Selecting a Good Commercial Pet Food

Updated March 2024 Holistic veterinarians agree that the very best diet for your animal companion is one that you make yourself. A homemade diet, carefully balanced nutritionally, and using raw and organic foods, is closest to what Mother Nature intended. However, many of us do not have the resources to make our pets’ food, especially for multiple animals or large dogs. So, for those of us who rely, partially or entirely, on commercial foods for our animals. To make wise selections, the primary tool is the pet food label. It ...

2024-03-21T11:05:40-07:00February 18th, 2014|
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CatsWalk Newsletter – February 2014

Sign up to have this newsletter delivered right to your email inbox! → In this issue: 1. News Bites February is Pet Dental Health Month! How People Choose Cat Food Recent Cat Food Recalls Jerky Treats Back on the Shelf--and Still a Problem Pet Food Safety Info Rabies on Staten Island 2. Science News Thiamine Too Low in Many Canned Cat Foods  Cancer-Causing Viruses Found in Wild and Domestic Cats New Concerns about Toxic Ocean Fish Cat Bites Can Be Serious 3. Carrageenan: A Controversial Cat Food Additive Who'd have thought that ...

2018-06-09T13:51:22-07:00February 7th, 2014|
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Grape and Raisin Toxicity

Updated November 10, 2025 Beginning in the 1990s, veterinarians began seeing dogs who developed acute kidney failure after eating grapes, raisins, or currants. The cause was a total mystery for decades. But in 2021, tartaric acid (the basis of cream of tartar) was discovered to be the part of grapes that cause them to be toxic to pets. The amount of tartaric acid can vary in grapes by their type, how they were grown, and how ripe they are, which could explain why some pets get very sick while others ...

2025-11-11T00:17:41-07:00February 1st, 2014|
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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. ...

2024-11-29T12:02:32-07:00January 30th, 2014|
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CatsWalk Newsletter – November 2014

NOTE: This was reposted in January 2014 because the original was accidentally deleted in a fit of organizational zeal! - Editor In this issue: 1. News Bites Vacation Destinations for Cat Lovers Crazy Cat-Related Patents See the World Through Cats’ Eyes Cats Stealing Dog Beds FDA and Pet Food 2. Science Notes Cats = 85% Tiger Gut Bacteria and Cancer A Calorie is NOT Just a Calorie 3. Vets are Ignoring Vaccine Makers’ Warnings 4. Legendary Herbs for Pet Health 1. News Bites Vacation Destinations for Cat Lovers: CNN has ...

2015-08-26T14:39:37-07:00January 25th, 2014|
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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 ...

2026-05-12T19:49:54-07:00January 24th, 2014|
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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.

2019-06-30T13:54:36-07:00December 6th, 2013|
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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 ...

2016-03-24T23:15:18-07:00November 19th, 2013|
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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 ...

2017-03-21T18:26:13-07:00November 19th, 2013|
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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 ...

2017-02-21T18:12:06-07:00November 18th, 2013|
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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 ...

2014-02-19T07:35:48-07:00November 18th, 2013|
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CatsWalk Newsletter – September 2013

News Bites New Feline Vaccination Guidelines Traveling with Pets Paw Project Launches Colorado Campaign Finally - Tighter Regulations on Kitten and Puppy Mills Winter's Coming - Are Your Pets Ready? Science Notes Less Diversity in Gut Bacteria Increases Obesity and Disease Risk Antibiotics are Good for Bad Bacteria Common Feline Anesthetic May Cause Brain Damage How Homeopathy Works Low-Carb Diets Protect Against Diabetes Whether and When: Compassionate Thoughts On Euthanasia News Bites New Feline Vaccination Guidelines: The American Association of Feline Practitioners just released an update to its 2006 guidelines ...

2018-06-09T13:51:14-07:00September 5th, 2013|
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Catswalk Newsletter – August 2013

In this issue: 1. News Bites Paw Project: The Movie! Vegan Diet Nearly Kills Kitten Obesity-Related Diseases in Cats Rhode Island Bans Declaw Requirement for Tenants Dolphin Rights 2. Science Notes Fish Oil Fakery Hope for Allergy Sufferers Another Problem with Outdoor Cats 3. Report from the AAFCO Annual Meeting 1. News Bites Paw Project: the Movie! The Paw Project has finally released its dramatic, hour-long movie about cat declawing! The film follows Dr. Jennifer Conrad's career as veterinarian to animal movie stars; how she began doing surgical repairs on the ...

2019-06-30T13:20:43-07:00August 17th, 2013|
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CatsWalk Newsletter – July 2013

In this issue: 1. News Bites: Fat cat prompts cruelty charges Iceland hunting whales for dog food Internet vet loses license over online advice Children die in hot cars--and so do pets! Remember what it was like before you had a cat? Class action suit over toxic treats will proceed 2. Science Notes: Marine Omega-3s show benefit in asthma Cell damage from common antibiotics can be mitigated by antioxidants Exercise helps brain cope with stress How coronavirus mutates into FIP Your cat isn't ignoring you, he's just waiting for you ...

2018-09-17T09:44:39-07:00July 11th, 2013|
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