When it comes to dog food, one size does not fit all as different canine breeds have varying needs. Also, due to growing concerns about the use of synthetic and artificial food additives in commercially available pet food, more people are switching to organic and all-natural variants among the hundreds of options available. Here we bring you the top brands that manufacture the best organic pet food for dogs. Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Natural Balance is grain-free pet food that also has no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. One of the popular formulas is made with high-quality duck protein and carbohydrate-rich potatoes and features in the Limited Ingredient Diet® series. It is one of the best dog food options for pets suffering from food allergies or acute sensitivities as most are triggered by an improper food source. Popular formulas include Chicken & Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato & Venison, and Sweet potato & Fish. Of the few organic options, Natural Balance is not the most economical one but is well worth the premium. Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix ® Adult Dog Food To keep their energy up throughout the day, adult dogs need a wholesome meal, full of nutrition and great taste. Created by Castor & Pollux, Natural Ultramix® is premium adult dog food (dry variant) completely free of corn, soy, and wheat. Made with chicken and farm-grown vegetables, along with other poultry and fish-based protein sources, the food mix also boasts essential nutrients for healthy growth. The formula helps maintain a shiny thick coat and supplements healthy bone and teeth growth. Blue Buffalo Co. Blue Buffalo Co. ensures a healthy and holistic approach to manufacturing pet food using natural ingredients with just the right balance of organic supplements. The formula excludes any artificial flavoring, coloring or preservatives, wheat, soy, and corn.

Be it cats or dogs, pet owners love to treat their pets with treats. If you are a cat owner, you would love to treat your cats for various reasons to showcase your love and appreciation to them. Unfortunately, this can lead to a lot of health problems of your feline friend, which include a shortened lifespan, obesity, and other conditions. Overeating can also cause harmful effects on the cat’s health. Here are some tips on using food for showing love towards your feline pet without spoiling or harming them: Mix foods If your cat is refusing to eat something new (read: healthy), but still enjoys its old food, then try to mix the two foods for a few days. This will trick it into eating the new healthy food by masking it with the old food that it already likes. This is a good way to transition cats on to a new diet every time you make changes to their diet. Use chicken broth Chicken broth for cats is like tomato ketchup for humans – it makes everything taste better. If your cat is being particularly persnickety about its food, you could add some low-sodium chicken broth in its food for lending it some zing. Hopefully, that will prod your pet cat to eat the new food you put out in their bowl. Cut the scraps In some cases, your cat’s reluctance to eat its food, old or new, could be your fault, especially if it is used to being fed table scraps from your dinner table. In such cases, its palate is likely to prefer food with a little more flavor than what you’re putting out for it. So, you need to stop feeding your cat leftovers from the table. Cut back on the treats Your cat might not be eating its new food because it thinks that it’ll just get its fill of treats across the day.

One loves pampering their pet dogs with the best of foods and treats. This often means that you may indulge in sharing some of your foods with them. But dogs have a different digestive system compared to humans. This means that some of the foods that you enjoy could actually be harmful to them. This article discusses foods that are safe for your dog and provide them with necessary nutrients. Carrots Carrots are known for their nutritional benefits for humans. They are loaded with vitamins and beta-carotene that help promote heart, eyes, and skin health. Carrots are also super good for dogs. Carrots help remove plaque buildup from your pet’s teeth, helping maintain good dental health. Their nutritional content can also help improve a dog’s immune health, promoting a shiny coat and skin. Chicken Dogs love chicken meals and chicken broth, and these foods are also healthy for them. Plain-boiled chicken is a great option for when your dog has an upset tummy. It is important to remember that you should give them this food with little to no seasonings. Popcorn Popcorn is a great snack for humans and dogs. They contain minerals such as magnesium and zinc that can help both you and your dog stay healthy. The only thing that you need to keep in mind when serving your dog popcorn is that the snack needs to be completely devoid of any butter, salt, or sugar. Ensure that you do not give them any uncooked kernels, as this can cause them to choke. While human foods act as great treats for your dog, you may want to consider dog food for all your pet’s nutritional needs. Some of the most popular brands of dog food include the following. Royal Canin Royal Canin is one of the most popular dog food brands across the globe.

