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Tips for Feeding Dogs Thanksgiving Leftovers

The Holidays are a great time to get the family together to share a festive meal. The aromas wafting around your kitchen are a huge enticement for your dog. As you load dish after dish onto the table, the smell of delicious turkey and pumpkin pie can make even our best behaved pets go into a food frenzy.

Thanksgiving for Dogs

Everyone likes to indulge during the holidays, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Even the most strict pet owners aren’t able to resist giving their four-legged friends some food. Which is why it’s good to know the appropriate and healthy treats for our four-legged babies. Responsible pet owners should want to use good pet care to keep their dog from getting sick. Veterinarians see a spike in pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and other gastrointestinal cases around Thanksgiving. Monitoring what your dog eats will keep them in good shape this holiday season.

It’s not secret that many human food ingredients are toxic to dogs. If you give your dog food that is too high in fat, toxic, or has indigestible carbohydrates, this can be very harmful. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of coordination are signs of a more severe health issue. However don’t worry, this article details the types of food that are safe for your dog and the types that you should keep them away from.

Tips to Keep Dogs Healthy and Happy

Keep your portions small and limit the introduction of new foods. Abrupt dietary changes can be unsafe on a dogs digestive tract. Small portions help curb the possibility of danger. If a toxic ingredient is present in the food you give them, a smaller dose will help their chances of not getting sick. Some dog breeds are more prone to stomach issues, Shelties are especially vulnerable. If your dog has a sensitive stomach please use precaution.

Watch out for known common cooking ingredients that have been found toxic in dogs. Garlic, onions, and cilantro are very harmful to dogs. Also foods that are rich–high in fatty content are also not easily digested. Butter, sour cream, and bacon are often overly rich for a dog to eat. Consumption of foods like these will cause digestive irregularities and are not part of well balanced pet care diet.

Removing any temptation is also useful for your dog in the long run. Even for the most well-behaved dogs won’t be able to control their temptation when they see a juicy turkey inches away from their nose. Make sure to push all dishes toward the middle of the table. This will curb bad behaviors like begging and scrap-stealing. It might also be a good idea to put your dog in another room, or use a doggie gate while you cook and eat.

Turkey

Small portions of turkey are okay. Turkey is a protein, and in small doses will be fine for your dog. But if you decided to fry your turkey this year, you might want to reconsider. Frying a turkey drives the fat content up, which can be unhealthy for your pup.

Pet owners should remove the skin and bones before putting turkey into a dog bowl.

Potatoes

Potatoes are also usually okay in small servings. One or two bites of potato for your dog won’t hurt them. Many premium dog foods are replacing whole grains with potatoes as a fibrous substitute. If your recipe calls for lots of butter, cheese, sour cream, or bacon, you might want to consider using this dish as a treat. Give your dog a few bites before adding the toppings.

Yams or Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are nutritious treat for your dog, however they’re best served raw. If you add butter, brown sugar, or marshmallows, don’t let your dog have any. Be especially careful of ‘sugar free’ foods. Sugar free foods can potentially contain xylitol.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. The chemical is also common in sugar free gum, and some peanut butters.

Don’t have the time to make sweet potatoes for your dog? Try the Southern Sweet Potato flavor of our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats!

Green Beans

thanksgiving tips for dogs

These veggies are great for healthy low calorie snack. Green beans are high in vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin B. They also contain high amounts of minerals like calcium and iron. For your dog they’re best served raw without butter or fried onion toppings. Especially the onions, these are terribly bad for pet care diets.

Carrots

Carrots are also ‘all good’ for dogs. Bite sized cooked portions without the sugary glaze and butter are the most ideal. Carrots are certainly nutrient rich, but will need to be cooked so your dog can properly digest them.

Carrots contain beta-carotene–an antioxidant and precursor to Vitamin K. The green veggies are a great side for your dog’s Thanksgiving Dinner.

Bread Rolls

Bread is one of those treats that isn’t necessarily good or bad for your dog. Dogs can metabolize some carbohydrates as long as it’s served in small portions.

Since it’s Thanksgiving the exception can be made. Although plain turkey or vegetables are probably the better option.

Hidden Spices Can Make Your Dog Sick

Pumpkin is a great treat for dogs. It’s delicious, nutritious, and can be served as a puree or frozen cube. Unfortunately, when it comes to Thanksgiving pumpkin, many of the canned brands and pie fillings come with hidden spices like ginger. While a little bit of these roots and spices won’t kill your dog, giving them just a little could give them an upset stomach and giving them a lot could cause graver health problems. If you plan to feed your dog pumpkin as dog food this Thanksgiving, try to keep it as plain as possible.

