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To feed grain-free, or grain-inclusive? In the past few years, there has been much confusion about what type of food is best for our furry friends. The FDA investigation into dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and certain grain-free dog food in July of 2018 brought even more concern among pet parents. As further research has come out, this correlation has been disproven and the FDA has not identified a link. What the FDA has found is that the high level of legumes, peas, and plant protein found in low quality pet foods has been one of the leading causes of DCM and other health issues in dogs - not grain-free food itself. The reality is, pet food should be full of only necessary, beneficial ingredients. Grain-inclusive pet foods inherently include unnecessary ingredients, like rice, wheat, and corn. These ingredients provide no nutritional benefits for pets, and in some cases can be digestive irritants and cause food allergies. That’s why grain-free dog food and cat food are an ideal choice for pets: they're free from these filler ingredients.   Although it’s a great way to feed, not all grain-free recipes are created equal. It’s important to opt for a high quality, grain-free cat food or dog food. But how do you know if your grain-free pet food is up to par? Here are a few key things to look out for:   Real Meat is the Main Ingredient  Dogs and cats are carnivores that naturally thrive on a high protein diet. When selecting a grain-free dog food or cat food, always make sure real meat is the first ingredient. Real meat contains the essential amino acids that dogs and cats need to thrive.  Many low-quality grain-free pet foods will be full of potatoes, starches, and other filler ingredients that are unnecessary. This can cause health problems, so it’s important to do your research and understand all of the ingredients in your pet’s food, whether it’s grain-free or not.   No Low Quality Ingredients  As previously mentioned, pet foods with filler ingredients should be avoided. But there are also several ingredients that, although high in protein, can be digestive irritants for your dog or cat. This includes meat and bone by-product (meal), soy, plant protein, and carrageenan. These ingredients are lower quality, highly processed, and can cause health problems in your pet. To learn more, check out our blog, here. Always opt for a recipe that is free from these common ingredients - your pet will thank you.   Minimally Processed Your grain-free food for dogs or cats should use natural ingredients and be formulated to retain all of its nutrients during cooking. What does this mean? Traditionally, dry dog food (i.e. kibble) is cooked multiple times at high heat, which can destroy the nutrients and flavor of the ingredients. That’s why a minimal ingredient wet food will always be a great option for your pet - it’s cooked naturally and retains the highest nutritional value.    High in Protein A dog and cat’s diet should always consist of mostly protein. But many pet food manufacturers unfortunately incorporate much more carbohydrates in their recipes than protein, as it keeps costs low. This is biologically inappropriate for pets, and can make them prone to weight gain and obesity. When choosing the best grain-free pet food, make sure that the protein content is high. Meat should always be the main ingredient in your dog food or cat food.   Moisture-Rich Traditional kibble lacks moisture, and can actually be dehydrating for your pet. Many pets, cats especially, do not get enough hydration from water alone - that’s why wet food is so beneficial. It matches the moisture content of their ancestor’s natural diet, and helps their bodies function well. Poor hydration is associated with symptoms such as diarrhea and lethargy in the short term, and conditions like diabetes and kidney dysfunction in the long term. Feeding grain-free, wet food (in combination with daily access to water) ensures your pet is hydrated and thriving.    A high quality, grain free pet food will always be a great choice for our furry friends. But make sure the recipe you choose meets all of the criteria above.  It can be daunting to find the right recipe for your pet - that’s why we made KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet Recipes for dogs and cats. These grain-free entrées contain 90-96% meat, are moisture-rich, and are always filler-free and minimally processed. We offer several single meat options (including novel proteins) that your pet will love.    If you’re concerned about your dog or cat’s diet, please schedule a visit with a trusted veterinarian. This text cannot and should not replace advice from a licensed veterinarian. This blog is for educational purposes only.

