In a previous post, we explored how feeding schedules can affect housebreaking a puppy. But did you know that feeding schedules can also influence your dog's sleep patterns? It's true! A dog's eating routine plays a significant role in its ability to rest, making it important for pet owners to pay attention to mealtime timing.
Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?
It might seem like your dog is always sleeping, and you're not wrong to think so. Dogs tend to need more sleep than humans, partly because they get less REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.
While humans spend about 25% of their sleep in the REM stage, dogs only reach REM about 10% of the time. To make up for this, they need to sleep more often to achieve adequate rest.
How Feeding Schedules Affect Sleep
Dogs thrive on routine. In the wild, their ancestors followed a consistent daily rhythm, which modern dogs have inherited. Feeding schedules play a crucial role in maintaining this rhythm and can influence your dog’s sleep quality in several ways:
Eating Too Close to Bedtime
Feeding your dog late in the evening can lead to nighttime bathroom needs, disrupting both their sleep and yours. Avoiding late-night meals can help ensure uninterrupted rest for everyone.
Activity and Drowsiness
Dogs’ energy levels are linked to their activity and eating habits. Free feeding (leaving food out all day) can lead to unpredictable energy spikes and naps, throwing off their natural rhythm. A set feeding schedule helps stabilize their energy and sleep cycles.
The Role of Food in Digestion and Sleep
The type of food you feed your dog also impacts how well they rest after meals. Digesting standard kibble can be harder on a dog’s system, particularly when they lie down shortly after eating.
Cold-pressed dog food, like Nextrition, is made with natural ingredients and pressed together at low temperatures into easily digestible pieces. This type of food supports smoother digestion and better nutritional absorption, reducing discomfort that could interfere with your dog’s sleep.
Optimizing Your Dog’s Feeding and Sleep Routine
To help your dog get the best rest possible, consider these tips:
Feed at Consistent Times
Stick to a predictable schedule that aligns with your dog’s natural circadian rhythm. For most dogs, the peak rest time is between 9 PM and 6 AM, so plan meals accordingly.
Avoid Late-Night Meals
Try not to feed your dog too close to bedtime. This minimizes the chance of needing nighttime potty breaks and ensures their digestion doesn’t disrupt sleep.
Choose Easily Digestible Food
Opt for
cold-pressed dog food or similar options that are gentler on the digestive system. This can help prevent discomfort during sleep.
Match Feeding to Activity
Balance feeding times with your dog's activity level to avoid unnecessary drowsiness during the day and promote more restful sleep at night.
A Rested Dog Is a Happy Dog
Like humans, dogs benefit from consistent routines that align with their natural circadian rhythms. By combining a healthy feeding schedule with a high-quality, easily digestible diet, you can help your dog sleep better, stay more active, and lead a healthier life.
If you're ready to optimize your dog's feeding and sleep habits, consider trying Nextrition cold-pressed dog food. It’s a delicious and gut-healthy option that promotes digestion and overall well-being.
Ensuring your puppy is fed healthy dog food is essential for their growth and overall well-being. However, there’s more to feeding than just nutrition. Did you know your puppy's feeding schedule can play a crucial role in housebreaking? Establishing a proper feeding routine can make the challenging process of house training much smoother.
Housebreaking: Teaching Unnatural Behavior
One of the biggest hurdles in housebreaking is teaching puppies something that doesn’t come naturally. According to the American Humane Society (AHA), dogs instinctively avoid relieving themselves where they sleep. Beyond that, any location can feel appropriate to them.
For puppies, the connection between eating and needing to “go” is direct and immediate. They lack the bladder control and understanding to hold it until they're outside. Training them to wait and go outdoors becomes a top priority—and a consistent feeding schedule can help.
Feeding Schedule and Predictable Elimination
Feeding schedules have a direct impact on housebreaking because feeding equals elimination. Free feeding, where food is available all day, can lead to unpredictable elimination patterns, making housebreaking much more difficult.
A regular feeding schedule, on the other hand, helps regulate your puppy’s digestive system. This predictability allows you to anticipate when your puppy may need to go outside, giving you more control over housebreaking efforts.
