A recipe for longevity that’s surprisingly simple
When buying pet food, treats, and supplements, modern pet parents don’t just look for quality ingredients or complete and balanced nutrition. They also place emphasis on things like functional ingredients with health benefits. Plasma is a clean, natural, and highly digestible nutrient source that stands out as a functional ingredient because it benefits health and helps the planet. Learn more about plasma, how it supports whole-body health, and great products that feature it.
Plasma is the liquid component of blood. So when you donate blood, you’re giving plasma, a life-saving gift used around the world every day to help people survive and thrive. And just like plasma supports human health, so too can it play a meaningful role in pet health and nutrition. Plasma sourced from pigs and cattle is collected and dried, preserving the amino acids, nutrients, bioactive compounds, and highly digestible proteins. It’s a tasty, functional ingredient that can be added to pet foods, treats, and supplements to support vitality, well-being, and everyday health.
Plasma about 70% to 80% protein, so you can see right away one of the main benefits for dogs and cats. Four-legged family members rely on protein-rich diets to build and repair tissues, produce enzymes and hormones, and support overall growth, function, and energy. Beyond that, plasma also contains a myriad of other beneficial compounds, including:
Together, these compounds have a systemic effect, supporting the immune system and its ability to respond to stress and inflammation. They also help with digestive health, the gut microbiome, nutrient absorption, muscle development, skin and coat health, and energy levels.
What’s more, plasma is a valuable byproduct of meat processing. Reclaiming plasma from the meat industry reduces waste, minimizes environmental impacts, and supports a more efficient food system.
Plasma is a powerful, natural, sustainable ingredient that supports canine and feline health at every life stage. It delivers essential nutrients, helps manage stress and inflammation, supports immunity, and promotes overall vitality, keeping dogs and cats active, resilient, and thriving. When you add food, treats, and supplements with plasma to their diet, you’re supporting whole-body health for them and helping the planet too.
Visit APC to learn more about plasma for pet health!
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Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
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Obesity is a common health issue in cats. In fact, it’s estimated that over 60% of cats are overweight or obese. Luckily, it’s easy to prevent, and there are plenty of reasons you should take steps to do so. Excess weight can shorten their lifespan, reduce their quality of life, and cause health conditions like diabetes, joint problems, and heart and liver disease. Regular play and exercise are essential components for a healthy lifestyle, but the real key to preventing obesity in cats lies in their food bowl. Here are four healthy cat diet tips that will help you keep your kitty lean, happy, and healthy!
Overfeeding is one of the biggest contributors to cat obesity. The easiest way to combat it is by feeding your cat twice daily instead of allowing them to free feed, which can easily lead to constant snacking, overeating, and weight gain. And be sure to measure the proper amount of food for your cat based on the feeding guidelines provided by your vet or the food manufacturer.
Cats have different caloric needs depending on their age and how active they are. Kittens need more calories and nutrients to support growth, while adults and seniors typically require fewer calories. Spayed or neutered cats also have slower metabolisms and may gain weight more easily. Similarly, indoor cats who aren’t as active as outdoor cats may need a weight-maintenance formula. Regular checkups with your veterinarian will help you stay on track with a healthy cat diet.
While it is important to pay attention to the number of calories your cat consumes, it’s just as important to make sure they’re getting the right nutrients. Cats are obligate carnivores, and they thrive on meat-rich diets. Look for foods with real animal protein as the first ingredient, minimal carbohydrates, and no artificial additives. High-quality foods ensure your cat gets the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need while also helping them feel satisfied with smaller portions.
Treats are okay, as long as they’re just that—treats. They shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. And that includes human food. Even though some human foods are safe for cats (like lean meats, salmon, tuna, and even some vegetables), you must be careful not to overfeed. When you do feed treats, prioritize nutrient-dense ones. Here are some things to look for:
NutriSource has been nourishing cats for over 60 years with nutrient-dense foods, prioritizing high-quality ingredients and meat-rich recipes that supply cats with the calories and nutrients they need to maintain energy and a healthy body condition. They have a variety of options for cats of all ages in their NutriSource, Element, and PureVita lines, including grain-inclusive options, grain-free recipes, and weight management formulations, all of which feature animal protein as the first ingredient.
Visit NutriSource to learn more and find the purrfect healthy cat diet for your feline friend!
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Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
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Anxiety isn’t all in your head—this nutrient deficiency may be involved.
The holidays are often portrayed as cozy, joyful, and gratitude-filled, yet for many, Thanksgiving can also stir up a very real sense of stress, anxiety, or emotional overload. Pressure to host the perfect gathering, family dynamics, travel logistics, food guilt, sibling comparison, loneliness and even grief can take a toll.
Some of the participants were given pretzels and others were given a mix of tree nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts). At the end of the study period, the researchers analyzed fecal and blood plasma samples to better understand the effects of the different snacks.
Many of us think of brain health as something we worry about later, when we start forgetting names or misplacing keys. But new research suggests that the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s may show up years before any memory lapses do—and in places you might not expect.
How to understand your body’s needs without obsessing over it
If you’ve ever felt your mood dip and wondered whether food could make a difference, the answer might be yes. New research1
If you’re training more, whether you’re logging longer runs, lifting heavier, or simply moving more throughout the week, your calorie, fat, and fiber intake should rise accordingly. Otherwise, you could be increasing your risk of stress injuries, poor recovery, or long-term hormonal disruptions without realizing it.
