We may not think about dogs being overweight—it’s more of a human problem, right? After all, animals in the wild seem to manage their weight just fine. But domesticated pets? That’s a different story. Dogs can definitely be overweight—but it’s not inevitable. That’s one of the reasons we’re so passionate about creating healthy dog food like Nextrition.

In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 50% of domesticated dogs in North America are overweight. If your dog is carrying around 10-20% more than their ideal weight, they’re considered overweight. Anything above 20%? That’s considered obese.

Why It Matters

Feeding your dog a healthy diet in the right portions is one of the most important ways you can help them maintain a healthy weight. But does it really matter if your dog carries a little extra weight? Absolutely. Just like with people, being overweight can cause serious health problems in dogs—starting with heart disease.

Excess weight adds stress to your dog’s cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart disease. It can also lead to high blood pressure (hypertension), which makes the heart work harder than it should.

Some other health issues linked to excess weight in dogs include:

• Diabetes: Canine diabetes comes with many of the same complications we see in humans, including weight loss challenges and energy issues.
• Respiratory Problems: Extra fat around the chest and abdomen can make it harder for dogs to breathe properly.
• Joint Issues: Carrying too much weight puts extra pressure on muscles and joints, leading to conditions like arthritis and general joint pain.

While there’s no concrete proof that obesity causes cancer, studies show that overweight dogs are more likely to develop certain types of cancer.

On top of all that, excess weight affects your dog’s quality of life. We all want our pets to live happy, healthy lives—so keeping their weight in check is a simple way to help them thrive.

What You Can Do to Help Your Dog

If you suspect your dog is overweight, the first step is to schedule a vet appointment. Your vet can assess your dog’s health and let you know if they need to shed some pounds. If your dog does need to slim down, here’s how you can help:

• Feed Healthy Food - Start with a healthy diet. Naturally, we recommend Nextrition cold-pressed dog food, which is made with high-quality ingredients that support optimal health.
• Practice Portion Control - Make sure you’re feeding the right amount based on your dog’s size, weight, and weight goal which could require feeding 10% less than their current weight would suggest. Controlling portions prevents overeating and helps maintain a healthy weight. Like people, a pup’s metabolism can vary from dog to dog so you may need to adjust portion sizes accordingly if your pup isn’t losing any weight or losing too much weight too fast.
• Manage Treats - Keep treats to a minimum and skip the table scraps. When you do offer treats, make sure they’re healthy and given in moderation.
• Encourage Regular Exercise - Dogs need exercise, just like we do. Regular walks, playtime, and activities that encourage movement will help your dog burn calories. As they lose weight, gradually increase the length and intensity of exercise sessions.

Once your dog reaches a healthy weight, it’s important to stick to good habits. Avoid falling back into old routines that may have contributed to weight gain. A consistent, healthy lifestyle will help your dog maintain their ideal weight for the long haul.

The Nextrition Difference

Nextrition cold-pressed dog food is an excellent choice for most dogs. Our natural, nutrient-dense formula is easy on the stomach and packed with the nutrition your dog needs to stay healthy and active. Plus, it’s designed with optimal gut health in mind—perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes.

Have questions about Nextrition? We’d love to help. Reach out anytime to learn more about how our food can support your dog’s health and well-being.

At Nextrition, we often mention that our cold-pressed dog food is gentler on the stomach and less likely to cause bloating. But it’s important to point out that what we refer to as “bloating” is discomfort caused by kibble swelling inside the stomach it isn’t necessarily the same as bloat—a serious medical condition that can be dangerous for dogs.

Bloat happens when food, gas, or both cause a dog’s stomach to expand beyond its capacity—a condition known as distension. While mild cases can cause discomfort, more severe cases can become life-threatening, especially if left untreated.

If your dog struggles with a sensitive stomach, choosing the right food is essential. Some dogs may not do well with traditional kibble as it floats and swells inside the stomach before breaking down where cold-pressed dog food sinks and breaks down quickly which us usually a gentler option. If you suspect your dog is prone to bloat, it’s always a good idea to discuss food options with your vet and consider a switch to cold-pressed dog food.

