Enter a keyword below to search for articles and products.
Good nutrition is as important to your dog’s health as it is to your own. But with thousands of different pet foods available, how do you pick the right one for your dog?
Learn how to choose a dog food that provides the proper, balanced nutrition your dog needs to thrive with these six tips.
In general, while a human diet should be high in fiber and low in fat, a dog needs more fat for energy and a healthy skin and coat, and less fiber for good intestinal health.
Preferably, a dog’s food should include meat, too. Even if you prefer a vegetarian diet, designing a high-quality dog diet without animal protein is difficult. IAMS™ Company research supports that meatless meals might not provide optimal nutrition for dogs. Dogs are best fed as carnivores because they have simple stomachs and short intestines that are ideal for digesting animal protein and animal fat. Dogs also need carbohydrates for energy.
Start by identifying your dog’s life stage and lifestyle. Puppies, nursing mothers and mature pets each represent different life stages, and each one has different nutritional requirements. By law, all dog foods must state the life stage for which they are recommended.
Nutritional needs also vary depending on lifestyle. A dog whose primary activity is guarding the couch doesn’t need as much energy as one who guards a flock of sheep. Another factor to consider is breed size: small, medium or large.
Finally, consider medical conditions your dog has, such as food allergies, that might require your veterinarian to recommend a special diet.
Once you’ve determined your dog’s life stage and lifestyle needs, decide whether to feed him dry or canned food. Most dogs do well eating only dry food. Dry foods promote oral hygiene for healthy teeth and gums through abrasive chewing action. Some dogs, especially finicky eaters, enjoy wet food because of its smooth, wet texture.
Remember that while dry food can be left in a bowl all day, wet food should be thrown away after 30 minutes if not consumed. Dry food is the best choice for busy people who are not normally home during the day.
After you determine your pet’s nutritional needs and preference, you are ready to go shopping.
Ingredients on dog-food labels are listed in descending order according to weight. Because dogs thrive on animal-based diets, it’s best to pick a food that features an animal-based protein source, such as chicken, lamb, fish or egg, as the first ingredient. Unlike a single-vegetable-based protein source, such as soybean meal or corn-gluten meal, animal-based protein sources contain adequate amounts of essential amino acids.
Scientific studies show that a combination of carbohydrates in the diet, such as corn meal or barley and grain sorghum, offers optimal carbohydrate digestibility and helps maintain energy levels. In addition, scientific studies show that beet pulp — the material remaining after sugar is extracted from sugar beets — is an excellent fiber source and promotes a healthy digestive tract. Finally, for a glossy coat and healthy skin, your pet needs fat in the diet. Good fat sources include chicken fat and fish oil.
Dog-food labels provide limited information about the nutritional value of the food because labeling regulations do not allow manufacturers to describe the quality of ingredients on the package.
A reputable pet-food manufacturer will be able to explain their specific methods for evaluating and assuring the quality of ingredients used in its products.
When choosing food, the price on the bag, while important, is usually not the best consideration. A low price might indicate inexpensive ingredients, or ingredients that change as market prices fluctuate.
Also, many lower-priced products have higher daily portions to provide the same amount of nutrition found in a high-quality diet. To get a better representation of value, it is the cost per feeding, not the total cost, that counts.
To figure cost per feeding, divide the total cost by the number of days the product lasts. For example, a 20-pound bag of food costs $18.99 and lasts 30 days. The cost to feed is $0.63 per day. A 20-pound bag of food that costs $15.99 and lasts 20 days costs $0.80 per day. So, when costs are analyzed properly, high-quality pet foods compare quite favorably to other brands while offering outstanding nutrition.
Bathing your puppy is an important part of good pet care. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pet parent, it's crucial to provide your pup with ample and frequent baths to keep them looking and feeling healthy. More than just for appearances, though, regular baths are essential for maintaining proper hygiene and skin health – like how we need showers! To help ensure your pup looks and feels its best, here are our top tips for bathing your furry friend.
When you get a new puppy, one of the first questions that may come to mind is, 'How often to bathe a puppy?' You shouldn't bathe your puppy until they are around eight weeks old. Even then, the process should be approached with care and gentleness. After their initial bath, you typically only need to do so again when necessary.
