Posts tagged "zootoo"

February is National Pet Dental Health Month - an ideal time to get your pets started on healthy oral care routines, or to improve their existing ones. For pets, neglecting dental health carries similar risks to those for humans, such as periodontal complications - not to mention corrosive kitty and canine breath.

If you're ready to overhaul your pet's dental health, your vet can help with advice on proper at-home care, as well as products to take the hassle out of daily cleanings. Our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite oral care products for pets to help your four-legged friends keep their smiles healthy.

Helpful for tackling bad breath as well as plaque and tartar buildup, GoodBites Oral Care Dog Treats from Pedigree also feature a nutritionally balanced formula, packed with vitamins and minerals. Our tester canine flipped for the meaty taste, and the treats had a beneficial effect on his doggie breath.


An interactive toy that also promotes good dental hygiene, the Fresh Breath Mint Stick for Cats from Petstages uses an innovative design to help keep your feline's teeth clean. The exterior's mesh netting helps to remove soft tartar as your cat plays with the stick, and the interior - stuffed with catnip and crinkly material - kept our tester cats engaged for extended playtimes.


If your pet resists brushings with a regular toothbrush designed for animals, try the EZDOG Finger Brush from Triple Pet. This easy-to-use product fits over your finger for better control and less gagging. And the EZDOG Finger Brush features soft rubber bristles to clean your canine's canines effectively while gently massaging his gums.


A convenient, simple way to clean your cat's mouth while controlling bad breath, Dental Fresh for Cats helps to reduce plaque and tartar without subjecting skittish felines to cleanings with a toothbrush. A daily dose in our tester cat's bowl helped to reduce his previous bad breath, and he didn't seem to notice any change in the taste of the water.


Reward your dog while helping to improve his breath with Spot's Chew Dog Dental Treats from Halo. These snacks feature natural ingredients such as whole oats and apples to help freshen your dog's breath, and the stick-shaped design helps to clean your dog's teeth while keeping him occupied.

If you're planning to spoil your pet--or a pet owner--with a special gift this Valentine's Day, why not choose a product that also gives back to animals in need? Many items designed for pets and for the humans who love them benefit rescue organizations or other charities through proceeds from sales.

Supporting animal charities through your purchases is a great way to say "I love you" to all the four-legged friends in your life. So in order to help you celebrate pets on Valentine's Day by giving back, our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite pet products with heart.

A fun, snappy book, "Mimi and Maty to the Rescue!" by Brooke Smith was inspired by Smith's daughter, Mimi Ausland, whose charitable website Freekibble.com has enabled users to donate over 675 million pieces of kibble to shelter animals to date. The clever story and illustrations will delight children and adults alike, and for each book sold, Halo will donate five meals to feed shelter animals.


A durable toy that also supports canine charities, the Orbee-Tuff Glow for Good Ball from Planet Dog is both sturdy and satisfying for your pooch. Eco-conscious shoppers will appreciate that the ball is recyclable, and an impressive 100% of the proceeds from sales of the Glow for Good Ball go to the Planet Dog Foundation, which promotes and celebrates dog service programs.


If you're looking for a unique present to treat your feline on Valentine's Day, try the Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Ribbon Adjustable Cat Safety Collar from Coastal Pet. This top-quality collar features a pink ribbon design, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each collar benefits breast cancer foundations.


Your valentine can show support for animal rights in style with the All Over Paws Socks, available at The Animal Rescue Site's online store. The comfortable socks are offered in a range of eye-catching color combinations, and purchases made through the website help to fund food and care for rescued animals.


Featuring an appropriate design for Valentine's Day, the Rescue Heart Pewter Collar Charm from Big Paw Designs helps to promote adoption awareness with a well-designed, durable product. And like the other items in the brand's Rescue Power Collection, the charms are available at discounted rates to pet rescue groups to help them in fundraising efforts.

Like many pet products, dog treats of the 21st century have improved greatly on their earlier versions. Instead of just giving pooches a tasty reward, these modern morsels can also help to promote wellness, develop canine hunting instincts, and even disguise dreaded medications.

So if your four-legged friend could benefit from a savory snack that packs an additional punch, try introducing him to a new nibble for the new year. To help you discover a different kind of delicacy, our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite dog treats with a little something extra.

