Pet Advice & Ideas

Pets Need New Year’s Resolutions Too!


woman playing with her cat

Your pet will always cherish any quality time you spend with them. 


Every January, New Year’s Resolutions are on many people’s minds. Maybe you plan on reading more, eating healthier, or spending more time with family, but what about our pets? Do our sweet fur babies even
have their own resolutions for the new year? If cats and dogs could talk, here are some resolutions we think they’d declare along with some ideas on how we, their humans, can help them achieve them:

Eat Healthier

Lots of us pledge to lose weight or eat healthier when January rolls around. Why should our pets be any different? If your dog has packed on a few extra pounds over this last year, help them reach their goal of slimming down by feeding them our Adult Weight Loss food.

Exercise More

Ever been to the gym at the beginning of January? Every machine is taken, and every corner is full of people trying their best to ditch the ten pounds of cookies and cocktails they might have gained over the holidays. And while pet gyms aren’t a thing…yet, you can encourage more active and fit pets by engaging them in regular playtime and activity.

Laser pointers or feather wands are almost guaranteed to get cats motivated to jump around. For dogs, be sure to take them on multiple walks and play fetch with their favorite ball. All of these activities will help you and your pet bond, while also keeping them trim and fit.


family running with their dog

Getting some exercise with your pet is a great way to keep them fit.


Level Up On Looks

There’s something about the start of the year that has us all wanting to look our best - whether that's with the help of a new jacket or a fresh haircut. If your pet is also looking for a fresh new ‘coat’ to show off on their next visit to the local dog park, you can help them out by keeping them looking clean and smelling fresh, with products like our Revitalizing Shampoo for dogs and cats.

Spend Time With the Ones You Love

At the heart of it all, people and pets alike want the chance to spend quality time with the ones they love the most. Because when it comes down to it, what’s the point of us or our pets having resolutions to slim down, tone up, or glam out if we don’t have anyone to share it with?

We’re the center of our pet’s universe, and more often than not, they’re the center of ours. So, carve out time to spend with them, whether it’s taking a long walk, playing with a favorite toy, or snuggling up on the couch together to watch a classic movie. We promise it’s time well spent that you’re both sure to cherish for years to come.

Happy New Year from Life’s Abundance!

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3 Benefits Of Apples For Dogs


dog sniffing an apple

Apples are chock-full of vitamins including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants.


If an apple a day keeps the doctor away perhaps it keeps the Veterinarian away as well. Apples are a nutrient-packed superfood, but do they have the same health impact on your four-legged friends? Depending on how often you give your pup apples, they can serve as a delicious, healthy treat.

Benefits of apples for dogs:

  • Apples are low in calories and chock-full of vitamins including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants. One of the benefits of antioxidants is that they can help to reduce inflammation. In fact, apples contain quercetin which is an antioxidant that has been known to act as an antihistamine, helping inhibit the effects of allergies.
  • Apples are a great source of fiber for your furry friends, especially in the peel. And just like in people, fiber plays a huge role in the digestive system to keep everything moving. This helps your dog maintain a healthy weight.
  • Looking for a snack that helps with dental health? Apples contain malic acid, which aids in keeping their teeth cleaner and breath fresher. Plus, the natural chewing action helps scrub off food build-up.

As a note, if you choose to give your furry friend a fresh apple, make sure you are removing the core and seeds. The seeds can contain a small amount of cyanide, which can lead to problems should they eat too many by mistake. In addition, you don’t want to give them too large a serving, as an overabundance of fiber can cause digestive problems - we suggest sticking to one or two small slices.

Because apples are so nutrient-rich and enjoyed by dogs, we decided to make it one of the two top ingredients in our newest dog treats - Pork & Apple Recipe sausage treats for dogs. This treat packs a nutritious punch. Your pup will love the deli-style sausage links, and you’ll love how good it is for them.

If you found this interesting, check out these related stories:

What You Should Know About Grains In Pet Food

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8 Ways To Help Animal Rescues During The Holidays


cat poking head out of crate at pet rescue

There are many ways you can help animal rescues during the holidays, even if you can't adopt just yet.


You’ll forever be a “superhero” in the eyes of any pet you adopt, but if you can’t commit to adoption just yet, you can at least reach “trusty sidekick” status by volunteering at your local animal shelter. This is especially true during the holidays when there’s often a shortage of staff. 

