PETS

As the gap between pet and human food is growing smaller, discerning pet owners have begun to evaluate their dogs’ nutrition as closely as their own. The high-end pet food retail landscape has entered the age of humanisation, with customers placing increasing significance on the quality of their dog’s food. To meet their needs, Field + Forest, produced by Montego Pet Nutrition, is a new elite range of grain-free nutrition for dogs, crafted in smallbatch recipes and containing wholesome ingredients like butternut, oranges, chickpeas, cranberries, peas, carrots and apples. The new formulation is comprised of 60% highquality animal proteins and nutrient-rich meats, 40% fruit, BABY-SPEAK AND DOGS Dog dads out there who speak to their dogs in cutesy baby voices can finally say that it isn’t just because they are weirdos. There is some science behind it, Huffpost Pets recently reported. Researchers at York University in the UK wanted to test whether using “dog-directed” high-pitched speech facilitates understanding for dogs. The researchers did a series of speech tests with 69 adult dogs in which the doggos listened to one person using high-pitched, dog-directed speech containing phrases such as “You’re a good dog” and “Shall we go for a walk?” Another person used adult-directed speech with no dog-related content (like “I went to the movies last night”). Researchers observed the dogs’ levels of attention during the speeches, and then prompted them to choose which speaker they wanted to play with. The speakers then mixed dog-directed speech with non-dog-related words and adult-directed speech with dog-related words, to determine if it was the high-pitched emotional tone or the words themselves dogs were attracted to. In the end, the scientists found that dogs were more likely to engage with the speaker who had used both dog-directed speech and dog-related content.

PROPER HEALTHY FOODIE FOODS FOR DOGS

vegetables, herbs, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains no added grains or poultry by-products. Now dog lovers can provide their pets with meals that replicate the natural ancestral diets they were born to eat. With all ingredients steam-cooked in their own natural juices, and with no added water, Field + Forest has produced something special – a product fit for man’s best friend. Suitable for all ages and breeds, the range is available in three primary flavours: Turkey + Duck, Game + Lamb, and Salmon + Tuna. This trio comes in pack sizes of 2kg (R210 per bag), 7kg (R600 per bag) and 12 kg (available soon).

www.fieldandforest.co.za

RADEMENESA THE HEALING CAT Animals don’t like going to the vet, but one Polish rescue cat is making the experience much better for sick animals recovering at the vet by providing comfort and companionship. Rademenesa is a black cat that was diagnosed with an inflamed respiratory tract when he was 2 months old. Veterinarian Lucyna Kuziel-Zawalich nursed the cat back to health before adopting him. Now, Rademenesa works as Kuziel-Zawalich’s assistant at the shelter in Bydgoszcz, where he has a very important role. The small black cat does everything in his power to make his fellow animals feel comfortable while they are undergoing treatment. He cuddles other felines who are recovering from treatment and even snuggles next to canine patients at the shelter. Rademenesa’s small acts of kindness bring joy to the other animals at the shelter and the affectionate feline has become an important part of the office staff. And while Rademenesa might not have any technical veterinary skills, he definitely has the ability to heal sick pets.