Grain free dog food has been available to pet owners for over a decade. Perhaps not-surprisingly, the grain-free trend started from a marketing campaign. The campaign said that because dogs are the ancestors of wolves that they should eat a similar diet, and wolves don’t eat grains. The reality is that dogs have evolved over many generations of being domesticated so that they are omnivores vs. carnivores like their wolf relatives.
In a general sense, a grain-free diet isn’t automatically healthy or unhealthy for dogs. The more important thing to look at is which ingredients are used to ensure each ingredient is being used to provide necessary nutrition. Some grains are rich in nutrition and others are less so. If you decide to go grain-free, you’ll still need to make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need.
Most dogs can absorb the nutrients from grains in their diet without any issues. And when it comes to allergies, genuine grain allergies are pretty rare among dogs.
Here at Nextrition, we include some healthy grains in our diets but only use high-quality, nutrient-rich ingredients. Our number 1 ingredient is real meat with a blend of grains with fruits and vegetables to create a well-balanced dog food that’s gentle on sensitive stomachs, good for gut health, and avoids common allergens. Plus, our food is cold-pressed to lock in maximum flavor and nutritional value.
We believe the best approach is to focus on feeding your dog healthy food made with natural ingredients, preferably cold-pressed. It’s better to take a broad view of food and pet health rather than getting caught up in a single issue like grain-free, unless your pup has a grain allergy.
There is lots of information out there claiming that dogs being fed a grain-free diet could have a higher chance of developing a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The truth is that all research so far has not shown a connection between grain-free diets and DCM. Despite that, many vets will recommend staying away from grain-free foods to be extra cautious.
We think Nextrition is an excellent choice for just about any dog. But we also understand that it’s not the only choice. You want to give your dog a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-digest food. Here’s our advice: if you’re considering going grain-free, talk to an expert before making the switch.
Your vet is the best person to help you decide what’s right for your dog. If the two of you determine that grain-free is the way to go, that’s awesome. If not, why not give Nextrition cold-pressed dog food a try? It’s a fantastic option for sensitive stomachs and common food allergies.
When you hear the words "excess weight," what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For most of us, it’s probably a few extra pounds around the belly and the impact that has on our health and appearance. We often think about it in terms of human health, but what about our dogs?
More importantly, is there a connection between excess weight, a long life, and the food you feed your dog? Stick around, and by the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how these are connected and why a healthy, cold-pressed dog food might be just what your furry friend needs.
Over the last few decades, we’ve become much more aware of how bad excess weight is for human health. But guess what? Carrying extra weight is just as bad for dogs as it is for us.
Studies have shown that even being moderately overweight can shave up to 2.5 years off your dog’s life. And when you consider that a 12-year-old large-breed dog is roughly equivalent to a 77-year-old human, losing more than two years is a big deal.
Excess weight in dogs has been linked to:
Just like with humans, high blood pressure and heart disease are two major concerns when it comes to excess weight in dogs. Both conditions can seriously cut down on your dog’s lifespan. This brings us to the benefits of cold-pressed dog food.
We’ve all heard the saying, "you are what you eat." Well, it applies to dogs, too. And just like with humans, how much they eat matters. Overeating is a leading cause of excess weight, and eating too much of the wrong kinds of food only makes things worse.
We’re not here to say that kibble is bad across the board. But the way kibble is made—through high-temperature cooking—can strip away a lot of the natural nutrients. That means that kibble companies are sometimes adding more nutrients after it has been cooked.
Cold-pressed dog food is different. It’s not exposed to the high heat that kibble is, so it retains more of its natural nutrients. It is also more nutrient dense than kibble, this means you can feed your dog less while still giving them everything they need. How much less? It depends on their current diet, but some dogs can be fed up to 30% less food.
We’re not saying kibble is unhealthy, but we will say that cold-pressed dog food is designed to be a healthier option. We carefully select ingredients that are optimal for canine health, combine them in the right proportions, and press them into crunchy pieces—all without the need for fillers or unnecessary additives.
