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Ask 

Dr Edgar

Have any questions? We have compiled a list of QnA's by our veterinarian. If you still need answers, please do not hesitate to book in a slot with Dr Edgar Tan. 

01

Is fresh pet food suitable for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs, and what are the

key differences in their needs?

Fresh food is suitable for dogs at all stages of their life; however, the amount of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals will be different for dogs at different stages of their life. Currently, we are focusing on maintenance in the adult life stage.

03

Are there dogs that should not be fed our fresh food without veterinary supervision?

Dogs who are prone to urinary stones or are diagnosed with having kidney disease should be on a special prescription diet, as they are formulated to help prevent the formation of urinary stones or to slow down the damage of kidney disease.

02

Can small-breed and large-breed dogs eat the same fresh food recipes?

Absolutely! The only difference is that a large-breed dog will need to eat more in terms of weight as compared to a small-breed dog.

Use our feeding calculator to know exactly how much your dog should be eating.

04

How does activity level (working dogs vs. sedentary pets) affect fresh food requirements?

More active dogs will need to eat more compared to dogs who are living a sedentary lifestyle. Use our feeding calculator to know exactly how much your dog should be eating.

Suitability and Life Stage

05

Is protein content in fresh food too high for certain dogs?

Based on the AAFCO nutritional guideline for dogs, there is no maximum limit for protein content. That being said, excessive protein intake can worsen kidney issues or cause mineral imbalance in the body.

07

Can long-term feeding of fresh food lead to nutrient deficiencies or excesses?

As long as the required amount of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals is fulfilled, dogs will do fine on long-term feeding.

06

What role do carbohydrates play in fresh food diets, and are they necessary for dogs?

Dogs do not have a dietary requirement for carbohydrates, but they do have a metabolic requirement for glucose. One example will be the brain's requirement for glucose for energy needs.

Nutrition and Balance

08

Is fresh food safe for dogs with kidney, liver, or pancreatic conditions?

Cooked food is definitely safe for dogs with existing conditions, but the formulation of the food is the most important part. Dogs with liver issues should avoid or minimise red meat and fat intake, while dogs who are prone to pancreatitis should reduce their fat intake.

10

Is fresh food appropriate for dogs with skin issues such as itching, hotspots, or chronic ear infections?

Unless the dog has been diagnosed with food allergic dermatitis, then fresh food is appropriate for dogs with said skin condition.

12

Should dogs on prescription diets transition to fresh food, and under what circumstances?

Unless specified by a vet, dogs on a prescription diet should stay on it until their condition is resolved.

09

Can dogs with food allergies or intolerances eat fresh food safely?

Yes! Dogs with food allergies can eat fresh food as long as there is none of the dog’s allergen in the ingredient list.

11

Can fresh food help or worsen gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea, vomiting, or IBS?

As long as the allergen that is causing the IBS is not in the ingredient list, fresh food will not worsen gastrointestinal issues.

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Medical Conditions and Special Needs

13

How should I transition my dog from kibble or canned food to fresh food safely?

Transition slowly, replacing about 15-20% of the dog’s regular meal daily with the new food. For example,

Day 1-2: 25% TFBF / meal

Day 3-4: 50% TFBF / meal

Day 5-6: 75% TFBF / meal

Day 7: 100% TFBF / meal

 

Complete transition to the fresh food should take approximately one week, but extend if needed. 

15

Can fresh food be mixed with kibble, treats, or home-prepared meals?

Yes, that option is definitely possible; however, it will be up to the owner to calculate how much of the fresh food is needed daily, as it will be different from the guidelines that we set.

14

What are common mistakes owners make when feeding fresh food?

Some of the common mistakes are feeding too much of the new, fresh food cause the dog to have diarrhoea or vomiting. Another mistake is feeding the same amount of food without looking at the guidelines. That can cause the dog to lose or put on weight, depending on the circumstances.

16

How often should portion sizes be adjusted as my dog ages or gains/loses weight?

For the first month, try to weigh the dog weekly and adjust the portion size accordingly.

Transitioning & Feeding Practices

17

What signs indicate that fresh food is benefiting my dog’s health?

Having a regular bowel movement, a good fur coat, or gaining muscles are some signs that fresh, cooked food is beneficial to a dog’s health.

19

Should blood tests or veterinary check-ups be done regularly for dogs on fresh food diets?

Dogs should have their blood test and yearly check-up done, regardless of the type of food that is being fed to your dog.

18

How long does it typically take to observe changes after switching to fresh food?

There might not be any observable changes after switching over to fresh food. However, you can have peace of mind knowing that the food you serve is made from human-grade ingredients, with no animal by products included.

20

Is fresh food intended as a long-term diet, or should it be rotated with other feeding approaches?

Fresh food can be used to feed dogs long-term, as long as the nutrients are well-balanced.

Monitoring outcomes and Long term use

21

Is cooked fresh food safer than raw diets in terms of bacterial and parasite risks?

Cooked food is definitely safer compared to raw diets, as it kills parasites and bacteria during the process of cooking.

23

How long can fresh food safely remain at room temperature once served?

Ideally, food that has been left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature should be thrown away.

22

How should fresh food be stored, thawed, reheated, and served to maintain safety?

Fresh food should be kept frozen and thawed in the refrigerator only once for safety reasons.

Safety and Food-handling
Edgar Tan

Dr Edgar Tan, Veterinarian

"As a vet practicing in Singapore, I’ve come to recognize that there are quite a large number of dogs with food allergies or digestive issues. Owners usually have to cook on their own, as most of the dog food on sale uses a variety of proteins and carbohydrates in the same packaging, thereby causing uncertainties about which of the ingredients is triggering the dog’s allergies. By focusing on a single protein source, this diet reduces the likelihood of provoking adverse reactions and helps simplify the process of identifying and addressing food intolerances.This single-protein approach is not just about convenience, but also about tailoring the nutrition needs of each dog. It helps owner to be more mindful of their pet’s specific dietary requirements while ensuring that they receive a balanced, wholesome meal. Whether for dogs with sensitive stomachs or skin conditions, the single-protein diet provides a straightforward yet effective way to address these needs!"

Read our QnA above but still have questions?

Communication Method
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Friday, Jan 30
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Kindly note that QnA sessions with Dr Edgar are strictly for nutrition questions related to feeding your four-legged best friend with fresh food from our brand.


Disclaimer:

Please be advised these QnA sessions do not constitute as a consultation, and all animals should be brought into a in-clinic veterinarian.

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