Tail Waggin' Tips

Table of contents Raw food diets are too dangerous because of bacteria My pet will get sick eating raw meat because it contains parasites Pets are not wild animals, so they need cooked food and carbs, not raw meat My pet will become bloodthirsty and aggressive if they eat raw meat Dogs and cats can't eat kibble and raw food at the same time Feeding my pet raw food will make me sick Cooked food or kibble is better than raw food for pets Puppies and kittens can't eat raw food Raw bones are dangerous for pets because they splinter Raw feeding is too complicated and unbalanced Raw feeding is too expensive MYTH #1 Raw food diets are dangerous. My pet will get sick eating raw meat because it contains harmful bacteria (like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria). FACT #1 Cats and dogs are carnivores anatomically built to process raw meat as an ideal diet. Pets’ systems are highly acidic (for example, their stomachs contain about 10 times more hydrochloric acid than human stomachs), so harmful bacteria have trouble surviving in this environment. Pets also have shorter GI tracts than humans, jaws designed to chew and rip meat (not plant matter), and sharp canine teeth. Additionally, not all raw meat is made equal. When pets eat high-quality, all-natural, human-grade meat, the chances of illness are greatly reduced. For example, grass-fed and free-range meats contain: “A lower bacterial content than animals raised in confinement…Due to the stress of living in confinement…animals are exposed to a much higher level of bacterial contamination….corn fed to cattle changes the gut pH, which favors growing conditions for pathogenic E. coli, which are shed in the feces the animals stand in” (source). If you source meat naturally from small family farms, you reduce the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria. At Oma’s Pride, we follow our rigorous HACCP program and USDA regulations and source our ingredients from multi-generational, family-owned farms and USDA-inspected processors with whom we share long-established relationships of trust. Whenever possible, we source locally. Finally, how your raw pet food is processed matters. At Oma’s Pride, we use bacteriophage technology during the food production process to reduce or eliminate the presence of disease-causing bacteria (salmonella, E. coli, and listeria). Bacteriophaging does not impact products' taste, color, quality, or consistency. The bacteriophage process leaves only beneficial bacteria in the meat to preserve its raw nutritional integrity. Extra: When discussing raw pet food safety, it’s essential to note that alternatives like kibble or highly processed foods are not sterile or “bacteria-free.” In fact, most recalls (especially for salmonella) happen in kibble production, not raw production. shop raw food for pets MYTH #2 My pet will get sick eating raw meat because it contains parasites. FACT #2 Canine and feline systems are well-equipped to eat and process raw meat (see myth # 1). The chances of finding parasites in high-quality, human-grade, ethically sourced meat are extremely low. To alleviate any concerns, freeze raw meat for about 24 hours to 7 days to kill almost all parasites that could be present in raw meat. Although some parasites can survive freezing, they are extremely rare. MYTH #3 Dogs and cats are not wild animals, so they don’t need raw meat. They have adapted to eating cooked food and carbohydrate-heavy diets during domestication. FACT #3 Pet dogs and cats have been domesticated, so they no longer resemble wild animals behaviorally or phenotypically; however, their digestive systems have not evolved beyond that of a wolf or lion. Cats and dogs are taxonomically classified in Carnivora because they are carnivores. Neither cats nor dogs have a biological “need” for carbohydrates. Neither have salivary amylase (an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates). Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to survive. Dogs are scavenging carnivores, meaning they can survive with less meat and more carbs, but it is not the most biologically appropriate option for them. Dogs and cats both have highly acidic stomachs, short GI tracts, elongated sharp teeth, tight digitation of molars, and wide jaws. These biological characteristics indicate that, like their wild companions, raw meat (not cooked meat) is the ideal diet for our pet dogs and cats. MYTH #4 My pet will become bloodthirsty and aggressive if they eat raw meat. FACT #4 It’s a myth that your dog or cat will become more aggressive simply from eating raw meat (a biologically appropriate diet). While carnivores have a prey instinct, like chasing squirrels or other animals, this drive is not impacted