Simple and delicious, Dog Joy Sweet Potato Treats from Freshpet feature one ingredient only - sweet potatoes, making these healthful snacks rich in such goodies as beta carotene, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. And if the solid nutritious value isn't enough to tantalize your pooch, our canine reviewer devoured the taste of these morsels, quickly making them a favorite.


To help promote good cardiac health for your canine, try Happy Heart Chicken Breast Jerky Treats from Dogswell. These snacks use cage-free chicken breast, a pesticide-free component that's also good for the environment, to create a delectable taste for dogs. And even more impressive is what's not on the ingredient list: Dogswell's Happy Heart Treats are free of by-products.


Save yourself the hassle of getting your pooch to take his medication with Greenies Pill Pockets. These ingeniously designed snacks have a hollowed-out center to create a perfect resting space for your canine's capsules, and our tester dog flipped for the smell and taste of these time-saving treats.


Combining the appeal of a chew toy with the flavor of a delicious treat, Occupi Crunchy Busy Bars from Petstages have a unique texture and shape that provide a stimulating surface to keep your dog engaged in chewing. And for additional fun, the Busy Bars can be used with the Occupi line of treat toys, challenging your dog to use his wits and encouraging his hunting instinct.


A tasty snack made with real chicken and rice, Healthy Rewards Low Fat Canine Treats from iVet help to prevent obesity and related complications with a formula containing ingredients such as flaxseed. And our tester pooch couldn't resist the meaty flavor and chewable texture of these morsels.

The arrival of the New Year also means that winter is here to stay for the coming months. And for many pets, colder weather and snow can lead to damaged paws, indoor chills, and even cabin fever.

Fortunately, many pieces of pet gear, from bed warmers to rubber boots, can help to avoid the problems created by the cold season. Our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite pet products to help keep your four-legged friends cozy and content all winter long.

Give your dog an extra layer of protection against wintry weather with the ABO Gear Wool Dog Coat. Available in a range of colors and sizes, this sturdy coat features a quilted lining and adjustable straps to keep your canine warm and comfortable. And the coat is machine washable for easy cleanup after an outdoor trek in the mud or snow.


Stylish and sturdy, Pawz Dog Boots are effective at keeping your pooch's paws protected against wintertime hazards such as salted snowdrifts. These waterproof shoes are reusable and disposable, and the stretchy rubber material helps to ensure a comfortable fit so your dog can adjust more easily to walking in the boots.


Create a snug sleeping spot for your pet with the Lectro Pet Bed Warmer from K&H. This electric warmer, sized to fit easily into almost any pet bed, helps to keep napping nooks toasty in the face of chilly drafts, and discourages pets from seeking out unsafe sources of heat in the wintertime, such as radiators or stovetops.


Keep your pets' paws safe from irritation and pain while keeping sidewalks and driveways clear with Safe Paw Ice Melter. The product is 100% salt-free, using a formula that is non-toxic for pets (as well as children). And Safe Paw Ice Melter is also environmentally friendly, allowing pet owners to stay green when the ground is covered in white.


If your pet is developing cabin fever during the winter months, try the simple yet effective Laser Pet Toy from Miracle Beam. This surefire classic can help to keep your dog or cat active indoors by stimulating natural tracking and hunting instincts. The toy assembles in minutes, and engaged our tester pets for long periods of playtime.

Last week, we highlighted some essential products for pet parents who have added a new puppy to the household during the holiday season. But what if you're ringing in the New Year with a new kitten instead?

In addition to lots of affection and warmth, your fuzzy ball of love will need a few pieces of pet gear to stay content and healthy. To help first-time cat owners start off on the right paw, our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite products for new kittens.

Featuring top-quality, fresh ingredients such as chicken, ocean whitefish, and spinach, Freshpet Select Roasted Meals will give your young feline a protein-packed, healthy meal with real meaty flavor. The recipe also includes such vitamins and minerals as Vitamins A, B12, and E, as well as folic acid, to help promote wellness for your growing feline.