Don’t have the time to make your Pumpkin pie dog friendly? Try the Pumpkin Patch flavor of our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats!

Only the Best Part of the Turkey as Dog Food

Turkey is an excellent source of protein for people and for dogs. In fact, it’s such a great source that it is often used as a main ingredient for some of the best dog food on the market. If you’re planning to share the turkey with your pet this holiday season, try to keep it purely white. The darker meat can have higher levels of fat that are less healthy and harder for your dogs stomach to process. On another note, do not give your dog turkey bones. While there is the good ol’ image of a pet happily chewing away at their bone after a big meal, turkey bones can be filled with splinters that may cause internal bleeding if swallowed.

Green Beans and Potatoes

Green beans and potatoes are more great items to give your pet as dog food. However, they are also much better for your dog if they are kept in a purer form. If you plan to share the greens and potatoes with your dog, make them as plain as possible. Do not serve your dog green bean casserole in the final product as the cream and onions are bad for dog stomachs. Mashed potatoes often have butter, sour cream, and milk in them, along with various spices that are not good for pet health.

Alcohol and Sugar is Never Okay

thanksgiving tips for dogs

From the funny videos and memes on the internet, to making it big on America’s Funniest Home Videos, when a party erupts, many partygoers may think that a drunk dog is a funny dog. However, alcohol is something that your dog should never have in their clutches. It can cause incredible sickness which can become more severe with higher volumes of alcohol. By the same token, as much as we love the sweet pecan pie or Thanksgiving cookies, dogs must avoid sugar and fake sugar substitutes at all times. Instead of giving your dog human treats, why not cook up some special doggie biscuits that are not only tasty, but healthy dog food.

Don’t have the time to make these treats? Try the PB N’ Jelly Crunch Flavor of our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats!

Have a Great Thanksgiving!

From all of your friends at Splash and Dash, we want to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with loads of leftovers!

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Homemade Dog Food Recipes

It’s important to follow homemade dog food recipes exactly as they are instructed. Please do not attempt to substitute ingredients as you might for yourself or your family. Dogs have different nutritional needs than humans do. It’s important to cook all animal products thoroughly to kill all harmful bacteria. Thoroughly cooking all grains, beans, and starchy vegetables will make the food easier for your dog to digest. Make sure to watch out for these foods that can harm your dog.

All of us at Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique want the very best for your pup.homemade dog food natural

Why make homemade dog food?

One of the most beneficial parts about making your own dog food is the comfort in knowing exactly what your dog is eating. Dogs are apart of the family, they should be treated like family. You wouldn’t want anyone in your family eating harmful food, why would you let your dog?

The truth is, dog food isn’t well regulated. Feeding your pooch commercial dog food consistently results in massive recalls, sick pets (or worse), and even potentially increasing food allergies from the dog’s commercial brand food. Also, there is no one size fits all type of food for a dog, they come in many shapes and sizes and need to be fed accordingly.

Commercial dog foods make use of non-human grade food ingredients. If you look at a common dog food product’s label, you’ll notice ingredients such as meat protein which actually include parts of an animal which you would never eat yourself.

The problem with feed-grade dog food is that they often contain organ meats such as feathers, hooves, entrails, and other animal by-products. The worst thing about these feed-grade ingredients is that the FDA actually allows animals that have died by causes, such as ailments and diseases, to be included in dog foods. Dogs can’t just eat anything that is put on their plate, they need a healthy diet just like humans do.

homemade dog food natural

Dog Nutrition

Making homemade dog food and homemade dog treats may sound like a daunting task at first, however after going through this guide you’ll realize how easy of a task it can be after educating yourself further. Just like we have the food pyramid showing us the specific food groups and guidelines we should follow, there is an entirely different food pyramid required for dogs to get the correct nutrients they need to be healthy pups.

Depending on how much time you’re willing to commit, homemade dog food can completely substitute any other type of supplements, while still feeding them all the nutrients they need to be healthy dogs.

The basic nutrients needed for a healthy dog are:

  • Protein (Basic building blocks for cells, organs, and are essential for growth)
  • Fats (The most concentrated form of food energy)
  • Water (Essential to life, water accounts for 65-70% of an adult dogs body weight)
  • Carbohydrates (No minimum requirement for carbs, however glucose is needed to supply energy to critical organs such as the brain.)
  • Vitamins (Tiny amounts of vitamins are necessary in dogs for normal metabolic functioning)
  • Minerals (Nutrients that cannot be synthesized by animals and must be provided in the diet)

natural dog food homemade

Artificial preservatives in commercial pet foods

Commercial pet food products contain ingredients that you can’t pronounce just so that they can artificially preserve their dog food for as long as possible to ensure minimal loss of profits. There are many dangers with processed dog food, one of the main ingredients found is propylene glycol, which is used to maintain moisture (also a chemical used in car anti-freeze).

