Cat Nutrition
Whole meat versus meat: How to detect the difference in the ingredients – Halo pet blog
Meal Integral versus Meat meat: how to detect the difference in ingredients
What is in a name? Does it matter? Yeah!
There are many ways to provide essential nutrients to pets, including a variety of protein sources. Most dogs for dogs and cats contain meat from other animals, typically chicken, turkey, cattle, pigs or fish, although other more exotic animals can also be used.
But what is meat? It may sound like a direct question, but the ‘meats’ used in dogs and cats are not necessarily the same type of meats as you would find in a grocery store or butcher shop. Humans who eat meat generally consume only the muscle tissue of the animal. While muscle tissues are water and protein sources reliably, they contain variable amounts of fats, minerals and vitamins, depending on their location in the body and the type of animal from which they were removed.
In the US, pet food is regulated by an agency called FEED American Control Officials Association; May be familiar with seeing them referenced as AAFCO. Even the ingredients used in pet foods are defined by AAFCO. They have a loose categorization of the ingredients such as ‘older’ or ‘minors’. The meat is considered a main ingredient and, often, will be named after animal, this means that if a product lists the ‘pork’ on the label, it must contain meat from a pig. If a list of ingredients does not include the animal’s name and only says ‘meat’, it can only come from cattle, pigs, sheep or goats. All other animals should be specified (for example: chicken, bison, deer meat). This makes the ingredient easily recognizable for consumers. In comparison, minor ingredients are main sources of minerals, vitamins or other nutrients and may not have a recognizable name. For example, Alfa-Tocoferol, a minor ingredient, is added to diets as a natural antioxidant and to provide vitamin E.
For the definition of Aafco, “Meat” is:
Clean meat derived from sacrificed mammals is limited to that part of the striated muscle that is skeletal or that part that is found in the tongue, in the diaphragm, in the heart or in the esophagus; With or without the fats and portions of skin, tendons, nerves, nerves and blood that normally accompany the flesh.
This description may sound familiar for the type of flesh that humans consume; This is all the meat that Halo uses in its meat formulas. Meat as used in pet food cannot contain any bone, which means that it is often mechanically separated from the bone, resulting in a finely terrestrial paste product, as well as what is used in processed meats for human consumption (such as hot dogs).
Compared, “Meat byproducts” are:
The clean and not rendered parts, in addition to the meat, derived from the sacrificed mammals. It includes, among others, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, low -temperature low temperature fatty tissue and stomachs and intestines released from its content. It does not include hair, horns, teeth and hooves.
Meat by -products are raw ingredients and include only ‘not rendered’ parts of an animal. The ‘by -product’ qualifier means that it is not a part of the animal that consumes humans in the United States, and therefore is a byproduct resulting from the production of muscle meat. The rendered products are those that have undergone a cooking process. The rendered ingredients are treated with high heat and pressure to eliminate most of the water and fat, mainly leaving the protein and minerals of raw ingredients. The renderized products that are in a powder include the term “food.” Meat meals are not considered appropriate for human consumption in the United States.
Thus, by definition of Aafco, “Meat food” is:
The rendering product of mammalian fabrics, excluding any blood, hair, hooves, horn, concealment cuts, manure, stomach and rumen, except in quantities that may occur inevitable in good processing practices. It will not contain foreign materials not provided by this definition.
Unlike whole meat (or even the by -products of the meat), meat food does not need to include the name of the animals from which it is derived. If an animal name is voluntarily included, for example, ‘meat flour’, it can only include rendering meat from that animal. Because meat food is a concentrated source of proteins and minerals, there are strict guidelines on the level of allowed minerals, particularly for calcium and phosphorus, and the product must be marked with the minimum raw protein, fat, fiber, minimum phosphorus and minimum and maximum calcium levels.
The whole meat is a raw ingredient and has not undergone heat processing before joining pet food. This means that, like raw meats prepared for human consumption, they must be sent from the slaughterhouse to the processing installation using cold storage. The whole transport and storage of meat requires the maintenance of cold temperatures to avoid bacterial growth and product strip. This is a reason why you will generally find whole meat only in foods of greater price, since it costs more to the company to use these raw ingredients to make your pet food. In comparison, because they have cooked and ground powder, meat meals are relatively light, can be stored in higher volumes for longer periods and do not require cold or storage transport. This makes them a less expensive ingredient to use in pet food, and that is why many pet food companies choose to wear meat meals instead of whole meat in their recipes.
