Picture this: You open your pantry to figure out what to make for dinner. To your dismay, your pantry is stocked with a lifetime supply of a “nutrient cereal” that doesn’t taste great and doesn’t make you feel very good, either. But day after day, meal after meal, you pour yourself bowls of this cereal, because it’s all you have.

Sounds pretty dismal, right? 

It turns out that your dogs might find it dismal, too. 

The Raw Feeding Revolution

In 2015, 37% of pet owners noted interest in raw or human-grade diets for their dogs, according to PetFoodIndustry.com. An additional 13% were already providing their dogs with raw diets. Those percentages have only continued to grow. Many pet parents begin their journey to human-grade feeding after they realize the risks associated with feeding mass-produced foods. 

We created Pawsitively Pure dog food for that very reason: After a major pet food recall in 2007, we knew we needed to take our dogs’ dietary health more seriously. We consulted with veterinarians to learn about nutritional balance and used that knowledge to develop our own dog food. Since we started feeding our dogs lightly-cooked, human-grade food, we’ve noticed significant improvements in their energy levels, coat condition, and weight management.

Don’t just take it from us, though. Here are a few reasons why you should ditch the kibble ASAP.

How do you know what’s in your kibble?

Sure, the front label of your store-bought kibble says that it’s “Beef and Vegetables Flavor,” but that doesn’t mean there’s much beef or many vegetables to be found. Many major pet food manufacturers use clever verbiage like “dinner,” “flavor,” and “entree” to make you think it’s packed with good stuff, but usually, kibble contains a lot of filler.

Often, the meat used for kibble is deemed unfit for human consumption. Manufacturers select low-quality ingredients to help save on costs. Many times, your dog is also eating bones, feathers, and other byproducts in their kibble. Not only is this gross, it doesn’t give your dog any positive nutritional value.

Can your dog digest kibble properly?

Animals digest significantly more protein from raw and lightly cooked diets than they do from kibble, according to a recent study. As a result, kibble-fed dogs often have to poop more than their raw-fed counterparts to get rid of all that excess waste. 

In the same way that processed foods are less nutritious for humans than whole, unprocessed foods, processed kibble offers little real nutritional value to your dog. Often, kibble is packed with carbohydrates, and unless your dog is particularly active, an abundance of carbohydrates can lead to obesity. 

Have you ever noticed that kibble never goes bad?

If you leave a bag of kibble open to the air, it won’t go bad the way real food does. Of course, you’ll probably attract some ants and roaches, but that’s a different story. Commercially produced kibble doesn’t have an expiration date because it’s packed with preservatives. According to Cali Raw on Medium.com, many of these preservatives can be toxic when consumed in large amounts. 

We understand that it may be more convenient to be able to buy one large bag of food and not worrying about it going bad before it runs out; however, we believe that a dog’s nutrition should take precedence over convenience! Besides, with next-day doorstep delivery in Florida from Pawsitively Pure, you’ll never have to worry about running out of food when you need it.

Visitors, we would love to hear from you. If you haven’t started feeding a human-grade diet, what’s holding you back? If you have, how has it changed your dogs’ lives? Join us on Facebook to let us know.

This month, our boy Jackson turns 11 years old! Senior dogs tend to slow down and run into issues like arthritis and lack of energy as they age, but our boy still loves running around outside and playing with his friends. We take him to Dip’n Dogs hydrotherapy to help keep his muscles strong and free from pain. We also feed him a wholesome diet that includes real, human-grade food and bone broth - and it’s been a great way to help keep Jackson healthy.

We think that your dog would love the addition of bone broth to their diet, and you’ll love the results it brings! Here are just a few reasons why you should add this tasty, nutritious supplement to your dog’s diet:

• It’s great for senior dogs. Just like our dog Jackson, senior dogs have different needs as they age. Joint support is a huge issue for older dogs - just like it is with humans! Bone broth is packed with the collagens and glucosamine your dog needs to keep his joints working smoothly and without pain. Plus, bone broth is a great way to get nutrients when your dog isn’t hungry.

• It helps eliminate harmful compounds from everyday life. Think about it - every day, your dog is exposed to plenty of harmful chemicals, from pesticides and fertilizers on the grass to cleaning solutions on the carpets they roll on. Your dog needs a little extra help getting rid of those harmful toxins and keeping their liver in good shape. Bone broth has glycine, which helps support an active liver and eliminate any harmful chemicals in the bloodstream.