Here are eight creative ways you can help:

  1. Become a wise adopter

Pets in a shelter have only one thing on their holiday wish list: get adopted by a loving parent.  It’s the happiest ending they could ever hope for as a rescue. But while you are indeed “rescuing” them, remember, there are responsibilities with being a pet parent. First, it’s a myth that shelters spay/neuter their animals, so be sure to address that if it’s important to you. There are also financial costs to consider, like visits to the vet, and the cost of feeding- let alone all the cute toys and accessories you’ll want to buy. This is why it’s smart to be an aware adopter – it leads to a happier life for you and your pet.

  1. Foster a pet

Take a pet home for a short stay, say two weeks, to give them a break from their sheltered environment, that can be stressful, and ensure they get extra love and attention. If you already have a pet, this is a great way to help both your current pets and their new furry guest develop their social skills and hopefully introduce a new playmate.

  1. Gratitude for shelter workers

Those working in shelters are super-dedicated and constantly looking to spread the word about pets available for adoption as well as the work they’re doing. Show your support by hash-tagging and mentioning your favorite shelters on social media. Or send them a hand-written thank you note they can proudly showcase in their reception area. If you’re a baker, why not take them oven-fresh holiday cookies, they make the purr-fect gift of appreciation.

  1. Donate pet food and treats

Check first with your local shelter if you can bring in food and treats. Shelters are always hungry for support and if allowed, one of the best ways you can help is bringing in premium dog or cat food and delicious treats like our Pork and Apple Sausage Treats. Either choice will make you highly popular during visiting hours.


woman and kids petting a rescue dog

Show appreciation to dedicated shelter workers by sending thank you notes.

  1. Donate to cover vet expenses

Rescued pets often sustain injuries from negligent owners or during their time wandering and medical bills can be a costly road to recovery. Your donation can help them live a happier, healthier life, making them ideal candidates for adoption.

  1. Shelters need supplies

Your local shelter likely has a wish-list of things they need online. They could range from toys to towels to cleaning supplies. A shelter we heard about makes great use of an old bicycle they use to keep up with their dogs when they’re in the mood for a faster run.

  1. Get pets adopted

Do you love pets but are allergic to them? Do you wish you could own a pet but you live in a pet-free building? Use your cell phone to take photos of some of the sheltered pets - the kind that pull at people’s heart strings - then post them on social media to let everyone know they’re available for adoption. If there’s anything that should be viral-worthy it’s the face of a cute kitten that needs a new loving home, even if it’s not your home.

  1. Volunteer

Shelters are often short staffed. So grab a leash or three and help out by walking dogs, answering phones, feeding, cleaning or just playing with pets to keep them engaged and happy. There’s lots you can do, just ask. At Life’s Abundance, our employee-owners have begun to volunteer with Furry Friends, a local rescue. Check out the video below to see us in action!

When you shop at Life’s Abundance, a portion of the profits is set aside to fund our non-profit, The Dr. Jane Foundation - which helps support animals in need around the country. We recently partnered with Furry Friends, a local rescue, to aid in their mission. Read more here.

Gifts are always part of the holidays, but for pets and shelters, the gift of your time and love is especially valuable.

If you found this interesting, check out these related stories:

Appreciating The Joys Our Pets Bring

Introducing A New Cat Into Your Home

Insider Tips To Save Money At Life's Abundance


dog sitting on woman's lap while online shopping

Tip: Signing up for our Autoship program will save you both time and money.


Challenging economic times make it harder to balance getting premium products for your family while also saving your wallet. We know how it is, which is why we spoke to our very own employee-owners to share money saving tips they’ve learned from personal experience as well as from our customers. Now you won’t have to sacrifice quality - ever again.

Sign Up For Autoship

One of the best ways to save money at Life’s Abundance is by using our Autoship program. You get discounted pricing when you add products to your Autoship, it’s absolutely free to enroll and has no minimum order requirement. It’s a loyalty discount program with big benefits.

You’ll never again have to make a late night run to the store when you’re running low on pet food, supplements or personal care items. Just choose how often you’d like your products shipped out and we’ll do the rest.

