Southern Dog Names – Add a Country Flair to Your Furry Friend’s Name

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Dogs stand by us through good and bad times. In return for their unconditional love, we try to give our best—not just in their grooming and overall care, but also in finding them a suitable name. We all want a name that complements the style and personality of our agreeable friend. How about adding a country twist to your pup’s moniker? What say you to some southern dog names?

America has given us a number of amazing dog breeds, like the coonhound varieties. It would be really fun to pick a southern name for these handsome canine pals. Although, you don’t have to own any of these dog breeds to use a southern name.

South America is a dog-loving territory. Its country-inspired lifestyle is incomplete without dogs. Southerners don’t treat their dogs as animals; dogs are a part of the family. It is always a pleasure to explore dog names from such places.

In this article, we are going to narrow down the snappiest and the most epigrammatic dog names from South America. We will categorize our list for both genders to make it easy for you to settle on the most appropriate name for your pup. We will also add meanings or other references where possible so that you’ll have all the info you need to come to an informed decision.

Southern Female Dog Names

Southern Female Dog Names

Now, before you start, we’d like to clarify that the names we’ve included in this list come from all corners of the world. You might start to wonder: “How is that Southern?”

Aside from only including names that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Southern gal (no matter where the name is really from), we’ve also made sure that the names have meanings that are country-related. So give our list of southern female dog names a try, won’t you?

  • Abigail: A word of Hebrew origin; it means ‘rejoicing.’
  • Ada: A German name that stands for ‘noble and kind.’
  • Alyssa: A Germanic word that describes someone as ‘noble and kind.’
  • Anabelle: This Hebrew word stands for ‘grace.’
  • Ann: Derived from Anna, it means ‘gracious.’
  • Ardis: Of Latin origin, it means ‘fervent.’
  • Ashley: This one is an English word that means ‘ash wood.’
  • Aubrey: A catchy term with Germanic origin; it stands for ‘elven king.’
  • Augusta: This one stands for ‘venerated.’
  • Ava: This a snappy moniker that is derived from other Germanic terms like Aveline and Avis.
  • Bailey: A Latin name; it means ‘governor.’
  • Belle: Belle is a French word that means ‘beauty.’ If you have a show dog, Belle could be a great choice. Also, the Southern Belle, anyone?
  • Belva: A Latin name that means ‘beautiful view.’ It would definitely suit a refreshing pup that makes a sight for sore eyes.
  • Berta: It is a Germanic name that means ‘famous.’ This name can be a good fit for racing or show dogs.
  • Beulah: Of Hebrew origin, it means ‘married.’
  • Blanche: It stands for ‘white’ in French.
  • Bonnie: This one is an English name that defines something like ‘pretty.’
  • Callie: This name has a Greek origin. It stands for ‘most beautiful.’ Try this name for a show dog.
  • Chloris: This word has a Greek origin, it stands for ‘pale green.’ Perhaps it describes the color of your dog’s eyes?
  • Clovis: A Germanic word, it means ‘famed warrior.’ How about picking this name for a gal that bravely protects your livestock from outsiders? If you haven’t got any, you should try to adopt one of the breeds listed in this article on the best farm dogs.
  • Cordelia: An English word that means ‘of the sea.’
  • Corinna: This Greek word stands for ‘maiden.’
  • Dalilah: This name is of Hebrew origin. It means ‘delicate woman.’ It can be bynamed as Lilah.
  • Darby: A word of Norse origin; it stands for ‘deer settlement.’ Perfect for a hunting dog.
  • Darlene: An American English word that means ‘tenderly loved’—just like your pup.
  • Della: It is a short and sweet name of Teutonic origin. It means ‘nobility.’
  • Delta: The fourth letter of the alphabets. Makes a cool name for a dog, and less common than Alpha.
  • Dixie: A short and sweet southern name. It is derived from the southern states under the Mason-Dixon line.
  • Dora: It is Greek for ‘gift.’
  • Easter: This English word stands for ‘goddess of dawn.’
  • Edsel: This Germanic word means ‘noble.’
  • Effie: It’s a Greek word that means ‘fair speech.’ To match the name, you can teach your dog how to speak.
  • Eliza: It is a Hebrew word that means ‘God is a vow.’
  • Elva: It means ‘elf.’ This name is perfect for a small dog.
  • Flannery: An exotic name that means ‘flatland’.
  • Geneva: A Germanic word that means ‘woman.’
  • Georgia: This feminine name is straight from the southern state of Georgia. It also stands for ‘farmer.’
  • Ginger: Use this cute name if your southern belle has ginger hair.
  • Glory: This English word stands for ‘prestige and honor.’ You can also try calling your pup Gloria.
  • Gracie: This name is derived from the word ‘grace.’
  • Hallie: This is a Germanic word that means ‘home ruler.’
  • Hannah: This name from the Bible; it means ‘grace.’
  • Harley: How about using this name for a speedy dog? If your dog is so hyperactive it’s hard for you to catch up, learn how to calm her down here.
  • Hazel: The inspiration behind this name is the hazel tree, but it could also refer to the color of your dog’s eyes.
  • Ida: Of English origin, it means ‘prosperous’ or ‘a hardworking woman.’ Need a working dog but don’t know what breed to get?
  • Iris: It’s a Greek word that means ‘rainbow.’
  • Ivy: A short and sweet name that stands for the plant.
  • Jessie: This name has a Hebrew origin, and it means ‘God is gracious.’
  • Karina: This one is a word of Greek origin. It means ‘pure.’
  • Keitha: It is a Gaelic word that means ‘woods.’
  • Kiki: It defines someone as ‘the ruler of a domain.’ Do you have a bossy gal?
  • Lela: It stands for ‘dark-haired beauty.’
  • Lola: A Greek word that stands for ‘violet.’
  • Lona: Of Norse origin, it means ‘island.’ Perhaps you’d prefer a tropical southern name instead of a southern country name.
  • Lucy: A snappy term that means ‘light.’ This one is a traditional southern name.
  • Lulamae: Do you remember Holly Golightly from ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s? She’s a southern girl.
  • Lynn: This is a short name of Anglo-Saxon origin. It means ‘a cascade.’
  • Maggie: A catchy name that represents a southern family.
  • Magnolia: An exotic name that is inspired by the name of a southern tree.
  • Maisie: A traditional southern name—not very common anywhere else.
  • Maribelle: Of Latin origin, it means ‘a wondrous or rebellious woman.’
  • Melanie: It means ‘dark-clothed.’
  • Millie: This name is a variation of Mollie.
  • Peaches: Inspired by the famous Georgian fruit.
  • Pepper: A cute name that would go well with a dog with a perky and lively personality.
  • Rosie: Settle on this country name if your pup has reddish/brownish hair.
  • Ruby: It means ‘red.’ Perfect name for your redneck dog.
  • Sally: A common southern name that is often used for female hunting dogs. Don’t have a hunting dog but would like one?
  • Savanah: It means ‘a treeless or plain ground.’
  • Scarlett: Famous character from ‘Gone with the Wind.’
  • Shelby: Taken from the name of the famous Mississippi historian named Shelby Foote.
  • Tallulah: Of American-Indian origin, it means ‘leaping water.’
  • Tara: This a fairly short name has a Celtic origin. It means ‘tower.’ How about using it for a dog with a heavy build?
  • Trixie: It is one of the most commonly used southern names, and it is quite easy to utter. Give this name to your dog if she’s a ‘bringer of happiness.’
  • Willow: This name has English origin. It has double meanings, i.e. ‘tree and freedom.’
  • Zelda: Inspired by the famous writer ‘Zelda Fitzgerald.’ She was born in Alabama. Also, Legend of Zelda, anyone?

Southern Male Dog Names

Southern Male Dog Names

The southern culture offers some of the most timeless and charming naming options. Go in any direction in the south, and you’re bound to land on a masculine name for your (cow)boy dog.

If you don’t know where to start, you are in luck as we’ve already narrowed the best southern boy dog names down for you below. The same as before, these names may have come from all corners of the world, but do not doubt their southernness.

  • Alexander: An exotic name with Greek origin. It means ‘defending man.’ Perfect for guard dogs. If you don’t know which breeds constitute as guard dogs, check out our site for more tips.
  • Allen: A Gaelic word that means ‘rock.’
  • Alonzo: It is a Germanic word that means ‘active and noble.’ We recommend this name for a playful and mischievous dog.
  • Alton: This is an English word that stands for ‘old town.’
  • Andrew: A Greek word that means ‘warrior.’
  • Anthony: A Latin word by origin, it means ‘priceless.’
  • Arlen: ‘A land that is filled with hares.’ Good for hunting dogs.
  • Atlanta: A purely country name that rolls off the tongue nicely.
  • Austin: A Latin word that stands for ‘venerated.’
  • Avery: This English word means ‘elf counsel.’
  • Bacon: Southern cuisine is never complete without a side helping of bacon.
  • Bandit: Inspired by the famous cowboy movie, ‘Smokey and Bandit.’
  • Barton: A name that means ‘barley town.’
  • Basil: Spice that is commonly used in southern cooking.
  • Beau: Perfect name for a dog with exceptional looks. It means ‘handsome.’
  • Bennet: Derived from the name ‘Benedict.’ It stands for ‘blessed.’
  • Benny: A short and catchy name that has Hebrew origin. It stands for ‘son of my right hand.’
  • Beryl: It is a Greek word that means ‘blue/green.’ Use it to describe the color of your pup’s eyes.
  • Billy: A Germanic word that means ‘desire and protection.’
  • Blue: This southern name is often used for breeds like the Bluetick Coonhounds and the Kerry Blue Terrier. But even if your dog doesn’t belong to any of the above breeds, if you like this fairly short term, just go for it.
  • Bo: A short name with French origin; it means ‘handsome.’
  • Booker: Of English origin, it defines ‘someone who bleaches the cloths.’
  • Boone: A name inspired by Daniel Boone—a famous explorer from South America. It is also a French word that means ‘good.’
  • Borden: A sweet-sounding name that would suit a farm dog. It means ‘boar pasture.’
  • Bourbon: The inspiration for this name is the ‘bourbon whiskey.’
  • Boyce: An English name that means ‘someone who lives by the woods.’
  • Branson: A cool name of Germanic origin; it means ‘sword.’
  • Braydon: An English word. Defines something as ‘broad and wide.’
  • Brick: An English word that means ‘bridge.’
  • Brock: An English name that means ‘badger.’
  • Brown: A pretty straightforward and popular name.
  • Bud: If you own a playful and naughty puppy, Bud will make the perfect name for him. Want to know how to teach your buddy to play dead? Check out this article.
  • Butter: A name inspired by a southern food staple.
  • Cash: Of Latin origin, it means ‘wealthy.’
  • Chase: It means ‘huntsman.’ Even if your dog is a natural-born huntsman, he won’t know how to hunt if you don’t train him. Learn the art of hunting with dogs here.
  • Chester: This catchy Latin term means ‘camp.’
  • Clayton: This one is an English word that means ‘clay settlement.’
  • Clinton: An English word that means ‘settlement on the river Glyme.’
  • Cole: It means ‘coal.’ You can give this name to a black doggie.
  • Colonel: This would make an ideal name for a large and authoritative breed.
  • Colt: It means ‘young male horse.’
  • Connor: Derived from the Gaelic name Conchobar. It stands for ‘wise.’ Got a smart dog? Maximize his potentials by teaching him some basic commands.
  • Copper: A metal of reddish brown color; try this name if your dog has hair of that color.
  • Davis: This name is used as a surname in southern states. It stands for ‘son of David.’
  • Deacon: Of Greek origin, it stands for ‘messenger or servant.’
  • Earlie: It means ‘warrior.’ It would make a perfect name for a guard, hunting, or herding dog.
  • Eli: Inspired by the former Ole Miss quarterback.
  • Elvis: Obviously the inspiration behind the name is ‘Elvis Presley’, the king of pop. He himself was of southern origin (Tupelo MS).
  • Faulkner: Inspired by the famous southern literary personality, William Faulkner.
  • Grady: It is a Gaelic word that means ‘noble or illustrious.’
  • Grayson: This English word defines someone as ‘gray-haired.’
  • Grover: This snappy word means ‘tree grove.’
  • Gumbo: A popular meal in the southern state of Louisiana.
  • Gunner: A name that indicates a passion for hunting throughout the southern states.
  • Hal: A concise name that means ‘leader of an army.’ An apt term for a herding dog. Not sure if your dog is a herding breed or not?
  • Hardy: This southern name means ‘strong or hard.’ This term would suit rough and tough hunting or herding dogs.
  • Harper: Inspired by the southern novelist, Harper Lee.
  • Hayes: This English word stands for ‘enclosure.’ Can’t let your dog roam free? Confine him in the best way by building a dog pen for him.
  • Hugo: There are a lot of references for this catchy term, but we are using it in commemoration of the devastating Hurricane Hugo that hit the southern state of Carolina in 1980.
  • Hunter: It would make a cool name since hunting and southern states go side by side.
  • Jackson: A heavy name that would be perfect for a large dog breed. The inspiration behind the name is General Andrew Jackson who did great during the American Revolution.
  • Jasper: It is a Persian word that means ‘treasurer.’
  • Jed: It means ‘beloved of God’.
  • Jefferson: It is an Anglo-Saxon name that means ‘son of Jeffery.’
  • Joshua: Of Hebrew origin, it means ‘God rescues.’
  • Khaki: A great name for a tan or brownish pup.
  • Knox: A concise name that is derived from Knoxville—a city in the state of Tennessee.
  • Lee: Taken from the name of the writer ‘Harper Lee.’
  • Memphis: A well-known southern city’s name
  • Parker: Commonly used as a last name.
  • Presley: Another reference to the king of pop, Elvis.
  • Rufus: It means ‘red.’
  • Sawyer: Inspired by a fictional character who resides by the river of Mississippi. He was played by James Ford.
  • Scout: Inspired by the famous southern Gothic novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
  • Sterling: It is an English word that stands for ‘little star.’
  • Teddy: Name him Teddy after the cowboy president ‘Teddy Roosevelt.’
  • Tennessee: Even though it’s quite long, the name of this southern state can make a great puppy name.
  • Twain: Inspired by the American author Mark Twain, who is known for using a southern dialect in his writings.
  • Vernon: This old-fashioned name has a Latin origin. It stands for ‘youthful.’ Perfect for an evergreen pup that’s always energetic.
  • Willie: A catchy name is taken from the name of the great artist ‘Willie Nelson’ who has a southern origin.