The definitions of ingredients are not only regulated by AAFCO, but also the way in which the ingredients are listed in the packaging of a product. In the US, the ingredients in pet food must appear in decreasing order of greater to lower weight. Due to their water content, meat and meat by -products are very heavy, unlike meat meals that are sources of cooked concentrated proteins. This means that foods containing meat and meat by -products will often have them listed in the ingredient list, while foods that contain meat food can show that lowest ingredient in the list, even if the total dry matter content can be very similar.
So, if you are looking to detect the difference in the ingredients in a pet food label, you can look for the word ‘meat’ and determine what species it is. You can also determine what type of processing has suffered, with the presence or lack of the word ‘food’. Meat meals have suffered a heat and pressure processing that results in powdered meat before joining pet food, while whole meats have not done so. Be sure to check the pet food labels!
My best wishes and tail wags,
Dr. Sarah Dodd
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Antioxidants are nutrients that prevent or slow damage caused to their cat’s cells by free radicals. Antioxidants are vital for their cat’s immune system and it is believed to reduce their risk of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cancer and cognitive deterioration. The examples used in cats include vitamins E and C, selenium and beta -carotene.
So how do you make sure your cat is getting enough? Keep reading to get everything you need to know about antioxidants in cats, from how they work to what foods contain them.
What are antioxidants?
His body produces ‘free radicals’ during everyday metabolic processes. While free radicals have some useful functions, too many cell damage or death. Free radicals are linked to multiple diseases in cats, as well as premature aging. In addition to being naturally produced, things such as pollution, cigarette smoke, infections and exposure to toxins can increase free radicals in their cat’s body.
Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, protecting against their harmful effects.
Your cat’s body must maintain the correct balance of free radicals and antioxidants to avoid damage. When free radicals exceed antioxidants, it leads to ‘oxidative stress’, which can be harmful to their health. That is why guaranteeing that your cat has enough antioxidants in your diet is important.
When fighting free radicals, antioxidants slow down or avoid cell damage, protecting the body of their oxidative stress cat. This reduces the effects of premature aging and protects your cat against diseases related to cell damage, including cancer.
What are the benefits of antioxidants in cats?
It is shown that antioxidants increase their cat’s immune system and reduce the risk of many health problems. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Antioxidants reduce the risk of their cat from many health conditions, such as:
Antioxidants and your cat’s immune system
We also know that antioxidants increase their cat’s immune system, protecting them from a wide range of possible diseases.
A recent study on the Effect of dietary antioxidants on free radical damage in dogs and cats He concluded that “cats fed with an antioxidant mixture, including vitamin E, vitamin C and β-carotene, have improved immune health as observed through reduced signs of oxidation and decreased cell decomposition.”
Complete research on Feline immunocompetence, aging and the role of antioxidants He found a greater immune response to vaccination in cats fed with a diet supplemented with antioxidants, compared to cats without antioxidant supplement.
They also found that immune cells themselves were stronger and less fragile in cats fed with a diet rich in antioxidants compared to those of a standard diet. This could improve them in the fight against disease and infection.
Cat antioxidant sources
While antioxidants are found in many plant -based foods, meat -based sources are more appropriate for cats, such as fish, shellfish, lean meat and poultry. Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Strictly speaking, antioxidants are not specific ingredients, but substances that have antioxidant properties, generally among other benefits. Examples of substances that are known to have antioxidant effects on cats include:
- Vitamin E (may appear as Tocoferol)
- Vitamin C (can appear as ascorbic acid)
- Carotenoids, such as beta -carotene and lutein
- Selenium
- Taurine
Antioxidants can be found in ingredients based on meat base. While your cat can tolerate small amounts of plant -based options (such as sweet potatoes, blueberries, pumpkin, green leafy algae), meat, fish and eggs offer a more appropriate option to boost their antioxidant levels.
