DOGS

Frontier Pet food has been developed for healthy dogs. However, because it is made using exceptional, biologically appropriate ingredients, it is likely that it will assist to lessen common allergies. If your dog has an allergy, it may be related to grains or the environment. If it’s environment there’s not a lot you can do (except maybe move), but if it’s a grain allergy then Frontier Pet food is great because it's gluten free. We receive many testimonies that it greatly improves health issues - so it's pretty impressive really.

Anal glands are about the size of a pea and sit on either side of the anus of dogs. They contain a thick fluid with a pungent, fishy smell. Related to the scent glands of skunks, they have a smell that is unique for each dog. The fluid appears to be used to communicate. The glands are emptied as faeces passes out the anus, expressing them and leaving the dogs scent on their poo. Sometimes anal glands expand from too much fluid, which causes the dogs anal to feel irritated, and dogs exhibit butt licking and/ or rubbing their butts on the ground. Gland issues are more common with dogs with allergies. If your dog has full anal glands, these need to be emptied. As a prevention add a teaspoon of psyllium husk or all bran to each meal. Frontier foods may help to aid in the prevention of anal gland issues because of the anti-inflammatory nature of the diet. Adding Insoluble fibre or bone to the diet which bulks out and gives a bigger poo also helps prevent gland issues in dog prone to this problem.

The two main types of arthritis: osteo (or bone) arthritis (most common) and rheumatoid or immune related. Arthritis is caused by various things including wear and tear; injury; genetics; surgery; infection and immune system disorder. With arthritis, the cartilage around the joints deteriorates and the synovial fluid loses its lubricating properties. Movement of the bones becomes less smooth, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. Frontier Pet food is great for maintaining healthy weight due to the low carbs, the protein helps to rebuild and the high levels of healthy fats help nourish the joints. The added turmeric may help support joint pain.

Cancer is an end stage chronic illness. Cancer cells are mutant, damaged cells which reproduce uncontrollably. They have altered metabolic pathways. These cells prefer to feed on simple sugars, like glucose, which are readily available in foods containing simple carbs and starches. Being very low carb and very high nutritional value, Frontier Food contains little easy glucose and would be a great diet option to talk to your vet about, for animals with cancer. It is also highly palatable to stimulate the appetite. In addition, Frontier food will likely assist in keeping dogs healthy.

Cushing's Disease, once quite rare, is now common. You can think of it as a form of cancer. There is excess cortisol, caused by a tumour, either in the adrenal gland or the pituitary gland in the brain. Cortisol is a stress hormone. Cushing's Disease is a chronic illness of the endocrine (hormone) system of the body. We believe Frontier food may assist in the prevention of Cushing's Disease. Due to the high fat content however, it may not be suitable for dogs who have diagnosed with Cushing's Disease. See your vet for advice. If your vet is not supportive of or knowledgeable about raw feeding then you should consider visiting an holistic vet who is more open to raw feeding.

Dermatitis is the Inflammation of the skin causing itchiness, hot spots and redness. The skin is the barrier or edge between the interior body and the outside environment. The causes of dermatitis are complex but it is believed to have a genetic basis in part. Dogs prone to dermatitis often have skin that is lacking or low in healthy fatty acids, making the skin vulnerable to react. Frontier Pets creates a good skin barrier and reduces inflammation due to lots of protein and plenty of healthy fats. Feeding your dog Frontier Pets should help to improve the condition, but is not a magic bullet.

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar. The hormone insulin moves sugar from the blood into your cells to be stored or used for energy. With diabetes, the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does make. This means there Is excess blood sugar. This causes signs like excess thirst and excess urination, and weight loss if advanced. A common cause of diabetes is an excess of simple sugars (simple carbohydrate) in the diet. Frontier food should assist in the prevention if diabetes due to its low carbohydrate content and its high nutritional value. Frontier food is generally also an excellent choice to feed to dogs with diabetes, due to the high protein and high fat content which provide sustained, slow glucose release. Always consult your vet if considering a diet change for your diabetic dog as an adjustment in insulin dosage may be required. Regular meal time and meal portions are essential too.

