tOTFUL tIMES

The dog blog for dogs, and their people.

Choosing healthy dog treats is important for several reasons

1. Nutritional Balance

Healthy dog treats contribute to your dog's overall diet. They should complement the main meals, ensuring that your dog receives a balanced intake of essential nutrients, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

2. Weight Management

Unhealthy treats often contain high levels of fat, sugar, and calories, which can lead to obesity. Obesity in dogs is linked to numerous health issues such as diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease. Choosing low-calorie, nutritious treats helps maintain a healthy weight.

3. Digestive Health

Treats made with high-quality, natural ingredients are easier for dogs to digest. Avoiding artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers can prevent digestive issues such as upset stomachs, gas, and diarrhea.

4. Allergy and Sensitivity Management

Many dogs have food allergies or sensitivities. Choosing hypoallergenic treats or those made from single, high-quality protein sources can help manage and prevent allergic reactions.

5. Longevity and Quality of Life

Feeding your dog healthy treats can contribute to a longer, healthier life. Good nutrition supports a strong immune system, healthy skin and coat, and overall vitality.

6. Training and Behavior

Healthy treats are often used for training and reinforcing good behavior. Using nutritious treats ensures that your dog isn't consuming empty calories during training sessions.

Choosing the Right Treats:

• Read Labels: Look for treats with recognizable, whole-food ingredients.

• Avoid Fillers: Steer clear of treats with fillers like corn, soy, and wheat.

• Check for Additives: Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

• Consider Size and Frequency: Choose appropriately sized treats and consider how often you give them to your dog to avoid overfeeding.

• Special Needs: Take into account any specific health conditions or dietary needs your dog may have.

By prioritizing healthy treats, you can ensure that your dog enjoys snacks that support their overall health and well-being.

WHY CHOOSE organiC?

1. Healthier Ingredients: Organic dog treats are made from ingredients that are grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. This reduces the risk of your dog ingesting harmful chemicals that could affect their health over time.

2. Fewer Allergens: Many dogs are sensitive to common food allergens like wheat, corn, and soy, which are often used in conventional dog treats. Organic treats are more likely to use alternative ingredients that are less likely to cause allergic reactions.

3. Better Nutrition: Organic ingredients often retain more of their natural nutrients because they aren’t exposed to the same level of chemical processing. This can lead to treats that are richer in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

4. No Artificial Additives: Organic dog treats are typically free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. These additives can sometimes cause health issues in dogs, so avoiding them is a plus.

5. Supports Sustainable Farming: Choosing organic products supports farming practices that are better for the environment. Organic farming often focuses on sustainable techniques that promote soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity.

6. Improved Digestion: Dogs may digest organic treats more easily because they lack harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients. This can lead to fewer digestive issues and better overall health.

7. Ethical Considerations: Organic farming often involves more humane treatment of animals and better working conditions for farm workers. If these issues matter to you, choosing organic aligns with those values.

Opting for organic treats can be a step towards ensuring your dog enjoys a healthier and more natural diet.

WHY GRAIN FREE?

HERE ARE SOME REASONS WHY GRAIN-FREE TREATS CAN BE IMPORTANT FOR YOUR DOG:

1. Food Sensitivities and Allergies

• Some dogs are sensitive or allergic to grains such as wheat, corn, or soy. These allergies can cause symptoms like itchy skin, digestive issues, and ear infections. Grain-free treats can help avoid these problems, providing a safer option for dogs with grain sensitivities.

2. Digestive Health

• Dogs with sensitive stomachs might find it easier to digest grain-free treats. Grains can sometimes be harder for some dogs to digest, leading to issues like gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Grain-free treats often use alternative ingredients like sweet potatoes or chickpeas, which can be gentler on the digestive system.

3. Supports a Balanced Diet

• Grain-free treats often focus on high-quality protein sources and other natural ingredients that align more closely with a dog's ancestral diet. This can help maintain a healthy weight, muscle tone, and overall well-being.

4. Improved Skin and Coat

• By eliminating grains, which can cause inflammation in some dogs, grain-free treats may contribute to healthier skin and a shinier coat. The alternative ingredients used in grain-free products often include more beneficial fats and oils that support skin and coat health.

5. Energy Levels

• Some dogs may experience more stable energy levels on a grain-free diet, as these diets often rely on low-glycemic ingredients that provide steady energy release, avoiding the spikes and crashes that can come with grain-based treats.

6. Weight Management

• Grain-free treats can help with weight management, especially for dogs prone to obesity. Since grain-free options often have fewer carbohydrates and more protein, they can help maintain lean muscle mass while reducing fat storage.

Quality Ingredients: Not all grain-free treats are created equal. It's important to choose treats that are made with high-quality, whole ingredients rather than those filled with fillers or artificial additives.

WHY GMO’s ARE INCREASING YOUR DOG’S RISK OF DISEASE

GMO’s can cause random mutations in your dog’s cells linked to cancer, thyroid disease, pancreatic issues, kidney and liver disease, and more.

A GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) is an organism—whether plant, animal, or microorganism—whose genetic material (DNA) has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

How do you know if your pet is eating GMO food?

Check Ingredients: Look for common GMO ingredients like corn, soy, and canola.

Look for Labels: Choose products with "Non-GMO Project Verified" or "Organic" labels.

Contact Manufacturers: Ask the pet food company directly about GMO content.