As pet parents, we’re always trying to find the best quality food for our furry family members. That’s why freeze-dried dog food and cat food has increased significantly in popularity in recent years. Many find that freeze-dried pet food meets all of the nutritional requirements their pets need, in a convenient to serve format. But is freeze-dried the right choice for your dog or cat? Keep reading to find out! What is Freeze-Dried Pet Food? Freeze-drying is a modern food preparation method in which raw meat is freeze-dried in a pressurized vacuum chamber at an extremely low temperature. This process extracts the moisture from the meat, while still retaining all of the nutrients and taste.Freeze-dried food comes in a variety of forms, including freeze dried dog treats, meals, and toppers to help with picky eating. Each contain the same nutritional value, and can be a great addition to any dog or cat’s diet. What are the Benefits of Freeze-Dried Pet Food?   Feeding pets freeze-dried food has several benefits, which include: Nutritional Value Raw food is the purest form of nutrition for pets. Freeze-drying retains the quality of the meat's proteins, amino acids, enzymes, fats, probiotics, and other nutrients. It promotes healthy skin & coat, vitality, and optimal digestion. Ease of Feeding/Convenience A raw diet is a great way to feed, but it can be difficult to prepare. It requires freezing or refrigeration, as well as thawing and prep time. Freeze-dried offers the same nutritional value as raw dog food or cat food, but in a more convenient way. If you’re looking for a softer texture, you can also rehydrate with water to add moisture. Freeze-dried pet food is a great option for those that are often on the go, or aren’t able to access high quality raw meat. A freeze-dried topper can also be beneficial for those that serve wet food or dry food, to give an added nutritional boost without making a radical change to your pet’s diet. Shelf Life Traditional raw food will last you a few days at most. Freeze-dried raw food, on the other hand, can last up to two years. This is because 90% of the moisture has been safely removed from the meat to prevent bacteria from growing. Freeze-dried lasts longer without a reduction in quality. Is Freeze-Dried Right for my Pet? Feeding freeze-dried raw food for dogs and cats is a great option for many pets. You may find it to be the perfect match for your furry friend if any of the following applies: Your pet is a picky eater Your pet has digestive problems, or a sensitive stomach You’re looking for a more nutritious diet for your pet You want to feed your pet a raw diet in a more convenient way It’s always important to consult with your trusted veterinarian before switching your pet’s diet. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and see if freeze-dried raw is the right choice for your pet. Are All Freeze-Dried Pet Foods Made the Same? As great as freeze-dried cat food or dog food can be, not all are created equal. Many manufacturers will still include filler ingredients in freeze-dried raw food, that are unnecessary and can be digestive irritants. Here at KOHA, we follow a minimal ingredient philosophy: that means, we do not add a variety of additional ingredients, starches, or fillers. This makes our recipes highly digestible and the best choice for pets with food sensitivities We also include the added benefits of pre and probiotics to help the body absorb vitamins and minerals, and support digestive health. Our Raw Life Freeze-Dried Bites and Toppers are 96% meat that is locally sourced here in the USA.   Our Freeze-Dried Raw Bites for Dogs have 3 great ways to feed: as a meal, topper, or as a treat! And for picky eaters, our Freeze-Dried Raw Topper for Dogs and Cats is easy to sprinkle on to make every meal irresistible.

Grain-free or not grain-free? Perhaps one of the most common, yet controversial, questions from dog owners has finally gained some clarity. Groundbreaking Study Clears Grain-Free Dog Food An ongoing theory touted by academic researchers and investigated by the FDA involving a potential link between canine heart disease, also known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and certain grain-free pet foods have been debunked, according to a far-reaching study recently released by a working group of veterinary professionals and animal nutritionists. The groundbreaking findings, which is the subject of a peer-reviewed article published in June 2020 in the Journal of Animal Science, showed no clear link between grain-free diets and DCM in dogs - despite recent arguments from academia and regulatory agencies. “While determining the cause of recently reported cases of cardiac disease is of the utmost importance, based on this review of the current literature, there is no definitive relationship (between) these implicated diet characteristics and DCM,” according to the study, which involved an exhaustive examination of nearly 150 previous studies.The new study pointed to potential sampling bias and other confounding factors for debunking the claim - saying the scrutiny comes “without merit because there is no definitive evidence in the literature.”“At this time, information distributed to the veterinary community and the general public has been abbreviated synopses of case studies, with multiple variables and treatments, incomplete medical information, and conflicting medical data and opinions from veterinary nutrition influencers.” It ultimately established no definitive link between grain-free diets and DCM and called for further study and analysis.While the findings should be considered certainly good news for pups that thrive on grain-free diets, it’s crucial for dog owner’s to do their homework before feeding them any old meal. Because believe it or not - not all grain-free diets are created equal.  What to Look For When Going Grain-Free Grain-free is the best choice for your dog, but only if it's the right high-quality grain-free food. Simply put, while these foods are “grain-free," they do not provide your pet with the health benefits of high-quality grain-free foods. Think of it as substituting bad for bad.  