The Pet Nutrition Revolution Continues

Just a decade or so ago, it seemed there were only a handful of dog food brands you could choose from, each one a different variety of kibble. This is one of the main reasons why we founded Pawsitively Pure Dog Food in 2007–with a handful of dog food manufacturers producing a majority of the kibble available on the shelves, and with those manufacturers frequently announcing recalls due to food safety issues, we knew we had to find a better solution for our furry friends. 

Nutrition has become a major focus for pet parents worldwide. As they seek healthier alternatives, many dog moms and dads have ditched kibble in favor of more natural food sources. In particular, gently cooked diets and raw diets have taken the dog nutrition world by storm. But how do you know which variety is best for your dog? How can you tread the line between convenience, cost, and the best nutrition possible?

Here at Pawsitively Pure Dog Food, we offer a variety of gently cooked dog food flavors to keep your dogs happy and healthy. Through our experience, we believe that gently cooked dog food offers the best solution for dogs and their humans alike. 

Gently Cooked is the Way to Go

Gently cooked dog food is a healthy, complete meal system for dogs of any age and stage of life that still offers convenience and cost effectiveness for pet parents. Let’s find out more.

Gently Cooked Food Packs a Nutritional Punch

Many people believe that cooking food strips it of all its nutrition, which is largely untrue. While it is factual that some raw foods–vegetables in particular–can provide vitamins and minerals in different forms than their cooked counterparts, gently cooked dog food still offers your dog wholesome nutrition and is leagues better for them than kibble is. When food is processed for long periods of time over high heat, that’s when it loses a portion of its nutritional value. Our production process does not introduce heat that’s too intense or for a long duration.

What’s more, cooking meats and animal products like bones can actually help extract nutrients and provide them to your dog in a safe and easily digestible form. In particular, you should never feed your dog bones as they present a choking and safety hazard, but bone broth for dogs provides a whole host of health benefits from a healthier digestive tract to a shinier coat.

Gently Cooked Food is Easier to Handle Than Raw Food

When you serve your dog raw food, especially animal products, you need to have a proper understanding of food handling standards as well as identification and avoidance of common food pathogens. The average pet parent probably won’t have the time or capacity to take such a course. What’s more, careful handling of raw food often requires daily preparation time that really detracts from its overall convenience.

When improperly prepared, raw food also has the potential to spread bacteria and disease to humans living in the house. According to a 2018 veterinary study, a high percentage of raw pet diets were found to have potentially harmful bacteria. Common foodborne diseases like e.coli can quickly and easily be transmitted by letting your dog lick you.

Gently cooked dog food offers your dog the same wholesome ingredients without the hassle of frequent preparation. Additionally, you’re much less likely to accidentally contaminate your dog’s food by handling it improperly. When you source your food from a veterinarian-approved producer, 90% of the work is already done for you!

Domestic Dogs Don’t Need to Eat Like Their Ancestors

A common argument in favor of raw diets for dogs posits that they are the most biologically appropriate for our pets since their ancestors ate raw and locally available foods. However, couldn’t the same be argued for humans? Domestic animals have evolved significantly from their early counterparts; in their roles as human companions, their activity levels, “jobs,” and drive to hunt are all completely different. 

If we fed our dogs to mirror their ancestors’ diets, they would probably be consuming much more protein than they really need. It’s ok for our dogs to consume foods that aren’t quite as primal! Gently cooked foods can be easier to digest and more balanced for the average house pet.

Shop Local for Gently Cooked Dog Food

When you’re ready to switch your dog to a gently cooked diet, it’s a great idea to choose your food from a local company. Pawsitively Pure Dog Food offers gently cooked dog food in Orlando, made in small batches and responsibly sourced to help keep your dog’s tail wagging. Visit us at one of our favorite farmers’ markets each weekend, or shop online!

More Than Just a Beauty Treatment

There’s no way around it–dogs tend to get stinky sometimes. Between all the slobbery kisses, messy treats, and rolling around in dirt and mud outside, our dogs can get downright dirty over time. While you shouldn’t bathe your dog as often as you bathe yourself–experts recommend one weekly bath at the maximum unless otherwise directed by a vet–regularly shampooing and brushing your dogs can help keep the odors at bay. But did you know that regular grooming is an important part of your dogs’ overall health?