What You Need to Know About Bloat

Bloat occurs when food or gas builds up in the stomach, stretching it and causing abdominal pain. While any dog can experience bloat, it’s more common in larger breeds or dogs with deep chests. However, no breed is completely immune.

As the stomach expands, blood flow to the stomach and abdominal area is reduced. If the condition worsens, it can affect other organs, putting additional stress on the body.

In extreme cases, bloat can interfere with breathing by placing pressure on the diaphragm. The most serious complication, gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), occurs when the stomach twists, cutting off blood flow to the lower body and trapping food and gas inside. GDV is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Signs of Bloat in Dogs

Bloat is painful, and your dog will likely show clear signs of discomfort. Here are some symptoms to watch for:

• Swelling: Abdominal swelling is one of the most noticeable signs of bloat, though it can be harder to detect early on or in overweight dogs.
• Dry Heaving: A dog with bloat may try to vomit but nothing comes out. You might see them retching or producing white, foamy saliva.
• Pacing and Restlessness: Dogs experiencing bloat often pace or appear anxious, struggling to find a comfortable position.
• Downward Dog Pose: Dogs with bloat sometimes assume a position where their front end is low to the ground while their hindquarters remain elevated, indicating discomfort.

Other signs include excessive drooling, panting, pale gums, a rapid heartbeat, or collapse. If you notice any of these symptoms, get your dog to a vet right away. Early treatment is critical to preventing serious complications.

Preventing Bloat in Dogs

If your dog has experienced bloat or is prone to it, your vet may recommend changes to their diet and feeding habits. Eating too quickly, drinking too much water before or after meals, or exercising right after eating can all increase the risk of bloat. Feeding smaller meals throughout the day or using slow-feeder bowls may help.

Another important factor is the type of food you give your dog. Some foods are harder to digest and can lead to gas buildup in the stomach. That’s where cold-pressed dog food comes in.

Why Nextrition Might Be a Good Fit

Nextrition cold-pressed dog food is designed to be easier on the stomach and more digestible. Our food retains more of its natural nutrients thanks to the cold-pressing process, offering better nutritional value without the harsh processing of traditional kibble. If your dog struggles with bloat or digestive issues, switching to a gentle, gut-healthy food like Nextrition could make a difference.

While no dog food can guarantee prevention of bloat, feeding your pet the right kind of food is an important step toward better digestive health. As always, consult with your vet to determine the best diet for your dog’s specific needs.

If your dog fits the “picky eater” label, you know just how frustrating mealtime can be. Maybe your dog refuses to eat anything from his bowl and holds out for table scraps—or nothing at all. We get it. But we’d like to suggest an alternative: cold-pressed dog food.

At Nextrition, we’ve designed a dry dog food that better retains both natural flavor and nutrients than traditional kibble. If your dog isn’t a fan of traditional kibble and a raw or fresh diet just isn’t realistic, cold-pressed food might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Packed with Flavor and Aroma

Cold-pressed dog food is cooked at lower temperatures compared to regular kibble. This keeps more of the food’s natural flavors intact—plus, it smells better too. And we all know how much scent matters to dogs.

Think about when you smell your favorite meal cooking—it makes you look forward to eating, right? Dogs are no different. The rich aromas of cold-pressed dog food can tempt even the fussiest eater to dig in.

Richer, Meatier Flavors

Because cold-pressed dog food is made by pressing natural ingredients into small bite-sized pieces, every bite is packed with flavor. And with no fillers to dilute the taste, dogs get a richer, meatier experience.

You could think of cold-pressed food as the next best thing to a raw diet—but without the hassle. A raw diet can be great, but it’s not always practical. Cold-pressed dog food delivers similar nutritional benefits and flavors in a shelf-stable convenient form that’s as easy as kibble. 

Retains Natural Nutrients

Another reason picky eaters might prefer cold-pressed dog food is that the natural nutrients from the ingredients are left intact. Since the food isn’t cooked at high temperatures or heavily processed, these nutrients remain. That extra layer of nutrition can make all the difference.

No Fillers, Just Nutrition

Unlike traditional kibble, cold-pressed dog food doesn’t rely on fillers or bulking agents. This means every bite is packed with more nutrients—like protein, vitamins, and minerals. Even though your dog may not consciously recognize the added nutrition, they’ll likely enjoy the difference in flavor and texture.

