Health & Nutrition:
Raw Dog Food – To Feed or Not to Feed?
Stella and Chewy’s Raw Dog Food
After owning a natural dog food store for a few years, I’ve heard differing opinions about a raw food diet for dogs. Yes, it’s expensive, but is it worth it to spend the extra money to mimic the diet of a dog in the wild? Several companies offer pre-made raw patties that include fresh meat, fruits, veggies, and essential vitamins and minerals. I currently use a high quality dry food, free of corn, wheat, soy, and fillers. However, even high quality dry foods are processed at high temperatures, cooking away most of the valuable nutrients. Some vets say that a raw diet promotes better digestion, healthy skin and coat, and an overall healthy immune system.
The down side? Feeding a raw diet means having to be extra cautious about spreading the bacteria that lives in raw meat. Also, depending on where you live, it can be very hard to find. It is not sold in big box pet stores, so you have to hunt down small stores that cater to a natural diet.
Stop Dog Nail Bleeding
In case of a nail injury or if your dog’s quick has been cut during nail trimming, here are some materials you probably already have at home that can quickly stop the bleeding.
A bar of soap or a candle – Stick the bleeding nail into the soap or candle wax until bleeding stops
Baking soda, cornstarch or flour – Pack baking soda, cornstarch, or flour onto the nail to stop bleeding
Homemade Dog Ear Cleaning Solution
What you will need: 
- Witch Hazel – can be found at a natural food store or online
- White Vinegar
- Cotton Balls
- Small Plastic Medicine Dropper
Mix 1 part witch hazel to 2 parts white vinegar. Witch Hazel is a natural extract that works as an antiseptic to fight infections and dry the ear canal. The white vinegar kills any infection and the acidic solution will break up any ear wax or build up inside the ear canal. Use the plastic dropper to insert the solution into your dog’s ear canal. …continue
Dog Nutrition – What to Look for on a Dog Food Label
The first ingredient should be a whole animal protein. Look for “chicken” or “chicken meal”, NEVER “chicken by-product meal”. By products include animal parts left over after the edible parts have been removed. This can include feet, beaks, feathers, nails, and other animal parts unfit for human consumption. …continue
Blueberries – This Super Fruit Offers Great Benefits for our Dogs Too
I’m always reading about how great blueberries are for people. Called a “super” food, these berries contain tons of great stuff like antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. They are known to reduce cholesterol, enhance vision, fight free radicals in the body that cause disease and aging, and are even proven beneficial to help prevent certain cancers. …continue