Although paying special attention to your blood sugar should be a priority for people with diabetes, taking note of what you’re eating can help to prevent a glucose spike, in turn regulating your energy levels, mood, and even hunger. “Sometimes people who experience a blood sugar spike may feel ‘buzzy’—a little jittery or anxious, or like they’re a bit out of balance,” Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, RDN, previously told mbg.
Although paying special attention to your blood sugar should be a priority for people with diabetes, taking note of what you’re eating can help to prevent a glucose spike, in turn regulating your energy levels, mood, and even hunger. “Sometimes people who experience a blood sugar spike may feel ‘buzzy’—a little jittery or anxious, or like they’re a bit out of balance,” Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, RDN, previously told mbg.
When it comes to feeding your dog or cat, it’s easy to find food that works and stick with it for weeks, months, or even years. But imagine how bland life would be if you had to eat the same food, flavor, and texture all the time. Dogs and cats can become bored with their food too, but mixed feeding (combining a dry food with a wet topper) is an easy method that breaks up the monotony, adds hydration, increases nutrients, and more. Let’s learn more about the benefits of mixed feeding for dogs and cats!
There’s no question that dry food is one of the easiest ways to feed dogs and cats. It’s ready to feed, shelf stable, easy to transport, creates no mess, easy to portion, and cost effective. With mixed feeding for dogs and cats, you and your animal get the best of all worlds—you get the convenience of dry food, and they get all the benefits of a delicious, healthy meal packed with nutrients and moisture.
Wet toppers have a much higher moisture content than dry food, so they can increase your dog’s or cat’s water intake without them having to drink more. This can be especially important for cats, who don’t always drink as much as they need to. More moisture can help prevent dehydration, improve digestion and stool quality, help your dog or cat feel more satisfied after eating, and more.
High-quality wet food and toppers are nutritionally complete and balanced meals that support whole-body health. By combining a tasty topper with a convenient dry food, you can ensure every bowl is packed with the nutrients that will keep your fur baby happy, healthy, and full of energy. Change the recipe regularly to provide your dog or cat with a full range of nutrients.
Food boredom can happen when your dog or cat eats the same thing for too long. Wet food is delicious and aromatic with a completely new texture, so it can encourage picky eaters and animals who are tired of eating the same dry food all the time.
RAWZ Natural Pet Food has a complete line of dry recipes, wet food, and toppers that make it simple to implement mixed feeding for your dog or cat. Their dehydrated and dry foods are convenient, nutritious, minimally processed, and made with premium natural ingredients—just pick one and add a topper! They have a large selection of wet food and toppers, so you can change the mixed feeding routine regularly without your dog or cat ever getting bored. There’s a great RAWZ combination for every dog and cat—find your favorite today!
RAWZ proudly donates 100% of its profits (less taxes and reserves) to cat and dog rescues, service dog programs, and initiatives that improve the lives of individuals affected by traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, making it a brand you can feel good about supporting!
Visit RAWZ to learn more!
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
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We often talk about resilience on a grand scale—how you recover from major traumatic experiences or how the body bounces back against adversity. But what about everyday resilience? How do we foster a stronger tendency to bounce back from daily stress?
There is so much nutrition information out there. You can name every fad diet under the sun, and yet, we don’t actually have a set definition for nutrient-dense. “We’ve been throwing out this word ‘nutrient-dense’ a lot without having an agreed-upon definition or any kind of consistent way to identify nutrient-dense foods,” Sarah Ballantyne, Ph.D., says on this episode of the mindbodygreen podcast.
As the first study on the connection between iron status and cognitive and somatic depressive symptoms for women of reproductive age, these findings should come as big news—especially if you’re a woman between 15 and 49.
“The consequences of iron deficiency go beyond physical health outcomes and can affect mental health such as depressive symptoms,” the study authors note, adding that their findings “bolster the evidence that prevention and treatment of iron deficiency may be helpful for women’s mental health.”
The good news is, there are a plethora of iron-rich foods you can work into your regular diet, like oysters and mussels, chicken, beef, or pork liver, asparagus, spinach, apricots, soybeans, and more.
You can even find foods that are fortified with iron, like certain cereals, or get straight to the point and take an iron supplement. We always recommend eating a diet that’s rich in nutrients like iron, but supplementing can go a long way too. Most quality multivitamins include iron, so you can also find one that has at least 50% of your daily iron, plus other nutrients to get the most bang for your buck. (Here are our favorite multivitamins for women, to that end.)
Sarah Regan
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“To prevent foodborne illness, store beet juice in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days,” Wiemann suggests adding juice from a lemon or lime to help preserve the juice a little longer.
For those who don’t have as much time, or the necessary tools, to prepare beetroot juice at home several times per week, Schimmelpfenning suggests trying beetroot powder, which is shelf-stable and great for on-the-go nutrition.
If buying juice from a store, look for 100% pure organic beet juice that is freshly pressed, not made from concentrate, and doesn’t contain any other ingredients (except a small amount of lemon juice for preservation).
Melissa Boufounos, CHN
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