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Lokuno pet food brand is so passionate about pet nutrition which is the reason why they have just launched a new Veterinary range of dog food, created specifically to help dogs who suffer from joint problems, weight problems or skin and stomach sensitivities. Here we’ll look at why this range may be suitable for your dog.
With thanks to our Absolute Pets vet, Dr Cooper, for sharing her expertise with us.
Why is pet nutrition so important?
A balanced and high-quality ingredient diet can drastically improve your pet’s health, but you need to make sure this diet is suited to your pet’s age, breed and any conditions they may suffer from. For example, a senior dog isn’t able to exercise like a puppy, so is at risk of gaining weight and may need more support for joints and loss in lean muscle mass. A younger dog or puppy needs the right nourishment to sustain rapid growth, and any dog who suffers from skin irritation needs to be on a diet that supports their skin barrier.
How can diet help with common health conditions?
One of the easiest ways to prevent or manage common health conditions like skin or stomach sensitivity, sore joints or weight gain is your pet’s diet. Their diet is not a cure for these conditions but, in many cases, it can play a big role in preventing and managing these health issues and reducing the level of discomfort your dog may experience.
How do I transition my dog to a new diet?
To change from one diet to another, do it slowly so as not to cause an upset stomach. By following a transition process, you allow your pet’s digestive system time to adjust. For example, you could start with 80% current food and 20% new food for about 7 days, then adjust to 60 / 40 for a few more days, then 30 / 70 and then 100% new food. If you are concerned, chat to your vet about the best way to make the change.
Lokuno has introduced veterinary diets to their range of pet food. There are three options in the range, each with a specific focus:
- Sensitive | for dogs that suffer from skin or digestion sensitivities.
- Joint Care | for dogs who need assistance with joint inflammation & cartilage degeneration.
- Weight Control | for dogs who need assistance with weight management.
1. DOGS WITH SKIN OR DIGESTION SENSITIVITIES
How do I know if my dog suffers from skin or digestion issues?
If your dog has sensitive skin, you might notice that he or she is excessively itchy. One of the first signs can also be recurring ear problems and chewing paws. A sensitive tummy often presents itself as loose stools (not necessarily diarrhoea) and this can change from loose to normal over and over again.
What are the benefits of the Lokuno Sensitive diet?
Lokuno Sensitive is hypo-allergenic, containing fish protein with no grain or poultry meal. It also steers clear of any beef by-products, dairy, synthetic colourants or flavourings, added sugar and Ethoxyquin so that you’ve got a hypoallergenic formula that caters for ingredient sensitive dogs. Bingo! And it’s suitable for all dogs, from puppy to senior.
Linoleic acid and ideal Omega 6:3 also feature, both of which support skin and coat health, known to be the first barrier to sensitivity. Butyrate and prebiotics help support healthy digestion by developing and maintaining intestinal health.
What do the vets say?
"An excellent food for dogs with skin sensitivities and allergies. It has added Linoleic Acid and ideal Omega 3:6 to support a healthy skin and coat." – Dr Rogl
"Highly recommended for dogs with skin and/or digestion sensitivities as its primary protein source is fish, limiting your dog's exposure to ingredients associated with allergies and skin sensitivities." – Dr Cooper
2. DOGS WITH JOINT INFLAMMATION & CARTILAGE DEGENERATION
How do I know if my dog suffers from joint and cartilage issues?
It’s tricky to gauge whether your dog suffers from sore joints as when it is obvious, it is often advanced. Large breed dogs and senior dogs (over seven years old) are more likely to have joint issues. The first signs will be that it will take them more time to climb the stairs or you’ll notice they are wary of hopping into the car.
What are the benefits of the Lokuno Joint Care diet?
The Lokuno Joint Care diet supports joint mobility and skeletal health. It contains collagen, green-lipped mussel extract, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Vitamin C which all support healthy movement and cartilage integrity. Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) support the slowing of cartilage degradation and the number one ingredient is chicken, the ideal source of protein that provides the required amino acids – all essential building blocks for healthy growth.
What do the vets say?
"Lokuno Joint Care has the optimal combination of ingredients that help reduce pain and inflammation, rebuild cartilage and strengthen bones." – Dr Cooper
"Highly recommended for dogs suffering from various joint and bone ailments. It not only includes Glucosamine and Chondroitin to help maintain cartilage and reduce pain, but includes added Collagen to help rebuild cartilage and keep bones from becoming brittle" – Dr Rogers
3. DOGS WHO NEED HELP WITH WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
How do I know if my dog is overweight?
If you can't feel your pet’s ribs at all, then your pet may be overweight. If you look from the top, your pet should have a waist and when viewed from the side, the abdomen shouldn’t be flat or bulging. Over and above, your vet will be able to advise you on the optimum weight for your dog.
The Lokuno Weight Control diet is a high fibre, low fat diet that’s calorie conscious, to help your dog with weight management. Its main ingredient is chicken, the ideal source of protein that provides the required amino acids – essential building blocks for healthy growth. It also includes Taurine, L-Carnitine and Conjugated linoleic acid, which all support fat metabolism to help keep weight at a healthy level. Increased dietary fibre supports gut health but it also helps keep your dog feeling full for a little longer.
What do the vets say?
"An optimal diet for an overweight dog. It contains a range of ingredients, including L-Carnitine, which are proven to help reduce weight in dogs." – Dr Rogers
"A great recommendation for dogs struggling with weight management as it contains Chicory Fibre which boosts the fibre content of the diet, promoting intestinal health and supporting fat metabolism." – Dr Cooper
Why do we recommend Lokuno?
There are so many reasons to choose Lokuno! Here are just a few:
- There are no long and complex ingredients. It’s all about real food, using real ingredients so you know precisely what your pet is eating.
- Importantly, Lokuno wet food is manufactured locally, supporting local business and allowing the range to be one of the most affordable.
- Lokuno donates a portion of all proceeds to animal welfare.
Shop the full Lokuno dog food range here.
Is there any more info on pet nutrition?
Read our comprehensive guide to Pet Nutrition here. From how to stop your pet guzzling their food too quickly to key pointers like making sure you properly seal food to keep it fresh for longer, you’ll find everything you need on pet nutrition.
Get in touch
We are here to help so visit your local Absolute Pets store or get in touch with us online, or on Facebook should you have any questions whatsoever.
Happy & Healthy
Absolute Pets