Read our 9 main antioxidant foods to combat diseases for cats to learn more about the best foods rich in antioxidants for cats.
How to give antioxidants to your cat
The safest way to ensure that your cat is to obtain the optimal amount of antioxidants is to feed them a balanced and complete diet, appropriate for their life and health stage. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Now you know how important antioxidants are, you will want to make sure your cat gets enough. There are three main ways to guarantee this: Verify your cat’s diet meets AAFCO standards, choose a diet with additional antioxidants or give your cat an additional supplement.
Antioxidants in regular cat food
The good news is that all the diets that are complete and balanced, as established by the FEED American Control Officials Association (AAFCO)It must contain adequate amounts of essential micronutrients. This includes some with antioxidant properties, such as vitamin E, selenium and bullfighting.
So, if your cat receives a complete and balanced diet appropriate for your life stage, you may be sure that you will already receive a healthy dose of antioxidants. To verify if your cat’s food meets the AAFCO standards, look for the “AAFCO statement” in the packaging.
Specialized diets rich in antioxidants
While all pet food approved by the AAFCO will meet the minimum nutritional requirements, some diets go further.
Recognizing the benefits of antioxidants, many specialized diets contain added antioxidants. These include diets designed to handle health conditions, such as heart disease and gastrointestinal problems.
With the greatest risk of oxidative damage in older pets, high quality diets designed for higher cats or those with cognitive impairment (dementia) should also contain high levels of antioxidants.
Antioxidant supplements
If you want to increase your cat’s antioxidant intake, you can also consider using a supplement. These come in capsules, liquids, dust, chews and tablets.
Most cat supplements contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and other ingredients, instead of only ingredients with antioxidant properties. Unfortunately, in most countries, supplements are not as regulated as other medications. This means that they can be sold without manufacturers having to demonstrate that the product contains what it says, it is effective or safe.
What happens if your cat does not have enough antioxidants?
Your cat needs enough antioxidants to combat harmful free radical levels in your body. We know that the activity of natural antioxidants is reduced as their cat ages, which makes them more susceptible to oxidative damage and disease. So, antioxidants are even more important for our major cats.
Diets that do not contain enough antioxidants, especially vitamin E, bullfighting and selenium, can lead to poor immune health and greater susceptibility to aging, cancer and disease.
The safest way to ensure that your cat receives the correct level of antioxidants is to feed them a commercial diet that is complete and balanced. Choosing a specific diet for your life stage, such as a diet for older people, will also take into account the greatest need for antioxidants in major cats.
What are the risks of antioxidants in cats?
Diets approved by AAFCO with antioxidants are tested for safety and nutrition, but each cat is different. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Commercial diets containing antioxidants that are approved by the AAFCO (or the PET Food Safety Agency in your country) are considered safe. They are tested to make sure they contain the levels of nutrients they claim, and these levels must be within the safe ranges. Although, of course, not all diets will agree with each individual cat.
The main risk of antioxidants in cats comes with the supplementation of the complete existing diet of your cat, since it is difficult to know if they could be getting too much. As mentioned above, in most countries, supplements are not well regulated. This means that companies are generally not obliged to prove that supplements contain what they say or demonstrate that they are safe.
Antioxidant toxicity in cats
Like most things in life, you can get too good. While antioxidants can certainly increase their cat’s health and well -being, high levels can be dangerous. Antioxidant toxicity is rare in cats, but can be seen in cats fed with excessive supplements or diets that are not properly balanced, such as diets cooked in the home.
For example, high levels of vitamin A (generally observed in cats fed with a diet rich in liver or cod liver oil) can cause vomiting, anorexia, muscle pain and neurological symptoms, as well as serious changes in your cat’s bones. Excess vitamin E has been related to bleeding problems in cats, while Selenium toxicity in animals It has been shown that it causes damage to the muscle, the heart, the liver, the spleen and the kidneys.
Side effects of antioxidants in cats
Even at the correct levels, all supplements can cause side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhea. They also have the potential to interact with medication, including herbal remedies. Therefore, always consult your veterinarian before starting your cat in a supplement.
