Pet Advice & Ideas

What Scents Do Cats Love?


cat sitting on owner's lap

To cat parents, our furry friends are more than pets; they’re cherished members of our families. We work hard to make sure our cats are happy and healthy by feeding them the best food, making sure they get enough exercise, and providing them with comfy and interesting spots to lounge.

But have you considered how certain smells might impact your cat? Like humans, cats are unique and have individualized interests. However, there are some scents that are universally loved by felines. Try incorporating some of these scents cats love to enrich your cat’s life and keep them contented and entertained!

Lavender

Many cats are attracted to the sweet, soothing smell of lavender. Much like their human counterparts, the scent of lavender can induce feelings of relaxation. Some might even show their approval by rubbing against plants or sitting nearby them. Unfortunately, lavender is toxic to cats when eaten or absorbed through their skin barrier so we recommend being extremely careful when introducing lavender into your home. Lavender essential oils should be avoided altogether as it is the most toxic form and can be quickly absorbed through your cat's skin. If you have a lavender plant, it should be placed out of your cat's reach.

To make your cat happy while still keeping them safe, use our lavender and aloe vera infused Soothing Mist. It uses lavender extract in small amounts instead of essential oil which is much more highly concentrated. This herbal blend is formulated to keep your cat’s skin healthy, and their coat nourished. Plus, it smells divine!

Roses

While we’re on the topic of plants, let’s chat about roses. This is where you and your cat can find some common ground. It’s not just humans that enjoy the intoxicating scent of freshly bloomed flowers. Cats love it too, and they’re especially attracted to roses.

Unlike fresh lavender, it’s safe to keep roses in your home, because they are non-toxic. That means it’s alright for your cat to chew on some rose leaves now and then… although your rose bushes might beg to differ.

Olives

Okay, we know it seems random, but trust us on this one. Many cats absolutely adore the scent of olives and olive oil. In fact, it’s thought that the smell has somewhat of a narcotic effect on house cats.

This is due to a compound in olives called oleuropein, which can make cats feel excited, or even euphoric! They may share their joy with you by energetically rolling around on the floor whenever they get a whiff of that olive goodness.


cat smelling owner hand

Food

Yes, your cat may love the smell of your human food. But you know what they love even more? The smell of their own food. With a sense of smell 14 times more powerful than that of humans, cats can identify different ingredients in their food blends, just by using their noses.

Our cat foods contain healthy ingredients that smell great and taste delicious. Packed with chicken or turkey, and fish and, your cat will always have lots of interesting scents to enjoy while eating food that helps them grow healthy and strong.

You

Although their aloofness might make you think otherwise, your cat really does love being a member of your family. You make them feel safe, taken care of, and loved.

Your unique scent gives them a sense of security and contentment. They might express this by rubbing up against you, laying on your bed, or jumping into your overflowing laundry basket. No matter how independent your cat may be, rest assured that your scent is one that they hold dear.

Whether your cat is a rambunctious kitten, an independent adult, or a laid-back senior, introducing new scents into their environment can help keep them entertained, enriched, and content. It’s just another way to show your cat some love. We hope you’ll have fun exploring together!

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

Why Do Cats Purr

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What To Look For In Rawhide Alternatives


dog chewing on bone

Pet parents love to give their pup something to chew on instead of letting them gnaw on a favorite pair of shoes. You’ll be happy to hear that there are a few safe alternatives to rawhide bones that could lower the risk to your dog (and your shoes).

So, why not give rawhide? Being made from the leather industry’s leftovers, rawhide could contain harsh chemicals or harmful bacterias. Remember, as a byproduct of the leather industry, rawhide can go through a series of processes including bleaching, coloring and preserving with chemicals. In addition, because of their toughness, rawhide chunks broken off and swallowed by enthusiastic chewers can become a choking hazard, and even cause intestinal blockage. This life-threatening risk has led to a raised awareness of the need for alternatives to rawhide.

