WHAT ARE THE TOP SUPERFOODS FOR DOGS?

Well, anyone familiar with canines and canine nutrition ‘should’ tell you that the Top Superfoods for Dogs are going to include a QUALITY Sourced Lean Protein as the Number One choice, and this protein source should also include the top ORGAN meats; Heart and Liver. 

Some obvious choices would be Grass Fed Beef from a reliable, trustworthy source.  Lean Ground Turkey 93% - 97%, Lean Ground Chicken Breast 93%-97% and Wild Caught Salmon are also great choices for Lean Protein. Preferably this source should be local or at least regional, and from a smaller more conscious, conscientious supplier rather than feedlot mass produced and from way outside of your own geographical area. * Unless you know and trust the ‘source’ personally, always try to go with local when it comes to food sources, just like you would for yourself and the rest of your family.  After all, dogs are our family members too and just like us, we want them to have the best possible food and nutritional sources.

Next should come QUALITY VEGETABLES rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and abounding in good beneficial fiber.

These would include vegetables such as:

1.) Sweet Potatoes; which of course have loads of Vitamin A for healthy eyes and which are known to be good for the waistline, just like they are for humans. Rich in vitamins C, and B6, as well as fiber and potassium, Sweet Potatoes can help regulate digestion and promote a healthy immune system. * when selecting root vegetables, try to obtain organic if at all possible as root veggies are some of the most highly sprayed with nasty chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, fungicides; including glyphosate.

2.) Pumpkin is another great vegetable which in addition to being full of fiber and antioxidants is dual purpose for a dog or a human who has issues with digestion.  It has the ability to help counteract both constipation and diarrhea and it knows what to do in either case all on its own.

We would highly recommend and advise to always keep a can or two of organic pumpkin in your kitchen pantry. * NOTE* DO NOT buy the kind with any spices, like for pumpkin pie. Only buy the one with pumpkin as the single ingredient. * Dogs are allergic to many spices and some can prove very harmful or fatal if ingested. Amazon Brand Happy Belly Canned Pumpkin https://a.co/d/8AymGR1 .

3.) Broccoli of course is great for dogs just as it is for humans as it has sulfuric compounds. This cruciferous vegetable is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. It can help support your dog's immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy digestion. We would advise going easy with adding broccoli to your dog’s nutrition because since it is a cruciferous veggie with sulfuric compounds, it can cause gas and flatulence, just as it can in humans if you don’t take it slow.

4.) Spinach: This leafy green vegetable is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants. It can help promote healthy bones, teeth, and skin, and reduce inflammation.

5.) Kale: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron, kale can help promote healthy bones and teeth, support digestion, and reduce inflammation.

FRUITS such as:

6.) BLUEBERRIES would be one of the Top Superfoods for Dogs, just like they are for us humans and for the same reasons.  These are a great source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K. Blueberries can help boost your dog's immune system, improve cognitive function, and promote a healthy digestion.

If your dog has no sensitivities or allergies to fish, then fish like

7.) Salmon; preferably wild caught since their nutritional value is far superior to that of farm raised and the wild caught salmon is also higher in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can help improve your dog's skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and support brain and eye development. * Don’t buy the ‘smoked’ version or any version with additives.

Sardines can be a healthy addition to a dog's diet when fed in moderation. Sardines are a type of oily fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have several potential health benefits for dogs. Omega-3s can help support healthy skin and coat, promote joint health, and support cardiovascular health.

In addition to their omega-3 content, sardines are also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus. However, it's important to feed sardines in moderation, as they are also high in calories and can lead to weight gain if fed excessively.

When feeding sardines to your dog, it's best to choose fresh, canned, or frozen Wild Caught sardines that are free from added salt, seasonings, or sauces. You can feed sardines as a treat or mix them in with your dog's regular food.  We like to choose only ONE (1) sardine fresh or canned in spring water and smash and mix it in with our pup’s food and do this maybe only once or twice per week.* We’re not a paid affiliate, but we love the Wild Caught Sardines in Water from Trader Joe’s. They’re good quality and priced right.

