Who are Raw Love Pets?

Raw Love Pets have been around since 2009, and as the name might imply, they supply pet-owning families with top quality raw meals and hand-made treats. Because they only use organic and reusable products, everything you buy from Raw Love Pets screams GREEN.

They cater to just about every need including raw food, baked treats, herbs and solutions, supplements AND accessories for cats and dogs, which is an extensive list of products!

Why choose raw foods?

Switching from dry dog food to a raw diet will bring a bunch of brilliant benefits to the table for your dog or cat. Some of these benefits include:

• Improved energy
• Better dental health
• Sweeter breath
• Smoother, shinier coat
• Decrease and disappearance of chronic allergies, itches and infections
• Reduced gas
• Major changes in odour and consistency of poop

Unlike dry food, raw diets are appropriate for all breeds and all life stages. Puppies and kittens can easily and safely be weaned onto the same food as their adult counterparts.

What’s on offer?

As far as Raw Love Pets’ line of raw foods is concerned, they have an amazing variety. From starter transition packs for cats and dogs to puppy meals packs and value packs for cats and dogs, these guys have got everything you need to get your dog started and thriving on a raw diet.

27 different products in their treats range cover the basics like biltong and droёwors and they also step up the ante with other products like snack chips and wheat-free biscuits.

They offer 37 different herbs for cats and dogs that can help treat an extensive range of health conditions. These include arthritis, skin itch, metabolic issues, joint pain, and IBS, to name but just a few. On top of their herbal range, they also have 38 supplements on sale that can help treat an impressive range of health problems.

Final thoughts

We give Raw Love Pets a 10/10. We love everything about their food and treat range. And the fact that they make it easy to order alternative pet health products all in one place is really what puts the cherry on top.

The post Product Review: Raw Love Pets appeared first on Petz.

How important is animal-based protein really?

To put it simply: it’s absolutely vital. Dogs have consumed meat for thousands of years, so their digestive systems have evolved to use all the amino acids and minerals found in animal-based protein. The amino acids are used as building blocks for muscle, organ and skeletal health and development. The nutrients nourish their bodies and help repair cell damage. It’s also their main source of energy.

While there’s a lot of debate on the pros and cons of animal-based protein vs the plant-based option, we believe that plants just aren’t as nourishing for pets. Dogs can follow a vegetarian diet, but animal-based protein contains higher levels of amino acids.

Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores, so they HAVE to consume meat to thrive. Their digestive systems simply aren’t suited to plant-based diets. Plants do not contain enough Taurine, but animal protein has more than enough of this amino acid.

What are the best kinds of animal-based protein?

You really want to ensure you’re giving your pet high-quality protein, so when choosing your pet food, it’s ideal to have the protein source listed as the first ingredient. Free-range protein (and the kind fit for human consumption) provides the best nutritional value.  Here’s a quick look at your options:

Chicken

This is probably the most popular pet food option and might also be the most affordable. Chicken offers a high ratio of unsaturated to saturated fats, so it’s a very digestible energy source. This lean meat option is also a source of Chondroitin, a joint health nutrient for pets.

Beef

Beef is also common in pet foods and contains a lot of nutrients like vitamin B, iron and zinc. If you have a pet suffering from renal problems, beef might not be the most ideal choice. All in all, beef is loved among pets for its great taste.

Lamb

Free-range lamb is rich in Omega 3 and 6 and contains a lot of vitamin B. it’s also a source of selenium and zinc. Thanks to lamb’s fat content, it’s often recommended for dogs that need to gain a little weight and those that need more energy.

Ostrich and venison

Just like lamb, ostrich and venison animal-based protein are lean choices and offer high-quality nutrition. These are “novel” proteins, so they’re awesome for pets prone to food allergies or intolerances.

Fish

Fish is, as you might have guessed, great for all pets, but cats love it fiercely. The protein source is low in fat and rich in vitamins minerals and omegas, making it a great option for pets that are predisposed to allergies.

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Pet food labels checklist

Ingredients are listed in order of weight

In general, pet food labels feature ingredient lists that are listed according to their weight. It’s good if ingredients feature meats in the top two lines since this means the food contains adequate amounts of protein.

Specific proteins

Ingredients like “meat” or “poultry” almost always indicates that animal offcuts have been used in the recipe whereas specific mentions like “chicken” and “tuna” indicates the use of real protein, not by-products. Your pet’s food should also be free from preservatives and colourants, but that kind of goes without saying.

Seek out the Omegas

Omega 3 and 6 can be found in most pet foods, but it’s important to look for pet foods that contain extra Omega 3 from high-quality fish sources. Domestic pets can’t process Omega 3 if it comes from sources lime sunflower, coconut and canola oils, but they can process the fish-derived kind.

