Same Great Recipe & Ingredients, but at a Lesser Cost Per Kilo & Less Packaging ...
These 5kg Bags are Designed to Defrost in your Fridge & Re-portion and Refreeze.
But is it safe to do that ?
Here's What the CSIRO Has to Say About Refreezing for Even Human Consumption.
Source CSIRO Website - https://www.csiro.au/en/research/health-medical/nutrition/foodhandling#:~:text=From%20a%20safety%20point%20of,5%C2%B0C%20or%20below.
Why Somerford Raw is the Safest Option for Your Pet -
We have always tried to educate our customers about the dangers of feeding raw Pet Grade meat from a Knackery & the vast difference between Human Grade Meat from an Abattoir as opposed to Pet Grade Meat.
Human grade meat means Grade 1 meat and meat that is fit for human consumption. It is free from parasites and made only from healthy animals. Animals that are sent to an abattoir to be butchered, must have a signed declaration saying worming is up to date to be classified as human grade.
Human grade meat has to be healthy before slaughter, the health of the animals that are used for the pet meat industry is not regulated. Sick, dead or dying animals are used for pet food as they may do not meet human food standards, this poses a serious health risk to your pets.
Our team of Butchers produce the food in our own facility & order the produce fresh daily. This way we have complete quality control over what goes into making our product & also have full control over the manufacturing process, ensuring the hygiene and integrity of our end product.
Prime 100 for example is now adding Bamboo Fibre to their ingredients, have lowered the amount of animal protein & customers are reporting a change in texture.
Big Dog is another example where they have changed meat / protein ingredients ratios. They also list water as an ingredient, and again we are hearing from customers there is a texture & palatability change.
Another Brand Nosh contains pasta & brown rice in some formulas.
Check feeding guides when purchasing a product, just because it maybe cheaper per kilo, doesn’t mean its cheaper to feed this product.
Why?......
Because our food is nutrient and calorie dense, so you get more nutrition & energy per kilo, so that equals you needing to feed less, so feeding less means our food lasts your dog longer, so equals more value per kilo.
Every ingredient is added for its nutritional benefit, to balance and create the perfect ratios for your dog’s optimal health.
We pride ourselves on producing a quality product from quality ingredients as we want your Pet to have the best.
Our food is an Ultra-Premium Product being that its only contains 100% Human Grade Australian Ingredients, no preservatives, or artificial additives, is naturally complete & balanced, and always single protein.
This means we don't mix cheaper meats into our mix, if you buy New England Beef you get only New England Beef, New England Beef Offal & New England Beef Bone, we don't mix it with cheaper proteins such as chicken or mix meat by-products.
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Storm phobias are often triggered by a change in barometric pressure, increased wind strength or rain.
Storm phobias are extremely distressing for both pet and owner. They are one of the most common types of phobias seen in dogs.
A phobia is often an inherited, extreme and uncontrollable fear response. They are thought to develop when escape from what they fear is not possible. Phobias tend to develop suddenly.
Triggers:
A storm phobia can be a serious problem that can cause self-harm through trying to escape out windows or off balconies, overgrooming, breaking their teeth by chewing through barriers, and damaging property.
Common signs of a storm phobia:
Only rarely does this condition get better with age.
Phobias in dogs tend to develop suddenly with early signs not often noticed. It is thought that a genetic component may exist and, therefore, run in the family line.
Common predispositions:
Storm phobias versus noise phobias
It has been estimated that 90% of dogs that suffer from storm phobias have noise phobias too. But dogs with noise phobias do not necessarily suffer from storm phobias too.
Phobias are difficult to treat. The goal is to improve the pets response to storms rather than completely cure.
Most pets with storm phobias require veterinary intervention. Your vet will be able to start the pet on a phobia management program that usually involves environmental and behavioural modification techniques with medication. Phobia management programs require time commitment and consistency.
Sample phobia management program:
Desensitisation
Desensitisation describes the use of low-level storm noises to be played and gradually increased over time to help your dog become accustomed to the noise. This technique alone is not often successful as it does not address the other storm phobia triggers such as barometric pressure, wind, rain etc.
Counter-conditioning
Counter-conditioning describes the use of positive associations such as treats or play along with the low-level storm noises. It is really important not to positively reward fear behaviour. Always wait until the pet is calm before offering treats.
Environmental changes
Use background noise such as white noise, fans, television, radio or other forms of distraction such as games to help reduce the impact of the storm noise. Occasionally, moving your pet to a loud board facility such as a kennel or vet clinic can help distract your pet from the noise.
Training
A well-trained dog is more likely to settle and relax upon request. Basic sit, stay, come are important commands. Use head halters to help train your pet and practice every day by giving treats when the pet is relaxed. Start training outside of thunderstorm season. Placing the head halter during early stages of anxiety may help your pet relax.