The question then becomes how to satisfy your dog’s drive to chew in a way that’s safe, and maybe even healthy. Dogs should always be supervised whenever they’re given a treat, but there are ways to add to your peace of mind while your dog is happily chomping away.


dog playing with owner

One alternative to rawhide’s inner skin material are cow ears, which are made of cartilage. It’s important to make sure that the treats you find are free of preservatives, colors, or artificial flavors. These Premium Cow Ears are dried through baking, without the use of bleach. Even better, they’re gentle on tummies in case they are swallowed.

To reduce the risk of intestinal blockage, look for treats that are easy on the digestive system. This could be treats such as Water Buffalo Bully Sticks or Lungs. Bully sticks in particular are also great for dental health. When you choose an appropriate treat, your dog’s chewing action helps to reduce tartar and maintain their teeth.

Lastly, rawhide is sold by a vast number of different brands whose values and priorities are unknown. Picking up a plastic-wrapped treat at the grocery or pet store leaves unanswered questions about what sort of contaminant testing the treat underwent, if any. Find a chew treat that is backed by a brand who prioritizes safety, and has testing protocols.

As with any chew, you should always supervise your pet. The good news is that it can be quite entertaining to watch your dog thoroughly enjoying a good chew session. Just watch for any large pieces that break off and remove them to help keep your dog safe. Settle in and enjoy the show!

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Mouthing Off - A Review Of Canine Chews

Maintaining Pet Dental Health Through Nutrition

What To Consider When Transitioning Pet Foods


owner putting food bowl in front of dog

Are you getting a new pet? Is your pet growing from puppy or kitten to adult? Are you looking for more from their diet? These are some of the circumstances that might lead you to switching them to a new food. There’s a lot to consider when your furry friend starts on a new diet. Ideally, it would be nice to just start feeding a new kibble, but a sudden switch could cause some adverse effects. Don’t worry, we’ve made it simple with all the tips and tricks for a smooth transition to a new dog or cat food.

Each pet is unique, so what works for one might not work for another. Some are more sensitive to dietary changes and others could have an iron stomach. If you’re starting with a new dog or cat, it would be helpful to have a small supply of their prior diet so you can make sure to properly transition them.

A general rule is to not transition too abruptly and slowly change out the old food for the new food. This will minimize any symptoms they could experience.

How To Switch:

Day 1 & 2: Feed ¼ new kibble and ¾ old diet.
Day 3 & 4: Feed ½ new kibble and ½ old diet.
Day 5 & 6: Feed ¾ new kibble and ¼ old diet.
Day 7: Feed new kibble as normal. Congratulations, the transition is complete!


cat taking kibble from owner

Thinking about switching from puppy or kitten food to food for all life stages, or adults only? You should still follow the same rules. Even if the ingredients appear to be similar, the formula is different. Keep an eye on your pet while you’re switching to the new food. Some dogs or cats may still experience some G.I. symptoms, and you may need to adjust your pace. Watch for:

  • Loose stool
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite

These are not unusual and often resolve by modifying the pace of the transition . If you’re seeing symptoms of concern, or they persist, consider consulting your veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues.

A premium diet, thoughtfully formulated to include appropriate proteins, vitamins, and minerals, as well as a gut health support system will go a long way toward supporting a healthy digestive system. At the end of the day, it’s important that your furry friend’s mealtime makes them feel great and be healthy from the inside out.

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

Get The Scoop On Feline Digestive Orders

How Gut Health Affects Overall Pet Health

Maintaining Pet Dental Health Through Nutrition


dog teeth

If you’re a fan of dog kisses, then you might be taken aback when you get a hint of foul breath. Bad breath can be a sign of numerous problems including periodontal disease, which is the result of inflammation of the gums and bones in your dog’s mouth. More than 85% of pets have dental issues, so it’s an overwhelmingly common concern.

In order to prevent disease and other dental issues, it’s important to take care of your pet’s teeth. Waiting too long for a dental cleaning can result in more damage such as problems in the heart, liver and kidney. One of the ways you can support oral health is through nutrition. First, your pup’s daily diet should be full of nutrients and vitamins that maintain their overall dental health. Here are a few you should be looking for in the ingredients:

Antioxidants: Look for an antioxidant system that includes vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins offer anti-inflammatory actions. Folic acid can also help support the gum tissue warding off the likelihood of periodontal disease.

