Any loving and responsible pet parent would want their dog to eat the healthiest food. After all, a nutritious meal plan directly affects their mood, behavior, overall health, and longevity. However, if you’re looking for dog food, you might have realized that choosing one isn’t easy. There are a variety of options from numerous brands, all claiming to be the most nutritious dog food in the market. To help you narrow down your options, we have shared a few tips to pick the right food product for your dog. Read on to find out! Consider your dog’s breed, weight, and age The physical characteristics of dogs vary significantly from one breed to another. Accordingly, their nutritional requirements also change. For example, a German Shepherd needs a totally different set of nutrients to stay healthy and active than a Chihuahua. Similarly, overweight dogs’ meal plan is a lot different than that of underweight and ideal-weight dogs. Age also plays a vital role in determining a dog’s nutritional needs. Verify nutritional requirements When shopping for dog food, be sure to pick one that’s not overloaded with artificial ingredients like preservatives that can harm their health. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary organization that has laid down strict requirements to ensure that a product has all the essential macro and micronutrients for pets.

Buying cat food seems easy until you’re faced with tons of brands and different options to choose from. The question then is, what should you choose? Better yet, how do you choose? To make this process simpler, here are four pointers that will help you pick the right cat food for your beloved pet. Understand your cat’s nutritional needs Before you even get to the part of buying the cat food, you need to understand your cat’s nutritional needs. These needs can vary from cat to cat. Once you’ve understood this, you can narrow down your choices for the kind and brand of food you want to buy. Typically, cats need proteins, taurine, vitamins, minerals, and tons of water. Make sure the kind of food that you are choosing fulfills these essential requirements. Read the label When you have to pick the right foods for your cat, you need to start by reading the label. The label of any cat food will provide you with all the nutritional information that you need. You can first start by looking for the source of protein. Ensure that they mention the source of the protein such as chicken, turkey, lamb, or beef rather than simply mentioning ‘meat’.

Certain foods that are safe and healthy for humans can be severely toxic for dogs. Understanding what these foods are can not only help one manage what they feed their dog better but also create a more dog-friendly home. Here’s a list of eight foods that one should keep away from a dog. Avocado The leaves and fruits of the avocado plant are harmful to dogs. This is because avocados contain persin, a chemical that is completely safe for humans but very toxic for dogs. If eaten, even a small quantity can cause difficulty in breathing and fluid accumulation in their organs, which can lead to death. Chocolate All types of chocolates are harmful to dogs, but dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate are the worst of the lot. They contain an element called theobromine which can cause severe problems like diarrhea, seizures, and even death in dogs. Always keep chocolates out of a dog’s reach to prevent this from happening. Cooked fat and bones Although it may seem perfectly normal to give a dog a bone, don’t do it. Dogs find it difficult to digest cooked bones. Moreover, it may also splinter or act as a choking hazard to them.

Cats are fussy eaters, and that’s why brands make sure that their foods meet feline standards. But some foods that we humans consume also happen to be safe for cats and can be fed to them in moderation. These foods take minimal time to prepare, and it is better to serve something wholesomely made in your kitchen rather than relying solely on packaged cat food. Here are a few choices to consider: Eggs Eggs pack nutrients that are beneficial for humans as well as safe to feed cats. In fact, eggs are a staple food ingredient found in different types of cat food, both wet and dry recipes. But ensure that you don’t feed them raw eggs as this increases the risk of salmonella. Lightly seasoned boiled or scrambled eggs are fine as long as given in moderate amounts. Vegetables and fruits Quite an assortment of vegetables and fruits that we eat are safe for cats. Cooked spinach is a popular nutritious option to consider as the veggie is rich in iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and E. Pumpkin is an excellent choice low in calories and high in fiber. Cats can also safely munch on some banana slices, apples, blueberries, strawberries, pears, watermelon, and some cantaloupe.

Just like humans, good nutrition is crucial for the overall well-being and longevity of canines. Though some foods that you eat can harm your four-legged companions, many others are completely safe. In fact, some even contain an array of nutrients beneficial for your dog’s overall health. In this article, we’ve listed common human foods that are safe for dogs. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian before giving these foods to your dog. Human foods that dogs can eat safely and easily Fish Fish is not only safe but extremely nutritious for dogs. Salmon and tuna, in particular, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve and maintain their immune system, coat, and skin. Remember, you must only give well-cooked fish to your dog, as undercooked or uncooked ones may contain harmful parasites. Carrots Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which plays a role in maintaining a dog’s immune system, fur, and skin. Their low-calorie content also makes a great snack. Besides, chewing on raw carrots helps remove plaque from your furry friend’s teeth. Peanut butter It’s not just humans who love this snack; dogs love peanut butter too. Peanut butter is a good protein source and it is also packed with heart-healthy fats, vitamin B and E, and niacin.

