1. Do you fill up the water bowl one day and wait for it to become completely empty before refilling? Remember to regularly replenish the bowl and provide fresh water for your pets.
2. Moving water is irresistible to many pets, especially cats. Try leaving a dripping faucet on or purchase a water fountain. Running water fountains are excellent at keeping the water fresh and encourage your cat to drink water.
3. Hitting the road for vacation and taking your pet in the car? Always take water with you on long car rides and let your dog out for bathroom breaks whenever necessary.
4. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a jog through the neighborhood or playing at the dog park, your dog can become thirsty more quickly when the temperature is warmer. Make sure to bring a portable water bowl with you and allow for breaks.
5. Does your pet not always drink enough water? Help to supplement their water intake with wet pet food. Wet pet food typically contains 75 to 78 percent moisture and can help pets get the hydration they need. Keep in mind that wet pet food should not be a substitute for fresh water.

Remember, if you’re thirsty when outdoors with your pet, he or she may be thirsty, too. Learn more about the nutritional value of water and take steps to protect your pets during the dog days of summer.

The post 5 Quick Tips to Help Keep Your Pets Hydrated This Summer appeared first on Pet Food Institute.

At first, the lump on the side of my dog Grendel’s face was small. We asked the veterinarian to examine it during his annual exam, and she did not seem too concerned about it. But she did tell us to watch it and see if it grew. When I returned from a subsequent business trip, it looked noticeably larger. We scheduled a biopsy and removed the lump immediately.

Then the call came that he had cancer – the word that no pet parent wants to hear. At nine years old, chemotherapy and radiation would be very difficult for him, physically. The veterinary oncologist felt that monitoring the lump and making holistic changes would be best for Grendel. So that’s the path we chose.

As I started researching the changes we would have to make for Grendel, I was shocked by the number of people with no expertise and no veterinary credentials sharing advice on the Internet. As an employee at the Pet Food Institute, I am fully aware of the expansive research that exists about the importance of complete and balanced nutrition, as well as the nutritional deficiencies found in most homemade diets. Yet, as I scoured the web, I saw person after person recommending homemade pet food, and the recipes were clearly not complete and balanced. Our pets require more than 40 different nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, for optimal health. Is causing nutritional deficiencies the best way to combat disease?

I get it. We are sad and scared. We want there to be a magical potion that cures our fur baby. They are not just pets to us but family members that we love and adore. And so, we want to demonize something, and put a target on a reason that our pet got cancer. We are emotional, and we will do whatever we can to make our pet better. I know how that feels, and I’ve been down the cyberspace rabbit hole that, quite frankly, is full of misinformation. And worse than that, it is information that can undoubtedly be harmful to our dog and/or cat at a time when they need optimal nutrition.

So, what DO you do as a pet parent who wants to help? First, read the science. These days, anyone can position themselves as an expert. But, just because someone says something online, doesn’t mean it’s accurate. And, furthermore, it doesn’t make that person an authority. Rely on your veterinarian, veterinarian nutritionists and your pet’s oncologist and care team. These people have received years of education geared toward providing optimal health for our dogs and cats. If you do choose to conduct your own research online, look for professional experts and science-backed research.

The Pet Food Institute’s newly redesigned website is full of accurate, scientific, research-based information that you can trust. I encourage you to check out the articles housed there and reference it and the trained, skilled specialists when making feeding decisions for your pet. And if, like my dog Grendel, your beloved family member has cancer, my thoughts are with you, and I’m hoping for the best outcome for your journey.

Learn more about your pet’s nutritional needs.

The post My Journey: A Cancer Diagnosis and Misinformation appeared first on Pet Food Institute.

If extreme temps are headed your way, keep these tips in mind to keep dogs and cats safe in winter weather or these summer safety tips to beat the heat.

Ideas for Cats or Dogs

Both cats and dogs need to lead active lives to stay healthy, even when going outside isn’t an option. These tips will keep your cat or dog happy, healthy, and mentally engaged.

• YouTube channels for dogs or cats can provide hours of entertainment for your pet. Try playing them on a tablet with a scratch resistant screen protector so your pet can paw at the screen!
• Make an indoor obstacle course or box fort for your pets to explore. Include pillows or blankets as a comfy new place for them to curl up for a nap once they have worn themselves out.
• Teach your pet a new trick. Tricks aren’t just for dogs, and even old dogs can learn new tricks! Be patient with your pet, take breaks, and provide incentives. Remember that treats should account for 10% or less of a pet’s daily calories.
• Pets can get bored with the same old toys. Try introducing a new toy every few weeks or hide toys and rotate them so that they seem “new” and more interesting to your cat or dog.

