Pet Digest

  Dog Treats I’ve Actually Tried (And Why I Suggest You Try Them Too) Working in a pet store, surrounded by all sorts of dog treats, it’s easy to get curious. Some treats are clearly made for dogs only, others? Well, let’s just say humans aren’t missing out. Over the years, I’ve tried several dog treats myself—and some even ended up as unintentional human snacks. Here’s a roundup of my favorites (and funny mishaps) that I genuinely recommend. Three Dog Bakery: Mini Cremes These were little gems—think Oreo, but healthier. Sadly, the mini versions have been discontinued, though the full-sized cookies are still available. Funny story: my son once took a bag of Mini Cremes to kindergarten and ate them at lunch. Cue a call from the school about my child eating dog treats. My response? “Check the ingredients and try one. If there’s still a problem, call me back.” Spoiler: they never did. When Three Dog Bakery launched their peanut butter-stuffed pretzel bites, my daughter devoured th...

  Limit Treats: Why Treats and Table Scraps Shouldn’t Exceed 10% of Your Dog’s Daily Calories When it comes to spoiling our furry friends, treats and table scraps are often at the top of the list. A little piece of chicken here, a crunchy biscuit there—it all feels harmless. But did you know that treats and extras should never exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake? That rule might sound strict, but it’s one of the simplest ways to keep your dog healthy, at a good weight, and nutritionally balanced. --- Why the 10% Rule Matters Prevents weight gain: Extra calories from treats add up quickly. Even a small dog biscuit can equal the same percentage of calories as a candy bar for us. Over time, this can lead to overweight or obese dogs. Keeps meals balanced: Your dog’s main meals are carefully formulated to meet their daily nutrient needs. Too many extras can “unbalance” their diet, crowding out essential nutrients. Avoids bad habits: Feeding scraps from the table en...

All Natural vs Organic – Is There a Difference? Pet parents are more label-conscious than ever. But in the ever-growing world of dog food marketing, two labels often create confusion: “Natural” and “Organic.” These words may seem interchangeable, but they’re not. Understanding the difference is crucial for making informed, healthy decisions for your dog’s diet. What Does “Natural” Mean in Dog Food? According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), natural dog food must be: Derived from plant, animal, or mined sources Not produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process Not containing any chemically synthetic additives or processing aids However, the term “natural” is not federally regulated in the U.S., and there is no consistent third-party verification. It’s also important to note that foods labeled “natural” can still contain things like: Preservatives (e.g., mixed tocopherols, used to keep fats from going rancid) Synthetic vitamins or minerals (like V...

Treats That Should Be Marketed for Both Dogs and Cats Because good ingredients don’t need a species label. We live in a world where dogs steal cat treats and cats nibble on dog jerky—and the truth is, many treats don’t need to be separated by species at all. Especially in multi-pet homes, the overlap in healthy, species-appropriate ingredients is huge. So why are treats marketed so differently? Why the Divide Exists Short answer: marketing and money. The pet industry thrives on duplication—more labels, more packaging, more sales. But if you read the back of a high-quality single-ingredient cat treat and compare it to a dog treat… they’re often identical. Dogs are scavenging carnivores, cats are obligate carnivores, and both benefit from meat-first, low-carb, additive-free snacks. Treats That Are Perfect for Both Dogs and Cats 🐟 Freeze-Dried Fish (Salmon, Minnow, Whitefish) Why it works: High in Omega-3s, supports joint and coat health, and irresistible to both speci...