The Story of Peaches and Chia: The Journey to Optimal Pet Nutrition

The Story of Peaches and Chia: The Journey to Optimal Pet Nutrition

Pet owners know the challenges of maintaining their furry companions' health, especially when it comes to finding the right nutrition. In this article, we dive into the story of Peaches and Chia, two beloved dogs cared for by their owners, Iah and Justin. Their journey with these two dogs offers valuable insights into pet nutrition, common health issues, and the importance of providing the right diet.

Through trial and error, coupled with guidance from veterinarians, Iah and Justin share their experiences of managing health issues and transitioning to a balanced, wholesome diet for their pets.

How Peaches and Chia Came Into Their Lives

Peaches was adopted from a bazaar in Intramuros, standing out among other puppies.

- “Peachy was one of three puppies na nandun sa cage. Eh nagstand-out siya samin, so kinuha namin siya,” 


Chia, on the other hand, came from a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) compound, where she was saved from an uncertain fate.

- "parang yung guards dun were asked to dispose the compound dogs. And very malambing siya na dog. Ayaw siya i-give up ng mga guards. So they were actually looking for for people. So my friend, who was working for DENR at that time, reached out to me kung interested ba ako mag-adopt. Tapos ayun, kinuha na namin kasi nakakatakot na ma-dispose sila. We don’t know saan sila dadalhin- Like, what’s gonna happen.."

Both dogs (Peaches and Chia) soon became integral members of the family.

Early Signs of Health Issues

It wasn’t long before Iah and Justin noticed some concerning health symptoms in their pets. The dogs frequently vomited yellow bile, a sign of digestive upset often linked to excessive stomach acid. While this issue is not uncommon among dogs, it was persistent enough to prompt further investigation.

- "Nagsusuka ng yellow… well it’s common naman for dogs pero, how do we get rid of it, diba?" 

Frequent vomiting of bile, while common, was an indication of a bigger problem. It prompted regular vet visits, during which they discovered that Peaches was anemic. Initially, they fed her a mix of kibbles and homemade food, but this proved insufficient. As Iah recounts:

- "So we do check-ups nga naman. And then we found out, yung bloodworks pala ni Peachy, anemic pala siya. Kasi we were only giving them chicken.. and canned wet food. Nung nagswitch naging anemic pala siya, so hindi pala balanced yung diet niya."

The introduction of commercial wet food brought more challenges. While Peachy enjoyed it initially, further vet consultations revealed that the food’s high cholesterol content was worsening her condition.

How they shift to a Balanced Homemade Diet?

After discovering that processed foods were exacerbating Peaches' health problems, Justin and Iah decided to take matters into their own hands. They transitioned to cooking homemade meals for both Peaches and Chia. This involved experimenting with various ingredients and adjusting their diet based on vet recommendations.

- “We tried cooking… kasi walang available dog food na makikita mo. So, you cook your own dog food and meat… after two years, okay na yung bloodworks niya.”

Switching to homemade, boiled meals helped restore Peaches' health over time. The trial-and-error process of figuring out what worked for her taught them the importance of understanding the nutritional value of food.

What's the Impact of Highly Processed Foods?

One crucial lesson from Peaches and Chia's journey is the negative impact of highly processed foods on pets. Peaches' case highlighted that even foods marketed as “premium” could contain excess cholesterol and other ingredients that may not suit a particular dog’s health needs. 

As dogs age, their dietary requirements evolve, requiring adjustments to ensure they receive appropriate nutrients.

- "Kasi nga mataas na yung cholesterol niya, and sabi ng vet, hindi talaga advisable yung highly processed foods." – Iah emphasized the advice from their veterinarian.

This realization led to a complete overhaul of their pets’ diets. The couple adopted a holistic approach to nutrition, avoiding highly processed kibble and opting instead for fresh, single-ingredient foods. This shift proved beneficial not just for Peaches, but also for Chia, who similarly exhibited improved health with the new diet.

The Importance of Regular Vet Visits

Aside from managing their pets' diet, regular vet visits were critical in diagnosing other health concerns. Peaches experienced a pseudo-pregnancy and eventually required surgery for pyometra, a serious condition affecting her uterus.

