Archives June 2022

That Mutt is mainly a dog blog, however I understand many of you have cats too!

This publish is all about why you may think about feeding your feline a raw diet.

If you have any type of concerns about raw feeding, please leave a note in the comments.

This publish is sponsored by Darwin’s natural Pet Products.

IN THIS POST:

Benefits of raw food for cats
Will cats get ill from raw meat?
How to shift your feline to a raw diet
Giveaway – Win Darwin’s raw food for your pet

Benefits of a raw diet plan for cats

Most healthy cats will benefit from a raw diet. right here are 7 benefits:

1. Cats are true carnivores

There’s no question about it; cats are carnivores designed to eat MEAT!

Eating raw food is the natural method for your feline to eat!

Cats do not requirement all the carbohydrates discovered in many dry pet foods. Their digestive systems are not designed to process high amounts of grains, as well as they do finest with a high-protein diet.

This is since raw food is fresh, whole as well as unprocessed. It’s the natural method a feline would eat in the wild. Raw food contains online enzymes important for digestion as well as taking in nutrients.

Eating raw meat will make your feline happy since he is designed to eat whole animals like mice.

2. A raw diet plan provides more wetness for cats.

Cats depend upon getting most of their water from their food.

The issue is, many feline owners feed their cats dry feline food which is obviously lacking in moisture. If a feline doesn’t get sufficient water, it can lead to kidney as well as bladder issues down the road.

I did not understand exactly how important it was to feed my cats a high-moisture food. For most of their lives, mine ate dry food. Unfortunately, my feline Beamer died from kidney illness in 2018 as well as my other feline Scout has kidney illness now.

My cats’ diet plan did not necessarily cause them to get kidney disease. I will never understand for sure. However, I believe it played a role. I plan to offer my future cats a raw or canned diet.

See my post: Raw food for cats with kidney disease.

3. much better general health

I believe a raw diet plan is the healthiest choice for most cats. people who feed their cats a raw diet plan frequently report their cats have:

healthier coats
less poop!
healthier teeth
less shedding (fewer hairballs!)
more energy and
fewer allergies

And while you can’t manage everything, feeding your feline a high-quality, balanced raw diet plan should ideally mean less general gos to to the vet. Ideally, this will end up saving you money on vet expenses over time.

The raw feline food from our sponsor, Darwin’s, is 100% genuine meat (chicken, turkey, or lamb) as well as contains no animal by-products or fillers! The food is grain free, as well as all of the turkey, chicken, as well as lamb in the meals are pasture-raised as well as free-roaming (cage free). The food contains no antibiotics, steroids or artificial hormones.

Learn more about Darwin’s raw feline food here!

You can likewise get as much as 75% off your very first order with Darwin’s with their trial offer! discover more here.

4. Raw food to assist a feline lose weight

Cats do not requirement all the carbohydrates discovered in most industrial dry foods. They requirement genuine protein, not corn as well as inexpensive rice by-products.

When you feed your feline a raw diet plan high in protein, it’s easier to assist him maintain a healthy weight. Raw feeders are likewise less likely to “free feed” their cats. Instead, they’re more likely to feed fixed amounts twice per day.

Unfortunately, many indoor cats in specific are extremely overweight in the United States.

We all understand that obesity is linked to all kind of health and wellness problems whether you’re a feline or a dog or a person. It doesn’t take a veterinarian to figure out that fit, lean cats are generally healthier as well as more likely to online longer.

5. Raw food for cats is affordable compared to feeding a huge dog.

Let’s deal with it, expense is one of the reasons more pet owners do not feed raw diets. It’s generally more costly to feed healthy, fresh food.

I hear about this barrier every time I compose about raw feeding, as well as I totally understand.

At least with cats (and little dogs) you’re not buying as much food since they just don’t eat as much!

Yes, feeding your feline a raw diet plan is more costly than feeding dry food, however it’s not as significantly higher like it is for, say, an 80-pound Lab. 

There are many raw feline food brands to select from such as Darwin’s (or you can make your own!).

See my post: affordable raw pet food

6. less poop in the litter box!