Best Practices for Feeding and Housebreaking
Every puppy is unique, but there are best practices to help streamline the process of linking feeding to housebreaking:
Feed Three Times a Day
It is recommended to feed Puppies three meals a day until they’re about 6 months old (sometimes up to 12 months). Keep these meals evenly spaced, such as 8:00 AM, noon, and 6:00 PM.
Stick to Consistent Feeding Times
Consistency is key. Feeding at the same times each day establishes a routine, making elimination patterns easier to predict.
Limit Mealtime to 10-15 Minutes
Remove uneaten food after 10-15 minutes. This teaches your puppy to eat when the food is presented, avoiding grazing that can throw off the bathroom schedule.
Avoid Free Feeding and Treat Overuse
Free feeding and excessive treats can lead to irregular eating and elimination habits. Reduce giving your pup treats until housebreaking is complete.
Take Your Puppy Outside Immediately After Meals
After each meal, take your puppy outdoors to encourage them to go. Even if they don’t go right away, this creates a habit of associating mealtime with potty breaks.
The Role of Food Type in Housebreaking
The type of food you choose can also affect housebreaking. Whether it’s kibble, raw food, or cold-pressed dog food, a high-quality diet with natural ingredients supports a healthier digestive system. At Nextrition, we recommend cold-pressed dog food for its nutritional value, digestibility, and appealing flavor. Our food is formulated to be for all life-stages so you can start feeding it to your puppy and continue as they become more mature.
A healthy diet combined with a predictable schedule minimizes digestive upset, promotes regularity, and makes housebreaking easier for both you and your puppy.
Final Thoughts
Housebreaking your puppy requires patience and consistency, but a regular feeding schedule can make a big difference. By connecting meals with predictable elimination times, you give your puppy the structure needed to succeed.
Remember: eating equals elimination. If you pair a regular feeding routine with positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior, you’ll have your puppy housebroken in no time. For additional guidance or food recommendations, consult your veterinarian—they’re always a helpful resource!
At Nextrition, we often highlight how our cold-pressed dog food is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs and certain allergies. Digestive issues are a common concern among pet owners, and in some cases, the food a dog is eating could be the culprit. When that's the case, transitioning to a more suitable food can make all the difference.
Causes of Canine Digestive Issues
It's important to recognize that not all digestive problems can be solved with a simple food change. A variety of factors can disrupt a dog's digestion, including:
Dietary Indiscretion: Allowing a dog to eat table scraps or forage through the garbage often leads to stomach upset or more severe gastrointestinal problems.
Food Changes: Abruptly switching from one brand or type of food to another—such as transitioning from kibble to a raw diet—can temporarily upset a dog’s digestive system.
Canine Stress: Stress impacts dogs just as it does humans, potentially leading to difficulty digesting even the most nutritious and gentle foods.
Food Allergies: Dogs with food allergies may experience digestive distress as their immune systems react to certain ingredients.
Some dogs may experience a combination of these issues, making it even more challenging to identify the root cause of their digestive troubles.
Early Warning Signs of Digestive Problems
Being aware of the signs of digestive issues can help you address problems early. Common symptoms include:
Vomiting (especially if it happens frequently).
Changes in appetite, such as sudden disinterest in food.
Regular Diarrhea.
Postures indicating abdominal discomfort, like hunching or stretching.
Excessive flatulence or general gassiness.
Unexplained weight loss or lethargy.
Dehydration due to persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
Constipation or irregular bowel movements.
A particularly serious sign to watch for is abdominal distension, or swelling in the abdomen. This can indicate a more severe underlying condition and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Transitioning to a New Food
If digestive issues are linked to your dog's current food, a gradual transition to a new diet may help. Follow these steps for a successful switch:
Consult Your Veterinarian
Discuss your dog's symptoms and dietary needs with your vet before making any changes. Your vet can help confirm whether a food change is the right approach and recommend suitable options.
Make the Switch Slowly
Sudden changes can worsen digestive issues, so transition gradually. Begin by mixing a small amount of the new food with the current food. Over the course of 7-10 days, increase the proportion of new food while decreasing the old.
Monitor Your Dog's Reaction
Keep an eye on your dog's behavior, stool consistency, and energy levels during the transition. Any severe or persistent symptoms should prompt a return visit to the vet.
Choose Gut-Healthy Food
Look for dog food that supports gut health, like
Nextrition cold-pressed dog food. Our recipes are crafted with natural ingredients and processed at lower temperatures to preserve nutritional value and promote easier digestion. We also offer equally
healthy tummy treats for dogs in two flavors: chicken and beef.