- "Nagulantang kami kasi it was a serious diagnosis. ‘Pag intact yung female, there are times talaga na mag-pseudo pregnancy. Pero nung pina-ultrasound, na-confirm na Pyometra pala."

Despite the risks of anesthesia for an older dog like Peaches, Justin and Iah were committed to preparing her for surgery. Over the course of a year, they worked on reducing her weight and ensuring her overall health was optimized.

- “We made an effort na i-diet talaga siya… para malakas siya during surgery. Parang one year in the making siya.”

This diligence paid off when Peaches successfully underwent surgery and made a full recovery, which they credit to their careful dietary planning and regular veterinary care.

Personalized Nutrition: No One-Size-Fits-All

The experience of Peaches and Chia reinforced the idea that pet nutrition is highly individualized. Each dog’s needs vary depending on factors such as age, health status, and lifestyle.

For Peaches, as she aged, her dietary requirements shifted, leading Iah and Justin to reduce her protein intake and introduce lower-fat options to accommodate her changing metabolism.

Similarly, Chia’s preferences and dietary responses differed from Peaches’. Chia, a picky eater, often required more enticing food options to encourage consistent eating. The couple found success with Paleo Pet’s products, which offered high-quality, single-ingredient food without unnecessary fillers.

Common Dietary Issues in Pets Learned

From their journey, Iah and Justin have identified several key factors that pet owners should consider when feeding their pets:

- Avoid relying on suboptimal dietary options
While convenient, kibble may not always provide balanced nutrition, especially for pets with specific health concerns.
- "While we provide Paleo Pet to our dogs, we also optimize and balance the proteins by adding beneficial nutrients from vegetables and fruits."
Vet assessments are essential
Regular veterinary check-ups and bloodwork help monitor pets’ health and catch potential issues early.

- Monitor age-related dietary changes
As pets age, their nutritional needs may change. It’s important to adapt their diet accordingly.

Be mindful of food quality
Not all pet foods are created equal. Checking labels for preservatives, fillers, and other potentially harmful ingredients is crucial.

- Choose single-ingredient or minimally processed options
Foods with fewer ingredients are generally easier on a pet’s digestive system and provide clearer insights into potential allergens.

    Why Paleo Pet is their Preferred Choice for Peaches and Chia?

    During their quest for the ideal diet, Iah and Justin came across Paleo Pet, a brand known for its commitment to high-quality, human-grade ingredients. Interestingly, even Chia, who was known to be a picky eater, showed enthusiasm for the brand’s offerings. 

    Justin recalls an amusing moment when Peaches and Chia broke into a bag of Paleo Pet products they had left out. The dogs devoured the food, a clear indication that they not only enjoyed it but also thrived on it.

    - "Nung wala kami, dalawang pack ng Paleo Pet ang inatake nila. Ubos!"

    For Iah and Justin, Paleo Pet has become a trusted part of their pets' diet. The brand's commitment to providing high-quality, human-grade ingredients has ensured that Peaches and Chia continue to enjoy optimal health well into their senior years.

    Paleo Pet Products here

    Advice for Pet Owners: Know What’s Best for Your Pets

    Based on their experiences, Iah and Justin offer valuable advice to other pet owners who may still rely solely on commercial kibble. They emphasize the importance of understanding your pet’s individual nutritional needs and making informed decisions about their diet.

    - "It’s a case to case basis rin when it comes to their nutrients na kailangan. Kaya dapat talaga research well... you also have to check nga yung label…especially if there are allergens na for dogs."

    They also stress the significance of being aware of allergens and ensuring that the food you choose is suitable for your dog’s age, health condition, and overall well-being.

    Conclusion

    The journey of Peaches and Chia serves as a testament to the importance of proper pet nutrition. By carefully selecting their pets’ food, regularly consulting veterinarians, and paying attention to individual dietary needs, Iah and Justin were able to significantly improve their dogs' health and extend their lives.

    For pet owners looking to make a positive change in their pets' nutrition, Paleo Pet offers a reliable and nutritious option. 

    As Iah puts it:

    - "Kaya pala you can recover from bad bloodwork results to good bloodwork results with the right diet and proper care."

    With their focus on high-quality, human-grade ingredients, Paleo Pet has become a favorite in Iah and Justin’s household, providing Peaches and Chia with the balanced, wholesome diet they need to thrive.

     

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