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Best Natural Dog Food

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  October 26th, 2021

Natural dog food comes in many shapes and forms, from dehydrated to freeze-dried and raw, but the main trait that all these dog foods share is that they are made from natural ingredients. Read on to learn which natural dog food is actually healthy and which ones to avoid!

We all want what’s best for our pets – that’s a universal truth for every responsible pet parent. And making sure that our dogs eat well-balanced, healthy food should be one of the primary concerns, as a poor diet can be to blame for a range of health issues starting from obesity to diabetes, cardiac issues, aching joints, and so much more. It doesn’t surprise, then, that many dog owners opt for natural dog food hoping it will be the best choice they can make for their furbaby. However, the label ‘natural’ is often slapped on products that are not very deserving of that epithet and aren’t actually good for your dog.

To help you find high-quality, nutritionally complete natural dry dog food that will suit your pet’s unique needs, we’ve rounded up the best natural dog foods in all shapes and forms. Read on to find out what are the pros of natural dog food and which you should choose for your four-legged bestie!

1. Editor’s Choice: ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food

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High in protein and nutrient-dense, this natural dog food has a limited ingredient formula that offers only the best quality ingredients that are suited for both picky dogs and those with food sensitivities. Made from free-range, grass-fed, grass-finished meats, and wild-caught seafood, this natural dog food uses the method of air-drying to preserve all the crucial nutrients without compromising on flavor or shelf life of the food. There are various options available, including beef, chicken, lamb, venison, tripe and lamb, or mackerel and lamb to suit any dog’s taste and needs- and in each case, it’s authentic whole prey ratios of the nutrients, as the food includes meat, organs, and bones, same as it would in the wild. The formula includes no grain, potato, peas, sugar, or glycerin- only natural, healthy ingredients your dog needs to thrive.

Pros

  • High-quality, antibiotic, and toxin-free meat
  • 10% superfoods for holistic benefits
  • Can be used as a topper or a complete meal

Cons

  • The texture is not always consistent

2. Runner Up: SOJOS Complete Lamb Recipe Adult Grain-Free

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Made with raw wholesome ingredients that have been freeze-dried to preserve all the goods until you serve it into your pet’s bowl, this natural dog food is healthy, yummy, and easy to prepare, so it’s great for those busy pet owners that still want to ensure their pet’s diet is up to standards. This complete grain-free recipe includes USDA-approved freeze-dried meat or poultry and human-grade air-dried veggies and fruits, so all you have to do is pour water over it for the food to expand back to a flavorful, appetizingly textured meal- a pound of SOJOS food becomes 5 pounds of meals when combined with the liquid. There are 5 single-protein options to pick from: pork, chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey so you will easily find a taste to match your picky eater’s preference.

Pros

  • A pound of dried food makes 5 pounds of raw
  • Made in the USA from USDA-approved meats
  • Suited for all breeds and life stages

Cons

  • Can be too chunky for puppies or small breed dogs

3. Customer’s Choice: JustFoodForDogs PantryFresh Dog Food

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Nothing warms the soul and nurtures the body like a homemade cooked meal- and the same rings true for our four-legged companions. However, not many people have the time to prepare home-cooked meals for dogs every day, let alone know what exact nutrients they require! This is where these gently cooked, ready-to-serve meals come in. Prepared from human-grade ingredients to create a vet-developed formula, this natural dog food comes in two tasty options: beef and russet potatoes and turkey with whole wheat macaroni. The meals are ready to be eaten straight from the pouch- thanks to a slow cooking method of process, all the vitamins and nutrients are preserved and the shelf life is up to 2 years even without any artificial preservatives in the mix.

Pros

  • Exceeds recommended AAFCO’s standards
  • Ready to serve meals
  • Human-grade ingredients
  • Gluten and grain-free

Cons

  • Expensive

4. Best for Puppies: Health Extension Little Bites

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The best time to start with a healthy, well-balanced diet is right at the beginning. Feeding your puppy natural dog food will keep them happy and boost their immunity, setting up a good foundation in their adult life, both habit-wise and health-wise. This natural dry food is ideal for puppies and toy breed dogs not just because the pieces are tiny, but because it packs a powerful nutritional punch. Made from whole food ingredients from traceable and sustainable sources, it contains free-range chicken, brown rice, and a proprietary blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that includes superfoods such as turmeric, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar. Everything -and more- that your puppy needs to thrive under your wing!