While you can invest in professional grooming, which is especially helpful if your dog’s fur tends to get knotty or matted, there are a number of beneficial grooming tasks you can knock out from the comfort of your own home. Your dogs may not be the biggest fans of bath time at the start, but with time, consistency, and practice, your grooming tasks will become easier and you’ll be able to keep your dogs fresh and clean.

Why is Grooming Important?

Just like a spa day makes us feel good when we’re rejuvenated and refreshed, regular grooming treatments can help our dogs feel good and maintain their quality of life. First and foremost, grooming can help you detect and prevent a whole host of health issues. When you brush your dog’s coat, you’ll have the opportunity to uncover any fleas, ticks, lumps, bumps, and scabs that may be present. Taking the time to assess your dog’s skin and coat condition can help you stop infections and infestations before they start.

Grooming also just plain feels good–when it’s done, at least. Mats, knots, and burrs can be uncomfortable for your dogs and can even cause ulcers if they put pressure on your dog’s body. Dog fur also tends to collect irritants and harmful chemicals from the environment since they’re so close to the ground. Regular brushing allows you to work out any knots that are forming and helps wick away the dirt and grime from the outside world. It also helps remove your dog’s undercoat so they don’t get too hot when they play.

What’s more, grooming is a great opportunity for you and your dog to bond. Grooming involves a lot of trust between you and your dog: working out knots and bathing can be a bad experience if your dog is anxious. However, gentle introductions to the brush, the bath, and the nail clippers will help your dog become accustomed to these tasks and boost their confidence that you will continue to be gentle and loving with your care.

Finally, regular grooming may actually help improve your dog’s sociability and confidence around other humans. People are more likely to gravitate towards clean dogs that smell good instead of grungy, greasy, matted pups. Your dog may notice the increase in attention and positive reinforcement when they’re clean and seek out further opportunities to interact with happy humans.

Grooming Tasks to Try at Home

Incorporate some of these grooming tasks into your dog routine between your professional grooming sessions!

Bath Time

Bath time is the big one! Some dogs love splashing around in the soapy suds, but other dogs may be more wary. To make your dog as comfortable as possible, fill your tub or sink with just a few inches of lukewarm water. Whether you use a hose or a cup to wet your dog’s coat, avoid drenching their sensitive eyes, ears, and nose. Incorporate a gentle massage with your shampooing and make sure you get them clean from head to tail. When you’re finished, towel your dog dry; some dogs may not like the noise and heat that hair dryers make, so introduce that slowly if at all.

For the dogs that are most reluctant to get a good scrub, be sure to have a handful of tasty, healthy treats nearby to encourage their cooperation and reduce their anxiety!

Brushing

How you approach brushing largely depends on the type of coat your dog has. If your dog has a short coat, you’re in luck–these are the easiest to care for! The ASPCA recommends starting with a rubber brush to loosen any excess fur, and then brush it all away with a bristle brush. Longer coats, however, require more frequent brushing. Slicker brushes are great to help get rid of undercoats and knots for dogs with longer fur. You can also use a comb on their tails and the longer areas of their coats. Whatever method you choose, gentleness is the name of the game. Tugging and yanking on knotted fur can hurt and make your dog reluctant to sit for future brushing.

Eye Cleaning

Your dog’s eyes are just as sensitive as your eyes! You may notice that dark streaks and gunk tend to collect around your dog’s tear ducts, especially if your dog has white fur. Regular, gentle cleaning of the eye area can not only reduce the appearance of these streaks, but also help protect your dog from infections from built-up gunk and debris. You can simply use a moistened cotton pad to clear the eye area, but take extra care not to come in contact with their eyeballs.

Check the Ears

If your dog has floppy ears, you may have noticed their proclivity toward getting ear infections. This is because the shielded ear canal makes a warm, dark environment for bacteria and other microorganisms to grow. Take a peek into your dog’s ears and look for earwax and buildup. Your vet should be able to recommend their favorite ear rinsing products. Never, ever poke deep into your dog’s ear canals! Your cleaning should only go as far as their outer ear folds.

