Balloxx Knowledge Bank
Clear explanations of ingredients, nutrition concepts, and health topics for dogs and cats.
7-Day Food Transition
Switch kibble gradually over seven days: a quarter more new food every two days. With soft stools: extend to 10 to 14 days.
Calcium & Phosphorus in Puppies
A controlled Ca:P balance supports healthy bone growth, crucial for large breeds, differently tuned for smaller puppies.
Cranberry Extract
Plant extract with proanthocyanidins, used in cat food. The evidence for a urinary benefit in cats is limited.
Crude Ash
Crude ash on the label = natural minerals (Ca, P, Mg), not waste or filler.
Exclusion Diet & Food Intolerance
An exclusion diet helps separate protein allergies from gut sensitivity, with a novel protein and strict feeding for 8 to 12 weeks.
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Building blocks for cartilage and joint fluid in daily nutrition. Evidence for a clinical effect in dogs is limited.
Grain-Free vs. Grain-Inclusive
Grain-free is not automatically better. Choose potato or pea versus digestible rice based on your pet.
Hydrolyzed Protein
Proteins broken into small peptides that trigger the immune system less easily, relevant for sensitive dogs.
Indoor & Sterilized Cats
Lower activity calls for calorie control, hairball fibre and urinary comfort, typical for indoor cats.
Potato as a Carbohydrate Source
Cooked potato delivers digestible starch as an energy source in grain-free dry kibble. Not a filler, but a functional carbohydrate source that also gives structure to the pellet.
Prebiotics (FOS & MOS)
Dietary fibres that feed beneficial gut bacteria. Studies show shifts in the gut flora; the effect on stool quality is less well supported.
Salmon Oil (Omega-3 & 6)
Essential fatty acids that support skin, coat and inflammatory balance. As an adjunct for itching, the effect is limited and dose-dependent.
Senior: Kidneys & Joints
Moderated phosphorus and joint support for older dogs, everyday senior food, not a prescription renal diet.
Single Protein (Monoprotein)
Formulas with one animal protein source help with elimination. Read the full label, including snacks.
Small-Breed Kibble
Higher energy density and smaller kibble pieces, tailored to mini dogs up to about 10 kg.
Struvite & Urine Acidification
Struvite crystals form in alkaline urine. A diet that acidifies urine and lowers mineral saturation belongs only under veterinary guidance.
Yucca schidigera
Plant extract with saponins, used in some premium formulas. Effects in dogs and cats are little studied.