As with any new food, it's best to introduce sardines gradually and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions.  See our Journal Article : How to Transition Your Dog To a New Food for more information.

8.) Turmeric: This spice contains curcumin, an active compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric can help reduce joint pain, improve digestion, and boost your dog's immune system.

GO easy when adding this spice to your dog’s food and do it in very small amounts as ‘a little goes a long way.’ For example: 1/4 teaspoon per day to start.
SEEDS AND ROOT VEGETABLES like:

9.)  Chia Seeds: These seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. They can help support healthy digestion and promote healthy skin and coat. * Try sprinkling seeds over wet dog food (or adding it to water, yogurt or kefir if you feed dry food)

Ratio is: One teaspoon to 40 pounds of your dog’s weight. So, if your dog weighs:

• 10 pounds = 1/4 teaspoon chia seeds

• 20 pounds = 1/2 teaspoon chia seeds

• 30 pounds = 3/4 teaspoon chia seeds

• 40 pounds = 1 teaspoon chia seeds

We suggest that you divide this up during the day into more than one meal or treat/snack. * Do not feed Chia seeds dry because they are very absorbent and will ‘expand’ when wet; including inside of your/your dog’s digestive tract. * Always feed Chia Seeds either soaked before feeding OR mixed into wet foods.

10.) Flaxseed: Similar to chia seeds, flaxseeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. They can help support healthy digestion and promote healthy skin and coat.

• We suggest that you buy them WHOLE and grind them up as needed for easier mixing and digestion. We love, use, and recommend either of these two brands: Terrasoul https://a.co/d/72n2dir

  Anthony’s Organic https://a.co/d/9rbNmKo

11.) Carrots: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, carrots can help support healthy vision, promote healthy skin and coat, and support healthy digestion.

12.) Beets: These root vegetables are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium and iron. They can help support healthy digestion, promote healthy blood circulation, and support healthy liver function. When whole organic beets are not in season or unavailable, we keep this in the pantry: Anthony's Organic Beet Root Juice Powder, 1 lb, Gluten Free, Non GMO, Vegan Friendly https://a.co/d/84OKESp . We recommend Beet Root powder be added dry or mixed with water to your dog's food. * The dosage depends on your dog's weight and individual nutrition plan. As a guide, you can use the following recommendations:

• Small dog breeds: 1 level teaspoon daily

• Medium dog breeds: 0.5 tablespoons daily

• Large breeds: 1 tablespoon daily

10 g of beet powder is equivalent to about 100 g of fresh beet. You should increase the dosage slowly and observe your dog's tolerance.

13.) Parsnips: Similar to carrots, parsnips are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. They can help support healthy digestion and promote healthy skin and coat.

• When choosing Root vegetables it is highly advised that you choose Organic over Conventionally grown produce as Root vegetables are one of the vegetables that are most sprayed with toxins like glyphosate, and other things like herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides and no one wants anything with ‘icide’ in their food.

A.G.E.'s Advanced Glycation Products- are another important subject altogether that needs to be brought to light and discussed when it comes to Canine Nutrition and commercial pet foods in general.  We have an entire article in our Journal for you on this.

14.) Ginger root can be good for dogs in small amounts, as it has several potential health benefits. Ginger root contains compounds called gingerols and shgaols, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This means that ginger may help reduce inflammation and support healthy immune function in dogs. In addition, ginger has been known to help alleviate nausea and vomiting in dogs, making it a popular natural remedy for motion sickness, car sickness, and other types of stomach upset. However, it's important to note that ginger should not be given to dogs in large amounts, as it can cause digestive upset and other side effects. We would recommend consulting with your Holistic Veterinarian on the type and dosage.

As with any new food or supplement, it's best to consult with your veterinarian before giving ginger to your dog.

We like these two Trustworthy brands of Organic Ginger Root Powder: Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Ginger Powder, 1 Lb - Lab-Tested | Raw | Potent Spicy Flavor https://a.co/d/h5HNUqn Micro Ingredients Organic Ginger Powder, 2 lbs/32 ounces, https://a.co/d/begFNTz .

