If you’ve kept up with our blog, or you’re big into dog health issues, you probably know that one of the most important components of your dog’s diet is protein. It’s important to note that not all protein sources are equal. Some proteins, like eggs, deliver a lot of protein in a small package, but also have increased cholesterol compared to other sources. Other proteins, like beef and chicken, are not necessarily responsibly sourced, preventing you from giving your dog the best quality protein available.

Lamb has become increasingly popular in dog food over the last few years, both in dry food options and in whole, natural food choices. Here’s why people are turning to lamb as the main source of protein for their dogs:

• It doesn’t trigger food allergies. Many people believe that grain is the top source of food allergies for dogs, when in reality, protein sources are more likely to trigger allergic reactions. In studies, lamb was far less likely to cause dogs to have an allergic reaction than sources like beef and chicken. Lamb is considered hypoallergenic and is just as delicious as other meats for your dog.

• It’s packed with nutrients beyond protein. Lamb has shown higher concentration of key minerals like calcium than other similar proteins. It’s also a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids, like the kind you would usually source from fish oils. In addition, responsibly-sourced lamb is high in zinc, which is great for your dog’s metabolism. Overall, lamb is a great meat for healthy bones, skin, and hair!

• Lamb is considered a complete protein, meaning that it contains all the available amino acids. In the case of incomplete proteins, much of the material isn’t used efficiently and is cast off as a waste product. The presence of all amino acids, however, aids in the delivery of nutrients to the right system and the more complete absorption of proteins, meaning your dog gets a huge nutritional punch from lamb.

As always, consult with your veterinarian before switching your dog’s food. A lamb-based food may be a great choice if you find your dog suffers from allergies. Keep an eye on our shop for our new lamb dog food, coming soon! To order your first set of food or treats, take a look at our store.

Courtesy of TripSavvy

A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of setting up our tent at Blue Jacket Park for their annual Paws for Peace event. If you’ve been following us on social media, you probably know that we’ve been making appearances at park events like these all around Orlando and Central Florida. Even when events aren’t involved, we love taking Jackson and Finley out for a day of fun in the sun, and the best part about it is, we have a huge selection of locations to choose from.

One of the things we love the most about living in Central Florida is how many wonderful dog parks there are in our area. Here’s a list of some of our favorites:

• Crane’s Roost Park in Altamonte is pet-friendly in most areas. This beautiful park over the water has clearly designated pet walk areas and is open to on-leash pets. Just be sure to check their event schedule before you go - during big events, no pets are allowed unless otherwise specified.

• Blue Jacket Park in Winter Park is a popular spot for runners. Like Crane’s Roost, Blue Jacket is an on-leash park, but if you have an active dog that likes to join you for a jog, this is a great place to do it.

• Doctors Dog Park is located near Wekiwa Springs and has a number of fun amenities for you and your dog, like pet showers, benches, water fountains, and a bridge. This park is off-leash, so your dogs have plenty of room to run and play!

• Barber Dog Park is not far from the airport area, and it’s a great place for agility training! Barber includes a separate area for small dogs, so you can rest easy letting your little one run around with his buddies. Take your dog around the agility equipment and give them a few lessons on climbing and jumping - it’s sure to enrich and entertain them!

There are a number of other dog parks waiting for you to explore around the Orlando area. Check out this list from BringFido.com to see some of the top rated dog parks and beaches in the area. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages to find out where we’ll be next!

Sleep is a surprisingly difficult thing to master for many people - and dogs, too. Sometimes, you may find that your dog is restless when they should be laying down for bedtime. This insomnia can manifest itself with other destructive behaviors, like chewing on forbidden items, random barking, digging, and so on. Instead of becoming frustrated with your dog over this destruction, it’s best to attack the issue at the source.

Lack of sleep can be an issue for dogs of all ages. Here are a few tips that might help your dog - and you - grab a couple extra z’s:

• Try crate training. How is it that the smallest of dogs seem to take up the largest amount of space in a bed? You might want to let your dog share your bed with you, but if you have a varying sleep schedule or toss and turn a lot, that might be one of the things keeping your dog awake at night. Crate training is one of the best ways to help your dog set a schedule, give them a safe, happy space of their own, and reinforce boundaries. When your dog has adapted to their schedule, then you can try bringing them to your bed again.

• Make sure their other activities are on a schedule. Dogs respond well to routines! There’s a good chance your dog might not be able to sleep if the rest of their daily schedule is off kilter. Do your best to set their feeding, walking, and bathroom time on a schedule, and do the same with their sleep. Once they adjust, they’ll be ready for sleep time when it comes.

