Some insect-based pet foods may not meet nutritional guidelines and may contain species not listed on the label. Researchers at Ghent University in Belgium evaluated the nutritional adequacy of insect-based dog and cat foods and found potential gaps in quality control and labeling accuracy.
The researchers analyzed 29 insect-based pet food products available in European pet food retail outlets. All the products were marketed as complete and balanced and included 24 for dogs and five for cats. These included foods designated for different life stages: four for growth, 17 for adult maintenance, and three for all life stages for dogs; two for adult cats and three for all life stages. Researchers assessed composition, essential amino acid profiles and minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, selenium, mercury and molybdenum.
Results showed that 76 percent of the products tested did not comply with their declared nutritional values, with some falling outside acceptable tolerances. When evaluated against nutritional recommendations, only three products (10 percent) met the standards set by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), while 17 (59 percent) met guidelines from the National Research Council. Just one product fulfilled both its label declarations and FEDIAF recommendations. Nine products (31 percent) had discrepancies in two or more nutrient categories. Common issues included misreported crude fiber levels and metabolizable energy content. Deficiencies were found in selenium, calcium, phosphorus, and taurine, as well as improper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, all of which could compromise pet health.
Undeclared species in insect-based pet foods
Pets with allergies to mammal or bird meats may be able to tolerate insect proteins, creating a market for insect-based pet foods as hypoallergenic. To evaluate this, the researchers used genetic sequencing on 20 insect-based products labeled as hypoallergenic to detect the presence of mammal or avian DNA. While 75 percent complied with their stated ingredient claims, five contained DNA from undeclared animals, which could present risks for pets with food sensitivities or allergies.
“Despite the potential benefits of insect-based pet foods, this study underscores the need for further research and stricter quality control to ensure safety and efficacy, ultimately improving pet nutrition and consumers’ trust,” the researchers wrote in the Journal of Insects and Food and Feed.
A new study has found that having a pet dog or cat can slow down cognitive decline.
Stock image of a puppy looking at its owner. Credit : Getty
NEED TO KNOW
A new study has found that having a cat or a dog may have a “protective factor” over cognitive abilities as you age, helping to “slow down” mental decline
The study looked at 18 years of data in adults over 50 and found a “slower decline in multiple cognitive domains” for dog and cat owners
Having a fish or a bird didn’t have an impact on cognitive abilities, the study found
The type of pet you have can impact how your brain ages — and dogs and cats have a “protective factor” that can “slow down cognitive decline.”
Dog and cat owners saw improved brain health — more than those who had birds or fish, or no pets — according to a new study, published in Scientific Reports, that used 18 years of data on cognitive decline in adults over 50.
“Both cat and dog owners experienced slower decline in multiple cognitive domains — dog owners in immediate and delayed recall, cat owners in verbal fluency and delayed recall,” the study found. “Fish and bird ownership had no significant association with cognitive decline.”
“Several explanations may help explain the absence of this association in fish and bird owners, despite the reports of their ownership’ positive influence on wellbeing in ways that are usually associated with cognitive benefits,” study author Adriana Rostekova, from the University of Geneva’s lifespan developmental psychology research group said, per The Guardian.
The study theorized that the shorter lifespan of a bird or fish impacts “the level of emotional connection,” due to “frequently having to deal with the pet’s death.” The study also pointed out that birds can be incredibly loud: “Bird ownership may negatively affect the owner’s sleep quality due to the increased noise levels, which has been shown to be associated with cognitive decline.”
But the very nature of owning a cat or a dog may help the brain stay healthy, Rostekova explained: “There is also a possibility of increased social stimulation facilitated by cats and dogs, which may be linked to the slower cognitive decline experienced by their owners: an increased frequency of social interactions when accompanied by a dog – or for cats, a substitute for a social network.”
The study says that, since “dog and cat ownership might act as a protective factor aiding to slow down cognitive decline, thus contributing to healthy cognitive [aging],” these findings could help inform policies on healthy aging, specifically to make veterinary care or pet insurance “more accessible to older adults” — as well as advocate for “animal-friendly senior housing options, such as assisted living facilities or nursing homes.”
New research explores how having a dog around during baby’s first year may help reduce skin inflammation on a molecular level.
Image: JNSB | Shutterstock
Atopic eczema is a chronic, usually hereditary, inflammatory skin condition that affects almost 20 percent of babies. Though common and treatable, eczema is often itchy and irritating, with American parents spending thousands of dollars on creams, ointments and other treatments for baby every year. But what if you could lower baby’s risk of developing eczema just by bringing a furry friend into your home?