The biggest factor to maintaining a healthy weight is controlling the number of calories being fed to your pup but not all calories are created equal. If the calories that are being fed are from less healthy ingredients, it can still shorten the lifespan of your pup. With Nextrition cold-pressed dog food, your dog gets top-notch nutrition which if fed the proper amount will support better overall health.
Excess weight isn’t good for dogs. It can shorten their lifespan by years, and that’s a lot of time lost. If you’re concerned about your current dog food and its impact on your dog’s weight, maybe it’s time to switch to a cold-pressed brand like Nextrition.
Mealtime can be a wild ride in some dog households. You know the type—dogs who gulp down every meal like it's their last. They dive into their food bowls with serious enthusiasm, leaving no kibble behind. Sure, gulping food might seem like bad behavior to some dog owners, but here’s the thing: it’s really not the end of the world.
Gulping food is actually part of a dog’s natural behavior. You can train your pup to slow down if you want to, but even the most well-trained dogs can have their moments. Your dog might take his time for weeks, only to suddenly decide to inhale his food one day.
Gulping food doesn’t have much to do with the food itself. You could serve your dog the best gut-healthy dog food on the market, and he might still gulp it down if that’s his usual way of eating. Whether it’s natural dog food, name-brand kibble, or even gourmet wet food, the behavior could persist.
So, why do some dogs gulp rather than eat slowly? Here are a few reasons:
There may not be a way to pinpoint exactly why your dog gulps his food. But remember, you can usually train your dog to slow down through exercises that promote patience and calmness.
In the wild, dogs face a lot more challenges than just how fast they eat. But domesticated dogs live a very different life, and food gulping can sometimes cause some health problems. That’s why if you notice any health issues you may want to train your dog to slow down or buy a slow feeder to force them to slow down.
Food gulping can lead to:
One of the most common issues with dogs that gulp their food is stomach upset, which can lead to vomiting. A little vomit here and there isn’t a big deal, but if it happens often, especially right after eating, it might be time to take a closer look.
Whether your dog gulps or not, make sure you’re feeding them a healthy diet. If you’re worried about gulping, training is a good option or finding a slow feeder bowl that forces a longer mealtime.
Nextrition is a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Our cold-pressed dog food is gut-healthy, avoids common allergens, and is packed with flavor and nutritional value. It’s even a hit with picky eaters. Give it a try and see the difference.
There’s nothing quite like rewarding your dog with a quality treat. Whether Rocco just nailed that new trick or Misty’s been extra sweet today, giving your dog a treat feels great. But here’s the thing: while treats are awesome, they should be just that—a treat, not a staple.
What do we mean by that? We mean that your dog shouldn’t be filling up on treats instead of getting their proper nutrition from their regular meals. Treats should be a supplement to their diet, not a replacement, and they should fit within their daily calorie needs. You should also check the ingredients of the treats you are feeding to ensure you are avoiding ingredients like corn, wheat, soy and animal by-products.
If you’re giving out treats left and right without adjusting your dog’s meals, you might end up with a pup that’s overweight. Just like humans, when dogs take in more calories than they burn, they start packing on the pounds. And we all know that carrying extra weight isn’t good for either people or dogs. It’s best to avoid that altogether.
If you’re new to the world of dog parenting, the first thing to understand about treats is that they’re not a substitute for a healthy, balanced diet. The best place to start is by making sure your dog’s main meals are packed with the right nutrients.
That’s where Nextrition comes in. We recommend our cold-pressed dog food made from natural ingredients. We carefully select and proportion our ingredients for a proper balance of nutrients, then use a cold pressing method that keeps all the good stuff intact. This means your dog can eat less while still getting all the nutrition they need to stay healthy.
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight isn’t as tricky as it sounds. Once you have quality food, it’s all about knowing how many calories your dog needs each day and feeding them accordingly. For example, if you’ve got a large-breed dog that needs around 1,400 calories a day to stay fit, feeding them more than that could lead to weight gain. On the flip side, feeding them less might cause them to lose weight.
