These days, it’s not hard to find CBD products made for dogs. What is hard, though, is finding a quality product that’s actually affordable. And that’s exactly what makes Wag CBD Pet Tincture from CBDistillery so unique.

This pure hemp oil tincture is made with quality ingredients and US-grown hemp. It has no fillers, is full spectrum, and is available in high concentrations.

But what really sets this product apart is the price tag. It costs less than half that of the average pet CBD tincture.

As someone who has tried many premium-priced CBD tinctures for my pets, I was curious how this bargain tincture would match up. After using it on my senior dogs for the last few weeks, I can say with confidence that this affordable oil is a great option for those who want the benefits of CBD for their dog without the typical sky-high price tag.

About CBDistillery

CBDistillery was started in 2016 by a group of Colorado natives on a mission to create effective CBD products at a more affordable price. Most of their oils, gummies, and capsules are made for humans. Their Wag CBD Pet Tincture is the one product they currently make for pets.

Where are CBDistillery Products Produced?

All of CBDistillery’s products are made in their Colorado facility. The hemp is sourced from around the US from non-GMO, industrial growers that follow FDA guidelines for quality and purity.

Which Types of Dogs Is Wag CBD Pet Tincture Best Suited For?

The Wag CBD Pet Tincture from CBDistillery is a full spectrum blend that includes plenty of CBD as well as other helpful cannabinoids. It has calming properties, which makes it great for anxious dogs and those who need a little help getting to sleep at night.

CBD is also helpful with a number of other issues, including seizures, pain, depression, and certain cancers. Any dog suffering from one or more of these conditions could benefit from using this product.

Unlike some other CBD oils for dogs, this one does contain trace amounts of THC. While this amount is well below the recommended maximum of 0.3% for pets, it may not be the best option for long-term use as THC can accumulate in the body.

Wag CBD Pet Tincture Overview

Here is an overview of CBDistillery’s Wag CBD Pet Tincture. We’ll look at the ingredients, concentrations, dosing information, and ordering options.

Ingredients

Each bottle of Wag CBD Pet Tincture contains just two ingredients: full-spectrum hemp extract and cold-pressed hemp seed oil.

The full-spectrum hemp extract is made from CO2-extracted hemp oil. This oil includes only aerial parts, which have the greatest concentration of cannabinoids, like CBD.

Cold-pressed hemp seed oil acts as the carrier oil for the extract, which helps dilute and protect it. While hemp seeds do not contain CBD, they are loaded with healthy fats and are easily digested.

Wag CBD Pet Tincture does not contain any fillers, flavors, or unnecessary ingredients. While the hemp is not certified organic, it is non-GMO and sourced only from US hemp farms.

Concentrations

This pet tincture is available in two concentrations: 600mg and 150mg. Both options come in a 30 ml bottle.

The higher concentration contains a whopping 20mg of CBD per milliliter and 32mg of full-spectrum hemp extract. This is a great option for large dogs and those needing a therapeutic dose of CBD.

The lower concentration contains 5mg of CBD and 8mg of full-spectrum hemp extract per milliliter. This one is a great option for small dogs and larger dogs needing a smaller maintenance dose.

Dosing Information

How much of this product your dog will need each day depends on their size and the condition you are hoping to treat.

The recommended dose, according to the package is:

The dosage recommendation is the same for both concentrations. Personally, I always dose my CBD based on the sliding scale of 1 to 5 mg per 10 pounds, with the lower dose suitable for maintenance and the higher dose for acute and chronic issues, such as stress and pain.

You can dose your dog once or twice per day. As with other CBD products, the key here is consistency. CBD accumulates in the system over time, so you will see the best results if you use this product every day.

The easiest way to use this tincture is to add it to your pet’s food. Alternatively, you can drop it straight into their mouth or onto an absorbent treat.

Purchase Options

Whether you opt for the high-concentration or low-concentration bottle, you have two options for purchasing this pet CBD oil.

If you choose a one-time purchase, you’ll still pay less than half of what you would for the average pet CBD tincture.

To save even more, you can opt for the subscription option. With this, you’ll save 30% off the list price and will have the product auto-shipped to you every 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 weeks, depending on your dog’s needs.

The subscription option also comes with free shipping. It can be canceled or modified at any time.

Pros & Cons

Key Features

An Affordable Option

CBD oil can be very pricey, which can make it impossibly expensive to give a large dog a therapeutic dose every day. But that isn’t the case with CBDistillery Wag CBD Pet Tincture.

Their high-concentration CBD option is impressively affordable—less than half what you’ll pay for the average product. Despite this low price point, it contains a full spectrum of flavonoids and cannabinoids to provide maximum benefit to treat a range of common doggy issues.

Easy to Dose

With two concentrations available, this CBD tincture is super easy to dose. If your dog needs just a couple of milligrams of CBD to find relief, the 150mg bottle is perfect. For dogs who need more, the 600mg bottle allows you to dose high amounts of CBD without flooding their food bowl with oil.

Quality in Every Drop

While Wag CBD Pet Tincture may not carry the same hefty price tag as the premiere brands, it still delivers quality. Each bottle contains only US-grown hemp that is CO2 extracted and mixed with cold-pressed hemp seed oil. There are no fillers or added ingredients and each batch is third-party lab tested for concentration, quality, and purity.

Is Wag CBD Pet Tincture a Good Value?

Yes, this pet CBD tincture from CBDistillery is definitely a good value.

The average cost for pet CBD oils breaks down to about $0.15 per mg of CBD. The Wag high-concentration option is just $0.06 per mg. This price drops to an unmatched $0.04 per mg if you choose the subscription option.

The low-concentration option is a bit pricier per mg of CBD but still cheaper than the average product. Considering the quality and what goes into this product, it is absolutely a valuable buy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Wag CBD Pet Tincture safe?

Yes, this CBD product is safe for dogs. While it contains trace amounts of THC, the level is well below the 0.03% that vets recommend for pet products. CBD products, in general, have been shown to be highly safe and rarely cause side effects in dogs.

Are there flavor options?

No, Wag CBD Pet Tincture is not available in different flavors. Both the 600mg and 150mg bottles contain only natural hemp flavors. Most dogs are happy to lick the oil up, especially when it is mixed in with their food.

Is this product third-party tested?

Yes, each batch of Wag is tested by an independent laboratory to ensure it meets the labeled concentrations, is free from harmful impurities, and contains a safe amount of THC for dogs. You can find those results here.

Our Experience With Wag CBD Pet Tincture

When I came across CBDistillery’s Wag CBD Pet Tincture, I was immediately intrigued. A full-spectrum pet CBD oil that costs less than half what I’m used to paying? What’s the catch?!

Before giving this affordable oil to my senior pups, I did my research. Most cheap CBD products contain little to no actual CBD. Not the case with Wag.

In fact, the high-concentration formula contains more CBD than most products I’ve tested (and I’ve tested a lot of them!).

The next thing I looked at was the ingredients. This full-spectrum product contains a decent amount of lesser cannabinoids and flavonoids. These are important because they help CBD do what it does even better than CBD can do alone.

The one thing I did note is that this mixture contains no terpenes. These lesser-celebrated compounds are also very helpful to improve the effects of CBD. Because this is a full-spectrum product made with CO2 extraction (the preferred method), this lack of terpenes is likely due to the type of hemp being used.

The last thing I checked was the carrier oil. Most high-quality CBD oils use MCT oil because it is metabolized in the liver, which helps enhance the bioavailability of CBD in the body. But hemp seed oil is still a pretty good option because it’s easy to digest and can complement the effects of hemp oil.

As far as I could tell, this product was of higher quality than the price let on. But the real test of that, of course, is how well it works in real life. To test this, I employed my two senior dogs.

Ragz, my thirteen-year-old Dalmatian mix has achy joints that slow her down and leave her limping much of the time. My fifteen-year-old Chihuahua, Papyrus, has always had anxiety and now has old-dog sleep issues.

Both of them have been on CBD of one type or another for the last year. I’ve found that some products work better than others and was curious how this affordable option would affect them.

Ragz and Papyrus both took to Wag CBD Pet Tincture and happily ate it up when I added it to their meals. Neither had any digestive issues or other side effects.

In terms of how effective it was, I’d rate it about average among the products I’ve tried. There were no miracles here, but it definitely helps ease Ragz’s pain and I notice a difference in how well Papyrus sleeps when he gets this before bed versus when he doesn’t.

One thing I love about this high-concentration product is how easy it is to dose. Both my dogs need a high therapeutic dose of CBD given their age and needs. With many products, this requires quite a bit of oil to their bowl each meal.

Not only is this bad for the tummy, but it means I go through bottles very quickly. This, of course, adds to the expense.

But that is not the case with Wag CBD Pet Tincture. The 600mg bottle lasts me quite a while, even when dosing my two dogs twice a day. This paired with the unmatched price point makes this product from CBDistillery an amazing option, especially for pet owners on a budget.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for cost-effective CBD oil for your dog, you don’t need to look any further than CBDistillery’s Wag CBD Pet Tincture.

This quality product is made with full-spectrum, CO2-extracted hemp oil. All of the hemp used in it is sourced in the US and processed in the company’s Colorado-based facility. With two concentration options and a price tag no other brands of this caliber can touch, this is easily the best CBD pet oil for owners on a budget.

The post CBDistillery Wag CBD Pet Tincture Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

More and more dog owners are learning about the benefits of a raw food diet for their furry family members. But feeding a raw diet is even harder than it sounds, especially when you consider what it takes to provide the right ratio of nutrients for healthy growth.

The answer? A high-quality prepared raw diet that is easy to feed and contains all the micro and macro nutrients your dog needs to thrive.

One of the oldest brands to claim space in this realm is Vital Essentials.

Their raw diets contain over 98% meat, organs, and bone. Not only that, but these “butcher cuts” come from hormone and antibiotic-free suppliers in the US and EU. And all their meals are made and packaged in their company-owned US facilities.

I had a chance to try three of their raw diet products on my dogs (and were they ever glad I did!). Keep reading to find out what makes Vital Essentials better than so many raw brands out there, why it’s so easy to feed, and more in my full Vital Essentials brand review.

At a Glance: The Products We Received

Rating	Image	Product	Details
		Freeze-Dried Raw Duck Entree Mini Nibs	Available in five protein types Feed like kibble Great for small and large dogs	CHECK PRICE
		Freeze-Dried Raw Duck Entree Mini Patties	Mix with water to feed Available in five proteins Easy to break up for customized portions	CHECK PRICE
		Frozen Raw Turkey Entree Patties	Easy-feed raw Frozen for minimal processing Five flavors available	CHECK PRICE

About Vital Essentials

Vital Essentials is a raw dog and cat food company that focuses on creating single-protein diets for pets. Each recipe is available in multiple freeze-dried options as well as frozen and as treats and toppers.

What sets this company apart from other raw pet food brands is their use of whole prey and a handful of vitamins and minerals as the only ingredients in their recipes. Each meal product is free from added carbohydrates and is complete and balanced for all life stages and breeds.

Who Makes Vitals Essential and Where is it Produced?

Vital Essentials is owned by Carnivore Meat Company, a raw pet food manufacturer that has been in the game since 1968. They manufacture Vital Essentials products along with raw food for their sister company, Nature’s Advantage, and some small private-label pet food options in their Green Bay, Wisconsin facility.

The meat used in each recipe is sourced from farm-raised, humanely harvested protein in the US and EU.

Which Pets Is Vital Essentials Best Suited For?

With two lines of raw food, one for cats and one for dogs, Vital Essentials is a great option for all the carnivore pets in your home. Each meat-centric meal recipe is balanced with natural nutrients, enzymes, and a pinch of added amino acid mineral complexes to sustain cats and dogs of all ages and breeds.

And because these recipes are available in multiple forms, it’s easy to find the right one for your pet.

The raw frozen patties are great for those who want to feed raw in its true form and have the space in the freezer for it. For those who want the benefits of raw but without the storage hassles, the freeze-dried patties are a great option and, when mixed with water, have a texture most pets love. Lastly, for those who want raw that’s as easy to feed as kibble, the freeze-dried raw nibs are a great choice.

Key Features

There are many features that set Vital Essentials apart from other commercial dog foods. There are also some key differences that put this brand above other raw food options out there. Here, we’ll take a look at a few of them, including the meal types you can choose from, the protein options available, the ingredients, and all their other great offerings.

Meal Types Available

If you thought raw food all came in the same form, Vital Essentials is here to set you straight.

Their meal recipes are available in five different forms so you can pick the one that is best for you and your dog.

Each of these options contains the same basic ingredients, only the way they are processed differs. But, in all cases, the ingredients are never exposed to high heat or pressure, which means they retain all the great nutrients and enzymes that make raw food so beneficial.

Protein Options

When it comes to choosing a recipe from Vital Essentials, there is no shortage of options here, either.

The Mini Nibs, Mini Patties, and Frozen Patties are each available in five different protein types:

Aside from added herring oil, each of these recipes only contains the listed protein. This makes it super easy to find an appropriate food even if your dog has common protein allergies, such as chicken or beef.

This also makes it easy to keep things fresh by rotating recipes. Not only does this give your pup different flavors to keep them interested, but it also provides a wider selection of nutrients to keep them thriving.

Ingredients

Regardless of the protein used, each recipe from Vital Essentials features about 45% muscle meat, 45% organs, and 10% ground bone.

The rabbit recipe, for instance, contains whole ground rabbit, rabbit liver, rabbit heart, rabbit kidney, and rabbit lung.

All of the meat used in Vital Essentials food is procured from farm-raised animals that are humanely processed in the US or EU.

This whole-prey model mimics what wild dogs eat and ensures your dog gets the right mix of protein, fat, and micronutrients. Because the mix contains ground bone, the company doesn’t have to add synthetic calcium. Instead, your dog gets this in its natural form, which makes the calcium easier to absorb and more effective for building strong bones and muscles.

Aside from the 98%-plus meat in each recipe, there are also a handful of nutritional additives.

The first is herring oil, a great source of omega fatty acids. Most recipes also contain mixed tocopherols (a natural preservative) and five amino acid mineral complexes. The fact that Vital Essentials only needs to add five nutrients (as opposed to the 20 or more found in most dog foods) is a testament to how nutritious their raw meat, organ, and bone blend is.

Beyond Meals

In addition to all the meal options we talked about above, Vital Essentials also makes a ton of great treats, chews, and toppers.

Most of their freeze-dried treats contain only one or two ingredients, such as beef liver or chicken breast. They also have chews like bully sticks, chicken necks, and freeze-dried minnows.

If you’re not ready to go full-on raw, you can still elevate your dog’s nutritional profile by adding one of Vital Essential’s toppers to their current food. These “Protein Mix-Ins” come in freeze-dried nib form and ground powder form. Each contains whole ground prey or a mix of whole prey and added organ meat.

Reviews of the 3 Vital Essentials Recipes We Received

1. Freeze-Dried Raw Duck Entree Mini Nibs

These duck mini nibs are the perfect raw solution for owners who want the nutritional benefits of feeding raw without any of the work. Each kibble-sized nib has a special freeze-dried coating that protects the crumbly, dry ingredients inside. This gives them a similar look and texture to kibble.

They are crunchy, but not hard, and require no thawing or rehydrating to feed. Scoop them into your dog’s bowl the same way you would any dry food. But do note that if your dog doesn’t drink a lot of water, these can be dehydrating without added water.

Almost all of the nutrients and calories in this recipe come from the first four ingredients: duck, duck gizzard, duck liver, and herring oil. On top of all those nutrient-dense meat, organ, and bone ingredients are five added vitamin and mineral supplements.

Most of these added nutrients are in amino acid complex form, which makes them more easily absorbable and therefore more useful to the body.

Like all Vital Essentials options, this one is very high in protein, high in fat, contains naturally occurring fiber, and is free from added carbohydrates and fillers. It is 49% protein, 26% fat, and 5% fiber by dry mass.

This protein-packed recipe is a great option for dogs of all ages and is especially good for free feeders since it can be left out as needed.

2. Freeze-Dried Raw Duck Entree Mini Patties

If you like the idea of feeding raw but don’t have the freezer space to spare, these mini patties are a great option.

Each pattie is freeze-dried, making them easy to store in the cupboard and much lighter than frozen raw food. And because they are easily broken apart, they make a great option for dogs of all sizes.

This raw form does require a bit more prep than others. It is best served rehydrated. I typically place the patties in my dogs’ bowls, pour water over the top, mash, and let them sit for about twenty minutes before feeding.

You can also crumble these patties over dry food as a flavor enhancer or serve crumbled without water. If you go this route, just make sure your dog has plenty of clean water in their water dish so they can stay hydrated.

Like the mini nibs recipe, this Duck Entree contains duck, duck gizzard, duck liver, and herring oil as the main ingredients. It also contains a handful of nutrients and amino acid complexes.

With 49% protein and 26% fat (dry matter), these patties are perfect for active and growing dogs. They also work well for less active and adult dogs, just make sure you feed appropriate portions. Once rehydrated, these patties are highly palatable and a great option for picky eaters.

3. Frozen Raw Turkey Entree Patties

For those who want true raw but don’t have the time to make it themselves, these frozen raw patties from Vital Essentials are perfect.

They come in frozen bricks about the size of the freeze-dried mini patties. Simply store the bag in your freezer and pull out as many bricks as needed to thaw in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, they are easy to portion out, though you may have to take out a couple of meals’ worth at a time to ensure no leftovers, depending on the portion size.

Each patty of this turkey recipe contains turkey, turkey heart, turkey liver, and herring oil as the first four ingredients. This plus just five vitamins and amino acid mineral complexes make up the entire ingredient list. Because it’s frozen raw, it contains zero preservatives.

If you’re looking for protein, this turkey recipe has it. Each serving contains 58% protein, 25% fat, and 4% fiber by dry matter. This makes it an exceptionally good option for working dogs and growing puppies.

The texture of this food also makes it a wonderful choice for picky eaters and those who prefer canned or soft food. It’s also a great option for summer since turkey is known to be a cooling meat.

Our Experience With Vital Essentials

When my dogs were younger, they were fed only a homemade raw diet. The benefits of this diet were evident in every aspect, from their shiny coats to their high energy to the very minimal stools they produced.

But once I got pregnant with my daughter, making raw was no longer an option. Now, with a growing kiddo, finding the time to do all the work required to make homemade raw has proved impossible. That’s why I was very excited to try these easier raw options from Vital Essentials.

I tried a variety of their products, including mini nibs, mini patties, and frozen patties.

The mini nibs are the perfect size for Papyrus, my seven-pound Chihuahua, and Ragz, my 30-pound Dalmatian mix. And I love that I can put these nibs into their treat balls without making a huge mess. They feature all the same great benefits of raw food but in a package that can be used exactly like kibble.

The freeze-dried patties require a little more prep and consideration, but I like how easy they are to store. I’ve also used them for feeding during travel since they are super lightweight and can be used in a variety of ways. Ragz and Papyrus happily ate them in rehydrated and dry form.

I am also a sucker for the frozen patties. These, of course, remind me the most of my raw diet days.

When thawed, they look like bricks of raw meat. No fruits, veggies, or unnecessary carbs anywhere in sight.

The only issue I had with the patties was thawing the right amount to get my dogs’ portions right without having too much leftover. This was mostly a challenge when transitioning them off their old food since I was only using about a quarter of the patty each meal at first. But once they were fully transitioned, one patty was about perfect to split between them at each meal.

In terms of which one my dogs prefer, it’s hard to say. They happily gobble up all the options without a second thought.

After just about two weeks of alternating between these diets, I have already noticed improvements in their stool consistency and digestion. I’m very hopeful that after a few more weeks of this high-quality, high-meat raw food, I’ll start to see more of the benefits I noticed back when I made my own raw.

Conclusion

If you want to take advantage of all the benefits a raw diet can offer your dog but don’t have the time or energy for homemade raw, I highly recommend Vital Essentials.

Not only does this company offer a long list of different types of raw, from freeze-dried to frozen, but each recipe is packed with quality whole prey ingredients. You won’t find any unnecessary carbs, fillers, or synthetic nutrients here. Instead, you’ll get over 98% muscle meat, organs, and ground bone—exactly what your carnivore canine needs.

And all this in a package that is easy to store and feed so you can do less while your pets get more.

The post Vital Essentials Dog Food Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

As a former groomer, I can attest to how much work it is to bathe a dog. And that’s when you have all the right equipment. When all you have is a shower and some doggy shampoo—that’s one chore few people look forward to!

If you’re after an easier way to bathe your dog without having to swap out one of your showers for a doggy bath, Brondell has a solution for you. Their new Nebia Merced 5-Setting Handshower with HaloNetic Double Docking System knows a whole tubload of tricks. It saves water, retains pressure, and has a unique magnetic double dock system that turns it from a luxurious showerhead to a functional handheld with the flip of a wrist.

I had the chance to try this showerhead out on myself and my two dogs. I’ve found a lot to love about it from both perspectives, but I’ve also noted some areas for improvement. Keep reading to see my full Brondell Nebia Merced showerhead review and to find out if this is the right showerhead for you and your dirty pup.

About Brondell

Brondell is on a mission to create better home fixtures and appliances to help homeowners conserve resources while living cleaner and healthier lives. They specialize in shower fixtures, bidets, air purifiers, and water filtration systems—all with an emphasis on reducing water and energy use.

Where Are Brondell Products Manufactured?

Brondell is based out of San Francisco, California. Their manufacturing plant there makes many of the products they sell. It also services the products made in their South Korea facility. Some of Brondell’s bidet products are made in China.

Which Type of Pet Is the Brondel Nebia Merced Best For?

This elegant water-saving showerhead was made with people in mind, but it does double duty as a dog washer.

