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Is grain free food good for puppies?
Before you head out to buy a bag of grain free puppy food for your new arrival, you may be asking yourself, is grain free food good for puppies? As a responsible owner, you first need to understand what grain free puppy food is, and why you might need it. Does my puppy have a grain intolerance? Before you head out to buy a bag of grain free puppy food for your new arrival, you may be asking yourself, is grain free food good for puppies? As a responsible owner, you first need to understand what grain free puppy food is, and why you might need it. If you are concerned that your puppy is intolerant to grains and needs to have a grain-free diet, there are a number of signs to look out for; Inflamed skin Recurrent itchiness and licking of the skin Rashes or sore spots Hair loss or bald patches of fur due to excessive scratching Excessive flatulence Loose stools, or mucus visible in stools Vomiting These symptoms can be worrying, especially in a puppy, so we recommend taking them to your vet for a check up if you notice one or more of these signs. The vet will be able to run tests and rule out any other causes, while offering advice on nutrition for your pup. It’s important to check with your vet before making any big changes to your dog’s diet. Once you have decided to go for grain free puppy food for your littlest family member, what’s the next step? What is grain free puppy food? Grain free puppy food simply means that it doesn’t include any type of grain, such as wheat, spelt, barley, rye, durum and oats. This also excludes gluten-free grains like corn, rice and millet. TIP: Remember, all grain-free puppy foods are gluten free, but not all gluten-free puppy food is grain free! To replace these grains in puppy food, substitutes such as vegetables and potatoes are used to keep the food healthy and balanced. But be aware – not all grain free puppy foods are properly balanced for nutrition and can be filled with artificial replacements to bulk them out. Whenever asking yourself ‘is grain free food good for puppies?’, it’s always important to check the ingredients and make sure your puppy is only getting the best! Good quality grain free puppy foods will contain enough fibre to keep your puppy healthy, which grains normally provide. Check for ingredients such as pumpkin, sweet potato or carrots which are high in fibre. Is grain free puppy food better? Puppies, like children, need a lot of care and attention when they are little and still growing. Ensuring they get the right balance of nutrition, vitamins, interaction and exercise are all very important. Puppies grow very fast – 20 times faster than an adult dog – and so they need food that is specially made for their tummies. For a grain intolerant puppy, that means getting the right healthy balance of what they need in every meal. Unlike adult dogs, who often eat just twice a day, puppies will need between four and six small meals throughout the day, until they are around 6 months old. The smaller, regular meals means that your puppy won’t overeat and give themselves a tummy ache – something which puppies are very prone to doing if given the chance! For puppies with an intolerance to grain, you need to select a puppy food that balances all the nutrition and energy they need, with something that will not make them poorly. Best grain free puppy food Every dog is different, and puppies have complex needs. But if you know you need a grain free alternative to normal puppy food, you want to find the best available. Laughing Dog’s grain free puppy food was made specifically for this purpose – to provide a balanced meal for puppies who need a grain-free diet. TIP: If your puppy is grain intolerant, remember that this also applies to treats. You’ll need to ensure your pup is only getting grain-free dog treats. Is grain free food good for puppies? If you have any questions regarding Laughing Dog’s grain-free puppy food, please get in touch.
