12/02/2026

Portion Control Unlocks Better Health for Your Four-Legged Friend

Why Portion Control Matters
Obesity is incredibly common in dogs and can significantly impact your furry friend's quality of life. The extra weight puts stress on their joints, bones, and muscles, often leading to painful arthritis. Beyond joint problems, obesity affects nearly every major organ system and can even shorten your dog's lifespan.
  The good news? Most cases of obesity in otherwise healthy dogs come down to feeding patterns. The most common culprits include free-choice feeding (leaving food out all day), offering high-fat diets, giving excessive treats or table scraps, and providing portions that are simply too large for your dog's needs.   The Power of Measured Meals
Portion control for canine obesity prevention is an excellent strategy. Instead of eyeballing your dog's food or filling the bowl until it looks 'about right,' take the time to actually measure their portions. This might seem like a small detail, but 'heaping' portions can easily add extra calories with each serving, sabotaging even your best intentions to keep your companion at a healthy weight.
  Work with your veterinarian to determine how many calories your dog needs daily. This calculation considers their age, whether they're spayed or neutered, their activity level, and their current body condition. Once you know the right amount, use an actual measuring cup—not just a scoop or your best guess.   What About Treats?
Treats are wonderful for training, bonding, and showing love to your four-legged family member. However, treats should only make up about 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. Consider saving portions of their regular daily food to use as training rewards, or try low-calorie options like fresh vegetables such as peas. Many dogs appreciate the frequency of treats rather than the quantity, so even small portions can make them happy.
  While exercise is important and should definitely be part of your dog's routine, physical activity alone won't prevent obesity without proper dietary management. The combination of measured portions and regular activity is the winning formula.
  If you're unsure whether your dog is at a healthy weight or need help calculating the right portions, schedule a visit with your veterinarian. They can evaluate your dog's body condition and create a personalized feeding plan that works for your family.
  Portion control for canine obesity prevention works. Remember, helping your dog maintain a healthy weight through portion control is one of the greatest gifts you can give them—it promotes better health, increased longevity, and a higher quality of life for years to come. Source: Animal Wellness

23/01/2026

Ground Breaking New Study Reveals the True Complexity of the Canine Microbiome

For humans and animals alike, a healthy gut microbiome is central to countless physiological processes in the body.1 Defined as the community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract, including bacteria and archaea, the gut microbiome is essential for metabolism, immunity and defense against pathogens. 
  But, despite its importance, the gut microbiome in dogs is vastly understudied. Our understanding is primarily based on human-centric research.  And this lack of species-specific insight has limited how much we have been able to monitor, support and influence gut health in dogs.      That is, until now.     A new standard in pet microbiome research
Waltham scientists have now uncovered how unique the canine gut microbiome really is.     Waltham Catalogue for the Canine Gut Microbiome: A complete taxonomic and functional catalogue of the canine gut microbiome through novel metagenomic based genome discovery has been published this month in Springer Nature's Microbiome.   The most comprehensive resource of its kind, the catalogue dramatically increases what was previously known about the canine gut microbiome.     Dogs' true uniqueness revealed 
The discovery began with metagenomic sequencing, performed on 501 faecal samples from 107 healthy dogs across the USA and Europe. This was made possible by data leveraged from the Mars Petcare archive.     The process produced 5,753 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), consolidated into 1,031 distinct strains.    Of those 1,031 distinct strains: 
  982 are novel   89 are new species   10 are new genera 
  This breakthrough reveals that the canine gut microbiome is truly unique. It cannot be likened to other species, which challenges prior assumptions.     Uncovering the critical role of the gut microbiome in dogs 
Through the catalogue's detailed functional descriptions of the novel strains, we can better understand their role in the health of dogs. We've learnt that many of them produce important enzymes and metabolites, that could be capable of influencing the immune system or providing nutrition to cells in the gut lining.    Moreover, we have gained insights into known species of bacteria, that we previously did not know were present in the canine gut. Like CAZymes - enzymes that break down complex dietary fibres.     The prevalence of CAZymes in a number of known species in the canine gut has, for the first time, revealed the critical role of the gut microbiome in dogs' digestion.    And the high percentage of metabolic pathways attributed to carbohydrate metabolism, confirms dogs rely on their microbiome to process certain nutrients.     A better view of canine gut microbial capabilities 
But despite the beneficial roles of the canine gut microbiome, could it also cause harm? This question was important to answer, given the microbiome's potential for pathogenicity – it's ability to cause disease.     To investigate, we used AMRFinderPlus, a tool that can identify if bacteria possess antimicrobial resistance (AMR), stress or virulence genes.     Importantly, we found that most of the novel bacteria in the canine gut microbiome were commensal and lacked toxin or AMR genes.     Shaping more personalised care for dogs 
The Waltham Catalogue for the Canine Gut Microbiome is now a key resource for researchers worldwide.     Spanning multiple cohorts of pet dogs, across different countries, living in different environments – the catalogue provides the highest resolution image of the healthy dog microbiome to date.     Researchers will be able to apply the catalogue's insights regardless of the dog breed, age, sex or geography. 
  As a result, the catalogue expands opportunities to understand the role of the microbiome in canine health and disease. And it is a step towards more completely mapping the taxonomic and functional impact of dietary interventions.     Powerfully, the insights could unlock a future of personalised treatment for dogs, tailored to their unique biological needs.    Dr Gregory Amos, Senior Research Manager at Waltham, reflects on the significance of this: 'With our new, critical understanding of what makes the canine gut microbiome unique, we have never been better equipped to develop solutions that improve the lives of dogs.'    By driving these new discoveries, Waltham continues to advance science in service of our purpose: Build A Better World for Pets.  Source: Waltham Reference
1 Barko et al., 2018