The long hose and multiple spray settings make this system a great option for washing dogs of all sizes and with all coat types. Any pet owner who struggles to get their dog to the groomer as often as needed (or who just wants to save on the expense) will appreciate what the Nebia Merced 5-Setting Handshower with HaloNetic Double Docking System has to offer.

Nebia Merced Handshower Overview

Here is an overview of Brondell’s newest showerhead, the Nebia Merced 5-Setting Handshower with HaloNetic Double Docking System. This multi-talented showerhead has plenty to dive into. Below, we’ll look at the installation requirements, its different functions and settings, the water-saving features, and the ordering options.

Installation

Brondell brags that this showerhead is super easy to install. I can attest that they aren’t kidding about that.

The dock screws onto all standard showerhead arm fixtures. The grooved mounting nut is easy to tighten with just your fingers. And the small, lightweight dock is easy to get in place before attaching the showerhead.

Once the dock is installed, you have the option of using the magnetic dock or the cradle dock to secure the showerhead. The former option sets the showerhead lower than the ladder, making it super simple to customize the setup to fit your needs.

We were able to install our Nebia Merced in about ten minutes, and most of that time was spent trying to get the old showerhead off.

Functions

What makes this Nebia Merced showerhead the best option for dog owners, is the magnetic docking system.

To switch from showerhead to handheld, all you have to do is gently pull the showerhead free of the magnetic hold. Unlike most handhelds that have to snap into place, this one takes almost no work at all to pop off. And, equally as important, it takes less than a second to secure it back in place.

This means it’s extra easy to convert this showerhead to a handheld to wash your dog. As a bonus, the handheld features a pause button that allows you to turn the water flow down to a trickle when you don’t need it on. This means less getting up and down to turn the water on and off as you soap and rinse your pup.

Settings

The showerhead itself has four different flow settings:

The large control tab and smooth-operating faceplate make it easy to switch between settings as often as you need.

Water Saving Features

The Nebia Merced 5-Setting Handshower uses 40% less water than the average showerhead. But at the same time, it puts out up to 75% more pressure than the average EPA WaterSense-certified showerhead. That means you get the best of both worlds: sustainability and an enjoyable, effective shower.

This 1.5-gallon-per-minute showerhead will help save you money whether you’re washing your dog or yourself. Not only does it use fewer gallons of water but it also saves on energy by lowering your hot water consumption.

Ordering Options

The Nebia Merced series showerheads are available in four finish colors:

While the hose is made of finished stainless steel, the showerhead and dock are made of plastic. The hose is 60 inches long and the showerhead face is 5.3 inches wide.

The total cost for this product varies based on which finish option you choose. The chrome color is the cheapest, the black and nickel options are slightly more, and the gold option is about twice as much as the others.

Pros & Cons

Key Features

Easy Magnetic Dock

The magnetic docking system on the Nebia Merced makes it easier than ever to transition from showerhead to handheld and back again. The head snaps right into place against the magnetic nook and takes only a little pressure to remove. This makes it super easy to use the handheld feature during dog baths where you’ll likely find yourself docking and undocking the showerhead multiple times.

Pause Button for Extra Water Savings

Brondell showerheads already offer quite a bit in terms of water savings. With this handheld, you get even more thanks to the built-in pause button.

When using the handheld for washing your dog (or yourself), you can easily stop the water flow by pressing this button. This means you don’t have to turn the water off at the handle just because it’s time to suds up. This is an especially great feature on showers that need to be dialed to the right temperature every time the water is turned off and on.

Long Hose

When it comes to bathing your dog, a handheld is only as effective as it is long. What I mean by this, of course, is that the hose needs to be long enough to reach not just the top of your dog, but to wash their belly as well.

With a five-foot-long hose, the Nebia Merced handheld has plenty of length to reach the ground in most shower setups. Thanks to this, I was able to easily wash my Chihuahua despite his short stature.

Is the Nebia Merced Handheld Showerhead a Good Value?

Handheld showerheads come in a wide range of prices. You can find just as many options in the $40 range as you can in the $120 range. This option from Brondell sits comfortably in the middle (with the expectation of the gold finish option).

The fact that these are made predominantly of plastic might explain why they’re a little more affordable than options with similar water-saving features and multiple settings and functions. Considering this, I’d say it’s a pretty good value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the two docking options?

The holder for this showerhead features two docking options. The dock at the end has a magnet that connects to the magnet on the back of the showerhead. In the center of the holder, there is a more traditional cut-out dock that the base of the showerhead slides into.

Does the shower arm come with this set?

No, this set does not include the shower arm. Your Brondell Nebia Merced will install directly onto your existing arm. With this in mind, you’ll want to choose the color that best matches the shower arm you already have.

Does this showerhead come with a warranty?

Brondell offers a one-year limited warranty on most of their showerheads, including this one.

Our Experience With Brondell Nebia Merced Handheld Showerhead

I have been wanting to update my standard showerhead with a handheld ever since we first moved into our new house. Why? Because I have two dogs who prefer to bathe indoors.

In the summer, I will occasionally give my Dalmatian mix, Ragz, a bath outside. But even on the hottest of days, my Chihuahua, Papyrus, insists on warm water for all grooming activities.

When I heard Brondell was coming out with a new handheld with a ton of extra features that could be helpful during doggy baths, I jumped at the opportunity to get one.

I was familiar with Brondell’s products and love how they’re so focused on sustainability while also having the elegant look of premiere showerheads.

All that excitement might be why I was a little let down with my first impression of the Nebia Merced 5-Setting Handshower with HaloNetic Double Docking System. Not only did they not have the color I wanted (dark bronze), but the showerhead was plastic, not metal like many of their models.

But much of my disappointment was eased with how simple it was to install this showerhead. Typically, I am the plumber of the family, but this showerhead was so easy to install, that my husband did it while I was busy thumbing through my unboxing pictures.

All it took was a little plumbers tape and hand tightening the nut onto the existing shower arm and this thing was ready to go.

In terms of a showerhead for my use, I am mostly satisfied with this model. The water savings it offers is awesome and I like the different settings. My only real complaint is that none of the spray settings have as wide a spray as the stationary showerhead we pulled out.

But the pressure is just as good on two of the Brondell settings. I don’t use the softer settings but my daughter does when she uses our shower and they are useful when washing the dogs.

While I would have preferred a wider spray on the showerhead for my own use, I was definitely impressed with how well it worked for doggy baths.

The hose is long enough to reach from the high mount on the wall down to the ground—a necessary feature when you have a very short dog. Having the different settings helped since my dogs have different coats and different pressure tolerances. And I loved being able to turn the water on and off without having to get up and mess with the water control.

I also really appreciate how easy it is to dock and undock the showerhead from the holder. I have had more than one handheld hit me in the head after I failed to completely secure it in the holder. With the magnet dock, this one is just as easy to pull off as it is to secure.

Overall, I am pretty happy with the purchase. I love how much it has saved us on our water bills just as much as I love how easy it has made it to wash our dogs, even during the winter!

Conclusion

If you’ve been in the market for a handheld showerhead that’s just as useful for you as it is for your dogs, I recommend checking out Brondell’s Nebia Merced 5-Setting Handshower with HaloNetic Double Docking System.

This new shower system has a long hose, multiple spray settings, a pause button, and an easy magnetic dock to help make bathing your dog inside easier and more convenient than ever. And for the humans, it has plenty to offer as well, not least of which is its water-saving qualities paired with an impressive pressure output.

The post Brondell Nebia Merced Handheld Showerhead Review 2024: Our Expert’s Opinion by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

There’s one thing just about every senior dog in the world suffers from and that’s joint pain and inflammation. Once your dog reaches this stage, it can be very difficult to reverse or stop joint damage. But there is still hope thanks to the many doggy joint supplements out there.

One of the most unique of these options comes to us from PetLab Co. Their Mobility Pro Oil contains a novel mixture of powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidants in a form that is much more easily absorbed and used by the body. This different approach to joint health has benefits for both young dogs and those already suffering from stiffness and mobility issues.

As an owner of two senior dogs, I was very excited to test this novel oil out. I have added it to my fifteen-year-old Chihuahua’s breakfast every day for the past month and have seen some interesting results. Find out how this oil has helped my old doggy and see my full PetLab Co. Mobility Pro Oil review, below.

About PetLab Co.

I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing a couple of products from PetLab Co. in the past, including their dental powder. One thing I love about this company is how they infuse science with holistic pet care to provide highly effective and unique pet supplements for dental, gut, and immune health.

Who Makes PetLab Co. Products and Where Are They Produced?

PetLab Co. was born after founder, Chris Masanto, had to make the difficult decision to put his seventeen-year-old dog to sleep. From that heartbreak, Chris vowed to find a way to create more effective supplements to target common dog ailments that lead to damage as dogs age.

He teamed up with his friend and fellow pet lover, Damian Grabarczyk, to launch PetLab Co. Today, the company makes dozens of supplements for dogs in their USA facility. The ingredients that go into their supplements are locally and globally sourced and all follow strict purity standards.

Which Pets Are PetLab Co. Products Best Suited For?

PetLab Co. has a long line of different products meant to target many common doggy issues, including:

That is to say that any dog suffering from a common canine ailment is likely to benefit from at least one of PetLab Co.’s products.

Most of these products are made for dogs 12 weeks and older and provide benefits for those young and old.

Mobility Pro Oil Overview

Here is an overview of one of PetLab Co.’s most unique joint health supplements, Mobility Oil Pro. Below, we’ll look at the ingredients in this novel oil, how to administer it, what results you can expect, and the different ordering options.

Ingredients

Each bottle of Mobility Oil Pro contains one active ingredient: CurCos-Zn.

Now if you don’t recognize this ingredient, you’re not alone. The benefits of this compound have only recently reached the world of pet health. Even in the human supplement world, this unique ingredient isn’t as popular as it should be.

So what is CurCos-Zn? It’s a metallic complex of curcuminoids and zinc.

Curcuminoids are polyphenol compounds extracted from turmeric. Alone, these powerful antioxidants have a very low absorption rate in the gut. But when mixed with zinc to create a liquid complex, they are very well absorbed and used by the body.

In terms of inactive ingredients, each bottle contains fish oil, medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, and sunflower oil. While these oils are considered “inactive” additions, fish oil and MCT oil are both hailed for their ability to support joint health and decrease inflammation all on their own.

How to Administer

PetLab Co. makes using this joint supplement incredibly easy.

No matter your dog’s size, age, or needs, you simply give them two dropperfuls daily. The easiest way to administer it is to put the oil directly on their food at mealtime. You can also squeeze it straight into their mouth.

Two dropperfuls is equal to 5 ml.

I added this oil to my Chihuahua’s bowl each morning. It was a fair amount of oil given his size, but he tolerated it well. For sensitive dogs, I would suggest starting with a lower dose and slowly working up to prevent runny stool.

What to Expect

For a long time, researchers have been aware of the health-supporting benefits of turmeric and its main compound, curcumin. Lab studies have shown curcuminoids have a powerful antioxidant effect on the body and are especially effective for reducing inflammation. But repeating these results in clinical trials proved difficult because curcuminoids are not absorbed easily into the bloodstream.

That’s when researchers started testing the effects of zinc-curcumin complex. This mixture proved to be much more readily absorbable. It has also been found to have positive effects on many issues that plague the body, including inflammation, arthritis, pain, cancer, and more(1).

The dozens of user reviews for Mobility Pro Oil would indicate that CurCos-Zn has the same kind of powerful effects on dogs. In particular, it seems to help relieve stiffness and pain while increasing mobility in older dogs.

For young dogs without joint issues, this antioxidant blend can help prevent damage to avoid joint problems in the future.

Ordering Options

Each bottle of Mobility Pro Oil contains 5 ounces of oil (about one month’s supply).

There are no other size options, but you can opt to buy the bottles in packs of two or three. Ordering more bottles at once will save you money, up to 20%.

You can also save money by choosing to subscribe. If you opt for this option, you’ll receive an additional 20% off your order and get a new supply delivered to your door each month.

Pros & Cons

Key Features

Multiple Inflammation-Fighting Ingredients

The curcumin and zinc mixture may be the star of this show, but even the inactive ingredients do their part to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.

Curcuminoids have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve arthritis symptoms(2). Fish oil has long been used to support joint health and has the proven ability to repair joint damage and lubricate joints(3). And MCT oil has many antioxidant properties and has been shown to help increase weight loss to avoid joint pain associated with obesity(4).

Easy to Dose

PetLab Co. takes the thinking out of dosing this product because every dog gets the same amount. This means that no matter how many dogs you have, you only have to remember one number: two.

Each dog, regardless of age or size, gets two droppersful per day. You can easily administer it by adding it to your dog’s meals. Most pups love the taste of MCT oil and will happily gobble this supplement up.

Great Addition to Joint Health Regimens

The powerful antioxidants in Mobility Pro Oil are the perfect complement to the joint support provided by glucosamine and chondroitin. This oil helps reduce inflammation in joints which can hasten the joint rebuilding process that these more common supplements initiate.

PetLabCo offers a joint bundle option that includes the Mobility Pro Oil and their popular Joint Care Chews with glucosamine and chondroitin.

Is Mobility Pro Oil a Good Value?

It’s difficult to compare this product to others in the pet supplement world because the ingredients are so novel. However, if you compare it to more common joint oil supplements like fish oil and liquid glucosamine, you’ll find that the price sits comfortably within that of the competition.

One bottle of Mobility Pro Oil without any discounts costs about $27 for a 30-day supply. This is just slightly more than what you’ll pay for a 30-day supply of quality fish oil for a medium-sized dog. Liquid glucosamine tends to be around $30 for a 30-day supply, depending on the quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can puppies have Mobility Pro Oil?

This supplement is safe for puppies over 12 weeks of age.

Should I use this oil with other joint supplements?

Yes, for best results, PetLab Co. recommends you use this oil along with their joint chews or another quality glucosamine supplement. The ingredients in both supplements complement each other and will have a greater effect if used in conjunction.

Our Experience With Mobility Pro Oil

My fifteen-year-old Chihuahua, Papyrus, has had luxating patellas his entire life. This little hitch in his step never really bothered him until he got older. Now, though, the effects of those bad knees cause him a lot of pain in his legs, hips, and lower back.

I have been giving him a glucosamine supplement and CBD to control the pain. Both have worked well, but the damage has progressed now to the point that he needs pain meds every day to feel comfortable.

I hoped that PetLab Co.’s joint products might add some additional relief.

I purchased the joint bundle option that included the oil along with their Joint Care Chews. I intended to replace Papyrus’ current glucosamine supplement with the chews. Unfortunately, he did not like the taste of these and refused to eat them.

This isn’t entirely unusual for him. I have been through many glucosamine chews that he won’t eat. Luckily, my other dog happily ate the chews so they didn’t go to waste.

I returned Papyrus to his old glucosamine supplement and began adding the oil to his breakfast every day. Luckily, he had no problem at all eating the oil and would likely eat it straight out of the dropper if he could.

I did introduce the oil slowly with him since he sometimes gets runny stools from too much oil. I increased the dose from about half a dropperful to the full two droppers over the course of about five days. He had no issues with the transition and has not had runny stools since starting the supplement.

It took about two weeks to notice any effects, but slowly, he started to get less stiff and move more freely on our daily walks.

After about three weeks of continual improvement, I began lowering his pain medication dose. Now, after four weeks on this oil, I’ve been able to cut his pain meds in half without losing mobility or increasing his discomfort.

This is a big accomplishment and makes me very excited to see how he continues to improve after another month on Mobility Pro Oil.

Conclusion

For all dogs lucky enough to live to old age, sore joints will inevitably become a problem. Luckily, PetLab Co.’s Mobility Pro Oil offers a solution.

This novel blend of curcumin, zinc, and joint-supporting fats helps reduce inflammation and pain for improved mobility. It’s highly effective when used along with a quality glucosamine supplement and is great for old dogs with joint issues and for young dogs to prevent future damage.

Mobility Pro Oil helped my senior Chihuahua with his knee pain and allowed us to reduce his pain meds by half after just one month. This supplement is super easy to administer and, in my opinion, very much worth adding to your dog’s joint supplement regimen.

See Also:

• Cymbiotika Dog Supplements Review
• Zumalka Piptopet Supplement Review

The post PetLab Co. Mobility Pro Oil Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

It used to be that if you wanted to feed your dog fresh, real food, you had to put the work in. You had to get the ingredients and prepare and mix them yourself. I know because I did it for years when my dogs were young.

Today, it’s much easier to feed your dog real food thanks to all the subscription fresh dog food companies out there. One of the most well-known of these is Nom Nom.

Since the beginning of the doggy fresh food revolution, Nom Nom has been delivering real food made with real meat and healthy veggies and grains. They make it easier than ever to feed a quality diet by customizing the proportions based on your dog’s needs and delivering them straight to your door each month.

But does Nom Nom really live up to the hype?

I’ve tried this popular company’s sampler pack in the past and have now had the opportunity to test out their subscription service.

My dogs still love this food and I love how easy the subscription makes it to feed them fresh, healthy meals every day. Keep reading to find out what else I like about Nom Nom and where they come up a little short in my full Nom Nom subscription review.

At a Glance: The Most Popular Recipes

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Beef Mash	Made with ground beef 35% protein Veggies and eggs	CHECK PRICE
		Turkey Fare	Made with ground turkey 36% protein Brown rice, eggs, and fresh spinach	CHECK PRICE
		Pork Potluck	Made with ground pork 28% protein Green beans, kale, and mushrooms	CHECK PRICE
		Chicken Cuisine	Made with fresh chicken 37% protein Sweet potatoes, squash, and spinach	CHECK PRICE

About Nom Nom

Nom Nom was one of the first fresh dog food delivery services to hit the scene. They offer meat-first recipes prepared in small batches and delivered to your doorstep.

One unique feature of this dog food subscription service is that they proportion their meals based on your dog’s age, activity levels, and weight. This makes it easier than ever to give your dog exactly what they need to thrive.

Who Makes Nom Nom and Where is it Produced?

Nom Nom got their start in 2015 in San Francisco, California. As the company grew, they added new kitchens, including their new headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 2022, the company was purchased by Mars. This giant corporation also owns Royal Canin and some other kibble and canned pet food companies. However, Nom Nom still operates autonomously and doesn’t seem to have changed much since the sale.

Which Types of Dogs is Nom Nom Best Suited For?

Nom Nom’s recipes are formulated for all life stages, which means they’re appropriate for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. Because the meals are proportioned based on each dog’s activity level and age, you can feel confident that your pet will get the right amount of calories to power their growth and maintain a healthy weight.

Each recipe contains one meat source and only a few unique grains and veggies, which makes it easy to avoid allergens.

All this is to say that Nom Nom is a great choice for almost all dogs, no matter their age, health needs, or sensitivities.

Key Features

Many key features of Nom Nom set them apart from other pet food subscription services. Here, we’ll take a look at a few of them, including their recipes, subscription options, and pricing.

Variety

When you set up your subscription service you can choose to include all of these recipes, only one or two of them, or to rotate between them each delivery.

This feature makes it very easy to keep things fresh and interesting for your pet.

While the four recipes don’t provide a huge amount of variety, each of these recipes features different main ingredients. This makes it super easy to avoid ingredients that your dog is sensitive or allergic to. It also means the taste and nutritional profile of each recipe is very different.

Meat-First Recipes

Each recipe contains a fresh meat ingredient as the first listed ingredient. For example, the Beef Mash recipe contains ground beef as the first ingredient. Having meat listed first is important because it means meat makes up a substantial portion of the food.

While dogs are capable of digesting non-meat ingredients better than their wild ancestors, they still need to get the vast majority of their nutrition from meat to maintain overall health.

Nom Nom accomplishes this by packing each recipe with plenty of fresh meat cuts. Visually, you can tell that about half of what’s in your dog’s bowl is meat. Compared to commercial kibble, which usually contains less than 25% meat, this is a pretty good ratio.

Minimal Added Ingredients

In addition to meat, each recipe also contains a handful of vegetables, a starch, and added vitamins and minerals.

Nom Nom uses a list of nutritionally dense veggies, including squash, carrots, spinach, and mushrooms. These lightly steamed vegetables add necessary nutrients and fiber to the meals.

Each recipe also contains a starch. Potatoes are used in two recipes while sweet potatoes and rice are each used in one.

These starches do add some nutritional value to the recipes but are mainly used to bulk up the food and add calories.

The synthetic vitamins and minerals added to each recipe are there to ensure your dog gets everything they need at each meal. I would rather see these nutrients added in the form of whole-prey meat ingredients (meat, organs, and ground bone), but it is not at all uncommon for commercial foods to rely on synthetic nutrients to supply what cooked muscle meat can’t.

Subscription Options

If you’re curious about Nom Nom, you can always try them out by ordering a sample box with all their recipes. But if you’re looking for a long-term solution for a better doggy diet, their subscription service is the way to go.

To get started with this, you need to fill out a brief questionnaire on their website. They’ll ask you about your dog, including their weight, breed, activity level, age, and diet restrictions. From here, they’ll customize your first box.

Depending on your preferences and your dog’s needs, this box will include one to four different recipes, with each package proportioned to fit your dog’s needs.

Your box will arrive on your doorstep with insulating packaging and dry ice to keep the meals frozen. Once you unpack the box, put the meals in the freezer. You can thaw them as needed in the fridge overnight.

Nom Nom makes it easy to change your meal preferences whenever you need to. Simply log on to your dashboard. From here you can also skip shipments, add supplements, or cancel your subscription.

Pricing

How much Nom Nom will cost you depends on many factors.

For starters, each recipe costs a different amount. Chicken Cuisine is the least expensive while Beef Mash is the most expensive.