Cat-Specific Ideas

Ensuring your cat plays every day can help him or her feel and act like a kitten for years to come. Keep cats active and mentally stimulated with these indoor activities.

• Try a variety of toys with your cat that allow him or her to stalk, chase, pounce, and kick, including interactive toys that move without your active participation in play time. Some interactive cat toys even offer scheduled play sessions to keep your cat entertained throughout the day when you aren’t at home.
• Food/treat toys and puzzles for cats take things to the next level when it comes to hunting, agility, and concentration. Try a toy mat or activity board that will provide a variety of activities for your cat to figure out all in one.
• Strategically placing cat scratchers in various places throughout your home provides enrichment for your cat while also preventing damage to your furniture. Try vertical and horizontal scratchers to see what your cat prefers!
• Cat trees and perches provide vertical space for your cats to explore. Observing from above is something cats crave. Place a cat tree or perch next to a window for even more entertainment.
  • Bonus: A bird or squirrel feeder by a window that your cat can look out of will provide an endless source of excitement.
• Grow cat-safe grass inside to provide environmental enrichment while also offering nutritional benefits and supporting digestion. Learn more about cat grass.

Dog-Specific Ideas

Although safety measures can be taken to allow for short trips outside in the summer heat or freezing temperatures with your dog, those short trips may not provide enough physical activity or mental stimulation to satisfy your pup. When it’s necessary to stay indoors, keep your dog active with these tips.

• Puzzle toys for dogs, like snuffle mats, are a fun way to keep them occupied while enhancing their foraging skills.
• Hide and seek, both the traditional game and hiding and seeking toys, will get your dog moving and thinking in new ways.
• Does your pup love playing tug-of-war? Try playing for 5-10 minutes at a time spread out over the course of the day to prevent them from getting worn out and to keep them steadily active.
• Go for a car ride – safely! Check out these tips for driving with your pet.
• Schedule a play date with your pup! Dogs get enrichment from playing with other pets and people. Invite a friend to bring their dog over for a play date or find a new place for your pup to play with other dogs inside, giving them a different location to explore for a while.

Keeping your pet active and mentally stimulated is key to a long, healthy, and happy life, along with proper nutrition. Learn more about your pet’s nutritional needs.

The post Keeping Pets Active Indoors appeared first on Pet Food Institute.

When we see our dog or cat struggling with itchy skin or other common allergy symptoms, it’s not uncommon for pet owners to suspect a reaction from the pet’s food. However, veterinary research indicates that a food allergy in dogs and cats is infrequent. For example, diagnosed food allergy accounts for approximately 1% of all skin diseases in dogs. More often, environmental factors are to blame for these symptoms. 

What are symptoms of seasonal allergies in pets? 

Pets that suffer from seasonal allergies are typically allergic to weeds that pollinate that time of year, including ragweed. These allergies in pets typically take the form of skin irritation rather than respiratory issues, which may come as a relief to pet owners. However, itchy skin can lead to extreme scratching, licking, or chewing, which can cause hair loss or sores for pets. Another common symptom is itchy ears and reoccurring ear infectionsⁱ.  

Most dogs will start to show symptoms of fall allergies between one and three years of ageⁱⁱ. Seasonal allergy symptoms can be controlled with the help of a veterinarian, but unfortunately, rarely are these allergies curable.  

How to treat seasonal allergies in pets

The first step in identifying and treating seasonal allergies in pets is taking your cat or dog to the vet. A veterinary evaluation will indicate how severe the seasonal allergies are and what treatment options are suitable. In some cases, allergies can become more severe as a pet matures, so it’s important to address allergies as symptoms develop.  

Vets can also perform allergy testing on pets to identify specific allergy triggers. Some allergy symptoms can be treated with specialized shampoos and antihistamines, and in more severe cases, allergy shots or steroids may be used as additional therapy during the allergy season. 

