Finding a kennel or pet setter for Spring Break is your best bet to keep your pet safe and sound while you’re enjoying your time away.

 

It’s here! The first day of Spring, that time of year when the cold is officially behind you - barring any crazy lingering weather systems. Flowers are blooming and you’re dusting off your luggage in preparation for Spring Break. For us humans, this can mean fun in the sun and savoring the longer days of Spring. But if you’re a pet parent it also means time away from your four-legged family members.

As much as you consider your dog or cat a part of the family that should be with you all the time, it can be hard to find pet-friendly stays during peak travel times. The worst part is the lingering feeling of guilt that comes with saying goodbye for more than a couple of days. Your trip turns into thoughts of what your pet is up to, and if they’re missing you as much as you miss them.

This is when you need a paw-some kennel or purr-fessional sitter. Boarding your pets has a lot of benefits, especially the peace of mind you have knowing they’re getting pampered, plenty of playtime, and all the attention they deserve.

Below, are five tips that will help you and your furry best friend both have a safe, enjoyable, and guilt-free Spring Break. With the help of professionals, yes - you can savor that sunset walk on the beach knowing your cat or dog is having their very own, totally paw-some vacation, too!

Life’s Abundance pet foods are immune-supporting and help your pet’s digestion - both good things when you’re prepping them for a vacation of their own.

5 Tips for Spring Break Boarding for Pets

Whether you’re looking at kennels or a pet sitter, these things apply to any situation when it comes to boarding your pet for Spring Break.

1. Don’t paws on booking early.
   There’s nothing more frustrating than finding a good hotel and thinking “Great, I found it. I’ll book it next week when I have more time,” - only to find that next week, it’s completely booked up. The same can happen for good kennels and sitters. So once you have your dates confirmed, make a reservation for your pet ASAP. The best kennels and sitters fill up quickly, especially during holidays.
2. Update your pet’s vaccination records.
   After 2020, you’ve probably had your fill of vaccination talk, but this tip is important. It’s common for kennels to require additional vaccines or shots before your pet can stay with them. And sitters want to be assured they’re not staying with a rabid pet (that could end in a lawsuit!). Ask your kennel if there are any new requirements for your pet to safely stay with them and give them your pet’s most up-to-date vaccination records from your vet.
3. Clearly mark your pet’s medications.
   It can be hard to remember to take your own medications and supplements, let alone remembering your pet’s meds (there’s an app for that, btw!). So if your pet needs meds while you’re gone, make sure there is enough to cover your trip dates. You also want to clearly mark them with dosing instructions and your vet’s info in case of any emergencies.
4. Prep with an immune-supportive diet.
   Ok, let’s get real - tummy-related issues from traveling are no fun #MontezumasRevenge. The disruption in schedules, trying new foods, and dehydration are all culprits resulting in longer than usual bathroom visits while on vacation. And pets can experience this, too! To remedy potential problems, start feeding your pet a wholesome, fiber-rich diet for cats or dogs a few weeks before your trip. This will help their digestion and keep things regular while you’re gone - and your pet sitters will thank you!
5. Pack enough foods and treats.
   When we’re on vacation we tend to overinduldge on our favorite treats so it only seems fair to allow your pets to induldge a bit as well. So make sure you pack plenty of food and treats for your pet’s entire stay, plus a few extra days if your travel plans are delayed (or you decide you need an extra day to decompress in Cancun). Spoil your pet even while you’re away with a nutritious treat that has an irresistible flavor.

It also doesn’t hurt to leave a detailed letter for whoever is watching over your pet during this time, so they know exactly what their needs are and can reach you for any questions or concerns. If you take the time to follow these tips and plan ahead, your pet will feel more secure even when you’re not right there with them.

Most importantly – you can enjoy your Spring Break knowing that your beloved pet is in good hands. After all this hard work, it should be nothing but fun times once you reach your final destination, wherever that may be this Spring!

 

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Brown rice has been around for thousands of years and is now a popular ingredient in healthy cat and dog foods.

Brown rice has gotten a bad rap in recent years - and we won’t stand for people picking on our little, grainy friend anymore! We’re here to set the record straight on this superfood and how it can benefit your pets. Brown rice provides plenty of research-backed benefits and, when included in your cat food or dog food, is a healthy source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

But there’s some concern among pet owners and vets about certain grains in pet foods. And really, it’s no surprise - it’s common knowledge that low-quality grains can be used as cheap filler. It’s possible to skimp on quality just to add bulk to recipes - unhealthy bulk.