Pros

  • Made from USDA-inspected fresh meat and responsibly sourced veggies and fruits
  • Manufactured in the USA in small batches
  • Puppy-sized bites
  • Rich in antioxidants

Cons

  • Not really for picky eaters

5. Best Toppers: Emmy’s Best Pet Products Free Range Dog Food Topper

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It’s all for naught if your pooch turns up their nose at a healthy meal! If your pet is picky or simply dislikes food you know is good for them, adding a tempting, mouth-watering topper to their food bowl might just do the trick. A healthy alternative to junk food, artificial ingredient laden food toppers, this freeze-dried and raw meal topper will add a burst of flavor- and important nutrients, too. Made from dried elk and venison meat, bones, and organs that have been freeze-dried and ground, this topper is chock full of protein and can be served dry or moistened, with kibble, wet food, or even home-cooked meals. The meat is wild-sourced, produced, and processed in the USA- only the highest quality ingredients for your picky pupper.

Pros

  • Can be used with any type of food
  • Sourced, produced, and processed in the USA
  • Flavorful and healthy
  • Source of protein

Cons

  • Not for dogs with a sensitive stomach

6. Best Dry: Castor & Pollux Organix Dry Dog Food Organic Chicken Recipe

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Some owners simply prefer kibble- and many dogs, too. It’s convenient to serve and keep fresh, and many dogs grew accustomed to the crunch and the flavor of dry food and have trouble switching to different textures and tastes. Luckily, there are many kinds of natural dry dog foods that are nourishing and tasty, and this crunchy chicken recipe is one of the best ones out there. Wholly made from organic, USDA-certified ingredients, this formula includes organic free-range chicken, organic sweet potatoes, and a blend of superfoods, including organic flaxseed, organic blueberries, and organic coconut oil, all there to nourish your pet’s body and health inside out.

Pros

  • Over 95% of ingredients certified as organic by the USDA
  • Familiar texture and flavor for dogs that prefer kibble
  • Nutritionally complete

Cons

  • Not for dogs on weight management diets

7. Best Wet: Portland Pet Food Company Human-Grade Dog Food Meal Mixer

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Whether you have a senior that has lost most of his teeth or a pooch that simply prefers wet food to dry, you’ll love these all-natural, fully cooked homestyle dog meal pouches. Made from certified human-grade ingredients and USDA-certified meats, this wet food comes in 4 options to satisfy the pickiest of pallets: chicken and yams, beef and rice, turkey and yams, and pork and potato. Not only are these wet dog meals healthy, but they are also quite tasty, making them great supplemental meals, dry food toppers, or a rotational meal. Plus, as they are fully cooked, ready to serve, and packed in practical pouches, these meals make a fantastic go-to option for camping, traveling, and hiking!

Pros

  • 4 meal combos to choose from
  • Human-grade and USDA-certified ingredients
  • Fully cooked and ready to serve
  • Can be used as toppers or supplemental meals

Cons

  • Not for picky eaters

8. Best Raw: Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance Dog Food

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Keeping track of your pet’s nutrition is no easy feat, particularly if you are feeding raw or home-cooked meals- a lot goes into perfecting the formula to make sure it meets all your pet’s nutritional needs. To make your job easier, this dehydrated dog food base mix does most of the work for you: all you have to do is add meat of choice, be it raw or cooked. This holistic blend of 24 nutrient-packed whole foods includes 9 veggies, 2 fruits, seeds, bone meal and crushed eggshells for calcium, raw goat’s milk, green-lipped mussels, shiitake mushrooms, and many more healthy and natural ingredients. All you have to do is add hot water, the meat of choice, and a bit of fat (e.g. coconut oil or olive oil) and you have a nutritious, well-balanced meal to serve to your pooch without slaving away in the kitchen.

