Jean Hofve DVM, Author at Little Big Cat - Dr. Jean Hofve | Page 7 of 21

About Jean Hofve DVM

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Jean Hofve DVM has created 310 blog entries.

Carrageenan: a Controversial Pet Food Additive
Gallery
Carrageenan: a Controversial Pet Food Additive

Pet Food and Nutrition

Carrageenan: a Controversial Pet Food Additive

Updated 8/7/24 Carrageenan is a seaweed derivative that is commonly used as a food additive in a wide variety of products. There has been a lot of controversy about this ingredient, so let’s take a look at it in more detail. Carragreenan is an edible red seaweed. Sounds good, right? Many seaweeds contain lots of trace minerals and are very nutritious. “Carraigín” has been made from Irish Moss in kitchens for hundreds of years, to create the base for a pudding-like dessert. When cooked, carrageenan takes on a nice gelatinous texture. ...

Jean Hofve DVM2024-11-29T12:02:32-07:00January 30th, 2014|

Choosing an Omega-3 Oil for Your Pet
Gallery
Choosing an Omega-3 Oil for Your Pet

Cat Health, Holistic Pet Health, Holistic Pet Mall, Human Health, Pet Food and Nutrition

Choosing an Omega-3 Oil for Your Pet

Updated November 2025 You may already know how important Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is for dogs and cats. I consider it to be the #1 most important supplement you can give your pet. The anti-inflammatory effects of Omega-3s EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) have been thoroughly researched. Omega-3 supplementation has proven to be beneficial for dogs and cats for a wide variety of conditions, including chronic kidney disease(1), arthritis(2), allergies(3), and skin and coat problems(4). Veterinary experts recommend up to 1000 mg/day of EPA/DHA to treat cancer, autoimmune, and ...

Jean Hofve DVM2026-05-12T19:49:54-07:00January 24th, 2014|

10 Reasons Why Dry Food Is Bad for Cats & Dogs
Gallery
10 Reasons Why Dry Food Is Bad for Cats & Dogs

Dogs, Pet Food and Nutrition

10 Reasons Why Dry Food Is Bad for Cats & Dogs

Strictly carnivorous cats preferentially use protein and fat for energy, and these pathways are mandatory. Felines can digest and absorb carbohydrates, but those carbs mostly turn quickly and directly into fat.

Jean Hofve DVM2025-05-31T16:19:22-07:00December 20th, 2013|

Inflammation and Health
Gallery
Inflammation and Health

Holistic Pet Health

Inflammation and Health

Many feline diseases of aging are caused by chronic inflammation, including arthritis, kidney disease, and even cancer. Inflammation kills cells directly and also deposits toxic inflammatory by-products and other “sludge” in the extracellular matrix that surrounds the cells. This toxic build-up reduces the flow of oxygen, nutrients, and wastes between cells and blood, which creates a fertile environment for parasites, disease-causing organisms, and abnormal cells that can thrive in such damaged environments. Find out what you can do to keep the immune system healthy and prevent the signs and diseases of aging.

Jean Hofve DVM2019-06-30T13:54:36-07:00December 6th, 2013|

Food Allergies in Cats
Gallery
Food Allergies in Cats

Holistic Pet Health, Pet Food and Nutrition

Food Allergies in Cats

Cats often develop "food intolerances" or "food allergies" to ingredients found in commercial cat food. Currently, the most common allergies in cats are: chicken, dairy, fish, beef, lamb, and eggs. However, an allergy can develop to any protein to which the cat is repeatedly or constantly exposed. The symptoms of food allergy are typically skin-related and/or digestion-related. Skin symptoms include rashes (particularly around the face and ears), excessive licking (typically paws, legs or tummy), and red, itchy ears. Digestive symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. These are similar to the symptoms ...

Jean Hofve DVM2016-03-24T23:15:18-07:00November 19th, 2013|

Homemade vs. Commercial Food for Cats and Dogs!
Gallery
Homemade vs. Commercial Food for Cats and Dogs!

Dogs, Pet Food and Nutrition

Homemade vs. Commercial Food for Cats and Dogs!

By Jean Hofve, DVM Preparing a home-made diet for one's pets is a bit of a challenge. However, it is no more difficult than feeding one's children a balanced and nutritious diet. Most human beings seem to be able to do that, since we have survived as a species. As any parent knows, it is not essential to balance all the nutrients in each individual meal, but over time the intake of nutrients in a varied, healthy diet will be balanced. What parent would ever consider feeding their children only ...