Gentle and effective, Espree Natural Kitten Shampoo uses natural ingredients such as jojoba and aloe vera to keep your kitten smelling as sweet as she looks. The formula contains such vitamins as A, D and E to keep fur healthy and shiny, and the cleanser is potent enough to handle most grooming jobs if you have already have older cats in your family.


Full of useful tips for keeping your kitten healthy and happy, Kittens for Dummies by Dusty Rainbolt casts a wide net and reels in just about everything there is to know about taking care of young felines. Packed with information, the book also contains sections covering your kitten's behavior and psychological health.


Awaken your kitten's love of playtime with the Kong Naturals Crinkle Fish with Feathers Cat Toy. This engaging product is light enough to encourage young cats to bat and toss the toy, but sturdy enough to allow felines to grab onto their prized catch and carry it around the house. And all of the materials and dyes used in the toy are derived from renewable resources.


A no-fuss cleaning method if you're traveling with your new kitten, PetWipes To-Go from Petkin use aloe vera and Vitamin E to create a mild solution for handling messes when away from home. And these non-toxic, alcohol-free wipes are suitable for use on both dogs and cats, making them ideal for multi-pet households.

During the holiday season, some families choose to bring a new pet into the household before the New Year begins. And as with all four-legged friends, these furry additions need lots of attention, lots of love - and lots of pet gear.

For new puppy owners, the amount of products necessary to keep that wriggling ball of fur happy might seem overwhelming at first. To help first-time pet parents navigate the store aisles, our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite products for new puppies.

Featuring soft but sturdy rubber and a special size for smaller pooches, the Puppy Flyer from Kong introduces your dog to the classic game of fetch without overwhelming him. The easy-to-grasp material is formulated with puppies in mind, but is durable enough to keep this interactive toy intact throughout your canine's early years.


A no-fuss way to care for your young dog's skin and coat, My FURst Waterless Puppy Shampoo from FURminator uses natural components such as chamomile, papaya leaf, and aloe vera to help prevent irritation while keeping your puppy smelling and looking as clean as he is cute. And the waterless formula also cuts down on grooming messes.


A sturdy, well-designed feeder, the 3-Piece Bowl Set for Dogs from Martha Stewart Pets combines a non-skid plastic base, stainless steel bowl, and small rubber lid to keep your puppy's chow and water from ending up all over the floor during mealtime. And the set is durable and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a snap.


Start your puppy's diet off right with Natural Choice Slices in Gravy Puppy Food from Nutro. This single-serving offering combines vegetables such as peas and carrots with vitamin supplements that are ideal for growing canines. And our tester puppy found the meaty beef and chicken flavors irresistible.


Informative and knowledgeable, Puppies for Dummies, 2nd Edition by Sarah Hodgson is a comprehensive reference book covering just about every topic related to puppies - from selecting a puppy to bringing your four-legged family member home. And the book's behavior and training tips are particularly useful for first-time dog owners.

For many individuals, the holidays are a time to see far-flung friends and family, often with their pets along for the ride. If you're fortunate enough to be able to travel with your pets this season, the right products can help to make the trip easier.

So whether you're going over the river and through the woods with your pets for just a day trip or for an extended holiday break, make sure you have the appropriate gear before hitting the road. To help make your journey as comfortable and safe as possible, our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite products for holiday travel with pets.

Stylish and easy to tote, the Outward Hound Eco Lightweight Carrier from Kyjen is an ideal way to transport your pet if you're hopping a train or bus this holiday season. The durable carrier lives up to its name with its thin but sturdy construction, and the material folds easily for packing when not in use. Also, the bag has convenient Velcro straps to help keep your pooch secure in transit.


A car harness that's comfortable enough for everyday use, the Roadie Dog Harness from Ruff Rider works with your vehicle's existing seatbelts to keep your dog safe - and out of the driver's area - during car rides. And the restraint allows your car-loving canine to have a reassuring range of motion while still protecting him in case of an accident.


Give your pet some extra comfort while heading down the highway with the Deluxe Bench Seat Cover from Solvit. Well-constructed and easy to install, this seat protector is made of high quality material that gives your dog a cozy ride while ensuring that your car's interior stays clean and dry. And the cover is machine-washable for added convenience.