Wrap Up

You don’t need to come from the south to give your dog a southern name. No matter which part of the world you live in, you can go for southern names as long as you find one that clicks with you and your dog. As we said, most of the names above also originated from over yonder, so go and knock yourself out!

The inclusion of meanings and other references should’ve made the name game easier for you. Concluding the article, we hope that we have successfully shared some southern names that not just sound sweet but also roll off your tongue smooth as beer down your throat.

Have you ever given a southern name to your pet or is this the first time? We appreciate any feedback, so do share your views with us in the comments section below. Couldn’t find any southern name that fits the bill.

15 Best Canine Food Options – Dogs With Common Types of Allergies

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In order to identify the best dog food for allergies, it’s a good idea to first understand the meaning of food allergies and what exactly causes them. There are many words used to describe this abnormal reaction to food. Terms such as “allergy” and “hypo sensitivity” are among the commonly used words to describe this immunologic reaction that occurs due to food allergens. Note that, previous exposure to the allergen is required by the reaction to bringing about the symptoms. On the other hand, food “intolerance” doesn’t involve the immune system though it can occur with the first exposure to particular foods. Both reactions are however similar and hard to differentiate so veterinary guidance is highly advised.

Comparison Table:

According to a professional clinical assistant in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Dr. Adam Petterson, the reaction of the human body due to allergies is quite different as compared to those of dogs. For instance, a person who is allergic to shellfish may experience a critical fatal reaction such as throat swelling. In dogs, the reaction is exposed via the skin where it’s seen most often as an itch.

Common Signs of Food Allergies

Symptoms of food allergies in most dogs may be similar or vary at times. You should, however, know that there are those primary symptoms that are experienced such as non-seasonal itching which may primarily affect the face, ears, feet, armpits, and areas around the anus. Other symptoms which are likely to be experienced include chronic or recurrent ear infection, loss of hair, excessive scratching, skin complications, and hot spots. Other notable symptoms which are likely to be experienced include continuous vomiting and diarrhea. Note that some of these symptoms are likely to occur when dogs are young (less than a year old).

Itchy dogThere are other symptoms evident with dogs and food allergies which include increased bowel movements. According to studies, non-allergic dogs are estimated to have around 1.5 bowel movements on a daily basis while allergic dogs may have up to 3 or more bowel movements per day. It is difficult to distinguish a dog suffering from food allergies or intolerance based on the physical outlook.

However, signs such as ear problems particularly yeast infections, and severe skin problems are enough to tip you that your dog is likely to have a food allergy. You will notice that some dogs develop very itchy skins which fail to respond to steroid treatments.

What Causes These Diseases?

What Causes These Diseases
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Research has revealed that most dogs which develop food allergies are typically allergic to particular ingredients that are more likely to develop food allergies as compared to others. Since most of these ingredients are proteins, what happens is that after being broken down into small molecules, the immune system identifies them as potential threats. Among these common ingredients include yeast, beef, dairy, chicken eggs, lamb, fish, wheat, corn, and soy. Note that, most of these allergic ingredients are the same ingredients found in most dog foods. Though some of these proteins may be more allergenic than others, incidents of allergic reactions are mostly experienced depending on the amount of protein exposure.

Best Food Options for Dogs With Allergies

Best Food Options for Dogs With Allergies
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When determining the best food for dogs with allergies, it’s important that you first seek some advice from a professional veterinary nutritionist. This is because most of the prescribed dog foods contain trace amounts of common allergens as compared to food bought over the counter. Among the notable ingredients present in such dog food include:
  • Limited ingredients: foods with limited ingredients contain fewer components that break down any suspected allergens which your dog might be allergic to.
  • Novel ingredients: novel ingredients in dog foods contain unique components which your dog has never been exposed to making it less likely for the immune system to sense them as potential threats.
Such food types usually contain relatively obscure ingredients such as kangaroo, millet, pheasant and buffalo. Note that, it’s not advisable to randomly remove particular ingredients from your dog’s diet without consulting a veterinary nutritionist as it can lead to a nutritional imbalance.

Special Hypoallergenic Formulas

Special Hypoallergenic Formulas
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If your dog’s health problems persist, it is advisable that you switch to hypoallergenic dog food. The best thing about these foods is that they contain a limited number of ingredients which means that your dog is likely to get well when allergic substances are removed from his/her diet. Like we have previously reviewed, some dog food companies provide an option of novel foods which contain unique ingredients which your dog has never been exposed to. These foods act as a perfect alternative for dogs that are highly allergic to proteins such as chicken and corn. You can further seek advice from a professional veterinary nutritionist who will conduct tests to determine the exact cause of your dog’s distress. Most companies have reacted to the issue of food allergies through introducing hypoallergenic formulas which are less likely to aggravate skin allergies and intestinal distress to dogs. Since most allergies are manifested through the skin, choosing the best hypoallergenic dog food rich in seafood ingredients is likely to improve your dog’s condition. These two types of seafood are likely to benefit your dog in either of these two ways:
  1. They will introduce rich Omega-3 and fatty acids into your dog’s diet which is very essential in skin treatment and alignment.
  2. They introduce new food components in the digestive system which the immune system has never experienced before.
Hypoallergenic foods are highly available in numerous outlets which include veterinary health care facilities, stores which specifically deal with dog products as well as a variety of online retailers. Holistic Radiant AdultAmong the best brands of hypoallergenic foods include the following:

1. Holistic Radiant Adult:

Holistic Radiant Adult   Unlike other hypo-allergic foods, this dog food contains grains as its primary ingredient. Grains are essential in your dog’s diet since it contains fiber and unprocessed micro-nutrients which creates a complete meal for your dog. Basically, this dog food is designed to accelerate the healing process of your dog’s digestive tract by introducing a complete natural diet. Some of the common ingredients incorporated in Holistic Radiant Adult dog foods include pre-biotics, digestive enzymes and pro-biotics which help to heal your dog’s digestive disorders and clear unhealthy waste buildups. Note that, Holistic Radiant is not meant to cure your dog though most customers have revealed that this dog food acts perfectly well where your dog’s health will significantly improve after consumption. Other ingredients present in brands of Holistic foods include chicken, lamb, seafoods and duck which adds more flavor to your dog’s diet.

2. Wellness Natural Dog Food:

Wellness Natural Dog Food   These types of dog foods are among the best and offer a complete range of hypo-allergenic ingredients which are useful in a dog’s diet. They contain both gluten-free and grain-free ingredients and further offer novelty meats which not only supplement your dog’s diet but will satisfy its distressed stomach. Wellness Natural are the best hypoallergenic dog foods to start with when trying to identify an allergy. This is because the company offers different brands of dog foods for dog owners to try out. This offers everyone a chance to switch between different dog foods to identify which ones are allergic and which ones are not. Among the best ingredients contained in Wellness Natural Dog Food is their limited ingredient named ‘Simple.’ This ingredient doesn’t contain allergenic components such as wheat, corn, eggs, meat byproducts or any artificial flavors. They are further rated by most customers among the best dog foods in the Amazon coverage.

3. Orijen Dog Food:

Orijen Dog Food   This dog food has received positive criticism from many companies which deal with dog foods. It offers fresh premium meals which are not reactive to your dog in any way. Orijen has ensured that they deliver quality products to their customers where they raise their own chickens and hire their own fishermen who deliver them with fresh fish. The company further uses high quality fruits and vegetables to roundup the nutrition and supplement the diet. Though Orijen dog foods are quite expensive, once you calculate the amount of nutrients and proteins packed in each bite, you will notice that it’s worth spending your money to buy Orijen as compared to other fillers. Its incredible value ranks it among the best dog foods. Since Orijen is natural and doesn’t contain allergenic ingredients which are present in other cheaper dog foods, it has been classified as a hypoallergenic food.

4. Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein:

Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein   Dogs which are allergic to certain proteins usually give their owners a hard time when it comes to finding the best dog foods that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Some dogs are even unable to digest raw meat. At this point, the best food to reach out for is the Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein. This exclusive dog food is created through the process of hydrolysis where the ingredients are broken down into small digestible particles. When added in a dog’s diet, its immune system doesn’t recognize the food as a threat since it’s already broken down. Since Canin is the leading company which uses this process, a wide array of their hydrolyzed foods are highly available for customers to choose from. The company further uses minimal ingredients and ensures that there is a vast array of Omega-3s components and chalated minerals present in the foods.

5. Addiction’s Wild Kangaroo and Apple:

Addiction’s Wild Kangaroo and Apple   This fascinating dog food uses kangaroo meat as its main ingredient. There are other brands which use kangaroo meat in their dog foods but according to customers’ responses, Addiction has managed to be ranked among the best brands which offer the best quality dog foods. Since kangaroo meat is quite unique to what most dogs have grown on, the chances of their immune systems recognizing the food as a potential threat are pretty minimal. The kangaroo meat contained in this food has an 8-14% fat ratio which makes it the best diet for dogs with OBD problems. The apple ingredient present in the dog food helps in coating the dog’s stomach. It also reduces pain and digestive discomforts which your dog may experience and further slows down the rate of digestion and prevent diarrhea.

Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies

Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies
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Most dogs manifest their food allergies through their skins. However, most people don’t know how to distinguish between skin allergies and external allergens. You should therefore check your dog for any signs of coat problems which could most likely be caused by the type of food consumed. You may sometimes have to visit a local vet to get some anti allergy ingredients which will lower the inflammation. But, for a long time healing process, you must feed your dog with foods indicated for skin allergies. At times, you will be forced to eliminate some ingredients in your dog’s food to easily identify what’s causing an allergy in your dog. Limited ingredients dog foods will be of much help since they only contain 2-3 main ingredients. These are enough to provide a balanced diet to your dog. These foods are considered to be “stage 1” dog foods since they help eliminate potential allergens from your dog’s diet. After successful allergen elimination, some dogs are later transitioned to a novel diet after their skins have completely healed. Since most dog foods contain chicken and beef as the main ingredients, some dogs start developing an intolerance to these ingredients. Switching from these foods to other brands that contain other meats such as kangaroo will help your dog heal faster. Novel foods are the best foods since they are grain-free and avoid using soy, wheat and milk as their main ingredients. Most of them use salmon meat which is rich in fatty acids which maintains your dog’s skin and eye health. However, these dog foods are 2-3× more expensive as compared to other cheap brands out there. This is because they contain high quality pure ingredients enough to keep your dog’s skin healthy. That being said, novel ingredient foods are the best dog foods for skin allergies. Among the top pick dog foods which are essential for sensitive skins include:

1. Natural Balance Limited Ingredients:

Natural Balance Limited Ingredients   Natural Balance produce quality dog foods which offer the best limited ingredient diets to your dog. Most dog owners have turned to the consumption of these brands since they help to overcome digestive and skin problems. Since most brands offering the same dog foods with limited ingredients use regular potatoes, Natural Balance has gone a mile further to use sweet potatoes among its main ingredients due to their higher nutritional value. Among other ingredients used by Natural Balance include salmon and flax seeds which are rich in Omega-3s, DHA and essential fatty acids. These ingredients are not only designed to remove common allergens but are also meant to align your dog’s skin keeping it healthy and shinny.

2. Wellness Simple:

Wellness Simple   The Wellness brands offer great formulas which work best as compared to Hill Science Diets prescribed by most vets. Most dog owners have switched to this brand since it contains no fillers and offer high quality meats in the recipe. Wellness Simple contains 5 different formulas for you to choose from. Each formula contains flax seed oil which is essential for skin treatment and maintenance.

The Bottom Line

When diagnosing food allergies in dogs, using hypoallergenic dog food is the most reliable step to consider. You can either use novel proteins or hydrolyzed proteins. As we read earlier in this article, novel proteins contain ingredients that are completely new to your dog thereby lowering the chances of an immune response. Among the major ingredients incorporated in hypoallergenic dog, foods include duck and pea, venison and potato, salmon and potato and kangaroo. Testing your dog allergies You should therefore choose the best brand with ingredients which your dog has never been exposed to. On the other hand, hydrolyzed diets are made when proteins are completely broken down to small components which your dog’s immune system is not likely to react to. With this in mind, whichever hypoallergenic dog food you feed your pet with, make sure that it’s applied for a period of 8-10 weeks to see your dog’s food response. Most dogs show improvement within the first 4-6 weeks, but there are several other breeds that take a much longer time period to respond. While feeding your dogs with hypoallergenic foods, ensure that you avoid adding other types of foods, flavored medications and treats to your diet as they are likely to compromise the healing process. After a successful diagnosis of the food allergy, you should apply a challenge diet to your dog to confirm the diagnosis. When you add an additional diet to your dog, the symptoms are likely to return within two weeks. After you confirm the food allergy, substantial amounts of ingredients such as slices of chicken and wheat should be added to the hypoallergenic dog foods to determine exactly which ingredients should be avoided in the future.