Give It a Try

We can’t promise that cold-pressed dog food will work for every picky eater—some dogs are selective for reasons that go beyond food preferences. But for many dogs, a more flavorful and natural option makes a noticeable difference at mealtime.

If your dog tends to turn up their nose at food, why not give cold-pressed dog food a shot? It offers rich flavor, enticing aromas, and high nutritional value—all in a format that’s just as easy to serve as dry kibble.

Cold-pressed food might be the solution you’ve been searching for. With no fillers, natural nutrients, and more flavor, it just might turn your picky eater into a happy eater. Give it a try and see if it makes a difference in your dog’s mealtime routine.

As producers of high-quality, cold-pressed dog food, we get all sorts of questions from dog owners. One thing we hear from new customers time to time is: “My dog wasn’t happy with her dry kibble so I tried to add water.”

Adding water to kibble has been a go-to solution for generations. The thinking is that if your dog doesn’t like the dry, crunchy texture—or maybe finds the flavor lacking—water could fix the problem. But does it really?

To know for sure, you’d have to be able to read your dog’s mind! That said, adding water to kibble does have its pros and cons. But we think there’s an even better option. If your dog is turning her nose up at kibble and your vet has ruled out any health issues, you might want to consider switching to natural, cold-pressed dog food. We’ll explain why later in this post.

The Pros of Adding Water

Let’s start with the good news: there are some positive aspects to adding water to kibble. If any of these help your dog get back to their regular eating habits, consider it a win.

1. Water Increases Hydration

If nothing else, adding water to kibble can help improve your dog’s hydration as most dogs don’t drink as much as they probably should. Getting extra water into their system is never a bad thing, especially if your dog doesn’t drink enough on their own. In fact, some vets recommend adding water to kibble for dogs who struggle to stay hydrated.

2. Wet Kibble Is Easier to Chew

If your dog’s resistance to kibble is due to the texture, water might help. Kibble is a hard crunchy food but when soaked in water it will bloat and soften up. The longer you leave it soaking the bigger and softer the pieces get and could get a point where your pup doesn’t like that texture either.  

For older dogs or dogs with dental issues, dry kibble can be tough to chew. Adding water softens the food, making it easier on their teeth and gums.

The Cons of Adding Water

Of course, for every pro, there’s usually a con. Here are some potential downsides to adding water to kibble:

1. Water Promotes Bacteria Growth

When you add water to kibble, you’re creating an environment that’s more susceptible to bacterial growth. If your dog finishes her meal in one sitting, it’s no problem. But if wet kibble sits in the bowl for even a few hours, it could become a breeding ground for bacteria.

2. Wet Kibble Might Not Be Great for Dental Health

Some vets recommend dry kibble for its ability to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Chewing on something hard is also great for keeping healthy dental roots. If that’s true, then wet kibble might not be as beneficial for dental health. Since wet food requires less chewing or resistance when chewing, your dog might not get the same plaque-scraping or overall dental health benefits.

3. It Can Be Messy

Let’s face it—adding water to kibble can create a mess. If your dog doesn’t finish her meal, you’re left with a soggy bowl of food to clean up.

A Better Option: Cold-Pressed Dog Food

Instead of adding water to kibble, why not consider switching to cold-pressed dog food? Cold-pressed dog food packs more nutrition into every bite, thanks to the way it’s processed. It also offers more flavor and better odors, which can help with picky eaters.

If your dog has no underlying health issues and just isn’t a fan of kibble, she might simply be picky. Nextrition cold-pressed dog food could be exactly what your dog needs. It’s nutritious, flavorful, and a great option for dogs who are turning up their noses at traditional kibble while just as convenient!

If you’re a parent of a picky eater, you know how tricky it can be to make sure your child is getting the right nutrition. Well, pet parents face the same challenge. Just like us, dogs can be picky eaters, too.

But being a picky eater doesn’t mean your dog has to miss out on good nutrition, or that they’re destined to eat junk food for life. However, picky eaters do need a little extra attention from their owners when it comes to choosing the right food.