The more your dog eats at each meal, the more you’ll pay per subscription box. If you choose add-on supplements, this will also increase your overall subscription price.

For my 30-pound, senior Dalmatian mix, I pay about $50 a week to get all four recipes. For my 7-pound, senior chihuahua, it is about an additional $18.

If feeding just Nom Nom is too pricey for your budget, you can always use this fresh food to supplement your dog’s current diet. This option is easy to set up through your Nom Nom dashboard.

Reviews of the Nom Nom Recipes We Tried

1. Beef Mash

The beef recipe has a balanced amount of fat and protein, making it a great maintenance option for adult and senior dogs. It is packed with nutritious ingredients, including beef and eggs, potatoes, carrots, and peas.

The addition of fish oil in this recipe adds plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are important for brain development and can help your dog age more gracefully. Combined with the natural flavors from beef, this recipe is also a great option for picky eaters who need to be enticed.

This recipe is free from chicken protein, which is one of the most common dog food allergens. For many sensitive pups, Beef Mash is a good alternative option.

Like all of Nom Nom’s recipes, this one was created with the help of a board-certified veterinarian. With all the fresh ingredients you can see and the added nutrient blend, you can feel confident this fresh food is providing your furry friend with everything they need to thrive.

2. Turkey Fare

Turkey is a less common dog food ingredient, but one that offers a lot of health benefits. It is very high in protein but also lean, which gives this recipe a lower fat content than the other options. This makes Turkey Fare a very good choice for senior and less active dogs.

All that protein helps support normal muscle function while helping your pet stay lean and happy.

Like the beef recipe, this one also contains fish oil for a boost of healthy fats. The nutrient profile is rounded out with healthy eggs, carrots, and spinach. On the downside, rice is listed as the second ingredient and very clearly makes up a large percentage of the recipe.

Another downside of this option is that it contains beef fat. This is, of course, only a problem if your dog is allergic to beef. If not, this recipe is a good option and a favorite in my household.

3. Pork Potluck

I’m a big fan of Pork Potluck because it comes with a host of ingredients you don’t always see in dog food.

To start, it contains pork as the main protein. This meat is not widely used in dog food, which means very few dogs have allergies or sensitivities to it. Pork is also high in fat, which is great for active and growing dogs.

This recipe also contains a ton of less-popular veggies, too, including squash and mushrooms. Unique vegetables mean unique nutrients that your dog may not be otherwise getting in their diet.

In addition to these more fibrous veggies, Pork Potluck contains potatoes, which bring more starch to the table than is strictly necessary. But I have found that potatoes seem to add to the palatability and tasty texture, which my dogs seem to love.

4. Chicken Cuisine

If you’re searching for a meat-rich option to feed your pup, Chicken Cuisine is a great choice.

This recipe contains a ton of chicken—so much you can see the difference in your dog’s bowl. This extra meat is reflected in the nutritional value. This recipe contains more protein and fat than any of the other options.

Dogs need lots of protein and fat to maintain their energy. This is especially true of active adult dogs and growing puppies.

This recipe also has some unique vegetables, including sweet potatoes, squash, and spinach. These nutrient-dense options bring less starch and more vitamins and minerals than others Nom Nom uses.

On the downside, chicken is a common allergen in dogs, so this recipe may not be right for everyone. On the plus side, this is Nom Nom’s cheapest recipe option.

Our Experience With Nom Nom

I had the opportunity to test out Nom Nom earlier this year when I reviewed their sampler pack.

Both of my dogs were very clearly taken with this fresh food. I could tell because they licked their bowls forever after the food was all gone and then stood there staring at me for more. This happened each time I fed them.

When I switched them back to their regular kibble after the sampler box ran out, they were none too pleased. And that’s why I decided it might be worth trying the full subscription option out.

My 13-year-old Dalmatian mix, Ragz, and my 15-year-old Chihuahua, Papyrus, were both thrilled to see fresh food back in their bowls.

Neither of my dogs has food allergies or sensitivities so I opted to get all four recipes in my subscription box. I love the idea of variety in dog food. Not only does it keep things fresh for your pup, but it naturally brings a wider variety of nutrients, including enzymes and antioxidants, to the table.

The prepackaged portions that come in the subscription box are great. They completely take the guesswork out of feeding.

Each of my packages contains enough food for a full day. This means all I have to do is open the package and squeeze half of the pack into their bowls at each meal.

My only complaint is that these packages aren’t exactly the most user-friendly. The top doesn’t peel back the way it is supposed to (the tab almost always breaks off). This means I have to cut the package open and squeeze it like a tube of toothpaste, which inevitably leaves some food behind.

But beyond this minor complaint, I have been really happy with my Nom Nom subscription.

My dogs absolutely love the food and being able to rotate the recipes keeps them extra interested. I also love how easy it is to make changes to my orders through the website. But mostly I just love how easy Nom Nom makes it to feed fresh food that is better for my dogs than kibble.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to step up your dog’s diet game, why not make it easy on yourself by opting for a fresh dog food subscription that really delivers?

Nom Nom has made it so easy for me to feed my two senior dogs fresh, high-protein diets. They absolutely love all the recipes and I love that they’re getting real food that’s better for them. I’m also a big fan of how easy Nom Nom makes it to get started with their subscription meal delivery service and to make changes when needed.

If you’ve been considering a dog food subscription, I highly recommend giving Nom Nom a try.

The post Nom Nom Dog Food Subscription Review 2024: Our Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Finding a way to entertain an active dog that doesn’t involve treats or hours of your time can be difficult. Luckily, with their new Crinkit toys, RuffDawg may have just found a brilliant solution.

Famous for their indestructible toy options, these products from RuffDawg are a little different. They don’t quite stand up to the jaws of the heaviest chewers, but they do provide hours of entertainment to keep your active pup distracted.

Crinkits are unique rubber toys made to hold empty plastic water bottles. They allow dogs the fun of chewing and crunching plastic bottles while protecting their gums and teeth.

My dogs are too small and too old to appreciate the genius behind Crinkits. But luckily, I was able to test them out on my parents’ behemoth Labradors while pet-sitting recently. Bo and Burley, two eighty-pound mega-beasts, were more than happy to put these unique chew toys to the test.

Keep reading to find out how much they liked them (spoiler: a lot!), how well the toys stood up to their jaws, and to see my full RuffDawg Crinkit review.

At a Glance: What We Reviewed

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Our Favorite		Crinkit	5.5” long For small to medium dogs Fits stubby water bottles	CHECK PRICE
		Crinkit XL	9.5” long For large dogs Fits standard water bottles	CHECK PRICE

About RuffDawg

Of all the pet companies I’ve reviewed, RuffDawg may have one of the most original origin stories. The company is a division of Jefferson Rubber Works, a family-owned business that’s been making rubber products since 1975.

In 1999, when sales for one of their flat rubber gaskets slowed, they had an innovative idea. They sent the rubber frisbee-like product home with all their factory owners who had dogs. When the workers reported their dogs loved the product, RuffDawg was officially born.

Where Are RuffDawg Products Produced?

RuffDawg is still owned and operated by Jefferson Rubber Works. All of their toys are made in-house at their Worcester, Massachusetts rubber factory.

The rubber used for the toys is BPA and phthalate-free. It’s also FDA compliant and recyclable.

Which Types of Pets Are RuffDawg Toys Best Suited For?

RuffDawg specializes in making highly durable toys for large dogs and veracious chewers. They have a line of products that all come with a lifetime warranty. These are made to be so durable that not even the strongest chewers can destroy them.

Other products from RuffDawg, including their Crinkits, are not guaranteed for life and are meant for less destructive chewers.

Whether your dog has a long history of destroying every toy you buy or just really loves the texture of rubber toys, you’ll be able to find something for them at RuffDawg.

Key Features

Crinkits are a fun and highly interactive toy for low to moderate chewers. Here is a breakdown of the product’s key features.

Material

Like other RuffDawg products, Crinkits are made of durable rubber. This rubber is safe for dogs to chew and provides a much better play option than hard plastic, which can damage teeth.

Where most RuffDawg toys are thick and therefore difficult to penetrate even with sharp canines, Crinkits are fairly thin and flexible. They still have that high-quality rubber feel that will keep mild to moderate chewers from destroying them, but they don’t stand up to hard-core chewers.

Uses

Crinkits have multiple uses, which makes them a highly versatile toy to keep your pup entertained.

With a crinkly, crunchy water bottle inside, this toy provides hours of self-driven entertainment. Dogs can chew on the rubber without damaging their teeth while still enjoying the pleasing sensation of crunching a plastic bottle. Once the bottle is crushed flat, simply replace it with a new one for lasting fun.

The Crinkit also has the perfect shape to be used as a retrieving toy. And because it floats, it can be used to tire out your retriever on land or at the lake.

Sizes

Crinkit comes in two sizes, original and extra-large.

The original size is 5.5 inches long. It fits the stubby water bottles that you can buy at the store for kids’ lunches and those often given away at outdoor events.

This Crinkit size is marketed for small and medium dogs. However, it’s just as large around as the extra-large size, making it suitable only for small dogs that still have a big mouth, such as Corgis and Scotties.

The extra-large Crinkit is 9.5 inches long. It fits standard-sized water bottles.

This size is just as wide as the smaller size, but the extra length gives it more weight. It’s a good option for medium, large, and extra-large dogs.

Both the original and extra-large Crinkits come preloaded with a water bottle so your dog can start having a blast as soon as the package arrives.

Colors

The bright coloration makes them easy to see when you’re playing fetch in the yard or at the lake. And, let’s be honest, it just makes them that much more fun!

Reviews of the RuffDawg Crinkits We Received

1. Crinkit

This smaller-sized Crinkit is lighter than the extra-large option so smaller dogs can more easily pack it around. It comes in four bright neon colors and provides hours of entertainment for small dogs with big mouths and for medium-sized dogs.

The rubber on this size is just as thick as the larger option. It’s durable enough for mild to medium chewers, but cannot withstand heavy chewers.

Each new Crinkit comes preloaded with a water bottle. Once the bottle is smashed and no longer “crinkly,” it can be replaced with a new one. Simply pull the old water bottle out through the end with the criss-cross opening, and then slide a new empty water bottle inside.

One downside of this size is that it only fits short water bottles. If you don’t typically purchase this kind of bottle, they can be harder to find.

I recommend supervising your pet while they play with this toy as the water bottle will slip out the end once it’s flat enough.

2. Crinkit Extra Large

The extra-large Crinkits are just as wide as the smaller size, but four inches longer. They are big enough to hold a standard water bottle.

These are a little heavier, so are best suited for medium and large dogs. They are made of the same material as the smaller ones, so again, are not well-suited for heavy chewers.

The extra-large Crinkits come in four bright neon colors and are pre-loaded with an empty water bottle. As with the smaller size, the water bottle will fall out the bottom once it has been sufficiently flatted, so I recommend watching your dog while they play with this toy.

These large Crinkits make very good water toys. They float well and are easy to see. The Labs in my family love playing fetch with them when we go to the large pond by our land.

Our Experience With RuffDawg Crinkits

I don’t often get to test out dog toys since both my pups are seniors and not overly playful these days. But when my parents asked me to watch their two massive, teenage Labs, Bo and Burley, while they went on vacation for two weeks, I knew I’d need some new toys to keep them entertained.

I’m happy to report that the Crinkits I got from RuffDawg did not disappoint.

I tried both the extra-large and standard-sized Crinkits on Bo and Burley. They seemed to love both equally. And, since both sizes have a wide circumference, both were a safe fit.

From the moment I handed the Crinkits out, it was chaos—deafening chaos! Bo and Burley just could not stop crunching and crinkling those bottles.

Bo, who prides himself on fitting as many toys as possible in his mouth at all times, was determined to get his jaws around two Crinkits at once. He did eventually get one large one and the end of a small one is his mouth.

While Bo was occupied with this, Burley did what he does best: chew. He managed to rip the end off one of the Crinkits and get the bottle out within about 15 minutes.

I’d assumed this would happen given that these dogs are master chewers and because these rubber toys aren’t overly thick, especially at the ends.

Meanwhile, Bo had managed to flatten one of the smaller bottles and get it out of the rubber shell.

After that, it was supervised play only. Once they stopped crunching and started chewing, the toys went back to the closet.

In hindsight, these two mega beasts probably would have been better off with one of RuffDawg’s “guaranteed for life” toys. Still, I can’t deny how much fun they’ve had playing with their Crinkits. Despite not being the most durable things in the world, they have provided hours of entertainment.

Conclusion

If you have an active dog who loves chewing on water bottles, you have to try the Crinkit toy from RuffDawg. This genius rubber shell gives pups all the pleasure of chewing on plastic bottles but keeps their teeth and gums safe.

While this toy is not as durable as many of RuffDawg’s offerings, it is a great option for mild to moderate chewers. Not only does it provide plenty of entertainment for doggy-only playtime, but it can also be used as a retrieval toy on land and in the water for hours of fun.

• See also: Earth Rated Fetch Toy Review: An Expert’s Breakdown

The post RuffDawg Crinkit Dog Toy Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Who doesn’t have a favorite picture of their dog on their phone? Or, more likely, a couple of hundred favorite pictures.

If you’ve dreamed of turning one of your favorite pics into a portrait you can hang in your home, I say, don’t stop at just getting the photo blown up. Why not truly make it into a work of art by having the photo turned into a handcrafted painting?

This is exactly the service that PortraitFlip provides.

They take photos of pets (as well as humans) and use them to make real hand-painted portraits. You can choose from a variety of mediums and even ask for customization to change the background or remove things from the picture.

I had a PortraitFlip painting done of my kitten a few months ago and I could not have been happier with the results. Recently, I decided to test the consistency of this offering by getting a new painting done of my senior Chihuahua, Papyrus.

Keep reading to find out how this painting turned out and to see my full PortraitFlip review.

What Is PortraitFlip?

PortraitFlip has been in operation since 2018. When they first started, they employed just a handful of artists who worked diligently to turn photo memories into brilliant pieces of art.

Today, the company employs over 250 artists from across the globe. Each is skilled in a specific medium, from oil painting to watercolor.

While the company has grown, its commitment to 100% hand-crafted portraits has also not been compromised. You won’t find any digital retouching or filter work here. These are real paintings made by real people.

Where Are PortraitFlip Paintings Produced?

PortaitFlip employs artists from around the world. Most live in the US, Canada, India, China, and Indonesia. These artists receive your photo digitally and then create a handpainted work of art based on it.

Once the piece is finished and approved, it’s shipped directly to you.

What Products PortraitFlip Offer?

The company offers a long list of different products, all centered around turning your photos into real works of art.

You can choose from seven different mediums and nine print sizes. You also have the option of having the photo painted as it is, or doing a compilation portrait which can include up to 15 different people or pets from various photos.

In addition to their typical portrait offerings, they also offer reproduction paintings of classic art, stylistic pet portraits, and memorial paintings.

What Kinds of Pets Do They Paint?

Most of the examples on the PortraitFlip website are of people, dogs, and cats. But I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t submit a photo of any type of pet, from horses to parrots.

Be it a dog, cat, horse, rabbit, cow, or parrot, all are welcome in PortraitFlip.

This service is a great option for just about any pet owner who loves their furry family member enough to immortalize them in art. It’s an especially great option for memorializing pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge.

Overview

Here is an overview of what you can expect when you use PortraitFlip to create a painting of your dog. We’ll go over the process for ordering, your portrait options, pricing, and expected processing times.

Ordering Process

To get started with PortraitFlip all you need to do is hop onto their website. Start by choosing their Pet Portrait option.

Next, you’ll choose your portrait medium. Here, your options are:

Once you’ve chosen which type of medium you want, you need to select the number of characters (pets or people) that will appear in your portrait.

After that, you’ll choose the size of the canvas or paper. Here, you have nine options:

The final step is to upload your photo and include any notes for the artist. For example, I asked my artist to remove the yellow toenail covers from Papyrus’ paws.

Once the order is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

Pricing

The cost of your portrait is determined by three factors: the medium you choose, the number of characters in the picture, and the size of the paper or canvas.

Each medium has a different minimum and maximum price. For instance, charcoal and pencil portraits have a minimum cost of $89. Watercolor and colored pencil products are slightly more expensive, while true paintings are the most expensive, with a minimum cost of $129.

If you were to choose one of the most costly medium, 10 characters, and the largest size, you could expect to pay about $914. For any other option, expect to pay something between this maximum and the given minimums above.

Expected Processing Times

Within a few days of submitting your order, you should receive an email containing a digital proof of your photo. This proof is cropped to your specified size and altered according to any notes you provided.

Once you approve the proof, the image will be sent to your artist to begin their work. The actual painting can take up to 15 days. After they’ve finished, you’ll receive an email with a proof of the completed product.

Any issues can be addressed if needed. Once approved, the completed portrait will be shipped to you. Shipping typically takes between five and eight days.

You do have an option to pay extra for expedited service. This drops the painting time down to 10 days and the shipping time down to four days.

My first portrait took 18 days from ordering to arrival on my doorstep despite being placed the week of Black Friday. This portrait took just 16 days to arrive.

In Summary

Key Features

Real Artwork

We’ve all seen advertisements from companies that turn photos into works of art. The vast majority of these use digital filters to create their final products. Not PortraitFlip.

With this company, you get truly hand-painted portraits. They smell like paint, they look like (and are) genuine pieces of art, and that authenticity makes all the difference.

So Many Options

Not only do you have options when it comes to how many photos to upload, which pets to include, and what size the portrait will be, but you also have seven choices when it comes to the medium used.

These choices make the final artwork that much more personal. Choose your medium based on your preferences, the aesthetic in your home, or, do like I did, and choose based on what will look best for the photo you picked.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

PortraitFlip goes out of its way to make sure you’re satisfied with your artwork. They send you a digital proof before they begin work and a second proof once it’s done. If you aren’t happy with something in the second proof, the artist will fix it for free.

If, for any reason, you still aren’t happy when you receive the painting, you can email the company for a full refund.

Is PortraitFlip a Good Value?

You may balk at PortraitFlip’s pricing at first. After all, many other companies offer photo-to-art products that aren’t nearly as expensive. But don’t forget, those companies don’t create real works of art from your photos, they simply run them through a digital filter and print them.

Considering that it generally costs upwards of a thousand dollars to commission a portrait painting—which is what you get from PortraitFlip—I’d say this product is an incredibly good value.

FAQ

Will my portrait come with a frame?

You have the option to add a frame to your painting once the photo proof has been approved. You can do this through your customer portal on the website.

Can I change the background of my portrait?

Yes! You can make a variety of customization requests, including changing the background. You can upload a second photo with your preferred background, choose from some preloaded options, or just explain to the artist what you would like.

Can I request a specific artist?

Unfortunately, no. However, all artists PortraitFlip partners with are experts in their specific medium, so the quality is high no matter who you get. As a two-time customer with different mediums each time, I can attest to the overall quality offered.

Our Experience With PortraitFlip

As I mentioned above, I have tried PortraitFlip before. I ordered an acrylic painting of my kitten, Makoa. I was still skeptical back then that I would get an actual hand-made painting. But the second it arrived I was proven wrong—and absolutely blown away by how much I loved the product.

So when I had the opportunity to get a second portrait done of my Chihuahua, Papyrus, I jumped at the opportunity.

Papyrus turns 15 today! While I hope he’ll be around for many years to come, it was important for me to immortalize him in art while he is still here with us.

I chose oil paint as my medium this time and submitted one of my favorite pictures of Papyrus standing in the garden. I took this picture for another product review and requested that the artist remove the yellow toenail grips from his feet.

I chose the 16” by 20” size, which my husband says is too big, but I love it!

As was the case with the last order, when this one arrived I was overjoyed. The details are so perfect and so clearly made by a real paintbrush.

I love that the background is a bit faded and abstract but still captures the colors and beauty of the garden. Those details make Papyrus pop off the canvas.

His nails, which I requested the photo edit for, look great. You’d never know the original photo looked any different. I love the details of his face and how realistic those puppy-dog eyes look.

If I have to come up with a negative, I’ll say the whisker spots look like they might have been added as an afterthought. But I don’t have any complaints about how this portrait turned out.

After the first order, I thought I just got lucky with the artist. But after this one, I feel confident that PortraitFlip is working with a deep well of awesome talent. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another and plan on getting my whole furry and feathery family done eventually.

Conclusion

Whether you have a dog so handsome he deserves to be made into a work of art or a former companion you want to remember forever, I can’t recommend PortraitFlip enough. Yes, this service is more expensive than the digitally filtered options out there, but it’s well worth it for a true piece of handcrafted art.

Not only do these paintings look better because they’re authentic, but they come with a range of choices in terms of medium and sizing so you get exactly what you want. Plus, they’re highly customizable allowing you to create the perfect portrait even if the reference photo is less than perfect.

The post PortraitFlip Pet Portrait Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

If you have a new puppy who spends the work day alone or if you live in an apartment where getting outside is tough, you probably know your way around doggy potty pads. You also probably know that this pet potty option creates quite a bit of waste, and we’re not just talking about what comes out of your pup!

A mission to reduce this puppy-pad waste is what drove the creation of DoggieLawn. This company has made it their business to find a greener way for your dog to do their business inside.

Their solution? Living grass and all-natural substrates that absorb urine and odors, and last longer so they create less waste.

I had a chance to try two DoggieLawn products on my fifteen-year-old Chihuahua, Papyrus. Both had some major benefits as well as a couple of drawbacks. Keep reading to see my full DoggieLawn product review and find out how the original DoggieLawn and Bark Potty worked for my dog.