Dogs’ Diner – Dog Food Reviews for Discerning Pet Owners

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When planning to get a pet, prospective dog owners are often preoccupied with what breed would be best for them. They consider such factors as temperament, size, adaptability, and appearance. Excited to bring home a new member of the family, one question that is foremost in new pet owners’ minds is what to feed their new pet. A dog’s overall well-being, more than any other factor, depends upon optimum nutrition. It is something that should never be compromised. Thus, a lot of thought and care must be taken when deciding on the best dog food to feed your pet. After all, it is from dog food that your pet would receive the nutrients that it needs to grow, have a shiny coat, and live a long life. Much like humans, dogs require a balanced diet that contains all the necessary components to supply the body with sufficient amounts of nutrients to maintain overall function and good health. Humans are increasingly becoming health-conscious and are starting to become more careful with choosing which foods to buy, prepare, and consume. It is important to remember that the same level of care and thought be taken in selecting the best foods for your pet. In recent years, the progressive research to provide the most balanced food preparations has evolved. A few centuries ago, dogs have been considered carnivores when they are, in fact, actually omnivores. This means that dogs can actually perish if they are confined to the consumption of an all-meat diet. Dogs must receive other nutrients that cannot be found in meat products. In the past, dog owners had limited options beyond preparing meals for their own pets. There were rarely any ready-to-eat foods specifically for dogs way back in the past. Over time, dog foods that require minimal to no preparation have gradually been introduced commercially. This has made it easier for pet owners to provide their dogs with a balanced meal that includes not only meat products but also other food ingredients that help ensure that all the necessary nutrients will be supplied when the food is given in the recommended amount depending on the dog breed and size. Puppie eating from a bowl Dog food manufacturers’ knowledge has continuously evolved. As a result, these manufacturers have started to produce dog foods that are properly formulated. One benchmark for a type of dog to be considered acceptable is that there should be an appropriate combination of ingredients and proper serving size to promote a nutrition-filled diet. However, there are still a number of dog foods available that can be considered a poor source of nutrition for dogs even if these products claim to contain all the necessary nutrients. Deceptive or ambiguous labeling of dog foods may, unfortunately, result in an inadequate diet. There are no strict guidelines for dog food manufacturers as of this writing, and manufacturers remain free to claim the health benefits and nutrition provided by their products without the need for testing or regulation. Thus, it is the pet owner’s responsibility to be vigilant about misleading dog food labels and to determine which products can actually provide what they claim they could. Some of the more popular dog foods are formulated to meet the minimum dietary requirements of dogs. Raw materials, especially in the dog food industry, do not constitute a cheap business because quality ingredients fetch a higher price. When a greater amount of money is invested in raw materials, less profit will be generated for manufacturers, who of course have to take care of their own business. However, there are dog foods that are not extremely expensive but could provide the right amount of nourishment for your fur babies. But first, we will discuss the important factors that have to be considered when making a dog food comparison for your dog’s nutritional support.

Selecting the right dog food

In selecting the right dog food, the focus must be on the main ingredients. A dog food comparison requires the careful scrutiny of two types of dog food ingredients – vegetable-based and meat-based. Vegetable-based dog foods are those that take their protein and carbohydrate content from grains, such as corn, wheat, soybean, and rice. In general, vegetable-based dog foods are considerably less expensive than meat-based varieties because the main ingredients are significantly cheaper. Natural Ultramix Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Meat-based dog foods are packed with ingredients primarily coming from livestock. Lamb, fish, and chicken are the most common ingredients used in this category. This kind of dog food is more expensive than the vegetable-based varieties because of the higher cost of ingredients. The good thing about adding a little more to your dog food budget is the amount of nourishment that a meat-based type of dog food can provide for your pet. Meat-based dog foods are packed with higher nutritional value than vegetable-based dog food. Meat and veg dog food It is highly advised by veterinarians that dog food price should not be the basis for the decision to purchase any particular type or brand of dog food. However, you must remember that there is actually a huge difference between a product that can be described as “cheap” and one that is “reasonably priced.” In this type of pet commodity, you typically get what you pay for. The higher the price, the higher the quality. Better quality definitely leads to better nutrition, which is the main goal behind the investment that you make on good quality dog food. One great reference before making a purchase decision is the dog food ratings provided by known veterinarians and pet suppliers. There are dog foods that are sold cheaply. However, you may be mistaken when you believe that you were able to save from the dog food’s inexpensive price because you will, later on, realize that the cheaper product will actually require you to feed your dog with a greater amount of dog food per unit of body weight, which will thus require you to buy higher quantities. Moreover, inexpensive dog foods are widely available and contain sub-standard ingredients that are poorly digested. Your pet will not be able to optimally benefit from the nutrients provided because these elements are not absorbed by the body. Have you ever noticed your dog excreting stool that looks and smells much like the food that it eats? This is one of the hallmark signs of poor absorption. High-quality dog food requires fewer purchases than lower-quality products because of the nutritional requirement that the better-known and slightly more expensive products provide. You will notice that the amount of food that your dog needs per unit weight is significantly less when you feed your pet within high-quality dog food than when you purchase the low-quality variants. A well-balanced combination of food ingredients in high-quality dog food also facilitates better absorption, thereby allowing your pet to yield less stools. By reviewing several dog food ratings from veterinary clinics, suppliers, kennel club members, and advance-level owners, you can find a dog food variant that is right on the budget but does not fall short in terms of nutritional value. Remember that poor nutrition leads to deficiencies over varying durations of time. Always consider that dogs, unlike humans, cannot choose what they eat. They can only depend on what you give them, which is why it is your responsibility as a pet parent to choose the right dog food for your fur baby. This will go a long way in ensuring that your pet has the best possible quality of life.

Recommended dog food options

Dog Food
Source: unsplash.com
What are you to do when the decision on which dog food to purchase becomes confusing? Often, checking and comparing dog food labels can be very tedious, and as previously mentioned, many manufacturers may actually overstate the merits of their product. Thus, relying on product labels alone may be insufficient to determine which dog food to buy. Another option is to consider the brand. Better-known brands usually have the advantage of good product recall. However, it is not all the time that popular brands and manufacturers produce the best possible product. Also, a more popular brand can be more expensive, not because of the higher quality of ingredients, but because of the higher marketing budget that goes into advertising the product. Remember that products with more advertisements or endorsements are not always at top of their class. One of the best available options is to go over the feedback and ratings provided by real pet owners like you. The internet has made this more feasible because product reviews are available in most, if not all, buying sites. Good measures to determine whether a product is great are repeat purchases, high ratings, glowing testimonials, and positive reviews from a very high number of purchasers. With all these taken into consideration, we are able to give you the Top 7 dog food options in the United States. The variants that managed to fill this list are the dog food preparations with a significant number of consumer reviews to help you decide the product that best suits your dog’s needs. The list is based on dog food reviews, dog food ratings, and comments from veterinarians and other pet parents. The top was realized based on over 3,700 reviews of pet parents who have previously purchased the top 7 dog foods, and below is a graph showing the share of each product in terms of number of reviews. Top 7 Dog food graphic For better illustration, below is a table showing the rankings of these products in detail. The rankings are based on average customer feedback score and number of reviews. What follows is a review of each individual product.

Rank

Brand

Variant

Rating

No. of Reviews

Price

Size

1

Wellness Core

Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

4.7 out of 5.0

1,341

$55.99

 

26 lb Bag

2

Taste of the Wild

Dry Dog Food: Pacific Stream Canine Formula

4.7 out of 5.0

1,060

$45.99

30 lb Bag

3

Holistic Select

Natural Dry Dog Food

4.7 out of 5.0

222

$44.95

30 lb Bag

4

Merrick

Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

4.6 out of 5.0

287

$56.49

25 lb Bag

5

Stella & Chewy’s

Freeze-Dried Dog Food

4.6 out of 5.0

260

$27.99

15 oz Pack

6

Hill’s Science Diet

Dry Dog Food

4.6 out of 5.0

253

$11.99

4.5 lb Bag

7

Newman’s Own

Adult Dog Food Formula

4.5 out of 5.0

315

$45.49

12.5 lb Bag

1. Wellness CORE natural grain-free dry dog food

Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 based on 1,341 consumer reviews Price: $55.99 Size: 26 lb Bag Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free dry dog food is a unique grain and poultry-free food preparation choice for dogs over one year old. Wellness CORE natural grain-free dry dog food Formulated with optimal fat and calorie levels, it enables dogs to maintain optimal health. Included in the ingredients are broccoli, spinach, kale, and parsley, which have been carefully researched and proven for their nutritional content. Wellness CORE has 54% more protein compared with its other variant, the Wellness Super5Mix. This product contains absolutely no meat by-products, corn, soy, wheat, and artificial ingredients, such as coloring, flavoring, and preservatives. Like this amazing product? Then you can buy it on Amazon.

2. Taste of the wild dry dog food: Pacific stream canine formula

Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 based on 1,060 consumer reviews Price: $45.99 Size: 30lb Bag Taste of the wild dry dog food Pacific stream Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food comes in second with its Pacific Stream Canine Formula. Composed of real smoked salmon, fruits, and vegetables, it delivers natural antioxidants that protect the cells of your pet. This variant is rated 4.7 out of 5.0 stars based on over a thousand reviews. Other Taste of the Wild variants like the Hi Prairie Canine Formula and Wetlands Canine Formula also received favorable ratings. Like this product? Then you can check the current deal for it on Amazon.

3. Holistic select natural dry dog food

Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 based on 222 consumer reviews Price: $44.95 Size: 30lb Bag Holistic select natural dry dog food infographic Being listed in the Top 10 of Whole Dog Journal consistently for eight years now, Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food is formulated with a unique blend of three quality sources of protein, namely, chicken, pork, and fish proteins from anchovies and sardines. These premium proteins, together with wholesome grains and fat from healthy sources, provide a balanced formulation for everyday nutritional needs. Like this amazing product? Then you can check its price here.

4. Merrick grain-free dry dog food

Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on 287 consumer reviews Price: $56.49 Size: 25lb Bag Merrick grain-free dry dog food With a good balance of 70% meat protein and 30% fresh produce ingredient ratio, Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food is primarily made from deboned buffalo and is rich in Omega 6, Omega 3, chondroitin, and glucosamine. Like this product? Then you can check its price on Amazon.

5. Stella & chewy’s freeze dried dog food

Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on 260 consumer reviews Price: $27.99 Size: 15oz Pouch Stella and Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dog Food is the only raw dog food preparation that made it in this list. Stella & chewy's freeze dried dog food Pet parents who will be trying raw dog food for the first time must pay special attention, as proper handling is very important because raw food may contain bacteria that may cause illness to the pet owner and his pets. Like any other raw food preparations, any cooked dog food not eaten within 30 minutes should be discarded to avoid the harboring of microorganisms. The pet bowl should also be washed with hot, soapy water after every meal. It is advised that for first timers, feeding should be slowly transitioned by mixing the new food with the old food product within five to seven days. If you interested you can purchase it on Amazon.

6. Hill’s science diet dry dog food

Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on 253 consumer reviews Price: $11.99 Size: 4.5lb Bag Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food promotes health from the inside out. Hill's science diet dry dog food infographic This variant is specifically targeted for small and toy dog breeds. Its formulation is intended to promote healthy coat, skin, ears, and eyes, as well as healthy muscles and strong bone through optimal nutrient absorption. It is also enriched with Vitamins C and E to promote better immunity and active lifestyle. If you interested in this product you can buy it on Amazon.

7. Newman’s own adult dog food formula

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 based on 315 consumer reviews Price: $45.49 Size: 12.5lb Bag Newman’s Own Adult Dog Food is a professionally blended dog food preparation made from chicken and organic brown rice. Newman's own adult dog food formula It contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors and is also free from corn or wheat. This formulation has the ideal protein-to-fat ratio and sustains the nutritional needs of adult dogs. This is also one of the dog food preparations that meet the standards of AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials to suit nutrient profiles for all life stages of dogs. Like this amazing product? Then you can buy it here.

Reviews vs actual experience

If you will look closely at the ratings, while most of the products received generally favorable feedback, there are also a couple of not-so-good experiences from consumers. These experiences may or may not be the case for you. Dogs, like humans, can become picky eaters, which is one of the main reasons why a product may receive an unfavorable rating. Many consumers openly share their experiences, the breeds of their dogs, and the actual problem that occurred. Thus, you will easily be able to determine whether the same case is likely to happen to your dog. Remember that dog food selection is unlike choosing a snack that will satisfy your craving; your dog’s overall nourishment will depend on it, so choose wisely and take time to weigh things out. Dog body condition infographic In conclusion, we are what we eat. That is also applicable to our pets. Optimal nutrition is something that cannot be compromised. It should be seriously considered, and if you do it right, you will be rewarded with lots of memorable years with a healthy dog by your side.

Homemade Dog Biscuits – Delicious & Easy to Follow Recipes

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When it comes to treating your dog right, you want to know that what is being put into his body is good for him. Artificial preservatives, additives and coloring may not seem harmful, but there’s no reason why it has to be in your dog’s food or the treats you give him. Not to mention they can start to get pricey after a while. So why continue to make the trip to the pet store when you can learn to make homemade dog biscuits right in the comfort of your home from the simplest ingredients?
Not only is it a rewarding experience for you to try something new, but it is for your dog as well as he sinks his teeth into these wonderfully tasty and healthy dog treats. Here are some of the easiest dog recipes that you can use to treat Fido, whether it’s for a job well done during training or just as a snack in the middle of the day.

