Skip to main content

Erin Renzas


Many dog owners believe that feeding dogs a natural or organic diet can improve its immune system, help weight management, and even improve some allergies and skin ailments. There are few studies with hard proof of these benefits, but they may just be worth a shot if it means a healthier life for your dog.

There are many lines of organic and natural dog food from which to choose. We've helped ease the confusion by narrowing down the selection to four brands.

Organix Adult Canine Formula -- Certified organic, free-range chicken, organic brown rice, organic peas, organic carrots and organic flaxseed. Sounds like a pretty good combo!

Wellness Super5Mix
-- Wellness nixes any animal fats, meat by-products, wheat, corn or white rice, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

Nature's Variety -- This robust line of dog and cat foods offers both wet and dry formulas, and a selection of natural treats.

Innova
-- Many dog owners swear by the benefits of this "holistic" dog food, which includes elements from all five food groups and essential fats and oils.

Do you feed your dog organic or natural food? Do you think it has made a difference in their health? Leave your answers in the comments!
    

If you've got a young canine enthusiast on your hands, coloring pages that feature dogs may be just the thing to keep them entertained. Print out a collection of dog coloring pages from these fabulous sites, and you'll be prepared the moment your child utters the words "I'm bored." If your child isn't a dog fan, fret not! These sites offer pages for fans of all kinds of animals.

Free Printable Coloring Pages
has a plethora of dogs doing human things just waiting to come to colorful life.

Crayola offers several dog-centric activity pages, sure to cure any case of the doldrums.

PrintableActivities.com has the widest selection of dog coloring pages we found.

Free Kids Coloring is home to adorable puppy and dog coloring pages. Plus, check out their "Where the Wild Things Are" selection!
    

Sponsored Links

With the weather getting chillier, it's time to buy the must-have of the season for your furry friend: the dog coat. Sure, part of us just loves to take advantage of any opportunity to dress up our dog, but dog coats can also play an important part in keeping your pooch warm, happy and healthy during the winter months.

When shopping for a dog coat, it's important to remember to check the fit. Loose fitting coats can mean trouble for a dog, as they can snag or get caught on pieces of the surrounding outdoor environments during a walk or play, leading to injury. We scoured the Web for some great places to pick up this year's coat.

True Fit Dog Coats is known for their large selection of Foggy Mountain dog coats. Foggy Mountain offers classic style paired with amazing functionality and fit.

Fido Fleece is another popular brand of dog coats. The coats come in a variety of patterns, feature a unique Velcro closure that makes putting the coat on simple, and have a panel to ensure a well-covered underbelly for your dog.

K9 Top Coats may be an option for you if you live in a particularly cold region and have a dog that will be spending plenty of time outdoors this winter. The company even offers full bodysuits to keep dogs warm and toasty.

Trixie and Peanut has a wide selection of fashion-forward dog coats, for those of you who think that functionality just isn't fun enough. Several selections will still offer your pup the warmth they need, but will keep heads turning.
    

Akitas are a breed of dog, hailing from Japan. Originally bred to be hunting dogs, Akitas are known in Japan as the "Silent Hunter." Akitas are large dogs, with females weighing up to 100 pounds and males topping the scales at 119 pounds.

The colorings and markings of an Akita are particularly interesting; in the United States, you will find these animals to have red, fawn, sesame, brindle, pinto or pure white coats. American Akitas may also have a black mask across their face. Akitas are energetic dogs and have personalities that range from bouncy to aggressive. They can become snappy and destructive when over-excited or under-exercised, so supervised playtime and walks are a necessity.

Their loyalty and intelligence are their main strengths, and they can make great companions. But since Akitas tend to like to be the pack leader, training and plenty of handling at a young age is essential.
    

A dog herds sheep. Paurian/Flickr

Formerly members of the American Kennel Club's "Working Group" classification of dogs, the Herding Group, established in 1983, remains the newest of the AKC's various classifications. The group includes 22 breeds of dogs, such as the Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Polish Lowland, and Welsh Corgi.

As their name suggests, these dogs are known for their skill in herding other animals. In fact, their instinct to herd animals is so strong that these breeds are known to try to herd children and other pets.

This group of dogs has become particularly popular as a family pet. Herding dogs are known for their incredible ability to be trained to sound and word commands. And while their intellect and obedience make them ideal companions, though they can be overly active if not given high amounts of exercise.
    


Advertisement

Can't Miss Galleries


Featured Video





Paw Nation Flickr Gallery


Sponsored Links