Page Updated 04/07/26

Recommended Products

We don't get paid to share these items - these are items we use (or have used) that we think are great for our dogs.
 ​Feel free to share with us your thoughts on these (or if you have something that you absolutely love for your pup that's not here, let us know about it!) 

Click on links to go to where we buy them, but in general - items found through Amazon, Chewy, Tractors Supply, etc.
Food
To help with year-round hydration we float their food - meaning we add about a cup of water or more depending on the amount of food and the dog itself ​
Puppies 4health Strive All Life Stages Endurance 90 Formula Dry Dog Food
From 7 weeks to 5/6 months old - 1.5-2 cups (3x's a day) depending on activity

Older Puppies & Adults 4health with Wholesome Grains Adult Beef and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
1-1.5 cups (2x's a day) depending on activity

Seniors Wholesomes Large Breed Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon Recipe Dry Dog Food
​1 cup 2x's a day

Low-Nutrient Fillers We Avoid - We stay away from wheat, corn, soy, and pea protein due to their limited nutritional value and potential health concerns.

Wheat is one of the most common food allergens in dogs and may contribute to itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive upset. While some dogs tolerate wheat without issue, it offers minimal nutritional benefit compared to animal-based proteins and is high in carbohydrates, which can contribute to unwanted weight gain.

Corn is widely regarded as a low-quality ingredient in dog food. It provides limited nutritional value, may be difficult for some dogs to digest, and has been associated with obesity and food sensitivities in certain individuals.

Soy is considered undesirable because it functions primarily as a low-quality filler. It can trigger allergic reactions, including skin irritation, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, soy contains lectins that may interfere with nutrient absorption and has been linked to potential thyroid disruption.
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Pea Protein, when used in high concentrations, has raised concerns due to its possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), particularly in grain-free diets. As a plant-based protein, it lacks a complete amino acid profile, contains anti-nutrients that can hinder digestion, and is less bioavailable than animal-derived proteins.
supplements
These are supplements that get added to their food. The information that we've included is from googling and researching in general.​ We strive to stay away from harsh chemicals, using more natural ingredients as much as possible.
Puppies while in our care may receive these supplements - your go home medical record will indicate what and how much
  • Puppy-Bac - from birth - A good source of probiotics that has the proper ratios of Protein, Fat and nutrients for Growing Puppies
  • Around 4-6 weeks - they are introduced to ACV, Coconut/Fish Oil, Diatomaceous Earth, Eggs, Pumpkin, Vitamin C (see benefits below). 
  • Around 6 weeks old - Bug Off Garlic (see benefits below) is sprinkled on their food in the morning daily/every other day. This really depends on the flea season/time of year when the puppies are out in their yard area. 

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) - raw, unfiltered, organic - liquid form bought at Grocery Store
  • ​Benefits: supports healthy digestion, promotes skin and coat health.
  • May assist with urinary tract health.
  • We dilute by adding it to the water that we float their food.

Bug Off Garlic Granules - from Springtimeinc.com
  • Daily Benefits provides a 24-hour shield against fleas and flying insects, supports a healthy immune system, promotes friendly bacteria in the digestive tract for better gut health
  • Offers a safe, natural alternative to harsh chemical pest-control products

Coconut Oil - Nutiva brand - from Amazon
  • 3-4 times a week (​use in moderation) 
  • Benefits: promotes skin and coat health, provides anti-inflammatory and antibacterial support, aids digestion
  • May help repel fleas and ticks naturally

Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade - DiatomaceousEarth.com
  • Daily - Always use food-grade - NOT pool grade | Benefits: Helps control parasites by naturally deworming — targets roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, and hookworms by dehydrating them. Supports detoxification by flushing the digestive tract and absorbing harmful toxins from the bloodstream. Promotes digestive health by encouraging regular bowel movements and improving digestion. Enhances skin and coat condition. Rich in essential minerals including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron, which support strong bones and joint protection

Farm Fresh Eggs - we get from a local farmer, highly recommended!
  • Daily (or 1–4 times per week, depending on the dog)
  • Benefits: excellent source of protein and essential amino acids, rich in vitamins and minerals that support - skin and coat health, muscle development and overall vitality and energy.
  • Farm Fresh Eggs vs. Store Bought Eggs - do your research and decide on what you want your dog to be eating. We choose Farm Fresh for daily but have no issue if we need to give a store-bought egg to them.

