Pet nutrition myth #1: Home cooking is the only way to ensure the food my pet eats is fresh

One of the biggest myths about pet nutrition is that home cooking is the only way to ensure the food your pets eat is fresh. While it’s logical to think that this is the only way to ensure the freshness of food, it does have some potential drawbacks:

• Nutritional imbalance: Both cats and dogs require a specific balance of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals which they can only get from their food. Without proper guidance from a veterinary nutritionist, home-cooked meals may lack – or even contain too much – of these elements, which can lead to health problems over time.

• Time and effort: Preparing nutritionally balanced homemade meals for dogs requires time, research, and careful meal planning. Understandably, not all pet parents have the time in their day to calculate the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals as well as source all of the required ingredients.

Making the switch to prepared fresh food is a much easier option to provide a balanced and nutritionally complete diet. Each Freshpet recipe is formulated with the support of our Nutrition Council, a group of veterinarians who help to advise and direct the nutritional development of our fresh food to ensure they are as healthy as possible.

Pet nutrition myth #2: Kibble is widely available so it must be the best food for my pet

A second myth about pet nutrition is that because kibble is so widely available, it must be the best food for pets. Believe it or not, but since it was first introduced in the 1800s, pet food has remained largely unchanged. This means that modern companies are still using similar methods and processes to create kibble as they did over 100 years ago! This is likely a result of them believing that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that kibble is the best food for your pet – for instance:

• Kibble uses powdered meat and artificial colors

• Kibble uses hard-to-pronounce preservatives so it can stay on the store shelf for months on end

• Kibble is cooked at high temperatures that remove naturally occurring nutrients, which must be artificially replaced

Until Freshpet was created in 2006, pet parents had little choice other than to feed their fur babies kibble unless they had the time and knowledge to craft homemade meals themself. Fortunately, pet parents today have more choices than ever before when it comes to choosing the best food for their pets. You can learn more about the benefits of feeding fresh food in this blog.

Pet nutrition myth #3: Pets don’t have a very strong sense of taste, so it doesn’t matter what’s in their food

A third myth about pet nutrition is that because our pets don’t have a very strong sense of taste, it doesn’t really matter what’s in their food. Dogs may only have around 1,700 taste buds and cats a mere 473 – both of which are significantly less than the 9,000 humans have – this doesn’t mean that they don’t care about what they eat.

Cats and dogs can detect sweet, sour, salty, and bitter tastes and they both have a sensitive sense of smell, which heavily influences their perception of food flavors. Fresh food, such as Freshpet, checks all the boxes when it comes to what pets enjoy in their food:

• Fresh ingredients: Fresh food for pets typically utilizes high-quality, whole-food ingredients that are minimally processed. These ingredients often retain their natural flavors and aromas, making the food more palatable, which can be especially beneficial for pets with reduced appetite or those who are picky eaters.

• Variety of flavors and textures: Fresh food for pets also allows for a wider variety of flavors and textures compared to kibble. It can be made using a range of meats, vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients which provide a diverse and enticing sensory experience for pets.

• Increased moisture content: Fresh food for pets also has a higher moisture content compared to dry kibble. The added moisture can enhance the food’s texture and juiciness, making it more enjoyable to eat.

For some pets, the format of their meal also plays a big role in their enjoyment. Fortunately, Freshpet offers recipes in a range of formats including ready-to-serve bagged meals and patties to suit a wider range of preferences

Pet nutrition myth #4: If my pet’s food is made with good ingredients, it doesn’t matter how it’s prepared

A fourth myth about pet nutrition is that as long as the food is made with good ingredients, it doesn’t matter how it’s prepared. Just like with human food, the cooking method used when making food for pets plays a big role in its overall nutritional levels. Kibble may start with fresh ingredients, but they’re cooked at such a high temperature that they lose all naturally occurring nutrients. These nutrients – as well as the naturally occurring flavor and aroma – must then be replaced with artificial substitutes.

Freshpet, on the other hand, has a special cooking process designed to lock in essential nutrients. Our gentle steam-cooking process helps maintain the quality and digestibility of the ingredients used in our recipes. If you want to know more about how our Freshpet recipes are made, you can read about it here.

Pet nutrition myth #5: Dogs can eat the same food their entire life

A fifth, and final, myth about pet nutrition is that dogs can eat the same food their entire life. While dogs may have a recipe that they get excited about at every meal, this doesn’t mean that they should eat it for their entire lives. Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs have different nutritional needs at various stages of their lives, which means they need food that is tailored to their specific life stage.

• Puppies: Puppies need a diet that is rich in essential nutrients like protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals to support their rapid growth. They also require specific nutrients like EPA and DHA for brain and eye development. Freshpet® Select puppy recipe is formulated to provide your pup with everything they need to grow up healthy and strong.