Calcium and phosphorus: Calcium is a vital nutrient for dental health as it promotes healthy bones and teeth. It works together with phosphorus which helps maintain the strength of the bones. It’s important that the nutritional balance of these two minerals meet a dog’s needs throughout their life stages - whether they’re rapidly growing puppies, or entering their senior years.

Probiotics: Probiotics are great for your pet’s gut health. But have you considered that the oral cavity is part of the digestive tract? By supporting your pet’s gut health, this can help in supporting their dental health as well.


woman getting dog kisses

While the kibble they eat is important, you cannot forget about their snacks. Look for treats that allow them to chew such as Water Buffalo Bully Sticks. This chewing action helps reduce tartar and maintain their dental health. You can also choose a Gourmet Dental Treat that contains ingredients like calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones. Plus, the added parsley helps with doggie breath!

In addition to taking care of their teeth through nutrition, you can also monitor their dental health at home. Just like us, pets need daily teeth brushing too. This can sound like a daunting task but it can save your furry friend’s oral health and your bank account in the long run. If your pet allows it, frequently check their mouth by flipping their lip and taking a look at their teeth and gums. Ask your veterinarian for a tutorial on what signs to watch for, like bumps or swelling on the gums, as well as tartar or chipped teeth. Pay attention to how their breath smells too. This could indicate unfriendly bacteria in their mouth.

The bottom line is to remember the importance of oral health to overall health. Plan on regular,  proper cleanings by your vet. Even if you’re brushing their teeth daily, they will still eventually need a deep cleaning which usually includes x-rays. Between these regular checkups both at home and at the vet, and robust daily nutrition, your pup will enjoy a happier, healthier life while you enjoy those sloppy kisses.


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

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Everything You Need To Know About Urine Marking


person walking dog outside

Why do dogs mark inside the house? You might be wondering this every time you leave your furry friend home for a couple hours and come back to a tinkle near the sofa. The good news is, most of the time, this behavior is normal. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s okay. It can be extremely frustrating to deal with a soiled couch or other belongings.

Dogs mark their territory outside as a way of communication. Think of it like social media. Each time your pup stops and sniffs, they’re learning about the dog that was in that spot before. Then, your dog might pass over it or urinate in that same area to claim that territory as their own. However, if your dog is marking inside your home, there could be a multitude of reasons as to why.

Reasons Your Dog Is Marking Inside

One of the biggest reasons your pup might be marking inside is due to stress or anxiety. This includes leaving them home alone, unsupervised. Dogs can start to feel lonely and stressed which leads to this unwanted behavior. Sometimes, even stressful situations outside, such as seeing another dog, can result in urinating in the house. This can happen when dogs hold off on marking outside because they don’t want to announce their presence, therefore leading to an accident inside.

Another reason your furry friend might be marking is because of a change in routine. This could be anything, such as moving to a new home. This unfamiliar atmosphere could cause them to mark inside, essentially claiming it as their own. Even something as simple as rearranging your furniture can stress them out and cause a change in behavior. What about when you have guests over? Have you noticed a change in marking habits? Having someone out of the ordinary staying over can also trigger marking. Dogs are basically telling your guests that any object that is in their house is theirs.


woman petting dog in new house

The presence of other furry friends in the house could be another reason why your dog might be marking. Your pup might see the others as competition and will mark inside the house to show who is the “pack leader” in their home. They may also urinate when they are competing for your attention, toys, treats or food. This can be very stressful for insecure dogs leading them to mark to relieve this stress.

Sometimes, lack of training could simply be mistaken for urine marking. This is especially common among puppies and small dogs. You’ll know if your pup is properly house trained if they are not having accidents for about 1-3 months. You may want to talk with your vet to rule out incontinence in an older dog.