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Guide on how to remove a tick from my dog
Every dog owner’s nightmare… ticks! Here are our quick tips on how to remove a tick from your dog and preventing a tick infestation. How to remove a tick from my dog: Know how to identify a tick correctly and safely. Use a special tick remover device (available from pet shops or online) to remove the creepy crawly. Safely dispose of the tick (you don’t want it crawling back onto your dog or into your home!). Spray your home and dog with tick repellent (there are some pesticide-free tick sprays available). Keep an eye on your dog for any signs of illness / seek advice from your vet. Dogs are naturally inquisitive and as you’re probably already realising, they get into everything and anything! Long grass, woodland floors, brambles and hedges…these damp and dark areas can be a fun adventure for any dog, especially when they are puppies. But discovering that a dog has ticks, and trying to remove a tick from a dog, can be a very stressful and overwhelming experience for you and your four-legged friend. How to remove a tick from your dog Ticks can be carriers of some very serious diseases (including Lyme Disease) so it’s important to know how to recognise a tick, and remove a tick from your dog quickly and safely. What is a tick? Ticks are small in size, grey-brown in colour and egg-shaped. They jump on to a dog and then attach to the skin in order to suck your dog’s blood. (A quick google and you can see some examples of what to look for!). As they fill with blood, the ticks become bigger and darker, which is when it is easiest to spot them. By running your hands through your dog’s fur, you can easily feel a tick if they are large enough. Sometimes, however, they can be hard to spot, so by gently opening up the fur you can have a good check of your pup’s skin. How do I remove a tick from my dog? Once you’ve identified ticks in your dog (it might be one or several), you need to carefully remove the tick from your dog using a special tick remover. This special device will allow you to very carefully twist the tick off your dog, ensuring you don’t snap or squeeze the tick’s body (leaving the head inside your dog or allowing the tick’s blood to come into contact with your dog’s skin, can lead to infection). Once you’ve located the tick, it’s time to remove the tick from your dog. Gently part your dog’s fur so that you can easily see and reach the tick. With puppies, it can be best to wait until they’re having a nap or offer a distraction with dog treats..! Get your tick remover and slowly push it under the tick (Blue Cross has a really handy visual for you to use to check your technique or see the video below).When you have a good grasp of the tick, twist it in a clockwise direction several times until the tick comes loose. Next you need to examine your dog’s skin and make sure the tick is completely removed (ensure there is no head left in your dog’s skin). If the tick is still crawling, you can be sure you’ve got it out in one piece. Get rid of the tick by putting it in alcohol or popping it in tissue and flushing it down the toilet. Then wash your hands to ensure you are not contaminating yourself. You may want to spray your home and pet with a special tick repellent spray to help prevent ticks from attaching. As ticks can spread disease, you need to keep an eye on the area over the next few days/weeks for any signs of infection. If you are at all unsure on how to remove a tick from your dog, call your vet for advice. What if I cannot remove a tick from my dog? Sometimes if a dog has been foraging, it is possible for them to get a face full of ticks (puppies in particular can be susceptible!). If this is the case and the idea of removing them one by one seems overwhelming, contact your vet who will be able to offer you a nurse consultation. The nurse can show you how to remove the ticks and/or give your dog some medication to kill the ticks immediately. How to remove a tick from a dog without tweezers? This method is not recommended as normal ‘human’ tweezers are not designed to remove ticks – instead, purchase a tick remover tool from your local pet shop or vets. How can I prevent my dog from getting ticks? There is no easy answer to this – as dogs do like to roam! Of course, it is best to try to prevent your dog from rolling around in long grasses and undergrowth, but the simplest method is to protect your dog from ticks using a treatment. Most vets and pet shops will offer a course of tablets/on the spot spray/tick collars to help provide protection from ticks. It is also a good idea to keep checking your dog for ticks on a regular basis. When ticks are feeding, they will become much bigger – and it can be easier to spot them in your pet’s skin. Run your hands over your dog’s body when you get back from a walk to check for them. They tend to attach themselves to areas around a dog’s head, neck, ears and feet. Where can I get advice on how to remove a tick from my dog? Your vet will be more than happy to offer further advice and tips on how to remove a tick. Many dog charities also offer a wealth of advice and videos to help you perfect your tick removal technique, as well as advice for protecting your own health.
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How to help a dog with anxiety?
