Goals for you and your pet to achieve in 2018

Now that the festive season is officially over we typically move towards generating new goals for ourselves as we shift into the new year. It's a great time to reflect and re-assess what we want to achieve and how we're going to achieve it. Whilst it is great to develop our own personal aspirations for 2018, it is also a fantastic opportunity to build new resolutions that help us to become better pet owners. So here are some tips on how to build positive resolutions for you and your best mate this year...

Let's start with diet: This is such a crucial goal for your pet! Make sure you are feeding them a high quality diet because it will make an incredible difference for your pet's quality of life.

1. Try out some new activities that you can share with your pet: not only is this a fantastic opportunity for quality bonding time, it will also allow you both to get some extra exercise which is a positive activity. Whether it's hiking, running or swimming give something new a try!

2. Provide opportunities for increased mental stimulation: teach your dogs some new tricks to keep their mind active and strong.

3. Make more time for play: play time is so beneficial for your pet. Whether it's playing fetch or even hide and seek, this is an amazing time to give your pet the attention they need and deserve.

4. Keep up to date on regular grooming: this includes washing, brushing, cleaning their teeth and ears. All of these things will help to keep them happy and healthy!

So there you have it! These tips are a great starting point to help you and your pet share an amazing year together in 2018!

December is such a crazy, busy, hectic and sometimes stressful time of year as we quickly approach Christmas. Sometimes we have our mind on a million other things that we have to get done for the holiday season that we forget about the needs of our furry friends. They still need us to fulfil their needs and give them the attention they deserve. Amongst all of the busy-ness, it can be a stressful time of year for your pet too! With a house full of guests and decorations all around the place, there are hazards for your pet everywhere so here are some tips on how to keep them happy and healthy this Christmas…

Keep an eye on your furry friend and the Christmas decorations:They may be tempted to explore these new items in the house but breakable baubles, tinsel and lights can be dangerous. In order to make sure your pet stays safe, keep the decorations out of their reach so that they don’t have any accidents.Tempting Christmas food:Please try and resist those pleading begging puppy eyes because Christmas food can be bad for their digestive systems. Pets should NEVER be given ham, gravy, onion, pork, raisins, fruit cake, cooked bones, coffee, Christmas pudding or chocolate. Just be sure to keep an eye on them so that they’re not stealing any naughty food when you’re not looking, and watch them for any changes in their behaviour.Get them ready for visitors:Prior to guests coming over for Christmas celebrations, get them out and about for some exercise so that they can release some energy. Once people start to arrive, if your pet is starting to feel overwhelmed ensure that they have a safe quiet place to go to away from the festivities if it gets too much. In this area make sure they have their bed, food, water, enrichment toys and something comforting to keep them calm.

If you put these safety precautions into place, then both you and your best mate should have a very merry Christmas!

We’ve probably all been guilty of giving our pets a rawhide treat at least once before. We have been led to believe that rawhide treats are great for dental health and mental stimulation as it gives them something to chew on to pass the time. However this is all a lie! Once again, pet owners have been tricked into purchasing a product that can be extremely harmful to our dog’s health and wellbeing. Contrary to what you might think, rawhide treats are a by-product of the leather industry made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides.

Here is how it’s made…

Step #1: The hides are treated with a chemical bath

Step #2: The hides are then washed and whitened using hydrogen peroxide or bleach

Step #3: To make this product appealing to customers, the hides are then artificially coloured and flavoured using chemicals such as titanium oxide and sodium benzoate. Glue is also used to get that twisted and knotted visual effect on each end of the treats.

Step #4: Preservation is the final step! When tested, some of the ingredients found inside rawhide treats to help them last as long as possible on the shelves include lead, arsenic, chromium salts, mercury and formaldehyde.

The negative effects of this popular treat include contamination, choking and blockages, as well as digestive issues. For the sake of your beloved pet, please stop giving them rawhide treats! If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious alternative then purchase natural jerky treats, raw bones or even give your dog a carrot to chew on. Make sure that the treat you decide on does NOT contain any additives or preservatives. There is absolutely no need to give your furry friend these chemical laced rawhide treats when there are other natural options available. Do your research and make the right choice for your dog!