Simple stepsⁱⁱⁱ can go a long way in caring for you pet’s allergy symptoms. If your dog or cat struggles with seasonal allergies, consider the following: 

• After spending time outdoors, wipe your pet off with a damp cloth to remove the pollen from his or her face and body 
• Frequently bathe your pet with a mild shampoo 
• Keep your home extra clean as the seasons change, remembering to dust and vacuum regularly  
• Make sure to feed a complete and balanced pet food to support your pet’s overall well-being 

My pet’s allergies are year-round 

It’s not uncommon for pets to suffer from year-round allergies. Often, the allergy symptoms will flare up and worsen during the change in seasons, but they can affect dogs and cats throughout the year. 

Although pollen, trees and weeds are often to blame for allergy symptoms, mold, house dust mites and human and animal dander can also be allergy triggers for pets. Performing an allergy test at a young age to identify and treat the underlying cause of the symptoms is ideal in providing the best care for your pet. 

ⁱ Vogelsang, D. J. (2015, October 12). Can dogs and cats have fall allergies? Vetstreet. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/signs-your-dog-or-cat-may-have-fall-allergies

ⁱⁱ Barnette, C., & Ward, E. (n.d.). Allergy-general-in-dogs: VCA Animal Hospital. VCA. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/allergy-general-in-dogs

ⁱⁱⁱ Get ready for dog allergies in fall. Dog Fall Allergies. (2018). Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://www.purinaproclub.com/breed-update/dog/fall-2018

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Human Foods to Avoid

It’s important for pet owners to remember that some common human foods are not recommended for pets. Popular snacks and treats for humans can disrupt a pet’s balanced diet and may cause serious health risks, including digestive upset, obesity, and more severe, even fatal, issues.

Foods to keep away from cats and dogs include:

• Sweets and baked goods: Candies, gum and baked goods often contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener linked to liver failure.
• Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeinated Beverages: These items contain methylxanthines; substances which are found in cacao seeds. Methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures. The toxicity varies depending on the type of chocolate, the size of the pet, and the amount they ingested. It’s best to keep all chocolate and caffeinated beverages away from pets.
• Common Snacks: Grapes, raisins, nuts (especially macadamia nuts), and salt-heavy snacks like potato chips should be kept away from pets. In addition, grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure. The oils and fats in nuts, and the salt on other snacks, can cause extreme digestive upset and lead to much more serious health risks.
• Table scraps: Foods that are high in calories and fat can contribute to obesity and pancreatitis; a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas caused by high-fat diets. Think twice  before slipping your dog even small amounts of leftovers under the table.
• Meat bones: Although it may seem like an obvious treat to give dogs, leftover meat bones are hazardous. Bones could choke pets, or splinter and puncture a dog’s digestive tract.
• Alcohol: Alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine and liquor, are all toxic to pets. These beverages can cause a variety of negative health issues and should never be given to cats or dogs.
• Common recipe ingredients: Many recipes include onions, garlic, and chives – all of which can be harmful to pets if ingested. These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage.

Keep Pets Away from These Household Items

Common household items, including cleaners, plants and holiday decorations, can pose a threat to cats and dogs.

Pay special attention to the following if you have a pet in the house:

• Decorations: When decorating for a holiday, make sure to place decorations well out of reach of pets. New additions to the home, like trees and tinsel, can catch the eye of pets, and, if consumed, can cause intestinal blockages that may require surgery. If pets chew on the cords of electric lights, it can cause burns, so always keep lights out of their reach, too. In addition, certain holiday plants, such as pine needles, holly, mistletoe and poinsettias, are toxic for cats and dogs.
• Plants: Many common household or garden plants are poisonous for pets. This warning is particularly important for cat lovers, as cats are more likely to jump to reach plant holders and try to munch on greenery. Many shops section off pet-friendly plants. Before bringing home a new flower, fern or shrub, be sure it’s not toxic for pets.
• Household Cleaners: The household cleaners we often rely on can be toxic to pets, and it is important to follow cleaning instructions on the label. This may include letting areas dry before allowing pets to enter or rinsing the surface you are cleaning with water. Always make sure that cleaning products are safely stored away from curious pets.

Be aware that some cleaners can cause an allergic reaction in cats and dogs. Strong scents and residue left behind can cause skin irritations, watery eyes and even difficulty breathing.

