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SOMETHING FISHY GOING ON..

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SOMETHING FISHY GOING ON.. article image

You’re thinking of getting a new dog. It might be your first family dog, or another to add to your beloved pack. Whatever your story, you’ll be beginning to realise that research for a canine companion does not end with finding the right breed or type of dog for your family.

It’s a huge learning curve involving how to train your dog or puppy to fit into your lifestyle, how to understand your dog and identify their needs, and importantly how to feed your dog to give them the best nutrition and help keep them happy and healthy.

How we feed our dogs has evolved enormously over the past 20 years.  People are increasingly aware that the importance of a healthy, nutritional diet does not end with our human families, but extends to our beloved dogs.

In fact, when asked, many dog owners admit they choose a less healthy lifestyle for themselves but given the love and responsibility they have for their canine companions, they are more invested in their dog’s diet and health. After all, a fit and healthy dog is less likely to experience illness, more likely to incur lower vet bills and live longer.

In recent years, many people are turning to a plant-based human diet for health reasons and to help the environment. Pet owners are also considering how they can make similar changes for their companion animals. With many owners understanding the importance of protein in a dog’s diet, the validity of vegan and vegetarian food for our canines is questionable, however, a pescatarian approach appeals because it fits the requirement for a tasty, healthy protein choice, with well-known health benefits and in a way that addresses environmental considerations too.

But feeding fish to dogs? Fish is for cats!

Fish4Dogs® is a dog food brand based in rural Worcestershire, established in 2004. They were the pet food brand to pioneer fish in dog food, championing fish as the ‘perfect protein’ due to the powerful health benefits of omega 3 as an anti-inflammatory, supporting coat and skin condition, mobility, and cardiac health.

And knowing what we know about the benefits of fish in our own diet, is feeding fish to dogs such a surprise? Fish is highly digestible with essential amino acids and great palpability which incorporates good fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Not only were Fish4Dogs® the first pet food brand to believe in the health benefits of fish for dogs, but they also only use fish as the animal protein in all their food and treats. All Fish4Dogs® products are made from minimal ingredients and formulated without any chicken, beef, pork, or lamb, perfect for dogs with intolerances to certain proteins.  All recipes are grain free with natural ingredients and contain no added artificial colours or flavours.

A firm favourite with dog breeders and vets over the past 18 years, the popularity of Fish4Dogs® Finest Complete dog food is soaring amongst a wide range of dog owners.

Pet Food Nutritionist and established dog owner, Annabel Battersby says ‘Many dogs suffer intolerances from food which present as skin irritations, poor coat condition and diarrhoea. However, diet is not always the first thing an owner considers to be the problem, and often embarks on expensive examinations and tests before discovering the source of the issues.  Intolerances can be triggered by over-use of some ingredients in modern pet food manufacturing, such as meat, poultry, dairy and grain. A change of diet which excludes certain food groups can help. However, I want to dispel the myth that feeding fish is purely a reactive response to assist poorly dogs recuperate. It can also be a positive, enduring choice for all dog owners, promoting long-term health and well-being.’

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But I hate fish! It stinks!

In addition to the wonderful health benefits of fish, one of the huge success stories of this growing UK brand is its palatability and irresistible appeal to dogs. A dog’s incredible sense of smell will often seek out the most extraordinary aromas which they find delectable. It’s quite often our own food preferences that we will project onto those of our pets, and whilst fish is not enjoyed as widely in the western world as it is in Asia, we cannot deny its known health benefits!

But fish…every meal? Surely my dog will get bored?

Like meat, fish comes in lots of varieties and there is plenty of choice available for your dog. The Fish4Dogs® Finest Complete dry food range is available in salmon, white fish and sardine flavours, using either white potato or sweet potato as the carbohydrate. Available in puppy, adult and senior life stages and in both small and large bite sizes. There is also a variety developed for toy breeds in an extra small kibble.

Unlike cats it is not common for dogs to simply get bored of their food. Changes in eating behaviour is often down to learned behaviour, for instance, picky eaters are often created by their owners feeding table scraps to add interest or changing brands frequently to inject variety.

But dry kibble, definitely boring!

For a lot of dog owners, safety and convenience is a huge plus point when choosing dog food. A nutritionally balanced, complete dry kibble which is easy to store, quick to prepare and industry regulated is the perfect feeding solution. However, when asked, many dog owners felt guilty feeding ‘brown biscuits’ every mealtime believing their dogs would be bored. This belief leads them to add the unhealthy extras.

So, instead of adding table scraps that can often contain unexpected calories or ingredients not suitable for a dog’s diet, by slightly reducing the amount of kibble and adding a topper from the extensive Fish4Dogs® Finest wet complementary range of products, such as a light and fluffy cod mousse, tuna flakes with anchovy, or mackerel with spinach and carrot, dog owners can be assured their dog is maintaining a healthy, interesting diet. And if added to Fish4Dogs® Finest Complete kibble, they benefit from a balanced kibble, rich in naturally sourced omega 3 with all its health benefits.

But what about fish treats? Boring right?

The Fish4Dogs® brand has one of the largest choices of treats on the market and caters for all types of treating needs and lifestages. Designed for dog owners looking for something a little different, and of course using only fish-based proteins that are delicious, gluten free and designed for owners wanting to avoid feeding treats with ingredients that may cause intolerances.

With four treat categories; TRAINING, DENTAL, SUPPORT+ and LOVE there is something for every dog.

The TRAINING range is deliciously aromatic, designed to catch your dog’s attention and small enough to be used often during training, whilst the DENTAL range is designed to support your dog’s dental health with natural, 100% fish skin, dramatically lower in calories than many dental products and come is a size to suit all dogs.

SUPPORT+ is a range of natural fish-based treats with supplements that not only taste great, they include selected additives to support health considerations. The LOVE range is simply an array of premium, delectable fishy treats, just because you love them.

The full range of Fish4Dogs® food and treats are available online delivered direct to your door from www.fish4dogs.com. Also available from all good quality pet shops.

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