15.) Dandelion Greens: the stem and leaf parts of the plant — are a natural source of vitamins A, C, K, D, and B. In addition, they have minerals like calcium, potassium, and prebiotics like inulin. Dandelion Greens are especially adept at supporting digestion.

16.) Cranberries: Often known as a natural supplement for supporting urinary health, cranberries have many additional benefits. They are a natural source of vitamins C, E, and K. Also, like blueberries, they are low in calories and fats, but high in fiber and antioxidants.

With so many nutrients, cranberries for dogs can be a good addition to complement their diet. However, you should not feed your dog raw cranberries, because dogs have a difficult time digesting them. Instead, you can find cranberry supplements like Dr. Mercola’s Bladder Support or pick up some healthy treats with cranberries as an ingredient like the treats from Honest Kitchen to share this superfood with your pup. We do include Dried cranberries for our dogs, however, it is incredibly important to buy the Organic and Unsweetened, NO SUGAR added .

*There are also Several Essential Vitamins and Minerals Dogs need on a daily basis just like we humans do and there are some Adaptogens that would be considered Superfoods and beneficial to dogs.

*We have Separate Journal Articles on these subjects below for you to read and learn about since the list and information is much to extensive to include it all here under ‘TOP SUPERFOODS FOR DOGS.’

Recommended Daily Amounts of Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Dogs

Which Adaptogens are Most Beneficial to Dogs and Why?

Are Certain Species of Mushrooms like Lion's Mane and Turkey Tail Beneficial for Dog’s Nutrition?

A.G.E.'s Advanced Glycation Products- are another important subject altogether that needs to be brought to light and discussed when it comes to Canine Nutrition and commercial pet foods in general.

What Do Pet Sitters Do?

Lately we have received several inquiries as to what do pet sitters do, how much do they charge, I know that they are ‘service professionals’ so am I supposed to be tipping my pet sitter?, and other questions like these.

This will be the first article in a ‘series’ of articles about Pet Sitters; although we did post an article during the Holidays entitled,  “Tipping Your Petsitter During The Holidays”.

So, you may ask, ” What do pet sitters do? ” Well, for one thing, most of them don’t sit around all day eating bon-bons and watching t.v. because pet sitting, just like babysitting is a busy, active, and oftentimes demanding job.

Pet sitting is not just an occupation, it is a profession that is built upon trust, dependability, integrity, and a deep love of all animals.  These are qualities that you should possess yourself, and look for when choosing to hire a professional pet sitter for your precious pet family members.

Pet Sitters do so much more than provide food and water for your beloved pets while you are away.  They do many different ‘jobs’ while working as a pet sitter.

Pet Sitters spend ‘quality’ time with the pets, and in addition to providing them the basics of food and water while you are away, they also give them love and attention, they clean up pet waste and any other little ‘accidents’ like vomiting, etc. Some pet sitters may administer necessary medications and serve, or prepare and serve special diets and treats for your beloved pets.  Pet Sitters provide your pets with healthy exercise, conversation, petting and playtime, listening to ambient music with them; all of which make for a healthier, happier, much more socialized dog.  Some pet sitters also provide training and may teach your dogs helpful skills which will improve their behavior, and some also teach your pets fun new games and tricks.

Most dogs do not want to be left all alone because as most of you know, dogs are pack animals and they naturally crave the closeness and security and safety feelings they receive when they are members of their pack. The right pet sitter can help you and your dog to go a long way, as dogs are very social creatures and it is in their very nature from the time that they were once wolves and vital members of their ‘pack’, for them to want to be with us.  We humans along with other canine members of our households are their pack now. A pet sitter can help your dog to become more social with you, with other animals, and with other people, and to become less anxiety-ridden.   This will help see that your dog is the kind of dog that gets invited to your friend’s and relative’s homes and you are not asked to ‘please leave your dog at home because he’s a bit too rowdy, mannerless, or fearful to come over to our house.’

