“What’s a safe dog food? Should I trust my veterinarian’s recommendation? Does this big company care about what’s safe for my dog? Has this small company done its research?”

Manufacturing Safe Dog Food Under Strict Industry Regulations

Ann is part of the Just Right® by Purina® blogger community. All experiences and honest opinions are her own.

Kristen is part of the Just Right® by Purina® blogger community. All experiences and honest opinions are her own.

Kathleen is part of the Just Right® by Purina® blogger community. All experiences and honest opinions are her own. We asked Kathleen about the unique relationship she shares with her Chinook dogs, Minnow, The Beej, and her newest addition to the family, Fluffy the Vampire the Labrador retriever. The result is a post that celebrates the positive impact our dogs have on our lives in countless ways.

Samantha is part of the Just Right® by Purina® blogger community. All experiences and honest opinions are her own. We asked Samantha to talk about the unique relationship she shares with her dog, Paddington. The result is a post with some tips every dog owner can do to help their dog live happy and healthy.

They say that good things come in small packages. And with the big personalities packed into the many small dog breeds, we’d tend to agree. It seems intuitive that a Yorkie would have radically different needs than a Great Dane, but what makes small breed dogs so unique? How are their nutritional needs different than other breed sizes? And how can you find the best dog food for small dogs if no two are exactly alike?

Ann is part of the Just Right® by Purina® blogger community and receives personalized food for her dog at no charge. All experiences and honest opinions are her own.

As a pet owner, you want the best for your dog. Determining what constitutes “the best,” however, can be difficult, especially when it comes to dog food.

Large and giant breed dogs — such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, German Shepherds, and Great Danes — have different nutritional needs than smaller dogs. Since so many developmental changes occur during the puppy life-stage, it’s important that your puppy is getting the proper nutrition and care from the very beginning to help promote a healthy future.

You’ve prepared to adopt a puppy and it’s time to bring him home! …Now what? Socializing your new puppy with your current family is an important step. Whether you hope your new puppy will become best friends with your older dog, your cat, or your kids, these tips should help you ease the way into becoming one big happy family.

That exciting time of year when people and pets don their scariest costumes, put spooky pumpkins out on display, and make the annual door-to-door trek for trick-or-treating is approaching quickly. For many, it’s all fun and games. But for some, all that heightened excitement can be stressful for dogs, especially if they react negatively to the doorbell constantly ringing.

Grain in dog food is a hot topic and, naturally, misconceptions have surrounded the topic. One common misconception suggests that dogs can’t digest grain. The reality, however, is that while dogs may have a harder time digesting uncooked grains, properly cooked grains in dog food can be highly digestible. In fact, research has shown that grains like corn actually help the digestion of other nutrients in your dog’s food.

Fewer pet owners are taking their pets to the veterinarian for a yearly checkup. Sadly, as a result, preventable diseases like diabetes, heartworm or dental disease are on the rise. So why are so many pet owners forgoing their pet’s annual checkup?

Sometimes it can be difficult to decipher your dog’s actions since he can’t tell you what he’s thinking. That’s why there are a lot of misconceptions about dog behavior. Here are five common myths about why your dog does the things he does and the truths behind them:

You may have heard that animal by-products are low quality ingredients that shouldn’t be in pet food, but that’s a common misconception. While Just Right® by Purina® doesn't use animal by-products in our blends of food, they're actually a quality source of nutrition for your dog’s diet.

When you’re a dog owner, fall takes on a whole new meaning other than just cooling temperatures and falling leaves. Fall is a dog shedding season when many dogs shed their summer coats to make room for new warm winter coats. Depending on if your dog has long fur, curly fur, short fur, or wiry fur determines the method of grooming.

Pop quiz: Can dogs eat fish? It's a commonly asked question about a somewhat uncommon dog food ingredient. The short answer: Dogs can eat fish. In fact, fish ingredients like salmon, fish meal and fish oil each have important nutrients that can benefit your dog's overall health. Here are the some of the nutritional benefits fish can have for your dog:

Most cat food has higher levels of fat and protein than dog food — making it very appealing to your dog. But that extra fat and protein can quickly lead to weight gain.

Regular exercise is one of the best ways to help your dog maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. Plus, it’s a great way for both of you to spend some time together.

Getting your dog to achieve his ideal body condition may seem like an uphill climb. It takes time, commitment, and energy. But putting in the effort is well worth it. Dogs who maintain a healthy weight are at less risk for health problems. An ideal weight also means less stress on the heart, lungs, and joints.

Children and dogs can be a great source of love and friendship for each other, and socializing your dog with kids is key to fostering those relationships. Whether you’re making new friends at the park or introducing your dog to your own children for the first time, there are a few steps you can take to make sure it’s a positive experience for everyone.

Dogs are pre-disposed to certain ailments or diseases simply due to characteristics of their breed. Some of these medical conditions have lasted through generations, and yet, researchers are still working to fully understand them. No matter what your dog’s age, size or breed, it’s always good to be aware of these common ailments and their prevention methods.

Sometimes the only way to beat the heat is to stay home in the comfort of your air conditioner. The same goes for our dogs who can truly feel the effects of the heat if not given enough shade, water, or rest on a hot summer day.

Experts are predicting tick populations to rise to an all-time high this year. And ticks don’t discriminate against age, so whether your dog is a puppy, an adult, or a senior dog, be prepared to take action against ticks. Follow these guidelines – from prevention to removal – to avoid tick-borne diseases in your dog this summer.

When buying food for your dog, it’s easy to get confused about what ingredients really are good for your dog’s health. At the end of the day, you just want to know: “What’s the best food for my dog?” We hear you, and we want to give you the knowledge behind the ingredients we’ve chosen for our Just Right® by Purina® blends. We believe that every ingredient has a purpose, and we want to show you how we use all ingredients to deliver complete, balanced nutrition to your dog.

Summer's here and the heat is on. Keeping your dog cool and hydrated when temperatures start to skyrocket is essential to protecting your dog from heat stress and heat related illnesses. Before you and your dog head into the sun, here are a few ways to keep your dog safe in the heat.

After a long, cold winter for most of the U.S., we’re more than ready for short-sleeves and open-toed shoes. Summer is finally here, and some of you might be planning your next family getaway – four-legged family members included.

With the rise of grain-free and gluten-free diets in human food, people are wondering, why grain-free dog food? We believe when it comes to grains, the choice to feed them or not to feed them to your dog depends entirely on your preference.