• Medicines: All medicine, including pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter, should be stored where pets cannot access them. This includes medications prescribed to pets, too.
• Toys and Batteries: Small items of any sort, but especially toys and batteries that are likely to be left out on the ground where pets can reach them, are a choking hazard for cats and dogs. If ingested by a pet, these items can also lead to major health issues.

www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/Household-Toxins/

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While America waits to see if any other animals may move into the White House in the future, let’s take a look at some of the other pets who had a home at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue: 

• Rutherford B. Hayes had one of the first cats in the White House, according to the Presidential Pet Museum. In approximately 1878, the Hayes family welcomed a Siamese cat named Siam.
• John F. Kennedy’s family had a kitten named Tom Kitten, but the president was later diagnosed with allergies. A staff member at the White House assumed ownership and care of Tom Kitten as a result.
• Lyndon B. Johnson had numerous dogs, including two beagles named Him and Her. Unfortunately, Johnson was photographed holding up Him by his ears in 1964. Following the public outcry, he issued an apology.
• The Clintons had a famous First Cat, Socks, who was often photographed around the White House. Socks enjoyed a long life, even after the Clinton administration ended, and lived to be 20 years old.
• George W. Bush and Laura Bush had two Scottish Terriers, named Barney and Miss Beazley, who were regular stars on short videos released by the White House. Click here to see the library of “Barney Cam” features.
• Following his first election victory in 2008, Barack Obama received Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, as a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy. Sunny, also a Portuguese Water Dog, came along in 2013 and joined the Obama family in the White House.

Pets can be an integral part of our families – even those living in the White House!

The post A Brief History of Presidential Pets appeared first on Pet Food Institute.

Find out more about how PFI members have stepped up to provide support and aid across the country during a tough past two years.

Caring for Vulnerable Cats & Dogs

As the country’s economy came to standstill in the spring of 2020 with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations such as Greater Good Charities became an increasingly vital lifeline for animal welfare organizations. Greater Good Charities’ Rescue Bank program collects and distributes pet food and supplies to non-profits across the country that need it most.

 The J.M. Smucker Co. contributed to this national distribution approach by donating over 13.89 million pet food meals in 2020, helping local non-profits ensure pets still received complete and balanced meals during times of uncertainty.

These critical food donations for pets in need also continued into the following year. Freshpet has provided pet food to more than 6,000 pets at shelters and rescues in 2021, reaching more than one million meals so far. The pet food maker also helped nearly 1,300 pets receive a second chance at a happy life by receiving proper nutrition and medical care through its shelter hospital food program, and is helping pets find forever homes by supporting positive behavior treatments to help dogs learn new skills and overcome fears.

Encouraging Pet Adoption & Fostering

With people spending more time at home, more households looked to adopting a new dog or cat. In October 2020, Mars Petcare’s BETTER CITIES FOR PETS 12th Annual Adoption Weekend increased the accessibility of pet adoptions by waiving fees and facilitating virtual meet-and-greets with adoptable cats and dogs across five shelters in Nashville, Tenn. and Houston, Texas.

“We want to ensure as many people as possible can experience the love and support pets can offer,” said Jam Stewart, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Mars Petcare. “By expanding the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS Adoption Weekend, we hoped to help more people find their forever friend and further support our mission of ending pet homelessness.”

Mars Petcare also placed 200 life-sized cutouts of the adoptable pets in the Tennessee Titans’ game against the Houston Texans. The program garnered local and nation media attention, while raising awareness for ending pet homelessness. In total, 326 pets found their forever homes.

Ongoing Community Support & Involvement

PFI member companies are passionate about supporting the cities and towns where they live and work, from economic impact to volunteering. Community involvement is a core principle in the PFI Code of Practice.

In the winter of 2020, PFI member Alphia donated needed items, including pet beds and chew toys, to a homeless shelter in Ogden, Utah that has a pet kennel, helping those experiencing homelessness keep their dog or cat in temporary housing. In addition, employees organized a coat and blanket drive for the shelter, as well as a toy drive to benefit kids at the YCC Family Crisis Center in Utah during the 2020 holiday season.

Supporting the Human-Animal Bond into the Future

How can we help further utilize the relationships and benefits from our pets, while supporting their well-being as we return to the office? One possible solution for the future is for organizations to build and implement pet-friendly office policies that allow for pets in the workplace. This can help not just the pets who grew adjusted to more time with their human families, but also to workers and employers!

To further study this issue, PFI member Nestlé Purina PetCare conducted research in 2021 which found that 76 percent of pet owners working from home report they’ve been happier doing so with their pet by their side. In addition, 73 percent of those surveyed expressed concern about how their pets will react to their sudden absence upon return to the office. Purina shared these survey results alongside recommendations and resources for offices as they explore the possibility of pet-friendly workplaces in the future.