Many pet sitters also take care of your treasured home while you are away; making it look ‘lived’ in and ‘busy as usual’ to the outside world.  They bring in your newspapers, get your mail, keep your lights on and off and your shades drawn at strategic and sensible times of the day and nite to deter unwanted guests as well as potential vandals.  They water your plants and maybe your lawn, deal with your regularly scheduled contractors such as your pool man, gardener, delivery services, and other service professionals while you are away at work, out and about, or on vacation.  Most pet sitters tend to your pets on as close to your daily schedule as humanly possible too.  Many pet sitters bundle all of their services and they do all of these jobs we just mentioned, however, some separate them and charge ‘a la carte’ for the side services they provide for you such as: watching your home, getting your mail, dealing with your other service professionals, etc.

Of course it goes without saying that ‘Training’ is a professional service that would be billed separately.  Either way, pet sitters deserve the utmost appreciation and respect for the selfless work that they do because they are watching and caring for your beloved pets.  Although your home and your mail may be important, your pets are your priceless family members.

The bottom line is that your pet gets to stay in the environment she knows best and have her regular routine, and you get to go about your plans with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your beloved pet is safe and cared for by a professional, and that your home is being watched over by someone of integrity.  A Big plus in hiring a ‘professional’ is that you don’t have to impose on your neighbors or relatives to do a job or jobs that they may not have the time, skill set, experience or patience to deal with; and that they may not have the heart to tell you that they don’t.

Pet sitters are highly respected service providers who often work seven days per week, all year long; some, like nannies for humans, are live-ins, and some even travel long distances for these assignments, and as service providers; just like your hair stylist, gardener, pool man, restaurant server, massage therapist, etc. although it is not required it is certainly appropriate to tip them for their services.

Today’s acceptable tip rate for most service professionals is typically 20-30% of the total services rendered.

Tips don’t always have to come in the form of ‘money’.  Gift Cards, or in some cases a barter might be a suitable arrangement.

We hope that this answers some of your questions about “What does a Pet Sitter do?”

*Always remember to be grateful and remain in the ‘giving’ spirit all year long.  You don’t have to wait for a holiday.   You might just surprise someone and really make their day by honoring the Universal Law of both giving and receiving with acceptance and gratitude.

~Peace, Love, Light, and Abundance to You and Yours

How To Find A Reputable Trustworthy Veterinarian

Pets, including our beloved dogs are considered as family members, and their ‘health and well-being’  is of utmost importance to their pet parent owners. Just like humans, pets also need both routine and sometimes emergency medical care and attention. For this reason, finding a reputable and trustworthy veterinarian is crucial to ensure that your pet is in good hands. In this journal article, we will discuss How to Find a Reputable and Trustworthy Veterinarian.

Your First Step in finding a good veterinarian is to ask for recommendations from friends, family, caring neighbors, and other pet parents/ pet owners. People who have dogs of their own and who value and love them as you do are likely to have experience with veterinarians in the area and can provide valuable feedback. *It is important to Ask specific questions about their experiences, such as how the veterinarian and staff communicated with them, the quality of care their pets received, and whether they felt their concerns were adequately addressed. Some people are only concerned with the quality of medical care the veterinarians provide to their pets, and some are concerned with ‘the way’ the veterinarian and their staff actually ‘communicate’ with both them and with their pets, and some are concerned with all three. Also, over the years of having and watching over a multitude of pets, we have found that some veterinarians are very skilled at ‘what they DO’ and some have a superior ‘bedside manner’ and the rare combination is that they are skilled at both.  Ideally, you will want to find a veterinarian and staff that matches what you are looking for in terms of care and quality of communication for your pet. Another thing we have found is important in choosing a reputable and trustworthy veterinarian for your pooch is that you ask if they have BOTH Female as Well as Male veterinarians in the office and the same holds true for Veterinary Assistants. Why do we say this? Well, because just like humans, many if not most dogs are more ‘comfortable’ in the presence of either a Male or a Female human, and often this is the case when dealing with ‘shelter’ or ‘rescue’ dogs because many of them have come from situations where they were traumatized and just like humans, dogs have very sharp memories, and even though they are not verbally able to communicate it to us in a human language, that they may have been abused by one gender or the other, or they simply have a ‘preference’ for one over the other. You will of course ‘learn’ to read your dog’s body language and determine if this could possibly be the case with your pup, and consider the fact that a visit to a doctor’s office- in this case, a veterinarian’s office is not usually something a pet looks forward to anyway so you are going to want make this as comfortable and stress-free experience if possible.

