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Showing posts with label NUTRITION. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NUTRITION. Show all posts
A baby blue plate on pale wood planks holds a spoonful of green Nannochloropsis microalgae powder, with a dog's nose sniffing it nearby. An ornate spoon with a bee handle rests on the plate.




Why It's a Game-Changer for Dog Health

Are you worried about your furry friend's health, or want them to be around longer? In a world of increasing pet illnesses, a tiny, ancient powerhouse is making a big splash from the pristine waters of Australia's Byron Bay/Ballina region. 

As a nutritionist and founder of Noosa Nutrition, Honor Tremain has seen first-hand how a proper diet can transform health, and this new ingredient is one of the most exciting developments she has encountered. She shares her insights with us.

I'm not talking about insect meal or turmeric. I’m talking about microscopic seaweed, also known as microalgae. This unique species, Nannochloropsis Oceanica, is being grown at eco-farms in the Ballina region, and it's catching the attention of leading scientists, veterinarians, and forward-thinking pet food companies like Daya Pet Food Co.

So, what makes this most ancient lifeform the newest and most exciting superfood for dogs? It's a mega-nutrient dense, protein- and Omega-3-rich, disease-fighting, planet-healing super-wholefood that's particularly anti-inflammatory. Let’s take a deeper look into why these benefits are so important right now.

The Pet Health Crisis & The Power of Food

It's heart-breaking to see our dogs get sick, and so many are dealing with chronic health issues like arthritis, skin problems, gut concerns, or cancer. Just as a poor diet is a major contributor to premature death and illness in humans, our pets are suffering too.

According to veterinary expert Dr. Marty Goldstein, DVM, "Back in the 1970s, cancer in dogs was rare and usually occurred in old age. Today, roughly one in two dogs can develop cancer at any age." This alarming trend reflects the modern pet diet—often a base of low-grade, processed ingredients, filled with additives, preservatives, and even saw dust.

But the exciting news is: Food used in the right way is the most powerful weapon we have!




Microalgae: The Anti-Inflammatory Super-Wholefood

Inflammation, fuelled by a poor diet, is the cause of virtually all chronic diseases, from cancer to arthritis to dementia. But diets high in wholefoods—especially those rich in antioxidants and Omega-3s—significantly reduce inflammation and the risk of disease.

"I think 'Let food be thy medicine' is one of the best quotes ever conceived. Because you truly are what you eat,” says Dr. Thomas-Hall, Principal Scientist and microalgae expert at SeaO2 Nanno. This remarkable microalgae just happens to be a fierce anti-inflammatory firefighter.

In both people and pets, a diet rich in this anti-inflammatory superfood can mean:

  • Reduced pain in body and joints 
  • Increased vitality and energy 
  • Longer, healthier lifespan
  • Better mental clarity and focus 
  • Glowing healthy skin and coats 

The Plant-Powered Protein & Sustainability Solution


Protein is essential—it’s what your cells are made of. But not all protein is equal. Animal protein, especially in excessive amounts, is increasingly linked to accelerated inflammation and disease. The longest-living populations on Earth, like the Okinawans and Sardinians, consume very little animal protein, focusing instead on high-quality plant-based sources.

Enter microalgae. “Nanno microalgae contains over 50% protein, with 25% being essential amino acids, which is more than three times what you’d get from beef,” says Dr. Thomas-Hall.

What's more, this microalgae is a game-changer for sustainable agriculture! It produces up to 50 times more protein per acre than soy crops and is a major source of the world's breathable oxygen as it grows, all while trapping harmful CO2. Being grown in pristine, contained environments, it's also free from hormones, antibiotics, heavy metals, and GMO’s.

The Ultimate Source of Essential Omegas

The next massive thing about this microalgae is its unique Omega content. 
“Not many people see Omega-3 fatty acids as being essential. But they should,” says Professor Lindsay Brown, Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. 
Over 80% of the global population, including our pets, are deficient in Omegas.