In this post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of picky eating in dogs. And if your dog happens to be one of those finicky eaters, consider trying Nextrition cold-pressed dog food. It’s a great option for many picky eaters and ensures your dog is getting the nutrition they need without compromising on taste.

Picky Eating or Health Problem?

If your dog has been a picky eater from day one, it can be easier to manage once you figure out what works for them. But things get trickier if your dog develops picky eating habits later in life. Imagine having a 5-year-old dog that’s always been a good eater, and suddenly, they start turning their nose up at food.

Here’s the million-dollar question: is your dog just being picky, or is there an underlying health issue to worry about? This can be a tough call for dog owners when their dog’s eating habits change.

Here are a few signs your dog might be a picky eater:

• Demonstrable Refusal – If your dog flat-out refuses to eat anything, it could be a health issue. But if they’re turning down their regular food while happily going for table scraps, they’re likely just being picky.
• Leaving Food Behind – A dog that usually cleans their bowl but suddenly starts leaving food behind might be showing picky behavior. The same goes if it takes them much longer than usual to finish a meal.
• Behavioral Changes – Stress and anxiety can lead to picky eating. If your dog’s eating habits change alongside new behaviors, it could be a sign they’re feeling stressed or anxious, which is affecting their appetite.

If you suspect that your dog’s sudden pickiness might be related to a health issue, it’s always best to consult with your vet. Some health conditions can show up as picky eating, so it’s worth getting your furry friend checked out.

Why Some Dogs Get Picky

Now you’re probably wondering why some dogs become picky eaters later in life. Health issues are always the first thing to rule out. If a dog associates certain foods with discomfort due to a health condition, they may start avoiding those foods.

If it’s not a health issue, there are a few other factors to consider:

• Food preferences – Just like humans, dogs have their own food preferences. They might simply outgrow the taste or texture of a particular food over time.
• Too many treats and table scraps – If your dog is getting spoiled with treats or sneaking food from the table, they might lose interest in their regular meals.
• New dog food – Switching to a new food with a different flavor or texture can sometimes throw your dog off.
• Genetic factors – Some breeds are naturally more selective than others when it comes to food.

There’s no one-size-fits-all reason for why a dog might suddenly become a picky eater. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to your vet if you’re unsure. And in the meantime, try switching to a dry dog food designed for picky eaters, like Nextrition. If it doesn’t do the trick, your vet can offer advice on how to address the issue and get your dog back on track.

At Nextrition, we’re big on talking about canine gut health. In fact, we believe our natural dog food is one of the best out there for supporting a healthy gut. It all comes down to understanding the canine gut microbiome and knowing which foods are good for it.

You might already be familiar with gut health when it comes to humans. You know that when your own gut is in balance, your overall health tends to improve. The same could be even more true for dogs. With 70% of the dog’s immune system found in the gut a healthy gut often leads to better overall health, which is why we’ve designed a gut-healthy dog food with that in mind.

Just like there are foods that can support your dog’s gut, there are also foods that aren’t so great. Knowing the difference is key to helping your dog live a healthier, happier life.

A Community of Microorganisms

Think of the canine gut microbiome as a tiny community of microorganisms all working together toward the same goal. Most of these microorganisms are bacteria, and they live in your dog’s gastrointestinal system. When they’re in balance, your dog’s gut is healthy.

A balanced microbiome includes:

• A diversity of bacterial species
• More good bacteria than bad
• Microorganism stability over time

That last point—stability—is important, and it can change throughout a dog’s life. Everything from age to environment to what your dog eats can impact gut stability. While you can’t change your dog’s age, you can control what they eat and somewhat manage their environment.

Foods That Promote Good Gut Health

Years of research have shown that certain types of food are especially beneficial for your dog’s gut health. These are the types of ingredients we focus on when developing Nextrition recipes. If you compare the list of gut-friendly foods below to our ingredients, you’ll find plenty of overlap.

Some of the best foods for supporting dog gut health include:

• Eggs
• Berries
• Pumpkin and sweet potato
• Dark, leafy greens
• Vegetables (red, orange, and cruciferous)
• Lean meats
• Certain fermented foods (like fermented beets)

Both prebiotics and probiotics also play a big role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Prebiotics nourish the good bacteria in your dog’s gut and can be found in foods like pumpkin. Probiotics, on the other hand, are live bacteria that support digestion, and they can be found in certain foods and supplements.