Helping Your Dog Feel Better
While digestive issues can be frustrating, they are often manageable with the right approach. Transitioning to a dog food made for sensitive stomachs, addressing stress, and avoiding dietary indiscretions can all help.
At Nextrition, we take pride in offering a gentle, nutritious alternative to traditional kibble. Whether your dog is struggling with food allergies, a sensitive stomach, or just a picky palate, our cold-pressed recipes could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Start the journey to better digestion today!
Pancreatitis can be a distressing condition for dogs, just as it is for humans. If your dog has experienced this painful inflammation, you may be concerned about preventing future episodes. While diet isn’t the sole factor in pancreatitis, it plays a significant role in both its onset and management. Making thoughtful dietary changes can help your furry friend stay healthy and avoid further complications.
A Word About Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by the organ's own digestive enzymes activating prematurely. Normally, these enzymes are released and only activate in the intestines to help break down food. But in a dog with pancreatitis, they become active while still in the pancreas, causing it to inflame and even digest itself.
Pancreatitis in dogs can be acute or chronic:
Acute pancreatitis: A sudden episode that can resolve on its own or with minimal intervention.
Chronic pancreatitis: A recurring condition requiring careful management to prevent life-threatening complications.
The Role of Diet in Pancreatitis
Diet is a primary factor in canine pancreatitis. A high-fat diet is one of the biggest contributors, especially if a dog consumes large amounts of fatty foods in a single sitting. Other risk factors include:
Dietary indiscretion: Eating inappropriate or spoiled food.
Obesity: Excess weight stresses the pancreas.
Underlying conditions: Diabetes or hypothyroidism can increase susceptibility.
Given how closely diet is tied to pancreatitis, modifying your dog's meals can be key to managing the condition.
Dietary Modifications for Dogs with Pancreatitis
Here’s how to adjust your dog’s diet to promote healing and reduce the likelihood of future episodes:
Limit Fat Content
Choose a dog food with 15% fat or less.
Opt for lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish instead of fatty meats like lamb or pork.
Provide Easily Digestible Carbohydrates
Include options like rice, sweet potatoes, or oatmeal. These are gentle on the stomach and help regulate digestion.
Choose High-Quality Dog Food
Cold-pressed dog food, like Nextrition, is an excellent option. It’s made with natural ingredients and processed at low temperatures to retain more nutrients and flavor while being easier to digest. You can even get a recommended feeding amount specific to your dog.
Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Instead of two large meals, feed your dog smaller portions multiple times a day. This lightens the workload on the pancreas and promotes steady digestion.
Avoid Treats and Table Scraps
High-fat treats and table scraps can trigger inflammation. Stick to low-fat, vet-approved snacks if you offer any extras.
Hydration is Key
Ensure your dog stays hydrated to support overall digestion and prevent stress on internal organs.
Work With Your Veterinarian
Always consult with your vet before making significant changes to your dog’s diet, especially after a medical condition like pancreatitis. Your vet can provide specific recommendations based on your dog’s health, age, weight, and breed.
A Balanced Approach to Prevention
Managing pancreatitis in dogs is largely about reducing triggers and promoting gut health. A carefully curated diet featuring low fat, easily digestible ingredients, and portion control can go a long way in protecting your dog's pancreas.
Nextrition cold-pressed dog food is a great choice for dogs recovering from pancreatitis or those prone to sensitive stomachs. It’s formulated to be nutrient-dense, gentle on digestion, and free from unnecessary fillers. With the right food and a consistent feeding routine, your dog can enjoy a happy, healthy life without the shadow of pancreatitis.
As a dog owner, you want the best for your furry friend. That means choosing a dog food that balances high nutritional value, flavor, and texture—while meeting your dog's specific needs, such as gut health, hypoallergenic ingredients, or sensitivity to certain foods. At Nextrition, we’ve designed our cold-pressed dog food with these priorities in mind.
But what about the quality of ingredients? How does cold-pressed dog food compare to traditional kibble? Let’s explore how they differ and why ingredient quality matters so much.