Being a pet parent brings its own joy and challenges. While you are privy to your dog’s moods and habits with a certain fondness, you are also responsible for cleaning them up after parasites enter your home riding on their backs. Getting rid of ticks and fleas then becomes the ultimate goal for various reasons. This article talks about some common human foods that help get rid of fleas and ticks. Lemon spray One of the easiest and mess-free ways of getting rid of ticks and fleas that enter your home is to treat them with a lemon spray. All you need to do is boil water with sliced lemon. Let the water sit overnight and cool down. Spray it on pet bedding, toys, home furnishings, and carpets. Note that you are supposed to dampen these things and not saturate them with the solution. Rosemary mix Rosemary is another effective human food that is effective in eliminating dog fleas. This herb acts as a natural flea repellent and can come in handy to prevent future infestations. All you need to do is finely grind rosemary along with rue, fennel, wormwood, and peppermint. Then, sprinkle the powder in small amounts around the house or onto your pet. However, ensure that they aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients. Baking soda One of the most effective home remedies to get rid of fleas on dogs is baking soda. Sprinkle a little baking soda on your furniture and carpet; you can use a hard brush to ensure the fleas that migrated from your dog’s coat are eliminated from the carpet fiber. Follow it up with vacuum cleaners, and you are flea-free. Salt Like baking soda, salt can also dehydrate the blood-sucking parasites that feed off of your lovely pets. However, with this natural remedy, you might want to let it rest for more than just a few hours.

5 common asthma triggers you should know about As per statistics, one out of every thirteen people suffers from asthma. If you are also one of them or are acquainted with somebody who is affected with asthma, here are some common asthma triggers you should know of. Knowing about the possible triggers can help you prevent serious incidents from taking place. Tobacco smoke As we all know, smoking tobacco is one of the most unhealthy habits to have. It is extremely harmful to everybody, especially those who have asthma. This not only harms the people smoking it but also those around them, especially if they have asthma. In fact, passive smoking is one of the most common asthma triggers that you should know about. For people who have asthma, staying away from places that have high exposure to secondhand smoke is highly advisable. Dust mites Dust mites are extremely tiny bugs which are found in nearly every home. For people with asthma, dust mites can be one of the biggest triggers. In order to prevent attacks due to dust mites, use clean mattress covers as well as pillow covers. Your sheets should be cleaned at least once a week and washed in hot water. In case, you have too many stuffed toys, decluttering your bedding often and dusting these would also be helpful. Cockroaches Although this is a lesser-known fact, cockroaches can be one of the biggest triggers for asthma attacks. Their droppings can cause major respiratory problems. To avoid this, call a professional to get rid of cockroaches in the house. You can also start by removing any exposed food and water sources as far as possible. Cockroaches are mainly found loitering in places where crumbs are left behind. Additionally, you should thoroughly vacuum the whole area and use gels or traps to get rid of cockroaches.

As much as one would love to pamper their furry friends with treats and all the love in the world, it is essential to not spoil them. Treats can be great to break the monotony of a pet cat’s regular diet and can serve as a reward for good behavior or tricks learned. But how does one understand how many treats to give? Or if the treats are good for their cats? It is essential to pay special attention to the ingredients in the treats before selecting new brands. Consult a vet if unsure of anything and also double-check to understand the possibility of allergies and side-effects. Here are some of the very effective tips to treat cats without spoiling them, which every owner should learn for the better. Break the habit Just like humans, even cats can develop a habit of fancy treats. This results in their unwillingness to have regular food and become more dependant on artificial treats. Thus, owners should strategically plan to treat their cats only twice or thrice in a week. This helps in breaking the monotony and also does not let them develop a habit in the long run. Reward them with treats One of the best tips to treat cats without spoiling them is to reward them when they are obedient. Rewarding cats with fancy treats, whether it is homemade or packaged, helps them understand and differentiate between the good and the bad as well. For example, owners should treat the cats whenever they avoid scratching or chewing shoes or sofas or do not eat from other’s plates, etc. Learn when not to treat Pet owners should understand when not to treat their cats. The love for their beloved pets is completely understandable, but not at the cost of their disobedience. One should never treat the cats every time they sit to have their meals or snacks.

