In recent years, pet owners have become increasingly aware of the impact that diet can have on their furry companions' health. One such story comes from Tina and her beloved dog Kelly, whose health issues prompted a shift in diet that led to remarkable improvements.
This blog aims to explore Kelly's journey, highlight key takeaways from Tina's experience, and discuss the benefits of a human-grade diet. Through this narrative, we will uncover the important role diet plays in managing and resolving pet health concerns.
Introducing Tina and Kelly
Tina's journey with Kelly began when her best friend gifted her the puppy after Tina had lost a beloved furbaby. Kelly was only about one and a half months old when she arrived, much younger than the typical age Tina preferred to take in puppies, which is around four months. Initially, Kelly's behavior and health seemed typical, though Tina soon noticed some concerning issues.
- “Bigay siya ng best friend ko dahil namatayan kami ng furbaby. Tapos, parang isang buwan palang may Kelly na. ["My best friend gave it to me because we lost our pet. And then, just a month later, there's already Kelly]“
Despite Kelly being adorable and playful, she exhibited some unusual traits that soon developed into larger concerns. These included excessive scratching, red patches on her skin, and a strong, unusual odor in her urine.
Early Signs of Health Problems
Kelly, a moody but sweet dog, joined her family after the loss of a previous furbaby. When she was just about one and a half months old, Kelly came into the family’s life under unusual circumstances.
Initially, the family noticed behavioral and health-related issues, which seemed minor at first but soon escalated:
Aggression and Behavioral Issues
Early on, Kelly displayed aggressive behavior, particularly towards other pets. There were incidents of biting, which resulted in injury to other dogs in the household. These behavioral concerns were initially overlooked, seen as harmless play, but became more pronounced over time.
Skin Problems and Excessive Scratching
As Kelly grew, she began to develop skin issues characterized by excessive scratching, redness, and irritation in her ears. These symptoms were initially dismissed by veterinarians as normal, but they persisted and even worsened.
Urinary Tract Infections and Odor Issues
Kelly’s urine had a strong, unpleasant odor reminiscent of “siomai,” prompting a vet visit that confirmed a urinary tract infection (UTI). Although medication temporarily alleviated the problem, it returned, suggesting a deeper underlying issue related to diet.
The Role of Blood Parasites
An unexpected complication arose when Kelly was diagnosed with a blood parasite during a routine check-up. Although this issue wasn’t directly related to her diet, it reinforced the importance of regular vet visits and maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet to bolster her immune system.
- "..they said she might be diabetic. So, she needed CBC. So, when we gave her this, suddenly, the blood parasite came out."
Blood parasites, while common in outdoor dogs, can also affect indoor pets, especially if they are taken outside frequently for walks or bathroom breaks. Treatment for this condition was long-term, but with the help of proper medication and a nutritious diet, Kelly’s health continued to improve.
The Switch to Human-Grade Food
Upon the recommendation of their vet, Kelly’s family decided to transition her diet to human-grade food, specifically trying Paleo Pet's offerings. This shift marked a significant turning point in Kelly's health journey.
Gradual Transition
Initially, there was concern about making an abrupt change from kibble to human-grade food due to potential complications. However, the transition went smoother than expected, and Kelly showed positive signs of adaptation. She exhibited excitement at mealtime, eagerly anticipating her new diet.
The benefits of switching to a human-grade diet became evident within a month:
Skin and Coat Health
Kelly’s skin redness and ear irritation subsided. Her coat became shinier and softer, no longer appearing dry or rough.
Urinary Issues
The strong odor of her urine dissipated, and her UTI symptoms did not recur. This indicated that the dietary changes positively impacted her urinary health.
Behavioral Changes
The dietary improvements also seemed to positively affect Kelly's mood, making her less grumpy and more playful. Her overall energy levels remained high without the unwanted side effects of hyperactivity.
Benefits of Human-Grade Pet Food
The advantages Kelly experienced after switching to a human-grade diet align with broader trends and research supporting the use of higher-quality ingredients in pet food.
Here are some of the key benefits that stood out:
1. Improved Digestibility
Human-grade pet food, like those offered by Paleo Pet, use only 100% human grade meat that are easier for pets to digest. This reduces the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues and ensures pets absorb more nutrients from their food.
2. Reduction in Allergies and Irritations
Common allergens found in commercial kibble, such as artificial additives and preservatives, can cause skin irritations in sensitive pets. By eliminating these elements from her diet, Kelly’s skin health improved significantly.