Why Gut Health Matters

So, why should you focus on your dog’s gut health? We could just say it helps promote overall health, but let’s dig a little deeper. Good gut health:

• Supports digestion and nutrient absorption
• Boosts immune system function
• Prevents inflammation and gastrointestinal distress
• Encourages natural vitamin synthesis
• Offers protection against harmful pathogens

The gut is home to the majority of your dog’s immune system, so keeping it healthy has a ripple effect on their overall well-being.

At Nextrition, we’re here to help you support your dog’s gut health with high-quality, nutritious dog food. If you’re concerned about your dog’s gut health, we invite you to give Nextrition a try and see the difference it can make.

So, you’ve made the switch from traditional kibble to cold-pressed dog food—great choice! Now, the question is: what kind of bowl will you use to feed your dog? We’re not here to tell you to avoid plastic at all costs. Some people might say that, but our advice is to think it through and be cautious.

Plastic has plenty of good qualities that make it ideal for a lot of things. However, there are also some known risks associated with it, specifically when it comes to using it as a food bowl. Ultimately, that decision is up to you. If you’re concerned, glass and metal are great alternatives.

Plastic's Potential Hazards

There’s been a lot of buzz around plastic lately, with some people ready to declare it public enemy number one. While some of the claims are overblown, there are real concerns you should be aware of. One of the big ones is a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA), which is found in many commercial plastics. At high levels, BPA has been linked to cancer, infertility, and other health issues.

The FDA says that BPA isn’t a safety risk in small amounts, but what counts as “small” is up for debate. We just don’t know enough about BPA to say for sure how much is too much.

Beyond BPA, there are other chemicals in plastic that could have long-term health effects on both humans and animals. We mention this not to scare you, but to remind you that the risk is there. How serious is it? That’s hard to say. If you’re worried, switching to a metal or glass bowl might be the way to go.

Known Plastic Hazards

While the potential chemical risks of plastic are still being studied, there are some hazards we know for sure. One of the big ones is the risk of choking.

Plastic bowls can be or become brittle. They’re not as sturdy as metal or glass, which means there’s always a chance a piece could break off, especially with dogs who like to chew or are a bit rough with their bowls. A broken piece of plastic could be a choking hazard or cause issues in your dog’s digestive system.

Here are a few other known risks with plastic bowls:

• Porosity – Many types of plastic are porous, which can be an issue if the bowl isn’t cleaned properly. Porous plastic is an open invitation for bacteria to grow, and over time, that buildup can be a health concern.
• Allergies – Just like people, dogs can be allergic to certain compounds in plastic. Eating from a plastic bowl could cause reactions like skin irritation, a rash, or even a runny nose.

The debate over plastic dog food bowls has been going on for years, and there are valid arguments on both sides. In the end, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your dog.

Here’s our suggestion: since you’ve already made the switch to Nextrition cold-pressed dog food, why not go the extra mile and treat your pup to a new bowl? A sturdy metal or glass bowl could be the perfect upgrade to go along with the healthier food you’re feeding them.

At Nextrition, we’re confident in calling our cold-pressed dog food a healthy option for your pup. But it’s not just the cold-pressing process that makes our food healthy. Cold pressing alone doesn’t guarantee a healthy outcome.

So, what actually makes dog food healthy? And more importantly, how can you tell if the food you’re giving your dog is the right choice?

We believe that a healthy dog food meets all of your dog’s nutritional needs while avoiding ingredients and processes that aren’t great for canine health. And let’s be honest—your dog has to actually want to eat it for it to do any good, so taste matters too!

Ingredients Are Key

We often say, “you are what you eat,” and that applies to dogs as well. If we feed ourselves junk, we’ll pay for it with our health later on. The same goes for our furry friends. To keep your dog healthy, you’ve got to focus on giving them the right nutrition, and that starts with quality ingredients.

Ingredients are the building blocks your dog’s body uses to stay healthy. To make a truly healthy dog food, manufacturers need to use high-quality, natural ingredients with minimal processing.