11/02/2026

Transforming Suppliers into Innovation Partners in the Pet Food Industry

Raw Materials: The Source of Major Risks   In recent years, many countries have reported multiple recall incidents involving animal feed products, and scientific literature confirms a pattern familiar the sector: most contamination in pet food results from inadequate monitoring of raw materials or from ingredients purchased without an adequate technical history (Witaszak et al., 2020; Cheli et al., 2020).
  The increasing onset of mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, DON, fumonisins, and zearalenone, as well as other contaminants in dog and cat food, demonstrates that agricultural ingredients and animal by-products pose specific risks to food safety and quality (Witaszak et al., 2020). This data reinforces a fundamental point: there is no connected plant without a connected supplier.   The Limits of Isolated Control Within Factories   When a manufacturer, especially a smaller operation, tries to build an isolated quality control system without technical collaboration at the upstream stage, its limitations quickly become apparent. This is because the natural variability of ingredients, such as corn, protein meals, animal by-products, and oils, cannot be fully controlled through incoming inspection alone.
  According to food safety literature, raw material specifications are the cornerstones of risk prevention, yet continue to be neglected, particularly by smaller plants (Cheli et al., 2020). Many manufacturers operate with simplified raw material descriptions, without analytical limits, a statistical database, or a clear understanding of the specific risks associated with each origin or crop.   The Supplier as an Intelligent Link in the Chain   Precisely at this point, the supplier becomes not just an input vendor, but a truly intelligent link in the chain. Technical suppliers have access to internal databases, batch-by-batch analysis, variation curves, harvest records, seasonal monitoring, and certified industrial processes.
  When this data is shared, manufacturers gain immediate access to a layer of intelligence that would be extremely difficult to build on their own. What defines a truly connected plan is this structured information—a plant that is not only internally integrated but extended across the entire production chain (Integrated Mycotoxin Management System, 2021; Aung & Chang, 2014).    Joint Development of Technical Specifications   The joint development of technical specifications is a clear example of how this connection changes the landscape. Historical-based specifications are significantly more effective at reducing deviations than generic models applied to all sources (Cheli et al., 2020).
  A well-prepared supplier can help the manufacturer understand:
  The natural variability of ingredients. Expected limits of mycotoxins and other contaminants by region. Seasonal trends in moisture and composition. Appropriate analytical methods for each risk.
  This collaboration reduces unnecessary rejections, minimizes process variability, and lowers formulation costs.   Mycotoxins: An Example of Strategic Partnership   Collaboration becomes even more strategic in the case of mycotoxins, one of the critical contaminants in pet food. The BIOMIN Mycotoxin Survey and other studies have shown that the presence of aflatoxins, DON, and fumonisins varies widely depending on season, region, and climatic conditions, reinforcing the need for continuous, shared monitoring (Cheli et al., 2020; Witaszak et al., 2020). In other words, a manufacturer that only analyzes what arrives at its gate is always reacting too late. Trend-based monitoring programs that consider seasonal patterns are far more effective than isolated analyses (Cheli et al., 2020). And who understands these trends better than the supplier, who follows the ingredient from the field through processing?   Traceability Starting with the Supplier   Connectivity is also reflected in traceability. The origin, production date, storage time, logistics route, laboratory analysis, and processing conditions are all part of the history of each batch that comes into the factory.