Saving both money and time? Everyone knows that’s a win-win.

Double Up Your Order

If you’re already enrolled in our Autoship program, you’re one step ahead. But did you know that you can save even more money by doubling your order? For example, if you order a bag of pet food today, you’ll pay $8.85 for shipping. But, if you order two bags today, you’ll still pay the same shipping rate. This way you can double up your Autoship order and schedule it to ship out less frequently - saving you on shipping.

This strategy will cut your shipping costs in half, and you’ll still receive the discounted Autoship pricing. Remember, your Autoship frequency can be set as far out as 4 months apart.

Special Insider tip: You may be thinking - “I don’t need two large bags of food, plus they’ll go bad.” Just check out our blog on how to store pet food, and you’ll be able to keep your furry friends’ kibble fresh for longer.

As an extra perk, by doing this, you’re helping out the environment by cutting down on your deliveries, reducing carbon emissions, and your packaging, saving trees.

Fill Up The Box

If you already trust the quality of one of our products, try other products from our people and pet lines. Make it easier on yourself by adding on to your already existing shipment - with supplements, skin care, pet treats or cleaning supplies. This way, you’re buying from a single source and it saves you money on shipping too! And, since you’ll be making the most of it and adding multiple products into the same package, this is a greener option for the environment.


person putting coins in doggy bank

Tip: Fill up your existing order by trying other products from our people and pet lines.


Skip “Oh Shoot” Day

Have you ever had that moment where it’s pup’s mealtime or you’re making your morning protein smoothie and you’re down to that last scoop in the bag - and you haven’t placed your order yet? “Oh shoot.” We’ve all been there, which is why it is important that you never wait until the last minute to ship your order since overnight shipping is super expensive. Even then, it still might take two days depending on the time of day you purchase. It’s better to have a week or two of extra product than pay extra at the very last minute.

Special Insider tip: If you can’t log into your account to ship your order, just find your last Autoship confirmation or tracking number email and reply to it with “SHIP NOW” and we will take care of the rest! Just make sure your credit card number is up to date. Easy peasy.

Don’t Give Up Quality And Safety

As we’ve mentioned before, you never want to give up quality or safety just to save a few extra bucks. After all, good health starts with good nutrition, and what would a trip to the doctor or vet cost you in time, money, and worry?

You do everything you can to keep your family healthy, and you also know it’s important to focus on the quality, and overall safety of the products they consume. That’s why here at Life’s Abundance, as an added layer of quality assurance, we’ve developed a unique recall system so advanced that when you purchase a product, we know what you received, all the way down to the lot number. We’ve never had a recall in over 20 years, but if there is ever an issue, our proactive communications system allows us to reach thousands of people by phone in just one hour, ensuring that all affected customers are contacted quickly. You would also hear from us by email and even through the mail. Without this direct outreach, most consumers would never hear about a recall.

We hope these tips help you while you’re buying products from Life’s Abundance. Happy Shopping and Happy Savings!

Have some Life’s Abundance money-saving tips of your own? Share them in the comments below!

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How To Store Pet Food

We all know how frustrating it is when food  goes bad quickly - especially veggies or freshly baked breads. And if you’re anything like us, you’ve probably found some life hacks to make them last longer. Whether that’s with zip-top  bags, plastic wrap or storing them in the freezer, it’s a good feeling knowing you don’t have to throw out your groceries. But what about your furry friend’s kibble? Dog and cat foods have an expiration date just as our own food does, but there are steps you can take to keep the kibble as fresh as possible after opening.

Tightly Seal The Bag

You’re rushing one morning and you remember to fill your pet’s bowl, but you forget to seal the bag using one of your aforementioned hacks. You’re halfway to work before you realize your mistake but you figure there’s no harm in the bag being open for a few hours. However, doing this often can cause the kibble to go stale, or even worse, spoil completely. So taking that extra couple seconds to squeeze all of the air out of the bag and close it tight with our convenient built-in seal will ensure longer-lasting freshness.


dog eating Life's Abundance dog food

Life's Abundance pet foods are made with convenient resealable bags.


Use Refrigeration

If you feel you must refrigerate your pet’s kibble, you may safely do so with our kibble. However, rather than storing the entire bag in the fridge, it is best to split up portions into zip top bags and draw them out one at a time. Never freeze the kibble as this can lead to unwanted moisture from the condensation and eventually a build up in bacteria. 

