You Are What You Eat

Here in the United States (and all around the world), dietary health is a hot topic for a huge number of adults. According to Statista, the second-most popular New Year’s resolution for 2022 is healthier eating, with 44% of resolution-setters naming this as their top goal. As they say, “you are what you eat,” and improving your diet is a great way to improve your overall health from head to toe. Whether you realized it or not, the same goes for your dogs. 

Providing your dog with a healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to improve his quality of life. But as you search for a healthy diet for your dog, you may wind up with more questions than you had when you started. What exactly is a healthy diet for your dog? What’s the best way to implement a healthy diet? 

What is a healthy diet for your dog? 

The biggest question you need to answer when choosing the right diet for your dog is whether you’ll feed them dry food or wet food. There are benefits to each depending on your lifestyle, but for the most part, fresh, natural, wholesome meals present a healthier option than kibble. Many natural dog foods are appropriate for dogs at any age and life stage and are easy to customize as needed. 

Once you choose between wet (raw or natural) and dry food, it’s time to start reading the label! Choose a food that has ingredients you can see and understand without a lot of extra grains, carbohydrates, and other such fillers. You want to make sure your dog is getting an appropriate amount of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients. The right amount of each nutrient will depend on a number of factors including your dog’s age, breed, weight, activity level, and more.

How a Healthy Diet Can Change Your Dog’s Life

Now that you’ve chosen an appropriate food for your dog’s needs, it’s time to start feeding! In certain aspects, feeding raw or natural food does require a little extra effort on the humans’ part – you’ll have to schedule regular feeding times, measure out portions, and perhaps prepare the food by warming it up (i.e. bone broth). Are the benefits worth the extra effort? 

All signs point to yes, according to any pet parent who’s fed their dogs with Pawsitively Pure. Here are just a few of the reasons why a healthy diet is the key to a healthy dog: 

Keeps gums and teeth healthier

Dogs are notorious for having stinky breath, but it might not be all their fault! Most commercial dry dog foods are made with an abundance of starch and carbohydrates, which both break down into sugar. As we all know from our dentists’ warnings around Halloween, too much sugar can cause tooth decay which leads to bad breath. 

Some experts have argued that crunching on kibble can scrape away some of the buildup around your dog’s teeth and gums, but according to Dog Food Advisor, that scraping action doesn’t remove tartar from the critical zone nearest to your dog’s gums. Prevention is the best method to keep your dog’s teeth healthy, and providing your dog with a diet that’s low in sugar and carbohydrates is a great place to start. 

Boosts the immune system

Speaking of prevention, a healthy immune system is the ultimate prevention against illness and disease. Think about it: how much better do you feel when you stop ordering fast food and start eating fresh fruits and veggies? All the vitamins and minerals found in your dog’s meal help keep their metabolism moving smoothly and help them stay fit and healthy well into their golden years. 

Supports healthy muscle tone

Protein is the foundation on which every cell in your dog’s body is built! That’s why wholesome, complete proteins are such an important part of your dog’s diet. Many commercially produced dry dog foods are made with meat by-products that include bone meal and other “scrap” parts of the protein. Fresh, gently cooked food is made with nothing but the good stuff. 

Protein especially aids the production of healthy muscles, which can in turn help support your dog’s joints. Healthy muscle tone can help your dog stay active and healthy at every stage of their life. It also helps your dog recover from injuries more easily!

Improves digestion

One of the major things pet parents tend to notice after they switch to fresh food is that their dog’s poops are often smaller and less frequent. While this is more convenient for us humans, it’s also a good sign that your dogs are getting the nutrition they need. With a fresh diet, dogs usually have smaller poops because their bodies are more easily able to absorb the nutrients from their food, leaving less waste behind. 

Supplement your dog’s fresh diet with some delicious dog-friendly bone broth and you’ll be giving their digestive system a double dose of support! Bone broth is packed with healthy gelatin, which effectively coats the digestive tract and protects it from injury and disease.

Start Feeding Fresh Today

Many pet parents are hesitant to switch their dog’s diet, especially if their dog has sensitive stomach issues. We’re here to let you know that transitioning to fresh food isn’t as hard as it may seem! As you make the transition, gradually replace your dog’s old food with a portion of their new fresh food until their whole bowl is filled with fresh food. Take it slowly and monitor your dog’s reaction to their new dinner. 

