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  • Nutritional research on minimally processed pet food diets

    While these diets have gained popularity, there is still much the industry needs to understand.

  • Is Green Tea Safe For Dogs? Everything You Need to Know About this “Miracle” Drink

    Green tea is a powerhouse when it comes to human superfoods, but what about dogs? If you’d like to share this amazing drink with your doggo, here are some tips to prepare it safely:

    What is Green Tea?

    For those unfamiliar with the beverage, green tea is an herb derived from tea leaves picked earlier in the plant’s life cycle. Green tea leaves come from higher parts of the plant, while black tea leaves come from lower parts of the bush that have been allowed to oxidize. 

    Once dried and oxidized, tea leaves are most often steeped in water and served as a beverage. 

    What is the Difference Between Green Tea and Black Tea?

    Although they come from the same plant, green and black tea are two entirely different substances. To start, black tea goes through a longer oxidization process, which gives it a more bitter flavor and higher levels of caffeine. Green tea, on the other hand, holds more of the tea plant’s natural antioxidants, which are often lost during the oxidization process. It also has a more mellow flavor. 

    Is Green Tea Good for Dogs?

    green tea

    Unlike black tea, green tea is safe for dogs in small amounts. While all tea leaves contain small amounts of caffeine, green tea has far less than black tea and also has plenty of antioxidants too! Green tea is safe for dogs to drink as a beverage in moderation. Before giving your dog green tea, always seek veterinary consultation. 

    Is Green Tea Extract Safe for Dogs?

    Green tea extract is a common ingredient in many supplements, including ones for dogs. For example, Front of the Pack’s “The One” supplement contains green tea extract, an excellent source of vitamins and minerals for dogs needing a nutritional boost.

    Is Green Tea Essential Oil Safe for Dogs?

    There isn’t, however, much research on green tea essential oil. However, many essential oils harm animals, so I’d avoid using green tea essential oil for now. 

    Benefits of Green Tea For Dogs

    So, what’s so great about green tea? The plant itself is filled with antioxidants derived from Catechin. When ingested, these antioxidants can:

    • Reduce mild inflammation throughout the body
    • Boost the immune system
    • Manage joint pain
    • Reduce red, itchy skin (Chamomile works great for this too!)

    In addition to antioxidant benefits, green tea can also improve your dog’s dental health, digestive health, and overall coat health. 

    Risks of Giving Dogs Green Tea

    I mentioned earlier how green tea is only suitable for dogs in small amounts. Like black tea, green tea also has trace amounts of caffeine, and our dogs are much more sensitive to the substance than we are. If your dog has too much green tea, they might experience bouts of insomnia and anxiety and potentially a caffeine overdose. 

    How to Serve Green Tea to Dogs

    green tea

    So, the key here is to give your dog just a little green tea to ensure they get those sweet, sweet antioxidants but not the caffeine that comes with the leaves. To do this, there are some things you can do to control how you serve your tea:

    Best Brands of Green Tea for Dogs

    For starters, choosing an organic and fully compostable tea brand is essential. Look for tea brands that use paper tea bags, or go with a loose-leaf tea if possible. That way, you won’t have to worry about microplastics in your doggy’s drink.

    Best Recipes for Serving Green Tea for Dogs

    Doctor Julie Schell from the Bow Bottom Veterinary Hospital has a great, simple recipe for a dog-friendly green tea. Unlike the other recipes we’ve shared, this one’s a bit easier, and you only need two ingredients: green tea and water. 

    First, place your tea bag in a liter of cold water. If possible, use a glass container to avoid plastic contamination. Then, let it steep for about fifteen minutes. Schell also says you can “use the tea bag after it has been used to make tea for yourself. It will still have enough strength to then brew 1 liter in cold water for your pets.” 

    To serve, mix 1/8th of a cup into your puppy’s food or pour a little into a bowl for them to drink. 