Sometimes it can feel like you’re trying to translate a whole other language when reading pet food labels. There is so much happening on the back of a product with terminology and percentages that it can give you a headache just thinking about it! All we really want as owners is to do the right thing by our pets and make sure they are getting everything their developing bodies need from their diet, so why does it have to be so hard?! Don’t worry we understand your frustrations because we feel it too. So let’s work together to try and demystify some of the lingo on pet food labels and what it actually means for your pets…

Firstly, you’ll look at the front of the product to find its name and brand. You may see labels stating “Beef Food for Dogs,” which means that the product should contain roughly 95% beef as it is seen to be the main ingredient. This is in comparison to products using such words as “dinner” or “formula” which are required to only contain 25% meat. Another technique pet brands use to trick consumers is to state something along the lines of “dog food with chicken.” The key word to keep your eye on is ‘with’ as it is only required to contain 3% of that specific ingredient.

Secondly, you’ll want to locate the ingredient list on the back of the product as these are listed in order of weight predominance. This will help to give you an overview of what the brand utilises to make the pet food, however, be careful of water content as this can be used as a ploy to make the meat content seem a lot higher than what it actually is. They’re tricky aren’t they?

Some of the most common ingredients found in pet food include…

Meat: chicken, beef, lamb etc.Meat by-products: lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, liver, blood, bone, fatty tissue, stomach intestines, feet, heads etc.Fish meal: ground tissue of undecomposed fishCorn meal: the by-product of corn syrup or starchBHA: Butylated Hydroxyanisole which is a fat preservativeEthoxyquin: chemical preservative that is used to make the shelf life longer

So what should you actually be looking for? Well, the less ingredients the better! Look for wholesome, real ingredients that will benefit your pet and try to avoid by-products and fillers. Meat should always be the first and main ingredient, there should be a strong source of omega 3, and there should be vitamins and minerals present. A lot of the pet foods currently on the shelves of our local supermarkets are creating issues for our pets where they are being overfed with calories and being undernourished as they are not getting the essential nutrients they need.

So in summary… make sure you aware of these selling tricks; that you are educated about the scientific terminology on labels; and that you know what to look for in regards to positive ingredients that will benefit your pet! We hope this will help you to make a good choice for your pet’s diet.

Is meat the key to a healthy, balanced diet for our pets? What type of meat? How much of it should we be feeding to our K9 friends? These are a few of the questions that we will look to answer for you in this week’s blog post. For starters, meat contains the key ingredient of protein, which is absolutely essential for your dog as it contains amino acids. Amino acids work to support your pet’s main bodily functions including the muscles, tendons, organs and nails just to name a few. According to veterinary research, dogs require 22 amino acids in total. Their bodies already naturally create about half of these, which means that it is our job as owners to utilise their diet in a positive way to generate the other half! If your pet isn’t getting enough protein, this can lead to a wide variety of health problems including a weak immune system, bone deformities, and poor growth.

The important thing to remember is that every dog is different, which means they will require either a higher or lower amount of protein in their diet based on their size, activity levels and age. Good quality meats that allow protein to be absorbed easily by the body include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb & duck. It is crucial that your dog is getting real meat rather than meat by-products. Meat by-products will not be sufficient in giving your dog the nutrients they require for their health and wellbeing. At the end of the day, dogs are meant to eat meat! It is an imperative part of their diet so make sure they are getting the best quality meat possible.

Dehydration is the process of drying and removing water or moisture from food. In doing so, we gain the nutritional benefits of raw meat whilst at the same time remove any dangerous pathogens that can sometimes be found when consuming raw food. The whole process is rather easy; there aren’t any hidden tricks when it comes to dehydrating pet treats. We simply prepare our quality cuts of human grade meat and pop them into the dehydrator to carry out the drying process.

So what does this mean for your pet? Well, at Echo Pet Foods, it means that there aren’t any hidden additives or preservatives; it is just pure meat that has gone through the process of dehydration to create that chewy, delicious texture that our dogs just love! By dehydrating the meat this means that it will be preserved for a longer period of time, it is smaller and lighter for storage, and is a wholesome treat for your pet in comparison to other brands that are highly processed. When dogs eat natural, honest food this leads to higher energy levels, a healthy body weight, vibrant coat and skin, and creates better digestive well-being. If we haven’t won you over yet on the benefits of dehydrated treats, then let us mention the taste. Your dogs will absolutely love the taste of our pet jerky, which you can use as a treat, reward or for training purposes. Rest easy knowing your pet is enjoying a healthy, nutritious and wholesome treat!

Statistics show that over 30% of pets in Australia are classified as overweight. This is quite a significant number, suggesting that pets may be following in their owner’s footsteps of developing unhealthy eating habits. Pets that are overweight are more prone to health issues such as diabetes, heart and respiratory problems, as well as joint and ligament injuries. But how can you tell if your pet is overweight? Well, apart from the obvious, a healthy dog should have a nice shaped waist, their abdomen should curve upwards and their ribs should be easy to feel. If your dog doesn’t check off these requirements, then chances are they are overweight!

