Just like humans shouldn’t survive on microwave meals and fast food, our pets need the most nutritious meals that give them the energy and vitamins they need to be your loyal companion for as long as possible. During Halloween, just like we wouldn’t allow our kids to have too many chocolates and sweet treats, our dogs need the same attention.

The truth behind some of the most popular dog treats for your pet

It’s widely known that certain human foods are a big no-no for pups and other animals, but just because we shop down the pet food aisle doesn’t mean they’re the most nutritious for our furry friends either. Knowing your pet, their particular breed and their digestive health are important for ensuring a healthy tummy.

And unless you can channel Gordon Ramsay and create some delicious doggo delights from scratch, keep reading. (For those who are keen to bake for their fur babe, check out this Pumpkin Apple Dog Treats Recipe!)

So how can you tell what’s good and what’s bad for your four-legged friend? We list some of the key ingredients to look out, for and the types of treats to offer in moderation. 

Get ready for some spooky secrets uncovered in some go-to pet treats, BUT be surprised at how many treats are out there that are scarily good!

Pet food ingredients and dog ‘treats’ to avoid:

• Preservatives:

It’s no shocker that this makes the list. Just like in the food we eat, preservatives are meant for longer shelf life. Some of the most common preservatives found in dog food and treats are BHT, BHA, Ethoxyquin, and Propyl Gallage. Check the label of anything you pick up and you’ll easily see what (or at least how many) preservatives are included in the food or treat for your pet.

• Rawhide:

Rawhides and other similar treats that claim to improve your dog’s dental health are up for question. These types of ‘long-lasting’ treats aren’t designed with nutrition in mind, but rather a way to keep your pet occupied. Rather than chewing on furniture and other household items, they can sit quietly and chew for hours on end.

We’re all guilty of quick fixes like a chocolate bar to stop the kids from grabbing at our legs, and a rawhide treat for your pup or cat is no different. It’s important to simply understand that moderation is key with treats like these.

• Meat by-products:

Pet food brands are just like human food brands in that they’re great at highlighting the perceived nutritional value. But under the surface, it can be a different story.

Some pet food brands promote meat by-products like they’re full of all the good stuff we all need for a healthy diet, however, a meat ‘by-product’ is usually made up of ground-up feet, feathers, beaks, and very low-quality meat that isn’t fit for human consumption. So although you’re feeding your beloved pet something without any nasties, they don’t add any nutritional value.

+ When it’s Halloween season, check out this go-to guide for keeping your dog away from these food hazards.

On the prowl for some healthy dog treats and food options?

Waggly Snacks are a pet’s fave but they’re also super healthy. They’re Aussie-made, single-ingredient treats, meaning no sugar, no grains, no preservatives, no chemicals, and no fillers. Just Australian meat, air-dried raw for maximum nutrition. 

Dinner Bowl offer freshly made meals, delivered to your (doggy) door. Chef-made in Melbourne – yep, your dog might just be eating better than you – your dog has the option of raw, lightly cooked and dry food. Why not try them all?!

The good news for pet owners is that there are a stack of nutritious dog treats available, from dental chews to single protein treats.

If you’d prefer to browse the best brands in dog treats, to see which ones your fur baby would chew & chomp, check out Pet Chemist’s extensive range of dog treats. 

Dogs love Waggly snacks!

COULD NOT WAIT FOR ME TO GET THESE OUT OF PACKET

My puppy adores these. They are crunchy, easy to digest and good for their teeth

Joanne D.

INSTANT HIT! 

Instant hit with my fur kiddos! Labrador, chihuahua and even a cat Going to be a great high value recall reward at the dog park!

Kaitlin L.

EXCELLENT SAYS CHARLIE, DELICIOUS SAYS SOOTY

We have bought the Bully sticks for our dogs as they were developing tartar on their teeth, since having a bully stick twice a week their teeth are really improved and the Doggos love them.

Robyn W.

SHOP WAGGLY SNACKS

The post Trick or treat – Dog treats, of course! appeared first on Mad Paws.

There are many factors that determine how long it takes for dogs to be fully grown, which is why the standard (and very broad) estimation of eight months to three years is probably not as helpful as you were hoping for. In this article, we’ll break it down so that you can have a better sense of how long it will take your unique dog to go from wrinkly puppy to distinguished doggy adult.

First of all, when are dogs full-grown? What does fully grown mean?

There are many milestones that your little furball will reach during their first few years of life. By the time you celebrate their first birthday, for instance, they’ll have reached sexual maturity and (hopefully!) mastered potty training. And, some will pass through the dreaded teenager phase by the time they’re about a year and half or two years old.

But, what we’re referring to here is your dog’s physical growth. Just how long does it take to reach their full size? And why does it matter?

Well, as you might already have already surmised by how quickly your pup grew out of their first collar, knowing when your dog will reach their full size and weight will help you buy the right equipment for them, such as their crate, harness, and dog bed. As we all know, dog supplies can be quite expensive! And you might not want to splurge on something that your dog will grow out of in a couple of months.

