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Pet Care

The Growing Popularity of Homemade Pet Food: A Trend Driven by Health and Quality

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In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way pet owners approach feeding their dogs and cats. More and more, people are opting for homemade pet food over commercially produced kibble or canned options.

This trend has grown in popularity due to various factors such as concerns about pet health, a desire for transparency in ingredients, and the increasing awareness of the potential risks associated with mass-produced pet food.

With an emphasis on nutrition, quality control, and personalized diets, homemade dog food has become a preferred choice for many pet owners seeking the best for their furry companions.

Health Concerns and Quality Control

One of the primary drivers of the popularity of homemade dog food is the growing awareness of the potential risks associated with commercial dog and cat food. While many high-quality brands exist, there have been instances of recalls, contamination, and the discovery of harmful ingredients in mass-produced pet foods.

These issues have led to a shift in trust, with many pet owners now preferring to control what goes into their animals’ meals. Homemade pet food provides an opportunity to choose fresh, natural ingredients that can be tailored to the dogs’ and cats’ specific health needs.

Additionally, some commercial dog and cat food products are filled with fillers, artificial additives, and low-quality meats that may not be ideal for a pet’s health.

Homemade meals allow pet owners to focus on high-quality proteins, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains, reducing the risk of exposure to undesirable ingredients.

With the rise of dietary concerns such as obesity, allergies, and sensitivities in animals, many pet owners feel more comfortable preparing their own food to ensure their dogs and cats are receiving a well-balanced and nutritious diet.

Personalized Nutrition

Another factor contributing to the popularity of homemade pet food is the ability to customize meals based on the specific needs of individual dogs and cats. Each animal is unique, with different dietary requirements depending on factors such as age, breed, size, activity level, and any medical conditions.

Homemade pet food allows pet owners to create personalized meals that meet their pet’s specific nutritional needs, ensuring optimal health.

For example, senior dogs and cats with joint issues may benefit from recipes that include ingredients like turmeric or fish oil, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Similarly, dogs or cats with sensitive stomachs or food allergies can avoid triggering ingredients, such as grains, dairy, or common meat allergens, by creating customized meals at home.

For active dogs or working breeds, owners can focus on high-protein meals to support muscle growth and energy levels.

This level of personalization is difficult to achieve with pre-packaged pet food, making homemade options an attractive alternative.

Transparency and Control Over Ingredients

Pet owners are becoming increasingly conscious of the ingredients in the products they buy, and this extends to dog and cat food as well.

Homemade pet food offers transparency and control that commercial pet food simply cannot provide. With homemade meals, pet owners can choose organic, non-GMO ingredients, ensuring that their dogs and cats are eating food that aligns with their values and preferences.

Additionally, by cooking their pet’s food at home, owners can avoid any unwanted surprises and know exactly what their pets are consuming, which builds trust and confidence in the meals they provide.

The Growing Popularity of Homemade Dog Food: A Trend Driven by Health and Quality

The popularity of homemade pet food is expected to continue growing as more pet owners seek healthier, safer, and more personalized options for their dogs and cats.

With an increasing focus on transparency, high-quality ingredients, and nutrition, homemade dog and cat food provides a viable and often superior alternative to traditional commercial pet food.

As the trend gains momentum, pet owners are embracing the opportunity to take control of their dog and cat’s diet and health, ensuring their beloved pets live longer, healthier lives.

Pet Preparation Tips in the Event of a Disaster

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In light of the horrific firestorms occurring in Los Angeles, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to express our heartfelt condolences to those affected by the tragedy and to remind pet owners to be prepared in the event of a catastrophic event.

No pet owner wants to think of having to leave for safety without our pets, and in the event there is little to no warning, it’s best to have everything your pet needs prepared in advance.

With some careful planning and preparation, you and your pets can have a better chance at surviving a catastrophe.

