com/)

What’s causing this trend?
In addition to over-feeding, over-treating and under-exercising, slightly overweight pets are becoming the new ‘normal’. In 2009, the APOP reported that veterinarians noted 44% of their dogs and cats patients were overweight – when just 17% of pet owners would have considered their pets overweight. That means only 40% of overweight pets have owners who, first, recognize there is a problem with their pets’ weight, and can take necessary, life saving measures.

What to do if you have an overweight pet

First, it’s important not to starve your pet —significantly reducing the amount of food they’re consuming may create nutritional deficiencies, and in cats cause Fatty Liver Disease. It’s important to feed your pet a high quality diet, like an Honest Kitchen recipe, give your dog lots of love and exercise and limit treats.

“I believe dogs, like humans, benefit most from eating a diet consisting of a wide variety of whole, fresh and unprocessed ingredients,” said Dr. Ernie Ward, founder of the APOP. “If our ultimate goal is to prevent disease, what we eat and feed today becomes the foundation of our future. There is no better way to sustain health than by combining an optimal diet with daily aerobic exercise.”

In terms of diet, there are several approaches to managing obesity in pets. Conventionally, low fat foods have been used with some success – our recipes Verve™ and Zeal™ are both naturally low in fat at 8.5%.

A newer, alternative approach has been to limit carbohydrate intake to help achieve & maintain a healthy body weight. This is surprisingly, a logical choice for a canine – most people agree now that dog’s GI tracts are not designed to process an overload of processed ingredients or an excess of grain. Embark™ and Love™ are very high protein & fat with low carbohydrate content – ideal for maintaining lean body mass in more active dogs.

Cats have no biological need for grains as they are true carnivores. The Honest Kitchen has two grain-free and low carbohydrate foods for adult cats, Prowl™ and Grace™.

You should also restrict the amount of treats given each day. Reserve treats for rewards only and perhaps just one at bedtime. If you are training a pet, use vegetables such as baby-carrots, broccoli, celery, and other crunchy healthy treats. The Honest Kitchen’s Pecks™, for dogs, contain just .6 calorie per treat and our Wishes™, for dogs and cats, are 100% pure dehydrated Haddock – which is high in protein and low in fat with virtually no carbohydrates.

Remember that a tired dog is a happy dog. You should strive for at least 30 minutes of brisk activity per day. For your feline friends, try playing with feather-dancers, remote-controlled toys or play “find the food.” Divide your cat’s food into small soy sauce bowls and distribute them around your house. This will force lazy cats to get moving.

Have more suggestions? Leave your comments below!

Inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) or urethra, as well as formation of crystals and infections, is surprisingly common in dogs, and especially cats. The symptoms include straining, increased frequency of urination and the appearance of blood in the urine.

Any time urinary tract problems occur there is a potential risk for serious illness to result, so it’s always important to get a proper veterinary diagnosis before treatment begins. Urinary tract infections can track back towards the kidneys if left untreated, resulting in a really painful and debilitating kidney infection.

Urinary tract or bladder inflammation, infections and crystals can also be extremely painful. Vomiting, lethargy and blood in the urine along with prolonged straining and crying out in pain when attempting to urinate, are serious red flags which signal that immediate veterinary attention is needed.

Infections
Urinary tract infections often require prescription antibiotics, to help overcome the bacterial overgrowth. However, many holistic vets dispute whether antibiotic use is actually justified in many cases, claiming that most bladder problems are not actually caused by infections. Any time antibiotics are prescribed, it’s a good idea to supplement with a probiotic to help replenish any good bacteria in the GI tract that may get destroyed as the antibiotics do their work. Adding a couple of tablespoons of plain, live-culture yogurt to the food can also help.

It’s important for Fido to be able to relieve himself frequently, especially if he’s prone to urinary tract problems. Having to ‘hold it’ for long periods of time can trigger off infections. In addition to making proper arrangements for a pup who’s home alone all day to get out for bathroom breaks, it’s also important to schedule rest stops when travelling. Some pets are anxious outside of their normal surroundings and stress can make the problem worse, as well.

Crystals
Urinary tract crystals do not always signify a medical problem that needs treatment. Crystals are a normal finding in many dogs and are simply a way of eliminating the normal products of metabolism. However, some pets can experience health concerns such as blockages from crystals, which may also develop into stones. Only a licensed veterinarian can determine if a patient needs medical management for urinary crystals. If crystals are detected in the urine, it’s important to diagnose of the type, because they require very different treatment protocols. It’s also important that urinary samples are tested for pH promptly; the longer a specimen is left, the more alkaline the urine can become, which sometimes leads to an inaccurate reading.

