TailsLife Blog

Category: Pet Recipes

  • Plastic surgery for pets, anyone?

    Plastic surgery for pets, anyone?

    Why should humans have all the fun, uhmm, and good looks? If humans go for cosmetic surgery to correct a crooked nose or thin lips, or undergo liposuction, dogs also have their own set of such nip-tuck procedures.

    There are Botox shots to lift up the ears of a Doberman, nose jobs, face-lifts and, lo and behold, testicular implants, such as Neuticles to help neutered pets regain their masculinity. According to acclaimed São Paulo-based veterinarian and plastic surgeon, Edgard Brito, his procedures are intended to make pets more lovable to their owners. Apparently, he gives Botox shots in the ears of Dobermans and other breeds for a firmer look.

    But it’s not just about good looks or aesthetics. Many pets go under the knife for cosmetic procedures to get relieved of painful health conditions. This is especially in vogue among popular breeds, such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and Shar-Peis. So much so, procedures that may be perceived ridiculous in humans, including eyelid lifts and tummy tucks, deliver crucial medical benefits in dogs.

    Formerly-obese dogs have excess skin procedures after drastic weight loss to tighten the skin. In some breeds, wrinkles are a repository of bacteria, resulting in infections. Furry dogs may get affected in their eyes, and some may have to undergo entropion surgery – to stop the eyelids from rolling inward and scratching the cornea.

    Apparently, Americans lavished around $69 billion on their pets last year, as estimated by the American Pet Products Association. About seven years ago, people spent $62 million on plastic surgery for their pets, according to animal insurance company, Petplan. These procedures can typically cost from $150 to $200 for an eyelid lift to several thousand dollars for more complicated ones.

    “The pet market has been transformed by humanisation of pets,” David Sprinkle, Research Director at MarketResearch.com, was quoted saying by the New York Times.

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  • Human-grade meal vs processed food: Is your pet getting a raw deal?

    Human-grade meal vs processed food: Is your pet getting a raw deal?

    Rewind 50 years from now. You might be able to conjure up a world which was more serene, organic and less adulterated than our current abode. Our food habits have also drastically evolved – or should we say: degenerated? – over the past centuries.

    We used to be a race that was devouring raw, real meat and natural plant produce until The Stone Age. But the last century had us leaning towards highly processed meal variants that put our health under risk. Just in time, humans seem to have realised their folly and are making a detour to real, fresh food over the past few years.

    Much like their human counterparts, dogs were consuming fresh – even human-grade – food until the 1800s. Then came the need to domesticate them for various purposes, which restricted their access to raw meat and natural food. It was then the pet food industry shifted focus towards dog cakes, biscuits and crackers to canned meat, as shelf-stable products started flooding the market.

    And then, there was kibble. Pet food manufacturers employ a method called extrusion to make kibble, as it ensures flexibility, density control and better pasteurisation. This process optimises the product’s shelf-life, but at the same time heavily compromises the nutritional value of the meal and poses potential health risks.

    One can trace back the origin of kibbles to the Great Depression in the United States between the late ‘20s to the late ‘30s, bookended by the Second World War. It was a time of despair, and meat was dear. The strife-torn period was ripe for kibbles owing its convenience, ease of distribution and low cost. Kibbles business, however, continued to thrive much after the war was over. But why, is anyone’s guess: it was highly commercialised and became the norm, despite its ill-effects.

    A Belgian research project undertaken by Dr Gérard Lippert and Bruno Sapy collected data from around 500 domestic dogs between 1998 and 2002. The study statistically concluded that dogs eating a homemade diet, consisting of human-grade ingredients, had a life expectancy of 32 months longer than dogs that were fed an industrial, commercial pet food diet.

    What’s your choice?

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  • Essential nutrients that your dog can’t miss out on

    Essential nutrients that your dog can’t miss out on

    As is the case with humans, dogs also need a well-balanced diet to grow normally and lead a healthy life. There are certain essential nutrients that they need in their daily meal. It could be from your kitchen or the pet food you purchase off store shelves. The idea is to ensure that what your furred buddy eats comprises every nutritional value needed for her / him to stay fit, energetic and with high metabolism.