So, how can you change this to ensure your furry friend is in tip top shape?

1. Feed them a high-quality pet food: It’s time to start making good choices for our pets because they can’t make the decisions for themselves. Avoid food brands that are high in corn, grains and fillers. Instead, go for pet food that has a high meat content without utilising by-products.

2. Increase exercise: Get out into the fresh air each day for a walk or run with your furry friend. Take them for a swim at the beach, and increase playtime at home to get them moving a bit more. Exercise is crucial, and it will leave both of you feeling much better for it!

3. Cut out high fat treats: Shift away from fatty snacks and instead, look for healthy treat alternatives such as all natural pet jerky which is 100% human-grade meat without any additives, colourings or preservatives.

4. Consider adding vegetables into your pet’s diet: This will help to give them the nutrition they require and keep them feeling fuller for longer.

5. Try using food toys: Treat balls will help to make meal time more fun, stimulate their brains and stop your furry friend from eating too fast.

6. Don’t leave food out: Allow your pet at least 10 minutes to eat their food, but after that put it away for later and remove it from their reach so they don’t end up grazing all day.

7. Manage your dog’s hunger: In the beginning of the weight loss process, your dog might be a little bit hungry. So to balance this, try breaking the meals into 2 or 3 feeds dispersed throughout the day to keep them feeling full.

Hopefully these tips have helped you to start thinking about making positive healthy changes in your pet’s diet and lifestyle. It might seem like a difficult task in the beginning stages, but your pet will thank you in the long run and you will be able to rest easy knowing that you are doing the right thing by your furry friend!

The simple answer is that dogs and cats thrive on a diet of raw meat and bones, with some vegetation. In the wild, dogs and cats would have to hunt for their own food. Typically, they would eat herbivore animals, enabling them to absorb the nutrients from both the raw meat and the vegetation that the animal had already digested. Take a rabbit for example, their guts are packed full of digested grass, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, probiotics and antioxidants. Thus, when a dog or cat hunts and kills a rabbit they are getting the best of both worlds from both the meat and vegetation! So the aim of the BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is to go back to basics to what dogs and cats should naturally be eating.There has been some debate circulating about whether the BARF diet is good for our pets or not, but it just makes sense! Here are some tips to incorporate the BARF approach into your pet’s diet…

Start them early: If you have the opportunity, you can start your pet on this diet in their puppy stage so that they get used to it straight away, rather than relying on kibble etc.

Find the right balance: the diet should consist of meaty bones (50%), muscle meats (40%) and offal (10%). Here at Echo Pet Foods we provide just that good human grade BARF meals for dogs and cats. When you begin incorporating this diet, start with only one protein: Give that one protein source, such as chicken at least a good week before trying and adding any other proteins into your pet’s diet. It’s all about gradually adding things into their diet and giving your pet’s digestive system time to get used to them.Feed this diet across three separate meals a day: This approach is best for puppies until they reach 6 months of age, and then you can start to cut down to two meals a day.

So, why not give it a try? Your pets will thank you for it in the long run!

Liver is an ideal source of protein, vitamin A, several B vitamins, iron, trace

Liver is the most abundant source of Vitamin A: it helps your pet’s coat, nerves, muscles, vision and skin. The darker the liver, the more of the vitamin it contains.Source of protein: protein is not only a nutrient, but is also made up of amino acids, which are the foundation of your dog’s tissues, hormones, organs, antibodies and enzymes.Liver contains high levels of zinc: liver has a naturally higher level of zinc, which promotes healthy skin and coat.Vitamin E is found within liver: this vitamin boosts the immune system & slows the ageing process down.High in Niacin: this helps with blood circulation and oxygen flow.Liver has a high source of Omega 3 & Omega 6 fatty acids: this works to fight off infections, allergies and diseases.Contains phosphorous: promotes and maintains growth.Iron and Copper is found within liver: this ensures that your pet’s red blood cell life cycle is continuously working.Source of Vitamin B12: promotes a healthy nervous system.

The best thing about adding liver into your pet’s diet is that it is just so easy to do! By incorporating our delicious, nutritious and natural liver treats in moderation into your pet’s diet, your pet will be rewarded with both taste and nutrition! What’s not to love!

