Nicole Cammack and Jenna Harrison, Author at NorthPoint Pets & Company https://www.northpointpets.com/author/nicole-cammack-and-jenna-harrison/ Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:43:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 Is My Dog ‘Too Old’ for a Raw Diet? https://www.northpointpets.com/ismypettoooldforarawdiet/ Tue, 27 Aug 2024 09:01:22 +0000 https://northpointpets.com/?p=6376 Think raw food isn’t right for your senior dog's diet? Uncover the truth behind common misconceptions and see how a senior dog can thrive with raw!

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Is My Dog ‘Too Old’ for a Raw Diet?

August 27, 2024
senior dog’s diet


Why It’s Never Too Late to Improve Your Senior Dog’s Diet 

Senior dog owners often dismiss the idea of raw feeding because the animal is ‘too old.’ While nutrition is never one-size-fits-all, it’s also never “too late” to switch foods or supplement with fresh food.  If your dog has reached their golden years, improving your senior dog’s diet can be one of the most powerful changes you can make to maximize their health span.

Common Misconceptions Surrounding Raw Food for Senior Pets:


Misconception #1: A raw diet is too high in protein and/or fat for a senior dog. 

This idea comes from the notion that raw meat is exceptionally high in protein and fat content, and that a senior dog’s liver and kidneys cannot process too much of these.

  • The first misnomer here is that protein and fat are harmful to a senior dog’s diet. It’s important to note that protein and fat are actually the most easily digested macronutrients available to the body so long as they are in a minimally processed form. So while it is safe to assume that raw diets offer higher fat and protein than a kibble or canned diet, quality animal-based sources can offer greater digestibility and bioavailability (nutrient absorption) than any cooked, ultra-processed food options.
  • The second misnomer is that raw fat and protein put extra stress on the organs – the liver and kidney specifically. Instead, it’s important to understand that the body has to work harder to break down fat and protein that have been processed, or heated multiple times to make kibble or canned food. Furthermore, kibble diets in particular tend to be very high in carbohydrates. In other words, the body works much harder to digest a food that is highly processed than one that is minimally processed.
  • The last (and likely the most important) misnomer is that high protein is bad for the kidneys. This is false, and instead it is high phosphorus that can be damaging for stressed kidneys. This is why it is so important for pet food companies to analyze their final product to ensure that nutrients – such as phosphorus – are not too high!

Learn more about nutrient value in your pet’s food here.

Misconception #2: Changing your pet’s diet in old age won’t make a difference.

Diet and nutrition play a vital role in your pet’s health span, regardless of age. New research even shows that the food fed to a puppy can greatly impact the dog’s life in later years. Likewise, what you feed your senior pet can impact their quality of life, often delaying or minimizing age-related changes in mobility, digestive and immune health, and cognitive wellbeing. At NPP, some of the best, most miraculous success stories we hear come from customers who have improved their senior dog’s diet!

Misconception #3: An entire diet overhaul is required to have any noticeable effect on health.

A recent study from the University of Helsinki found that when dogs fed a kibble diet had just 20% of their kibble replaced with fresh, minimally processed food, occurrences of atopic dermatitis (environmental skin allergies) and inflammatory bowel disease significantly decreased. This observation was linked by the body’s methylation process – how efficiently it removes toxins from the body.

The truth is that subtle changes to a senior dog’s diet – like increasing moisture with bone broth, supplementing with antioxidant-rich produce, or replacing 20% of a kibble diet with fresh food – can yield noticeable differences in joint mobility, skin and coat health, gut flora, and even cognitive function at any age.

*This article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to provide medical advice or replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian.

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]]> The Covid-19 Pet Food Shortage https://www.northpointpets.com/wheres-all-the-pet-food/ Fri, 26 Feb 2021 19:59:07 +0000 https://northpointpets.com/?p=4629 The Covid-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions in the availability of pet food. If you rely on canned food ...

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]]> The Covid-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions in the availability of pet food. If you rely on canned food for your pet, you may have noticed frequent out-of-stock situations at larger retailers. However, shopping at independent pet stores can offer a solution and support local businesses. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind supply chain disruptions, including labor and supply shortages, imported ingredient delays, and inclement weather. We’ll also discuss the increased demand for pet food due to higher pet adoption rates. Additionally, we’ll address the possibility of formula changes and provide guidance on finding assistance for out-of-stock pet food.

Large retailers such as supermarkets, big box stores, and even online retailers seem to have more significant out-of-stock problems than smaller independents. For you, this means that shopping at local independent stores could benefit you and the community you live in!

Reasons for Supply Chain Disruption

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused interruptions at every level of the supply chain, impacting various aspects that affect the availability of canned pet food. These disruptions, some of which may not have been previously considered, can take several weeks or months to manifest on store shelves. Let’s explore the key factors contributing to the slower production rates of canned pet food.