    Proteins

    Proteins are highly essential for dogs as they help generate strong muscles and repair body tissues. The amino acids found in proteins build cells, tissues and organs, and produce enzymes, hormones and antibodies. Proteins are rich in animal-based meats such as chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish and eggs and in vegetables, cereals and soy.

    Fats 

    There is a misconception that fat is not good for pets, but dogs would do better by consuming certain fatty acids. So much so, fats are the most concentrated form of food energy, nourishing your pet with more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates.

    Fats play a major role in defining the structure of cells, which are necessary for the secretion of hormones, and for assimilation and utilisation of certain vitamins. Fats also provide insulation and protection for internal organs. Coconut oil and eggs are good sources of fat.

    Carbohydrates

    Carbohydrates are a source of energy and also help maintain intestinal health. They also significantly contribute to the reproduction process. While there is no minimum carbohydrate requirement, there is a minimum glucose requirement necessary to supply energy to critical organs, such as the brain. Brown rice is a good alternative to white rice in providing healthy carbs to your pet.

    Vitamins and Minerals

    Vitamins, however minimal they are, ensure normal metabolic functioning of a dog’s system. Another important point to note is that since most vitamins are not synthesised in the body, the diet has to provide it.

    Minerals are also like vitamins that cannot be synthesised by animals. Minerals are the building blocks of strong bones and teeth, apart from maintaining fluid balance and for their role in standardising several metabolic reactions. Vegetables like carrot and beans, and meat offer your dog high vitamin and mineral content.

    Water

    Water contributes to 60 to 70 per cent of an adult pet’s body weight, very similar to their human counterparts. In the case of dry food, there is around 10 per cent moisture and canned food offers nearly 78 per cent.

    Furresh blends all these nutrients in the right proportion and offers much more to your pet in every pack.

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  • Dog training and you: Straight from the mouth of Chennai’s one & only female trainer

    Dog training and you: Straight from the mouth of Chennai’s one & only female trainer

    In the second part of our new talk series with Indian pet care professionals and experts, TailsLife is happy to introduce Ms Sharmila Jayaram Sarma to you. There is a good chance that you have already read about her journey to become the first of her ilk – lone woman dog trainer – in Chennai.

    Just in case you didn’t, Sharmila was a techie employed with an Indian IT major until two years ago when she decided to answer her inner calling: to become a professional dog trainer. Her determination and sheer persistence paid off when she got her certification from the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), United States.

    Here’s presenting you Sharmila’s views on dog training and what it takes to become a trainer:

    TL: Is dog training a feasible full-time career option for everyone with a passion for pets?

    SS: Yes, it is. However, this domain demands certain personality traits that will help in succeeding as a dog trainer.

    Working part-time comes with its share of difficulties, wherein your growth will take a longer time, and commitments in training may upset your regular work schedule. But it is a good way to ascertain if you are cut out for this line of work. This is why most people begin their dog training career this way.

    TL: From your experience, what is the kind of awareness Indian pet owners / parents have about the booming market?

    SS: People who have raised pets for a while, and those working in related professions (like kennel owners, breeders, NGOs, etc.) are well aware of the market and where it’s headed. In contrast, first-time pet owners are still very new to the market, as advertisements for the entire gamut of services and products are not targeted at them. However, this is quickly changing as more and more people begin to buy or adopt pets.

    TL: What kind of training / certification is required for one to become a professional dog trainer in India?

    SS: Dog training is not a regulated profession in India. So, there is no standards body to offer recognisable certifications to aspiring trainers. On the other hand, there are many distinguished and internationally recognised trainers in India, who mentor apprentices / trainees with them. Every such trainer will have their own course and syllabus to teach.

    TL: Could you tell us about the possible hardships to be encountered in becoming a dog trainer in our country?

    SS: Some of the possible hurdles can be:

    Family support: Dog training is still not regarded as a prestigious profession. Hence, aspiring trainers face a lot of resistance from their families in pursuing this line of work.

    Irregular timings: The most optimum time for training the dogs in India is either early mornings or late evenings. This can be a challenge for some people.

