OzPro Pets

For True Pet Lovers

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Signs That Your Cat Is Sick

Cats are experts at hiding illness. In the wild, this instinct can protect them from predators or other cats that might be a threat. Today's house cat has the same tendency to avoid vulnerability, even if the only potential threat is... you. By the time you actually notice something is wrong with your cat, it might have been going on for a longer amount of time than you think. Observe your cat's behaviour and body language. Never ignore signs of illness. When in doubt, contact your vet for advice.

Vomiting

Vomiting hairball is not a concern. However, anything more than this might lead to food poisoning, food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hepatic lipidosis or other medial issues that warrants to trip to the vet.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea may indicate dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, and a variety of other problems that leads to dehydration and further intestinal inflammation.

Lost of appetite, weight change & lethargy

Lack of eating for even a few days can lead to fatty liver or hepatic lipidosis. Sudden weight loss or low energy level might be the the result of diabetes, feline infectious peritonitis, gastrointestinal problems, intestinal parasites, hyperthyroidism, organ failure, or dental issues.

Thirsty

Dramatic increase in thirst often leads to medical concerns of kidneys or urinary tract.

Abnormal urination

Urination is an important symptom to define a cat’s urinary tract and kidney function. Please seek for immediate medical treatment if there is a change in frequency or quantity of urine, inappropriate urination, blood in the urine, or when your cat is straining to urinate but nothing is coming out.

Discharge

Discharge from eyes or nose indicates a possible upper respiratory infection. This can make your cat feel ill and stop eating. It may be contagious to other cats in your home.

Ear debris

Ear debris or discharge might mean your cat has an ear infection or even parasites like ear mites. Delayed medical treatment may cause the eardrum to become affected.

Skin & coat issues

Skin irritation or hair loss may be a sign of allergies, external parasites, or other skin condition. It makes your cat painful or itchy.

Over-grooming

Over-grooming could means your cat has a skin issue or is in pain.

Trouble jumping

Limping and trouble jumping up are signs of an injury or a condition like arthritis.

Bad breath

Bad breath is a sign of dental problems, it means your cat's teeth should be checked soon. Excessive drooling and bleeding from the mouth might be the symptoms of oral infection, if exposes the whole body to the bacteria in the mouth, it could lead to problems with the heart and other organs.

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How to choose the right cat food?

Wet canned food? Fresh BARF? Dry kibbles? Freeze dried raw food?

Choosing the best food for your cat can be overwhelming, and definitely sounds more complicated that human food. With all different commercial claims and cat food options in the market, do you know what’s best for your cat?

Basic Nutrition for Cats

• Protein - chicken, poultry, fish, beef, venison

• Taurine - essential amino acids found in meat

• Vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fatty acids

• Hydration - water

Types of Cat Food

The most popular cat food in the market is definitely KIBBLES, but are this type of dry food the best for cats? Check out the comparison below:

Freeze dried cat food is the most convenient and best food for your cat. Other than the pros listed above, there are several other benefits to freeze-dried cat food that you as a cat owner would appreciate: • Grain & gluten free • Raw food on the go • Highly digestible - lesser poop • Suitable for sensitive stomach • Customizable

Shop freeze-dried goodies here. Your furbabies will thank you for it!

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How to Tell if Your Dog or Cat Is Overweight

Chubby cats and dogs do look extra adorable! Let’s not body shame our pets, but the extra fat they carry might also be a potential health risk to them. Not too skinny, but not too chubby at the same time. What’s the ideal weight for your cats and dogs? Let’s take a look!

Underweight

- Ribs and hip bones are clearly visible, especially when viewed from above Ideal

- Outline of the ribs is visible and felt with some fat covering

- Visible waist when viewed from above

Overweight

- Ribs can be felt but with difficulty

- Waist is not visible when viewed from above

- Stomach appears rounded when viewed from the side

Note to designer: To show side view and top view, can combine both dog and cats in one table as it uses the same description, just different illustrations to show body shape of different weight

Helping your pets maintain a healthy weight is important, especially to avoid illnesses such as diabetes, heart and respiratory diseases or worsen other conditions such as arthritis or occurring health issues. Active lifestyle and food play significant roles in maintaining your pet’s weight at a healthy level. The type of food given, method of feeding and keeping fit does affect your pet’s weight. Remember to choose pet food wisely by making sure it is nutritional enough for your fur kids, but also be careful not to overfeed. Give your pet a complete and balanced diet with OzPro RawFeast Freeze-Dried Pet Food. For a more accurate assessment of your pet’s weight condition, consult your veterinarian to ensure your pet’s weight and growth are on the right track!