Ingredients Chosen by Manufacturers
Nextrition cold-pressed dog food is made using a patent-pending process that presses ingredients together at low-heat. This method works great with high-quality, natural ingredients like real meats, fruit, vegetables, and healthy grains. For instance, at Nextrition, we carefully select ingredients that are packed with nutrients and free from unnecessary additives.
On the other hand, kibble is often made with processed meats, byproducts, and artificial additives, including preservatives and flavor enhancers. While kibble can still provide the nutritional requirements set by AAFCO, the reliance on these lower-quality ingredients can affect both the nutritional value and how well your dog’s body absorbs nutrients.
Cooking Methods Make a Difference
Cooking methods play a significant role in ingredient quality and nutrient retention:
Cold-Pressed Dog Food: Pressing the ingredients at a low-heat better preserves the natural flavor and nutritional content of the ingredients. This results in a food that offers higher nutrient density per bite, allowing dogs to eat up to 30% less than kibble while still meeting their dietary needs.
Kibble: High-heat cooking breaks down ingredients more aggressively, often leading to nutrient loss. This means that kibble brands are either adding extra nutrients that gets burned off when it goes through the extruder and/or spraying on nutrients to the food after processing.
Impact on Digestion
Digestibility is another area where cold-pressed dog food stands out:
Easier Digestion: Cold-pressed dog food is made into nutrient-dense nuggets which sinks to the bottom of the gut and quickly breaks down. This puts less strain on the digestive system to break down the food and absorb the necessary nutrients. This is especially beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Strain on the Digestive System: Kibble, is made with an extruder which will cause the food to puff up and float in the dog’s gut and will bloat inside the stomach before it starts to break down. Most dog owners who feed kibble have seen their dog throw up an hour or so after meal time and see full bloated pieces of kibble. Kibble is harder to digest and can lead to bloating, gas, and other digestive discomforts.
Flavor That Dogs Love
While nutrition is key, let’s not forget taste and aroma. Cold-pressed dog food retains the natural flavors of its ingredients thanks to its low-temperature process. The result? An appetizing meal that even picky eaters are drawn to.
Kibble, by comparison, often relies on flavoring sprayed onto the pieces of food after cooking to make it more palatable.
The Bottom Line: Quality Matters
When comparing cold-pressed dog food to kibble, the difference lies in:
Ingredient quality: Nextrition cold-pressed foods use real, natural ingredients, while kibble often includes fillers and byproducts.
Cooking process: Low-heat patent-pending process preserves natural nutrients and flavor in cold-pressed foods, while high-heat cooking in kibble reduces both.
Digestibility: Cold-pressed food is easier on your dog’s digestive system.
At Nextrition, we pride ourselves on offering a cold-pressed dog food that delivers exceptional quality, flavor, and nutritional value. Whether your dog struggles with sensitive digestion, allergies, or pickiness, cold-pressed food can make a world of difference.
Why not make the switch and see the difference for yourself? Nextrition cold-pressed dog food offers your pet a nutritious, tasty, and easily digestible alternative to traditional kibble.
Here at Nextrition, we know dry kibble still dominates the dog food world – and that's okay. Every pet owner makes the choices they feel are best for their furry companions. But we also believe cold-pressed dog food made with all-natural ingredients offers incredible benefits for dogs. Could this year be the year you give it a try?
Natural Ingredients and Smarter Processing
The key to Nextrition’s success lies in two things: using real, natural ingredients and better processing methods. We start with fresh meats, healthy grains, fruits, and vegetables, then use a low-temperature cold-pressing process to form bite-sized, nutrient-packed nuggets.
Unlike traditional kibble, which is cooked at high temperatures, cold-pressed food retains more natural nutrients and flavors. This difference ensures your dog gets the most out of every bite – without unnecessary fillers or nutrient loss.
Why It Matters to Your Dog
Cold-pressed dog food isn’t just about feeding your dog; it’s about nourishing them in the best way possible. Here’s what it could mean for your dog:
Make the Switch in 2025
If you’re ready to improve your dog’s diet and overall health, why not give Nextrition cold-pressed dog food a try in 2025?
Here’s the best part: you don’t need to dive in all at once. You can order a small sample before committing to a full switch. That way, you can see for yourself if your dog enjoys the food before making the switch and start seeing the benefits.
With a handful of delicious recipes to choose from, Nextrition offers natural, nutritious meals your dog will love – and better health as part of the deal.