The two main types of crystals (struvite and calcium oxalate) are diametrically opposed to one another.

Struvite Crystals are more likely to occur when the urine is too alkaline (or not sufficiently acidic). The approach here is to try to make the urine more acidic, which may dissolve existing crystals and also help to prevent the development of new ones.

Animals with urine that is too alkaline (those prone to struvite crystal formation) can also be susceptible to urinary tract infections. Research is ongoing to determine whether one condition causes the other, or the two things just flare up when the pH becomes high. Antibiotics will help to correct a true infection but they should not be used indiscriminately and it’s not recommended to use them long-term use in an attempt to ‘prevent’ infections.

Calcium Oxalate Crystals tend to develop when the urine is too acidic – or not sufficiently alkaline. Typically these crystals are treated with a product called Potassium Citrate, which acts to alkalinize the urine and dissolve these crystals as well as help prevent the development of more Calcium Oxalate.

Years ago, many pet food manufacturers began adding acidifying substances to their ‘prescription’ foods to help combat Struvite crystals, which at the time were the most common crystals to affect pets. Over the longer term however, these strongly ‘acidifying’ diets caused urine that was too acidic and as a result, the prevalence of calcium oxalate crystals has increased dramatically.

A holistic approach to health is all about balance, and helping the body to heal itself. You can monitor the pH of your pet’s urine yourself if you wish, using pH strips which are now quite commonly available. Any variances in the pH, which may indicate susceptibility to an infection or crystals developing, can be addressed with occasional supplement use, based on whether the urine has become more acidic or alkaline. Left untreated or undetected, crystals can form into stones which are even more difficult to address.

Incontinence
For issues of incontinence, where the dog loses control of her or his bladder, resulting in accidents and leaks, proper veterinary diagnosis is vital. The problem may be hormonal, behavioral or physiological and the treatment will depend on the cause.

Diet & Nutrition
Most holistic vets recommend feeding a good quality commercial food (not one of the ‘prescription’ diets which tend to be full of by-products and artificial ingredients including chemical preservatives) or better still – a homemade diet, along with a supplement that is suited to the type of crystals the pet has.

A diet that is higher in moisture is always best. More moisture or fluid intake helps to keep the whole urinary tract hydrated and ‘flushed out’, removing toxins like bacteria, and any crystals that may be starting to form.

Dry kibbled ‘pellet’ diets are the worst type of food for pets who have already experienced a urinary tract problem, or who are prone to infections and crystals. Dry food actually robs the system of moisture.

By definition, raw (BARF) and homemade (fresh and cooked) diets are much higher in moisture than their kibbled and baked counterparts. Canned food is another option for increasing the total moisture intake.

Home Remedies
While it’s not advisable to try treating urinary tract infections at home, there are some natural supplements that can help your dog before you reach the vet, or to maintain urinary tract health in between flare-ups. The homeopathic remedy Cantharis (Spanish Fly) is the most popular choice for cystitis.

Cranberries have been shown to contain a compound that prevents bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall and tissues of the urinary tract, so cranberry juice can be added to the food or drinking water. Always choose a natural, pure juice that is not sweetened. Fresh or dried cranberries can also be added to the diet. Blueberries have also been shown to have the same effect.

Herbs can also help to support long-term urinary tract health and provide soothing relief for certain conditions.
• Echinacea tincture is often recommended for acute infections and can be helpful for UTI’s.
• Uva Ursi is also recommended for bladder and kidney infections. It is believed to have an antiseptic action which cleanses the urinary tract.
• Horsetail helps to eliminate urinary tract infections and is especially useful for conditions where blood is present in the urine.
• Marshmallow herb is very soothing and helps to reduce inflammation and irritation of the urinary tract.
• Nettle has a strong affinity for the genitourinary tract. It is a natural diuretic and has a history of use for urinary tract infections and inflammation.
• Corn Silk is a diuretic, demulcent, antiseptic that has long been used as an herbal remedy for bedwetting

Anxiety is surprisingly common in pets, and it can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes a past trauma or bad experience is to blame, other times it’s a lack of proper socialization during the formative early months.  Sometimes, no logical reason for anxiety is known and an individual pet’s genetic makeup and inbuilt character just gives them a nervous disposition.