If you have other questions about feeding fresh, we’d love to help! Head over to our website and leave us your questions and feedback on our contact page.

What Feeding Method is Best for Your Dogs?

Successful dog parenting involves a lot of schedules and routines. You probably have set potty times, walk times, and sleep times. But as far as feeding times go, some pet parents stick to a regular feeding schedule, while others leave a bowl out for their dogs to munch on as they please. Which of these methods is best for your dog? 

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors. First of all, the type of food you feed your dog determines whether you can leave it out all day or not. Obviously, kibble can stay in the bowl without spoiling while fresh foods need to be eaten when they’re offered. For that reason, pets who eat Pawsitively Pure Dog Food need scheduled feeding times. 

Secondly, the best feeding schedule depends on your availability. If you’re out of your home for work for most of the day, it can be difficult to stick to regimented feeding times. Free-feeding can offer you some peace of mind when you’re away from home since you’ll know your dogs have food when they need it. If you work from home or you have the same schedule every day, scheduled feeding times may work for you. 

For the purposes of this article, we’ll be discussing how to feed your dogs on a schedule and to give them a positive environment in which to enjoy their meals. Scheduled feeding offers a number of health benefits as compared to free-feeding, and it’s the right choice when you have your dog on a raw or gently-cooked diet!

The Benefits of Feeding on a Schedule

According to Dr. Jennifer Coates of PetMD, free feeding is the wrong choice for most dogs. A scheduled meal time can offer all of the following benefits: 

Training Benefits

Dogs love routines. If you start a scheduled feeding routine during puppyhood, you’ll be able to coordinate feeding time and potty time since most puppies tend to need to relieve themselves 10-15 minutes after a meal. This is helpful for pet parents since they’ll be able to take their dogs out before accidents happen, and it’s good for the pets themselves since they’ll learn the right times to relieve themselves. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Weight Control

Dogs who free-feed are more prone to obesity than those on a feeding schedule. In her article, Dr. Coates notes that many dogs tend to continue eating or “snacking” past the point of satiation. Just like humans may reach for a bag of chips when they’re bored, some dogs turn to food as comfort when they’re bored. 

Health Monitoring

A lack of appetite can be a sign of illness. When your dog is good about eating at the same time every day, you’ll be able to tell right away when they’re not in the mood to eat. Sure, you can keep an eye on how much food is left in the bowl when you check, but it’s much easier and safer for your dog if you notice it as soon as it happens. 

How to Create a Feeding Schedule for Your Dogs

When you’re creating your dogs’ feeding schedules, there are a number of factors you should consider. 

How Often Should You Feed?

According to VCA Pet Hospitals, you should feed your pets at least twice a day, for breakfast and for dinner. If you have a puppy at home, you may need to increase that to three times a day since they use lots more energy as they grow and play. Furthermore, as your dog progresses into his senior years, you may find that his feeding needs decrease. Pay close attention to your dogs’ activity levels, their age, and their weight when determining how often to feed.

Where Should You Feed Your Dogs? 

Wherever you decide to feed your dog, you should feed them in the same place every single time. Moving your dog’s food bowls around too often can make them nervous and ruin the routine you’re trying to build. We find it’s best to have a dedicated space in our home where our dogs eat, away from the kitchen but near our living space. Lay down floor mats and give them a nice food and water bowl. 

How Much Should You Put in the Bowl?

For the most part, this answer relates back to the factors you considered when determining how many times per day to feed your dog: their activity levels, their age, and their weight/goal weight. Here at Pawsitively Pure, we’re happy to offer our recommendations for the amount of food you should give your dog at each meal. The most important thing to remember is to feed them the same amount consistently, even if they finish the whole meal. 

Do Treats Count as Feeding? 

Treats should never be used to substitute an entire meal, but treats are an important part of your dog’s complete diet. Keep a tally of how often you treat your dogs during the day; these treats go toward your dogs’ overall calorie count. You should be able to adjust your dog’s feeding needs accordingly. 