Make this year count. Try Nextrition cold-pressed dog food and see the difference for yourself. Your dog will thank you!
Dogs will be dogs, right? Even if you go to great lengths to ensure your pet gets a gut-healthy dog food that is delicious and perfect for sensitive stomachs, you might still catch them sneaking food from the counter or trash. An occasional act of food thievery is normal, but when it becomes habitual, it’s time to address the issue.
It’s Natural Behavior
Even with the best natural dog food on the menu, some dogs just can’t resist human food left on counters, tables, or the trash. Here’s the first thing to know: dogs are pack animals that naturally feed in a hierarchical structure. It’s instinctive for them to protect their food while also scrounging from other sources. So what you’re witnessing might just be natural behavior.
However, there could be other factors:
Before doing anything else, evaluate what and how frequently you’re feeding your dog. If you’re unsure, consult your vet for guidance.
Manage Your Environment
Assuming your dog is eating enough and doesn’t have any nutritional deficiencies, it’s time to take control of the environment. Managing the surroundings reduces temptation and helps discourage food theft.
The goal here is to make stealing food more difficult and not worth the effort. While no method is 100% foolproof, reducing temptation goes a long way.
Training Tips
Training is critical for breaking bad habits like food thievery. Two of the most important commands to teach are “leave it” and “place”:
Consistency is Key
With both environmental management and training, consistency is critical. Dogs learn through repetition, so be clear, patient, and persistent.
Avoid scolding your dog for stealing food after the fact, as they may not connect the punishment to the behavior. Instead, reward them for following commands and making the right choices.
Stick With a Healthy Food Routine
A dog that’s consistently fed a nutritious, balanced diet is less likely to scavenge or steal food. High-quality food like Nextrition cold-pressed dog food offers:
By addressing both your dog’s dietary needs and training habits, you can curb their food-stealing ways while ensuring they stay healthy and satisfied.
With a little effort, consistency, and a healthy food routine, your dog can overcome their food thief habits—and maybe even become a mealtime angel.
As 2025 approaches, many of us are reflecting on our goals and resolutions for the year ahead. But resolutions aren’t just for humans – they can apply to our pets, too! If you’re a dog owner, one of the best resolutions you can make is to switch to a healthier dog food.
Just like us, dogs are what they eat. Providing a nutritious diet is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to keep your dog healthy and happy. And if you’re considering a change, Nextrition cold-pressed dog food is a great place to start.
Do People Really Make Resolutions for Their Pets?
Absolutely! According to a 2019 survey, many pet owners take New Year’s resolutions seriously when it comes to their furry friends. Here are some standout stats:
Overall, 71% of respondents agreed: the new year is a chance to prioritize their pet’s health.
Why Food Is the Foundation of Health
For dogs, just like humans, food is the building block of good health. The right food fuels their energy, supports muscle and bone strength, aids in digestion, and helps fight disease and injury.
Choosing a healthy, nutrient-dense dog food means your pet gets everything they need – without the unnecessary fillers or questionable ingredients. Switching to a high-quality option, like cold-pressed dog food, is an excellent way to improve your dog’s overall health.
At the same time, try limiting treats, table scraps, and other “junk food.” Keeping their weight and avoiding processed ingredients can help prevent obesity and long-term health issues.
Don’t Forget Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A healthier diet is a fantastic start, but your dog’s physical and mental health also depend on regular activity and training. In the new year, consider:
Combining better nutrition with consistent exercise and mental stimulation ensures your dog stays healthy, happy, and thriving all year long.
A Fresh Start for You and Your Dog
Whether or not you set New Year’s resolutions for yourself, 2025 is the perfect opportunity to focus on your dog’s health. Start by switching to a nutritious, high-quality food like Nextrition cold-pressed dog food. It’s a simple change with big benefits – giving your dog the fuel they need to live their happiest, healthiest life.
Here’s to a happy and healthy new year for you and your furry friend!
The dog food world can sometimes feel full of gimmicks, but a low residue diet is the real deal. It’s often recommended for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues like colitis and pancreatitis. If your dog has trouble digesting their food, a low residue diet could be exactly what they need.
This approach is all about reducing the digestive system's workload, giving your dog’s gut time to recover and work more efficiently.
What Is a Low Residue Diet?