Treats can be extremely useful for us as owners. We can use them to train and we can also use them to reinforce good behaviour. Whether they are in the puppy stage or coming into their old age, all dogs can benefit from a good, quality treat! So what kind of treats should you be feeding your furry friend?

Well, the first thing to look for is a natural, healthy treat. There is no point rewarding your dog with a treat that is full of additives and preservatives! This will just cause weight and health issues later on down the track. Trust me when I say you really can have the best of both worlds with a treat that is all natural and tasty for your dog too. Look for minimal ingredients such as pet jerky that is naturally dehydrated meat with no hidden nasties.The next thing to consider is the taste. This is a crucial element, as the taste will be the key motivator for your dog when training them. The treat you choose to use must excite your dog; otherwise they’re not going to work as a reward and the task or trick you’re trying to teach them won’t be achieved. Whether your dog likes something meaty or crunchy, find a treat that they won’t be able to resist!Now it’s time to think of the size of the treats. When using them to train, break it up into little pieces so that when your pet is being rewarded they eat it quickly and don’t get too distracted so that they can re-focus on the task at hand.

After having read all of that information, you should now be equipped with the tools to select the perfect treat to use for training. Echo Pet Food specialises in 100% Natural and Australian made pet jerky. Not only are they delicious but they are nutritious too! Our treats are high in protein, zinc, amino acids, omega 3, and Vitamins A, B & D which helps to promote dental health, hygiene and healthy fur, hips and joints.

We have been led to believe by the world of advertisement that all our dogs require in their diet is kibble and wet food. This is not true and in fact eating the same meal each and every day can have detrimental effects on their health and wellbeing. However, in modern society there has been a slow shift towards a natural way of living for both humans and animals, whereby we are finally rejecting the way “things have always been done” and beginning to make educated decisions about our diets.

As Laura Scott states “People are very passionate when it comes to the subject of what they feed their dogs, and with good reason. A good diet can contribute to a long and healthy life and even psychological wellbeing for our pets.” The market is reflecting these values offering a wide range of different diet options such as high protein, low carbohydrate, holistic, all-natural, organic, grain-free and raw dog foods, however this can be overwhelming and frankly confusing for us as the consumers!

Let’s cut all the nonsense and ask ourselves: What is the real key to success in pet health? Diversity! Rather than our poor pets having to put up with the same meal every day of their lives, change it up and ensure they are receiving all of the vitamins and minerals necessary for their health. According to the Humane Animal Welfare Society, it is crucial to “feed your dog the best food you can afford, and the food that matches your lifestyle. Strive to include as much fresh and whole foods in the diet as possible.” So next time you go shopping for your furry friend’s food, just keep in mind these 7 essential characteristics…

Higher in quality meat-based proteinHigher in natural fats and oilsLower in carbohydratesFormulated from a named (non-generic) animal sourceFree of artificial flavouring, colouring & preservativesComplete in all essential vitamins & minerals

Lamb is often recommended to pet owners by veterinarians, and is one of the best and most nutritious meats for dogs. Lamb is an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids, which are vital nutrients for your dog. Protein is critical to build, heal and maintain body tissues and to protect and regulate body processes. Protein is essential for muscle, skin and hair coat and is also used by the body to make antibodies for the immune system and hormones like insulin.

Lamb, like other meat sources, provides dietary fats, which serve as a source of energy and help transport essential fat-soluble vitamins. One of the biggest benefits of feeding lamb to your dog is that it is a good source of zinc, a mineral that affects many fundamental processes, including that of immune functioning. Zinc also helps dogs stabilize their blood sugar levels and their body’s metabolic rate, and is necessary for an optimal sense of smell. If we haven’t sold you yet on the benefits for your dog, it might help you to know that lamb also contains vitamin B12, vitamin B3, niacin, iron, phosphorous and selenium. Plus, many dogs love the taste of lamb!

Our 100% All-Natural Lamb Loin Jerky is an easy way to add all of this goodness into your pet’s diet. With no added preservatives, colourings or artificial flavours, your pet will be able to enjoy a pure, healthy and delicious treat! Our lamb Jerky treats are made from 100% Australian lamb and are ideal as a treat or for training, suitable for puppies to old dogs, while still satisfying all dogs in between. A highly recommend treat for that fussy pet!

Puppy factories are a sad reality in our world whereby there are some members of our society putting profit above the welfare of animals. Dogs are being used as breeding machines to generate income from puppy sales, and these poor animals are sadly used for this sole purpose for their entire lives, leading to painful health conditions including mammary tumours, ear and eye infections. Factory dogs are never shown the love that they truly deserve; they are never patted as they should be or taken for a walk as they should be. As soon as dogs show that they are no longer of any use for breeding purposes, these animals are sadly killed and replaced by a new dog.