Just like humans, dogs need the right balance of meat, fruits, and vegetables. They depend on their food to provide a solid mix of vitamins and minerals. That’s why good ingredients are so important. Start with the right balance of great ingredients, and you’re well on your way to making healthy dog food. But if you start with poor-quality ingredients, it’s hard to end up with a healthy result.

Processing Matters Too

Even the best ingredients won’t do much good if the manufacturing process strips away their natural nutritional value. Unfortunately, that’s what happens with traditional kibble. It’s cooked at extremely high temperatures, which kills off bacteria and germs but also destroys a lot of the food’s nutrients.

Cold pressing, on the other hand, uses much lower temperatures. It takes natural ingredients and press them together with low heat and no steam, preserving more of the food’s nutritional value and flavor. By keeping more of those essential nutrients intact, cold pressing helps create a healthier dog food.

Two Important Things to Keep in Mind

We’ve given you a general idea of what makes a healthy dog food, but here are two key things to keep in mind:

1. Your dog’s unique needs matter. Every dog is different in their own special way. Some dogs may have more unique nutritional requirements due to a health issue or an allergy. Usually, these requirements are discovered through trial and error. If your pup seems to react negatively to certain foods we recommend to consult with your vet to determine the best course forward for your pup. You and your vet know your dog better than any food manufacturer, so together, you can decide what will help your pup live a long, healthy life.
2. Your dog’s willingness to eat matters too. A food can be as healthy as it gets, but if your dog won’t eat it, it’s not doing them any good. This is something to keep in mind with cold-pressed dog food—dogs that have been eating kibble their whole lives might go crazy for it and want to switch over sooner than the time recommended to transition.

A Final Word

At the end of the day, healthy dog food is about more than what’s written on the label. At Nextrition, we do our best to provide clear, detailed labels, but we also encourage dog owners to do their own research and talk to their vets. While cold-pressed dog food is generally a healthier option, cold pressing alone isn’t a guarantee. It’s all about the right combination of ingredients, process, and a food that your dog will happily and safely eat.

As dog owners, we all want to give our pets the best—especially when it comes to food. But sometimes, even the best feeding habits slip during the holiday season. It’s easy to want to spoil your furry friend with special treats when everyone’s indulging. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s important to be mindful of the holiday foods that aren’t so great for your dog.

If you’re a dog owner, we encourage moderation when offering those special treats. And remember, some human foods can actually harm your dog. A better way to treat your pet? Grab a bag of Nextrition cold-pressed dog food. It’s gut-healthy, all-natural, and perfect for sensitive stomachs.

Just Say No to Turkey Scraps

Turkey often takes center stage at Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, and while the meat itself isn’t typically an issue, avoid giving your dog turkey scraps like bones, skin, and gravy. Bones can be a choking hazard or cause internal injuries. Turkey skin is high in fat which can lead to pancreatitis and can be difficult to chew leading to choking hazards. Turkey gravy should also be avoided due to the additional spices put in most gravies that can be toxic for dogs.

If you do offer your pup some turkey meat, make sure it’s in moderation, remove any spices, and carefully check for bones before feeding.

Be Careful with Stuffing and Mashed Potatoes

Mom’s homemade stuffing might be delicious, but if it contains onions or garlic, it’s a no-go for dogs. Both can be toxic to your furry friend, so it’s best to avoid sharing this dish altogether.

As for mashed potatoes made for humans, these are often loaded with fat, butter, and dairy—all of which can upset your dog’s stomach. Keep these off your dog’s plate too.

Be Extra Cautious with Desserts

The holiday season is prime time for showing off your best dessert recipes. But many of these rich treats are risky for dogs. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, be mindful of sweets like pies, cakes, cookies, and candies around your dog.

Chocolate and raisins, for example, are highly toxic to dogs. So, no chocolate candies or grandma’s famous fruitcake. Also, watch out for artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which can be deadly for dogs. Any holiday treats containing xylitol should be kept far away from your pet.

Never Give Your Dog Alcohol

Alcohol is another thing that’s a definite no for dogs. Even a small amount can cause serious health issues. Dogs aren’t natural drinkers for good reason—keep the alcohol away from them.

