Latest news with #UmeshKallahalli
News18
2 days ago
- Health
- News18
Essential Nutrients And Calorie Guidelines For Healthy Kitten Growth
Nutrition is critical for kittens as they grow and plays a key role in their long-term health Nutrition is essential for all aspects of a cat's growth, especially during the early life stages. New pet parents must carefully consider the nutritional needs of kittens, which differ from those of adult cats. Proper nutrition in the first two to three weeks is vital for their overall health. A recent study by Mars revealed that 90% of veterinarians believe Indian pets lack proper nutrition, and 91% recommend packaged food for precise calorie management. Understanding your cat's nutritional and caloric needs is essential for their health and long life. Dr Umesh Kallahalli, senior veterinarian, MARS Petcare, India shares all you need to know: Essential nutrients for growth and development ● Newborn kittens require a balanced diet rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy growth. Proteins are vital for tissue growth and repair, with animal proteins providing essential amino acids like taurine, which supports heart function, vision, and reproduction. ● Fats provide energy and aid the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids promote brain development, skin health, and a shiny coat. DHA (an Omega-3) is crucial for brain and eye development. ● Although less essential, carbohydrates supply energy and assist digestion, especially as kittens transition from milk to solid food. ● Vitamins play a key role in the overall development: Vitamin A supports vision and immunity, D strengthens bones, E protects cells and skin, and K helps with blood clotting. ● Both calcium and phosphorus are essential for strong bones and teeth, with a balanced ratio preventing bone disorders. Minerals like iron support oxygen transport, while magnesium, potassium, and sodium are vital for nerve and muscle function. Feeding newborn kittens For the first four weeks of life, kittens rely entirely on their mother's milk for nutrition. If the mother is unable to nurse, a commercially available kitten milk replacer should be used. These replacers are formulated to mimic the nutritional profile of the mother's milk. ● Week 1-2: Kittens should be fed every 2-3 hours, including overnight. The feedings should consist of small amounts of milk replacer, administered with a bottle designed for kittens. ● Week 3-4: Feeding frequency can be reduced to every 3-4 hours. At this stage, kittens can start to open their eyes and move around more actively. The weaning process typically begins around the fourth week of life. This transition should be gradual to allow the kittens to adapt to solid food. ● Week 4-5: Introduce a gruel made of high-quality kitten food mixed with milk replacer or water. Offer this mixture in a shallow dish to encourage the kittens to lap it up. One must continue bottle feeding as necessary. ● Week 6-7: Gradually reduce the amount of milk replacer in the gruel, increasing the proportion of solid food. By the end of this period, kittens should be eating solid food consistently. ● Week 8 and beyond: Kittens should be fully weaned off milk replacer and eating a diet of high-quality kitten food. Ensure the food is specifically formulated for kittens, as it will provide the appropriate nutrient balance for their growing bodies. Nutrition is critical for kittens as they grow and plays a key role in their long-term health. A proper, balanced, and nutritious diet supports healthy development. Packaged diets that meet global or national pet food standards, such as those set by AAFCO or the NRC, are specifically formulated for cats, offering both convenience for pet parents and confidence in nutrient adequacy. Packaged cat food is an easy and dependable source of fulfilling the nutritional needs of developing kittens and ensuring that they grow healthy without having to rely on homemade diets. Packaged cat food is an easy and dependable source of fulfilling the nutritional needs of developing kittens and ensuring that they grow healthy without the guesswork of homemade diets. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
International Cat Day 2025: Essential nutrients every cat owner should know for their feline's health
Cats require nutrient-rich content for shiny coats, immunity, and agile bodies.(Shutterstock) International Cat Day 2025: Celebrated on August 8 each year, this observance day was initiated in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare to raise awareness about cats' needs, promote their welfare, and cherish the happiness they bring to our lives. On this day, let's take a closer look at the nutrition of cats, the pillar behind all their energy, vitality and health. ALSO READ: International Cat Day: Meet the richest cats in the world! Dr Umesh Kallahalli, Small Animal Consultant, Mars Petcare India, shared the importance of dietary requirements in cats. Knowing which nutrients your cat needs helps you make informed choices when reading cat food labels. Don't just pick any generic cat food without checking the nutritional content. Dr. Kallahalli listed two vital requirements in any diet, even for your cats: micronutrients and macronutrients. Macronutrients are the main nutrients, consumed in large amounts for energy, while micronutrients are vitamins and minerals needed in smaller amounts to support vital bodily functions. Here's the brief guide Dr. Kallahalli shared on the two rudimentary requirements of your cat's diet: Macronutrients 1. Protein Cats need high-quality animal protein because it provides important building blocks called amino acids, especially taurine. Taurine is vital for healthy eyes, a strong heart, and normal reproduction. Without enough taurine, cats can experience blindness or serious heart problems. 