March is the official “pet anxiety awareness month” so here at Laughing Dog we wanted to help educate dog owners on the signs of anxiety in their four-legged friends and ways of helping them cope with stressful situations. March is the official “pet anxiety awareness month” so here at Laughing Dog, we wanted to help educate dog owners on the signs of anxiety in their four-legged friends and ways of helping them cope with stressful situations. While March is the month of awareness, dog anxiety can happen at any time of the year for a few different reasons. Even dogs who do not commonly suffer from anxiety can be affected by certain triggers. Commonly dog anxiety is caused by loud noises such as fireworks, visits to stressful environments such as the vets, changes in the home or separation anxiety when left for long periods of time or for any period outside their normal routine. Signs of separation anxiety in dogs Unless you have a doggy-cam setup, you are unlikely to know that your dog has been experiencing separation anxiety until you return home. But on your return, the signs will likely be obvious. Often dogs who experience separation anxiety may become destructive around the house. Chewing on items, particularly ones which have your scent on them. They are likely to be scratching at doors if locked in a certain area and frequently drink excessive water and possibly even toilet inside the home. Other dogs will bark and howl for you to come back and will appear agitated, will pant, and salivate more than usual, which will be noticeable on your return. Is separation anxiety in dogs common? Every dog reacts differently to stressful situations, some dogs are totally fine with the sound of fireworks and will sleep solidly through them, while others are quivering wrecks with pet owners dreading early November each year. This is the same with separation anxiety, some dogs are more resilient to being left alone than others. But this last year has been a huge change is doggy routines, which is likely to cause a spike in separation anxiety. If pre-COVID you left your dog alone for your daily trip to the office without a second thought. After a long stint of working from home, your dog’s routine will have vastly changed, and they will have become much more reliant on your company. Many dogs who have been totally fine which being alone in the past are now more likely to experience separation anxiety. While separation anxiety is common in dogs, there are steps that can be taken to help. If your dog has been used to being alone from a young age and they have a regular routine with plenty of interaction in between periods of being left alone, separation anxiety is likely to decrease. How to help a dog with separation anxiety We teamed up with Dr Louisa Graham to get some insider information on how to help your four-legged friends. Try not to change their routine “It’s important you don’t change your pet’s routine too much and make sure you try and keep their routine consistent. If they are used to spending a lot of time with you, then try and give them some alone time. Dogs need to feel comfortable being alone to prevent behavioural issues such as separation anxiety when our daily routines change again by returning to work. Before you become busier post-lockdown, then continue to give them that space so they are used to it when it is time for you to go. Try and leave them alone in the house for short periods and build it up over time – a great tip is to associate this down time with something positive like a treat.” Add distractions Another great tip is to provide your dog with distractions, when dogs are bored or lonely, they will create their own games which may lead to inappropriate and destructive behaviour. When leaving the home many dog owners hide treats around their home or putting treats inside plastic bottles and cereal boxes for your dog to get out over time. The first 15-minutes of being on their own is usually the most critical time, so if this period is filled with distractions it can help calm your pooch, so they focus less on you leaving them. Increase interactions If you are aware your dog suffers from separation anxiety, try to increase your interactions with them, both before and after leaving them. Taking them for a good run around to get in some exercise before leaving them is a great way to tire them out, in hope that they will settle and sleep in your absence. Make sure you reward your pet on your return, with treats, interactive play, and plenty of fuss to express how well they have done on their own. Dogs react well to positive reinforcement, so if the behaviour of reward and extra playtime with their favourite person comes after being alone, the idea of separation becomes less daunting for them. What are the common causes of anxiety in dogs? Anxiety in dogs usually stems from the fear of the unknown, or a trigger that is associated with a bad experience for them. Commonly dogs experience anxiety for several things: Loud noises such as fireworks Being left alone Meeting new people Experiencing new places Travelling in cars Introduction of a new baby or pet While the cause of anxiety in dogs might be very different, there are a lot of techniques that can help for all causes. How to help a dog with anxiety First and foremost, it is important to understand the trigger, if it is something which can be removed, then this will instantly help your dog. However, learning how to help your dog is also important, long term anxiety can be dangerous for a dog so understanding the signs and what to do is important for a long and happy life. Positive reinforcement Regardless of the cause, positive reinforcement works well on changing your pet’s behaviour. If meeting new people is a worry for your dog, for example, ensure your visitors do not interact with your dog until the dog is ready. Being naturally inquisitive, even the most timid or anxious of dogs will eventually get a little closer to your guest. At this time, make sure your visitor is poised with treats to encourage a positive message. This works for same for trips to the vets, loud noises or being left alone. Instilling reward and repetition for experiencing the stressful situation will eventually help over time. Be prepared for no quick fix There is no quick fix for anxiety in dogs and some dogs will never get over the fear of fireworks for example. In these situations, it is always best to just be there, create a safe environment for them and never leave them alone. Just your presence can really help to calm dogs’ nerves. Spoiling them with soothing treats can also work wonders, Laughing Dog’s Sleep Tight treats are packed with soothing ingredients such as chamomile and ginger which can relax and calm your four-legged friend. Allow your dog to go at its own pace If you are introducing your dog to a new baby, new pet, new home, or