A low residue diet focuses on foods that are easy to digest and leave behind minimal waste. Think simple carbohydrates like white rice or sweet potatoes, which are gentle on a dog’s system.
Unlike dry kibble, which can be tough to break down, low residue foods prioritize highly digestible ingredients. This helps dogs process nutrients efficiently without overloading their digestive system.
Key Benefits of a Low Residue Diet
If your dog struggles with digestive distress, a low residue diet can offer some big benefits:
Combine it with prebiotics and probiotics, and you’re looking at optimized digestion and nutrient uptake.
What to Look for in a Low Residue Dog Food
If you’re exploring low residue options, focus on natural, gut-friendly ingredients. Look for foods that meet the following profile:
For raw diet enthusiasts, this often means boiled rice, lean meats, and soft, mashed veggies.
Need an Easier Option?
If prepping a raw diet feels like too much work, Nextrition cold-pressed dog food could be your perfect solution. Our recipes use natural, highly digestible ingredients and a cold-pressed process that preserves the natural nutrients while making the food easy to digest.
It’s ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive concerns – and even for picky eaters.
A low residue diet could make a big difference for your dog’s gut health. If you think it’s the right move, chat with your vet or start exploring ingredient labels. When in doubt, give Nextrition a try – we’re here to help your furry friend feel their best.
Using food as a reward is a common method for training dogs. It works well most of the time. But sometimes, using food – even a healthy dog food made with natural ingredients – doesn’t work as expected. So is there a way to train without food?
One of the more popular non-food training methods is the model-rival (or mirror) method. This technique relies on observational learning rather than reward-based learning. Studies show that model-rival training can be just as effective as food rewards for many tasks.
How Model-Rival Training Works
Traditional food-based training, known as operant conditioning, uses rewards to reinforce desired behaviors. For example, a dog may receive a bite of Nextrition natural dog food after completing a task. While effective, there are cases when food rewards just aren’t enough to motivate certain dogs.
This is where model-rival training shines.
The method pairs two dogs:
The rival observes the model dog performing the task and eventually becomes motivated to imitate the behavior. Unlike operant conditioning, model-rival training doesn't rely on food rewards. Instead, the reward is intrinsic: a sense of satisfaction gained by learning the task and responding to a command.
Observation Is Key
In model-rival training, dogs learn through observation and mimicry rather than through direct reinforcement. This approach eliminates the need for rewards or punishments, which are often part of operant conditioning.
For some, this makes model-rival training a more humane way to modify behaviors. The dog observes and naturally learns by watching the actions of a peer or handler.
Great for Complex Tasks
Model-rival training is especially effective for teaching more complex tasks, such as retrieval selection or identifying specific objects. Observational learning allows dogs to better understand the connection between actions, commands, and the satisfaction of completing the task successfully.
Interestingly, competition may also play a role. While dogs are naturally pack animals, there’s still a sense of hierarchy and competition within any group. Watching another dog successfully complete a task can motivate the rival dog to do the same.
Human Models Work, Too
Model-rival training doesn’t always require another dog. A human can act as the model, making this method practical for dog owners at home. Acting as the model allows you to strengthen the bond with your dog while teaching new behaviors.
Another Training Option
At the end of the day, model-rival training is simply another option for teaching dogs. It isn’t necessarily better or worse than food-based methods. Every dog is different, and certain training methods can work better in specific situations.
If food-based training works for you and your dog, that’s great! But if your furry friend isn’t responding to food rewards, model-rival training might be worth a try.
Nextrition Supports Healthy Training
Whether you choose food-based training or non-food methods, it’s important to keep your dog’s nutrition a top priority. Nextrition’s cold-pressed dog food is packed with natural ingredients, offering great flavor, high nutritional value, and a gentle option for sensitive stomachs.
If you use food as a training reward, Nextrition is an excellent choice. And if you prefer methods like model-rival training, rest easy knowing your dog is still getting the best nutrition at mealtime.
If you are like most people, you have probably wondered how dog food manufacturers can get away with claiming their food is delicious. After all, dogs can't exactly offer food reviews. But it turns out they don't have to. When it comes to taste, it's more about smell for dogs.
1,700 Taste Buds vs. 9,000
An analysis of your dog's tongue would reveal roughly 1,700 taste buds. That may sound impressive, but compared to humans—who have about 9,000 taste buds—dogs have a far less sophisticated sense of taste.