Pros

  • Made in the USA and non-GMO Certified
  • Powerful holistic blend of superfoods
  • Easy to prepare for a complete nutritious meal
  • A 6-pound bag makes 56 one-pound finished meals

Cons

  • Pricey

Is Natural Dog Food Really Better?

In all honesty, we all instinctively assume that if something is natural, that must also mean that it is also somehow better or healthier. And the marketers know this and exploit it to the fullest. However, in reality, just because something is natural or made from natural ingredients, it doesn’t necessarily meet all of the other standards that a certain product should- like dog food. The term natural dog food basically just means that there are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in the ingredient list, so it’s easy to see how the quality of natural dog foods can dramatically vary. There are cheap, filler-laden kibble options that could be labeled as natural simply because they have no artificial ingredients but it still wouldn’t be a good option for your pet.

While natural ingredients in dog food are certainly a plus, it is important to make sure that the balance of nutrients and nutritional value are also meeting the health requirements for your pet’s needs. This means plenty of protein, fibers, as well as antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins from wholesome fruits, veggies, or superfoods. And sometimes, that balance is off in natural foods, so don’t just grab the first bag labeled as natural- take the time to read the nutritional information and all the ingredients before deciding. A good way to check if a natural dog food meets the criteria of healthy and well-balanced food for dogs is to see if it is described as complete and balanced, as this means that it meets AAFCO’s nutrient profile requirements.

In addition to dry natural dog food, a.k.a. kibble without artificial ingredients, there are various options that go a step beyond and use human-grade ingredients, organic ingredients, and methods of preparation that preserve nutrients in their original forms, such as freeze-drying or air drying. If you are really looking to make a switch to less processed and more natural food for your pet, these kibble alternatives are a good place to start. They are much less time-consuming and demanding to feed than balancing raw food or preparing homemade meals for your dog, but they offer that wholesome goodness you want in your pooch’s bowl.

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Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Best Canned Dog Foods