environment, do not force it. Allow the dog to go at its own pace. If they retreat and hide, do not punish the behaviour as that will simply add to the negativity of the situation. Allow for calming assurance by not leaving them alone, take introductions gradually, short periods at a time, then reward with playtime and treats before introducing it again. The last thing you want to do is force their instinct of fight or flight, by forcing them to do something which upsets them. Rewarding your dog Not every dog is treat-driven, some see playtime as much of a reward as a tasty snack. Dr Louise Graham suggests trying nose games which are mentally stimulating and a great way to let your dog explore their natural sniffing abilities. Show your dog a treat and throw it, encouraging them to ‘fetch it/find it’. Then in time you can start hiding treats/toys around the garden or house encouraging them in the right direction where needed. You should also encourage playtime, but not alone, play with them. Why not make an assault course to keep your dog occupied? This is where you can be creative. Use chairs to walk around/on, and towels/mops/pillows/rugs to walk over. If you have spare soil or bark for your garden, you could create a digging area and hide toys or treats in there for some supervised digging. If you do not have outside space, I would also recommend getting creative by putting cardboard boxes together, cutting holes in them to make-shift your own maze and tunnels. Credit: Qualified vet, Dr Louisa Graham, has partnered Laughing Dog, the premium pet food brand, to offer guidance for pet parents to care for pets
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Grain Free Baked Mixer – 1st in the UK
A first for the UK grain free market! Here is a run-down on our delicious grain free baked mixer… The first baked grain free mixer to hit the UK dog food market! As one of the few pet food manufacturers in the UK to make our entire range of dry dog food ourselves, did you know we launched the first ever grain free baked mixer in 2016? Our slowly oven-baked Gloriously Grain Free Baked Mixer makes up part of our delicious dry dog food range made on our farm in the heart of Lincolnshire. How do I feed grain free mixer? Our grain free mixer is a complementary pet food product designed to provide an irresistible crunch to meat, in order to help create a complete and balanced diet. For example, alongside fresh meat, tinned or wet foods or as part of a BARF diet. What are the benefits of your grain free mixer? Firstly, we have crafted this recipe with sweet potato because of its important digestibility properties. Plus, sweet potato is a high quality carbohydrate source. Also, we use delicious vegetables and herbs to help provide natural sources of antioxidants and to help aid digestion. We have included linseed to provide omega 3 to help dogs maintain healthy skin and coats. Plus, we have crafted this recipe to help keep teeth and gums healthy due to it’s natural oven-baked texture. We’re proud that our mixer is very popular with dogs requiring a grain free diet, e.g. suffering from sensitive tummies. However, this slow-baked recipe is enjoyed by all dogs – even the fussiest! Check out the link below to our YouTube channel for even more insight into the behind the scenes of Laughing Dog Food!
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What is the best dog food for a sensitive stomach?
When your dog becomes ill, it can be a worrying time. You want to do what’s best for them, and sometimes that means watching what they eat. So how do you know which is the best dog food for a sensitive stomach? Dogs with sensitive stomachs can easily become poorly if they are given the wrong type of food, or if you switch foods too quickly from one type to another. There are dog foods made specifically for sensitive digestion, but different ones might have different effects. Before you make any changes to your dog’s diet, it is always best to check with a vet first. Best method for changing dog food If you want to change your dog’s food to one designed for sensitive stomachs, then it is a good idea to wean them over slowly. Start out by mixing ¾ of your old food with ¼ of the new food. Do that for a couple of days before moving onto a 50/50 split. If, after a few more days, your dog is showing no ill effects, you can progress to ¾ of new food with ¼ of old food. Another few days later and you can make the move to giving them just the new food. Throughout the transition period, be vigilant for changes to your dog’s behaviour and general health. If they start vomiting after eating, become lethargic, or have changes to their toilet habits, such as diarrhoea, then stop the transition and consult your vet. You might need to slow down on the changeover and spread the changes across a longer period. Some dogs adjust quicker than others so it might just be that they need more time. What to feed a dog with a very sensitive stomach There are many reasons why a dog might be sensitive to certain foods. Just like humans, dogs can be intolerant to particular ingredients, and eating them will upset their stomachs. The best food for a dog with a sensitive stomach is one that will suit their particular needs. These types are known generally as hypoallergenic dog foods – they are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction or adverse reaction in your pet. For some dogs, a sensitivity to grain can cause problems with their digestion. Symptoms include loose stools, vomiting, itchy skin, and sometimes rashes. If your dog has a grain intolerance, then you will want to give them the best dog food for a sensitive stomach, one that is specially made to cater for their needs. Best dog food for sensitive stomachs Grain-free dog food, like the Laughing Dog Grain-Free range, is created without using any grains. It won’t include any rice, oats, wheat, barley, or maize, and the Laughing Dog choice is made from only natural ingredients, so it’s gentle on your dog’s tummy. You can also find wheat-free dog food choices, such as the Laughing Dog Complete LD range, that offer all the vitamins and nutrients they need, but without the wheat. Are there dog treats for sensitive stomachs? Yes! Just because your dog has a sensitive tummy doesn’t mean they should miss out on tasty treats! As a rule of thumb, aim for things that include natural ingredients, and avoid things like yoghurt coatings or dog-friendly chocolate. Our grain-free dog treats are made from natural ingredients and don’t include anything that might upset a delicate stomach. Sensitive stomach dog foods should always include a high percentage of natural ingredients so make sure you check them out beforehand. You can also go for simple treats such as cubes of sweet potato, plain chicken, or carrot. Just remember to not overdo it and only give small treats every now and then.