based on diet. Prey drive is correlated with behavior management, training, breed, and other genetic factors. Dogs can become aggressive if they eat a diet—raw or kibble—deficient in tryptophan (an amino acid). You can ensure your dog is not missing tryptophan by giving them food that meets AAFCO minimums for a complete and balanced diet. MYTH #5 Dogs and cats cannot eat kibble and raw food at the same time. FACT #5 Dogs and cats can eat raw and dry food together! Yes, even in the same bowl. In the past, people have said that pets cannot eat raw and dry food together. Why? Since raw food and kibble are very different, people thought pets’ GI tracts could not handle the fluctuating pH levels. They also said that processing foods at different speeds is dangerous because it could lead to harmful bacteria growth or an upset stomach. This, it turns out, is a myth. A pet’s system digests all foods using the same general 4-10 hour process (food travels from the mouth to the stomach to the intestines in a highly acidic environment). Small fluctuations in gastric acid levels shouldn’t cause distress to a healthy animal’s body. No scientific studies show that a healthy carnivore’s body cannot handle raw and dry foods together. Please note! If your pet has a sensitive GI tract, changing foods too quickly can cause digestive upset. This is where feeding raw and dry food together can cause an upset stomach. If your animal is sensitive, slowly add in new foods over time. You can also add our Digestive Performance supplement, canned 100% pumpkin, or slippery elm bark to your pet’s bowl to help. We recommend incorporating as many raw, whole foods into your pet’s diet as possible. As we like to say, any raw is better than no raw! shop raw terats & toppers MYTH #6 Feeding my pet raw meat will make me sick. FACT #6 Humans should not experience illness or sickness when feeding raw meat to pets if they follow safe food-handling practices. People should wash their hands thoroughly after handling raw meat, sanitize surfaces that touch raw meat, and store raw meat in a food-safe container to prevent leakages that can occur during the thawing process. MYTH #7 Cooked food or kibble is better than raw food for pets. FACT #7 Processing, cooking, or heating pet food alters the integrity of the food, compromising the quality of some nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. On the other hand, raw food contains fully bioavailable nutrients, enzymes, and minerals that are essential for pets. Raw food benefits for pets include improved lifespan, mood, energy, skin and coat health, dental health, allergy relief, and more. Scientific studies have found that pets eating raw diets experience better digestion than those who eat cooked meat. While some might think that cooked meat is “safer” for cats and dogs, the cooking process can negatively impact the nutritional quality of pet food. shop raw food for pets MYTH #8 Puppies and kittens can't eat raw food. FACT #8 Puppies and kittens can eat raw food! Here’s how: Puppies can begin eating a quality raw diet directly after they are weaned from milk (around 5-6 weeks old). Kittens can start on a quality raw diet when they are 3-4 weeks old after weaning from milk. While some may be concerned that kittens and puppies will get sick from a raw diet, they are carnivores designed to process this diet after weaning. The earlier they begin eating biologically appropriate food, the better. Additionally, starting your kitten or puppy on a raw diet can help them develop a healthy gut and immune system early. MYTH #9 Raw bones are dangerous for pets because they splinter. FACT #9 Feeding raw bones to dogs (recreational or raw meaty bones) is safe when done correctly. First, it is essential to know what your dog can and cannot handle based on their chewing habits, temperament, and more. We recommend starting slow with smaller pieces, then building up to eating whole bones once you feel comfortable with it. Completely raw bones (not cooked) are very unlikely to splinter. Although rare, choking and blockages can occur with raw bones. To reduce risk, always monitor your dog as they chew and feed appropriate-sized bones (not too large or small). Additionally, do not feed cooked, smoked, roasted, boiled, or heat-processed bones because they are known to splinter and harm dogs’ teeth. Heating bones removes the moisture, causing them to harden and become brittle. Check out our deep dive into the topic of raw bones here: All About Raw Bones for Dogs shop raw bones MYTH #10 Raw feeding is too complicated and unbalanced. FACT #10 In the past, feeding raw food was more complicated. Pet parents formulated raw food diets from scratch, sourced the ingredients themselves, and