Fish Oil - Vital Pet Life - Pollock/Salmon - from Amazon 
  • Daily or 3–4 times per week, depending on the dog
  • Benefits: Joint health: Reduces inflammation to ease pain and stiffness from arthritis. Skin & coat: Improves skin condition, reduces itching, dryness, and shedding, and strengthens the skin barrier. Health: Supports cardiovascular function by lowering triglycerides and improving blood flow. Brain health: Promotes cognitive function and memory, especially in older dogs. Immune support: Strengthens immune defenses and helps reduce infection risk
  • May aid digestion, reduce hair loss, and enhance overall coat shine

Glyco - GlycoFlex Plus - from Amazon
  • Enhanced Mobility and Joint Support: Contains GlycOmega™ Green-Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus), which provides a natural source of nutrients to build healthy connective tissue.
  • Increased Strength: Studies showed up to 41% increased hind leg strength in dogs within four weeks of taking GlycoFlex.
  • Reduced Inflammation and Pain: Ingredients like Glucosamine and Chondroitin help reduce pain associated with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and general aging.
  • Cartilage Protection: It helps maintain the integrity, health, and cushioning of joint cartilage.


​Milk Thistle - 

Pumpkin Puree - we get organic - no spices added - canned from Grocery Store 
  • 3-4 times a week
  • Benefits: a great prebiotic - with fiber, vitamins A, C, and E (for immune/skin/coat health), and minerals like potassium and iron, all of which can contribute to improved digestion, a stronger immune system, and overall well-being. Supports digestive health – helps with both constipation and diarrhea. Aids weight management by helping dogs feel full longer
  • May support urinary health, especially in dogs with incontinence

Vitamin C - Pure Original Ingredients - from Amazon
  • Daily Benefits: supports the immune system by boosting antibody and white blood cell production, acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping protect cells from free radicals, inflammation, and oxidative stress, aids collagen production for healthy skin, bones, joints, and connective tissues.
  • May help reduce allergy symptoms by minimizing inflammation and allergic reactions
treats
Key Considerations for Choosing Treats
  • Ingredients: Prioritize natural ingredients; avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and sweeteners.
  • Protein Source: Look for clearly named, lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or lamb.
  • Purpose: Use low-calorie, soft treats for training, 

Recommended Healthy Dog Treat 
  • Single-Ingredient Treats: Freeze-dried chicken breast, salmon, or liver (e.g., Farm To Pet, Vital Essentials) are ideal for allergies and weight management.
  • Jerky & Natural Chews: High-protein options like beef liver or chicken jerky provide mental stimulation.
  • Healthy Human Foods: make great, nutritious treats for dogs include carrots, green beans, blueberries, plain cooked chicken, and sweet potatoes. These offer vitamins and fiber, but treats should be given in moderation, ensuring all foods are unseasoned, low-fat, and, where applicable, seeds or rinds are removed. 
    • Moderation is key: Treats should make up only a small portion of your dog's daily diet.
    • Avoid Seasoning: Never give dogs food with onions, garlic, salt, or excessive oils.
    • Safety First: Remove all pits, seeds, and rinds to prevent choking or toxic reactions. 

Buffalo Horn for dogs are durable, long-lasting, natural, and low-fat treats that promote dental hygiene by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. They are rich in nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, aid in mental stimulation and stress relief, and are suitable for dogs with allergies.  ​Supervision: They are generally safe but should be monitored for splintering.

Bully Sticks (dried bull pizzle) provide significant benefits for dogs, including improved dental hygiene by reducing plaque and tartar, high-protein nutrition, and mental stimulation. As a natural, highly digestible alternative to rawhide, they are safe for most dogs to chew, promoting healthy gums and teeth while keeping them occupied. ​Supervision: Always supervise your dog while they are chewing to prevent choking, especially as the stick gets small.

Cow Ears are a highly digestible, low-fat, and high-protein, single-ingredient natural chew that promotes dental health by reducing plaque and tartar. As a safer alternative to rawhide, they are rich in cartilage, supporting joint health, and are suitable for dogs of all sizes, including puppies and seniors.  ​Supervision:  Always supervise your dog while they are chewing, ensure they have access to fresh water, and select high-quality, non-irradiated options.

Cow Hooves are natural, long-lasting, and low-fat, low-calorie chews that promote dental health by reducing plaque and tartar. They offer excellent mental stimulation, helping to reduce boredom and anxiety, and are durable enough for strong chewers.  ​Supervision: They are generally safe but should be monitored for splintering.