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How much should I feed my puppy?
Getting a new puppy is an exciting time! You’re eager to introduce your new family member to your home and get them settled, and you’ve probably bought them lots of toys and treats to welcome them. While every puppy is different, if you’re asking yourself ‘how much should I feed my puppy?’, then you need to know where to start. Getting it right early will help you, and your puppy, in the long run. What should I feed my puppy? First things first, you need to know what to feed your puppy. It may seem obvious but you should definitely choose a food specifically designed for puppies. Giving them the same food as an adult dog won’t be good for them, as they have different nutritional needs at this age. There are foods made especially for puppies that contain the right balance of nutrients and vitamins. There’s lots to choose from, including our own Laughing Dog Mixer Meal for Puppies. How much should I feed my puppy? So once you have picked out your puppy food, how do you know how much to feed your puppy? You can work out how much to feed your puppy by understanding more about how they will grow. Most puppy feeding charts are based on the dog’s weight and age, and calculated from there. You may notice that the portion decreases as your puppy grows. This is because puppies will use fewer calories for growing as they get older. If you continue to feed them the same amount of food, they will start to get overweight. If you stick to this guide, you can ensure that your puppy gets enough food without being overfed. How often to feed a puppy? Unlike adult dogs who typically eat twice a day, puppies need to eat a little more often. Between the ages of 6 to 12 weeks old, your puppy should be eating four times a day. Little and often is better for their tummies and helps get them into a routine. Once your puppy reaches 3 months of age, you can reduce meal times down to three per day – breakfast, lunch and dinner. Keep them on three meals a day until they are 6 months old, then you can reduce further down to twice a day – morning and evening, with occasional treats. Is my puppy eating enough? Like small children, puppies often go through phases when it comes to food. Sometimes, there’s just too much fun to be had to pay attention to eating! If your puppy occasionally doesn’t finish their food, don’t worry. Unless it becomes a regular thing, or you notice other symptoms such as weight loss or lethargy, they will be fine. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water available and lots of exercise and they should get back into routine fairly quickly. What if my puppy has a sensitive stomach? Sometimes puppies will become a bit unwell after eating, either vomiting or having runny poo. This doesn’t always mean they need to change food – some pups just eat too much too fast! Keep an eye on them and make sure they are only eating their own food. If you have other dogs in the house, try and keep your puppy’s food separate from them as adult dog food might upset their tummies. Likewise, make sure they don’t sneak any of your food or scraps from the floor. It doesn’t take much to upset a puppy’s tum! If the problem persists, it might be that your puppy has some sensitivities that make traditional puppy food unsuitable for them. As well as vomiting, you may also notice symptoms such as; Itching Skin rashes Bald patches These can be indicative of a grain intolerance. If you suspect your puppy might be sensitive to grains, there are options available. Laughing Dog makes grain-free puppy food specifically for sensitive dogs which includes all the nutrients and energy they need, but without grains. What treats should I give my puppy? While it is okay to give your puppy the occasional treat, don’t overdo it. The food they are getting at meal times is plenty to keep them healthy and happy. If you do wish to treat your pup every now and then, it is best to give them ones made from natural ingredients and refrain from feeding them your own food as a treat. We hope you found this guide to feeding your puppy helpful! If you have any other questions about your puppy and the right food to choose, get in touch with our experienced team.
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Why has my dog stopped eating his food?
