Did you know that good nutrition is the foundation of a happy and healthy pet? Like humans, pets need a balanced diet because it provides them with the energy they need to play, explore and love us unconditionally.
While there are numerous healthy and natural foods for pets, the benefits that come with food toppers cannot go unnoticed. Including them in your pets' diet is a fun and easy way of turning your pets' meals into a tasty gourmet feast.
Would you like to unleash the power of pet food toppers? Read on and learn 5 reasons why food toppers are the best for your pet.
Is your pet a finicky eater? Food toppers make regular food taste better and they entice such a pet into enjoying its meal.
Sometimes, you may need to entice your pet dog to take those first few bites of their meal. For instance, the dog may be on a special medicated diet that it doesn't find appealing. Like humans, pets too lose their appetite when they aren't feeling well. Some even stop eating when boarding or traveling.
Whatever the reason, dog food toppers have an irresistible scent and taste of real meat that makes your dog enjoy its dinner. The tasty food topper intrigues your pet to take the first few bites of the food they could have otherwise found stale.
Food toppers give your pet all the benefits that come with moisturized pet's diet. Most pets don't take enough water during the daytime, even if you provide them with sufficient access to clean water. For that reason, freeze-dried meal toppers are a sure way to ensure that your pets are well-hydrated.
Besides, some pets could be suffering from diabetes or kidney diseases. Such pets are prone to dehydration.
Cats are even more prone to dehydration than dogs since the ancestral cats were desert animals who obtained the moisture they needed from their meals and rarely drank from pools or streams. Modern cats have retained this culture and they hardly take as much water as they should. Thus, wet food toppers can serve as a source of hydration, which your pet cat needs.
Meal toppers are a great source of extra protein, fiber, and nutrients for your pet's diet. Since Vital Essentials dog and cat food toppers don't use bulk fillers, freeze-dried kibble gives your pet more protein than it could if you served it with traditional kibble.
Additionally, pet food toppers pack a magnificent amount of nutritional value into even a small amount of food. Some toppers contain pre and probiotics or supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine for extra support.
Some pet dogs find it hard to dig crunchy kibbles. Others may not be able to chew, although this could be as a result of serious dental issues. Gravy, stew, and broth-type toppers can help soften kibble to make it easier for your pup to munch away.
How would you feel eating the same type of food every day? Exploring and eating different foods and flavors makes life enjoyable, even for pets!
Since there is a wide variety of toppers out there, your pet can stay on a regular diet and enjoy different flavors that make their feast enjoyable.
Bottom Line
Food toppers are the ultimate solution to making your pets' food enjoyable, healthy, and nutritious. From enticing finicky eaters to providing hydration, nutritional supplements, and softening kibbles, to offering flavor varieties, food toppers are a fun and easy way of transforming your pets’ meal into a gourmet feast. Ensure that your furry friend enjoys most of their meal by adding food toppers to their diet today!
]]>It warms my heart to see how much enjoyment my father gets from visits with my golden retriever Maverick. It is also so amazing to see how my golden that is under 2 years old is normally a very busy (sometimes a little crazy) pup, but somehow when he is around my dad in his wheelchair he becomes a gentle giant, as if he knows that he needs to be calm for my father to enjoy his company. Immediately there is a bond between them that puts a smile on my dads face and I really feel my dog is smiling too!
We hope to encourage you if you have an aging parent that can't have their own dog to please provide pet therapy visits for them. Visits from dogs give seniors something to look forward to. Did you know that just petting a dog can release dopamine and oxytocin which are endorphins that make people feel happier.
Dogs can also lower blood pressure. Petting a dog for 15 minutes has been found to reduce blood pressure levels by as much as 10%.
Much of what keeps us healthy on a day to day basis is that simple feeling of connection. A visit from an affectionate and loving dog can create a point of connection between the senior and the dog.
We strive at Live Pawsitively to help people and their pets, regardless of their age to live the best life possible every day. We believe that the bond between dogs and humans is priceless and together we can live longer, healthier lives.
]]>Eating Healthier is always at the top of the list for New Year's Resolutions but a lot of us fall short and quickly revert back to old ways. But possibly if we add our dogs to a the same plan of getting our diet in check it will be easier to stick to new resolutions . Maintaining a healthy weight plays a major role in in our overall well being as well as our dogs. Yet it continues to be a common struggle for each of us. This year lets make an effort to make sure we are not over eating by using portion control. When we are careful about the quantities we are feeding our dogs lets make the same decisions for ourselves. If you are thinking about switching to a more balanced diet for yourself you can stock the pantry with healthier options for your dog as well. Just like humans dogs who eat a variety of different foods from all food groups tend to be healthier. Add small amounts of steamed broccoli, carrots, spinach, or pumpkin to both of your meals, and replace the occasional treat for you and your dog with a slice of apple of a piece of banana.