This type of practice may be good for their bottom dollar, but it can be very harmful for your dog. The truth is that the slow accumulation of these toxins will eventually lead to serious damage on your dog’s kidneys, liver, and heart.

All of us at Splash and Dash believe dogs should be fed the very best, they are family after all. Which is why we only use 7 Human-Grade Ingredients or less in our Keepin’ It Simple dog treats.

All of our treats are sourced in the USA and USDA approved.

Dog Recipes that We Love

Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

Looking for a doggie digestive aid? Pumpkin is easy on sour stomachs and can help alleviate your dog’s digestive issues. These homemade dog biscuits are a great way to introduce an all-natural tummy aid into your pup’s diet.

Ingredients

1/3 cup extremely cold water

2/3 cup pumpkin puree (canned or home-made)

2 cups whole grain brown rice flour

1 large egg (you can omit this if your dog is allergic to eggs)

2 1/2 tablespoonful flax-seed oil or olive oil

Total: Makes approx. 24 1 oz balls (or 24 fluid ounces)

pumpkin dog bisquits homemade

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 320 – 350 degrees.
  • Use two baking sheets and baking paper to avoid sticking.
  • Mix lightly beaten egg and pumpkin in a separate container until smooth. If you don’t want to use egg then just smooth the pumpkin puree separately and proceed to the next step.
  • In a larger bowl, combine flax-seed oil and brown rice flour.
  • With constant stirring, add the pumpkin mixture to the rice mixture and slowly add water. Be sure to leave some of the rice to be used as some sort of toppings for the cookies.
  • Hand mix the ingredients thoroughly.
  • Using two pieces of baking or waxed paper, roll dough out to desired thickness.
  • Remove the top baking paper.
  • Evenly pour rice flour onto the top of the dough and lightly press it to the waxed baking paper.
  • Remove the paper and cut to desired sizes.
  • Place in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is completely dry.
  • Cool and store in a dry plastic or glass container until ready to be served.

Don’t have the time to make these treats? Try the Pumpkin Patch flavor of our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats!

Frozen Banana Treats

After a long walk in the hot sun, what pooch wouldn’t want a refreshing treat? We absolutely love this simple recipe – yogurt, banana and peanut butter. It’s a frozen smoothie for your dog. Need we say more?

Ingredients

4 cups plain yogurt

2 tablespoons peanut butter

3 bananas, ripe, peeled & mashed

Total: Makes approx. 8 1 oz treats

frozen banana dog treat

Directions

  • Blend all ingredients together into a puree.
  • Pour into 4-ounce plastic cups (ice trays or toddler popsicle trays work well).
  • Freeze until firm.
  • Can be kept in freezer for up to two week

Don’t have the time to make these treats? Try the PB N’ Jelly Crunch Flavor of our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats!

Don’t Forget the Fruits & Veggies

While your dog doesn’t need to choke down a big salad everyday, it’s still vital to their health to eat a few well-chosen veggies. We recommend using a wide variety of frozen vegetables because it’s the easiest and most economical way for me to make sure your pups are eating their vegetables. (Veggies for dogs = fiber for healthy poops and fat-soluble vitamins.)

We recommend buying frozen California Medley veggies (carrots, cauliflower, broccoli). Three 12-ounce bags is the perfect amount for this homemade dog food recipe.

If you can’t find the California Medley or you want to mix it up a bit, combine any or all of these vegetables, either fresh or frozen, to equal 5 cups:

  • zucchini
  • green beans
  • broccoli
  • cauliflower
  • carrots
  • cucumbers
  • celery
  • cabbage

Fruits contain vitamins, antioxidants, and valuable fiber for our pups. So we recommend 12 ounces (or 1-1/2 cups) to each batch of food. You can choose one of the following, fresh or frozen, and stir it in after cooking:

  • blueberries
  • diced apple (but not the seeds)
  • banana

dog food keepin it clean natural

Although less common, these fruits are also acceptable add-ins for your homemade dog food:

  • fresh pineapple (with all spines and skin removed)
  • mango (without the pit)
  • watermelon (rind and seeds removed)
  • peaches (pit removed)
  • strawberries
  • raspberries

*Do NOT Add These Foods To Your Homemade Dog Food*

  • grapes
  • raisins
  • cherries
  • avocado
  • anything with chocolate or cacao
  • onions or leeks
  • anything with xylitol
  • macadamia nuts
  • garlic (unless directed by your vet)
  • brewer’s yeast
  • raw bread dough

For the most natural dog products visit Splash and Dash, every dog treat is sourced in the USA with 7 human-grade ingredients or less.

