Author: Laura Willard

Rat poison, formally known as rodenticide, is also used as mouse poison. It can kill other rodents, like squirrels and chipmunks, as well. The three most common types of rat poison are anticoagulant rodenticides, bromethalin rodenticides and cholecalciferol rodenticides. Each can cause different medical complications in your dog because of the way they work. All can lead to a dog’s death. Let’s dive deeper into each:,Jump to section Types of Rat Poison Signs of Rat Poisoning in Dogs What to Do If Your Dog Eats Rat Poison My Dog Ate Rat Poison and Nothing Happened Treating a Dog Who Ate Rat Poison My Dog Ate Rat Poison: Is Home Treatment Possible? Preventing Rat Poisoning in Dogs FAQs

Ash, crude ash, incinerated residue, inorganic matter: These terms all refer to the same thing, and it’s not as concerning as it sounds. In the pet food industry, ash in pet food is very different from the ash at the bottom of your fireplace. “Ash is what is left when a food sample is completely combusted (burned). It represents the mineral content of food,” says Dr. Jennifer Larsen, DVM, PhD, a professor of clinical nutrition in the School of Veterinary Medicine at University of California, Davis. The minerals that remain after combustion originated from sources like bone, cartilage and other tissues, says Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, a veterinarian at Animal Hospital of West Monroe in West Monroe, Louisiana, and the co-founder of How To Pets. She adds that these ingredients naturally contain minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium, among others. In short, pet food manufacturers heat food to extremely high temperatures. The organic matter (bone, cartilage and tissues) burns up and leaves behind inorganic matter (minerals). What remains represents the total mineral content of the food, and this is called ash (or crude ash, inorganic matter, etc.). It’s in dry pet food and in wet pet food, although the percentage is often lower in the latter.,Jump to section What Is Ash in Pet Food? The Importance of Ash in Pet Food How To Find Ash Content in Dog Food and Cat Food FAQs about Ash in Pet Food

Bone broth is a clear, silky soup made from animal bones, such as chicken, beef and turkey bones, as well as connective tissue. The bones typically simmer gently on low heat in water along with a medley of veggies and herbs for a few hours. The longer the bones simmer, the more collagen is extracted—and collagen promotes skin, coat and joint health in your dog.,One way to boost your dog’s nutrient intake and help keep them hydrated is to add bone broth to their diet. Not only does bone broth boast plenty of health benefits for dogs, but it also makes for a great food topper for picky eaters. We spoke to a vet expert about the benefits of bone broth for dogs and how much to serve, as well as how to make it, where to buy it, and more. Remember, pet parents looking to incorporate new foods in their dog’s diet should consult with their veterinarian beforehand.