1. Labor Shortages

Labor shortages have had a significant impact on production, affecting livestock farms, canning facilities, and delivery drivers. These shortages have resulted from social distancing measures, lower facility capacities, and individuals needing to self-quarantine due to infection or exposure to the virus. With multiple instances of labor shortages, production lead times have increased from 1-2 weeks to 2-4 months. Consequently, some canned pet food manufacturers are currently unable to accept purchase orders. Certain brands or entire product lines may never resume production.

2. Supply Shortages

Supply shortages and delays are also contributing to the disruption. Livestock farms and slaughterhouses at the beginning of the supply chain have faced difficulties finding workers to process the necessary ingredients for pet food. Consequently, this has led to slower supply or temporary shortages. While there are alternative suppliers for common proteins like beef and chicken, more exotic options often experience long-term shortages.

3. Imported Ingredients

Imported ingredients have encountered delays as well. Both national and international production facilities have implemented measures that require extended closures for quarantine, cleaning, and labor and supply shortages. Additionally, staffing shortages and safety measures enforced by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol have prolonged the time imported products spend at ports, further exacerbating delays.

4. Inclement Weather

Inclement weather has also impeded transportation throughout the supply chain. Widespread delays caused by hazardous travel conditions and power outages resulting from winter storms have affected suppliers, production facilities, and retailers. Although this factor may not be the primary cause for empty shelves, it contributes to slower replenishment.

5. Increased Adoption Rates

Many families took advantage of the extra time they’ve had the last couple of years and welcomed a new pet into their home.All those new pets inevitably brought a surge in demand for pet food. APPA reports 70% of U.S. households owned at least one pet in 2021, and pet owners have become increasingly interested in what they are feeding their pets. Wet and canned food, in particular, saw a dramatic increase in sales. 

Have some formulas changed?

Some pet food manufacturers have chosen to discontinue or reformulate their recipes to bypass scarce ingredients to overcome some of the supply chain’s hurdles. So if your pet hesitates to eat his dinner, there may have been an ingredient swap that occurred. Be sure to check your pet food label to find possible ingredient substitutes.   

Finding Answers and Assistance for Out-of-Stock Pet Food

If your pet food is currently unavailable, you likely have several questions in mind. Why is my pet food out of stock? Will it be restocked, and when? What alternatives are available for my pet’s dietary needs? Who can assist me in finding a comparable option?

Unfortunately, employees at Big Box stores are unlikely to provide answers because these large retailers do not have direct relationships with distributors. As a result, they possess limited or no information regarding out-of-stock items.

On the other hand, small independent pet retailers have the advantage of ordering and receiving products from multiple distributors. This proves beneficial when a particular supplier runs out of a specific item. Additionally, indie retailers maintain direct contact with distributors and enjoy close relationships with brand representatives. As a result, indie stores can provide accurate and real-time information sourced directly from the distributors themselves.

Moreover, indie pet store staff are well-equipped to assist you in finding suitable replacements if your preferred pet food is unavailable or discontinued. These recommendations are tailored to your pet’s needs, ensuring that they are not driven by sales goals but rather genuine concern for your pet’s well-being.

Covid-19 Pet Food Sales

The below charts show a significant dollar amount increase for both dry and wet pet food formats.  Dry food experienced a greater dollar growth; however it was actually a smaller percentage of growth in comparison to wet foods (data as of August, 2020). This means that there likely was more of a strain put on wet food producers, further adding to shortages.[vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column width=”1/2″]

About the Authors:

 Nicole Cammack

Nicole is the founder & owner of multiple-award-winning NorthPoint Pets & Company, in Connecticut, USA. She has completed undergraduate work in biological sciences, business and holds an M.S. in Nutrition. Currently, Nicole is pursuing a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Sciences (Canine Nutrition/Metabolomics) at the prestigious University of Georgia in the USA.

Her background includes experience in the pharmaceutical industry on multiple R&D projects. Nicole has had the privilege to learn from leading figures in the human and pet health industries. Nicole has been heavily involved in police canine nutrition within the USA, helping to improve the modern care and feeding of working dogs. Her interests include working dog nutrition, raw feeding, pathogens, metabolomics, and nutrition’s relationship to disease in humans and canines. Her current research involves the exploration of the canine urinary metabolome and the relationship to diet.

Publications: Cammack, N.R., Yamka, R.M., and Adams, V.J. (2021). Low Number of Owner-Reported Suspected Transmission of Foodborne Pathogens From Raw Meat-Based Diets Fed to Dogs and/or Cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 8. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.741575.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.741575/full

Contact:

www.northpointpets.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-cammack-8400084b/?trk=author_mini-profile_title

 

Jenna Harrison

Jenna enthusiastically joined our team in early 2021 bringing nearly a decade of pet industry knowledge and experience along with her. She is a proud mom to cats Aerie and Spook who are both credited with her interest in pet nutrition. Quickly Jenna realized that there was a lot to be desired for honest, unbiased and accurate information within the industry and she knew she wanted to help change that. Much like the team at NPP, she believes in the value individualized diet, fresh food and tailored advice can provide for overall health, regardless of age. She also is the mom to 4 sugar gliders, Crumb, Crosby, Bindi and Gatsby which helps bring additional small animal knowledge to our robust team. When she’s not helping pet parents at NPP Jenna can be found hiking with her husband Adam, horseback riding and painting pet portraits.