To reward your dog for completing your holiday trip, or to keep him happy along the way, stock some Mellow Mut Chicken Breast Dog Treats from Dogswell in your travel bag. Made with simple, healthy ingredients such as chamomile, clover, and cage-free chicken, these appealing morsels are also formulated to help skittish dogs stay calm - a definite plus when traveling.


Even the most seasoned four-legged travelers can use an occasional distraction from the boredom of the road. To keep your canine occupied during long trips, try the Ruffians Chicken Dog Toy from JW Pet. The rubber texture kept our tester dog interested for hours, and stood up to his strong chewing. And the high-pitched squeal and bright yellow color also made this toy a surefire hit.

Getting into the spirit of the season sometimes requires more effort than just eating tree-shaped cookies or listening to some carols. Sometimes, we need to dress our pets in embarrassing, holiday-themed clothing and take their photos, perhaps even sharing those pics online with the world.

Whether your pet is ready for a complete outfit or just a festive collar, the right apparel can make the season that much brighter. Our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite holiday costumes for pets to help both you and your four-legged friends celebrate the season.

A cute costume that also acts as a cozy hoodie, the Reindeer Coat from Top Paw lets your unsuspecting pet think that he's wearing a comfy, warm winter jacket when he's really being transformed into an adorable reindeer. And the coat is available in an impressive range of sizes to help ensure an appropriate fit for your reindeer-to-be.


For an easy, comfortable holiday accessory, try the Red & White Santa Bandanna from Kyjen. This canine classic combines soft velvety material with a jolly jingle bell to help keep both you and your pooch in the holiday spirit. And the adjustable Velcro strap helps you achieve a comfortable fit while keeping the bandanna in place through lots of seasonal festivities.


Featuring a comfortable fit and an appealing design, the Holiday Star Cat Collar from Petco allows your cat to get in on the holiday fun without a lot of discomfort. The collar uses an elastic opening to prevent you from struggling to get your cat into costume, and each of the star's five points has a small jingle bell to add to the seasonal feeling.


Made from 100% wool and free of chemicals, each Rustic Snowflake Sweater from Chilly Dog is handmade, featuring an attractive, classic winter pattern with cheerful details. Available in a range of sizes from XX-Small to XXX-Large, the eco-friendly sweater also uses only natural dyes derived from plants for the high-quality wool.


If your pet prefers a simpler way to celebrate the season, try the Holiday Houndstooth Collars from Martha Stewart Pets. These accessories feature a stylish red and white print, with an optional flower detail, and can help your four-legged friend make a festive statement without causing him too much embarrassment at the dog park.

As Thanksgiving week and Black Friday sales officially kick off the holiday shopping season, your four-legged friends may be wondering whether Santa Paws will be leaving them a special toy under the tree.

From feline-friendly feather teasers to plushy penguins for your pooch, seasonal toys can make playtime with your pet even more festive this year. To spice up your pet's stocking, our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite holiday toys for the furry folks on your gift list.

An adorable addition to your canine's stocking, the Holiday Cabin Fever Big Head Penguin Dog Toy from Petco gives dogs a plushy, durable option for indoor fun during the wintry months. The soft exterior stands up to extended tugging and shaking, and the squeaker keeps pooches interested during playtime.


To keep your curious cat from attacking your holiday decorations, try the Reindeer Doorknob Dangler Cat Toy from ToyShoppe. Featuring bungee-like legs and enticing jingle bells, the Reindeer Doorknob Dangler is sturdy enough to withstand spirited playtime, and festive enough to fit in with your household décor. And the toy can also be used for interactive play if you want to get in on the holiday-themed fun.


A jolly spin on a canine classic, the Holiday Tennis Balls from Grreat Choice add some seasonal flair to games of fetch. Available in a merry red and green color scheme or a more subtle, wintry blue and white design, the balls are sturdy enough to last all season long. And for the price - about $3 for a pack of six during some online sales - these toys make a bargain stocking stuffer for the pooch on your shopping list.


To entertain your cat during the holiday season and beyond, try the Holiday Feather Teaser from Martha Stewart Pets. With eye-catching red and green colors and an adorable red plushy mouse attached to the teaser (with his very own miniature Santa hat!), this toy may be just the thing to entice your finicky feline away from the low-hanging ornaments on your holiday tree and keep him engaged for some interactive playtime.