• Adult Dogs: For an adult dog in good health, it’s important to find a diet that is made with high-quality ingredients that will help them maintain it during their adult years. Each dog has their own preference, so it can be helpful to try a few different Freshpet recipes to see which format your dog enjoys the most.

• Senior Dogs: Senior dogs are more likely to have chronic diseases that require long-term management. They also need different nutritional needs compared to younger dogs, including higher levels of vitamins C and E as well as fiber. Freshpet® Select Fresh from the Kitchen Home Cooked Chicken recipe is a great choice of recipe for senior dogs, as it has a high moisture content, antioxidant-rich cranberries, and high-quality protein.

You can learn more about how your dog’s nutritional needs change throughout their life by reading this post from our Freshpet vet, Dr. Aziza.

Ensuring proper nutrition for our pets is essential to ensure they live a happy, tail-wagging life. By debunking some of the top myths about pet nutrition, we hope you have the information you need to make informed choices about your pet’s diet. If you have any further questions, schedule a call with your vet. They’ll be happy to help clear up any further misconceptions and help you put together a meal plan specifically for your pet.

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Tip #1: Set up separate feeding areas

When figuring out how to feed dogs and cats together, the first thing you’ll want to do is to set up separate feeding areas. Having physical separation between your dog and cat during meal time is the easiest way to ensure that everyone sticks to their own meal. Cats also generally prefer privacy while eating, so it’s best to feed them in a quiet area away from their canine housemates.

If you don’t have separate rooms to feed them in, don’t worry. You can maximize the space by focusing on vertical rather than horizontal distance. Consider feeding your cats on an elevated surface, such as a counter or shelf, to keep their food out of reach from dogs. Cats tend to prefer elevated spaces as it gives them a better vantage point and sense of control over their environment, so training them to eat on top of a higher surface should be no problem.

Tip #2: Manage access to their food

In addition to setting up separate feeding areas, it can be helpful to generally manage your pet’s access to their food.

• Establish specific meal times: The easiest way to ensure that your pet eats only their own food is to establish specific meal times. Dogs often eat larger meals twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening – while cats prefer smaller, more frequent meals. Create a routine that accommodates both your dog and cat, ensuring each pet receives the necessary amount of food to meet their nutrition needs.

• Supervise meal times: Keep an eye on them during meal times, especially if you have a pet that has a habit of sneaking a bite from everyone else’s bowl. Each Freshpet recipe is designed with the nutritional needs of a specific species in mind. So while it’s not harmful if your dog eats a bit of your cat’s roll, or vice versa, their nutritional needs will be better met if they stick to their dedicated recipes.

• Use baby gates: Baby gates can also be helpful to create dedicated spaces for your pets to eat their meals. While you’ll still want to supervise them, having gates up can give you extra peace of mind that everyone is eating only what they’ve been served.

Tip #3: Make use of technology

As mentioned earlier, cats tend to eat smaller meals throughout the day. In cat-only households, it’s common for food to be left out all day so cats can eat as they please. However, in multi-pet households, you may not want to leave food out for them all day as other pets can get into it.

Fortunately, pet technology has come a long way, with new products dedicated to simplifying the process of feeding dogs and cats together. Two popular options for multi-pet households are timer feeders and RFID feeders:

• Timer feeders: With timer feeders, you can schedule smaller meals throughout the day so your cat can eat at a natural cadence without having a bowl sitting out in the open. These types of feeders are also a great option for puppies or older dogs who prefer to eat a few small meals during the day rather than two large ones. The iPettie automatic feeder allows you to schedule up to six meals throughout the day, plus, it has an ice pack below the tray to keep their favorite Freshpet recipe fresh.

• RFID feeders: These high-tech feeders are designed to only open for a specific pet based on their unique microchip identification or RFID collar tag. This ensures that each pet can access its food while preventing other pets from stealing or eating from their bowl. RFID feeders, like the Surefeed microchip feeder are a great option if you have pets on special diets or if they prefer to graze rather than eat everything at once. Just don’t forget that, like human food, Freshpet should not be out for more than an hour. If your pet doesn’t finish all of their food within that time, simply put it back in the fridge and offer it again later.

We hope you now have a better idea of how to feed dogs and cats together. If you have any additional tips that you think would help pet parents, share them in the comments!

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What are the benefits of pet puzzles?

Interactive puzzles not only help to keep your pet mentally stimulated, but they can also help to strengthen the bond the two of you share:

• Cognitive stimulation: Interactive toys often require pets to figure out how to solve a puzzle to access treats. This engages their problem-solving skills as well as stimulates their sense of sight, smell, and touch

• Physical activity: Puzzles also require pets to move, paw, or manipulate objects to access tasty treats. This promotes physical activity and keeps pets physically engaged while solving the puzzle.

• Slow feeding: Interactive puzzle feeders are also great for actively slowing down speedy eaters. Making them work to access their meals not only keeps their mind active but it also prevents rapid eating and aids in digestion.