Put In A Storage Bin

You can put kibble in a storage bin as long as it is an airtight container. One of our best practices is to actually keep the food in the original bag and then store it in the airtight container. Just remember to always keep it clean and dry and that when you’re done filling up your furry friend’s bowl, you’re closing both the bag and the bin.

With these tips, you can feel confident that you’ll be giving your furry friend the freshest kibble possible at mealtime. “Bone” appetite!

Have any more tips for storing your dog or cat’s kibble? Share them with us in the comments below!

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Thanksgiving. Don’t Forget To Give Thanks For Your Pets.


woman playing with her dog on the floor

A minute ago she was feeling blah. See the difference a dog makes?


As pet parents, we’re thankful for our dogs and cats. They’re always there for us on the good days as well as the times when we have to deal with dark clouds. Well, that’s life.

But your pet’s unconditional love is all yours, no matter what. Adding to that are the shared times, the fun and the excitement of running with your dog in the park, tossing a frisbee into the distance or cuddling up with your sweet cat on the couch. Well, get used to it, pets add life to your life.

Pets Are Amazing

Pets are amazing and guess what, so are pet stories. People love them, and as a pet parent we’re guessing you have more than a few to tell. There’s no better time than Thanksgiving for that. Why? Because you're bound to be asked what you're thankful for at the Thanksgiving table.

You could answer with all the usual stuff … family, friends and happiness. We’re all grateful for them. But don’t forget to give thanks for your furry friends. So get your pet stories out for Thanksgiving. To inspire you, read on for three of our own tales about pet brilliance, love and companionship. 

JoJo Is Bilingual

You know dogs are smart, but JoJo is brilliant. His new family raves about his intelligence, but there’s one thing they didn’t know. When his original owner came for a visit, they discovered he had taught JoJo German. When he said “mach sitz”, Jojo would sit. When he said “platz” JoJo would lie down. JoJo responds to 16 German commands. After having JoJo for a few months, the kids in his new family, Melissa, nine, and Aaron, seven, mastered all 16 commands. Surprise, surprise, they’re now bilingual, because JoJo is bilingual.


woman cuddling with her cat

Pets are a-m-a-z-i-n-g. No wonder we are so thankful for them.


A Paw Placed On Her Knee

A Labrador called Sam went missing. His owner, Lauren, was…well, no words can describe her anguish. Nobody should have to go through that. Lauren made “Sam is Missing” posters and drove around the neighborhood calling for him. But no luck. A day later the phone rang. Someone from miles away found Sam wandering along a road. No film script could capture the joy of Sam being reunited with his owner. To show his appreciation, whenever Lauren sat down, Sam would be there to lift his paw and place it gently on her knee. To this day he’s still doing it.

Dating Advice from Gilly

Everybody loves talking to their cat because they often see their pet as human. A friend we met at a cat show heartily agrees. She’s forever talking to her cat, Gilly, asking about the guys she’s dating. Surprisingly, she gets meows of advice. Jonathan tops the feline popularity list with two meows. Marc is a close second with one meow. Poor Marc. As thanks for being such a good advisor Gilly is being included in the turkey festivities with Turkey Hearts Freeze-Dried Treats. So, happily it’ll be “turkey for all” on Thanksgiving Day.

Okay now, the spotlight’s on you for your own Thanksgiving pet stories. So go for it.

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5 Tips When Bringing Your Pet To Events


three dogs meeting up with each other at the park

Tip: It's important to have basic commands taught to avoid unwanted jumping.


As pet parents, we wish we could bring our furry friends with us everywhere we go. Luckily, pet-friendly events exist where our dogs can gather with others and socialize, as we chat and eat or listen to music with like-minded people. Whether it’s at a festival, restaurant, or other public event, these 5 tips will help to keep your pet safe and happy.

Think About Your Pup

You know your pet best, so you’ll know if they’re comfortable being out in public places or not. If they get anxious easily or nervous by loud sounds or crowds, it might be best to keep your pup at home. But if they seem relaxed when around other people and especially other pets, then feel free to leash them up and take them along.

