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With Americans coping with a pandemic, more people are taking advantage of fresh pet food delivery services. Nom Nom is one of the leading dog food delivery services out there, so we decided to give it a try. Spoiler alert: our dog loves it, and so far, so do we.
Grubhub, Instacart, UberEats, you name it, Americans are hopping on board with the fresh food delivery trend and we don't see any turning back now. With fresh food delivery all the rage, it only makes sense that fresh dog food delivered to your door would be the next big thing. But how did we get here, and what's the future for dog food?
America's transition from bagged kibble in bulk to fresh dog food has been slow, but inevitable. Dog owners that have discovered a food that their pet likes are resistant to change. However, change can be good for your dog (and for the owner), especially when the switch is to a higher quality, more convenient solution. We think Nom Nom dog food offers both.
Since starting PupLife back in 2003, the dog food industry has shifted towards quality and convenience. The adoption of human-grade dog food really took off with the mass distribution of Newman's Own Organics brand in the U.S. The raw dog food movement followed right after that, with frozen raw food being sold in freezers at select retailers. Dehydrated raw dog food was easier to ship, store, and prepare, and brands like Honest Kitchen and Stella and Chewy became all the rage. Add some water, wait a few minutes and voila, you have fresh raw dog food.
Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food is the next natural step for pet owners searching for healthy, convenient meals. Nom Nom is a frozen dog food that is shipped to you, ready to thaw out and stock your fridge. No rehydrating needed, and it looks and tastes exactly like something you would make in your kitchen. All Nom Nom dog food is USDA-grade and restaurant quality. In fact, on a day that you are starving, you may have to resist the temptation to take a bite yourself!
Above: A closeup of the Turkey Fare Dog Food by Nom Nom. Yes, it is restaurant quality, but please remember to save some for your dog!
Getting started on a two-week trial is simple: fill out a quick survey on their site and get their recipe recommendations (our dog Hugo prefers the Turkey Fare and the Chicken Chow). If you are in a gluten-free house (whether for Celiac Disease or just for health), the Turkey Fare is perfect, because it is gluten-free. Place your order online and you'll get fresh, ready to eat dog food delivered to your door.
The food arrives packed in a recyclable box, kept cold and fresh, with dry ice. As pointed out in our article How To Switch Your Dog's Food, it is best to change your pet's diet gradually. Fortunately, Nom Nom comes with transition meals that you can use to blend with your dog's current food. This ensures that your dog will enjoy the food, and not have any digestive issues during the switch.
If you are not sure which flavor to go with, check out their Variety Pack, that contains 150g sample bag of each of these four recipes for dogs, plus samples of each of single-ingredient Chicken and Beef Jerky treats.
All Nom Nom food is made with American ingredients, in their own FDA compliant facilities in California and Nashville. Everything ships in dry ice, keeping the food cold, fresh, and ready to eat. The packaging is recyclable, and you don't even need scissors, simply pull it open!
If you are considering trying Nom Nom fresh dog food, make sure to Save 50% On Your First Order by clicking over to their site, directly from this article. Love it? Make sure to let us know.
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Let's face it: Amazon offers the largest selection of dog products imaginable, and their free 2 day Prime Delivery is hard to beat. With their enormous Dog Supplies selection (not to mention their Electronics, Household Products and of course Amazon Prime Video), most Americans shop on Amazon regularly.
According to Retail TouchPoints, "Amazon sells more than 12 million products, not including books, media, wine, and services. When Amazon Marketplace sellers are factored in, the total product count balloons to more than 353 million." Simply put, they've got everything. So it is no wonder that dog owners will also buy items for the family pet while shopping at America's largest online store.
But what are dog owners buying and why? The current top 10 selling dog products on Amazon (as of April 9th, 2020) are:
The best-selling Dog Food on Amazon is Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food - Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor, which clocks in at #23. The reviews for the product on Amazon are mixed. We need to point out that at PupLife, we prefer higher quality, organic dog food choices, such as The Honest Kitchen and Sojos Dog Food but we understand that what works for our dog may not work for every dog.