Aspects to consider while selecting the best dog food Before grabbing any bag of kibble that you came across online, it’s important that understand your pet’s food requirements. Your dog’s health and development are directly proportional to the quality of nutrients in the food they intake. Dry or wet? High-fiber or protein-rich? Meat-based or vegetarian? Raw or cooked? Packaged or fresh? All of these questions will be answered herein. Think about your dog Selecting the best food for your dog can be confusing, challenging, and costly. While all dogs have similar basic needs, not every one of them can be met with the same type of food. Canines have individual needs based on their health, age, and breed. Of course, bigger breeds have different nutritional needs compared to those of smaller ones. Not to mention the dogs and puppies with special dietary needs. Also, your dog’s lifestyle and weight also play an important role in the selection process. For instance, a hyperactive husky will have different nutritional needs than a nursing one or from a chihuahua that mostly lazes it out on the couch. The number of meals and treats, similarly, would also depend on their weight and allergies. There is a chance that you might end up with prescription dog food if your pet has allergies. Check the ingredients You must remember to check out the ingredient list for the products it contains. While the list does not specify the amount or quality of ingredients used, it comes handy when your dog has special dietary needs. It is also very useful for owners who want to feed their pets with the best dog food and are specific regarding the sources of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber. Dogs aren’t strictly carnivores, but their diet does consist mainly of meat. The mixture of grains, vegetables, meat, and other food sources might not seem appealing to us but dry kibble and wet canned food are nutrient-rich and meet the requirements.

Summertime is here, and so are summer outings! Our pets love being outside, running around, playing fetch, or digging dirt. While the season is great for some outdoor activities, it is also the time when fleas and other parasites may attack your dogs and stick onto their coats. This flea infestation may become a bigger problem as it gets hotter and more humid. Here are some DIY flea sprays to get rid of these fleas. Apple cider vinegar This ingredient can be used in two ways. You can either spray the solution on your fur child’s coat or give it orally to your dog. If you would like to make a spray, just add around two to three tablespoons of it to a glass of water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle, and spray it thoroughly on your pet’s fur. This remedy keeps the fleas at bay and your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. Here’s the recipe if you want to give it orally to your dog: For every 40 pounds of your dog’s weight, add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to their water bowl. Repeat this process every time you refill their water bowl. Baking soda Take one-fourth cup of baking soda, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and five drops of peppermint oil before pouring two cups of warm water into this concoction. Mix this thoroughly and transfer it into a spray bottle. Use this mixture generously on your pet’s fur. Spraying enough mixture on the coat will ensure that it gets absorbed into the skin. You can simply leave the mixture on till it dries out. Make sure your dog doesn’t lick it off. Use this as many times as needed every week. Keeping some natural remedies at home is a big relief as these DIY recipes can be used to take preventive measures against flea infestation.

Pests can invade a dog’s furry coat and create quite havoc. Some dogs are extremely sensitive to these crawly bugs and can develop skin reactions. That said, several products are available in the market to tackle this problem, and flea tablets are one of them. These fast-acting pills control ticks, worms, and other pests, so pet owners won’t have to worry about infestations. Here are a few trusted flea pills for dogs that will actively protect your pet’s fur coat. Capstar Flea Tablets Capstar is a well-known brand for effective flea-prevention and treatment products. Their flea pills for dogs and puppies can prevent allergy dermatitis, which often occurs due to a flea infestation. Their tablets can start killing these pests within half an hour of ingestion, and they are safe enough for daily single-dose consumption. While no prescription is needed to purchase these, remember to get approval from your vet as they will know if the medicine will agree with your canine. Trifexis Chewable Tablets These strong monthly chewable flea pills for dogs are a good fix for fleas, and they also help keep heartworm disease at bay. They have a blend of pest-fighting agents like milbemycin oxime and spinosad that fight parasites and curb infestation. These tablets come in a beef flavor, so your dog may look forward to feeling better with these chewable pills. The complex formulation of the tablet may cause side effects, so it is only recommended for dogs that are 8 weeks or older and weigh 5 pounds or more. Sentinel Flavor Tabs These flavored tablets are ideal for preventing adult roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections in pups more than 4 weeks old and over 2 pounds of weight. Plus, it won’t be difficult to get your pet to eat them as they taste just like treats.