Secondly, physical growth is a huge factor in how much exercise a dog can do safely. When dogs are full-grown, they’ll gladly keep up with all of your outdoor adventures. But for puppies, it’s important to keep things mellow with supervised free play sessions with other dogs and short walks with you or a dedicated Dog Walker. Until your dog’s growth plates have solidified, they should be on a moderated exercise plan that minimises high impact on their joints. 

In sum, once you know that your doggo has reached their full size, then you can shop online for all the supplies you want and start making plans for your dog’s future in sports! 

How long do dogs grow based on breed size?

One of the best ways to determine how long it will take for your dog to grow into their final size is to look at their breed.

Small dog breeds, for example, typically reach their full size more quickly. Very small dogs like Chihuahuas and Yorkies may be fully grown by about 10 months, while slightly larger breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will typically reach their adult size in about 12 months.

Large dog breeds, on the other hand, have a bit more growing to do! In fact, dogs in the large to giant breed category can increase their birth weight by around 100x by the time they’re full grown! Small dogs, in contrast, may only grow somewhere between 15 to 20x their original weight. A German Shepherd-sized dog will typically keep growing until they’re about 18 months old, while super puppers like the Great Dane or Bullmastiff may not stop growing until they’re two or even three years old. 

If your dog is an adorable mix of different breeds, it may be a bit more challenging to anticipate what their final size will be (and therefore, how long it will take them to grow). There are some ways to estimate, such as looking at your dog’s paw size or the prominence of their rib knobs, to see whether they have more growing to do. You may also rely on a calculation, such as multiplying your dog’s weight at 6 months by 4 (for small dogs) or 2 (for larger dogs). But, you’ll probably get a more accurate idea of how long it will take your dog to grow by completing a DNA test.

What other factors help answer the question, “When are dogs full-grown?”

While size is a pretty reliable way to predict how long it will take your dog to grow, there are a few other factors to look at: 

• Nutrition. Proper nutrition is important for all of your dog’s life stages, but especially when they’re still growing. If your dog is on a healthy, high protein diet, you can be sure that they’ll reach their full size and weight on a normal timeline for their breed

• Desexing. There are some theories that early desexing can affect your dog’s final size, as the changes in hormones might prolong the growth process. The final difference in size seems to be nominal, but some Dog Owners choose to wait until their dog has passed through the majority of their growth phase before desexing. It’s always best to talk with your vet and have them assess your unique dog

• Overall health. Ideally, your puppy will be able to focus all of their energy on learning new tricks, meeting new friends, and of course, growing up big and strong. But, in the case of stress, illness, or internal parasites like hookworm, your dog might be spending their energy trying to overcome whatever is ailing them. Not surprisingly, this can slow your dog’s growth down, which is why it’s important to keep a close eye on your puppy’s health

Again, these are a few things that can affect how quickly your dog grows, but every pupper is different. 

Not satisfied with estimation? Your vet might have a better answer to your question, “When is MY dog fully grown?”

Unfortunately, there is no crystal ball that we can turn to for an answer to our question. But, science can help! If you’re anxious to know when your doggo will be able to take on the role of running partner or frisbee dog competitor, ask your vet to monitor your dog’s growth via x-ray. 

In the meantime, give them healthy food, schedule leisurely walks with you or their doting Dog Walker, and cuddle up for proper rest and recovery. Before you know it, your tiny little puppy will be a full-grown dog!

The post When Do Dogs Stop Growing? appeared first on Mad Paws.

In this article, we’ll cover some of the ways that you can know whether your dog is overweight and how the right nutrition and exercise could mean more years with your furry friend!

In general, how can you tell if your dog is overweight?

As you might have guessed, the best way to know if your dog is overweight is to have your vet assess them. But, here are a few simple indicators that you can look for right at home:

• Your dog’s shape from above. When your dog is in a standing position, their waist should be slightly narrower than their hips and shoulders. Overweight puppers are more rectangular or even oval shaped when seen from above.

• Your dog’s shape from the side. When looking at your dog from the side, you should see a defined slope going from your dog’s hips down to their rib cage. If their belly is a straight line from front to back, it’s likely that your dog is overweight.

• The prominence of your dog’s ribs and hip bones. If your dog is at a healthy weight, you should be able to feel their ribs and hip bones without having to apply pressure. Overweight dogs, on the other hand, typically have fat deposits on top of their ribs and hips.

• Fat deposits around the neck and shoulders. Dogs also may hold extra weight in rolls around their neck and shoulders. Of course, this may not apply to dogs who are naturally wrinkly or have naturally large necks, such as Bulldogs and Mastiffs. 

• Your dog’s activity levels. Dogs who are overweight may struggle to accomplish daily tasks such as lay down and get up. They may also tire quickly while playing or exercising or show signs of laboured breathing. Again, breed, personality, and other medical issues could offer alternative explanations. But, when paired with the other indications on the list, lethargy is often a sign of unhealthy weight gain.