Behaviour-modifying medication
Behaviour-modifying medications can be short acting anti-panic medications that can be given before a storm to help them cope or long acting for those dogs that may suffer from multiple behavioural issues. Doses are often modified to determine the optimal dose to calm the pet but not overly sedate them. Your pet may be prescribed fluoxetine, clomipramine, amitriptyline, alprazolam or diazepam.
Other medications that may be recommended include dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) that is a spray that may help reduce phobia signs or melatonin which is a homeopathic agent that may help treat anxiety disorders in dogs. Both of these products have anecdotally helped reduce anxious behaviours.
Tips to help manage storm phobias:
Aronson L. Animal Behavior Case of the Month. J Am Vet Med Assoc 215[1]:22-24 1999
Cornwall McCobb E, Brown EA, Damiani K, Dodman NH. Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs: An Internet Survey of 69 Cases. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 37[4]:319-324 2001
Crowell-Davis SL, Seibert LM, Sung W, Parthasarathy V, Curtis TM. Use of Clomipramine, Alprazolam, and Behavior Modification for Treatment of Storm Phobia in Dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 222[6]:744-748 2003
Landsberg GM. Clomipramine - Beyond Separation Anxiety. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 37[4]:313-318 2001
Mills DS, Estelles MG, Coleshaw PH, Shorthouse C. Retrospective analysis of the treatment of firework fears in dogs. Vet Record, 153; 561-562 2003
Rugbjerg H, Proschowsky HF, Ersboll AK, Lund JD. Risk factors associated with interdog aggression and shooting phobias among purebred dogs in Denmark. Prev Vet Med 58[1-2]:85-100 2003
Overall KL, Dunham AE, Frank D. Frequency Of Nonspecific Clinical Signs In Dogs with Separation Anxiety, Thunderstorm Phobia, and Noise Phobia, Alone Or In Combination. J Am Vet Med Assoc 219[4]:467-473 2001
Seksel K, Lindeman MJ. Use of clomipramine in treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety and noise phobia in dogs: a preliminary, clinical study. Aust Vet J 79[4]:252-6 2001
Sheppard G, Mills DS. Evaluation of dog-appeasing pheromone as a potential treatment for dogs fearful of fireworks.Veterinary Record, 152: 432-436, 2003
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Excessive barking can be a major problem for pet owners and can lead to eviction, legal action and relinquishment.
Barking is a form of communication for dogs. However, excessive barking can become a big problem for pet owners and the neighbourhood.
A dog's bark expresses different emotions like pleasure, fun, loneliness, fear, or stress. There are many different types: bark, growl, howl, and whimper.
Understanding a dog's voice will help you understand what it is trying to say.
Type of vocal | Description |
Growl | A dog growls when it feels threatened. This may be followed by aggressive (wanting to attack) behaviour, especially when the dog bares its teeth. |
Warning Bark | The warning bark usually starts out as a quiet, low toned bark. As the dog feels more threatened, its voice can turn into a howling bark. This type of bark is usually heard when a stranger is approaching its territory, as when a postman delivers a package. |
Alarm Bark | The alarm bark is the dog's way of communicating to us that it wants attention. Dogs may bark a couple of times to alert us to an event, or they may bark at the same pitch until action is taken. The dog makes this bark when it hears an unusual noise like a doorbell or car alarm. |
Howls | Howling is a form of long-range communication. In the wild, dogs howl to locate other pack members. A domesticated dog can howl when separated from its owner. |
Whine | This high-pitched vocalisation is often produced through the nose when the dog's mouth is closed. The whine often means the dog wants something like food, a walk, or to go outside. |
Unfortunately, excessive barking can be a major problem for pet owners and can often lead to eviction, legal action and relinquishment.
Common causes of excessive barking:
Breeds that are known for excessive barking:
Tips to help manage barking:
Tapeworms can be easily prevented through regular flea treatment.
Tapeworms are segmented worms. They are transmitted by fleas and cause infection when the pet ingests the fleas. If you see worm segments around the anus, it is important to treat your pet for worms and fleas immediately.
Common signs of a tapeworm infection:
Example of an intestinal worming schedule for pets:
Always seek veterinary advice for a tailored intestinal, heartworm and flea control program for your pet.
Pets should be given worming medication on a regular basis, particularly the very social dog that comes into contact with other pets or areas where other pets frequent such as kennels or dog parks.
]]>Tear staining is most commonly seen in white-haired dogs with short noses such as the Shih-Tzu, Maltese, Chihuahua.
When the tears overflow from the eyes they can cause tear staining. Tear stains are the red discolouration under the pets eyes. There are a number of reasons that cause tears to overflow. This can occur in any dog but is most commonly is seen in white-haired dogs with short noses such as the Shih-Tzu, Maltese, Chihuahua.
Common signs of an eye problem:
If your pet shows any of these signs, seek veterinary attention.
Common causes of tear staining:
Tips to help manage tear staining:
If your pet suddenly develops excessive tears, red eyes or rubbing of the eyes, seek veterinary attention.
]]>Dogs affected by tick toxin become ill 3-5 days following tick attachment with rapid and progressive deterioration 24-48 hours later.