Prepare Your Pet for Disaster

To prepare for a potential disaster, pet owners should create an emergency plan that includes assembling a pet emergency kit, identifying a safe area in the home, and taking steps to ensure their pet’s identification and safety. Key aspects of pet disaster preparedness include:

Emergency Kit:

  • Sufficient supply of pet food and water
  • Medications and prescription details
  • List of allergies or intolerances
  • Copies of vaccination and medical records
  • A durable carrier or leash
  • A collar with an up-to-date ID tag with visible and legible contact information
  • Pet bedding and favorite toys
  • A pet first aid kit
  • Recent photos of your pet
  • Can opener
  • Flashlight
  • Reflective collar and or leash
  • Towels
  • Extra blankets

Identification:

  • Microchip your pet and keep contact information current
  • Ensure your pet’s collar has an ID tag with your latest contact details
  • Collect all veterinary identification and assemble together
  • Keep an ID card with pet’s name, age, breed, gender, color (dogs can change colors in emergencies-think soot after a fire on a white dog), any identifying marks, or behaviors, shot history, list of medications or injuries

Safe Area:

  • Designate a safe room in your home where your pet can stay during an emergency provided you do not need to evacuate. Make sure the room has food, water, bedding, toys, and the comforts of home until you can resume operations
  • Keep all doors and windows shut to avoid the chance of escape
  • If flooding is a concern, provide access to elevated surfaces

Evacuation Plan:

  • Identify a friend or family member outside the affected area who can be contacted in an emergency
  • Practice evacuating with your pet and emergency kit
  • Know the location of pet-friendly shelters in your area

Important Information:

  • Keep your veterinarian’s contact details easily accessible
  • Note any special needs or medical conditions your pet may have
  • Post a glow in the dark sticker/notice next to your door/on your window with the number of pets and their location during an emergency

Update all information, food, water, bedding, medication, and supplies at least once or twice a year and make sure all perishable are not outdated.

By preparing in advance, you can ensure your pet’s safety and well-being during a disaster.

November is National Senior Pet Month

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November is National Senior Pet Month, a month devoted to honoring senior pets, focusing on their needs, and raising awareness for senior animals who need homes.

According to Dr. Heidi Lobprise of Senior Pet Advocates, pets are living longer due to the advancements in veterinary care, foods, and medicines. As pets age, their needs change, so the month of November has been dedicated to drawing attention to our beloved senior pets.

At What Age is a Pet Considered a Senior?

The age a pet becomes a senior varies according to their size and breed. However, the average age of a senior dog is determined to be around 7 years while a cat is considered a senior at 11 years of age (source).

By this age, pets are calmer and more settled into a routine. The days of chewing apart furniture, shoes, toys, clothes, plants, and anything they can get into their mouths is over, and senior pets are more satisfied being on a comfortable bed alongside their owners and partner pals.

Medical Needs for Senior Pets

As pets age, their needs change and senior pets require additional care including, but not limited to, “…more frequent examinations, diagnostics, and nutritional and behavioral counseling.”

Senior pets are more prone to developing certain diseases and conditions as they age. These include:

  • Arthritis: A frequent cause of chronic pain in older pets, arthritis occurs when a joint becomes unstable, leading to abnormal bone movement.
  • Cancer: A leading cause of death in senior pets, cancer involves an overgrowth of cells that can overwhelm the immune system.
  • Dental disease: This painful condition often goes unnoticed in senior pets due to its gradual progression.
  • Kidney disease: Common in older dogs, this condition can result in incontinence and changes in body odor.
  • Heart disease: Especially prevalent in small senior dogs, untreated heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure.
  • Cognitive dysfunction: Similar to Alzheimer’s or dementia in humans, this condition affects mental function in older dogs.
  • Diabetes: A common issue in older pets, diabetes occurs when the body can no longer properly process glucose.
  • Cataracts: A frequent condition in older pets, cataracts cause the eye’s lens to become cloudy, creating a whitish appearance over the eye. Cataracts can result from trauma or infection and may lead to blindness if untreated.
  • Glaucoma: A common issue in senior dogs, especially in certain breeds. There are two types: primary glaucoma, caused by poor drainage of eye fluid, and secondary glaucoma, which occurs from physical injury to the eye.
  • Corneal Ulcers: A genetic condition that typically affects middle-aged or older dogs. If untreated, corneal ulcers can lead to vision loss.