Another New Year's Resolution that is usually at the top of our list is getting more exercise. But between work requirements, errands, family and social events we quickly fail to squeeze in the time for ourselves. My whole week schedule is so jampacked with responsibilities that it seems impossible to add another activity to my plate. As a result, I sacrifice that one thing that I am very much aware is beneficial for my health...regular exercise!
Recently reality slapped me with the harsh truth that I justify my laziness with lame excuses. What I realized is that I need to view exercising for me and my dog as a need not a luxury. Motivation is not something that is automatic but something I have to create for myself.
Little did I know the motivation I am seeking is right beside me all along ...my dog....my new ultimate fitness buddy. My fur baby helps me keep a PAWSitive attitude and break a sweat while having fun doing it. It is a fact that increasing activity levels will improve the overall health and happiness for you and your dog. So get outside everyday and make the time for you and your PUP ....you both deserve it!!!
Another great New Years resolution for you and your dog is to Learn Something New! We all want to grow as individuals whether it is learning how to play the guitar or lifting heavier weights at the gym. Why should dogs be any different. Your dog will appreciate the one on one attention and the bond you share will be strengthened.
And Lastly Make new Friends! Socialization is important for dogs and humans alike. Taking your dog to the dog park or dog friendly events not only gives them the chance to socialize with other dogs, but you will also meet lots of people who you will have on big thing in common...the love of dogs!
At Live Pawsitively we know that being PAWSitive is a mindset and a lifestyle. It is the one thing in life you get to choose. And we hope to encourage our friends and customers to choose a more PAWSitive life this New Year to be the happiest and healthiest version that you and your pup can be! Happy 2022, Love, Tami
]]>1. South Miami Vets and Pets (Veterinarian)
2. Best in Show (Mobile Pet Spa)
3. Circle of Friends ( Doggy Daycare/ Boarding)
4. Salt and Pepper Dog Co ( Trendy Dog Fashion)
5. Applause your Paws (Dog Training)
6. Equipaws ( Dog Walking)
So today Congratulations to all the wonderful women making a difference in the pet industry, tails continue to wag for all the accomplishments these women are making.
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The days of having four kids in elementary school feeling dazed and confused most of time always wondering how I would juggle and organize all of my daily family demands. My calendar was overwhelming with every square filled up and additional sticky notes that always came into play because there was something that needed to be added to the already full month.
The doctor, orthodontist, tutor, gymnastics practice and competitions, sailing practice and regattas, soccer, flag football, football, horseback riding, piano lessons, guitar lessons, violin lessons, dance, school field trips, school projects, birthday parties, sleep overs.....I am sure you get the point the never ending job of a single mom juggling all the different hats she must wear 365 days of the year!
Then we hit the middle school and high school years and it starts all over but different. Now maybe they are driving themselves to some events but the worry of our children driving can keep us sleepless even more so than when we were the taxi driver for them. Now we have college applications, testing, athletic tournaments, prom, homecoming and learning to deal with the ever changing and challenging teenage hormones.
So now all 4 have left, some for college and the others with full time jobs. At this stage they are adjusting to being young adults and figuring out how to manage their own calendars. So I finally have some time to sit down, exhale and maybe even pat myself on the back for a job done to the best of my ability. But now what.........?
My days were so full of being a single mom maybe complaining of such a busy calendar or sleepless nights when my children were sick. Or stressed that the laundry was stacked over my head and the house needed to be cleaned and now it all stops. The house is always clean, the laundry is only my own and my calendar is wide open!
So now my life has literally gone to the dog. Yes I am that middle-aged woman taking selfies with my dog!!! Yes, my fur baby is now my peep, my bff and my shadow. I must admit coming home from work to a dog that covers you with sloppy kisses and longs to hear about your day ( well maybe not but I tell her anyway) sure feels good!
So maybe my dog can't replace my kids but they can definitely fill that undeniable void we have in our hearts when the last one leaves the nest. Always there to make you smile and comfort you on a lonely night.