• Bonding and social interaction: Interactive toys can be used as a tool for bonding and strengthening the relationship you have with your fur baby. After watching you hide treats inside the puzzle, your pet must figure out how to access the treats. This cooperative play strengthens the bond you share and provides an activity you can enjoy together.

As you can see, there are numerous benefits of incorporating puzzle toys into your pet’s daily routine.

Our favorite pet puzzles for dogs

With so many pet puzzle toys available, it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve put together a short list of popular options that will help you start to narrow down which sorts of puzzles your dog finds most engaging.

• West Paw Toppl® Treat Dispensing Toy: This customizable puzzle toy is designed to be filled with your pup’s favorite treats, such as Dognation® Chicken Treats. The toy’s soft, rounded inner ‘teeth’ hold treats in place until your dog nudges them out and for an extra challenge, you can also connect different sizes of the toy together to create a new design.

• Frisco Flying Saucer Hide & Seek Puzzle: The majority of puzzle toys are made out of hard plastic, but if your pup prefers soft toys then this flying saucer hide and seek toy is a great option. After you hide the treats inside the saucer, the six plush aliens – each of which contains a squeaker – can be used to fill the holes. Your pup then has to work out how to remove the aliens to access the treats.

• Outward Hound Lickin’ Layers Interactive Dog Puzzle Game and Slow Feeder: What we love about this puzzle feeder is that it can be used for both roasted meals and rolls. Simply hide their food among the three layers and your dog will have to use their problem-solving skills to spin each layer to find the hidden food.

• TRIXIE Turn Around Strategy Game: This chemistry-lab inspired puzzle toy requires dogs to flip and balance beakers to release treats through holes in the lid. You can mix and match six different lids to increase or decrease the levels of difficulty, so you don’t have to worry about your pup mastering it too quickly.

Our favorite pet puzzles for cats

Cats enjoy puzzle toys as much as dogs, although the reason why may differ slightly. Cats have a strong prey drive, and puzzle toys can mimic the hunting experience they would get in the wild.

• ALL FOR PAWS AFP Interactive Cat Treat Dispenser: To access the treats inside this toy, your cat needs to learn how to pull on the feather and ball attached to the container’s cover. This interactive treat dispenser can be attached to any table, making it easy to move from location to location to keep things interesting for your cat.

• Doc & Phoebe’s Interactive Indoor Hunting Cat Feeder: This award-winning feeding system contains five individual ‘mice’ which you can fill with food and hide around your house. It puts your cat’s mind to work, as they need to use all of their senses to locate the treat-filled ‘mice’. The best part about this puzzle feeder is that it sticks to your cat’s natural rhythm of hunting, catching, then eating their food.

• Catit Senses 2.0 Digger Interactive Cat Toy: This digger puzzle toy is developed to activate your cat’s senses, encouraging them to use sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing to stimulate their instincts indoors. While it’s designed primarily for treats, you can also place small toys inside the tubes for your cat to fish out.

• AWOOF Cat Mat: This mat may just look like a cozy place for your cat to curl up, but it actually has multiple functions. On one side of the mat is soft faux fur, but on the back is a durable cotton featuring seven individual pockets that are perfect for hiding food. Your cat will have a blast trying to figure out how to open the pockets and fish out the treats!

We hope that you now have a better idea of how to keep your pet mentally stimulated by using puzzle toys. If your cat or dog has a favorite puzzle toy we didn’t include in our list, share it in the comments for other pet parents to see!

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Importance of regular grooming

Grooming goes beyond mere aesthetics – it’s an essential aspect of responsible pet parenthood. Regular grooming plays a big role in your pet’s overall health and well-being:

• Coat and skin health: Regular brushing prevents mats and tangles from forming, which if not dealt with can be painful and lead to skin infections. Grooming also stimulates the skin and distributes natural oils, which keep the skin and coat properly moisturized.

• Early detection of health issues: During grooming sessions, you have the opportunity to examine your dog’s skin, ears, teeth, and other body parts. This enables you to spot any abnormalities or health issues early on.

• Bonding and socialization: Grooming provides an opportunity for bonding and building trust between you and your dog. It also helps your pup become comfortable with being handled, making vet visits and other procedures less stressful.

How often to groom a dog

When it comes to deciding how often to groom a dog, it’s important to take into consideration the hair length, seasons, and overall activity level.

Short-haired dogs, such as Labradors, benefit from a short weekly brushing to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny. Medium-haired dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, need a bit more grooming – preferably a brushing every two to three days to help prevent tangles and control shedding. As you can probably guess, long-haired dogs like Afghan Hounds require daily brushing. If not brushed daily, their long, flowing coats will quickly become tangled with debris and mats.