Check For Their Tags

Before leaving for an event, make sure they have a well-fitted collar with updated tags. Unexpected loud sounds could cause your pup to run off, so it’s important to check that their tags are up to date with your correct phone number in case they get lost. And if they have a chip, then double check that information is current as well.

Pack a Bag

While you’re getting them ready to go, pack a bag with all of their essentials. You’ll want to bring healthy, delicious treats for them to snack on, especially if you’re enjoying food at the event on your own - and don’t forget water as well! Dogs, especially those with a lot of fur, can get heat exhaustion at outdoor events, so make sure they have access to clean water at all times to keep them hydrated. While you’re enjoying the event, you want your furry friend to be entertained as well, so pack their favorite squeaky toy for them to play with.


two dogs meeting each other

Tip: Make sure your dog is comfortable around other people and pets prior to taking them out and about.


Have The Basics Down

Not only is this a safety tip, but it’s also an etiquette tip. You might have a dog that loves to jump and play rough, but some pet parents might not be too fond of that. This is where it’s important to have the basic commands down, such as “sit” and “stay.” If a person, or their dog, approaches and your dog is getting too excited, tell them to “sit” to avoid any unwanted jumping on others. Be sure to reward them with yummy treats for their good behavior!

Be On The Lookout

You never know what could be a potential danger to your pup at events. This could be anything on the ground or within reach including broken glass bottles or foods they shouldn’t eat. Always keep an eye on your dog and keep their leash on in case there’s anything around that could endanger them or make them sick.

When taking your dog to an event, you’ll likely have to focus more on them than the event itself in order to keep them safe and happy. However, as loving pet parents, this is a small price to pay for having our loyal companions by our sides.

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Halloween Pet Safety


woman sitting enjoying fall with cat on lap


Fall ushers in pumpkin spice mania, apple flavored everything, sweaters, boots, and all things warm and cozy. Throw in the excitement of Halloween, with its costumes, candy, and parties, and you can’t help but want to celebrate. For cat and dog lovers like us, it’s only natural to want to celebrate with our furry friends. Here are a few tips to help you and your pet enjoy a safe and relaxing Halloween together.

Pet Treats, Not Human Treats

Just like you wouldn’t let your kids eat just any Halloween candy, it’s also wise not to share it with your pet. We know it’s hard to resist those convincing puppy dog (or kitty) eyes but candy has a laundry list of ingredients that aren’t meant for cats or dogs. This includes chocolate, xylitol, sugar, and so many other hazardous substances.

Instead, treat your pet with something meant just for them, like our Premium Cow Ears, Antioxidant Health Bars, or Gourmet Cat Treats. This way, they can be included in the holiday fun without putting their health at risk.

Proper Party Provisions

Similarly, if you plan to host a Halloween party, take some time to consider what types of foods you might have available for guests. If possible, consider omitting foods like raisins, grapes, and dark chocolate that can be very dangerous, or even fatal, to pets if they should happen to pick up any scraps off the floor. Instead, you many want to:

  • opt for pet-safe foods
  • ask your guests not to feed your pet any human food without your permission
  • keep any off-limits food covered and out of reach

Sensible Soundscapes

Whether hosting a party, or welcoming trick-or-treaters, many of us love to play spooky music or haunted house sounds during Halloween. If you do this, try to be mindful of any sounds that you know your pet is afraid of or dislikes. This can include high-pitched sounds, dogs barking, hissing cats, creepy steps, or any other noise your pet may have had an unpleasant experience with in the past.

Music is often a safer choice than sound effects when it comes to pet-friendly ambience, but this is totally subjective depending on your dog or cat and their triggers.


man holding a dog with a halloween bandana

Careful Costumes

One of our favorite parts of Halloween is the chance to dress up with our pets. There are so many cute combinations, and there’s nothing more fun than taking a picture with your cat or dog dressed  in your Halloween finest; however, it’s important to make sure your pet’s costume is safe. For example, avoid costumes that are too long and drag under your pet’s feet. This could cause them to trip, slide, or fall. Additionally, if your pet’s costume has a headpiece, make sure it’s secure so that it doesn’t fall down over their eyes and block their vision. Finally, make sure there are no parts on your pet’s costume that they might be able to tear off and swallow (potentially causing them to choke), and nothing that could cut or irritate them.