Mainly found on the East Coast of Australia, the paralysis tick can be life-threatening to our pets. This tick contains a toxin that when injected can cause paralysis in dogs, cats, sheep, cattle, goats and even kangaroos.
Paralysis cases peak in spring and early summer particularly in wet, warm weather but can occur any time of the year. They live in bushy areas and long grass often where natural hosts such as bandicoots, possums and wallabies inhabit.
Your local veterinary clinic will be able to tell you which areas have the paralysis tick and during what season.
Tips to help identify the paralysis tick:
Bringing in a tick or taking a photo is useful as your veterinarian will be able to help identify the type of tick.
Common signs of tick paralysis:
Most dogs become ill 3-5 days following tick attachment with signs rapidly and progressively getting worse 24-48 hours later.
Tick size or duration of attachment does not seem to affect the seriousness of toxicity signs.
Diagnosis can be complicated if the tick or the crater in which the tick may have attached, cannot be found.
In the case of tick paralysis, urgent veterinary care is required.
Veterinary treatment may include:
Pets are at their most critical within the first 24 hours. Regular monitoring and nursing care are required and animals are placed in a quiet and dark area of the hospital to reduce stress.
Tips to help manage the pet at home, following veterinary treatment:
Tips to help prevent ticks:
Unfortunately, no tick preventative is 100% effective throughout the whole treatment duration, so it is important to comb through your pet's coat after being outdoors and ensure you apply good quality tick treatment according to the label.
Tips on how to remove a tick:
If you are unsure, seek veterinary assistance as poor removal may result in worse symptoms.
Atwell, R. (2010). Tick Paralysis in The Merck Veterinary Manual, 10th Edition. Merck & Co., INC., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA. Pp. 1204-1210.
Shaw, M. (2000). The Australian Paralysis Tick in Newsletter of the Friends of the Far North Flying Foxes Inc., Edition 5.
Wylie R. (1984) Tick Paralysis. Post Graduate Committee in Vet. Sc., Uni. of Sydney. Control & Therapy No. 1815.
Atwell, R. (2011). Treatment of Tick Paralysis and Heartworm- Continuing Education Series, seminar sponsored by Merial, Shellharbour, July 2011
Atwell RB (1991), Treatment and Prevention of Tick Paralysis and Heartworm- Continuing Education Series, seminar sponsored by Merial and Provet, Wollongong, September 2001.
Atwell RB, Campbell FE and Court E (2000). The Attachment Sites of the Paralysis Tick (Ixodes holocyclus) on dogs, Aust Vet Practit, 30(2)
Ottaway, S & Newby,K. (2003). Paralysis Ticks. NSW Agriculture, Agnote DAI-267, 2nd edition September 2003.
Anon, (2007). Australian Paralysis tick fact sheet. Queensland Museum. June 2008.
Atwell, R. (2010). Tick Anti (Toxin) Serum – An overview of Knowns and Unknowns. A Technical Bulletin for veterinarians. Merial, Bulletin 3:May 2010.
]]>The presence of mites in the skin is also referred to as "mange" and is an intensely itchy condition.
The presence of mites in the skin of the pet referred to as "mange". Mites are not visible to the naked eye and diagnosis requires a veterinary skin scraping.
Mites bury into the skin of the pet causing itchiness, hair loss and inflammation. Mange is highly contagious to both cats and dogs. Treatment requires specific veterinary management and monitoring.
Common signs of a mite infestation:
Diagnosis of mites is made via skin scrapings where mites and eggs may be seen under the microscope.
Veterinary treatment consists of medications and shampoos.
NOTE: Mange, caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, can be transmitted to humans. For further information, seek advice from your General Medical Practitioner.
If you suspect a mite infestation, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Tips to help prevent mange:
Most dog foods incorporate a mix of protein sources, but single source protein dog food has health benefits worth the switch. Single protein foods allow you to avoid meats your pet is allergic to while ensuring they still receive a complete and balanced diet. Switching to a single protein source such as the Somerford range is made easy with The Pet Shop Boyz’ holistic pet food selections and delivery options.
With only one protein type, single source dog food allows you to limit the variety of ingredients which may have several health benefits.
The Pet Shop Boyz is a convenient option for purchasing single protein cat food thanks to our excellent customer service and a variety of options.
The Boyz provide the optimum variety of single source protein dog food with staff you can trust and reliable delivery.
We opened in 2005 to provide the community with holistic pet food and toys. Over time we have developed relationships with other local Australian companies, particularly Somerford Raw & Natural pet food. We know that you don't always have the time to collect your products, and we have incorporated delivery into our ever-expanding services. We are here to help you take care of your cat or dog to ensure your friendship lasts a lifetime. Contact us to learn more about feeding your favourite pets a healthy diet. Read More
When the Pet Shop Boyz opened back in 2005, there were very few options on the market for holistic meals for pets. Generic, mushy, and otherwise indistinguishable foods were historically a top choice - but that's all changing now.