Today’s pet food market is vast, with more offerings regularly coming out. You may be overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the best canned dog foods. You want to find something your dog will enjoy eating, but will also benefit from in health and nutrition. But that’s why we’re here! We’ve scoured ingredients and labels, as well as reviewed and tested tons of wet dog foods in search of what you might need for your furry friend. Not every dog parent will have the same needs when it comes to finding the best canned dog foods. Some are looking for specifics due to an age or stage in life. Others may need to pay attention to diet restrictions or weight management as well. Others still may want something delicious and budget-friendly, and we’ve done all the work for you to find the best canned dog foods for your pups. Why Look For The Best Canned Dog Foods? Did you know that from a nutrition standpoint, water is even more critical to a dog’s diet than what ingredients are in his dog food? 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What To Look For In The Best Canned Dog Foods When you’re looking for the best canned dry dog foods, you need to become a label investigator. Not every canned dog food is created equal, and you don’t want to waste hard-earned money feeding your dog something that doesn’t have good nutritional content or value. Worse, you don’t want to feed them things that aren’t good for them, as we want them to be with us as long as they can be. Look for canned dog foods that have meat as one of the first and main ingredients. Look for real meat–those that have real meat as a primary/first ingredient will most likely offer your dog the right amounts of lean protein they need for fitness and health, as well as energy and strength. When looking at the labels, try to stay away from anonymous meat ingredients and generic animal fats. Good canned dog foods don’t have to use them, and your dogs won’t really benefit in the long run if you’re not sure about the transparency. As well, you want to pay attention to the fat-to-protein ratio and the carbohydrate content. A moderate fat-to-protein ratio is desirable and carbohydrate content should be modest. And while many fear grain-free diets these days, experts say that there’s simply not enough evidence to support that grain-free diets are harmful to dogs, so don’t shy away from a good canned dog food simply because it isn’t grain-free. That said, there are plenty of offerings on the market now for grain-free, so there really is a canned dog food for every pet parent. Also, watch out for coloring agents and chemical preservatives. To a degree, canned dog foods need preservatives to make them shelf-stable, but they certainly don’t *need* high-risk coloring chemicals, nor do they need preservatives that researchers are finding could cause cancer. While it is dog food you’re considering, it’s for your best friend, so if you don’t feel safe with the ingredient for your family member, it’s most likely not great for your furry ones either. Last, look for what you need in a canned dog food for your dog’s specific needs. If you have a puppy, many canned puppy foods will have DHA supplementation for the healthy development of eyes and puppy brain, while canned dog foods for senior dogs often contain glucosamine or CoQ-10 to help those old bones and joints. You can find canned dog foods that have probiotics in them if you’re looking to bulk up robust immune systems, and there are some companies who cater to specific sensitivities and allergies in their canned dog foods too. To Store Or Not To Store–How Is The Question? Storing canned dog foods obviously is different than how one would with dry kibble. If you have medium-to-bigger sized dogs, you most likely will go through a can or two (or more) each feeding and you may not need to store them. But, if you have a smaller dog, or you use canned dog foods as toppers, you want to be careful about a few things for protection against bacteria. You can freeze canned dog food, in a freezer-safe bag for typically up to six months. When you do so, you’ll want to serve in portion sizes, so that you can take it out of the freezer and thaw it to room temperature before you serve it to your dog. Some pet parents even warm canned dog food up, and this is okay to do but obviously do so in a warming-approved dish (never use the can as a container if warming food up). After a can has been opened, however, if you don’t freeze extra, you can typically store it in the refrigerator for about seven days. Most dog food manufacturers advise against keeping it in the fridge for any longer than that due to the risk of bacterial contamination. 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While studies and research are still being conducted to fully understand the impact mushrooms can have as a supplement or alternative treatment option, it’s clear that some fungi can be incredibly helpful. Still, there are also a few that are highly toxic both to us and our furry friends. The challenge when discussing wild mushrooms is that most dog parents aren’t foraging experts with a knowledge of which mushrooms are edible and which are not – and our dogs certainly aren’t educated on the topic! If you are out hiking and your dog discovers a mushroom on the side of the trail, you likely aren’t going to know in advance whether it’s toxic or not. In fact, if you have a high-energy dog like we do with our pup Lucifer, you may not even have the opportunity to see the mushroom enough to identify it before it has been ingested. This means leaving the possibility that it could be a toxic variety up to chance. For this reason, it’s safer to steer clear of wild mushrooms entirely. Does this mean that your grocery store mushrooms are dangerous? No. If you have purchased mushrooms to cook up for dinner and you want to share one with your dog, they are safe. They are healthiest when offered raw, but if you do cook them, ensure they are unseasoned, as the seasoning could upset your dog’s stomach. They can also be found in some foods, treats, supplements, and bone broth products. What Does Mushroom Toxicity Look Like in Dogs? While we have established that allowing your dog to eat wild mushrooms is unsafe, the hard truth is that we can’t always control the situation. Simply looking away for a matter of seconds may be all it takes for your dog to find and grab a mushroom on the side of the road, on a trail, or even in your backyard. For this reason, we must ensure that we are familiar with the signs of mushroom toxicity to recognize the problem and react as quickly as possible. There are four categories of toxic mushrooms: GastrointestinalMushrooms in this category primarily impact your dog’s digestive system. They act quickly, showing signs in as little as 15 minutes after ingestion. These are the most common signs your dog has ingested a gastrointestinal mushroom: Excessive drooling Upset stomach Abdominal pain Vomiting Diarrhea NeurotoxicThese mushrooms cause neurological symptoms and, if not addressed quickly, can often be fatal. Signs often show approximately 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion. The most common signs that your dog has eaten a neurotoxic mushroom include: Digestive upset Weakness Agitation or anxiety Loss of coordination Unsteady gateAppearing confused or disoriented Tremors Seizures HepatotoxicThese mushrooms are significantly more dangerous than the first two categories. They are slower acting, with symptoms appearing as long as 12 hours after eating the mushroom. They begin by upsetting the digestive system and may be initially mistaken for a gastrointestinal mushroom. However, after time, they will start to impact the function of your dog’s liver, leading potentially to liver failure and death if not addressed. Nephrotoxic Finally, this category is very similar to hepatotoxic mushrooms in that it begins as a digestive upset. If unaddressed, these mushrooms can cause kidney failure or acute renal damage. What Do I Do if My Dog Ate a Wild Mushroom? If you notice any of the above symptoms of mushroom toxicity in your dog, contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency clinic as soon as possible. If there are multiple mushrooms in the area and you can take a sample for identification, it may help provide valuable insight. While no treatment can instantly fix the toxicity, your veterinarian can provide your pup with supportive care. This will begin with inducing vomiting and/or giving your dog activated charcoal to remove or cancel out the poison and prevent further damage. The vet will monitor your dog while providing supportive care to address symptoms or complications of the toxicity, such as IV fluids to prevent dehydration and anti-nausea medications to settle digestive problems. This takes the unnecessary strain off the body, significantly boosting your dog’s chance of survival.