    Tips for Serving Green Tea to Dogs

    You’ll have to take it slow to introduce new foods of any kind into your doggo’s diet. Start by introducing green tea to your puppy in small amounts, then work up to your veterinarian’s recommended dose. Remember to reward them after drinking some, and make sure you monitor their bathroom habits afterward. If you see your dog struggling to use the bathroom or having diarrhea, call your veterinarian immediately for extra help!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Still have questions? We’ve got answers! Check out our FAQ:

    Can dogs drink green tea?

    Yes, dogs can drink green tea in moderation.

    Is green tea good for dogs?

    Green tea contains antioxidants and other nutrients that can benefit dogs‘ health when given in moderation and doctor’s consent.

    Is green tea bad for dogs?

    Too much green tea can give your dog caffeine poisoning, so always check with a veterinarian before giving green tea to your dog.

    How much green tea can I give my dog?

    Giving dogs no more than 1-2 ounces of green tea per day is recommended, and only after consulting with a veterinarian.

    What are the benefits of giving green tea to dogs?

    Green tea may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, aid digestion, and promote dental health in dogs.

    Are there any risks associated with giving green tea to dogs?

    Giving too much green tea to dogs can cause caffeine toxicity, which can be harmful or even fatal, and it can also interfere with the absorption of certain medications.

    Can green tea be used to treat certain health conditions in dogs?

    While green tea may have some health benefits for dogs, it should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment prescribed by a veterinarian.

    Can all dogs drink green tea?

    It is best to consult with a veterinarian before giving green tea to dogs, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

    Are there any alternative ways to provide the benefits of green tea to dogs?

    Some alternative ways to provide the benefits of green tea to dogs include using green tea extract supplements or providing green tea-flavored treats formulated for dogs.

    Related Articles:

    Works Cited

  • Celebrate National Mutt Day with These Amazing Goodies

    Mixed-breed dogs make up a massive portion of the United States’ pet population. Whether it’s designer mixes like yorkiepoos or a breed you can’t possibly begin to identify, mutts of all stripes are welcome on National Mutt Day, a holiday just for them. Here’s everything you need to know about this amazing holiday and how to celebrate it!

    What is National Mutt Day?

    National Mutt Day is exactly what it says on the tin: a holiday just for celebrating mixed-breed dogs. Generally known as “mutts,” these dogs make up a majority of the canine population, and if you’ve got a rescue pup of your own, chances are, you’ve got a mutt!

    When is National Mutt Day?

    Unlike most holidays, National Mutt Day occurs twice a year: on December 2nd and July 31st. That way, there’s plenty of time to celebrate dogs of all kinds and advocate for them year-round!

    The History of National Mutt Day

    Originally founded by Colleen Paige, National Mutt Day wasn’t made with a specific dog in mind. Instead, Paige wanted to create a day dedicated to spreading awareness about mixed-breed dogs and how many of them get left behind in shelters. The holiday continues to raise funds for animal rescue services and shelters where mixed-breed dogs are often abandoned.

    Image Via: Ja San Miguel on Unsplash

    How to Celebrate National Mutt Day

    So, how can you celebrate National Mutt Day? Whether you’re participating in July’s Mutt Day or December’s, there are quite a few things you can do:

    Volunteer

    To start, volunteering your time at a local animal shelter is a great way to show how much you care for the mutts in your area. Animal shelters can always use an extra helping hand, whether it’s walking the dogs or answering phone calls at the front desk. Ensuring that shelter dogs get the care they deserve, especially during extremely hot and cold days is one of the best things you can do to honor the mutts in your life.

    Fostering a shelter dog is another excellent way to volunteer too: it provides dogs with a loving home and gives special-needs pups a chance to receive vital care that shelter hosts otherwise wouldn’t be able to provide.