Raw dog food diets for dogs are quickly becoming the norm across Australia. Preparing your pet's meals at home can be time-consuming, but now you have so many more options that your dog will love just as much.
Single protein dog food in Australia is one of our most popular product lines. It ensures your pet doesn't encounter proteins that don't agree with them, whilst maintaining full control over the ingredients your pet eats.
High-quality dog food protein ensures you're not left with the gristle and fats. Somerford Raw & Natural Diet foods ensure the lean protein content is high for the best health benefits. Each meal is carefully prepared with the right balance of protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and essential fats to encourage health and vitality including boosting the immune system and encouraging a luxurious coat.
Whether you're looking for a single protein dry dog food in Australia, or whether your pet enjoys a wet food diet, Somerford Raw & Natural Diet range has something your furry friend will love.
All dog food protein used in these meals and treats is 100% Australian Ingredients . You may be tempted by the Hunters Valley chicken or even the Tasmanian salmon - we support local businesses by using only home-grown ingredients. On top of that, all proteins are human grade too. This is first-class protein to ensure your pet receives only the best. They deserve it.
One of the reasons The Pet Shop Boyz was created was to give people a better option when it comes to their pet's health and wellness. Fillers, chemicals, and grains are incredibly over-used in mass-produced foods. It's just not the way dogs evolved to eat. They need fresh, raw, and nutritionally valuable meals. Somerford Raw & Natural Foods avoids all the nasties while offering you and your pet top-quality meals that deliver fantastic benefits.
Some pets love variety, whilst others will eat the same meal over and over again with gusto. To help you shop for your dog, we've created multiple ways for you to place your order.
We offer single packs, as well as the option to buy multiple packs at once. You can even save 5% off your order by signing up for our Subscribe and Save option. With this, you no longer have to order when your food is low, we'll send you what you need on a schedule that suits you and your furry family. You can opt for a delivery every 7 days - or even up to every 56 days and anything in between. It's the perfect way to ensure a supply of the fresh food your pet adores.
All fresh pet foods are delivered using a temperature-controlled truck. These deliveries are sent from our warehouse every Tuesday and Thursday. All other items that don't require temp control are shipped on the next working day.
If you would like to stay informed of our latest news, product launches, and exclusive sales - simply sign up to receive our newsletter. You can also follow us on social media to find out how we are helping the Australian pet community.
Read LessSometimes our furry friends need special care; whether they are diabetic, a sensitive breed or have a delicate stomach, Pet Shop Boyz has the sensitive dog food to help your dog feel better in their skin. By eliminating harmful carbohydrates such as corn or soy, providing high levels of protein and more natural fibres, our options make an excellent choice.
Sensitivity is a broad term that can apply to diabetic dogs, specific breeds or those with sensitive skin, but each can benefit from switching to a portion of more sensitive dog food.
We have been helping Australian pet owners with pet supplies since 2005, providing holistic pet food and excellent service to everyone who enters our shop or visits us online.
If the family dog isn't happy, no one is happy. By switching to one of the high-protein, grain-free options we carry, your diabetic or sensitive pup can feel better and eat healthier year-round. Help your best friend have soft skin and a healthy stomach by buying them the dog food for sensitive skin they need from Pet Shop Boyz! Contact us today.
]]>A fungal infestation of the skin, hair and nails that can affect dogs and cats.
A ringworm infection is characterised by hair loss or thinning coat. As the fungus can persist in the environment, ringworm becomes a problem to manage in multi-dog households or kennels. In an infected environment, it can be found on bedding, food and water bowls, and toys. Dogs merely have to come into contact with an infected dog or environment to develop it. Puppies and older dogs are more prone to the infection.
Common signs of ringworm:
Diagnosis is made by seeing the fungus under an ultraviolet light or collecting a skin sample for culture testing.
Ringworm in a healthy, mature dog often resolves on its own over months to a year. However, as it highly contagious to other dogs and people, it is important that any dog suspected of ringworm seek veterinary attention to minimise transfer to others and to prevent other skin infections from developing.
Treatment options:
Note: Ringworm is a zoonotic disease which means that it can be transferred from animal to human. Humans can develop ringworm from infected pets or contaminated environments. Seek medical advice from your local General Practitioner.
Tips to help prevent ringworm from spreading:
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) recommends the use of positive reinforcement training methods for dogs as the preferred method of training.
The use of positive punishment (applying something the dog doesn’t like to make behaviour less likely to occur in the future) is often a first approach used in dog training and for modifying problems in behaviour. However this method is not preferred by most behavioural specialists as dog training techniques that a dog doesn’t like can be dangerous for both owners and dogs.
It’s important to recognise that learning is an adaptive process used by a dog to cope with a changing environment. When there is a change in the environment the dog will respond physiologically or with a change in behaviour.
Some responses are instinctive (such as a newborn pup seeking a nipple), some responses are due to the environment (such as drinking when thirsty), and some responses are due to learning. The consequence of this response will influence the likelihood of the behaviour occurring again.