Check with your vet regarding your dog's specific dietary needs. For our pets, we opt for dehydrated raw dog food both for the nutritional benefits and for the storage advantages (a 10-pound box fits nicely into our cupboard, yet it rehydrates into 40 pounds of food).
So why isn't dog food a bigger seller on Amazon? Even with the convenience of online ordering, we suspect many dog owners may still prefer to buy their dog food at the supermarket or brick and mortar pet supply stores. Chewy.com has also become a viable rival to Amazon in the online space. Chewy offers discounts for recurring delivery (a plus for pet owners) and many dog owners may be purchasing their dog food from Chewy.
Another reason dog food may not be cracking the top ten? Dog food is heavy and bulky, making it expensive to ship. Additionally, the margins on dog food are absurdly low. So sellers on Amazon cannot afford to lower prices as low as brick and mortar stores. The large pet supply chains (or the local independent retailer) simply stock the shelves and smile as dog owners fill their carts, drag the items to checkout and then toss them into their car.
The other obvious trend we see from this list - people love using flea and tick collars on their dogs. The top-selling dog supply product on Amazon as of this writing is a flea collar. This is a cause for alarm.
The science on this is clear. As stated by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), many over-the-counter insect control products for pets, even when used as instructed, can cause "serious health consequences to pets and humans." High levels of pesticide can be spread from the dog onto your furniture and clothing, so this is a potential hazard for both dog and dog owner.
Natural flea and tick control is a better route to take and it can be done by examining your dog for ticks and using a flea comb. Other tips are to wash your pet's Dog Bed frequently and vacuum regularly. Sure, it takes more effort than simply wrapping a chemical infused collar on your dog, but it is a wiser health choice for your pet and your family.
Above: A high quality, washable dog bed, like this one from Bowsers Dog Beds is great choice.
The other prominent trend is one that is a bit disheartening: the popularity of electric shock collars for dogs. In this era of positive reinforcement dog training, the use of electric shock collars on dogs is unfortunate. We believe that dogs should be treated as a part of the family. Would you ever shock your family members with such devices? Of course not. Dog training existed well before the use of such devices, and it can be achieved without them.
The fact that dog treats pop up twice in the top ten is both a positive and a negative sign. The good news is that pet owners are rewarding their dogs with treats. Taking care of our dogs with yummy treats is a way to show that we care. However, on the negative side, we would prefer that the best-selling treats be of a higher nutritional value than the two that appear in this list. Our current dog treats faves are Polka Dog Bakery, Charlee Bears and Full Moon Organic Dog Treats. Stella and Chewy makes fantastic freeze dried treats as well as dog food.
When it comes to dog food and treats, quality matters. This is important for your pet's health and well-being but also because of the costs down the road. Feeding our pets poor quality treats and food may be cheaper right now, but it can bring on significant health issues as our furry friends get older. Vet Bills in the Future can be a much higher cost to pay than the extra money spent on proper nutrition. As guardians of our dogs, we control the food that they eat, and with that comes the responsibility to take good care.
Above: Full Moon Organic Training Treats are the perfect choice for training, or just for rewards. They are human grade and Certified Organic by The USDA.
So are all of the trends here negative? No! The fact that dog owners are doing their dog grooming is an encouraging trend. Clipping your pet's nails, trimming their coats and brushing their fur is an excellent way to keep your dog looking and feeling her best. Grooming your dog yourself is a great way to save on grooming costs, and it is an opportunity to bond with your dog. It's truly a win-win!
Above: The Hertzko Self Cleaning Dog Slicker Brush has over 13,000 positive reviews on Amazon. This handy product is regularly in Amazon's top ten.
Analyzing the top ten best-selling dog products on Amazon is by no means a definitive window into dog ownership. Our retail landscape is shifting dramatically due to a wide array of trends, both economic and social; not to mention the technological innovations that are transforming our world including voice assistant AIs such as Alexa, Siri, and Google Voice.
