What Are The Risks of Raw Dog Food?

What Foods Can My Dog Have on Thanksgiving?

Can you believe it is already winter, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner? As the holiday approaches, many dog owners may wonder how to include their furry family members in the festivities safely. While Thanksgiving is best known for being a time to indulge in delicious meals, we must remember that not all human foods are safe to share.In this article, we will look at the most common Thanksgiving dinner options, ranging from turkey and ham to veggies and desserts, creating a list of holiday treats your dog can enjoy safely (excluding others).Let’s get started on planning your dog’s ideal Thanksgiving feast…Should I Bring My Dog to Thanksgiving Dinner?For some families, including the pets in their holiday gatherings is a decision that is just as natural as any other member of the family. But there are a few essential questions that you should ask yourself before packing up your dog’s favorite toys and heading out on a holiday family road trip.Who is hosting the holiday gathering? Have you asked them if dogs are welcome?Does your dog have good manners around the table (not begging, counter surfing, or trying to steal food)?Is there a quiet space for your dog to go if they feel overwhelmed?Will there be other dogs there? Have they met previously, or will they be meeting for the first time in a busy/noisy setting (not advisable)?Will all family members respect your boundaries regarding what they can/can’t give your dog?Is your dog comfortable with large gatherings and high-energy spaces?While we understand wanting to have your dog by your side, many dogs would be happier at home in their cozy bed or on the couch – and that’s okay! When your dinner is over and you head home, you’ll have a loving companion waiting to greet you.What Not to Feed Dogs on Thanksgiving? Few things will ruin the vibe of your family Thanksgiving dinner like a trip to your local emergency veterinary clinic. Unfortunately, every holiday weekend, an influx of dogs come through the doors due to toxicity and poisoning – the result of eating unsafe foods (stolen or given to them) from the Thanksgiving dinner table. Here are a few items to keep safely out of your pup’s reach: Stuffing or Dressing Thanksgiving dinner isn’t the same without this traditional dish, but stuffing is made with several ingredients that could make your dog sick. Onions and garlic are in almost every traditional stuffing recipe, but these members of the Allium family can be extremely dangerous if ingested. They damage red blood cell membranes, causing a decrease in the red blood cell count, which can trigger serious health complications such as kidney damage. In the most severe cases, ingesting onions and garlic can be fatal. Plus, stuffing or dressing is often made with a variety of spices that can upset your pup’s stomach!

What Is Healthy Dog Food?

When we first adopt our dog, often, we have no idea what he was eating before being adopted into our family.

What is Holistic Dog Food?

You want to feed your dog the best dog food available, but there are so many types to choose from. Let’s talk about holistic dog food and its benefits. If you’re like me and have a dog with digestive issues, you’re probably already tuned into how impactful the right diet can have on for your pet’s health. And while opting for a top-quality, specially formulated mix may be a bit pricier than what you would pick up from your local grocer, the rewards are plenty for those with pets that suffer from IBS, pancreatitis or other tummy troubles. In particular, the ability of your pet to control bowel movements. Although finding a vet-recommended brand of low-fat kibble worked instantly for my pooch, for other pets that suffer from allergies, lethargy, fur loss, skin irritations, or lack of appetite, introducing a holistic diet may be the best route to go when seeking quick, noticeable results. Now, while you’ve probably heard the term “holistic”, you may not be familiar with what it means when referencing your pet’s food. In a nutshell, it’s a wet, dry, or raw food made from top-quality ingredients (no by-products) that have not been processed or refined, nor had fillers, or dyes added. And because so many allergies and maladies in dogs result from adverse reactions to ingredients such as egg, corn, soy, wheat, dairy, dyes, and synthetic additives that are rampant in many lesser quality foods, its quite possible that a holistic diet could be the silver bullet you’ve been looking for. So, what can you expect to find in your dog’s holistic diet of kibble or wet food? For starters, only quality proteins such as chicken, fish, or pork. There will be both pre- and pro-biotics to help support absorption of nutrition, as well as anti-oxidants to help maintain a healthy immune system. Natural fiber will keep things moving along nicely, and you’ll still get all those vitamins and minerals you count on to keep your dog heart healthy and feeling well. All of this, in a format that has not been over-processed, dyed, or bulked up with cheaper grains that leave your pet feeling hungry shortly after eating. Let’s face it, even for humans, carbs are a quick fix that just doesn’t stay with you the way a good protein will. But just like that designer bag at a flea market kiosk, imposters abound and you’ll want to read labels carefully before committing. Look for the American Association of Feed Control Officials distinctive logo on the bag. While they haven’t established a standard to define “holistic”, they do have one for the term “organic” and “natural” which means any brand using this terminology has been vetted by the association and given the OK, to label their products as such. And for natural, that means the product is free from additives, preservatives, and synthetic ingredients. Now, if you don’t want to play fast and loose with your pet’s new diet, ask your Vet for recommendations. Get a few brand names, then check them out through on-line reviews, to see whether they’ve had recalls, and also whether they deliver the level of natural ingredients and standard of preparation, that you’ve just learned you should be looking for in a holistic blend.

