What Feeding Method is Best for Your Dogs?

Successful dog parenting involves a lot of schedules and routines. You probably have set potty times, walk times, and sleep times. But as far as feeding times go, some pet parents stick to a regular feeding schedule, while others leave a bowl out for their dogs to munch on as they please. Which of these methods is best for your dog? 

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors. First of all, the type of food you feed your dog determines whether you can leave it out all day or not. Obviously, kibble can stay in the bowl without spoiling while fresh foods need to be eaten when they’re offered. For that reason, pets who eat Pawsitively Pure Dog Food need scheduled feeding times. 

Secondly, the best feeding schedule depends on your availability. If you’re out of your home for work for most of the day, it can be difficult to stick to regimented feeding times. Free-feeding can offer you some peace of mind when you’re away from home since you’ll know your dogs have food when they need it. If you work from home or you have the same schedule every day, scheduled feeding times may work for you. 

For the purposes of this article, we’ll be discussing how to feed your dogs on a schedule and to give them a positive environment in which to enjoy their meals. Scheduled feeding offers a number of health benefits as compared to free-feeding, and it’s the right choice when you have your dog on a raw or gently-cooked diet!

The Benefits of Feeding on a Schedule

According to Dr. Jennifer Coates of PetMD, free feeding is the wrong choice for most dogs. A scheduled meal time can offer all of the following benefits: 

Training Benefits

Dogs love routines. If you start a scheduled feeding routine during puppyhood, you’ll be able to coordinate feeding time and potty time since most puppies tend to need to relieve themselves 10-15 minutes after a meal. This is helpful for pet parents since they’ll be able to take their dogs out before accidents happen, and it’s good for the pets themselves since they’ll learn the right times to relieve themselves. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Weight Control

Dogs who free-feed are more prone to obesity than those on a feeding schedule. In her article, Dr. Coates notes that many dogs tend to continue eating or “snacking” past the point of satiation. Just like humans may reach for a bag of chips when they’re bored, some dogs turn to food as comfort when they’re bored. 

Health Monitoring

A lack of appetite can be a sign of illness. When your dog is good about eating at the same time every day, you’ll be able to tell right away when they’re not in the mood to eat. Sure, you can keep an eye on how much food is left in the bowl when you check, but it’s much easier and safer for your dog if you notice it as soon as it happens. 

How to Create a Feeding Schedule for Your Dogs

When you’re creating your dogs’ feeding schedules, there are a number of factors you should consider. 

How Often Should You Feed?

According to VCA Pet Hospitals, you should feed your pets at least twice a day, for breakfast and for dinner. If you have a puppy at home, you may need to increase that to three times a day since they use lots more energy as they grow and play. Furthermore, as your dog progresses into his senior years, you may find that his feeding needs decrease. Pay close attention to your dogs’ activity levels, their age, and their weight when determining how often to feed.

Where Should You Feed Your Dogs? 

Wherever you decide to feed your dog, you should feed them in the same place every single time. Moving your dog’s food bowls around too often can make them nervous and ruin the routine you’re trying to build. We find it’s best to have a dedicated space in our home where our dogs eat, away from the kitchen but near our living space. Lay down floor mats and give them a nice food and water bowl. 

How Much Should You Put in the Bowl?

For the most part, this answer relates back to the factors you considered when determining how many times per day to feed your dog: their activity levels, their age, and their weight/goal weight. Here at Pawsitively Pure, we’re happy to offer our recommendations for the amount of food you should give your dog at each meal. The most important thing to remember is to feed them the same amount consistently, even if they finish the whole meal. 

Do Treats Count as Feeding? 

Treats should never be used to substitute an entire meal, but treats are an important part of your dog’s complete diet. Keep a tally of how often you treat your dogs during the day; these treats go toward your dogs’ overall calorie count. You should be able to adjust your dog’s feeding needs accordingly. 

Feed Your Dog the Best at Each Meal

For your dog to get the most out of their feeding schedule, you should offer them the most nutritious food available to keep them full during the day. Natural, wholesome foods can help give your dog energy and keep them full for longer. Pawsitively Pure Dog Food offers a complete system of natural dog food, treats, and bone broth to keep your dog satiated and healthy. Head to our online shop to pick your dogs’ favorite flavors today! 

Jackson loves bone broth!

This senior dog is active and healthy at age 14.

