Natural pet food: fad or here to stay?

With this alliance, products will be more accessible to customers in trusted places, such as veterinary clinics and specialty stores. Through the distribution network, we seek not only to increase accessibility, but also to promote greater awareness about the benefits of natural food for pets. Given the rise of this type of diet, the question arises: are we facing a fad or is natural food here to stay?

What is it? what does it mean?

The term natural can mean very different things to consumers. In the definition of natural food used in the pet food sector, it is understood as food that contains only natural substances and has undergone an acceptable and agreed level of physical processes. Or what is the same, offer products that contain natural ingredients. What does natural pet food mean?

The term natural pet food can be used to describe those foods that contain substances derived from plants, animals, microorganisms or minerals to which nothing has been added and have only undergone basic processes such as freezing or drying and where chemical treatments are not acceptable.

Fashion?

From Kivet, they ask the question if we are concerned about our health and that of our pet. Leading a healthy life has gone from being a fad to an established lifestyle. There are more and more people interested in natural food for their own diet and also for that of their dogs and cats. in quality natural foods for your animals. Advantages and benefits of natural food for our pets. We cannot forget that our pets were originally carnivorous animals and cats still are carnivorous animals today. This means that despite having been domesticated by humans, their digestive system requires:

It is evident that if you offer them a quality natural food, without artificial additives, complete and balanced, with a high content of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, you are logically benefiting their health.

Consult with the veterinarian

If in the end you decide on a natural food for your dog or cat. It should not be done lightly or, in other words, change its feed from one day to the next. For this reason, we recommend that before changing his food, consult with your veterinarian and make the change gradually, over a period of 5 to 7 days.

You can start by mixing a third of the new feed with his usual feed, then increase it by half until he completely incorporates it into his bowl. And from there, observe the changes.

What benefits?

Arquivet offers a list of the main advantages of natural nutrition for our dogs and cats.

A better immune system: one of the main advantages of natural food is that natural foods contain nutritional contributions that promote better development of the immune system of our pets, so they will be more protected naturally.

Healthier and brighter skin: Our pet’s health becomes more visible, its hair will shine more than ever.

Helps digestion: Your stools will be smaller, since your body will make better use of the nutrients. They will also have less gas and their body odor will be less intense.

weight control: Our pets will also benefit from a balance in the supply of nutrients that will help them maintain their weight.

Better oral health: due to less tartar buildup and naturally occurring nutrients that help our animals’ mouths stay healthier for longer. We will notice how the amount of tartar decreases noticeably.

What foods are the best?

As we have already mentioned, if you are considering choosing a natural food for your pet you have to take into account which type is the most optimal for them and therefore it is best to consult with your veterinarian, who can advise you on the most appropriate diet. appropriate based on your age, activity level and particular conditions.

If you offer fish, you should opt for blue ones without bones. Organ meats are a good source of nutrients, they can also contain vegetables such as broccoli, potatoes or eggplant and of course also fruit!

Fruits and vegetables

You can also give them fruits and vegetables, which are also a good dietary supplement, as they provide fiber, minerals and vitamins. Ideal in the summer, but also in the winter. They are also the ideal ‘treats’ if your pet is overweight as they contain few calories and help satiate.

What you have to keep in mind is that the total of fruits and vegetables should not exceed 10 percent of the total daily ration. Because? Mainly so as not to unbalance the food. For both dogs and cats, you can give them almost any type of fruit or vegetable, but you have to avoid – you have to remove them before giving them – that they are free of seeds, seeds or bones.

Among the most suitable fruits—depending on the season—are: melon, watermelon, strawberries, peaches, pears, apples and even tropical fruits such as pineapple, papaya or mango. As for vegetables, the recommended ones are, among others (boiled if possible): carrots, green beans, peas, zucchini, asparagus, cucumber. From Kivet they warn that the best thing to do is to vary it since this way you will see in a simple and selective way what you like the most.