A new study from the University of Edinburgh explored how various environmental factors—from breastfeeding and smoking to pet ownership and hygiene habits—might influence a baby’s risk of developing eczema. Researchers tested for interactions between the 24 most significant eczema-associated genetic variants and 18 early-life environmental factors during pregnancy and the child’s first year.
Looking at the DNA of over 250,000 people, researchers found that a specific genetic variant linked to a higher risk of eczema was significantly impacted by dog ownership. In babies with this gene, exposure to a dog during their first year of life appeared to nearly eliminate their risk of developing eczema.
To figure out how this worked, researchers dug deeper and found that the gene in question is linked to a protein called IL-7R, which plays a role in immune function and skin inflammation. In lab tests, when skin cells with this variant were exposed to molecules from dogs—like tiny particles from their fur or skin—those signals, which might normally trigger allergies, actually helped calm inflammation.
“The most difficult questions I’m asked by parents in clinic are about why their child has eczema, and how they can help. We know that genetic make-up affects a child’s risk of developing eczema and previous studies have shown that owning a pet dog may be protective, but this is the first study to show how this may occur at a molecular level,” Sara Brown, a professor at the University of Edinburgh Institute of Genetics and Cancer and one of the study’s authors said in a press release. “More work is needed, but our findings mean we have a chance to intervene in the rise of allergic disease, to protect future generations.”
The study also noted a similar protective effect in young children with older siblings, though more research is needed to confirm that link. Scientists believe that early exposure to a wide variety of bacteria—whether through pets or siblings—may be part of what’s helping to train the immune system in a protective way.
Researchers believe that by looking at things on a molecular level, they may be able to help pinpoint exactly what exposures might be helpful to baby. “This study sheds light on why some children develop eczema in response to environmental exposures while others don’t,” added the study’s lead author, Marie Standl, PhD. “Not every preventive measure works for everyone – and that’s precisely why gene–environment studies are crucial. They help us move toward more personalized, effective prevention strategies.”
I exercise each week with the help of a nifty fitness app (Ladder—it’s great) that offers workout plans from a personal trainer and encouragement from other users. The instructors are knowledgeable and the community encouraging. But neither is my favorite thing about the app.
My favorite thing is when other users share pictures of their pets.
Photo: Getty Images
Now, seeing a border collie doing downward dog right along with their owner is, of course, super-adorable. And I am not going to lie. I am a pet lover through and through. Animal pictures make me irrationally happy.
But my giddiness at seeing someone’s golden retriever running buddy isn’t just about the universal appeal of cute animals or my over-the-top animal obsession. According to recent research, it reveals a useful truth that can help you build relationships not just at the gym, but at work too.
If you want to connect with people more deeply, the Wharton School at the University of Pennyslyvania study indicates, sharing a picture of your pet is an ideal way to do it.
Sharing personal information at work is a minefield
The study was born out of a common modern conundrum. Should you connect with colleagues on social media, and if so, what should you share?
Like the rest of us, the research team realized that social media offered both promise and peril for workers. It can help you feel closer to teammates, which just might make you happier and more successful.
“One of the things that we found in the study is that people will be much more comfortable connecting to other people who disclose personal information,” Wharton’s Nancy Rothbard, who was involved in the research, explained in one podcast interview.
But then again, seeing your boss downing a beer with his bros or joking about her colonoscopy (or your boss seeing you doing the same) blurs boundaries that make a lot of us uncomfortable.
As another Wharton professor, Adam Grant, once observed: “Authenticity without empathy is selfish. Of course we should be true to our values, but one of those values should probably be caring about others.” Your sharing shouldn’t cause others discomfort.
How are office workers navigating this charged landscape? To find out, the researchers conducted a series of in-depth interviews and also reviewed data on actual social media use.
Different people, different dangers
To no one’s surprise, the interviews confirmed that the question of social media use and how much personal information to disclose at work is fraught.
As Rothbard memorially puts it, interviewees “would equate connecting with a boss on Facebook or Instagram as equivalent to connecting with their mother. It was sort of the same horror.”
The team also found that the calculation of what kind of personal information to share was different for different types of people. Women who disclosed more personal information were generally assessed more positively, for instance. This is likely because of stereotypes that suggest women should be warm and friendly. Male bosses who shared a lot, on the other hand, were quickly seen as creepy.