Omega-3s are some of the most powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients we know of, reducing heart disease, behavioural issues, and more. And here's the best part: fish don’t actually make the Omega-3s found within themselves. The Omega-3s come from the microalgae that they eat!*

This Nanno microalgae is also rich in Omega-7, a lesser-known but highly beneficial fatty acid amazing for:

  • Skin health and hydration
  • Brain and nerve regeneration
  • Insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation

By skipping the middleman, you can get the highest quality, purest, most bioavailable Omega-3s that are completely animal-free, mercury-free, and the most sustainable alternative to fish oil around.

Antioxidants: The Unsung Heroes of Health

Antioxidants are the unsung heroes of health. They reduce inflammation, slow aging, and protect every cell in the body from degradation and disease. This microalgae just so happens to be loaded with these little guys too, including:
  • Two powerful carotenoid antioxidants that support eye health and brain function.
  • Vitamin E antioxidants crucial for immune support.
  • A prebiotic fibre known for its immune-boosting and anti-cancer activity.
  • Vitamin B12, Iron, and Vitamin D in a unique plant-based form.
  • Chlorophyll, a green pigment great for detoxifying stinky odours (yes, your dog’s breath, skin, and farts!).

Combined, these vital nutrients go straight into the bloodstream, nourishing the skin, hair, eyes, joints, and entire body. The result? Shinier hair, vibrant skin, better energy, improved digestion, and a far healthier, happier pup.

The Future of Pet Nutrition is Here

Top nutritionists, scientists, and health & eco-friendly dog food brands like Daya Pet Food Co. have been collaborating directly with the founders at SeaO2 Nanno to bring these extraordinary microalgae to the world.




“Our mission extends beyond delivering exceptional nutrition,” says Gian Minns, Co-Founder of SeaO2 Nanno. 
“We aim to help place Australia at the forefront of the global superfood movement—for the planet, for our pets, and for all future generations.”

Special Offer for Our Readers: Try the award-winning Daya Pet Food Co range today and get 10% off your order with the promo code DOGLOVERDAYA10 at checkout.

Explore the new, award-winning Nanno microalgae enriched pet food at: www.dayapetfoodco.com.au or contact us for details at honnutrition@hotmail.com.

In yours and your pup’s health, written by Honor Tremain, Noosa
 Nutrition, for Australian Dog Lover, September 2025.

About our writer

Honor Tremain with her dog, Daya.
Honor Tremain is a qualified nutritionist, health journalist, and author with over 20 years of experience. As the founder of Noosa Nutrition, she specialises in anti-inflammatory and longevity nutrition for both humans and pets. 

Her work has been featured in a range of publications, and she is the author of multiple books, including "A Diet in Paradise." Tremain is a recognised expert in her field, known for her collaborations with innovative companies like SeaO2 Nanno, and her clinic Noosa Nutrition was named "Nutrition Clinic of The Year 2025" for Queensland, Australia.


References:

* Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity: 


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Anything short of enforcing Australian pet food standards fails nations’ families

As Australia’s agriculture ministers defer a decision to mandate pet food standards, new research reveals nine in ten pet owners expect our governments to enforce regulation of our industry.

  • Healthy pets mean happy owners: health and wellbeing are an utmost priority for all Australian pet owners (96%)[i] who care about the quality of the food that they’re feeding their pets (97%)[i]
  • Pet owners want more transparency: the majority of pet owners (84%)[i] expect enforced standards will regulate the quality assurance of their pet’s food
  • It’s time Australian agriculture ministers call for the ball: Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA), the RSPCA and the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) urgently call on Australian agriculture ministers to commit to mandatory oversight of the Australian Standard (the industry code of practice) regulating the manufacturing and marketing of pet food.

A new survey has revealed nine in ten (88%)[i] Australian pet owners agree that pet food should be produced to the Australian Standard: the industry code of practice regulating the manufacturing and marketing of pet food. The findings have come to light as Australian State and Territory Agriculture Ministers defer a decision on the mandatory regulation of the Australian pet food industry.

The survey results have been released by the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA) to pulse check the views of Australian pet owners. Currently, all members of the PFIAA voluntarily hold themselves to a high standard by complying with the Australian Standard. However, compliance is not mandatory. Hence, manufacturers who choose not to be members of the PFIAA have no obligation to comply with the Australian Standard.

Australia is one of few comparable nations without a mandatory model of regulation. The United States, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have regulatory models in place that set the standard to produce pet food, conduct inspections, and provide verifications of compliance, as well as mechanisms to investigate customer complaints and conduct mandatory recalls.

