Category: News & Press

Tell us your pet’s superpower to win Carnilove goodies!

Sometimes it’s the small things in life that make us the happiest. Our cats and dogs seem to have superpowers when it comes to supporting us, calming anxiety and taming loneliness. Whether it is something silly they do to make you laugh or being by your side to comfort you when you are feeling down, our pets often keep us going even in the toughest times.

During lockdown in the UK many of us felt the pleasure of being able to take our canine companions out for a walk or felt lucky we had a purring cat keeping us company at home.

For Carnilove ambassador Balto the change of pace has taken some adjustment. Usually out and about taking part in local shows or carrying out his ‘Pets As Therapy duties’, Balto has been keeping himself busy. His owner Sandra told us ‘ Balto The Pawsome Therapy Husky is my soulmate. Throughout this pandemic he has been my constant and only companion. To keep us both sane we have worked towards and achieved a number of Trick Dog Awards. Huskies are not known for preforming Trick/Obedience tasks, they are independent dogs, so our journey together has been full of laughs and treats. His ability to make me smile on the darkest of days has helped me through these strange times. Dogs are family and, as a family, we will get through this all together’

Photo: Through The Lens Photography

New Carnilove ambassador Luna is emotionally insightful. Owner Chris told us ‘My wife Emma is a Police Officer and has to deal with tough situations on a daily basis. Luna ALWAYS knows when Emma has had a bad day: on the worst days Luna never leaves Emma, spending all evening curled up with her. But even if one of us simply sheds a tear during a sad moment in a movie, Luna will check in to see if we are ok. As a teacher, Luna has supported me at home during the last 12 months, giving me space to teach, but making regular appearences to make sure I’m ok. She is the best companion and family member to both of us; we couldn’t imagine our life without her.’

Tell us about your super pet and you could win Carnilove goodies! Visit our Facebook page, or tag @CarniloveUK on Instagram to enter.

Competition Rules:

The promoter is BSB Products Ltd, whose registered office is Bancroft House, 10 Bancroft Road, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 7RP.

• The Judge’s decision is final
• Prizes can only be dispatched to a UK postal addresses
• You may enter as many times as you like. Entry is free.
• No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason
• One cat and one dog winner will be selected. The prize for the dog winner will consist of 1 x 1.5kg bag of Carnilove dog food, 2 x bags of Carnilove dog treats, 6 x Carnilove canned wet dog food. The prize for the cat winner will consist of 1 x 2kg bag of Carnilove cat food, 2 x bags of Carnilove cat treats, 1 x Carnilove cat pouch multipack.
• No cash alternative or other alternative prize will be available on entrants’ request.
• BSB Products Ltd reserve the right to amend these rules at any time. Entry in this competition implies acceptance of these rules
• Images submitted for the competition may be shared to our social media channels and websites. By entering you are giving permission for these images to be used.

Dog flatulence can be a key concern for owners. We all know a dog that farts a lot, often clearing a room with a silent parp! It may be a comedy subject to others but, for owners, dog flatulence can be a major issue.

We look at a case study with Carnilove Ambassador Jac to examine this subject further. Jac is a well-built, active, male German Shepherd. He was not a ‘foodie’ dog and had some difficulty maintaining his weight. He had tried a number of different diets but none seemed to be the perfect fit for him.

Our nutrition team recommended that Jac start his transition with Carnilove Lamb and Wild Boar as this was the closest protein match to his current diet. Jac slowly transitioned to his new food and Jac’s owner began to notice a difference. Jac’s coat became shinier, he produced ‘lovely poos’, he began maintaining a healthy weight and loved the new food, keen to eat at meal times.

The one issue which still persisted was Jac’s flatulence!

In Jac’s case, our nutrition team were able to offer the following specific advice;

This is usually the result of some undigested nutrients which then moves to the back parts of the digestive system (large intestine) and then becomes “food” for various bacteria which form gases. Smelly flatulence occurs mostly due to undigested proteins.

 It is always important to accustom the digestive system (above all the gut flora) to new types of proteins hence we recommend a very gradual transition to new food. This can also happen if you move from lesser to better quality food or food with a higher content of protein. It can take time to learn to digest the new food properly.

 Occasionally a dog is unable to effectively digest certain types of proteins and it is better to consider switching to an alternative protein source.

