MISC | ASK THE PETXPERT BY BILL PIECHOCKI Are Some Treats Actually Unhealthy For My Pet? SEND YOUR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FOR OUR PETXPERT TO: PETS@ATLANTICAVEMAGAZINE.COM THESE PETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION Everyone loves their pets and likes to provide them with special rewards. Part of that process is finding proper treats for your pet. We see the flashy advertising and packaging that is part of the product selection. Our hope is no matter which choice of treat we pick; the goal is for your pet to like them. However, what is in pet treats? Are they beneficial or are they just snacks? Why do our pets prefer certain treats over their food? Pets are similar to humans in trying to satisfy a need by using foods to balance their body’s requirements. The body is always searching to balance nutritional needs that are dynamic and always changing. Like us, pets need a variety of different foods with varying nutritional profiles. When we give them a treat, they are reacting to those nutritional needs. It also demonstrates the deficiency in that same boring bowl of food that is repeated over and over. Pets know what they need instinctively. Beware that many commercial treats are not designed for their nutritional value but for the profit generated. Let’s face it, in nature, all foods are regarded as a treat. . In the wild, canines and felines such as wolves and panthers often hunt specific prey to not only satisfy their appetites but also to instinctively fulfill their nutritional needs. Many conventional pet treats are filled with addictive and inappropriate ingredients; however, the treat is still a change from that boring inappropriate commercial food that many pets are still being fed. In addition to the already inappropriate ingredients in their main diet, these treats add to a plethora of synthetic chemical flavors and preservatives to make the product another convenience for the pet parent. As a result, most commercial treats contribute to an unhealthy condition. Most are carbohydrate based such as cookies with a meat flavor that contribute heavily to challenges like obesity, gum and dental problems and even diabetes. Many of these products are created with specific addictive compounds to overindulge the appetite and ensure repeat sales. Our philosophy is that treats can be used as nutritional supplements and as rewards in training and behavioral conditions. To achieve this, they must be species specific in achieving healthier pets. For dogs and cats, that means animal-based products like meat, poultry, fish, seafood and even eggs. While most of us will not fill our treat pouch with fresh meats, technology has brought us dehydration. All natural, dri-baked foods provide a plethora of nutritious treats that are easy for pet parents to handle. Another interesting point is when you have a pet that has a heart or liver issue...in Eastern medicine you treat the illness like for like. For example, a pet with liver issues will benefit with more liver in their diet. Many do not want to handle raw liver and its’ possible side effects of loose stool. The dehydrated liver will have the same benefits. The reason behind this is the nutritional profile of the food is exactly what the body needs to heal that part. High quality species appropriate treats are an excellent addition to any dietary plan. Remember research, reading ingredient labels and knowing the prey and environmental sources the foods come from are important. Common sense will then kick in on enabling you to keep your pet healthy. Bill Piechocki, animal nutritionist and CEO at My Paleo Pet in Pompano Beach, FL hosts The Pet Health Cafe web radio show. For over 50 years in the animal industry Bill has provided unparalleled vision and information that is passed on to his clients and animal lovers daily. View his new YouTube TV show with his special guests and esteemed colleagues at https://w4cy.com/ or tune-in to his podcast radio show archives at iHeart.com. Visit and follow Pet Health Café on facebook and Instagram. Likes and shares are appreciated. Call for a free consultation or stop by My Paleo Pet in Pompano Beach, FL 954-971- 2500, where Bill and the staff would be more than happy to help. COPYRIGHTED 21287 BOCA RIO ROAD, BOCA RATON, FL 561-482-8110 WWW.TRICOUNTYHUMANE.ORG CARAMELO CREME BRÛLÉE SUSSIE This bright-eyed boy is ready to meet you and to begin his happy new life. Caramelo is a 2 year-old, neutered, house-trained, happy boy. He’s good with children, sweet, playful, treat motivated, and a nice leash walker. What are you waiting for? Come meet him today! Hello from this cute fluffball! Who can resist Creme Brûlée? He’s a 4 year-old Terrier mix, neutered and current on vaccines. He loves his walks and then couch snuggles. Meet this boy soon because he’ll charm everyone he sees! Adorable Sussie requests someone who will offer her lots of ear scratches on those giant, cute ears! Are you up for the job? She’s a 6 month old Hound mix gal who we rescued from Puerto Rico. Spayed, vaccinated, and ready to live happily ever after with you! A NO-KILL ANIMAL SHELTER. OPEN TUES - SUN 11 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. ALL ANIMALS ARE UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINATIONS AND HEARTWORM TESTED. ADOPTION FEES $110 AND UP. 98 | NOVEMBER <strong>2023</strong> | WWW.ATLANTICAVEMAGAZINE.COM
MISC | PET SPOTLIGHT pet pix Padmé Phyllo Dough Lucy, Eddie and Marley You can now give your pets the fame they deserve! Make your pet a celebrity. Email your favorite photo along with their name to: pets@atlanticavemagazine.com Photos must be 300 dpi (high quality) Winnie Grey Ceebee COPYRIGHTED Hissy WWW.ATLANTICAVEMAGAZINE.COM | NOVEMBER <strong>2023</strong> | 99