2. Fats Fats offer a rich source of energy, even more than proteins or carbohydrates. They also help the body absorb essential vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which are necessary for good vision, bones, skin, and blood. Fats also contain essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, which cats cannot make themselves. These fatty acids are good for supporting brain and eye development in kittens, especially DHA, a type of omega-3. It also keeps the skin healthy and free from dryness or irritation and gives cats a soft, shiny coat. 3. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are not essential for cats, but they can be part of their diet as an energy source. Cats can digest carbohydrates, especially as kittens when they consume lactose from their mother's milk, but a cat's diet should always prioritise proteins and fats over carbohydrates. Macronurteints 1. Vitamins Cats need preformed vitamin A, which they cannot get from plants. Vitamin D for bone health. Vitamin E for cell protection, and vitamin K for blood clotting. 2. Minerals Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and iron are vital for bone strength, muscle function, enzymatic processes, and overall metabolic health. Hydration Hydration is important to prevent kidney issues. (Shutterstock) No discussion about diet is complete without mentioning hydration. It is essential for bodily functions, but often overlooked in cats, who naturally have a low thirst drive. 'Hydration is often overlooked but is critical for cats, especially since they have a naturally low thirst drive due to their history," The vet described the tendency of cats to drink less water. "Wet cat food or encouraging cats to drink water ensures proper kidney function, supports urinary tract health, and prevents dehydration, which can lead to urinary issues.' Feeding frequency and portion control Even if your cat paws and meows like they haven't eaten in days, despite you feeding them just an hour ago, control the urge to overfeed. Giving too many treats and extra meals may result in weight gain and health issues. Highlighting the importance of a consistent meal portion, Dr Umesh Kallahalli, added, 'Consistent meal portions help manage weight and prevent obesity, allowing better tracking of a cat's health and appetite. Overfeeding can quickly cause excess weight and associated health problems. Cats do best with regular, scheduled feeding times that reflect their natural hunting behaviour, rather than free feeding.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Business Standard
28-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Love Them Like Family, Feed Them Like Cats and Dogs
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 28: Despite growing love and emotional bonding in Indian pet households, pets are still fed like humans -- from the same kitchen, and often the same plate that lacks essential nutrients pets require. Addressing this gap, Mars, Incorporated, a global leader in pet care products and services, has launched 'Feed Them Like Cats and Dogs,' a campaign each for the Pedigree® and Whiskas® brands on raising awareness about the specific nutritional needs of dogs and cats. The message is simple and universal: pets may be family, but their nutrition requirements are biologically different. In the Pedigree® brand film, a pet parent realises that dogs respond to their own natural instincts, especially around food. The Whiskas® brand film captures a quiet bonding moment where the pet parent comes to understand that while we treat cats as part of the family, their nutritional needs are uniquely their own. The campaign has been created by BBDO India and BBDO Guerrero, respectively. The Pedigree® brand film The Whiskas® brand film The campaign is supported by a recent survey conducted among Indian veterinarians, which captured observations on what pets are being fed and the impact this has on their health. According to the findings, nutrition gaps are widespread among pets fed home prepared diets. Most vets recommend complete and balanced packaged pet food as a safer and more consistent option. Many vets report visible improvements in digestion, energy, and coat health when pet parents transition to packaged pet food. Key findings include: Imbalanced pet bowls: 9 in 10 vets say Indian pets lack proper nutrition. * 91% of vets say packaged pet food is the best way to ensure calorie precision and complete nutrition. * 88% of vets agree that home-cooked food is not enough to provide adequate nutrition to pets. * 86% of vets are concerned that feeding human food that lacks essential nutrients, or the right proportion of nutrients leads to nutritional imbalance, and toxicity. * 79% say pet parents are willing to learn -- but lack awareness. Stop feeding from your plate: say Indian vets as pet illnesses surge. * 69% of vets say a common mistake made by Indian pet parents is ignoring veterinary recommendations and giving homemade diets without professional guidance. * 65% of vets recommend feeding packaged pet food instead of human food and avoiding unsafe foods as the top way to ensure healthy feeding at home. Difference is visible: benefits of switching to packaged pet food. * 70% of vets noted better weight