January is National Soup Month! Soup is such a versatile meal, packed with nutrients and easy to create according to your favorite flavors and textures. So far this January, we’ve experienced a few chilly days (for Central Florida, anyway), which gives us the perfect opportunity to wrap up in our favorite blankets and enjoy a warm cup of soup. But did you know that a hot bowl of broth can be just as nourishing for your dogs, too? 

Bone broth has been a trending topic in the nutritional world for dogs and humans alike. Slightly different from your average soup stock, bone broth is made by simmering animal bones for a long period of time, releasing collagen and other beneficial nutrients from the bones over time. The result is a thicker, savory broth that offers a long list of nutritional benefits for humans and their canine companions. 

A quick note about choosing broth for dogs

As tempting as it may be to serve your dog the same tasty broth you enjoy, it’s important that you select a bone broth that’s been specifically formulated for your dogs. Often, bone broth for humans includes flavor-enhancing ingredients like onions, garlic, and salt that can cause stomach upset and other issues in dogs. We believe that dogs should receive wholesome nutrition with real ingredients – but not all ingredients are appropriate for dogs!

Common health issues for senior dogs

As our dogs age, we notice them slowing down. After a long, active life, your dog’s internal systems don’t perform like they did when they were puppies. Maybe they don’t play outside or get the zoomies as often, and they definitely take more naps. You may notice that they have increased occurrences of stomach issues, and sometimes they may even lose their appetites. It’s a fact of life; but aging doesn’t have to keep your dog from living out their golden years in good health and happiness. 

A huge part of your dog’s overall wellness is their diet. With natural, wholesome ingredients and minimal fillers, your dog will experience less pain and inflammation, better mental acuity, and more energy. Bone broth is a wonderful and easy-to-administer part of a healthy diet for a senior dog. Read on to learn about some of the benefits. 

Bone broth combats inflammation

Over time, all active dogs experience some cartilage loss. As the cartilage between joints and bones wears thin, the bones often start rubbing against each other, causing painful inflammation. This type of inflammation can also present itself as arthritis and is particularly prevalent in dogs who have had an injury at some point in their lives. 

Bone broth is chock full of gelatin and collagen, as we mentioned before. Regular consumption of nutritional collagen can in turn increase the amount of collagen in the body, which supports the cartilage and helps keep those joints moving smoothly and with less pain. With bone broth, your dog should be able to enjoy regular activity without increased stress from pain. 

Bone broth is good for tummies

Many people experience decreased appetite in their senior years; the same is true for dogs. Their metabolism slows down and they may be experiencing inflammation and pain that keep them from wanting to eat. If your dog is showing signs of decreased appetite, especially if it’s a drastic change, be sure to consult with your vet to take the appropriate action.

Bone broth contains glycine, an amino acid that specifically helps build new tissues in your dog’s digestive tract. In a nutshell, glycine can help repair any problem areas in your dog’s stomach and intestines to make eating enjoyable again. 

As a bonus, bone broth doesn’t require any chewing. A dog that’s not hungry may still be game to lap at a bowl of broth, keeping them hydrated and ensuring they get healthy nutrients in their systems when they don’t feel like snacking. 

Bone broth supports your dog’s immune system

Your dog isn’t producing as many antibodies in their senior years, which means that they may be more prone to infections and illness. Think about it: even older dogs spend most of their days sniffing, exploring, and maybe even mouthing new objects to learn about them. All that close contact with the outside world can leave them vulnerable to sickness. 

The many amino acids in bone broth provide support to your dog’s immune system, boosting the metabolism, liver, and more, so that they’re better able to fight off infections and pathogens they may encounter in their daily lives. 

Where to find the right bone broth for your dogs

The bone broth you choose for your dogs should have nothing but the good stuff with no fillers or additives! Pawsitively Pure bone broth is made with nothing but the ingredients that come from beef or chicken bones simmered overnight, so your dog gets lots of collagen and amino acids without any ingredients that can irritate their stomachs. Head to our online shop or find us at one of our weekend markets to take some home today!

November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month

There’s nothing more heartwarming than watching a senior dog live out his golden years in peace and contentment. By the time your dog is considered a senior, he’s done miles worth of zoomies around the yard; he’s tried a vast array of toys and treats and has definitely picked a favorite; he’s made a few friends and established a routine with them. In their senior years, dogs are usually a little more gentle and reserved than they were in puppyhood, but they still start every day ready to shower you with unconditional love. 