So let’s be fair in setting this record straight…there are valid concerns with some types of grains, but brown rice can be a strong player in your pet’s daily diet and overall health. In this article, you’ll learn about the more problematic grains in pet foods and why brown rice is the ultimate winner in the grain game!

Corn, Wheat, and The Problems They Cause for Pets

Corn and wheat are two grains pet parents steer away from. Some people claim the issue with these all-too-common ingredients is their lower nutritional value compared to other ingredients, like protein - but that’s not the whole grain truth.

The main problem with highly-processed corn and wheat is they simply aren’t made to satisfy a primal meat eater. (Sorry, we don’t make the rules of nature - we just live by ‘em.)

And in some cases, a dog’s system will reject corn or wheat, and your pet may develop an allergy to them. Due to the reaction, their stomach can become irritated and digestive problems can arise.[1] In short, corn and wheat may cause a stinky mess to clean up.

Of even greater concern, corn made headlines in 2020 and 2021 for being the culprit in multiple recalls of kibble with health-threatening levels of mold.[2] This mold is so common it even has a name–aflatoxin, for all of you science nerds out there–so it’s understandable why you’d want to avoid feeding corn to your dog or cat.

While at times there are reasons for choosing a grain-free food for your dog or cat, generally speaking, brown rice can still be an important part of your pet’s diet. Just like you, our furry friends need a well-rounded diet with high quality proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. And one of the best carbs you can find in pet food is brown rice (no surprise there)!

Life’s Abundance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Food is made with robust proteins and high-quality brown rice for a hearty meal that supports overall health.

5 Benefits of Brown Rice for Dogs and Cats

Brown rice is a whole grain rice. That means it has the bran and the germ still attached. These fiber-rich and nutrient-packed parts of brown rice make it the better grain choice in your pet’s food.

Brown rice is considered more nutritious than white rice - or corn for that matter! And here are five reasons why:

• It’s a complex carb and complex carbs burn slower than simple carbs, supporting your pet’s blood sugar levels for longer periods of time.
• It contains seven minerals and five essential B vitamins, promoting heart health and metabolism.
• It’s a natural source of fiber that aids digestion, maximizing nutrient absorption.
• It keeps your pets feeling fuller for longer, helping with weight management.
• It’s full of calcium and iron, contributing to healthy teeth and bones.

At Life’s Abundance, we add high-quality brown rice to our dog foods and cat foods so your pet gets all of the benefits above - plus you get the assurance your pet is eating wholesome nutrition made just for them.

As an extra layer of safety–to make extra sure you’re getting only the good stuff–we routinely test for hazards like arsenic in our foods. It’s something we take pretty seriously because we want your pet to live a long, happy, and healthy life by your side, for many years to come!

References:
www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment
www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/aflatoxin-poisoning-pets

 

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Giving your pets enough vitamins and minerals is possible with the help of pet supplements.

 

No matter how healthy a diet we try to maintain, it’s a challenge to get the right amount of vitamins and nutrients to keep ourselves in tip-top shape - and the same is true for our pets.

Even if you’re feeding your dog or cat a wholesome food that provides complete nutrition, there are still health-related needs that simply can’t be addressed with food alone.

This is where pet supplements come in. In order to keep your pet healthy, happy, and chasing after the frisbee for years to come, it’s often times necessary to add vitamins or supplements to their regular diet. Below, we share four common pet health concerns that supplements can help with.

Skin and Coat Issues

Are you taking some sort of hair and skin supplement? Well, now pets can too! Many cats and dogs suffer from seasonal skin and coat sensitivities. Harsh, winter weather can cause your pet’s skin to become:

• dry
• red
• itchy
• irritated

In the summer months, pets are also prone to rashes or frequent scratching due to higher temperatures and humidity. Ultimately, your furry friend’s coat suffers, too. If you notice that your beloved pet’s fur is dull, ragged, or patchy, they may need a supplement to support healthier growth in order to restore their coat to its glory days.

When searching for a hair and skin pet supplement you’ll find that while most supplements have Vitamin E, a more complete mix of important vitamins like A, C, B, and zinc, are ideal like in our Skin & Coat Formula.

A complete pet supplement supports all the systems involved with keeping an amazing mane. The right formula not only supports good oil production, but also boosts collagen development and assists the chemical processes for maintaining healthy skin.

