NutriSource Blogs

Let’s take a look at one of the most common scenarios dog owners face around feeding time. Their dog has been fed, say, a chicken-based food for years with no observable adverse effects. The dog always eats enthusiastically, and their health seems good. Then, seemingly out of the blue, the dog starts to react. They exhibit symptoms like vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. What’s gone wrong so suddenly?

Feeding your dog the right diet is critical at all life stages. What’s key for dogs at any age is providing the variety and range of nutrients for their bodies to live their best, fullest lives. That means when your canine friend hits their senior stride, you’ll want to provide the diet that meets their unique nutritional needs that keeps their bodies in top condition.

What special abilities do cats have? By nature, your feline’s super senses and physiology provide them the tools to survive and thrive in the wild. At home, you can provide enrichment to help your cat live by their true nature. In the following, we’ll reveal fun facts about their super abilities — whisker detection, tail balancing, leaping, licking and scenting — and explore how you can enrich your indoor cat by creating an environment that encourages their true nature.In the following, we’ll discuss what’s at the root of these canine aging processes and what you can do to help manage these conditions.

Rotational feeding isn’t all about changing proteins. You also want to make sure your pet gets a variety of carbs.

If you’re confused about whether dogs should get wholesome grains in their bowl, you’re not alone. Is grain-free healthier or is it a trend? The short answer is both types of formulas offer benefits. For optimal health, trade off between grain-free and grain-inclusive as part of your pet’s rotational feeding plan.

Dogs are intensely interested in humans, so they keep a close eye on us. They stare when they want something you have — like just a piece of your chicken tenders, please. They stare when they expect you to do something, like get out of bed, already, and let them outside. And then there’s that soft, slightly squinted gaze when they look deep into your eyes.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and if you’ve visited your local pet store recently, you probably noticed there are different dog food formulas for large and small breeds. But why is that? Aren’t all dogs pretty much the same on the inside? It turns out large and small dogs have varying nutritional needs, including calorie levels, nutritional density and the size of their kibble. Let’s explore the differences between large- and small-breed dog foods and why it’s so important to choose the right formula for your pet.

When you bring a puppy into the home, they need round-the-clock care. But between the potty training, naps and playtime, there’s a core area of puppy development to consider: how to socialize your puppy.

A storm approaches. As thunder rolls across the sky and cascades into a boom, the sounds transform your dog into a nervous wreck. Thunderstorms are loud and sudden events that evoke anxiety and fear in canines.

Orange cats have long delighted feline aficionados. The warm, sunny hue of an orange cat’s fur coat makes them distinctive and photogenic.

If you desire an orange cat of your own, the first thing to know is a cat that is orange does not indicate a distinctive breed of cat. Rather, orange fur along with any markings is one of many genetic expressions of the cat’s particular lineage, whether mixed or purebred.

Many dog owners swear their pets smile when they’re happy. But are dogs really using their faces to express emotion? Or is it just wishful thinking from us humans? It turns out, dogs actually do have facial expressions and research suggests the reason has to do with domestication and their relationships with humans. Let’s go behind the smile to unpack the science of how dog facial expressions evolved to connect with people.

Many new owners wonder where their rescue dog should sleep on that first night at home. Most vets recommend using a crate because it not only replicates a cozy dog den, it also helps keep them safe. Some owners keep the crate in their bedroom for the first few nights because being in the same space allows you to help the dog feel safer and rest easier.

Most dogs are people pleasers. And if your dog is normally a friendly fellow, you naturally feel alarmed or worried when your dog is anything other than their usual happy-go-lucky tail-wagging self when they meet someone new, whether it’s a visitor, a new partner or one of the neighbors. Their defensive or fear response can make you wonder: Can dogs sense bad people?

Most dogs love to run and jump and play, so maintaining strong mobility is critical for their quality of life. Unfortunately, joint problems can reduce mobility and contribute to other health issues. Joint issues can affect dogs of any age or breed, and the severity and impact will vary for every individual animal. However, large dogs in particular are more likely to experience joint issues because of the extra weight they carry.

Dogs look sad when they see us leaving the house without them. They may even mope. That’s typical dog behavior. But when your dog is in full-on panic mode in your absence — barking, howling, chewing, and digging at entrances to escape — they’re suffering from separation anxiety. Literally, your absence sends your furry friend into a state of distress. In extreme cases, a dog might destroy a kennel or door to try and escape.In this guide, you’ll learn what to expect during their growth and development, followed by a troubleshooting guide to some of the most problematic kitten behaviors, like biting, clawing, and peeing outside the litter box.

Hip dysplasia is a serious and painful degenerative bone disease that starts in puppyhood, but can take years for pet parents to detect. As symptoms of hip dysplasia start showing later in life, your dog will mask their pain (as they often do), but you may notice a growing reluctance to move, particularly jumping up onto the bed or getting into the car or using the stairs. You may also notice a new sway in their gait.

Clicker training is a communication tool for dog training. When your dog does the correct action, you sound the clicker to “mark” the moment, followed by a tasty treat for positive reinforcement. Of course, that means the first step is conditioning your dog to recognize the clicker is good and means good things are coming. Trainers and pet parents like the precision of clicker training. You can mark good behavior the second it happens, sending a clear message to your dog.

With proper training, dogs can learn a whole host of commands, from sitting and speaking to more complex skills. But it’s the behaviors we don’t teach that can be the most fascinating — and often frustrating. Like all animals, dogs are born with a range of natural instincts. These instincts developed because they served the dogs in some way. So, let’s explore some of the most common natural instincts in dogs and the reasons behind the behaviors.
In this guide, you’ll learn what to expect during their growth and development, followed by a troubleshooting guide to some of the most problematic kitten behaviors, like biting, clawing, and peeing outside the litter box.