While it’s an incredible journey to watch dogs grow and change from their juvenile years all the way through elder adulthood, there’s still so much to gain by inviting an already-senior dog into your home. Unfortunately, senior dogs are often overlooked at shelters. According to the ASPCA, senior dogs have a 25% adoption rate compared to the 60% adoption rate of younger dogs and puppies. Many adopters are afraid to open their hearts to an animal that may not stay around as long. Others also may be concerned about the additional care they need to give their senior dogs. 

The truth is, though, that senior dogs fill every day with love and kindness so you can make the most of your time together, and additional care considerations usually don’t add much more to your daily routine. Besides, we’d do anything for the dogs we love without batting an eye! If you’re preparing to welcome a senior dog to your home, read on for our tips to keep them happy and comfortable.

Senior Dog Care Tips

Just like humans may need to do things a little differently as they age, your dog may need some minor changes to their routine to help keep them safe, comfortable, and happy. Here are some easy tips to try for your senior dog: 

Make food easier to reach

Carefully consider your dog’s mobility when you establish their eating station. Many senior dog owners use raised food and water bowls for their dogs so that they don’t have to bend or strain to reach it. Your dog may also be a messier eater as they age, so be sure to set out a few extra mats to catch any crumbs or dribbles. 

Help them get from place to place

Stairs can be difficult to conquer for dogs with sore joints and arthritis. Plenty of pet supply companies offer ramps to help your dog reach elevated places -- beds, couches, cars, and beyond -- without issue. Make sure you choose a non-slip ramp to give them extra grip, especially if you’re using the ramp outside in rainy or snowy weather. It’s also a great idea to use a few non-slip ramps in tiled areas of your home to help prevent slip and fall accidents. 

Use a mobility-assisting harness

Did you know that there are special harnesses to aid your senior dog’s mobility? Specialized harnesses for seniors usually have straps or handles so you can help your dog get up and stand if they usually struggle. They can even be custom made to assist the front or hind legs separately, so you can properly address your dog’s unique mobility needs. Even if your dog only occasionally needs assistance, harnesses like these can take all the stress and struggle out of the situation. 

Relocate their headquarters

Speaking of mobility assistance, going up and down stairs on a daily basis may no longer be reasonable for your aging dog. Relocate your dog’s “headquarters,” a.k.a. their sleeping and eating space, to the ground floor of your home so they don’t have to struggle to get to their home base. If your dog is used to sleeping in your upstairs room, it may be an adjustment for both of you to sleep apart, so take time acclimating them to their new surroundings. 

Keep them clean and dry

Incontinence can become an issue for senior dogs. If your dog is left unclean after they have an accident, they become susceptible to a number of infections that can seriously impact their overall health. Use diapers for senior dogs if regular incontinence is an issue; they help wick away moisture and keep them dry and comfortable. You can also set up a spot for potty pads if they occasionally have issues getting outside on time. 

The Love of a Senior Dog is Priceless

If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, we can’t stress enough how much our senior dogs have improved our lives. When you adopt a senior dog, you’re opening yourself to gentle companionship and unwavering love; you’ll have a friend who will make a lifelong impact on you. Give a senior dog a chance!

Our dog food and bone broth is perfect for senior dogs and has nutrients that benefit their muscles, joints, skin and coat, and more. Order Pawsitively Pure Dog Food today!

Kibble Just Can’t Compete

We know you’ve heard of kibble, and you’ve probably heard of the raw feeding diet by now -- but have you ever heard of gently cooked dog food? Human-grade gently cooked meals, like the ones we prepare with love at Pawsitively Pure, offer a whole host of health benefits you just can’t get from feeding mass-produced kibble. Ready to learn more? Follow along with our infographic and we’ll break it down for you!

Infographic describing the benefits of gently cooked human-grade dog food

Fewer Carbs Helps Weight Management

One of the most notable benefits of switching to a gently cooked diet is fewer carbs and fillers. Our wholesome, tasty food is formulated with whole proteins and vegetables -- no unnecessary fillers in here! According to Whole Dog Journal, dogs don’t need large amounts of carbohydrates in their diets to lead healthy lives; in fact, the fewer carbs, the better! And yet, many commercial kibble brands are formulated with 30 to 70% carbohydrates. 

While carbs do grant lots of energy, an abundance of carbohydrates and sugars can lead to weight gain, especially in dogs with reduced energy and activity levels. Healthy, protein-forward meals can make it easier to maintain healthy weight and is more appropriate for the average dog’s activity levels!