Immune Health Function

When your immune system is low, you’re likely to catch a cold or something more severe, like a virus. And your pet’s immune system is no different. When a cat or dog’s immune system is compromised, they’re more susceptible to sickness, too. Without a strong defense, they experience illnesses ranging from generalized inflammation to diabetes - and even cancer.

A nutritionally complete pet food is a good first step in boosting immunity, but you can go the extra mile with pet supplements. Supplements made with powerful antioxidants are integral to building up the strong immune response your pet needs when an infection comes knocking.

Our Wellness Food Supplement combines a dozen healthy foods rich in important vitamins and minerals (plus guaranteed probiotics) that support an immune system so it’s ready to combat any bacteria or virus - all in a convenient, chewable tablet! Think of it as your dog’s multivitamin and an easy addition to their healthy to-do list.

Pet supplements made with high-quality vitamin E and zinc can support skin during allergy season.

Joint Health and Aging

When you try getting out of your chair, are your joints making louder sounds than before? Well, you’re not alone because your older pets have a higher risk for joint pain, too. Additionally, there are some breeds more prone to arthritis and other painful musculoskeletal diseases.

That’s why it’s important to give your four-legged friend’s joints a little extra love, in the form of a pet supplement. When searching for an effective supplement for pet joint health, look for ingredients like:

• Glucosamine
• MSM
• sea mussels
• hyaluronic acid

Our Agility Formula includes all of these, plus a carefully selected combination of additional ingredients that support your pet’s entire musculoskeletal system. Getting up from their favorite spot on the couch will now be easier with the help of a pet supplement made to keep them zooming around freely and comfortably.

Daily Nutritional Support

Fish oil is probably known best for its brain benefits (thank you, Omega-3s!), but it’s a perfect supplement for daily nutritional support, too. The natural fats that come from fish oil are proven to support:

• proper development of the eyes, brain, and reproductive cells
• optimal immune and endocrine system functioning
• heart health
• better lung health

The problem with some fish oil pet supplements is that they don’t have an effective balance of the right oils. When looking for a capsule or liquid fish oil supplement, you want it to be the optimal formulation to ensure your pet is getting what they need from fish oil.

Our Fish Oil for Pets contains at least 30% EPA and DHA, the ideal concentration for your dog or cat’s overall wellness. You should also look for one in triglyceride form with no added flavors. This makes it easier to absorb in your pet’s stomach and the natural taste is a true pet-pleaser!

 

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Our food is made with healthy fiber for improved digestion and elimination.

 

If there’s one thing that unites all pet owners, it’s poop. It’s unavoidable, and honestly, it can be downright gross. But simple changes to your pet’s diet can make this daily endeavor more tolerable. Feeding your furry friend a healthy dog food or healthy cat food with a focus on gut health is the first step in firming up your pet’s stool. At Life’s Abundance, we offer fiber-rich, premium pet food making messy pick-ups a thing of the past.

The Downside of Being a Pet Owner

1. If you’re a dog or cat owner, you’ve no doubt been in one of these two situations:
   You’re out walking your dog with plastic baggies in hand. And you’re hoping that whatever “present” your pet leaves behind is odorless, solid, and fits the one bag you brought. But how often are you hoping that’s the case? And it isn’t.
   
   OR
   
   
2. You’re good about cleaning your home, but there’s one corner of the house that is never truly clean (through no fault of your own)–your cat’s litter box. It’s extra challenging when they leave behind runny or soft poop - and a deep clean isn’t something you have time for right now.

Sound familiar?

Cleaning up after your pets isn’t the most glamorous part of living with pets but, of course, it’s necessary–and you do it because you love them. We love pets too, and that’s why we make premium pet food for a nutritious diet. With the right ingredients, your dog or cat’s bathroom business will be healthier, easier to pass, and easier to manage when it comes time to clean up after them.

Dogs need a good source of fiber and regular exercise to optimize their potty breaks.

 

How can I make my pet’s poop healthy?

Life’s Abundance proprietary fiber blend, Firmtastic™, uses natural, plant-based ingredients, to promote good bacteria in your pet’s digestive tract.

Think of Firmtastic™ as your pet’s partner in the gut. With Firmtastic™ your pet receives nourishing ingredients that friendly bacteria love. In return, when the food reaches the digestive system, the happy bacteria help the body absorb and metabolize nutrients that would otherwise go to waste - literally.