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Can Dogs Eat Cat Food and Can Cats Eat Dog Food?

In short, the answer is NO and NO.

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning meat is a biological necessity to them. On the other hand, dogs are omnivores which means they eat meat and vegetables, meaning dogs require much more than just meat alone to fulfil their nutritional requirements.

Cat food contains much higher meat-based protein compared to dog food. While dogs need various sources to have a balanced nutritional diet, cats need food that has a much higher protein content than dog food does. Dog food lacks a few essential nutrients that cats require. For instance, vitamin A, taurine, arachidonic acid and meat-protein levels.

Simply put, dogs cannot stay healthy with just cat food, and cats cannot survive on dog food alone. To ensure the health of your dogs and cats, let us feed responsibly by providing a diet that can meet their feline and canine needs.

Understanding that felines and canines thrive on a meat-based protein die, OzPro RawFeast is specially designed for both cats and dogs to consume. Made from 100% pure meat, we have an array of flavours and functions to suit every cat’s and dog’s needs! Browse OzPro RawFeast Freeze-Dried Boosters. For a complete and balanced diet for your felines and canines, browse our OzPro RawFeast Freeze-Dried Holistic.

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Tips for Feeding Fussy or Picky Eating Cats

1) Set a feeding routine

Rather than free-feeding your cat, stick to a feeding plan of meals at set times of the day to helpyour cat familiarize itself with a routine. This trains them to expect when food will arrive.Note to designer: Suggest to use cat’s paws instead of human hands. Can use a differentpicture too if there’s any better ideas.

2) Try different flavours

Perhaps it’s just not a favourable flavour for your cat. Some cats prefer fish-based recipes overchicken-based recipes or vice versa. Give your cats OzPro RawFeast a try. We now have up to15 flavours of freeze-dried pet food for you to choose from. Shop our full range here.

3) Reduce the treat

It’s hard to resist their adorable faces but giving too many treats throughout the day can lowertheir motivation to eat their main meals as they will be expecting more yummy treats instead!

4) Try different food types

There’s so many options in the market nowadays. From kibbles, frozen raw, freeze-dried, to wetfood and more, it’s worth a try to switch it up sometimes, just make sure to give your cat sometime for transition. You can also try our very own freeze-dried pet food, with 3 different servingmethods for you to experiment with! For more information, browse our full range here.

5) Give space, or not

Some cats prefer to have an audience as they eat. Some even feel encouraged to eat morewhen hand fed or gently stroked. On the contrary, some cats prefer to be left alone when eating.Try out both ways to find out whether you should give space to your cat when eating.

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3 Myths and Truths About Feeding Your Cat

Myth #1: Free-Feeding Cats Is Fine

Free feeding means having unlimited food available at all times. While cats do enjoy this feeding method, it needs to be carried out with caution. Cats are used to having multiple small meals throughout the day, but having a free flow of food might lead to issues such as beingoverweight. Remember to set the amount of food according to your cat's weight to balance thenutrient and food intake. That said, if you are feeding your cats OzPro RawFeast®, the dailyportion for kittens should be 1.2% of its weight in grams with a recommendation of 2 to 3 meals per day. As for adult cats, the daily portion should be 0.8% of the cat's weight in grams with a recommendation of 1-2 meals per day.

Myth #2: Milk Is Good For Cats

Contrary to common beliefs, most adult cats are lactose intolerant and consuming milk cancause gastrointestinal upset. Though milk is not a great nutrient source for cats, it can be fed asa treat and in minimal portions. Instead of milk, plain water should suffice as their main source of hydration. In cases where your cat is less keen on drinking water, another great way to make sure your cat's water intake is enough is by feeding them wet food. All OzPro RawFeast pet food can be fed as wet food. Simply add in water to soak the freeze-dried pet food, and it will be ready to eat in just a few minutes.