Leashed Loves

If you choose to take your pet trick-or-treating, be sure to have them well-controlled on a leash and keep them close at all times. Command your dog to sit, if possible, before ringing doorbells at neighbors’ homes. If you’re trick-or-treating in a dark and/or congested area, consider putting a glow in the dark leash or collar on your animal, to make it easier for you and others to see them.

While we love the idea of taking our pets trick or treating with us on Halloween, if you know that your pet is easily stressed or startled, it might be best to leave Fido or Fifi at home where they’ll feel safe.

Contained Creatures

If you opt to stay home and hand out candy, make sure your cat or dog - especially if they’re not good with strangers - won’t be able to escape when you open the door to greet trick-or-treaters. For some pets, this is as simple as telling them to sit before opening the door. For others, it might be better to put up a gate, keeping your pet away from  the door. And for those that love to make a break for it? It might be worth placing them in a spacious pet crate or confining them to a room with a door so you can both enjoy your Halloween.

No matter how you decide to celebrate Halloween with your pet, they’ll be grateful for everything you do to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable Halloween.  With just a little bit of planning, you and your fur baby can enjoy a fun and memorable spooky season together. Happy Halloween!

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Top 3 Ways To Avoid A Bored Dog


dog chew up toilet paper in living room

You don’t need us to tell you that a bored dog is not a happy dog - and as a caring owner, that’s the last thing you want. After all, your dog deserves all the love and care you can give.

With that caring in mind, this blog shares three fun ideas to help increase your dog’s happiness and good behavior. But first, how do you even know if your dog is bored?

Look for these signs

Uh-oh, something’s been chewed. You come home and the rug is a sorry sight. Vets call it “problem behavior.” A friend shared this story with us. While she was away, her pup went to work on her husband’s loafers. Size 10s were chewed down to size 9s. And no wonder, dogs need stimulation -- in fact, they can’t be without it. So when we enrich their world, they become happier and better-behaved.

It’s easy to sense how your dog misses you when you’re away. Especially when you consider that millennia ago dogs were bred to have a working role. But most dogs aren’t working these days – they have little to do. This is evident when you consider the in-home security footage of one owner’s home while he was away. He saw an unhappy pooch… and rolls of unraveled toilet paper decorating the living room. Charming.

Dogs look to us for engagement and fun. Your dog deserves a lifestyle that beats a ho-hum existence. Because, according to ancient Greek wisdom, for a human or dog to thrive in top form, a healthy mind in a healthy body is key.

 Try these three fun ideas:

  1. Head to the park. A potty break or walk around the block for a bored dog may not be enough. Instead, go out for some intense playtime. It could take the form of an energetic frolic or the tried and true game of fetch with a stick, frisbee or tennis ball. Grab that barely-used tennis racket and hit a ball into the distance for your dog to fetch. And do it again and again. Watch your dog exhibit an Olympic performance with a smile that widens every time you send the ball flying.


    dog running at park

  2. Friends for your dog. You enjoy meeting new friends and, of course, your dog does too. Especially when there’s a chance to cut loose and run with them in a safe, protected area. Dog parks are a roam-free environment that could offer slides, hurdles, hoops to jump through as well as water features like spraying fountains.
  3. Scrumptious chew treats. Dogs adore our Pork & Apple Sausage Recipe. So they’re perfect for a game of “Find the Treats.” It’s as captivating for your dog as it is for you entering a kitchen with delicious smells coming from the oven. You become transfixed by trying to discover where that aroma is originating from.

Got that picture? Now apply it to a fun game with your dog.

Start by hiding the Pork & Apple Sausage Recipe in interesting places, use your imagination, be creative. Then set your dog on a search. Encourage your dog, signaling if they are hot or cold. Great fun erupts when the treats are discovered. That’s when you can lavish praise on your intrepid hunter. You’ll make your dog feel extra-special and proud ... but that’s only the beginning.

Because “Find the Treats” helps put an end to destructive behavior. It fulfills your dog’s love of chewing with something that’s tastier and healthier than a pillow or your beloved loafers. You both benefit as play promotes better behavior and bonding.

The former chief veterinarian of the RSPCA in Britain, Mark Evans, adds to that:

“There’s a growing acceptance among scientists that play is very, very important and the type and frequency of play are really good indicators of a dog’s quality of life.”

