Dry Vs. Wet Dog Foods: Which Is The Right Choice? Part 3

by Sabine Contreras

Published: August 6th, 2014

dry vs wet dog foods which is the right choice part 3

In Part 3 of her series on Dry vs. Wet dog food, Sabine Contreras, Canine Care and Nutrition Consultant, goes over a few popular myths of feeding wet food, and leaves us with some tips to keep in mind.

Debunking The Myths

Incorrect information about wet food ranges from simple misinformation to outrageous old wives tales. Let’s have a look at the facts!

“Kibble keeps the teeth clean and exercises the jaws”

First things first—cats and dogs are not “chewers”, they do not have the type of teeth with flat “grinding” surfaces required for significantly reducing the particle size of their food through mastication, like for example humans and cows. They also have no lateral (sideways) movement in their jaws to help the process. The natural way of eating for dogs and cats is to rip at their prey and tear out chunks which are then mostly swallowed whole. Bones are gnawed and crushed, again without any lateral movement of the jaws.

What truly exercises the jaws and keeps teeth clean is the friction from gnawing on tendons, tissue, and bones (or, as the case may be, a good chew toy, regardless whether it’s edible). The much touted “scraping action” of dry foods only happens if the dog actually “crunches down” on the pieces of food, and only around the top of the molars, but not the canine teeth or incisors, and not where cleaning is most needed: at and below the gum line.

The “cleaning action” of special dental kibble comes from its larger size (the pet is forced to “chew”), higher fiber content, and often also a specific coating that changes the chemical composition of the saliva. Sadly the ingredient quality of these products and their nutritional composition leave a lot to be desired.

How easily your dog’s teeth stay clean is also very dependent on genetics. Just like people, some dogs just accumulate plaque and tartar more quickly than others and need extra help—no matter what they eat. Unfortunately a dog I have owned was one of the more unlucky individuals, despite eating a raw diet with plenty of bones to gnaw on, his teeth need frequent attention and were even more difficult to keep clean before I stopped feeding kibble.

I always tell my clients to pay close attention to their dogs’ teeth no matter what they are feeding, and to start my recommended maintenance program for dental and gum health if they aren’t doing it already. Keeping your dog’s mouth healthy is one of the best things you can do to extend his life, since chronic inflammation and infections spread toxins to all vital organs through the blood stream.

“Wet food does not provide the same adequate nutrition as dry food”

Nothing could be further from the truth. If a wet food formulation is labeled as “complete and balanced”, it must conform to the same AAFCO nutrient profiles as dry food and other products.

“Feeding canned food only will make a pet overweight”

While it is true that most canned foods are comparatively higher in fat content, no type of food “makes a pet overweight”; feeding inappropriate amounts does. Don’t “eyeball” portions or rely on the manufacturer’s feeding recommendations, but calculate how many calories the usual dry food portion contains and feed accordingly if you are replacing dry with wet food. If you are adding wet food as a “topping”, don’t forget to reduce the amount of kibble you feed.

“Wet food makes the pet’s stool soft or gives them diarrhea”

The most common cause for soft stools or diarrhea is overfeeding—regardless whether you feed dry or wet food. Start with smaller amounts and increase slowly.

Pets with a sensitive stomach may also react to the higher fat content, so when you begin transitioning to feeding wet food, switch slowly, start with lower fat varieties and reduce the portion size a bit.

Adding a few teaspoons of canned pumpkin (plain without salt added, not the spiced pie filling mix!) to each meal will help to normalize stools quickly.

“You can’t leave out wet food for free-feeding animals”

This is correct—canned food should not be left out for extended periods of time. Free-feeding is not a particularly healthy thing to do though, dogs and cats both are better off eating at set mealtimes and giving the digestive system time to work in between.

If your pet needs to eat more frequent small meals due to medical reasons and you are not home during the day, I recommend feeding two meals consisting of wet food for breakfast and dinner, and putting a small amount of dry food into an electronic feeder or a treat-dispensing toy like a Buster Cube or Tricky Treat Ball, so that the pet has to work for it instead of just eating it from a bowl.

“Wet food is more expensive to feed”

This is one is also true—due to the inclusion of more meat and fewer carbohydrates, higher quality meat ingredients overall, and the more expensive packaging, wet food is generally not as economical to feed as kibble. However, spending a little more on your dog’s diet may save you much more in vet bills over a lifetime.

After all you have read about the benefits of less processed food, even if you do not switch completely, I hope that I have convinced you to at least choose to enrich and enhance your dog’s diet by adding some wet food and feed a lesser amount of kibble.

Tips on Feeding Wet Foods

If a can is dented, misshapen, or leaking, don’t buy it or feed its content to your pet. Bulging cans are an indication of spoilage and should not be used – exchange them for undamaged product.
Likewise, if you hear a distinct hissing when opening (other than the normal noise when air enters the can and releases the existing vacuum), do not feed the food and report the problem to the manufacturer.
Keeping remaining food in an opened can (sealing it with a reusable plastic or rubber lid, or cling wrap) in the refrigerator for a day or two isn’t a problem, but it’s better to transfer the leftovers to a glass or plastic container for storage to prevent oxidation.
Since the price per weight unit is generally lower for larger cans, owners of small dogs can take advantage of larger containers and freeze smaller portions in suitable containers for later use.
Freeze canned food in a Kong toy for a wonderful treat that relieves boredom. You don’t have to feed wet food out of a bowl either!

Don’t forget to read Part 1 and Part 2 of the series.

Sabine Contreras is a Canine Care and Nutrition Consultant based out of Los Angeles, California. She specializes in natural, preventive dog care as well as canine nutrition and offers personalized feeding plans for dogs of all sizes, breeds and ages, no matter if they are companions, performance, working or show dogs. She shares her home with a husband, Jack Russell Terrier and five cats.