However, it does provide a tiny glimpse into what dog owners are choosing to purchase right now. In 2019, $95.7 billion was spent on our pets in the U.S, according to the American Pet Products Association. In 2020, it is estimated this number will increase to $99 billion. It is clear that Americans love their dogs more than ever, and they will certainly continue to buy on Amazon. Hopefully, dog owners will choose their products wisely, not just for the low-cost and convenience factors, but more importantly, for the health and wellness of their family pet.
For more on what products are best for your pet, check out Dog Supply Essentials: Preparing For Your New Dog by professional dog trainer Judit Arroyo. If you are in the market for a new dog bed, we highly recommend How To Choose The Right Dog Bed, as well as the Top 3 Mistakes Dog Owners Make When Buying A Bed. Smart buying decisions up front (whether on Amazon or not) will always benefit your pet, and your wallet.
(April 9th, 2020) Here is what we currently know. We are learning more and more about COVID-19 each day, and this deluge of information can feel overwhelming for dog owners. In addition to worrying about the health and safety of our friends and family, dog and cat lovers are concerned about the safety of their furry loved ones.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that as of today, there is no evidence to suggest that our pet dogs and cats are a source of COVID-19. That being said, it's important to understand that coronaviruses comprise a large family of viruses that affect a range of animals including humans. Some coronaviruses cause cold-like symptoms in people, other types of coronaviruses cause illnesses in cattle, camels, and bats. And, there are specific coronaviruses that affect dogs and cats but do not infect humans and are not related to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
The United States Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed one case of COVID-19 in a Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo. The 4 year old tiger, named Nadia, is believed to have contracted the disease from an infected zoo worker who was asymptomatic at the time. Six additional big cats are showing signs of respiratory illness but all are expected to recover. The Bronx Zoo has been closed to the public since March 16, 2020.
Cats, both domestic and wild, are susceptible to feline coronavirus. A study Published In The Journal Science backs this up. But according to Paul Calle, Chief Veterinarian at the Bronx Zoo, this is the first instance of a wild cat catching the disease from a human. Zookeepers and conservation groups around the country are working hard to protect the animals in their care.
Two types of coronaviruses, SARS and MERS, are zoonotic - diseases that originate in animal populations and then spread to humans. This is what scientists believe has happened with COVID-19, however, they have not yet pinpointed the source of origin. We know that the first cases of COVID-19 were linked to a market where live animals were sold, but the virus is now spreading from person to person.
Researchers from the Centers For Disease Control & Prevention provide a great resource on the Coronavirus. They have stated that there is no evidence suggesting a link between pets, livestock or wildlife and COVID-19. But it is important to practice good hygiene around animals at all times.
This includes:
While there have been no reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19, the CDC continues to recommend that people infected with COVID-19 limit their interaction with people and pets. Other recommendations include:
If you have specific questions about your health or the health of your pets and livestock, please contact your doctor and/or veterinarian.
For more ways to keep your dog safe, please read Ten Common Dog Poison Hazards: Keep Your Dog Safe. With proper precautions and smart handling of your pet's health, you can give your dog a safe, loving home.
If you are looking for Great Movie Suggestions, our friends at Reel Dynamite always have awesome suggestions. Have your own favorite dog buddy movie? Let us know!
O Tannenbaum
Who doesn’t love a Christmas Tree? While live trees (with the rootball) are great because they can be replanted or mulched, if you already have an artificial tree, by all means, use it. It’s better to enjoy it rather than send it off to a landfill. But, if you’re looking for an alternative, consider a potted evergreen or a fragrant rosemary topiary. You might even opt for decorating a tree in your yard!
Lighting Is Everything
All those beautiful, twinkling lights really set the holiday mood, but switching over to L.E.D. lights saves energy and money. L.E.D lights use only ten percent of the energy of traditional lights and generate less heat reducing potential fire hazards in the home. Be sure to turn off your holiday displays at bedtime or invest in a lamp-timer that will automatically turn your decorative lights on and off.