Benefits of Making Your Own Dog Treats

So what are some of the reasons for making dog treats from scratch? You may think it’s just a chore, but how would you feel about eating packaged food for every meal? Eventually, you’d become tired of it, and you’d yearn for something fresh and homemade to eat. Well, dogs are no different. There’s nothing wrong with giving them a little variety every now and again, and that isn’t the only benefit they’ll receive. Firstly, homemade dog treats are a lot safer than the ones you buy in the store. Prepackage treats have a lot of ingredients that they really don’t need, but because of storage purposes, are included to ensure that they remain fresh. Preservatives and artificial coloring have no place in your dog’s diet, as they can lead to serious harm to your dog’s health. So instead of putting your dog’s life on the line, making the treats at home yourself can certainly save you the trouble in the long run. By using fresh ingredients, you’ll know exactly what your dog is eating. Homemade dog biscuits Secondly, they’re just all-around healthier snacks. Instead of feeding your dog crude fat and sugars, homemade dog treats can be made with fruits and vegetables and whole grains that can promote your dog’s health. Especially without the preservatives, there’s more room for healthier ingredients to be used. You can use ingredients that help to keep his teeth clean, promote good breath, add more protein to his diet, increase his fiber count, improve the quality of his coat, or help him to be more regular when it comes to house training. By keeping your dog’s health in mind, making treats from scratch is certainly a better option. Thirdly, homemade snacks are easier to customize. If you have a dog that has a particular allergy or sensitivity to a certain ingredient, then you may believe that you’re out of luck in giving your dog any treats. But that isn’t so if you decide to make them from home. You can mix and change ingredients as much as you like in order to accommodate the health of your dog and ensure that he’s still getting everything that he needs in one little cookie. Fourth, they’re just cheaper. Buying a bag of dog treats can be pricey in comparison to the cost of the ingredients. They’ll last a much longer time, allowing you to make more treats than you would get out of a bag at the store. It may cost a little more elbow grease to make the cookies from scratch, but your wallet will thank you for buying ingredients in bulk instead of bringing home a bag of unhealthy treats that may last you a week or two. Making your own dog treats Lastly, homemade treats taste better. In fact, they’re made from ingredients that you can eat, so why not steal a few cookies for yourself? Your dog will appreciate the effort you put into making any of these treats by hand, and your home will smell absolutely wonderful afterwards. And if they taste better, your dog is more likely to work a little harder at his training and tricks to get them.

1. Peanut Butter Dog Cookies

Peanut Butter Dog Cookies
Source: divadogbakery.com
This recipe yields about 36 small cookies, but they can be made bigger for larger dog breeds. The ingredients you’ll need are:
  • four eggs
  • 1 oz. vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • 8 oz. chicken stock
  • 10 oz. whole wheat flour
  • 5 oz. all-purpose flour
  • 3 oz. cornmeal
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • cooking spray
Due to the high number of cookies that this recipe can make, you’re left with a lot of treats and many weeks before having to make another batch. First, you’ll need to preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Whisk together two of the eggs, oil, and honey in a large bowl until blended together. Then whisk in the chicken stock. If you want a healthier treat, you can use reduced-fat and/or low sodium stock; beef or vegetable stock will also suffice. Sift the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and cornmeal into a separate bowl, and then combine until even throughout. While mixing at a medium speed, slowly add the chicken stock mixture in order to avoid lumps. Then add the peanut butter until everything has been blended together, for roughly one minute. Divide the dough in half and roll each into a ball that’s about one-half inch thick with a rolling pin. Using cookie cutters, cut into shapes and place on a baking sheet covered in cooking spray. Using the two remaining eggs, whisk them together and brush lightly over the cookies with the wash. Allow it to dry for ten minutes and then add another layer of wash. Then bake in the oven for fifteen minutes or until they are golden brown.

2. Carob Cookies

Carob Cookies
Source: theconsiderablecookie.com
These cookies were designed for dogs with sensitive tummies in mind. Many dogs can develop an allergy to wheat, making it difficult for them to find anything tasty to snack on during the day. But with these homemade cookies, they’ll never have to worry about upset stomachs again.  This recipe makes roughly three to four dozen cookies. The ingredients you’ll need are:
  • 1 cup white rice flour
  • 1/2 cup of carob powder
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup of water
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is to ensure that the cookies won’t stick. If you don’t have parchment paper, cooking spray will do. Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl and then knead with your hands until the dough is smooth and can be formed without crumbling. If your dough is a little on the dry side, don’t be afraid to add a little more water to make it more pliable. Cover a working surface with some flour and roll with a rolling pin until the dough is 1/4-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the baking sheet. It’s best to use smaller cookie cutters in order to prevent crumbling. Bake for roughly ten to fifteen minutes; baking any longer can result in them cracking. Allow the cookies to cool before serving, and place any extras in the fridge for keeping.

3. Mint Cookies

Mint Cookies dogs
Source: missmollysays.com
This recipe makes about 5 dozen cookies, which will definitely last you a long time. Mint has been known to help dogs with stomach issues, and can also serve as a breath freshener, along with the parsley that is being included in this recipe. It has also been known to work as a flea repellent, so your pooch won’t have to deal with as many fleas this summer. The ingredients you’ll need are:
  • 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups of whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/4 cups cornmeal
  • 1 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 1/2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into tbsp pieces
  • 1 cup + 1 tbsp. water
  • 1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
  • 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves
  • 1 egg
  • cooking spray
First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the flours, cornmeal, oats, wheat germ, baking powder, brown sugar and salt in a food processor and pulse together until it has been combined. Add the butter and pulse together until a coarse meal has been created. There should be lumps, about the size of a pea.
As one cup of water and pulse the mixture together until a dense dough forms. Sprinkle some flour onto a working surface and place the dough in the middle. Knead in the parsley and mint until they are well distributed. Break the dough in half and roll into a flat 1/3-inch disk using a rolling pin. If the discs become too soft, wrap them in plastic and place them in the fridge to chill until they become more firm. Grease two large baking sheets and place the dough halves in them. Cut out as many as needed with cookie cutters and place them 1/4-inch apart from each other during the baking process. Whisk together one egg and 1 tbsp. of water, and brush the wash over the eggs. Place the baking trays on the bottom and middle racks for roughly 35 minutes. Switch the baking sheets halfway through the time in order to ensure that they have all been baked evenly, or until the tops are golden brown. Turn off the oven and allow the biscuits to dry in the oven overnight.

4. Homemade Dog Treats

Homemade Dog Treats
Source: dalmatiandiy.com
This recipe makes about twenty-four dog cookies and is a good way to use that leftover bacon fat. Instead of allowing your dog to beg, give him a reason to behave for some bacon-flavored treats. He might start to like them even more than your morning breakfast. This recipe is extremely easy to make, and you may already have most of them already in your home. It can even be added to and modified to your dog’s personal tastes. The ingredients you’ll need are:
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup wheat germ
  • 1/2 cup melted bacon fat
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup cold water
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine all of the ingredients by hand in a very large mixing bowl until a dough forms. If it’s too soft and not sticking together well, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, then you can add a little more water and/or bacon fat. Once combined, place the dough on a floured working surface, and roll to about a 1/2-inch thick. Using a knife, cut the dough into one-inch by four-inch bars. Place the bars on a cookie sheet that is covered in parchment paper or has been sprayed with cooking spray. Using the end of a chopstick, poke divots into the tops of the bars and bake in the oven for roughly 20 minutes. Turn off the heat, flip the bars over, and return to the oven until it has cooled. Then remove and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

5. Homemade Flaxseed Dog Biscuits

Homemade Flaxseed Dog BiscuitsHomemade Flaxseed Dog Biscuits
Source: dogtipper.com
Flaxseed has been known to provide a wide range of health benefits, and the same can be said for your dog as well. Not only does it improve the quality of your dog’s coat, but it is also rich in Omega-3 oil, which is great for joints. This can minimize the pain your dog may experience from arthritis or other joint problems and can promote overall joint health. So invest some time into making these delicious and healthy dog treats. Your dog will certainly thank you for them in his own way. The main ingredients that you’ll need are:
  • 12 oz. whole wheat flour
  • 12 oz. bread flour
  • 2 oz. wheat germ
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 3-4 tbsp. flax seed
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 oz. powdered dry milk
  • 1 cup water
Preheat your oven for 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine the flours, wheat germ, salt, brown sugar, and flax seed together in a bowl until even throughout. Then stir in the eggs and vegetable oil. In a separate contained, dissolve the powdered milk in the water and then add to the mixture. Mix together until a dough is created, and that it is smooth throughout. Flour or water can be added in small increments in order to adjust your dough to the right consistency. Once you’re done mixing, cover the dough and set to one side for about 15 to 20 minutes to allow it to relax. Then place the dough on your working surface area and roll the dough out until it is approximately 1/2 an inch thick. Using cookie cutters, cut out a few biscuits and reincorporate the dough to roll out again so that nothing is wasted. Place the cookies on a sheet lined with baking paper and place in the oven. Bake for about 40 minutes or until they have turned brown. Allow the biscuits to cool before serving, and you can store the rest in covered contained at room temperature.

6. Nutty Bacon Dog Treats

Nutty Bacon Dog Treats
Source: fortheloveofcooking.net
Peanut butter and bacon? Could a dog ask for a better treat? But don’t invest in dried artificial bacon flavor. Spend the time to make this wonderful dog treats yourself, and your home will smell absolutely delicious. This recipe makes about six dozen, you’ll have a lot of treats to use for the weeks and months to come. The ingredients you’ll need are:
  • 3 slices of bacon, diced
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (pick a brand that doesn’t contain xylitol)
  • 1 tbsp. maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp. water
  • 1/2 cup soy flour (can be substituted if your dog is allergic to soy)
  • 1/2 whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1/2 cup wheat germ
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a frying pan, fry the bacon until its very crispy. Remove from the oil, but allow for the bacon fat to cool. Add the egg, peanut butter, maple syrup and water to the bacon fat and mix together thoroughly. Once combined, mix in the flours and wheat germ until a dough has been created. Dice the bacon pieces and add to the dough, then roll out on a floured surface until it’s 1/4-inch thick. Use a 1-inch circular cookie cutter, cut treats out of the dough and placed on the baking trays. Bake in the oven for roughly 12 to 15 minutes until they become a light brown colour. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool.

7. Banana Parsley Cookies

Banana Parsley Cookies
Source: margaritasintherain.com
What could be healthier than bananas? These easy-to-make treats are rich in vitamins B and C that your dog may be missing from his diet. Potassium can also help to keep his bones strong, and the parsley works well to keep his breath fresh and clean. However, take care in offering these treats in moderation. Too much potassium can actually lead to your dog becoming constipated and developing hyperkalemia, which can lead to heart problems. The size of the cookies can be adjusted for the size of your dog in order to avoid this problem. The ingredients that you’ll need for this recipe of two dozen cookies are:
  • 1 peeled banana
  • 1 cup oat flour
  • 2/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup dried parsley
  • 3 tbsp. smooth peanut butter
  • 1 egg, beaten
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a spoon or a potato masher, mash the banana thoroughly in a bowl until creamy. Add the oat flour, oats, parsley, peanut butter and egg. Stir well until the mixture has been combined thoroughly. Set aside for 5 minutes for it to relax. Using a tablespoon, remove a small amount of dough and roll into a ball until you have 24 cookies, more or less depending on their size. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using the back of a spoon, flatten each ball into a small flat disc. Place in the oven and bake until they’re golden brown, for about 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before serving.

8. Flea Terminator Dog Treats

Flea Terminator Dog Treats
Source: patchpuppy.com
Want a better way to fight off fleas? Why not wage the battle from the inside out? Placing insecticides on your dog’s skin may do the trick, but after a time, it can put your dog’s health at risk.
There are certainly safer ways of keeping fleas off your dog’s, and these dog treats can certainly help with the trick. The recipe makes about two pounds of cookies, and the ingredients you’ll need are:
  • 3 cubes of beef bouillon
  • 1 1/2 cups water, boiled
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 2/3 cup brewers’ yeast
  • 2 tbsp. garlic powder
  • 2 egg yolks
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the beef bouillon cubes to the boiling water until they have completely dissolved and set aside. Grease some cookie sheets or use cooking spray. In another large bowl, stir together the whole wheat flour, corn meal, yeast and garlic powder. Stir them together until the mixture is even throughout. Add the egg yolks and gradually add the bouillon water while stirring. Combine until a dough has formed. Once firm, place on a floured surface and roll the dough until it is roughly 1/4-inch thick. Cut into the desired shapes using cookie cutters, and place on the cookie sheets. Bake for roughly 20 minutes in the oven. Once they have become a light brown color, turn the oven off and leave them in for an extra three hours to harden and dry out. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. When it comes to making dog treats at home, don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients as long as you do some research. There are some foods that dogs are not allowed to have, such as grapes and chocolate, as they could end up making your dog very sick. However, any of the above recipes can be adjusted to take your dog’s particular diet into account so that you’re not risking his health in the process. What’s most important is that you have fun with it, so happy baking!

