DNA tests for dogs are very similar to those for humans. Whether you’ve used one yourself or you’ve seen one performed on television, you’re probably familiar with these cheek swab tests. Human DNA tests can tell us whether we’re related to one another and how strong that relation is. They can also give us some insight onto our genetic makeup.
Did you know that you can get the same type of information about your dog? That’s right! Dog DNA tests can tell you a lot more than just the breeds that your Fido is made up of. Of course, it depends on the brand of test that you choose. Every company runs a different set of tests, which means that you’ll get different results depending on the test you purchase.
Embark is one of the leading doggy DNA test companies, and I wanted to see what set this brand apart from others. Ashley Troutman, a representative from Embark, spoke with me about the different types of dog DNA tests on the market, what we can learn from these tests, and what types of innovations may be coming to the canine genetics field in the future.
Clean eating is a very simple term, literally. It just means the act of eating foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Clean foods are those that are minimally processed or not processed at all. Clean foods have no artificial fillers, colors or preservatives. They are just simple, whole foods that are close to natural as they can possibly be.
As with many other health food trends, we’re beginning to see the clean eating trend take over the pet food industry. Owners want more than natural, organic ingredients in their pet’s food. They want simple, unprocessed ingredients that are full of nutritional benefits. They don’t want unnecessary ingredients either. Pet owners want their dogs and cats to eat nutritious food made with ingredients that serve a nutritional purpose.
NUTRO has come out with new FEED CLEAN recipes that offer this type of nutrition to pet owners. I spoke with Arren Beach, NUTRO brand manager to find out more about the clean eating trend and how it may affect the pet food industry in the coming years. We also discuss how to choose a quality food for your canine companion without breaking your budget.
I love hiking with my dogs, but it’s not as easy as most people think it is. I’ve heard many stories from pet owners who weren’t prepared for a hike with their dog, and it ended in disaster. It’s important that you plan ahead for the hike. You need to know what to bring, where to go and what you should be looking out for.
This week I decided to share my tips for hiking with dogs. I start by explaining what you need to do before you even think about setting off on your adventure. Does your dog have a microchip? Identification tags? Has he been checked out by your veterinarian? These are all things that you should be considering if you’re planning to go hiking with your canine companion.
I’m sharing my packing tips for all the must-have items to bring along, and I’ll also let you know what you should be looking out for during your trip. Do you know how often you should be stopping to give your dog a drink or a snack? That’s alright. I’m going to fill you in on all the do’s and don’ts of hiking with dogs in this week’s episode!
It’s finally starting to feel like spring, and I can’t wait to get back outside with my dogs. The winters in Maine (where I live) are long. Very long! With 5-8 feet of snow blanketing the ground in the winter months, it can be challenging to get outdoor exercise. It mostly consists of regular walks and playing around in our yard.
But, with spring comes the revival of all of my favorite human/dog activities. Since we do have such long winters, I really try to make the most of the spring, summer and fall. We love hiking with our dogs, but I know that’s not for everyone. This week I decided to share some of my favorite activities to do with your dog when the weather is nice.
From paddle boarding to agility work, I’ve covered a ton of fun dog-friendly activities in this episode! I also talk briefly about the things you need to consider when selecting an activity to do with your dog. All dogs are different, and you definitely need to find something that will be fun for you and your Fido.