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What is a good dog food with few ingredients? - Birdham Animal Feeds

What is a good dog food with few ingredients?

What is a good dog food with few ingredients?



A lot of dog owners are under the impression that more ingredients in a dog food means better nutrition. This is not true. The more ingredients a dog food has, the more likely it is to have low quality ingredients. A lot of dog owners use the same old dog food that they get from the supermarket with no regard to what is actually in it. Some owners might even go so far as to feed their dog processed food. This is not only unhealthy for the dog, but it’s also expensive and environmentally unfriendly. If you want to feed your dog a better diet, here are some tips on what to look for in a dog food.



1. What are the ingredients to look for in a dog food?


A dog food should not have ingredients that are difficult to pronounce or are not easy to digest. These ingredients can cause stomach problems and other medical issues. Some of these ingredients include corn, wheat, soy, and beef. A good dog food should have high-quality ingredients. 

Look for the meat protein which should be in the first few ingredients; even better usually if its the first. The first few ingredients are the most important and are listed in the order from greatest to least. These ingredients include animal proteins, vegetables, fruits, minerals, and vitamins.



2. Are there any foods with only a few ingredients?

Symply is a dog food company that makes their dog food with few ingredients. They are also the first company to make a dog biscuit with only two ingredients.

Some of the benefits of Symply’s products are that they have no artificial preservatives, colours, or flavours. They also do not use any animal by-products in their products.

If you are looking to keep dog food simple, then Symply should be your go-to-choice. With a number of products available from Chicken, Turkey or Lamb. For those with young dogs, Symply Puppy Fuel is a popular choice.

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How Often Should You Change A Cat’s Litter? - Birdham Animal Feeds

How Often Should You Change A Cat’s Litter?

It’s no secret that cats are pretty finicky about, well, everything. That includes handling their private business, and how often to change cat litter can mean as much for them as you. There’s a massive amount of product options on the market to make them more comfortable during bathroom breaks, but that also means many tid-bits of information for you to keep in mind - little bonuses depending on what you buy, like how often to change a cat litter tray, or how often to change non-clumping cat litter. The Birdham Animal Feeds Company just wants to see cats and their owners happy, so here are some tips that will help.


Types Of Litter


Some cats have a preference for the litter they’ll use. The most common types you will find are traditional clay litter, scooping - also known as clumping - litter, crystal-based or silica gel litter, and biodegradable litter derived from plants. Most cat owners report their cats prefer a soft and fine-grained litter, but all of these types can be found in that relative form.

cat litter

Many people assume the depth they add will reduce how often to change cat litter, but this will work against you in a couple of ways. For one, most cats seem to not use litter that is deeper than two inches. And while it might seem a good way to mask odors by burying urine and feces under that extra layer, it only makes cleaning harder when you do get around to it. Also, when it comes to how often to change non-clumping cat litter, all that extra material is continuing to soak up their mess and you’re only spending more money to replace it needlessly. 


Clumping litter has the benefit of burying smells itself, actually, as well as segregating away from litter that is still good - besides assisting you with visual cues on how often to change cat litter. Birdham Animal Feeds has great clumping, natural cat litters available if you’re inclined to give it a try: Maizy Cat Litter, and Pettex Fullers Earth Clumping Cat Litter.


How Often To Change Cat Litter


With both Maizy and Pettex, how often to change cat litter is the same recommendation for most brands - at least twice a week. How often to change non-clumping cat litter can vary, but most people aim for three times a week or more.


How Often To Change Cat Litter Tray


Ideally, spot-cleaning daily will help, but how often to change the cat litter tray depends on your cat. Plastic trays become grooved by cat scratching, making bacteria and germs likelier to embed into them. Scrubbing with dish soap with mild to no scent seems to be less off-putting to cats than heavy chemical smells. If you trust that it’s clean and in good condition, and your cat is using it, then how often to change the cat litter tray comes down to personal preference. 


For more tips on cat care and great cat products, check out the online store at BirdhamAnimalFeeds.co.uk.