How To Stop Your Dog From Marking:

  1. Supervise your dog at all times. If you have to leave, confine your pup to a smaller area so they are not free to roam. You can use a gate or a crate (if they are crate trained) to keep them in the area.
  2. Dogs are less likely urinate where they eat so consider moving their food and water to spots where they frequently mark. You can even put their treats in those same areas so they associate it with snacks rather than marking.
  3. If your dog does mark, clean the area with a Biodeodorizer. This will break up the proteins that are in urine so they aren’t tempted to mark in the same spot over and over again. Even better, this spray has a neutral pH with no harsh chemicals so it’s safe to use around your pets and kids.
  4. Some dogs continue to mark out of habit. If you notice that your pup frequently marks outside as well, gently pull him away each time they try to urinate after they’ve already relieved themselves. This could help stop the habit that continues inside.
  5. If none of these seem to work for your dog’s marking, talk to your vet, a behaviorist or professional trainer. If your dog is urinating due to anxiety or stress, confidence-boosting exercises may make a difference. Or, if they have an underlying UTI, medication may be needed to help. Pay attention to your dog’s habits. If they start exhibiting behaviors that are out of the ordinary, it is best to talk first to your vet to rule out any medical conditions.

Whatever you do, do not punish your dog when they mark, especially if you don't see it happen. Dogs will not associate their urinating with the punishment which can only cause confusion. If you catch them in the moment, distract them from the action. Then, immediately take your pup outside so they know to only urinate outdoors.


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What Does Your Dog’s Sleep Position Mean?


dog sleeping on bed

How do you sleep? On your back, on your side, or on your stomach? Maybe you curl up into a ball or maybe you spread yourself out and take up the whole bed. Just like you prefer a certain position while you sleep, so do our four-legged friends. While how we sleep may not reveal a whole ton about our personality or mood, it does say quite a bit for our dogs. Read on to see what your dog’s sleep position means.

Side Sleeping


dog sleeping on side

Just like humans, this is the most common sleeping position for dogs. Sleeping on their side with their paws loose usually means they feel comfortable and safe. You also might notice that your pup moves a lot and twitches in this position. This is because they’re more likely to fall into a deep sleep and dream when they’re lying on their side. These dogs tend to be the loyal and trusting type.

Lion’s Pose


dog in lions pose

If you’ve ever seen a lion sleeping, you’ll notice they rest their head on their front paws. Dogs can sleep in this same position, but it usually means they’re more in a resting mood rather than aiming for a deep sleep. This puts them in the perfect position so when you have a few minutes to play, they’re ready to spring up quickly! They are usually more devoted and protective and you might find them dozing this way next to your feet.

Sprawled Out


dog sprawled out

This position looks a bit like Superman with your dog’s front legs and hind legs stretched both ways. This is common with puppies or energetic dogs that love to play but also get tired and want to take a quick snooze. Similar to the lion’s pose, when your dog is sprawled out on their tummy, they want to be ready at a moment’s notice to play tug-of-war or fetch with you. It’s also a great position to cool down on tiled floors. 

Curled Up


dog curled up in a ball

Some dogs will curl into a “fetal” position and tuck in all of their limbs. This could mean that your furry friend is trying to protect themselves by hiding all of their vital organs. One study showed that this position is common among dogs in a shelter, an unfamiliar place where they may prefer to go unnoticed by other dogs. It may also be the preferred posture in pups who are anxious such as strays or those getting used to their environment. Dogs who sleep like this may  feel scared, but also have a caring personality. However, this position could also just mean they’re cold and trying to preserve their body heat.

Belly Up


dog laying on back

This is the most vulnerable sleeping position for dogs as it reveals all of their vital organs. This means that they are aware of what’s around them and completely comfortable at home with you. These sleepers tend to be more loving and trusting of you. This is also another position that allows dogs to cool off. You might even say that these pups are feeling totally carefree! 

Each of these positions can give you a clue to your dog’s personality and how they’re feeling. Keep an eye on their patterns as this can reveal a lot about their health. For example, it’s normal for dogs to sleep 12-14 hours a day but if you notice they are sleeping more or less than they usually do or sleeping in an abnormal position, it’s always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian.