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Your Dog Deserves All Natural Food

What is the Best All Natural Dog Food?

We at Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique want to preface this article by explaining that all dogs are unique. Some dogs have obesity issues, some need extra protection for their teeth, or even food allergies. Researching the best all natural dog food is a collaborative effort. Take the time to discuss with specialists what specific nutrients your dog’s needs. If you have a dog with any diet peculiarities, please consult your vet before switching diets, or deciding what to feed your new puppy.

With this said, finding the best diet option can be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your dog. The best all natural dog food should be packed with protein for building and repairing muscles, glucosamine & chondroitin for joint health, and fatty acids to keep their coats nice and shiny. Providing great food gives your dog a much higher quality of life. In the past few years, we’ve also become more aware of the things you don’t want in your dog’s food.

Look out for:

  • Artificial Chemicals & Colors
  • Chemical Preservatives
  • Synthetic Byproducts
  • Antibiotics
  • Exposure to Pesticides/Herbicides
  • Filler Foods like Sugar or Corn Syrup
  • GMOs

It’s important for pet parents to be able to read a dog food label to know exactly what’s in the treats and food you’re feeding your dog. The good news is, as more people become aware and the demand to provide the best all natural dog food becomes more prevalent, pet food makers are developing healthier formulas every day. This article will walk you through how to make the best selection for your dog.

The Rotational Diet

We’re big fans of the rotational diet and we use this method on our own dogs at home. The rotational diet is based on the science that dogs need variance in their diet. Feeding a combination of dry, wet, fresh, and raw foods is one of the best ways to ensure that your dog gets adequate nutrients.

Most veterinarians agree that feeding a dog a completely raw food diet is the best way to provide nutrients. But we, as dog owners, know this is not always practical for pet parents’ budget, effort, and time. The diversity of a rational diet allows your dog to get most out of their food without breaking your budget and spending hours of prep time each week. Pups who are picky eaters also love the rotational diet because it’s not the same flavor day in and day out.

Using the four elements, you can get your dog on a schedule providing different parts of the rotational diet for each meal. One meal can be the best all natural dry kibble food and a grain-free canned meal for dinner. Fresh meals consist of prepared vegetables and meats without fillers or byproducts which are minimally processed and make excellent snacks. These are known as the ‘scraps.’ Finally, every once in awhile, give your dog a completely raw protein-rich meal. Because dogs have a different anatomy than humans, veterinarians advise that a dog needs one gram per pound of their ideal body weight per day.

Canned Vs. Wet Food

If you choose to opt out of a rotational diet, there is still the decision of getting canned or wet food. Before World War II, all dog food was actually canned. In an effort to ration metal for the war, the U.S. government mandated that pet food was a non-essential. The shortage of metal pushed pet food companies to figure out another way to store and distribute. These companies quickly learned to process the food into kibble by ‘baking it’ and storing the food in bags. After the war, many pet parents loved the convenience of dry bagged dog food and the temporary fix became an industry standard.

The issue with dry food is that many brands contain unhealthy fillers that provide zero nutrients for your dog with unnecessary calories. The calorie-dense kibble food is one of the leading reasons for doggie obesity. Most kibbles have been processed. Moisture is extruded by a machine using thermal pressure during the manufacturing process. This means that it cannot be reconstituted by adding water. Kibble food will never return to its natural form. Many also argue that dogs do not receive enough hydration from dry food and need moisturized canned food to sustain themselves.

Canned food is not only typically much more expensive but it can worsen a dog’s oral hygiene. Wet foods stick between a dog’s gums and teeth and there is less chewing involved. The mechanical action of chewing naturally scrapes plaque away from a dog’s teeth. Larger kibble foods promote this chewing. Canned food will also spoil quickly. It needs to be covered and refrigerated after opening or it will need to thrown away. If you have a dog with long fur around their snout, eating wet can food can get messy.

Deciding which to use—canned or kibble—is more of a question of economics. If you choose the best all natural dog food then using kibble will be more than fine. If you have a toy breed that eats small portions, canned food might meet their needs equivalently.

It’s more about the quality of the food than anything else!