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5 Benefits Of Canagan Dry Dog Food - Birdham Animal Feeds

5 Benefits Of Canagan Dry Dog Food

You love your dogs and want them to be not just healthy, but happy. That’s the usual concern of pet owners when the topic of wet vs dry food arises. Wet food looks more appealing to you, and the consensus among dogs is that it does to them, too. It’s also more palatable and flavorful in most cases. But dry food is easier to store, less messy, and has a much longer shelf life. So, where can the best of both worlds meet, if anywhere? In a much better brand of dry food than is most readily available in your grocery store pet aisle, of course. 


That’s where Canagan dry dog food comes in. The benefits of Canagan dry dog food include the things you’re probably already expecting, like real ingredients and taste, as well as some that you don’t see advertised as much by other brands - like the conscious approach to a proper amount of calories in Canagan dry dog food. These and more will be explained in this article.

canagan dog food


1. Balanced Nutrition


First and foremost your dog needs balanced nutrition in its diet. Canagan dry dog food uses 65% animal ingredients and sweet potato, botanicals, and vegetables. One of the best benefits of Canagan dry dog food is that it’s a grain-free, biologically appropriate ratio of meats to vegetables. 


2. Age, Size Specific Diet And Caloric Intake


Birdham Animal Feeds Company offers the full product line of Canagan dry dog food, including those suited for small breeds, seniors, and every dog inbetween. Dogs need the right balance of animal protein and fat, and vegetables at different life stages. The appropriate intake of calories in Canagan dry dog food has been taken into consideration, and you can find the right bag to fit the needs of any dog. You can also find the proper serving amounts with a useful calculator for counting calories in Canagan dry dog food at Canagan.co.uk.


3. Flavor


One of the best benefits of Canagan dry dog food is its ingredients. They only use real meats, botanicals, and vegetables. No calories in Canagan dry dog food come from fillers like grain or artificial sources. You’ll recognize the difference in how much your pet enjoys it.


4. An Ethical Business You Can Trust


Passion can get lost in multi-national corporations, and dog food already has minimal food safety regulations. Canagan dry dog food is made by a small group of true animal lovers. All ingredients come from the same trusted suppliers, and they sell through only trusted retailers, like Birdham Animal Feeds.


5. Award-Winning Brand


The many industry awards they’ve won highlight the many benefits of Canagan dry dog food. They include Dog Product of The Year, the Queen’s Award, and several others. 


Birdham Animal Feeds is a proud supplier of Canagan dry dog food enhancing their mission of providing natural, healthy dog products. Visit their full store at BirdhamAnimalFeeds.co.uk.

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What Treats Do Vets Recommend For Dogs? - Birdham Animal Feeds

What Treats Do Vets Recommend For Dogs?

Trying to find vet recommended dog treats to pamper your best friend can be a confusing labyrinth of seemingly contradictory information to navigate. This is because not only do dogs need different diet regimens based on things like breed, size, age, and health issues, but vets have different opinions based on personal education, philosophy, and professional experience, too. The main thing most agree on, however, is that dog treats should be made from whole-food ingredients, as well as be nutritious and healthy. And that’s exactly the kind that Birdham Animal Feeds provides. All of their products have a passion for animal well-being built into them, and you can trust that whether you’re looking for just a delicious snack or motivational appeal with vet recommended training treats for dogs, theirs are among the best on the market.


What You Should Not Use As Dog Treats


Domestic dogs have evolved with humans over the millennia and their diets have become quite similar. Like people, they are omnivores that can thrive on foods rich in starches, as well as those that are cooked, and, to some extent, raw - though most vets believe consuming raw foods carries the same inherent risks for both species, so it isn’t recommended. There are some important differences, however, and some foods that people eat are toxic for dogs and should never be given to them. Some groups, like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), keep a detailed list of them, and any vet recommended dog treats will avoid any of these ingredients: 