Sabine Contreras

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Dry Vs. Wet Dog Foods: Which Is The Right Choice? Part 2

Are you thinking about feeding your dog wet food? In the second part of her series, Sabine Contreras, Canine Care and Nutrition Consultant, takes a look at the types of wet food on the market and talks about the different formulas you have to choose from. Available Types of Wet Foods No matter if they are packaged in a can, pouch or tray, wet foods not only come in many different flavors and ingredient combinations, there are also several different types of formulas. “Complete and balanced” vs. “For supplemental feeding only” Products labeled as “complete and balanced”, either for a specific life stage (“growth” for puppies, adult “maintenance” foods), or those suitable for “all life stages” must meet the same standards of AAFCO nutrient profiles as dry foods and any other regulated food product. You can feed these foods exclusively or mix them with dry food if desired, without disrupting any nutritional balances. If a food is labeled as “for supplemental feeding only”, it is not “complete” in terms of added vitamins and minerals and not suitable to be fed “stand-alone” for any extended period of time. Use it as an occasional “special” meal, or serve mixed with dry food, but do not replace more than about a quarter of the dry portion with a supplemental addition. Different formulations Oddly enough, the types of wet food labeled “for supplemental feeding only” can be one of the most valuable things you can add to your dog’s diet if you are feeding mostly dry food. Products that contain nothing but meat and enough water to facilitate the manufacturing process belong into this group. It can just be a single type of meat (such as tripe, chicken, salmon), or a combination (e.g. beef and liver). These are best suited to be added to the diet of animals who otherwise only eat dry food, since they provide the most important aspect: less processed animal protein. The next tier are products labeled “95% meat”, and these can either be “complete” (necessary vitamins and minerals added), or “supplemental only”. Small amounts of fruits and vegetables, various vegetable-based gums or other processing aids and natural flavors make up the remaining five percent. Ninety-five percent meat complete diets are one of the best feeding choices among commercial foods, since they provide a species appropriate dietary composition. Both of these high-meat products are also excellent to be mixed with dry food, especially if they already contain a large amount of carbohydrates. Last but not least we have standard formulas of wet foods that contain meats as well as grains, potatoes/sweet potatoes, pasta, fruit, vegetables and supplements. The meat content can vary quite a bit, so make sure it’s the first listed ingredient. Broth, stock or water is often named second, since it is needed for processing the food. This product type is generally labeled “complete and balanced” and can be fed exclusively. Of course you can still add this type of wet food to dry food as well. As you now already know, canned food is much less concentrated than dry food, which also has the advantage that feeding a variety of different flavors and formulas is less likely to cause digestive upset. With all these positive aspects, please don’t forget that the foods are still commercial products and the ingredient quality can vary drastically between manufacturers. Have a look at the articles “Label Information 101” and “Ingredients to avoid” at www.dogfoodproject.com and read the information about artificial vitamin K at www.dogfoodproject.com/menadione. Miss Part 1 of this series? Read it here.