  When suppliers make these data available in a structured way—through QR codes, digital reports, or integrated systems—manufacturers operate with far greater speed and confidence. Upstream traceability is one of the weakest points in the global pet food supply chain, and the most efficient way to strengthen it is to ensure that the information flows from the supplier (Aung & Chang, 2014).   Training and Qualification as Part of Connectivity   This relationship is not limited to documentation; it extends to technical training. Many of the errors that lead small plants to accept irregular batches are the result of inadequate sampling, misinterpretation of reports, or lack of awareness of the most likely risks. Studies show that even basic training for receiving teams significantly reduces the intake of out-of-spec raw materials (Integrated Mycotoxin Management System, 2021).
  By providing these services, whether through training, consulting, or technical visits, suppliers effectively raise the plant's maturity level, helping it operate as a connected system even without major technological investments.   Hybrid Analytical Tools   The supplier-manufacturer connection translates into practical innovation through the use of hybrid analytical tools. When properly validated, rapid mycotoxin test kits correlate well with confirmatory methods and are recommended as part of contaminant detection systems (Cheli et al., 2020).
  Small plants can adopt an efficient combination: rapid screening upon receipt, periodic validation in an accredited laboratory, and continuous analytical reports provided by the upstream partner. This approach reduces waste, accelerates decision-making, and enables more intelligent use of resources.   Conclusion   The literature also shows that plants operating with shared supplier data achieve better production predictability and lower cost variability (Integrated Mycotoxin Management System, 2021).
  When suppliers and manufacturers operate as a single information network, the industry obtains safety, predictability, innovation, and competitiveness. The global pet food market—ever more demanding and risk-sensitive—depends on this intelligent integration, which begins before the production line and ends with safe, traceable, and stable food reaching the bowl.
  By Ludmila Barbi Trindade Bomcompagni – All Pet Food
Source: All Pet Food Magazine
  References Aung, M. M., & Chang, Y. S. (2014). Trazabilidad en una cadena de suministro alimentaria: perspectivas de seguridad y calidad. Control de Alimentos, 39 años, 172184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2013.11.007 Cheli, F., Campagnoli, A., Dell'Orto, V. (2020). Herramientas de gestión de la contaminación por micotoxinas y estrategias eficientes en la industria de los piensos. Toxinas, 12(8), 480. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins12080480 Witaszak, N., Waśkiewicz, A., Bocianowski, J., & Stępień, Ł. (2020). Contaminación de la comida para mascotas con micobiota y micotoxinas de fusarium—Céntrate en perros y gatos. Toxinas, 12(2), 130. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins12020130 Sistema integrado de gestión de micotoxinas en la cadena de suministro de piensos: enfoques innovadores. (2021). Toxinas, 13(8), 572. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13080572