• It’s a good food source for sick dogs. If you’ve ever had a sick dog or a dog with tummy troubles, you know how hard it can be to get them back on solid food. Sometimes when your dog is going through an illness, he won’t be up to processing solid foods. Offering your dog some bone broth when they’re not feeling their best is the easiest way to make sure they’re getting the nutrition they need without solids.

Our bone broth is made from 100% grass-fed, responsibly sourced beef or chicken bones. We simmer our organic bones over low heat for over 24 hours so your dog gets the best of the best nutrients from the bone broth. We recommend serving it over your dog’s food or warming it up and serving it on its own. To learn more, feel free to browse our site or send us a message!

There’s nothing better than a big bowl of fresh, sweet berries to enjoy as a summertime snack! For years, blueberries have been touted as a superfood and enjoyed for their juicy sweetness and their health benefits. But did you know that blueberries pack a lot of awesome nutritional benefits for your dog, too?

Here at Pawsitively Pure, blueberries are among our favorite treats for our boys. Stick them in the freezer for a cool, crunchy snack on a hot afternoon, or try them in our Blueberry and Oats natural dog treats! Blueberries are a wonderful addition to any dog’s diet as a treat because:

• They help protect eyes. Older dogs in particular are susceptible to cataracts, especially if they’ve spent most of their time having fun in the sun. Studies have shown that blueberries help improve dogs’ nighttime vision as well as restoration of their visual acuity after exposure to glare. Keep your furry friend in good visual health for longer.

• They’re anti-carcinogenic. According to the Veterinary Cancer Society, cancer is the leading cause of death in 47% of dogs. Blueberries are full of a number of different compounds that help to prevent a variety of types of cancer, including colon cancer. Studies have even shown that the phenolic compounds in blueberries can cause cell death in cancerous cells.

• They’re great for the brain. Blueberries also contain a number of compounds that help support the brain’s function, especially later in life. They’re also great for puppies in that they provide nutrients shown to support spatial learning and memory, like Anthocyanin. Your old dog really can learn new tricks with the support of this tasty snack!

We love blueberries as a tasty and healthy addition to your dog’s diet. When you choose human-grade food for your dogs, you want to be sure you’re getting the freshest natural ingredients. Pawsitively Pure Dog Food features all natural, organic products, good enough for you AND your dog to eat (but please leave the snacking to the pups!). To view our available products, click here.

Healthy Skin & Coat

for your furry friends

Your skin is your largest organ, and you feel your best when your skin is comfortable and cared for. Your dog feels just the same way! Having healthy skin and coat is so important to help your pup live a happy, active life. After all, your pooch can’t run around in the sun if they’re spending all their time scratching, or if they’re stuck indoors to avoid allergens.

Before you start investing in medicated creams and topical solutions, the best way to help your dog get the healthy coat they deserve is by providing them with a healthy diet. Here are 3 of the most important nutrients for your dog’s skin and coat health - all of which you can find in our locally made Orlando natural dog food:

1. Fatty acids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are at the top of the list for your dog’s skin and coat health, just as they’re important supplements for human skin and hair. Usually associated with fish oil, your dog can get necessary omegas from flaxseed, canola, and menhaden oils to help keep their skin supple and their coat shiny.

2. Vitamin A. Found in high levels in carrots and sweet potatoes, vitamin A helps keep your dog’s scalp free of itchy, uncomfortable flakes. Vitamin A is an overall nutritional powerhouse as it benefits your pup’s eyes and joints, as well! We love feeding Jackson chunks of carrot or sweet potato as a raw, tasty snack. It’s one of his favorite treats.

3. Vitamin B. Vitamin B should stand for brightness! You can tell your dog isn’t getting enough B vitamins if their coat is dull and brittle. Believe it or not, brewer’s yeast is a great source of vitamin B for your pup, but the green veggies we use in our natural dog food formulas pack plenty of nutrition.

Providing your dog with healthy skin and coat is so much more than a cosmetic issue. Without a healthy coat, your dog is more susceptible to irritations, allergies, and even flea and tick infestations. A healthy coat is your dog’s first defense against the elements - and it’s a great way to tell your furbaby is happy. To learn more about the ingredients in our natural dog food, click here or send us an email.