Tsappis Feed Mills has put together a list of questions that are the most common from our experience. if there is any question that you may have, that is not answered, please feel free to contact us and we will be glad to assist you.
» Why are there colors in pet food products? Are they really safe?
» Is it okay to switch between pet food products/flavors?
» How do I know what product to use for my pet?
» Do I need to supplement my pet's diet?
» What is the difference between conventional and scoop litter products?
Puppy.
» When do I need to switch my puppy to an adult dog food?
» Are there any necessary accessories for my puppy?
» How Do I avoid accidents in the home?
» How do I take care of my puppy?
Adult / Dog
» How much water should my dog have every day?
» What is the importance of protein in my dogs nutrition?
Cats
» When is my kitten "full-grown" and able to eat an adult pet food product?
» Should I feed milk to my kitten?
» what is the best way to take care of my cat?
1. How much water should my dog have every day?
Your dog should always have fresh clean water available to drink as he/she pleases
2. Why are there colors in pet food products? Are they really safe?
Colors are added to maintain a consistent product appearance. Colors do not affect either the flavor or nutrition of products. The colors that are used in pet foods are EU approved. Colors are added at low levels and are safe. top of page
3. Is it okay to switch between pet food products/flavors?
It is okay to change flavors or products. However, remember to introduce a new product gradually over a 6-12 day period. Sudden changes in a pet's diet can cause intestinal upsets. Also, constant changes can create a finicky eater. top of page
4. How do I know what product to use for my pet?
Determine the specific needs of your pet (i.e., puppy, kitten, adult, senior, urinary tract maintenance, hairball control, etc.). Feed a 100% complete and balanced product formulated for the specific development needs of your pet. top of page
5. When do I need to switch my puppy to an adult dog food?
You should continue to feed a puppy formula to large and giant breed dogs (dogs that will weight more than 50 pounds) up to two years and one full year for all other dogs before switching to an adult pet food. top of page
6. When is my kitten "full-grown" and able to eat an adult pet food product?
A kitten should be fed a kitten formula until the kitten is one year old. Then, you may make a gradual diet change to an adult cat food. top of page
7. Should I feed milk to my kitten?
Milk is a food and not a substitute for water. As a food, milk is incomplete and does not provide a balanced diet. It can be useful as a treat for some cats, however large quantities of milk may not be well tolerated. Milk contains lactose, which requires the enzyme lactase for breakdown in the intestinal tract. If the intestinal tract does not contain sufficient lactase, consumption of a high level of lactose can cause diarrhea in some pets. top of page
8. Do I need to supplement my pet's diet?
When a 100% complete and balanced food is fed to a normal, healthy pet, supplementation is rarely needed. However, factors like feeding table scraps, inconsistent exercise, or stressful changes in routine can leave dogs and cats with special nutritional needs. top of page
9. What is the difference between conventional and scoop cat litter products?
Check the product label to determine whether the product is a conventional or scoop-type product. Conventional products do not always use the word conventional on their label. However, scoop products will state this on their package.
Conventional litter:
· •Package does not always state the word "conventional" on label
· •Will not clump; it will only absorb your cat's urine
· •Has a large granule
Maintenance requires you to scoop out your cat's fecal matter and stir the remaining litter in the litter box at least once a day and completely change the litter box weekly
Scooping litter:
· •Package states the word "scoop" on label
· •Will clump to your cat's urine
· •Has a fine granule and less tracking
Maintenance requires you to scoop out the urine and fecal matter at least daily and completely change your cat's litter box monthly. top of page
10.
Are there any necessary accessories for my puppy?
These are the things that you will need to be able to look after the puppy.
Their kennel or carrier: they can be made of plastic or metal wire and have to be big enough to allow them to stand up and turn around, but not so big that they could urinate or defecate in one corner and sleep in the other. If it is a large breed of dog, you will have to have an adjustable kennel or carrier, so as to be able to adjust it quickly as the puppy grows; if you do not have an adjustable one, you should buy a larger one when the time comes. For the puppy's safety, it should be properly ventilated, but the holes should be small enough to ensure they cannot get their head or paws out; the door should shut properly, ensuring the dog cannot open it. Later on, when the puppy has learnt where it has to go to the toilet and does not chew things, you can place a rug or blanket inside that is apt for their use and easily cleaned.
To make the puppy enter its kennel or carrier when you get it home for the first time, you can place a bit of food inside and softly say "go to bed", close the door and when it has settled, let it out again and reward it. Repeat this action, making sure that it spends more and more time inside each time and rewarding it each time it enters. It is important that the puppy sleeps here from the first day and that you take its collar off when it is inside for its safety. top of page
You should not give it food or water when in its carrier as this may lead to its defecating in it; you can give it a toy for it to chew.
The kennel should never be used as a place for punishment.