Before you start, ensure you have everything you need for your puppy's first bath. This includes a place to bathe your puppy, towels, shampoo and conditioner for long-furred dogs, a brush or comb and a hair dryer with a relaxed setting.
To ensure your puppy is comfortable during the bath:
Once your puppy is comfortable with the water, it's time to wash them.
If it's your first time bathing a puppy, don't fret - we've got you covered with this guide on how to bathe a puppy.
Determine the right shampoo and conditioner for your pup before even getting them wet. All of this comes down to what type of fur they have. Get professional advice from your vet first to know which products would be best for your puppy.
Pups with short coats need more oil to add moisture, whereas long-coated dogs require moisturisers to maintain coat health.
We recommend bathing puppies as young as eight weeks old so that it becomes a part of their routine. But don't overwhelm them; a puppy's first visit shouldn't include baths. Instead, let this serve as an introduction and show them that there is nothing to be scared of.
Allow the puppy to roam free and get them used to being in a tub by slowly running a brush over their fur. Be sure to give lots of treats, swaddling, and cuddles to make them feel safe.
To get started with the bathing and grooming process, lightly brush or comb their coat to remove any dirt. Also, doing this will help eliminate any knots or tangles in their fur before bathing them.
Get the water to a comfortable temperature; it should be warm but not hot. Puppies have more sensitive skin than we do, so they will feel the heat much faster.
Before you start, lay out everything you will need and ensure no one in the house uses any water while you're bathing the puppy. Sudden temperature changes can be dangerous for puppies; hence, taking precautions is essential.
To avoid skin irritation, forego cleansing products when they are young and use lukewarm water instead. The temperature must be comfortable for your pup, as hot water can harm dogs.
A warm wash rag is all you need to use on a puppy that is three or four-months old. Dogs' body temperatures are higher than ours, so they experience temperature differently than we do.
For puppies older than three or four months, you can bathe them in a bathtub or shower. Handling your puppy can be delicate, especially when it's time for their bath. If you have a particular bathtub or shower specifically for puppies, use that--it'll make things much more manageable. Be sure to place them on a non-slip surface inside the tub or shower, so they don't become overwhelmed and frightened.
It's time to introduce shampoo and conditioner to your puppy once they are at least three months old.
Only purchase shampoos and conditioners for dogs that are pH balanced to avoid health hazards. We recommend plant-based products with no chemical additives to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Also, please don't go for the cheapest product, as it might not be practical or safe.
Before using the puppy shampoo, dilute it with equal water. Apply it all over their body, being mindful to avoid contact with sensitive areas like eyes and ears.
Remember that bathing a puppy is like washing a tiny human baby. They won't be used to the feels and may not take it well at first.
If you want to avoid scratches, use the balls of your fingers and massage the shampoo into the coat -- this will help remove dirt and dust. Plus, your puppy will love it!
Rinse your puppy's fur thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo after bathing. You should repeat the process a few times for best results.
Keep your dog's skin clean by getting between the folds with baby wipes or a damp cloth to remove all soap. Once you are done, be sure to dry their skin thoroughly.
Gently rub your puppy with a towel to remove the excess water, then place them on the floor in a safe area.
Until they are no longer dripping, you can keep them towel dry. Have someone help you hold onto them or sit down on your knee to ensure they feel secure.
Next, you will want to use a hairdryer on your pup's coat. It's best to use a diffuser to spread the heat evenly, and ensure it's only set on low or cool.
When you use a hairdryer on your puppies, go slow to get them used to the sensation and noise. Avoid blowing air directly into their face or ears. Try to get them as dry as possible, and for long-coated breeds, frequently stop to brush or comb through their coat, so it doesn't get tangled.
Your dog's health is crucial, so you should bathe them once a month. Over time, their skin and fur become oily and dirty from environmental factors and everyday activities. Including baths in your pet care routine will keep them happy and healthy.
For a puppy, it's best to stick with lukewarm water, mild soap, and gentle massages. Remember to follow up with regular brushing, which can help keep their coat soft and shiny. Minimal shampooing is recommended, as bathing too often will lead to dry skin.
These steps should have you on your way to a happy and healthy puppy. With regular baths, you can help ensure your pup is always looking and feeling its best. It may take time for them to get used to it but bathing your puppy can be an enjoyable experience if done correctly. Have fun with it!