After Santa Paws has picked out your dog's toys and treats, store them in the cheery Holiday Paw Stocking from Kong. Available in a range of sizes from Medium to Jumbo, the bright red pouch features a high-quality lining and sturdy hanging loop - and also comes with a decorating kit so that you can personalize your pooch's stocking.

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, pet owners may be feeling more grateful than ever for the companionship and love of their four-legged friends - and they may also be feeling grateful for certain products that make pet ownership cleaner, and more convenient.

While each individual may have different opinions about which accessory is indispensable to having a pet, a few products rise to the top in making everyday life with our furry family members easier. In celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday, our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite pet products to be thankful for.

Getting rid of that dreaded cat pee smell can be quite a challenge. So feline owners can be thankful for the Natural Cat Litter Deodorizer from Planet Petco, which tackles unpleasant odors at the source. In addition to prolonging the lifespan of cat litter - another aspect of the product that may inspire gratitude - the non-toxic formula of the deodorizer features the naturally occurring mineral Zeolite to fight unwanted smells.


Dog owners who want to indulge their pets with healthy treats can give thanks for Dog Joy Treats from Freshpet. Made with real meat, these irresistible snacks help to promote wellness with a top-quality, all-natural ingredient list. The morsels, which can be broken into smaller pieces, are ideal for training sessions, and our tester canines devoured the texture and taste of the treats.


If you have a senior cat in your family, both you and your feline may be grateful for the Thermal Cat Mat from Slumber Pet. This luxurious mat reflects your pet's own body heat (a claim that was tested and verified by both human and feline reviewers), so you don't have to worry about batteries or electric cords. And the machine-washable mat can help to provide relief from arthritis or joint pain.


Most dog owners are thankful for any product that makes grooming less of a hassle, such as the Zoom Groom Brush from Kong. Ideal for both long and short coats, this easy-to-grip rubber brush is both durable and effective at ridding coats of loose hair. And the soft rounded bristles give canines the feeling that they're being massaged instead of brushed - a special bonus that skittish dogs will be thankful for as well.


Whether your cat's breath is mildly disconcerting or fully corrosive, you might be thankful for Breathies Cat Treats from Catswell. These nutrient-packed snacks feature an all-natural formula using ingredients such as rosemary, mint, and cinnamon bark to help keep your kitty's breath fresh. And our tester felines flipped for the flavor of these protein-rich treats.

Like their humans, most dogs enjoy indulging in a snack from time to time. And even though you may agree to spoil your dog with a treat now and then, that doesn't mean that you need to give him one that's unhealthy.

Many delectable doggie treats now feature healthful ingredients that promote wellness while still giving your dog something to bark about. Our friends at Zootoo rounded up a few of their favorite naturally great dog treats to help you pamper your pooch's palate guilt-free.

Part of the line of top-quality treats and meals from Freshpet, Dognation Chicken Treats use a vitamin-packed, all-natural formula to help keep your dog healthy and happy when snacking. The treats feature such goodies as fiber, riboflavin, and B12, and our tester dog flipped for the flavor of the real chicken as well as the chewiness of the treat's texture.


Featuring 100% pure lamb liver, Freeze-Dried Lamb Liver Treats from Etta Says are small, square treats that pack a meaty punch. The snacks soften quickly when dogs chew the protein-packed treats, and the freeze-dried texture locks in the flavor. Also, Etta Says! Freeze-Dried Lamb Liver Treats are available at a reasonable price when compared to similar lamb-based canine goodies.


Designed to be an "energy bar" for dogs, Power Bones from Zuke's give your pooch a healthful snack during an active afternoon at the dog run or a particularly lively training session. Our canine reviewer found the peanut butter formula irresistible, although the treats are also available in chicken or beef varieties if your dog prefers a meatier flavor.


Help your dog overcome the pain and tightness of hip and joint problems with Happy Hips Dog Treats from Dogswell. In addition to glucosamine and chondroitin to help pooches maintain healthy hips and joints, the simple formula of Happy Hips Dog Treats includes such top-quality ingredients as fresh chicken meat and antioxidants.


