Q: I have a pair of two year old Greyhounds. Their weight is between 55 and 60 lbs. I feed them 1 1/2 cups of Holistic Select Anchovy, Sardine and Salmon dry dog food morning and evening, which is a little more than you recommend. In addition to their Holistic Select dry food, they get several treats during the day, and yet they are still starving! When I let them outside I have to watch them closely so that they don’t consume their stools. They do scavenge around the yard eating sticks, acorns and droppings from the trees. What should I do?

A: In my experience, the behavior you have described is typical of a rescued greyhound. Much has developed as a result of boredom and periods of very little stimulation. Exercise is essential for these dogs. They need regular activities that stimulate their interest, both in the home and outside.

With regard to feeding, never feed to satisfy appetite, rather always feed just enough to maintain a slightly lean body mass.  The Holistic Select Anchovy, Sardine and Salmon dry dog food is a relatively low calorie recipe (354 kcals./cup). I would suggest trying the Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Recipe dry dog food as it contains more calories (almost 400 kcals./cup)and uses three different animal protein sources which is an excellent source of calories for a dog such as a Greyhound.

Remember to transition slowly to any new diet over a week’s time.

Archive for September, 2010

October Ask the Vet

09.24.2010 | 01:36 pm

Holistic Select Staff Vet – Dr. Al

This month, Dr. Al answers your questions about adding fiber to a dog’s diet and switching to a lower protein diet for a senior cat.

Q: I have a 5 year old active Rat Terrier that weighs 10 pounds who sometimes has problems with his anal gland. It has been recommended that I increase her fiber intake (to help firm up her stools). Which food would you recommend for my dog?

A: Chronic loose stools can alter the anal gland’s normal secretions and make it more difficult for the glands to empty naturally, resulting in what is known as impaction. As the glands fill up, they can cause discomfort, scooting and increased licking in the area. Working closely with your veterinarian to relieve the buildup of secretions and make sure there is no infection or other complication is essential.

In many cases, re-occurring impaction does respond to increased fiber content in the diet. Holistic Select® Weight Management Recipe Dry Dog Food contains increased fiber and may help the problem.

If you decide to try the Weight Management recipe, remember to transition to the new diet slowly, over a 5-7 day period in order to allow the body to easily adjust to the change.

Q: Recently at a check-up, and our vet suggested we switch our 15 year old cat over to a low-protein diet. Does Holistic Select carry a low-protein product for cats? What do you recommend?

A: There has long been a controversy over protein levels for healthy older cats. Many vets agree that as cats get older, their digestive tract becomes less efficient at digesting nutrients which is an important consideration. In addition, one of the most common conditions that ultimately takes our beloved pets is renal (kidney) failure. Protein can play a significant role in the progression of kidney disease.

It is essential that you work closely with your veterinarian to determine the over-all health of your older cat, especially, the health of the kidneys.

As long as the kidneys are functioning normally, it is essential to provide adequate protein in order to maintain sufficient lean body mass, protein synthesis and immune function. Reducing the level of protein in a healthy cat’s diet may not be the best. However, if the kidney function tests and urinalysis indicate that the kidneys are not functioning adequately reducing the protein may be appropriate. Again, working closely with your veterinarian is essential.

Just as important as the amount of protein, is the quality of the protein. It must be easily digestible by the older animal. All of the Holistic Select Feline Recipes contain highly digestible protein sources.

Adequate water consumption must also be maintained in order for proper kidney function to occur and that is critical in older cats.

Feeding canned foods, or a combination of canned and dry foods, can provide additional moisture as well as quality protein levels for the older cat.

Both the adult feline Holistic Select Recipe Dry Cat Foods and the Canned Feline Diets are ideal for a healthy senior cat.

Tags: Adoption

Summer fun usually means more time outdoors and traveling as a family.  Though Max is an important family member, when you take him along, you have to think a little differently.

Here are 4 Ways to Keep Your Pet Safe:

• Never leave him in the car.  In just 10 minutes, your car interior can climb to 100 degrees—even with the windows cracked.  Your dog could overheat and dehydrate during your “quick” errand.

• Work up to exercise – If your pet has been a couch potato most of the winter and now you want to take him for a long run, work up to it.  Go for longer walks and short runs frequently rather than suddenly deciding to “go for the gold”.  That’s how sprains, pulled muscles and other injuries happen.

• Asphalt burns paws—If you’ll be walking on asphalt for a good portion of your outing, be sensitive to your pet and dab the paw pads with cooling alcohol pads, douse them in water and look for grassy areas to let your pet cool off.

• Prevent Escape Artists—If you have a fenced in yard, make sure your pet cannot escape.  You might enact a family wide “safety check” to review the fence and ensure everyone understands the importance of triple checking the gate.

Tags: Adoption

Probiotics for Dogs

Chances are, you’ve heard of probiotics.  You may even know they’re micro-organisms that live in your gut and keep your digestion healthy.  What you may not know is your pet needs them too.

“Friendly” Bacteria

Sometimes called “friendly” bacteria, probiotics protect your pet’s body.  The term “probiotics” comes from the Greek and means, “for life.”  No wonder they’re essential to your pet’s health!  The best thing you can do is replenish them daily.

These micro-organisms keep your pet’s immune system strong, reduce food allergies and help your dog maintain a settled tummy.

Plus, they can reduce shedding, rashes, and yeast infections.

If your pet has a lot of tummy upset such as diarrhea, adding probiotics to his diet may help.  Gastrointestinal problems are one of the major symptoms that your pet is lacking in probiotics.

What Makes Them Disappear?

Illness, stress, exposure to chemicals and prescription drugs (antibiotics) all deplete your pet’s body of these healthy organisms. Just you being gone all day at work can cause stress in your furry friend.  So, it’s important to make sure he’s replenished.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics strip out all the bacteria, good or bad to do its work. That’s why doctors sometimes recommend yogurt after a round of antibiotics to rebuild the “good” bacteria.  Filled with these live and active cultures, yogurt may be the best-known source for probiotics.

Probiotics are also available in supplement form and in Holistic Select^® Dry food recipes.

It’s important to ensure your pet gets a healthy dose of these probiotics daily to maintain good health.  What’s your experience with probiotics?  We’d love to hear in the comments below.

Tags: Adoption