Of course, this is just a general guideline as every dog is different. Several factors can influence how many calories your dog needs, including their weight, activity level, and any health issues they might have.
You can get a recommended number of daily calories by getting a personalized feeding plan from Nextrition. You can also check the feeding guidelines on any package of dog food. The label should tell you how much to feed based on weight as a good place to start, and it might also list the calorie content. From there, it’s just a matter of doing a little math and/or adjusting the amount you feed on if your dog is gaining or losing any weight.
You can also consult with your veterinarian to get a starting place on how many calories to feed. They can assess your dog’s weight and overall health to give you a baseline number. Once you have that, you can figure out how treats fit into the equation.
A common rule of thumb is the 10% rule—no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories should come from treats. So, if you’re giving treats every day, you’ll need to reduce their regular meals by about 10% to keep their overall calorie intake in check.
We’re big fans of quality treats here at Nextrition. They’re fantastic for training and for showing your dog some extra love. But remember, treats should be supplemental. Keep that in mind, and your dog will stay healthy and happy.
With summer winding down and fall on the horizon, it’s almost time for hunting season—an exciting time for working dogs who love getting out there and putting their natural instincts to work. But when it comes to feeding these hard-working dogs during hunting season, should you be doing anything differently?
Common sense tells us that just like human athletes, dogs need more fuel when they’re more active. But there are a few more things to consider than simply adjusting their diet for increased activity.
Every dog is a little different and the right answer on how much extra to feed your pup during the hunting season and the off-season can vary every year. We can share some general guidelines but you will know your dog the best and may need to adjust how much you feed depending on how your dog is acting. You can always chat with your vet for personalized advice.
We’ve done some digging to find tips from those who know working dogs best. While some advice varies, a few key tips kept popping up. Here are some of the most common recommendations:
The top tip we found is to adjust feeding based on your dog’s activity level. It makes sense—your dog will burn more calories on a full day of hunting than on a day spent lounging around. The general advice is to increase food volume during the hunting season and then scale back during the offseason.
Another common tip is to tweak the timing of your dog’s meals. Many working dog owners recommend avoiding feeding immediately before or after hunting. Instead, they suggest feeding once a day during the hunting season, usually in the evening.
Working dogs tend to get more exercise during hunting season, which is why many owners suggest upping the fat and protein content in their food. Adding more protein and fat to their existing diet or switching entirely to a high-performance dog food with higher fat and protein levels can give your dog the extra energy they need for those busy hunting days. Just remember, if you’re switching foods, do it gradually to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
It’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s weight and body condition during the season. If your dog seems to be losing weight or isn’t in optimal condition, you might need to increase their daily food intake. Some owners recommend adjusting the volume based on whether it’s a hunting day or not.
As a company focused on canine nutrition, the best advice we can offer is to monitor your dog’s weight and body condition daily. There are no hard and fast rules for feeding during hunting season—every dog is different, even within the same breed. Keeping a close eye on your dog will help you make the best decisions for their diet.
And, of course, we invite you to give Nextrition cold-pressed dog food a try. Since cold pressing preserves nutritional value, most dogs can eat less by volume while still maintaining optimal health. Nextrition could be the perfect gut-healthy dog food for your working dog during the busy hunting season.
We love dogs here at Nextrition. They aren't just pets; they are part of the family. That's why we put so much time and effort into producing our healthy dog food based on cold-pressed processing. But we know there are other things dog owners can do to ensure optimal health for their pets. For instance, introducing dental chews is good for a dog's teeth.
There has been plenty of discussion over the years about how different types of food affect canine dental health. Experts have discussed the moisture content in wet food, the abrasive nature of kibble, and even the impacts of dental chews. The three best things any pet owner can do for the dental health of his furry companion are:
Nextrition cold-pressed food is crunchy, shelf-stable food, packed with natural nutrients and flavors. We provide recipes that avoid the most common allergies, it is all natural, good for the gut, and an ideal choice as a dry dog food for picky eaters. A healthy set of teeth needs some resistance, if they only eat soft foods their teeth will become weak and may eventually fall out. This is why crunchy food or something hard to chew on is critical for maintaining healthy teeth.