Without a mandatory standard in place, there are no legal consequences for those who put pets at risk. Executive Manager of PFIAA, Carolyn Macgill, says: “We know that pets play an important role in Australians’ lives – our survey shows that an overwhelming majority of pet owners view their pet as a member of their family (78%)[i]. That’s why for us, the health and wellbeing of Australian pets is the number one priority.”

In 2018, the Federal Minister for Agriculture established a review to consider the appropriateness of the current approach to regulating the pet food industry in Australia. The findings of the Pet Food Review Working Group were due to be considered in November by the Agriculture Ministers Forum, however, this has been now postponed while cost-benefit analysis is completed.

“We have been at the table as an industry advocating for independent oversight that holds our sector accountable and enhances the safety of pet food. We’re calling on Australian Governments to mandate the Australian Standard for all manufacturers and put an independent regulator in place to enforce recalls where safety issues exist.”


The majority of the pet owners expect that Australian Standard will regulate the quality assurance of food (84%), nutritional requirements (80%), provide information on how the food is produced (68%), use of additives and preservatives (64%), list of banned ingredients (63%), and dictate information available on the pack (61%)
i.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) strongly supports a mandatory Australian Standard for pet food to improve safety and ensure that timely recalls can occur, should any problems arise. The AVA is integral to the operation of PetFAST (a national surveillance scheme to detect adverse pet food events), knows first-hand both the extent of incidents and the devastation caused by them, and is also demanding implementation of mandatory pet food standards.

“Our industry wants regulation. Consumers want regulation. Animal welfare groups want regulation. It’s time for state and territory governments to agree to a model of regulation that delivers the regulatory oversight currently missing in Australia. There is no reason not to regulate. This isn’t about wrapping our industry in red tape; it’s about clearly defining the standards by which we all make and market pet food, aligned with the beliefs of pet owners.

“Ten years on from the first decision to walk away from regulation of our industry, and over three years on from the beginning of the current review, we call on State and Territory governments to step up. Any further delay is inconsiderate to the concerns of Australian pet owners,” says Mrs Macgill.

About PFIAA:

The Pet Food Industry Association of Australia was established in September 1972. The mission of the Association is to promote standards of excellence in the development of the pet food industry through consideration of the needs of pets and the community, active promotion of the benefits of responsible pet ownership, and promotion of prepared pet food as the preferred method of pet nutrition and reinforced through establishment and self- regulation of industry standards.

About the Australian Standard:

The Australian Standard for the Manufacturing and Marketing of Pet Food (AS5812:2017) was established in 2011 by the PFIAA, representatives from federal and state government, the RSPCA, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), with support of Standards Australia to provide an official Australian standard for the production and supply of manufactured pet food.

The Australian Standard outlines processes to ensure the quality assurance of food, nutritional requirements, list of banned ingredients, the use of additives and preservatives, how a product is packaged, and the information available on pack to guide consumers.

The PFIAA has undertaken a range of measures since 2018 to address consumer concerns, including:

Further strengthen the Australian Standard AS5812 governing the manufacturing and marketing of pet food;

Completing annual audits of PFIAA members, including the use of a third-party certification body; and

Introducing a mandatory recall protocol for pet food quality or safety issues for members, similar to Australia’s human food recall process.

[i] Nationally representative consumer survey of Australian pet owners commissioned by the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA); conducted by Pure Profile; October 2021.

MEDIA RELEASE, 1st December 2021

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Growing calls for mandatory Australian pet food standards



Allergies are one of the most common reasons dog owners seek out the assistance of their vet and they appear to becoming more and more prevalent in our pets. 

Food allergies in particular can be a challenging issue to deal with in any dog and can leave many dog owners feeling frustrated and hopeless. 

We teamed up with Animal Naturopath Lyndall Pinchen from Canine Vitality to learn more about food allergies and natural approaches to gut health.

What are food allergies and how to diagnose them?

While statistics show that currently around only 0.2% of dogs suffer from a food allergy - which may not seem like a lot, for those dogs who do have food allergy problems, the road ahead can often seem a long one. 