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Can You Claim Pets On A Tax Return?


woman cuddling with dog

Pets contribute to our lives in so many ways, but have you ever thought about how they contribute financially? You may be thinking, “Yes, I spend on their kibble and treats and plush toys” but that’s not quite what we’re referring to. There might be a way you can claim your dog or cat on your tax return. Pets are not considered dependents since they don’t have a social security number, but there are a variety of other ways that animals can show up in a tax filing. Talk to your accountant about these possibilities to find out if you qualify:

Fostering & Volunteering

If you’re helping out an animal shelter or rescue by offering to foster a pet, some of those expenses can be considered a charitable deduction on your taxes. This includes anything you pay for out of pocket from their food to medical expenses to other care supplies, and possibly even the miles you drive to their vet appointments.

As a volunteer, you can also list your travel expenses for the volunteer work. However, this has to be travel specifically related to the nonprofit’s mission, not the commute there (remember to keep a mileage log). Of course, financial donations to qualified nonprofits, like The Dr. Jane Foundation, can qualify too.

Service Animals

Is your pet a service animal? If you have physical disabilities, vision or hearing impairments, or a mental health condition such as PTSD, talk to your accountant about the possibility of writing off some expenses. This could be veterinary care including surgery, food necessities, pet supplies, training, grooming, boarding, and even the cost to acquire the pet itself. However, your companion must have formal training to be a service animal and a letter from your doctor in order to qualify.


cat getting head scratched

Moving & Changing Jobs

If you’ve recently relocated for a job and qualify for a moving expense deduction, your dog or cat could be included in this. The IRS considers your pet a household possession, so if you’re able to deduct expenses like transportation for your family, lodging while moving, or packing and shipping any goods, your pet may be part of that too. There are a few requirements to meet such as the distance and time of the big move.

Pet Providing Service for Business

Does your pet have a job of their own? Maybe they work alongside you on your farm to help guard a herd of goats. Maybe they’re a star in a movie or advertisement or work as a performance animal. Do they have their own successful social media account or breed adorable puppies that you sell? All of these examples could qualify for deductions. It may be the food used while breeding, travel cost to get them to the movie set or anything else that involves caring for your animal. If you start a hobby with pets that turns into a business, remember to officially establish this new venture in order to deduct related expenses.

Now that you know of the many ways you may be able to claim your pet, talk to your accountant for guidance. There are requirements they can help you untangle, but the universal rule is to keep good records. Save those receipts! And, thank your sweet, furry friend for any savings!


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Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season


dog getting treat on holiday

Between the seasonal errands and frequent visitors, we furry family members know it can be hard to keep up with us too. We promise that we try to be on our very best behavior (with snacks as a reward, of course) but we do need a little extra consideration around our home. Try as we might, around the holidays, there may be more risks than you think.

Most of us love visitors. I mean, five times the belly rubs, two times the treats, and lots of cuddles? I’m here for it. I love to greet everyone, but my younger fur-sister gets easily overwhelmed. She’s at knee-level, and that’s a lot of traffic coming in the door with feet at the bottom and booming voices at the top. It can also be scary when the small kids come to tug on our ears or tails, or worse, wrestle us into a neck-squeezing hug. I’ll play with the kiddos for a bit, but then really appreciate a break. My sis would rather keep clear of them altogether until she feels like being brave. So, to keep everyone happy and safe, please remind the guests that we can be sensitive! Sometimes putting me in my safe zone is more comfortable. This could be my crate or my bed in your room, but make sure to leave treats, toys, or even better, something that smells like you! It’ll keep me calm.

Speaking of holiday joy, your beautifully decorated tree can be a danger to us. For my feline besties, it’s a tower waiting to be scaled, and for us canines, it can get in the way of our zoomies! One of the best things you can do is put it out of our reach. Maybe put a fun decorated fence around it. Also, it’s no fun when my tail hits the ornaments, sending them shattering to the ground. What can I say? I’m a happy guy and can’t help that my tail acts like an excitement meter. We dogs took a vote and we think the best way to get around this is by avoiding glass ornaments.


cat on woman near tree

Another risky decoration? Those festive houseplants! I like to think of myself as the most well-behaved, good boy since I’m not a chewer or a digger. However, some (ahem, the new puppy in the house) love to take a little bite or two of your favorite houseplants. Plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly can be toxic if they’re ingested. Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and breathing problems are all side effects we could experience, possibly sending us to the vet. I know they’re beautiful, but faux plants look just as festive and are a safer option for all of us!