By Ludmila Barbi T. Bomcompagni

10/10/2025

The Growing Weight of Love: Why Our Pets Are Facing an Obesity Epidemic

We have written several articles, including this one, that dive into awareness of the issue and steps to help correct it, but how did we get here? What factors are contributing to this rising trend? The answer is multifaceted, involving everything from diet formulation to human psychology.    Energy-Dense Commercial Diets 
Modern pet foods, especially wet foods, kibble, air-dried, and freeze-dried diets, are often highly energy-dense relative to their moisture content. Many of today's formulas are rich in fat and calories to make them more palatable or to reduce the dependence on the high-cost protein sources. While this is great for picky eaters or active working dogs, it may not be ideal for the average indoor pet. 
  Feeding guidelines on pet food packaging are typically based on generalized estimates of how much the average pet should consume and don't always reflect an individual pet's specific needs. Compounding this, feeding guidelines may overestimate energy requirements to ensure pets aren't underfed, which ironically increases the risk of overfeeding. Because many premium pet diets now have higher caloric density than those formulated even a decade ago, this means pets are getting more calories per cup, whether they need them or not.    Humanization and Emotional Feeding 
We love our pets like family, and that's a wonderful thing. But sometimes, that love leads us to feed them like humans, too. Offering frequent treats, sharing table scraps, or giving an extra scoop of food as a 'reward' can unintentionally sabotage their health. In a culture where food is love, it's easy to show affection with snacks, but many owners don't realize just how few calories their pets actually need. A 20-pound dog may only require about 500 to 600 calories per day, so even a few extras can tip the scale. 
  Pet owners also tend to project their own dietary beliefs or habits onto their animals. For example, high-protein or grain-free pet foods akin to certain human diets like paleo or keto may not always be appropriate for all pets. If not carefully formulated and portioned, these diets can provide excessive calories or omit beneficial ingredients such as whole grains, which supply fiber and other essential nutrients. While some pets may thrive on these diets under veterinary guidance, less active or health-compromised animals may face risks of obesity, nutrient deficiencies, or digestive issues when fed diets designed more around human trends than species-specific nutritional science. 
  Additionally, free-feeding (leaving food out all day) or using unmeasured scoops can easily lead to overfeeding. A 'cup' of food is often interpreted loosely, and pet food measuring cups are notoriously inconsistent. Studies have shown that even experienced pet owners often overestimate the amount they're feeding by as much as 20%. Without precise measurement, even high-quality diets can become a problem. Over time, those extra calories add up.    Sedentary Lifestyles and Metabolic Changes 
As our lives have become more sedentary, so have our pets'. Many dogs and cats live almost entirely indoors, with limited access to regular physical activity. Urban environments may not allow for off-leash play, and busy lifestyles often mean fewer and shorter walks. Indoor cats, in particular, face challenges; many lack enrichment or stimulation that encourages natural activity like stalking, climbing, or hunting. Without exercise, even a slightly excessive caloric intake can lead to weight gain over time. 
  Spaying and neutering are critical for population control and health, but they also reduce metabolic rate and change hormone levels that regulate appetite. Unless owners adjust feeding accordingly, pets can begin gaining weight soon after surgery. This doesn't mean pets shouldn't be sterilized, but it does mean that proactive portion control and diet adjustments are key after the procedure.    Owner Awareness and Misperceptions 
As we have explored in previous articles, many pet parents don't realize their dog or cat is overweight. A fluffy coat can hide extra pounds, and cultural norms have shifted to the point where chubby pets are seen as 'normal.' In fact, studies show that over 90% of pet parents with overweight pets mistakenly believe their pet is a healthy weight. This makes it even harder to intervene early. Routine body condition scoring by veterinarians and education on what a healthy weight actually looks and feels like are critical in reversing this trend. 
  Final Thoughts: What You Can Do 
The good news is that obesity is both preventable and manageable with small, consistent changes. Portion control is one of the most powerful tools. Using a gram scale instead of a scoop or cup to measure Fido's food ensures they get exactly the amount they need. It's also important to limit treats to no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake and choose low-calorie options when possible. 
  Daily exercise is another important piece of the puzzle. This doesn't just mean walks for dogs; both dogs and cats benefit from playtime, enrichment toys, food puzzles, and activities that stimulate both body and mind. Monitoring your pet's body condition score, a visual and tactile tool that assesses fat coverage and muscle tone, can help you track progress more accurately than weight alone. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian for guidance; they can help you determine appropriate calorie needs, feeding plans, and activity recommendations tailored to your pet. 
  While pet parents have an essential role in managing their pets' weight, systemic change is needed. Pet food companies can help by offering clearer, more accurate feeding guidelines based on metabolic needs, not just broad weight ranges. We desperately need industry-wide guidance on how to calculate feeding guidelines to be more consistent across brands, formats, and recipes. Veterinary professionals can advocate for regular body condition scoring and nutrition discussions as part of every wellness visit. And as an industry, we can prioritize research-backed formulation, transparent labeling, and owner education.    The Bottom Line 
Obesity steals healthy years from our pets, but it doesn't have to. With greater awareness of the root causes and a commitment to proactive care from both owners and the pet food industry, we can turn the tide. Helping your pet maintain a healthy weight isn't just about numbers on a scale; it's about giving them the best chance at a long, vibrant, and active life. 