In many ways dogs learn the same way we do, by making connections between neurons. Pathways are strengthened through repetition and are weakened through lack of use.
Classical conditioning | is an involuntary process that happens when a dog makes an association between a previously “neutral” object (such as a set of car keys) and a reflexive action or emotional response (such as the excitement of the possibility of going to the beach). The dog has no control over its behavioural response. |
Instrumental conditioning |
takes place when an association is made between a neutral stimulus (such as the word “sit”) and a voluntary response (placing bottom on ground). This type of behaviour is modified by the consequence of the dog’s response. For example, if the consequence is rewarding, the behaviour is more likely to increase in frequency. If the consequence of the chosen behaviour is unrewarding to the dog, the behaviour is likely to decrease in frequency. Dogs, like all animals, learn to respond to stimuli that enhance the possibility of a good outcome. Rewarding means that the dog receives something it wants, or values, as a consequence of its behaviour. These are called “reinforcers”. Primary reinforcers are essential for survival, such as food, water and reproduction. Secondary reinforcers are neutral things such as words which have been associated with primary reinforcers to become desirable to the dog. For example, the words “good dog” or the sound of a clicker means nothing to a dog until the dog has associated it with a treat for example. |
Punishment uses the principle that if the consequence is painful or unpleasant, the dog is less likely to behave that way again. This can involve two strategies:
Positive punishment | is applying something the dog doesn’t like to make the behaviour less likely to occur again. For example, smacking a dog on the nose (an aversive stimulus) when it approaches to take a biscuit off the table reduces his scavenging behaviour around the table. |
Negative punishment | means taking away something the dog wants to make the behaviour less likely to occur again. For example, removing all biscuits from the table as the dog approaches the table (removal of something the dog wants) reduces the likelihood of the dog scavenging around the table. |
Pitfalls of positive punishment
There are two types of reinforcement techniques:
Positive reinforcement | involves giving the dog something it wants to make the behaviour more likely to occur again. This occurs if asking the dog to sit and stay and giving it a reward (something the dog wants) for staying away from the biscuit on the table increases his likelihood of doing as asked again. |
Negative reinforcement | involves removing something aversive to make the behaviour more likely to occur again. This occurs if holding the dog back from the table by a tight choker chain (an aversive stimulus), and releasing the pressure when the dog sits down and stops leaning in towards the biscuits. This results in the dog being less likely to try and approach food on the table in the future. Note that an aversive stimulus had to be present (the choker) for the dog to have to work to escape, so negative reinforcement can also be called escape or avoidance learning. |
The use of positive reinforcement is the most humane and effective training method as it avoids undesirable behavioural side effects. It also makes training more enjoyable and helps to improve the bond with the pet.
Training methods that use positive punishment and negative reinforcement have been linked with undesirable side effects for dogs and behavioural problems such as escape and avoidance behaviour (to avoid the punishment), aggressive behaviour (in self-defence), response suppression (habituation or learned helplessness) and fear of people or things in the environment where the aversive stimulus was present (fear conditioning and generalisation). (Blackwell 2008)
Other strategies to modify behaviour include giving advice and help to owners such as:
Reverse sneezing is the rapid sucking of air into the nasal cavity that creates a noisy, honking sound.
In a normal sneeze, air is pushed out the nose. However in the case of a reverse sneeze, air is sucked into the nose. During a reverse sneeze, the dog is usually hunched over with an extended neck and makes a honking noise through its nose. It's the rapid sucking of air into the nasal cavity that creates a noisy, honking sound. There is no doubt that an episode of reverse sneezing is frightening to see. The good news is that it is short-lived and resolved by the time you make a call to your local veterinary practice.
This reflex or spasm is commonly seen in small breed dogs, dogs with narrow nasal cavities and brachycephalic dogs such as pugs, bulldogs that tend to also have elongated soft palates.
Common causes of the reverse sneeze:
Reverse sneezing often resolves itself without treatment within a few seconds. To help them through the episode, you can try massaging the throat.
If the problem persists or is accompanied by other signs such as coughing, or nasal discharge, seek veterinary attention immediately. Your veterinarian will do further tests to rule out a medical cause. If allergies are the main cause, your veterinarian will prescribe medications and environmental modifications to help reduce the clinical signs.
Tips to help prevent reverse sneezing:
Switch to a raw food diet for dogs to ensure that your pups receive the nutrients that they require for healthy skin, a strong coat, and a balanced weight—all without supplements. A dog’s digestive system was designed to process a primarily meat-based diet, and it often struggles when their diet contains a lot of grains & starch instead.
Curious about raw feeding your dogs? The following are a few tips to get you started, and we have additional information in our Frequently Asked Questions.
The key to encouraging a healthy raw food diet for your puppy or adult dog is ensuring that their food contains natural ingredients. That’s why we carry Somerford Raw & Natural products. A few puppy food considerations:
Your puppy will benefit from a raw food diet in the following ways.