    Donate

    If you don’t have the time to donate, why not donate physical goods instead? Local animal shelters need blankets, toys, food, and supplies for their dogs to stay happy while they wait for a forever family. Ask how you can donate to your local animal shelter or veterinary clinic by giving them a call– a representative will let you know what the shelter needs and how to give it to them.

    Celebrate the Mutt in Your Life

    If you’ve got a mutt of your own, National Mutt Day is the perfect time to celebrate them, too! These four fantastic treats are must-haves for any doggo on their special day:

    Get Some Jerky

    Who doesn’t love jerky? These savory snacks make great day-long treats that your puppy will drool over! Whether they’re a chicken fan or a beef fiend, your pupper will love these amazing digestive treats. 

    Cool off with Ice Cream!

    If you live somewhere hot, celebrating National Mutt Day with a cool bowl of puppy ice cream is exactly what you need! This sweet treat is perfectly safe for dogs. To prepare it, mix a scoop of ice cream powder with water, and then stick it in the freezer overnight for a delicious Mutt Day morning!

    The Underrated Oatmeal

    Most people tend to overlook mutts, just like how they overlook oatmeal treats! Give your pup a delicious, nutritious treat this National Mutt Day with our fantastic oatmeal bites. These tiny cookies are great guilt-free treats to snack on throughout the day!

    Mutter Butter and other PB Treats

    It wouldn’t be national mutt day without our classic Mutter Butter Cookies, made with real peanut butter and baked with your dog in mind. These cookies are pretty simple, too– their main ingredient is dog-safe peanut butter, but you’ll also find a delicious hint of applesauce in them too. We bake fresh batches of Mutter Butters every day.

    Pay us a Visit!

    Can’t decide what to grab for Fido? Don’t worry! We keep our bakery case stocked full of fresh treats every day. Feel free to come in with your dog and let them choose!

    Works Cited

  • Big Pet Feed’s Direct and Indirect Purchases

    They keep buying…and buying…and buying.

  • By-product grind size didn’t affect dog food digestibility

    Particle size may not affect protein or fat digestibility in poultry by-product meals used as dog food ingredients. Likewise, by-product meal particle size doesn’t seem to affect fecal quality or palatability.

  • Dog, cat food brand importance down, spending up 2018-2022

    Perhaps because of the pandemic and generational attitudes, the importance of brand names to pet food owners declined during the past few years.

  • 9 novel proteins in dog, cat food purchased in 2022

  • Mixed 2022 results for 3 Latin American pet food leaders

    In 2022, the market performance of pet food in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico varied by country due to a number of factors, including inflation levels.

  • Petfood Forum to relaunch regional event in Southeast Asia

    Pet food and treat conference to be co-located at Pet Fair South East Asia 2023.

  • What is National Golden Retriever Day and How To Celebrate it

    Ever wish you had a holiday just for your goldie? Guess what, there is! National Golden Retriever Day is a holiday just for golden retrievers and their loving pet parents to celebrate everything it means to be a Golden. Spread the love this Golden Retriever Day with these amazing treats:

    What is National Golden Retriever Day?

    National Golden Retriever Day is a holiday dedicated to celebrating the energetic, loveable golden retriever. These dogs are known for their intelligence, bubbly personality, and willingness to help humans everywhere– of course they deserve a day of their own! Although the holiday isn’t recognized worldwide, the American Kennel Club recognizes it as an official doggy holiday.

    When is Golden Retriever Day?

    National Golden Retriever Day occurs each year on February 3rd. Why the 3rd? It’s the founder’s dog’s birthday, of course!

    A History of Golden Retriever Day

    Image Source: Orlando Tapia-Unsplash

    Originally started in 2012 by Kristen Shroyer, National Golden Retriever Day was made to celebrate golden retrievers everywhere, including her own goldie, Quincy. Although Quincy has passed, Shroyer’s holiday still stands as a reminder of how much love Goldens have for the humans in their lives and how much love we have for them!