Dry Vs. Wet Dog Foods: Which Is The Right Choice? Part 1

As pet parents, it’s important to get all the information we can about we should be feeding our dogs. After looking at all the dog food available on the market, it can be confusing as to which one to pick. And it’s not just about brands; it’s also about whether to go with dry kibble or wet food. So what’s the right answer? Sabine Contreras, Canine Care and Nutrition Consultant, weighs in with her expert advice in this three-part series. Comparing Wet and Dry Foods FairlyPet owners today have a wide variety of commercially prepared foods to choose from. Unfortunately, over the years canned food has fallen out of favor and gained a rather negative reputation – for no good reason at all.Before we examine various claims about the advantages and disadvantages of dry and wet food, I’d like to explain how to correctly and fairly compare the nutritional value of different types of foods:Since percentages always express a relative content, we have to eliminate the weight of the moisture by looking at the “solid part” only. This is accomplished by converting all percentages to “dry matter basis” and mathematically removing the moisture.As an example, we will look at a dry food with 10% moisture and a wet food with 78% moisture – average values for common products. If you know how much moisture a food contains, it is easy to determine the solid parts (the dry matter) by subtracting the moisture percentage from 100%: 90% and 22% respectively.To determine the dry matter values for the various components like protein, fat, fiber, etc., we divide the given percentage by the amount of dry matter and multiply the result with 100. Here’s an example: 24% protein in a food with 90% dry matter will convert to (24% / 90) x 100 = 26.67%, 9% protein in a food with 22% dry matter to (9% / 22) x 100 = 40.91%.As you see, while the wet food contains a higher amount of moisture, the solid part has a better nutrient concentration than the dry food. The main advantage of canned food is that even standard varieties that include some grains or other sources of starch, veggies, fruit and so on have a better concentration of protein and fat (the important parts in the diets of carnivorous animals like dogs) than dry food, which has a high content of carbohydrates.Here are some actual numbers by weight to further illustrate:90% dry matter in a food means that in one pound of dry foodApproximately 14.43 ounces is the solid partApproximately 1.57 ounces is moisture,You would have to dehydrate 17.78 ounces of dry food to get one pound of dry matter22% dry matter in a food means that in one pound of wet foodApproximately 3.53 ounces is the solid partApproximately 12.47 ounces is moisture,You would have to dehydrate 72.8 ounces of wet food to get one pound of dry matterExpressed in simpler terms, the dry food is just over four times as concentrated as the wet food.Advantages and Disadvantages of Wet and Dry FoodsAfter looking at the comparison, you will probably ask: “why should I pay money for water in food when I can add that myself at almost no cost”? The answer is easy: the concentration of nutrients isn’t the only aspect to take into consideration, in fact in many cases it may even become a health problem.Higher intake of (natural) moisture at mealtimeThe amount of moisture in canned food is closer to the composition of what a dog or cat would naturally eat “in the wild” – whole prey. Their digestive process requires moisture on many different levels, for example protein is processed in the liver and any waste materials are filtered and excreted by the kidneys. The liver needs water to process protein and as a medium to carry waste products to the kidneys, where they are filtered out and most of the water is reabsorbed.Pets who eat mostly canned food or a home prepared diet automatically take in more moisture than those eating kibble, so they do not need to compensate as much by drinking and excrete less concentrated urine. Contrary to what many people think and pet food companies claim, dogs (and cats even more so) do not instinctively know how much extra water they have to drink to make up for what is lacking in dry food.A greater incidence of bladder diseases and stones/crystals in animals eating dry food is one result. An increasing number of American Veterinary Medical Association members, including board-certified veterinary nutritionists, are now strongly recommending the feeding of canned food only instead of dry kibble to cats, but the issue has not been officially addressed in dogs, since they have a somewhat better ability to compensate by drinking from their water bowl.Fewer “empty” caloriesOverweight pets also benefit from eating canned food, since unlike carbohydrates, water adds bulk without any extra “empty” calories (dogs and cats have no nutritional requirements for carbohydrates, but they do for protein and fat), making the pet feel full faster, without overeating.It is important not to overfeed though, since canned food contains a comparatively higher amount of fat, which delivers over twice as many calories per weight unit as protein and carbohydrates. Where obesity and not just weight maintenance is a concern, you should choose lower fat varieties of wet food.More ideal mineral contents and ratiosWhile nutrient-dense dry foods are certainly more economical and overall less expensive to feed, a highly concentrated diet is not always desirable. Especially minerals and trace elements are present in such high amounts in dry foods that pets can ingest 3-4 times and more the daily recommended allowance, which can become problematic in the long run.Wet foods do not only have a more natural moisture content, they also do not supply highly excessive amounts of minerals like calcium, phosphorus or magnesium, and trace elements like iron, copper or iodine. The body only requires relatively small amounts of these to function properly and any excess must be filtered out and excreted.Less processed nutritionOne of the most important advantages of wet food is that it is much less processed and often made from higher quality ingredients than dry kibble. Wet food requires no cooking prior to the canning process, since it is cooked in the can to create a bacteria-free environment. Food being less processed means it is also more digestible, the body doesn’t need to work as hard to utilize it.Unlike during the manufacturing of dry food, moisture does not have to be removed from the ingredients of canned food, so food ingredients like meat, grains, potatoes/sweet potatoes, pasta, vegetables and fruits remain fairly unchanged. Many ingredients used to manufacture dry food have already been processed at least once before they are mixed into kibble “dough” and cooked yet again (rendered meat meals and animal-based fats, dried vegetables and eggs etc.).Beware though, some canned foods are made with rendered meat meals, and feeding these defeats our purpose. Check the label, it should list fresh meat only.Longer shelf life, less additives and preservatives, no flavoring agentsCanned food generally has a shelf life of two years and more without degradation of nutritional value, compared to dry food, which can lose much of its nutrient content within a year of the manufacturing date – depending on how it is preserved and stored. The more natural stabilizers are used, the shorter the shelf life.A 1997 study by the University of Illinois Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition found that canned fruits and vegetables for example provide as much dietary fiber and vitamins as the same corresponding fresh foods, and in some cases, even more. Fresh produce starts to lose vitamins as soon as it is picked, and often travels long ways before it ends up on store shelves.Although small amounts of preservatives may be present in canned pet food if they were already added to specific ingredients used for the formulation, it does not need added preservatives since the canning process sterilizes and preserves the food in an oxygen-free environment.There is plenty of meat and fat to make the food palatable without flavoring agents, and since the can is sealed no humectants are needed to keep moisture in, and no mold inhibitors (like in semi-moist food products) to prevent the food from becoming moldy.Wet food offers a more enticing smell and taste Trying to convince a dog to eat that is a pickier eater or one that has stopped eating due to feeling “off” can be a challenge. Dry kibble may have some quality nutrients to offer but it’s not going to do any good for your dog if he’s not willing to eat it. Wet foods preserve not only the nutritional value of the food but also the tempting scent and delicious taste. They also often incorporate gravy which is a great way to give your dog a little taste to encourage him to take a bite. If you are feeding dry kibble that you and your veterinarian feel is important for his health, you can try mixing some wet food in to make it a little more palatable. Easier for dogs to chew and eat There are many reasons why a dog may have a harder time chewing its food. Some examples include missing or sensitive teeth, misaligned jaws, jaw pain, or simply having a smaller mouth. This can prevent a dog from eating enough to meet their nutritional needs. Especially if they are trying to eat a larger kibble. Wet food has a softer texture that is easier to chew. If your dog is still struggling, you can easily break it up or mash it using a fork, making it even easier. After all, as a dog owner, you will do everything you can for your dog’s health and happiness – and this is an easy one! It's convenient when traveling Many pet owners prefer kibble claiming that it’s easy to feed making it a convenient choice. But, when you’re traveling, lugging along a large bag of dry kibble isn’t always ideal. Wet foods are packaged in smaller packaging making it easy to bring only what you need without having to measure everything out first. If you’re stopping for the night in a hotel or Airbnb, you can leave your dog’s food in the vehicle, grabbing only the bare minimum of what you’re going to need until you’re back on the road again. But be cautious, mealtime can get a little sloppy. Keep the space clean by placing a mat or towel underneath your dog’s dish to catch any spillage. It reduces the chances of bloat following your dog's mealBloat is a condition that occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or liquid and becomes twisted. Not only is kibble easier to eat quickly, which increases your dog’s risk, but the dry food can also contribute to a problem when it encounters liquids in the stomach. As a dog inhales dry kibble, it is also swallowing gulps of air. The combination causes the stomach to expand. Adding to this problem, the dry kibble absorbs liquids and expands. Dogs that eat wet food often eat at a slower pace simply due to the texture of the food. You can also try filling a KONG or other interactive dog toy with your dog’s food and freeze it to slow down mealtime even further.  

