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Kitten Basics: Facts About By-products in Kitten Food

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Before you assume that by-products in kitten food are bad thing, here are some facts. In common usage, a by-product is something that is just that—a side product from the making of another product. By-products are not by definition poor quality. For instance, gingerbread cookies wouldn’t be the same without molasses, which is a by-product of sugar manufacture.
 

In relation to IAMS™ kitten foods, such as IAMS ProActive Health™ Kitten, by-products are generally parts of the animals that are not the muscle meat preferred by most American consumers. The term refers only to the anatomic parts included, not to the nutritional quality of the parts.
 

While many Americans may not be used to eating these animal parts themselves, it is important to realize that many of the items included in by-products (e.g., organ meats) may be higher in essential nutrients—amino acids, minerals, and vitamins—as well as more palatable to pets than the skeletal muscle meat.
 

In addition to nutritional benefits, inclusion of these ingredients in pet foods reduces waste and likely has environmental benefits as the livestock industry does not have to produce additional animals just to satisfy the needs for muscle meats to feed pets as well as people. Feeding these nutrient-rich, tasty parts to pets may prevent them from being wasted and allows the entire animal to be put to good use.
 

Much of the consumer confusion and discomfort surrounding by-products most likely stems from the marketing strategies of some pet food brands and perhaps from the ingredient name “by-product” itself.
 

It is important to keep in mind that most ingredients in pet foods can vary greatly in quality. In addition, quality cannot be assessed purely on the basis of the ingredient list. All by-products are not the same quality. Neither is all muscle meat. There are very high-quality by-products as well as poor-quality chicken and chicken meal (or beef or pork).
 

Purchasing food only from reputable manufacturers who are very selective about their suppliers, have full-time, qualified nutritionists, and perform analytical testing to ensure that every ingredient, as well as the finished product, meets their exact nutrient specifications, will help avoid problems due to poor-quality ingredients.

  • Our Favorite Tips to Train a Kitten
    Our Favorite Tips to Train a Kitten
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    Tips to Train Your Kitten for a Lifetime of Good Behaviour

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    Bringing a new kitten into your home is an exciting time for any pet lover. As your furry little bundle of joy grows and develops, it's important to remember that proper kitten training is essential for its physical and behavioural well-being. In the crucial growing years, a kitten's brain is like a sponge, absorbing information and learning new skills at an incredible speed. With proper guidance and loving touch, you can ensure that your kitten grows into a well-adjusted, happy, and healthy family member. This blog post will share tips to train your kitten and provide them with the best possible start in life.
     

    Tips to train your kitten

    As a new kitten parent, it's important to understand that kitten training should be a fun and positive experience for you and your furry friend. You can teach your kitten everything from basic commands to good manners with patience, consistency, and a few simple tips. Here are some of our top tips for training your kitten:

     

    1. Teach important commands

      Teaching your kitten to sit is the first step in training. Start by holding a treat in front of their nose and slowly moving it up and over their head. As they look up to follow the treat, their bottom should naturally lower to the ground. As soon as they sit, say 'sit' and give them the treat. Repeat this process several times a day until they understand the command.
       

    2. A place to call their own

      Crate training is an excellent way to provide your kitten with a safe and comfortable space to call their own. Start by placing a soft blanket and a few toys inside the crate. Let your kitten explore the crate on their own kitten food and reward them with treats and praise when they go inside. Over time, you can start closing the door for short periods and gradually increase the duration.

    3. Exploring the world around them

      Socialization is an important part of kitten training. Start by introducing your kitten to friends, family, and other pets. Take your fur baby on short car rides and expose it to sights, sounds, and smells. The more it is exposed to different people, animals, and environments, the more confident and well-adjusted it will be as an adult.
       

    4. Playtime is important!

      Training your kitten to play with toys is a great way to stimulate it mentally and physically. Start by introducing your purrfect pal to various toys and see what interests it the most. Once it is engaged, you two can indulge in fun games like fetch, chase, and tug of war.
       

    5. Potty training

      Litter training is an essential part of kitten training. Start by placing your kitten in the litter box after meals and naps. When they use the litter box, reward them with treats and praises. Be sure to clean the box regularly and keep it in a quiet, accessible location.
       

    6. Dining etiquette for kittens

      Teaching your kitten proper feeding etiquette is important for its overall health and wellbeing. Start by teaching them to eat from a bowl and not to beg at the table. Be consistent with their feeding schedule and monitor their weight to ensure your cats receive full nutrition.

    7. Make them recognize their name

      Teaching kittens to recognize their name is an important step in training. Start by calling their name and rewarding them with treats and praises when they respond. Be consistent with their name and use them as much as possible.

      Overall, training your kitten is an ongoing process that requires patience and consistency. Remember to use positive and reward-based training methods. And most importantly, have fun! Make sure to give your kitten lots of love, praises, and treats as they learn and grow.

     

    Our Favorite Tips to Train a Kitten
    Our Favorite Tips to Train a Kitten
    Our Favorite Tips to Train a Kitten