Otitis is caused when there is an upset in the ear ecology for some reason, causing an overgrowth of normal bacteria and yeasts. Ear infections needs treating with your vet. Frontier Pets can help prevent ear infections as it has plenty of healthy fats, reduces inflammation and contains low carbs. Sometimes food sensitivities trigger ear infections so be aware of that.

The thyroid is the master hormone (endocrine) gland. Hypothyriodism means the thyroid function is suppressed or reduced. This is an end stage chronic or long-standing illness which may be attributed largely to inflammation in the body that goes unchecked, or other disease processes. Any sickness in the body can impact on thyroid function. Signs can include non itchy, symmetrical hair loss, weight gain and lethargy. Frontier Pet food is generally appropriate to feed if your dog has hypothyroidism. We believe our food, may also assist in the prevention of the development of this illness.

This disease is the chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Often called ‘leaky gut syndrome’. Your pet is no longer able to digest or absorb nutrients and may develop food sensitivities. Signs of IBS include vomiting, diarrhoea, mucousy stools, bad cramps, flatulence, weight loss, strong or weak appetite. You will need to seek veterinary attention as this is a complex illness. There are often infections and a compromised immune system. Frontier Pets may assist in prevention the development of IBS, and have a positive effect on intestinal health.

The kidneys filter the blood, resorb water from the urine and help maintain blood pressure. Kidney disease happens when kidney cells die off causing reduced ability to perform their functions. Kidney disease can be acute (short term) or chronic (long standing). Signs of chronic kidney failure include: Increase in thirst; increase in urination; dehydration; bad breath; weight loss and vomiting. Dogs with end stage kidney disease need a low phosphorous and low protein diet, and Frontier food is not suitable. It is likely however that our food helps keep the kidneys healthy and may assist in prevention of kidney failure. Frontier food may be fed in early kidney failure, as part of the diet, under close veterinary supervision. We suggest you contact your vet for further advice. If your vet is not supportive of or knowledgeable about raw feeding then you may request a consultation with an holistic vet who is more open to these options.

This usually frightens people as it seems so dramatic. It’s actually not uncommon and often times, is not as serious as it looks. It is caused by an irritated and inflamed intestine, causing the body expel a small amount of mucus or blood. If your dog is experiencing this we suggest putting them on a fast, then a bland diet, with lots of fluids for 24 hours. Signs usually resolve quickly. If your dog is unwell, or signs are severe then please see your vet.

Some dogs may have a mild bout when they first commence feeding Frontier Pet food, especially if they have previously been fed kibble, or if they are young or weak. It takes a while for the digestive system to be able to digest a raw diet: the right bacteria need to establish themselves and the system needs time to adjust to the new food and how to manage it. The key is put your pup on a bland diet of 50% fish and 50% sweet potato until things go back to normal. Introduce Frontier Pet food very slowly, adding a little more each day to the fish and potato or original diet. Most dogs will come good with time. Allow up to 10 weeks to make the transition for very sensitive dogs.

Pancreatitis means inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ which assists with digestion, through providing enzymes (eg lipase) and hormones (eg insulin). Symptoms include vomiting, pain, fever and loss of appetite. Your dog may experience recurrent bouts, usually brought on by eating fatty foods. For acute episodes, you must see your vet as generally hospitalization is required. In the short term, for dogs who have experienced pancreatitis It is preferable to avoid fatty foods. Frontier Pets, due to the high fat content, may not be an appropriate choice.

The best long-term treatment is to improve your dog’s digestive health so they can handle healthy fats again, as long- term fat restriction leads to other health issues. You must avoid feeding very high fat meals randomly. We believe Frontier Pets is a great preventative option and gives healthy dog in the long run. If you are interested in transitioning your dog onto Frontier food and they have a history of pancreatitis, we suggest you book a consultation with our resident vet Dr Kathy who can assist you. Please contact us if you would like to do this.

There are a variety of crystals that are commonly found in small numbers in the urine. Sometimes these can form solid masses called stones. The best way to ensure healthy urine is to make sure your dog drinks lots of water and to make sure they pee often.

Feeding a healthy diet like Frontier will assist in long term prevention but do not feed it dry: be sure to add water. Frontier food assists in maintaining a healthy urine pH which guards against infections which can contribute to the formation of certain types of stones.