The Pet Shop Boyz has been in operation since 2005, focusing on the best ways to support your pet’s health and wellbeing. As pet owners ourselves, we understand the critical role that natural products can play in the health of our pets.
Contact us to discuss how a raw food diet can support your beloved pet.
]]>The decision to switch from dry to raw cat food is an important one for every feline owner. As gentle as your furry friend might be, they are born hunters, and raw food fits more naturally into their diet than grain-based dry food commonly available at pet stores. Pet Shop Boyz makes changing to a raw food diet for your cat easy by providing holistic pet food from Somerford Raw & Natural range. Somerford utilises local Australian resources to create a balanced raw diet for your cat and ensure they get the nutrition they need.
Felines are carnivores by birth, and a biologically appropriate diet can help prevent various health issues by supplying them with foods that their stomachs can digest naturally.
We have been providing quality pet products in the New South Wales area since 2005 and dedicate ourselves to providing you with the resources and information you need to keep your beloved furries safe.
A well-fed cat is a happy cat, and Pet Shop Boyz makes switching to a raw diet for cats easier than ever. Imagine how excited your pet will be when you replace their boring, dry food with raw cat food they didn’t even know they needed. We provide Somerford Raw & Natural as a holistic pet food choice made with local Australian ingredients, and that includes free shipping.
Real cat food shouldn’t come from a bag. Change to raw cat food and help your feline feel like a predator again and make the change to raw today. Contact us for any questions or enquiries; we are always happy to help.
]]>Raw bones for dogs can provide your best friend with better breath, a shinier coat, and much-needed mental stimulation. Your dogs’ instinctive need to chew is satisfied with a natural product that aligns with their dietary requirements. Pet Shop Boyz offers a wide range of raw bones for every size dog to focus their minds and energy while providing the nutrients they need.
The carnivorous nature of dogs is closely related to wolves in their desire to chew on bones. Wolves include the bones of their kill as part of their meal and your dog wants the same experience.
Feeding your dog a raw bone as a treat has positive health effects – not to mention the extra love you will receive in return.
The benefits to your dog’s health will far outweigh any mess they make whilst consuming their bone. Using an old towel to designate an area for chewing adds training to their treat.
Operating since 2005, we have been providing raw meat and other natural ingredients for pets, allowing them to grow and stay healthy. We focus on nutrition by offering a large range of raw products suitable for dogs, cats, and ferrets that develop a closer bond between you and your pet. We offer free delivery from Canberra up to the Sunshine Coast and our prompt delivery ensures your pet has the variety their diet requires.
Our knowledgeable staff is ready to answer any questions you have regarding our raw products and how they will benefit your pet. We will help you determine the best diet mix for your dog and welcome your feedback so we can further improve our products and services.
]]>Our excellent pet food is available online at an exceptional value so you can easily and affordably feed your animal a nutritious meal. At The Pet Shop Boyz, we are dedicated to providing premium quality products that will benefit your pet and help them to remain healthy. We supply food that is ideal for small fish, large dogs and the animals in between.
At our online store, you can order food for several different types of pets.
Our orders are shipped Monday through Friday.
We recommend products that have been tested by our staff and their pets.
About The Pet Shop Boyz
Our staff are experienced and knowledgeable about pet care, including the well-being and nutrient needs of your companion. We promote the benefits of raw and natural products, and can help you discover the nutritious food that will best suit your animal. Contact us today for friendly and professional service when buying nutritious pet food online.
]]>A pet food delivery service that delivers fresh food for your pets is a welcome partner in your dog or cat’s overall health. The selection of raw foods that pets crave is available for delivery to your door, allowing you to feed your pets nutritious food in a raw state. Their bodies process raw food better, which reduces illness and creates a healthier and happier animal. Pet Shop Boyz has been in the business of feeding household animals a diet rich in vitamins and minerals for over a decade.
A good pet food service can help you determine the best diet for your pet and offer valuable information to help you provide nutritious food for your furry family members.
Raw pet food can be purchased fresh or frozen and delivered to your door throughout the week, ensuring your pet has fresh ingredients in their diet daily.
Having raw pet food delivered to your door from a trustworthy source allows you to offer your best friend a meal they will devour and thank you for.
Purchasing fresh ingredients for your pets from a reputable source that offers a variety for your animals provides better health benefits and easy feeding times.
Ordering a variety pack allows you to gauge your pets’ particular tastes, providing you with valuable information for future orders.
Why Pet Shop Boyz Is Cost-Effective
Our relationship with our own pets drives us to deliver fresh products for your beloved animals to your front door. Our selection of raw food and other pet products allows you to shop in one place for everything you need to care for your pets from cats and dogs to caged animals like birds and pet rodents. We accept Zip Pay to manage your payments, allowing you to start feeding your pets nutritious food as soon as possible.
Please call us to learn more about our delivery service and raw meat products for your extended family. You will experience happier, healthier pets and receive abundant love in return.