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Do you dream of travelling the world with your best friend by your side, but your dog turns into a nervous wreck every time you approach the car? If so, you’re not alone! Many dogs experience car anxiety to some degree, ranging from those who are slightly unsure of the vehicle to those who experience severe levels of stress. Luckily, there are options to manage your dog’s anxiety and even prevent it from happening in the future. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to improve your dog’s relationship with the car, from gradual desensitization to the use of calming treats and other products to make your next road trip easier for everyone! Is Driving Stressful for Dogs? Whether your dog finds car rides to be stressful will vary from dog to dog. Many pups are excited by simply hearing the phrase “car ride” and love sharing that experience with their human family members. However, for some dogs, the idea of getting into a vehicle instantly triggers feelings of stress and anxiety. As dog parents, the best thing we can do is pay careful attention to our dog's nonverbal communication and body language. Although dogs may not be able to speak English, they do a pretty good job of communicating how they are feeling if we know how to listen. How Do I Know if My Dog is Scared in the Car? Interpreting your dog’s body language often involves noting several different behaviors, as fear and anxiety can easily mimic excitement in many ways. For example, fearful dogs may whine when approaching a vehicle because they are afraid of getting into the car. However, approaching the same way with an excited dog may trigger a whine as they anticipate the fun ahead. Other aspects of their behavior, like their stance (standing tall and confident versus hunched low to the ground with their tail tucked), can help you better translate what your dog is trying to tell you.Some of the common signs that a dog is feeling afraid or anxious include: Excessive panting or yawning Licking the lips Whale eyes (showing the whites of the eyes)Large, dilated pupilsEars pressed forward or back against the headCowering or attempting to hideTail tucked between the legs or up and stuffShaking or tremblingSubmissive urinationStaring intently at the trigger Displacement behaviors like sneezing or itchingRefusal to take treats (even if they are typically food-driven)The most important thing to remember is that every dog is different. Your dog may display any combination of the symptoms listed above. No one knows your dog better than you. Trust your gut if you feel that something is off, even if it doesn’t fit the stereotypical fear response.