Collar and lead: to know the correct size of collar, you have to measure the neck and add five centimetres. Even still, you should always make sure that it does not constrict it at all. The first collar should be of nylon or leather. When it grows, you can use a collar with a cotton lining or a leather one with a safety clasp. top of page
In terms of the length of the lead, the best option for both walks and training is one of between one and a half and two metres.
ID tag: it should be attached to the collar and show the dog's name, the owner's, the address and telephone number. The tag is vital in the recovery of lost puppies.
Microchip: this is the best way of identifying the puppy. It will not be noticeable to the puppy and is permanent (it cannot be lost as tags can) and can be read easily using a manual scanner. You can also tattoo your dog to identify it, but microchips are currently more popular.
Bowls for food and water: the best are those made of stainless steel, as many dogs are allergic to plastic. They should be easy to clean, as you will have to clean them daily, and are better if they can be tied to a support or are heavy enough to ensure they do not tip over easily.
Grooming accessories: as well as shampoos and other solutions, you will also need the necessary accessories for your dog, including brushes and combs, which are designed especially for the different types of hair. You will also need a comb for fleas.
Toys: these are very important for the puppy, as they stimulates the puppy, provides it with exercise and channels its needs to chew things. They should be especially designed for puppies, ie, they should not be able to break, tear or swallow them. The safest and most fun for the puppies are those made of hide, nylon (for chewing) and hard rubber balls.
You should bear in mind that the toy should not be so small as to allow the puppy get the whole thing in its mouth, nor is it advisable to buy those that encourage aggressive behaviour or those made of sponge or with whistles and bells, as the dog could well break them and swallow the small parts. You should also avoid those that include parts that can cause them harm, ie, those with sharp edges. top of page
11. How Do I avoid accidents in the home?
Puppies are particularly vulnerable as they still have much to learn and get to know, amongst which are the dangers that surround them. Their natural curiosity, the habit of chewing everything they find and their innocence can lead to danger in many situations.
Although it is almost impossible to prevent all the possible accidents in the home, you can take measures to reduce the risks:
Never leave them unattended, neither inside nor outside the house. They may harm themselves or cause damage to something.
Keep those doors and windows they can reach shut and do not let them near balconies high up. When you close a door to a room, make sure that they are not left inside.
You should keep detergents, bleaches, paints, solvents, fertilisers, disinfectants, insect sprays, poisons and antifreeze out of reach of the puppy.
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You should always leave the toilet lid down, as the puppy could drink or play with the water, ingest the disinfectant or cleaner or hurt themselves should the lid fall on top of them.
· Elastic bands can also present a serious risk, as they can be swallowed and produce digestive problems, or worse still, can cause choking if they get caught. The plastic that holds packs of tin cans together can also be dangerous and should be cut into pieces to avoid the puppy's getting caught in it.
· There are a number of plants, such as the azalea, daphnia, dieffenbachia, ivy, iris, daffodil, oleander, mistletoe, poinsettia, potato, rhododendron, tobacco, tulip, fig and yew, which are poisonous and should thus be kept out of their reach.
· Nor should you give them any form of medicine without having previously consulted your vet. Likewise any medicine in the house should be kept safely out of reach.
· Small objects, such as buttons, tops or parts from toys, should be kept safely out of reach, especially those objects that have sharp points, such as nails, paperclips, pins, etc., as they could harm their mouths and internal organs if swallowed.
· Electrical connections can be particularly dangerous, which means you should unplug cables that they could be able to reach, as, if they chew on them, they may burn themselves, electrocute themselves or start a fire. It is also advisable to cover sockets that are not in use, likewise you should not use electrical appliances in the dog's kennel. top of page
12. How do I take care of my puppy?
Puppies grow incredibly rapidly, so their food has to be specifically for them so as to provide them with the necessary and proper nutrition to help form a strong bone structure, good muscles and provide them with enough energy to grow. Studies carried out by Affinity have shown that puppies' food should be rich in calories and essential nutrients, such as amino acids, which form proteins, calcium and phosphorous.
A correct and balanced diet
PTo know what type of food to give your puppy, check the labels. These labels offer a certified analysis of the minimum gross levels of fat and the maximum gross levels of fibre and water contained.
The label should also indicate whether the food is appropriate for every stage of life (gestation, lactation, growth and adult life) or only for one of them.
If the product does not provide balanced and complete nutrition, the label should indicate that it is not apt to be used as the only source of food, or offer similar information. For example, the snacks you give the puppy as a reward cannot be used as the only and complete source of nourishment, as they have a very high calorie content. You should also make sure that the food has undergone tests and controls. If you do not find the information you are looking for, consult your vet or contact the manufacturer. top of page
Their place to eat
The area set aside for the dog to eat in should always be in the same place. It should be somewhere that is easy to access and not somewhere where the puppy is likely to be disturbed when eating. Only change this place if it is strictly necessary.