Healthier Teeth and Gums

Speaking of carbs and sugars, too much sugar does a number on your dog’s teeth and gums. Obviously, you know it does the same for humans, too! Especially if you’re not regularly brushing your dog’s teeth, carb-loaded kibble can speed up your dog’s tooth decay and cause overall health issues in the future. Skip the carbs and reveal your dog’s beautiful pearly whites (and don’t forget to brush their teeth, while you’re at it!)

Healthy Skin and Shiny Coat

Feeding a human-grade diet offers healthy benefits for so many more of your dog’s systems, too! One thing most pet parents notice after switching to a gently cooked diet is healthier skin and a shinier coat. Natural proteins are the building blocks of healthy skin! Why is this important? Healthy skin is your dog’s first defense against parasites that carry disease and infection, like fleas and ticks. When your dog has healthy skin, they’ll be comfortable and more protected overall. 

Easier Digestion

What’s more, dogs have sensitive digestive systems. Healthy proteins are easy for your dogs to digest and extract nutrition from! Many commercially produced dog foods include meat byproducts that take a lot more to digest rather than wholesome muscle proteins. We use whole proteins, like chicken, turkey, and beef, to create our human-grade foods. 

Feed Them Like Family!

All dogs deserve the best of the best, because they truly make our lives better! Our goal is to provide your dogs with gently cooked, nutritious meals that will improve their quality of life and allow them to spend plenty of happy days with you. We hope you’ll try a gently cooked diet for your dogs and discover the difference for yourself! Take a look at our blog on transitioning your dog from kibble to a natural diet. You can find Pawsitively Pure’s food, treats, and bone broth at our online shop!

Welcoming any dog into your home is a fun and exciting experience for everyone involved. Getting to know your dog’s personality, their likes and dislikes, and watching them learn and play by your side is incredibly rewarding. For many families, the idea of picking out the perfect puppy and watching it grow up alongside their children sounds like a dream come true. And while we agree that puppies are nothing short of wonderful, we’re here to tell you that old dogs are pretty amazing, too!

Senior dogs are often overlooked at animal shelters. According to the ASPCA, senior dogs have an adoption rate of 25% compared to the 60% adoption rate of younger dogs and puppies. But the love and warmth a senior dog can bring to your home is second to none! Here are just a few of the perks of rescuing a senior dog from your local shelter. 

Acclimation is Easier

For the most part, senior dogs at the animal shelter have already experienced life with a family, so they have a general idea of how to behave indoors. You’ll probably also find that your senior dog has received some basic training, so you should be able to skip the potty training process and other puppy skills that take lots of time and effort to learn. In general, a senior dog will come with some life experience, so you can spend more time getting to know them and having fun. 

What You See is What You Get

Puppies are like children. They develop their personality traits and quirks over time, with some influence coming from the people around them. With senior dogs, you’ll know their personalities right off the bat, so you don’t have to prepare for any surprises down the road. Of course, your selected dog may display some nervous behavior while you’re interacting with them at the shelter, but shelter staff should be able to tell you all they’ve learned about your dog’s personality during their time together. 

This is not to say that old dogs can’t learn new tricks -- training new skills is a great activity for dogs at any age! But knowing your dogs’ personalities from your first meeting can help you make the right decisions regarding their care and enrichment. 

Enjoy Lots of Relaxation

Even with the most meticulous dog-proofing, puppies seem to manage to get into everything. Their incessant energy and mischievous nature while learning what’s good and what’s bad can be a lot to manage. You can expect to form your schedule around your new puppy’s needs, and you may even find yourself waking up in the middle of the night thanks to your newly developed sixth sense that tells you when puppy is getting into trouble. 

Senior dogs, however, take a more relaxed approach to life. Of course, every dog benefits from regular exercise and physical activity, and there’s a good chance you’ll find your senior dog is still spry when he gets situated in your home. But you’ll find your senior dog loves to relax, too! When you bring a senior dog home, you’re gaining a new snuggle buddy who is happy just to curl up on a blanket and watch Netflix with you. 

All Dogs Deserve Loving Homes

At every age, dogs bring light and joy into our lives. From those learning moments with puppies to the quiet times snuggling up with senior dogs, we love every moment we get to share with our dogs. If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, keep an open mind and consider bringing a senior dog into your home. 

Every dog deserves a wholesome diet that supports them at every stage of their life. Choose the perfect Pawsitively Pure dog food and treats for your pup on our website.