Just like humans, regularly brushing teeth is an important step for maintaining dental health and preventing plaque and tarter build up. There are some dental chews that can help fight both plaque and tarter build up but should be used in addition to brushing teeth, not a replacement.
Look for dental chews that are abrasive by nature to help scrap the plaque off the teeth. It is even better if you can find a chew that isn’t consumed immediately but can last a couple of days. Between the two properties, dental chews can help scrape plaque off the teeth before it hardens into tartar. That is good for dental health.
Of course, regular brushing seals the deal. Look for a toothpaste that is designed to be safe for dogs as your pup will almost always consume the toothpaste while getting their teeth brushed. Combining dental chews with regular brushing can keep your canine companions' teeth in top shape.
Dealing with plaque and tartar is the main reason for giving your dog dental chews. But let's go one step further. Regular access to chews offers a couple of other benefits:
Dental chews are not merely the result of good marketing – they really can make a difference. Like our cold-pressed dog food, dental chews can improve your dog's oral health.
Before introducing a new dental chew, it’s always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian. Here’s why:
First, you want to choose a product that’s right for your dog’s size and chewing habits. A dental chew that’s too hard could damage your dog’s teeth, while one that’s too soft might not offer enough benefits.
Second, look for dental chews that are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. These products have been proven to work, and your vet can likely recommend a few good options for your dog.
We hope you’re already feeding your dog Nextrition cold-pressed dog food. If so, why not add a quality dental chew to the mix? It can help reduce plaque and tartar, freshen your dog’s breath, and keep those gums healthy.
As dog owners, we all want the best for our furry friends. That often means choosing all-natural dog food. But just like with human health, it's important to know what you're really getting. A dog food label saying 'all natural' doesn’t automatically make it the best choice for your pet.
One of the big questions we hear a lot is, "What does 'all natural' actually mean when it comes to dog food?" It's a great question so let's get to it.
What It Really Means
Dog food manufacturers sometimes use phrases like 'all natural' and '100% natural'. These are essentially the same but what do they actually mean? To label dog food as all natural, manufacturers need to meet these four conditions:
Interestingly, some manufacturers avoid the term 'all natural' because the requirements are so strict.
There Is Some Wiggle Room
You should know there’s a bit of wiggle room here. Instead of saying 'all natural', a manufacturer might just use 'natural'. This term is less strictly regulated than others, like 'organic'.
Another thing to keep in mind is that 'natural' is loosely defined under federal and state regulations. The FDA hasn’t officially defined 'natural' for pet food labeling. Their only rule is that labeling can’t be false or misleading. This gives manufacturers a lot of leeway to use words that suggest natural dog food without actually saying 'all natural'.
What It Means to You
So, what does all this mean for you as a dog owner? All-natural is a great claim to help you feel confident in the quality of the ingredients, but it doesn’t necessarily mean those ingredients are healthy. For example, a recipe made primarily of sugar and fat can be considered all-natural but not very healthy. Be sure to check the ingredient label to know what natural ingredients are being used.
At the end of the day, healthy and quality ingredients matter but how those ingredients are processed matters, too. That’s why Nextrition specializes in cold-pressed dog food. Cold pressing processes food at 3x lower temperatures vs. traditional kibble, preserving more of the natural nutritional value and flavor.
We’re transparent about our ingredients. Check out each of our formulas and see for yourself. Our ingredients are chosen to offer maximum nutritional value with every bite. They’re perfect for sensitive stomachs and picky eaters. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to drop us a line.
Here at Nextrition, we’re all about gut health. That’s no accident – we designed our products to be gut-healthy dog food options because we know how crucial a healthy gut is to your dog’s overall wellness. It’s a topic worth digging into time and again to cover all the details.
Some of our previous posts have touched on the general ideas of canine gut health. In this post, though, we’re diving deep. Let’s explore what gut health is, why it’s so important for dogs, and how it impacts both their physical and mental wellness.