Plenty of Safe Alternatives

It’s natural to want to include your dog in the holiday festivities, and there’s nothing wrong with giving them a few special treats—as long as it’s done safely. There are plenty of great alternatives to those not-so-safe holiday foods:

• Plain, cooked turkey meat
• Plain green beans or cooked pumpkin (no pie filling)
• Plain, cooked sweet potatoes
• Apple slices (in small pieces, without seeds or core)

And as always, moderation is key. Too much of a good thing, even during the holidays, isn’t ideal.

If you want to keep treating your dog long after the holiday season, why not switch to Nextrition cold-pressed dog food? We’re pretty confident your dog will love it more than dry kibble. And if you’ve got a picky eater, Nextrition might be just what you need to get them back to eating normally.

 

Grain free dog food has been available to pet owners for over a decade. Perhaps not-surprisingly, the grain-free trend started from a marketing campaign. The campaign said that because dogs are the ancestors of wolves that they should eat a similar diet, and wolves don’t eat grains. The reality is that dogs have evolved over many generations of being domesticated so that they are omnivores vs. carnivores like their wolf relatives. 

Neither Healthy or Unhealthy

In a general sense, a grain-free diet isn’t automatically healthy or unhealthy for dogs. The more important thing to look at is which ingredients are used to ensure each ingredient is being used to provide necessary nutrition. Some grains are rich in nutrition and others are less so. If you decide to go grain-free, you’ll still need to make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need.

Most dogs can absorb the nutrients from grains in their diet without any issues. And when it comes to allergies, genuine grain allergies are pretty rare among dogs. 

Here at Nextrition, we include some healthy grains in our diets but only use high-quality, nutrient-rich ingredients. Our number 1 ingredient is real meat with a blend of grains with fruits and vegetables to create a well-balanced dog food that’s gentle on sensitive stomachs, good for gut health, and avoids common allergens. Plus, our food is cold-pressed to lock in maximum flavor and nutritional value.

The Pros and Cons of Grain-Free

We believe the best approach is to focus on feeding your dog healthy food made with natural ingredients, preferably cold-pressed. It’s better to take a broad view of food and pet health rather than getting caught up in a single issue like grain-free, unless your pup has a grain allergy. 

There is lots of information out there claiming that dogs being fed a grain-free diet could have a higher chance of developing a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The truth is that all research so far has not shown a connection between grain-free diets and DCM. Despite that, many vets will recommend staying away from grain-free foods to be extra cautious. 

Get an Expert Opinion

We think Nextrition is an excellent choice for just about any dog. But we also understand that it’s not the only choice. You want to give your dog a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-digest food. Here’s our advice: if you’re considering going grain-free, talk to an expert before making the switch.

Your vet is the best person to help you decide what’s right for your dog. If the two of you determine that grain-free is the way to go, that’s awesome. If not, why not give Nextrition cold-pressed dog food a try? It’s a fantastic option for sensitive stomachs and common food allergies.

 

When you hear the words "excess weight," what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For most of us, it’s probably a few extra pounds around the belly and the impact that has on our health and appearance. We often think about it in terms of human health, but what about our dogs?

More importantly, is there a connection between excess weight, a long life, and the food you feed your dog? Stick around, and by the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how these are connected and why a healthy, cold-pressed dog food might be just what your furry friend needs.

Not Good for Dogs, Either

Over the last few decades, we’ve become much more aware of how bad excess weight is for human health. But guess what? Carrying extra weight is just as bad for dogs as it is for us.

Studies have shown that even being moderately overweight can shave up to 2.5 years off your dog’s life. And when you consider that a 12-year-old large-breed dog is roughly equivalent to a 77-year-old human, losing more than two years is a big deal.

Excess weight in dogs has been linked to:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Arthritis
• Urinary problems

Just like with humans, high blood pressure and heart disease are two major concerns when it comes to excess weight in dogs. Both conditions can seriously cut down on your dog’s lifespan. This brings us to the benefits of cold-pressed dog food.

Dogs Are What They Eat, Too

We’ve all heard the saying, "you are what you eat." Well, it applies to dogs, too. And just like with humans, how much they eat matters. Overeating is a leading cause of excess weight, and eating too much of the wrong kinds of food only makes things worse.