Now, let’s skip to the oh-so fantastic smelling family dinner. Of course, it can be a joy when my puppy eyes fool all the visitors and I get a little piece of their meal, but some holiday foods can wreak havoc on my digestive system. Lots of festive treats include chocolate - a major no-no for us canines. Oh, and that turkey! Not only can it cause pancreatitis if I eat it, but the bones can do even more damage if they get lodged in our intestines. If you really want to satisfy my holiday cravings, toss me a few delicious treats that are full of healthy, high-quality ingredients.

We know we have to share your attention with visitors during these times, and we want to be part of the holiday joy too!  So, with these few precautions we’ll enjoy all the festivities together.


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How Gut Health Affects Overall Pet Health


cat and food bowl

If someone asked you “how’s your microbiome doing?” a few years ago, you’d probably feel moderately offended and tell them to mind their own business. Generally, talking about your gut health was not considered a part of polite conversation with anyone except your gastroenterologist. How times have changed! You can’t walk three feet in the grocery store without seeing something touting prebiotics. What gives? It all comes down to this key question:

Bacteria: friend or foe?

Back in the Middle Ages, medicine took an exponential leap forward with the concept of germ theory: the idea that many diseases are caused not by ‘ill humors’ or the lack of a good bloodletting, but by tiny organisms too small to see with the naked eye. In 1928, Alexander Fleming pushed us into a new stratosphere with the discovery that penicillin, an innocuous looking mold, was capable of stopping bacteria in their tracks.

For the next century or so, we’ve been busy at work figuring out how to kill bacteria, be it with antibiotics we swallow, disinfectants in our soap and in cleaning sprays, and in our overall belief that the more sterile something was, the better it had to be for our health. Bacteria = bad!

On the other hand, we’ve also been reaping the benefits of bacteria and other microorganisms for years. Whether it’s yeast turning grains into beer or bacteria fermenting our favorite sauerkrauts and yogurts, our understanding of the role of microorganisms in our lives continues to evolve as we realize just how much these little organisms can accomplish. Bacteria = good!

We’ve also known our guts are teeming with bacteria. We know there are ‘bad’ bacteria, the ones that move in after a course of antibiotics or cause a bad case of food poisoning, and we’ve also known having a healthy population of “good” bacteria goes a long way in keeping the baddies from setting up shop. Without really knowing exactly what these bacteria do, most of us have gone about our lives thinking of the good bacteria as innocuous hitchhikers in a symbiotic relationship: they don’t do much, really, but they don’t hurt either.

We were wrong. Enter the world of Gut Microbiomes.


dog and owner playing with ball

What the heck is a microbiome?

The intestines host a world all their own. Teeming with bacteria and viruses, the microbiome feeds off the environment we’ve created for it while doing a whole heck of a lot in return, such as:

  • Producing fatty acids that keep our gut lining healthy
  • Helping to digest carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
  • Producing critical chemicals like serotonin
  • Regulating inflammation of the GI tract
  • Promoting healthy weight and metabolism

Not only do these bacteria assist in digestion and promote the health of the gut itself, many of these actions impact the entire body. Heard of the gut-brain axis? It’s true! The health of the gut can directly impact cognitive function and mental health. Anyone who’s felt ‘sick to their stomach’ under times of extreme duress may find this not so surprising. 

Each month, a new study into the effect of the microbiome tells us something new: the microbiome affects neurotransmitters, metabolism, mental health, inflammation, and even the aging process. If your microbiome isn’t healthy, in short, neither are you.

If it sounds complex, that’s because it really is. Your overall health can impact your gut health. Conversely, your gut health creates ripple effects throughout the entire body. And every one of these same principles applies to our pets.