Jean Hofve DVM2017-03-21T18:26:13-07:00November 19th, 2013|

Feline Obesity
Gallery
Feline Obesity

Holistic Pet Health, Pet Food and Nutrition

Feline Obesity

By Jean Hofve, DVM Obesity is a serious problem for our feline friends; it affects more than half of American cats today. Many serious health problems can result from obesity, including arthritis, diabetes, liver disease, heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, urinary tract problems, skin conditions, and many more. When possible, prevention is better than cure; don't allow your cat to become overweight in the first place. Pay attention to your kitten's growth to make sure he does not fill out "too much." The average weight gain for a kitten is approximately one pound ...

Jean Hofve DVM2017-02-21T18:12:06-07:00November 18th, 2013|

Fiber Facts
Gallery
Fiber Facts

Holistic Pet Health, Pet Food and Nutrition

Fiber Facts

By Dr. Jean Hofve Recently there has been renewed interest in fiber as a pet food ingredient. One pet food manufacturer published an article on the Internet condemning beet pulp in pet food as unhealthy if not downright dangerous, while others are touting the benefits of the latest fiber source, pecan shells. There is a lot of myth and misunderstanding concerning fiber, so let's take a closer look at this controversial ingredient. The term "fiber" (or "roughage") applies to complex carbohydrates that are resistant to mammalian digestive enzymes, although certain ...

Jean Hofve DVM2014-02-19T07:35:48-07:00November 18th, 2013|

Animal Wellness Magazine
Gallery
Animal Wellness Magazine

Holistic Pet Mall

Animal Wellness Magazine

by Jean Hofve, DVM Animal Wellness Magazine is the #1 integrative pet health and wellness publication. I’ve been writing for Animal Wellness for many years. It’s a wonderful resource that features the latest information in natural nutrition, holistic veterinary advice, natural products, gentle training techniques, and much more. To view a sample issue online, visit www.animalwellnessmagazine.com, and click on SAMPLE on the right-hand side of the page. Animal Wellness Magazine normally sells for $6 per issue ($36/year), I'm delighted that they have extended their special offer (provided exclusively through veterinarians) to Little Big Cat readers. This means you ...

Jean Hofve DVM2013-07-09T23:52:44-07:00July 9th, 2013|

New Pet Food Standards – Finally?
Gallery
New Pet Food Standards – Finally?

Dogs, Pet Food and Nutrition

New Pet Food Standards – Finally?

The standards by which pet food are made are set by an organization called AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). AAFCO provides model rules and standards that most states have adopted, and that pet food companies abide by. You’ve undoubtedly seen statements on pet food labels referring to either AAFCO feeding tests or AAFCO Nutrient Profiles. In order to claim that they are “complete and balanced” for a given life stage (or all life stages), pet foods must meet one of those two standards. This is not a glamorous topic, ...

Jean Hofve DVM2018-09-17T09:44:39-07:00June 15th, 2013|

Declawing: A Rational Look
Gallery
Declawing: A Rational Look

Declawing

Declawing: A Rational Look

By Jean Hofve, DVM There are few feline issues as controversial as declawing. There is a great deal of myth and misinformation out there about it. If you are considering having this surgery performed on your cat, or if a veterinarian has suggested it, please read this article first to learn more about this major surgical procedure. Isn't it worth a few minutes of your time to make sure that you make a rational and informed decision? Declawing is not a simple or routine surgery. It should never be done ...

Jean Hofve DVM2016-11-19T12:31:11-07:00May 17th, 2013|

Dr. Jean’s best-selling e-book, What Cats Should Eat, is now updated for 2026! Do you want know which cat foods are safe and healthful, and which ones aren’t? Do you want to understand how to feed your cat for optimal health and long life? Do you want to know how to prevent and treat the most common feline diseases with nutrition? Then check out our expanded, updated special report, WHAT CATS SHOULD EAT including Dr. Jean’s freshly curated list of Approved Brands! Don’t depend on AAFCO, the FDA or pet food makers to take care of your cat!

Get the truth in “WHAT CATS SHOULD EAT” on Amazon.com — or as a PDF from an independent seller!

Hey, we love dogs, too! Get Dr. Jean’s newest book with nutritionist Dr. Celeste Yarnall, Paleo Dog: Give Your Best Friend a Long Life, HealthyWeight, and Freedom from Illness by Nurturing His Inner Wolf. It’s not just another cookbook, either! Paleo Dog covers a wide range of topics, including nutrition (of course!), but also vaccines and veterinary care; exercise and rest; and alternative therapies such as Earthing, acupuncture, and herbs that are compatible with the Paleo Dog philosophy. It is science-based, understandable, and practical; its comprehensive scope and down-to-earth details will satisfy both pet guardians and pet professionals.