The seasons also impact how often you should groom a dog. During the winter months, dogs with longer coats may benefit from keeping their fur length to provide insulation against the cold, so you’ll want to scale back your grooming routine. In the summer, however, dogs with longer, thicker coats can be more susceptible to heat-related issues, such as overheating or heat exhaustion. Regular grooming helps promote better air circulation and prevents them from getting too hot. You can learn more about how to prepare dogs with heavy coats for the summer in this blog post.

Their overall activity level also impacts how often to groom a dog. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors may benefit from more regular baths – say once a month – compared to dogs that spend more time indoors. Dogs that fall into this category may only need a bath every three months.

Is there such a thing as too much or too little grooming?

It’s important to strike a balance between too much and too little grooming. If your dog is not groomed enough, they risk developing:

• Matting: Lack of regular grooming can lead to mats and tangles in a dog’s coat. Mats are clumps of tangled hair that can be painful, restrict movement, and cause skin irritation or infection.

• Skin problems: Insufficient grooming can also contribute to various skin issues. This is because dirt, debris, and excess oils can accumulate on the skin, leading to dryness, itchiness, hot spots, and dermatitis.

• Ear infections: Dogs with excessive hair in their ear canals are prone to ear infections. Without regular cleaning, bacteria, yeast, and wax can build up, leading to painful ear infections and in severe cases, hearing loss.

On the other hand, overgrooming your dog can be just as damaging as undergrooming. Overgrooming your dog can result in issues such as:

• Skin irritation: Excessive bathing or using harsh shampoos can strip the natural oils from a dog’s skin, leading to dryness, itching, and irritation.

• Coat damage: Excessive brushing or using improper tools can damage a dog’s coat, especially for breeds with delicate or double coats. It can cause breakage, hair loss, and a generally unhealthy appearance.

• Stress and anxiety: Some dogs may become anxious or stressed if grooming sessions are too frequent or prolonged. This can result in negative associations with grooming, making future sessions challenging.

If your dog needs a little extra help keeping their fur and skin looking great, our Freshpet® Select Sensitive Stomach and Skin roll contains high levels of Vitamin A and omega fatty acids to help maintain healthy skin and shiny coats.

Regular grooming sessions should be gentle, enjoyable, and suited to your dog’s overall needs. If you’re unsure how often to groom a dog, consult with a professional groomer or your veterinarian. They’ll be able to provide guidance on the ideal grooming routine for your fur baby.

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Sign #1 a dog is happy: Healthy Appetite

Having a healthy appetite and excitement around mealtimes are some of the sure signs a dog is happy.

• Eagerness during mealtimes: A dog with a good appetite will show excitement and eagerness when it’s time to eat. They may wag their tail, pace around, or become visibly enthusiastic as you prepare their food.

• Finishing meals: A dog with a healthy appetite will consume their entire meal, leaving little to no food behind. They will eat consistently and steadily without prolonged breaks in between bites.

A happy dog should wait attentively while you prepare their meal, eagerly approach it, and eat without hesitation – all of which contribute to them maintaining a healthy weight.

If your dog is showing other signs of happiness during the day but is lacking them at mealtime, it could be that they simply do not enjoy their food. The good news is that there’s an easy way to fix this. When ingredients are carefully selected and treated with care throughout the cooking process, like they are with every Freshpet recipe, the result is delicious food that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. You can learn more about why pet parents are making the switch to Freshpet in this post.

However, if you notice that your dog is suddenly disinterested in food or is losing weight, it may be a sign of underlying health issues or emotional distress and should be addressed by your veterinarian.

Sign #2 a dog is happy: Playfulness

Dogs have a natural inclination to play and have fun, but you can tell that a dog is truly happy when it displays any of these behaviors:

• Engaging with toys: Happy dogs actively interact with toys. They may chase, jump on, or shake toys, demonstrating their enjoyment and playfulness.

• Initiating play with you: Playful dogs often initiate play by bringing you toys, nudging you, or engaging in a “play bow” position –  lowering their front end while keeping their rear end elevated – to get your attention and encourage you to join in.

• Animated body language: Playful dogs exhibit lively and animated movements. They may bounce around, run in circles, or engage in spontaneous bursts of energy, showcasing their enthusiasm.

• Playful vocalizations: Dogs may emit playful vocalizations such as barks, yips, or playful growls during play. These sounds indicate their enthusiasm and eagerness to play.

When dogs feel happy and emotionally secure, they will regularly display these playful behaviors.

Sign #3 a dog is happy: Relaxed body language

The signs a dog is happy can be seen not only when they’re in a playful mood, but also when they are feeling relaxed. Happy dogs have a loose, soft posture without any signs of tension or stiffness. This body language will usually be paired with a relaxed facial expression, including a slightly opened mouth, and their ears in a natural position. Their tail is also a great indicator of their mood, and a happy dog’s tail will hang naturally, have a gentle wag, or rest comfortably on the ground.