Another useful resource is online reviews.  Many veterinary clinics have reviews posted on their own websites or on popular review platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. While it's important to read both positive and negative reviews, it's important to keep in mind that not all reviews are genuine or accurate. Therefore, it's important to look for patterns in the reviews and read several reviews before making a decision.

After gathering recommendations and reading reviews, it's important to ‘Research the Veterinarians on your shortlist.’   It is very important to: Check their qualifications and credentials, such as their education and any additional training they may have completed. You can also check whether they are members of professional organizations like the:

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA.ORG )

Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC.ORG )

  American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association ( AHVMA.ORG )

Traditional Chines Veterinary Medicine ( TCVM.ORG )

Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA.ORG )

*These organizations have strict codes of ethics that members must follow, which can give you peace of mind that you are working with a reputable veterinarian.

When visiting a veterinary clinic, take note of the overall cleanliness and organization of the facility. A clean and organized clinic can indicate that the veterinarian and staff take pride in their work and are dedicated to providing quality care. Additionally, observe how the veterinarian interacts with pets and their owners. A good veterinarian should have a calm and gentle demeanor and be able to communicate effectively with pet owners.

Lastly, it's important to consider the cost of veterinary care. While cost should not be the only factor in your decision-making process, it is important to find a veterinarian who offers ‘transparent and reasonable pricing.’  You can ask for an *estimate of the cost of common services like vaccinations or spaying/neutering to get an idea of their pricing structure.

Finding a reputable and trustworthy veterinarian takes your concerted time and effort, but it is worth it to ensure that your pet is receiving quality care. By following these steps above, you can find a veterinarian who will provide excellent care for your beloved pup.

The similarities and the differences between Allopathic Veterinarians, Holistic Veterinarians and Integrative Veterinarians are as follows: Allopathic veterinarians, holistic veterinarians, and integrative veterinarians all work to provide medical care to animals. However, they approach veterinary medicine from different perspectives and may use different methods and treatments.

Allopathic veterinarians, also known as conventional or Western veterinarians, typically use drugs, surgery, and other conventional methods to treat animals. They focus on diagnosing and treating specific diseases or conditions using evidence-based medicine.  Usually through the use of pharmaceutical prescription medications.  They may also use diagnostic tests like blood work, radiography, and ultrasound to aid in diagnosis and treatment.

Holistic veterinarians, on the other hand, take a more holistic approach to veterinary medicine, focusing on treating the whole animal rather than just specific symptoms or diseases. They may use alternative therapies like: acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal medicine, and homeopathy to promote healing and restore balance to the animal's body. Holistic veterinarians may also consider environmental and nutritional factors in their treatment plans.

Integrative veterinarians combine both conventional and holistic approaches to veterinary medicine. They may use conventional methods like drugs and surgery when appropriate, but also incorporate alternative therapies to support the animal's overall health and well-being. Integrative veterinarians may use therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutritional supplements in conjunction with conventional treatments to achieve the best possible outcomes for their patients.

In terms of similarities, all three types of veterinarians are trained professionals who are committed to providing the best possible care to animals. They also work to prevent and treat disease and injury in animals.

The main difference between allopathic, holistic, and integrative veterinarians is their approach to veterinary medicine.

Allopathic veterinarians focus on conventional methods of treatment

Holistic veterinarians use alternative therapies to promote healing and balance in the body

Integrative veterinarians combine both approaches to provide comprehensive care to their animal patients.

Emergency veterinarian should ideally be a combination of all of these and be close in proximity to your geographic location