Dog Who Spent 900 Days in a Shelter Returned 1 Day After Being Adopted

The staff at the Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California was joyous when a Labrador retriever pit bull mix named Sora was finally adopted. Sora, who was the shelter’s longest resident, has waited 900 days to be adopted into a loving, furever home.Sadly, less than 24 hours after the adoption, the poor pooch was returned to the shelter. The Valley Animal Center in Fresno, the largest no-kill shelter in California’s Central Valley, welcomed Sora nearly 4 years ago after the pup’s previous owners surrendered the pet. Since then, Sora hasn’t garnered much attention from prospective adopters, which is shocking to shelter staff who know the pooch well. “Sora is a high-energy dog who loves to play and gets super excited anytime she gets to go on walks,” said Sim Kaur from Valley Animal Center to Newsweek. According to Kaur, Sora loves to walk and hike and will make an amazing travel companion to an outdoorsy person. The sweet pooch also loves playing with tennis balls and is always in the mood for a game of fetch. Sora has tested well with children over the age of five and is affectionate and lovable with adults.Despite being overlooked for so many years, this cute pup recently caught the attention of a potential adopter. After a few meetings, the person decided to adopt Sora, giving this pooch the happy ending she deserved.Then, the worst possible thing happened! Just 24 hours later, the new owner called the shelter to say they would be returning the pup. Sora arrived at the shelter heartbroken and looked particularly sad to be back in the same kennel she called home for so many years.This turn of events shocked Kaur, who believed Sora’s adopters should have given her more time to decompress and settle in her new home before deciding to return the pet to the shelter.“Being in a shelter for many years affects the mental health of our adoptables and it is no different for Sora,” she added. “Sora did not get enough time to decompress in her new home and was introduced to new family members too quickly.”Sora’s sad story was posted on TikTok and has received more than 1.6 million views, leaving doggy lovers around the world in tears. Sharing the video of Sora with another pooch, Eros, who was also returned quickly after adoption, the shelter wrote: “Their tails wagging with hope as they were welcomed into their new home. However, after a short period of time, these shelter dogs found themselves back in their kennels. They are still hopeful that somewhere out there is their furever home where they will be cherished as they deserve.”One day is not enough time for a shelter dog to adjust to its new home. Especially, if the dog in question has spent more than 900 days stuck inside a shelter. Unfortunately, staff at animal shelters see this happen often. Some people who adopt shelter dogs simply don’t give them the time they need to adjust to a new home, and all the unfamiliar sights, smells, and people. It comes as no surprise, to most people, that any dog that has spent any time in a shelter, much less 900 days, will need some time to adapt to its new life and recover from the stress they have experienced. Hopefully, the next person who adopts Sora will understand her and give her the time she needs to adjust to her new home. This adorable pooch is still looking for her furever home. If you think Sora will fit right into your family, submit an adoption application here. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has a Fever?

High fever is no joke, and can be quite serious – both for people and their furry four-legged friends. Yes, dogs can have a fever too, and it can be a much more serious condition for them than it is for us. Unfortunately, fever is not an ailment you can spot with your bare eye. Because of this, you will need to thoroughly observe your pet’s behavior and learn how to spot those little details that indicate a fever. Read on as we go through the basics of dog fever and just how to tell if your pet needs your help.Symptoms of Fever in DogsDogs, like humans, can develop a fever as a response to illness or infection. It’s the body’s natural way to fight off the “intruders” in the body. Fever comes in many forms and for various reasons. You can tell if your dog has a fever by observing their behavior and checking for physical signs. Here are just a few of the most common indicators.Increased Body Temperature: 

Should I Bathe My Dog During Winter?

Should your pet forego bubbly baths when the temperatures drop or should you bathe your pooch regularly all year long? There’s no universal answer to this question as situations can be wildly different from one pet or the other – how harsh is the climate you live in, would you bathe your pooch in a well-heated bathroom or not, how thick is their coat, and so on. All of these factors will influence the answer you’re given! To find out what’s the verdict for your own pooch when it comes to winter bathing, read on.Should I Bathe My Dog During Winter?The fact that it’s cold outside doesn’t have to mean your four-legged bestie has to smell funky for weeks on end – at least not in most cases. You can bathe your dog in the winter as long as you follow some ground rules that are meant to ensure your dog's well-being. Here’s what you need to know:#1 Don’t Do It Too OftenDogs don't need bathing as frequently as we do (duh), so if your dog isn't visibly dirty or smelly, you should be able to extend the time between baths to a couple of weeks. Overbathing can strip essential oils from your dog's skin, which can lead to dryness and irritation, so too much bathing isn’t good either. You can probably get through the winter with just one or two baths.#2 Keep The Water ToastyEnsure that the water you use for the bath is warm, not hot. Hot water can dry out your dog’s skin, so don’t be tempted to overly increase the water temperature just because the weather is cold outside. Of course, you should also make sure the bathing area is warm, and have towels ready to dry your dog quickly.#3 Fast Drying Is Key 

Royal Corgis Make Way for Jack Russell Terriers

New palace pooches get the royal treatment they deserve.