control in pets. * 66% saw increased energy in pets. * 61% observed fewer digestive issues in pets. Dr. Umesh Kallahalli, Senior Veterinarian & Small Animal Consultant, Bangalore, said, "We regularly treat pets affected not by lack of care, but by habits driven by emotion rather than nutritional understanding. Pet parents today are more attentive, more involved, and more loving than ever. However, home-cooked food, no matter how wholesome it seems, does not provide what pets truly need, unless formulated by a qualified veterinary nutritionist. We see the effects every day -- fatigue, weak immunity, dull coats, and digestive issues. These are not signs of neglect; they are signs of misinformed love. That is what makes campaigns like these on feeding the right nutrition to pets by Mars an imperative for a country like India." Salil Murthy, Managing Director, Mars Petcare India, said, "We are seeing a generational shift in how India relates to pets. They are companions at the heart of the family, but this emotional closeness has also created blind spots especially with respect to pet nutrition. Feeding choices by pet parents in India are often guided by sentiment, not science. Our campaign is helping pet parents bring the two together and shift the narrative from emotional feeding to informed feeding. As market leaders, we believe it is our responsibility to educate pet parents on what feeding right truly means and counter the common misconceptions regarding pet nutrition." Ayesha Huda, Chief Marketing Officer, Mars Petcare India, said, "India needs a step change in how we think about pet nutrition. Despite rising pet ownership and growing affection towards pets, over 90% of Indian pet parents still feed home-cooked food--unaware that it lacks all the essential nutrients pets need to live a healthy, happy life. It is time to shift from emotional feeding to evidence-based care. Backed by Mars 90 years of global nutritional expertise in pet care, the Pedigree® and Whiskas® brands ensure complete and balanced nutrition when fed as recommended." The high decibel campaign will be visible across pet stores, ecommerce platforms, social media, digital platforms, veterinary clinics, retail environments and the distribution network of Mars. It invites Indian pet parents to reflect on what goes into the bowl -- and whether it truly reflects what their pet needs, to lead a healthier life. The Pedigree® and Whiskas® brands are scientifically formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition tailored to the unique needs of dogs and cats. Developed with experts at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, it ensures pets receive the right nourishment every day, in every bowl. ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As an approximately $55bn family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M & M's®, SNICKERS® and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles--Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom--inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.
News18
28-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Love Them Like Family, Feed Them Like Cats and Dogs
Agency: PTI Last Updated: • Mars launches new PEDIGREE® and WHISKAS® brand films to raise awareness on the nutritional needs of dogs and cats in India. • New Research shows that 9 in 10 vets say Indian pets lack proper nutrition. • The campaign delivers a simple but powerful message: while pets are family, their biological and nutritional needs are quite different. New Delhi, July 28, 2025 — Despite growing love and emotional bonding in Indian pet households, pets are still fed like humans — from the same kitchen, and often the same plate that lacks essential nutrients pets require. Addressing this gap, Mars, Incorporated, a global leader in pet care products and services, has launched 'Feed Them Like Cats and Dogs,' a campaign each for the Pedigree® and Whiskas® brands on raising awareness about the specific nutritional needs of dogs and cats. The message is simple and universal: pets may be family, but their nutrition requirements are biologically different. In the Pedigree® brand film, a pet parent realises that dogs respond to their own natural instincts, especially around food. The Whiskas® brand film captures a quiet bonding moment where the pet parent comes to understand that while we treat cats as part of the family, their nutritional needs are uniquely their own. The campaign has been created by BBDO India and BBDO Guerrero, respectively. Imbalanced pet bowls: 9 in 10 vets say Indian pets lack proper nutrition. • 91% of vets say packaged pet food is the best way to ensure calorie precision and complete nutrition. • 88% of vets agree that home-cooked food is not enough to provide adequate nutrition to pets. • 86% of vets are concerned that feeding human food that lacks essential nutrients, or the right proportion of nutrients leads to nutritional imbalance, and toxicity. • 79% say pet parents are willing to learn — but lack awareness. Stop feeding from your plate: say Indian vets as pet illnesses surge. • 69% of vets say a common mistake made by Indian pet parents is ignoring veterinary recommendations and giving homemade diets without professional guidance. • 65% of vets recommend feeding packaged pet food instead of human food and avoiding unsafe foods as the top way to ensure healthy feeding at home. Difference is visible: benefits of switching to packaged pet food. • 70% of vets noted better weight control in pets. • 66% saw increased energy in pets. • 