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Cats.com Use high quality credible sources, including peer -reviewed studies, to support statements in our articles. This content is reviewed and updated regularly to obtain precision. Visit our page about us to learn about our standards and meet our veterinary review board.
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Feline immunocompetence, aging and the role of antioxidants – Wsava 2001 – Vin. (North Dakota).
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Giri, A., Ranjan, P. and Bharti, VK (2021). Selenium toxicity in domestic animals. Selenium pollution in water51–72.
While dogs have many attributes, their resistance can also be amazed. A recent case of regeneration of the dog’s jaw that involves a three -month -old French bulldog has shown the remarkable capacity of these animals to heal and regenerate. This story not only highlights the wonders of medical intervention, but also the innate power of nature to repair.
A difficult diagnosis
Imagine to bring a playful puppy home, just to discover that it has been diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma. For this young French bulldog, the initial biopsies revealed a worrying mass in his mouth. Fortunately, the exhaustive clinical staging did not indicate signs of metastases, and the condition seemed located. The owners faced a discouraging decision, but with the guidance of their veterinarian, they opted for a subtotal mandibulectomy, a procedure that involved eliminating part of the jaw where the tumor was.
The power of healing
Eight weeks after surgery, the puppy returned for a tracking appointment. During the exam, something extraordinary was observed: the palpable bone had been reformed in the area where the jaw was eliminated. This unexpected development was confirmed through computerized tomography, revealing a complete regeneration of the left mandibular body. The surprise and the joy of witnessing that healing cannot be exaggerated. This remarkable process demonstrates the incredible vitality of the dog and the capacity for natural regeneration after surgical intervention.
Why does this matter for dog parents
Understanding dogs healing capabilities is vital for all guardians. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of regular veterinary care and monitoring after surgery. It reinforces the need for surveillance in recovery monitoring and the potential of surprising results. The knowledge that dogs can regenerate and adapt is encouraging and empowerment for those who take care of them.
A resilience lesson
The trip of this French bulldog is more than a clinical case; It is a resilience reminders in the face of adversity. When a beloved partner faces serious health challenges, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. However, stories like this inspire hope and highlight the importance of adequate medical care and a support environment.
As science evolves, the possibilities of healing and regeneration in pets expand. This case opens doors for greater research on regenerative medicine, not only benefits veterinary practices, but also advances our understanding of healing in all animals. The implications could lead to better treatments and results for many dogs that face similar challenges.
In the end, witnessing the history of regeneration of the dog jaw not only touches the heart but also ignites a sense of astonishment about the abilities of nature and medical science. Each dog has a story, and this leaves us with a powerful message: hope and healing are always available.
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Animal Wellness is the Journal of Health and Natural Lifestyle of North America for dogs and cats, with a reader of more than one million every year. AW presents articles by some of the most recognized experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health issues, to articles on training, physical state and emotional well -being.
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Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The Smart Purrclean Self -Equipment Sand box is designed with a touch screen system, an application that monitors your cat’s bath habits and several safety sensors.
However, it is also one of the most expensive automatic sandboxes on the market. Is it worth the technological characteristics, or the Purrclean is too expensive? In this impartial review, I will discuss my experience and help you decide if it is the right choice for you.
Qualifications
- Ease of cleaning – 3/5
- Smell control – 3.5/5
- Appearance – 4.5/5
- Construction – 4/5
- Price – 3/5
General score: 3.1/5
Why trust cats.com
I tried the Purclean automatic sand box for about six weeks in my home in several caps. Although I have seven cats, only three are small enough to use most self -employment boxes comfortably.
During the tests, I noticed my cat’s reactions, as well as my own practical experience with the product. The things I consider when checking an automatic sand box include the ease of use, collection skills and if the machine is easy to clean deeply. I also try large amounts of fluids to see if the sand box can handle large groups.
I also look for what other people think about the product and the brand, since what works for me will not work for everyone. I want to know how the sand box works in a variety of conditions so that you can provide the best possible recommendation.
Purrclean Smart Smart Authemaning Box and instant
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Instachew is a pet product company with a focus on intelligent technology and convenience for pet parents. Its application, instachew infinity, is at the forefront of its advertising.
The company sells a range of dogs and cat products, including pet cameras, travel equipment and the intelligent Purclean self -limited sand box.