AI Could Match You with a New Furry Friend Based on Personality

In a cutting-edge study, scientists specializing in canine behavior have used artificial intelligence to predict dog personality types. A multi-disciplinary research team has developed an AI algorithm that simplifies the painstaking process of evaluating canine personalities.Understanding a dog’s temperament is key not only for pet owners but also for training agencies and professionals working with working dogs. The study, which introduces a brand-new method of predicting and categorizing dog personalities, is published in the eminent journal Scientific Reports. The team that developed the algorithm hopes that it will more quickly and accurately evaluate which dogs are better suited for long-term careers, such as assisting people with disabilities and helping law enforcement. This new approach to predicting dog personalities could also be used to match owners with a new furry best friend. The new AI algorithm can help shelters place dogs in the right homes, thus reducing the number of dogs returned for not being the right fit for their adoptive families.Before this algorithm, canine behavioral experts used questionnaires and statistical analysis to determine a dog’s personality.  The AI algorithm uses data from almost 8,000 responses to the commonly used Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). The C-BARQ questionnaire has been the top resource for evaluating working dogs in the past two decades. “C-BARQ is highly effective, but many of its questions are also subjective,” said James Serpell, a professor of ethics and animal welfare emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “By clustering data from thousands of surveys, we can adjust for outlying responses inherent to subjective survey questions in categories such as dog rivalry and stranger-related fear.”The team’s new AI algorithm gathers the responses to C-BARQ questions into five main categories that essentially form the digital personality of a dog. The results showed five distinctive personality types among domestic dogs, including excitable/attached, anxious/fearful, reactive/assertive, aloof/predatory, and calm/agreeable.The study was conducted over two years by a multi-disciplinary research team consisting of Dr Mohammad Amirhosseini of the University of East London and Professor James Serpell of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The research was sponsored by Dogvatar, a Miami, Florida-based canine technology startup.“This innovative AI-based methodology holds promise for revolutionizing the selection and training of dogs for specific roles, both for working and non-working,” said Dr Amirhosseini. Almost 50 percent of people who surrender their dogs to animal shelters in the USA say that behavioral problems are a contributing factor, and nearly a quarter say that those problems are the main reason for giving up their dog. More research is needed to understand the nuances of canine personalities. However, researchers hope to promote strong bonds between people and their dogs by designing effective training programs and customized dog-owner interactions. According to researchers, these findings could serve as a foundation to explore personality matching between dogs and their owners and how that might improve the quality of their relationship.Dogvatar and the research team plan to conduct further research into potential uses for their dog personality testing algorithm.“This has been a really exciting breakthrough for us,” said Dogvatar CEO Piya Pettigrew. “This algorithm could greatly improve efficiency in working dog training and placement process and could help reduce the number of companion dogs brought back to shelters for not being compatible. It’s a win for both dogs and the people they serve.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Scientists Found a New Type of Training that Makes Dogs Better Behaved

Training a dog can seem intimidating, and doesn’t always yield the expected results. Luckily for all dog owners out there, a new study has found another way to train your four-legged companion. Scientists at Aberystwyth University, located in Wales, United Kingdom, have discovered that scent training could improve pet dogs' behavior. The study shows that pet dogs trained to detect scents have a better mental ability and capacity to carry out certain tasks.Previous research only compared highly trained working dogs, like assistance dogs or search and rescue dogs, with untrained pet dogs. Now, for the first time, the researchers have tested the effects of scent training on two groups of untrained dogs. A research team from Aberystwyth University led the study in collaboration with Emma Stoker, owner of Puppy Plus, a dog training company based in Newton, Wales.The study involved 40 dogs of varying degrees of training, whose owners were asked to fill out a questionnaire with basic information about their pet. Researchers gave the dogs two tasks, both requiring impulse control. In the first test, called the “detour task”, the dogs needed to navigate a transparent barrier to get food. The second “A not B task”, tested the dogs’ ability to switch their choice from one pot to another, depending on where food was placed. Researchers separated the dogs into two groups to see whether their ability to detect scents would improve their cognitive ability. The dogs in the first group were given the “detour task” and had to navigate around a transparent barrier to get a treat. In the second group, the researchers said “Look” to the dog to get its attention and then showed it a treat before hiding it under a pot. Dogs in the second group underwent scent training, separated into three phases - familiarization, training, and test phase. In the first phase, only one pot was used. In the training phase, two pots were used, and in the final, test phase, three pots were used.Pate scent was rubbed on all pots to make it harder for the dogs to sniff out where the treat was hidden. If the dog didn’t respond within 20 seconds of being released to find the treat, or if it picked the wrong pot, the dog was shown the treat but wasn’t rewarded. Researchers discovered that dogs who received scent training performed the tasks more efficiently than those who weren’t trained. The study also showed that scent training improved dogs’ inhibitory control and helped them focus on completing a specific task. What’s important for dog owners to know is that poor impulse control is believed to be the main cause of a lot of unwanted behaviors in dogs, such as house soiling and destructive behavior. This new study suggests that scent training could help owners improve their dogs’ behavior. Dr. Sarah Dalesman, the co-author of the study, said: “This research shows that dogs that train primarily in scent work have stronger inhibitory control, suggesting that this training can have a positive effect on their behavior.”“Scent training is offered by a lot of dog trainers, and easy to practice at home. It might offer a great way for owners to improve their pets’ behavior, and we’re aiming to test this theory in future studies.”If scent training isn’t compatible with the way your pup learns, you can try agility or puzzle training. Puzzle training provides mental and physical stimulation and can come in handy when a dog needs to stay home alone or confined. Agility training is another option. Agility is a sport in which you direct your dog through a pre-set obstacle course allowing them to gain problem-solving skills. Try different training activities with your dog to find out what you and your pooch enjoy doing together the most.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Plants?