Traditional veterinary treatments are focused on allergy testing, medications such as antihistamines and immunosuppressive drugs along with prescription hypoallergenic diets

And while all of these may helpful and in some cases, essential at least in the short term, seeking out the underlying causes is key in managing any allergy state.

To best be able to treat or manage a food allergy, let us firstly define what a food allergy is and why this occurs in your dog’s body. Food allergy is one of the most common allergies or hypersensitivities known to affect dogs. 

In a dog that has a true food allergy, their immune system overreacts and produces antibodies to substances that it would normally tolerate. 

In an allergic reaction to a food, antibodies are produced against some part of the food, which is most often a protein or complex carbohydrate

For an allergy to develop, antibodies are required to be produced so food allergies tend to show after the body has been exposed long term to one particular brand, type or form of food.

Typical signs and symptoms of food allergy include itchy skin or digestive disturbances such as vomiting or diarrhoea

Other more subtle changes including hyperactivity, weight loss, lack of energy and even aggression can occur. 

Common food allergens tend to be foods such as proteins, especially those from dairy products, beef, lamb, chicken, eggs, soy or gluten (from wheat). 

Each time a pet eats food containing these substances, the antibodies react with the antigens and symptoms such as those mentioned occur.



Conventional treatments for food allergies

For dog owners with a dog that suffers from food allergies (or any allergy to be honest), it can be a very frustrating and challenging process. 

The conventional reliance on medications such as steroids, Apoquel and other immunosuppressive drugs is aimed at reducing the overactivity of the immune system in its heightened state. While these drugs may suppress the symptoms of the food allergy, unfortunately they are very harsh on a dog’s immune system, essentially ‘disabling’ it. 

This leaves the immune system unable to keep a check on other harmful invaders such as viruses, bacteria and even cancers. So these drugs can mean your dog is paying a high price in terms of the health of their immune system.

In addition to drugs, allergy tests and subsequent special hypoallergenic allergy diets are often prescribed. These usually come in the form of processed commercial products that can contain ingredients that may actually make things worse. 

For example, a popular prescription brand that is marketed for dogs with allergies contains ingredients such as brewers yeast, soya oil, split peas, pearl barley and pork flavouring. These are often foods that I would NOT recommend for any dog particularly if I am dealing with any gut/immune issues. The high level of starch in many of these products in particular can lead to further gut issues.

Many times I have had clients come to me over the years that have been following these regimes long term with their dogs, and feeling like they are making limited or no progress at all. And often this comes at enormous financial cost, not to mention the stress involved for the dog and owner/s. 

Now please don’t get me wrong… Getting a proper diagnosis for your dog’s allergy issue through your vet is essential and as I mentioned earlier, conventional treatments are an important part of the process. But we really need to address the underlying imbalances and not just focus on treating the symptoms if we are to gain positive long term results.



A more natural approach: the role of gut health

Let me first say, when it comes to food allergy (or any allergy for that matter)
that the more your dog is being exposed to that particular food, the more this will trigger an allergic reaction. 
So ultimately, we need to remove the offending foods to allow symptoms to abate and this is where elimination diets can be helpful and indeed, often essential for a period of time. 

Such a diet involves not feeding several foods known to cause symptoms to your dog. Over time, your dog can resume eating these foods, one by one, until it can be determined whether any has caused or worsened their symptoms. They can then avoid these foods going forward. 

However, for some dogs, the restrictive nature of elimination can lead a dog to exist on minimal food choices. 



For example, I have a new client I have just started working with whose dog is named Archie (above), that is suffering from food allergy issues and has been eating a diet (originally prescribed from her vet) based on fish and green beans for months!! 

Needless to say, Archie had not only lost a lot of weight but is also agitated and hungry most of the time. Fortunately, he is now on his way to being able to introduce a greater variety of foods.

So while restricting foods is important, let’s look at what I believe is one of the most important considerations in allergy and that is the role that the gut plays in terms of the immune system response

In our dogs, as with humans, around 70% of the immune system is housed in the gut. Today we are hearing more and more about the benefits of a healthy gut for us as humans. And indeed the same also applies to our pets. One of the most common gut issues we are seeing in both people and pets today is something known as leaky gut syndrome and this is something I regularly treat with my canine clients.