Feed Your Dog the Best at Each Meal

For your dog to get the most out of their feeding schedule, you should offer them the most nutritious food available to keep them full during the day. Natural, wholesome foods can help give your dog energy and keep them full for longer. Pawsitively Pure Dog Food offers a complete system of natural dog food, treats, and bone broth to keep your dog satiated and healthy. Head to our online shop to pick your dogs’ favorite flavors today! 

Before you met your first dog, you probably had some preconceived notions about what life with dogs must look like. You may have imagined long walks, lots of kisses, and playing fetch in the park. But for some dogs, whether you throw a ball, a rope, or a frisbee, playing fetch just doesn’t seem to hold their interest. 

First of all, this is totally fine! Just like humans, every dog has a unique personality. Some dogs are active and easy to entertain with some physical activity, while others find more enjoyment from laying in a sunbeam or snoozing on the couch. 

If you have your heart set on getting your dog to play a game of fetch with you, it’s definitely possible to train your dog to enjoy the game. Here are a few reasons why your dog might not instinctively play fetch and how to overcome them: 

Your dog picks up the toy, but doesn’t bring it back

According to the AKC, one of the most common issues dog owners encounter in the quest for fetch is that your dog will chase after the toy but doesn’t bring it back. This can be frustrating for pet parents who wind up spending more time at the park collecting their dogs’ toys than actually playing with them.

Luckily, this is a fairly easy issue to overcome. Your dog already knows how to track the item they’re fetching -- they just need some extra encouragement to return it home. If this is happening for you, keep a second toy or a few treats on hand. Your dog will have an incentive to bring their toy back to where it came from. 

Your dog doesn’t like the toy you’re throwing

Think about your dog’s everyday playtime. We’re sure you’ve identified their favorite kinds of toys and objects to play with. Some dogs prefer durable rope toys that are fun to tug, while others like soft stuffed animals to play with. 

There’s a chance your dog just doesn’t like the kind of toy you chose to play fetch with. Some dogs are just picky like that! Before you give up on playing fetch, try out a variety of different toys and objects to see if one sparks their interest more than others.

Your dog doesn’t know how the game is played

Some dog breeds, like Retrievers and German Shepherds, instinctively play fetch. That’s because they’ve been bred to do so! Over generations, they have been taught to pick up items and return them to their owners -- that’s why Retrievers are called Retrievers. 

Just like with other tricks, you can teach your dog to play fetch with you! Start by encouraging your dog to pick up their favorite toy. Then, move on to teaching your dog to “drop it,” or give the item back to you. Over time, you can show your dog how to retrieve items from longer distances; before you know it, they’ll be a fetch champion. 

April is Active Dog Month, and playing fetch is a wonderful way to include cardiovascular activity in your dog’s daily routine. Exercise -- including mental exercise -- is so important for your dog’s overall health, wellness, and longevity. To help your dog maintain the energy levels they need to play, switch them to an all natural food that supports gut health and weight management. Shop Pawsitively Pure’s line of human grade dog food and treats here. 

From Start to Finish, Techs Make Your Vet Appointments Smooth and Easy

Remember the last time you took your dog to the vet? You were probably greeted by a vet tech at the front door who helped you lead your dog onto the scale and checked you in for your appointment. You may not have realized it, but that same vet tech played a huge part in ensuring your dog’s appointment was easy and successful. 

Just like nurses do at a typical doctor appointment, vet techs take on a lot of responsibilities both in front of the patients and behind the scenes. According to VetStreet.com, “It’s easier to list what they can’t do: make diagnoses, perform surgery, or prescribe medication.”

With so many necessary tasks to take care of, you may be surprised to learn that the vet tech position didn’t exist before the 1960s. Previously, veterinary offices, animal hospitals, and zoos relied on average office workers to handle administrative and regular care tasks. As technology developed and the knowledge base of animal healthcare grew, veterinary professionals realized the need for skilled assistance. 

Since the 1960s, vet techs have made pet parents’ lives better in so many ways. Be sure to thank your vet tech for all of these things at your next appointment:

Vet techs set the tone for the whole appointment

As we mentioned above, vet techs are the first face you see when you enter your veterinarian’s office, and they’re often the last faces you see when you check out and leave. Having a vet tech who can greet your dog and make them feel comfortable from the start can set the tone for the whole appointment. 