All those in love with the fascinating world of aquatics know how sensitive and (sometimes) demanding pet fish and  aquarium plants are. The aquarium plant life in particular can be very vulnerable, reacting to the smallest changes in the tank’s environment. Naturally, this begs the question: could adding salt to your tank potentially kill its plant life? Or is salt beneficial for your aquarium’s flora? These are the questions that need to be answered carefully, as there are different types of salt used, and not all have the same effects on the many different aquarium plants. Let’s dive deeper into the topic!Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Plants? Aquarium salt, when used properly, has many uses in an aquarium setting. It can help with certain issues like treating fish diseases and promoting electrolyte balance in fish. But what about plants? The key to using salt with aquarium plants is moderation and research. There are different types of salt on the market, so you should inquire about their properties and possible effects on fish and plants. Secondly, always use it in moderation. When used in the right amounts, salt can be beneficial. However, the excessive use of salt can be harmful to plants, as it can disrupt their osmotic balance and lead to dehydration or nutrient imbalances. In fact, put too much of it, and you can kill all the plants AND the fish in the tank!But what is the osmotic balance? Like all living organisms, plants maintain a delicate balance of water and salts within their cells. When exposed to high concentrations of salt, such as those found in aquarium salt products, plants can experience “osmotic stress”. This stress occurs because the salt outside the plant's roots creates a higher concentration of solutes in the soil than inside the plant cells. As a result, water is drawn out of the plant, leading to dehydration and potential damage – and even death.Excessive salt in the aquarium soil can also interfere with a plant's ability to absorb essential nutrients. Sodium ions, which are a component of salt, can compete with other positively charged ions like potassium, calcium, and magnesium that plants need for healthy growth. This competition can disrupt nutrient uptake and lead to deficiencies, even if those nutrients are present in the soil.Another confusing factor is that some aquarium plants are much more tolerant than others. Halophytes, for example, are plants that have evolved to thrive in saline environments and can withstand higher levels of salt in the soil and water. However, most freshwater aquarium plants are not adapted to high-salt conditions and can suffer greatly when aquarium salt is introduced to the tank. You should also consider the types of salt available. Sea salt, for example, is much different and more complex than ordinary table salt. It contains sodium chloride, and minerals like potassium, zinc, and calcium. As such, it is only suitable for use in aquariums that have marine fish and  invertebrates, and plants naturally occurring in salt waters. 

The US National Park Service is Being Sued Over Stray Cats

The US National Park Service was sued by a non-profit organization due to its controversial plan to remove the famous stray cats of Puerto Rico, a historic district in the US territory. The lawsuit was filed by  Alley Cat Allies, a non-profit based in Maryland, and it comes four months after the radical announcement that left many in shock. The Federal agency revealed that it would contract an animal welfare organization to remove around 200 stray cats that live in Puerto Rico’s historic seaside fortress in Old San Juan. What the organization still hasn’t decided upon is whether the captured stray cats would be placed in foster homes, kept in shelters, adopted, or face a different fate. What is more, the federal agency did not reveal if a third-party organization has been hired yet. The National Park Service also added that it would hire a “removal agency” if the organization it contracted ultimately failed to remove the cats within a six-month period. The news caught many by surprise, as many locals – and tourists alike – loved the cats, and many considered them a delight and a local attraction. Alas, many considered the cats a nuisance too, as the National Park Service stated in a report in 2022 that the cat population in the city had grown out of proportions and that the smell of feces and urine in the area was becoming too strong.The announcement of their plan roused many animal rights activists, who say that six months is not enough to remove such a great number of cats. They fear that, as a result, many cats would be killed. Ultimately, the Alley Cat Allies filed its lawsuit in an effort to ensure the best possible outcome for the felines in question. They requested additional environmental statements from the National Park Service, and asked that “a judge find its actions allegedly violate acts including the National Environmental Protection Act.” It remains to be seen what will be the fate of these kitties – but one can only hope they won’t be harmed in the process. 

Golden Retriever Survives 65 Days Alone in the Alaskan Wilderness

It’s always tragic when a beloved pet dog goes missing, but this was particularly hard for the Mahoskey family, whose senior golden retriever vanished in the Alaskan wilderness. The family was unsure that they would ever see Stella again. Luckily for them, Stella is one tough cookie. Stella’s adventure began in early July when she was enjoying a quiet evening with her family on the back deck of their Sitka home. According to local news outlet KCAW, an unexpected burst of fireworks startled a 13-year-old Stella and sent her dashing into the wilderness. Sarah and Jerrom Mahoskey and their two kids, Kai and Quinn, searched until nightfall but had yet to locate Stella. The next morning, the family grew even more concerned when they realized that their pooch hadn’t returned. Their worries increased even further when the neighbor told them about the bear attack that happened the previous night. “They said, ‘Did you hear there was a bear that attacked a dog last night? We had the windows open in the back of the house, and my wife heard this altercation that sent chills up her spine. And basically, I don’t think your dog could be alive,’” Sarah recalled to KCAW. However, Stella’s family still had hope that she was alive, somewhere, in the woods. The Mahoskeys spent the summer checking out trails near where Stella went missing and followed up on any lead or potential Stella sightings reported by their friends and neighbors. After two months and many investigated reports, Sarah told a friend, “I feel like there’s a 1% chance that she’s out there, and so I cannot let go.”Then, in early September, more than two months after Stella disappeared, the family received a phone call from Tim Eddy, a friend of Jerrom, who was working at the quarry that day.“He said ‘Do you have a golden retriever?’ And Jerrome said, ‘Well, we did have a golden retriever.’ And he says, ‘Well, I think this is your golden retriever,’” Sara shared. Jerome hopped in his four-wheeler and drove to the quarry, where he spotted Stella.“She was on the cliffside, and it was basically this ash and rock that was the same exact color as her,” said Sarah. “She totally blended in. The fact that Tim saw her -  I just kept saying to him, ‘How did you see her?’”Considering the lack of food and water at the quarry, the Mahoskeys don’t believe Stella was there long. The family suspects the quarry looked like a familiar ground to Stella, who grew up around Jerrome’s excavation business. After more than two months in the wilderness, Stella weighed only 30 pounds - that’s nearly half of her regular body weight. Sarah believes that Stella likely foraged to survive. “She has always picked her own berries when we are out hiking,” Sarah explained. “And she loves dandelion roots.”In addition to being underfed, the golden retriever also had a large gash on her left side, possibly from the encounter with the bear. “We think she probably hunkered down for quite a while, and just probably wasn’t able to move a lot and knew that it needed to heal,” said Sarah. “She obviously found a safe space, because the fact that she was bleeding and wasn’t found by that bear or another bear again is quite a miracle.”Upon her safe return home, Stella was examined by her vet, who placed her on a strict diet for the first 10 days. Now, she’s eating well and has already gained 11 pounds.Although Stella can’t share everything that happened during the time she was lost in the wilderness, she hasn’t changed much. According to Sarah, the only difference is that Stella is now definitely hungrier than before. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Much Does It Cost to Feed Your Dog Around the World?

