You’re at your local independent pet retailer to pick up cat food. These days you don’t bother with dry kibble and speed past it straight to the canned food, nothing but the best for your kitty (you’ve heard great things about raw, maybe next time). A new canned food catches your eye and even though it’s a little more expensive than you’re used to, you spring for a few cans in various flavors like “beef wellington” and “chicken a la king” because your cat is going to LOVE it!
It’s undeniable; dogs and cats have captured the hearts of millions. Whether you pair ‘em together or think of them as opposites, the two undoubtedly go hand in hand. Or do they? Even though they have many similarities, they have less in common than one might realize. That’s because many of their differences are hiding beneath the surface and these differences impact many things. Today, we’re going to highlight nutritional requirements for cats and dogs. Understanding nutritional differences allow us to make better choices when deciding what to feed our pets. This is important because, despite their differences, their whole health is what matters - inside and out.
Walk into any health food store, or shop the natural food section of your local grocer and you will find many products that contain chia seeds. They are sold in bulk bins, added to yogurts, baked into desserts, included in drinks, and often found in granolas and cereals. With so many products made for humans that include chia seeds, it only makes sense that we would also see them show up in pet foods. But why? What does this little blackish seed have going for it that makes so many people, and pets, want to add it to their diet?
Dogs have both a physical and psychological need to chew. If not provided with a safe, approved chewing option, they will seek out and find things that we may not want them to!
Puppies start exploring their world with their mouths and will chew on almost anything they can find. As they grow, chewing can help with pain caused by incoming teeth. The action of chewing is also a great exercise for the jaw and helps the teeth grow in proper alignment.
My cat is fine, he drinks a lot of water”. I have heard this so many times when I bring up cats and their unique need for moisture in their diet. If a cat is constantly at the water bowl, that is a pretty good indicator he is dehydrated!
Our modern house cat is a direct descendent of the African Wildcat. In fact, they have indistinguishable DNA, so we know our cats developed in a very arid climate where freshwater wasn’t easy to come by. They evolved to get their moisture needs met through diet rather than by drinking water.
You may have heard a lot of buzz about goat milk and why it is so good for you and your pet. It seems that everywhere we look there is a pet product calling out goat milk, but what is so good about it? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits, and why we should include it in our pet’s diet.
As a company whose logo states clearly that we care about not only our pets but also about the ground they walk on, we have made many innovative changes to move more in the direction of sustainability.
Sustainably marketed products have been driving growth and did not stall during COVID but instead saw a steady increase with no signs of slowing. Much of this growth has focused on a younger generation that puts an emphasis on sustainable, reusable, and recyclable materials.
At Steve's, we are adapting quickly to keep up with demand and stay safe. We hope that everyone practices their social distancing and remembers to keep laughing. We will get through this even if the end result is a new norm.
It’s game day! All the heart-thumping action centers around your TV to watch the biggest football game of the year. Loud cheering, new people, and smells of gameday snacks can be an exciting or even overwhelming, but there are a few things about a Super Bowl party that are downright dangerous for dogs. Keeping the event safe for pets doesn’t take much effort, just a little advance planning. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe for the upcoming game.
Avoid Food Fumbles
The typical menu normally contains lots of salty and rich foods, and while your pets might beg for a taste, their stomachs can’t handle the spices, heavy helpings of cheese, or excessive salt. If they get into food left within their reach, they may be facing a painful bout of vomiting, diarrhea, or even poisoning. Here are common game-day snacks to be cautious of:
- Chicken Wings - Your guests will be looking forward to the flagship snack, hot wings with dipping sauce to go along with the pulse-pounding highs and lows on the screen. If your pet ingests cooked chicken bones, they can break and become lodged in the throat or digestive tract.
- Appetizer Toothpicks - Toothpicks skewering meats and cheeses can tempt pets with their smell even after they’re discarded. If pets ingest toothpicks, they can get lodged in their throat or digestive tract.
- Alcohol - A dog's body is not made to process alcohol. While some people might think it's funny to give dogs some beer, it is no laughing matter and can be life-threatening in large doses. Whether it's beer, wine, or a cocktail, alcohol consumption by pets can cause nervous system issues, vomiting, diarrhea, and hypothermia. To avoid pets getting into alcohol, be sure to keep cups off the floor and out of their reach.
- Chip Bags - Pets may be attracted to the scent of an empty chip bag, but they can get their heads stuck in the bag and suffocate.
Be sure to arrange your buffet and dining surfaces so food stays well out of reach of furry family members.
Garbage Interception
Our pets have a powerful sense of smell and can detect any leftover food particles on empty plates or coming from the trash. It’s best to keep pets out of wastebaskets by ensuring they are secured. Animals who chew plastic plates, cups, straws, or utensils stand a good chance of ingesting bits of plastic, which can easily be dangerous. Score extra points with your pet and feed them ahead of time with high-quality food from Steve’s Real Food, so they won't be hungry.
Neutral Zone Infraction
Be mindful of your pets’ temperament around strangers or if they are prone to darting out the door. If they seem a bit fearful of new people or display unsportsmanlike conduct, make them comfortable by creating a safe area where they won’t feel exposed with their favorite toy. Designate a favorite spot in the house or backyard where there will be less noise and traffic.
Sack Anxiety Before It Starts
Food and treats formulated with CBD have been shown to relieve situational stress for pets. If you have a nervous-prone pet, a little CBD before the excitement can do the trick. CannaGurt by Steve’s Real Food, is a goat’s milk yogurt with added CBD. Fatty milk products help CBD take effect faster, and your pet will love the creamy taste. Give CannaGurt to your pet about an hour before the excitement begins to lower their anxiety before new people arrive.
Your pets feel most comfortable around you, and there is no need to block them from game day fun. With a few simple fixes, you can keep your pets calm and safe.
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