Lots of dogs display anxiety at the vet’s office. You can’t blame them: often, we only visit the vet’s office once or twice a year, if that. Your dog isn’t used to those surroundings or the new sounds and smells that come along with them. Having a vet tech who is used to handing anxious dogs can help keep them calm enough to get through their tests and procedures and get back to the treats. 

Vet techs can help you with at-home care

Vet techs take care of the technical tasks so that the lead veterinarian can handle diagnoses, procedures, and prescriptions. They’re also your link for questions and tips about at-home care and administration of medications.

Senior dog parents especially know that it can be overwhelming to leave the vet’s office with a handful of new pills and prescriptions. Your vet tech can give you their own tried and true tips for administering medications, even for dogs who try to avoid them. As you develop a working relationship with your vet tech over time, they’ll get to know your dog’s unique needs and quirks so they can help you take better care of them at home. 

Vet techs love your animals when you’re not there

Nobody likes leaving their dogs at the vet’s office overnight. For someone like me who works from home with my boy Jackson always at my side, being at home without him there for just a day can seem like an agonizing eternity. Knowing that he is with vet techs who will love and care for him makes things a little easier. 

The third week in October is National Vet Tech Appreciation Week, but we think they should be celebrated year-round! If there’s a special place in your heart for your vet techs, leave them a positive review on Google or social media and share the love.

Finding Balance for Your Furry Friends and Your Fronds

2020 has left a lot of people looking for companionship. Many have adopted dogs, with several animal shelters reporting their kennels empty because of massively increased adoption rates. Others have decided to liven up their spaces with houseplants, which have been making their way into millennial homes at rapid rates. If you’re anything like us, you credit both your pets and your plants with helping you survive this difficult year!

If you’ve got a green thumb and you’re eager to add a dog to your growing family, we say go for it. Likewise, if you’ve got a full fur family and you want to add some fronds to the mix, you should! All it takes is a little planning and forethought to make sure both your pets and your plants stay healthy and coexist peacefully. 

Put your dogs’ health first

Your dogs’ health should always take priority in your houseplant considerations. Why? We’ll put it this way: Most plants can survive a few torn leaves or broken stems and keep on growing without issue. However, treating plant-related illnesses and injuries on your dog brings a great deal of stress, discomfort, and even pain for all involved parties. 

Know your dogs’ behavior before you introduce houseplants to their environment. If you’re just bringing a dog home for the first time, we recommend keeping your plants far out of reach until you know how your dog interacts with them. Most dogs show minimal interest in houseplants, but certainty never hurts. 

Understand which houseplants are toxic

If you find that most houseplants you research are listed as toxic to dogs and cats, don’t fret: there’s a much smaller list of plants that can cause serious health issues. In your houseplants’ defense (literally), toxicity is a defense mechanism against herbivores and omnivores who find themselves in the mood for a salad. Most often, these plants will cause upset stomach, lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea in dogs. 

If your dog is uninterested in your houseplants and respects the boundaries you set, you should have no problem safely growing common tropical plants in your home. However, if the risk seems too great, there are a number of nontoxic plants you can choose, like: 

Ferns are beautiful nontoxic houseplants, perfect for homes with dogs.

• Ferns

• Calatheas

• Spider Plants

• Hoyas

• Peperomias

It’s still important to discourage them from eating your plants, since any foreign material can upset their stomachs.

You should avoid certain plants entirely, especially sago palms, foxgloves, and dieffenbachias. These and a number of other plants cause more severe reactions when ingested and can occasionally be fatal, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. 

Know what to do if your dog digs up trouble

If your dog is a little too curious one afternoon and munches on a houseplant, it may be a good idea to give your vet a call; certain plants cause problems that don’t appear for a few days. Keep an eye out for any of the above symptoms we mentioned, namely gastrointestinal problems. 

We mount and hang our plants or perch them on shelves so that they’re well out of reach of our dogs, and everyone has been happy and healthy. If you’re a dog owner with plants, we want to know your tips: what plants do you have around your home? How do you keep your dogs safe? Send your pictures and stories to us on Facebook.