References:

https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/pets-appa-survey-covid/ https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19/covid-19-impacts-food-production-medicine https://www.petfoodindustry.com/blogs/7-adventures-in-pet-food/post/9165-how-prevalent-are-covid-19-pet-food-ingredient-shortages https://www.americanpetproducts.org/pubs_covidpulsestudy.asp https://foodindustryexecutive.com/2020/12/pet-food-and-treat-sales-stay-strong-in-an-unpredictable-year/#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20US%20pet%20food,up%20by%20more%20than%207%25. https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/14294-state-of-the-us-pet-food-and-treat-industry-2020

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]]> Tips to Boost Your Cat’s Water Intake https://www.northpointpets.com/cat-hydration-tip-that-you-probably-havent-heard-before/ Mon, 11 Jan 2021 19:49:00 +0000 https://northpointpets.com/?p=4213 As a cat owner, you want to ensure that your feline companion stays hydrated and healthy. However, some cats ...

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]]> As a cat owner, you want to ensure that your feline companion stays hydrated and healthy. However, some cats can be quite picky when it comes to their water options, leading to reduced water intake. In this blog post, we’ll share some valuable tips to help increase your cat’s water consumption. From strategic bowl placement to choosing the right materials and incorporating running fountains, these suggestions will not only optimize your cat’s hydration but also improve their overall well-being.

Strategic Bowl Placement

choosing pet bowl for cat

Our expert team can help you choose the best bowl for your cat.

Cats generally prefer to have their water bowl away from their food bowl. Placing the water bowl on the opposite side of the room or in a separate area can encourage cats to drink more. By separating their food and water sources, you address their instinctual behavior and promote higher water intake. Try experimenting with different locations to find the one that suits your cat’s preferences best.

Offer Multiple Water Bowls

In addition to strategic placement, providing multiple water bowls throughout your home can further entice your cat to drink. This approach ensures that water is easily accessible regardless of which area your cat prefers to spend time in. It’s also helpful for households with multiple cats, as each feline can have their own designated water bowl. Consider placing bowls in various rooms or levels of your home to make it convenient for your cat to find water wherever they roam.

Choose the Right Bowl

The type of bowl you use can significantly impact your cat’s willingness to drink. Cats can experience whisker fatigue when their whiskers touch the sides of their bowl, leading to aversion to both food and water. By selecting wide and shallow bowls, you eliminate this discomfort and create a more inviting drinking experience for your cat.

Consider Running Water Fountains

You’ve likely seen adorable videos of cats drinking from kitchen and bathroom faucets. Many cats prefer running water, and a water fountain can mimic the appeal of a flowing stream. Running water fountains attract cats and encourage them to drink more. The continuous circulation helps maintain freshness and provides a sensory experience that entices even the pickiest of cats. Additionally, the sound and movement of the water can create an interactive and engaging environment for your cat, making hydration more enjoyable.

Expert Tip: Don’t be discouraged if your cat doesn’t drink from the fountain right away. Like most new things, your cat needs to adapt to the new fountain over time. It’s normal for a cat to take 4-6 weeks to begin using the new fountain. If you do not have success after 6 weeks, try moving the fountain to a different area of the house. 

Maintain Clean Bowls and Fountains

Tiny dust and dirt particles floating in stagnant water will deter a cat from drinking from it. Additionally, water bowls will start to grow bacteria in less than 24 hrs, so it’s imperative to take proper precautions for cleanliness and safety. Wash your cat’s bowls with hot soapy water at least once a day. Water fountains should be disassembled at least once every 7-10 days so that all parts can be cleaned thoroughly. Be sure to replace the filter every 4-6 weeks, or more often depending on your water quality. Fill with fresh, clean water. We recommend using room temperature water because cat’s don’t generally prefer cold water.

Feed a Moisture-Rich Diet

Cats naturally have a remarkably low thirst drive and have adapted over centuries to thrive in dry environments. Additionally, cats’ tongues are incredibly inefficient for drinking water because they cannot scoop the water into their mouth. For these reasons, their bodies have evolved to absorb moisture through food sources. Therefore, it’s imperative to offer your cat a diet high in moisture. Canned wet food or premade raw food options offer optimal nutrition with high moisture and minimal carbohydrates. Since most feline ailments result from dehydration, a high moisture diet sets your cat up for whole body health and longevity.

Conclusion

Ensuring your cat’s proper hydration is crucial for their overall health and well-being. By implementing these tips, you can help your feline friend stay hydrated and prevent potential health issues associated with inadequate water intake. Remember to strategically place water bowls away from food, offer multiple water sources, choose suitable bowl materials, and consider investing in a running water fountain. Additionally, don’t forget to change the water daily and keep the food and water dishes clean to maintain optimal freshness. By following these guidelines, you’ll promote a healthy and happy lifestyle for your beloved cat.

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