Everyday low-tox pup favorites
Our dogs are part of the family, so we are intentional about the things we choose for them. These are the essentials we come back to again and again. Each one is tested and happily approved by our dogs.
Before we found Bocce’s, the only treats we gave our pup were fruits, veggies or baked homemade treats.
Any other treat would upset his sensitive stomach and trigger symptoms, sleepless nights and vet visits. Our pup eventually got bored of the same treats and dog training was becoming impossible.
We were on a mission to find a low ingredient treat without artificial preservatives and that’s when we found Bocce’s. Their biscuits and freeze-dried treats are made with few ingredients and are naturally preserved with citric acid from fruits or coconut glycerin from coconut oil. The treats are approved for both pet and human consumption.
Bocce’s treats were the first treats that our pup could easily digest. He loved them, we loved them and his training improved too. One of the things we like most about the treats is that they use ingredients we have in our homes. Five years later, they are a pantry staple, even the pup-grandparents keep them on hand to spoil the pups when they come over.
Polkadog’s seafood-based, single ingredient treats are a delicacy in our homes. Our dogs usually eat beef, turkey, or chicken, making these treats a great way to add variety and provide omega 3s and other health benefits. The treats are very crunchy and a little messy, so we recommend laying out a towel before letting your pups indulge.
The Alaskan Salmon, Cod, and Atlantic Silverside treats are made with 100% wild caught fish. Polkadog dehydrates and handmakes their treats at their Boston Fish Pier kitchen. They have other few-ingredient treats that we’re excited to try!
The company cares about quality ingredients and where they come from. They work with local suppliers that use responsible and sustainable farming and fishing methods. These treats aren’t just delicious, they also leave a small environmental footprint, or should we say pawprint?
Our pups eat and drink from food-grade stainless steel, glass or ceramic bowls and containers. These materials are much easier to clean after each meal, whether we run them through the dishwasher or handwash them.
Because dogs aren’t the gentlest eaters, their teeth can easily scratch plastic bowls and containers. Scratches combined with washing in hot water or the dishwasher could cause plastic to leach chemicals into food or water.
At the moment, our pups drink from Wild One stainless steel dog bowls and eat from Pyrex glass bowls.
When our dogs aren’t running around exploring and getting muddy, they’re usually cozied up in their beds. Finding a durable, easy to clean bed with safe materials was tricky. Then we found Mollymutt and it checked every box.
Our pups have a Mollymutt duvet cover and a wool-filled bed. The cover is great because you can fill it with pillows, blankets and clothing. Filling the cover with personal items that carry your scent, is especially helpful for dogs with separation anxiety. Although we find the wool-filled bed more comfortable, our pups love the duvet cover filled with our items the most.
All Mollymutt products are made with non-toxic certified cotton. Their organic cotton items are 100% OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, making them safe for toddlers and babies. Other than dog beds, they sell couch covers, blankets and car seat covers. We plan on trying these other items when our current ones wear out.
After learning that Dog Days Homemade Bakery uses natural ingredients to make their dog treats, we had to test them out.
When the pups taste tested the treats, we had lots of wagging tails, loud demands for more and no tummy troubles. They loved the Steak Strips. Not only do they smell delicious, but they are made with one ingredient: dehydrated steak. The Salmon Kale and Blueberry Banana treats were big hits too. We love their short ingredient lists, made with items we have at home. The price is very budget friendly compared to similar treats we have seen at local green markets.
With regular training and habitual spoiling, we go through treats pretty quickly. But if you are not like us, some of their treats can be stored for up to 2 to 3 months.
These recommendations are based on personal experience and research and are shared for educational purposes only. We are not veterinarians or pet nutrition specialists. Always consult with your vet before giving your dogs new treats or products, especially for pups with allergies and health conditions.
Happy home, happy pup! Discover Ten Free Way To Reduce Your Exposure to Toxins for simple home tips your pups will thank you for.