Your dog’s coat is one of the first things anyone notices about them. It is also said to be an indicator of their health, both inside and out. Digestive problems, heartworms, flea and tick infestations, and even stress can cause their coat to lose texture. So, if you want your dog to have healthy, shiny, and enviably glossy fur, you must take certain precautions. Here are three easy ways to obtain that dream coat. Proper nutrition A healthy coat comes from a healthy body, which, in turn, comes from healthy food. So, give your dog the right amount of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients. In most cases, a dull coat results from unbalanced meals that fail to meet the body’s nutritional needs. It is recommended to choose whole foods-based meals to benefit your pet in the long run. Regular grooming Regular grooming activities like brushing helps stimulate blood circulation to the coat, making it shiny. It also helps get rid of dead skin and damaged fur. Try brushing both ways, as doing so is said to add shine to the coat. Another common practice is regular bathing. An oatmeal bath will take care of any itching if they have a flea and tick infestation.

Dogs tend to chew and nibble on anything and everything they come across. But this habit can be rather dangerous when it comes to plants. Certain plants contain toxic elements and can lead to severe symptoms and make your pet pooch ill. Dogs do not know which plants can be toxic to them, and therefore, it is safe to just remove or avoid having such plants in your household. Read on to find out more. Aloe vera Aloe is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Not to mention, it can work wonders for your skin and makes for a great indoor plant. But, what many do not know is that aloe vera can be toxic to dogs. This is because of the saponins in the succulents. Consuming even small amounts of the aloe vera plant and gel can cause severe poisoning in dogs. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even cause general central nervous system depression. Sago palm Another popular houseplant that is toxic to dogs is the sago palm. Commonly known as cardboard palm or coontie palm, this plant contains the toxic element cycasin. Consuming even small amounts of any part of this plant can lead to poisoning and cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even liver failure.

Cats make excellent pets. But, they can also be fussy when it comes to food. The argument between the two of you might even hold the potential of turning hostile if the four-legged creature does not get its way. However, that cannot be motivation enough to let your kitty steal food off your plate. That said, there are some foods that you can treat without worrying about the safety aspect of it all. Meat Meat is one of the tastiest and safest human foods cats can enjoy. Since cats need proteins in abundant quantities, meat is a great addition to their home-cooked meals. Beef or poultry does not matter much as long as it is not loaded with sodium. Excess salt in your feline’s food can lead to toxicity and needs to be avoided. Cheese If there is something we have all learned from binging cartoons is that cats love cheese. It is one of the human foods that are also safe for them. Cheese can be used as a treat or snack as it is rich in calcium and protein. However, abstain from growing lenient about the amount of cheese your cat nibbles on, as excessive dairy can cause complications like diarrhea.

Adopting a pet is one of the most exciting decisions one can make. After all, there are about 3.1 million dogs and 3.1 million cats that enter shelters each year. While the decision is usually made after careful consideration, when one believes they are prepared for a pet, it can make the adoption process seem easier. So, here are a few things to consider when adopting a dog or cat. Finding a pet that fits your lifestyle If you and your family spend a lot of time outdoors, you should opt for a pet that you can take along for hikes or one that can sleep in a tent. A tinier breed like a Teacup Yorkie will be easier to live with if you have a smaller living space.  Another breed suitable for active households is the German Shepherd. With the right training and socialization, these dogs are also gentle family companions. Moreover, the breed is tough and are effective guard dogs for larger households. Adopting cats is ideal for those who want a quiet furry companion. Further, some breeds of dogs have separation anxiety, so you should not opt for the specific breed if you are away too often.

Online stores launch offers on several products, including deals on foods for pet cats. But the biggest sale people wait for is the one that goes live in November each year. We’re talking about Black Friday, a sale through which you can find deals on brands like Whiskas and Royal Canin at prices that are at an all-time low. Apart from these brands, here are other options to bookmark for the upcoming Black Friday sale. Purina Pro Chicken and Rice Formula 3.5 lb. Bag A 3.5 lb. bag of the Purina Pro Chicken and Rice Formula normally sells for about $22.31. But in the Black Friday sales of the past, we saw the price drop by about 33%. So this year we expect similar price cuts or more. The product can reduce cat allergens by neutralizing Fel D1, a common allergen in cat saliva. Royal Canin Large Breed Dry Dog Food 30 lb bag This large breed dry dog food from Royal Canin has several antioxidants that help dogs fight the aging process. As for the price, the product usually goes for around $85. But considering last year’s Black Friday price drop, it can be expected to drop to about $10 discounts on the item when the sale goes live in November.