    Credibility: As a beginner, it can be hard to convince people that you can train their dogs, some of which are large dog breeds like the German Shepherd, Dobermann, etc.

    Physically demanding: Unlike a desk job, this line of work involves a lot of activity throughout the day and all through the week, requiring you to be in prime mental and physical condition.

    TL: Where does the Indian dog training market stand currently? 

    SS: Indian Dog Training market is at a very nascent stage. Until quite recently, pet owners needed to be coaxed into training their dogs. Now, it’s evident that people are actively getting involved in their dogs’ lives and improving the quality of their relationship with their pet through training.

    Currently, the dog training market is largely limited to obedience training. More advanced training activities like security, search and rescue, therapy, guide dogs, etc. are practised in very niche circles and are yet to go mainstream.

    TL: What is the scope for professional trainers here? Can they afford to make a living out of it alone?

    SS: India currently needs a lot of professional trainers as more and more people begin bringing dogs into their homes and lives. As time progresses, the profession can evolve from mere obedience to more advanced training, which can mean repeat and high margin business for trainers.

    TL: From your perspective, how easy or difficult is it for a woman to pursue dog training as a career choice?

    SS: The industry is pretty progressive towards women trainers. Apart from the physical ability to handle dogs, I would say that women are at a par with male trainers.

    With the right family support, women can easily pursue dog training as a career. It doesn’t necessitate you to work 10-12 hour shifts, so women can still find time for themselves and their family. Moreover, millennials consider it as unique and exciting.

    TL: Do you think more women should take up dog training as a profession?

    SS: Yes, if they have the passion and patience demanded by the job. In many households, it is the lady who spends most time caring for a dog. In fact, they are the ones who initiate discussions on dog training. Many specifically ask for women trainers as they are more comfortable with them.

    TL: What does the future hold for professional dog trainers? 

    SS: Five to ten years from now, I foresee the profession getting mainstream and regulated by organisations like Kennel Club, etc. This will streamline training methods and courses will get recognised allowing more people to consider this as a career option.

    Meanwhile, the industry will have progressed to the point where we may have dog sports, such as Agility and Fly ball, and also have utility dog training in search & rescue, therapy, etc.

    TL: Will more and more pet parents seek trainers’ services mandatorily in the coming years?

    SS: Yes, definitely! Currently, many pet parents are not aware of the outcomes of a regular dog training course. But whenever they notice a well-behaved dog in their neighbourhood, they feel the need to, at least, reach out to trainers.

    In the coming years, this awareness will reach a point where dog training will become systemic just like vaccination, in the journey of becoming a happy dog parent.

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  • Chicken rice recipe

    Chicken rice recipe

    There is nothing more comforting than eating a bowl of soupy chicken rice on a chilly day and who better to enjoy it with than your furry buddy. This recipe is a favourite among pets and has good nutritional value as it has an healthy combination of protein and starch.

    Here is what you need:

    Ingredients:

    1. 250 gms of chicken (Boneless or with bones depending on your dog’s preference)
    2. 1 cup of raw rice
    3. ½ teaspoon of turmeric
    4. 1 tbsp of lime juice
    5. 1 tbsp of curds

    Method:

    First, marinate the chicken with turmeric, curd and lime juice. Take a broad saucepan and fill it with meat and top it up with 3 glasses of water. Keep it in sim and let is slowly cook for about 30-35 minutes. One the meat is cooked, separate the meat from the stock.

    Now cook the rice with the chicken stock for 20 minutes on low flame. You can also cook it in a rice cooker or a normal cooker. Once it is cooked you can add extra stock to make it more soupy and add the pieces of meat and serve it in your dog’s bowl.

    Before cooking the meal it is always a good idea to ask your vet if the above ingredients suit your pet’s breed and type.

    Happy feasting!

  • Bacon cookies

    Bacon cookies

    Bacon is one of the tastiest meat with a lot of healthy benefits. When eaten in moderate amount, bacon is a very good source of protein. It lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels and contains choline that helps to increase our level of intelligence as well as memory.

    Bacon cookies with all the goodness of meat is bound to leave your pet begging for more. Here is a simple method of making it.

