Animals used to live on raw food before we domesticated them. However, we have got out pets used to food that is cooked and highly nutritional. It is devoid of any bacteria too. Pet foods are manufactured keeping in mind all the nutrition they need. While raw meat is still the staple diet of wild animals, it is slowly making a comeback as several brands are selling them. There are many who argue that raw meat is harmful to pets. Nonetheless, there are facts supporting both sides. Benefits of raw pet food There are several benefits of raw pet food, some of which are discussed below: Dental benefits The teeth of animals are meant to chew through raw meat. They don’t really need cooked food. It is a form of low impact exercise for the neck, jaw, forearms, and shoulders. It is even more beneficial for puppies. Moreover, chewing is a very relaxing activity for dogs. It is even considered as a street reliever. Makes them stronger There are studies that say that raw meat is very good from the health point of view. It can build the animal’s resistance to disease and help them boost their immune system as they grow old.

Being a typical pet owner, one does feed your furry friends with leftovers after every meal. It is so convenient to do so, but there are a few food items that do not go well with the cat’s digestive system. They can affect their immune system and also their overall health development. Hence, it is important to know the dangers of certain food items that cats should never eat. The foods cats should never eat affect a cat’s digestive system making them exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea as well as loss of appetite. Some of them can cause adverse liver damage as well as brain damage and some can even cause life-threatening diseases. Highlighted herein are 12 foods cats should never eat and should be avoided. Alcohol Alcohol tops the list of most dangerous foods cats should never eat. Alcohol can endanger a cat’s life causing adverse effects to the cat’s liver. It may also cause brain damage. One tablespoon of alcohol causes an adult cat to fall into a coma, which may lead to its death as well. Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine These products contain methylxanthines found in the cocoa plant. When a cat ingests methylxanthines, it causes vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, panting, excessive thirst, urination, muscle tremors, seizures, and even death.

With the holidays approaching, if you wish to surprise your pets with fun gifts, stocking stuffers can be an exciting choice. Stocking stuffers are great gifting items for your pets as they are easily available. For those who are looking for nice, yet affordable stocking stuffers for their pets, here is a list of 8 stocking stuffers cats and dogs will find amusing. Reflective collar additions To make evening walks with your pets more interesting, you can choose the reflective pet collars. These are not only affordable but also ideal for stocking stuffers. Plus, these glow-in-the-dark collars work as an extra security measure for pets when walking in the dark. Bow ties Bow ties are one of the most popular stocking stuffers for cats and dogs. These cute little bowties will make your pet look very stylish. Bow ties are not too expensive, and you can even gift them to your friend’s pets! Puzzle toys Puzzle toys can be great stocking stuffers if you are looking for something that will keep your pet occupied. There are a ton of options in the market so finding one within your budget won’t be difficult at all. Feather dangler Whether it’s a cat or a dog, feather danglers are toys that pets will love.

Dogs are the most adorable members of our families. Dogs love to nibble on the leftovers. However, some of the foods deemed safe for humans, are on the top of the list of foods dogs should never eat. The following food items prove very harmful to the dog’s health and its overall development. Such foods affect a dog’s digestive system, kidney, liver, brain and at times may lead to death when ingested by your dog. Have a look at some of the food items that have to be completely avoided to ensure your dog’s safety and good health. Avocados Avocados have high-fat content, which causes difficulty in breathing, abdominal enlargement, and abnormal fluid accumulation in the chest and abdomen resulting in a stomach upset, vomiting, and inflammation of the pancreas. Alcohol Alcohol makes the dog drunk causing it to urinate uncontrollably, suppresses it’s central nervous, respiratory and cardiac systems leading to poisoning and death. Bones Dogs are omnivores hence a splinter or lodge of a bone can be stuck in the intestinal tract, mouth or throat which will have adverse effects that would normally require surgery. Chocolate Chocolate contains theobromine, an alkaline from the cacao plant, which increases the dog’s heart rate, stimulates the central nervous system and causes constriction of arteries in dogs.

When purchasing food for your dog, one selects not only the best food but also one that is safe for it. Companies manufacturing high-quality pet food adhere to stringent safety measures and quality during the manufacturing process of their foods. However, mistakes do happen and this facilitates the recalling of such foods. Make sure you give your pets good quality food. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), describes a recall as a process of removing a product from the market or correcting a product in the market because it is either potentially harmful or defective. Most recalled dog foods are done either voluntarily by the manufacturing company or through the FDA when they detect an issue with the food during testing. However, consumer complaints also necessitate the need for most recalled dog foods, which results in a shift in the consumer base from the product that may at times be difficult to recover in time. In the recent past, most recalled dog foods have been due to contamination with dangerous pathogens such as E. coli or salmonella or inadequate levels of certain nutrients. Highlighted herewith are the most recalled dog foods in 2017. Read on to ensure that your dog food is not on the list:

Most cat owners endeavor to provide a high-quality diet for their cats. However, they have no control over commercial processes of designing and producing cat food, which is solely the manufacturer’s responsibility. The manufacturer may use high-quality ingredients and additives but this does not make the food free from contamination making it to be listed among the most recalled cat foods. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) normally does food tests and also receives complaints from cat owners and customers. Acting on such complaints FDA lists the relevant brand among the most recalled cat foods to alert to those who had procured the food to take it back for compensation and seek medical care for the cats that have been exposed. FDA lists foods on the most recalled cat food list as well, so as to help the manufacturer eliminate the problem that may affect the safety and efficacy of their product, preventing further risk and injury to the cats. Listed below are some of the companies that have recalled their products in 2017: Smallbatch Pets Inc. In May 2017, Smallbatch Pets Inc. voluntarily recalled frozen 2lb chicken blend for cats of branded Smallbatch due to possible salmonella health risk. Apart from making pets lethargic, Salmonella infections are known to result in bloody diarrhea, fever, decreased appetite, fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

A nutritious diet is a prerequisite for a happy and a healthy life. Just as this phrase is appropriate for humans, it is apt for our pets as well. If fed quality food, your cat stands a better chance of optimal health and a long life. Therefore, what cats should be eating should be your primary concern as a pet owner. This article intends to provide you information regarding the basics of feline nutrition, which would enable you to raise a healthy cat. The obligate carnivores Cats are obligate carnivores, which mean they just cannot do without meat. The specific nutrition requirements that they have can be fulfilled by meat only. This is in contrast to dogs, raccoons, and bears, which are facultative (optional) carnivores or omnivores. They can have meat but can survive on ‘only plant matter’ as well. Therefore, if you really want to know what cats should be eating, meat is the answer you cannot ignore. To ensure that your pet cat lives a happy and a healthy life, you are supposed to provide it its daily dose of animal-based proteins. Cats don’t require too many carbohydrates Most of the cat owners feed dry foods rich in carbohydrates to their cats.

When purchasing food for your dog, one selects not only the best food but also one that is safe for it. Companies manufacturing high-quality pet food adhere to stringent safety measures and quality during the manufacturing process of their foods. However, mistakes do happen and this facilitates the recalling of such foods. Make sure you give your pets good quality food. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), describes a recall as a process of removing a product from the market or correcting a product in the market because it is either potentially harmful or defective. Most recalled dog foods are done either voluntarily by the manufacturing company or through the FDA when they detect an issue with the food during testing. However, consumer complaints also necessitate the need for most recalled dog foods, which results in a shift in the consumer base from the product that may at times be difficult to recover in time. In the recent past, most recalled dog foods have been due to contamination with dangerous pathogens such as E. coli or salmonella or inadequate levels of certain nutrients. Highlighted herewith are the most recalled dog foods in 2017. Read on to ensure that your dog food is not on the list:

If you are a dog owner, you would definitely know that dogs simply love treats. Why not make it by yourself ? With a little effort and research, you can make it healthy too. There are several dog treats available over the web that will satiate your canine’s desire for tasting something new and different than its regular diet. Here are some delectable and healthy DIY dog treats that your four-legged friend is going to like and enjoy without any health issues: Leftovers trail mix The best thing about the recipe is that you can use different ingredients with varying quantity each time you prepare it for your furry pal. Ingredients required Potatoes Meat pieces (Rinse flavoring, if seasoned) Any vegetable(s) (save for onions) Any fruit pulp (Avoid grapes and raisins) Preparation Cut all ingredients into thick pieces, about ½ inch. Add light cooking spray to the pieces. Use a food dehydrator or an oven set at 2000F to completely dry the mix. Basic dog biscuits What’s more to say about biscuits? Doggies love biscuits. Therefore, these are one of the best DIY dog treats you can make at home. This recipe can be tweaked to adjust as per your doggie’s taste and preference.

The holiday season has most people in a merry mood. As much as you love your pet, often you may forget to take care of your pet when are busy during a festival. Pets generally tend to chew on any object they find. The food we have around during the holiday season may not be suitable for your animal at home. In fact, the holiday meal can make them sick. These foods have high amounts of calories that your pet may not be able to handle. Although it may be mild in a few cases it may also lead to longtime diseases. It is best to stay cautious and keep them away from these holiday food hazards for pets this season. Pie Pies have ingredients such as spices, sugar, and dairy. Based on the pie your ingredients may vary. But the bottom line is they are essentially high in fat. This can lead to a stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea. In small animals, it can also lead to intestinal blockage, which may require emergency surgery. So make sure you keep all the pies out of your pets reach. Alcohol During the holiday season, you will have family and friends get together and naturally, a bottle or two is opened.