Ornamental Ideas
One of our favorite holiday projects is turning last year’s Christmas cards into holiday ornaments. With today’s hectic schedules it can be difficult to keep up with friends and family throughout the year. Sitting down with a stack of the previous year’s cards is a terrific reminder of how valuable those relationships really are and the perfect time to take a moment to appreciate the things that really matter in life – our loved ones!
Green Giving
Choose gifts made from recycled materials like our line of super comfy dog beds made from recycled pop bottles! From dog sweaters knit out of recycled cotton to organic dog food and treats to biodegradable pick-up bags, we’ve got you covered. Check out our full line of earth-friendly dog supplies here.
Reconnect With Nature
If you’re lucky enough to live in a balmy climate this shouldn’t be difficult, but even here in the frosty midwest, the great outdoors are simply magical at Christmas time. There’s nothing better than taking the dogs on hike through the woods with snow falling all around. So, gather up (or bundle up) the kids and dogs and enjoy some fresh air.
There are many ways to reduce, recycle and reuse during the holidays and throughout the year. Got a great suggestion? Let us know!
]]>A recent article by our friends at Sojos Dog Food points out why chocolate is indeed toxic for dogs:
“Chocolate contains theobromine, which is a naturally-occurring molecule found in the cocoa beans, coffee, tea, and cola and is related to caffeine. In the medical field it has been used as a drug to treat high blood pressure because of its ability to dilate blood vessels. Because of its diuretic effect, it is also sometimes used in cases where cardiac failure has resulted in an accumulation of body fluid. What makes it poisonous for dogs and not humans is the fact that dogs are unable to metabolize the chemical effectively.”
It is remarkable just how little chocolate a pet needs to ingest before becoming dangerously ill. Two ounces of bakers chocolate can be poisonous to a pet of twenty pounds, and one pound of milk chocolate can be poisonous to a dog weighing twenty pounds. While milk chocolate is twenty times more poisonous to dogs than white chocolate, it is smart to keep all chocolates away from pets.
If your pet has ingested chocolate, please contact your vet immediately. If your dog has ingested large amounts, vomiting may be induced by your vet to help save your pet’s life. When in doubt, always contact your vet to get the best health and safety advice for your dog.
As Spring approaches, please remember to keep chocolate Easter eggs and bunnies away from your dog. Cocoa bean mulch is also becoming quite popular in parts of the U.S. and this can be fatal if ingested. Steer away from this particular style of mulch if you or a neighbor has pets.
Please remember to keep your chocolate safely out of your dog’s reach. The American Veterinary Medical Association is also a great resource for health information about your pet.
]]>According to the Canine Hydrotherapy Association, extensive work in human physiotherapy has demonstrated that a suitably monitored course of hydrotherapy acts similarly in canines by encouraging a full range of joint motion in reduced weight conditions, thus improving muscle tone and promoting tendon repair without imposing undue stress on damaged tissues and improving cardiovascular stamina.
It has long been established that hydrotherapy is beneficial in a comprehensive recovery program for certain injuries in the veterinary field including arthritis, hip dysplasia and other degenerative joint diseases. Until recently the use of hydrotherapy in animals was restricted to performance horses and racing greyhounds.
However, hydrotherapy can be very beneficial for our companion animals in many ways. From rehabilitation after surgery or an accident to the treatment of an acute or chronic condition as well as the prevention of injury for dogs that participate in competitive sports. While hydrotherapy is low-impact, the water creates resistance that greatly intensifies a work out at both a cardiovascular and musculoskeletal level. Hydrotherapy also engages additional muscles and joints beyond those used for your pet’s daily walks and can also increase normal range of motion.
Trained hydrotherapists always take a full patient history before any treatment and talk with you before before each hydrotherapy session so they can determine if adjusting speed, duration and water height is appropriate according to your pet’s progress.
If you live in the Chicagoland Metro area, you will find an excellent hydrotherapy center at Integrative Pet Care.
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