Jac trialled Carnilove Duck and Pheasant formula and the results were great! The flatulence was gone. Jac’s owner also reported that he was now even keener on his food and declared Carnilove Duck and Pheasant recipe to be his favourite food!

My dog keeps farting a lot – what should I do? Check out these common causes of flatulence in dogs

Wrong Foods

We are all guilty of occasionally feeding our pets ‘human food’ which we see as a little treat. However this can cause stomach upset and can cause some smelly situations! Formulated for the natural origins of dogs, Carnilove food and treats are high in protein and meat content, perfectly suited to your canine companion.

Overfeeding

Overfeeding can cause obesity in pets, a major contributor to further health issues, and digestive upset for your dog resulting in diarrhoea and smelly gas. The feeding guide of your chosen pet food is the best place to start. You can adjust up or down as required to maintain a healthy weight. Remember to factor in treats when looking at their daily diet – ideally these should not make up more that 10% of your pet’s calorie intake.

Transitioning

Changing dog food too quickly, especially if your dog has been fed the same thing for a long time, can cause unwanted dog flatulence. Taking time to slowly transition your dog over a number of days can reduce any gassy side effects! How to change your dog’s food? Start with 25% of the new food and 75% of the old, gradually increasing the amount of the new food. It may also help to pick a protein source that is similar to their current diet.

Sensitivities

Some dogs may have a sensitivity to a certain ingredient in the food. This could be a particular protein or it could be any of the other ingredients. We are often asked ‘what is the best sensitive stomach dog food?’ Each dog is different and we would recommend that you contact our nutrition team to discuss your dog’s diet in detail.

There can also be a number of medical conditions which may be affecting your dog’s digestion. If you are concerned that your dog is unwell, we recommend that you seek veterinary advice.

Follow Carnilove on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to hear more about all of our dog ambassadors.

Read more: LUNA, Carnilove’s new ambassadog

We are giving away 100kg of Carnilove dog food to charity. We want you to help us choose who to give it to. To nominate the charity of your choice visit our Instagram or Facebook pages and tag your selected charity in the comments section.

By nominating a charity you will also be in with a chance win a prize yourself! The person that nominates the winning charity will win a year of Carnilove food for their own cat or dog.

UK charities only please, prizes must be delivered to a UK address. Entries close Friday 19^th March. Winning charity will be selected through public vote. In the case that the winning charity receives more than one nomination, nominees will be entered into random draw to select the winner.

We recently ran a search for a new dog to join our Carnilove ambassador pack. Fighting off tough competition from a stack of deserving entries, our new ambassador Luna was voted top dog.

Luna is a seven-month-old Samoyed who loves sharing tales of her adventures through her social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram. We asked Luna’s owners to tell us how they decided this lively puppy was right for them.

The right time to own a dog

“As a couple we always wanted a dog, but felt it was unfair when we didn’t have a large amount of time, especially to dedicate to training in the early stages. Our careers didn’t allow us to spend a lot of time with a dog. Through a change in work and a large period of time spent working from home during the lockdown, we both suddenly had those things.”

Deciding which dog is right for you

“We are involved in volunteering with the Air Cadets – which involves taking young people on expeditions, rock climbing, canoeing etc. We also enjoy adventuring on our own, so we wanted a dog that was as at home in the outdoors as we are.”

“We always wanted a Samoyed. As a breed they are simply incredible; not just their beautiful appearance, but their amazing temperament, their desire to be part of the family and their lust for the outdoors. We did extensive research on Samoyeds, so we knew we would be committing to a lot; daily brushing, long walks and an ‘independent streak’ often associated with the breed. However we were very satisfied that a Samoyed was the dog for us.”

 Finding a breeder or adopting from a rescue

“We believe rescuing is important, and have done our bit to support the Samoyed Rescue Society (and will continue to). We felt that a rescue Samoyed would not be suitable for us as first-time Samoyed owners and that getting a puppy to raise and learn about the breed from would be best.

Initially we set about contacting all the breeders on the Kennel Club assured breeders website, as well as the breed associations for Samoyeds. We were lucky enough to be signposted to a breeder and were able to add Luna to our family (as well as meeting Luna’s Mum and Dad).”

 Making the most of lockdown

“Due to lockdown we were able to spend all day every day with her, working on her training, and even post-lockdown, we don’t leave her home alone ever, which is perfect. We are planning to get a second Samoyed once Luna has a grown up a bit and may well choose to provide a home for a rescue.”

How do you decide which dog food is right for Luna? 