Top Five Dog Foods

  1. Nature’s Variety Instinct

Instinct is made using all natural ingredients with no preservatives and artificial chemicals. Using cold pressure technology, Instinct locks in raw foods into kibble form. Instead of using thermal pressure, the manufacturers are able to seal in all the nutrients by freeze-drying raw food.

  1. Blue Wilderness Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo is grain free and does not contain chicken by-product meals, artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy. We like the entire company’s food line which includes options that resemble the ancestral wild diet like Wilderness and Natural Veterinary Diet which is packed with vitamins and minerals. Many of us at Splash and Dash feed our own dogs with Blue Buffalo.

  1. Earthborn Holistic

Chicken meal and whitefish meal are the proteins used alongside easily digested grains like oatmeal, barley, and brown rice. Fruits and vegetables are baked in to provide immune system support. Earthborn is great tasting for dogs and is more affordable than some of the other brands.

  1. The Honest Kitchen

This brand uses ingredients that are approved for every member of the family to eat—human grade. Human grade food is held up to the FDA standards instead of the AFFCO. The company also makes base mix food. Healthy dehydrated ingredients are mixed with warm water to make every meal a balanced one that you can add meat to.

  1. Fromm Family Foods

Based out of Wisconsin, this company has three dry food lines and canned food that will please your gourmand doggie and your budget. The grain-free and protein-rich formulas are made with ingredients you can actually pronounce. A bowl filled with Fromm is a meal of all-natural dog food that keeps tails wagging!

Decisions for Your Dog

As you shop around, comparing different dog food formulas against your dog’s nutritional needs, remember that price does not always mean the best all natural dog foods. There are dozens of affordable brands on the market that provide everything your dog needs to be happy and healthy.

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique wants the best for your dog, and wishes you luck finding the best!

 

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Five Delicious Homemade Frozen Treats for Dogs

Chill Out With These Frozen Treats for Dogs That Provide a Refreshing Boost of Nutrients

Giving your frozen treats to your dog is great for a bunch of reasons! One, it helps them cool down from the pervading heat of the summer. Summer’s great for iced coffees for you and chilled treats for dogs. Everyone stays cool! It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra tasty nutrients that your dog needs. Stuffing frozen treats for dogs into a KONG ball will keep them preoccupied with some mental stimulation. The best part is they’re super simple and super cheap!

At Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique we are big fans of the rotational diet. Meaning we like to give our own dogs at home a diverse menu of dry kibble, raw food, canned food, and fresh foods. Switching up your dog’s diet provides for their holistic needs. Frozen dog treats for dogs offer a delicious snack that fits into every element of the rotational diet! We’ll show you how.

Here are five recipes to keep the summer heat and the doggie ailments at bay!

*All Recipes included are 100% safe and nutritious for dogs.

1. Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Pops

These are so good you’ll want to eat them!

Take three, six-oz containers of plain low-fat yogurt,  ½ cup of low-sodium peanut butter (No Xylitol!), one, four-oz. jar of banana baby food (a fresh banana works too), and one tablespoon of honey. Blend all these ingredients together and pour into a small paper cup. Place a small bone to work as a handle and put them in the freezer.

Once frozen, you can peel the paper cups away and serve them up!

2. Freeze the Kibble

This one’s best for the summer scorchers and is a simple way to get your panting pup some relief from the sun’s rays.

All you have to do is soak his kibble in a low-sodium broth. First, take a bowl and pour broth about halfway up. A protein broth is a great natural dietary supplement for dogs! Once the kibble has absorbed the broth go ahead and stick it in the freezer. (Some kibbles will start to disintegrate so you might want to keep your eye on it).

Before the tasty concoction freezes stuff the treat into his KONG ball. As the slush melts, your dog will have hours of entertainment and healthy frozen treats.

3. Doggie Mentos

This frozen treat for dogs is one that lets you have your cake and eat it too! Fun for the dog. Check! Gets rid of bad breath. Check!

You will need peppermint leaves or pure peppermint oil, a pinch of parsley, and plain old water. If you use peppermint leaves, finely mince these with the parsley and sprinkle the herbs into each cube. Freeze the tray and put the cubes into your dog’s water bowl.  

Other herbs that are great for dogs you could consider using: oregano, rosemary, basil, and parsley. Just don’t go overboard or your dog may not like the taste.

4. Carrot Sticks

I had had a dog that went crazy for carrots and a dog that was not the biggest fan. Either way, carrots are great for dogs for the same reason they’re a healthy snack for humans. If your dog is a picky eater when it comes to carrots, this might get him on the carrot band wagon.