Homemade Dog Toothpaste – Fresher Breath for Dogs

If we, pet parents, would talk about something that stinks about our fur babies, the discussion will boil down into two things – doggy odor and doggy breath. There is no sugarcoating here that dogs do have a smelly breath by default. However, as we constantly improve our ways to take care of our dogs, this unpleasant smell has been one of the most publicized issues that pet product developers have focused on. You will find hundreds and thousands of breath fresheners for dogs. Some of them work, most of them offer a solution that only lasts for a short period. So how important is oral health for dogs? According to experts, oral health is one of the most important parts of a dog’s well-being because it is the entry point of nutrition, but it can also be the portal of entry for infection, microorganisms, parasites, and poison. As our dogs progress in age, several factors cover the risks that involve oral health. Periodontal disease increases by up to 20% each year of a dog’s life. There is a high tendency that a dog will have oral disease when it reaches three years old. Homemade-toothpaste for dogs These are several dog breeds that have the greatest risk of developing oral and periodontal disease:
  • Toy Poodles
  • Miniature Poodles
  • Standard Poodles
  • Maltese
  • Yorkshire Terriers
  • Papillions
  • Dachshunds
  • Havanese
  • Shetland Sheepdogs
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
  • Pomeranians
It has been known that small dog breeds are more prone to develop gum disease due several factors such as tooth crowding. Too many teeth congested into a small space can be very difficult to clean, which increases the chances of plaque accumulation. Anatomical features and genetics play a role in increasing the risk of getting periodontal disease. Bacterial buildup can also be present in the oral cavity because the lodged food particles can be their food to multiply further. Because the mechanism is basic “chewing”, the morsels, particles, and everything become scattered all over inside the oral cavity. Dog brushing Small breed dogs are more susceptible to gum disease due to tooth crowding. Just as is the case with humans, too many teeth crowded into a small space can be difficult to thoroughly clean, leading to an increased accumulation of plaque. Most dog experts consider the Maltese as the breed most prone to this condition, as a small oral cavity plus long life expectancy plus teeth congestion is an equation that is not very healthy. This is followed by the Poodles due to their elongated facial structure and having a good set of teeth, which can be detrimental especially when their teeth are not brushed regularly. While these breeds may be prone to gum and oral disease, other breeds are not exempted from developing such conditions. Sometimes, oral health for dogs is one of the most neglected parts of canine well-being. Little did they know that oral and gum disease can branch out into more serious health issues for your dog. Some large breeds are becoming more prone to periodontal disease not because of genetics, but because of lifestyle. Due to their size, some pet parents rely on this site and associate them with independence that they can keep a healthy oral cavity. Dogs, regardless of size and shape, cannot fend for themselves. They cannot groom themselves, and definitely cannot clean their teeth as well. There are a lot of water additives, special dog treats, and dog breath fresheners but these commercially-available ones may or may not address that bad breath. Plus, these products are not inexpensive. Because bad breath is not the only reason for oral and dental care, we should be more conscious of how important oral health is for our dogs. Lack of teeth cleaning can lead to plaque buildup and can cause significant and permanent damage which may compromise overall health. Because these products are not that affordable, you can make your own homemade dog toothpaste that is natural, safe, and effective for our fur babies. Another advantage of homemade toothpaste is that you rest assured that the ingredients are safe because you know what is inside the mixture. This cancels out the possibility of the mixture having unwanted ingredients such as coloring, additives, and preservatives, among others. Dog-dental-care But before moving to that, it is very important to know the basics first. Why should we do this often, and what are the complications if we miss doing this for quite a long time?

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an inflammation of one or several supporting structures of the tooth. Usually, it starts with the inflammation of a single tooth.

Periodontal disease grading

Grade 1 periodontal disease presents itself as gum inflammation or gingivitis, but no separation of the gum from the tooth is present. There is mild redness in the gums, as well as some plaque formation. Grade 1 periodontal disease is easy to manage and is still considered as reversible. Grade 2 periodontal disease shows plaque formation that is found below the gum line, as well as more pronounced swelling and redness. This grade shows a slight loss of attachment of the teeth from the gums. Grade 2 periodontal disease is still manageable and treatable. Stages of periodontal disease Grade 3 periodontal disease can be identified if there is already the presence of tartar below the gum line. This causes a significant loss of bone support. Aside from swelling, redness, and visible gum recession, there can be episodes of bleeding. Unfortunately, Grade 3 is considered as an irreversible stage and can only be alleviated with supportive management. Grade 4 shows significant amounts of calculus below the gum line. There is severe gum recession, inflammation, one or several missing teeth, and considerable bleeding of the gums. On some cases, there can be accumulation of pus in the gums due to infection. The surrounding infection can be treated, but the extent is already considered as irreversible.

How gum disease starts

Gum disease starts with those tiny pieces of food that stays inside your dog’s mouth. The dog’s oral cavity is filled with bacteria, and there is a good chance that the bad bacteria will consume the food particles. This becomes plaque on your dog’s teeth and gums. If left for quite some time, the plaque will harden to become tartar which will stick to the dog’s teeth. Significant tartar buildup will cause gum irritation which will lead to gum inflammation. This condition is known as gingivitis. Normally, healthy gums are pink in color but they turn into deep read when inflamed. Gum-disease-in-dogs When the tartar is not cleaned, it will build up under the gums. This buildup will cause the gums to recess and pull away from the teeth. A lot of factors surround the chances on how tartar and such gum disease develop inside your dog’s mouth. These factors include age, breed, genetics, health, diet, as well as oral care and management.

Periodontal and gum disease symptoms

Signs that your fur baby has periodontal disease can include:
  • Bad breath
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Drooling
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Tooth loss
  • Appetite loss
  • Increased irritability
  • Depressed mood
  • Stomach problems
  • Mouth sensitivity
  • Inflamed gums
If you suspect that your fur baby has gum disease, and you know that there is no regular oral care and management for it, it would be best to consult with the veterinarian as soon as possible. This enables the veterinarian to promptly stage the severity of the condition. If the situation is still reversible, there can be several medical management that will be implemented. If there is an underlying disease, then there will be medications involved in the management. The key here is to address the problem as soon as possible. Bear in mind that prevention should always be your objective. You will save a lot of time, money, and effort if you will keep this a priority. Our fur babies need our help to keep their gums and teeth in top condition. Many breeds, even those grown under a breed-appropriate diet, and chewing on raw bones, are still prone to these conditions. Recognizing the disease earlier, it helps prevent a lot of health issues that may branch out later in life. Dental-infographic A clean mouth is not a safe mouth. It still has bacterial growth in it, as well as some food fragments that can be invisible to the naked eye. However, if you keep the mouth clean, it significantly reduces the tendency to develop a serious oral disease that can lead to bacterial infections that could become systemic, especially when it enters the bloodstream. There are available routine professional tooth cleaning services available in most areas that can save you from the trouble. However, always remember that you should not completely depend on these routine cleaning schedules because you still need to keep your dog’s oral cavity clean as often as possible. This ensures good oral health. It should be something that is part of your routine on a daily basis. Once the routine becomes a healthy habit, you make a massive impact on your dog’s oral hygiene and health. Regular examinations by the veterinarian is very important even if you brush your dog’s teeth on a daily basis. A thorough examination of the veterinarian can reveal some problems that you might not see. While not all breeds accumulate plaque and tartar at the same accumulation speed, every breed needs a routine examination nonetheless. Dental-care Professional cleaning might be recommended by the veterinarian, especially when regular brushing is not part of your routine. There are grooming stations that offer this as an add-on, so you may want to reconsider the promo. If you can sustain this, as well as learning to do brushing at home at least thrice weekly can give surprising results that even your veterinarian will agree.

Basic DIY dog toothpaste

Remember: Before we start, never ever include Fluoride into the mix. This is a very harmful substance for dogs and cats. In line with this, never attempt to use human toothpaste to clean your dog’s teeth as well. Because we cannot instruct our dogs not to swallow, we should not try substances intended for human consumption to them. It may lead to gastric discomfort and even poisoning. Make your own dog toothpaste Here we present you an easy-to-make DIY Dog Toothpaste to keep your dog’s mouth clean and smelling good. Our list of ingredients includes easy-to-find ones that are usually available at home. Homemade toothpaste can be stored at room temperature for several weeks, sustaining a clean and fresh breath for your fur baby for long. This is one of the most common homemade toothpaste in dog groups, because of its ease in preparation and proven effectiveness.
  • 1 Tbsp Beef Bouillon Granules dissolved in 1 Tbsp Hot Water
  • 2 Tbsp Baking Soda
  • 2 Tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/3 Cup Coconut Oil
Creating your own homemade dog toothpaste is a walk in the park. Simply mix the bouillon granules in the water. This preliminary ingredient allows the toothpaste to be tasty. One of the major downfalls of commercial toothpaste is that they don’t taste or smell good. They smell too “synthetic” which irritates the dog to have its teeth brushed. Once stirred, add the baking soda and stir the mixture further. You can add cinnamon to make the breath smell nice and fresh, which is far from the conventional minty scent. The baking soda is there to serve as the abrasive material to remove the lodged food particles and plaque formation. Lastly, add some coconut oil into the mixing bowl until the mixture is even. The coconut oil acts as a binder for all the ingredients and is edible and totally safe for your dog. The mixture can be stored in a small container. It is recommended for the mixture not to be refrigerated because it can harden the mixture, or someone can mistake it for a sandwich spread or dessert. Natural homemade dog toothpaste In applying the toothpaste, make sure that your fur baby is in a comfortable and non-agitating position. Do not shove the paste inside its mouth the moment you sit down together. Chances are it will bite you unintentionally, or you won’t be able to brush it thoroughly. Spread the toothpaste all over the dog’s teeth. The more coverage you can do, the better. Because the paste is tasty for the dog, it might start licking it, so try to inhibit it from doing this as much as possible. In selecting the ideal cloth for brushing the teeth, make sure it is not too rough and not too wooly. A towel or cloth that is too rough can hurt the inner lining of the mouth and can bruise the gums. On the other hand, when a towel is too wooly, it could leave filaments inside the mouth that can harbor bacteria which could trigger a lot of potential infections. Homemade-dog-toothpaste Brush the dog’s teeth in small, vigorous circles. Focus the scrubbing on the areas where plaque has built up. The most important parts that should be brushed are the back and sides of the teeth that touches the gums. These are the areas that lodge food more often that causes bad breath. Once done, wipe your dog’s teeth using a damp cloth. Make sure that the dog has access to clean water after so it can drink some after the tooth brushing session and wash down any toothpaste that was left inside its mouth. This can be done on a daily basis. You can set a particular schedule, like late in the afternoon after the last meal so that it will be a routine that is quite easy to follow and will allow the dog to become more acclimated and rested while doing the process.

In conclusion

The oral hygiene of our fur babies is considered one of the most neglected. While some pet parents focus too much on the coat and how their dog looks, their pearly whites should also get some attention. The importance of oral health cannot be stressed enough, and as their respective pet parents, it is our responsibility to make sure that they achieve good oral hygiene. We cannot teach our dogs to brush their own teeth, which is why it completely falls as one of our most overlooked responsibilities. Brushing our dog’s teeth can be scary at first, but when you get to know the process and have your fur baby properly acclimated to the routine, it is one of the best kinds of owner to dog interaction that you can provide.

Useful links

Here are some related links regarding DIY Homemade Dog Toothpaste. These links can give you more ideas on how to improve and create more varieties for your dog’s overall oral health. There has been discussions here on how important the process is, to highlight how effective this practice is despite being done at home as a routine.

How to Make Homemade Dog Treats – 5 Delicious Recipes Fido’s Going to Love

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Let’s face it, the commercial treats might be appealing and probably more aligned with your dog’s palette, but they are not exactly the healthiest of options. Very few people know, or realize the importance of knowing, how to make homemade dog treats for several justifiable reasons:
  1. You can’t buy them directly off the shelf
  2. Cooking is not exactly fun most of the time
  3. There is a lot of trial and error until you get it right
  4. There is no guarantee that your dog will like them
This is mainly why fewer and fewer people are inclined to put in a little effort and make a batch of healthy treats for their dogs. Just by reading the label you can see how many chemical additives have been added, a lot of vague information which leaves you guessing most of the time, and on top of all that, you can actually see that it is made out of leftovers and parts of other animals that are considered low quality or downright uneatable. These are not exactly healthy for the poor animal and let’s face it your loyal best friend deserves the best you can offer. Treats A long time ago, before the commercial dog treats hit the shelves, people used to bake treats for their dogs, rewarding them when they would learn new things or as an incentive to obey. This brought dogs and dog owners a lot closer to each other because the dog would feel the extra care and love that was put into the treats, and the owner would smile knowing that it put the effort in and gave his or her dog something that was both healthy and properly made.

A Word of Caution Regarding Dog Treats

Dogs, just like us, can be allergic to different things, and they can have allergic reactions to some of the ingredients that these treats might contain. When reading and following healthy dog treat recipes, make sure to single out and replace ingredients that you know your dog does not react well to. If you are unaware of any allergies that your dog might have, and you are trying out a new recipe with a bunch of ingredients your dog most likely has never tasted or ingested before, exercise caution and bake the treats in small quantities. That way if your dog has an allergic reaction it would be a lot less intense and a lot more manageable. Caution for dog treats Another thing worth mentioning here is the fact that dogs don’t mix very well with spices, seasonings, condiments and various other things that we are used to adding into our foods. So try and steer clear of adding these things, regardless of how much you want to add your own personal touch to it. Another thing to keep in mind is to never feed treats too often, as they should not be a substitute for a meal. Even though they’re healthy, giving your dog too many can result in some health problems. So why not continue wearing the apron and learn how to make your own doggy toothpaste? That being said let us look at a few of the most popular dog treat recipes.

1. Dog Biscuits

These are actually the basic biscuits that have been around for quite some time now. It’s difficult to fail with this recipe and a lot of dogs enjoy these treats as this recipe is one of the easiest healthy dog treats you can bake and it does not take as much time or as much effort as other recipes do. Here is what you will need:
  • 5 cups of whole wheat flour
  • 1 tea spoon of salt or less
  • 1 egg
  • chicken Bouillon granules – 1 teaspoon
  • Half a cup of hot water
Optionally, you can add in:
  • Bacon broth
  • Liver powder
  • Bacon bits
  • Chicken broth
After you gathered your ingredients preheat the oven at 350 degrees. While the oven is preheating, dissolve the Bouillon granules in hot water and add the remaining ingredients to it. The end result should look more or less like cookie dough, with the same consistency. Take that dough and knead it for about 3 minutes until you get the shape of a nice round ball. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough until it is about 0.5 inches thick. After this step is done, cut the dough into various shapes and sizes. Dog biscuits Most dog owners stick with the traditional bone shape however some people go for disk shapes with a small paw indented in it, either way there are endless possibilities there. After you are done cutting and shaping, place the dough pieces on a greased cookie sheet and put it in the oven for around 30 minutes. Something important to note when it comes to these dog biscuits is the fact that the recipe is very flexible. You can switch certain flavors round and try different things until you find something that your dog likes to chew on. Another thing to mention here is that you can take out the biscuits in less than 30 minutes for a more chewy consistency rather than crunchy, if you find that your dog prefers it that way.