Make sure the recipe has been analysed

Most respectable pet food brands come with the assurance of Guaranteed Analysis, and it’s something you need to pay attention to in pet food labels. In most cases, pet food brands are required to guarantee minimum percentages of crude values including protein, fat, fibre and moisture in their recipes. The term crude refers to chemical analysis and not the actual percentages in the food but can be used to help compare brands.

Feeding directions are important, even if you’ve been a pet owner all your life!

The feeding direction at the back of pet food products should be used as rough guidelines for feeding your pet. Obviously, other aspects like your pet’s breed, activity levels and temperament also come into play when determining how much and when to feed them.

Final word

Remember that our market is literally saturated with an abundance of great pet food options. From Lukono to Eukanuba and everything in between, everyone has their own idea of what’s best for their fur kid. But to be perfectly honest, there’s no such thing as the perfect brand. Don’t be afraid to switch up your pet’s food if and when the need calls for it. Some pets need higher fat and protein than others, and as your pet ages, his or her nutritional needs will probably also mature and change. It’s always best to consult with your vet before making any dietary changes to your pet’s routine as it can negatively impact their wellbeing.

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If you’re keen on learning more about the benefits of Lokuno dog food, read our review to find out why it might just become SA’s next best seller!

What is Lokuno dog food?

Lokuno takes things back to basics and makes feeding your dog a healthy diet simple and affordable too. These food are free from artificial colorants and flavorings, made with 100% real ingredients, and come packed with super high levels of protein, which is exactly what your dog needs.

The Lokuno range supports healthy skin and coat condition enables and supports healthy digestion and works hard to help provide joint and bone support. It also aids in the development of a healthy immune system and, depending on your pet’s life stage, can cater to just about any nutritional need.

No bad stuff here

We’ve talked about the horrifying truth about what goes into pet food these days before, so if you’re a Petz fan, you already know all about it. If not, you can check out the gory details here. Since we’re totally obsessed about finding real food for pets, the Lokuno range of pet foods immediately got our attention since they only use real ingredients and no fillers.

All their foods are meat-based diets that are inspired by a dog’s natural meat craving. Chicken is their star ingredient since it’s such an amazing source of amino acids, calcium, phosphorus, and chondroitin, which supports healthy joints.

If you’re looking for some peace of mind, you can rest assured that Lokuno uses NO bovine or fish by-products and they add ZERO sugar or artificial sweeteners to their products. Just like we all like to know exactly what we’re consuming, it’s important to know what goes into your pet’s food too, and that’s why the company is totally transparent with their ingredients.

A perfect match for every stage of your dog’s life

As your dog ages, his or her nutritional needs will change, and Lokuno knows that all too well. The manufacturer caters to all stages and ages including:

• Puppy food – formulated to provide a complete balanced diet for puppies u to the age of 14 months
• Adult food – This range caters to the lower nutrient requirement of adult dogs compared to puppies but still focuses on the right balance of nutrients to prolong the onset of potential health problems.
• Senior food – Older dogs have less muscle mass than adult dogs and thus require fewer calories. Lokuno’s senior range caters to those needs and places greater emphasis on immune support to help keep your golden oldie feeling in tip-top shape.

Proudly South African

Here at Petz, we love supporting local businesses, which is yet another reason we love Lokuno. It’s formulated and developed by South African nutritionists and manufactured locally. Not only does buying this brand mean you’re supporting SA’s economy, but you’re also buying into one of the most affordable and best food options currently available on the market.

The post Product Review: Lokuno Dog Food appeared first on Petz.

Njom Njoms is a family business, inspired by the owners’ seven bunnies and two guinea pigs. It was their love for their own small animals that inspired them to start their line of South African small pet products. The team produces an extensive range of products and foods for small animals, including Treats for a Cause, staples like bedding, herb mixes and toppers, dried fruit treats, willow chews and gnaws, and a wooden and woven range of products.

Entertainment and snacks all in one

The willow rings and willow balls are great for bunnies because these are interactive treats that your rabbits can play with while also having a snack. For some extra entertainment, you can add some fresh herbs into the willow balls.

They also have a wide variety of different hay toppers. Each topping option is different and provides something special to your bunny’s hay. The Bunny Buffer Mix is a dry herb mix that includes a variety of different herbs and leaves including willow leaves, rosemary, lavender, and a little rosehip and thyme. They also have a Willow Mix, which contains dried willow leaves and twigs, which is like a healthy candy for small animals. Willow has antibacterial functions and also contains tannins that can support normal digestion. Plus these toppers are high in fibre too!