Source: BSM Partners

21/08/2025

The Cat Food Conundrum: Is Your Feline's Diet Making Them Fat?

This study, which reviewed cat food labels in Canada, compared the recommended serving sizes with widely used caloric calculations of how many calories cats truly need to maintain a healthy weight. The results are a real eye-opener!  
  For a typical 3-5 kg (6.6 – 11 lb) cat, the suggested "low" amount on many labels was often less than what even an inactive cat requires. Conversely, the "high" end of the recommended range frequently exceeded the needs of a lean, healthy cat. This means that simply following the instructions on the bag (or can) could easily lead to your cat being underfed or, more commonly, overfed. 
  Even though there are no legal regulations (or even recommendations) on how feeding guidelines should be calculated, the study noted that the inconsistencies aren't random. The type of food, such as 'all-life stages,' which is designed for all ages, from kittens to seniors, often has higher calorie recommendations, which are needed for a growing kitty, but might be too much for an adult cat. Another example is using vague measurements like "cups" instead of grams makes it harder to feed accurately. In my clinical days, when a pet owner replied that they fed their pet a 'cup,' I regularly asked them what their definition of a cup was. Why? Because not all cups are created equally: coffee cup, red solo cup, big water cups, and of course, the measuring cup – which leads to further questioning of whether it was loosely scooped or packed; was it level with the top of the cup or a mound? All of these can greatly alter the daily calories consumed (see more in the article on my profile). 
  A small 5% deviation in a pet's daily calorie intake can lead to an extra pound of fat for a cat in a month! Yikes! Now, we can see how the obesity epidemic isn't just "creeping up"—it's in full, undeniable force. 
  So, what does this mean for you and your beloved kitty cat?  
  It means that the feeding guide is just that: a guide. It shouldn't be the final word. The reality is that every cat is an individual with unique needs. Factors like their age, activity level, whether they're spayed or neutered, and even their environment all play a role in their daily calorie need.  
  By assessing your cat's specific needs by age, activity level, and body condition score, we can proactively calculate how many calories a pet needs and begin to feed accordingly. To help with this, using a gram scale to weigh your pet's food can hone in on providing your cat with the appropriate amount of food, or when you'd rather not be a mad scientist, finding an appropriate 'cup' and measuring a level scoop is a step in the right direction. 
  Cat obesity is a growing concern, leading to various health problems like diabetes, arthritis, and even shorter lifespans. It's a problem we, as owners, can directly influence. BSM Partners can help evaluate feeding guidelines with their team of nutritionists and veterinarians, draft guidelines that can help overcome the flawed feeding regime, and assist customer service to help a brand's pet parents feed the appropriate amount. Stop the silent epidemic by taking a stand to educate owners on proper feeding requirements for pets.  


