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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
There’s nothing quite like rewarding your dog with a quality treat. Whether Rocco just nailed that new trick or Misty’s been extra sweet today, giving your dog a treat feels great. But here’s the thing: while treats are awesome, they should be just that—a treat, not a staple.
What do we mean by that? We mean that your dog shouldn’t be filling up on treats instead of getting their proper nutrition from their regular meals. Treats should be a supplement to their diet, not a replacement, and they should fit within their daily calorie needs. You should also check the ingredients of the treats you are feeding to ensure you are avoiding ingredients like corn, wheat, soy and animal by-products.
If you’re giving out treats left and right without adjusting your dog’s meals, you might end up with a pup that’s overweight. Just like humans, when dogs take in more calories than they burn, they start packing on the pounds. And we all know that carrying extra weight isn’t good for either people or dogs. It’s best to avoid that altogether.
If you’re new to the world of dog parenting, the first thing to understand about treats is that they’re not a substitute for a healthy, balanced diet. The best place to start is by making sure your dog’s main meals are packed with the right nutrients.
That’s where Nextrition comes in. We recommend our cold-pressed dog food made from natural ingredients. We carefully select and proportion our ingredients for a proper balance of nutrients, then use a cold pressing method that keeps all the good stuff intact. This means your dog can eat less while still getting all the nutrition they need to stay healthy.
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight isn’t as tricky as it sounds. Once you have quality food, it’s all about knowing how many calories your dog needs each day and feeding them accordingly. For example, if you’ve got a large-breed dog that needs around 1,400 calories a day to stay fit, feeding them more than that could lead to weight gain. On the flip side, feeding them less might cause them to lose weight.
Of course, this is just a general guideline as every dog is different. Several factors can influence how many calories your dog needs, including their weight, activity level, and any health issues they might have.
You can get a recommended number of daily calories by getting a personalized feeding plan from Nextrition. You can also check the feeding guidelines on any package of dog food. The label should tell you how much to feed based on weight as a good place to start, and it might also list the calorie content. From there, it’s just a matter of doing a little math and/or adjusting the amount you feed on if your dog is gaining or losing any weight.
You can also consult with your veterinarian to get a starting place on how many calories to feed. They can assess your dog’s weight and overall health to give you a baseline number. Once you have that, you can figure out how treats fit into the equation.
A common rule of thumb is the 10% rule—no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories should come from treats. So, if you’re giving treats every day, you’ll need to reduce their regular meals by about 10% to keep their overall calorie intake in check.
We’re big fans of quality treats here at Nextrition. They’re fantastic for training and for showing your dog some extra love. But remember, treats should be supplemental. Keep that in mind, and your dog will stay healthy and happy.
With summer winding down and fall on the horizon, it’s almost time for hunting season—an exciting time for working dogs who love getting out there and putting their natural instincts to work. But when it comes to feeding these hard-working dogs during hunting season, should you be doing anything differently?
Common sense tells us that just like human athletes, dogs need more fuel when they’re more active. But there are a few more things to consider than simply adjusting their diet for increased activity.
Every dog is a little different and the right answer on how much extra to feed your pup during the hunting season and the off-season can vary every year. We can share some general guidelines but you will know your dog the best and may need to adjust how much you feed depending on how your dog is acting. You can always chat with your vet for personalized advice.
We’ve done some digging to find tips from those who know working dogs best. While some advice varies, a few key tips kept popping up. Here are some of the most common recommendations:
The top tip we found is to adjust feeding based on your dog’s activity level. It makes sense—your dog will burn more calories on a full day of hunting than on a day spent lounging around. The general advice is to increase food volume during the hunting season and then scale back during the offseason.
Another common tip is to tweak the timing of your dog’s meals. Many working dog owners recommend avoiding feeding immediately before or after hunting. Instead, they suggest feeding once a day during the hunting season, usually in the evening.
Working dogs tend to get more exercise during hunting season, which is why many owners suggest upping the fat and protein content in their food. Adding more protein and fat to their existing diet or switching entirely to a high-performance dog food with higher fat and protein levels can give your dog the extra energy they need for those busy hunting days. Just remember, if you’re switching foods, do it gradually to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
It’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s weight and body condition during the season. If your dog seems to be losing weight or isn’t in optimal condition, you might need to increase their daily food intake. Some owners recommend adjusting the volume based on whether it’s a hunting day or not.
As a company focused on canine nutrition, the best advice we can offer is to monitor your dog’s weight and body condition daily. There are no hard and fast rules for feeding during hunting season—every dog is different, even within the same breed. Keeping a close eye on your dog will help you make the best decisions for their diet.
And, of course, we invite you to give Nextrition cold-pressed dog food a try. Since cold pressing preserves nutritional value, most dogs can eat less by volume while still maintaining optimal health. Nextrition could be the perfect gut-healthy dog food for your working dog during the busy hunting season.
We love dogs here at Nextrition. They aren't just pets; they are part of the family. That's why we put so much time and effort into producing our healthy dog food based on cold-pressed processing. But we know there are other things dog owners can do to ensure optimal health for their pets. For instance, introducing dental chews is good for a dog's teeth.
There has been plenty of discussion over the years about how different types of food affect canine dental health. Experts have discussed the moisture content in wet food, the abrasive nature of kibble, and even the impacts of dental chews. The three best things any pet owner can do for the dental health of his furry companion are:
Nextrition cold-pressed food is crunchy, shelf-stable food, packed with natural nutrients and flavors. We provide recipes that avoid the most common allergies, it is all natural, good for the gut, and an ideal choice as a dry dog food for picky eaters. A healthy set of teeth needs some resistance, if they only eat soft foods their teeth will become weak and may eventually fall out. This is why crunchy food or something hard to chew on is critical for maintaining healthy teeth.
Just like humans, regularly brushing teeth is an important step for maintaining dental health and preventing plaque and tarter build up. There are some dental chews that can help fight both plaque and tarter build up but should be used in addition to brushing teeth, not a replacement.
Look for dental chews that are abrasive by nature to help scrap the plaque off the teeth. It is even better if you can find a chew that isn’t consumed immediately but can last a couple of days. Between the two properties, dental chews can help scrape plaque off the teeth before it hardens into tartar. That is good for dental health.
Of course, regular brushing seals the deal. Look for a toothpaste that is designed to be safe for dogs as your pup will almost always consume the toothpaste while getting their teeth brushed. Combining dental chews with regular brushing can keep your canine companions' teeth in top shape.
Dealing with plaque and tartar is the main reason for giving your dog dental chews. But let's go one step further. Regular access to chews offers a couple of other benefits:
Dental chews are not merely the result of good marketing – they really can make a difference. Like our cold-pressed dog food, dental chews can improve your dog's oral health.
Before introducing a new dental chew, it’s always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian. Here’s why:
First, you want to choose a product that’s right for your dog’s size and chewing habits. A dental chew that’s too hard could damage your dog’s teeth, while one that’s too soft might not offer enough benefits.
Second, look for dental chews that are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. These products have been proven to work, and your vet can likely recommend a few good options for your dog.
We hope you’re already feeding your dog Nextrition cold-pressed dog food. If so, why not add a quality dental chew to the mix? It can help reduce plaque and tartar, freshen your dog’s breath, and keep those gums healthy.