3. Better Weight Management
Many pet owners worry about overfeeding or underfeeding when using human-grade foods. However, because such foods are nutritionally dense, pets require smaller portions, making it easier to manage their weight. Kelly’s owners found the serving sizes to be appropriate, preventing her from gaining excess weight while still providing ample energy.
Addressing Skepticism about the Cost of High-Quality Pet Food
One concern pet owners often have when considering human-grade pet food is the cost. While it is true that high-quality diets can be more expensive upfront, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial investment.
Healthier Pets Mean Lower Vet Bills
As seen in Kelly’s case, switching to a higher-quality diet eliminated recurring health issues, reducing the need for frequent vet visits. The cost of treating conditions such as UTIs, skin infections, and other ailments can quickly add up, making preventive health through proper nutrition a more economical choice.
Longevity and Quality of Life
Investing in a high-quality diet can extend a pet's lifespan and improve their overall quality of life. Pets on a balanced, nutritious diet are more likely to stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid conditions such as diabetes or arthritis.
Practical Tips for Transitioning Your Pet to a Human-Grade Diet
If you’re considering making the switch to human-grade pet food, here are some tips to ensure a smooth transition:
1. Start by mixing a small amount of human-grade food with your pet's current diet. Gradually increase the proportion of new food over a week or two until your pet is fully transitioned.
2. Watch for any changes in your pet’s behavior, digestion, or coat condition. While most pets will adjust well, some may need more time or specific dietary tweaks.
3. Always check with your vet before making significant changes to your pet's diet, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions.
Expert Opinions: What Do Veterinarians Say?
In Kelly’s case, multiple veterinarians recommended switching to human-grade food after observing persistent issues with commercial kibble.
They highlighted the importance of choosing high-quality, natural ingredients to avoid common health problems related to diet.
- “Sabi, baka daw (vet) dahil sa kibble, na high protein… sabi naman ng vet na raw talaga. Kaso, mahirap mag-grow. Kasi maraming bacteria na makukuha. So, ang sabi, mga high-grade na food. So, yun, tin-try namin mag Paleo Pet”
Why Choose Paleo Pet?
Paleo Pet’s human-grade pet food stands out because of its commitment to quality —made with only 100% real meat and contains no preservatives, fillers, or artificial ingredients. It's designed to meet the natural dietary needs of pets while promoting optimal health.
- "Nung nag Paleo Pet, suggestion din naman ng vet yun. So, nung tin-try namin, na wala pang one month, napansin namin yung tear stain, wala na. Yung redness niya, yung pag-scratch sa ears, at saka yung red sa ears, nawala.”
Within less than a month, the changes were evident. Kelly's tear stains disappeared, the redness in her ears reduced significantly, and the frequent scratching stopped. The most remarkable improvement was in the quality of her coat, which became shinier and less prone to dryness, a stark contrast to her earlier condition.
As Kelly’s journey illustrates, switching to human-grade pet food like Paleo Pet resulted in remarkable health improvements, including a shinier coat, elimination of UTI symptoms, and better overall well-being.
Significant Improvements Noticed:
-
Reduced Skin Irritation and Scratching: Kelly's tear stains disappeared, and the redness in her ears and on her skin diminished significantly.
-
Healthier Coat: The switch resulted in a shinier, softer coat, which had previously been dry and brittle.
-
Elimination of Urine Odor: The unpleasant smell in Kelly’s urine was no longer an issue.
-
Increased Energy and Improved Mood: Kelly exhibited more enthusiasm for meals and daily activities, with a noticeable reduction in irritability.
Conclusion
Tina and Kelly’s journey serves as an important reminder that what we feed our pets significantly impacts their health. When faced with recurring health issues, it is worth considering whether diet might be the underlying factor.
As pet owners, we all want our companions to live long, healthy, and happy lives. Switching to a diet that mimics what nature intended, such as Paleo Pet, can be a game-changer. While the cost may be higher, the long-term benefits in terms of reduced vet visits, fewer health complications, and improved overall wellness far outweigh the investment.
As Tina puts it:
- “As long as it's a baby, change it to human grade because health is wealth. It's the same for dogs and cats."
Kelly’s transformation is a reminder that when we prioritize quality food and regular vet care, we give our pets the best chance at a long, joyful, and healthy life. Paleo Pet played a crucial role in Kelly’s recovery, offering the nutritional support necessary for healing and maintaining health.
For pet owners looking to improve their pet's quality of life, considering a high-quality, human-grade diet like Paleo Pet may just be the next best step.