    Celebrating Goldies Across the Country

    If you’d like to celebrate National Golden Retriever Day with other dog lovers, there are plenty of ways to do so. These amazing organizations use the holiday to advocate adoption and raise funds for local shelters:

    New England Golden Jubilee

    The New England Golden Jubilee doesn’t occur on National Golden Retriever Day. Instead, it takes place in May (Saturday, May 20th this year). The celebration is a massive pupper party for golden retrievers and their humans to run around, play games, and socialize.

    The Golden Retriever Club of America’s National Specialty

    The GRCA’s National Specialty happens every year in September and shows off everything golden retrievers have to offer. Like the Olympics for dogs, the National Specialty is a great place for goldie lovers to participate in events, socialize, and even meet some famous show dogs!

    Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Club

    The Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Club specializes in all labs, not just goldies. But they do participate in National Golden Retriever Day each year with fundraisers for the local rescue shelter!

    The Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue

    The GRCGLA Rescue also celebrates Golden Retriever Day by showcasing their beautiful goldies and providing educational resources for goldie parents.

    The Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta

    Another excellent rescue, the Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta, is filled with goldie lovers, and goldies abound. Weather permitting, they celebrate National Golden Retriever Day each year by celebrating their loving dogs and spreading awareness about foster care and adoption.

    Treat Ideas to Brighten Your Goldie’s Holiday

    So, how are you going to celebrate National Golden Retriever Day? We’ve got tons of goodies to help your goldie feel extra loved this upcoming holiday season:

    Want to Make a Statement? Make a Cake!

    Custom doggy cakes are always great for a puppy party or a goldie get-together. Choose from our array of styles, flavors, and decorations to make the perfect cake for your Golden Retriever Day! Check out our info page to learn more about how we make the cakes and what ingredients we use.

    Donuts For Doggos

    Don’t like cake? What about donuts? Our Barkin’ Donuts for Dogs aren’t fried but instead baked and frosted with care to look just like human donuts.

    Get Seasonal

    Golden Retriever Day is in February, which means it’s Valentine’s too! Show your love with some extra cute Valentine’s Day-themed puppy treats. 

    Enjoy Oatmeal?

    Not a fan of baked goods? Give your goldie a more traditional treat with our delicious oatmeal bones. They are still baked, though, just not for humans.

    Can’t Decide? Get a Variety!

    Let’s be honest: there are way too many treats out there for you to pick just one! If you can’t decide or have a party of picky pups, try our Barker’s Dozen Assortment– it comes with 13 hand-picked treats from our bakery case. If you’ve got any dogs with allergies, let us know before ordering!

    Famous Goldies For Your National Golden Retriever Day

    Want to enjoy some goldies year-round? Check out these awesome Goldie influencers!

    Tucker Budzyn

    Instagram: @tuckerbudzyn

    Tucker is a lovable Golden Retriever with over 3 million followers on Instagram. He is known for his hilarious antics and adorable facial expressions.

    Buddy the Golden Retriever

    Instagram: @thegoldenlifeofbuddy

    Buddy is a sweet Golden Retriever who loves to cuddle and play. He is known for his big smile and adorable Instagram posts.

    Ellie the Golden Retriever

    Instagram: @elliegoldenlife

    Ellie is a therapy dog who brings joy to people in hospitals and nursing homes. Her Instagram page features heartwarming photos of her spreading love and happiness!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Got questions? We have answers! Check out our FAQ:

    When is National Golden Retriever Day 2023?

    National Golden Retriever Day occurs every year on February 3rd.

    When is National Golden Retriever Day 2024?

    National Golden Retriever Day is February 3rd.

    Is there a National Golden Retriever Day in the UK?

    You can celebrate National Golden Retriever Day anywhere! Check your local news for Goldie-related celebrations.

    Do they celebrate National Golden Retriever Day in Golden, Colorado?

    The Goldens in Golden celebration happens every year in Golden, Colorado. It’s going to be on Saturday, February 4th next year.

    Works Cited