• Give them plenty of exercise time during the day. There’s no better sleep than a sleep after a long, exhausting day - and the same goes for your dog. Your dog needs plenty of quality exercise during the day, whether that comes from playing fetch, going on walks, swimming, or some other activity. Going without this exercise can leave them frustrated and hyperactive at night.

Providing your dog with a quality diet is another way to make sure they’re sleeping well and staying happy. A diet rich in proteins and vital nutrients helps ensure their digestive system is working the way it needs to be while supporting all their other internal systems. To learn more or to get your dog started on a quality human-grade diet, browse through our website today.

We’re guessing that Florida’s mild winter didn’t deter you from going outside entirely during the winter season, but still, there’s something magical and inviting about the way the sun shines when springtime rolls around. The birds are singing, the squirrels are chasing each other in the trees, and the days are getting longer and warmer. So how are you and your dog going to celebrate the season?

Just like you, your dog needs exercise to maintain a healthy weight and enjoy an active lifestyle. However, not everyone wants to go jogging with their pups - and not every pup wants to go jogging, either! Here are a few creative ways to get some exercise in for you and your dog as spring transforms into summer:

1. Try an agility class. Agility classes aren’t just for puppies! If your dog has a lot of energy to burn, try taking them to an agility course. A number of dog parks around the Orlando have agility and climbing equipment, but if you want your dog to get the most out of their playtime, there are plenty of places that offer classes and training. Take a look at Dog-On-It Agility Club of Central Florida, who take on any dog who wants to boost speed and have fun.

2. Play fetch. One of the best things about playing fetch with your dog is that you can do it just about anywhere! Most dogs love the opportunity to catch a frisbee, a ball, or their favorite toy. Just make sure the location you choose is dog-friendly and they aren’t in any risk of running into traffic or going somewhere dangerous. Try the park, the beach, or even just your backyard.

3. Let them spend some time with friends. Most animal behaviorists will tell you that the best exercise an animal can get is exercise that mimics what they would do in the wild. For dogs, this means running, playing, and wrestling with others in their pack! Social time is a great way for your dog to expend some energy while getting in some healthy socialization.

Be creative with how you schedule your exercise time with your dogs! If your dog is older or has bone or joint issues, something more gentle like hydrotherapy is a great choice. Still not sure what kind of exercise is best for your furry friend? Have a conversation with your veterinarian to see if they recommend any locations around Orlando. Get your dog started on a human-grade diet. Browse through the Pawsitively Pure shop here.

As the weather continues to warm up, pet parents everywhere are overjoyed at the chance to bring their furbabies outside more often for fun and exercise, but they’re also gearing up for flea season. Fleas tend to thrive in warmer weather, which makes them a problem almost year-round here in Florida. But did you know that your dog’s first defense against fleas can start with their diet?

Preventing flea infestations is not only important for your dog’s comfort, but it can also help protect your dog from infections and diseases carried by the parasites, as well as keeping you and your family safe from flea bites and allergic reactions. Here are a few things to know about how your dog’s diet affects their susceptibility to fleas:

• Fleas are more likely to latch on to dogs with nutritionally deficient diets. A healthy, balanced diet includes a variety of important vitamins and nutrients that keep your dog’s immune system strong. These nutrients help keep your dog’s skin healthy and supple, protecting them from the elements and parasites like fleas. Without a healthy diet, your dog’s first line of defense is easily broken, making them a choice target for hungry fleas.

• A natural diet offers more of the nutrients that help keep skin healthy. Natural, unprocessed meats like chicken are full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are just some of the nutrients your dog needs for healthy skin. In fact, dogs need much more fat in their diets than humans do, which is why a real-food diet can be so beneficial to their health.

• You can add supplements to your dog’s food to help keep them safe from fleas. Here at Pawsitively Pure, we really love Mercola supplements to give our dogs the best nutrition they can possibly get. Try adding an immune booster to their daily meals to help them stay guarded against fleas and other pests. Supplements that add Omega-3s, as well as seaweed and kelp supplements, are great for healthy skin.

Want to learn more about supplements you can add to your dog’s diet? Here’s a list of some of our favorite Mercola products. Before you change your dog’s diet or add any supplements to their meals, we recommend you have a conversation with your veterinarian. To learn more or to order natural food and treats your dog will love, browse through our website!