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How Lamb Meal Is Used in Our Dog Food
What Is Lamb Meal?
Lamb meal is rendered lamb tissues such as skeletal muscle, some bone, and internal organs that have been dried and ground.
Skeletal muscle and internal organs are sources of high-quality protein and fats. Bone, in small amounts, is an excellent source of minerals such as calcium.
Are All Lamb Meals Equal?
No. An evaluation of typical lamb meal sources showed that the protein quality was poor when compared with egg—the protein quality standard.
Typical lamb meal might contain high amounts of wool and starch, which reduces the quality. The presence of wool might be due to poor processing techniques. Starch contamination can be attributed to the presence of grain in the stomach not removed prior to processing. In addition, the lamb-meal supply in the United States is limited and difficult to obtain.
Because The IAMS™ Company sets high standards for ingredients used in IAMS pet foods, a different source of lamb needed to be found.
The search for reliable lamb-meal sources led IAMS to suppliers in New Zealand and Australia. There, suppliers remove wool, and stomach contents before rendering. The lamb meal is then sent to the U.S. where it is refined. The result is a lamb meal that meets or exceeds IAMS high-quality standards.
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adp_description_block220Your Senior Dog’s Health from 7 Years OnKeeping Your Senior Dog Healthy and Active
It depends on the breed of dog, but your pet's senior years generally begin at age 7. Louise Murray, DVM, director of the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City and author of Vet Confidential (Ballantine, 2008), tells you what you need to know to keep your older dog spry and happy.
Senior Dog Health: Preventive Health
At this stage, Murray recommends taking your dog to the vet twice a year. "So much can happen to an elderly dog," she says. Your veterinarian can take blood annually to test liver and kidney functions. "Discovering problems early is extremely important," she says. Your vet can be on the lookout for conditions that often affect older dogs, such as anemia and arthritis.
Senior Dog Health: Urination, Bowel Movements, and Appetite
Pay attention to what might be subtle changes in your dog's habits: Is she drinking more water or urinating larger amounts? These behaviors might indicate a liver or kidney problem. Have your dog's bowel movements shifted? This could indicate a digestive issue. Diabetes or digestive problems might cause your dog to eat more but still lose weight. Knowing the dog's patterns can help the veterinarian determine a course of treatment.
Senior Dog Health: Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medicines
Continue to use preventive medicines.
Senior Dog Health: Dental Health
Clean your dog's teeth daily. If she has tartar buildup, you might need to have her teeth professionally cleaned at your vet's office, which requires sedating your pet.
Senior Dog Health: Exercise
Your dog is probably less active, so steady, moderate exercise is best for her now. Don't turn her into a "weekend warrior" who, after lying around on weekdays, accompanies you on a 10-mile hike on Saturdays. This is especially hard on an older dog's joints.
Senior Dog Health: Diet
Your veterinarian might wish to put your dog on a senior diet, such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Senior Plus. These formulations contain nutrients specifically geared toward older-dog health.
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