Dog Helps Find Missing Child

Dogs can be heroes, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to the story of a very special police K9 in Auburn, Massachusetts. When a 12-year-old went missing from their home and couldn’t be found for roughly two hours, Auburn police knew that they had to work quickly, and Biza the dog played an integral role in the child’s rescue.Child Found with the Help of a Police K9 Named BizaAccording to a Facebook post by Auburn MA Police Department, information about a missing child was received around 10:30 p.m. on January 31, 2024. The child had been missing since around 8:30 p.m., when they had left their home. No one knew where the child could be, and the frigid temperatures made everyone worry even more about their safety.Because the child had last been seen in the Pakachoag Hill area, Auburn police officers, Massachusetts State Police troopers, and detectives got to work looking for them. But it would be Biza, the K9 partner of Officer Ljunggren, who would really come through and help the search end successfully that night.Following the Scent to a Missing ChildBiza picked up the child’s scent and tracked it for more than two miles. The police were able to find signs that the missing child had been in the area, so they kept up the search until they were able to find them and bring them home to their family just a short while later.This is one example of many times that Biza has helped police in Auburn succeed since she joined them in 2022 from Germany. In addition to helping find missing people, she has also helped police track down suspects.  Thanks to Biza and her ability to track the right scent that night, a child was saved from the cold and made it home safe.Here’s a quick video about this story, showcasing a few photos of beautiful Biza:

Can I Use Human Hair Shampoo to Wash My Dog?

Making sure your pet’s hygiene is up to standards is an important thing, but you have to be careful about how you go about it. There aren’t a lot of important rules to consider when doggo baths are considered, but you should pay special attention to the type of shampoo that you use. If you are all out of pet shampoo, and you are thinking that a little bit of human shampoo won’t make a difference – think again. Using human hair shampoo on your dog is not recommended, and the reasons for this are many, including negative effects on your pet’s overall health and the quality of their skin and coat. Here’s what you should know before you reach for your shampoo when bathing your pooch.Why You Shouldn’t Use Human Shampoo On DogsThe first and foremost thing you have to consider is pH balance. Human shampoos are formulated to match the pH level of human skin. However, that level is totally different for dogs. Because of this, human shampoo can greatly disrupt the natural pH levels of a dog’s skin, ultimately leading to rashes, irritation, and skin diseases. And the same goes for the ingredients in that shampoo.  Dog shampoos have totally different ingredients compared to human shampoos. The latter has many chemicals that are considered too harsh for dogs. Dogs are prone to skin allergies and sensitivities, and some of the ingredients in human shampoos could make these issues much worse. The allergies can also be triggered by the strong fragrances of human-grade shampoos, which dogs can’t really stand. You should also take into account that a dog’s coat and human hair are totally different. While human shampoos are meant to lather well on hair, they’ll be too soapy for dogs. Rinsing out human shampoo from a dog can be a challenge, and a lot of chemicals can stay trapped in the coat and absorbed through the skin. Ultimately, all of this can leave your dog’s coat damaged, their skin irritated, and their health vulnerable to viruses and skin-borne infections. 

Wildlife Center Wears Fox Masks When Caring for Orphaned Cubs

Bonding with an orphaned kitten or puppy is fine, not so much when you're caring for wildlife.

Can I Teach A Cat Tricks?

Cats are often stereotyped as being aloof and independent. But beneath that mysterious exterior lies an intelligent and curious being capable of great things – you just have to learn how to tap into it! Whether you’re interested in trick training your cat as a form of mental enrichment or strengthening your bond and creating lasting memories, we have you covered. In this blog post, we will explore the world of cat trick training. This includes debunking common myths, breaking down the process of training a cat, and sharing a list of fun tricks to help you get started. Is it Possible to Train a Cat? Yes! Your cat is just as capable of learning how to perform tricks as your dog. However, there are some differences in how you approach this process. Dogs are often motivated by their bond with their handler and the praise they will receive for performing as expected. This is far less likely to work for your cat. Instead, you will need to find the right inspiration. For many, this comes in the form of high-value treats like diced chicken, sardines, or low-sodium tuna. The smellier the treat, the better. With the right motivator and a lot of patience, your cat can learn a wide variety of fun tricks and useful skills. How Long Does It Take to Teach a Cat a Trick? The time required for a cat to learn a trick will depend on many factors, including the difficulty of the trick, the cat’s eagerness to learn, and the way you approach the training session. We have two cats in our house, and they fall at very different ends of the spectrum. Pippen is highly trainable and quickly picks up tricks, while Jinx is much more stubborn and takes longer to come around. Several of these factors can be influenced by you directly. Have you found the right motivator for your cat? Are you experimenting with different training approaches to find the one that works best? Are you trying to move through the training process too quickly? However, some factors are beyond your control. If your cat is uninterested in training, even your best efforts to motivate them may fall short. Is it Too Late to Teach My Cat Tricks? There is an old myth that states: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” This has been proven to be false by many trainers, with dogs even in their senior years. But what about cats? Is there an expiry date on when your cat can be taught to perform tricks? The best time to start training a cat is when they are young, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only time! Your older cat may be slower to learn or a little more reluctant to get started, but with a little patience and the right motivation, you can train cats of all ages.