What Are The Most Common Dog Food Allergies?

Itchy paws, red ears, loss of fur – could your dog be suffering from common dog food allergies? Here are some of the most frequent causes and what to do about it.Food allergies and intolerances in humans seem to be on the rise, but did you know that dogs can be affected by food allergies as well? The same foods that cause allergies in humans can also cause allergic reactions in dogs and they can be severe in some cases. Let’s talk about common dog food allergies well as the signs of food allergies and treatment options.Related: Is There A Difference Between Natural Vs Organic Dog Food?Common Dog Food AllergiesFood allergies account for about 20 percent of all allergies affecting dogs and they affect all breeds, ages, and sexes similarly. In dogs, food allergies can develop as early as five months of age or as late as 12 years. In many cases, dogs with food allergies also have contact allergies to things like dust, perfumes, or certain chemicals. Some of the most common food allergens affecting dogs include:BeefDairyChickenLambFishEggsCornWheatSoyRelated: Gluten Allergies And Intolerance In DogsAs is true for humans, there is a difference between food allergies and food intolerance in dogs. Food intolerance typically produces gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea while food allergies produce allergic reactions like itching and skin problems. The treatment for food allergies and food intolerances is the same – avoidance of the offending food.Signs and Symptoms of Food AllergiesThe symptoms of food allergies in dogs are similar regardless of what type of food is causing the reaction. The most common symptom is intense itching, especially on the face, feet, ears, and forelegs. Some dogs experience chronic or recurring ear infections as well as hair loss, hot spots, and recurring skin infections that do not respond to treatment. Excessive scratching is a common sign of food allergies, as is increased frequency of bowel movements. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between food allergies and atopic (contact) allergies. A common sign of food allergies is that the symptoms persist all year round and if skin problems do not respond to medical treatment.Treatment for Food Allergies The best way to identify your dog’s food allergen is to conduct a food trial. During a food trial, you would feed your dog a diet that consists of a novel protein and carbohydrate for 12 weeks until all signs of the allergy have disappeared. Novel protein sources might include rabbit, venison, or even kangaroo while novel carbohydrates include things like sweet potato or brown rice. After the 12 weeks, you would then introduce common food allergens back into the diet one at a time and watch for a reaction. Once you have identified the culprit, you then simply need to keep your dog on a diet that does not contain that food allergen.Common Food Allergy-Related Mistakes When it comes to addressing food allergies in your dog, there are some common mistakes that you may experience along the way. Don’t Forget About the Treats When you make the commitment to a food trial, there is more to consider than just the ingredients in your dog’s food. You need to also pay careful attention to any treats or snacks that you may be feeding in between mealtimes. Food allergies can be incredibly sensitive, and it may take as little as a single treat with the offending allergen to set your dog off and destroy your food trial results entirely. Get the Whole Family On-BoardThis is a mistake often seen in larger families. If there are multiple family members that all have access to your dog on a regular basis, everyone needs to be on the same page in terms of any dietary rules and restrictions. For example, if you believe that your dog may be allergic to chicken and put the time into selecting chicken-free treats and food, but your child is still feeding small pieces of chicken under the dining room table or behind your back, you are fighting a losing battle. Worse yet, it could leave you believing that chicken isn’t actually the cause of your dog’s problems even if it is! Failing to Read Past the First 5 Ingredients There is a lot of advice out there pointing at the first 5 ingredients of a dog’s food as the most important. While it’s true that these ingredients hold a lot of weight, making up a good majority of your dog’s meal, don’t discount the smaller ingredients later on the list. For example, there are many fish-based dog foods that still contain chicken by-products or other ingredients that prevent the food from qualifying as a single-protein diet. Don’t Forget to Address the Non-Food Allergens Of course, there is always the possibility that the allergic reaction you are seeing is caused by something other than your dog’s food. There is no way to completely eliminate all environmental allergens (unless you live in a bubble with no plant life), but there are some steps that you can take to help reduce the risk that your dog is reacting to something in your home or yard. First, always watch for signs that your dog may be dealing with fleas. These tiny, hard-to-spot pests can trigger a reaction called ‘flea allergy dermatitis’ which can mimic the skin conditions associated with food allergies. Use a flea prevention product all year long. If you notice that your dog is biting or scratching at himself excessively, search for any signs of flea droppings. They look like black rice and the easiest place to see these is often around the groin area. Another common environmental trigger to watch out for is the use of scented laundry products. Dogs that are sensitive to the chemicals in these products may experience a reaction simply from cuddling with a person wearing clothes that have been washed using them or sleeping on contaminated bedding. Food allergies in dogs are becoming an increasing concern with pet parents, and there are more formulas on the market that eliminate the offending ingredient while providing all the nutrients your dog needs. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from a food allergy you should consult with your veterinarian and take steps to identify the allergen and then eliminate it from your dog’s diet.