    Ingredients:
    4 cups of wheat flour
    1 cup of rolled oats
    1 cup of milk
    ½ cup of chicken stock
    1 ½ cups of bacon chopped into small pieces
    1 cup of peanut butter
    2 eggs
    1 teaspoon of baking powder

    Preheat the oven and grease the cookie tray. Beat the eggs, in a big bowl, till they are light and fluffy. Add the flour, rolled oats, milk, chicken stock, baking powder, pieces of bacon and peanut butter and roll it into smooth dough. Cut out shapes with the help of a cookie cutter or just roll it into balls and bake it in the oven for 20 minutes or till it is golden brown on both sides. Serve it to your pet when it has cooled down.

  • Vegetable Khichidi for pets – recipe

    Vegetable Khichidi for pets – recipe

    Vegetable Khichdi is one the most easily digestible food. It is power packed with nutrients of a balanced diet such as carbohydrates, protein, dietary fibre, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Since its texture is soft it goes easy on the stomach and soothes the intestines. You can make Khichdi more nutritive by adding the vegetables that your pet prefers, to make the dish more enjoyable.

    Ingredients:

    1 ½ cups of rice
    1 cup moong dal
    1 ¼ cups of soya chunks
    Carrot, cauliflower, potato (any other vegetable that your pet enjoys)
    1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
    1 teaspoon of salt

    Soak the rice and moong dal in water for about 20 minutes and then combine the above ingredients in a pressure cooker and cook it for about 15 to 20 minutes.

  • Chicken fingers for pets – recipe

    Chicken fingers for pets – recipe

    Chicken is a very good source of protein. You can include chicken fingers in your dog’s regular diet along with vegetables, rice and fruit. Thereby ensuring he has a well balanced diet. This fillet recipe is very delicious and will leave your pet asking for more!

    Ingredients:

    Chicken breast strips

    1 teaspoon of turmeric

    ½ lime

    Boil the chicken breast strips in water and turmeric till the water is absorbed. In a pan drizzle some olive oil and add the chicken strips and fry till they are golden brown. In a serving plate add the chicken and squeeze the lime and serve when cooled.

  • Peanut butter cookies for pets

    Peanut butter cookies for pets

    Learn how to cook peanut butter cookies for your pet using this simple recipe. If your pet loves peanut butter then he will enjoy this peanut butter recipe. This recipe has the goodness of protein as well as well as fibre that is essential for your pet.

    Ingredients:

    2 cups of wheat flour

    1 cup of rolled oats

    1/3 cup of peanut butter

    1 tablespoon of honey

    ½ tablespoon of olive oil

    1 ½ cups of water

    Pre heat the oven. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and roll into a smooth dough. Create shapes with the help of a cookie cutter. Grease the baking tray and place the shaped dough and bake it for 30 to 40 minutes or until they are golden brown.

  • How much food does my dog need?

    How much food does my dog need?

    You must feed your canine buddy based on their physical appearance rather than how hungry they appear to you. Dogs are often good at compelling you to feed them more food than is required. Generally, you need to feed your canine buddy twice a day and preferably at the same time since they are a creature of routine.

    Here are some tips to help you feed the right amount of food to your dog:

    • A physically active dog requires more protein rich food than those that are lazy and lethargic.
    • Small size dogs require high energy and thus need a nutrient rich food.
    • Dogs that are of the same breed and sex and size may need to be fed different amounts of food. As it all depends on the energy level and physical activity of the dog.

    The table below will guide you on the amount of food your dog needs to be fed:

    Weight of the dog Serving per day
    2-3 kg 50-65 gm
    4-5 kg 75-100 gm
    9-10 kg 130-180 gm
    18kg 230-305 gm
    27 kg 305-410 gm
    36 kg 375-510 gm
    45 kg 435-610 gm

     

    This is the ideal amount of food that your dog needs to be fed per day. Since your pet needs to be fed twice a day you need to divide the portion by the amount of serving given in the table above.

    You must also keep in mind that you need to feed your dog depending on their physical activity level. You can always consult your vet if you have any queries regarding health and diet plan for your dog.