The reason for this is since a natural raw diet plan will provide your feline with all the nutrients he needs rather than fill him up with unnecessary, inexpensive components like corn. That means less waste. A great deal less.

7. Cats have been eating raw food ever since cats existed!

Commercial dry feline food is a relatively new idea. before “kibble” was invented, cats thrived on genuine food.

Which brings me as well …

Will a feline get ill from raw food?

No, cats generally won’t get ill from eating fresh raw meat since they are carnivores. They’re extremely unlikely to get ill from fresh raw meat from a raw feline food business such as Darwin’s.

Like dogs, cats have extremely acidic stomachs as well as short digestive tracts. This avoids bacteria from colonizing.

If your feline has been eating a dry or canned food his whole life, it would be a great concept to shift him to raw by slowly integrating the two foods.

This isn’t since your feline will get ill from bacteria in the raw meat. It’s since your feline may get an upset stomach from different food in general. similar to if you were to switch your feline from one dry food brand to another.

Of course, if your feline is out catching as well as killing mice or birds, there is a possibility he might pick up worms/parasites from eating these wild animals. If your feline goes outdoors, you may requirement to provide him a de-wormer every few months (ask your cat’s vet about this).

Cats eat mice, rabbits as well as birds in the wild

My hubby likes to tell the story about a time when he as well as some buddies were grilling burgers on the patio.

Our big, orange feline Beamer suddenly squeezed himself with the slats of the fence, bring a freshly killed rabbit across the yard. He then proceeded to drag the rabbit onto the patio as well as location it a few feet from the grill!

Apparently, Beamer decided he would join the celebration as well, BYOB style.

That’s Bring Your own Bunny.

Beamer ate the entire (raw) bunny – the eyes, the brain, the bones, the intestines, the heart, the kidneys, you name it. as well as then he relaxed on the deck in the sun, full as well as happy as well as purring.

When our dogs as well as cats online mainly indoors, we fail to remember they are animals, hunters as well as carnivores.

How to shift your feline to a raw diet

You can shift your feline from his dry or canned food to raw food slowly by mixing the two over a couple of weeks. Or, you can just switch your feline over to the new diet plan right away. There are pros as well as cons to both.

Slowly changing your feline to a raw diet

The benefit of this is you’ll slowly assist your feline change to the new food without upsetting his stomach. as well as since some cats are picky eaters as well as don’t like change, a sluggish shift may assist your feline change better.

Most raw pet food business such as Darwin’s suggest a sluggish shift where you add a few bits of the new food into your cat’s old food. perhaps about 25% new food as well as 75% old food for a few days.

If all goes well, you can do 50/50 for a few days as well as then 75/25 up until you’re at 100% raw food after about 10 days total.

For more details, see this post: exactly how to shift my pet to a raw diet

What to do if your feline is not thinking about raw food

My feline Scout is extremely picky as well as with him I would just slowly mix in bits of his raw food with his canned or dry food. He believes dry food is a treat so it assists to mix that in with his raw food. Not ideal, however with picky cats you have to get creative!

If your feline likes the structure of dry food, you can sprinkle some over the raw food. He may likewise like some dehydrated raw food.

Darwin’s suggests staying with a consistent feeding routine to your feline understands to expect food at specific times of the day as well as will develop up an appetite. This is likewise true since you don’t want to leave raw meals out all day.

For more info, inspect out the Darwin’s article on transitioning a feline to raw HERE

And of course, if you have any type of concerns about feeding your feline a raw diet, just publish them in the comments as well as I’ll do my finest to help!

Darwin’s giveaway! Win a month’s worth of raw food for your pet!

UPDATE: The champion has been selected as well as notified. Congrats to Brittany B.!

Would your dog or feline like to try a raw diet?

Let me understand in the comments!

– Lindsay

Lindsay Stordahl is the creator of That Mutt. She composes about dog training as well as behavior, healthy raw food for pets as well as running with dogs.

Related posts:

DIY raw feeding basics
Mistakes when feeding your dog a raw diet

gentle Leader vs. prong collar (pinch collar)

That Mutt is supportive of a range of dog training methods. This is not about “one vs. the other” however instead focuses on a few of the pros & cons of different kinds of collars.