To reap the benefits and avoid the potential pitfalls of social media at the office, workers employed various strategies, from being an open book to carefully curating their audience or content. (You can read more about these strategies here if you’re interested).
But whatever strategy they employed, nearly everyone was attempting to hit the same target. They wanted to come across as warm and human so they could connect on a deeper human level. But they didn’t want to embarrass themselves or anyone else by oversharing or prying.
A pet strategy for connection that works for everyone
Handily, Rothbard and her colleagues uncovered a secret weapon that anyone can use to hit that elusive sweet spot — your dog.
“Cute dog pics are a very, very hot commodity,” Rothbard correctly observes.
“If you have a cute dog and you want to post pictures of them, that’s a very good strategy, because people always love them, and they feel like they know you, and they feel connected to you. It gives them a sense of warmth that you’re displaying and a feeling that they know something about you that’s important, and that’s not fake or surface level. So, that personal disclosure really helps to create a bond between you and your fellow co-workers,” she goes on to explain.
This tallies with a large body of social science research that shows people tend to evaluate others on two basic qualities, warmth and competence. When we meet someone our first instinct is to ask: are they nice? Do they wish me harm? And, are they any good at their job? Can they do the things they say they can do?
Sharing pics of your weekend keg stand might get you tagged as warm, but it’s not going to do anything for perceptions of your competence. On the other hand, nailing every assignment but never saying a peep about your personal life is great for competence but lousy for warmth. Research suggests those that go furthest project both qualities.
You know what also allows you to project warmth without undermining your air of professional competence? Your dog doing yoga with you.
The bottom line here for everyone is a research-backed permission slip to let loose and pepper your team’s Slack channel with your cat’s wacky antics or dog’s doofy smile. You always knew your pets were super cute. Now you have data to prove they are also a secret weapon for connecting with others.
But there’s also another takeaway here for entrepreneurs and other business leaders, illustrated by my love of my fitness app’s pet picture days. If you want your team or your users to bond without crossing boundaries that make anyone uncomfortable, pets are a go-to move.
Create that dedicated chat for sharing animal pics. Show off your pooch at the beginning of the Zoom call. Organize a cutest pet pic contest among your team or your customers.
Getting people to talk about their animals is a science-backed way to help them truly connect without oversharing or awkwardness.
The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.
In my post Reading Labels, I shared the notification label from our bag of Purina Pro Plan Gastrointestinal dog food. The food we have relied on for over two years is changing!
The reply from Purina says: “Ensuring the safety and quality of our pet food remains our top priority. While the product is now manufactured in Thailand instead of Europe, the benefits of this diet remain unchanged. With a new manufacturing location, there will be new sourcing for raw ingredients and slight recipe variations. Please be assured the new formula continues to deliver the same efficacy and benefits. We recommend a gradual transition to the new formula to support digestive tolerance. If you have concerns, please consult your vet for tailored advice.“
Let’s compare ingredients…
ORIGINAL FORMULA
Rice, Corn, Pea protein, dried poultry protein, dried beet pulp, digest, soya protein, coconut oil, minerals, pork fat, monoglycerides, soya oil, fish oil; with nutritional additives Vit A, Vit D3, Vit E, Iron (II) sulphate monohydrate, calcium iodate anhydrous, copper (11) sulphate pentahydrate, manganese sulfphate monohydrate, zinc sulphate monohydrate, sodium selenite, antioxidants
I will follow my own advice to clients and transition to this food over a minimum of 10 days (and I’m planning longer than that). As a pet parent, however, I’m holding my breath that this new formula doesn’t upset Sox’s inflammatory bowel disease. Time will tell.
Kathleen Crisley is Fear-Free certified dog massage therapist and canine fitness trainer. She has a particular passion for working with dogs and their families to ensure injury prevention and quality of life. She specialises in working with anxious and emotionally damaged dogs. Her mobile practice, The Balanced Dog, is based in Christchurch, New Zealand
“To date, there are no specific disease modifying anti-osteoarthritic treatments. Current management of patients with osteoarthritis aims to improve patient and societal outcomes by reducing symptoms and improving function. Clinical guidelines broadly recommend the provision of effective and individualised information, combined with non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions, and when these are insufficient, surgery.”
A new UK survey conducted on behalf of Purina has revealed what previous studies have shown, that the human-animal bond is important and that society benefits from our supportive relationship with animals.
Over two-thirds of pet owners feel a stronger bond with their pets than their family and friends.