There is no denying the fact that pet ownership can be expensive. From the expected costs of vaccinations and high-quality dog food to the increased fees associated with traveling with your dog by your side, it adds up fast! But exactly how much does it cost to feed your dog? How do these costs stack up compared to dog parents in other areas? If this question has been on your mind, you’re in luck. A recent study by CashNetUSA compares the cost of feeding a dog in 97 countries, and the findings are surprising.Let’s start with the most exciting news for American pet parents. While the cost of feeding a dog in the US didn’t make the list of the least expensive countries, it did rank as one of the most affordable countries when assessing the annual cost versus the national net income per capita. Other countries that made this list include Ireland, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia, and Denmark. Of course, this value can vary depending on the quality of dog food you are feeding and the size of your dog (therefore, the amount of food they consume daily). The study collected data based on the cost of feeding a medium-sized dog 540 grams of kibble daily using the cheapest dry food available in local supermarkets. If a country didn’t have available comparable food, the price was calculated using an international supermarket that would ship to the country. The least expensive country to feed a dog was Botswana, at a cost of $163.59 USD annually. This was closely followed by Lesotho ($201.29) and Hungary ($246.38). On the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive country was Japan, with dog food costs reaching a staggering $2,056.88 USD annually. The top 3 most costly countries also included Andorra ($1854.71) and Estonia ($1518.98). What causes such a variation in cost? In addition to the living costs and average income for each country, food quality should also be considered. Countries with exceptionally low annual prices often fed dogs a diet that failed to meet their nutritional needs. “Most retail brands in Botswana and around Africa use basic formulae often resulting in dogs suffering from inflamed skin and increased scratching caused by (an) imbalance in levels of Omera 3 and 6 along with insufficient levels of essential fatty acids like DHA and FPA,” a local entrepreneur told the National Post. If you are struggling with pet food's growing cost, you’re not alone. Many pet parents are seeking ways to keep the costs down without sacrificing the quality of their dog’s diet. Here are a few tips to help keep the costs down: Bake Your Own Dog Treats Dog treats are one of the bigger costs that many dog parents spend on. After all, there are so many incredible treat options available on the shelves of our local pet stores. How do you not want to spoil your furry best friend? Making your treats is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to control the quality of what your dog is eating. Buy in Bulk If your budget allows, purchase a larger bag of dog food or buy your dog’s food in bulk. These products are designed to last surprisingly well on the shelf over time. By buying larger quantities at once, you may spend more in the moment, but the cost per meal drops considerably. If your local pet store doesn’t have a bulk discount, consider asking about purchasing a bulk order and how it could impact the price. Join Loyalty Programs or Subscriptions Many pet stores and online pet retailers offer loyalty programs or subscriptions that help reduce your costs if you continue purchasing from one location. This could mean a lower price per bag with a pre-scheduled subscription order or a loyalty points program where you are rewarded with a free bag after buying a certain number of dog food bags. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is a Cat Tree Necessary for My Cat?

When you first bring home a new cat, it’s an exciting time – especially if you’re a first-time cat parent. However, amidst the excitement, there are many questions that may be holding you back from fully embracing the joy. Are you prepared to meet all your cat’s needs? Are there “must-have” items you have overlooked? The struggle is real! We have good news… Many of the items that are deemed “necessary” are actually optional. One such item is the traditional cat tree or cat scratcher. Do they offer benefits? Yes! Can they help to improve your cat’s mental and physical health? Yes! But is a cat tree necessary for your cat? No, it’s not. There are other ways you can meet your cat’s needs if your budget or space doesn’t allow for a large piece of cat furniture. Let’s dig into the truth about cat trees and your cat. What is the Point of Cat Trees? If you’re currently standing in your local pet store, looking over the wide assortment of cat furniture available, you may wonder – what exactly is the purpose of cat furniture? Is it just a fancy bed solution for your cat, or are there other considerations when these products are developed? It’s an honest question I often hear from first-time cat parents. After all, these large, elaborate structures often come with a hefty price tag. If they do nothing more than provide a place to sleep, wouldn’t a simple cat bed suffice? Cat furniture is designed to meet many of your cat’s instincts, including their need to scratch, hide, climb, and oversee their surroundings. Each type of cat furniture has its benefits to consider.

Once-Abused Dog Celebrates First Christmas With Vet Who Saved Him

A puppy who survived a terrible beating has celebrated his ‘first proper’ Christmas with a veterinarian nurse who provided a loving furever home for him.A whippet named Terry was only 12 weeks old when he was viciously attacked by his owner and left with severe trauma injuries after he urinated inside. The injured pup was taken to the Hull PDSA Animal Hospital in East Yorks, England, where he was treated by the veterinary nurse Rachel Coombes. During the initial exam, the hospital’s staff discovered that Terry had a bruised eye and lips. The pup was also missing three of his upper incisors, and another tooth was broken.For nurse Coombes, this was love at first sight! She told her colleagues that if Terry survived, she would adopt him, and that’s exactly what she did.Although Terry celebrated Christmas with Rachel and her son Stanley last year, this year was their ‘first proper’ Christmas together since Terry is now fully settled in with the family.“I just felt a connection as soon as he was brought in as he was in such a state we actually thought initially that he hadn’t made it,” said nurse Rachel according to Talker. “Then when we spotted gentle breathing I did say ‘if he survives this I’m going to give him home’ which is exactly what I did.”From that moment on, Terry’s life changed completely! “He hasn’t looked back since - he loves life and is having the best of life right now.” According to his new owner, Terry likes to run around the garden and enjoys going to the beach. The pooch has also formed a strong bond with Rachel’s son, Stanley, and is always by his side. “Last year, we got him around Christmas, but it was such a hectic time for him, and he was learning to settle then.” But this year, the family planned a festive celebration for Terry and did everything to make him feel special during the holiday season. Due to the suspicious nature of Terry’s injuries, RSPCA Inspector Laura Barber was asked to investigate. The inspector said that despite the severity of his injuries and his overall state, Terry had put his head on her and was so trusting. “He was in such a sad state and was really quiet and withdrawn when he was with people. He was so lovable, and it is great to see he has a home he deserves with such a lovely family.”“I know Terry will have the best first proper Christmas with his lovely new family and one he thoroughly deserves,” the inspector added. Terry’s extensive injuries were enough to build a case against his former owner. After appearing in court and admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog, the person was handed a five-year ban on keeping animals. Emily Lomas, an animal care assistant at RSPCA’s Hull branch, said she was thrilled when she learned that Rachel had adopted Terry. “He was very traumatized and overwhelmed when he came to us, we had to really show him there was nothing to be scared of and that he was now safe. We took him to the socialization room, and I remember him falling asleep on my legs,” said Lomas.“We were all thrilled when he was adopted and knew he was going to a special home,” she added.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Researchers Find Genetic Links Between Human and Canine Brain Tumors