​Freeze-dried Minnows are a highly nutritious, single-ingredient treat for dogs, offering a rich source of bioavailable protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals like calcium. They support healthy skin, a shiny coat, joint flexibility, and cardiovascular health while being low-calorie, making them ideal for training or weight management. These treats are generally hypoallergenic, free from grains and fillers, and suitable for dogs with food sensitivities. 

Yak Cheese Chews are a long-lasting, natural, and highly digestible treat for dogs, rich in protein and calcium to support muscle growth and bone health. Made from Himalayan yak/cow milk, they are low-lactose, gluten-free, and, preservative-free, making them ideal for sensitive stomachs. They also promote dental hygiene by reducing plaque and tartar. ​Supervision: Always choose the appropriate size for your dog's weight. As the chew becomes small, remove it to prevent a choking hazard. You can soak small, remaining pieces in water and microwave them to create a soft, crunchy puff treat.


Treats To Avoid

Antler Horns are often advised against for dogs because their extreme hardness can cause severe dental, oral, and digestive injuries, including fractured teeth, tooth root abscesses, and potential obstructions or choking. While long-lasting and appealing to chewers, they are prone to breaking teeth or splintering, which can be costly and dangerous for your pet.

Key Reasons to Limit/Avoid Pork Products:
We avoid pork treats (including ears and hooves), While plain, cooked pork is generally safe, it is best to avoid processed pork products (bacon, sausage, ham) due to high fat, sodium, and seasoning content that causes pancreatitis, gastrointestinal distress, and, in severe cases, death. Raw or undercooked pork should be strictly avoided due to risks of parasites like Trichinella spiralis and bacterial infections. 
  • High Fat & Pancreatitis: Fatty pork cuts (e.g., ribs, bacon) are difficult to digest and can trigger severe, potentially fatal pancreatic inflammation.
  • High Sodium/Seasoning: Processed items like ham and bacon contain high salt levels, leading to dehydration or salt poisoning. Seasonings such as onion and garlic are toxic.
  • Raw Pork Risk: Raw or undercooked pork can carry Trichinella parasites, which can cause muscle pain, fever, and vomiting.
  • Cooked Bones: Cooked pork bones are a major hazard, as they can splinter, causing choking, mouth injuries, or digestive tract blockages. 
Links to treats we buy, go home bags will have some of these that your new puppy will be used to
Toys
​Safety Guidelines
  • Avoid: Items harder than your dog's teeth (like some antlers or dense bones), which can cause fractures.
  • Supervision: Always supervise, especially with new toys, to prevent choking on small, broken pieces.
  • Size Matters: Choose toys appropriate for your dog's size to avoid swallowing risks.
  • Maintenance: Regularly rotate toys to keep them interesting and check for damage, discarding broken or heavily worn items. 

​Kong Chew Toys For powerful chewers, the KONG Extreme (Black Rubber) is the most durable, while the Classic Red KONG is ideal for average chewers. For puppies, use the softer, rubberized Puppy KONG (blue/pink), and for senior dogs, the softer purple formula is recommended. Treat-dispensing options include the KONG Wobbler and Goodie Bone. 

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SHampoo & Conditioner
Why we use a slip lead?
​Slip leads are primarily used to stop dogs from pulling, improve leash manners, and provide secure control during training or handling. They act as both a collar and leash, tightening slightly to give feedback when a dog pulls and preventing escape. They are ideal for quick, effective communication.
Key Benefits of Using a Slip Lead:
  • Prevent Escapes: Because it functions as a collar and leash in one, it is nearly impossible for a dog to back out of it, making it safer for fearful or flight-risk dogs.
  • Stop Pulling (Gentle Correction): When a dog pulls, the lead tightens slightly (but should not choke). This provides immediate, clear feedback, teaching the dog to stop.
  • Increased Control & Attention: It offers better control, particularly for lunging or reactive dogs, by directing pressure to the neck to regain attention.
  • Convenience: Slip leads are easy to put on and take off, making them popular with trainers, veterinarians, and for quick walks.
  • No Extra Equipment: It combines a collar and leash, eliminating the need for a separate collar or harness. 

Important Safety Guidelines:
  • Positioning: Place the lead high on the neck, right behind the ears, not low on the throat, to prevent injury.
  • Use a Stopper: Ensure the leash has a stopper to prevent it from loosening too much (and slipping off) or tightening too much.
  • Never Leave Unattended: Do not leave a slip lead on a dog that is not being directly supervised.
  • Proper Training: Use the leash to give quick "pops" of feedback, rather than constant, sustained pressure.