Making homemade dog food can be a great option for your canine; after all, you can’t get much fresher than homemade. However, storing the food can be a bit more complicated, as it lacks the artificial preservatives found in commercial dog food. With all the extra work that goes into homemade dog food, you don’t want any going to waste.
How you store your homemade dog food will depend on the recipe and type of food. Some foods can be left out for some time, while others may not be able to be left out at all. Still, there are some basic steps for storing any homemade dog food:
The 6 Tips for How to Store Homemade Dog Food
1. Preparation
As is so often the case, preparation is the key to success. Before you start cooking, work out what ingredients you need, how much you want to make, and make sure you have the space to store it!
You may have a huge freezer, which makes storage easier. However, if you don’t, you may want to consider other options or make less. Food will last for several days in the fridge, and it is often easier to feed (you don’t have to thaw it). Therefore, many people store some in the fridge and some in the freezer, depending on how much room they have.
You also need to make sure you have enough freezer safe storage containers.
If you are planning to cook a large batch to store, start out with a small, trial amount. You don’t want to be stuck with a freezer full of food that your dog refuses to eat!
2. Let Food Cool Completely
No matter what kind of food you’re making or how you’re storing it, you should allow it to cool completely before storing it. Many storage containers may leach chemicals into the food if it is added in hot. Plus, hot food takes longer to freeze or cool down in the fridge.
Therefore, to ensure everything goes according to plan, allow the food to cool completely after you make it.
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3. Refrigerate Dog Food
For refrigerating homemade dog food, divide it into individual portions and place them in sealed containers or resealable bags. You’ll want to eliminate as much air as you can, so be sure to squeeze out the bags before shutting them.
Write the date on each container or bag so that you can use the oldest food first. Then, store it in the coolest part of the refrigerator. Exactly how long they’ll keep will depend on the recipe, but, most will keep for at least 3 days.
4. Freezing Dog Food
You’ll want to freeze dog food you don’t plan on using for a few days. To freeze dog food, it’s the same procedure as Step 3, but it is vital to divide the food into individual portions. Once thawed, the food should not be re-frozen.
Again, the amount of time you can safely store the food will depend on the ingredients, but most meat-based recipes will keep for 3–6 months.
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5. Thaw
You can either move frozen food into the fridge and then use it within a few days, or thaw it in the microwave. Don’t let the food thaw to room temperature, as this can cause bacterial growth. When thawing in the microwave, be careful not to let it get hot. Always stir before serving, and check the temperature first. If it’s hot on your finger, it’s too hot for your dog.
6. Feed it!
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Once the food is thawed, you can feed it to your dog. Be sure to throw away any uneaten portions, do not refreeze them. Therefore, only feed your dog what you know they will eat.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade dog food is a bit of an adventure—you have to figure a lot of it out as you go, but many of the same basic principles of cooking for yourself apply when storing it. You can keep it in the fridge for several days if you’re going to use it before then. However, you can also freeze it to keep it for several months.
Which option you choose depends a lot on how much you want to make at once and how much freezer space you have. If you’re already tight on freezer space, putting homemade dog food in it probably isn’t an option.
But if you’ve got plenty of freezer space, why not have a go at some home-cooked food that you can store away to thaw as needed. Just make sure that you are feeding a nutritionally balanced diet.
Sphynx cats have a bit of a reputation for being smelly, even when they are clean. However, they aren’t that smelly and have more of an unusual earthy smell (which sets them apart from other cats). This is because any dirt or bacteria, that would ordinarily be deflected by fur, accumulates on their skin. This can make them smellier than your average cat, but that doesn’t mean all of them are smelly.
Providing them with the right sort of grooming regime can help prevent their skin from building up bacteria or becoming too smelly. Sphynx cats willstill have a different odor than other cats, but it shouldn’t be unpleasant.
Why Is My Sphynx Cat Smelly?
Sphynx cats can get smelly for a range of different reasons. However, sudden or significant smelliness can be caused by an underlying health problem. Here’s what you should look out for:
Skin infections: Sphynx cats are prone to skin infections because of their hairlessness. Cat skin can be quite delicate, and when not protected by fur,the skin is more exposed and susceptible to damage or infection. In addition to producing an unpleasant olfactory experience, bacterial infections can cause redness, itching, sores, and bumps. These infections usually need veterinary care.
Ear infections: These felines are also prone to ear infections, which can also be quite smelly. You need to take your cat to the vet if their ears become smelly, itchy, or inflamed, as antibiotics are usually required to treat the infection.