  • Alcohol
  • Avocado
  • Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine
  • Citrus
  • Coconut and Coconut Oil
  • Grapes and Raisins
  • Macadamia Nuts
  • Nuts - Almonds, Pecans, Walnuts
  • Onions, Garlic, Chives
  • Raw/Undercooked Meat and Eggs
  • Salt and Salty Snack Foods
  • Xylitol
  • Yeast Dough

  • Many of the same things that you wouldn’t consider healthy for you are likewise not suitable for dog treats. This includes artificial colorings, and chemicals designed to add flavor. Some products are also added as “filler” in dog treats, like gluten and grains that might make them full, but don’t have much nutritional value.

    vet recommended dog treats


    Giving Dog Treats The Right Way


    Vet recommended dog treats, as well as those that are vet recommended training treats for dogs, are supplementary to a well-balanced diet. A candy bar is nice for you every once in a while, but you’re probably not going to eat twenty in a day if you care about your health. Pets don’t normally require as many calories as people do, so it’s perhaps more important to take notice of their daily intakes. The basic rule that most vets recommend is for dog treats not to amount to more than 10% of their daily calories. It’s important to ask your vet for the numbers specific to your dog to be able to manage this. Most vet recommended dog treats will list calories on the packaging, but there are tools available online to calculate this, as well. 


    Dog Treats serve two primary purposes: as a way to bond with your dog and to reward good behavior. The most important thing is your dog’s happiness and health, so dog treats should be something nutritionally and emotionally satisfying. But, when it comes to vet recommended training treats for dogs, there are some interesting thoughts about choosing the right ones that help you and your beloved canine get the most out of their education.


    Keeping dogs motivated and interested is key to successful training. This is done by what’s known as a “high rate of reinforcement”, which means being able to give a lot of treats in a short time. While some dog treats can take a long time to eat - think buffalo horns and pig ears - vet recommended training treats for dogs will usually focus on those that can be eaten quickly. The smellier the better, as dogs devote much of their attention to their olfactory senses. Soft treats are easier for dogs to chew and swallow than hard ones, and the smaller portion-sized ones can help you achieve a high rate of reinforcement, as well. 


    Finally, keeping a variety of treats will also prolong your dog’s attention span. Even using different treats in one training session will help them to stay more excited and anxious to please you. You also mirror your own desire and interest in your dog by doing so.


    Birdham Animal Feeds Co. Dog Treats


    Whether you want dog treats as a sign of affection or to reward good behavior with excellent reinforcement, the Birdham Animal Feeds Company has the healthiest and most effective options to choose from. Here are some popular treats to consider:


    Vet Recommended Dog Treats


    Pooch’s Handmade Dog Treats - these homemade, hearty biscuits are made with locally sourced meat from Norfold, East Anglia, The Royal Sandringham Estate, Holkham Hall, and other homegrown suppliers. There are many flavors to choose from, like roast beef, liver and bacon, lamb jerky, duck crunch, venison, and more.

    Miro and Makauri Cheese and Tomato Straws - let your dog get a fuller range of nutrition with these delicious tasting (and smelling) cheese and tomato treats. The lycopene in the tomatoes promotes strong bones and the cheese substitute has the flavor that dogs crave.

     

    Vet Recommended Training Treats For Dogs


    JR Pure Training Treats - with 12 flavors to choose from, including ostrich, turkey, and rabbit, these training treats provide the right size and taste to encourage your dog to be the best they can be. These include healthy and hypoallergenic, locally-sourced meat cuts that most vets would recommend.


    Anco Trainers 70g - these are ideal training tools. Made from 100% natural and single protein with nothing added.


    Birdham offers your dog healthy treats that vets recommend, with a variety and prices that you can’t find anywhere else. Browse their extensive online store at BirdhamAnimalFeeds.co.uk.

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    Poochs Handmade Dog Treats - Birdham Animal Feeds

    Poochs Handmade Dog Treats

    Poochs Handmade Dog Treats is a family-run business that aims to provide a healthy and eco-friendly solution. 

    Poochs dog treats are a modern twist on a traditional British classic.

