With grain, or without grain? For pet owners around the world, that is the question when it comes to choosing the right diet for their pups. Many owners are concerned that commercial dog food brands use wheat and corn byproducts as a filler, giving their dogs less nutrients per tasty bite of food. However, grains are an important part of a balanced diet for every dog, as they provide critical vitamins, minerals, and fiber to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Here at Pawsitively Pure, we like to find the right ingredients for every dog’s diet. One of our treat flavors, blueberry and oats, prominently features oats in the recipe. Here are a few reasons why oats are a healthy grain to include in your dog’s diet:

• Proteins are higher in proteins and fats than other types of grains. Proteins and fats are extremely important to your dog’s diet. They’re what help give your dog its energy levels, a shiny coat, healthy skin, and more. Adding in a grain that gives your dog an extra boost of those healthy fats to keep them happy!

• If your dog does have a gluten sensitivity, oats are a good alternative grain to add to their diet. Oats still pack the punch of fiber your dog needs to keep their gut healthy. Currently, oats do not undergo any genetic modification or engineering. Furthermore, oats that haven’t been processed with grains like wheat, barley, and rye, are completely gluten free.

• Oats are packed with vitamins and minerals. Take a look at the health benefits of oats and you’ll see a long list of important vitamins and minerals, like zinc, iron, selenium, vitamin B, and vitamin E. The best way to get your nutrition - or for your dog to get their nutrition - is to get it through whole foods rather than supplements.

Any dog will benefit from a diet that’s high in protein and lower in carbohydrates, so we don’t recommend that you make up large portions of your dog’s diet with oats. However, in moderation, oats can be a healthy snack or a great addition to daily meals. Try our blueberry and oat dog treats and we know your pup will love them! To learn more, send us a message or browse through our products.

If your dog is anything like our dogs, they go nuts when you pull out a jar of peanut butter. Dogs everywhere love a mouthful of the sweet, salty treat, giving us plenty of entertainment as they attempt to get every last morsel off the roofs of their mouths. However, peanut butter has been a somewhat controversial treat for dogs lately, with many decrying its unhealthiness for pets. Is peanut butter a good treat for your dog?

The short answer: yes, with some stipulations. We love peanut butter as a fun snack for our pups, and it’s a key ingredient in our peanut butter pumpkin dog treats! It’s an “interactive” treat, especially if you stuff a Kong toy with a little PB and some crunchy nuggets. It’s also a great way to get your dogs to take their pills. Here are the things you need to look out for when using peanut butter as a treat:

• Peanut butter brands labeled “all natural” might not be the best choice for your pup. Often, all-natural or sugar-free peanut butter contains xylitol, a sugar substitute that’s unsafe for dogs. Real sugar is best when feeding your pup. Better still, places like Whole Foods allow you to grind your own peanut butter from fresh peanuts with no additives! We use only fresh, natural peanut butter for our dog treats - no xylitol.

• Feed it to your dogs sparingly, just like you would with any other treat! Peanut butter has plenty of protein and good fats, but too much of it can lead to obesity and pancreatitis. Give peanut butter to your dog in moderation - as an ingredient in a biscuit, or just a fingerful large enough to tuck your dog’s pills in.

• Make sure your dog doesn’t have food allergies. Dogs don’t get peanut allergies the way humans do, but there’s always the chance that a foreign ingredient will cause some tummy upset. If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, almond and cashew butters are good alternatives that are just as safe for your dogs. If you choose these alternatives, be sure you read the ingredient list to check what sweeteners they use.

At Pawsitively Pure Dog Food, we’re dedicated to using the highest-quality, ethically sourced ingredients for all of our dog treats and foods. We want your dogs to live their healthiest lives ever! We offer free doorstep delivery to pet parents in the Orlando area. Browse through our shop today and get your dog started on a healthy diet.

If you’ve kept up with our blog, or you’re big into dog health issues, you probably know that one of the most important components of your dog’s diet is protein. It’s important to note that not all protein sources are equal. Some proteins, like eggs, deliver a lot of protein in a small package, but also have increased cholesterol compared to other sources. Other proteins, like beef and chicken, are not necessarily responsibly sourced, preventing you from giving your dog the best quality protein available.

Lamb has become increasingly popular in dog food over the last few years, both in dry food options and in whole, natural food choices. Here’s why people are turning to lamb as the main source of protein for their dogs:

• It doesn’t trigger food allergies. Many people believe that grain is the top source of food allergies for dogs, when in reality, protein sources are more likely to trigger allergic reactions. In studies, lamb was far less likely to cause dogs to have an allergic reaction than sources like beef and chicken. Lamb is considered hypoallergenic and is just as delicious as other meats for your dog.

• It’s packed with nutrients beyond protein. Lamb has shown higher concentration of key minerals like calcium than other similar proteins. It’s also a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids, like the kind you would usually source from fish oils. In addition, responsibly-sourced lamb is high in zinc, which is great for your dog’s metabolism. Overall, lamb is a great meat for healthy bones, skin, and hair!

• Lamb is considered a complete protein, meaning that it contains all the available amino acids. In the case of incomplete proteins, much of the material isn’t used efficiently and is cast off as a waste product. The presence of all amino acids, however, aids in the delivery of nutrients to the right system and the more complete absorption of proteins, meaning your dog gets a huge nutritional punch from lamb.

As always, consult with your veterinarian before switching your dog’s food. A lamb-based food may be a great choice if you find your dog suffers from allergies. Keep an eye on our shop for our new lamb dog food, coming soon! To order your first set of food or treats, take a look at our store.

It looks like fall is officially here! Everywhere, we’re seeing people and businesses trade in their beach towels and sunscreen for pumpkin spice lattes and scarves. Well - maybe not scarves here in Florida, but it’s undeniable that the air is starting to get a little more crisp, and the days are getting shorter. As October approaches, we’re getting ready for the holiday season to begins.

You may not have realized that a holiday staple for many is also a great source of nutrition for your dog! Pumpkin is one of the main ingredients in our peanut butter and pumpkin dog treats, and it’s not just the tasty flavor that pups love. Here are just a few ways your dog can benefit from a little pumpkin:

• It’s great for upset tummies. If your dog has ever had an upset stomach, your veterinarian may have recommended you to feed them some pumpkin puree from the can. Pumpkin is a particularly effective ingredient for dogs who have sensitive stomachs, making it a great addition for any dog who is transitioning from kibble to a raw diet.

• It’s full of fiber. Pumpkin is a miracle food for dogs, as it treats both diarrhea or upset and constipation. Pumpkin is full of fiber - nearly three grams per cup of puree. Substituting part of your dog’s diet with pumpkin is a great way to help them lose weight while still providing them with all the nutrients they need to live healthy lives.

• It’s an important source of beta-carotene. You may have heard of the benefits of beta carotene in your own diet; provided by foods like carrots, sweet potato, and spinach, it supports healthy vision and works as an antioxidant. The great news is that it does the same for your pup! Supporting healthy vision is so important for active dogs who like to spend time outside.

Introducing a small amount of pumpkin to your dog’s daily diet is a tasty way to help them get all the nutrients they need to live healthy lives. It’s a good addition whether they’re eating kibble or living on a natural food diet! Order some of our peanut butter and pumpkin treats and see the difference for yourself. Visit our website to learn more.

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.