Pet Digest

🥦 Fresh Food for Dogs: Why 20% Makes a Big Difference Have you ever wondered if it’s safe—or even beneficial—to add fresh, whole foods to your dog’s bowl? The answer is a resounding YES. In fact, studies suggest that just 20% of your dog’s diet can be made up of fresh foods and still support a complete, balanced nutritional profile. Let’s explore why this small change can lead to big health benefits for your pup. --- 🍽️ What Does a Balanced Bowl Look Like? According to pet nutrition experts, you don’t need to overhaul your dog’s entire diet to make an impact. A healthy meal can be made up of: 80% Balanced Base (like high-quality kibble, freeze-dried, or raw complete meals) 20% Fresh Whole Foods (like fruits, vegetables, cooked meats, and certain grains) This approach gives your dog the stability of a nutrient-rich commercial food while boosting it with the natural enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients that fresh food provides. --- 🧠 Why Add Fresh Foods? Even a modest amount of fresh,...

🐾 Natural Tick Remedies for Dogs (and Why They’re Worth Trying) Ticks are more than just a nuisance—they can transmit serious diseases like Lyme, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis to dogs and humans. Before turning to chemical treatments, consider these gentle, natural remedies: 1. Essential Oils Spray A DIY tick repellent can be made using: Witch hazel or aloe vera as a skin-safe base Coconut oil as a carrier Turmeric essential oil, shown by recent studies to repel ticks effectively   Simply mix (e.g., 2 Twitch hazel, 2 T coconut oil, ~50 drops turmeric oil), shake, and spray lightly on your dog's coat 2–3 times weekly. 2. Cedarwood-Based Products Cedarwood oil contains cedrol, which has been demonstrated to kill ticks effectively . Look for sprays or collars formulated with this ingredient for a natural barrier. 3. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse A diluted apple cider vinegar and salt rinse can alter your dog’s skin pH, making it less inviting for ticks and fleas . 4. Neem Oil an...