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered striking similarities between the most common type of brain tumor in dogs and humans - meningioma. These findings were published in the scientific journal Acta Neuropathologica. Until now, scientists struggled to find reliable experimental models to understand the biology of and develop effective treatments for these tumors. But thanks to these newly discovered similarities, doctors will be able to use a classification system that identifies these aggressive tumors in humans and pooches.“The discovery that naturally occurring canine tumors closely resemble their human counterparts opens numerous avenues of exploring the biology of these challenging tumors,” said Dr. Akash Patel, an associate professor of neurosurgery at Baylor College of Medicine and principal investigator at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (Duncan NRI) at Texas Children’s Hospital. “It also provides opportunities for developing and studying novel treatments applicable to both humans and dogs,” he added.During the study, researchers analyzed 62 dog meningiomas from 27 breeds and found that the tumors were remarkably similar to the same kinds of tumors in humans. To this date, this is the largest study of the gene expression profiles of the canine meningioma. Others, including Dr. Jonathan Levine, a VMBS professor and the head of the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (VSCS), and Dr. Tiemo Klisch, assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Principal Investigator at Duncan NRI, were involved in the study along Dr. Patel. Meanwhile, assistant professor Dr. Beth Boudreau was a key collaborator. Previous work done by Levine, Boudreau, and others at VMBS, which found similarities between gliomas - the second most common type of brain tumors - in humans and dogs, was instrumental for Patel’s study. “We ended up agreeing to provide Patel with canine tumor samples we had worked years and years to achieve, to see if he could isolate the RNA, which is not always easy to do,” said Levine, in a statement. “He was able to produce this very robust data set that showed a similar pattern structure to human tumors. Our team also provided Dr. Patel with key clinical outcome data, including responses to certain treatments.”Now that the researchers have found a link between brain tumors in humans and dogs they hope to establish clinical trials to continue their research. Setting up this type of clinical trial can take several years of planning and requires funding.“We are really interested in creating wins for both human and animal medicine,” said Levine. “For example, we hope to give dog owners access to therapy that’s not available anywhere else in the world through clinical trials. At the same time, that information will also inform the next step of human trials.”As it happens, another group of researchers from the University of California, Davis, conducted a similar study with matching results about meningioma in humans and dogs. This study was also published in the scientific journal Acta Neuropathologica.Now, the two research groups plan to collaborate in the future and share their findings to develop treatment options for both human and canine brain tumors. “If we do one trial, we’d be able to enroll patients a lot more quickly, which would make it easier to get larger data sets resulting in stronger findings. So we have a lot of interest in doing a collaborative trial,” added Levine. “We really see the team out in California as potential partners.” Thanks to this groundbreaking research, scientists now have a better understanding of brain tumors and are one step closer to developing life-saving treatments for both humans and dogs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Royal Corgis Make Way for Jack Russell Terriers

New palace pooches get the royal treatment they deserve.

Vet School Aims to Dispel Misinformation About Mysterious Illness

News about a mysterious illness has been making dog parents across the country nervous as they seek out available information. While there have been reported advances made in understanding the cause of the illness, many of the details are still vague, and a lot of “data” being shared by the mainstream media seems to be contradicting. How do you know what to believe?To help clarify the sea of information, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine has published an educational hub on their website with information about the illness, Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aCIRDC).This hub is divided into several categories: Prevalence, Clinical Signs, Pathogenesis, Screening, Treatment, Prevention, Travel, and News. The goal is to share reliable and actionable information for pet parents that will help them make smart, knowledge-driven decisions about their pet’s health, especially as we head into a busy time of travel during the holiday season.Reported Cases of IllnessAccording to the hub, there are currently reported cases of “a chronic respiratory disease with characteristics of aCIRDC” in 16 different states, including:CaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIllinoisIndianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireNevadaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne of the most important things to note is the wording used by LSU Vet Med. This list is based on reported respiratory illnesses that have characteristics of the mystery illness, but it does not mean that the disease itself has been confirmed. Many respiratory infections and ailments present with very similar symptoms, including Canine Influenza and Bordatella.How to Prevent Illness in Your Dog This Holiday SeasonWhile there is no guarantee that the above states pose a higher risk of aCIRDC, veterinarians and other professionals recommend that pet parents take precautions to keep their pets safe. This is especially important as many of us plan to travel and visit family for the holidays. The following recommendations (as outlined by LSU Vet Med) will help to prevent your dog(s) from getting sick from any respiratory ailment, not just aCIRDC.Ensure Vaccinations are Up to DateWe currently don’t have enough understanding of aCIRDC for a preventative vaccination, but there are vaccinations for some respiratory illnesses. Check with your veterinarian that your dog is current on all routine vaccinations.Limit Exposure (Where Possible)If possible, avoid or limit bringing your dog to areas that put them at a higher risk of contracting a respiratory illness. This includes dog parks or shelter environments. Have a conversation with boarding and training facilities where dogs socialize to better understand their preventative measures, including cleaning and sanitization efforts. You should also ask about the vaccine requirements for dogs in their care and their plan for handling animals that show signs of being ill.Isolate Dogs with Signs of IllnessIs your dog showing signs that they may be ill? If so, isolation is critical. Don’t bring a potentially sick dog to public spaces, and do your best to keep them safely isolated from any other unaffected dogs in your home.

Can You Prevent Joint Pain in Dogs?