The importance of food

We all know that food is important for health. What we didn’t know was just how important. Food provides essential macro- and micro-nutrients, the building blocks of our bodies. It is a fuel for our bodies. But just as importantly, it fuels the microbiome.

Nutrition choices directly affect the health of our microbiome, a fact that’s even easier to observe in pets- whose diets often vary much less than the average person. The biomes of a dog eating a high-protein diet, for example, is consistently different from that of a dog on a higher-carbohydrate diet. What does this mean? We’re learning more every day. 

In addition to the choice of pet food, pet owners can impact gut health by adding probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are the bacteria itself: eating yogurt for a mouthful of Lactobacillus, for example, would be ingesting probiotics. Prebiotics, in contrast, are components that serve as food for the microbiome: health food for your bacteria buddies. One thing we do know: the dog and cat microbiomes are unique to them. In short? Don’t grab people supplements and expect them to help. Stick to products meant for pets.

We don’t know everything there is to learn about the microbiome, but one fact is crystal clear: take care of your microbiome and it will take care of you. And when it comes to taking care of the gut, there’s nothing more important than the food you choose to feed it. Luckily for you, when it comes to your pet, we’ve believed this all along.


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Getting Ready For Company?


family having dinner during the holidays

The holidays are right around the corner and your to-do list is probably starting to pile up. Of course, we all love the twinkling lights and precious family time that comes with celebrating together, but for now, it’s time to prepare. As you start going down your to-do list, it can become overwhelming - especially when you’re welcoming guests into your home. Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick guide to getting ready for company.

  1. Cleaning: Resist the urge to start your spring cleaning now. Between gift buying, cooking and holiday activities, you want to leave time to enjoy this time of year! We understand that once you start tidying up, it can be a slippery slope to a full clean out of the entire attic or basement. In a word, try to keep it simple. First, focus on decluttering. If it’s on a surface and it’s not decorative or functional, it’s got to go. This will instantly give it that more put-together feel.

  2. Next, put your energy towards the spaces where guests will spend most of their time - think the kitchen, bathrooms, and the family room. Skip scrubbing the grout and dusting in between the blinds, you can save that for after the new year! Use a multi-surface cleaning spray so you don’t have to switch between five different surface sprays. Freshen fabrics and other surfaces with this eco-friendly biodeodorizer. It’s safe to use around both kids and pets, and you won’t have to worry about noxious odors with its subtle fragrance.

    Last area - floors. Use this floorwash on almost anything - wood, ceramic, concrete, you name it! The friendly bacterias in it eradicate muck and grime completely. As an added bonus, you’ll get a deep cleaning in your drain lines as this keeps working after you pour the mop water down the sink.


    lifes abundance hand sanitizer

  3. Sanitize: It can be a little stressful when you’re traveling elsewhere for the holidays or finally gathering in small groups. Put your guests’ minds at ease and place some bottles of alcohol-based hand cleanser throughout the house. You can put them near your entrance, on your dining table, in the guest room and in other common places so visitors can frequently cleanse. For bonus host points, treat your guests to a comfortable feeling, rather than an overly drying sanitizer experience. Our Rinse Free Hand Cleanser includes organic aloe vera, provitamin B5 and organic D-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) that will leave their skin feeling more supple. In two convenient sizes, it’s free from methanol and contains 70% alcohol.

  4. Don’t forget your pets! We know how it goes - you get sidetracked in the kitchen and run out of time to bathe the dog. But, chances are that your guests will want to spend time with your pets too. Oh no, dog smell! If you need to save the grooming for another time, make it easy with a quick spritz. Your guests will appreciate your pet’s delicate scent and soft coat when they greet them at the door!

Bonus tip: If you’d rather not sit down to dinner smelling like a clove of garlic, try out this multipurpose stainless steel bar. Rub it between your hands to remove pungent odors, and even on your pets. The contoured nubs work to remove lingering scents and doubles as a mini massage.

Most importantly, remember that your guests are there to see you. The kinship of the holidays and shared feasts overshadows that one section of grout you missed that will distract you until the last visitor pulls out of the driveway. We promise, you’re the only one who noticed.


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