Grain-free dog foods are foods that do not contain grains such as corn, rice, and wheat. Good grain-free dog food should have meat as its main ingredient. It should also be biologically appropriate, minimally processed, and moisture-rich.Many low-quality grain-free dog foods contain comparable carbohydrate levels to those made with grains. Although technically "grain-free", their main ingredients are starches such as potatoes and peas. These low-quality, biologically inappropriate ingredients have been linked with health problems including obesity, digestive disorders, and skin conditions in dogs. How to Choose the Best Grain-Free Dog Food Let’s take a look at a few important characteristics that high-quality grain-free dog foods should possess, and how this could impact the health of your pup. High in Meat Protein  - High-quality grain-free dog food will list real meat as the main ingredient; not unnecessary fillers such as potatoes and starches. Dogs are primarily carnivorous and thrive on a meat-based diet. When real meat is listed as the first ingredient, you can be sure your dog's food contains a high ratio of a quality protein source that will support their overall health.  Minimally Processed - The best grain-free dog foods are made with minimally processed, whole, and natural ingredients. Dry dog foods are cooked multiple times at high heat, which destroys nutrients and diminishes flavor. By comparison, minimally processed wet foods contain ingredients and nutrients closer to their original state.  Moisture Rich - A dog's natural, carnivorous diet contains around 70% moisture. High-quality, wet grain-free dog food mirrors mother nature by providing adequate moisture to help the body function. Unlike dry dog food, it's biologically appropriate and can help prevent health problems including urinary tract infections, digestive issues, and obesity.  What to Avoid in a Grain-Free Dog Food When choosing a grain-free dog food, keep it simple. Always check the ingredients on the label and do not buy the food if the main ingredients (or first couple of ingredients) include the following:  Meat and Bone Meal - Meat and bone meal is a product of the rendering industry. It is made from the portions of animals that are unfit for human consumption. Meat and bone meal is of lower quality than real meat. It is also highly processed, which makes it difficult to digest. Starches - Starches like potatoes, green peas, sweet potatoes, and beet pulp are cheap filler ingredients in many grain-free dog foods. These food ingredients are biologically inappropriate, increase calories, and can contribute to obesity and other health issues. Soy Products - Soy products are commonly used in low-quality grain-free dog foods as an inexpensive form of protein. They are biologically inappropriate, highly processed, and often genetically modified. This means that they are difficult to digest and can lead to health problems in dogs. Carrageenan - Carrageenan is a thickening agent that's used to improve food texture. It has no nutritional value and has been associated with gastrointestinal inflammation in dogs. Artificial Preservatives - Artificial preservatives are used by many pet food manufacturers to extend the shelf life of their products. Grain-free dog foods that contain these chemicals should be avoided, as they have been linked with toxicity in pets. The Best Grain-Free Dog Food Money Can Buy True dog lovers don’t skimp when it comes to their pup’s health and wellbeing. If you are concerned about the quality of your dog's food, KOHA offers high-quality grain-free dog food that's high in meat protein, minimally processed, and moisture-rich? Check out our Limited Ingredient Diets for dogs.  Our premium wet dog foods contain no carb-loaded fillers, unnecessary thickening agents, artificial preservatives, or other harmful ingredients. Instead, we pack them with 70%-96% real meat to mirror Mother Nature. And with 8 delicious single meat recipes to choose from, you're sure to find a variety your pup loves.

There are almost 60 different species of kangaroo in Australia, most being endemic to Australia. Kangaroos are a part of the Marsupial family. They are herbivores, with chambered stomachs like cattle. Kangaroos were a key to survival for the indigenous people of Australia for hundreds of years and even the Europeans, who arrived in Australia in the eighteenth century. The people of Australia used kangaroos as a source of very lean, low fat, and high protein meat. Today, some kangaroo species are considered pests, due to the plentiful feeding lands of Australia. The kangaroos live a very healthy lifestyle and therefore reproduce almost all year around. Just like the brushtail in New Zealand, who outnumber the human population, the kangaroos in Australia also outnumber their humans. One of the biggest reasons why Kangaroos are considered pests, is because not only do they eat grass, but they eat roots as well. Just like the brushtail in New Zealand, who can eat up to tons of forestry in just one night; a group of wild kangaroos can clean out a whole field in one night as well. That kind of environmental destruction causes these animals to be targets for population control. The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act controls all aspects of the kangaroo industry. They prohibit the export of live kangaroos, unless for inter zoo exchanges, but they export kangaroo meat to many countries around the world for human consumption. Kangaroo meat is gaining popularity because it is high in protein, zinc, and iron but also very low in fat. Kangaroo meat contains CLA (Conjugated Lenoleic Acid) which will better the immune system, act as an anti-inflammatory agent, and also support the building of lean muscles. These healthy kangaroo characteristics makes kangaroo meat a great source of protein for human and animal consumption. Try our MAURI “WILD KANGAROO with Fresh Blueberries” for dogs, an excellent alternative novel protein mixed with the antioxidant benefits of Fresh Blueberries. For cats, try the MAURI “WILD KANGAROO ENTREE”, a great choice of lean red meat mixed with small amounts of cranberries for urinary support.

KOHA Dog Food (Canned) (formerly Mauri) Share Rating: ★★★★★ KOHA Dog Food receives the Advisor’s top rating of 5 stars. TO READ FULL ARTICLE PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/mauri-dog-food/