There is no dog training collar that is right for each dog.

I have suggested every type of dog training collar to somebody at some point. Every dog is different, as well as every owner is different. What works for my dog is not necessarily going to work for your dog.

I don’t admire dog fitness instructors who try to push a single tool on everyone.

Every type of dog training collar has its location for the right dog in the right situation. This does not mean it’s right for YOUR dog or my dog.

This publish may contain affiliate links. That Mutt may make money from the business mentioned in this post.

Some of those tools to stop a dog’s pulling include:

Pinch/prong collars
Gentle Leaders
No-pull harness
Martingale collar
Chain slip collars

Most dogs are going to respond well to a strong, fun leader who utilizes positive reinforcement together with moderate “corrections.”

The two collars I want to focus on for this publish are the gentle Leader as well as the pinch (prong) collar. They are extremely different tools however are a few of the most typical tools suggest for strong pullers.

Remember that both tools are just that – training tools. They will not magically stop most dogs from pulling. We still have to put in the work.

*Enjoying this article? get realistic dog training tips emailed when a week. Click Here

Gentle Leader vs. pinch collar

The gentle Leader is marketed as a gentle choice to be used over a dog’s muzzle, similar to a equine halter.

The gentle Leader is designed to prevent pulling since if the dog handler controls the dog’s head, he controls the dog.

A pinch (prong) collar is usually constructed out of metal as well as has flat prongs distributed evenly around the collar. It should be used high on the dog’s neck, right under his chin, as well as behind his ears.

When the dog pulls, the owner can provide a slight “correction” by pulling up or to the side. This correction is not designed to cause pain. It is meant to redirect a dog’s attention.

Let me explain what I like as well as don’t like about each of these collars. I hope to disprove a few of the assumptions about each.

In a great deal of ways, these tools work extremely much the exact same even though they look significantly different. Both the gentle Leader as well as the prong collar make pulling somewhat uncomfortable for the dog in order to motivate him to stop pulling.

Gentle Leader for dog training

When I was mentor my mutt Ace to walk well on a leash, I utilized the gentle Leader in some circumstances as well as a pinch collar in others.

With my present dog, a Weimaraner named Remy, I am when once again utilizing both tools.

What I like about the gentle Leader

Reason #1: The gentle Leader assists some dogs stay calm

I utilize a gentle Leader when I want to assist the dog calm down. It’s a great tool to utilize when I want to bring my dog along however may be preoccupied.

However, most dogs do freak out a bit when they very first have something over their muzzle area. So it’s important to slowly desensitize your dog to using a gentle Leader utilizing treats. Don’t just slap it on as well as head out for a walk or he will most likely paw at it the whole time, trying to get it off.

By slowly introducing the gentle Leader over a number of days, you will assist your dog see it as a positive experience.

So, back to being calm …

Once the dog is utilized to the gentle Leader, the tool enables me to relax as well as just enjoy costs time with my dog in hectic situations.

Ace with the gentle Leader

For example, if I’m walking my dog downtown while speaking with a buddy as well as holding a coffee in one hand, the gentle Leader is available in handy. It enables me to “check out” a bit from dog training.

My dog Ace was anxious in the car, as well as the gentle Leader worked to assist him chill out a bit. The material around his muzzle calmed him as well as put him in a less excited state of mind.

As one more example, my foster dog was feeling stressed out at an adoption event we attended. He was barking at me as well as having problem settling down. When I put his gentle Leader on him, he was able to lie down next to me as well as relax.

Reason #2: The gentle Leader stops a dog from making those “choking” sounds

The gentle Leader is likewise a great tool to keep my dog from pulling as well as making those “choking” noises.

Remy is a great example of adog who virtually strangles himself on a regular, nylon collar. He gets so excited, panting, pulling, as well as “choking” that he triggers other dogs to get extremely agitated as well.

When Remy wears a gentle Leader, it eliminates his panting as well as choking noises by about 90 percent. When he’s quiet, other dogs are less likely to react.

Since Remy is still discovering exactly how to ignore other dogs during walks, anything that assists him provide off calmer energy is a great thing.