Take a low-sodium broth and fill an ice cube tray or a paper cup. If your dog already loves carrots (most dogs do), then use the carrot as a handle. If your dog’s on the skeptical side you can blend the carrot into a pulp and go from there.

5. Bahama Mama

This recipe won a KONG Connect Recipe Contest for frozen dog treats for dogs! The Bahama mama is the brainchild of Nina Garcia of Orlando, Florida.

First, gather your ingredients. You will need one cup of shredded coconut (No Added Sugar), one cup of granola (No Raisins!),  ½  cup of fresh pineapple,  ½  cup of peanut butter (No Xylitol). Mix the ingredients together in a large bowl until all ingredients mesh together consistently. Spoon the Bahama Mama into a KONG and freeze. The leftovers can be frozen and stored for up to six months!

Once frozen, give the tropical delicacy to your dog and watch him enjoy!

For other tips to keep your dog cool in the summer heat click here.

 

 

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The Best Dog Chew Toys of 2017

Get the Safest and Best Dog Chew Toys for Your Doggie Nibbler

Some dogs are diggers. Some dogs are chewers. But all dogs are lovers! Chewing is a healthy behavior for dogs. If you have a new puppy that is making good-work out your furniture and shoes, then adding some of the best dog chew toys to his routine will help in his training. Giving a dog an alternative to chew on will help them differentiate between wanted and unwanted behavior.

Chewing is also healthy for a dog’s oral care. When dogs gnaw on chew toys, the friction can reduce plaque by 70%, according to WebMD. The mechanical action of chewing scrapes the plaque and prevents it from turning to tartar by isolating the calcium in the mouth. Dental chews and chew toys both promote this healthy chewing behavior.

Chew toys are also good for a dog’s mental stimulation. Dogs are naturally inquisitive creatures and can get bored while alone in the house. Chew toys help curb boredom which will also curb unwanted behavior—chewing things that aren’t chew toys.  Dogs who are fanatic for the chewable side of life will be plenty happy with the best dog chew toys to play with while you’re gone.

Play it Safe

Before we dive into our favorite chew toys we want to discuss good practices that will keep your doggo safe.

Some less durable chew toys can break into small pieces and can become a choking hazard. Tennis balls are great for fetch but won’t stand up to the bite strength of your dog. Tennis balls don’t make the cut for the best dog chew toys. Squeaker toys are also widely popular. Dogs do love them. But make sure the toy is sturdy. Dogs may try and ingest the plastic squeaker buried in the toy.

Size and material also need to be taken into consideration. Make sure any dog chew toys are non-toxic and do not contain chemicals like lead. Also, plush toys are great for small dogs, but the larger breeds—aggressive chewers—will need something that is long-lasting. Some plush toys have cotton stuffing which can be messy and problematic if ingested.

What Kind of Dog Chew Toys are Out There?

There are several different styles of chew toys out there. Each one is unique with different purposes.

Plush Toys

Plush toys are great for fetching, snuggling, and for smaller breeds chewing. You will definitely want to get a stuffing free chew toy for safety. If the toy is machine-washable this is also a plus. Plush toys tend to get gross after some playtime. The reason dogs love plush toys so much is because the toy retains the dog’s scent. Dogs feel an ancestral ownership over their toy. Plush chew toys are also great for tug-o-war!

Rubber Chew Toys

Rubber chew toys are very safe and completely durable. Some have squeakers or can be filled with treats and peanut butter for an extra incentive to gnaw on. Many of these toys come with an indestructible sales pitch. Take this with a grain of salt. ‘Indestructible’ has yet to meet my dog.

Fibrous Rope & Knot Toys

Rope style toys are great for durability. It takes a lot for a dog to chew their way through the fibers and the curvature of the knots are great for scraping away plaque.  These toys are washable and if your dog swallows a few threads they’ll be able to pass through.

Rawhides

Rawhides are great! They’re half treat, half toy. The best part about a rawhide is that they have a single ingredient. The chews provide glucosamine for healthy joints, and a variety of other vitamins like calcium, zinc, manganese, and potassium. The only downside to these is they do have an odor, but your dog will love it.

Top Five Best Dog Chew Toys

The KONG Wubba. The Wubba is made of durable reinforced nylon fabric that covers a tennis and squeaker ball. The nylon tails make the toy interactive—great for tug-o-war and fetch! This toy is more for playing than chewing but is durable enough to stand the test of the canine’s canines. KONG is a durable brand that is a trusted name in the pet industry.