Dogs, much like humans, can go through phases of feeling off their food or having a change in taste. There are a surprising number of searches for paw-parents seeking help when their beloved four-legged friend stops eating their food so our team here at Laughing Dog are hoping to shed some light on the reasons and tips & tricks to help! Why won’t my dog eat his/her food? There are a number of factors that can affect a dog’s willingness to eat their food, but it can be distressing to pet owners when their pooch with a healthy appetite suddenly goes off their food. Here are some questions to ask and things to look out for to understand this change in behaviour. Is your dog feeling unwell? While it might not always be easy to know if your dog is feeling unwell, there are signs you can look out for. Much like humans, when we are feeling unwell, we are often off our food or change our eating habits. When a dog is under the weather you might notice changes in their personality – a normally social dog might display more withdrawn behaviours. Or they may become clingy or show signs of increased neediness. It is important at this stage to assess what could be the cause of the pain. Dogs can pick up common bugs like humans which can make them feel off-colour for a few days or it may be something more serious like a dental or digestion problem that is putting them off their food. If these behaviours last more than a couple of days or are coupled with any worrying symptoms, contact your vet straight away. Have you changed your dog’s diet? If your dog doesn’t have a set routine of eating the same food at the same sort of time every day, this can become confusing for them and can put them off their food from time to time. If you have been changing their routine or offering them different foods, for example, leftovers, or food from a BBQ, then your dog might simply be turning his nose up at his usual dry dog food. The best course of action if you feel this might be the likely cause of your dog stopping eating is to go back to their routine of giving them set meal times and removing their food if it has not been eaten after 30 minutes. What is the weather like? Sometimes seasonal changes, especially the heat, can put dogs off their food and cause them to stop eating. If a dog is feeling the heat, they are likely to eat less. In the heat a dog is typically less active and therefore requires less food so their appetite is likely suppressed. Try offering your dog smaller meals and adding ice or other cold dog-friendly summer treats to their diet to ensure they still intake their required nutrients. (For advice about adding ice to your dog’s food, please see this handy guide from the Blue Cross). How old is your dog? As dogs grow older, their bodies and routines change. They might become less active and expend less energy. If your dog is getting older and you notice that they have stopped eating their food, age is a likely cause. At this stage you can try switching their food to a senior blend or different flavour; this switch should be done gradually over seven days, but introducing a new food might perk up your dog’s willingness to eat again! Have there been changes to your pet’s routine? Stress is a large factor when it comes to dogs being off their food. Any change in your four-legged friend’s environment or routine can cause stress. A family break up, a change of home or a change to your routine with them can upset their balance and therefore cause stress to your dog which can stop them from eating their food. Try to combat this by keeping changes to a minimum or making changes gradually. If you have had a life event, for example moving home, try to adopt the same practices you used in your old home and spend as much time with your dog as possible to help with the stressful change. What to do if your dog hasn’t eaten for days? Anorexia in dogs is a life-threatening condition. Untreated for several days, it can lead to malnourishment and dehydration. You should contact your vet straight away if your dog or puppy is refusing to eat, even if they’re acting normally. It’s important to get your dog eating again as soon as possible. If your vet has advised you to tempt your dog to eat, here are some tips: offer strong-smelling foods for example fish – a dog’s sense of smell can trigger their appetite try different flavours of pet food, sometimes dogs do just get tired of the same old thing try hand feeding – if going through stress or changes, sometimes just a little more love and attention can make a big difference check your dog’s nose is clean – the smell of food may help stimulate their appetite If it turns out your dog is just being fussy about food, you should avoid repeating bad habits such as giving them treats during the day and feeding them scraps from the table. Stick to a strict routine and always make sure their food is not spoiled or out of date. As always, seek advice from your vet if your dog still refuses to eat or you are becoming increasingly concerned – they will be able to help rule out any serious issues, as well as offering you further guidance to help your four-legged friend.