“Initially we considered raw feeding with Luna, however, given the nature of trips and adventures we will be doing throughout her life, it is not practical or possible to carry large amounts of raw food with us and as such we decided this was not for us.

We decided we would only consider the best quality dog food for Luna and have a strict checklist:

• Grain-free
• Potato-free
• Minimum of 70/30 – 70% meat to 30% fruit and veg, ideally 80/20.

For us, having a high quality dog food that was portable for when we start taking Luna away on trips was our absolute priority, and having a variety of flavours and tastes to rotate between was crucial as well.’

Carnilove dog foods are created to fulfil your dog’s natural love of meat whilst also providing the best nutrition. Luna is currently eating Carnilove Puppy Salmon and Turkey recipe. She will also be testing out a selection of tasty Carnilove Treats and Wet Food Pouches.

Does your canine companion have what it takes to be our next Carnilove brand ambassador? We love dogs with personality and attitude, so whether you have an adventurous akita, a lovely lab or a happy Heinz 57, we want to hear from you!

The lucky winner will receive a consultation with our nutritionist and year’s supply of Carnilove – with the opportunity to try all the latest food and treats. Find the entry form on the Carnilove.co.uk website – https://www.carnilove.co.uk/carnilove-dog-ambassador/

Entries from the UK only please. Entry will close at midnight on 11^th December.

K9 Search Services Scotland is an all-volunteer, non-profit organisation providing K9 search resources, upon request from Police Scotland, other responsible agencies and families of the missing, to assist with the rescue or recovery of missing dogs or people.

German Shepard, Jac, is a member of the search team and the latest dog to join our Carnilove pack. We spoke to his owner Karen to find out more about what goes into becoming a search dog and how Carnilove dog food supports Jac be to be at his best.

How did you get into search training?

“I knew Jac wanted a job from a young age. We went to K9 Manhunt and ScentWork Scotland when he was four months old and tried scent work and, although he was good at it, it didn’t seem to excite him. So I waited until he was nine months old and we tried mantrailing, which he loved!. After lots of training we joined the K9 Search Services Scotland search team, where Jac trains three weekends out of four.”

Scent work is the way in which working detection dogs locate a scent and communicate to the handler that the scent has been found. Scent work can also be learnt for fun or as enrichment.

Mantrailing is a sport as well as a search and rescue skill. Working as a team, the dog and handler must follow a scent trail to hunt down a missing person or animal.

What do you enjoy about this type of training and work?

“Jac enjoys himself and the different environments we find ourselves in, whether that’s on a call-out, training, or being with the people in the team. I also love watching the other dogs working and how the different breeds work in their own distinctive way.”

How would you recommend getting into these kind of activities?

“Any dog can do them no matter the size or age. If you are located in Scotland, K9 Manhunt and Scentwork Scotland run workshops and a fortnightly club. Try running an internet search for ‘mantrailing’ to see there your closest trainer is. You don’t need lots of things – just a harness, a 10m training lead and a toy or high-reward treats, the Carnilove ones are great!”

How did you meet Jac and become his owner?

“I’m super lucky to be there from the start with Jac as I bred him. Jac was born on Thursday 7^th June 2018 at 1am. He was the first born of a litter of four.”

What makes Jac so well suited to search work?

“German Shepherds love having a job to do. Jac is very easy going and loves nothing more than to cuddle up on the sofa with you, but when he sees his harness he becomes excited about getting to work. When he has his harness on he does things he wouldn’t normally do like jump over fences, because he is so eager to please.”

What are the important things you look for in a dog food for Jac? 

“With Jac being super active, I need a food that will help keep weight on and refuel him, especially if he has been out on a call. Jac needs a high-protein and high- fat diet: he particularly loves Carnilove Lamb and Wild Boar. I also want a food that isn’t full of colours and fillers. Jac can be fussy about the size of the kibble, just because he is a big dog doesn’t mean he wants to eat big bits of kibble. Most off all I want him to like the food he eats and have the best he can at a good price.”

Find out more about dog foods available from Carnilove

Even though we tend to see them as our furry little friends, deep down inside, our pets are ferocious carnivores. And carnivores need meat.

All Carnilove foods are formulated with respect for the natural origins of cats and dogs, containing lots of meat supported by beneficial fruits, veggies and herbs. Carnilove wet food is available in both cans and pouches, so which will suit your pet best?