Nail and Paw Care

A quick note of caution: it may be beneficial to get some expert guidance before you clip your dog’s nails for the first time. Cutting them too short can cause your dog to bleed and be in distress. However, regular, safe trimming can help your dog continue to move comfortably and even avoid joint pain and future arthritis. While you’re at it, check the spaces between your dog’s paw pads for burrs, debris, or inflammation. Bright pink, smelly paws may be a sign of a fungal infection. Since your dogs’ paws are in constant contact with dirt, concrete, and other rough surfaces, using a healthy and soothing paw balm can give your dog a lot of relief.

Grooming is Great for Everyone

If you’re new to grooming at home, don’t worry! Practice and gradual introductions can help both you and your dog become more comfortable with grooming overall. Your dog’s skin and coat is their ultimate protective barrier against parasites and infection, so keeping them clean and fresh is crucial for their overall health. To learn more or to order our organic paw balm, browse through our website today!

Curiosity Gave the Dog an Upset Stomach

Dogs are naturally curious creatures. With their incredible sense of smell and innate thirst for adventure, all dogs occasionally find themselves digging up a bit of trouble. We’re guessing you’ve had to tell your dog to “drop it” at least once during your companionship. While some dogs quickly learn their lesson after destroying only one pair of shoes, other dogs may continue this behavior well into adulthood. 

It may be hard for us to understand this kind of behavior. Socks and rocks can’t really be that tasty, can they? But if you notice your dog ingesting items beyond their food bowls, it’s critical that you do some research and work on ending this behavior as soon as possible. Chewing and eating non-food items–other than dog-friendly toys and chew bones, of course–is more than just a nuisance for you; it can also be a harmful behavior with lasting consequences for them. 

Why Do Dogs Eat Inedible Objects?

To put an end to this troublesome behavior, it’s important that we understand where it comes from. There are a number of different reasons why your dog may want to eat non-food items. 

Nutritional Deficit

If you notice that your dog likes to munch on grass or dirt more than anything else, this may be an indication that their diet is lacking in key nutrients. Grass and dirt actually include nutrients that help aid and stimulate your dog’s digestion. You may have seen your dog munching on a mouthful of grass before vomiting; this is fairly normal behavior. When the grass and dirt eating is compulsive or consistent, however, you should talk to your veterinarian to discuss your dog’s nutritional needs.

Boredom

Destructive behavior in dogs can often be linked to boredom. Many dogs will engage in anything from rambunctious roughhousing to chewing up our clothes and furniture when they’re not physically and mentally stimulated. If your dog doesn’t get enough exercise–both mental and physical–they may try to release their pent-up energy in negative ways. 

Desire for Attention

For some dogs, any attention is desirable, even negative attention. When you notice your dog chewing on something off-limits, your first move is probably to scold them. However this may lead some dogs to double down on negative behavior so they can continue to get your attention, even if it’s to tell them no. 

Medical Issue

Unfortunately, eating non-food items can occasionally be a telltale sign of a digestive issue, parasite, or other medical issue. Consult your veterinarian if you notice this behavior, especially if it came on suddenly.

How to Correct This Negative Behavior

To choose the proper course of action to correct this behavior, you need to understand why they’re engaging in it in the first place. Start keeping a journal detailing the instances when you notice your dog eating non-food items. Be sure to keep notes about whether they’ve eaten their regular meal, what it is they’re consuming, and any additional stimuli or notable behaviors that accompany the instance. Then, you (maybe with the help of your veterinarian) can start getting your dog back on the right track. The following are just a few corrections that may help:

• Ensure your dog regularly gets exercise and mental stimulation. The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on their breed, age, weight, and so on. As a general rule, most dogs need about an hour of exercise a day, with active working breeds requiring much more than that. You should also keep a few puzzle toys on hand for your dog to get some brain training in.

• Get your dog the appropriate toys for heavy chewing. If your dog tends to tear up and consume their toys during play time, ensure you only provide them with toys designed to stand up to heavy chewing. Even the most durable toys can still get torn up with time, so keep a close eye on your dog while they play and dispose of the toy properly as soon as it starts to fall apart. 

• Dog-proof your home. If your dog has a propensity for eating your clothes/shoes/other such objects, remove their access to these objects as much as possible. Set up baby gates as needed. Get trash cans that have lids that firmly close. Put snap locks on your cabinets and drawers where necessary. 

• Try a corrective spray. There are sprays formulated with cayenne pepper or bitter apple that are designed to discourage your dog from chewing. Many dogs get a mouthful of the bad flavor and won’t be tempted to try chewing that object again. 