Dogs Are What They Eat
You’ve probably heard the saying, “you are what you eat.” Well, it applies to dogs too. From a health and wellness standpoint, what your dog eats affects every part of their physical wellbeing. And at the center of it all is the gut. Why? Because the gut is where food gets transformed into the valuable resources the body needs to keep going strong.
When we talk about gut health, we mean the health of your dog's digestive system. The gut includes everything from the stomach to the intestines to the liver. A healthy gut breaks food down into nutrients and waste. Nutrients get absorbed, while waste gets discarded.
But what happens when your dog’s gut health isn’t up to par? The digestive system might absorb fewer nutrients, produce more waste than it should, and that waste can be messy to clean up. This means your dog isn’t getting the full nutritional value from their food, leading to a host of issues.
Maintaining the Right Balance
Your dog’s gut doesn’t process food with gears and grinders. Instead, it relies on bacteria, enzymes, and other chemicals and microorganisms to break food down. Good gut health means creating and keeping the right balance of all these substances.
That’s something we focus on when we create gut-healthy dog food. We use all-natural ingredients and manufacturing processes that won’t upset the delicate balance in your dog’s gut. In fact, we add prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to our food to help keep it in check. When your dog’s gut health is strong, they get maximum nutritional value from every meal.
The Benefits of Good Gut Health
All those chemicals and microorganisms in your dog’s gut make up what’s called the gut microbiome. A balanced microbiome is key to good gut health. And good gut health in dogs means:
All these benefits lead to better physical and mental health. You probably get the link between good gut health and physical health. But what about mental health? Just like with humans, there’s a connection between physical and mental wellness in dogs. When your dog is physically healthy, they’re likely to show better cognition, mood, and behavior.
On the flip side, poor gut health can lead to allergies, a weakened immune system, excess weight, and chronic inflammation – all things we want to avoid for your dog.
Canine gut health is a vital part of overall wellness. That’s why we’re committed to designing and manufacturing gut-healthy dog food you can trust. Want to know more about our dog food? Just ask!
Every now and then, we like to remind dog owners that they don't need to worry about finding space in the refrigerator or freezer with cold-pressed dog food. Here at Nextrition, we make an all-natural cold-pressed dog food that's shelf-stable before and after opening. But how is that possible? Doesn’t all dog food spoil eventually?
Sure, any kind of food will spoil if stored improperly for a long time. When we say our cold-pressed dog food is shelf-stable, we mean you’ve got plenty of time to use it before worrying about spoilage. The secret to our dog food's stability is in the processing.
Cold Pressing in a Nutshell
Cold pressing is a pretty simple process. We gather all our ingredients, combine them, press them without high heat or steam into crunchy pieces. Our process gets its name from the low pressing temperature. Traditional kibble, on the other hand, is cooked and formed at 3x higher temperatures.
Similar to a fresh cooked and raw diet, cold pressing is better at preserving the natural flavor and nutritional value vs. traditional kibble. The slower and lower you cook food, the more you preserve its natural goodness.
Water Is the Big Thing
When it comes to food spoilage, water is the big culprit. This applies to all sorts of foods, not just dog food. Water promotes spoilage because it provides a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. Take away the water, and you also take away the opportunity for microorganisms to thrive.
This is what sets cold-pressed dog food apart from a fresh or raw diet, cold pressing dog food has removed most of the water from the natural ingredients. But it is pressed at lower temperatures to retain more of the natural nutrients and flavors vs. kibble so you end up with food that maintains high nutritional value but doesn't offer a breeding ground for microorganisms. You also get impressive shelf stability.
Natural Oils Help
While they play a smaller role in preventing food spoilage, the natural oils found in some of our ingredients also help. Cold pressing preserves these natural oils, which in turn help inhibit bacterial growth. Once again, cold pressing creates a better food that's less likely to spoil vs. a fresh or raw diet.
So, how long will cold-pressed dog food last before spoiling? We can't give you an exact number because no two dog foods are exactly the same. On average, an unopened and properly stored package of cold-pressed dog food should be shelf-stable between 6-12 months. But remember, storage conditions matter.