Petstages Stuffing-Free Toys. Petstages are great squeaker toys for smaller dogs who love to cuddle and are drawn to that squeaker like Labradors to the water. The toy will keep squeaking even if it’s punctured and comes with two different squeaker pitches to signal to your dog. Two chambers within the toys maintain the sound even after vigorous chewing and shaking. Your dog will love it!

Bionic Bone. Bionic chew toys are great! They can bounce, float in water, and are dishwasher safe. They are also completely non-toxic and free of lead, BPA, and phthalate. The bones are strong and the hollow tube on the inside allows owners to hide treats or peanut butter inside for added deliciousness. Putting a treat inside the bone will give your dog some deserved mental stimulation and a treat.

RedBarn Filled Bones. Dogs go absolutely bonkers for these! RedBarn pet products have one toe in the best dog chew toys category, and one toe in most delicious treats for pups category. Best of all, the slow-roasted bones are naturally clean. No added flavors, colors, preservatives, or chemicals! Filled bones are a nutritious approach to chewing.

Simply American Beef Trachea Chew. These are five-star steaks for dogs. All Simply American chews are great including the Bully Sticks and Femur bones, but the trachea grooves are great for a dog’s oral care. Again, no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or chemicals here—all natural. With these, your dog will chew his way to high heaven.

If you are still unsure about the best dog chew toys for your dog, speak with your groomer and veterinarian. Take into account your dog’s size and what makes them happy. If your dog isn’t much of a nibbler, get them a toy that can also be used for fetch. If your dog could chew his way to kingdom come, go with a rubber chew toy that will last!

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique wants you to remember, Play Dirty, Live Clean!

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Rescue Dogs Try Gourmet Dog Food

Gourmet Dog Food Meal For Rescue Pooches

The folks over at BuzzFeed paired up with The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to give deserving dogs a delicious meal. A whipped up human grade and handmade dog food was served. The food was cooked with a fresh chicken-and-rice mixture. We at Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique not only love that these poor rescue animals we’re given healthy dog food, but that this video raises awareness for dogs who need to be adopted.

 

The ASPCA reports that out of the 7.3 million animals housed in shelters, only 35% of them get adopted. These dogs getting a second chance, and a second helping of gourmet dog food, is one step toward a brighter future for rescue animals.

 

Meet the dogs!

  • Bubba 4-year-old 110 lb Mastic/Pitbull Mix
  • Honey 6-week-old 1 lb Teacup Chihuahua
  • Panda 7-month-old 14 lb Poodle Mix
  • Odin 2-years-old 10 lb Maltese
  • Clara Bell 1.5-year-old 60 lb Lab/Mastiff Mix
  • Lebowski 8-week-old 5 lb Pit Bull Mix

 

All of these guys eating dog food so preciously are available for adoption! Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique urge you to visit a shelter, adopt a dog, or just share this video to help these guys find a loving home!

 

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Mariah Carey Pet Parody: All I want for Christmas is…Dog Food

Dog Food Parody Video Explains What Pets Really want for Christmas

 

It’s that time of year again. You can see your breath in the air. Everyone’s yards are glowing with lights. The malls are busy and all the kids are on their best behavior, well maybe. It’s the holidays! As the hams and turkeys roast, the pies bake, the dry kibble dog food looks less and less enticing for your dog.

 

This is a circumstance every poor dog goes through every holiday season. Some pet parents garnish their pet’s dog food with broths and leftovers. Others just let them suffer and eat their dry dog food while humans gorge on turkey wings and macaroni. It’s all a matter how much those doggie pouting eyes can affect you.

 

We at Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique are advocates of the rotational diet which vary your dog’s diet between dry dog food, fresh table prepared, canned, and raw. But not all dogs are this spoiled. The ones who aren’t, now have an anthem for the holidays. This anthem is captured in this pet parody video of Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas.” It was uploaded by YouTube channel the Pet Collective.

 

The video is basically the inner monologue of every dog. With lyrics like, “Sausage, turkey, cake, or pie/Do I want a breast or thigh?” or, ” I don’t want a lot for Christmas. You can keep all of my gifts/I just want my bowl to be full. I can handle it.” You can see why we think this silly video is extremely truthful. Dogs don’t want dog food on Christmas, they want what you’re eating!

 

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique hopes you enjoyed the video!

 

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Harmful – Do Not Use as Pet Food

We all love spoiling our pets. In fact, it can be tempting to feed them anything but their pet food. They give you the big eyes and you slowly reach your hand out. They give a look of affection and you know you’re going to give them a treat again. Food is a great thing to bond over, but when you’re treating your dog to something special, avoid giving them any of the following foods:

 

dog_grooming_towl_dry1.    Chocolate

This is probably the most talked about unhealthy pet food and actually, the higher the cocoa content, the more dangerous it is. Toxic doses of chocolate can cause abnormal heartbeats, kidney failure, or death. How much is dangerous to your pet highly depends on the size of your dog and how much they ate, but to avoid worrying at all, just don’t give them any.