What is leaky gut and how is it linked to food allergy?

To squarely answer this question, we’ll need to pop on our biologists' hats. Inside your dog’s stomach exists the intestinal mucosa – a lining that acts like a strainer for bacteria and toxins. At the same time, it channels digested nutrients from the stomach into the bloodstream. Put more simply, it keeps out the bad stuff while bringing in the good.

Damage to this mucosal lining can lead to your dog’s gut losing this buffer. Inflammation can stretch the junctions of the mucosa, which allows toxins, pathogens, and undigested food particles to pass straight into the bloodstream. 

The result is a domino effect within your pup’s body: the liver, ever a paragon in the war against toxins, is the first to succumb to the wave of invaders. Once its defences fall, the immune system takes over but in its overly zealous attempt to protect the body, it can actually start to attack the body itself along with those toxins as it becomes confused by these foreign undigested food particles. 

This can lead to the development of an autoimmune disease and patterns of inflammation. But more to the point, leaky gut can trigger a whole range of food allergies. With no way to prevent the flow of undigested food particles into the bloodstream, your dog’s body may come to view all food as intruders. This pattern can lead to an array of symptoms, including skin rashes, inflammatory bowel disease, and aggression and many others.

Even more confusing is that food allergies can further trigger leaky gut issues so the connection becomes circular. One tends to contribute to the other.

Contributing factors to leaky gut/damaged mucosal lining:

From my perspective and clinical experience there are five main contributing factors that can lead to leaky gut syndrome and these include: 
  • Vaccinations
  • Processed foods
  • Drugs such as antibiotics
  • Chemical parasite products
  • Stress 

A dog may be exposed to one or all of these at various times or all at once. Typically I see dogs that have at least 3 or 4 of these, so it is easy to see how so many dogs are having issues with their gut and subsequent problems. 

A dog exhibiting food allergies will almost certainly have a leaky gut as the majority of dogs today are impacted by such a wide range of chemicals and other toxins. The good news is that while this might all sound challenging (and it can be!), a leaking gut can be healed using a natural approach.



How to treat leaky gut in dogs

While a full explanation of this protocol exceeds the limits of this article, healing a leaky gut consists of three main components and is usually carried out over a period of 8-12 weeks depending on the dog.

Step 1. Remove – time to weed the garden! 
Firstly we need to look at removing the contributing factors that are leading to this tissue damage as this will allow for healing to start. 

In working with clients I offer natural alternatives to these chemical products such as flea, tick and worming products along with appropriate diet advice and stress reduction and other recommendations to reduce the chemical load.

Canine Vitality - Gut Health Booster
Step 2. Repair
– once we have removed those offending items, we can then work to repair damaged tissues by using specific herbs and nutrients including Marshmallow root, Calendula, Licorice root, Glutamine, Mastic gum, Aloes, Slippery elm, Zinc, Collagen and digestive enzymes

It is important to allow the lining of the gut time to heal properly and continuing to avoid any triggers during this process.

Step 3. Rebalance 
 finally it is time to feed the garden after weeding! Once we have removed triggers and have now worked to heal and repair the damage, we want to start to rebuild the levels of good bacteria and other bugs in the gut (referred to as the microbiome). 

This is where pre and probiotics along with fermented foods such as kefir and fermented veggies come into play. 

In regards to probiotics, even once the gut regime has been completed, it is still a great idea to keep your dog on some type of probiotic especially if they are allergy prone.


Now we have the gut healed and rebalanced, we will see that inflammation can resolve, digestion improves and the immune system is no longer being triggered by those leaking food particles as the gut lining is now able to keep this in check once again. 

At this point, I find that many dogs are now able to tolerate foods that they once were allergic too and a more normal eating pattern can commence. 

And we are also then seeing a resolution in many of those skin, digestive, behavioural and other symptoms that had been so prevalent.


Summary:

We still have much to learn about gut health and its role in keeping our dogs healthy. When it comes to allergy, there is never one magic bullet. 

But when we rely on treatments that focus only on treating the symptoms themselves, we limit the results for our dogs. 
As with any health issue, true healing comes from treating the root underlying causes and rebalancing the body from this perspective. 
In the case of food allergies, it is imperative to start from gut to make sure that it is in a balanced and healthy state.