Anal gland problems: Felines have anal glands that secrete a smelly substance that they use to communicate with other cats. Typically, bowel movements keep these glands from becoming impacted. However, problems can occur that may prevent them from emptying naturally, leading to impaction and infection. As you might imagine, this can cause significanthealth issues and be very smelly.
Other health issues: Many other health issues may also cause your cat to become smelly that aren’t restricted to the Sphynx breed, such as dental disease, kidney disease or diabetes may lead to changes in odor.
How to Prevent Your Sphynx Cat from Being Smelly
Luckily, there are several ways to prevent your Sphynx cat from becoming smelly.
1. Bathe them regularly
Most cats don’t need baths,however, Sphynx cats often require regular bathing to remove excess oil and dirt. Use a mild, conditioning shampoo to avoid drying out the skin. If your Sphynx is prone to dry skin, use a conditioner instead of a shampoo. Be sure to dry them thoroughly, as they do not have the fur necessary to help them stay warm. NEVER use human shampoos on your Sphynx as the pH levels of our shampoo is different to their needs, and can cause skin irritation.
2. Clean their ears
Your Sphynx may need their ears cleaned regularly, but this varies somewhat from cat to cat. Never put anything into your cat’s ear canal. Instead, you should only use a cotton ball and clean the areas you can see. Sometimes, cats may need a special ear cleaner to gently clean their ears. You can use q tips or cotton buds to very carefully and gently remove dirt and grime from the nooks and crannies surrounding the entrance to the ear canal. Never put the cotton tip into the ear canal.
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3. Brush their teeth
Sphynx cats need regular dental care to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Otherwise, they may develop dental problems and bad breath. You should use a soft brush and cat-friendly toothpaste to brush their teeth weekly. Providing them with dental chews, toys and food can also help to keep their teeth in healthy condition.
4. Trim their nails
Sphynx cats need regular nail trimmings, as too-long nails can scratch their skin and lead to infection. You’ll need to use nail clippers and a file to trim their nails down, checking for any sign of injury or infection regularly. Be aware that scratching posts and cat trees will help keep their claws healthy, but will not wear them down.
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5. Feed a healthy diet
You’ll need to feed your feline a balanced and nutritious diet to ensure their skin and immune system are properly supported. High-quality food can make a big difference in their smell and health, so it’s vital to invest in the proper food.
6. Feed supplements
Providing your Sphynx with essential fatty acids (EFAs) such as Omega-3 can really help maintain healthy skin, as well as improve their joint health. There are a wide range of supplements available to add to your kitty’s diet, and as most of them are fish-oil based, it’s not difficult to convince them to eat it!
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These felines can certainly be un-smelly pets if they are properly cared for. If you follow these steps and your cat is still smelly, you may want to visit the vet. There may be an underlying reason for their smelliness.
How Often Should I Bathe My Sphynx Cat?
The frequency will depend largely on your cat’s lifestyle and activity level. Some cats will need a weekly bath, some less often. Try not to bathe them more than once a week however, as this can cause too much disruption to normal oil production. If you have a particularly greasy cat, use a damp washcloth between baths to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin, or a waterless cat shampoo.
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Are Sphynx Cats High-Maintenance?
Compared to other cats, Sphynx cats are pretty high-maintenance. You might have thought that having no fur would mean less grooming, but it’s actually the opposite! Despite being hairless, they require more grooming than other cats. That’s because they have a lot of body oils and no hair to absorb them. Therefore, the oils will build up on their skin and make them greasy, so they need regular bathing.
You will also need to protect them from the sun with sunscreen, which should be specifically formulated for cats. DO NOT use human sunscreen on cats as they usually contain ingredients that will be toxic if they lick them, such as zinc. Cat sunscreens are more difficult to find, but they are out there. Some people also use lightweight pet-suits for sun protection in the summer. You also need to provide them with extra warmth in the winter. Many Sphynx cats need to wear jumpers and coats in colder climates, and will naturally seek out the warmest spots in the house, probably under the covers of your bed.
Are Sphynx Cats Hypoallergenic?
Yes, but also, no. There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat, but there are some breeds, even some individuals, that produce less of an allergic reaction than others. It is a common misconception that hairless cats will be hypoallergenic because they don’t have fur, but people who are allergic to cats are not usually allergic to the fur itself, but to the proteins found in cat saliva and scent glands.
There are certain breeds that cause less of an allergic response, either due to reduced shedding, such as with the hairless breeds, or due to their lower levels of the allergy-producing protein. If you are allergic to cats, a hairless breed like the Sphynx might be an ideal option, as the lack of shedding, combined with regular grooming, will make them as close to hypoallergenic as you can get.
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Are Sphynx Cats Healthy?