By Dr. Stephanie Clark, PhD, CVT, PAS, CFS, Dpl. ACAS, VTS (Nutrition)
Source: BSM Partners
  About the Author
Dr. Stephanie Clark is a board-certified companion animal nutritionist, veterinary nurse and nutrition specialist, a pet owner, and a mother who had a baby during the formula shortage. She has spent the past almost two decades dedicating her career to the welfare of pets, livestock, and wildlife. She currently provides nutritional consultations for veterinary clinics and works in the pet food industry.

30/07/2025

Can I feed dog food to my cat?

Cats and dogs are different!
Dog food provides all the nutrients a dog needs to stay healthy, but they are not formulated to provide the additional nutrients that cats need in their diet. Although cats and dogs belong to the same order Carnivora together with species like bears or Giant panda, the dog's feeding behaviour is omnivorous, while the cat is a true carnivore. This means that cats must have certain nutrients in their diet that are only found in animal based ingredients.
  Dogs developed various metabolic traits which allow them to utilize carbohydrates and to synthesize certain nutrients found in animal based ingredients from plant sources (e.g. vitamin A from beta-carotene). Cats have specific nutritional needs that dogs do not have. A complete and balanced diet designed for dogs may not provide the same nutrients at sufficient levels for cats.
  Protein
Dietary Protein is required by both dogs and cats for energy, growth and repair. Cats require a higher amount than dogs during both growth and adult maintenance, due to increased enzyme activity. In addition, cats are less able to down-regulate their rate of protein breakdown when presented with a diet low in protein. For this reason, most cat food tends to contain more protein than dog food.
  Arginine is an amino acid, one of the building blocks of proteins. The cat is very sensitive to even a single meal free of arginine. In the absence of arginine in the diet, nitrogen cannot be efficiently metabolized through the urea cycle and can lead to death from ammonia intoxication in cats. Dogs are less sensitive to arginine free diet and can at least partially use an alternative amino acid, ornithine, to complete the urea cycle.
  Taurine
Taurine is another amino acid that is distributed throughout most body tissues. Taurine is important for healthy functioning of the heart, retina, bile fluid and certain aspects of reproduction. Cats must eat preformed taurine and since taurine is not found in plants, cats must consume animal-based ingredients to obtain it. Unlike cats, in the absence of dietary taurine, dogs are able to manufacture enough taurine from other amino acids to meet their needs.
  Vitamins A and B3 (niacin)
Vitamin A is required at the cellular level by both cats and dogs, and is essential for healthy vision and a healthy skin. Cats lack the enzymes to break down plant-produced carotenoids and must eat preformed Vitamin A that can only be found in food of animal origin. Dogs have enzymes in the lining of the intestine that can break down plant carotenoids and convert these into active Vitamin A.
  Niacin is an essential B vitamin required by the cat and dog for skin and coat health, and for healthy metabolism. However, the cat can only obtain niacin by eating the preformed vitamin, and unlike the dog, cannot convert tryptophan, a dietary amino acid, to niacin. Meat and fish are great sources of niacin. The dog obtains niacin in two ways, either by converting tryptophan into niacin or by eating preformed niacin.
  Cats need animal fat
Arachidonic acid is an essential fatty acid that plays a vital role in fat utilisation and energy production. The cat cannot convert sufficient levels of other fatty acids such as linoleic acid from plants to arachidonic acid even when the diet is rich in linoleic acid, because the cat liver does not have the sufficient enzyme activity.
  Dogs can make their own arachidonic acid from other essential fatty acids and therefore in the dog, unlike the cat, arachidonic acid is not considered an essential nutrient.
  What does it all mean?
It is important that the cat is fed cat food that is complete and balanced for their particular nutritional needs. The requirements and often the taste preferences of the dog and cat are different. This is why pet food manufacturers offer both dog food and cat food.
  By choosing to feed your cat a nutritionally complete and balanced cat food (and water!), all the nutrition is taken care of and you can be confident that your cat is getting everything it needs in its food for a healthy and active life.
  Download the factsheet.


Source: FEDIAF