Tips in moving forward:

✔️ Always work with your vet to gain an initial diagnosis of your dog’s allergy condition.

✔️ Remember that while conventional drugs can be very beneficial in the short term, they are not the answer long term.

✔️ Seek out the help of a qualified holistic animal Naturopath (
saena.com.au) or Vet (www.civtedu.org/australia/) who can help you work with gut and other underlying issues in a more natural way.

✔️ The gut is involved in all food allergy states so this is where treatments must be focused. Think Remove, Repair and Rebalance.

✔️ And finally, know that there is help out there and you are not alone. If you are not happy with the current progress in your pet’s condition, don’t be afraid to seek another opinion or go down a different path.

Long term relief from allergies is possible… so go with your gut!

written by Lyndall Pinchen from Canine Vitality (September 2021) for Australian Dog Lover (all rights reserved).

About our writer

Lyndall Pinchen was born in Sydney and grew up with a strong passion for all animals, particularly dogs! She qualified as a Naturopath in the early 90’s and worked with humans over the ensuing 20 years. A move to Queensland 15 years ago saw her make the decision to study Animal Naturopathy and follow her dream of working with animals.

Canine Vitality, naturopathic service for dogs was set up 11 years ago with the aim to increase awareness and educate dog owners about the many health benefits of naturopathic treatments and raw feeding methods..

As the service’s popularity has grown, so has her schedule – she now treats many dogs naturopathically from far and wide, both in her Brisbane clinic as well as her online/phone consultation service and her online herbal store. 

A member of SAENA (Small Animal & Equine Naturopathic Association), Lyndall has been a regular writer for regularly for Nature and Health Magazine as well as guest blogging and guest podcast shows. In the last 8 years she has also teamed up with Jenny Golsby from The Complete Pet Company (where she also consults) and together, they are working to educate dog owners on natural, ethical and holistic methods of regaining or maintaining the health of our canine friends.



Visit https://www.caninevitality.net.au to book a consultation and learn more about herbal remedies, including natural flea tick and worming options to treat a wide range of common doggie ailments. 

Follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/caninevitality and on Instagram @caninevitality or her Happy Healthy Dogs YouTube channel for educational videos.

As a result of the increased humanisation of pets [1], the pet dietary supplement industry is booming and is set to reach $100 million by 2024 [2], but natural supplement company, Field Day, is educating Australians on the dog superfood trends to listen to and the ones better off ignored.

Fur parents everywhere do their best to try and understand what their dog might be feeling or thinking, but without any means of verbal communication and lots of different advice out there, it’s no wonder many feel confused about their pet’s needs.


From Green Lipped Mussels to St John’s Wort, Field Day Vet, Emily Turner, says that many superfoods that humans have known about for decades, are also beneficial for dogs, which is why Field Day created its range of meal toppers.


“Whether you provide your dog with dry biscuits, wet food or make it yourself at home, meal toppers or supplements and the superfoods found in them, can assist in keeping your furry friend’s health and wellbeing needs in pawfect shape,” Emily says.

“Supplements are also a great choice for dogs with specific health issues, such as anxiety, arthritis, gut issues or skin problems.”

“For example, Green Lipped Mussels aren’t found in regular dog food but they are full of Omega-3 fatty acids. When taken as part of a healthy, balanced diet, they can help support joint health and mobility by reducing cartilage degradation and inflammation.”

Emily adds that anxiety is something that many dogs struggle with and there has been an increase in the number of pets experiencing anxiety as a result of the pandemic.
“In addition to picking up our emotions, our pets aren’t used to having us home all the time and any change in routine can make them feel stressed or anxious.”
“A lot of families also purchased puppies for the first time during the last 18 months, so we’ve seen a rise in pets suffering from separation anxiety as well.”

It may come as no surprise then that St John’s Wort, a superfood that humans have used to assist in boosting mood for centuries, is beneficial for our furry friends too.


“St John’s Wort is often used as a natural ingredient in human anti-anxiety medication, which is why the team at Field Day included the ingredient, along with hemp protein and salmon, in its Cool, Calm & Collected meal topper.”


Emily warns that while providing supplements or mixing up your dog’s food might always be done with the most heartfelt intentions, there are a few diet trends pet parents should avoid.