Myth #3: Vegetarian or Vegan Diet Is Healthier For Cats

As a cat owner, it is vital to note that cats are obligate carnivores which means that they musteat meat and that meat is an absolute biological necessity due to their ancestral diets. Though itis fine to include a small amount of vegetables in your cat's diet, they don't need it to stay healthy. In short, the ideal diet for your cat should be primarily a meat-based protein diet.

OzPro understands what every cat needs in aspects of diet and nutrition. For that, we offer awide range of palatable boosters to give your furbaby a nutritious diet. Better yet, give your cats a complete and balanced diet with our OzPro RawFeast® holistic range. Shop OzProRawFeast® range here.

Remember that every cat is different, and their diet might vary too! Always check with your vet if your cat requires any special diet or if you have any questions to fulfil your cat’s nutrientnecessities.

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5 Tips to Help Your Cat and Dog Be Friends

It breaks your heart knowing your cat and dog don’t get along. The exact reasons why they don’t get along remain a mystery. It could be past experiences, conditioning, scent, how they appear, how they sound, or it can be just personal preference and personality differences

It would be easier if they were raised together since they were pups and kittens as they are still new to the world and are more open to accepting new things. However, if this is not the case for you, check out some of these tips on how you can help them get along (or at least be less repulsive towards each other's presence).

1) First impression matters

     Many dogs tend to get too excited when they first see a cat, and this could cause the cat to feel uneasy and make it difficult for your dog and cat to interact. Consider putting a baby gate in between them whenever they meet. At other times, separate your cat and dog and only allow them to view each other during specific times.

2) Keep the experience positive

     Don't scold your dog during its interaction with your cat. This might lead your dog to think that the cat is the cause of his negative experience. It is also good to give treats to reward calm behaviour.

3) Swap scents

     Let your cats and dogs work their nose magic! Both cats and dogs rely heavily on smell and sight to learn about their surroundings. Try letting your dog take a whiff at your cat's bed or toys to satisfy their curiosity and vice versa before introducing them face-to-face. You can also swap out their blankets and bedding for them to get used to each other's scent without overstimulating either of them.

4) Desensitization and patience

     Desensitization will reduce the reaction of your dog towards your cat after multiple and continuous exposures. If this works on your first few attempts, you are lucky, but that usually isn't the case. You'll need patience and time before they start to familiarize themselves with each other's presence.

5) Keep the food and toys separate

     This is to prevent competition over toys or food that might prompt fighting. The idea is to avoid them from feeling threatened by each other’s presence.

It takes time for both your cat and dog to adapt and familiarize themselves with each other. Always remember to take things slow and be patient with the process. If things don't seem to go anywhere for a long time, you can seek help from a professional pet trainer.

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Why You Shouldn’t Cook Your Pet's Food

The Importance of Raw Food

Raw food is designed to give your cats and dogs the type of food they evolved to eat. It is actually a mimic of their ancestral diet which means what they would naturally eat in the wild.

As raw food is cooked, the nutritional value is altered. Heating and cooking process results in the loss of valuable nutrients that your cat and dog needs to thrive. The loss of valuable nutrients will affect your pet’s nutritional needs to stay fit and healthy.

The Concerns of Raw Food

While raw food is highly nutritious and beneficial to your pet’s health, there are several concerns in serving raw food. Raw meat needs to be handled with utmost care to prevent cross-contamination with other food. For instance, practicing a proper method of storing raw meat and to preserve its freshness. Since raw meat needs to be frozen for storage, it takes time to unfrozen and serve the food. Another concern is bacterias and parasites from raw meat that hold potential health risks to both the human and pet.