You Can Take It With You
We don’t expect our customers to buy cold-pressed dog food and leave it on the shelf for more than a year before using it. Shelf stability isn't usually a concern in that regard. But what about after it's opened? You still get considerable shelf life out of Nextrition cold-pressed dog food.
This makes our dog food perfect for traveling. Unlike some fresh or raw dog foods that don’t travel well, you can take Nextrition food with you when you go camping, RVing, road-tripping, or just spending a full day in the woods. You can even carry it in the same package it originally came in. How convenient is that?
Cold-pressed dog food offers impressive shelf stability. Don’t think that just because our food isn't cooked at high temperatures, it’s any less stable. Under normal conditions, you have nothing to worry about. Cold-pressed dog food offers the stability modern life demands. We hope that sets your mind at ease.
We humans have a lot in common with our dogs. For instance, our dogs can have food allergies – just like us. Food allergies can make life miserable for a dog and its owner. Avoiding such misery is what motivates Nextrition to make dog food that avoids ingredients that are common allergies. While our recipes aren’t 100% hypoallergenic, the limited ingredients make it easy to pick a recipe that fits your pups diet.
You might be wondering how to tell if your dog has a food allergy. Well, you’re in luck. That’s exactly what we’re going to dive into in this post.
Allergic Reactions: The Basics
When we say that a dog has food allergies, what we really mean is that the animal has an allergic reaction to certain foods or ingredients. An allergic reaction happens when the immune system goes into overdrive, reacting to something it sees as a threat, even though it’s not dangerous.
Imagine a dog allergic to certain types of protein. The protein in her food is perfectly fine and healthy, but her body overreacts to it in a way that can cause trouble.
Common Symptoms of Food Allergies
You need to know if your dog has food allergies before looking for a food that avoids those ingredients. So how do you figure that out? By paying attention to your dog’s behavior and looking for symptoms.
Some common symptoms of food allergies in dogs include:
Dogs with food allergies might also lose their appetite and have less energy. They might even avoid eating, leading to noticeable weight loss. However, many signs of food allergies are also associated with other conditions. So if you suspect food allergies, your best bet is to take your dog to the vet for an expert opinion.
Diagnosis Through Trial and Error
A vet who suspects food allergies will often use a trial and error approach to diagnose the issue. This might sound old-school, but it’s the best way to figure out what foods are bothering your pet. Typically, this involves an 8-12 week elimination diet.
Initially, your dog is fed a diet consisting mainly of a novel or hydrolyzed protein. Then, different foods are introduced to see how the dog reacts. By the end of the trial, the vet should have a good idea about what your dog is allergic to.
One last thing to note is that food sensitivities are far more common in dogs than actual allergies. Your vet can explain the differences. Either way, the limited but high-quality ingredients in Nextrition cold-pressed dog food make it a great food for dogs with many of the common allergies and sensitive stomachs. Consider giving Nextrition cold pressed food a try – we’re confident you and your canine companion will be pleased!
Hey there! At Nextrition, we’re all about keeping our furry friends in tip-top shape. That’s why we craft all-natural dog food that’s perfect for pups to reach peak digestive health. But did you know that good dog food does more than just keep tummies happy? It can also work wonders for your dog's coat!
Nutrition is key to just about everything related to your dog's well-being. Just like how eating right helps us feel our best, the same goes for your dog. Good nutrition means optimal health for both body and mind.
When it comes to a healthy coat, your dog needs it to stay comfy and look great. But a shiny, healthy coat doesn't happen by chance. Your dog's body needs the right nutrients in the right amounts to keep that coat looking fabulous.
Fatty Acids and Essential Oils
For a healthy coat, your dog needs healthy skin. Omega fatty acids and essential oils are superstars in this department. They keep your dog's skin hydrated, which in turn helps maintain a shiny, healthy coat.
Sure, your dog can get some fatty acids and essential oils from standard kibble. But cold-pressed dog food from Nextrition is packed with these good things. Cold-pressed means it’s cooked at lower temperatures, preserving all the important stuff – including those fatty acids and essential oils.