At a Glance: What We Received

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Our Favorite		DoggieLawn	Lasts about 2 weeks Dogs instinctively want to use it Real, living grass that absorbs urine and odor	CHECK PRICE
		Bark Potty	Plastic-free Absorbs odor Lasts up to one month	CHECK PRICE

About DoggieLawn

DoggieLawn was started by Zack and Natalie, two pet parents who believed there had to be a better way to raise dogs in a highrise apartment. After years spent buying expensive pee pads just to toss them out after a single use, they came up with a unique new product that was easier for dogs to use and better for the environment.

Today, DoggieLawn offers a wide range of subscription pet potty products for dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and more.

Where Is DoggieLawn Produced?

Most of the grass used for DoggieLawn potties is grown hydroponically in California. For customers in Central and Eastern states buying extra-large potty grass, you can opt for locally grown sod to keep the cost down.

What Products Does DoggieLawn Offer?

DoggieLawn’s flagship product is their real, living lawn potty. This potty option comes with the standard plastic tray or you can opt for the disposable waterproof cardboard tray. Inside the tray is a piece of living grass that naturally absorbs urine and moisture so it can be used over and over.

In addition to this product, DoggieLawn also offers smaller-sized lawns for bunnies, guinea pigs, cats, and more. They have also recently introduced their Bark Potty, which is an all-natural potty solution made of wood bark.

Additionally, DoggieLawn sells pet cleaning sprays, grooming products, pet accessories, and toys.

Which Dogs is DoggieLawn Best Suited For?

This potty solution is perfect for any pet parent who uses potty pads or artificial turf potties for puppy training, accidents, or apartment living.

The DoggieLawn living lawn product can be used inside, on the patio, or in the yard.

It’s a great solution for puppies being potty trained, dogs that have trouble holding it, or older dogs prone to accidents. Because the company offers a subscription program, it is a very good choice for apartment dwellers who need an indoor potty solution for the life of their dog.

Key Features

DoggieLawn potty products contain a number of key features that make them different from traditional potty pad options, including their ease of use, natural odor control, reusability, environmental-friendliness, and subscription options.

Ease of Use

Dogs are naturally drawn to grass to eliminate. The spongy surface is the perfect place to pop a squat without getting splattered, plus it feels nice and natural on the paws.

DoggieLawn uses this fact to make training and utilizing their real-lawn products that much easier.

Adult dogs are often the hardest to indoor potty train, especially if they’re used to going outside. DoggieLawn bridges the gap by bringing the outdoors inside with real grass.

Both puppies and older dogs take to real lawn potties quickly. And, because their smell remains on the lawn, they establish a routine of using the potty faster than with other potty options.

Natural Odor Control

One of the best things about DoggieLawn products is that they naturally absorb and control odors.

Living grass uses nitrogen in urine to grow. When your dog pees on this product, the urine is quickly absorbed into the roots so no moisture or smell is left behind.

This is something artificial turf potties do not do.

Even DoggieLawn’s Bark Potty has natural odor-absorbing properties that allow it to be used over and over without any issues with excess smell.

Reusability

Because DoggieLawn naturally absorbs urine, it can be used repeatedly.

The real-grass style potties typically last around two weeks, depending on how often they’re used. The Bark Potty lasts up to a month before it needs to be replaced.

The reusability aspect of these products saves you time and money by reducing how often you need to buy and replace your potty pads.

Environmentally-Friendly

The reusability of these potties is just one thing that makes them so much better for the environment.

Unlike artificial turf and potty pads, these potties are made to reduce plastic use. The Bark Potty is plastic-free and made of natural products and fibers. The turf potties come with the option to forgo the plastic tray in favor of the cardboard tray.

The grass itself does have a carbon footprint, due to maintenance and transportation, but it uses fewer resources and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than manufacturing artificial turf.

Subscription Options

DoggieLawn products can be purchased on a one-time basis or added to a subscription.

The subscription option is very easy to use. All you have to do is select your product type, the size, and how often you want it delivered.

For the living grass products, you can choose a delivery schedule of every one, two, three, or four weeks. After you’ve subscribed, you can easily change the frequency to match your dog’s needs.

After your first order, which will include a plastic tray, you’ll receive only the rolled-up lawn piece for subsequent orders. Alternatively, you can opt for the disposable cardboard tray with your living grass or opt for the all-in-one Bark Potty product.

Reviews of the Products We Received

1. DoggieLawn

DoggieLawn’s best-selling product is their original DoggieLawn potty, which features a reusable tray and living lawn.

The lawn is hydroponically grown, which means you don’t have to deal with messy, heavy soil. Rather, the grass grows out of a lightweight network of roots and fiber. This substrate acts as the perfect sponge to absorb urine and remove odors.

Just like real lawn, solid waste needs to be removed manually, but the grass will take care of the urine.

Speaking of care, DoggieLawn grass is super easy to care for. You only need to water it if it gets very dry (typical only if your dog isn’t urinating on it frequently) and it can thrive in high to low light.

Depending on how often your dog uses the grass, it only needs to be replaced every one to four weeks. You’ll know it’s time for new grass when the old grass starts to smell or your dog starts urinating on the edges to get away from the saturated center.

The old lawn is easy to dispose of. Just put on the gloves that come with your next order, roll up the lawn, and put it in the trash. If you have a composter, you could even dispose of it that way.

The real grass option is low maintenance, easy for dogs to learn to use, and a great way to reduce waste compared to traditional pee pads.

The product comes in four sizes—standard, medium, large, and extra large—to fit your dog and accommodate multiple dogs.

Depending on how often you need to replace your grass, this product may or may not save you money over traditional indoor potty options. But it will definitely save you time and hassle since it doesn’t require frequent replacement, cleaning, or maintenance.

2. Bark Potty

The Bark Potty is a newer offering from DoggieLawn. This product is another natural dog waste solution that is better for the environment than traditional indoor potty options.

Instead of live grass, the Bark Potty is filled with natural wood bark and layers of other natural substrate. These substances work to absorb urine to lock in odors so the potty can be used over and over. In fact, this potty option lasts for a month before it needs to be changed.

The outer tray of the Bark Potty is made of cardboard lined with waterproofing. This makes it better for the environment than plastic tray options and fully disposable at the end of the month. The substrate is held in place by fine mesh and the tray includes a built-in poop bag dispenser.

Like the original DoggiePotty, this one can be used indoors or on the patio. Because it’s cardboard, it’s even more important you protect it from rain.

This option takes even less care and maintenance than the living lawn option. However, most dogs don’t take to it as easily and it only comes in two sizes instead of four.

On the plus side, with an average use life of a month, it’s typically a more cost-effective option than using disposable pee pads.

FAQ

What if my DoggieLawn dies?

If your DoggieLawn grass dies, don’t fret, your dog can still use it! But be aware that dead grass absorbs less urine and therefore is more likely to become smelly. Also, dead grass may be a sign that the lawn is oversaturated and needs to be replaced.

Do I need to water my DoggieLawn?

You typically will not need to water your grass. The grass gets its moisture from your dog peeing on it, and the thirstier it is, the better job it will do of absorbing urine and odor. That said, if your dog does not use it often, watering it when it starts to look wilted will help it stay greener longer.

Can I cancel my DoggieLawn subscription at any time?

Yes, you can cancel or make changes to shipment preferences at any time. As long as you cancel before your subscription processing date you will not be charged for your next order.

Our Experience With DoggieLawn

I was interested in trying DoggieLawn as a solution for my senior Chihuahua’s shrinking bladder.

Papyrus has always been lucky to have a yard to go potty in. But now that he’s getting older, he has started to wake up during the night needing to go out.

If I get up with him, I lose out on valuable sleep. If I don’t, I usually have a mess to clean up in the morning.

I hoped that DoggieLawn would be an easy solution to avoid messes and sleep loss. I ordered both the original DoggieLawn with real grass and the Bark Potty and have been using them for about three weeks.

As I expected, Papyrus took to the grass option fairly quickly. I had to take it outside with us in the morning and put it on our lawn to get him to use it the first time. But after it had his smell on it, he had no problem using it inside.

The Bark Potty took longer to train. If both potties were present, Papyrus definitely preferred the grass. But I did eventually get him to use the Bark Potty by removing the grass for a few days.

As a lifetime outdoor pottier, Papyrus still prefers to ask to go out over using the potties, even when they are by the door. At night, though, I put the potties in the bathroom off our bedroom and he does use them when needed.

In terms of ease of use and effectiveness, both work pretty well for my initial goal. I also haven’t noticed any urine smell from either after three weeks of fairly consistent use.

As far as long-term use, I am considering giving the subscription a go. The Bark Potty is definitely the more economical option because it lasts the longest. But because Papyrus is only using the products three or four times per week, I believe the grass option could last just as long for us.

The grass takes some work to keep it looking green and healthy since Papyrus doesn’t use it often. This means watering it every other day. But I like the look of it and am happy to work a little harder to keep it green and lush even though DoggieLawn says this is not necessary for it to do its job.

Overall, I love the idea behind these products and found that they deliver as advertised. They are much easier to use than pee pads, easier to maintain than fake turf potties, and smell better than both!

Conclusion

If you’ve been using pee pads or artificial turf potties for your puppy or apartment dog, DoggieLawn may just be the better option you didn’t know you needed.

DoggieLawn provided an easy way for me to train my senior dog how to potty inside appropriately. The natural substrates made training a breeze and did help keep odors down with very little maintenance.

Both the DoggieLawn living grass potty and the Bark Potty naturally absorb urine and odors so they can be used again and again. This means less waste for the planet and less work for you. Best of all, with the subscription program, you get your next potty delivered to your door when you need it.

• See also: The Original Poop Bags Review: An Expert’s Breakdown

The post DoggieLawn Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

One in four dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime. Even for those who don’t get cancer, fatty tumors, called lipomas, are likely to pop up as they age.

It may seem like we are helpless to prevent these kinds of issues in our dogs. But maybe that isn’t entirely true.

Piptopet, a unique homeopathic product from Zumalka, is made to support dogs who are suffering from malignant and benign tumors. Made from a powerful medicinal mushroom with proven benefits, this tincture may just have what it takes to protect our dog’s health and well-being as they age.

I had a chance to try Piptopet on my senior—and very lumpy—Dalmatian mix, Ragz. After a month of using the product daily, I’m encouraged by the results.

Keep reading to find out how this product has helped Ragz and if it might be worth adding to your pet’s supplement routine in my full Zumalka Piptopet review, below.

About Zumalka

Zumalka is a homeopathic pet supplement company that was started by a pet parent frustrated by traditional vet care.

Suzie Cyrenne started educating herself in the world of homeopathic medicine in hopes of discovering a better way to take care of her beloved cats and dogs. After discovering numerous remedies that helped, she launched Animal Homeopathy, a company that would eventually become Zumalka.

Today, Zumalka makes dozens of powerful natural pet products to treat everything from allergies to kidney problems.

Where Are Zumalka Products Made?

Zumalka’s headquarters are located in Quebec, Canada. Their products are made in their local laboratory and are all approved by Health Canada, the country’s version of the FDA.

The herbs and compounds used in Zumalka’s products are sourced from trusted suppliers around the world.

What Kinds of Products Does Zumalka Make?

Zumalka has dozens of homeopathic tinctures and herbal supplement products for pets.

What Kinds of Illnesses Can Zumalka Aid?

Their lineup includes solutions and support for various issues and symptoms, including:

Which Type of Pet Is Piptopet Best Suited For?

Piptopet, one of Zumalka’s most popular products, is made for both dogs and cats. It’s a great option for dogs dealing with immune issues, including malignant and benign tumors.

Piptopet also supports overall health and helps prevent issues associated with inflammation. For this reason, it’s also a good option for aging pets and those in need of a little extra support.

Overview

Here is an overview of Piptopet, including the ingredients, its uses, how to administer it to your dog, and dosing information.

Ingredients

Each spray bottle of Piptopet includes just three ingredients.

The active ingredient is Fomitopsis betulina (formally known as Piptoporus betulinus) extract. This medicinal mushroom has been used by humans as a curative medicine for many ailments for thousands of years. It has also been studied extensively for its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.

The inactive ingredients in Piptopet include purified water and ethyl alcohol.

Alcohol is an important component of homeopathic tinctures. It helps extract the nutrients and target compounds from plant matter and acts as a solvent in the solution.

Much of the alcohol in Zumalka’s tinctures evaporates when the liquid is sprayed. And because it’s diluted in water when administered, it’s safe for pets to consume.

Uses

Zumalka markets Piptopet as a support tincture for dogs and cats with tumors and those who need extra immune support. According to the website, it can also be used to promote better overall health and support wellbeing.

According to research, Fomitopsis betulina mushrooms may have even more to offer. So far, studies have provided evidence that this fungus has properties that are:

Zumalka’s tincture is prepared specifically to help the body heal itself. While the concentration of mushroom compounds may not be high enough to flush away intestinal parasites or cure infections, anecdotal evidence indicates it does work to improve immune function and reduce tumor growth.

How to Administer

Piptopet is incredibly easy to administer. The tincture comes in a glass pump bottle, with one spray equal to one serving.

As with other homeopathic tinctures, it is best delivered to the body diluted in water. That’s because water is used throughout the body and by all cells in it. Adding the tincture to your pet’s water ensures that the beneficial components of Piptopet get where they will be most useful.

Adding the tincture to your pet’s water bowl once or twice a day is the easiest way to give it. You can also mix their dose with a little water or broth and feed it directly to your dog.

Dose

The recommended dose of Piptopet is based on your dog’s weight and needs.

For therapeutic use in dogs dealing with immune stress or tumors, the tincture should be given twice daily, with the amount determined by their weight:

For healthy dogs, use a maintenance dose of 1 spray once per day.

In Summary

Key Features

Unique Active Ingredient

The medicinal mushroom essence in Piptopet is not one you’ll find in many other pet supplements or tinctures. Yet, it has been widely studied for its health benefits and has much to offer.

It’s one of the few pet-specific homeopathic products that targets abnormal cells in the bloodstream and throughout the body. For this reason, it is one of the few options pet parents have for supporting their pets through cancer and to help reduce tumor growth.

Easy to Use

One thing I can’t speak enough about is how easy this product is to use. You don’t have to fight your dog to dose them or remember to mix it in their meals. You simply spray it in their water bowl once or twice daily, and that’s it!

Therapeutic or Maintenance Use

Whether your dog is dealing with severe immune disruption or you’re just looking for a proactive way to keep them healthy, Piptopet can help. This product can be used in higher doses twice daily for therapeutic use. Or you can simply add one spray a day to your dog’s water to support their overall health.

Is Piptopet a Good Value?

One of the most notable things about Piptopet after its ease of use, is its price tag. One bottle costs just under $80. But it’s worth keeping in mind that a single bottle holds 300 pumps—nearly a year’s dose at the maintenance rate.

Since there aren’t really any other products like this one on the market, it’s hard to say if it’s a good value or not. What I will say is there are hundreds of positive user reviews and many include amazing results that would indicate this product is worth the price.

FAQ

What is a homeopathic tincture?

Homeopathic tinctures are liquid remedies that include extracts of medicinal plants and fungi. These extracts are created by soaking the plant in solvents, typically water and alcohol. These solvents draw out the active constituents and provide a carrier liquid that can be used for dosing.

Is Piptopet safe?

Yes, Piptopet and all Zumalka products are safe for pets to ingest. The products are created by homeopathic and naturopathic experts. The ingredients are sourced from suppliers that meet rigorous standards and every product is made to be gentle and effective.

Should I be worried about the alcohol in Piptopet?

Many of Zumalka’s tinctures contain alcohol as a solvent. Much of this alcohol evaporates when the product is sprayed. The rest is diluted in water or broth during administration to ensure your pet’s safety.

Our Experience With Piptopet

My thirteen-year-old Dalmatian mix, Ragz, has been dealing with lipoma growths for the last two years. In that time, she has developed at least fifteen separate lumps.

These lumps aren’t cancerous or dangerous, but one, in particular, has gotten quite large. I’m worried that if it continues to grow, it may inhibit the motion of Ragz’s front leg.

That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to test Piptopet.

This is the first supplement I’ve seen that targets abnormal cells in the body. It’s also one of the few that seems to have a huge number of reviews that include stories of dogs whose tumors have stopped growing in response to this treatment.

For all these reasons, I was excited to give this product a try. After about a month, I haven’t seen miraculous results, but I have seen enough to keep using it.

I spray three pumps into my pets’ water bowl each time I clean and refill it, about twice a day. All three of my pets drink from this bowl, including Makoa, my cat, and Papyrus, my fifteen-year-old Chihuahua.

Makoa has immune issues and giving him Piptopet was always part of the plan. Papyrus had no specific issues I wanted to target when I started, but I figured with his age, it couldn’t hurt.

None of the animals had any issues drinking the water after the spray was added. And none have had any negative reactions to it.

As far as Ragz’s lumps go, I haven’t noticed a change in any of them. The large mass by her leg hasn’t shrunk, but it also hasn’t gotten larger. I’m hoping, with time, it will begin to shrink the way other users have reported.

One noticeable change I do attribute to Piptopet happened to Papyrus. At the beginning of the month, he developed a cyst under his eye. This has occurred in the past when he’s gotten sand or debris in his eyes from the wind.

Normally I have to put him on antibiotics to get rid of it. But this time, after just two weeks, the lump has started to shrink on its own. I expect it to be fully healed very soon.

While I don’t have my own amazing story to share yet, I’m hopeful I will if I give Piptopet a few more months to work. In the meantime, I implore you to go to Zumalka’s website and read some of their customer reviews to get an idea of what this tincture is capable of.

Conclusion

If your dog is suffering from immune problems, is starting to get old man lumps, or is dealing with a cancer diagnosis, I highly recommend you check out Zumalka’s Piptopet.

This unique homeopathic product contains a medicinal mushroom that you’re unlikely to find in other pet supplements. Studies have shown this mushroom has powerful anticancer properties, immune-modulating activity, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Many users have seen impressive results, including tumor reduction.

From my experience, this tincture is easy to use, well-accepted by dogs and cats, and does a wonderful job of supporting overall health. While the price tag is on the expensive side, I’m happy to continue using Piptopet based on the encouraging results I’ve seen.

The post Zumalka Piptopet Supplement Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

“Sunday scaries” is the feeling of dread so many of us get when we realize the weekend is coming to an end and we have to go to work tomorrow. This feeling likely strikes our dogs too, though the more accurate term for them may be the “Monday mournfuls.” This term is especially apt for dogs who suffer from separation anxiety when their owners leave.

Whether your dog reacts to you leaving for work with some woeful whines or by destroying the house, Sunday Scaries FOMO Bones can help. Each of these soft chews contains 5mg of CBD plus a long list of calming herbs to help pups find some chill.

I had the opportunity to test FOMO Bones on my anxious old man Chihuahua, Papyrus. I was hopeful they might help him relax a bit more during the day—whether I’m at home or away—and that they might also help him sleep better through the night.

In the end, I found the calming bones to be very helpful, but not before I experienced some trials and tribulations. Keep reading to find out what I learned about using these bones on small dogs and to see my full Sunday Scaries FOMO Bones review.

About Sunday Scaries

Sunday Scaries is a CBD company with a simple mission: help people everywhere overcome their anxiety on Sunday and every other day of the week.

This fun-loving company was started by Beau and Mike, two restaurant and bar owners who had had enough of the stress associated with their competitive careers.

Today, Sunday Scaries offers a long line of products with various cannabinoid and THC components. One of their newer additions is their FOMO Bones—the company’s first CBD product made for dogs.

Where Are Sunday Scaries Products Produced?

All Sunday Scaries products are made in the USA. They source their CBD isolate extract from KND Labs out of Denver, Colorado, and the hemp they use is grown in Greeley, Colorado.

The company itself is based out of San Diego, California.

What Kinds of Dogs Are FOMO Bones Best Suited For?

FOMO Bones are for any dog that suffers from chronic or occasional anxiety. The soft nature of the bones makes them easy to break in half to dose smaller dogs, while larger dogs can take more than one bone if needed.

Overview

Here is an overview of Sunday Scaries FOMO Bones, including their uses, ingredients, and dosing information.

Uses

The unique mix of calming herbs and cannabinoids in FOMO Bones makes them useful for anxious dogs, no matter what’s causing their scaries.

Ingredients

FOMO Bones contain more than just CBD to help your dog chill out. They are also packed with medicinal herbs and natural substances well-studied for their ability to help the body and mind relax.

FOMO Bones also contain thirteen inactive ingredients. These include all-natural flavor enhancers that help to make sure your pup can’t resist these treats.

Dosage

In my experience, it may be worth breaking these down even more to tailor the dose to your dog’s size and needs.

For instance, I found that one bone—which contains 5mg of CBD—was too much for my seven-pound Chihuahua. I’m not sure if it was the excess CBD or too much of the other ingredients, but he acted even more anxious than normal after receiving one bone.

After some trial and error, I found that half a bone had a much more desired effect on him.

In Summary

Key Features

High Concentration of CBD in Each Bone

One reason I generally opt for CBD oil rather than treats is that most CBD treats don’t actually contain much CBD.

The recommended therapeutic dose of CBD is 5mg per 10 pounds of body weight. Most CBD dog treats contain only about 1 mg of CBD, which would require feeding a big dog quite a few treats to get anywhere near the right dose. Even worse, the vast majority of calming treats are marketed as if they contain CBD but they actually only contain hemp seed oil, which has no cannabidiol in it.

FOMO Bones have a concentrated dose of CBD which makes it easier to give your dog what they need to see an effect. And, unlike CBD oil, these treats are super easy to give and aren’t messy.