Note to designer: place individual picture for each factors

- Proper storage

- Preparation time

- Risk of bacteria infection

OzPro RawFeast® – The Safer Alternative for Raw Food

OzPro realizes the struggle of most pet owners in providing a nutritious diet to their pets with raw meat. For that, we have designed RawFeast® freeze-dried pet food for both the good of the pets and the convenience of pet owners. RawFeast® is raw meat freeze-dried at -60°C, meaning all nutrients in the form of raw meat are retained. Since the raw meat is freeze-dried, pet owners can safely store and serve the food with ease. For more information on OzPro RawFeast®, take a look at our products here https://ozpropets.com/

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5 Ways Pets Improve Your Health and Well-Being

Owning a pet can give you several benefits. The benefits that come with having a pet can help to make your life happier, healthier, and more fulfilled.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

All the cuddles, playtime, and laughter can reduce your stress and anxious feelings. Spending time with your pets contributes to the release of endorphins called oxytocin. Oxytocin is not only calming; it causes you to feel a surge of positive emotion too. While it puts you at ease cuddling them or just being around them, petting them can also be a soothing experience!

Increased Physical Health

Owning a pet, particularly a dog, might be beneficial to your physical health. Statistics have shown that dog owners, in general, had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Though there are no black and white findings for the reasons behind it, it could be due to the dog’s physical requirements that need to be met. For example, going for walks and playing fetch does contribute to physical exercise.

Improved Socialisation and Emotional Development

When you have pets, it helps with your social skills and emotional development, especially if you start owning a pet from a young age. A study showed that adolescents with pets had greater empathy and were more confident during their adulthood. Besides, a journal found that those who had greater care for animals also had greater community involvement and displayed higher leadership qualities!

Improved Discipline

When you have pets, you develop a particular routine. You’ll have to make sure you wake up in time to make your pet’s food, feed them, take your pets for a walk, or even bathe them. All pets require attention and care, and in a way, this shapes our discipline as we balance our time for daily tasks and our time for pets.

Improved Immunity

Studies have shown that when you are exposed to pathogens and potential allergens at an early age, your immune system is strengthened, which leads to an increased tolerance to allergies in later life. Not just that, studies have also shown that those children with pets in their household are less prone to asthma or eczema.

Owning a pet can boost our well-being, but it’s also a great responsibility. Pets are living creatures who need love and care, feeding, grooming, and veterinary attention like any other creature needs to survive or maintain its health. If you need some companionship, make sure you are prepared, and since there’s plenty of choices for adoption nowadays, consider adopting one instead of buying!

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How to Tell if Your Cat Is Angry at You

#6 BitingUnless it's a playful bite, getting a bite on your hand when you pet your cat could be your cat telling you to 'leave me alone' or 'enough petting for now'.

Felines are mysterious creatures. Is it feeling neutral, happy, or angry? You might fall into confusion trying to decipher their mixed signals!Here are some signs that your cat is secretly angry at you...

#1 Growling or Hissing

It's not just dogs who growl. Cats do too! If your cat gives you a throaty growl or a serpent-like hiss, you know it's angry.

#2 Glaring

You can see it in their eyes, and perhaps you can even feel it too. When your cat gives you 'the look' with dilated pupils or a swishing tail, it is trying to tell you they're upset about something.

#3 Hiding

When your cat is unhappy or scared, they'll hide away from you. Rather than dragging it out and forcing it to socialize, give it some time to approach you when it feels ready.

#4 Sudden fluffiness

So your cat is crouching with its back arched, looking all fluffy with a bushy tail. It looks adorable, but you might want to resist the urge to pet it till it calms down.

#5 Airplane Ears

Your cat's ears are flat against its head, and it looks like an airplane getting ready to take off. Your cat could be angry at you, or it could be angry at something else, but whatever the reason, it is definitely upset.

#6 BitingUnless 

it's a playful bite, getting a bite on your hand when you pet your cat could be your cat telling you to 'leave me alone' or 'enough petting for now'.

#7 Twitchy tail

Your cat's tail is placed low, swaying quickly in back and forth and side to side motion. Nowwould be a good time to stop whatever you're doing that's annoying your cat.

#8 Peeing 

everywhereThis could be a sign that your cat is distressed or angry, especially if it's targeting all the softsurfaces in your house. Be sure to seek veterinary help before it becomes a habit.

At times, judging from a single sign is not enough to understand what's on the mind of yourfeline friend. Keep in mind to observe all the other cues shown for a better perception!

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