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What You Need to Know About Feeding Trials


woman feeding her dog food

While looking for healthy products for your furry friends, you’ve probably faced a slew of information, and we understand how overwhelming it can be - especially since you want to give them the best life possible. We want to be clear about what goes into our products because we want you to feel confident in the product you’re feeding your pets. We’re proud of our products but your trust in our company is more important.

As an employee-owned purpose-driven company, we think differently and our definition of transparency includes giving you a behind the scenes look into our decision to conduct dog food feeding trials - and why it should matter to you. 

What Are The Pet Food Standards?

Did you know that there are two ways a dog food maker can demonstrate the nutrition of their foods? These are set by the Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the association that establishes nutritional standards within the pet food industry.

Nutrient Analysis

The most common of the two is through nutrient analysis. This involves laboratory testing of the finished food that measures how much of each key nutrient is present compared to the required amount. Beyond the required nutrients, additional tests can be ordered to tell a more complete story about the formula. For instance, if a brand prioritizes antioxidants they’ll want to test for that number, though it’s not required.

This additional nutrient analysis testing is the method we at Life’s Abundance have used for over two decades, and now, as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, we’re engaging in the second of AAFCO’s sanctioned tests - Feeding Trials.

Feeding Trials

Simply put, feeding trials allow us to study the nutritional value a pet gets from consuming a food. So - how does it work? Eight dogs are exclusively fed the food being tested for a number of weeks (duration varies based on life stage). Periodic blood tests and the dog’s weight are tracked and recorded to demonstrate that the nutrients shown on paper actually make it into the dog’s body at life-sustaining levels. The dogs are always humanely treated and if for any reason they aren’t doing well on the food they are immediately taken off the trial. 

Why Conduct Feeding Trials?

First and foremost, we have a responsibility to the hundreds of thousands of dogs eating our food, and because of this, it’s important to know how nutrients in our formulas behave once digested by the dogs eating them. Our formulation philosophy for years, has been made up of nutritional analysis and decades of anecdotal evidence but with the addition of science-backed feeding trials, that philosophy is even stronger. 


Life's Abundance dog foods

In the veterinary world, feeding trials are the gold standard to demonstrate a food’s nutrient value. Now when your vet asks if your dog’s food has been through a trial, if you’re feeding Life’s Abundance, you can confidently say ‘yes.’ We know from all our veterinary consultants and colleagues how important feeding trials are to veterinarians as a mark of quality assurance. This is our way of showing we're absolutely serious about making the best food out there.

The decision to conduct feeding trials was a years-long process involving many levels of staff at Life’s Abundance. We’ve:

  • consulted with veterinarians,
  • consulted with insiders who have seen many sides of laboratory research,
  • looked for alternative testing protocols,
  • interviewed testing companies and toured testing facilities ourselves

It took all of this time, effort and consideration to be certain we’d found a testing company that met our standards for animal care, interaction, environmental enrichment and overall welfare. It was important for us to take this time so that we feel as good about the process as we do the results, so you can too.

What Feeding Trials Won’t Tell You

Though a feeding trial is a true scientific study, it will only tell you whether a food is adequate enough to keep a dog alive. It won’t tell you about the quality of the ingredients or if they have any health enhancing benefits. At Life’s Abundance, it’s more than formulating, making and delivering great food. It’s about getting the ultimate nutrition into your dog so they can thrive.

Feeding trials take time to complete but we’re dedicated to taking as many of our products through trials so you can have full confidence in our products. Here is our feeding trial status as of Fall 2021:

  • All Life Stage Dog Food, Lamb Meal & Brown Rice - Successfully completed Summer 2022.
  • Adult Weight Loss Dog Food - Successfully completed Spring 2020.
  • All Life Stage Dog Food, Chicken Meal & Brown Rice - Successfully completed Summer 2021.
  • Grain Free All Life Stage Dog Food - In queue to start. Tests are not run concurrently which makes the timeline to complete the series quite long.

We remain dedicated to adopting certified testing methods to reassure our customers of the quality of our product. If you’re not currently feeding your pet Life’s Abundance food consider making the switch to our uniquely formulated foods that have feeding trials to back their efficacy.

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