Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al

This month, Dr. Al answers your questions about protein levels for a large breed puppy and helping a 2 1/2 year old lab Labrador Retriever lose weight.

Q: I have a Great Dane and she is currently on Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Food. She is about 9 months old and she is very healthy and playful. Our pet food store recommended we try a puppy food that is 40% protein. What is your opinion? Are we right by keeping her on the puppy food she is on, it’s only 23% protein?

A: I would be very careful about considering a higher protein diet for a growing giant breed puppy for several reasons.

Most high protein diets, also called grain free, are not recommended for use in growing puppies. They are designed for adult dogs and a 9 month old Great Dane would be considered by most to still be growing (therefore still a puppy). Giant breed puppies are the most vulnerable to what are known as developmental bone problems, which commonly occur when the growth rate is not controlled so as to maintain a slightly lean body mass.

Diets with higher protein invariably have higher fat levels too. High fat and high protein usually means higher calorie levels per cup, which can make it harder to maintain that slightly lean body mass while still allowing for growth. That’s why diets designed specifically for large and giant breed puppies are traditionally lower in protein and fat; to provide fewer calories and help the pet parent achieve and maintain that slightly lean body mass.

Q: We have a 2 1/2 yr old yellow lab who weighs just over 80 lb. She is not super active & the vet keeps saying she weighs too much. She was on the Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Dry Food but we are transitioning to the Holistic Select Weight Management Recipe. We just don’t know how much to feed her to make sure she’s not hungry. Any suggestions?

A: It’s great that you are addressing the issue as long term excessive weight can lead to more serious issues that can affect your pet’s quality of life as well as longevity. Problems like arthritis, heart disease, pancreatitis, diabetes and many more concerns are known to occur in overweight pets more frequently.

Switching to a lower calorie food such as the Holistic Select Weight Management Dry Dog Food is a great start. I would begin by looking at the feeding guide for weight reduction on the back of the bag. You mentioned that your dog is 80 pounds. Let’s say that your veterinarian would like your dog to weigh 60 pounds. Always use the guide recommendations for the ideal weight and never for the actual weight. So start by feeding the recommendation for a 60 pound dog. Also keep in mind that feeding guides are just that, a guide. No two dogs are exactly alike in their nutritional needs and so the amount may need to be adjusted based on regular weigh-ins. Weigh frequently (weekly) and be sure you are feeding just enough to slowly get the weight down.

As important as what you feed – and how much you feed – is exercise. In addition to changing the diet, you must initiate a regular exercise program. Set time aside to walk your dog daily and throw the ball if your Labrador Retriever is a typical retriever. That not only helps with the weight loss but it is a time you and your dog can bond and have fun together. Exercise should not be strenuous. Never over stress your pet with too much exercise. You will find that as the weight comes off the ability to withstand more activity will increase.

Best of luck, and I applaud you for your commitment to a healthy long and happy life for your pet!

Tags: Pet Health, Pet Nutrition, Vet

We have all heard the age-old saying that “we are what we eat”. That holds true not only for us, but also for our pets.

At Holistic Select, we understand the importance of a healthy digestive system. That is why our pet food recipes start with quality proteins, fats & carbohydrates and offer a complete digestive support system, to encourage a healthy gut and total well-being for your pet.

1. Quality Ingredients

At Holistic Select Pet Food we use high quality concentrated meat meals as the basis of all of our dog and cat food recipes. Some of our recipes offer multiple protein sources while others offer a single protein source, so you can find one that matches your own nutritional philosophies and your pet’s dietary needs.

Chicken fat, Menhaden fish oil (a small fish that is high in Omega 3 fatty acids) and Canola oil (high in Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids) are used to provide essential fats as well as calories.

Whole grains are used as a carbohydrate source. The grains used in the Holistic Select dog and cat food recipes also provide some additional protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are finely ground to increase digestibility and palatability.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are included in all Holistic Select dog and cat food recipes to provide a natural source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients.

2. Natural fiber

Fiber promotes digestive regularity by helping to move food waste from the digestive tract through the colon at an optimal speed, ensuring adequate stool volume.  Holistic Select uses only quality, natural fibers such as oatmeal and flaxseed, and guarantees optimal levels of fiber. Some of our fiber sources such as Beet Pulp offer double-duty digestive support, as some they are also recognized as prebiotics (see below).

2. Probiotics:

Probiotics are the “good bacteria” essential for a healthy digestive system and a healthy immune system too. They help to improve digestibility of ingredients and are an essential part of the immune system.

By feeding a diet with live probiotics on the food (they are applied to Holistic Select kibble after it has been cooked and cooled, to assure maximum survival) you are re-inoculating the digestive tract with these healthy organisms every day to assure ideal levels in the gut. Holistic Select guarantees that every dry recipe will provide 100,000,000 CFU (Colony Forming Units)/lb of food.

3. Prebiotics:

The fiber sources used in all dry Holistic Select recipes are also known as prebiotics, which serve as the essential nutrition for the health and performance of the “good bacteria” in the digestive tract.

4. Digestive Enzymes:

The body’s organs (mainly the pancreas) produce Digestive enzymes to digest (break down) the food so the intestinal tract can absorb the nutrients, which are then distributed throughout the body. They are added to the diet to increase digestibility and to reduce the stress on the organs of the body. Because the digestive enzymes are included at guaranteed levels, you can feel confident they are bringing home the same high levels of digestive support in every bag.

5. Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients are elements found in the skins of vegetables and fruits that act as powerful antioxidants. They are known to help neutralize free radicals in order to keep the cells of the body healthy. They are natural ingredients that enhance the immune system and help protect the body.

Tags: Pet Health, Pet Nutrition, Vet

All embarrassment aside for a moment, it is time to take a closer look at your pet’s poop.  As responsible pet parents, we have a great opportunity to evaluate the general health – and specifically, the digestive health – of our pets by closely observing their stool. The quality of your pet’s bowel movement is a good general indicator of gut health, which has a substantial impact on the overall health of your pet.  That is why it is important to get the scoop on your pet’s poop!

Top 6 Criteria for Evaluating Your Pet’s Stool:

1. Color:

Generally a dog’s stool is brown. Cats usually require more protein in their diet and so the color is usually a bit darker brown. Color can vary a bit from day to day but not significantly.

A dark tar-like color may indicate blood in the stool, and can be very serious. Fresh blood on the surface of the stool also indicates a potential problem.

White stool suggests constipation and possibly dehydration; lighter green or pale yellow feces suggests a digestive issue.  Contact your veterinarian to report if your pet’s stool exhibits any of these colors, as there may be an underlying medical condition.

2. Consistency:

A healthy stool should be firm and moist. That consistency makes it easy for your pet to pass, and equally easy for you to pick up and discard.

Diarrhea (loose, watery stool) is a clear indicator of a problem, though there are as many causes of diarrhea as there are leaves on a tree! Too large a meal, rich foods, an abrupt change in diet, eating something (food or non-food items) from the house or yard, internal parasites, infection, food intolerances, allergies and many more circumstances can be the cause of diarrhea.

Constipation (hard, dry stool) can be difficult to pass, and often causes significant discomfort to your pet. Reduced water intake and lack of exercise are two possible causes of constipation.

3. Quantity:

It is a common misconception that the smaller the stool volume is, the better digestibility and the better the diet is for the pet – though that does not always hold true.

However, monitoring stool volume is very important.  Too much stool and the pet may not be getting the full benefit of the diet; it may cause some abdominal discomfort for the pet. Too little stool and the food may not pass through the gut at the right speed, affecting digestibility and causing intermittent diarrhea or constipation.

4. Smell:

Yes poop smells, but it should not be overwhelming. A change in diet, dietary indiscretion (getting into something outside or the garbage), poor diet and the wrong bacteria in the gut can all change the smell of your pet’s feces.

5. Foreign Matter:

Grass, hair, parasites, bones, toys or pieces of toys, seeds, and almost everything small enough to pass through the digestive tract has been seen by veterinarians. Monitor your pet around the house and outdoors to make sure he doesn’t ingest anything he shouldn’t.

6. Unusual Observations:

Excess gas can be annoying, but may also be a symptom of another digestive issue. Talk to your vet if your pet is emitting excessive gas or is having difficulty passing a bowel movement.

Fecal material on the hair coat around the rectum might suggest diarrhea.  If it persists, check with your vet on this matter as well.

Tags: Pet Health, Pet Nutrition, Vet

Holistic Select Staff Vet - Dr. Al

This month Dr. Townshend answers your questions about a Siamese cat’s chronic vomiting and reducing gas for a Red Heeler.

Q: I have two Siamese cats. The female mother cat throws up her food, daily. My vet tells me there is nothing I can do for her. What (if anything) can I do? I have tried many different brands and types of food, including foods with higher meat/protein content and fewer grains. Do you have any suggestions?

A: There are many reasons a cat might throw up his food. Although sometimes this can be a reaction to food, there are many other possible causes. It is certainly not normal for a cat to throw up daily, and I would recommend working closely with your veterinarian to make every effort to resolve the issue.

When trying to pinpoint the reason for your cat’s chronic vomiting, consider the following possible causes:

1. Eating too fast can increase the potential for vomiting regularly. Hairballs building up in the stomach can also cause the problem. Adding a small amount of oil to the diet may help. Try olive oil or canola oil, about a teaspoon full daily. Make sure you feed the cats separately as eating together may cause stress and cause the mother to eat too quickly.

2. A change in the normal bacterial flora of the GI tract may be a problem. Supplementing with Probiotics such as Holistic Solution®, for a few days may help.

3. Foreign body in the stomach could also be a cause. Be sure your veterinarian has ruled that out with a series of X-Rays if needed.

4. Pathogenic organisms in the upper parts of the digestive tract have been known to cause vomiting. Many times they can be eliminated with antibiotics.

Q: My 1 year old Red Heeler has a lot of gas. What can I do to help him with this issue?

A: Excess gas can be a frustrating problem.  Eating too quickly and gulping in excess air can cause the problem.  Feed frequent smaller meals in a quiet location where there is no stress or competition for the food.

Changing the bacteria in the digestive tract may help. Supplement with a “Probiotic” such as that contained in Holistic Solution® for a week to ten days may resolve the problem.

Changing the protein and/or the carbohydrates in the diet may help. If you are feeding a chicken based diet, try lamb or fish such as in the Holistic Select single protein recipes (Anchovy, Sardine and Salmon or Lamb).

Exercise is also important in reducing gas. Keep in mind that some gas is normal so don’t expect it to go away completely.

Tags: Pet Health, Pet Nutrition, Vet