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The Best Chew Toys For Dogs
There is an extensive range of dog chew toys available on the market, yet one of the topmost Googled questions relating to dogs is which chew toys are best. In our latest blog, Laughing Dog explores what the “best” chew toys for dogs are and why! Types of chew toys for dogs There are many different types of dog chew toys, some are designed for total indestructibility, others designed for enrichment and others for teething or even nutrition. When choosing between the type of dog chew toy it is important to assess why you are buying the chew toy and what stage of life your dog is at. Puppy chew toys There is a wide choice of chew toys available for puppies that are specially designed for enrichment and help with teething. When your puppy is teething, having chew toys to hand can be the saving grace against your home furnishings. Puppies need to chew, so if trained correctly, they will opt for chewing on the right things, instead of your skirting boards and sofas! Some chew toys for example KONG chews are also perfect for enrichment, while they are great for your puppy or dog to get their teeth into, they can also hide tasty treats and recipes. Back in March our team of bakers put together some KONG recipes which you can try at home, giving a standard chew toy an edge. The list included some of our top voted for recipes, including Eevee & Gus’ Peanut Butter Parfait which contains 1/2 mashed banana, 1 tsp peanut butter (dog-friendly, Xylitol free), a handful of blueberries, and 1 tbsp of natural yoghurt all blended together and stuffed into a KONG! Indestructible chew toys For adult dogs, often indestructible chew toys are an absolute must. These types of hard-wearing chew toys are great for strong jaws and active chewers, with the ability to withstand the jaws of their owner and a lot of pulling! Indestructible chew toys are also great for dogs which are likely to be left alone. Safe in the paw-parents knowledge that they won’t come home to their dog ripping and digesting the chew toys. These types of chews come in all shapes and sizes, from bones to balls and everything in between. Dental chew toys Suitable for dogs and puppies of all ages dental chew toys do exactly what it says on the tin. They offer the ability to help clean your dogs’ teeth without you having to get in there with a toothbrush! Many contain a channel where doggy friendly toothpaste can even be added or bristles and ridges which get in between your four-legged friends’ teeth when chewing. These types of chew toys for dogs are great for enrichment, dental health and keeping active chewers busy! What is the best chew toy for dogs? The subjective nature of the term “best” makes it difficult for us to pick out one top chew toy. The extensive range available all have their own benefits, so it really depends on what you need your dog to get out of its chew toy. When choosing the best chew toy for your dog, factor in these variants: Your dog’s age Your dog’s level of destruction Your dog’s need for mental stimulation What you aim for the dog to get out of having a chew toy. Our top three chew toys While it is so difficult for us to choose the best chew toy, our team have narrowed it down to our top three choices. #1 – KONG chew Suitable for all ages, it provides enrichment, nutrition when stuffed with the right healthy recipes and is indestructible for even the roughest of chewers. #2 – Whimzees Toothbrush This tough but tasty toothbrush is made with delicious all-natural ingredients, and the vegetable-based texture removes plaque and tartar as your dog chews. #3 – Staglers antler chew toy Naturally packed with vitamins, minerals & virtually fat-free, these chews are great for your dog to really get their teeth into and gently grind away at the antler in a safe and healthy way.
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How much dry food should I feed my dog?
As a new dog or puppy owner, you maybe be stuck trying to decipher the mix of content that is found online relating to dog feeding guidelines. You may find that every dog food manufacturer and every feeding guideline website contains varying information on the correct level of food to feed your dog. While the information can be confusing for a new paw parent, there is good reason for the broad scale of different food guidelines available. This is due to the numerous factors that determine how much dry food you should feed your dog. These factors include the weight, age, type of food and activity levels of the dog. Therefore, it is difficult to say that all dog’s aged 2; for example, should be given X amount of food or all dog’s aged 7 should be given Y amount of food. Food is a very important factor in a dog’s life. Through their diet, they get everything their body needs to produce energy. They gain nutrients to keep every cellular process going and keep them healthy whilst providing them with a long and fulfilled life. The choice of dog food available is a myriad and it often comes down to the personal choice of the owner. Some choose a home-cooked diet and simply feed their dog fresh meat and vegetables and any other kitchen leftovers. While others choose a dedicated wet or dry dog food. Of course, some dogs also need a particular special diet, for example, hypoallergenic dog food, grain-free dog food or wheat-free dog food and some paw-parents simply choose some of these gentler options such as grain-free or wheat-free dog food to help support their dog’s well-being. So, before we can decipher “how much dry dog food should I feed my dog” you need to know the following factors… What is your dog’s weight, your dog’s age and what is your dog’s chosen food? We are exploring how much dry food you should feed your dog. But this can also still be factored down to whether you are feeding them a pure dry dog food diet or whether you are mixing in wet, fresh, or raw food into the diet