At times my house can just feel disturbingly quiet. Our human need for an emotional and physical connection does not go away just because a child has moved on. There is definitely some grief to process, no matter what your level of happiness is, surrounding your empty nest..... Something is just missing!
Our dogs feel the loss as well when the children leave the nest. This is what has drawn me closer to my golden retriever as we both need some extra love and attention.
It is natural that we cling to our dogs more during this time. Before maybe I was just too busy to appreciate the wag of the tail first thing in the morning or the sloppy kisses when I walked in the door, but now I feel as though I get just as excited to see her as she does me. In essence this is how I have filled that blank space of motherhood. Some may call me a crazy dog mom and thats ok because my instinct "to Mom" doesn't just go away because the nest is empty and she fills that void in my heart.
I urge all single moms that have recently become empty nesters to embrace your new beginnings and if you don't already have a dog as a companion by your side, now may be the perfect time to consider all the joy, love and of course mom/dog selfie photos they can provide!
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What exactly is Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Fat is an important part of your dogs nutrition however, not all fat is the same. Some fats only act as a source of energy whereas other fats help with the overall health of our dogs. The 2 primary groups of fatty acids are Omega-3 and Omega-6
Omega-3 fatty acids include:
*Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
*Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
*Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Omega-6 Fatty acids include:
*Linoleic acid (LA)
*Gamma linolenca acid (GLA)
*Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
*Arachidonic acid (AA)
Animas can produce some fatty acids out of other nutrients, but essential fatty acids (EFAs) must be directly supplied by the food eaten or supplements given to your dog.
Fatty acids that are considered essential for dogs are the EPA and DHA all of them are omega-3 fatty acids.
Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Dogs
* Supports brain development in puppies
* Helps dogs with arthritis by reducing imflammation
* Improves their ability to fight cancer
* boost their immune system
* helps boost heart and kidney health
* Improves the overall appearance and health of skin and coat
* Helps reduce anxiety, depression and hyperactivity in dogs
How to determine the best Omega- 3 Supplements for my dog?
The best and most effective omega -3 fatty acids for your dog will be high in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
We offer Omega-3 chews made peanut butter flavor and are high in EPA and DHA. Check us out at www.livepawsitively.com
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According to scientists, they have long believed that the companionship of a dog can be good for you and can also improve the quality of your life. Here are a few reasons that we believe adding a pup to your household may be one of the best gifts you could ever give yourself and your family.
1. Dogs increase your mental well being by just spending 15 - 30 minutes with your dog each day can help you feel more calm and relaxed, reducing stress and increasing happiness. Playing with your dog increases your brain's levels of dopamine and serotonin both of which are neurotransmitters associated with pleasure and tranquility. When hugging and petting your dog your body releases a peptide hormone called Oxycontin. Oxycontin reduces stress and has a calming and blissful effect on the body. So generally speaking, owning a dog can hep you be less anxious, less lonely and less depressed. I think it is safe to say dogs offer the best FURR-apy!
2. Having dogs has actually been shown to improve your children's self esteem and makes it easier for them to handle stress when it comes their way. Research has also shown that children from dog owning families also have better school attendance due to better overall health and less sickness from having a pup at home. Dogs also teach children about responsible pet ownership that they will benefit from for the rest of their lives.
3. Research shows that humans with dogs recover faster from illnesses. Dog owners have a much higher rate of recovery from being sick than non dog owners. In fact, humans with pups who have had heart attacks are twice as likely to fully recover than those without.
4. Dogs help us appreciate the simple things in life. A dog takes us back to simpler modes of interaction. In our world today filled with texting, emails, videoconferencing and social media a relationship with a dog is unmediated by technology. I think we could all use a sweet pup to tear us away from our smartphones.
5. Dogs help to be more active and stay physically fit. Research has shown that dog owners were more likely to participate in moderate physical activity than those who do not own a dog. Having a dog is sometimes the perfect motivator we need to help us get off the couch and get outside for a walk or run.
6. Dogs remind us to celebrate even the little things. When is the last time you got so excited you jumped up and down? Dogs get excited like that over everything, especially the moment they see you walk in the door or when you grab their favorite toy, reach for their leash etc...dogs are a constant reminder that the little things are worth getting happy about!
7. A dog can help connect you to a community. Dog's like babies are conversation starters. On walks you are bound to stop for a chat or two with other dog owners. Dogs also give you the chance to meet like minded pet owners at the vet, pet store, or training classes. Dogs help you to know more about the members of your community and boost your social life which in turn makes you a happier person.