Apart from their high maintenance skin regime, Sphynx cats are generally quite healthy. The main health issue that is prevalent in this breed is a heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, where the muscle of the ventricular wall becomes thickened, affecting heart function. This is the most common form of heart disease in cats, and is believed to have a genetic component, which makes it more prevalent in some breeds more than others.
Sphynx cats are also very playful and intelligent, so they need more companionship and stimulation than many other cat breeds. They love spending time with people and other pets, including dogs. They need attention, affection, and interaction to prevent boredom or depression. So if you are looking for a cat that is likely to shower you with kisses and demand your undivided attention, and you don’t mind a bit of maintenance, the Sphynx might be just what you need.
Final Thoughts
Sphynx cats are considerably more high-maintenance than other breeds and they need regular baths to remove the excess oils and dirt on their skin. If these baths aren’t provided, you may be stuck with a smelly feline. They don’t have the fur other cats do to soak up these oils, causing them to become smelly, and more prone to skin and ear infections, which can make them even smellier.
In the end, these cats don’t have to be smelly, and in fact, a very smelly Sphynx is likely one that is in need of some attention or a visit to the vet.
Sphynx cats are high maintenance and low allergen. They demand your attention, and in return, will provide you with a constant source of entertainment and affection.
Everyone knows dogs have an amazing sense of smell, but a bird’s scent capabilities should be talked about more. Though scientists originally believed that birds are lacking in the olfaction department, recent research suggests that many avian species can detect aromas, using them to select mates, forage, and find the perfect nesting spots. Read on to learn more about birds’ sense of smell and their other most prominent senses.
How Well Can Birds Smell?
It was once believed that birds have little sense of smell, giving up their smelling capabilities for superior eyesight. However, recent research suggests that a bird’s ability to smell is just as important to them as it is to mammals.
Studies have shown that some species use smell to navigate, forage, and distinguish individuals.
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Distinguishing Individuals
One study looked at incubating female juncos. Researchers applied preen oil from another species onto the nest of the incubating bird. They found that they left their nests faster when they identified the scent of another species’ preen oil.
Another experiment found that birds could distinguish between sexes and even tell the difference between birds of varying sizes, suggesting that there’s social information being provided by odors.
Hunting & Foraging
Some species of seabirds can recognize the scent of a specific compound emitted by krill, the main component of their diet.
Turkey vultures have a particularly interesting sense of smell. They find carrion (decaying flesh) through scent and have even been used to detect the location of leaks in oil pipelines. This is because one of the main ingredients in the scent of carrion is ethyl mercaptan, a substance added to natural gas in pipelines.
Though Kiwi birds don’t have spectacular eyesight, they make up for it with their extremely keen sense of smell. They’re the only bird with external nostrils at the tip of their long beaks. Kiwis find bugs underground using odors over their eyesight.
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Navigation
Some birds, especially seabirds like albatrosses, use their sense of smell as a road map, helping them navigate the skies. One study shows that birds use olfaction for long-distance oceanic navigation and migration.
Pigeons learn at a young age how to identify environmental odors carried through the wind. They use this information to find their way home from new or unfamiliar places. Studies show that pigeons use their right nostril most when navigating via scent, suggesting that the left-brain hemisphere (where olfactory information gets processed) plays an essential role in homing pigeons’ orientation and navigation.
What Are a Bird’s Most Prominent Senses?
Sight and hearing are the most important senses for birds.
A Bird’s Sense of Sight
Most bird species can see twice as much detail as we can. They can spot food and approaching predators from farther away. Many species have excellent color vision. Nocturnal birds, like owls, may be able to see very well in the dark, but it’s a trade-off as they cannot perceive colors as well.
However, because of how their eyes are situated on their heads, most birds view their world in two separate images. They have a limited vision toward the front, so while they can see in great detail, it’s hard to gauge an accurate picture of their world until they move their heads.
Additionally, birds can process images much faster than we can. This is particularly helpful when they’re zipping around tree branches, allowing them to do so with much accuracy.
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A Bird’s Sense of Hearing
Don’t let the fact that you cannot physically see a bird’s ears fool you into believing they have poor hearing. Their ears are hidden behind their feathers and are crucial to their survival. Birds need acute hearing to communicate with one another and listen for predators. Some species, like owls, have ear adaptations that allow them to hunt better. An owl’s ears are not symmetrical, allowing them to accurately detect where sounds come from for successful night hunting.
Final Thoughts
A bird’s sight and hearing are its two most important senses, but that doesn’t mean it cannot smell. Some species have a stronger sense of smell than others, but all birds can smell in some capacity. They use their nostrils to help them forage, navigate the skies, and identify other birds and potential predators.
