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National Pit Bull Day, celebrated annually on the last Saturday of October, is a special day dedicated to advocating for and changing the perception of pit bulls. Started in 2007 by Bless The Bullys, a non-profit rescue organization based in Tennessee, National Pit Bull Day aims to increase positive conversations and education about these lovable yet misunderstood dogs. As a proud pit bull owner, or someone who supports this breed, there are many fun and meaningful ways to celebrate this day with your furry friend.

A Brief History

National Pit Bull Day is an annual event that started in 2007 by Bless The Bullys as a way to advocate for and change the perspective of pit bulls. Bless The Bullys is a Tennessee-based non-profit rescue whose mission is to restore the image of the American Pit Bull Terrier. 

It is no secret that pit bulls tend to attract negative media attention and, as a result, have a poor reputation among several individuals. With National Pit Bull Day comes the opportunity to advocate against wrong information and for the lives of pit bulls so they do not end up neglected or abandoned in shelters.

National Pit Bull Day is also dedicated to the pit bulls, the responsible owners of these dogs, and the advocates of American Pit Bull Terriers nationwide. It is a nationwide effort to increase the positive conversations and education of people in our communities about the lovable yet easily misunderstood dogs that pit bulls are. 

If you are interested in seeing how you can celebrate this day with your pets and the impact that it holds in creating a safe and welcoming environment for Pit Bulls, keep reading!

How to Celebrate the Pitt Bulls Around You on National Pit Bull Day

Treat Your Dog To Some Paw Cakes

National Pit Bull Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate with Confetti Pawcakes from The Dog Bakery. These wheat-free dog treats are not only delicious, but also irresistibly cute with their mini cupcake shape, yogurt icing, and multicolor confetti sprinkles. 

Capture the moment by snapping adorable photos of your pit bull enjoying these paw-some treats and sharing them on social media with the hashtag #PitBullDay and #TheDogBakery. Your furry friend will appreciate the love and attention, and you’ll have precious memories to cherish. So, go ahead and spoil your pit bull with Confetti Pawcakes and make National Pit Bull Day a truly delightful celebration!

A nice day at the dog park 

Celebrate by taking your pit bull to the dog park to run and play around with other dogs. Pack some treats with you and your pit bull’s favorite toy, and have fun at the dog park. If possible, take your pit bull to a new park or take a long walk in a new location. 

Pet play date

Bring your dog’s friends in from around town and have a pet play date. You can use your backyard or head over to a dog park or dog beach with everyone for a day of running around, fetch, belly rubs, and treats.

Throw a party 

Source: Bestfriends.org

Order a party cake that ships right to your front door from the Dog Bakery, and make it a party for your pet. Invite your family and friends, as well as their pets, and make some memories. Decorate with some pit bull stickers, put some pit bull cutouts all over the house, and let’s not forget those cute party hats for all the invited dog guests. To sum it off, feel free to go as small or as big with your celebration

Get them a new toy or new toys

“You have many toys for your pets,“ said no one ever. Spoil your pets and get them some new toys to chew on and play around with. The Dog Bakery has a nice collection of toys to choose from in all shapes and colors. Spend National Pit Bull Day with your pit bull(s), playing with their new toys and enjoying each other’s presence.

Post those pictures

You know that album on your phone with too many pictures of your pet? Yes, that’s the one! National Pit Bull Awareness Day is the perfect time to spam your social media with cute and adorable pictures of your pit bull. Share it all and let people see your dog’s silly face, grumpy face, sleepy face

Tell and show your pet you love them

Above all, spend the day showing and telling your pet that you love them. Do the things that you both love to do together, whether that’s watching a movie, dancing around the house, going for a car ride, or going on a run together. 

Have a conversation

Finally, feel free to have conversations with friends and family, both in person and on social media, that educate and bring a new perspective to the loving dogs that are pit bulls.

Here at Dog Bakery, we have a mission to bake up the most delicious dog food treats for dogs everywhere, and we hope we can make celebrating National Pit Bull Day a day for you and your pet to remember fondly.

A Sample Itinerary for Pit Bull Day:

Wake up for a morning walk, and do not forget to grab some dog bakery treats to take along.

• Take pictures and share them. Use hash tags #PitBullDay and #TheDogBakery
• Open up some dog treats and take more pictures.
• Head over to the dog park for a picnic and more fun.
• Make it a pet date and invite other pet owners to come with their pets.
• Take more pictures.
• After spending the day at the park, end it off with a cake. 
• Take some more pictures and post them on your favorite social networks with some cool dog quotes.
• Don’t forget to hug your pit bull and shower them with love.

Related Articles

• Our Picks for the Best Dog Food for Pitbulls
• How Much Do Pitbulls Shed + How To Keep The Shedding Manageable
• Fall In Love with the Black & White Pitbull
• The Truth About Pit Bulls: Setting the Record Straight

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Grain-free dog food has become increasingly popular in recent years, as pet owners seek to provide their dogs with a more natural and biologically appropriate diet. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind before switching your dog to a grain-free diet.

What are grain-free diets for dogs?

Wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, and cornmeal are all examples of grains. Grain-free diets are formulated to exclude common grains like wheat, corn, and rice, and instead use alternatives such as potatoes, peas, lentils, and chickpeas.

The idea behind these diets was that dogs may have difficulty digesting grains, leading to health problems such as allergies or digestive issues. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to back up these claims. In fact, research suggests that dogs can easily digest and utilize nutrients from grains.