Some dogs or cats become terrified of strange objects, certain types of people, other animals, unfamiliar places, the dark, or cars. Even with reassurance, they are unable to rationalize what they’re afraid of. Sometimes, this can develop into a serious, life-threatening issue, for example extreme fear of fireworks or thunderstorms leading to a pet bolting from home.

Socialization is extremely important especially between the ages of 12 and 20 weeks when a young puppy’s mind is so impressionable. It’s vital that he have many positive and varied experiences with all sorts of sights, sounds and places and an opportunity to meet lots of different people and pets. Some socialization is also important before age 12 weeks but care should be taken to avoid contact with strange dogs or feces that could carry contagious diseases to which he doesn’t yet have immunity.

In extreme situations, anxiety can lead to long-term stress, which may result in diarrhea and vomiting, compulsive self-licking or destructive chewing and other behavioral problems.

A crate can be a useful tool for fearful dogs (except those who are afraid of confined spaces).  It offers a safe place for her to hide in, when she’s anxious. Crate training should be approached carefully and slowly with dogs who have an anxious disposition, so as to gradually build up their confidence to go in and stay there – even with the door closed. Feeding inside the crate, or offering a juicy marrow bone in there, can help the your dog to form positive associations with the crate. It’s also important that a nervous pet have the opportunity to exercise and play regularly in a safe place where she can’t come to any harm. This will provide an outlet for her nervous energy.

There are a number of really helpful complementary therapies that can work wonders in helping to alleviate fear and anxiety. Here are a few recommendations.

Herbs

Chamomile is a very helpful and well-known herb for easing anxiety. It also helps to soothe a tense tummy and alleviates mild GI upset, which may be linked to nervousness.

Oatstraw is a nutritive and nervous system tonic. Oat contains a number of constituents including flavonoids and alkaloids which help to provide a balance between lethargy and nervousness. It can have a calming effect on nervous animals but helps to stimulate the nervous system in those who are debilitated.

Passionflower is a mild sedative, pain reliever and anti-spasmodic.  It is calmative and often used for insomnia in people.

Valerian is a well-known, safe, gentle and natural sedative, which is useful for nervous anxiety. It also has mild pain-relieving properties and is anti-spasmodic, helping the patient to relax during physical pain and alleviate intestinal spasm or tummy upset caused by anxiety. Some herbalists use it for epilepsy, to help reduce the incidence of seizures. Valerian is not related to Valium in any way.

Skullcap is in the mint family. It’s a nervine herb which is commonly used for jittery anxiety and nervous tension, excitability, restlessness and hypersensitivity

St John’s Wort is another popular herbal remedy for anxiety and stress, since it relieves troublesome symptoms without sedation.

Nutrition

B-complex vitamins are very helpful for stress. Vitamin B12 and Folic acid are especially helpful. The amino acid phenylalanine is also used for anxiety; it helps to form a state of natural relaxation and has a positive effect on mood and behavior.

In Traditional Chinese medicine, fear may stem from weakness of the kidney or heart. Barley and Oats nourish these organs and the nervous system. Adding 1 teaspoon to ½ cup of these thoroughly cooked grains to the diet may help calm an anxious pet.

Flower Essences:

Honeysuckle is useful for more straightforward cases of separation anxiety.

Gorse is useful for despair and grief, especially when an owner has passed away

Rock rose helps to calm terror that manifests as trembling, cowering and panting as though the world might end.

Mimulus helps with fears of everyday life – strange places, the dark, and strangers or crowds for example.

Larch helps to cultivate bravery and courage along with emotional security.

Walnut helps to build up a sense of security and emotional independence.

Chestnut Bud can help as a preventive for a young dog, so that he can learn form his experiences and process new information to assist him in becoming an emotionally stable young dog.

You can add 3 drops of any or all of these flower essences to your pet’s water bowl. Some people also apply flower essence to their pet’s paws or ears.

Homeopathy:

Arsenicum album is very useful for fear and anxiety that are caused by a deep-seated insecurity – those pets who are constant worriers.

Aconite is especially good for animals who bite when they are frightened, especially when going to the veterinarian. Use 1-3 pellets (depending upon the animals size) 30 minutes before a vet visit to calm the animal.

Gelsemium is good for the animal who becomes weak, shaking with fear in the rear legs. Use 1 dose.

Training

If your dog or has developed anxiety or fear about something, gradual de-sensitization is a good approach to help him resolve his issues. For example, if he’s petrified of crowds, start off by introducing him to a very small group of people, maybe as few as two and give him lots of praise and treats in exchange for approaching them and saying hello.