Featuring an ingredient list full of organic goodies, Organix Organic Dog Cookies from Castor & Pollux satisfy your pooch with the flavor of real chicken. The cookies are available in Cheese and Peanut Butter formulas (as well as Chicken, of course), and the perfectly sized bites delighted our canine reviewer's discerning palate.

Recently, our friends at Zootoo brought you some delectable foods formulated just for young pooches. But what about those other adorable balls of fluff more commonly known as kittens?

Several foods on pet store shelves can help your growing feline get the nutrition he needs while keeping his appetite strong. To help your kitten thrive, the folks at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite foods for kittens.

Featuring high-quality ingredients in a convenient package, Kitten Health Cat Food from Wellness supports healthy development while steering away from artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. The product's formula includes meaty chicken, cranberries, and plenty of vitamins and minerals to help your kitten grow strong.


A grain-free cat food with no artificial flavors or preservatives, Spot's Stew Canned Cat Food is appropriate for both adult cats and kittens, making it ideal for households with multiple generations of felines. And the ingredient list, featuring yummy goodies like sweet potatoes, squash, and pumpkins, is refreshingly easy to pronounce.


A healthy dry food option for kittens, Spa Select Kitten Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Cat Food from Blue Buffalo includes a few vegetables and fruits in the chicken-based formula, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and blueberries. And other healthful components like flaxseed and brown rice help to round out your kitten's meal.


Like their four-legged pet parents, kittens need a treat now and then – so if you feel like spoiling your fluffball, try Temptations Kitten Treats from Whiskas. Like the adult version, these snacks may not be a good substitute for a full meal, but can reward your young feline with a tasty, appealing morsel once in a while. And at a retail price of under $2 per bag during online sales, these indulgent treats are also a bargain.


Offering kittens a well-balanced meal in a moist formula, Nutro Max Cat Gourmet Classics Canned Kitten Food from Nutro features a variety of meats in each flavor to help bring kittens to the food bowl. The product is steam-cooked in broth to enhance the texture and taste, and the formula is vitamin-enriched to help promote overall kitten health.

Many dog owners have encountered this familiar problem: you offer your pooch a brand new toy, as excited as he is to begin playtime, and after five minutes of enjoyment, the toy is destroyed. And you're left with a pile of fabric tufts and plastic shards.

For highly active dogs and power chewers, many toys offer both enjoyment and durability. Our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite tough toys to keep your canine happy and satisfied during hours of playtime.

Combining a dense rubber texture with a soft, smooth surface, the Flavored Rubber Bones Dog Chew Toy from FetchDog stands up to power chewers, showing only a few small indentations after several serious gnawing sessions. Available in such flavors as Peanut Butter, Pistachio, and Chocolate, this incredibly durable toy had an enticing aroma that appealed to our tester dog – and he also loved the hours of chewing satisfaction that this bone provided.


A sturdy toy that also helps to control doggie breath, Tuff Peanut Butter Balls from PetSport feature solid construction, with rubber seams that can resist both slobber and persistent chewing. And if your dog is the type who never gets tired of playing fetch, the Tuff Peanut Butter Balls are also weightier than regular tennis balls, helping to extend their lifespan. And the nutty aroma should remain on your dog's breath long after you've come home from the park.


For an interactive dog toy that won't deteriorate during your first tug-of-war session, try the Big Mouth Triple Rings Dog Toy from JW Pet. These brightly-colored, interlocking rings are made of sturdy, non-toxic rubber to keep the toy intact, whether you use the rings as a tugging toy or just as a chew toy. And the unique design features raised nubs for extra chewing satisfaction, keeping easily bored dogs interested during playtime.


An appealing squeak toy that also resists hours of chewing, the Dura Play Ball from Hartz has a lower decibel level than other, similar squeakers – delighting your dog with its noise while keeping you from plugging your ears. And the Dura Play Ball's design kept our tester dog completely absorbed for extended playtimes without showing signs of wear and tear on its tough exterior.


Offering a durable option for plushy toy-loving dogs, the Plubber Dog Toys from ToyShoppe combine a furry texture with a tough rubber material to withstand long periods of chewing and play. The design of the Plubber prevents the toy from squeaking too easily, making dogs work to produce that satisfying, high-pitched noise. And the cute animal and bone shapes are an ideal size for most active pets.