Grain-free diets are a big no-no from me and I think most of the veterinary world at the moment. There is strong evidence that grain-free diets can lead to cardiac issues in dogs and something called dilated cardiomyopathy, which can be fatal,” Emily says.

“Currently, there is research going on but the evidence is so strong, so until more is known I would avoid it. 


Dogs do eat grains in the wild and anyone with a dog will see in springtime that they love eating the new grass, which doesn’t mean they’re sick but it is a tasty and natural way for them to get fibre.”

Specially created with a vet nutritionist, Field Day’s meal toppers are scientifically formulated to not only improve your dog’s health and wellbeing, but also to maintain peak condition and nutrition from the inside out.

With products made from human-grade natural, real whole foods, Field Day takes a stance against preservatives, additives, GMO ingredients and harsh chemicals that can often find their way into pet care products.

No matter your dog’s health or wellness needs, Field Day has an easy and budget-friendly meal topper designed to suit every dog and keep their tail wagging.

Field Day range of Meal Toppers:

Cool Calm & Collected: $34.95 RRP ($1.40 per serve*):
for our furry friends that suffer from anxiety, have behavioural issues or need to optimise brain function, this meal topper is formulated with St. John’s Wort, hemp protein to support serotonin production, DHA from salmon powder to support cognitive function and apple powder (containing quercetin) which has been shown to improve memory and learning.

Mover & Shaker: $39.95 RRP ($1.60 per serve*): 
for active or ageing dogs experiencing sore joints and mobility issues, this meal topper includes Green Lipped Mussels, along with turmeric to target inflammation and hemp seed meal to help maintain muscle mass.

The Balancing Act: $19.95 RRP (60 cents per serve*):
designed to support digestion and gut health for adult dogs, this meal topper provides a mix of both insoluble and soluble fibre to create prebiotics and maintain the health of the gut microbiome. It also includes pumpkin, a rich antioxidant
beta-carotene, and hemp fibre to help regulate digestion.

Rise & Shine: $19.95 RRP (50 cents per serve*): 
A spray meal topper with Omega-3 and 6 naturally found in 100% Australian hemp seed oil, which promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat, strengthens immunity and supports general health and wellbeing.

Designed to be simply sprinkled on top of the food your dog already loves and suitable for raw, dry and mixed diets, Field Day’s meal toppers can be purchased at PETstock, Pet Circle, Pet Culture, Wonderpets and Habitat stores nationwide and online. 

For more information please visit fielddaypet.com.au

You can also follow Field Day Pets on Facebook at www.facebook.com/field.day.pets and on Instagram @fieldday_pets

*Average serving size is based on an average-sized dog (15-20kg).

About Field Day

Field Day is an Australian range of natural and functional products created with a vet nutritionist to improve the health and wellbeing of dogs to maintain peak condition and nutrition from the inside out.

Taking a stance against preservatives, additives, GMO ingredients and harsh chemicals, Field Day’s range of meal supplement products are made from real whole foods and only the gentlest of nourishing ingredients are featured within its care range.

With a belief that high quality nutrition and health products are key to helping dogs live their best lives, Field Day’s scientifically formulated products promote energy, vibrancy and shine to make sure your dog is ready to take on the day, nose first and all paws in.


The arrival of TBH (To Be Honest) plant-based and alternative protein dog treats has caused health and environmentally aware pet parents to pause and reflect upon what they’re feeding their precious pooch.

Did you know that a fifth of the world’s meat production goes towards feeding our pets? Instead, TBH uses sustainably raised crickets that have up to 3.8 times the protein of beef, contain less fat and have a tiny footprint in terms of land and water usage. 

With TBH co-founder, Leslie Moyan adding, “Not to mention none of that horrible methane gas being released into the atmosphere nor the needless slaughter of cows”.

Founders Blair Triplett and Leslie Moyan are on a mission to change the way we love, feed and look after our pets. With Blair stating, “Increasingly, humans are projecting our own health, wellness and environmental values onto our pets, and it seems our pets are also thankful for the opportunity to get back to a sustainable, healthy and natural diet”.