If your pup fits one or more of these categories, it’s a good idea to get them fully assessed by a vet. 

Why is it important to know if your dog is overweight? 

You might be wondering whether it’s really a big deal if your dog is overweight. After all, they’re not living in the wild anymore; isn’t it okay if they enjoy a life full of snacking and snuggling with their favourite human?

Well, the truth is, being overweight can have negative health impacts on dogs. The extra weight can impact joint health and increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Obesity has also been linked to certain cancers, respiratory problems, heart disease, bladder stones, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes in dogs, and high blood pressure.

One study done on the longevity of Labrador Retrievers found that the doggy participants who were able to maintain a lean body mass lived longer than those with excess body fat. According to their findings, not only are dogs living longer when they’re at a healthy weight, but they may also benefit from a better quality of life. 

Are some dogs more prone to gaining unhealthy weight than others?

All dogs can benefit from living at a healthy weight, but some are more vulnerable to unhealthy weight gain than others. Here are a few factors that can increase your dog’s risk of being overweight:

• Desexing. While there are many benefits to desexing your dog, it does typically increase the risk for unhealthy weight gain. That’s because energy levels tend to taper off after desexing, which can mean that your dog has less motivation to exercise than before.

• Breed. Some breeds, including Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, Cairn Terriers, and Beagles, are at higher risk for obesity than others. 

• Age. Some dogs still act like puppies well into their golden years, but most tend to settle down as they get older. Keeping senior dogs active and on a healthy diet can help them live out their last years more comfortably.

Even if your dog falls into one of these categories, their unique personality and biology may act as protective factors against unhealthy weight gain. Your actions can also have a huge impact on your dog’s overall health. Let’s take a look at what you can do to make sure your pup is at a healthy weight. 

Your dog is overweight, what now?

#1: Talk to your vet

Okay, we’ve mentioned this once or twice, but it’s important to work with your vet when it comes to your dog’s weight! Your pupper may need a dietary change, which should always be done under the supervision of a medical professional. So don’t hesitate to ask your vet for help putting together a weight loss plan.

#2: Rethink your dog’s meal plan

As you might have guessed, one of the best ways to make sure your dog stays healthy is with proper diet. Portion sizes and dog food quality are essential in maintaining a healthy weight while also giving your pup the energy they need. Here are a few changes that will maximise your dog’s nutrition plan:

• Stick with the freshest ingredients available. All-natural, locally sourced proteins, veggies and grains are exactly what your doggo needs to be healthy and active. Fill up their bowl with high quality natural dog food so that you can steer clear of unhealthy fillers and additives. 

• Be mindful about portion sizes. If possible, find a dog food brand that will work with you to find the best portion sizes for your dog. By leaving it to the nutrition pros, you can take the guesswork out of mealtimes so that your doggo doesn’t overeat.

• Get your pup on a regular feeding schedule. Giving your dog meals at the same time everyday is typically recommended over free-eating. If multiple members of your family help with mealtimes, make sure that your pup isn’t getting more than their allotted meals per day!

#3: Consider phasing out treats

While treats are a brilliant way to reward your pup for good behaviour, too many can result in unhealthy weight gain. Luckily, positive reinforcement training can work with alternative rewards, such as positive praise and play. Instead of taking away the treats all at once, you can slowly phase them out over time.

#4: Find fun ways to be active with your dog

Exercising your dog doesn’t have to be a chore when you can incorporate fun games and adventures in your free time. If your family enjoys going to the beach, for example, find a dog-friendly spot and bring along a frisbee or floating toy to encourage them to play. Or, if you already have a jogging practice, consider teaching Fido how to be the perfect running partner!

You can even invite a little bit more exercise into your time at home by setting up fun obstacle courses or playing with a flirt pole in an outdoor space. Not only is interactive play great for your dog’s health, but it will deepen your bond and offer you a chance to take a break from your day with your pup! 

Fitness is important in your dog’s overall health, so it pays to be proactive in creating an exercise routine to help them stay fit, mentally and physically.

#5: Call in the pros

If you’re struggling to give your pup the exercise that your vet recommends, don’t worry! A dedicated Dog Walker is a fantastic way to ensure that your pupper gets their daily steps in. 

#6: Don’t expect immediate results

The safest way for your dog to lose weight is slowly! In fact, it’s much healthier and sustainable to implement small changes that will gradually lower your dog’s weight instead of flipping their life upside down overnight! 

Depending on how overweight your dog is at this moment, your pup’s weight loss journey could last anywhere from a few months to a year. After that, it will be a matter of maintaining a healthy lifestyle filled with regular exercise, mental stimulation, and nutritious dog food! As you go through this journey with your dog, make sure to give them plenty of love, attention, and positive praise. Weight loss is difficult for doggos, too, and they’ll appreciate all the encouragement they can get!

The post Is my dog overweight? appeared first on Mad Paws.