At Emerald Ark, we understand that your furry family members deserve the best care, starting with their diet. Many common pet food options, such as dry kibble or even unbalanced homemade formulations, can lead to health imbalances over time. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing optimal pet health solutions through Leslie’s customized, balanced food plans. These plans are tailored to keep your furry friends healthy and thriving with carefully crafted recipes made from whole, natural, human-grade quality ingredients.
Our homemade cat and dog food is specially designed to support balanced nutrition and overall wellness tailored to your animal’s specific needs. By prioritizing species-appropriate diets, we aim to reduce the risk of conditions such as kidney disease in felines. Locals in Reno and Sparks can purchase our homemade cat and dog food, and we also ship directly to you anywhere in the USA! To get started email Leslie HERE.
🐾 This month, take a step toward better health for your furry family members. Explore healthier food options and consider how a balanced, species-appropriate diet can make a difference in their lives.
Why Kibble May Not Be the Best Choice for Your Furry Friend's Health
The Dental Health Myth
For years, kibble has been touted as a tool for maintaining dental health, with claims that its crunchy texture helps clean teeth. However, this assumption is misleading. Eating kibble is no more effective at cleaning your pet’s teeth than eating granola is for humans.
Instead, raw meaty bones can provide better dental care by naturally scraping debris off teeth and preventing plaque buildup (always supervise your furry friend when given these bones). Additionally, brushing your pet’s teeth regularly remains the most effective way to ensure their dental hygiene. With patience and positive reinforcement, most pets dogs can be trained to accept tooth brushing as part of their routine.
Kibble’s Nutritional Drawbacks
While kibble is marketed as nutritionally complete, it’s often made from low-quality ingredients, including animal byproducts (slaughter-house remains from dead and diseased animals) and synthetic additives. These ingredients, combined with high-heat processing, result in food that lacks essential nutrients because it is nutritionally dead. The high carbohydrate content of kibble is not a natural food source for dogs and cats.
A dog’s energy metabolism is fueled with healthy fats while a cat’s energy metabolism is fueled by protein. This is why cats are described as being obligate carnivores-they must eat meat. Dry kibble can contribute to issues such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammation, especially when using food for building good health the foods avoided can be even more important than the foods eaten. Dry kibble is best avoided for both cats and dogs.
Low Moisture Content: A Risk for Cats
Kibble’s low moisture content is particularly concerning for cats, who naturally obtain most of their water from their prey. A dry food diet can lead to chronic dehydration, straining their kidneys and increasing the risk of urinary tract issues. High-moisture diets, such as raw or gently cooked meals, provide essential hydration and support overall urinary health. Homemade raw cat food will prevent many feline diseases - but it will not prevent feline kidney disease. Leslie has decades of experience in working to end kidney disease in cats. For Reno/Sparks locals email Leslie to get your cat started on her "Cat Food Stew". Now in trials for preventing feline kidney disease.
Healthier Alternatives to Kibble
1. Fresh, Whole-Food Diets A diet that mirrors your pet’s ancestral eating habits, such as balanced raw or gently cooked meals, can significantly improve their health. These diets include high-quality animal protein, healthy fats, and minimal carbohydrates, offering a well-rounded approach to nutrition.
2. Nutritional Supplements Adding specific, high-quality supplements can support various health needs, such as mobility and joint health. Be cautious of non-human-grade supplements, as they are not regulated by the FDA and may not provide the intended benefits. Do not feed ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) to cats-it is deadly for them.
3. Transitioning Seniors The best way to ensure a healthy senior pet is to provide whole, balanced nutrition throughout their life. If you adopt a senior pet, transitioning them to a balanced, homemade diet with appropriate supplements as early as possible can greatly improve their quality of life and keep them walking, even running and playing, for a very long time.
A powerful testament to having a healthy and active senior dog is Leslie's German Shepard Apollo. At 12 years old people are amazed at the way he bounces around like a 2 year old pup! Watch for upcoming videos of Apollo in action.
Personalized Nutrition Plans for Your Fur and Feather Babies
One of the many benefits of working with Emerald Ark is having personalized recipes created for your fur babies individual needs. Leslie’s custom food plans are designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of your critter kids, helping them thrive at every stage of life. To learn more about this service you can respond to this email. Please know that all consultation fees support Emerald Ark. And, you can also follow this link and pre-purchase the first 2 hours of the consultation HERE.
