A large share of the food produced in the US is never eaten, and households are one of the biggest sources of that waste. The EPA has practical tips on preventing wasted food at home. Wasting less saves money and is also the simplest way to make your kitchen more sustainable. Plan before you shop … Read more
Organic food often costs noticeably more than conventional food. Whether it is worth it depends on what you are hoping to get: more nutrients, fewer pesticide residues, environmental benefits, or taste. What “organic” means In the US, the USDA organic seal means the food was produced under the National Organic Program rules: “Natural” is not … Read more
Pests come inside for three reasons: food, water and shelter. Take those away and most infestations never start. That is the principle behind integrated pest management (IPM), the approach recommended by the EPA (Safe Pest Control): prevention first, then targeted treatment only where needed. 1. Close the doors they use 2. Remove food 3. Remove … Read more
Begging is a learned behavior: at some point, a whine, a stare or a paw on your knee produced food. Dogs repeat what works. To stop begging, it needs to stop working, and your dog needs something better to do during meals. Why it matters Beyond being annoying, table scraps add calories, can upset stomachs … Read more
Dog food marketing is full of words like “natural”, “holistic” and “human-grade”, but most of them say little about nutrition. A few objective criteria help you choose, whichever brand you buy. 1. Look for the AAFCO statement In the US, a dog food label should state that it is “complete and balanced” for a specific … Read more
A common guideline is that a healthy cat needs about 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day (roughly 50 ml per kilogram), from all sources combined. An average 10-pound cat therefore needs around 7 to 9 ounces, about one cup, a day. That includes water in food, which … Read more
Some human foods are safe as an occasional treat, but cats have very specific nutritional needs. They are obligate carnivores: they need nutrients found in animal tissue, such as the amino acid taurine and vitamin A in its active form. A complete, balanced cat food should make up nearly all of their diet, and treats, … Read more
A sudden, lasting increase in appetite (polyphagia) in a cat deserves attention, especially if the cat is losing weight at the same time or is older. Sometimes the cause is simple, like a new, less filling food. Sometimes it is a medical problem that is easy to treat if caught early. Medical causes Hyperthyroidism Very … Read more
Mindful eating means paying attention to what and how you eat, without judgment. It is not a diet and it has no forbidden foods. Its aim is to reconnect with hunger, fullness and taste, which many of us lose when eating in front of a screen or on the run. Notice hunger and fullness Before … Read more
Cooking for 15 or 30 people is a logistics project as much as a cooking one. Choosing the right dishes and planning ahead make it relaxed instead of stressful. Plan the menu How much food? Rough guidelines for a buffet-style meal per adult: When offering several dishes, people eat less of each. Leftovers are better … Read more