You should keep the bowls clean, held in place or heavy enough to ensure that they do not tip over easily and keep them on a mat or papers to make it easier to clean them. You should take special care of the water and make sure that there is always some for them; likewise, it should always be kept clean and cool.
How often should you feed them
When they are between six and eight weeks old, you should feed them three times a day. Take the bowl away after 20 minutes, even if they have eaten everything in less than two. This procedure is an important part of their training.
From six months of age, you should start to feed them twice a day until they reach adulthood.
It is important that you make sure they do not have problems of obesity, so you should check the recommended servings shown on the labels and adjust the amounts accordingly and, where necessary, consult your vet. The puppy's stomach should not stick out and you should always be able to feel their ribcage. top of page
The puppy may suffer slight disruptions due to the change of home that could affect their digestion, so, despite its being better not change their diet, should you have to, do so progressively over the period of 7 to 10 days in the following way: first mix a small amount of the new food with the usual one, continue increasing the doses whilst, over the ten days, the amount of usual food is reduced. This process is especially important when making the change from tinned to dry food. top of page
13.
What is the importance of protein in my dogs nutrition
?
The importance of proteins
Proteins are a basic element in your dog's diet. They are nutrients and provide essential amino acids and as a result you should give your dog the right amount of proteins that it needs. In the first place it is important to know that a balanced diet should not be based solely or largely on the consumption of meat or, as a result, on the consumption of meat-based proteins. Dogs are omnivorous creatures and vegetables provide them with a series of proteins which, without a doubt, should form part of their diet. Not all proteins are the same. In fact there are certain amino acids, essential for your dog's development, which cannot be synthesized by the animal's metabolism. Pay special attention to making sure that its food contains, and is rich in, essential amino acids and you can check on this by reading the labels on different dog food products. You should also make sure that these products guarantee a balanced diet. A dog's nutritional needs are not the same at each stage of its life. For example, old dogs need more proteins. So find out about your dog's changing needs according to its age so you can give it the right kind of food. top of page
14.
what is the best way to take care of my cat?
How often they must be fed
In general, a cat regulates its own weight and you will soon become aware of its daily needs. It is always advisable not to give bowls overflowing with food but to offer small portions. Adult cats can be fed once a day. In any case, it is vital to read the product recommendations carefully as they include tables of the amount recommended according to your cat's age and weight and the exact number of meals to be given on a daily basis and the corresponding portions therefore, providing it with all of the necessary nutrients for a balanced diet. Do not allow it to get used to small bits of our food or to become an addict of certain foods, because what starts as a show of affection may later develop into a health problem. top of page
It is best not to overfill your cat's food bowl. Ensure you give it small portions recommended for its age.
Neutering
Most domestic cats go through this operation without any problems. This surgery avoids bothersome behaviour, makes cats more sociable and also avoids the putting down of unwanted litters or animals. The temperament, vitality, intelligence and affection of cats will not change, despite false myths and beliefs.
The most recommended surgery for males is the operation known as an orchiectomy, which eliminates the production of sperm and sexual hormones. This is the most common in the European Community.
For females, spaying is recommended, which consists of removing the ovaries, tubes and neck of the uterus. This is also the most common surgery in the European Community. top of page
Neutering eliminates sexual anxiety and, therefore, aggressive behaviour, particularly in males. All of the operations are carried out under general anaesthetic and cats recover quickly. In only two or three days they will be as active, playful and affectionate as they were before.
Food to be avoided
At least one third of a cat's diet must be made up of animal proteins, meat or meat by-products comprising the basic food for this animal. Despite many popular beliefs, it is not essential for cats to drink milk and, in fact, it is often not overly recommended.
Excess liver may also be extremely harmful, as this causes serious bone disorders in cats. Likewise, a diet based of tinned fish may cause what is known as the yellow fat disease. This is a painful inflammation of the fatty tissue caused by a lack of vitamin E. Nor is raw fish recommended for cats, as it contains an enzyme that decomposes vitamin B1. top of page
Many cats do not digest milk well, which may cause diarrhoea. If you notice your cat getting fat, do not give it milk on a regular basis as this will make it put on weight, which is not healthy either.
Dry foods
Once your cat is an adult and has lost its milk teeth, dry foods have many advantages. They are hygienic, they help exercise the animal's teeth and are the most practical and suitable if you have to leave it on its own for a short period of time. It is therefore wise to get your cat used to eating them. However, it is advisable to combine them with other tinned products to ensure its palate is used to other options.
If you give it dry food on a regular basis ensure it drinks enough water, although it is also true that most cat owners do not really know how much water their pets drink. You will see that it does not drink a lot, because cats extract the liquid they need from their food. Therefore, if they live off basically dry food, you must check they drink enough water.
If you feed them dry food, check the amount of water they drink. It is also necessary to change their water often, as it must be clean and fresh. top of page