To learn more about your dog’s body language and how they use it to communicate their emotions, take a look at this blog.

Sign #4 a dog is happy: Sleeps well

Dogs need plenty of rest and a happy dog will sleep peacefully and comfortably. They will find a cozy spot, curl up, and show the following behaviors:

• Relaxed body posture: Your dog’s eyes will be closed and their body will be in a relaxed and stretched-out position, indicating comfort and deep sleep.

• Steady breathing: A peacefully sleeping dog will have a regular and calm breathing pattern.

• Limited movement: During deep sleep, dogs tend to be relatively still with minimal twitching or restlessness.

• Contented sounds: They may emit soft sighs, gentle snores, or contented whimpers while sleeping.

After they wake up, a well-rested dog will be alert and energetic with an overall happy disposition.

Sign #5 a dog is happy: Enthusiastic greetings

A final sign a dog is happy is the way that they greet you. A happy dog will approach you with enthusiasm, wagging their tail, wiggling their body, and bouncing around in anticipation of your attention. They may also bark, yip, whine, or make other joyful sounds and shower you with licks or nuzzle their face against you. This full-body display of excitement shows that they are genuinely happy to see!

We hope you now have a better understanding of the signs a dog is happy. Understanding when your dog is happy – and when it is not – can help you ensure that they’re living a happy, tail-wagging life.

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High Ingredient Quality and Nutritional Content

At this stage in the game, most pet parents know that ingredient quality and nutritional content are among the most important qualities of any dog food, especially a vegetarian product. Vegetarian dog foods that consist of natural and human-grade ingredients with the right amount of water, vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins are ideal for our pets because they provide them with the energy required to live their best lives.

One of the best ways to figure out the ingredient quality and nutritional content of a vegetarian dog food is to read labels and consult the brand’s website. The most reputable brands will be very transparent about what they put in their food, which is extremely helpful for pet parents who are trying to take a more active role in examining what they offer their pets.

Great Taste

Regardless of our role the role we play in selecting the right food, our dogs are the ultimate decision-maker for what vegetarian dog food is the best fit. If it doesn’t taste and make them feel great, it won’t fly! Pet parents can tell what the best vegetarian dog food for their pup is by their response. After all, there really is no point in offering the healthiest, highest quality dog food option if your dog isn’t licking the bowl clean.

Vet Recommended

Veterinarians are excellent resources for helping you determine the best food for your dog’s needs. Vet recommended vegetarian dog foods have been examined by professionals and have the right ratios of fats, water, proteins, carbs, vitamins, and minerals that dogs need for their continued health. This is especially important for vegetarian dog foods as pet parents will want to make sure that they are not lacking in any necessary nutrients and have the best quality ingredients possible. When in doubt, look for a “developed by a veterinarian nutritionist” claim on the package, or ask your vet for clarity on if a product is recommended as a good fit for their needs.

AAFCO Adherence

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) plays a vital role in establishing guidelines for canine and feline nutrition in the pet food space. Contrary to popular belief, the AAFCO does not inspect or evaluate pet food available on the market itself, however, the best pet food products will exceed the minimum standards set forth by the organization. This is why pet parents who are exploring new recipes for their dogs should check for statements that make it clear that the company is adhering to these standards and maintaining a commitment to proper health. AAFCO adherence helps ensure that foods are 100% complete and balanced.

Great Feedback and Brand Reputability

Reviews aren’t the be all end all to assess dog food quality, but they can be a great resource for pet parents who want to see how well a brand or particular product aligns with pets’ needs. The best vegetarian dog food products will likely be formulated by brands that have impressive reputability and commitment to quality. If you are ever unsure about the quality of a dog food as you explore your options, there is likely helpful content online that can help you better understand the ingredients, nutrients, and reception among the pet parent community.

Determining the Best Vegetarian Dog Food for Your Pet Starts with a Commitment to Quality

While there is certainly some mystique surrounding vegetarian dog foods recipes, determining the best vegetarian dog food for your pet is not much different than exploring non-vegetarian options. This means that a commitment to quality and being attentive in your choices can go a long way towards finding recipes that are the perfect fit for your dog and their specific needs.

When searching for the best vegetarian dog food, remember to always consult your veterinarian and check nutrient quality, ingredients, whether it is vet developed or recommended, and how the brand and its products are received by fellow pet parents and their furry friend!

While there is certainly some mystique surrounding vegetarian dog foods recipes, determining the best vegetarian dog food for your pet is not much different than exploring non-vegetarian options. This means that a commitment to quality and being attentive in your choices can go a long way towards finding recipes that are the perfect fit for your dog and their specific needs.

When searching for the best vegetarian dog food, remember to always consult your veterinarian and check nutrient quality, ingredients, whether it is vet developed or recommended, and how the brand and its products are received by fellow pet parents and their furry friend!