If Remy is calm as well as peaceful on walks, then walks are much, much more enjoyable! That means he gets to go along on more walks!

*Enjoying this article? get realistic dog training tips emailed when a week. Click Here

What I don’t like about the gentle Leader

Reason #1: The gentle Leader can put pressure on a dog’s nose as well as eyes

Any collar can be dangerous if the dog pulls for an prolonged period of time.

The gentle Leader is not always a risk-free tool for extreme pullers.

Are gentle Leaders cruel?

No, they are not cruel. The gentle Leader is marketed as a humane option, as well as for the most part, this is true.

However, when a dog pulls extremely difficult for an prolonged period of time, the thin piece of nylon over his nose begins to put method as well much pressure on the dog’s deal with as well as under his eyes.

Dogs that are so focused on moving ahead do not have sufficient sense to stop pulling, even if they are in pain. The pain may even cause them to pull harder, as they are trying to getaway the pain.

Excited dogs do not always understand exactly how to calm down as well as rationalize what is happening.

Example with my foster dog using the gentle Leader

For example, one time I took foster dog Cosmo for a longer walk than usual. He used his gentle Leader. When we came back, he was squinting his eyes for the rest of the night since of the pressure the gentle Leader had caused.

I was truly worried I had permanently damaged his eyes! I was mad at myself for not stopping during the walk as well as changing to his routine collar.

Thankfully, bug-eyed Cosmo was just fine the next morning. Still, the incident was sufficient for me to re-think the gentle Leader. now I rotate which collar I utilize when I’m walking specific dogs.

For shorter walks, a Gentle Leader may be fine. For longer walks, the pinch collar may be better.

And just for the record, the Halti Head Collar is a similar tool to the gentle Leader, however it’s designed much better as well as generally doesn’t put as well much pressure on a dog’s nose or eyes.

It likewise has a security strap that links to the dog’s typical collar just in situation he slips out of the Halti. For more info, inspect out my publish comparing the Halti vs. gentle Leader.

Reason #2: The gentle Leader does not teach a dog to stop pulling

For many dogs, the gentle Leader is a “Band-Aid” if you are not actively working to really train your dog.

By that, I mean a great deal of dogs discover not to pull as long as they are using the gentle Leader. As soon as you eliminate it, they go right back to pulling.

This is not the end of the world as long as you are okay utilizing the gentle Leader whenever you don’t want your dog to pull. If you want to ultimately wean your dog off the gentle Leader, then try to actively work on “heel” or loose-leash walking.

This is one reason why I utilize the gentle Leader in some circumstances as well as the prong collar in other situations.

My goal is always to get to the point where no training collar is needed at all, as well as I discover it easier to shift from the prong collar to a routine collar since both in shape around the dog’s neck.

Reason #3: Some dogs dislike using a gentle Leader

Most dogs do not have any type of problems with a pinch collar since they’re utilized to having a collar around their neck.. however a great deal of dogs do not like having something over their nose/face area.

My mutt Ace quite much shut down at the sight of his gentle Leader. His tail went between his legs, as well as he looked away. when he had the gentle Leader on as well as we went for a walk, he was fine, however he still avoided me every time I got it out.

My dog Remy likewise runs the other method when he sees me grab the gentle Leader. however if I get the prong collar out, he gets excited as well as comes running!

Like I stated earlier, some dogs truly put up a protest, pawing at their nose as well as scrubing their deal with on the ground in an attempt to get the gentle Leader off.

This is why it’s important to slowly desensitize your dog to using this tool utilizing treats.

Reason #4: You can’t provide a dog a leash correction while she’s using a gentle Leader

There are circumstances where I prefer to provide a dog a moderate leash “correction” (tug on the lash) for training purposes.

The gentle Leader is not designed for corrections. In fact, you might potentially hurt their neck by tugging on the gentle Leader, although this is unlikely.

Pinch collar for dog training (also called a prong collar)

What I like about the Herm Sprenger prong collar

I suggest the Herm Sprenger brand of prong collar as it’s the very best quality.