2. Doggy Trail Mix

Yes, there is such a thing as a trail mix for dogs, and it is quite cheap and easy to prepare. Again, remember that there may be ingredients that may cause allergic reactions in your dog as well as those that your dog is slightly intolerant of. The last thing you want to see in your dog after giving him or her treats is an upset stomach. Again, this is one of the simpler healthy dog treat recipes out there and it should post no problem at all when preparing it for your dog. Here is what you will need: pieces of meat, potatoes, vegetables, and pieces of fruit. Some quick indications for when picking the ingredients:
  1. Make sure the meat is not seasoned or spicy. If that is the case, rinse the meat thoroughly until any trace of seasoning or spice is gone.
  2. Make sure there are no onions or any garlic added to the mix. These might upset your dog’s stomach and give him or her stomach burns.
  3. Make sure that you do not put any grapes or raisins into the mix. Your dog’s digestive system is not built to cope with them and the end result tends to be rather unpleasant.
The first thing you have to do is start preheating the oven to 200 degrees. Most dog owners recommend using a dehydrator for this however an oven preheated to 200 degrees works just as well. Doggy trail mix Mix the ingredients together and cut them into pieces that are 0.5 inches thick. If you have a small dog you can cut them slightly thinner. After the cutting is done with, spray the pieces with a very thin coating of cooking spray. You are aiming to dry them up not properly bake them so the coating of cooking spray must be very thin. The next step is to place the pieces into the oven or dehydrator until they have dried up.

3. Bacon Flavored Biscuits

Don’t worry, this nifty doggie treat is not unhealthy nor full of fat. The secret and most important ingredient in this recipe is a very small amount of bacon fat which is both harmless and very appealing to dogs. This is why this recipe is one of the best and healthiest dog treat recipes out there. This is a rather easy to make recipe and the result is a treat that is guaranteed to have your dog’s tail wagging when you take it out of the doggie bag. A small word of caution, this recipe involves wheat germs and whole wheat flour. If you know your dog is particularly sensitive to wheat products or allergic to them you might want to consider changing these ingredients with something similar. Before proceeding, keep in mind that this recipe is for a batch of 24 treats, so expect a rather generous turnout for this recipe. Here is the list of ingredients that you will need:
  • 5 cups of whole wheat flour
  • 5 cups of wheat germ
  • 5 cups of melted bacon fat
  • 1 egg
  • 5 cups of cold water
Baking the treats is easy: first off you will have to preheat the oven at about 350 degrees. After this step is done, mix all the ingredients together in a medium sized bowl until you get a nice batch of dough. If the dough happens to be too stiff just add more water or bacon fat, and if it is too sticky add a pinch of flour and mix around properly. After the dough is brought to the desired consistency, roll it on a flour coated surface until it’s about 0.5 inches thick then proceed to cutting small 1×4 inch bars and immediately transfer them on a cookie sheet. Bacon flavored biscuits In order to bake the bars properly and make sure they are evenly heated, you should poke divots into them. After that is all said and done with, bake the bars in the preheated oven until they turn golden brown. Once the bars reach the desired color, just take them out, flip them on the other side and put them back in. This way they can bake on the other side as well. Something rather important to note is that after the bars are cooked let them to cool and only after that store them into an airtight container. The reason for this procedure is the fact that the inside of the container will condense and cause the bars to become moist and soggy.

4. Peanut Butter and Banana Treats

Out of all the healthy dog treat recipes out there this one is probably the most interesting one. Truth be told, not many dogs in this world like to eat bananas. Still bananas are actually good for their health and it will provide a nice dose of needed vitamins. The trick is to get the dog to eat the bananas, which is a challenge in of itself, so you can become a bit creative and sneaky at the same time and simply slip bits and pieces of bananas in the dog’s treats. Before moving on, however, make sure that none of the ingredients will cause your dog a negative reaction. Allergies are always something to be on the lookout for, and if your dog has a history with allergies or is simply having trouble tolerating certain ingredients then you might have to become a bit creative with the recipe and substitute some of the ingredients. Another thing to note is the fact that dogs, just like us, tend to develop spontaneous allergies when eating something for the first time. This recipe contains bananas, something that many dogs never eat during their entire life, so you should play it safe and feed your dog a very small piece at first. This way you make sure your pooch does not develop an allergic reaction before proceeding with this recipe. That being said, in order to bake these treats, you will need the following ingredients:
  • 1 peeled banana
  • 1 cup of oat flour
  • 2 thirds of a cup of rolled oats
  • 5 cups of dried parsley
  • 3 table spoons of peanut butter
  • 1 beaten egg
The baking process is not complicated at all; just follow the steps bellow and you should be ready to start. First mash the banana into a large bowl, and make sure you don’t miss any bits because they might interfere with the composition and the structure of the treat while in the oven. After the banana is nice and mashed, add the rest of the ingredients and mix thoroughly until the mixture homogenizes and set it aside for 5 minutes. You are looking for the mixture to set and leaving it aside for a few minutes is just the thing that it needs. After the mixture has set, grab a tablespoon and scoop out 24 balls of dough and place them in a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Before putting these balls in the oven, you have to flatten them and give them a shape. Your dog will find it incredibly annoying to chew them when they are in ball form, so use the back of the table spoon or your hand to give the balls a shape that is roughly 1.5 inches thick. Most people shape them into coins because it’s easier, while some turn them into bones, bars or even little paws. Peanut butter and banana treats After all that is said and done, put the sheet in the oven for 40 – 45 minutes. Make sure to check on the treats and as soon as one side turns golden brown, flip them over and let the underside cook. Ideally you would be looking to get both sides golden brown before taking them out and serving them to your pet.

5. Minty Buckwheat Treats

This one is a bit more complicated to pull off than other healthy dog treat recipes, however it can still be put together and served to your best friends as a nice heartwarming and at the same time breath freshening treat. Before continuing with this recipe, there are some things that you should keep in mind. First off, this treat requires no meat or meat flavors whatsoever. That being said if you have a dog that loves meat more than anything else you might have a harder time getting him or her to eat these treats. Minty buckwheat treats Second, it involves mint, something that housedogs don’t really eat on a daily basis. That being said there is always the risk of an allergic reaction or intolerance on your dog’s side. So for the good of the dog try and feed him or her small pieces of mint and see what the reactions are. That being said, here is the list of ingredients that you will need in order to bake these wonderful treats:
  • 5 cups of buckwheat flour
  • 4 table spoons of fresh parsley (make sure it is finely chopped before proceeding)
  • 2 table spoons of fresh mint
  • 1 table spoon of honey
  • 2 table spoons of olive oil
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 1-3 table spoons of water
Don’t worry about the olive oil, the vast majority of dogs can easily process it without any allergic or intolerant reactions. The first thing you have to do is to preheat the oven to 400 degrees. These treats will require quite a bit of cooking so a high temperature is a must. Next grab a large bowl and combine mint leaves, parsley and flour. Stir them together until you obtain a homogenized mixture and set them aside for a couple of minutes. Grab a small bowl next and combine the olive oil and honey. Again stir and whisk them together until you get a homogenized mixture. It is important that the honey and the olive oil are mixed together properly. After that is all said and done with, pour the olive oil and honey mixture in the bowl with the flour and stir together. Add the egg in afterwards and keep stirring until the mix is homogenized and uniform. The resulting dough needs to be kneaded thoroughly in order to mix the ingredients together, and when you are satisfied with the consistency of the dough proceed to rolling it with a rolling pin. The dough should be rolled to about a quarter of an inch in thickness. After it is rolled down you can begin cutting the treats in the desired shapes. Most people go for the standard dog bone shape but you can mix it up and cut it into bars, coins or even roll them up and cut them into small logs. An important thing to remember is to poke divots into the dough before you put the treats in the oven. The dough has a slightly darker color so it is not as easy to tell when it bakes evenly and when it does not so in order to avoid undercooked treats simply take a minute to poke a few divots into the treats. After you have the desired shapes, put the treats on a non-stick cookie sheet and place it in the over allowing it to bake for a solid 15 minutes. The great thing about these particular treats is the fact that it acts for dogs exactly the way small mints act for us. Besides the treat aspect, it also cleanses the dog’s mouth, getting rid of the signature “doggie breath” in the process. It is also a much healthier alternative to store bought treats and chemical ridden mouth cleansing commercial solutions. There are indeed a lot more recipes out there with a lot of variations added to them. It suffices to say that you will not grow bored and the pool ideas will not grow stale when it comes to homemade dog treats. So you can try out even more recipes in our other article about making dog biscuits. It is a lot easier to control the substances and proportions that go into these treats when you make them yourself and it goes without saying that they are a much healthier alternative to the commercial dog treats on the market. Dog treats By taking the time and putting in that extra little bit of effort you are not only doing your dog a favor by keeping him or her healthy, but doing yourself a favor knowing that you went that extra mile for the animal that will always go above the call of duty when you need him or her to do so. All the recipes are flexible, they can easily be adapted to suit your dog’s tastes and preferences, and with enough time your dog will grow to love these treats a lot more than the attractive chemically enhanced commercial ones, and generally be a lot healthier and happier in the process. But why stop at just dog treats? You can even make meals for your dog, which you can discover in our great article on making homemade dog food.

Renovating Your Home? Don’t Forget About Your Pet’s Well-being

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Renovating a home is exciting, isn’t it? A new kitchen, fresh flooring, finally getting rid of that strange built-in cupboard from the ’80s… But while you’re busy juggling tradespeople, paint samples, and budget spreadsheets, there’s one very important member of the household who’s not quite as thrilled with all the buzz and fuss: your dog. For dogs and cats, a home makeover can feel less like a dream and more like a disaster. Loud noises, strange smells, unfamiliar faces, and constant disruption to their routine are a recipe for stress. So, as you plan your big project, it’s worth giving some real thought to how you’ll keep your furry friend safe and settled during the chaos.

The Hidden Risks of Home Renovation for Pets

Hidden Risks of Home Renovation for Pets
Source:freepik.com
It might not seem important to us, but to a dog, a renovation can feel like its entire world has turned upside down. There’s the obvious stuff—hammering, drilling, dust, and debris—but also plenty of subtle stressors.
  • Unfamiliar people in and out of the house:
For pets, home is their safe, predictable space. When builders, decorators, or electricians are constantly coming and going, it can come across as a total invasion of that comfort zone. Many animals are naturally wary of strangers, and the sudden presence of unfamiliar people (often wearing tool belts and making noise) can cause anxiety, restlessness, or even defensive behaviour.
  • Open doors and gates that create escape routes
It’s every pet parent’s worst nightmare—your dog or cat slipping out through a door left open by a well-meaning tradesperson. With workers constantly moving in and out, it’s easy for doors and gates to be left ajar. And while it might not seem like a big deal in the middle of a renovation, for a curious (or spooked) fur baby, it’s the perfect chance to make a dash for it.
  • Hazards such as wires, sharp tools, and chemicals left lying around
cleaning chemicals and pets
Source: hyveclean.com
It’s a morbid saying, but ‘curiosity killed the cat’ exists for a reason. During a renovation, your home turns into a maze of tempting hazards, including dangling wires, sharp tools, open paint tins, and cleaning chemicals. For pets, especially the nosy or playful ones, it’s all incredibly inviting. But what starts as a quick sniff or paw can easily lead to injury or illness.
  • Routines thrown out the window, including walks, playtime, and quiet naps
Pets thrive on routine; it’s how they feel safe and settled. But when your house turns into a building site, all that structure goes out the window. Walks might get skipped, playtime becomes an afterthought, and good luck finding a quiet spot for a nap when there’s drilling in every room. Even the most laid-back dog can start to feel anxious or unsettled when its usual rhythm is disrupted. For pooch parents, the guilt hits hard when they realise their fur baby’s day has been as stressful as theirs, just for different reasons.

Creating a Pet-Safe Zone (If They’re Staying Put)

Creating a Pet-Safe Zone
Source:freepik.com
If the renovation is relatively minor, you might be able to keep your dog at home with a bit of planning. Try setting up a quiet, closed-off room away from the work, using white noise or calming music to muffle the sounds, and keeping their feeding and walking routine consistent. Letting workers know there’s a pet on the premises so they don’t leave doors or gates open is also important. But if the project involves anything major, such as knocking down walls, rewiring, heavy footfall, or lots of dust, it might be time to consider a temporary getaway.

When It’s Better to Book Them a Holiday

Let’s be honest, some home improvements just aren’t pet-friendly. If you’re installing new floors, replacing windows, or having builders in for weeks on end, it might be safer and less stressful to relocate your dog for a bit. That’s where professional kennels come in. Modern kennels have come a long way from the old-fashioned image of cold, cramped spaces. Today, reputable facilities offer clean, secure accommodation designed with animal comfort in mind. Pets are given their own space to relax, with cosy bedding, proper ventilation, and plenty of room to move about without feeling confined. Exercise and stimulation are a key part of the daily routine. Whether it’s time in a secure outdoor area, interactive play sessions, or simply a chance to stretch their legs, pets benefit from structured activity that keeps them physically active and mentally engaged. That’s a big contrast to the kind of overstimulation they might experience at home during a renovation, where constant noise, movement, and unpredictability can leave them agitated and exhausted. Animal caretakers are experienced in handling dogs of all temperaments, from the shy and sensitive to the boisterous and bold. They know the signs of stress, discomfort, or anxiety, and they’re trained to respond calmly and effectively. It’s the kind of attentiveness that’s hard to maintain when you’re knee-deep in renovation chaos. With so many things demanding your attention—builders asking questions, deliveries arriving, paint drying faster than expected—it’s easy to miss the subtle signals your pet might be giving off.

Renovation Done Right, for You and Your Pet

renovation home for pets
Source:freepik.com
Renovating your home is all about creating a better space for the whole household. That includes your four-legged family members. With a bit of planning, and maybe a temporary move, they’ll come through the chaos just as comfortably as you do.