“Now is the time to seriously consider the role that pets have had, and will continue to have, in the lives of employees,” said Nina Leigh Krueger, CEO and President at Purina. “Introducing pets into the workplace creates a cultural shift that brings people together, offers stress relief and fun, and increases productivity. Incorporating a pet-friendly office policy now also will help the pets who have supported us throughout this time adjust to a new reality.”

A Commitment to People, Pets and Community

PFI members are working every day to help pets, people and their communities. We are proud to help amplify these stories and represent the dog and cat food makers supporting long and healthy lives for pets.

The post Supporting Pets & Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on Pet Food Institute.

What a Healthy Body Weight Looks Like for Pets

There is no “one-size-fits-all” healthy weight for pets, and, depending on a cat or dog’s breed, height and age, the recommendations for ideal weight will vary. However, pet lovers should still pay close attention to their pet’s body condition (also known as physique) and work with a veterinarian to identify potential weight problems early. To determine if your pet is at risk of becoming overweight or obese, try an at-home body condition check or learn how veterinarians perform the knuckle-test. While these tests can be done at home, a trusted veterinarian is still the best resource to help advise on whether a dog or cat is at a healthy weight.

As a general rule, pet owners should be able to feel a cat or dog’s ribs with minimal fat covering them. A pet’s waist should be easily determined when looking at him or her from above, and an upward slope of the stomach should be visible when observing pets from the side. A cat or dog’s stomach should never hang low to the ground.

Why a Healthy Weight Matters

Why is it important to keep your pet at a healthy body condition? Remember, maintaining a healthy weight can help improve your pet’s quality of life. When considering slipping your pet a human snack from the table, remember that an overweight or obese dog or cat may suffer from serious related health issues. In the United States, it is estimated that 56 percent of dogs and 60 percent of cats are overweight or obese. Some of the major health risks, which can cause your pet discomfort and decrease their quality of life, include:

• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney Disease
• Arthritis
• Cancer

The Role of Diet in Reaching a Healthy Weight

After identifying a potential weight problem, a veterinarian may recommend that a cat or dog switches temporarily to a weight-loss or weight management pet food to help achieve a healthier, more comfortable weight.

These pet foods will include specific variations to help your pet, such as increased fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients to help your dog or cat feel more satiated and fuller, reduce begging, and maintain muscle, while reducing caloric intake. These foods can help reduce caloric intake but still ensure your pet receives the right amounts of essential nutrients. It is important for pet lovers to consult with their veterinarian when determining a weight-loss plan before simply feeding less of the pet’s regular food, as this can deprive dogs or cats of important nutrients.

In addition, some pet food labels will feature that the product is lower in calories or fat. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) creates model pet food regulations and label guidelines that can be adopted by states. AAFCO’S label guidelines include specific language to help regulate claims for weight-loss or weight management pet foods. This includes language such as “light,” “low-calorie,” “low-fat,” “reduced calorie,” or “reduced fat.”

While diets labeled these ways may have lower energy in the form of calories or fat, they must still meet the minimum requires for pets at an ideal bodyweight and may not meet the needs of an aggressive weight loss plan.

How to Help Pets Achieve and Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a pet’s healthy weight requires a combination of proper nutrition, activity and preventive care. Some important steps include:

• Regular Veterinary Visits: Pets should see a veterinarian regularly for check-ups, at which time owners can ask about nutrition and discuss weight-loss and management plans, if necessary.
• Practice Portion Control: At home, it’s important for pet owners to practice portion control with cat and dogs and ensure that they are measuring out the recommended serving size for their pet. Everyone in the household is responsible for keeping pets safe and healthy and should accurately keep track of how much food a pet is getting each day to avoid overfeeding.
• Mindful Treating: Our video shares some simple feeding and treating tips to help keep your pet at a healthy weight. For example, avoid feeding pets table scraps that are high in fat and calories, and limit your pet’s treat consumption to up to 10 percent of their daily calories.
• Finding Fun Activities: Staying active will also help keep pets at a healthy weight. Whether it’s extra walks around the neighborhood, playing catch, and or using cat toys, fun activities can be a great form of exercise for pets. These can not only help increase the bond with our pets, but also help us stay more active, too.