61% observed fewer digestive issues in pets. Dr. Umesh Kallahalli, Senior Veterinarian & Small Animal Consultant, Bangalore, said, 'We regularly treat pets affected not by lack of care, but by habits driven by emotion rather than nutritional understanding. Pet parents today are more attentive, more involved, and more loving than ever. However, home-cooked food, no matter how wholesome it seems, does not provide what pets truly need, unless formulated by a qualified veterinary nutritionist. We see the effects every day — fatigue, weak immunity, dull coats, and digestive issues. These are not signs of neglect; they are signs of misinformed love. That is what makes campaigns like these on feeding the right nutrition to pets by Mars an imperative for a country like India." Salil Murthy, Managing Director, Mars Petcare India, said, 'We are seeing a generational shift in how India relates to pets. They are companions at the heart of the family, but this emotional closeness has also created blind spots especially with respect to pet nutrition. Feeding choices by pet parents in India are often guided by sentiment, not science. Our campaign is helping pet parents bring the two together and shift the narrative from emotional feeding to informed feeding. As market leaders, we believe it is our responsibility to educate pet parents on what feeding right truly means and counter the common misconceptions regarding pet nutrition." Ayesha Huda, Chief Marketing Officer, Mars Petcare India, said, 'India needs a step change in how we think about pet nutrition. Despite rising pet ownership and growing affection towards pets, over 90% of Indian pet parents still feed home-cooked food—unaware that it lacks all the essential nutrients pets need to live a healthy, happy life. It is time to shift from emotional feeding to evidence-based care. Backed by Mars 90 years of global nutritional expertise in pet care, the Pedigree® and Whiskas® brands ensure complete and balanced nutrition when fed as recommended." The high decibel campaign will be visible across pet stores, ecommerce platforms, social media, digital platforms, veterinary clinics, retail environments and the distribution network of Mars. It invites Indian pet parents to reflect on what goes into the bowl — and whether it truly reflects what their pet needs, to lead a healthier life. The Pedigree® and Whiskas® brands are scientifically formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition tailored to the unique needs of dogs and cats. Developed with experts at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, it ensures pets receive the right nourishment every day, in every bowl. Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As an approximately $55bn family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M's®, SNICKERS® and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom—inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet. top videos View all For more information about Mars, please visit Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 28, 2025, 17:00 IST News agency-feeds Love Them Like Family, Feed Them Like Cats and Dogs Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Should you let your dog sleep on your bed? We ask a vet
For many pet parents, their furry companions are more than just pets — they're family. Whether it's celebrating birthdays, planning vacations around them, or even sharing a bed, dogs have carved a deeply emotional space in households. But that last bit — letting your dog sleep on your bed — remains a much-debated topic among pet parents. According to Dr Umesh Kallahalli, Small Animal Consultant at Mars Petcare India, the answer isn't a one-size-fits-all. 'It's a personal choice,' he explains, 'but it also depends on your dog's health, hygiene, and behavioural patterns.' In homes where dogs are well-groomed, well-behaved, and emotionally secure, co-sleeping can be a beautiful way to strengthen the human-animal bond. 'Sharing your bed with a dog can actually provide emotional comfort for both pet and parent,' says Dr Kallahalli. In fact, the Mars Global Pet Parent Survey found that nearly half of Indian pet parents report feeling fully satisfied with pet parenthood. One of the top reasons? Stress reduction. 'Dogs offer emotional security. Their presence in bed can lower anxiety and help people sleep better,' adds Dr Kallahalli. Many pet parents even report that the rhythmic breathing or snuggling of their dog helps lull them to sleep, making bedtime a more comforting experience. However, not every dog is suited for co-sleeping. If your dog exhibits behavioural issues like resource guarding, restlessness, or becomes overly territorial about your bed, it might be healthier — for both of you — to establish a separate sleep space. Dr Kallahalli warns, 'If your dog disrupts your sleep or reacts aggressively when asked to move, it's better to have them sleep in their own designated area.' He also points out the importance of hygiene and allergies. 'If someone in the home has respiratory conditions or skin sensitivities, sleeping with a pet could aggravate these issues,' he says. Ultimately, what matters most is ensuring that your pet has a safe, consistent, and comfortable place to sleep — whether that's your bed or their own. 'Every household is different. The goal is to respect both your dog's emotional needs and your own health and rest,' Dr Kallahalli concludes. So, the next time your pup hops onto the bed and curls up beside you, remember — it's okay, as long as it works for everyone involved.