Highly Palatable

My dogs aren’t overly picky, but something about herbal supplement chews always seems to turn them off. Luckily that was not the case with these FOMO Bones. They happily ate them up without any idea they were full of helpful herbs and compounds.

I attribute this to all the tasty flavor enhancers these bones contain, including cheese powder, beef protein, and bacon flavor. The soft texture also helps to increase palatability, especially for puppies and older dogs.

Subscription Discounts Available

If you have an anxious dog, you’ll probably go through your bag of 20 FOMO Bones fairly quickly. Luckily, Sunday Scaries offers discounts if you subscribe for regular deliveries.

With the subscription option, you’ll receive 20% off every order. You’ll also get some peace of mind knowing your order of one, two, or three bags will ship automatically each month. Plus, you’ll get first access to any new products, human or pet, that Sunday Scaries releases.

Are Sunday Scaries FOMO Bones a Good Value?

With Sunday Scaries FOMO Bones, you’ll pay about $1.15 per bone if you buy at full price. This is a little more than the average cost of CBD dog treats. However, if you break the cost down by milligrams of CBD, it’s actually a fairly good deal.

FAQ

Does Sunday Scaries offer a guarantee?

Yes, FOMO Bones and all other Sunday Scaries products come with a 100% money-back lifetime guarantee.

Can I increase the dose if my dog needs more CBD?

I would not recommend giving your dog more bones than what the package recommends. This is because each bone contains more than CBD. As I found with my small dog, too much of some of these relaxing herbs can actually cause more anxiety instead of less.

Do I have to pay for shipping?

Shipping does cost extra if your order is less than $50. I recommend getting the three-bag bundle of FOMO Bones to get over this amount. Or, better yet, choose from Sunday Scaries’ long list of human products and get yourself some calm as well!

Our Experience With Sunday Scaries FOMO Bones

When I rescued my Chihuahua, Papyrus, 14 years ago, he was a mess. He had been brought into a shelter as an intact stray and wouldn’t let anyone touch him. He came to the dog daycare I worked at as a foster dog.

Aside from curling up in the workers’ laps out of desperation to stay warm, he didn’t want any humans to interact with him. After a few forced trips home with me and plenty of treats, he finally decided I was worth trusting.

Now, over a decade later, he still holds onto much of this anxiety. I can count on one hand how many people he will let pick him up or leash him. My husband isn’t even on that list!

As you can imagine, I’m always on the lookout for new calming treats and supplements that might help him. When I found these FOMO Bones, I was most hopeful they would help him with his attachment anxiety and his old man sleep disturbances.

At first, these bones had the exact opposite effect—they would make him even more anxious and keep him from resting! That’s when I realized how much CBD was in each treat and decided to try a lower dose.

When I gave him half a bone, the results were much better.

Half a bone before bedtime significantly reduced how much getting up and pacing he did during the night.

I would also dose him with half a bone whenever he started following me relentlessly through the house during the day. This always helped him chill out. Within fifteen minutes, he would typically go off on his own to find a nice warm place in the sun to curl up and sleep.

Now, I make sure to always have some FOMO Bones on hand. They are much easier to give to Papyrus before bed than his typical CBD oil and they’re a simple and effective solution to reach for when his anxiety acts up during the day.

Conclusion

After 14 years of living with a chronically anxious dog, I know the value of an effective calming treat. Sunday Scaries FOMO Bones certainly have proved they belong in that category.

Each of these bones contains an impressive 5 mg of CBD plus four other well-researched calming herbs and compounds. For my anxious Chihuahua, they helped him chill out fast and allowed him to get better sleep for less anxious days.

If your dog suffers from chronic or situational anxiety, I highly recommend giving these treats a try.

The post Sunday Scaries FOMO Bones Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

If you are used to feeding your dog dry kibble but are curious about a switch in their diet, you might be interested in fresh food. However, it can be hard to find fresh food in pet stores or grocery stores in your area. That’s why so many dog owners are turning to fresh pet food delivery services like Nom Nom.

Nom Nom was one of the first companies to offer customizable, pre-proportioned dog meals delivered to your door. They got their start in 2015 and, since then, have gained quite the following.

I am always interested in maximizing my dogs’ nutrition game and was very excited to give Nom Nom a try.

If my dogs were writing this article, it would be quite short because there is no question that they loved this food! But I’m a little more critical when it comes to what I’ll feed my furbabies.

Keep reading to find out what I love about this fresh pet food and where I see room for improvement in my full Nom Nom review below.

At a Glance: What We Reviewed

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Our Favorite		Beef Mash	Ground beef is the first ingredient 35% protein (dry matter) Fresh veggies and eggs	CHECK PRICE
		Turkey Fare	Turkey is the first ingredient 36% protein (dry matter) Brown rice, eggs, and fresh spinach	CHECK PRICE
		Pork Potluck	Ground pork is the first ingredient 28% protein (dry matter) Fresh green beans, kale, and cremini mushrooms	CHECK PRICE
		Chicken Cuisine	Chicken is the first ingredient 37% protein (dry matter) Fresh sweet potatoes, squash, and spinach	CHECK PRICE

About Nom Nom

Nom Nom is a customizable fresh pet food delivery service. They specialize in creating pre-proportioned meals for dogs using fresh, healthy ingredients.

After filling out information on your dog and their needs, Nom Nom creates perfectly sized meals and sends them straight to your door. They also offer tasty-jerky treat add-ons and probiotic supplements.

Who Makes Nom Nom and Where Is It Produced?

Nom Nom was started in San Francisco in 2015. They quickly expanded, adding a new headquarters and kitchen in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 2022, Nom Nom was purchased by Mars, who also owns Royal Canin, a kibble and canned dog food company. Nom Nom still operates autonomously and all of their meals are still cooked in small batches in their San Francisco and Nashville kitchens.

Which Type of Dog Is Nom Nom Best Suited For?

With multiple recipe options and pre-proportioned meals, Nom Nom is a great choice for any dog who could benefit from a nutrition makeover. Whether you’re looking to improve on your dog’s kibble by supplementing with fresh food or want to go all-in on real meat and veggies, Nom Nom has you covered.

They’re also a great option for overweight pets who need help shedding some pounds. The company’s questionnaire will help identify the right amount of food to feed based on your pet’s current weight and body condition. And since the meals come in separate packages with no measuring required, you don’t have to worry about overfeeding.

Overview

Nom Nom takes the guesswork out of feeding your pet fresh fare. In this overview, we’ll take a closer look at their subscription service and dive deep into the ingredients that go into their meals.

Subscription

While there are many ways to buy Nom Nom (they’re now available on Chewy!), their most convenient option is their subscription service. With this option, you get perfectly proportioned meals sent right to your door, so you never run out of food.

The first step to start this process is to fill out Nom Nom’s online questionnaire. Most importantly, you’ll tell them your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and preferences. Based on this, they’ll calculate how much food should go into each meal.

Your first box will arrive shortly after you finish this process. All the meals are shipped frozen in insulated boxes with dry ice. They should be stored frozen and thawed in the fridge overnight, as needed.

The next shipment will arrive before you run out of food. For most plans, this means one shipment every four weeks. However, this can vary depending on how much your dog eats and how often they are getting Nom Nom meals.

Subscription orders can be rescheduled through your profile, and the service can be canceled at any time.

Meat

Each of Nom Nom’s four different recipes starts with the primary meat ingredient. When looking for quality dog food in the fresh food or kibble category, having a real, named meat ingredient first on the ingredients list is a great sign. Nom Nom definitely aces this test.

With the exception of beef fat added to the turkey recipe, all recipes include only one animal protein type. This is great for dogs with protein sensitivities who may not be able to eat certain types of meat.

All recipes also include added fish oil, a great source of omega fatty acids. The beef and turkey recipes include eggs, a great source of protein and fat.

On the downside, none of these recipes include organ meat or ground bone. While these “extra cuts” are not overly appetizing to humans, they are important for dog nutrition.

Organ meat, like liver and heart, is packed with folate, vitamin B12, and many other vitamins and minerals not found in high quantities in muscle meat. Bones also have a valuable role in dog nutrition by supplying calcium. This vital mineral is important for growth, cardiovascular health, and muscle function.

Nom Nom makes up for a lack of “whole prey” ingredients by adding extra synthetic vitamins and minerals.

Carbohydrates

One great way to add more nutrition to your dog’s diet is to include low-starch, nutrient-dense vegetables. Nom Nom does a great job of this.

Each recipe contains a different combination of vegetables. These include:

These veggies are a great natural source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Because they’re lightly cooked, they are easier for dogs’ systems to digest than raw vegetables. Plus, they are low in starch, a type of carbohydrate that many dogs struggle to process well.

The carbohydrate ingredients I am less excited about are the peas, potatoes, and brown rice. While these do offer some nutritional value, they are high in starch and often included in dog foods to up the protein content or as fillers.

Added Vitamins and Minerals

The one thing that surprised me the most about Nom Nom’s recipes is the inclusion of a long list of synthetic nutrients. This list is very similar to what you’ll find on the ingredients list for most kibble recipes.

Added synthetic vitamins and minerals are necessary to fill nutrient gaps left by the included whole food ingredients. Kibble typically has a lot of added nutrients because most of the nutrients found in the whole food ingredients are destroyed during processing.

The fresh, whole food ingredients in Nom Nom are only lightly cooked and not pressure processed, which helps preserve their nutrients. But a lack of organ meat and bone means that adding calcium, zinc, copper, and other nutrients is necessary to meet AAFCO nutrition standards.

Macronutrients

Compared to most commercial dog foods, Nom Nom’s recipes contain a much healthier ratio of macronutrients.

All recipes contain plenty of protein, with Pork Potluck having the least at 28% and Chicken Cuisine having the most at 37%. They also all contain a good amount of fat, between 17% and 26%. Fat is an important macronutrient for dogs and helps provide energy and maintain a healthy coat.

Reviews of the Nom Nom Recipes

1. Beef Mash

This hearty recipe features ground beef, russet potatoes, peas, and carrots. With 34% protein and 17% fat, it’s a wonderful option for moderately active adult dogs.

In terms of calorie content, it sits in the middle of the Nom Nom recipe spectrum at 182 kcal per cup.

With plenty of beef, added fish oil, and natural flavors, this recipe is a favorite of doggies everywhere, even those picky eaters. Because it doesn’t contain any chicken or chicken fat or grains, it is also a great option for dogs with common allergies.

Like all Nom Nom’s recipes, this one is prepared fresh to order in small batches. It was formulated by a Board Certified Veterinarian and meets AAFCO standards of nutrition for dogs of all ages and breeds.

2. Turkey Fare

This doggy favorite recipe features turkey as the first ingredient. Also boosting the macronutrient content of this formula are eggs and beef fat. It contains 36% protein and 18% fat. Like the beef recipe, this one is a great maintenance formula for moderately active adult dogs.

Of all the Nom Nom recipes, it is the best option for senior dogs and adults who are less active or a little overweight. This is because it contains the least amount of calories of all the recipes.

Helping to boost the nutrition content of this recipe are fresh carrots and spinach. These provide beta-carotene, vitamin A, and plenty of antioxidants. This recipe also contains brown rice, which brings great minerals to the table, but also a fair amount of starch.

With two protein sources, eggs, and grains, this recipe is not the best choice for sensitive dogs. But it is a great option for picky eaters and those looking for something fresh and different.

3. Pork Potluck

Is your dog looking to really mix things up? This pork-based recipe is just what they need.

Pork Potluck features ground pork, a rarely used dog food meat, as the first ingredient. It also comes with a flurry of different vegetables, including green beans, squash, kale, and cremini mushrooms. These provide plenty of vital micronutrients to help your dog thrive.

This recipe is the lowest protein option from Nom Nom, at just 28%. However, this amount is still well above that of most commercial foods. At 20% fat, it still contains plenty of calories for the average dog to feel energized and satisfied.

Since pork is rarely used in dog foods, this recipe is a great option for dogs who have developed allergies or sensitivities to commonly used proteins. It doesn’t contain eggs or any other animal proteins and is grain-free.

Like the beef recipe, this one does contain russet potatoes, which adds more starch to the recipe than I prefer to see. Still, I can’t deny how much my dogs love the flavor of this hearty option.

4. Chicken Cuisine

This recipe elevates a common dog food protein with nutrient-dense vegetables for a bowl full of healthy yum!

It appears to contain more meat than any of the other recipes from Nom Nom. I say this because you can see it in the food and because it has an impressive protein and fat percentage, 37% and 26%, respectively. With no sneaky high-protein vegetables or grains, you can bet all that good protein comes from the fresh chicken.

This high-calorie recipe is a great option for young dogs, active adults, and those in need of a little extra meat on their bones.

Adding some healthy, natural nutrients to this dish are sweet potatoes and squash, both of which are high in beta-carotene, potassium, and fiber. Some of the high-fat content of this dish is likely from the added sunflower and canola oil. While added plant fats aren’t my favorite thing to see, they do help with the absorption of many vital nutrients.

FAQ

Do you have to feed Nom Nom exclusively to do the subscription option?

No, the subscription option is highly customizable to meet all types of needs. If you would like to subscribe to Nom Nom to supplement your dog’s current food, you can do so by contacting them directly to set up your customized subscription profile.

How much does Nom Nom cost?

This depends largely on the size of the meals and how often you’ll be feeding Nom Nom. Which recipes you choose can also change the price. For my thirty-pound, low-activity senior dog, it came to about $50 per week.

How are the proportions determined?

How much food your dog gets per prepackaged meal is calculated based on their size, activity level, and age. If they are getting other food in addition to Nom Nom, this will be taken into consideration, as well.

How fresh is Nom Nom?

In short, very! All ingredients that go into each meal are individually cooked at low heat to retain nutrients. They are then mixed into the predetermined recipes and packaged within days of being shipped out to you.

Do you automatically receive all four recipes?

This depends on your preferences. If your dog has allergies, any recipes containing that ingredient will not be included. You can also opt to only get one or two types of recipes for each delivery and manually switch them up when you feel the time is right.

Our Experience With Nom Nom Dog Food

I’ll admit I’m a little obsessed with dog nutrition. I spent over a decade of my life preparing fresh, homemade meals for my dogs. To make sure I was giving them all they needed, I attended as many classes and read as many books about canine nutrition as possible.

While motherhood has put my doggy chef days on hold, I am still a stickler for making sure my dogs eat the best food possible. That’s why I was so excited for the opportunity to try Nom Nom.

As you can see from my ingredient breakdown above, I was mostly impressed with the ingredients that go into these recipes. I would have loved to see organ meat and ground bone utilized, and fewer synthetic nutrients. But compared to commercial dog food, these recipes are quite impressive.

What was even more impressive was how much my dogs loved this food.

My Chihuahua, Papyrus, is a walking stomach and will literally eat anything, but even he seemed more excited than normal to gobble these recipes up.

My Dalmatian mix, Ragz, is a little more decerning, so it’s easy to tell when she really enjoys something. Not only did she inhale these meals, but she spent nearly ten minutes licking her bowl clean after. And then another ten minutes staring at me, hoping for more.

Both dogs tolerated the food well on the back end, as well. I credit the fresh ingredients and real meat for the lack of tummy troubles that came with transitioning to this new food.

In addition to getting to test all of Nom Nom’s recipes, I also got the chance to try their beef and chicken jerky treats. These wholesome chews contain only one ingredient and are free from preservatives. Even more important when it comes to jerky treats, they are made in the USA.

These treats are a little hard for my senior dogs, but they still enjoy chewing on them.

I love the idea behind Nom Nom’s pre-proportioned, customizable dog meals. Making fresh food for your pup at home takes a lot of time and effort. Nom Nom gives you the same benefits as doing that with none of the effort.

Seriously, there is nothing easier than cutting open one of these packages and putting it in your dog’s dish. But the benefits of feeding this high-protein, fresh food over commercially processed kibble are huge.

The only thing stopping me from feeding my dogs Nom Nom for every meal (with the occasional raw bone and organ meat supplemented in) is the cost. To feed just Ragz these meals every day would add up to about $50 per week.

If you can afford that commitment, I say go for it. For me, I’ll opt for supplementing my dogs’ current diet with Nom Nom to help lower costs. I love that Nom Nom makes this an option.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a way to give your dog the benefits of home-prepared food without the effort, Nom Nom is a wonderful option. Their variety of recipes all include quality meat as the first ingredient, plenty of healthy veggies, and everything else your dog needs to thrive. And nothing can beat how easy Nom Nom makes it to feed this fresh fare.

This pet meal delivery service will cost you, but if you have the funds it is well worth it. And if not, consider using Nom Nom’s customizable meal options to supplement your pet’s diet with their wonderful selection of recipes. And don’t forget to add their single-ingredient, USA-made jerky chews.

The post Nom Nom Sampler Pack Dog Food Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

As an owner of short-haired dogs living in the cold Colorado foothills, I have always believed there is a lack of quality dog jackets on the market. That is, until I found Silver Paw.

This dog apparel and accessories company has made a name for itself by creating dog products so stylish and functional that many wish they made human apparel too. Their jackets, sweaters, leashes, and harnesses are all made with an eye toward quality first and looks and functionality at a close second.

I had the opportunity to try two of their products out on my always-freezing Chihuahua, Papyrus.

If you have a male small dog, you know exactly how difficult it is to find a jacket that fits while still providing warmth. That’s why Silver Paw’s Monty Dog Jacket was so impressive. I also had the chance to test out the Maximus Dog Harness that goes with this awesome jacket.

Keep reading to see my full Silver Paw review and to find out why I highly recommend both these products and this brand to pet owners everywhere.

At a Glance: What We Reviewed

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Our Favorite		Monty Dog Jacket	Super warm Harness compatible Effective design for male dogs	CHECK PRICE
		Maximus Dog Harness	Reflective print Durable, metal clip Connects directly to harness	CHECK PRICE

About Silver Paw

Silver Paw was started by three “brothers” who were raised by fathers in the clothing industry. While their parents made a name for themselves by producing quality, designer baby clothing, these brothers had always been more partial to babying their dogs.

From their love and devotion to their pets, Silver Paw was born.

Who Makes Silver Paw Products and Where Are They Produced?

Silver Paw is a Canadian company with a mission to spoil rotten every dog on earth. They do this by creating thoughtfully designed products and donating millions of dollars to the SPCA every year.

Silver Paw’s products are designed in Canada and manufactured around the world. Their new Eko recycled plastic pet mattress, for instance, is made in Canada. Many of their non-specialty items, including their jackets and harnesses, are made in China.

Which Types of Pets Are Silver Paw Products Best Suited For?

Most of Silver Paw’s products are geared toward dogs.

They have product lines to help pups feel more comfortable in the cold as well as the heat. They also have many toys, leashes, and treats that are great for dogs of all types.

For cats, Silver Paw has a small selection of toys. But their cat line is growing, so be sure to check back.

Key Features

Silver Paw products aren’t just made to look good in marketing photos. They are highly functional and designed to last, as well. They also have some very unique features that set them apart from the competition.

Silver Shield

All Silver Paw apparel products are treated with Silver Shield, a powerful antimicrobial agent. This special treatment process eliminates odor-causing bacteria, which keeps these products smelling fresher for longer. Most Silver Paw products are machine washable, but this extra addition means you can get away with washing them less frequently.

This special agent is safe for pets and has been registered with the EPA and PMRA. It will stay effective for up to 100 washes.

Temperature Alert Patches

Many Silver Paw jackets feature their patented ColdAlert patch. This special patch changes color to alert the owner to extreme cold temperatures. With this feature, you know right away if it’s too cold to keep walking your pup.

Some of Silver Paw’s summer gear, such as their Life Jacket, features a patented SunAlert patch. This patch turns pink or red to alert you to low or high UV conditions.

Built-In Waste Bag Dispensers

Many of Silver Paw’s garments include a built-in poop bag dispenser. This ingenious feature works much like the rubber gasket built into poop bag holders.

Simply load your waste bag roll into the zippered pocket on the garment. Then feed the end of the bag roll through the gasket.

When your pup takes a potty break, you can pull the bag straight from their jacket or raincoat. Many of the larger-sized garments can even hold used poop bags in the same zipper pockets that hold the bag roll.

Smart Designs

Silver Paw puts a lot of thought into their designs (as if you couldn’t tell from the above sections). For their pet apparel products and harnesses, this means a lot of extra features that make them more functional than competitors’ products.

Many of their jackets, for instance, feature warm fleece linings and extended neck pieces or hoods. Most of their garments are made specifically for males or females and have shapes meant to fit the anatomy of the intended wearer. As the owner of a male dog who lifts his leg frequently during walks, I appreciate that the male apparel takes this into account.

Silver Paw Reviews

1. Monty Dog Jacket

The Monty Dog Jacket is a multilayer jacket perfect for male dogs in need of protection on cold winter days. The outer layer features flashy blue water-resistant fabric fringed in functional reflective trim. The inner layer is made of warm fleece meant to hold in body heat.

A zipper closure on the neck allows you to roll the neck down for more freedom of movement or zip it up for added warmth. Two velcro closures fasten behind each front leg for a customizable fit. While this coat is long on the top to provide extra warmth, it covers only the ribcage on the bottom, providing plenty of space for male dogs to pee without soiling the jacket.

The Monty has a built-in waste bag holder on the back flap. The double zippers let you load waste bags from either side while the central rubber gasket allows easy access to the bags for quick cleanup.

You can get this handsome and functional doggy jacket in extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large. It will fit dogs from 10 inches to 32 inches in length. It has attachment points for the Maximus Dog Harness and also features a harness access slit compatible with most back-clip harness styles.

While some Silver Paw jackets are available in very small sizes and very large, this one has a more limited size range. It is also only available in blue. If you have a large dog, this jacket is very reasonably priced. Since the cost is the same no matter what size you get, the value is a little less for small dog owners.