Social Training: 10 Tips to Help Your Dogs Socialize More in 2024

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The American love for dogs can not be overstated. In fact, Los Angeles, one of the largest metropolitan cities in the US, is home to over 5.3 million pet dogs, a testament to their popularity in this region. But as much as we cherish our canine companions, there’s a common concern among dog owners: socialization. Many owners find their dogs struggling in social settings, either with humans or other pets. This issue, however, isn’t insurmountable. With the right strategies and understanding, you can help your dog become more sociable and confident in public spaces.

1. Regular Dog Park Visits

Regular Dog Park Visits Regular visits to dog parks are crucial for your pet’s social development. These parks offer a unique opportunity for dogs to interact freely in an open yet confined space. It allows them to meet and play with different dogs, which is essential for building their social confidence. However, it’s important to start with less crowded times to avoid overwhelming your pet. Over time, as your dog becomes more comfortable, you can gradually introduce them to busier periods. These visits can significantly improve their ability to interact with other dogs and humans alike.

2. Enroll in Doggy Daycare

Cities like LA, with heavy traffic and crowded spaces, can often get overwhelming for an untrained dog. Therefore, before taking your dog out on the streets, it would be best to enroll them in doggy daycare. These centers, especially in bustling cities like Los Angeles, offer more than just convenience. They are staffed with trained professionals who understand dog behavior and socialization and offer an environment suitable for your canine friend. An experienced Los Angeles dog trainer can help your furry companion learn to interact with a variety of other dogs in a controlled, safe environment. The exposure to different breeds, sizes, and temperaments of dogs under expert supervision ensures your pet learns the appropriate social cues and behaviors. Moreover, these daycares often provide structured activities that promote positive social interactions, making them a great option for busy dog owners.

3. Puppy Classes

Puppy Classes Puppy classes are not just about teaching your dog basic commands; they are also about socialization. These classes provide a structured environment where puppies learn to interact with their peers. It’s a place where they are introduced to various sounds, sights, and smells, all under the guidance of a trained instructor. These early experiences play a crucial role in shaping a dog’s social skills, and for Pit Bull owners, it’s an opportunity to focus on breed-specific training nuances, ensuring a well-rounded and confident companion. Puppy classes also offer a great platform for owners to learn about dog behavior and how to handle their pets in social situations.

4. Controlled Playdates

Setting up playdates with other dogs is another effective way to improve your dog’s social skills. Start with one-on-one interactions with a dog that you know is well-socialized and friendly. It’s important to choose a neutral, safe environment for these playdates to prevent any territorial behavior. Keep these sessions short and sweet initially, gradually increasing the time as your dog becomes more comfortable. This controlled setting allows for close monitoring and intervention, if necessary, ensuring a positive experience for your pet.

5. Positive Reinforcement Techniques

Positive Reinforcement Techniques Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in dog socialization. This technique involves rewarding your dog for desirable behaviors, such as calm interaction with other dogs or humans. Treats, praises, and affection are effective rewards. The key is to reward your dog immediately after the positive behavior, which helps them associate the behavior with the reward. Ensure the treats you use are of high quality and sourced responsibly, prioritizing your dog’s health and safety, especially in light of past incidents involving dog treats from China. Avoid negative reinforcement like scolding or punishment, as it can lead to fear and anxiety, hindering the socialization process. Consistently using positive reinforcement not only encourages good behavior but also strengthens the bond between you and your pet.

6. Gradual Exposure

Introducing your dog to new social situations should be a gradual process. Sudden or excessive exposure to unfamiliar environments or animals can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Start with short, low-stress situations and gradually increase the duration and complexity of the interactions. For instance, begin with a quiet walk in the park before moving on to busier areas. Pay attention to your dog’s body language and signs of stress. If they seem uncomfortable, take a step back and proceed at a slower pace. This systematic approach ensures that your dog doesn’t feel threatened and can adapt at their own pace.

7. Consistency is Key

Consistency Is Crucial in Dog Training Consistency is crucial in dog training and socialization. Establishing a routine for social activities helps your dog understand what to expect, reducing anxiety and uncertainty. Whether it’s daily walks, weekly visits to the dog park, or regular playdates, sticking to a schedule helps your dog feel more secure. It also allows them to gradually build confidence in social settings. Inconsistent socialization can confuse your dog and make it harder for them to learn appropriate social behaviors.

8. Be a Calm Role Model

Dogs often mirror the emotions and behaviors of their owners. If you are anxious or tense during social interactions, your dog is likely to pick up on these feelings and react similarly. It’s important to remain calm and relaxed when introducing your dog to new social situations. Your confidence can provide reassurance to your pet, making them feel more secure. If you encounter a challenging situation, maintain a composed demeanor and gently guide your dog through it. Showing patience and understanding will help your dog learn to navigate social environments more effectively.

9. Attend Local Dog Events

Attend Local Dog Events Participating in local dog events is an excellent way for your dog to socialize in a structured yet fun environment. These events can range from dog fairs and festivals to charity walks or agility competitions. They provide diverse experiences and introduce your dog to new people, dogs, and environments. Moreover, such events often include various activities and challenges that can be both mentally and physically stimulating for your dog. Remember to start with smaller, less crowded events and gradually work your way up to larger gatherings.

10. Know Your Dog’s Limits

Understanding and respecting your dog’s limits is essential in socialization. Every dog has its own comfort zone and threshold for social interactions. Pushing your dog beyond their limits can lead to stress and fear, impeding their social development. Learn to recognize signs of discomfort or anxiety in your dog, such as excessive panting, avoidance, or growling. When you notice these signs, give your dog a break and some space. Every dog has a different nature, and that’s okay. The goal is to help them be as comfortable and confident as possible within their own limits.

Conclusion: A Social Dog is a Happy Dog!

A Social Dog is a Happy Dog! Improving your dog’s social skills is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and the right approach. Although the tips above can help, you must remember that every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s about finding the right balance and understanding your dog’s individual needs. With these strategies, you’re not just helping your dog socialize; you’re enhancing their overall quality of life, ensuring they’re happy, healthy, and well-adjusted members of your family and the wider community.

15 Best Dog Treats 2022 – Wagging Tails!

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We all know that the most popular reward in dogs’ world is a treat they like best. For us, giving our dogs tasty cookies is a way to express our love and approval for their actions, and our way to make their day. However, not all situations are suitable for giving your dog a cookie. Actually, it should be used only as a helpful trick in achieving your dog’s good behavior and discipline. Nowadays, there is a great variety of meat bites, chews, rawhides, bones, and biscuits. There are also many different ingredients you can choose for treating your dog. There are vegetable cookies, liver treats, and bone chews, you can find special delights even for overweighed dogs, and also for those that, unfortunately, suffer from allergies and various diseases.

Ingredients Matter

Use the food for your dog like you use yours. We should be very careful of what we give our dog. Examine the small letters on the back of each package. Try to understand what is written. If you understand it all, then it is probably a healthy pack of treats. The ingredients should be familiar to you like liver, peanut butter, meat… If you find some words that are hard for you to pronounce, then it is probably full of artificial food additives like colors and flavors. You should also consider what main food your dog eats. If the main food is meat, then it is wise to get some vegetables to give him between meals. There are many kinds of tasty dog biscuits and chews that you can buy, and there is no need for overusing salt or meat. Many dogs love to get anything tasty. Dog food Infographic Sometimes, we have to face bigger problems. Not all dogs are healthy and strong. Here are the examples of some health conditions dogs can go through, and stay well for years, despite the troubles they have. It is only necessary to take care of the food they eat, and the activities they have.

1. If the dog is suffering from obesity:

The most common advice, if having a dog that is overweight, is to change the kind of the treats you give him, and measure the meals he gets. If experiencing this issue, you can buy dog biscuits based on vegetables like broccoli, carrot, pumpkin, etc. One more important thing to remember is not to give your dog a many gifts at a time. Be conscious of every single bite you give to your dog, and make sure you give only one veggie bite at the time.

2. If the dog is suffering from kidney disease:

A serious problem like this doesn’t allow you to delay making choices about what food and treats you should take for your dog. Of course that you will choose the best balanced food and cookies for your dog, made specifically for this condition, with lowered salt and proteins.

3. If the dog is suffering from allergies:

If your dog is suffering from allergies to gluten, grain or soy, or all of it together, there is a solution for that, also. You can find lots of offers of dog biscuits that are allergen free. Also, if your dog is suffering from some kind of allergy that is not so common, then there is still a choice for you – you can surprise your dog with hypoallergenic treats, made specifically for dogs with certain allergies.

4. If the dog is suffering from bladder stone:

To avoid further forming of these mineral depots in a dog’s bladder, these dogs should be given sweets without minerals and proteins.

5. If the dog is suffering from diabetes:

There are quality treats with no sugar, containing only the most complex carbohydrates and fibers, and are very low in fat. That is the right choice for this condition. In the case your dog is suffering from diabetes, the meals should be balanced by the dog’s vet. You should always consider asking the vet for advice, and never choose what to give your dog by your own. In quite a short time, dogs and their owners get used to the new regime and the joy of feeding, petting and rewarding becomes complete again. Nowadays, there is a painless solution to every health condition. The ingredients of dog food and treats are important, even if everything is fine, and the dog is young and not suffering of any illnesses. It is wise to choose the food with real, natural ingredients, and never to give sweets that are meant for humans to your dog. For example, chocolate makes dogs sick. However, here are some of the ingredients that can be given to your dog safely:
  • Cooked meat: This is allowed to be given to a dog, as long as your dog is healthy, and there is low percent of fat in the meat.
  • Peanut butter: Peanut butter has very high percentage of fats and proteins, but is acceptable in most of the cases, if not facing allergies.
  • Eggs: Hard boiled eggs are good for dogs, as they are for humans. However, the problem can occur if consuming raw eggs. They can suffer from hair loss, or get salmonellosis disease, as humans can too.
  • Vegetables: Cucumber, baby carrots, broccoli, pumpkin, green beans, spinach and sweet potatoes will not make confusion in a dog’s stomach.
  • Fruits: Apple slices without seeds, banana slices, blueberries, pear or apricot will make a fresh break for your dog. Avoid citruses in wide range!

Choose the Best Bites for Your Dog

There are many kinds of treats for dogs, and you can find whatever you can imagine on the market. There are cookies, biscuits, chews, dental treats, hygiene treats, rawhides… There are many ways to reward your dog for behaving well. Here are some of the best healthy dog treats, and they are all 100% natural:

1. Jerky treats

Jerky treats    This is a five star rated product, without common allergens, made from beef and slowly roasted. It’s been smoked for 15 days to get that scent dogs can’t resist. It obviously is one of the favorite treats for dogs. It is a high quality product, without any artificial additives or fillers like soy, gluten, wheat, or corn. This is a product made with your dog’s health in mind. Even puppies can enjoy these treats, because it is possible to break them into smaller pieces. They are made in USA.

2. Liver treats

Liver treats   Also a five star rated product. No additions, no wheat, corn or gluten, perfect for your dog’s health and teeth. They come packed in a bag with a foil line, to keep the treats fresh. They are made in USA.

3. Beef Jerky

Beef Jerky   Also made in USA, this is one of the best rated products. Free from grain, soy, wheat and corn, makes the best choice for your dog. It is 100% natural.

4. Greenies Pill pockets

Greenies Pill pockets   Those are surely very popular in dogs’ world. These are the pill pockets, where you can put a pill that your dog is supposed to take. Don’t worry, no matter how bad the pill’s taste is your dog will surely eat it along with the tasteful canine treat.

5. Greenies regular

Greenies regular   A five star rated product, well known and very popular. These are the best dental treats for dogs, as many people say. There are variations, depending on what you need. You can buy Greenies for strengthening hips and joints, Greenies for weight loss, etc. This is the best way to keep your dog’s teeth clean of plaque and tartar, and it is designed to be used daily.

6. Hills – Ideal balance soft– Baked Naturals

Hills – Ideal balance soft– Baked Naturals   These are chewy small chops that suit every dog’s teeth, no matter of age and how big the dog is. These are the best treats for puppies. There is very brief ingredients list, no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors and flavors. They are made from real natural meat, and they help gaining muscle mass. You can choose between many kinds of dogs’ treats. For senior dogs, it is better to choose chewy or soft, crunchy cookies, to prevent teeth damage. For little puppies, the main thing is the size of a bite you give them. They will probably love every kind of treat, because to them, everything is interesting, especially if they are experiencing new tastes and scents. You don’t have to worry about the relation between nutrition and age. If you don’t give them too much of it, it is suitable for any dog or a puppy. However, you should still pay attention to where your treats come from. That’s why it’s important to read our article on the hazards of buying dog treats from China.

Our Dog in Our Kitchen

Our kitchen is full of groceries that can be harmful to our dogs. It is not wise to place them where your dog can reach them, as well as it is not acceptable to serve them in the meal for your dog, even in very small amounts. That would be properly called playing with the dog’s immune system. Cheese, milk, chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, any kind of sweetener and sugar, as well as salt and other seasoning and dressing, we are not allowed to give to our dogs. Raw meat and fish, sugary foods and drinks, and human medicines are not for dogs, or any other animals. It is hard to believe that there are people who think that it is safe to give coffee, tea, or alcohol to a dog. No, it is more than unethical, and no one should ever do that. Homemade treats In order to save money, and make your dog a lovely homemade treat, you can take some time to make awesome cookies and snacks, avoiding all the artificial additives like flavor and color or taste fillers, as well as these groceries that can harm your puppy. Here are some recipes for the best homemade treats for dogs:

Leftover bites:

  • Meat
  • Potatoes
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
Cut ingredients into pieces about half-inch, and dry them in the dehydrator, or in the oven. That’s it!