Reason #1: The prong collar enables you to provide the dog a gentle correction

If my dog is focused on a odor or one more dog during a walk, all he needs is gentle tug on the leash as well as prong collar to re-direct his attention.

This is not meant to frighten him or cause pain. It’s just a reminder to get him to focus on the task at hand – walking. kind of like a tap on the shoulder, like, “Hi, keep in mind me?”

Usually my dog’s response to one of these tugs looks something like, “Ha, sorry. I got distracted!”

I tug on his leash so carefully that I believe it is really the slight noise of the chain moving that gets his attention, not the feeling of the prongs on his neck. Remember, these prong are FLAT.

Reason #2: The prong collar will assist teach a dog not to pull

The pinch collar fits around a dog’s neck like a normal, nylon collar. This makes it simple to ultimately shift the dog from the pinch collar to a nylon collar.

My dog Ace

When I was mentor Ace to heel, I would have him wear his nylon collar as well as his prong collar at the exact same time. That method I might switch his leash to one collar or the other as appropriate.

For example, if Ace was walking nicely, I’d clip his leash to his nylon collar. If we saw one more dog approaching, I would clip his leash to the pinch collar.

What I don’t like about the pinch collar

Reason #1: The links on the pinch collar might break apart

I’ve seen a few pinch collars come apart since one of the prongs was bent. This should not occur if you buy a top quality Herm Sprenger prong collar.

I had a cheaper brand for a few years as well as ours did break apart on a walk when or twice. Luckily, Ace had no rate of interest in running away. When his pinch collar fell off, he just stood there looking at me. “Well, aren’t you gonna pick that up?”

Reason #2: The pinch collar gets caught in long hair

I didn’t like the prong collar for my foster dog was since it didn’t seem to work with his thick fur. He was an American Eskimo dog.

It works much better on my dog Remy the weimaraner, who has extremely short fur. I’d like to hear some other opinions on this.

Reason #3: The pinch collar can hurt a dog if it is not utilized properly

Is a prong collar cruel?

The prong collar is absolutely not cruel. It is a humane training tool.

However, I don’t utilize a pinch collar on a dog unless I am calm. If I am frustrated with a dog, I may be as well lured to provide the dog a harsher tug on the leash. This is not what the pinch collar is for.

I likewise see as well many dog owners who do not utilize the pinch collar as a training tool. They just location it around the lower part of a dog’s neck as well as hope for the best.

But the pinch collar is designed to be used high on the dog’s neck, right behind her ears as well as under her chin. If the pinch collar is used on the thickest part of the dog’s neck, it will be as well simple for her to pull.

The pinch collar should be utilized as a tool to prevent pulling, not to just make the pulling more tolerable for the person.

Reason #4: sensitive dogs might overreact to a pinch collar

Cosmo yelped the very first couple of times I corrected him with the pinch collar even though I was cautious not to be harsh. He was so sensitive that any type of correction at all scared him.

He likewise reacted aggressively a few times by biting the leash. This is why some people state a prong collar can make a dog’s aggression worse.

This is not the situation with most steady dogs however can trigger a reaction from sensitive dogs like Cosmo. He would sometimes react on his routine nylon collar as well. I believe his “temper tantrum

A German shepherd/border collie mix named Nubs arrived in California in March after people raised $3,500 for the dog’s trip out of Iraq, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. Brian Dennis was reunited with the mutt in San Diego after they both spent months in an Iraqi war zone.

I have read a couple stories this year about soldiers who befriended stray dogs while deployed, despite the military’s guidelines forbidding soldiers to keep animals in Iraq. With the help of pals and family, the soldiers are in some cases able to organize for the dogs to fly to the United States. think of the bond created between an American soldier and a homeless canine in Iraq. Later, reuniting with their Iraqi dogs in the united states helps the soldiers adjust to life in ways nothing else can.

Sgt. Edward Watson cared for a canine while he was in Baghdad. He started a blog there, wishing to find the support he needed to fly the stray he named Charlie to the United States. His blog, operation Bring Charlie Home, tells of the struggles he went through and what it was like to finally be reunited with his dog.