]]>Parvovirus is a preventable, viral infection that kills up to 80-95% of unvaccinated puppies.
Parvovirus is a highly infectious agent that infects young puppies and causes characteristic bloody diarrhoea.
The virus is spread by the faeces of an infected dog. A dog can pick up the virus through ingestion of infected grass, water, food that can be found in public areas such as dog parks. Viral shedding or the spread of the virus from infected faeces occurs approximately 3 days after infection and can continue for 7-12 days after infection. This means that even once the dog has returned home, it could still shed virus and infect others.
It is highly recommended that dogs do not go to public areas for about a week after being discharged from the hospital.
Common signs of parvovirus in a dog:
Puppies usually start showing signs of disease, day 4-14 after infection.
Diagnosis is based on vaccination history, clinical signs and blood or faecal testing. The best time to pick up the disease is 5-7 days after infection as the faecal concentration is at its highest. Your veterinarian may take a faecal sample directly from the rectum or take a blood sample to test for the virus.
Dogs with parvovirus are often very sick. Urgent care is required in order to give the dog the best chance of survival. It has been estimated that without treatment, over 80-95% of dogs with parvovirus will die.
Veterinary management may include:
Tips to help manage a pet with parvovirus:
Tips to help prevent parvovirus:
To help prevent your pet from picking up the virus, it is recommended that if you are wanting to walk your pet or take them to public areas such as puppy school, it is important that it has had its first vaccination and that the school requires all puppies to be vaccinated. If your puppy has not had its 14-16 weeks vaccination, and you want to take it for a walk, it is best to take them on the cement pavement where direct sunlight would have killed the virus. A shady park is ideal for picking up the parvovirus and should be avoided until your pet is fully vaccinated!
Dogs commonly contract parvovirus if not fully vaccinated or vaccinated at the wrong time. It's extremely important that the vaccination regime is adhered to.
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Your furry friend is in for a nutritious surprise when you feed him or her natural pet treats. The Pet Shop Boyz is a proud supplier of healthy treat and pet food options for animals of all shapes and sizes.
As fellow animal lovers, we understand that it’s often tough to find a comprehensive selection of high-quality, all-natural dog treats at your local pet shop. Here are a few reasons why we carry a wide range of these natural treats.
Here are some additional benefits to keep in mind while you are shopping for healthy dog treats.
If you’ve thought about switching but didn’t have a complete understanding of the benefits of holistic goodies, now may be your moment.
We strive to be your go-to distributor for healthy pet treats. When you shop with us, you can always anticipate the following.
Our team has plenty of experience in pet essentials, including holistic food and treat options and items to support the care of small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
About The Pet Shop Boyz
We are proud of our 15-year history as trusted pet professionals. Do you have questions? To speak to one of our healthy pet food suppliers, send us a message through our contact page.
]]>Mouth injuries are often seen when the pet demonstrates pain when eating or blood is seen in saliva.
Common causes of a mouth problem:
Common signs of a dental problem:
Tips to help prevent mouth injuries at home:
Tips that may help prevent dental disease:
If your pet seems uncomfortable or goes off its food, seek veterinary attention.
]]>THE BEGINNING
WE LOVED AND BRED DOGS
Somerford Raw & Natural Ultra Premium Pet Foods started thanks to our love of breeding and showing Weimaraners. Since 1973, Somerford Weimaraners has been one of Australia’s finest and longest established breeders, producing show quality pure bred pedigree Weimaraners.
We, like most dog owners, believed that feeding a good quality kibble would provide our dogs with all the nutrition they needed. But we found that we were wrong!
OUR AHA! MOMENT
Believing there might be something better, we started to change our dogs onto our own formulation of fresh human grade ingredients. And we were totally amazed by the difference it made to our dogs.
THE RESULT
Better overall health, better puppies, better growth and better coats – which all resulted in better quality of life.
Our new formulation became known as Somerford Raw & Natural and has now grown to be of Australia’s leading raw dog foods.
OUR FORMULA
We love our dogs and love our puppies. And being a part of our family, we only want to feed them the very best.
Many dry dog foods contain cereal and grain products as their main ingredients – ingredients that over the centuries were never the main staple of a wild dog’s diet. It just makes sense that your dog can’t get everything it needs from a food that contains more grains and cereals than meat.
Our formulation is based on what they were naturally designed to eat – meat, bone, offal and some fruit and vegetable matter.
OUR INGREDIENTS
Here at Somerford Raw & Natural, we understand our food can only be as good as the ingredients we use to make it.
We only ever use fresh, top quality, 100% human grade Australian ingredients. Chicken and turkey comes from the Hunter Valley, lamb and beef from the New England grazing areas, duck and salmon from the clean waters of Tasmania, with fruits and vegetables sourced locally.
PREPARATION
All of our food is prepared by our in-house butchers at our facility in Newcastle, NSW. This allows complete quality control – from sourcing of fresh product daily, through to manufacturing processes, hygiene and product integrity.
OUR RANGE
Our ever-expanding range of products currently include –
We also have a range of treats and supplements.