Proper Absorption of Food’s Nutrients
Getting enough fatty acids and essential oils is just one part of the puzzle. The other part is making sure your dog’s body actually absorbs these nutrients. If your pup’s digestive system isn’t up to snuff, all those good nutrients won’t do much. This can lead to a dull, unhealthy coat.
Many dog owners notice a big improvement in their dog’s coat after switching to Nextrition cold-pressed dog food. But why is that? What’s so special about cold pressing?
Cold-pressed dog food is easier on the stomach and retains more of the natural nutrients and flavors that traditional kibble burns off when its made. Nextrition helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which means a stronger and healthier gut and digestive system. So, your dog gets more nutritional value from every meal, leading to a healthier, shinier coat.
Less Skin Irritation
Still not convinced? Consider this: good nutrition means less skin irritation. Traditional kibble often contains preservatives and fillers that can mess with your dog’s skin health, leading to scratching and itching.
Cold-pressed dog food, on the other hand, gives your dog all the nutrients needed for healthy skin without the fillers and preservatives that can cause issues. This means fewer skin problems like rashes and infections, less scratching, and a healthier coat.
Food Is a Building Block
Bottom line: food is a building block for your dog's body. A healthy coat comes from getting the right nutrients in the right amounts. A well-balanced diet with high nutritional value supports good gut health, good skin health, and a beautiful coat. It’s as simple as that!
Dogs are fascinating little furballs, aren't they? Especially when it comes to their quirky food habits. Let's take Sparky, for instance – he's the kind of dog who seems to have an insatiable craving for the cat's food. Forget his own bowl, he's all about that feline feast. But what's really going on here?
Yep, these are the burning questions we ponder here at Nextrition. Dog food is our jam. We want our furry friends to be stoked about our cold-pressed dog food, not just munching on it because it's the only option.
So why does Sparky ditch his food for the cat's chow? Let's dive into a few possibilities:
First off, taste buds. Dogs have 'em, and they have preferences. This is why we're so loud about our cold-pressed dog food at Nextrition. We use low temps and lots of pressure to lock in both nutrition and flavor. We want our food to look good and taste even better. But Sparky? Maybe he's just not feeling his yawn-worthy kibble.
Cats are carnivores while dogs are omnivores, meaning that cats need a larger helping of animal protein in their diet and like a freshly grilled steak, meat and fat is an explosion of flavor! Sparky might've snagged a bite and thought, "Wow, this is way better than my usual grub."
Dogs are curious critters, especially when they're pups. Sparky might just be food aggressive and intrigued by the novelty of the cat's food. It's different, it's exciting, and who doesn't love a little culinary adventure?
Here's the tough pill to swallow: Sparky might be turning his nose up at his own food because it's not fully satiating his dietary desires for nutrients. Dogs need a variety of proteins, minerals and essential amino acids to stay healthy. Sometimes, homemade meals or lower quality food doesn’t consistently hit the nutritional mark. Sparky's body knows what it needs, and it might be telling him to chow down on the cat's higher-protein food, grass, or other items to seek additional nutrients.
So, if Sparky's made a habit of raiding the cat's bowl, it's probably best to break that cycle. Sure, cat food has more protein, but it isn’t formulated with all the nutrients that dogs need. Cat food is designed for cats, not dogs – plain and simple.
So how do you put an end to Sparky's cat food obsession? One trick is to feed Sparky and the cat in separate rooms. Out of sight, out of mind, right? This works best if you have a set feeding schedule instead of just leaving food out all day.
Got other ideas? Hit up your vet for more tips. Just remember, if Sparky's into the cat's food, it's a sign that his own diet might need an upgrade. Nextrition dog food is balanced and delicious – it might be just what Sparky needs to stay out of the cat's food and get excited about his own meals again.
So, let Sparky be Sparky, but let's also make sure he's getting the best nutrition possible. After all, a healthy dog is a happy dog, and that's what we're all about here at Nextrition.