    We know that your four legged friend is more than just a pet - they're part of the family! That's why we want to provide them with the best quality, locally sourced ingredients and handmade in Poochs kitchen.

    Poochs Handmade Dog Treats has been running for over 10 years and we have always tried to use local suppliers and ethically sourced ingredients where possible.

    Birdham Animal Feeds are proud to be stockists of this great product with a great ethos behind it. 

    Shop for Poochs Treats now

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    Can I Use Natural Bar Soap On My Dog? - Birdham Animal Feeds

    Can I Use Natural Bar Soap On My Dog?

    If you have a pet dog that loves to dig and explore, you will know how much they need a good wash in the bath every now and again. Keeping their dogs clean and well-groomed is a priority for most pet owners, but choosing the best products for your pooch can be a bit hit and miss. 

    Natural Bar Soap For Dogs

    Finding soaps and shampoos that can effectively clean your pet's fur without irritating their skin can be challenging. While searching for the best dog soaps, you may have come across bar soaps and wondered, am I safe using natural bar soap on my dog? Using natural bar soap that has been specifically created for dogs offers an excellent alternative to bottled shampoos. Still, it is always best to double-check the ingredients for anything that could aggravate your dog's skin or cause allergies. Natural bar soaps for dogs often come in a variety of options so that you can select the best choice for your dog's needs. Whether that is an antibacterial formula because your dog has rolled in something unpleasant, or a soothing formula for an anxious pet, you are sure to find a natural bar soap for pets that is suited to your dog.

    Benefits Of Natural Bar Soap For Dogs

    Using natural bar soap on my dog can offer several benefits:

    • It provides a great lather which makes bathtimes easier.
    • It makes it easier to massage your dog's skin.
    • Natural ingredients mean fewer or no chemicals.
    • It can offer therapeutic benefits for specific conditions, such as dry, irritated skin.
    • No plastic packaging.
    • Bar soap is often a more cost-effective option, providing more washes for less money.

    Avoid Human Bar Soap

    If your dog is a muddy mess and you have been caught short without any dog shampoo at home, you may be tempted to try giving him a wash with your own soap. But, before you do, it is crucial to know that using human soap or shampoo on your pup could be a bad idea. 

    Lathering up human soap on your dog may make him smell great, but it could play havoc with his skin. Dogs' skin has a different PH level to human skin, which means that human shampoo could cause severe irritation. Chemical additives that are added to your shampoo may also impact your dog, even if they do not cause you any issues. While chemicals and preservatives in human soaps can be harmful to your pup, natural soaps could also cause them problems. Many popular essential oils used in human bathing products are actually toxic to dogs, so steering clear of these is vital. 

    The safest option and best choice for your pet is to avoid human bar soaps and other toiletries altogether and opt for a specially designed natural bar soap for dogs that meets the needs of their fur and skin. Having beautifully soft skin and a tangle-free coat will make natural bar soap a popular choice with your dog.

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    Which Disinfectant Is Safe For Dogs? - Birdham Animal Feeds

    Which Disinfectant Is Safe For Dogs?

    Every dog owner wants to provide a happy and healthy home for their pet, so keeping them safe from harm is always a priority. Unfortunately, there are a few health and safety hazards in homes that can cause issues for dogs and other pets, and your cleaning products are one of them. 

    As a dog owner, you likely spend plenty of time each week mopping up muddy paw prints and cleaning up accidents. But when you are busy cleaning up after your dog, it is essential to pay close attention to the products that you use. Knowing which disinfectant is safe for dogs is critical to protect your pet's health. Using cleaning products containing chemicals or additives that could harm your dog is something that is crucial to avoid. 