We are the ONLY raw pet food company that has two types of puppy formulations –
Early Stage – for puppies up to 4 to 5 months of age, providing more calcium to support fast growth in the first months of life
Second Stage – for pups from 4 to 12 months of age, supporting continued growth into the adult stage.
We also specialize in single protein formulas, which is great for dogs who have allergies and sensitivities to certain food types.
All our products are clearly labelled, providing complete transparency. And because we prepare all the food ourselves - if it’s not on the label, it’s not in our food.
THE END RESULT
Our BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet has changed many pets lives for the better. Whether it’s a puppy, healthy adult dog, or a dog with sensitive skin or digestive issues, all have benefited from making the switch to Somerford Raw & Natural. Check out our Facebook page for our happy customer testimonials.
TO ORDER
Visit our website – www.somerfordrawandnatural.com.au
Make your selection and even create an recurring order subscription.
Take advantage of our many payment options – credit card, PayPal, After Pay and ZipPay.
And enjoy free delivery across the East Coast of Australia.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Our goal is to educate as many pet owners as possible on the benefits of raw food diets.
Get in touch through our website – www.somerfordrawandnatural.com.au
Via our Facebook page – www.facebook.com/somerfordrawandnatural
Phone – (02) 4960 0709
Email – sales@petshopboyz.com.au
Or we’d love to see you in person at our retail outlet at –
The Pet Shop Boyz
Unit 1
5 Channel Road
MAYFIELD WEST NSW 2304
]]>Motion sickness is commonly a problem of puppies that often resolves with age.
Motion sickness is illness usually brought on from a car ride. It is estimated that 20% of dogs suffer from car sickness.
Motion sickness occurs commonly in:
Common signs of motion sickness:
As a dog matures, their motion sickness may disappear. While they are young, it is important to maintain a positive car experience until they outgrow it.
Dogs that suddenly develop motion sickness due to ear disease will require veterinary treatment to address the disease.
If your pet continues to suffer from motion sickness due to behavioural disorders such as anxiety, you can try behavioural modification techniques such as slowly introducing your pet to the car and short rides and making it a positive experience.
In severe cases, your veterinarian will be able to discuss whether your pet is suitable for medication, pheromone therapy or natural remedies such as Bach flower, valerian, passionflower, ginger.
Veterinary treatment may include:
Tips to help reduce motion sickness:
Coprophagia describes the unwanted behaviour of eating faeces.
Coprophagia refers to the ingestion of its own stools or other animals such as the cat's stools from the litter tray.
Eating faeces is a common behaviour in puppies and young dogs. Often they outgrow this behaviour as they mature. Breeding bitches also eat the faecal material of their puppies to keep them and the nest clean.
Studies have shown that dogs obtained from a pet store are more likely to exhibit this behaviour than those puppies from a breeder.
Common causes of eating faeces:
Your veterinarian will be able to determine whether the action is a medical or behavioural problem through obtaining a thorough history and performing some tests. Offering information about the pet's diet, whether it was obtained from the pet store or breeder, frequency of behaviour, whether you are present when it performs it, the source of faeces being consumed such as another dog, its own, wild animal or cat's, will assist in determining the motivation for the behaviour.
A physical and faecal examination will determine whether there are any digestive issues such as chronic pancreatic insufficiency, malabsorption or starvation.
Tips to help manage a pet that eats faeces:
If your pet shows sign of illness, seek veterinary attention.
]]>Territorial behaviour and anxiety are the most common causes for urine marking in dogs.
Dogs repeatedly urinate on vertical surfaces such as walls or trees to mark their territory. Inappropriate marking occurs when the dog performs this inside the home. Causes for this behaviour is usually hormonally or socially based.
Common causes of inappropriate marking:
Management of urine marking involves thorough cleaning of the environment, ensuring your pet is treated for any medical or behavioural condition and neutering of household pets.
Tips to help prevent urine marking:
Chewing nonfood objects and digging holes are signs of destructive behaviour.
It's normal for dogs to explore with their mouth and have the desire to chew. However, destructive behaviour by way of chewing on furniture, shoes, carpet etc can be a sign of anxiety or boredom.
Common signs of destructive behaviour:
Common causes of destructive behaviour:
Tips to help reduce destructive behaviour:
If the destructive behaviour becomes excessive, seek veterinary attention.
]]>Worm prevention should be taken seriously in pets as worms can be transmitted from our pets to people.
There are many types of intestinal worms including the roundworm, hookworm or tapeworm. Other worms such as hookworms are not visible to the naked eye. If you see worms in the stools, it is important to treat your pet immediately. Pets should be dewormed on a regular basis.
Common signs of worms:
Common signs of a Roundworm infection:
Common signs of a Hookworm infection:
Common signs of a Tapeworm infection:
Example of an intestinal worming schedule for pets:
Always seek advice for a tailored intestinal, heartworm and flea control program for your pet.
Tips that may help prevent worms:
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