Sweet treats for little pets

The Njom Njoms range of organic dried fruits is perfect for natural treats. These fruits are organically grown with no pesticides before they are sliced and air-dried without preservatives, Sulphur, or any other nasty additives. Of course, these are treats that are high in natural sugars, so they shouldn’t be fed on a daily basis.

It’s pretty much safe to say that this South African brand is not only providing a more cost-effective solution for small pet owners, but they’re also supporting the local market, which is always a win for all parties involved.

To order some of their cool products or even just get to know the brand a little better, be sure to check out their Facebook page.

The post The answer to your rabbit food woes: Njom Njoms product review appeared first on Petz.

If you’re not sure if your kitty is a little overweight, you can make use of online tools to calculate it. We especially like the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Calculator, which can be used before you consult with your vet about your cat’s diet. That being said, here are some tips you can implement to bring your cat back from the brink of becoming the next Garfield!

Tips for your cat’s weight

1. Offer smarter food choices

Cutting back on the amount of food you feed your overweight cat isn’t the solution to the problem. That’s why it’s better to chat to your vet about foods that’ll rev up your cat’s metabolism before you start restricting kilojoules.

2. Introduce new food gradually

It’s not wise to suddenly change your cat’s food since it can lead to an upset tummy or point-blank refusal to eat it from your cat’s side. You need to introduce your cat to the new food gradually, over a week. Try mixing the new food with your cat’s old food at a ratio of 3 to 1 with the majority being the old food and slowly shift the ratio until you’re at 100% new food.

3. Plan carefully when you’ve got two cats and only one cat’s weight is a problem

The last thing you want to do is give your dieting cat access to your healthy cat’s food bowl. Make sure they have separate feeding areas and that your overweight cat doesn’t have access to food throughout the day. If need be, use a cardboard box and cut a hole in it that’s only big enough for the slimmer cat to fit through.

4. Pump up his physical activity

Exercise is an essential part of staying healthy, for all cats, not just the ones that have issues with their weight. But of course, you’ll need to be the one that encourages active play if your overweight cat is on the lazy side. Perhaps it might be a good idea to invest in some interactive toys that encourage play. Something as simple as a cat tickler can help promote hunting, running, and jumping, but so will a tall scratch post.

The post Your cat’s weight and when to worry appeared first on Petz.

In the U.S alone, the pet food industry makes a whopping R143 billion per year. And they want us to believe that they’re adding rice and chicken and veggies to their brand. But then again, there’s a difference between what consumers that they’re buying and what they’re really getting.

WARNING: If you’re a sensitive person, you might not want to read this. But for all goals and purposes, it really is worth it to know the truth. That way, you’ll be able to make better choice about your pet’s food in the future.

The truth about pet food ingredients

You might not know this, but the pet food industry is just an extension of the human food and agriculture industries. It effectively provides a market for offal, grains that aren’t fit for human diets, and waste products to be turned into profit.

It wasn’t too long ago that authorities questioned Nestlé, Heinz and Hill’s Science Diet Pet Food in the U.S about what goes into their animal foods. But while a lot of the manufacturers use poor quality ingredients, not all of them are the same. There are quite a lot of honest-to-goodness companies that go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure they produce quality dog and cat food.

The price of pet food is often a great indicator if the overall quality of the product. It’s impossible for a company to sell a generic brand of food at R40 per 1.5kg to use quality proteins and grains in their food. The cost of obtaining those quality ingredients would obviously be much more than their selling price.

Main ingredients in cat and dog food

After the slaughtering process for human food production, the “waste”, or remaining carcass is what they use for the production of pet food. These ingredients are known as by-products, meal, or by-product meal.

By-products

By-products found in dog and cat food are clean, non-rendered “parts”, derived from slaughtered mammals. It includes, but isn’t limited to:

• Lungs
• Spleen
• Kidneys
• Brain
• Blood
• Bone
• Fatty tissue
• Stomachs
• Intestines freed of their contents

Meat Meal

The meat “meal” used to manufacture food for pets are meat tissues, exclusive of blood. These include, but are not limited to:

• Hair
• Hoofs
• Hide trimmings
• Manure
• Stomach and rumen content

Additives

In addition to by-products and “meal”, there are some other harmful ingredients in pet foods that you should avoid. These include:

• Corn syrup
• Propylene glycol
• MSG
• Preservatives like BHA, BHT, sodium, nitrate and nitrite

The ingredients in cat and dog food are considered “unfit for human consumption.” But if we can’t eat it, why are we feeding it to our pets? Shouldn’t we all be choosing more natural foods for our pets? As humans, we’re becoming more aware of how harmful dietary preservatives and synthetic chemicals are impacting our overall wellbeing. So why doesn’t the same hold true for our pets?

Here at Petz.co.za, we are committed to delivering the very best quality pet food. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our range of pawsome pet food and products!

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