As dogs near their golden years, different health issues tend to pop up – sometimes completely out of the blue, and sometimes a little less unexpectedly. One of the more common health problems dogs experience as they age that can be predicted fairly easily and as such prevented on time are joint issues. Providing proper support for your dog while they are still young and agile can dramatically improve their quality of life later on, so it pays to start thinking ahead when it comes to joint health, especially if your pet is in a high-risk group for developing this type of problem (large breed dogs, working breeds, highly active dogs, etc). Here’s what you need to know to make sure your pet doesn’t suffer from joint pain in their senior years.5 Crucial Steps to Prevent Joint Pain in DogsWhile some factors contributing to joint pain are beyond our control, there are different proactive steps we can take to support our pet's joint health:#1 Maintain a Healthy WeightJust as in humans, obesity in dogs exacerbates joint strain and can accelerate the onset of joint problems. A balanced diet will go a long way in helping your pet maintain a healthy weight, so strive to ensure they are getting only quality food that is based mostly on protein and doesn’t contain unhealthy fats and too many fillers such as soy or corn.#2 Provide Regular ExerciseModerate, low-impact exercise helps keep joints limber and muscles strong. However, be mindful of your dog's limitations, as pushing them too far can end up being counterproductive. Activities like swimming and walks are excellent choices, just make sure to tailor the pace to your pet’s capabilities.#3 Quality Supplementation Providing a diet rich in essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, supports joint health. However, even when feeding a good quality kibble, it’s not always feasible to rely on your pet’s diet alone to be enough to provide all of these joint-nurturing ingredients in the right ratio. This is where dog joint supplements come in to enrich your pet’s diet with specific nutrients. 

Here Are the 10 Rarest Dog Breeds in America

Dogs are the most popular pets in America – deservingly, they are the most loved and affectionate furry friends, and their popularity as family companions never wanes. We all know what are the most popular dog breeds – and which evergreen breeds have been stealing hearts for decades back, but how about those lesser-known breeds? Which in particular are the rarest among them? Even if touting great qualities, some of these super rare breeds are simply hard to come by, and they are seldom seen. Thanks to a survey conducted by the American Kennel Club ( AKC), we can now find out which dog breeds are as obscure as can be. Out of a list of 199 registered and accepted breeds, the AKC revealed the 10 rarest dog breeds in America. 10.  Pyrenean Shepherd9.  Cesky Terrier8.  Sussex Spaniel7.  Harrier6.  Azawakh5.  Belgian Laekenois4.  American Foxhound3.  Sloughi2.  Norwegian Lundehund1.  English FoxhoundDon’t be surprised if you have never heard of some of these unique breeds. They are rare for a reason! On the other side of the spectrum, looking at the most recent trends, the French Bulldog holds the number one spot as the most popular pet dog breed in America, with the Labrador and Golden Retrievers following close by. That’s a bit of a change, as the Golden Retriever long held the number one spot. Generally speaking, most people tend to go for more known and traditional dog breeds when looking for a purebred dog, but the world of canines is much more diverse, with plenty of unusual and amazing breeds to choose from.Ultimately, the popularity of a certain breed should not be connected with their suitability as pets. After all, many factors contribute to that – a great deal of pet parents, myself included, are proud to share their lives with a mixed breed pooch and the fact that they’re not a certain breed doesn’t make them any less perfect. Your four-legged bestie might be a more popular dog breed, a rare purebred, a hybrid designer dog breed, or a cute mutt – they’ll steal your heart either way!

Blue Ridge Beef Recalls Kitten and Puppy Food Due to Bacteria

Blue Ridge Beef, one of the foremost pet food companies in North Carolina, decided to recall their 2-pound kitten and puppy food because of a serious potential threat of listeria and salmonella in their kibble. The pet food in question was distributed to locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.Unfortunately, North Carolina Department of Agriculture discovered a serious issue when analyzing their product, realizing that one lot of each of the food products was positive for salmonella and listeria, on December 15th. This included kitten food lots “N24 1114-N24 1224”, of 2-lb logs of “Kitten Grind” (UPC 8 54298 00101 6), and “Kitten Mix” (UPC UPC 8 54298 00143 6). Also included was the “Puppy Mix” (UPC 8 54298 00169 6).The action was swift to pull these products from the shelves, as both listeria and salmonella can be very dangerous to pets who consume the contaminated food. It can also be harmful to humans who touch the food as well, especially pregnant women and children. Pets who get infected can suffer from vomiting, fever, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite, so if you notice any of these symptoms and your pet has been eating the food that is now recalled, make sure to take them to a vet for treatment ASAP.Luckily, the Blue Ridge Beef company announced that so far it has not received any reports of illnesses that are connected to this recall of food. Likewise, the company is not facing any legal action because of the recall. Pet owners who purchased this food are encouraged to contact Blue Ridge Beef company at  blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com for a full refund. Consumers can also get in touch with Steven Lea, from 8 am. to 5:30 pm. ET Monday-Friday at (704) 880-4500. 

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Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?

Cats are known and adored for their free spirit, their stubborn nature, their agility, and their cute and cuddly side as well. They are skilled hunters, and as such they have sharp and perfected teeth. But while a cat roaming the outdoors would gnaw and eat prey she previously caught when you have a pet cat, those same teeth are used to eat a very different kind of food. Naturally, this can have a big impact on your cat’s dental health, as the same principles that were true in nature are not applicable for indoor-only cats anymore – which brings up an important question: do you need to clean a cat’s teeth? How important is this for their hygiene? And most importantly, how do you do it? Let’s take a closer look at this question.Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?Just like for us humans, dental care is important for kitties too. Of course, human and feline teeth are totally different, so dental hygiene is not exactly the same for both. Cat teeth are not brushed as often as our own, but nevertheless, you should provide some level of dental hygiene to your four-legged friend, as it can be a great benefit for their health. Neglect their little chompers for a long time, and their teeth could deteriorate over the years. This can lead to great discomfort, pain, loss of appetite, and from there – many other problems as well. So, in short, keeping your cat’s teeth clean and maintained is an essential aspect of caring for them. Of course, regular vet checkups will give you a good insight into their dental health and will allow you to spot problems early on and tackle them more easily. But it also goes a long way to know the tips and tricks that help maintain a cat’s dental hygiene. Here are just a few:Regular Brushing

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