8. Getting a dog helps you to love yourself more. Psychologists all over the world agree that dogs can promote self-love and increase self esteem. If you suffer from mild depression getting a dog can help you experience unconditional love. People who own dogs are much less lonely and this leads to happiness and appreciation for their dogs and themselves.
In closing dogs just make people feel good. Perhaps the most intuitive benefit of sharing your life and home with a pup is that dogs give you feel good vibes almost instantly. However owning a dog is a big responsibility and is a long term commitment that you need to make sure you and your family are ready for. They are not just adorable Christmas presents but many years of responsibility that if your family is not ready for than maybe consider fostering a dog for a local shelter in need first to see if you would be ready for the commitment.
Happy Holidays to everyone and may you continue to always LIVE PAWSITIVELY!
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As my daughter left for college and my nest became empty the thoughts of getting another golden entered my mind. But I often felt guilty thinking that it wasn't fair to Maui, that enough time had not passed and did not want to feel like I was trying to replace her. I wondered if I could love another dog like I loved her. I was fearful that I would make comparisons between Maui and a new dog and that would not be fair to a new puppy. Even though I knew in my heart that nothing could ever replace Maui I just felt guilty to want another so soon.
The changing moment for me was when a friend sent me this quote, "DOGS COME INTO OUR LIVES TO TEACH US ABOUT LOVE, THEY DEPART TO TEACH US ABOUT LOSS. A NEW DOG NEVER REPLACES AN OLD DOG IT MERELY EXPANDS THE HEART!" I thought about Maui and her heart was so big and her dog smile was so bright that at that moment I realized that Maui would want me to have a FURever companion and she would want the coconut retrieving days on the beach to carry on at our house forever.
This is when I started looking into breeders knowing that I wanted to make sure to pick the dog that fit into our family best. I found the perfect breeder, unfortunately she was all the way in Minneapolis but I knew this was the perfect fit for what I wanted. In September I traveled with my son from Miami to Minneapolis to pick up our little ball of fur. From the moment I held her in my arms I felt an overwhelming love for this new little puppy that we would name Piper.
I write this blog today to encourage all of those that have lost a dog to understand that one of the most important things to remember is that by getting a new dog you are not seeking to "replace" or forget your last fur companion and you must not, therefore, feel guilty or disloyal - there is arguably no better way to honor your deceased companion's life than by giving a new chance to another one. There are plenty of dogs in the world in need of a good and loving hime and you will be forming and enjoying a new human/dog bond not replacing the last one.
In the past 2 months Piper has added so much joy to my life with the sloppy kisses, tail wagging, doggy smiles and her big golden heart that only wants to love and be loved. She is learning to swim and fetch coconuts and I feel like Maui is smiling in heaven as she looks down and sees that another dog gets to keep our beach alive in only a way that a golden can do.
My final quote, " DOGS HAVE A WAY OF FINDING THE PEOPLE WHO NEED THEM AND FILLING AN EMPTINESS WE DIDNT EVER KNOW WE HAD!"
]]>Pets provide unconditional love and support and daily contact with them can help reduce stress and anxiety especially during stressful and emotional situations.
Research has shown that pets help particularly in older adults cope with social isolation and loneliness. Seniors have always been more at risk of social isolation due to their stage of life including spouses and friends passing away, children busy with their jobs and raising families, and health issues keeping them stuck at home.
However now due to Covid-19 people of all ages and stages of life are experiencing social isolation to some level. And spending time with their pet can provide a much needed boost to their emotional well being.
We have all started connecting remotely with others thru things such as FaceTime, zoom and social media which is all great but pets are physically present. To have a pet by your side offers so much more for your emotional well being keeping depression and anxiety at lower levels.
Pets do not know anything is different during the pandemic and still require us to carry on with their normal routines. Keeping their routines is also beneficial to us because it gets us outside for fresh air and daily exercise.
At Live Pawsitively we hope that everyone always sees the value of having pets and hopefully one thing we have learned from Covid-19 is that pets truly can make your life a bit more fun and interesting and their unconditional love is something we should never ever take for granted.
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We provide a healthy and fun Doggy Bag Subscription packed with love to treat your special pooch. All products put in your Doggy Bag will be designed specifically to meet the needs of your dog. We guarantee 100% customer satisfaction.
This Amazing deal comes with two full size bags of treats, a dog Chew and a toy. All of our bags will have a monthly theme making sure your dog will always get a new and fun toy every month.
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