When he saw Charlie in the united states for the first time, Watson wrote, “After a couple seconds of him taking it all in, he went crazy! once I got in through the gate and was able to be next to him, he was SO excited. I had never seen him this thrilled ever before. He was flying through the air over and over again, to jump on me and lick my furiously.”

Most animal lovers will say stories like these are heartwarming. I couldn’t agree more.

As for Nubs, Charlie and their owners, they all got a pleased ending.

What do you think about bringing stray Iraqi dogs to the United States?

(Photo by Scott Linnett, The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Some people have made it clear that I am nuts for trying to stop a Labrador from being obsessed with a ball or that what I am doing is wrong. but I think it’s because people misunderstand my goals. My dog is part lab, and that means he will always, always love playing fetch and retrieving. Chasing, finding and bringing things back is driven into him, and I would never take that away. Retrieving is a quality many working dogs need in order to perform their jobs. I’ve even considered picking up pheasant hunting so my dog can have a job to do.

My main goal is to have a dog that can go to the dog park and enjoy himself. For the last year and a half, going to the dog park has been more for myself than Ace, because I enjoy seeing other dogs and people with their dogs. However, my own dog doesn’t even notice the dogs or people because he is so focused on finding a ball. I want him to be able to play normally with other dogs, and he can’t do that yet. The other dogs actually ignore Ace because they can tell something is off (unless they are humping him while he just stands there staring at a ball!).

Another goal is for Ace to accept when I decide a game is over. right now his brain can’t turn off from thinking “Where’s the ball? Where’s the ball? I want the ball. Ball. Ball. Ball.” I want to help him do that.

I hope that by logging my work with Ace, other people with ball-obsessed dogs (I know you’re out there!) or dogs with other fixations can learn that it is possible to change these types of behaviors.

For the last few days, Ace has been running next to me while I bike. This has been a good way to make sure he is getting enough exercise. but he needs more than just physical exercise. Yesterday, I biked to a park and then walked with Ace on my left and a ball in my right hand. Ace had to focus on heeling and looking straight ahead. every time he turned his head to stare at the ball, I pulled up quickly on the leash. It only took five or six pops before he was heeling normally. I allowed him to glance at the ball every now and then with just his eyes, but no head turning. since he was tired from running to the park it was easier for him not to obsess over the ball.

Next, I began swinging the ball, purposely trying to challenge him more. then I put the ball on the ground and we walked in circles around the ball. He was not allowed to turn his head and stare at the ball. Finally, after success with everything, I sat on a bench and had Ace sit calmly on my left and the ball on my right. I made sure to be as relaxed as possible so he wouldn’t pick up on any tense energy from me. As soon as he was calm or looked away from the ball or made eye contact with me, I threw it. This usually made him tense again, so he had to remain sitting after I threw the ball until he relaxed again. then I said “OK” and let him bring me the ball. Each repetition took about two minutes. I only did this two or three times so he would not escalate into that fixated state again. The goal is for Ace to learn that the ball is thrown only when he is relaxed.

After our short training session, I biked home. So Ace got a good physical and mental workout in about an hour. At home, I have still kept many of his toys out at all times. Every now and then he brings one to me, but I ignore him so for the most part he just carries something around or chews on it himself. This is totally fine with me, normal dog behavior.

never as well old to play ball.

Bandit the Norwich terrier mix

I’ve been volunteering with Rancho Coastal Humane society for about six weeks. every time I visit the dogs, the group has changed. several have been adopted, and several new dogs have arrived.

But all six weeks, Bandit has remained.

When I spend enough time with a homeless dog, I automatically begin to imagine myself adopting that dog.

I’m not going to adopt any dogs right now, but I can imagine Bandit as my dog. He would make a great running buddy. He’s one of those little dogs who can’t seem to hold still in his cage. However, once he’s taken out I hear he’s fairly calm.

He’s smart and attentive. He seeks affection and treats. I bet he’d be an easy dog to train.

And he’s a cute little thing. plus very friendly with people and dogs.

Here in southern California the shelters are full of small mixed breeds like Bandit.

He is safe at this particular shelter. However, it’s still a shelter, and a shelter is no place for a dog long term.

To adopt Bandit