    Cleaning your floors and other surfaces with a powerful disinfectant may seem like the best way to keep your home clean, but it could have severe consequences for your pet. Harsh chemical cleaning products can lead to your dog becoming physically ill and can cause skin irritation. If your dog licks their fur and cleans its paws after walking on a freshly mopped floor, it can easily ingest potentially harmful cleaning products. So, being aware of these dangers and knowing how to avoid them is vital to keep your pet well.

    dog safe disinfectant

    Dog Safe Disinfectant

    Knowing which cleaning products are harmful is helpful, but you may be wondering which disinfectant is safe for dogs? Luckily, dog safe disinfectant is available and will help you keep your home clean without putting your pet at risk. The Be: Loved Be: Fresh Home and Kennel Sanitizing Spray is an ideal choice for pet owners that want to enjoy a hygienically clean home without worrying their pet is in danger. The great thing about this sanitising spray is it doesn't just clean; it also has a great natural fragrance to freshen up your surfaces. Choosing a cleaning product designed specifically for use in homes with dogs also brings additional features. The Be: Loved Be: Fresh Home and Kennel Sanitizing Spray features natural odour-eliminating active ingredients and helps to create a positive microclimate in the home to minimise allergenic agents. 

    Cleaning Product Safety

    As you can see, it is possible to enjoy a beautifully clean and fresh home while selecting products that are safe to use around your pet. But, even when you choose pet-friendly cleaning products, it is still essential to store them safely. Keeping all of your cleaning products and other potentially dangerous household products away from your pet is crucial to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning and irritation. Ensuring that these products are all stored out of your pet's sight and reach is vital, but it is better if you can lock them away so that your dog cannot access them at all. 

    Whether you have a curious little puppy at home or a seasoned older dog, choosing pet-friendly disinfectants is the best choice to keep them safe while keeping your house clean.

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    What types of dog food are there?

    Types of dry food: Dry dog food comes in different shapes and sizes, depending on the pet's age. It can be in the form of kibbles, biscuits, chunks or nuggets. This type of dog food is best for dogs that have sensitive stomachs.

    Dry Dog Food Examples: Eden, Canagan, Symply, Millies Wolfheart

     

    Types of wet dog food: Wet dog food is more popular than ever before with many pet parents choosing this type of diet for their dogs due to its convenience and versatility. The wet dog food commonly comes in cans or packets, but some brands offer fresh meals made from raw ingredients delivered to your door. 

    Wet Dog Food Examples: Forthglade, Symply, Eden, Millies Wolfheart

     

    Types of raw dog food: Raw feeding can be very beneficial for pets that suffer from allergies or chronic health conditions like gastroenteritis because it doesn’t contain grains or fillers that can exacerbate symptoms like allergies. Raw dog food also helps with elimination type diets where one protein and reduced ingredients can be controlled.

    Raw Dog Food Examples: Totally Natural, Wolf Tucker, Prodog Raw, Durham Animal Feeds (DAF)

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    Is Poultry Meal Good For Dogs? - Birdham Animal Feeds

    Is Poultry Meal Good For Dogs?

    There are many different pets that you could own. In today's world it is becoming quite easy to acquire somewhat more unusual pets, such as Koi fish, chinchillas, or any number of other things.

    As the old saying goes, "a dog is man's best friend," and it's almost impossible to argue against the basic fact that our canine companions are some of the creatures that we often feel closest to in all the world.

    When all is said and done, however, dogs have a way of becoming members of the family and of the household, and establishing themselves as an active force in our lives, in a way that few other creatures can.

    Keeping this in mind, it's natural that every responsible dog owner would want to make sure that they were treating their pets in the best possible way, and were doing everything possible to properly address their nutritional needs, to give them a comfortable and fulfilling life, and to ensure that they remain as happy and healthy as they possibly can.

    Many UK dog food brands – and international dog food brands too – end up containing "poultry meal." But is the poultry meal in dog food something that should be there? Is poultry meal good for dogs?

    Here's a look at the answers to some basic poultry meal dog food questions, and the kinds of things that you should be looking out for in order to properly nourish your dog to the best of your ability.

    Poultry Meal Is A Vague Term That Can Cause Some Issues

    Quite a few canine nutritionists are not big fans of poultry meal, because it is a non-specific term that allows for a lot of ambiguity. What is chicken meal in dog food? Essentially, any byproducts of the chicken that have been left over after the chicken has been slaughtered and processed for meat on the consumer market.