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Best spots to pet a dog

Every dog is unique, so what feels nice to one dog may not necessarily be enjoyable for another. The good news is that there are some general areas where most dogs welcome a good pet.

• Back and shoulders:  One of the best spots to pet your dog is starting between their shoulders and moving down their back until the space just above the base of their tail. Some dogs may appreciate a firmer touch or gentle scratching in this area.

• Head and ears: Most dogs enjoy gentle petting on the top of their head, behind their ears, and along the sides of their face. Just be sure to use slow, gentle strokes and avoid pulling or tugging their ears.

• Neck and chest: Petting the neck and chest area is generally well-received by dogs, especially when you combine it with gentle scratching. If you notice your dog leaning into you, that’s a sure sign they’re feeling content.

• Belly: Dogs that enjoy having their belly rubbed tend to enjoy it a lot! Dogs that fall into this category are usually quick to roll over and expose their bellies as an invitation for belly rubs. Not all dogs enjoy having their bellies touched, however, so it’s important to be mindful of their body language.

Now that we have a better idea about the best spot to pet a dog, let’s discuss areas that are best to avoid.

• Tail: Some dogs may be uncomfortable with having their tail touched, especially if they have had previous tail injuries or if they naturally have a more sensitive tail.

• Paws: Dogs have sensitive nerve endings in their paws, so they may not enjoy having them handled as much as other parts of their body. They also rely heavily on their paws for balance and mobility, so having their paws touched may feel intrusive or even threatening. However, dogs need to get used to having their paws handled occasionally for nail trims, so it can be helpful to get them used to the feeling by rewarding them with their favorite Freshpet treats or recipe. You can take a look at our guide for trimming their nails for more tips like this.

If your dog isn’t comfortable being petted in a specific area, they will let you know through a combination of body language and vocalizations. You may notice your dog exhibiting tense body posture, leaning away from the pet, or evening trying to move away completely. This body language may be accompanied by whining or even growling if the petting doesn’t stop.

Best spots to pet a cat

Similar to their canine counterparts, not every cat enjoys being petted in the same areas, but there are spots where pets are generally well received.

• Head and chin: Cats generally enjoy being petted on their head and under their chin. Use slow, gentle strokes, and avoid petting their heads too vigorously. Pay attention to their body language – if they lean into your hand this is a sure sign they’re enjoying the attention.

• Behind the ears: Cats often have sensitive areas behind their ears that they enjoy having petted – although sometimes only for a short period of time. Try gently scratching or petting this area, but if you notice them tilt their head or use their paw to move your hand, they may be feeling overstimulated.

• Neck and shoulders: Cats appreciate gentle strokes along the neck and shoulders. Start from the base of the neck and move towards the shoulders in a smooth, slow manner.

• Back and base of tail: Most cats enjoy being petted along their back and especially at the base of their tail. If your cat starts raising their bottom as you pet them, this means that they’re really enjoying it!

Once you have a good understanding of the best spots to pet your cat, take a moment to learn which areas they prefer to have left alone.

• Belly: While some cats will accept belly pets from someone they trust, this is a vulnerable area for them and they may instinctively react by biting or scratching. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid petting a cat’s belly unless you know for sure that they enjoy it and are showing clear signs of comfort.

• Paws: Similarly to dogs, cats have very sensitive paws and usually don’t appreciate having them handled.

If a cat doesn’t feel like their boundaries are being respected, they will first give you subtle signs such as flattening their ears and flicking their tail. If the petting continues, they may begin growling or hissing paired with an accompanying swat or bite.

We hope that this guide has given you a better idea about the best spot to pet your dog or cat. Understanding the areas where your furbaby most enjoys being petted is essential to provide them with the affection they crave. Petting should help foster a bond with your fur baby, so remember to approach each interaction with gentleness, attentiveness, and love.

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What causes bad breath in dogs?

There are five main reasons why a dog could have bad breath – let’s discuss each one more closely.

• Dental plaque: Plaque is a buildup of bacteria that accumulates on teeth. When plaque is not removed with a toothbrush it becomes harder, developing into calculus. As the bacteria changes during this process, it releases an odor-causing halitosis.

• Funky food: Simply put, some food just stinks! Even if our dogs love how it tastes, bad-smelling food can cause bad breath in dogs – especially if the dog does not get their teeth brushed daily.

• Metabolic disease: Certain diseases, such as Diabetes Mellitus and Uremia, can cause the odor in the mouth to change into something that smells…off.

• Non-periodontal oral disease: Dogs can develop other issues within their oral cavity, like masses or tumors. These can become infected, leading to a very pronounced and off-putting odor.

• Skin disease: Some dog breeds, including Pugs and French Bulldogs, come with extra wrinkles and skin folds. While these features help make them into the beauties they are, moisture can get trapped in their skin folds, leading to skin infections. If skin infections occur in folds around the mouth, they can be mistakenly identified as halitosis.