What To Do When Your Dog’s Food Is Recalled

Dog Food Recall – those three words are enough to send any pet parent into a panic. But stay calm, because we’ve got the steps you need to take if it happens to you. Recalls happen for all kinds of products but it can be a little scary when it happens to your pet’s food. Pet food recalls happen for a number of reasons and they can be incredibly serious. There have been many cases where pets are poisoned due to contaminated food and those deaths could possibly have been avoided if the pet parent was informed earlier about a recall. Related: Meal Feeding vs Free Feeding Dogs Reasons for Pet Food Recalls The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) divides recalls into three different categories. The recall may be initiated by the company itself, at the request of the FDA, or it may be requested under statutory authority by the FDA. One of the most common reasons for pet food recalls is contamination, particularly by salmonella. Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can lead to some very serious health problems in pets. Not only can it cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting, but it can also cause weight loss, severe dehydration, skin disease, septicemia, and spontaneous abortion in pregnant pets. Unfortunately, many dogs that are infected with salmonella show no obvious symptoms until the poison has progressed. Related: The Truth About Vegetarian Diets And Dogs Where to Find Out About Recalls You cannot rely on your pet food company to alert you in the case of a recall. Rather, you should frequently check online recall lists or join an email mailing list to stay up to date on the latest recalls. One great source of reliable recall information is the Humane Society of the United States website. The humane society also has an online community and a weekly e-newsletter that provides recall information. Another option is to check directly with the FDA on its Recalls and Withdrawals website. As well, PetGuide.com stays on top of dog food recalls, so be sure to check in for the latest updates. What to do After a Recall You probably already know that making sudden changes to your dog’s diet is not a good idea. Sudden dietary changes can lead to digestive upset but, in the case of a dog food recall, you may not have any other choice. Your first step after finding out about the recall is to stop feeding the recalled product to your pet. Your next step should be to return the recalled product to the store where you purchased it – you will receive a refund and the company will dispose of the product in a safe way. Once you’ve done so, all that is left is to switch your dog to a new pet food. To make the process as seamless as possible for your pet, try to find a new pet food that matches the old pet food as closely as possible. Check the ingredient lists of similar products to find a formula that closely matches the old food. For example, if your dog was eating a Salmon and Brown Rice formula that was recalled, find another brand that has a Salmon and Brown Rice formula and try that. Once you’ve found the new dog food, start by giving your dog a very small sample of the food and wait to see if it causes any problems. Offer small amounts of the food every 6 to 8 hours for a full two days. At this point, if your dog doesn’t have any major problems, you can fully make the switch.