Once he accepts the small group, try to have other people join in the same session, or take him somewhere where he’ll meet a few more people next time. Again, lots of praise and treats are vital as he shows willingness to interact. Try to ignore fearful behavior and don’t pick him up if he’s afraid! You could also try walking on the opposite side of the street to a school as children are arriving or leaving, so he can observe a crowd form a distance.

For fear of loud noises like fireworks, you could utilize the crate, offer something like a marrow bone to keep him occupied and perhaps turn on the TV or play some music to help drown out the noise. Make sure your pet is secure and unable to clamber out a window and come to harm.

Fear of strange objects can be overcome with a similar approach. Drop treats in a trail leading up to the scary item so that he can approach slowly and get rewarded along the way. Don’t force him to approach but gently coax him along. If you sit close to the item he may be more likely to approach. Once he gets really close, you can give an extra special treat and lots of praise so that he starts to form a positive association with the object of his fear.

With many dogs, a rather loud, overly-cheerful, sing-song voice (“Oh my goodness, that was SUCH a BIG LOUD truck, wasn’t it? You are SUCH a brave boy!”) seems to be more reassuring than a gentle “It’s OK, come on…… don’t worry” in a low voice – so see which version works better for your dog.

Also, we’ve just released an herbal tea, Quiet, which promotes calmness and can help alleviate anxiety in dogs and cats. Learn more here.

Summer is full of fun for most dogs, but there are some risks to our hottest time of year. Read on to learn how to keep your dog safe, and enjoy summer to its full potential.

Heat stroke is a major risk for dogs, because they don’t have the ability to cool themselves through sweating; they rely primarily on panting as well as some heat loss through the paws. If you suspect your dog has heat stroke (indicated by excessive panting or difficulty breathing, pale gums, bright red tongue, disorientation or confusion, increased heart rate, thickened saliva, vomiting, or collapse), the first thing to do, is get the animal out of the heat; wet them completely down with cool (not freezing cold) water if possible, and apply cold water continuously. Place ice packs around the dog if you can, but not in direct contact with his body, as this can actually restrict capillaries in the skin, and get to a veterinarian immediately – with the car’s air conditioning running.

You can administer Rescue Remedy every 10 minutes as well, to help calm the animal. Rescue Remedy is a great tool to have for any stressful situation and is incredibly safe to use. The most common cause of heat stroke is from being left in a parked car, or over-exertion such as hiking or other exercise in very hot weather without sufficient rest in the shade and cool drinks. Always plan ahead and take water with you. It may be better to leave your dog at home, rather than risk his health by letting him stay in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

Dehydration involves a loss of body fluid (water and electrolytes) can be potentially fatal, and usually results from GI upset (diarrhea and vomiting), lack of water or food intake, fever or over-exposure to heat. Severe dehydration leads to organ failure. Signs and symptoms include Lack of skin elasticity & sunken eyes, dry mouth, scant (or sometimes excessive) urination, lethargy, and delayed capillary refill time (a delay in the amount of time it takes for the normal pink color to return, after the gum goes white when it is pressed).

Sun Burn Many animals, especially those with lighter hair and skin, can get sunburn and skin cancers as well. As you apply and reapply sun block to yourself, don’t forget to add some to pink, thin furred noses and ears as well as exposed tummies.
There are many good quality canine sun blocks on the market but if necessary, a child’s hypoallergenic, natural sunblock (ideally one without parabens) will do. Particular care should be taken for dogs who have had their fur trimmed for summer. This can expose the delicate skin underneath, which doesn’t usually get much contact with the sun.

Paw Pads Use caution during the hot months when walking your dog. Black top and other hard surfaces like concrete as well as the sand at the beach, can get scorching hot. Parking lots, leather seats, and truck beds can also burn and blister your dog’s pads. It’s sometimes tempting to wet the paws to cool them down but this can actually make matters worse, becuase wet feet will sizzle even more when they come back in contact with a hot surface. Paw pad booties are a wise investment if you plan to be out and about in summertime. A torn up towel and tape will work in an emergency situation, to protect the paws until you can get home. Calendula and Aloe creams or gels are helpful for soothing blistered, sore paws.

Snakes For those who live in rattlesnake territory, be aware that snakes love to sun themselves and will lie out on in the middle of a trail to catch some rays. There are rattlesnake avoidance classes for dogs available in many areas, and a rattlesnake vaccine has now been developed but its reliability and safety have been questioned by some vets.