It’s crucial to monitor any changes in your pet’s behavior or signs of health issues and consult a veterinarian promptly. Many conditions can be treated or managed, helping to enhance the quality of life for senior pets.

Adopt a Senior Pet

Our shelters are full of senior pets looking for homes. If you could fill your heart and home with a senior pet, you would be giving a displaced dog or cat a second or third chance at life.

Senior pets don’t need as much time and attention as younger pets, are more settled and some say, more appreciative. Their personalities are already developed, some are already trained, and all you have to provide is food, shelter, water, love, and companionship. It’s a win-win for all!

If you are looking to adopt a senior, check your local rescue organizations and shelters. Bring home a Senior Dog and do your part during National Senior Pet Month.

Why Does My Cat Rub Against Me?

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Cat Expresses Affection Through Leg Rubbing, Marking Territory And Showing Trust. This Behavior Signifies Comfort, Creating A Bond Between Feline And Human. Cartoon Vector Illustration

When The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa has the pleasure of boarding our clients’ cats, we often fall in love! Soft purrs, gentle nose bumps, tiny meows, the occasional reach out with the paw, and soft, full body rubs us often melt our hearts.

More often than not, our visiting cats rub against us, which led us to share with the simple answer to the question, Why Does My Cat Rub Against Me?

Top Reasons Your Cat Rubs Against You

Cats are pretty clear about their intentions, and their needs are few. When a cat rubs its body against you, it is trying to communicate with you. Here are the Top Reasons Your Cat Rubs Against You:

Communication Through Physical Touch

Cats use body language as their primary means of communication. When a cat rubs against you, which is also called bunting or head butting it is showing affection towards you.

Consider rubbing as cat speak for “I love you,” “I’m happy and content,” and “I care about you.” It’s their way of communicating how secure they feel and reinforcing their bond with you.

Marking Territory

Cats rub against you to mark their territory. Cats have scent glands located around their head, cheeks, and base of the tail. When they rub against you, they’re depositing their scent as a form of marking.

This behavior is rooted in their instinct to mark their territory and claim their space. It also serves to make their environment smell more familiar and comfortable.

Seeking Attention

If your cat rubs against you, it might be asking for something—whether it’s food, playtime, or a petting session. As time goes on, you will be able to determine what need your cat has when it rubs against you. But understanding all of these cues can help you better respond to your feline friend’s needs and strengthen your bond.

Social Bonding

When cats rub against each other, it’s often a sign of social bonding. The same behavior directed towards you is a sign of affection and trust. Your cat sees you as a close companion, much like they would another cat they get along with.

Comfort and Security

For many cats, rubbing against their favorite human or object is a way of seeking comfort and reinforcing their sense of security. It’s especially common in senior cats who may be more focused on maintaining their comfort and safety.

Health Concern

If you notice changes in how or how often your cat is rubbing, or if they seem unusually persistent, it could be a sign of discomfort or a health issue. If the behavior changes significantly, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet to ensure everything is okay.

Enjoy the time your cat is spending with you! These special moments make for a firm bond and socially prepared cat. A cat who shows love by rubbing is a happy and content cat!

Happy Mother’s Day from the Cats of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

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Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 13, 2024, and the Cats of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa want to wish you all a very happy Mother’s Day!

In the spirit of the Mother’s Day holiday, the cats of The Ranch wanted to share some fun and interesting Motherly Information about their species.