Where dogs win is in their sense of smell. A dog can smell up to 100,000 times better than a human. Their exceptional noses can detect scents we can't even imagine.
Interestingly, dogs also have a special organ along their palette called the vomeronasal organ, which allows them to "smell taste." For dogs, smelling food and tasting it are closely intertwined, which explains why aroma plays such a big role in their enjoyment of meals.
Why Dogs Love the Garbage Can
To humans, garbage is just that—garbage. It smells foul, and we want nothing to do with it. But dogs experience the world differently.
When your dog picks up odors from the garbage, he’s essentially tasting with his nose. To him, anything that smells interesting (even if we find it repulsive) must also taste good. This is why dogs will happily scavenge through trash cans, countertops, or leftovers.
For dogs, smell determines taste, which is why enticing aromas are key to creating a food they’ll love.
Cooking Methods Impact Flavor
The way dog food is processed and cooked significantly affects its flavor and aroma. For example:
At Nextrition, we combine real meats, healthy grains, fruits, and vegetables with our gentle cold-pressing process to retain maximum flavor and nutrition. The result? A food that smells amazing to your dog—and tastes great too!
Taste Is All About the Nose
For dogs, taste and smell go hand in hand. If food smells good, your dog will most likely think it tastes good too. That’s why feeding a high-quality food like Nextrition cold-pressed dog food, with its natural ingredients and rich aroma, can make all the difference—especially for picky eaters.
Next time you wonder if your dog’s food is really delicious, trust his nose. If he’s eager at mealtime and licking his bowl clean, that’s all the review you need!
With Christmas just around the corner, holiday decorations are on everyone's mind. One décor item making a surprising resurgence is tinsel. While its shimmering allure might add extra holiday sparkle, tinsel is one of the most dangerous holiday decorations for dogs. If you plan to use it, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and protect your furry friend.
The Glittery Comeback of Tinsel
Tinsel was all the rage in the 1970s and 80s but gradually fell out of favor in the following decades. Fast-forward to today, and tinsel is back in vogue, giving Christmas trees that nostalgic glimmer. However, what makes tinsel so appealing to humans—its shiny, eye-catching design—is the very thing that can make it a hazard for pets.
Why Tinsel Is Dangerous for Dogs
Tinsel is typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of shiny plastic. While it may look harmless, ingesting tinsel can lead to serious health issues for your dog:
Intestinal Obstruction: Tinsel doesn’t break down in the digestive tract, meaning it can clump together and cause dangerous blockages. Severe cases often require surgical intervention.
Toxicity Risks: While PVC itself isn’t inherently toxic, some tinsel is coated with chemicals that could pose a risk if ingested.
Gastrointestinal Distress: Even if your dog doesn’t suffer a blockage, ingesting tinsel can cause discomfort, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
Avoiding these risks is as simple as keeping tinsel out of your dog’s reach—or avoiding it altogether.
Why Dogs Are Drawn to Tinsel
Dogs are naturally curious. Tinsel’s glittering strands can catch their eye, tempting them to investigate. Like many items they explore, dogs often use their mouths to assess new objects. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to swallowing items that should never be ingested.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe
If you love the sparkle of tinsel, there are ways to use it while minimizing risk to your dog. Here are some tips:
Opt for Alternatives: Choose safer decorations like ribbon garlands, paper chains, or fabric ornaments instead of tinsel.
Create a Barrier: Use a pet gate or other barrier to keep your dog away from the Christmas tree.
Supervise Closely: Keep a watchful eye on your dog when they are near the tree, especially if tinsel is within reach.
Educate the Family: Make sure everyone in the household understands the risks of tinsel and knows to keep an eye out for loose strands.
Clean Up Regularly: Regularly check the area for fallen tinsel and remove it immediately.
A Healthier Alternative: Nutritious Dog Food
While your dog might be intrigued by holiday décor, their focus should remain on safe, nutritious food. Providing a high-quality diet—like Nextrition cold-pressed dog food—ensures they stay healthy and happy during the holiday season.
As tinsel makes its glittery comeback, remember to prioritize your pet’s safety. With a little planning and vigilance, you can ensure your dog enjoys the holidays without any unwanted mishaps.