Dogs

Carnilove canned wet food for dogs contains 67% wild-origin meats with no potato, rice, other grains or fillers. The chunky texture and inclusion of meat and organs make them an enticing option for any dog, whilst providing all the nutrients your pet will need. Available in five popular formulas for dogs and one for puppies, each type of meat used has been selected for its digestibility and benefits.

The new Carnilove pouches with pieces of wild-origin meat in paté for dogs contain 85% meat and are available in a 300g pouch. They are easy to transport if you are on the go and their soft texture is perfect to use with suitable interactive feeding toys. With a range of eight appealing flavours such as Ostrich with Blackberries and Buffalo with Rose Petals they are a great way to give your dog variety in their diet and can be used as a complete food or a topper for kibble.

Cats

Carnilove wet food cans for cats are packed with white muscle meat with small amounts of liver and heart to satisfy your cat’s instinctive love of meat.  Available in four delicious formulas for cats and Turkey & Salmon recipe for kittens. All varieties are grain- and potato-free, exactly as the natural diet of your cat would be.

Containing 85% meat, the new Carnilove wet food pouches for cats are available in six tempting flavours for cats and one for kittens that will entice even the fussiest of felines. These pouches contain  meat pieces in a gravy, offering your cat two textures to enjoy. These pouches are also available in a multipack which contain four popular flavours to give your cat a variety of options to choose from!

All Carnilove wet foods can be fed as a complete diet or combined with your pet’s favourite dry food to add variety to their diet.

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All Carnilove recipes follow the principal that dogs and cats should be fed with respect for their natural origins. Which is why all of our recipes have a high meat content, supported by beneficial vegetables, fruits and herbs and don’t contain any artificial colours or preservatives.

Carnilove Fresh also includes fresh meat ingredients in kibble format, making it especially hard for cats and dogs to resist. Aside from tasting good, why else should you choose Carnilove Fresh for your dog?

Nourish muscles and tissue

The Wild-Origin meats in Carnilove Fresh formulas are rich in nutrients, unsaturated fatty acids and amino acids, all of which nourish the muscles and tissues. All Carnilove Fresh recipes contain 80% meat.

Great for skin and coat

Carnilove Fresh Carp & Trout, available in formulas for cats and dogs, is a unique composition of proteins that are easily digestible due to shorter muscle fibres, as well as providing a natural source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are highly beneficial to the quality of the skin and coat.

Easily digestible

Carnilove Fresh Chicken & Rabbit’s high protein content encourages the proper development of all tissues and the easily digestible rabbit meat makes this recipe suitable for any carnivore. Rabbit is also very low in fat, making it exceptionally lean. Available in formulas for cats and dogs.

Enticing flavour in small bite kibble

Carnilove Fresh Ostrich & Lamb  is low in fat and cholesterol but high in protein. Ostrich meat, often referred to as the healthiest red meat, is an excellent source of energy and amino acids which, together with lamb, provide your dog with an exquisite flavour.

Our recipes include lots of other beneficial ingredients:

Digestive health

Pumpkin is a natural source of high-quality fibre, which promotes digestive tract health and ensures efficient absorption of important nutrients

Supporting immune systems

Ginger Root is a powerful natural wonder that protects the body against inflammation and provides the foundation for immune system health and efficient metabolism

Smelling sweeter!

Sage helps reduce flatulence and supports digestion, plus its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Supporting eye health

Sea Buckthorn is rich in antioxidants which fight free radicals and provides a source of vitamin A, which can support eye health.

Carnilove Fresh provides your pet with balanced nutrition rich in fresh meat combined with a variety of vegetables, berries, and herbs.  Now you just have to decide which flavour of Carnilove Fresh your pet will try first!

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This time of year is normally the ‘summer holidays’. This year many of us are considering a ‘staycation’ rather than a ‘vacation’ or perhaps taking the time to catch up with friends that live further away that we haven’t seen for a while. The bonus of staying in the UK is that is makes it easier for our pets to come on holiday with us!

Carnilove Ambassador Balto often travels all over the UK for his PATS duties, taking part in fun shows and supporting the Siberian Husky Welfare Association.

We asked Balto to share his top tips for travelling a longer distance in the car:

1 Safe and secure

Mum says it’s the law that I am safe in Kermit [our vehicle] when on my adventures so I must be secured in my travelling mancave or wear my harness and attached to the seat belt point.

2 Keep hydrated

Mum always carries fresh water for me.

