The good, the bad, and the ugly: A Focus on Grain Free Foods
October 1, 2018
There seems to be an increase in marketing and media attention these days on every aspect of our lives, including dog foods. One popular trend we are seeing is grain free foods. What are grains? Are they bad for dogs? And are grain free foods the answer? There are many sources of grains that can be used in foods. Grains are seeds of plants that are used as a source of nutrients. Things like wheat, oats, barley, corn, rye, sorghum, millet, and rice are all considered grains. One reason people think grains may be bad for dogs is allergies. In humans, grain and gluten sensitivity is becoming more noticed, and so many people are wondering if their dogs are also allergic. In truth, only about 10% of dog allergies are to foods, and of these, the majority of the allergens are to beef and dairy. It is estimated that less than 1% of dogs are sensitive to grains. Are grains fillers? Absolutely not! Grains provide a number of nutritional benefits. Grains are easily digested, and are utilized just like other carbohydrate sources. In fact, they can be higher in protein and lower in sugar than alternative carbohydrate sources such as potatoes, which makes them healthier! They also provide healthy fats and antioxidants. Grains […]
Read PostGuest post: Introducing a new baby to your dog
August 2, 2018
This month I asked Dr. Alger to write a blog about a topic near and dear to her at the moment. Please read on for more information about what to expect when you’re expecting and already have a fur child! August is due date month for me and seemed fitting to write a blog to discuss introducing a new baby to your dog. My household consists of my husband, myself, and our 10 month old Bernese Mountain Dog, Walter, who currently weighs in at a whopping 100 pounds. We adopted Walter just before Christmas and found out I was pregnant about a week later. It is natural to worry a bit about how your pet(s) will transition to your new life and I immediately wanted to know how to prepare Walter for a baby so that I could start the process as early as possible. So, the question I will focus on this blog is: What are the appropriate steps to take to prepare a dog for the new baby? I will touch on some of the important things I found and have implemented into training and preparing my own pup for the new addition to our family. First and foremost, determine what kind of relationship you want your dog to have […]
Read PostFido and Fireworks don’t mix!
June 28, 2018
It’s the 4th of July again, and that means increased risks for our pets. According to the ASPCA, nearly 1 in 5 pets go missing after being scared by loud noises such as fireworks. PetAmberAlert.com notes that 30% more pets become lost between July 4-6th than any other time of the year. Here are some tips to make the celebrations safe for everyone! Travel safely: If you are taking a road trip with your pet, get your pet used to carrier/crates, and seat belts/harnesses in advance. Do not leave your pet alone in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked. Stay cool: Dogs and cats can’t sweat, but panting can cause them to get dehydrated. Pets can get overheated quicker, so make sure there is access to plenty of fresh water and shade. Check asphalt with your hand before going for walks to ensure it’s not too hot, and take walks near dawn/dusk to avoid mid day heat. Avoid human foods: Barbecues and parties will often present many tempting foods to your pet. Some human foods are not safe for consumption-alcohol, chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, and the sugar substitute xylitol are all toxic to pets. Some foods can cause inflammation of the GI tract and pancreas, especially fatty foods. Other […]
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