Research Brands: Some brands explicitly state they use non-GMO ingredients.

Understand Labels: "Natural" or "holistic" doesn’t guarantee non-GMO.

TOTFUL TREATS IS ORGANIC & GMO FREE! Click the tab below marked “VIEW OUR TREATS” to learn more!

why human grade ingredients are important for dogs

Using human-grade ingredients in dog food and treats is important for several reasons:

1. Higher Quality Standards: Human-grade ingredients must meet stricter regulatory standards than feed-grade ingredients, which are often used in pet foods. These standards ensure the quality, safety, and purity of the ingredients.

2. Safety and Nutrition: Human-grade ingredients are less likely to be contaminated with harmful substances like toxins, chemicals, or spoiled materials. This helps ensure the food is safer for your dog, minimizing the risk of health issues like foodborne illnesses or nutritional deficiencies.

3. Digestibility: High-quality, human-grade ingredients tend to be easier for dogs to digest, which can lead to better nutrient absorption. This promotes overall health, from skin and coat condition to energy levels and digestive health.

4. Transparency and Trust: Brands that use human-grade ingredients are often more transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing processes. This transparency helps pet owners trust the food they are giving their dogs.

5. Avoiding Fillers and By-Products: Feed-grade pet foods may contain fillers, artificial additives, and by-products that are not beneficial for your dog. Human-grade options tend to avoid these ingredients, focusing on wholesome, nutritious components instead.

For dogs with sensitive stomachs or dietary restrictions, human-grade food can also help minimize allergic reactions and promote better health overall.

What is an additive and why your dog should aviod consuming them

An additive in dog food is any substance that is added to improve taste, appearance, texture, or shelf life, similar to additives in human food. Common additives in dog food include artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and fillers. Additives may pose risks to your dog’s health.

Reasons Why Dogs Shouldn't Consume Certain Additives:

1. Toxicity: Some additives, like certain preservatives (e.g., BHA, BHT), artificial sweeteners (e.g., xylitol), or flavor enhancers, can be toxic to dogs. Xylitol, for instance, can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.

2. Allergic Reactions: Dogs can develop allergies or sensitivities to artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, leading to issues like skin irritations, itching, digestive problems, or even behavioral changes.

3. Digestive Issues: Fillers and low-quality additives, such as artificial fillers, may be hard for dogs to digest, potentially causing gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, bloating, and vomiting.

4. Long-term Health Risks: Some additives may contribute to long-term health issues, such as cancer, kidney damage, or liver problems, when consumed over time in large quantities. This is particularly a concern with additives like propylene glycol and ethoxyquin.

5. Nutritional Quality: Additives often replace higher-quality ingredients in cheaper, processed dog foods. This can mean your dog isn’t getting the balanced nutrition they need for optimal health.

Choosing dog treats and food that are free from harmful additives, or selecting natural and organic options, can help promote better health for your pet. FYI- Our treats are ADDITIVE FREE! :)

Do you sing to your dog while bathing them?

Singing to your dog while giving them a bath can be a fun and calming experience for both you and your pet. Dogs often respond to their owner's voice, and singing can help reduce anxiety or stress during bath time, making the process smoother. Here are a few tips for making it enjoyable:

1. Keep it Calm and Soothing: Dogs pick up on tone, so gentle, soothing melodies can help them feel relaxed. Soft lullabies or slow, repetitive tunes work well.

2. Sing Their Name: Personalizing the song by including your dog's name can grab their attention and make them feel more comfortable. It’s a playful way to engage with them.

3. Distract from the Water: Some dogs get nervous about water, so singing provides a distraction and can keep their focus on you rather than the bath.

4. Make it Playful: If your dog loves playtime, more upbeat, silly songs can make bath time feel like a game. A happy, playful tone will encourage a positive association with the bath.

Have you ever tried singing to your dog during a bath before? How did they react? Or how about giving them treats during bath time? :)

How to make your dog happy

1. Physical Exercise: Much like us, physical activity is essential for keep your dog healthy and happy. Walks, runs, hikes and playing games like fetch are all great ways to promote the physical health of your dog.

2. Mental Stimulation: Teach your dog new tricks or commands to keep them learning and engaged. Use interactive toys or puzzle feeders to challenge their brain. Rotate their toys to keep things fresh and interesting.

3. Socialization: Allow time for them to play with other friendly dogs. Take them to dog parks or schedule playdates with dogs they get along with. Let them meet new people to get used to different environments and experiences.

4. Healthy Foods: Provide a balanced diet that suits their age, breed, and health needs. Incorporate healthy treats, especially if they have specific preferences or needs.

5. Quality Time: Spend time cuddling, petting, or just being near them. Dogs thrive on companionship, so being present matters.

6. Grooming & Hygiene: Regular grooming sessions can keep your dog comfortable and create a bonding experience. Give them baths, trim their nails, clean their ears, and brush their teeth to maintain good overall health.

7. New Experiences: Take them to new places. Dogs love to explore new scents and sights. Bring them along on family trips or weekend getaways if possible.

8. Comfort & Safety: Make sure your dog has a safe and comfortable place to rest. Give them a bed that suits their size and sleeping style. Designate a safe, quiet area where they can retreat to when they need rest or feel overwhelmed. Keep your home a comfortable temperature throughout the seasonal changes.