We’re not here to say that kibble is bad across the board. But the way kibble is made—through high-temperature cooking—can strip away a lot of the natural nutrients. That means that kibble companies are sometimes adding more nutrients after it has been cooked.

Cold-pressed dog food is different. It’s not exposed to the high heat that kibble is, so it retains more of its natural nutrients. It is also more nutrient dense than kibble, this means you can feed your dog less while still giving them everything they need. How much less? It depends on their current diet, but some dogs can be fed up to 30% less food.

Cold-Pressed Food Is Healthy Food

We’re not saying kibble is unhealthy, but we will say that cold-pressed dog food is designed to be a healthier option. We carefully select ingredients that are optimal for canine health, combine them in the right proportions, and press them into crunchy pieces—all without the need for fillers or unnecessary additives.

The biggest factor to maintaining a healthy weight is controlling the number of calories being fed to your pup but not all calories are created equal. If the calories that are being fed are from less healthy ingredients, it can still shorten the lifespan of your pup. With Nextrition cold-pressed dog food, your dog gets top-notch nutrition which if fed the proper amount will support better overall health. 

Excess weight isn’t good for dogs. It can shorten their lifespan by years, and that’s a lot of time lost. If you’re concerned about your current dog food and its impact on your dog’s weight, maybe it’s time to switch to a cold-pressed brand like Nextrition.

 

Mealtime can be a wild ride in some dog households. You know the type—dogs who gulp down every meal like it's their last. They dive into their food bowls with serious enthusiasm, leaving no kibble behind. Sure, gulping food might seem like bad behavior to some dog owners, but here’s the thing: it’s really not the end of the world.

Gulping food is actually part of a dog’s natural behavior. You can train your pup to slow down if you want to, but even the most well-trained dogs can have their moments. Your dog might take his time for weeks, only to suddenly decide to inhale his food one day.

Why Some Dogs Do It

Gulping food doesn’t have much to do with the food itself. You could serve your dog the best gut-healthy dog food on the market, and he might still gulp it down if that’s his usual way of eating. Whether it’s natural dog food, name-brand kibble, or even gourmet wet food, the behavior could persist.

So, why do some dogs gulp rather than eat slowly? Here are a few reasons:

• Natural Instinct – Dogs are pack animals. In the wild, they’d eat in groups, sharing a meal that might be the only one they have for a while. So, wild dogs tend to gulp their food to get as much as possible.
• Competition – Along with the instinct to get as much food as they can, dogs in a pack are also competing for food. There’s a pecking order that favors the pack leaders, so those lower on the totem pole might gulp their food to keep up.
• Natural Excitement – Dogs naturally get excited at mealtime. It’s just in their nature. That excitement can lead to gulping food faster than you’d like.
• Anxiety and Stress – Dogs can also gulp their food due to anxiety or stress. Believe it or not, a stressed-out dog is more likely to gulp down their meal compared to a more relaxed pup.

There may not be a way to pinpoint exactly why your dog gulps his food. But remember, you can usually train your dog to slow down through exercises that promote patience and calmness.

Why Training Is Good

In the wild, dogs face a lot more challenges than just how fast they eat. But domesticated dogs live a very different life, and food gulping can sometimes cause some health problems. That’s why if you notice any health issues you may want to train your dog to slow down or buy a slow feeder to force them to slow down.

Food gulping can lead to:

• Choking
• Stomach upset
• Stomach bloat
• Persistent gastrointestinal issues

One of the most common issues with dogs that gulp their food is stomach upset, which can lead to vomiting. A little vomit here and there isn’t a big deal, but if it happens often, especially right after eating, it might be time to take a closer look.

Choose a Healthy Dog Food

Whether your dog gulps or not, make sure you’re feeding them a healthy diet. If you’re worried about gulping, training is a good option or finding a slow feeder bowl that forces a longer mealtime. 

Nextrition is a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Our cold-pressed dog food is gut-healthy, avoids common allergens, and is packed with flavor and nutritional value. It’s even a hit with picky eaters. Give it a try and see the difference.