Top ten ways the human-pet bond helps people feel better
10. Coping with Break-Ups For 32% of pet owners, the bond with their pets has been instrumental in helping them navigate the emotional turmoil of a break-up.
9. Support Through Health Conditions Approximately 42% of pet owners have found emotional support through their pets while dealing with health challenges.
8. Navigating Interpersonal Conflicts Pets serve as a source of comfort during interpersonal conflicts, helping 44% of owners cope with emotional stress.
7. Snuggling for Comfort 46% find comfort in snuggling with their pets, providing emotional warmth and support.
6. Bringing Smiles 49% reported that their pets bring joy into their lives and make them smile.
5. Alleviating Loneliness For 52% of pet owners, the presence of their pets significantly reduces feelings of loneliness, providing companionship and love.
4. Joyful Greetings A warm greeting at the door from a pet can bring joy, as experienced by 52% of pet owners.
3. Distraction from Worries Pets help their owners take their minds off things, with 54% of pet owners benefiting from this comforting distraction.
2. Uplifting Spirits When Feeling Low The companionship of pets provides comfort for 59% of owners when they are feeling low, helping to brighten their mood.
1. Support During Sadness and Life Changes 61% of pet owners asked find solace in their pets during moments of sadness or significant life changes, including after a tough day at work.
In Tennessee, college football is a religion. When I studied in Knoxville in 2023, I was told that on Fridays the staff have to clear their car parks by a certain time (no overtime on Fridays!) because all of the car parking is needed for football fans who descend with their vans, campers and gear to make a weekend of it.
Smokey, a Bluetick Coonhound, is the team mascot and the Knoxville campus is dotted with Smokey statues:
There have been a succession of real-life Smokeys; below is a story about the woman who outfits the current mascot, Smokey X…
Kathleen Crisley is Fear-Free certified dog massage therapist and canine fitness trainer. She has a particular passion for working with dogs and their families to ensure injury prevention and quality of life. She specialises in working with anxious and emotionally damaged dogs. Her mobile practice, The Balanced Dog, is based in Christchurch, New Zealand
________________________
There’s nothing quite like sitting in the stands of Neyland Stadium on a fall Saturday as the T opens and Smokey leads the football team out to the field of battle.
Jill Mayfield with Smokey X
For more than 70 years, Smokey has been an icon in college sports, and his game day gear, made by Tennessee Athletics’ own Jill Mayfield, is just as iconic.
Mayfield, a facility operations and support specialist for UT Athletics, has dedicated a prodigious amount of time brainstorming, stitching, and sewing for the beloved canine.
And it all began with some cheerleaders and a paint mishap.
Before Mayfield began working at UT, she had a friend whose son was on the cheer team. One game day morning, the team was painting the Rock, and without thinking they threw the paint cans in the back of their truck.
“Paint got all over the big flag they had back there for the football game that night,” Mayfield says. Knowing she was a seamstress, they called her in a panic.
The cheerleaders brought the flag to Mayfield’s house, giving her the opportunity to fashion a pattern of the Power T. Half of the team went to find white material, and the other half went to find orange, and they made a temporary flag for the night.
The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native attributes her love for sewing to her maternal grandmother, who ran a drapery business out of her home.
“My mom would help her at the shop, and to keep me entertained they would have me pick up pins they dropped on the floor,” Mayfield recalls. “Just being around it led me to want to sew.”
In 2000, Mayfield began working for the UT ticket office and reconnected with the head of the cheer team. Shortly afterward, she was asked to try her hand at crafting the outfits worn by the costume mascot.
Though she doesn’t sew much for the costume mascot currently, Mayfield was responsible for the fan favorite Big Orange tuxedo.
It was in 2014 that she was asked if she was interested in making the live mascot’s vest—and she jumped at the opportunity.
Her first task was figuring out the timing. Smokey’s senior handler, a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, designs the vests for each football season. Depending on how intricate the design is, the garment may take up to two days to make.
After the design is approved by the spirit program director, Mayfield will tweak it, measure Smokey, and then gather the orange and white fabric to pull the design together.
“I start at the back section first, then the side sections to finish. I’ll put them together and send a picture to the team. Once it looks good, I’ll start assembling and bring Smokey in for a final fitting.”
Mayfield is on the sidelines for each game and loves to see Smokey on duty and interacting with fans.
“I always want to make the handler’s vision come through just like he wanted it,” she says. “I’ve seen Smokey run through the T a million times, but each time feels like the first.”
DoggyMom.com 