The truth is that the cute puppies you see in the window of a pet shop are bought from these terrible and disgusting factories. Puppies bought from pet shops or online typically have more health issues due to the breeding practices utilised. So the next time you want to make a new furry friend part of the family, it is crucial to think about the ethics of purchasing a pet.

Oscar’s Law is a not-for-profit organisation that is dedicated to abolishing puppy factories and the horrible cycle that it has created once and for all through the promotion of adoption. Adopting a pet is a great thing to do, and there are thousands of animals looking for forever homes. Echo Pet Food stands with Oscar’s Law and supports the choice to adopt and not to shop. Visit your local pet rescue and make a dog’s day!

Who doesn’t love beef! It is a crowd favourite amongst us humans, and pets are pretty fond of it too. Beef is a great source of high quality protein, containing essential amino acids required by dogs across all levels of development and growth. Omega 3 fatty acids have the power to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and improve blood circulation.

Fresh lean beef is rich in various vitamins and minerals, especially iron and zinc, and is therefore recommended as part of a healthy diet. Other crucial vitamins and minerals that can be found within beef include vitamin B12, selenium, niacin, vitamin B6, and phosphorous. These nutrients are capable of improving brain function, body growth, warding off illnesses, reducing fatigue and improving exercise performance. Red meat is easily absorbed by the body so you know that you are getting the best out of your product.

Our 100% All-Natural Beef Topside Jerky is an easy way to add all of this goodness into your pet’s diet. With no added preservatives, colourings or artificial flavours, your pet will be able to enjoy a pure, healthy and delicious treat! Our Beef Jerky dog treats are made from 100% Australian Beef and are ideal as a reward or training, suitable for puppies to old dogs, while still satisfying all dogs in between!

They say that to make “a dog’s breakfast” of something means that you make a complete mess of it! But having a dog’s breakfast shouldn’t be the worst thing to wake up to.

The best food for your dog is real food! That’s right – food that we ourselves should be able to eat. The Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA) states that the food you feed your dog must provide 4 essentials:

EnergyProteins and minor nutrientsFats including necessary fatty acidsVitamins, minerals and essential micro-nutrients

When purchasing pre-packaged foods, be sure to check the label for a statement indicating the food has been prepared according to a recognised organisation’s standard. The sad truth is that while many pre-packaged foods are convenient and appear to offer your pup all that they need, in many cases this simply isn’t true.

But a more natural, organic diet is both more environmentally friendly and healthy for your pet and at the end of the day what more could you ask for!

Your pets, like your children, would eat pretty much everything, but for their wellbeing you need to make sure that you are giving them healthy choices. So why is protein so important? Protein plays a major role in our dog’s diet, such as building and repairing muscles. It is needed to create new cells, maintain a shinny coat, strengthen their bones and teeth & build muscle tissue. It also assists in creating body chemicals like hormones and enzymes that are needed for normal function. It provides energy and keeps the immune system strong.

The best sources of protein come from lean meats, chicken, turkey, seafood and unprocessed meats, yes, real meat, not processed. Remember, a dog’s body can make only half of its required amino acids on its own and the rest has to come from its diet; therefore, you cannot afford to compromise on the quality of your dog’s food. To give your pooches a healthy, tongue-rolling, tail-wagging meal, make an informed decision, and buy the best quality, high-protein foods available on the market.

At Echo Pet Foods, we understand your dog’s daily dietary needs and work hard to deliver the highest and freshest quality meals and treats. Our products are 100% true meats and completely free of GMO, antibiotics and hormone growth promotants, along with being free of all chemical additives. As dog owners we know that a low quality processed meals and treat can make your dog dull and lethargic, and can also cause digestive problems, itching skin and bad teeth. We care about your best friend’s health and their taste buds, and for that reason we offer a variety of meals and products all made with loving hands in our commercial kitchen facilities on the Central Coast. How about mixing it up, give them a variety of treats like beef, lamb, kangaroo, chicken or seafood delights. They will love you forever!

Echo Pets are healthy pets!!

You probably haven’t thought much about kangaroo meat for your pet or perhaps even for yourself, but you should! If your dog has a sensitive stomach or is prone to allergies and struggles to digest other proteins, then kangaroo meat could be the solution. Kangaroo meat has been utilised as a form of pet food for over 30 years and in recent times has become an increasingly popular choice. Food professionals and nutritionists have been boasting about the taste, health benefits and versatility of kangaroo meat lately and here’s why: it is low in fat and high in protein, vitamins and minerals.

