Beyond basic potty training, socializing your dog is one of the most important things you can do for them as a puppy. Proper socialization will give your dog opportunities to play with other dogs, to be calm and cool around new people, and to adapt to new environments without stress or upset. But there’s more to socializing than simply introducing your dog to a situation and letting them do their thing.

Socializing an older dog is more difficult than socializing a puppy, so we recommend you take care of socialization earlier on in your pet’s life. However, sometimes in the case of rescues or extenuating circumstances, you’re unable to take care of these tasks in puppyhood. In any case, making sure your dog is socialized will help reduce fear and aggression, eliminate excitability, and make playtime, walks, and new circumstances more pleasant for both you and your dog. Here are some tips on socializing your dog the right way:

• Make sure you include lots of things your dog loves, like treats and toys. Socializing is stressful by nature - you’re exposing your dog to common stressors so they can get over them easily! Any time you go out for a socializing mission, bring plenty of your dog’s favorite treats and toys to reward them for positive behavior. Any time they get off track, readjust their behavior and reward them when they respond in the intended way.

• Don’t be afraid to use a muzzle. Cesar Chavez, who you may know as The Dog Whisperer, has recommended using a muzzle while socializing for the benefit of humans as well as dogs. Your dog can pick up on your emotions and the emotions of humans around him, so by putting other humans at ease, you’re making the environment less stressful.

• Don’t jump into any situation too quickly. We don’t recommend going into the dog park right off the bat. Instead, take your dog past the dog park a few times, letting them absorb the sights, sounds, and smells. Stay at a distance, working your way up to letting your dog sniff other dogs at the gates. If your dog reacts negatively, regain that distance and work your way back up. Socializing takes time.

As we mentioned before, try your hardest to take care of socialization tasks while your dog is a puppy instead of leaving him stressed out into adulthood. Be patient with your dog and let him feel what he’s feeling. He will set the schedule based on his comfort levels. Want to get your dog the tastiest treats for your socializing trips? Browse through our store today!

If your dog is anything like our dogs, they go nuts when you pull out a jar of peanut butter. Dogs everywhere love a mouthful of the sweet, salty treat, giving us plenty of entertainment as they attempt to get every last morsel off the roofs of their mouths. However, peanut butter has been a somewhat controversial treat for dogs lately, with many decrying its unhealthiness for pets. Is peanut butter a good treat for your dog?

The short answer: yes, with some stipulations. We love peanut butter as a fun snack for our pups, and it’s a key ingredient in our peanut butter pumpkin dog treats! It’s an “interactive” treat, especially if you stuff a Kong toy with a little PB and some crunchy nuggets. It’s also a great way to get your dogs to take their pills. Here are the things you need to look out for when using peanut butter as a treat:

• Peanut butter brands labeled “all natural” might not be the best choice for your pup. Often, all-natural or sugar-free peanut butter contains xylitol, a sugar substitute that’s unsafe for dogs. Real sugar is best when feeding your pup. Better still, places like Whole Foods allow you to grind your own peanut butter from fresh peanuts with no additives! We use only fresh, natural peanut butter for our dog treats - no xylitol.

• Feed it to your dogs sparingly, just like you would with any other treat! Peanut butter has plenty of protein and good fats, but too much of it can lead to obesity and pancreatitis. Give peanut butter to your dog in moderation - as an ingredient in a biscuit, or just a fingerful large enough to tuck your dog’s pills in.

• Make sure your dog doesn’t have food allergies. Dogs don’t get peanut allergies the way humans do, but there’s always the chance that a foreign ingredient will cause some tummy upset. If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, almond and cashew butters are good alternatives that are just as safe for your dogs. If you choose these alternatives, be sure you read the ingredient list to check what sweeteners they use.

At Pawsitively Pure Dog Food, we’re dedicated to using the highest-quality, ethically sourced ingredients for all of our dog treats and foods. We want your dogs to live their healthiest lives ever! We offer free doorstep delivery to pet parents in the Orlando area. Browse through our shop today and get your dog started on a healthy diet.

2019 Global Pet Expo in Orlando, FL

If you’re a dog lover like us, it probably comes as no surprise that the pet industry is big business. All around the world, people love pampering their pups and treating them like members of the family. According to the APPA, the pet industry in the U.S. is expected to bring in over $75 billion in 2019 - up from $72 billion in 2018. The highest percentage of that income is expected to go toward food.

As with any other industry, the pet industry is rapidly changing, thanks in part to technology as well as to more ethical food production practices. Here are a few of the “next big things” when it comes to pet care:

• Home delivery service for dog food. Over the last few years or so, home meal delivery kits from companies like Blue Apron and Plated have enabled people to cook wholesome meals at home without drudging through the grocery store. Similar services are becoming available for dogs, especially when it comes to natural, human grade dog food and kits. As a friendly reminder, Pawsitively Pure offers free home delivery for pet owners within 50 miles of Orlando!

• CBD supplements for dogs. You’ve probably seen CBD treats popping up at your local pet supply store. According to the AKC, CBD has been noted to treat inflammation in dogs, as well as to help stimulate appetite and reduce anxiety. A word of caution, however: there has been no formal study on the effects of CBD on dogs, so administer supplements sparingly and under supervision if you decide to do so.

• Palliative care and end of life services. More people are paying attention to the needs of senior dogs as they approach the ends of their lives to help them live out their remaining days comfortably. There has also been an increase in cremation and burial services available. Companies like Gentle Goodbyes in Groveland offer aquamation for a water-based cremation service as a more gentle, eco-friendly alternative to cremation.

While the “next big thing” can often be too trendy to last long, one trend that will stay is the movement toward natural, human-grade dog food over kibble. Dogs on a natural diet show higher energy levels and healthier skin and coat than their dry-food counterparts. Shop for your dog food today, or contact us for more information!

Picture this: Your best friend has been on the latest fad diet for a few months now, and it’s really showing some great results for them. Eager to see the same for yourself, you ask them for all their tips and steps to succeed on the same diet. You follow everything to the letter and...nothing happens. It’s frustrating, but every body is built differently and reacts differently to a variety of nutrients, ingredients, and eating practices. In much the same way, every dog will react differently to different types of food.

Your veterinarian is the best first point of contact when it comes to developing a diet for your dog. If you’ve taken their recommendations into consideration, here are a few of our tips for finding the perfect food for your pup:

1. Consider any food allergies your dog might have. The telltale signs of food allergies include excessive paw licking, itchy skin, and red, smelly ears, among others. To diagnose your dog’s food allergies, most vets recommend starting with an elimination diet, which involves feeding them a very simple diet and slowly reintroducing other proteins and components to find out which items they can tolerate. The diet you build for your dog will need to eliminate any ingredients that irritate them.

2. Check the wording on the food packaging. Believe it or not, the wording on your dog’s food packaging can tell you a lot about the amount of protein they’re getting. A bag that says “chicken for dogs” means that the protein comprises 95% of the product, not including water content. “Chicken dinner,” on the other hand, usually means that the protein only comprises about 25% of the product. Finally, “chicken flavor” means the product includes a minimal amount of the protein - just enough for taste.

3. Do your research on your chosen brands. If everything looks ok on the ingredients label, do your due diligence and research your chosen dog food brands to make sure they use sustainable production practices and source their proteins ethically. This is the information that’s not required to be on the label, so a few hours of research is a good idea for you and your pup!

You want to make sure your dog is on a diet that keeps them happy and energized. If your dog is picky about their food, we offer delicious, sustainably sourced bone broth to make any meal a little more appetizing. Click here to get some for your pup, or browse through our store for more treats and foods!

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.