Meet the Lancashire Heeler, the AKC's Newest Dog Breed

Say hello to the Lancashire heeler - the American Kennel Club’s 201st recognized dog breed and the newest member of the Herding group. Although small in stature, Lancashire heelers are active and sturdy dogs ready to compete with 200 other dog breeds at thousands of U.S dog shows.“A small, powerful herding dog that thrives on human interaction, this breed would make a great companion for active families that can provide a great deal of love and attention," said Gina DiNardo, American Kennel Club’s Executive Secretary.These small dogs have long bodies and short coats, often black and tan or liver and tan. The Lancashire heeler is a solidly built dog that is around one foot (30 centimeters) tall at the shoulders and weighs up to 17 pounds (7.7 kilograms). Traditionally, Lancashire heelers worked on farms as ratters and herders. Today, these feisty dogs participate in various canine sports and pursuits.“They are gritty little dogs, and they are very intelligent little dogs,” said Patricia Blankenship, who has bred Lancashire heelers for over a decade. “It’s an enjoyable little breed to be around,” she added. The official breed standard calls for Lancashire heelers to be courageous, happy, and affectionate to owner. The owners of these pooches say that happy heelers sometimes pull their lips back and smile. These small but powerful dogs won’t be content to lounge around all the time. They are highly energetic and just as skilled in performance sports as they are in conformation. Lancashire heelers can be found competing in agility, herding, obedience, rally, barn hunt, tracking, disk dog, dock diving, and therapy trials. “There are even a couple that have competed in Earth dog and weight-pull events,” said Sheryl Bradbury, President of the United States Lancashire Heeler Club (USLHC), according to AKC. “It’s a breed that will work hard all day and is happy to curl up at your side and watch the TV news at night.”“The breed is different but in a good way,” said Jeff Kestner, Club Chair of Judges’ Education Committee. “It’s not a run-of-the-mill dog. Its eyes and expression are like magnets. Being a herding breed it's extremely intelligent - it definitely needs a job to do.” According to Bradbury, the biggest misconception about the Lancashire heeler is that it’s adorable and sweet and the perfect size to sit on your lap. “I always caution the buyers to not let a puppy’s cuteness fool you. The minute it is off your lap it may be chewing your shoes or nipping at your heels. Conversely, it will be your loyal best friend.”This cute breed often develops a strong bond with one household member. They will like to interact with the entire family but will pick a favorite person. “It is great with children as long as the children understand how to respect the dog,” added Bradbury. The breed’s origin is packed with mystery but they were first bred in the United Kingdom. The Lancashire heeler is regarded as a “vulnerable native breed” and faces extinction in its homeland. The United Kingdom’s Kennel Club has added an average of just 121 Lancashire heelers to its registry in recent years.Being recognized as a dog breed doesn’t mean that the breed in question is newly created. To officially recognize the Lancashire heeler, the American Kennel Club required proof of a minimum of 20 litters bred with a three-generation pedigree. This guarantees that the breed is established and sustainable. According to Bradbury, there are around 400 Lancashire heelers nationwide but there’s no doubt we’ll see more of these dogs in the future. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Lost Tortoise Found After 3 Years

A story about a lost tortoise in Florida proves that reunions can happen even years after losing a pet, and that social media can play a huge role in reconnecting people with their lost pets.

Organizations Donate Free Food to Help Owners Keep Pets

The high cost of living forces many pet owners to consider rehoming their pets.

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