Because the role fiber plays is so critical to your pet’s health, we’re adding this proprietary fiber blend to our treats, too. From meal time to snack time, your pet can enjoy consistent fiber intake (especially beneficial for our furry friends with sensitive stomachs).

Why is it important for my dog or cat to have a healthy gut?

Science shows the key to overall wellness starts in your pet’s stomach.[1] The gut is home to important bacteria that controls critical processes in your pet like:

• Digestion
• Immune health
• Mood
• Overall satisfaction

So the next time you dispose of your pet’s “special package” think about this - the poop you’re holding can actually tell you a lot about the quality of the food or treats your pet is consuming, and how their body is responding to them.

Think about it this way–if you had to choose between picking up a firm poop with little to no odor versus the alternative, which would you choose?

With the help of Firmtastic™ in our healthy dog food and healthy cat food, picking up after your pet will never be the same - in a good way. They’ll be healthier and you’ll be happier.

Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3337124/

 

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Maintaining your pet's dental health is key to a longer, healthier and happier life for them.

Dental care is just as important for our furry family members as it is for us. However, keeping your pet’s smile healthy and bright isn’t quite as simple as taking care of your own pearly whites.

Our four-legged friends don’t have the ability to clean their own teeth, and, as you’ve probably noticed, they don’t love you poking around in there either. Because pets can be prone to painful or even life-threatening dental disease, it’s important to consider setting up cat or dog teeth cleaning appointments with your vet.

How do pet dental cleanings work?

To clean a dog or cat’s teeth, they’re usually put under general anesthesia at the vet’s office or animal hospital. This is necessary both to keep the vet’s hands safe as they work inside your pet’s mouth, and to keep your best pal comfortable as the vet scrapes at and cleans the teeth both above and below the gum line.

While this may seem like a big procedure, it’s important to remove plaque and germs to avoid gingivitis, infected teeth, and other dental conditions that can become serious. Luckily, most cat and dog teeth cleanings are recommended only once per year. In between, you can take a proactive role in keeping their mouth healthy.

Home tooth brushing

You can most certainly brush your dog or cat’s teeth without employing general anesthesia to get the job done. There are several different sizes and styles of pet toothbrushes available on the market, and you can choose the one that makes the most sense for your family, based on the size and temperament of your favorite fluffball. From large toothbrushes with 360-degree heads and long handles, to brushing thimbles that fit on your finger, there’s something for every size and breed.

And don’t forget toothpaste! Far from the traditional mint flavor varieties that we humans, enjoy, dog and cat toothpaste comes in flavors such as cheddar, peanut butter and vanilla. Find a flavor your pet really loves, so that brushing time feels like a treat.

Most cat and dog teeth cleanings are recommended only once per year.

Treats that do the trick

Finally, you can trick your pet into cleaning their own teeth. How? With treats. There are many different types of treats that work to clean teeth and freshen breath.

Some treats, like our Porky Puffs, help to scrape food and plaque off of teeth as your dog chews on them. Plus, they’re safer and tastier than rawhide. Similarly, our Premium Cow Ears are gentle on tummies, while being tough on plaque.

Another dog favorite that gets the job done is our Water Buffalo Bully Sticks. Sold in a pack, these meaty, healthy sticks provide a satisfying chewing experience while maintaining your dog’s dental health by helping to reduce tartar.

Finally, sometimes you just need a treat specifically created with dental health in mind, like our Gourmet Dental Treats. With treats like these, your dog gets to eat something delicious (ours are honey and peanut butter flavored), and you get to rest easy knowing they’re providing your precious pooch with nutrients like calcium and phosphorus that are essential to bone and tooth health.

Our pets keep us smiling. The least we can do is take care of their smiles, so that they can stay happy and healthy for years to come.

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At Life’s Abundance, we found a way to include our furry friends in on our sustainability mission.

When you’re shopping at the grocery store for your favorite cut of meat, you might see anything from prime rib and chuck roast to tenderloin or top round. It may seem like a lot of the animal is being utilized, but there are actually many body parts that Americans aren’t accustomed to eating and ultimately end up going to waste.