Kangaroos are truly organic and free-range, as they are not farmed. Kangaroo meat contains a naturally occurring free fatty acid known as conjugated linoleic acid or CLA’s. These CLA’s have the power to aid weight loss, help the body fight against cancer, support the immune system, reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol. Even the Australian Heart Foundation promotes the benefits of adding kangaroo meat into our diets due to its low levels of fat and high levels of iron, protein, zinc, omega 3’s, niacin, riboflavin, and vitamins B6 & B12. Our 100% All-Natural Kangaroo Rump Jerky is an easy way to add all of this goodness into your pet’s diet. With no added preservatives, colourings or artificial flavours, your pet will be able to enjoy a pure, healthy and delicious treat!

preservatives.

Whilst it is true that such brands as Schmackos and Pedigree taste delicious to dogs, they are not the healthiest choice for our pets. Schmackos Everlasterz

But just because there are unhealthy treats available doe

Natural jerky is a healthy, yet equally delicious alternative for your pets. Jerky is 100% All Natural Human Grade meat, which is then dehydrated in our kitchens to create our healthy and delicious pet jerky.

They are 100% natural and do not contain any nasties whatsoever! On top of that, our super food jerky is then sprinkled with fruit and vegetable powders to ensure that your pet is getting those extra vitamins and minerals that they need to live a long and healthy life. It is time to make the shift to a natural treat for our pets; they will thank you for it!

Diatomaceous powder is a naturally occurring sand extracted from the earth consisting of microscopic algae skeletons (aka diatoms) which have fossilised over millions of years.

Diatoms are made up of the chemical compound silica which is found throughout nature in plants, sand, rocks and humans. Diatomaceous earth is a concentrated source of silica containing between 80-90%.

Silica, among other things, is an insecticide! This means that for your pets, adding diatomaceous earth to their diet kills internal worms and parasites naturally. This includes killing roundworm, whipworm, pinworm, hookworm, fleas and ticks!

And other benefits include:

Healthy skin, hair and nailsLower blood cholesterolImproves bone healthSupports healthy digestionAssists with colon cleansing

Diatomaceous Powder is now stocked at Echo Pet Foods! Our best friends come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure you protect them from worms, fleas, mites and ticks with Natures Pet D-Wormer.

Pumpkin isn’t just great for us humans; it can have positive effects on our pets too! Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse…

It helps to maintain a healthy digestive tractIt is low in sodiumIt also contains calcium and B vitaminsIt is loaded with beta-carotene, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc

Pumpkin can help with your pet's…

Skin & Coat: pumpkin contains essential fatty acids, which from the inside out, helps to moisturise their skin and fur. Regular Digestion: pumpkin can help treat both diarrhoea and constipation.Fur Balls: pumpkin can prevent the development of fur balls in cats.Weight Loss: pumpkin contains extra fibre which helps to keep your pet fuller for longer.

Introducing pumpkin into your pet's food slowly over time will allow them to receive the multiple benefits that we take for granted in our well-balanced diet. Even as a treat now and then, pumpkin is most definitely a super food to be reckoned with!

Keep your eyes peeled for next week's featured Superfood... Kale!

Super foods are defined as “edibles that deliver the maximum amount of nutrients with minimum calories.” Both humans and dogs can benefit from adding super foods to their diet as it helps to boost our health and well-being, fight off illnesses, and increase energy levels. Adding such super food ingredients as pumpkin, carrots, blueberry, sweet potato, kale and spinach to your dog’s diet can help to improve their overall quality of life. The trick is to introduce these new ingredients slowly over time, as your pet’s digestive system needs to get used to the changes in diet before you further increase the dosage. The super foods listed make a great addition to your dog’s every day meal and will compliment their diet. These super foods have the power to transform your dog’s diet and can help to overcome health issues such as obesity, heart conditions, diabetes, allergies, respiratory complaints, and skin irritations over time. Our dogs are so used to eating the same thing day in and day out for their whole lives, but studies show that this is having negative effects and leading to the development of food intolerance's. Thus it is our duty as their owners to add diversity to their meals to improve their health, well-being and overall quality of life. In our new Echo Pet Food blog, we will discuss a new super food ingredient each week and the benefits of adding it to your pet’s diet, starting off with the positive effects of pumpkin. Stay tuned!