 

2.    Grapes and Raisins

Not all fruits and vegetables are healthy for pets. When grapes or raisins eaten as pet food, it’s shown to induce kidney failure in not only dogs, but in other animals as well. This kidney failure can often cause permanent damage or lead to death. This, like chocolate, is more dangerous depending on how much of it they eat. While eating grapes or raisins may not always result in life-threatening circumstances, there is no way to tell how your dog will react so it’s better to just avoid them all together.

 

3.    Onions, Leeks, and Garlic

Avoid any pet foods at the store with the word onion under ingredients. While they think it’s tasty, lots of onion can actually cause life-threatening anemia in both cats and dogs. When reading pet food labels, especially wet food, you may be surprised to find what kinds of food they mix in as filler.

 

4.    Xylitol

Often known as artificial sugar or the sweetener in gum. This is the chemical that is used to create sugar-free gum, cookies, and other diet foods. This, unlike the other three items listed, can cause major damage from even the smallest amount. Reactions to this food include low blood sugar, seizure, liver failure, and death.  These symptoms can show up as quickly as 30 minutes after ingesting to 12 hours later. There is treatment, but it must be applied quickly and aggressively.

 

5.    Bread Doughsmall_dog_pet_food

Never used in pet food, the yeast in raw dough can be hazardous to goes due to the reaction it has when mixed with warm liquid. The stomach is the perfect place for the yeast to grow, resulting in an expanded stomach. While that might not seem had, the expanded stomach can press into the diaphragm or arteries and cut off blood flow or breath.

 

6.       Moldy Food

Often time’s people think about giving their dogs the leftovers from the fridge. Maybe they’re running low on pet food or maybe they smelled it and realized it wasn’t good for them to eat, but the dog wouldn’t mind because he eats anything and they don’t want to waste the food.  Moldy food can be just as dangerous to a dog’s health as it would be to a human’s health. There’s no telling the kind of mold or germs that have formed on unwell food, especially if it’s meat.  To stay away from this danger, just follow the motto, “If I shouldn’t eat it, neither should he.”

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Great Ingredients that make for Great Dog Foods

Having the right dog food is one of the most important things your dog needs in their daily routine for good health. However what makes dog food good? Professionals in the pet industry might tell you different things, especially if they’re makers of dog food, because many put products in their food that are not so great for dog health. If you’re in the market for dog food and you want to know the best of what the pet industry has to offer your pup in the way of kibble, look for these things on the label:

High-Quality, Digestible Animal Protein Sources

Most dogs are very athletic, very active creatures. They need a good source of easy-to-digest protein in all of their meals. There are many animal protein sources that are excellent for your dog food including:

 

  • Buffalo
  • Cow
  • Fish
  • Fowl
  • Lamb
  • Pork
  • Venison

 

When you’re reading the labels for dog food, you want the animal protein to be one of the first ingredients if not the very first one listed for best results.

Whole Foods

Like humans, dogs benefit from whole foods like fruits and vegetables. When you’re looking at an ingredients list on dog food or you’re considering recipes of your own, you should be fully aware of the types of fruits and vegetables dogs can’t have as there are many that are not only bad for their health, but can also put them in danger. Some of the whole fruits and vegetables good for dog food include:

 

  • Apples
  • Beats
  • Blueberries
  • Garbanzo Beans
  • Kelp
  • Peas
  • Pumpkin
  • Zucchini

Healthy Fats

You might have heard it from fitness and nutrition professionals in regards to human nutrition: not all fats are bad. This is true for dogs to. When you’re creating or managing a healthy dog diet, look for dog food with healthy fats in the list. Some sources for good fats include:

 

  • Canola Oil
  • Fish Oils
  • Flaxseed

What to Avoid in Dog Food

There are the three major things you should always keep in mind when you’re shopping around for healthy dog food for your pet. If there was anything else to look for in a good dog food, it would be to avoid grains in dog food as most cats and dogs are allergic to grain and having too much grain in their diet can cause stomach issues among other problems. Despite this, many dog food manufacturers put grain products in their food as fillers because grain is so cheap. Another thing to avoid would be animal byproducts snuck into your dog food.

 

By following these guidelines for healthy dog food, you’ll help your dog live a longer, happier, and healthier life.

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