Is Your Dog Sleeping Too Much? Here Are Some Tricks to Beating Boredom

(photo credit: Elena Lozu / shutterstock.com)Full disclosure: I had always lived with cats. And boy, do they like to sleep. So, when I adopted my two Schnoodles seven years ago, I anticipated a fun surge of energy in my home. I expected them to be alert and moving throughout the house continually. Someone at the door? They’re on it. The fridge door opens? They’re right there to check out the situ. Fast forward, and… not so much. The reality?  I was amazed by how much they liked to snooze (and snore, but that’s another story).Who knew that adult dogs sleep an average of 11 hours a day? Not quite as much as a feline who can clock up to 15 hours of power napping, but pretty dang close.Now, if your dog is creeping north of 11 hours, it could be cause for concern. Issues like diabetes or painful ailments such as arthritis, and even hypothyroidism may need to be ruled out by your veterinarian. But another cause for why your little buddy is sleeping so much could be depression. And that’s something you can do something about. You see, a good mood booster for any dog can be regular exercise and sufficient mental stimulation to keep him well-occupied throughout the day.Let’s talk about that last one. For me, there is one common denominator that will instantly engage a napping dog. Food. And when they have to make an effort to locate it, they’re now intrigued. Add in one more element – they have to work for it – and I’m now ticking that mental stimulation box.I know with my, now trio of pooches, they’re looking for something fun yet relatively easy. It has to appeal to their love of foraging (they all have that Schnauzer hunt drive) as well as their relatively short attention span. Meaning they won’t work for long if a reward is not proffered early into the quest and at regular intervals thereafter.With this in mind, there are a few options out there that don’t take a lot of effort to figure out. Best of all, these mentally stimulating dog toys net your buddy immediate gratification (treats) to get him started.

Relic the German Shepherd Named 2025 Rescue Dog of the Year

In a heartwarming tale highlighting the power of patience, training, and a loving foster home, a six-year-old German Shepherd named Relic has been named the Pedigree Foundation’s 2025 Rescue Dog of the Year. Relic’s journey from a stressed and nervous shelter dog to a beloved family member is a true happy ending. It’s a testament to the commitment of dedicated shelter workers like those at East Bay SPCA and the impact of a loving foster home. Relic’s story began at the East Bay SPCA in Oakland, California. When he arrived at the shelter, he was already showing signs of shelter stress – a bad omen for many in overcrowded shelters waiting for their forever home. But, the shelter staff saw potential in Relic, creating a plan of action that would set him up for success and keep him from being another statistic.  This plan included moving him into a private setting for specialized care and training while searching for the ideal foster home where he would thrive with personalized support. Finding the right foster home was easier than they anticipated. A couple who had recently lost their beloved cat of 15 years had contacted the shelter with the intention of fostering, opening their hearts and home to Relic and his ongoing care. “The house felt empty without him (the cat), but we weren’t quite ready to open our home to another pet,” the couple shared in a firsthand account of Relic’s story on the shelter’s website. “We thought fostering at the East Bay SPCA might be a nice way to have pets in the home without committing to it full-time and be able to provide a needed break from the shelter for a deserving pet.” They thought they were only taking Relic home for a week or two, but the Universe clearly had other plans… Despite having no prior experience with a reactive dog, the couple quickly learned, with the support of shelter staff and an in-house trainer, how to work through the challenges. Under their care, the once-nervous dog began to blossom, and a playful, affectionate personality emerged – a personality the couple quickly fell in love with. In fact, they fell so in love with the newest addition to their home that they couldn’t let him go, making the decision to adopt him. “Relic is a loyal, good natured dog who is well behaved around the house and a sweet cuddler when we let him up onto the bed with us,” the couple described. “He takes up a lot more space in the house than our cat did and it took some adjusting to, but we love having him around now and can’t imagine our home without him.” Today, Relic is living his best life in his forever home. He enjoys cuddling on the bed and playing with his favorite toys. The couple says he has befriended the neighbor’s dog, enjoying regular walks together. To celebrate Relic’s crowning achievement, the Pedigree Foundation has created a limited-edition plush toy in his likeness. It’s available for purchase at the Dogs Rule store, with a portion of the proceeds supporting their efforts to provide rescue grants and help dogs find loving homes through the organization's ongoing work.   Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

Your Relationship With Your Dog is Suprisingly Important to Him

Research shows that a strong, loving relationship with our pets is more important to them than what type of person you are.