2. Maximus Dog Harness

The Maximus Dog Harness features a unique four-buckle design that makes it highly versatile and easier to put on than many other harnesses on the market.

It’s a back-clip style harness with a patented metal D-ring buckle clip. This clip is highly secure and will not accidentally come undone. The D-ring leash attachments on each side connect to extendable loops that tighten when the dog pulls to keep the harness from slipping off.

Like other Silver Paw products, this one is coated with Silver Shield technology to prevent odors and reduce the need for washing. It has a thick reflective strip on all sides for enhanced visibility in the dark.

Best of all, this harness is fully compatible with the Monty Dog Jacket. The top section of the harness clips directly into the hidden buckles on the jacket. It’s the perfect solution to the challenge presented by walking a dog in a harness when they also need to wear a coat.

The Maximus Dog Harness comes in 8 sizes, from extra small to 4-X large. It is only available in black and the adjustment capacity of the smaller harnesses is limited. However, for a high-quality harness with extra features that allow you multiple options for getting it on your dog (step through, belly buckle, or over jacket), you won’t find anything better.

Our Experience With Silver Paw Maximus Dog Harness & Monty Jacket

I have always struggled to find a jacket to fit my 7-pound Chihuahua, Papyrus. Like many small male dog owners, I’ve struggled to find a jacket with a large enough opening on the bottom to prevent him from soiling the jacket when he pees.

When I saw the design of the Monty Dog Jacket from Silver Paw, I felt a glimmer of hope that this one might work for him. Better yet, I realized, this jacket is compatible with the Maximus Dog Harness.

This was important because the only thing Papyrus hates more than having a jacket put on is having a harness put on. With this setup, I was hopeful I could reduce those steps for a less dramatic pre-walk routine.

First, I tried the jacket alone. Thanks to the zippered neck and double velcro attachments, it was easy enough to get on, despite Papyrus’ objections. I love how the neck can be extended and zipped up, or rolled back, depending on how cold it is. The jacket is thick and warm without being bulky.

Most importantly, though, the belly strap is narrow and positioned high on the rib cage. Translation: Papyrus was able to mark the trail freely without getting any urine on the jacket!

Next, I tried out the Maximus Dog Harness alone.

Even after ordering the smallest size, the harness ended up being a bit too big for him. Each of the four straps is adjustable, but at this size, the adjustment is only maybe a quarter inch for each strap.

Luckily, when used with the Monty Dog Jacket, the added bulk allowed for a more secure fit and I was able to use the harness this way. Having the two items integrated did make walk prep easier because I only had to put on one piece of apparel.

Overall, I was very impressed with the quality and attention to detail of these products. The jacket is clearly very durable and really helps keep my dog warm. And it has a ton of fun extra features like the poop-bag dispenser and reflective trim.

While the harness wasn’t quite the right fit for my tiny pup, I was still impressed by the quality and durability. And I love the design of the back clip. The metal construction and clip style make it much more secure and easier to fasten.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for dog apparel that is functional, durable, and will last your pet for years, I cannot recommend Silver Paw enough. These aren’t the low-quality, cute but useless doggy coats and harnesses you’ll find in the pet section of your favorite human apparel store. These are quality pet products designed with intent and made to last.

The Monty Dog Jacket is a great option for small and medium male dogs who aren’t afraid to hit the trails on cold days. It is super comfortable, very warm, and designed with their anatomy in mind.

The Maximus Dog Harness has many advantages over other back clip harnesses, including a more secure clip, multiple options for getting it on, and useful extra features like reflective print. Best of all, these two great products clip together to make life easier for you and more comfortable for your dog.

The post Silver Paw Maximus Dog Harness & Monty Jacket Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

No one likes a barking dog, whether it is yours or your neighbor’s. This is the issue Good Life set out to address when they started their Ultimate Bark Control line.

There are plenty of less-than-humane bark control options on the market. This company wanted theirs to be different. They wanted it to be effective but without causing the dog pain or increasing fear, which might exacerbate the issue in the long run.

Good Life’s first Ultimate Bark Control product was their Dog Silencer. Like most of their products, this device emits a high-pitched tone that startles the dog to distract them from what they’re barking at. Much like a dog whistle, this tone is within dogs’ hearing range but too high-pitched for most people to hear.

The long line of Ultimate Bark Control products is made to help you train your dog not to bark by consistently marking the behavior with an uncomfortable tone or vibration. Many of their products can even be used on neighboring dogs or free-roamers you encounter on the walking trail.

I had the opportunity to try an Ultimate Bark Control product, their handheld OnGuard device, on my own dogs.

Both my overly protective Dalmatian mix and my highly reactive Chihuahua tend to bark. ALOT. After just a few days of using my new OnGuard trainer, my house got noticeably more peaceful.

Find out how this product works, how effective it was, and more, in my full hands-on Ultimate Bark Control OnGuard review, below.

About Ultimate Bark Control

Ultimate Bark Control is a product line produced by a company called Good Life.

This Oregon-based company started in 2002 with a variety of different products made to improve the lives of home and pet owners everywhere. Today, their focus is their bark control and pest management products.

Their Ultimate Bark Control line includes automatic stationary devices, collars, and handheld trainers.

Which Pets Are These Products Best Suited For?

Ultimate Bark Control products are made for dogs who like to make noise (and for owners who don’t appreciate that noise). All their products can be used on dogs in the house while a few can also be used to help silence nuisance neighbor dogs.

Because these products don’t cause harm or inflict pain, they are suitable for adult dogs of all sizes. I even had success using my OnGuard device to help train my cat and my almost completely deaf Chihuahua.

The manufacturer does not recommend using ultrasonic products on puppies as their hearing is still developing.

What Products Does Ultimate Bark Control Offer?

Ultimate Bark Control has five different products made for training dogs not to bark.

• Dog Silencer Max – A stationary sound machine that reacts automatically to barking to silence stubborn dogs in your yard or the neighbor’s yard.
• Bark Control Pro – Similar to the Dog Silencer but more appropriate for sensitive dogs and shorter distances.
• BarkWise Complete – This collar automatically vibrates or emits an ultrasonic sound to disrupt barking humanely.
• Positive Pet Dog Training Collar – This collar emits a strong vibration when the remote is triggered, allowing you to disrupt bad behavior, such as jumping or begging, and help train more appropriate behavior.
• OnGuard – This handheld device allows you to target bad behavior, including barking, by manually disrupting it with an ultrasonic tone.

OnGuard Overview

Here is an overview of the handheld OnGuard product that I tested out in my own home, including a look at its features, uses, and limitations.

Features

The OnGuard product is meant to be used as a handheld training device. Each time you press the button, the device emits a powerful ultrasonic sound. The speaker on the end of the device allows you to direct that sound to a single point, making this a great option for multi-dog households.

In addition to making an ultrasonic correction sound, the device also features a flashlight and audible alarm.

These two extra features make it very useful when you are out and about with your dog. The super-bright flashlight can light your path during evening walks or guide you around the campsite. The alarm feature is great if you encounter unwanted attention from a stranger on your evening dog walk.

Uses

The main use of this multi-function tool is to help train your dog away from inappropriate behaviors. It works by pairing unwanted behavior with an irritating ultrasonic tone. While this tone will not hurt your dog, it is loud enough to get their attention to disrupt their behavior.

Anytime your dog engages in undesirable behavior, such as barking, jumping, chewing, or whining, simply point the OnGuard device at them and hit the button.

Once they stop what they are doing to figure out where that obnoxious tone is coming from, redirect them to a more appropriate behavior and praise them.

OnGuard can be used in the home as well as while you are out and about. It is fairly compact and comes with a lanyard so you can carry it on your wrist.

It makes a highly useful companion for dog walks, hiking, and camping. Not only can you continue training your dog in these situations, but you can also use the ultrasonic feature to keep stray dogs and wildlife at bay.

Limitations

The ultrasonic tone OnGuard emits has a range of about 50 feet. The sound is strongest (over 105 dB) right next to the speaker and gets quieter the farther away your target is.

The sound cannot penetrate objects, including windows, so a direct line between you and your pup is key.

The device itself is well built and durable but care should be taken to keep it from getting wet. And, of course, don’t let your naughty dog chew on it.

In Summary

Key Features

Ultrasonic Sound

The ultrasonic sound this device emits is at a frequency higher than 20,000 Hz, making it too high for most adults to hear. Dogs, however, are extra-tuned into sounds in this range because they often signal danger. A twig snapping, leaves crunching—these are all sounds that register at high frequencies that our dogs’ ancestors knew to pay attention to.

By using an ultrasonic tone, OnGuard taps into this instinct to pay attention to help disrupt poor behavior. And it does this without causing pain or harm. This makes it an effective tool for helping your dog learn to behave better without causing undue stress or fear.

Handheld

OnGuard is different from many Ultimate Bark Control products because it’s handheld rather than stationary and automatic. This makes it a great option for dogs who often bark in different parts of the house, as well as for owners who want to do more hands-on training. Being portable also makes it a good choice for training outside the home.

Multiple Uses

This tool is much more than a way to stop dogs from barking. It can also be used to stop other bad behaviors, such as jumping, begging, digging, nipping, chewing, and more. And thanks to the extra features, you can also use it as a flashlight and self-defense alarm.

Is OnGuard a Good Value?

OnGuard will cost you about $50 when it’s not on sale. This makes it one of the more affordable training options in the Ultimate Bark Control lineup.

Compared to other handheld ultrasonic devices on the market, this one is on the more expensive end. But a quick look at the specifications of other products will tell you why. Most cheaper options out there max out at a range of 20 feet, while this one can reach distances of 50 feet.

FAQ

How do I know if the device is working?

In my experience, your dog will let you know by immediately stopping what they’re doing to look back at the device. But if you want a little extra assurance, a blue light on the top of the product will illuminate every time a sound is emitted.

Does OnGuard come with a money-back guarantee?

Yes, Ultimate Bark Control offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase or if OnGuard doesn’t work for your dog, you can get your money back.

What kind of warranty comes with Ultimate Bark Control Products?

All products, including OnGuard, have a 1-year warranty against defects.

Is ultrasonic sound harmful to dogs?

No, ultrasonic sound is not harmful to dogs. Using ultrasonic noise on your dog is no different than a human hearing a short loud tone at a lower frequency. As long as the tone is not sustained for long periods of time, there is no risk of hearing damage.

Our Experience With OnGuard

I spent much of my twenties working as a certified dog trainer. My approach to all training, whether obedience or behavior modification, has always been based on positive reinforcement. Meaning, you get your dog to behave the way you want by rewarding them for good behavior.

Unfortunately, there are a few bad behaviors that are self-rewarding, such as barking, digging, and chewing. It’s hard training away these behaviors because whether the dog does what you want or does the bad behavior, they’ll be rewarded! In cases like this, using a simple (ie. not stress-inducing) correction can be useful.

But giving a dog a quick “eh-eh!” can be difficult when they are barking their heads off. That’s why I thought the OnGuard device might be a useful option as a simple and effective correction.

Testing It on My Dogs

My dogs are both old and fairly well-behaved. But they do like to bark!

Ragz, my Dalmatian mix, is incredibly protective and likes to bark at everyone who walks by. Her favorite thing is to sit on our elevated deck and yell at anyone she sees. Papyrus, my other dog, is a Chihuahua, and I think that’s about all I need to say about that.

I started using OnGuard as soon as I got it out of the box. Each time I noticed the dogs go to the window or Ragz getting excited on the deck, I would grab it and get ready. The first time I pressed the button, both of them flipped around and stared at me in beautiful silence.

This was an especially surprising reaction from Papyrus because he is almost completely deaf. Apparently, he can still hear those high notes!

I continued using OnGuard every time they barked. Once they stopped and looked at me, I would call them over and reward them.

The website says that some dogs get it immediately and some dogs are slower, with noticeable results within two weeks. My dogs definitely got it very quickly.

One aspect of OnGuard that I didn’t anticipate was how it doubly reduced the noise in my house. Not only did it help quickly quiet my dogs down when they barked and reduce the amount of barking in general, but it also completely erased the need for me to yell at them when they barked.

This, in itself, helped make our home a more peaceful place.

Drawbacks

I did note a couple of things about this device. For one, the sound doesn’t travel through objects, not even glass. Which meant I had to open the deck door before I could use it on Ragz outside.

The other interesting thing is that my daughter, who has the strong, unsullied ears of a five-year-old, could hear the noise every time I pressed the trigger. Like the dogs, she did not like the sound!

But my only real complaint about this device is that the ultrasonic button is incredibly sensitive. I accidentally set it off more than a few times when picking it up or putting it in my pocket.

Overall Impression

Despite a few minor issues, I was really happy with this product. Within a few days, my house already felt more peaceful. My dogs were already barking less and I didn’t have to yell at them to stop when they did.

Interestingly, I also found that OnGuard worked very well to deter my rowdy kitten from scratching the furniture and attacking ankles.

As a former dog trainer, I would highly recommend this product as a simple correction device for self-rewarding behaviors. It’s very effective and does not cause fear reactions or stress the way many punishment-based anti-bark devices do.

Conclusion

Training your dog not to bark can be a challenge, especially if they love doing it. OnGuard helps make this behavior less enjoyable without resorting to harmful punishment techniques.

It helped create a more peaceful world in my own home in just a few short days. Not only were both my reactive dogs barking less, but I didn’t have to yell at them anymore to get them to stop. I would highly recommend this product to any dog owner looking for a quieter, calmer way to deal with unwanted barking.

The post Ultimate Bark Control OnGuard Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

About We Love Doodles

We Love Doodles is a company dedicated to creating functional and affordable dog grooming products. They got their start in 2016 with a small blog on Doodle care and launched their first product in 2021.

Most of the company’s products are designed to tackle common coat care issues of the Doodle breed. However, they work well on many breeds, especially those with long or curly hair.

One of the most popular products from We Love Doodles is their 4-in-1 shampoo. This multi-functional grooming shampoo cleans, detangles, conditions, and moisturizes all at the same time.

It is made with pet-safe ingredients and contains no parabens, sulfates, or other harmful ingredients. While it was designed for doodles, it is marketed as a great option for all coat types.

I put this natural shampoo to the test on my dogs. Keep reading to find out how it worked for my short-coated Chihuahua and Dalmatian mix and to see my full product review.

We Love Doodles Shampoo Reviewed

We Love Doodles Shampoo is an affordable, US-made, dog-specific shampoo crafted with organic ingredients. It has a lot of great features that make it useful for Doodles and dogs of all types.

Uses

This shampoo is an all-in-one solution for bathing dogs. It contains gentle and natural detergents meant to remove dirt and grime. It is also loaded with natural oils that help detangle while providing plenty of moisture for a vibrant coat and healthy skin.

With this product, you don’t have to worry about adding a round of conditioner or purchasing additional conditioning products. This makes it easier to use and more cost-effective than other products.

Ingredients

While this shampoo is made with many organic ingredients, it is not considered certified organic. That being said, these ingredients are still safer and more gentle on sensitive pet skin than what you typically find in dog shampoo (or human shampoo, for that matter).

We Love Doodles Shampoo also contains many USDA Certified Organic oils, including:

These oils have various applications for supporting coat health, moisturizing the skin and coat, and tackling pests like fleas and lice.

Scent

We Love Doodles Shampoo is labeled as having a lavender and chamomile scent.

I can certainly smell the lavender and it has an extra floral sweetness layer to it, as well. The scent is not overpowering. And, importantly, it does not clash with the smell of wet dog like so many scented shampoos do.

While this shampoo left my dogs smelling clean, I didn’t find the lavender scent lasted long after my dogs dried. Which is a great feature for owners who are weary of using heavily scented products on their pets.

In Summary

Is We Love Doodles a Good Value?

For a quality shampoo that contains organic oils, safe detergents, and conditioning agents, this product is well-priced and worth the investment.

It is comparable in price to many of the better-known organic dog shampoo brands. Plus, if you order in bundles through the website, you can get up to 16% off.

FAQ

How long should We Love Doodles Shampoo be left on before rinsing?

According to the We Love Doodles website, the shampoo should be left on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing. Because this shampoo contains coco-betaine, we recommend not leaving it on your dog’s skin for extended periods, especially if they have sensitive skin.

Is this shampoo tear-free?

We Love Doodles Shampoo is made without harsh chemicals known to irritate the eyes. That said, it is still a soap and you should avoid getting it into your dog’s eyes as much as possible.

Our Experience With We Love Doodles Shampoo

I do have Ragz, a Dalmatian mix, and Papyrus, a Chihuahua, both of whom need a lot of baths.

We live in Hawaii where red dirt and beach sand are constantly getting into their fur. On top of that, we have been battling fleas for a few months now, which means weekly baths.

All that is to say, I was very excited to try this shampoo!

I bathed both dogs using the We Love Doodles Shampoo. I liked that the shampoo was very thick and not at all watery. That made it easy to get it into my dogs’ coats and work into a pretty substantial lather, as far as natural dog shampoos go.

Because it lathered well, I was able to easily work it over each dog without having to use it too much. I let it sit for about five minutes and then rinsed them thoroughly. It rinsed off clean and easily and left their coats feeling noticeably soft even before they dried.

Once dry, both dogs were super soft and felt clean. I also received the We Love Doodles Brush that gave my dog’s coat that extra bit of fluff. I love that the shampoo is moisturizing and conditioning in addition to being a cleanser. As often as I have to bathe my dogs, this characteristic is really important to avoid drying out their skin.

One of my favorite things about the shampoo is the scent. It is very pleasant and fresh smelling, but not overwhelming. Most importantly, as I mentioned above, it doesn’t clash with the smell of wet dogs.

Since I enjoyed the scent so much, I would have liked to have it last a bit longer on their fur once they dried. However, the shampoo did a great job of removing the yellow stains from Ragz’s white fur. Some of the red dirt stains remained but with regular baths, I’m confident they could be lifted as well. Staining is a common issue for Doodles, so it was great to see how well it worked.

I really like this shampoo. And even more, I like that I can feel confident using it because of the natural, safe, and gentle ingredients.

Conclusion

Overall, I really enjoyed using We Love Doodles Shampoo. The thick liquid was easy to apply and lathered pretty well for a product made from largely natural and organic ingredients. I also loved the smell and how soft my dogs were after bathing.

Given the price point of this product and the quality, I would highly recommend We Love Doodles Shampoo to all dog owners regardless of coat type. It works just as well on short-coated breeds as it does on Doodles.

The post We Love Doodles Dog Shampoo Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

About We Love Doodles

We Love Doodles got their start in 2016. They started out as a small dog blog for doodle owners. In 2021, they launched their first product, a slicker brush made to tackle the thick, curly coat of the Doodle breed.

This brush is designed with long, bent tines and an ergonomic handle. These features, along with the 45-degree angle of the head, make it highly effective for detangling and de-matting. It remains one of their best sellers to date.

I recently put We Love Doodles’ shampoo to the test on my dogs. Now it’s time to see how their famous slicker brush works on my short coated Dalmatian mix. Keep reading to see my full product review.

We Love Doodles Slicker Brush Reviewed

Build

The ergonomic handle on the brush was very comfortable to grip. And it is much longer than most slicker brushes I’ve used in the past. I would’ve loved to have a comfortable option like this back when I groomed dogs at the dog daycare I managed.

The angle of the brush head also makes it easy to use and effective at cutting through the coat.

But the most notable feature about this brush is how long the tines are. While they may have been too long (but still effective nonetheless) on my short-coated Dalmatian, I could see it being very useful for dogs with very thick coats or the long, curly coat of a Doodle.

Uses

Like other slicker brushes, this one is made to help detangle and remove mats. It is also great for removing the undercoat in double-coated breeds with longer hair.

I recommend using it after the shampoo has been applied and before rinsing. This will help loosen the tangles so the brush can get through. It also works well after the bath once the dog is dry.

Brush Specs

I got the large slicker brush for my dog. It measures 3.75 inches wide by 7.25 inches long. This product is also available in a small size for little dogs.

Both sizes are available only in blue.

Coat Types

The slicker brush was designed to remove and smooth out matts and tangles from dogs with thick, long and curly coats. The lengthy tines were thoughtfully created to penetrate deep into fur to gently release and comb through any tricky knots. While this brush works wonderfully to remove mats and tangles from long or curly-coated dogs, it can also be used on dogs with short coats even though matting and tangles are not as common with these fur types.

In Summary

Is We Love Doodles a Good Value?

Slicker brushes vary widely in price with cheap options available for under $10 and premium large brushes going for over $60. We Love Doodles Large Slicker Brush sits nicely in the middle. Given the quality and the extra features it has, I’d say it is fairly-priced for what you get.

Our Experience With We Love Doodles Shampoo and Slicker Brush

While I don’t have a Doodle, I do have Ragz, a Dalmatian mix, who sheds an awful lot, especially after getting baths.

Slicker brushes are nice because they can be used on both wet and dry hair to effectively remove loose fur. I was excited to test this slicker brush out on Ragz both during baths and after them to see if it helped with her shedding issue.

Once I had Ragz lathered up with my We Love Doodles Shampoo, I put the slicker brush to work to preemptively remove some of that loose fur. It worked really well for this application. Combining the brushing with the moisturizing shampoo allowed the tines to move through her fur easily and seemed to help release more loose hairs than I normally get with a standard dog comb. We also did a second pass at her fur once she was dry to remove any remaining excess fur.

She had noticeably less hair coming off her after she was done getting groomed than she normally does. I attribute this largely to using the slicker during the bath. For once, she wasn’t throwing her coat all over my furniture for days after bathing!

I would highly recommend it to owners of all dog breeds and coat types. It is super comfortable to use and has a huge surface area that makes brushing go much more quickly.