Dogs are the best friends of a human being unless he or she is allergic to them. Americans love dogs. However, pet allergies are also quite common in the country. According to a report, 15% to 30% of the population has pet allergies. Allergic reactions due to other pets are not as severe as allergic reactions to dogs. Moreover, people with asthma are quite likely to have a dog allergy. This article gives the reader some information about the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatments for dog allergies. Symptoms of dog allergies in humans Patients with dog allergies will experience several symptoms when they come in contact with a dog. These symptoms could range from mild to severe. People with low sensitivity may not experience symptoms for several days after they come in contact with dogs. Some of the symptoms of dog allergies include: Itching and swelling of the membrane in and around the eyes and nose A patient’s skin becomes red after getting licked by a dog Wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath within 10 to 30 minutes after exposure to dogs Rashes on the face, chest, and neck A severe attack of asthma for asthma patients Trouble with sleeping due to shortness of breath Pressure and pain in the face Nasal congestion Causes of dog allergies in human beings The proteins that a dog secretes generally end up in their dead skin or dander, urine, and saliva. When an allergic person comes in contact with the dog, their immune system starts to react abnormally to these harmless proteins secreted by the dog. You should also remember that different breeds of dogs produce different dander. Thus, it is possible that an individual is only allergic to a specific breed of dogs. Also, the dander could get into various surfaces like the carpet, clothing, walls or even couch cushions.

Keeping your dogs safe from fleas and ticks can be an exhausting job. The constant scratching and biting can be tiring and unhealthy. Not only this, it can bring down the mood of your furry friend, affecting the whole household. Therefore, it is better to stay prepared in case of an unforeseen pest attack. This article talks about some effective and accessible natural remedies that will give you and your dogs some much-needed relief. Home remedies for fleas and ticks in dogs Natural oils Natural or essential oils must be diluted first, after which you can use them as a spray or a pre-bath rinse. Alternatively, you can dilute them with carrier oils and massage them into their coat. Whatever you do, make sure to get your vet’s approval beforehand. Garlic Garlic has various nutritional benefits apart from being an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent. Don’t get too concerned about its strong odor. Add a small amount of crushed garlic to your pet’s food and watch this natural remedy work its magic. Vinegar Another natural remedy that is not only easily accessible but can double up as a flea and tick repellant for dogs is vinegar. You can dilute it with water and use it as a spray. Or, if your dog does not mind its taste, add very small amounts of it to their drinking water. Similarly, you can also make use of apple cider vinegar. While these are all commonly used natural remedies, some pet parents prefer trying medicated ointments or powders to help their dogs get rid of fleas and ticks. It is recommended to consult a vet to know the best course of action before proceeding. Medications for fleas and ticks in dogs FRONTLINE® Plus A powerful topical solution, it can beat ticks and fleas at all stages of their lifecycle.

If you have pet cats at home and occasionally feed them from your plate, you must know which foods are safe for them. Cats can be greedy eaters, and irrespective of the cute faces they make at the dinner table, it’s best not to give them anything besides cat food until you’re a hundred percent sure. To help you, we’ve listed a few human foods that are safe for cats to eat. Salmon Cats love fish, and vets recommend feeding them fish-based cat foods. Most options are rich in omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish, in particular, like tuna, salmon, or mackerel, is excellent for their eyesight and joints. However, don’t feed your feline straight from the can; they might lick it too aggressively and cut their tongues. It’s best to provide them with cooked pieces that have no bones. Whole grains Grains are power-packed with nutrients and are healthy for both humans and cats. Oats, mainly, have lots of protein, but not many cats like it. Some cats prefer coarse food made from brown rice and cornmeal. If you’re not feeding your cat meat or fish, whole grains can be a good substitute. You can cook smaller grains like millet, couscous, or wheat berries at home. Boiled eggs Boiled eggs are an excellent source of vitamin B and protein and are healthy for your cat. But ensure the eggs are cooked well to avoid bacteria like salmonella or E. coli from entering your feline’s system. Moreover, some cats can be allergic to eggs, so proceed with caution. Fresh veggies and fruits While not all cats are vegetable and fruit lovers since they cannot taste the sweet flavors, some do nibble on fresh fruits and veggies. Cucumber, cantaloupe, steamed broccoli or asparagus, baked carrots, and green beans have the proper nutrients and minerals.