Is Your Dog Slowing Down? Wuffes’ Hip & Joint Chews Can Help!

Say goodbye to stiffness and hello to more walks, playtime, and cuddles.If your furry best friend is starting to struggle with stairs, take longer to get up from naps, or just isn’t as playful as they used to be, you’re not alone.Aging dogs often suffer from joint discomfort, making simple movements harder than they should be.The good news? Wuffes’ Advanced Hip & Joint Chews were designed to ease joint discomfort and improve mobility, so senior dogs can stay active and comfortable for longer.

How To Replace Your Pet's Fave (Worn Out) Blanket with Something New?

(photo credit: Gladskikh Tatiana / shutterstock.com)Let’s be honest here. Every dog or cat owner will have a stash of dog blankets in their arsenal of pet accessories. Why? Because they’re the easiest way to protect our soft furnishings from becoming coated in fluffy fur and doggy drool. And they’re sized perfectly for whipping off to reveal that pristine sofa or chair when company arrives.But we’re not talking about those plush cover-up blankets we all have tucked away in our closets. We’re talking about those comforting remnants that belong to your dog and seem to travel with him around your home. Like a child with a security blanket, our pets can often attach themselves to something soft and portable that brings them immediate comfort throughout the day.The “why” for this behavior can include his strong sense of smell and how a familiar scent provides him with comfort and reassurance when new or unsettling circumstances arise. Or, he could use it as a teething device when younger and simply has not outgrown the habit. It could also be down to your dog’s need to nest or burrow and a blanket allows him to flip it around and bury himself down under where he feels safe and cozy. And lastly, his favorite blanket can provide him with warmth and a sense of well-being that allows him to relax and feel at ease within his surroundings – especially when not in his home base.So, what do you do when said security blanket desperately needs to be washed? You know it will remove the scent he loves and (temporarily) his access to this comfort source. You plan for it.

Does Your Cat Need a Hygiene Trim? Quite Possibly!

Benefits of Raised or Elevated Cat Bowls

Have you seen the many elevated cat bowls, or the stands designed to elevate your pet’s bowl or dish a few inches off the floor? If so, you might’ve wondered why these newer designs are available—after all, cats have been eating and drinking from food and water bowls placed flat on the floor without any problems, right? There are actually many benefits that can be derived from using raised bowls for pets, and it’s worth considering switching to these or adding them to your rotation of bowls if you haven’t already. Plus, with so many styles to choose from, you can find products that will be just right for your cat.

Dogs That Survived Rescue Plane Crash, Begin Their New Lives

Hero pilot was devoted to helping pets in crisis find new homes.

American Kennel Club Releases Top Breeds for 2024

And we take a peek at those that came in dead last. Are we now off hunting breeds?

Survey Finds People Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Their Pets

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you may be working on your plans for the day. And if you’re a pet parent, you might even be thinking about cute ways to celebrate this special day with your furry companion—and if that’s the case, you aren’t alone. It turns out that many people celebrate Valentine’s Day with their pets, according to a survey by Petlibro.

Cats Could Play a Role as Therapy Animals

Could cats become more common in animal-assisted services and therapy work? Keep reading to learn about some recent research into feline therapy.

Cat Dies from Bird Flu, Raw Pet Food Recalled

We previously told you about cats who died from bird flu after drinking raw milk that was infected with the virus. New reports state that another cat has died, this time after eating raw meat infected with H5 bird flu, prompting a pet food recall and causing more concern among pet parents.

Easy Ways to Take Care of Your Dog’s Teeth

February is designated as National Pet Dental Health Month, but the truth is that your pet’s oral health should be something you focus on every month of the year. Periodontal disease (gum disease) affects a surprising number of dogs, including those who are young, and other dental problems, like chipped or broken teeth, can also arise.