For more tips on how to manage a pet’s weight and keep them happy and healthy, visit our Feeding and Treating Tips page.

The post Keeping Your Pet at a Healthy Weight appeared first on Pet Food Institute.

Dental health is an important part of a dog or cat’s overall well-being. A regular oral health routine will combat bad breath, remove tartar and bacteria, and ultimately helps prevent periodontal disease, a painful and preventable oral health condition.

Keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy with these tips:

• Veterinarians recommend brushing your pet’s teeth daily or every other day, as plaque can be brushed away easily before it hardens, which takes between 24-48 hours. Start by using a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, which is formulated to taste good to dogs and cats, and includes bacteria-fighting enzymes. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that are toxic to pets and should never be used to brush their teeth.
• If a toothbrush scares your pet, you can ease your pet into becoming more comfortable by first wiping his or her teeth with a pet-safe gauze pad or dental wipe. These options are similar to a toothbrush and are a great way to get cats or dogs comfortable with their teeth being touched. Take the time to learn other tips on how to train your pet to be comfortable with brushing.
• Experts recommend regular professional teeth cleanings from a veterinarian, starting at one or two years old, depending on a cat or dog’s size. These cleanings should be done annually and will include an oral exam to detect any issues or concerns.

Signs of Pet Dental Health Problems

Dental disease in pets, especially dogs, is extremely common. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of dogs over the age of three suffer from dental disease. Dental issues in pets start when plaque hardens into tartar below the gum line and becomes damaging and infectious to tissue and the jawbone. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can lead to serious health issues beyond bad breath and tooth loss, including kidney, liver and heart damage.

It’s important to be aware of the causes of pet dental health problems and to be able to identify the indicators that your pet is suffering from periodontal disease, which include:

• Bad breath
• Broken teeth
• Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
• Abnormal chewing or dropping food from their mouth
• Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
• Signs of blood in a pet’s water bowl or on chew toys
• Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth

Avoiding regular dental care for dogs and cats can lead to many of the same oral health problems as humans experience, including:

• Broken teeth and roots
• Periodontal disease
• Abscesses or infected teeth
• Cysts or tumors in the mouth
• Malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth and bite
• Broken or fractured jaw
• Palate defects such as cleft palate

Dental Chews

In addition to professional cleanings and an at-home care routine, dental treats and chews are specifically designed to provide dental-related benefits to dogs and cats. These treats and chews are meant to remove plaque buildup and often include ingredients that help to clean a cat or dog’s mouth. Many pet dental treats even freshen breath!

When pet food manufacturers make a dental-related claim on the label, the package will also communicate how that effect is achieved (e.g. “with ridges to scrape teeth” or “with peppermint to help freshen breath”). These claim guidelines are included in the model regulations for pet food published by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Resources:

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care

https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-brushing-dog-teeth

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1938973608000056

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Do: Feed Treats in Moderation

Just as you may avoid eating extra sweets and snacks while at home, treat your pet’s diet similarly. Treats and chews should be fed to pets in moderation and should account for no more than 10 percent of a pet’s caloric intake. To help guide healthy treating, check the feeding guidelines on the treat package.

Don’t: Substitute Treats for a Meal

Pet food is formulated to provide more than 40 essential nutrients that support your pet’s health. A pet food package labeled as “complete and balanced” will contain the vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, proteins and amino acids in the proper amounts for a pet’s specific life stage. These nutrients help your pet’s body functions and systems, such as vision, immune system or metabolism, operate properly and the food provides the energy dogs and cats need. Treats should not be used as a substitute for dog or cat food.

Do: Avoid Feeding Pets Table Scraps

Puppy dog eyes are hard to resist but, even if your pet wants you to slip him or her some human food, it’s important to be careful with sharing your leftovers with a pet. Know which foods are especially harmful to pets, too, like xylitol, a sweetener commonly found in toothpaste, gum, candy, or baked goods, which can cause a dramatic decrease in blood sugar, or liver failure. Other foods that you should avoid feeding your pets include onions, garlic, avocado, grapes, and fatty foods such as trimmings from meat.

Do: Enjoy the Extra Time with Your Pet!

Pets can bring many benefits to our lives, such as helping to reduce feelings of stress and loneliness. While social distancing at home with pets, show them love by taking extra walks, giving them extra cuddles and playtime, and then providing the occasional treat, to help keep them happy and healthy.

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