If you notice your dog has started to develop bad breath, your first step should be to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues. Once your pup has been given a clean bill of health, you can start to look into how you can treat their bad breath and prevent it from returning.

How can bad breath in dogs be treated and prevented?

Now that we have a better understanding of what causes bad breath in dogs, let’s take a look at some of the ways that it can be treated and prevented.

• Toothbrushing: The best way to prevent bad breath in dogs is the most simple – toothbrushing! It’s recommended to brush your dog’s teeth twice a day but even if it only happens twice a week, consistent toothbrushing is better than no brushing at all. For tips on brushing your dog’s teeth at home, take a look at my guide for pet parents.

• Dental cleaning: Once plaque has formed and transformed into calculus, it cannot be removed with toothbrushing. The ideal treatment is to have a professional deep teeth cleaning, where your veterinarian will remove the tough, sticky calculus, and polish the teeth. Most pet parents will smell an immediate difference after the procedure is finished.

• Good diet: It’s important for your pet to be fed a high-quality, well-balanced diet that supports their whole body. The great thing about Freshpet is that they have such a wide selection of food for dogs, you can easily find a recipe that suits your dog’s needs. For instance, if your pup has a history of gassiness or indigestion, try Freshpet® Select Sensitive Stomach & Skin. Alternatively, if they have a food allergy, try a novel protein diet trial with Vital® Grain Free Salmon and Ocean Whitefish. And don’t forget to make sure your dog treats are also healthy, like Freshpet’s Dog Joy® Turkey Bacon fresh treats.

• Annual and bi-annual exams: As we discussed earlier, bad breath in dogs can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Fortunately, consistent physical exams and routine wellness diagnostics, like bloodwork, will help to identify diseases that can cause bad breath much earlier. The earlier that a disease is identified, the sooner your veterinarian can begin treatment, and the better the prognosis.

• Home oral care: There are a number of products on the market that do a great job at slowing down the progression of periodontal disease, which improves your pet’s breath. For recommendations of which products are right for your pet, speak to your veterinarian.

Bad breath in dogs can be unpleasant, but the good news is that dealing with it is often fairly easy! By feeding your dog a high-quality diet and getting into a regular oral care routine, you can minimize your dog’s risk of ongoing bad breath.

The post Ask Dr. Aziza: Should I Be Concerned About My Dog’s Bad Breath? appeared first on Freshpet.

Funny pet behaviors explained: Head tilt

Dogs tilt their heads in response to certain stimuli or to gather more information about their surroundings. There are a few reasons why dogs exhibit this behavior:

• Sound localization: Dogs have a keen sense of hearing, and by tilting their heads they can adjust the shape of their ears to better locate the source of a sound.

• Curiosity and attention: Dogs may tilt their heads when they encounter something new, unfamiliar, or intriguing. This head tilt can be a sign of curiosity and attentiveness, as they try to gather more visual and auditory information about the object or situation in front of them.

• Communication and empathy: Dogs are highly attuned to human emotions and body language. When a dog tilts their head in response to their owner’s voice or facial expressions, it may be an attempt to show empathy and understanding.

While this behavior is most often harmless, if you notice excessive or unusual head tilting accompanied by other concerning behaviors, it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Funny pet behaviors explained: Zoomies

Zoomies – also known as frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs) – are what we call the rapid and erratic movements, including running, spinning, and jumping, that our dogs display seemingly at random. If you observe closely, however, you’ll notice that zoomies often occur after a period of rest or in response to certain triggers such as playfulness, social interaction, or being in a stimulating environment. For instance, you might notice that your pup starts to do laps of the house every time you prepare their favorite Freshpet recipe. Zoomies are a way for dogs to release pent-up energy and express their joy and is a completely normal behavior for dogs. In fact, it’s seen as a form of play and self-enjoyment!

Funny pet behaviors explained: Side-eye

Have you ever noticed your dog turn their head slightly while keeping their eyes fixed on something else? This subtle body language is used by your dog to express both positive and negative emotions.

• Playfulness: Dogs may give side-eye when they’re feeling playful or mischievous and it’s usually accompanied by a wagging tail and a playful stance.

• Wariness: Giving a side-eye can indicate that a dog is feeling cautious, unsure, or even slightly suspicious about something or someone.

Behavior like giving a side-eye, which has multiple meanings, highlights the importance of taking into account all aspects of your dog’s body language when interpreting their emotions. For more information on how to understand your dog’s emotions, take a look at this blog.

Funny pet behaviors explained: Spinning in circles

Spinning in circles before lying down is instinctive behavior dogs have inherited from their wild ancestors. In the past, wild dogs would trample down vegetation and create a nest-like area to sleep in, providing warmth and protection from potential predators. While your dog likely doesn’t have the same environmental concerns as their ancestors, the instinct to circle before lying down can still be observed.