    Since the term is vague, unscrupulous poultry meal dog food providers can end up routinely changing the specific ingredients and recipes for their products, with the end result being that you can't necessarily rely on a stable level of quality, or even a stable nutritional profile, when purchasing those foods.

    In addition to this, poultry meal in dog food may end up being a "cover" that allows manufacturers to go without properly disclosing certain ingredients in the dog food that might prove allergenic, or otherwise irritating to your pet.

    Generally speaking, if you are buying UK dog food and are wondering, is poultry meal good for dogs? You will want to make sure to buy these sorts of products from dog food brands that have a good track record, and that are quite transparent with the kinds of precise ingredients that they feature in their dog food products.

    Although this doesn't mean that poultry in dog food is "bad," the fact that term Is indeed quite vague should cause you to be extra attentive to the overall quality of the product, the reputation of the company you are buying from, and any other details you can find about the specific make-up of the product.

    Dogs Need Animal Foods To Thrive, And Poultry Meal May Be A Good And Reasonably Affordable Option

    Dogs are omnivores and require animal foods in order to thrive, and if left to their own devices out and about in the wilderness, you can be quite sure that packs of stray dogs would be hunting prey on a regular basis.

    Unfortunately, many dog food products that have found their way onto the market over the years do not account for this fact, and don't properly address the need that canines have for many of the nutrients found in animal products, ranging from particular proteins, to the right balance of fat, and more.

    While kibble dog food can serve as a fine base for a dog's meal, your dog is likely to thrive much more significantly if you contain some animal products in their food as well.

    In recent times, many luxury dog food brands have hit the market that offer high quality and more or less gourmet meat-based meals, with some even being from wild game animals such as elk or caribou.

    While these kinds of products may well be quite beneficial for your dog's health and overall sense of well-being, they are obviously bound to cost a lot of money, as well.

    One real potential benefit of poultry meal as an ingredient in dog food, is that it can provide a much more affordable way of getting some staple animal products into your dog's diet, and therefore allowing them to enjoy a diet that is more or less as close as possible to the "template" of what they are best adapted to consuming.

    That being said, we can all agree that whole, raw dog food is always going to be the most effective and healthy food for our four legged best friend. As close to natural as possible is always the best!

    Make Sure To Read The Nutrition Labels

    Dogs need a certain balance of macro and micronutrients in order to thrive, and it is now possible to find an assortment of different resources online so that just about anyone can inform themselves of the particular nutritional needs their pet is likely to have.

    As already mentioned, one of the issues with poultry meal is that the term is quite non-specific, and it can refer to part of a chicken or other poultry animal that contains balanced dietary protein and fat, or it can just refer to gristle and connective tissue that is unlikely to have much nutritional value at all.

    Regardless of whether you are buying your dog food that contains poultry meal, or any other type of ingredients, it's important to read the nutritional labels, and consider doing additional research, in order to see that the product is ultimately balanced in terms of the nutritional profile it can provide for your pet.

    Dog food products will tend to be fortified with different nutritional components and ingredients in order to get them up to the desired level. But you should still do your due diligence to make sure that you are not buying a poor-quality product that over-sells the fact that it contains poultry meal. At Birdham Animal Feeds in the UK, we believe in sourcing only the highest quality dog food products, made with the most natural ingredients available on the market today. We love our pets, and we know you do too, so give them the very best!

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    Everest Dog Chews - Birdham Animal Feeds

    Everest Yak Chews for Dogs - A Healthy Treat

    These chews, in tiny bits were first created and consumed as snacks by the Himalayan people decades ago as a good source of protein and still do now. We the pet store in UK, took the same idea and turned it into an all natural long hard cheese dog chews / dog toys for your pet. Made from Yak milk, Everest Yak chews contain the highest protein & calcium content with minimal fat and no chemically binding agents.
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