Conclusion

Since this slicker brush was incredibly successful during bathtime with Ragz, I can see how useful it would be to other pet owners. The grip is very comfortable and the large head gets the job done fast. I can also see how the long, bent tines help remove tangles faster and gentler while also removing loose fur.

I would highly recommend the We Love Doodles Dog Slicker Brush to any dog ownes, especially those who have dogs with thick and curly-coats who are especially prone to matting.

The post We Love Doodles Slicker Dog Brush Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Buckle-Down is a fashion accessory company with an extensive line of products in the pet niche. They make everything from Yoda-inspired chew toys to pet carriers shaped like the Scooby-Doo van. But what they are best known for in the pet world are their collars and leashes.

They offer hundreds of fantastically bright patterns from pop culture to flashy art and everything in between. The collars are available in traditional plastic clip buckle style, seatbelt buckle style, and breakaway buckles. For each collar pattern, there is a leash to match.

Every Buckle-Down product is made in the company’s New York headquarters using quality materials that you won’t find elsewhere in the pet fashion world. These collars and leashes are known for their bright collars and quality craftsmanship.

I had a chance to put those features to the test after ordering a Buckle-Down collar and leash set for my Dalmatian mix, Ragz. And I have to say, I was even more pleased with my purchase than I expected.

Find out why I love my new Buckle-Down collar and leash so much and what you should know before purchasing your own.

At a Glance – What We’ve Reviewed:

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Our Favorite		Buckle-Down Seatbelt Collar	Unique look Multiple patterns and sizes Heavy-duty, durable buckle	CHECK PRICE
		Buckle-Down Leash	Sturdy clip Vibrant collars Thin but durable material	CHECK PRICE

About Buckle-Down

I had the opportunity to order a Buckle-Down leash and collar for my dog Ragz, who was in desperate need of a wardrobe update!

I chose the seatbelt buckle style collar because I love its unique look and had never tried one like it before. Although Ragz is only 30 pounds, I opted for the thick 1.5-inch wide option since she has a long neck and skinny head (kind of like Beaker from the Muppets).

I’ll talk more about my personal experience with the collar and leash in the last section. For now, let’s take a closer look at Buckle-Down, who their products are best for, and some other important factors prospective buyers should be aware of.

Where Are Buckle-Down Products Made?

Most Buckle-Down products are made in the company’s Farmingdale, New York, manufacturing facility.

Who Are Buckle-Down Products Best Suited For?

Any pet parent who enjoys decking their pet out in the latest pop cultural phenomenon is going to love Buckle-Down. This company has licensed hundreds of brands from Marvel and DC to Harry Potter and Nickelodeon.

In addition to branded options, Buckle-Down also has hundreds of unique patterns, including colorful floral options, fun geometric prints, and more.

Anyone who wants to add a little pizzazz to their pet’s attire will love Buckle-Down. But it is an especially great option for those looking to fill their pet’s closet with different collar and leash options for every day of the week.

Product Quality

Each Buckle-Down collar and leash is made from high-quality polyester. The material is thinner and softer to the touch than other products I have tried but still strong and durable.

The seatbelt buckles are made from chrome-plated steel. These automotive-grade buckles are extra durable. They make a great option for pets with siblings who like to chew on traditional plastic buckles.

But do note that these buckles are heavier than your typical dog collar buckles. For smaller pets, the lighter traditional plastic clip-style collar may be the way to go. Quality-wise, these plastic buckles are on par with other premier collar brands.

Pattern Options

When it comes to pattern options, the only downside of Buckle-Down is that there may be too many options to choose from!

While shopping for Ragz’s new collar, I had already picked about a dozen candidates after scrolling through only 20 pages of products—this is out of 144 pages total! And these are just all their seatbelt buckle-style options!

So, before you go shopping for your new collar or leash, I suggest you carve out some time in your schedule so you can browse all your options. Or, better yet, cut your options down by choosing one of their many pattern categories. These include:

Size Options

Most Buckle-Down collar styles are available in different widths and neck sizes.

The seatbelt-style collars come in small, medium, and large neck sizes. Each is available in 1-inch wide material or 1.5-inch.

The plastic clip-style collars have even more options. They come in small, medium, and large, and are available in ½-inch, 1-inch, and 1.5-inch wide material.

The vegan leather collars are sized a bit differently. Each neck size in this style is a different width.

There are six sizes altogether, with the smallest being 0.38 inches wide and for necks up to 9 inches. And the largest being 1.35 inches wide and for necks up to 31 inches.

The cat collars are only available in one size. They are ½-inch wide and fit necks between 8.5 and 12 inches.

Leashes are available in lengths of 4 feet or 6 feet. And each length is available in widths of ½ inch, 1 inch, or 1.5 inches.

Warranty and Returns

There is no warranty information for these products listed on the website. However, Buckle-Down offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all non-custom products. If the collar or leash was damaged in transit, defective, or if you were sent the wrong size, you don’t have to pay for the return shipping.

In Summary

Reviewing the Most Popular Buckle-Down Products

Let’s take a look at two of the most popular Buckle-Down products: their seatbelt-style dog collar and their leash.

1. Buckle-Down Seatbelt Collar

The seatbelt-style dog collars feature a steel push-button quick-release buckle, like those used in older-model cars. This substantial, heavy-duty buckle has a unique and sleek look. And it certainly stands out compared to dog collars with traditional plastic buckles.

While very durable and long-lasting, you do have to be careful about getting these wet. Users who let their dogs swim with these collars on report that the internal metal pieces can rust.

One thing to note about these seatbelt collars is that they are only available in 1-inch and 1.5-inch lengths. Both sizes of collar use the same sized seatbelt buckle, which is about 1 inch wide. That means that the fabric of the wider style collars must be folded in at the sides where it goes through the buckle connections.

Users have noted that this causes a bit of a “bulky” look and makes sizing the collar to the dog’s neck a bit tricky. I noticed this on my 1.5-inch collar, but after getting it fitted and having my dog wear it for a few days, the fabric flattened out and this bulkiness was less noticeable.

These buckles are much heavier and larger than traditional buckles. For this reason, they may be a better option for large breeds and dogs with wide necks.

Like other Buckle-Down collars, these come in a range of pattern options. Each print is vibrant and really pops against the background color.

2. Buckle-Down Leash

Like the collars, the Buckle-Down leashes come in hundreds of different patterns and feature bright, vibrant prints.

Each has a traditional metal dog clip on one end and a hand loop on the other. They are available in three widths. The skinny, ½-inch width is perfect for cats and small dogs. Meanwhile, the large 1.5-inch option is great for large dogs looking to make a fashion statement.

The material is thinner than other printed leashes I’ve tried. It feels softer and more flexible. But sturdy stitching and quality material make these leashes no less durable.

Like most other pattern-printed leashes, the pattern on these is only printed on one side of the leash. The other side is black. I agree with what many other users have said that it would be awesome if they printed the gorgeous patterns on both sides of the leash.

Our Experience With Buckle-Down’s Seatbelt Collar and Leash

I ordered my dog, Ragz, a 1.5-inch wide, medium-sized seatbelt collar, and a matching 6-foot leash. I chose the “Flower Blossom” pattern because I thought the bright colors would look great against Raz’s black and white fur.

Boy, was I right!

This collar absolutely pops against that monotone Dalmatian coat. The print is even brighter and more vibrant than I would have expected.

I chose the widest collar option because Ragz has a bit of a “Beaker” neck, so there’s a lot of room despite her smaller size. I love that the wider collar allows for more of that gorgeous pattern.

But, on the downside, the wider material has to fold where it goes through the narrower buckle connection. This folding made it more difficult to adjust the size of the collar when I first got it. But now that it’s been in use for a few weeks, I don’t notice it at all.

One drawback to these seatbelt-style collars that I think everyone should consider is how heavy the buckles are. And because the same-sized buckle is used on the thinner 1-inch collars, sizing down isn’t going to shed any of this weight.

For Ragz, who is only 30 pounds, this buckle is pretty heavy. It doesn’t seem to bug her, and it doesn’t “look” overly bulky. But I do typically take it off at night just to give her a break and ensure she’s not sleeping on a big hunk of steel.

With this in mind, I will probably opt for the traditional plastic buckle from Buckle-Down next time I upgrade her wardrobe. But for bigger dogs, I think the seatbelt style is a great way to go. These buckles are far more durable and they do look really cool.

As far as the leash goes, I chose the matching floral pattern. It’s just as beautiful and vibrant as the collar.

Like other users, I would love to have that pattern on both sides. But I can’t think of any other brands that offer this option, so I will not hold it against Buckle-Down. (Though, if they wanted to stand out, this would be a great way to do it!)

One other thing I really love about this leash is that it’s thinner than my other patterned leashes. This might be a bad thing if you have a leash-chewer, but for my older dog, it offered only benefits. It feels softer and more comfortable in my hand and is more flexible which makes it easier to maneuver.

And, for what it’s worth, it seems just as durable as those stiffer leashes I own.

Overall, I was very happy with both the leash and collar. And Ragz seemed equally pleased with them, though I’m sure her dog vision didn’t allow her to fully appreciate the vibrancy of the pattern.

Given the huge variety of pattern options Buckle-Down has, I will absolutely be buying more collars and leashes from them in the future.

Conclusion

If you want a new collar and leash for your dog—or a few dozen new collars and leashes—Buckle-Down is the only place you need to shop. Their high-quality pet products are made to last. And they come in multiple styles and sizes to fit any dog and need.

What blows me away most about these collars and leashes is how vibrant the prints are. Whether you’re looking for Fandom products or just something eye-catching, you’ll find hundreds of options to choose from with these collars and dog leashes.

• See Also: What Does a Red Collar on a Dog Mean? Collar Color Meanings & FAQ

The post Buckle-Down Seatbelt Dog Collar & Leash Review 2024: Pros, Cons & Verdict: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

About Owala

Owala is a water bottle company that set out to create the most functional, useful water bottles for everyday life. And since pets are a big part of most people’s everyday life, they also decided to create a pet bowl to join their line of products.

Like Owala’s water bottles, this bowl is simple yet impressively well-designed. The inside is stainless steel, which deters microbe growth while being very easy to clean. The exterior is powder coated for a pop of color that still allows the bowl to be durable and long-lasting.

But the real beauty of this product is the substantial rubber gasket on the base that keeps the bowl in place no matter how sloppy your pet gets.

All the attention to detail and quality materials means this bowl costs more than your typical pet bowl. So if you’re in the market for a cheap bowl you can hide in the cupboard after each meal, this may not be for you. But if you want a high-quality bowl that is equally functional for food as it is for water and pretty enough to stay out when guests come over, the Owala Pet Bowl is what you’re looking for.

The Owala Pet Bowl Reviewed

Quality

If you have used Owala water bottles, you know this company is all about producing quality products. And the same can be said about their pet bowl.

This product may have less going on with it than their other options (because, of course, dogs have no need for flip lids, straws, or hand grips) but it is still well-built and made with quality materials.

The entire bowl is constructed out of thick stainless steel. The top features a rounded edge that’s easy to clean and has a nice aesthetic to it. The outside is powdered coated to add some color and to give it a more distinguished look.

Between the inside and outside, there appears to be a nice air gap, which is helpful for insulation if you’re using it as a water bowl. Will this bowl keep your pet’s water ice-cold if you place it outside in the sun? No, but it seems to help it stay cooler longer, at least.

The other thing that gapped construction does is give the bowl a more substantial feel to it. I imagine this adds to the durability and it definitely gives it a nicer look than what you get with single-layer steel bowls.

Unless you have a Rottweiler with a passion for chewing on metal, I would bet this bowl could easily last years if not decades.

Options

The Owala Pet Bowl is available in two sizes and five colors.

I received the 3-cup (24-ounce) size. The company also sells a 6-cup (48-ounce) size, which is a bit larger in terms of floor space and much deeper.

The large bowl is available in five colors: gray, turquoise, white, black, and pink. The small is available in all the same colors except gray. Each features the Owala symbol in a complimentary or muted color.

People love colorful, fun items for their pets and Owala is known for providing colorful combinations in their water bottles, so I expect more colors and patterns will be available at some point.

The small size was great for my dogs, who max out at 30 pounds. I was able to use it for both food and water without issue.

The larger bowl seems to work well as a food bowl for large dogs, but some owners say it isn’t quite big enough to function as a water bowl. I don’t necessarily agree. Forty-eight ounces of water seems like a lot to me!

Features

Aside from the quality build and the handful of customization options, there is one more major thing that sets this bowl apart. And that’s the rubber, non-slip base.

This simple addition really helps keep the bowl in place, whether your dog is frantically eating or splashing water all over your tile.

It’s a feature that isn’t overly noticeable from looking at the bowl, but it makes a big difference.

This rubber gasket is the same color as the Owala emblem on each bowl. On the turquoise bowl I got, the gasket is bright yellow, which I love. It’s more muted on the other options but still provides a little extra pizzazz.

In Summary

Is the Owala Pet Bowl a Good Value?

If you compare this bowl to the simple stainless steel bowls you can find at PetSmart or the feed store, it’s a little pricey. But, if you consider the quality, the insulated build, and added features, I believe it is fairly well-priced.

FAQ

Is this pet bowl durable?

From my experience, the Owala pet bowl is very durable. The double-sided stainless steel build and rounded design keep it from denting when dropped. And the rubber gasket on the bottom protects it from getting scratched up (while protecting your floors).

What are the dimensions?

The small Owala pet bowl is 2¾ inches tall and 5¾ inches wide. The large bowl is 3½ inches tall and just over 7 inches wide.

Does the Owala pet bowl come with a warranty?

Like all Owala products, the pet bowl is covered under the company’s limited lifetime warranty. This protects against manufacturer defects, but will not cover the bowl if your Great Dane decides to use it as a chew toy.

Our Experience With the Owala Pet Bowl

I had the opportunity to use the Owala pet bowl with my dogs and got to try it out on my parents’ dogs.

The first users were Ragz, my 12-year-old Dalmatian mix, and Papyrus, my 14-year-old Chihuahua. Both of my dogs are pretty small. Ragz is only 30 pounds, though she is fairly tall, and Papyrus is 7 pounds.

For them, the small, 3-cup bowl worked perfectly. It provided more than enough room to feed them meals in. And was large enough to use as a water bowl.

And in both cases, it was super easy to clean.

Because I only bought one bowl, I ended up putting it to use as a water bowl once I was done testing it out. For this, it has worked exceptionally well. It is sturdy and the no-slip base keeps it from spilling.

And I only have to refill it once a day, despite the summer heat.

Just for fun, I also tried this out on my parents’ very large Labradors, Bo and Burley. These boys are both over 60 pounds and under 3-years-old.

Size-wise, the small bowl was just big enough to hold their meals. But, given the size of their muzzles, I’ll opt for the larger size when gifting them new bowls in the future.

For water, I may stand corrected. The large size would probably be too small for these big guys, given the mess they create at the water dish every time they drink.

If you have a big, messy drinker, the Owala bowls are probably not the best option for a water dish. They don’t have any features meant to reduce splashing. And even the big bowl probably won’t hold enough water to keep them hydrated for an entire day.

But for feeding large dogs and providing water or food to small dogs, I absolutely love this product. I could see the small size also working well for cats, guinea pigs, and other pets.

Conclusion

After testing out the Owala Pet Bowl on my dogs, I would highly recommend it to pet owners everywhere.

The rounded design and stainless steel material make it easy to keep this bowl clean and make it more durable than most products. The customizable colors and eye for design mean you can leave this bowl out without it clashing with your decor. And the functional, non-slip base means your dog won’t move it around the house or scuff up your floors.

For small dogs and for cats, the small bowl works great as a food or water dish. For larger dogs, the large option is best used as only a food dish unless you happen to have a dainty drinker.

In either case, you won’t regret adding this cute and functional dish to your pet’s collection. 

The post Owala Pet Bowl Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

What Is FitPaws?

FitPaws is a relatively new company in the pet care world. They produce a unique line of products tailored to canine fitness and rehabilitation. Through partnerships with Colorado State University, the Canine Rehabilitation Institute, and more, FitPaws has put together an extensive line of dog fitness tools.

Owners can use these products to help get their pups into shape, strengthen their bond with their dog, help them learn new behaviors, and support healing after an injury.

FitPaws products are designed similarly to products used in human rehabilitation and strength training. But they are created to match the specific needs and physical abilities of dogs.

The FitPaws product lineup includes balance boards and pads, inflatable balance bones, discs, and peanuts, hurdles, and more. These products allow for a range of different exercises and target movements to help strengthen everything from core muscles to different joints. And all provide a unique way to engage and stimulate a dog’s mind.

I had a chance to try a few FitPaws products for myself. With the help of my 12-year-old Dalmatian mix, Ragz, and my 14-year-old Chihuahua, Papyrus, I put the FitPaws Balance Disc, Mini K9FitBone Balance Training Platforms, and Balance Pad to the test to see if they’re worth the expense.

FitPaws – A Quick Look

FitPaws Products

FitPaws offers a variety of different product options. Their main focus is on inflatables and wobble boards designed to increase core strength and help with balance. But the company also has some other exercise equipment, including jumps and targets.

I had the opportunity to try three of their products out on my dogs. I received a set of Mini K9FitBone Balance Training Platforms, a FitPaws Balance Disc, and a FitPaws Balance Pad.

Mini K9FitBone Balance Training Platforms

These bone-shaped inflatables have a variety of uses. They are optimal for stability training and strengthening the core and limbs. But they can also be used to improve coordination, for sensory stimulation, to improve confidence in puppies, and for general behavior training and bond strengthening.

The mini set includes 2 bones that can be used together or separately. The k9FitBones are also available in regular size (23″ L x 11.5″ W ) and giant (35.5″ L x 15.7″ W x5.5″ H). Each of these larger sizes includes one inflatable bone and a pump.

The fun bone shape of these inflatables serves a function. The wide ends provide plenty of space for the dog to set their paws while the thinner middle section allows for some wobble to improve balance. How much the bone wobbles can be adjusted by adding or removing air.

Each side of the bone has a different texture that also serves an important purpose. One side is smooth, with small, rounded bumps that prevent the bone from slipping on the floor or beneath their paws. The other side has hundreds of protruding nodes that provide sensory stimulation.

The mini bones are nice because they allow you to exercise just your dog’s front legs or just their back legs. Or you can use both at the same time and work both ends while strengthening the core.

FitPaws Balance Disc

The FitPaws dog balance disc is very similar to those you find in human physical therapy and strength training centers. But this one is sized for canines and has some extra features made specifically for dogs.

Like human inflatable balance discs, this one is meant to challenge your dog to maintain their balance. This not only helps improve stability but strengthens muscles in the legs and core to support stronger joints while stimulating the mind.

The disc comes in two sizes to accommodate different-sized dogs.

Like the balance bones, these discs feature a textured side with stimulating nubs. The other side is smoother with protruding ridges to prevent slipping.

The more the disc is inflated, the harder it is to balance on. This is a great feature that allows you to work with your dog’s abilities and create more challenging exercises as they improve.

The balance disc can be used alone to work one pair of legs or in conjunction with a K9FitBone or second disc to work both sets of legs.

FitPaws Balance Pad

Of all the FitPaw strength and balance training products, the Balance Pad is probably the easiest one for dogs to use. Rather than rocking or wobbling when stepped on, this pad simply gives under pressure. This causes slight destabilization that forces the dog to balance and engage muscles in the legs and core.

FitPaw recommends this option for beginners and dogs recovering from injury.

Given the simple shape and familiar feel of the foam material used, this is a great product to start with when training your dog to use therapy tools like these. I know my dogs took to it very quickly.

The Balance Pad is one-size-fits-all. It comes in one color and doesn’t require an extra pump or any other tools to use.

Is FitPaws a Good Value?

If you’re looking for a fun training tool, you have a serious canine athlete, working dog, or a pup recovering from an injury, these products are worth the price.

Unlike similar products designed for human use, these have some special features that make them better for dogs.

For one, they are sized properly for compact dog paws and breeds of various sizes. This is important for proper muscle engagement and to avoid injury during use.

But more importantly, they are made to be durable enough to withstand sharp dog nails. The longevity you’ll get from these products makes them well worth the price.

FAQ

What Kind of Warranty Does FitPaws Offer?

All FitPaws products come with a limited manufacturer warranty of 90 days. They also allow returns for a small handling fee for up to 30 days after purchase.

Are FitPaws Durable?

Inflatable FitPaws products are made of thick, 6p-free/phthalate-free vinyl plastic that is fairly heavy-duty. I wouldn’t imagine it would be easy to damage these products assuming they’re being used as instructed and for the right-sized dog. As long as you don’t allow your dog to bite them, they will last.

Are FitPaws Easy to Use?

Yes, they are simple to set up and use once inflated. However, because FitPaws requires your dog to step onto them in various ways and stand for extended periods, training is part of the process. Effective use will vary for every dog depending on how receptive they are to behavior shaping and target training.

Our Experience With FitPaws

As an owner of two senior dogs, I was very excited to get to try out these FitPaws products. My Dalmatian mix, Ragz, has always had a bad shoulder that has been getting worse as she’s aged. And my Chihuahua, Papyrus, has an old neck injury that is constantly getting aggravated.

I was hopeful these products might strengthen their cores and joints to help with these issues.

Getting Started

As soon as I received my Mini K9FitBone Balance Training Platforms, Balance Disc, and Balance Pad, I got to work training my dogs to use them. Luckily, my dogs are used to target training and behavior shaping. I only had to spend about thirty minutes with each before they would readily step or back onto the products with me leading them.