• Get proper veterinary attention. Discuss your dog’s behavior with your veterinarian and ask them to run appropriate tests to determine if your dog is suffering with a parasite or illness. Be upfront with your vet about the diet you feed your dog so they can determine if you need to add additional nutrients to their diet. 

Pica, or the consumption of non-food items, can seem like a tricky issue to tackle. But with keen observation and veterinary advice, you should be able to improve your dog’s diet and ensure they are only consuming the freshest and healthiest food and treats. 

Brain Training is Not Just for Humans

On October 13, we celebrate National Train Your Brain Day, which promotes the idea that mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise. Have you ever heard the phrase “use it or lose it?” This rings true for our mental acuity just as much as our physical bodies: it’s been proven that our cognitive function is significantly reduced when we don’t challenge our brains on a regular basis. But did you know that brain training is just as important for dogs as it is for humans?

Mental exercises are often overlooked but incredibly important for your dog’s overall wellbeing. Enrichment activities that encourage your dog to develop problem solving and investigation skills can help prevent inappropriate behaviors, strengthen your bond, and just plain tire them out! 

So how exactly do you help your dog exercise their brain? If you’ve never tried before, you may be envisioning a dog college, or at the very least, an incredibly complicated tutoring program. Luckily, many brain training exercises for dogs involve simple sessions that you can set up with objects you already have at your home.

Brain Training for Dogs at Home

Minimal equipment is needed for these fun, at-home training games.

Hide Toys and Treats

Your dog is a natural-born finder. With his incredibly powerful sense of smell, your dog loves the challenge of finding and unearthing treasures. If you don’t want to make a mess by digging up holes in your backyard, you can hide your dog’s favorite toy or a couple of treats around your home. Simply put your dog in a “stay” position and let them watch you bury their squeaky toy between the couch cushions or underneath the coffee table. When you’re done, release them from their “stay” and encourage them to go find the object. After a few rounds of this, you and your dog will be having a great time together!

Make a Dig Pit or a Snuffle Mat

Some dogs just love to dig. This hearkens back to that natural finding ability they carry with them throughout their lives. You can indulge this activity while keeping your flower beds safe by making an in-house dig pit. To do so, simply find a shallow box that’s an appropriate size to accommodate your dog and fill it with soft materials like cut up rags, toilet paper rolls, and other dog-safe items. Hide a treat or two beneath the layers and watch your dog go nuts! You can also use a snuffle mat, which is a mat made of several layers of rug or cloth with several pockets for treats or bits of kibble. These activities are safe and relatively mess-free!

Teach a New Trick

You absolutely can teach an old dog new tricks with patience and preparation! Learning a new trick is the quintessential way to train your dog’s brain, and it can lead to better communication and understanding between you and your dog. Whatever trick you decide to learn, be sure to have plenty of high-value treats on hand to reward good behavior. Also, keep your training session relatively short; spending too much time may cause your dog to become bored and lead to some frustration for everyone involved.

Try a Puzzle Toy

Many innovative and exciting types of puzzle toys have appeared on the pet care scene, especially in recent years. Ranging from simple action-reward toys to more complicated, multi-step challenges, puzzle toys for dogs are readily available at most pet stores and can be fairly affordable based on complexity. Generally speaking, all you need to do is pop a few treats in the proper receptacles and encourage your dog to explore on their own! Even a Kong stuffed with kibble and treats can serve as a simple mental stimulator for your pup.

Brain Training for Dogs Outside

Looking for some brain training opportunities while you’re out and about? These activities are simple and effective.

Socialize Your Dog

Socialization is an incredibly important step in your dog’s upbringing, and it’s also a simple and fun way to train their brain. Best practices for socialization vary greatly based on your dog’s age and stage of development. While puppies and adolescent dogs may be comfortable learning by experience and encountering many new dogs and people at once, adult dogs need a much gentler approach as they may become overwhelmed by unfamiliar situations. Ask your veterinarian for some tips on the best ways to socialize your dog at their current age. No matter which methods you choose, always be sure your dog is in a safe play environment and can exit when they’re done with the activity. 

Mix Up Your Walking Paths

Do you and your dog take the same walking route every day? They may be getting bored of seeing the same landmarks and experiences every time. Simply changing up your walking route is a great way to stimulate your dog’s brain and body at the same time. Aim to take your dog through a wide variety of environments, from your neighborhood sidewalks to dirt roads and even forest trails. We bet your dog will be ready for a nice long nap once you make it back home!