Baked in a human-certified HACCP bakery right here in Australia, TBH dog treats use nutritious and sustainable, locally grown plant-based food such as vegetables, 
seaweed and hemp, along with USDA certified organic cricket protein

All 10 essential amino acids are guaranteed. 

Whilst humans can eat TBH’s treats (yes, you read right!), TBH is nutritionally formulated for dogs.

“Dogs are omnivores”, registered vet and plant-based pet nutrition enthusiast, Dr Peter Theron confirms. 


TBH shows that it is indeed possible to feed your dog consciously and sustainably with plant and insect-based ingredients. Knowing that our beloved pets can have their nutritional needs met whilst also helping the environment ticks all my boxes”.

Vets aren’t the only ones getting in on the plant-based and alternative insect food movement that is likely to see meat phased out of commercially produced pet food. 

The RSPCA (Victoria) has given their nod to the introduction of high quality, nutritious, sustainable dog treats, now stocking the TBH dog treat range as it also represents an ethical choice for an increasingly conscious consumer.

Price & Where to Buy:

RRP: $12.00 (100g) from tbhpets.com

Also available from Pet Circle, RSPCA (Victoria), Wholefood retailers, Nourished Life, Pet Culture, Quality cafes, Habitat Pet Supplies, Mega Pet Warehouse, St. Ali.

You can follow @tbhpets on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. 

About TBH Pets

TBH Pets was founded by Blair Triplett and Leslie Moyan in Australia in 2020, both of whom are pet lovers and have a genuine desire to help bring about a more nutritious, sustainable and ethical way of loving our pets.

MEDIA RELEASE, September 2021


Chobani® Australia unveils new lactose-free and digestion-boosting yogurt for dogs!

Daily Dollop™ is an ideal addition to your pooches’ diet.


Pooches across Australia can now have a delicious new addition to their meals as Chobani, Australia’s No.1 yogurt brand [1], has released a plain, low-fat and lactose-free yogurt for dogs! Made with simple yet effective ingredients including skim milk, lactase and live yogurt cultures, Daily Dollop is a must-have for dog-owners seeking a healthy snack for their canine companions as it’s packed with probiotics and gentle on tummies.

Available early September and exclusively sold in the chilled pet food section at Woolworths supermarkets, Daily Dollop yogurt is a healthy option to introduce into dogs’ diets and can serve as an addition to daily meals, an easy snack or as a mix-in to spice up dry food.

Olivia Dickinson, General Manager Growth, Chobani Australia said, “At Chobani, we always strive for our products to be delicious, nutritious, natural and accessible and we’re so excited to now extend our range to include dogs! There’s only three ingredients in Daily Dollop yet it’s filled with an abundance of protein and calcium to help keep dogs healthy.”


High in protein and calcium, Chobani’s Daily Dollop will help strengthen the bones and teeth of our four-legged friends and can be slowly introduced to dogs’ daily food, allowing them to become accustomed to the taste.

Gourmet pet food options have become increasingly popular in recent years with the pet food production industry now worth $2.6 billion a year in Australia
[2]

With around 40% of households in Australia including at least one dog, many fur babies are considered part of the family, so it’s only natural that owners are focused on the welfare of their pet including what type of food they’re fed [3].



With Daily Dollop now on shelves, health-conscious pet parents can easily add it to their baskets as a delicious and nutritious addition that comes recommended by veterinarians.

“Yogurt is such a great source of nutrients for pets, especially dogs, and Daily Dollop serves as a welcomed addition to their daily protein and calcium intake. 




I highly recommend Aussies start getting on board with feeding their canine friends a bit of yogurt during mealtime,” said Dr Brooke Schampers, Veterinarian, Animal Emergency Service.

Launched in Australia in 2012, Chobani has since become the nation’s go-to yogurt brand, offering premium products to Aussies and now, their pooches too!

For more information about Chobani Australia, please visit www.chobani.com.au


1.  Source: Nielsen ScanTrack, Australia Grocery Scan, Week Ending 11/07/21
2.  Source: IBIS World, 2021, Pet Food Production in Australia
3.  Source: Animal Medicines Australia, 2019, Pets in Australia: A National Survey of Pets and People

MEDIA RELEASE, 30th August 2021

Related Topics:

The health benefits of adding yogurt to your dog's diet