It is important to note that just because a diet is grain-free does not mean it is inherently better or healthier for your dog. Each individual dog has unique nutritional requirements based on factors such as age, breed, activity level, and health status. 

Considerations for Grain-Free Diets for Dogs

Consideration #1: Food allergies or intolerances

Grain-free diets are often marketed as a solution for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. However, it is important to note that grains are not a common allergen in dogs and switching to a grain-free diet may not necessarily solve the problem.

Not only that, but some dogs may be allergic to the alternative carbohydrate sources used in grain-free diets, such as peas or lentils. If your dog is experiencing symptoms of food allergies, such as itching, ear infections, or gastrointestinal upset, it is important to work with your veterinarian to identify the specific allergen and develop an appropriate dietary plan.

To learn more about allergies, you can read our blog post on Understanding Allergies in Dogs and How to Help.

Consideration #2: Grain-free does not mean carbohydrate-free

A common myth for grain-free diets is that they are also low carbohydrate. Grains are an excellent source for carbohydrates, so it is thought that by removing them, you also remove the carbohydrate content. However, grains are not the only source of carbohydrates for dogs, and ingredients, such as peas, potatoes, and lentils, which are used to replace grains are often high in carbohydrates. 

It’s worth noting that dogs should have some level of carbohydrates in their diet to meet their energy needs – unless there is a health condition that requires low carbohydrate intakes.

Carbohydrates are a key source of glucose, which is essential for brain function and energy production. You can learn more about carbohydrates for dogs in our previous blog post.

Consideration #3: Nutritional Balance

One of the biggest considerations when it comes to grain-free diets is nutritional balance. Grains are a source of carbohydrates, fibre, and other important nutrients, such as B vitamins and minerals. Many grains can also provide protein and, thus, many of the essential amino acids that your pets need.

When grains are removed from a dog’s diet, it is important to ensure that the food is still nutritionally balanced and meets all the dietary needs for dogs. This may require the addition of alternative sources of fibre, such as vegetables or fruits, and careful attention to the amounts of protein, fat, and other nutrients in the food.

Consideration #4: Canine health

Oftentimes, people will think that grain-free diets are better for their pup’s overall health. However, these concepts do not have scientific evidence to back them up. Looking for complete and balanced meals, such that all essential nutrients are included at quantities sufficient for their life stage, activity level, or breed, should be the priority when assessing healthy meals for dogs.

In 2018, reports suggested a potential link between grain-free diets and an increased risk of heart disease in dogs, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

However, the FDA has since stated that there is insufficient data to suggest any causality between the DCM case reports and the type of pet food products that were consumed by the afflicted dogs.

Overall, there is no evidence as of yet to suggest that grain-free is better than grain-inclusive or vice-versa.

Consideration #5: Sustainability

A potential reason that some pet owners opt for grain-free diets is due to concerns about the environmental impact of grain farming. Grains such as corn and wheat are often grown using large amounts of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, which can contribute to soil and water pollution, as well as harm non-target species such as pollinators and wildlife. Additionally, the transportation and processing of grains can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

However, it’s worth noting that not all grains are created equal when it comes to sustainability. Some grains, such as rice and oats, can be grown using more environmentally friendly practices such as crop rotation and reduced tillage. Looking for non-GMO and certified organic ingredients may be an indicator of sustainability. In addition, sourcing grains from local, sustainable farms, can help reduce the environmental impact of transportation.

It’s also important to consider the sustainability of alternative ingredients used in grain-free pet foods. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, etc., all have their own environmental consequences. 

When evaluating the sustainability of pet food, it’s important to look for companies that prioritize sustainable sourcing practices, use minimal packaging, and prioritize waste reduction. It’s important to consider the overall environmental impact of your pet’s diet.

Benefits of Grains for Dogs

Grains are a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for dogs. They also contain fibre, which promotes healthy digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, grains contain important vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, and zinc, which are essential for a dog’s overall health.

Some grains, such as brown rice and oats, are also considered to be hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in dogs than other ingredients. In fact, many commercial dog foods formulated for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities contain grains as a source of carbohydrates.

Options for Grain-Free and Grain-Inclusive Meals

At Tom&Sawyer, we believe in having options for pets with all kinds of needs, including those who need grain-free and those who would like grain-inclusive.

Our Grain-Inclusive meals include:

1) Italian Beef Pasta: Our #1 Best Seller!

2) Buddha Bowl: Uses amaranth, an ancient grain that is also gluten-free!

3) Coconut Chicken: Contains white rice which is easily digestible and can be a good option for pups with sensitive tummies!

Our Grain-Free meal include:

1) Classic Pork Stew: Uses hearty vegetables for a nutrient dense, low-carb option

2) Kangaroo: Not only grain-free, but also uses a novel protein so it’s great for pups who need an allergy-friendly meal

3) Rosemary Venison: Sweet potatoes and lentils provide a nutrient dense alternative to grains and is even low-fat for pups with pancreatitis.

Learn about all our gently cooked recipes for dogs here.

In conclusion, grain-free diets can be a good option for some dogs. It often comes down to pet owner preferences. The most important thing is to ensure proper nutrition. Pet owners can also work with their veterinarians to develop a dietary plan that meets their dog’s individual needs and health concerns, whether that includes grains or not.

Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com

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