All dog parents want to provide the best for their four-legged family members, especially when those pooches are cuddly, adorable balls of puppy love.

To meet the specific nutritional needs of growing dogs, many puppy food options--including treats and chews--offer healthy ingredients in a flavorful package that will satisfy those sweet puppy-dog palates. Our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite foods for the perfect puppy in your life.

Like its counterpart for adult dogs, Freshpet Select Slice and Serve Puppy Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Recipe from Freshpet meets the nutritional needs of growing dogs with an ingredient list full of delectable goodies like high-fiber brown rice, real chicken, and healthy vegetables. And puppy owners will appreciate the convenient feeding guidelines that keep mealtime prep quick and easy.


Compact and enticing, Bitz Soft & Chewy Natural Dog Treats from Old Mother Hubbard offer puppies big flavor in a small package. The chewy texture suits younger dogs, and the top-notch, nutritious ingredients, including real chicken and brown rice, allow you to indulge those begging puppy-dog eyes without feeling guilty.


A top-quality wet food option for puppies, Nutro MAX Puppy Canned Food from Nutro delivers an easily digestible, protein-packed meal enriched with enough vitamins and supplements to help ensure that your young dog develops into a healthy adult. And our tester puppy gobbled up the meaty flavors of the Nutro MAX's chicken, lamb, and turkey.


Featuring a beef and chicken flavor that entices dogs of any age, Good Buddy Rawhide Braided Sticks from Castor & Pollux encourage appropriate chewing behavior for puppies. Made from grass-fed USA beef, the rawhide keeps your young dog's teeth away from the sofa leg. And the size of the chews makes them appropriate for interactive play to keep easily distracted puppies entertained.


Part of the "5 for Life" supplement system from Wellness, Super5Mix Just for Puppy Food packs a nutritious punch into a dry food with an appeasing flavor. The ingredient list contains such healthy components as chicken, tomatoes, spinach, and sweet potatoes, and our tester puppy flipped for the taste. Also, the kibble's small pieces are ideal for puppy-sized mouths.

Recently we brought you suggestions for fun books for pet lovers, but what if you need more informative reading about training and care?

The diverse range of pet books on the market may seem overwhelming, but a few standouts can help guide you through the basics of pet care while giving you special tips for your four-legged friend's individual needs. Our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite books on pet care to help you get valuable information while filling out your summer reading list.


An informative, basic guide to bringing rescued pets into the family, The Happy Adopted Dog by Tammy Gagne takes a look at the specific needs of adopted pets, including behavioral challenges that commonly arise among former shelter dogs. In addition to taking potential pet parents through the steps of the dog adoption process, the book also addresses ways to bring adopted dogs into their forever home successfully, with useful training tips and advice.


Combining comprehensive advice with light-hearted anecdotes, Caring for Your Aging Cat by Janice Borzendowski helps cat owners navigate their feline's senior years by providing step-by-step insights into geriatric pet care and ways to improve quality of life. Borzendowski also uses a compassionate touch to delve into the tough end-of-life issues, in addition to useful tips about appropriate care during your cat's golden years.


Thought-provoking and easy to understand, 30 Days to a Well-Mannered Dog by Tamar Geller uses a canine-centered approach to help owners build a closer relationship with their dogs while tackling basic behavioral issues. Although 30 Days to a Well-Mannered Dog uses the chapter-a-day method for owners hoping for results within a month, Geller's new perspectives on classic problems make this book a valuable resource no matter what your training schedule looks like.


Get a peek inside the feline mind with How to Have a Happy Cat by Andrea McHugh. This nuts-and-bolts book about satisfying even the most finicky of cats delves into the basics of communication and body language to help owners understand the complicated feline personality. And veteran owners will also appreciate the innovative tips on cat-i-fying your home and improving your cat's relationship with the family.


An entertaining read that also helps owners integrate four-legged friends with their two-legged relatives, A Member of the Family by Cesar Millan offers tips on training dogs to bond with the entire household. Drawing on his years of experience, Millan brings a humorous touch to the book, using inspiring anecdotes to illustrate his advice. For first-time owners, A Member of the Family also provides information about selecting the right dog for a family's lifestyle.