Our pets are valued members of our families, and we delight at purchasing new things for our fuzzy buddies; but in the sea of pet products with promises to be the best it’s hard to know where to spend your hard-earned dollars. The following product recommendations are unbiased and have been tested in my household and client’s homes because wasting money stinks.

Save Your Stuff; The Best Chew Toys

The urge to chew is hardwired into dogs. And while puppies chew more compared to a mature dog, the truth is, chewing isn’t like teething in babies; it won’t peter out and eventually stop. Make sure to give your dog plenty of appropriate things to chew on so that chewing on you and/or your furniture isn’t of interest. Inspect and remove any chewy that shows signs breakage or splintering as these pieces pose a choking hazard.

Knowing which chew toys will survive your doggie’s nibbles is a matter of trial and error. Toys with squeakers will certainly amp your dog’s excitement level, but squeaker toys can also trigger your dog’s prey drive. Plush toys and rope toys are solid choices but only if you aren’t sharing your home with a champion chewer.

There are many chew toys marketed as tough toys and many of those toys have ended up in the garbage within minutes of households with power chewers like sporting dogs, herding dogs and working dogs.  For dogs that have a heavy bite it’s wise to seek chew toys which are BPA and phthalate-free because should you dog decide to taste the toy and swallow, they aren’t at risk of consuming toxic chemicals.

While no chew toy is indestructible consider the products made by West Paw and Goughnuts due to their guarantees. West Paw’s “Love It Guarantee” means if you dog doesn’t like the toy, or the quality doesn’t meet your expectations, they will provide a refund or replacement.   The team at Goughnuts will provide you with a replacement toy under their “Safety Guarantee” should your dog manage to chew through a protective top layer.

For a long-lasting and natural option consider buffalo horns, elk horns and natural bones. Buffalo horns and elk antlers are virtually calorie free for dogs, ideal for dogs that have food sensitivities or need to watch their calories. Natural bones are hands down the best bang for your buck because even after the filling is gone, they are easy to restuff and reuse.  

Beat Boredom; The Best Enrichment Toys

Mental stimulation is a must for the well-being of all dogs, at any age. Your dog needs enrichment toys in their life because eating from a bowl stinks. Enrichment toys give your dog purpose, a job, if you will.

When your dog is already familiar with how an enrichment toy works, they are no longer engaging their brains as they were during the learning stage; your dog is simply going through the motions to get the desired treat and it’s time to introduce something new.

Whether your intention is to feed an entire meal or a snack, consider adding one or more of these fun feeders and treat dispensers.  Tested favorites include the Kong Wobbler, Pet Safe Busy Buddy Magic Mushroom, Outward Hound Dog Brick, and a Snuffle Mat.  The snuffle mat is fun for all-dogs but its perfect for senior dogs with limited mobility because the treats and food remain in place.  Interactive bowls are a fun alternative to the boring stainless steel or ceramic bowl. For dogs that eat too fast invest in a Slow Feeder Bowl.  Try using LickiMat’s Wobble Bowl to serve wet food.

Get Their Tails Wagging; The Best Treats

Treats are the dog’s form of currency and carry power.  Therefore, when your dog is learning something new, or making smart decisions in new environments, don’t forget to pay them well.

When training your dog, choose your reward wisely.  You will want something that you can dole out quickly because you will need to reward your dog a lot, and the item should also be small or soft so you can make small pieces otherwise you run the risk of filling the dog up and they will lose interest.  In my experience, no matter the size of the dog or how picky I’ve been told they are freeze dried yummies get attention.  Favorites include anything flavors by Fig & Tyler, Wild Weenies by Stella & Chewy, and Stewarts Pro Treat Beef Liver Snacks.

For those looking for natural, organic edible option look no further than marrow bones and bully sticks. Either of these options has the potential to keep your good dog occupied for a while, even the heavy chewers. 

Under no circumstances should you treat your pooch to rawhide because its undigestible and can lead to upset tummies or worse blockages.  For a safer, smarter raw-hide look for rawhide-free treats like No-Hide Chews from Earth Animal.  Rawhide-free treats are ideal for teething puppies and dogs that are moderate chewers.

During the dog days of summer, surely you will consider a pupcup or a pupsicle for your best pal; but did you know your many dogs lack the ability to digest dairy?  That is why so many doggie ice creams use a non-dairy base such as Greek yogurt, soy or coconut.  Frosty Paws, Dogsters and Ben & Jerry’s Doggie Desserts can be found in the frozen section of most local supermarkets.

If you have a dog with that doesn’t enjoy having their teeth brushed, consider adding dental chews to the treat list.  Surely a treat a day can help to keep the tarter build up at bay.  For fresher kisses from your pet, and a remedy to their bad breath try Checkups, Greenies, and/or Dentastix.  Alternatively, you can add TropiClean Fresh Breath to their water.

For Tastier Meals; The Best Meal Toppers

We can all agree food should taste good.  While dog food is sold as a nutritionally complete and balanced meal, the truth is, kibble can be processed up to 4x.  In support of building a better bowl, add a protein packed meal toppers like those from Ziwi Peak, Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets, Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixer, and Instinct Raw Boost Mixer.

In addition to prepared meal toppers, it’s easy to jazz up your dog’s food bowl without adding to your monthly expenses.  Here are 5 ideas using items that are likely already in your refrigerator:  (1) Hydrate your pup’s kibble either with water or a splash of bone broth--low sodium chicken, beef, lamb, or seafood broth all work, (2) Stir in a tablespoon of natural peanut butter, Greek yogurt or canned pumpkin, (3) Add 1/4 to a 1/2 cup chopped chicken,  (4) Toss in a few tablespoons of fresh veggies like carrots, canned green beans, or fresh fruit like blueberries, strawberries or banana slices, ⁠(5) Add in chopped hardboiled egg, scrambled egg, or some pieces from your morning omelet.⁠

For Safety; The Best Harnesses

Harnesses are a great tool for loose leash walking whether or not you have a dog that pulls your arms off.  A harness, unlike a flat collar, takes the pressure off the trachea and neck, and should your dog attempt to take off after a lizard, squirrel, or bird a harness will keep the dog from choking themselves.

If you have a dog that enjoys taking you for a walk, you will find relief using 2 Hounds Freedom No Pull Harness. Pair the leash with a double connection training leash for even greater control. 

The harness is quick and easy to slide on and off and has several points of adjustment.  Velvet fabric lines the underarm straps for maximum comfort for dogs with thin fur.  Lastly, most dogs don’t need to warm up (conditioning) to the harness, unlike a head halter which most dogs find unpleasant.

We have all seen idyllic images of a dog with their ears flopping in the wind and snout up in the air as they travel down the road, but the reality is permitting your dog to do so while driving is very unsafe.  It is also very unsafe for your dog to move around the car or stand on the front arm rest.

The two safest ways to transport and secure your pet is by using a crate for containment or using a car harness for restraint. Sleepypod car harnesses are crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety.  In the unfortunate event of a car accident, you will have peace of mind knowing everyone-- dogs, passengers and drivers will be as safe as possible.

The Bottom-Line

We all want to give our dogs the best of everything because they are the best.  While the products recommended are true favorites in the Mind Body Paw’s households, every dog is different.  If your pup’s favorite item was not mentioned let us know in a comment below or send a DM because we are in the business of healthier, happier pets!

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