Funny pet behaviors explained: Tail chasing

Tail-chasing behavior can be attributed to a combination of both instinctual behaviors and playfulness.

• Entertainment: Dogs have a natural inclination for play and may chase their tails as a form of self-amusement – it’s simply fun for them to try and catch it. They may also do it as a form of attention-seeking behavior as they learn that tail chasing results in a positive response from the people around them.

• Predatory instincts: Dogs descend from predatory animals and chasing moving objects triggers their natural hunting instincts. When a dog sees its tail moving, it may perceive it as something to chase, much like it would with a small animal or prey.

While tail chasing can be perfectly normal, if it becomes excessive, interferes with daily activities, or is accompanied by other concerning behaviors, speak to your veterinarian.

Funny pet behaviors explained: Active sleeping

Dogs may run, bark, or even sniff when they are in the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep. During REM sleep, dogs experience increased brain activity, similar to humans, and their sleep brain patterns resemble those of when they are awake. Researchers believe that running and other similar movements observed during sleep are a reflection of their dream activity. Dogs may be reenacting or responding to the stimuli present in their dreams, which can include things such as playing, chasing, or exploring – how cute is that!

As pet parents, it’s easy to embrace and appreciate the quirks that make our dogs who they are – they’re a testament to their individuality and what makes your pup special. So, the next time your pup engages in a head-scratching activity, remember that there’s probably a method to their madness!

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Get other dog moms together for a playdate

If you know any other dog moms, why not use National Dog Mom’s Day as an excuse to get together with your four-legged friends? To celebrate, you could plan a trip to the dog park, the dog beach, or even visit a dog-friendly cafe. Not only is this a great way to catch up with friends, but your dogs will also benefit from the opportunity to socialize with each other. Some of the benefits of letting your dog socialize with other pups include:

• Learning good manners: Your dog will quickly learn what behavior is – and is not – appreciated by other dogs.

• Increased confidence and comfort: The more new dogs they come into contact with, the less fearful they will be when meeting new ones on the street, at the dog park, or anywhere else.

If this playdate goes well, you may even want to consider planning a longer trip together for the next National Dog Mom’s Day! May we suggest one of these top dog-friendly cities?

Capture some special memories

Another way you can mark National Dog Mom’s Day is by capturing some special memories with your pup. Of course, you can always do this yourself using your camera or phone, if you want to take this to the next level, consider hiring a professional. Many photographers specialize in animal photography and have plenty of experience capturing the special moments between pet parents and their pets.

Not only is having a photo shoot with your pup a fun way to spend the day, there are so many different things you can do with the photos when you get them back from the photographer:

• Frame the photos for your wall
• Make a photo book
• Print them on a mug or T-shirt
• Have your favorite photo turned into a woven blanket

Commission a piece of art

Photos aren’t the only way that you can commemorate the bond you and your pup share – there are countless artists that create beautiful pieces for pet parents. The choice of medium is endless, but some popular options include:

• Paintings: Paintings of your pet can be done in a wide range of styles, from hyper-realistic to abstract and everything in between.

• Sculptures: You can have a 3D sculpture of your pet created from materials such as ceramic, clay, or even brass.

• Digital art: With digital art, you can capture your pet’s unique personality and characteristics in a way that is creative and visually stunning.

• Engraved jewelry: Companies like Woofpalace offer a range of jewelry that can be engraved with a custom portrait based on a photo you upload.

Etsy is a great place to search for artists who create custom pieces for pet parents.

Go for a picnic

Going for a picnic with your furry friend can be another great way to celebrate National Dog Mom’s Day. There are plenty of options to consider when choosing the perfect spot for your picnic, from dog-friendly parks to beaches or your own backyard. Once you’ve decided on a spot, consider bringing along your comfiest blanket for lounging and some toys for your dog to make the picnic even more fun.

If you want to go the extra mile, you could even create a tasty barkuterie board with a variety of dog-friendly foods, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. If you’re looking for inspiration on what to put on your board, take a look at this post by Freshpet vet, Dr. Aziza.

Plan a special meal together

If the weather isn’t cooperating or you’d just prefer to eat at home, you can always make a tasty meal using Freshpet and other dog-safe ingredients. The best part? It only takes three simple steps:

• Step 1: Start by choosing a protein-rich Freshpet recipe – bonus points if you try out a new one your pup hasn’t had before.

• Step 2: Add some dog-safe fruits and vegetables such as green beans, sweet potatoes, and blueberries to the meal. If needed, you could add omega-3 and omega-6 supplements to help your pup maintain a healthy coat and skin.

• Step 3: Serve and enjoy!

For a full list of human foods that your dog can and cannot eat, take a look at this post.

National Dog Mom’s Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the bond between you and your furry friend. Have something planned we didn’t mention on this list? Share it in the comments for other Freshpet parents to see!

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