3 Bring a blind

If it’s hot and sunny she uses a blind to keep the heat directly hitting me.

4 Never leave me unattended

I’m never left alone in the car, but especially not on warm days. Even leaving windows open does not keep me cool when it’s hot and she doesn’t want me to die ?.

5 Take breaks

On long journeys mum stops for comfort breaks for us both. It’s nice to stretch my legs too.

6 Bring toys

Mr Croc O’dial, ? my cuddley fwiend is always taken on my adventures.

7 Bring a blanket that smells familiar

I take a familiar blanket with me for stays in hotels so I can settle quickly, knowing it’s my ‘bed’.

8 Bring your normal food

And obviously I take my Carnilove food and treats. Mum knows they are tried and tested and I lub them.

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Summer is a great time to get out and about with your canine friend when the mornings and evenings are lighter and the weather is generally better. Many of us will venture further afield with our pets, exploring new areas and activities.

One activity that many dogs enjoy in the warmer summer months is swimming. Although some dogs prefer to paddle than throw themselves in the deep end, swimming can have fantastic health benefits for your dog. It provides a great form of exercise without putting as much strain on joints. It also offers a form of exercise that can be enjoyed when the weather might be too warm to be running around in the sun.

Check It Is Safe

The first rule of any swimming outing with your dog is to make sure the water is safe. Check that there are easy entry and exit points for your dog and that there are no strong currents or hazards under the water level or floating debris. If you are not sure, it is best not to take the risk. For more information about finding a suitable place to swim with your dog, have a look at this article from the PDSA: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/water-safety

Never Leave your Dog Unattended

Even if you feel your dog is a strong, confident swimmer, you should never leave them alone to swim. It is also a good idea to ensure that you dog has good recall in case you spot a hazard.

Check That Dogs Are Allowed

Especially during the summer months, beaches and other bodies of water can have restrictions on where dogs are allowed or if they are allowed off the lead. It is always worth checking ahead before making the journey to make sure you will all be able to enjoy yourselves.

Be Realistic About Your Dog’s Swimming Abilities

Just because his breed is well known for their swimming prowess, it does not mean that your dog will instinctively swim better than Michael Phelps! Equally dogs that are not well known for liking the water may enjoy a good doggy paddle. You may also find that even a super fit dog is exhausted after a relatively short time swimming if this is not something they do regularly. Fitting your swimming plans around your dog’s abilities will make it much more enjoyable for everyone.

Check for Blue Green Algae

Blue green algae is more common during warm, dry summer months in non-flowing bodies of water such as lakes or ponds and it is toxic. It is a term used to describe a type of bacteria that lives in water and when clumped together looks like algae or a blue-green sheen on the water. You can find out more on this page from the Blue Cross – https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/blue-green-algae-and-its-dangers-dogs

Keep Up To Date With Vaccinations

Leptospirosis is spread through rat wee and contaminated water. You can take steps to avoid this risk to your dog by vaccinating and also making sure you avoid letting your dog swim in places like canals or areas of stagnant water.

Look Out For Nesting Birds & Wildlife

Look out at certain times of year to avoid disturbing nesting birds or other wildlife along the waterways. Organisations such as the National Trust and Wildlife Trusts do helpfully put up signs on the land they manage if they are aware of nesting birds in the area.

Avoid Fishing Lines

Although the majority of those fishing are enthusiastic about preserving the pristine conditions of the lakes or rivers they visit, there is sometimes an exception to the rule! Debris left behind such as fishing lines and hooks can be dangerous for any dog (or human!) swimming and the area is best avoided until you can be sure it is clear.

Keep Cool And Hydrated

You may think that because your dog is in the water, they will manage this one themselves! Always keep a bottle of fresh water handy for your dog and try to make sure that they are not drinking salt water if you are at the beach. To avoid upset tummies it is best for your dog only to drink the water you have bought with you. For young and energetic dogs it is also a good idea to make sure they are taking regular breaks, especially if they are not used to swimming, to ensure they are not over exerting themselves.

Think About Bringing A Picnic!

You could find that your local beauty spot or swimming hole is very busy, especially on warmer days. Be prepared to visit earlier or later in the day to find a quieter time, or bring a picnic and something to create some shade if the sun is beating down. Relax and take your time, venturing into the water when it is a little calmer. Make sure to pack some Carnilove treats for an after swim treat for your favourite pooch.