as well. If you are feeding your dog dry dog food as the only source of food and not mixing it in with any other contents, it is much easier to determine the levels of feeding. All dog food manufacturers must adhere to UK labelling guidelines and the label is the best place to look for information on how much dry food to feed your dog. The labels are usually broken down into a table and they display various factors; for example, if your dog is aged between 2 and 3 and then weighs between 10 and 20 kg, you basically just need to find the two columns which relate to your dog and then match it with the recommended feeding quantity. There is of course always a level of flexibility within this and as a paw parent, you also need to understand your dog’s level of activity and their current weight. A dog that is deemed underweight will require between 10% and 20% more than the guidelines recommend, whereas a dog that is overweight or even obese will need to be taking in a smaller quantity than the guidelines recommend. The illustration below is typically found on many dog feeding guidelines and gives a great representation of where your dog should be and how you can determine if they are underweight, ideal weight or overweight. This is just another example of why the dog feeding guidelines are not always clear-cut as they may appear on packaging and it does take a little bit of interpretation and common sense to understand how much you should be feeding your dog. How much dry food should i feed my dog Laughing Dog food dry feeding guidelines Here at Laughing Dog, we try to keep our dry dog feeding guidelines as simple as possible. It is important to note that our dry dog foods and wet dog foods are complete and balanced – therefore you do not need to feed anything else with them. While some dog food manufacturers look at the breed, age, and weight we sort our dog food differently. We offer puppy food which is available for puppies up to the age of around 48 weeks to one year. From this point we recommend all paw parents move their dogs onto an adult dog food. Some brands of dog food offer senior dog food, but here at Laughing Dog we have carefully created our recipes to be nourishing for adult dogs of all ages, creating recipes for healthy digestion, immunity, joints, teeth and bones. For our adult Laughing Dog dry foods, we have a very simple table to break down the guidelines which is purely based on your dog’s weight so if you know roughly how much they weigh within the brackets provided then you can get a clear picture of how much food you should be giving your dog. Here is an example of one of our dog feeding guidelines for our Naturally Complete Lamb Dry Dog Food. Breed Size Grams per Day Small (5kg - 12kg) 90g - 175g Medium (12kg - 25kg) 175g - 300g Large (25kg - 45kg) 300g - 470g Giant (45kg - 70kg) 470g+ What should I do if I am mixing dry dog food and wet dog food? Many paw parents choose to mix their dry dog food with another type of dog food or wet food for example. Many owners choose this option as their dogs do not drink enough water. Wet dog food does contain a higher quantity of water and therefore can help keep you dog more hydrated. It does therefore make understanding dog feeding guidelines a little bit more difficult though as the packaging will only show the guidelines based on feeding purely dry dog food. With this in mind, we always recommend working with percentages. For example, making a 50/50 split of dry dog food and wet dog food and looking at the feeding guidelines for each of your two chosen foods. If you choose the 50/50 split, you would typically be halving the amount of dry dog food from the guidelines and halving the amount of wet dog food from the guidelines. Again, you will have to take external factors into consideration, for example, your dog’s level of activity. You can also judge the level of food well by keeping an eye on your dog’s figure as to whether they are staying at an ideal weight or if you feel they are gaining too much weight or losing too much weight and you can adjust their food intake accordingly. How much dry food should I give my puppy? At Laughing Dog, we keep our guides simple, here is an example of how many grams per day you should be feeding your puppy or dog: Breed Size Up to 50% of adult weight (grams per day) 50% to 80% of adult weight (grams per day) 80% to 100% of adult weight (grams per day) Small 190g - 365g 155g - 305g 125g - 245g Medium 365g - 635g 305 - 530g 245g - 425g Large 635 - 985g 530g - 825g 425g - 655g Giant 985g+ 825g+ 655g+ This is an example feeding guide, please check packaging specific to your chosen product as it is likely to vary! Introduce Laughing Dog puppy complete food at around 6 weeks of age and continue feeding until your puppy reaches adult age. At this stage, a change to Laughing Dog adult complete is recommended. It is advisable to soak dry food for puppies under 12 weeks of age. When introducing Laughing Dog, do so gradually over a period of 7 days, increasing the proportion of food each day.You can read more about feeding guidelines for puppies, including when to stop soaking puppy food in our informative puppy guide! How to change my dog’s food? If you decide to change your dog’s food, for example, you are switching from a puppy to an adult dog food this must be done over a slow period. Dog digestive systems need time to fully adjust to the new food. Introducing new foods too quickly can upset their system and make your dog unwell. Laughing Dog Food recommend introducing a new food over a period of 7 days by mixing in small quantities with their regular food gradually increasing over the course of the 7 days. You may start with just substituting 20% of their diet on day one with the new food, gradually increasing as the week goes on. This will be a much gentler process on your dog’s tummy, and they are more likely to welcome the change of food.
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