A Healthy Diet Supports a Healthy Brain

A healthy diet can give your dog the energy they need to carry out any brain training challenges you put in front of them. In honor of National Train Your Brain Day, make a commitment to giving your dog mental exercises 3-5 times a week. With so many simple and affordable options available for brain training, there’s no reason not to! As we mentioned above, short sessions are typically preferable to help avoid burnout and exhaustion. Finally, always have some healthy, tasty treats at the ready to reward great behavior. Head over to our online store or meet us at a weekend farmers market to stock up on your dog’s new favorite treats.

We Love Our Weekend Farmers Markets

Every weekend, we set up our tents at three of the most wonderful farmers markets in Central Florida. For us, these market weekends are a treat: we get to be outside in beautiful park settings, meet new people, and offer tasty treat samples to the happy pups that join their parents. We’re lucky to have so many great dog-friendly events in Orlando, and we know that you dog moms and dads feel the same!

As responsible pet parents, it’s important to make sure your dogs are on their best behavior at the farmers’ market to ensure a fun time for all attendees. Here are just a few guidelines to keep in mind before you bring your dogs to the Winter Park, Lake Mary, or Maitland Farmers Markets to stop by our booth.

Be Realistic About Your Dog’s Temperament

A bustling farmers’ market can be a high-stress environment for any dog. There are so many new sights, smells, people, and other dogs to encounter. While we know you want your dog to be included in all the fun, it’s so important to be realistic about your dog’s temperament and manners. Putting your dog in a situation where they’re unable to make the proper responses to a variety of situations can be dangerous for you and for those around you.

At a minimum, make sure your dog is comfortable around strangers, other dogs, and children. Your dog should also know commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “down.” As always, be sure you bring along some high-value treats to reward them for good behavior in new situations.

Make Sure Your Dog’s ID is Visible

The goal in bringing your dog to the farmers’ market with you is to have a great time, not to put them under stress! However, even the best-trained dog may become overwhelmed in a new situation. What’s more, there’s always the possibility that you lose control of the leash when you have a handful of shopping bags. Whatever the situation, you want to make sure that your dog is easily identifiable in case of emergency.

If you don’t already have an ID tag on your dog’s harness or collar, you should get one now. You can also get your dog’s information embroidered on their harness or collar so you can make sure it stays with them at all times. Additionally, if your dog is not already microchipped, now is the time to do it. 

Get the Right Gear

You’ve obviously taken your dog on a walk before, so we’re sure you have a good leash and a collar or harness that fits your dog comfortably and securely. The farmers’ market is not a place to go off-leash, so this equipment is non-negotiable for your outing. We strongly recommend using a standard, non-retractable leash when you’re bringing your dog to high-stress and high-excitement situations like a market. Remember: not everyone at the farmers’ market is there to see dogs, and some vendors (especially food vendors) may not want dogs near their merchandise. To keep everyone comfortable, keep the leash short and make sure your dog doesn’t stray. 

Bring Water and Snacks

Here in Florida, we experience hot daytime temperatures well through the month of October and beyond. Your dog will dehydrate quickly in these conditions, so you need to make sure you have a source of fresh water and a vessel for them to drink from. Additionally, you may want to offer them a few healthy snacks to keep them satiated while you’re away from home. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you have poop bags on hand to clean up any accidents and keep the market looking beautiful.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

It’s important to make sure you keep an eye on anyone who may be approaching your dog - dogs and children alike. While we always hope that people are responsible enough to ask permission before they pet your dog, not everyone knows these rules, and young children are likely to pet a cute puppy at their whim. If you notice someone approaching, put yourself between them and your dog and clearly state what kind of contact your dog is comfortable with, if any. You never want to put yourself or your dog in a position to be a liability.

Responsible Pet Ownership is Good for Everyone

When you follow these common-sense guidelines, you’re making sure that dog-friendly events are safe and fun for everyone. Farmers markets are great places for your dogs to socialize and explore. They’re also the perfect place for your dog to sample some of our tasty, healthy treats! To learn more, send us a message on Facebook or visit our online shop to order your dogs’ favorite food, treats, and bone broth.