This automatic sand box reached the market in 2020 and includes a lot of technological and safety features that include its touch screen, application connection and 12 sensors to detect when your cat is inside or near the box.
Purrclean Smart Smart Authemaning Box Characteristics
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Instachew focuses its intelligent technology, and especially its application, by announcing this product. I found the convenient and simple touch screen, but the application is less. Several users, including myself, had trouble connecting it to the sand box. Some also seemed confusing to use.
Once connected, you can configure a cleaning schedule, collect or empty the sand box, monitor your cat’s sand habits and more.
Another main characteristic of the Purrclean is its large number of safety sensors. In addition, the drum revolves from side to side when taking out and has no door. So, even if all these sensors fail, your cat would not get stuck inside.
The machine works silently, presents an air purification system to control the smells and has a large waste container located at the bottom of the sand box.
Although instachew focuses on the owner’s convenience, this sand box is not the easiest to clean deeply. We will discuss this more in depth below.
What we like:
- Easy to use touch screen
- Shoops in silence
- Weighs cats and monitors your sand habits
- Made with 12 cat safety sensors
What we didn’t like:
- Not made for large cats
- Difficult to clean
- The drum is difficult to insert again after configuration and cleanliness
- The application is difficult to connect and send excessive notifications
What did our trial cats think?
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The Smart Purrclean Self -Equipment Sand box was difficult to configure from the beginning. It cost me a lot to remove the drum to configure the machine, in addition to putting it back in its place later. You have to lift it while pressing it at the right angle, which can be a challenge.
I was satisfied with the touch screen in the sand box, which works well and is easy to use. However, I spent a lot of time trying to connect it to the application. In the end, I had to follow the problem solving steps in the instruction brochure, which worked!
This sand box is quite small, but most automatic sand boxes are. Only my smaller cats would use it. The sand box sends notifications every time a cat approaches the sand box, which seems unnecessary. Emerging windows quickly become annoying in a small space, or if the box is in an area of the highly treated house.
That said, I like that the sand box sits when cats are close. Actually, it has a dozen safety sensors, and it is always good to see that a product prioritizes security, especially with other products in the market that have security problems.
The last problem I had was when it was time to deeply clean the machine. In addition to the battery problems, the inner eyeliner seems to be stuck. If you need to be cleaned, you must deal with the complete and bulky drum instead of simply remove the eyeliner itself.
In general, I liked this sand box and recommend it for small cats if it were not for the price. Personally, I think there are many cheaper automatic sand boxes in the market with similar characteristics, including application compatibility. Some of them are even easier to clean deeply!
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
What do customers from the Purrclean smart box think?
Positive reviews
“This product was exactly as described. I was in the order of setback, so it was a bit late in shipping, but I received it only a couple of days after the original delivery date. My cats love and I would recommend it to anyone other than people with multiple cats.” April Stuckless Review at Amazon (May 17, 2023)
“This sand box for intelligent cleaning cats is absolutely life! Automatically takes out the garbage, keeping everything clean and smell free with a minimum effort on my part. My cat took it immediately, and I have noticed a big difference in how fresh the room is maintained.” Shams Review On Chewy (August 16, 2024)
Reviewers agree that the sand box is convenient and works very silently. Several say it works better than their old sand box for folders, and some point out that the smell control works very well for them.
Negative reviews
“It is not large enough for a normal size cat. They enter and cannot turn around to urinate the opening and the front.” Sherry Review in Chewy (May 15, 2024)
“I had great hope for this automatic sand box for cats, but it turned out to be a great disappointment. The construction feels cheap and the application is even worse. It is barely synchronized with the sand box and the few characteristics of” hands -free “that just work.” Catty on Chewy
The complaints of the most frequent customers include problems with the application that connects or operation, the volume of the machine and the input or the drum are too small. Some reviewers had problems with the drum stuck in the shipment, which meant that they could not eliminate it to configure the sand box. Others pointed out that the deodorization system did not work well or that the urine leaked from the drum.
Similar automatic sandbox marks
Looking for other sandbox brands similar to the Purrclean? Check out some of our other sandbox reviews.
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