So, what’s to be done about it? At Life’s Abundance, sustainability is something we work hard on factoring into many of our processes so we found a way to include our furry friends in on our mission. We offer a variety of treats that use the body parts of an animal that would otherwise go to waste. In fact, one of our dog treat vendors previously owned a farm where animals were raised solely for human consumption. After realizing the amount of waste that was resulting in this, they started utilizing those extra parts for dog treats. This included pig snouts and cow ears - which might sound familiar if your pup is a fan of our Porky Puffs and Premium Cow Ears.

We offer a variety of treats that use the body parts of an animal that would otherwise go to waste.

Working with vendors like these have aligned our goals of prioritizing sustainability as well as providing the best for your pet. And let’s face it - dogs love pure meat, so single-ingredient treats like these are bound to be on their list of tail-wagging favorites. 

Here are all of our single-ingredient treats that foster sustainability in this way and would otherwise be considered waste by other suppliers:

• Porky Puffs
• Premium Cow Ears
• Bison Kidney Freeze-Dried Treats
• Bison Liver Freeze-Dried Treats
• Turkey Hearts Freeze-Dried Treats
• Water Buffalo Lungs
• Water Buffalo Bully Sticks

When you shop with Life’s Abundance, you’re not just providing high quality products to your family and furry friends’ for their wellbeing, you’re helping the planet. Sustainability has always been a huge part of our purpose so whether it’s installing solar panels at our headquarters, reducing waste in how we package your orders or getting the most out of the source ingredients we use for our dog treats - we’re always looking for ways to better our environment.

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Life's Abundance is fueled by a passion for helping families live longer, happier, healthier lives.

In a long-awaited update, on December 23, 2022, the FDA updated a statement about their investigation into the suspected relationship between certain diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Here are the key takeaways you should know:

• Their conclusion is that there’s insufficient data to establish a causal relationship between DCM in dogs and the food they were eating.
• After a drastically declining amount of consumer reports, they’re no longer releasing any further public updates.
• The FDA encourages continued scientific and academic research into DCM.
• They refer pet owners to seek nutritional guidance from their veterinarian.

With the declining amount of reports, they’re no longer releasing any further public updates.

In 2018, in the original statement, the FDA was investigating a potential link between certain diets that frequently contained a high proportion of peas, lentils, other legumes, and/or potatoes in various forms as main ingredients, primarily grain free diets, and DCM in dogs due to an increasing number of consumer reports. 

Later on in 2019, they named the top reported 16 pet food brands that were being fed to dogs reported to have DCM. Life’s Abundance, thankfully, wasn’t on this list and our foods weren’t the subject of an FDA investigation. 

How To Know Which Food To Trust

At Life’s Abundance we’re fueled by our passion for helping families, including pets, live longer, happier, healthier lives. You and your family are at the top of our minds as we develop products, select ingredients, choose suppliers and answer your questions. In fact, there are quite a few things that set us apart:

Authenticity: Our formulas are based on proven science, we don’t buy into fads and marketing gimmicks. And, because we’re proactive in our approach, we were among the first to include guaranteed probiotics in our foods.
Guaranteed Taurine: We guarantee minimum amounts of taurine in all of our dry dog foods. Though this nutrient isn’t required by AAFCO, we’ve always found it to be  an important and beneficial supplement in our dog foods.
Regular Testing: We regularly test all of our dry foods. Some tests are standard protocol and some go above and beyond standard requirements. For example, after the 2018 FDA report indicated that there may be a link between DCM in dogs and taurine deficiency, we re-tested taurine levels in all of our dry dog food diets. Then, later that year we re-tested Vitamin D after a series of recalls by other brands due to an excess of this nutrient. In all cases, we remain vigilant about the safety of our products.
Proven Results: For over two decades families like yours have trusted us to provide the best nutrition for their pets. Generations of dogs and cats have thrived on our products and thousands of pet parents have shared their satisfaction with our products through thousands of reviews.
Feeding Trials: We recognize the importance of standardized, scientific testing and the value of feeding trials. We’ve successfully completed trials on half of our dry dog foods and we’re in the process to trial the rest.
Quick Notification System: We’re thrilled with the fact that we’ve never had a recall on our foods, but, what thrills customers the most is our Quick Notification System. Because of the direct relationship we have with customers, in the event there’s ever an issue with a product, this unique system affords you the luxury of being notified immediately.

We hope you’ll try one of our Life’s Abundance foods for your furry friends. If you’re already feeding our kibble, you can remain confident in your choice and our commitment to helping families, including pets, live long, healthy lives!

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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.

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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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.

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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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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