For dogs that aren’t used to performing these kinds of behaviors, I would recommend training paw touch and step first using the Balance Pad or a similar object. Once they have that down, you should be able to seamlessly move to a partially inflated bone or disc without any issues.

As my dogs got used to the items, I began increasing the inflation of the bone and disc. This challenged them to hold their balance and noticeably engaged their muscles.

First Impressions

For the last two weeks, I have been using these FitPaw products nearly daily.

The Balance Pad was very nice to have initially because it was the easiest one for my dogs to work with. Once they got used to the other products, I used it mostly to warm them up before getting into the more challenging exercises.

Once fully inflated, the Balance Disc provided the most challenge and seemed to work really well for building core strength in both dogs. Papyrus, who is only 7 pounds, had an easier time with it than Ragz, who is 30 pounds.

The K9FitBone Balance Platforms also provided a good challenge when moderately to fully inflated. They worked great as a stretching platform for Papyrus, given his height. And using both together provided another great way to help stretch his back and strengthen his core.

Along with the disc, I used the bones frequently to help work Ragz’s front legs and that troublesome shoulder.

FitPaws are always modifying and increasing user resources like exercise instructions for each product, e.g., how to target certain conditions or strengthen specific muscle groups. A major benefit that will help pet owners get the most out of the products.

After this initial test period, I feel strongly that these products are helping my dogs, and will continue to incorporate these training products and practices into their daily routines. The K9FitBones, especially, have been useful for helping Papyrus stretch his neck and back. I am hopeful a combination of stretching and balance work using these tools will continue to help Ragz rebuild the muscles in her shoulder and avoid further degradation of that joint.

One thing I can say with certainty about these products is that my dogs love the one-on-one time they get during this training. They seem to enjoy the challenge of figuring out what I want them to do combined with the novelty of balancing on stimulating surfaces. (I’m sure the tasty treats I use don’t hurt, either!)

Drawbacks

These products are a little bulky and require a bit of storage space when they aren’t in use. They can’t be deflated and rolled up very easily, and the Balance Pad cannot be compressed or folded at all. They can, however, fit nicely under a bed or behind your couch if you wish to have them out of sight when not in use.

These products are meant to be integrated into your doggo’s everyday routine in order for them to reap the full health benefits, so keeping them in sight and at arm’s length will help keep your training schedule on track.

I would hardly call this a drawback, though, I am happy with these products and would definitely recommend them to other dog owners.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I was very impressed with these FitPaws products. After trying the Mini K9FitBone Balance Training Platforms, Balance Disc, and Balance Pad with my dogs, I saw an improvement in their balance and strength after just two weeks. I also loved how much they enjoyed working with me during training and how stimulating these new challenges were for them.

For owners of working dogs, athletes, and canines in need of physical therapy, as well as owners looking to train a new pup, I believe they would make a great addition to your daily routine while helping to strengthen your bond with your dog.

The post FitPaws Dog Training Products Review 2024: Pros, Cons & Verdict: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

What Is the Sobaken Flea & Tick Collar? How Does It Work?

Sobaken is a pet company that specializes in natural flea and tick products for cats and dogs. It also sells pheromone collars, calming collars, and calming treats. The Sobaken Flea & Tick Collar for dogs utilizes natural ingredients and essential oils to repel fleas and ticks. The collars are also marketed as effective against mosquitoes, lice, and sarcoptic mange.

Like other flea and tick products, the collars work by transferring oils onto the dog’s skin. Once there, the oils are absorbed and disseminated over the skin through the sebaceous glands. Unlike most other flea collars, the repellent in Sobaken’s formula is 100% natural, which is always a plus!

This formula is marketed as being hypoallergenic and free from nasty side effects. Rather than killing pests using neurotoxins or pesticides, Sobaken collars simply repel them using highly scented essential oils.

Chemical flea and tick products come with a host of downsides. They can cause scary side effects in dogs, including vomiting, seizures, and even death. Worse still, humans, especially children, who pet the dogs treated with these products are at risk of neurological damage. Natural products, like those from Sobaken, offer a safer alternative. But are they as effective?

I tried Sobaken Flea & Tick Collars on Ragz, my Dalmatian mix, and Papyrus, my Chihuahua. Both have been struggling with fleas since we moved to Hawaii, so I was very excited to find a natural product that promises results.

Keep reading to discover if these natural flea collars live up to the hype.

Sobaken Flea & Tick Collar – A Quick Look

Sobaken Flea & Tick Collar – What’s Included

I received two flea and tick collars, one for my 30-pound Dalmatian mix and one for my 7-pound Chihuahua mix. Because they are one-size-fits-all collars, I got the same product for each.

Ease of Use

Like most flea collars, the Sobaken Flea & Tick Collar was incredibly easy to use. As the instructions advised, I fitted them on each dog just loose enough to allow my fingers to slip underneath. Then, I trimmed the excess, leaving 2 inches of extra length after the buckle.

Each collar lasts for 8 months under normal circumstances, another characteristic that makes this product user-friendly. Compared to monthly oral flea and tick medication or topical treatments, the Sobaken collar requires much less work for dog owners.

Ingredients

The all-natural ingredients are safe for dogs and puppies over 3 months of age. Unlike chemical flea and tick repellents, they are very unlikely to cause side effects outside of rare allergic reactions. Equally as important, the ingredients won’t cause problems for children and adults who come into contact with them.

The collar is made of polyethylene. While no plastic is 100% safe from leaching chemicals, polyethylene is one of the safest materials. When used topically as it is meant to be, it is unlikely to cause any health problems.

The last ingredient listed is zinc stearate, a naturally occurring fatty acid used as a releasing agent. The Environmental Working Group scored this ingredient as low risk in all categories.

Effectiveness

Natural products are often much safer for pets to use. However, they are also often less effective. Luckily, I can confidently say that Sobaken’s Flea & Tick Collar works incredibly well. In fact, of all the natural treatments I’ve tried for fleas, this one is by far the most effective.

You can read more about how this product worked for my dogs in the “Our Experience” section below. For now, I will leave the collars on my dogs for the full 8 months and order more once they stop working.

Side Effects and Downsides

The Sobaken website claims this collar will not cause allergic reactions or hair loss. The thousands of reviews for the product across the web seem to agree. I saw zero side effects when I used it on my dogs.

Since the collar’s active ingredients emit odors, each scent is detectable. Citronella doesn’t bother me or my dog, so that was not an issue for us, but it should be considered if you are scent-sensitive.

Lastly, it is worth remembering that the collars repel but do not kill fleas. If your dog is infested and you put the collar on, the pests will start jumping ship as the product takes effect after about 24 hours. Therefore, I highly recommend bathing your dog to kill fleas and ticks on them before putting the collar on.

Is Sobaken Flea & Tick Collar a Good Value?

Considering that this collar works for 8 months, I’d say it is very well-priced.

It costs about as much as three Frontline Topical Flea and Tick Protection treatments but lasts nearly three times as long. It is a tad more expensive than most chemical flea and tick collars but about half the price as Seresto, the leading flea collar brand.

FAQ

Does It Repel Mosquitoes?

Sobaken Flea & Tick Collars also repel mosquitoes, lice, and sarcoptic mange. The all-natural active ingredients absorb into the dog’s skin, creating a protective odor shield that mosquitoes and other pests don’t like.

How Durable Is the Sobaken Flea & Tick Collar?

The collar is water-resistant and made of durable polyethylene. It is not meant to be chewed on and could be dangerous if ingested. However, when left on the neck, it should easily last 8 months.

Does This Collar Stay On?

If you follow the trimming instructions, the Sobaken Flea & Tick Collar should stay on without an issue. However, if you trim the excess too short, it is likely to slip through the buckle and come off. Excessive scratching at the neck can also cause the collar to come off.

Our Experience With the Sobaken Flea & Tick Collar

I have been dealing with a constant flea problem for the last two months. The common space behind our house is filled with fleas, and our dogs frequently pick them up. The Sobaken collar is our most recent attempt to deal with this issue.

Both our dogs have a history of idiopathic seizures, so chemical flea and tick preventatives are not safe to use. That’s why I was so excited to find this all-natural product. I admit that I was a little skeptical, however. I have been using a topical flea spray that utilizes many of the same essential oil ingredients as Sobaken, and I have not been happy with the results.

Luckily, I found these collars are much more effective! Before putting the collars on, I bathed both my dogs to kill the fleas already present. Despite my attempts to mitigate the issue with natural sprays, diatomaceous earth, and frequent bathing, I found seven fleas on Papyrus, my Chihuahua, and three on Ragz, my Dalmatian.

Once my dogs were dry, I put on the flea collars. They were easy to fit and secure. After some initial scratching, my dogs both got used to them.

The Results

Over the next week and a half, I watched my dogs carefully. I used the flea comb every other day to check for pests and flea dirt. Not only did I not find any, but I never saw any excess itching or discomfort that would signal the presence of fleas.

After 10 days, I bathed both dogs to check for flea activity. I didn’t find a single flea or evidence of flea dirt on Papyrus. I did find one flea on Ragz, but no obvious flea dirt, meaning it had likely not been on her long enough to feed. These results were amazing, considering how many fleas I’d found every time I bathed them previously.

In the middle of the collar test run, I had a flea-ridden foster kitten come into my care. It took days to get the hundreds of fleas off this poor cat but, thanks to the collars, none of them made it onto my dogs!

Overall, I am very happy with these collars. They have been by far the most effective natural flea solutions I’ve found, and I plan to continue using them for the foreseeable future.

Conclusion

After testing the Sobaken Flea & Tick Collar on my dogs, I can confidently say that it is one natural pest solution that lives up to the hype. Not only did this collar reduce my dogs’ flea load by over 90%, but it was also easy to use and had absolutely no side effects.

I highly recommend the Sobaken Flea & Tick Collar to all dog owners who want to avoid chemical products and need an effective, natural flea solution that requires less work.

• See Also: What Does a Red Collar on a Dog Mean? Collar Color Meanings & FAQ

The post Sobaken Flea & Tick Dog Collar Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

I had the opportunity to try two recipes from Ultimate Pet Nutrition’s Nutra Complete line, their Premium Beef Dog Food and their Premium Pork Dog Food. Each of these products is made with US-sourced meat, 100% freeze-dried for maximum nutrition, and includes superfood fruits and vegetables as well as prebiotics and supplemental vitamins and minerals.

On paper, Nutra Complete appears to be a high-quality, premiere freeze-dried food worth the elevated price tag. But how does it really perform?

I have two dogs that helped me try out these diets: Ragz, a 12-year-old Dalmatian mix who weighs about 30 pounds; and Papyrus, a 14-year-old Chihuahua who weighs about 7 pounds. They both have experience eating freeze-dried foods.

Find out what I liked and disliked about these diets, how much my dogs enjoyed eating them, and if I’d consider switching to Nutra Complete Dog Food in my full, hands-on review, below.

At a Glance: The Best Nutra Complete Dog Food Recipes

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Our Favorite		Nutra Complete Premium Beef Dog Food	95% beef Bite-sized morsels US-sourced meat and quality ingredients	CHECK PRICE
		Nutra Complete Premium Pork Dog Food	95% pork US-sourced meat and quality ingredients Good option for dogs with common food allergies	CHECK PRICE
		Nutra Complete Premium Chicken Dog Food	95% chicken No fillers or preservatives US-sourced meat and quality ingredients	CHECK PRICE

Nutra Complete Dog Food Review

All Nutra Complete Dog Food recipes feature 100% freeze-dried raw morsels. These morsels are similar in size and shape to large dry kibbles. But because they’re not exposed to heat during processing, they retain more natural nutrients, antioxidants, and enzymes than typical dry kibble. But unlike true raw food, these diets can be stored and fed the same way kibble is.

There is a lot to love about this dog food. And my dogs were eager for me to open the bags so they could test out the recipes for themselves.

But before we get into how much we liked Nutra Complete, let’s take a closer look at the company, what dogs this food is best suited for, and what’s in the bag.

Who Makes Nutra Complete and Where Is It Produced?

Nutra Complete is made by Ultimate Pet Nutrition, a holistic pet food and supplement company started by veterinarian, Dr. Gary Richter. The company was founded in 2017 and is based out of Encino, California.

Dr. Richter, who was named “Holistic Practitioner of the Year” by the American Holistic Veterinary Association in 2019, worked with a team of veterinarians to create this dog food line to be a complete and balanced diet for adult dogs.

Uniquely, all the meat used in these diets is sourced and processed in the United States. All their products are also manufactured in the USA.

Which Type of Dog Is Nutra Complete Best Suited For?

The fat and protein content of Nutra Complete varies slightly by recipe, but all have around 34% of each. This makes them higher-calorie diets than the average kibble or wet food. Because of this, these diets are an excellent choice for working and active adult dogs.

Nutra Complete can also be a good choice for less active dogs. Because each bag contains more calories, ounce for ounce, you just need to feed less of it compared to regular kibble.

It is also worth noting that, because of the higher than average protein and fat content of these diets, they contain fewer carbohydrates. Because dogs’ systems evolved to process fat and protein as their main sources of energy, these diets are metabolized more cleanly. Dogs who struggle to lose weight on traditional dog food tend to maintain a healthier weight on high-protein diets, so long as they are fed an appropriate amount to meet their caloric needs.

Which Type of Dog Might Do Better With a Different Brand?

Currently, there are only three recipes available from Nutra Complete: beef, pork, and chicken. Each features only one type of meat, which is great for dogs that have food allergies. At least, so long as they are not allergic to beef, chicken, and pork.

Both chicken and beef are included in the top three most common meat allergies dogs develop. Pork is far less common, however, and the Premium Pork Dog Food recipe would likely be a good option for dogs with meat allergies.

Other common allergens for dogs include wheat, corn, and soy. None of Nutra Complete’s recipes include grains or soy products, making all of them a safe option for dogs with common plant-protein allergies.

If your dog does suffer from a wider array of food allergies, you may consider trying Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried raw food diets instead. Both their Duck Duck Goose and Absolutely Rabbit recipes contain only exotic meats and are grain-free, making them suitable for most dogs with food allergy concerns.

Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

All three recipes from Nutra Complete are made predominantly of meat and organs. They also include a number of superfood fruits and vegetables, as well as some added nutrients.

Meat and Organs

One of the greatest selling points of this brand is that each recipe contains 95% meat ingredients. This is a huge improvement over typical dog kibble, which contains just 3% to 25% meat, on average. Because dogs evolved to eat meat, their bodies are primed to absorb nutrients from these sources over nutrients from plant-based foods.

The first ingredient in all three recipes is a whole meat product, which includes muscle meat, fat, and skin. This type of meat ingredient provides lean protein, energizing fat, essential amino acids, and many necessary vitamins and minerals.

Following that is at least one type of organ meat. Kidneys, hearts, and livers are rich in nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, and phosphorus. These ingredients deliver many of the micronutrients that aren’t found in muscle meat.

Fruits and Vegetables

Each Nutra Complete recipe also includes about 4% vegetables, fruits, and some miscellaneous superfoods.

Nutrient-dense vegetables, including spinach, carrots, and broccoli, add enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants to the blend. Low-sugar fruits, such as blueberries and cranberries, add even more to that healthy antioxidant load.

Other notable superfood ingredients include ginger, pumpkin seeds, dried kelp, and flaxseed. These help round out the natural vitamins and minerals present in the recipes and add another heaping of antioxidants and powerful phytochemicals known to support canine health.

Additives

Given all the powerful ingredients already included in these recipes, I was surprised to find Nutra Complete also contains added synthetic and naturally occurring nutrients.

Taurine, potassium chloride, zinc amino acid complex, and more are added, I presume, to ensure all essential nutrient needs are met. Given the amount and quality of the meat ingredients included, I would think most of these bases are already covered. But, given that our dogs often eat the same food day after day without variety, it’s good to be sure everything they need makes it into every bowl.

All recipes utilize mixed tocopherols as a natural preservative and include no chemical preservatives, dyes, or other dangerous additives.

How Easy Is It to Feed?

One of the greatest benefits of freeze-dried dog food is that it provides many of the same advantages as raw food without the mess or hassle. Even more so than many freeze-dried diets I’ve tried, I found Nutra Complete incredibly easy to feed.

The feeding recommendation on the back of the bag says to mix the freeze-dried kibbles with a little warm water and to let it sit for 3 minutes before serving. This is less time than it takes to rehydrate large freeze-dried chunks, which is nice. But it does require a touch more work than feeding simple dry kibble.

However, the bag also notes that these morsels can be fed straight, without water.

I tried feeding both ways. In the mornings, I added the dry morsels to my dogs’ treat balls (they were the perfect size!). In the evening, I added water and let the bowls sit before serving. I didn’t notice any problems either way, and my dogs were equally eager to eat the food up no matter how I presented it.

Do Dogs Like It?

I can only speak for Ragz and Papyrus here, but they absolutely loved Nutra Complete. I fed them the pork and the beef recipe and they seemed to enjoy each equally. The second I opened the bags, they were in my face trying to find out what I had. And they didn’t hesitate to vacuum it down the moment I filled their bowls.

Neither dog showed any negative effects from eating these diets despite a quick transition from their normal food.

However, my dogs are used to freeze-dried diets. If you’re switching your dog from kibble to Nutra Complete, it is worthwhile to do it slowly over 10 days as the bag recommends. Meat-based foods take much less time to digest than high-carbohydrate diets and it can take the stomach time to adjust.

Is It Worth the Money?

Compared to the average dry kibble diet, you will pay a lot more to feed your dog this food. But it’s also a much higher quality food than most kibble diets out there.

If you compare Nutra Complete to other freeze-dried foods on the market, you’ll find the price is right on point. Stella & Chewy, one of the first freeze-dried food companies, also includes 95% meat in most of their recipes. Like Nutra Complete, they are also grain-free and use only superfood fruits and vegetables to round out their diets. Both options are priced very similarly when you purchase through Chewy.

Nutra Complete is also priced similarly to Primal Freeze-Dried Dog Food. But the latter only includes 80% meat in most of their recipes, making Nutra the better buy.

Given the ingredient quality, the amount of animal product included, and the fact that the meat is sourced in the USA, I say Nutra Complete is worth the expense.

A Quick Look at Nutra Complete Dog Food

Recall History

According to the FDA, Nutra Complete Dog Food has, to date, never been recalled.

Reviews of the 3 Best Nutra Complete Dog Food Recipes

I had the chance to try Nutra Complete’s beef and pork recipes with my dogs Ragz and Papyrus. The company also has a popular chicken formula available.

1. Nutra Complete Premium Beef Dog Food

This recipe contains 95% US-sourced beef, beef liver, beef kidney, and ground beef bone. It also includes Nutra Complete’s signature superfood blend which features a number of nutrient-dense ingredients, including flaxseed, dried kelp, blueberries, and spinach. The recipe is rounded out with various added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

My dogs, who are used to freeze-dried beef dog food, absolutely loved this recipe. After a short transition period, they both handled the food very well and had no negative reactions to it whatsoever.

2. Nutra Complete Premium Pork Dog Food

This recipe contains 95% USA-sourced pork, pork heart, and pork liver. Like the other recipes, it also contains Nutra Complete’s signature superfood blend and added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It’s grain-free, soy-free, and has only a single protein source, making it a good choice for dogs with food allergies.

My dogs have never had a pork-based food before, but that didn’t stop them from gobbling this diet up. After transitioning them onto this recipe, they happily ate it dry or wet and had no negative reactions.

3. Nutra Complete Premium Chicken Dog Food

This recipe contains 95% US-sourced chicken, chicken heart, chicken liver, and chicken gizzard. It also includes Nutra Complete’s standard list of superfood fruits and vegetables and added nutrients. Chicken is a common allergen in dogs, but for those who can handle this protein source, this recipe is a great option.

My dogs did not get to try this flavor, but from my hands-on review of the other two recipes, I’d feel confident ordering this recipe as well.

Our Experience With Nutra Complete

I’m not going to lie, I’m a big fan of freeze-dried dog food. It has so many of the same benefits as a raw diet but is much easier to feed and doesn’t require special storage or handling. So, I was very excited to test out Nutra Complete.

I’m happy to say that both Ragz and Papyrus really enjoyed Nutra Complete. As I transitioned them to the new diets, they preferred to pick the Nutra Complete morsels out of the bowl first every meal. They tolerated the new food well during the transition and continued to do well on it once they were eating it straight.

Neither one had any digestive issues or other problems while on this food. And I noticed both had improved stool. Not only was it more solid than when they eat kibble, but they pooped less frequently and in smaller amounts—a good sign this food is highly digestible.

This didn’t surprise me considering these diets are loaded with healthy, biologically appropriate meat and organs and a handful of healthy superfoods. And they have more protein from animal sources than most other diets on the market.

That said, there might be some room for improvement. The meat is sourced in the US, but it isn’t listed as being free-range, grass-fed, or organic. This is, of course, a balancing act as switching to organic ingredients would come with a price hike that many owners couldn’t afford.

Overall, I found these diets easy to feed and was very impressed by the ingredients used. Ragz and Papyrus enjoyed them and had no negative reactions to either the pork or beef recipe. I will definitely be buying this brand again in the future.

Conclusion

Nutra Complete Dog Food is a great option for owners looking to improve on the standard kibble diet.

These freeze-dried recipes are loaded with energizing protein, healthy fat, and antioxidant-loaded superfoods. They contain 95% US-sourced meat to nourish your carnivore canine and are nearly as easy as dry kibble to store and feed. Plus, dogs go crazy for this food—just ask my pups!

Like other freeze-dried dog food products, you’ll pay more for these diets. But given the quality ingredients and benefits you’re sure to see when switching from processed dog food, we think Nutra Complete is more than worth the investment.

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The post Nutra Complete Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.