Sweet potato chews:

  • Sweet potatoes.
Wash and peel sweet potatoes. Slice them into ¼ inch thick slices. Put them in the oven, and hold them there for about 6-8 hours at 145-150˚F (about 65˚C), to get chewy sweets. You can wait a few hours longer, to get crunchy sweets.

Homemade liver treats:

  • Ox liver (it is affordable and easy to handle)
Here is one more recipe that takes hours to make: Cut the liver into strips and dry it in the oven, place it on a wire mesh tray, at 160˚F (70˚C), for 7 hours or more. You will get crunchy treats that you don’t have to refrigerate, and they will last for a few weeks!

Healthy banana snack:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup of oats
  • Half of a banana
  • 1/3 c of milk
  • 1/2 c of flour
  • 1/8 c of rice
Beat the egg, and squash the banana. Stir all of those ingredients well, and heat it in the microwave for 4 minutes. That is it! You can cut it into lovely forms and give it to your dog. You can also bake chicken, beef, or any other kind of meat slowly in the oven, and you will get perfect dog bites when you slice it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re interested in more dog treat recipes, you’ll have fun reading our article on the five great recipes for homemade dog treats.

Count the Treats!

Count the Treats! Regardless of the treats’ quality, don’t exaggerate the quantity! Almost every dog enjoys them more than anything else, but if he wants more than 10% of his total caloric intake, then you have to take control over it! It is easy to overfeed the dog with these tasteful sweets because of the wonderful feeling when giving someone the thing he enjoys the most. However, many dogs are facing a problem with obesity, because of the dog biscuits we give them every day! Since the most caloric treats have a really fantastic taste, they give the pleasure that usually can’t be replaced with carrots or any vegetable cookies. The dog simply refuses it, when it comes to that change. Therefore, it is maybe better to wisely choose the treats you will offer to your dog, from the beginning. If your dog is a little pudgy from eating too many treats, here’s a detailed article on how to help your pooch lose weight. If you start with carrots and broccoli, you can then keep all the pleasure, and you will never be afraid of obesity or any other condition that could occur if the dog is overfed with these tasty bites. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to be afraid of meat, because the most quality products are based on meat as well, but with low fat and no artificial additives. Dog treats The best way of thinking about the treats is that those are literary the “treats” and they are made to make a dog feel treated special when achieving goals like good behavior or cooperating well with his owner. That is what the tasty chews and crunches are for, in the first place. Choose small treats for training, to be able to reward your dog every time when it is needed, without the fear that you will overfeed him. If it sometimes happens, you can reduce a bit his meal, achieve a balance in calories for that day. When it comes to feeling sorry for your dog’s condition, and when you have to carry him because of his unwillingness to walk or exercise in any way, then it is a bit late to start with vegetables. It is sad and painful for both of you, and there is a long period of dieting which is most unpleasant for both. Count your treats. That is the easiest way to notice and reduce excessive feeding of your dog with treats if needed. It is a safe way to enjoy the sweets and all the activities together, for a long time.

How to Use Dog Treats?

These refreshments for dogs are made to satisfy your dog’s need for approval and for being awarded. These things also work as an instrument of stimulation which helps to make a compromise, when your dog refuses to behave well. In most such cases, a simple reaction will do. Don’t give him that cookie! In a while, your dog will come to you keeping calm and waiting to get one. Then, it will be a deserved reward and will make better sense to you and your dog. No matter what happened, you should never give your dog a gift, if behaving badly. Using of dog treats Here is how to reward a dog and not to approve too much of his excitement:
  • Pull out the treat. Be sure that a dog can smell one from 25 meters away! It is enough to put it out of the bag, for him to feel the scent of it.
  • Hold it in your hand, raised up, and wait until your dog calms down. Be ready to resist to his yelping and jumping on you.
  • Give your dog a nice treatment. Don’t ever yell, and try to give assistance if needed, to help him calm down. At first, give him a model of behaving, and do it always.
  • Finally, when his bottom is down on the ground, and the eyes are on you, don’t hesitate to give him his sweet reward. Don’t wait for the jumping to begin once again!

Microchips and Identification Tags – Don’t Lose Track of Your Dog

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Most dog owners have a very special relationship to their dogs, they are like children to many and almost all puppy lovers can agree on one thing – they couldn’t imagine a live without their furry best friends. Despite this though, thousands of family pets go missing every year around the world and many of them are never returned to their families. It is a sad truth, heartbreaking, yet something that could happen to anyone. A dog can easily get lost when you least expect it. Someone may accidentally leave the backyard gate open, the collar could break during a leash, the most reliable dog might spot something and run off during an off-leash walk or – god forbid – it could get stolen. If such a thing happens – how will you get your dog back? You can’t do much to prevent these unexpected scenarios, but you can do several things in order to make sure your dog can be found and returned to you in case of an incident. It is in situations like these that microchips and identification tags become crucial. This is the kind of situation where you want to be safe rather than sorry. You can of course make sure to never leave your dog unattended, never tie them outside of shops, etc. However, that is no guarantee and before you know it, an accident could occur. The important thing here is to help assure that when someone (hopefully) finds your dog, they will know who it belongs to and how to contact you. There are a few different options when it comes to this, which is what we will look into here. Your dog can’t pick up a phone and call you if he or she gets lost, but someone else can. Provide your dog with the necessary tools to find their way back to you.

What Is an Identification Tag?

An identification tag is a small badge, containing necessary information such as telephone number and home address, which you attach to your dog’s collar. It is there so that if your dog would happen to get lost, whoever finds him or her can easily figure out how to get in touch with you and return your dog to you. A dog without an identification tag is often hard (if not impossible) to identify, especially if you live in a bigger city. Dogs also have the ability to cover large areas in short periods of time, so even if you live in a small town where everyone knows you and your dog, it is likely that your dog could have wandered to a nearby city by the time that it gets picked up. With that in mind, living isolated is no excuse not to provide your dog with an identification tag. Compare it to writing your phone number on a child’s arm when going to the mall, just in case that child would somehow get away from you. How would you feel if your dog got lost, knowing there was no way for people to figure out whose dog it was? That is a situation you don’t want to find yourself in. Identification tag Identification tags are often made out of plastic or metal and can be purchased in pet stores as well as online. Many manufacturers and retailers allow you to choose the shape (heart-shapes, circular and dog bone shapes are common) and sometimes also color, so that you can get a tag that suits your- and your dog’s personality and style. The price for an identification tag can be anything from a couple of dollars and up. You decide for yourself what information you want on the tag, but it is advisable to include both phone number and home address, to make it as easy as possible for a stranger to help your dog home. Losing a dog is a very scary experience, so you will want it to be over as soon as possible. For the tag to serve its purpose it is important that you keep it on your dog whenever you go outside. You never know when a simple walk around the block could turn into a disaster.

What Is a Microchip?

A microchip is a small magnetic chip that is inserted under the dog’s skin, usually somewhere in the neck area. It is no bigger than a grain of rice, so you can imagine how tiny it actually is. The chip contains a unique code that is registered to you, so that when scanned and typed into an online database, your contact information will appear. Scanners are most commonly found at veterinary offices, but it makes it possible for anyone finding a dog to bring it to their nearest vet to have it checked for microchips. This is almost always done for free. How does microchipping work There are some countries (such as in Scandinavia) where micro-chipping is mandatory, which has proven to reduce the number of unidentified and homeless dogs. In these cases all puppies are required to be chipped before a certain age, as an attempt to keep track of all dogs currently living within the country. This does not mean that everyone follows the law and microchip’s their dogs, but it is a step in the right direction towards making sure that no dogs get separated from loving families. In North America microchips aren’t yet mandatory, but they are an option available for responsible dog owners looking to take any precaution possible when it comes to keeping their pooches safe. There are certain countries where microchips are as good as unheard of, making dog owners completely reliable on the identification tag. For those with the option to microchip, however, it is an opportunity that should be jumped at. Microchip for dogs Micro-chipping a dog tends to cost anywhere between $20 to $100 dollars, depending on where you choose to have it done, and it is a relatively simple and pain free procedure. It takes no more than a few seconds for a trained hand to insert the microscopically small microchip and many dogs don’t notice it at all. On some dogs you can actually feel the microchip sitting underneath the skin when touching the area, but in most cases the last you will ever see of it is before the veterinarian inserts it. The microchip will then stay there for the rest of the dog’s life, making it a security measure that cannot come off. It is completely harmless to have your dog micro-chipped, it is also a painless procedure. The area where it is inserted can sometimes be a bit swollen after the procedure, but it should go down within the next few days and it therefore should not be a cause for concern. While many dog owners tend to refrain from taking their dog to the vet unless absolutely necessary, this is a time when an exception should be made. It does not have to get expensive, but just to be on the safe side, make sure you ask your local vet first to see how much they charge. Some vets are more expensive than others, so if your veterinarian is a little out of your price range – keep on looking. Check with shelters and such to see if they can help you, or at least if they can refer you to a financially friendly option.

Choosing Between an ID Tag and a Microchip

The answer here is quite simple. If you are one of those puppy parents ready to do anything in order for your pup to get to spend the rest of their life with you – don’t choose. Get both. A microchip is a life-long guarantee that it will be possible to identify your dog if he or she gets lost. A collar with an identification tag can easily come off, break, you might forget to put it on one day or the tag itself might fall off without you noticing. It is also easy for a thief to remove a collar and an identification tag, so that they can either keep it for themselves or sell it with the purpose of making money. Then what? Micro-chipping your fur baby is not something that can come off or that a thief can have undone, which gives you the reassurance that there will always be something that ties your dog to you. Most vets perform routine microchip checks when treating dogs, so even if someone will have taken in your dog in good faith, it is likely that it will eventually be discovered that the dog actually belongs to you. When hope might be lost for the identification tag to help bring Fido home, there is still hope for the microchip to do the job. Dog collar tag With this said, the identification tag is not to be overlooked. The best thing you can possibly do for your dog is to have it micro-chipped, as it is permanent, but to also make sure it has a collar with a reliable I.D tag attached to it. That way, if your puppy makes a run for it, chances are you will get him back fast. It takes time bringing a dog to the vet for a microchip check, while a tag allows finders and good Samaritans to contact you right away with the information provided. Also, not everybody knows about microchips, so there is always a risk that the finder won’t think of bringing the dog in for a check. If so, having an I.D tag will help them find you. Have your dog microchipped as soon as possible, if it hasn’t been chipped already. Many shelters provide their dogs with chips before adopting them out, and some offer micro-chipping for dog owners at an affordable price. If this isn’t available to you, contact your local vet to see what their procedure looks like and how much they charge. If that microchip can save your dog it is probably worth a few dollars, don’t you think? It is a considerably small price to pay for the safety and well-being of your forever loyal fur friend. You will thank yourself if your dog would ever gets lost and so will your dog. Add a customized identification tag for a couple of dollars more and you can rest assured that you have done everything you can to prepare yourself for an unfortunate incident. Some say that you can never do enough, but you should at least do your absolute best.

Other Things You Can Do to Prevent Loss

Lost dog Yes, there are always more things you can to do help your dog find its way back to you in case it would ever gets lost. Don’t be one of those dog owners that never get their dog back because they didn’t bother to go that extra mile. It is so easy to postpone these types of things as people tend to think that bad things only happen to others, and not to them. That, unfortunately, isn’t the case. Instead, such a philosophy won’t do you any good and it definitely won’t benefit your dog, should he or she get separated from you.
  • Write your phone number on the dog’s collar (on the inside if you don’t want for it to show) and on your dog’s harness if you use one. This should not replace any of the above-mentioned security measures, but it makes a good addition. If the tag should come off, you can rely on the writing on the collar. Should the collar come off as well, there is still the microchip. It is always good with a backup, and it is even better with two.
  • Replace collars and leashes every once in a while. As much as you love that leash you have had since you first brought your puppy home, leashes wear out and a worn-out leash can easily break. For that reason, it is a good idea to go over your dog’s leash and collar on a regular basis to check for tears and signs of old age, and to replace them as needed. The last thing you want is for your leash to snap in half when your dog spots a rabbit or a cat they they would want to chase. Sometimes it can take less than a second for a dog to go from walking nicely next to you, to disappearing around the nearest corner.
  • Keep a high-quality photo of your dog in your wallet. It will help you to act fast if you lose your dog, as you can talk to people on the streets and ask them to keep an eye out for your pup. By showing them a picture you give them an idea of what to look for, yes, but you also help them relate to you and your situation. It is much easier to sympathize with someone you know – if so just from having seen them – than to sympathize with someone completely unknown. “I lost a dog” is nowhere near as powerful as an “I lost THIS dog.” It could also be a good idea to keep a few photos at home or even a pre-printed (or pre-designed) Lost Dog poster. Time is everything after losing a dog, and the sooner you can get the word out – the better.
If you are reading this, then you are probably looking into the best ways of keeping your dog safe. You care and that is important. Dogs are almost entirely dependent on their humans to make these kinds of decisions for them, as they themselves often have the innocence of a child. They won’t consider the pros and cons before running after that cat, before walking out through a door left open, or before going with that stranger who feeds them their favorite treats. It is up to you, as their person and best friend, to do everything you can in order to prevent them from disappearing or getting lost. Should it happen anyway, it is incredibly important for you to have taken the proper precautions in order to bring your pup back. Don’t let your dog become another anonymous number in the statistics mapping out the dogs that disappear every year without ever coming back. Happy dog at home There is only so much we can do, and sometimes things happen that are out of our control. Micro-chipping, I.D tags, and such won’t stop things from going wrong, but at least then we will know that we did everything we could to protect them. There are times when our very best is the most we can do, so make sure you do at least that. Schedule a time with your vet for microchipping and go down to your local pet store to order a brand new identification tag. Perhaps pick up a new leash and collar too, once you are at it. It is safe to assume that most pet owners would rather pay the extra money rather than risk losing their best friend. Now the question is – would you?