Motherly Facts About Cats

Cat mothers like to consider themselves high in the running for Mom Species of the year. With kitten season upon us, the Ranch cats thought you might enjoying learning the following information about them:

  • Mother cats are called Queens and really, are we surprised? These dainty paw licking creatures certainly deserve the title.
  • Kittens in one litter can come from different fathers. A cat in heat can be fertile for a week and can mate with more than one cat during this time. This gives sense to the saying, “A sister from another mister.” This act of nature is one reason kittens from the same litter can look so very different.
  • Kittens can be born days apart. Since Momma Cat can mate at different days during her fertile season, it makes sense that kittens will develop at different times and be born days apart.
  • Queens can deliver between 1-9 kittens each time they give birth.
  • An unspayed cat can have as many as 100 kittens in a lifetime (source) which is why it is so important to spay and neuter your cats.
  • Queens purr during birth. This noise is their way of relaxing during labor. But given the choice, we are most certain Queens would prefer an epidural.
  • Kittens are born with placenta covering them which the mom eats after delivery.
  • Kittens have belly buttons since each kitten has its placenta attached to it. How cute is a kitten belly button?
  • Cats can have between 4 and 10 nipples, including males, but the average number is six.
  • Mother cats have a distinct noise to call their kittens. This noise is call a chirrup, and kittens can distinguish their mom from other moms based upon this noise.
  • Queens hide their babies in nests to keep them safe from predators. You may find your cat has had its kittens in a closet, under your bed, or nesting in your bedding. Feral or stray cats hide their kittens anywhere away from predators and away from where they pee or poop. Common places include under porches, in bushes, and even in peoples’ garages.
  • Kittens who are found alone are often not abandoned. Mother Queen may be out hunting. If you come across a nest of kittens, the best advice is to leave them alone. Chances are, Mom will come back. If she doesn’t return in 4-6 hours, it may be time to intervene.
  • Around 8 weeks, Momma Queen is done raising her kittens and happy to get back to the life she once lived without her babies! (source)

Help Prevent Unwanted Pregnancies for Your Cat, Spay and Neuter Your Pets!

Why Does My Dog Do That?

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While dogs are said to be man and woman’s best friend, unless you’re a cat person, these canines have some interesting behaviors that may make you question, “Why does my dog do that?”

In a series that The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa began last month to answer some of your most asked questions, this month’s blog will focus on why dogs react they way they do on a leash, why they lick you, why they eat grass, and why they sleep in the positions they do.

Keep in mind that our canine friends still carry the history of their ancestors in their genes and that while we may have domesticated them, they come from a long line of ancestors whose behaviors stay with them.

Through the good and the bad, dogs act in a way that makes sense to them, even if we find their behaviors funny, frustrating, or confusing!

Why Does My Dog React on a Leash?

Leash reactivity is a common behavior where dogs will either growl, snarl, bark, pull on the leash, lunge, spin around, or otherwise “act out” when they encounter a situation, dog, or person that makes them feel scared, frustrated, or territorial. It’s a more severe reaction than a dog without leash reactivity would have and occurs in dogs who have been under socialized or not exposed to people, places, things, or other animals in a positive way (source).

The perceived “threat” creates a fight or flight response in the dog. Since the leash prevents the dog from running away, they respond by using their body language as cues to warn the perceived threat they are uncomfortable.

Leash reactivity can be tamed over time and with patience and understanding. For more information on leash reactivity and how to help your dog overcome leash reactivity, please click here.

Why Does My Dog Lick Me?

The slobbery licks your dog covers you with is a learned behavior. A puppy licks its mom to get milk and licks its siblings to groom and interact with them. Dogs lick to explore their environment, show affection, play with you, get your attention, or ask a dominant dog in its pack for permission to eat communal food.

The more you are covered in slobbery, wet kisses, the more positive affirmation you are giving your dog. While some may associate licking with a “gross display of germs,” a dog associates licking with positive behavior that he is naturally ingrained to perform (source).

Why Does My Dog Curl Up in a Ball When it Sleeps?

If your dog moves in circles or digs its bed before it curls up to sleep, you can thank its ancestors. In the wild, dogs dig nests to curl up in. Curling up keeps the dogs warm and prevents their vital organs from being exposed to predators.

So the next time you see your dog digging in its bed or circling before it lies down, you have a better understanding of this behavior. If your dog stretches out or sleeps upside down, it’s either hot or feels very safe and secure (source).

For more tail wagging information about your dog, Refer to our blog.