balanced the diet. Raw feeding is much more convenient now with commercially available raw diets and freeze-dried options. Pet food companies like Oma’s Pride sell high-quality, balanced raw diets, mixes, bones, and more online. All pet parents have to do is order, thaw, and serve. Feeding a raw, fresh diet has never been more accessible for pet parents. Some mistakenly think that raw feeding means serving 100% meat, but this is incorrect. A properly balanced raw food diet will include meat, bones, organs, vegetables, and supplements. Pet parents can purchase pre-made balanced raw diets or practice rotational DIY feeding to ensure pets get everything they need to thrive. Finally, serving raw food may take slightly longer than serving kibble...but using strategies like pre-portioning meals at the beginning of the week can help. In the long run, spending a few more minutes a day feeding your dog or cat is well worth raw food's fantastic health and wellness benefits. shop balanced raw recipes MYTH #11 Raw feeding is too expensive. FACT #11 Generally speaking, raw food pound-for-pound is more expensive than a typical kibble. However, the cost really depends on how many animals you have, their size, and whether you choose frozen raw, freeze-dried, kibble, or a mix of multiple. For example, ordering a Medium Dog Subscription from Oma’s Pride for your 45-pound dog using the Woof Complete Canine Chicken Meal will cost you approximately $3.77 per meal or $7.54 per day. For the same 45-pound dog, kibble or lightly cooked food can cost anywhere from less than $1 a day up to $10 or $13 a day, depending on the brand. On a budget, many pet parents add raw food toppers or rotate between kibble and raw food. Adding any fresh, raw foods to your pet’s diet is better than none! Overall, investing in high-quality raw food is worth it in the long run to improve your pet’s gut health, strengthen their teeth, improve weight control, reduce inflammation, provide allergy relief, and more. Remember: health and longevity start in their bowl. shop raw subscriptions

A little about me My name is Bryan MacDonald, and I’ve been working at Oma’s Pride as the Director of eCommerce for about a year. Before I share more about my experience at Oma’s Pride, I’ll share a little about myself! I was born and raised in the “Windy City” of Chicago, Illinois. My love for animals goes way back—I grew up with two labs and a cat; in college, I adopted a shepherd mix. When I moved to Connecticut to attend Springfield College and play football, I fell in love with marketing and sales. Before starting this position at Oma’s Pride, I was the Chief Marketing Officer for an e-commerce tactical supply company. Working on my craft and developing new marketing strategies is something I look forward to attacking on a daily basis. In my free time, I run and operate a social media account called @anythingbutasalad, where I post recipes and comedy skits. I’ve loved being able to implement my social media expertise and background to amplify our customer experience at Oma’s Pride. I currently live in Connecticut with my wife and three children. In my free time, you can find me cooking up delicious meals in the kitchen (not salads), watching football or basketball, playing outside with my kids, ranting about traffic, heading to Disney World, or taking my wife out to a nice weekend dinner. My role at Oma’s Pride I’ve had a wonderful year growing as a marketer, leader, and pet food expert at Oma’s Pride As the Director of eCommerce, my daily responsibilities include establishing and overseeing all marketing, social media, and affiliate efforts What does the nitty gritty look like? Well Other activities include updating and designing new website implementations, managing and overseeing our customer service department, strategizing about new customer acquisition, assisting our shipping and fulfillment department, implementing new product development and launches, and acting like a madman supporting anyone who needs supporting In a single day, you might find me in the office creating content with Nina for social media, meeting with various coworkers in person and online, doing some heads-down work in a corner of the office (gameplan time), and trying to implement as many activities as humanly possible in a day (of course…with time for lunch). Why I choose to work at Oma’s Pride In this day and age, there are hundreds and thousands of e-commerce sites and businesses—but I have chosen to call Oma’s Pride “home.” Why? Oma’s Pride is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business rooted in tradition, quality, and family values. While other companies might hide behind clever marketing tactics, Oma’s is the real deal with the highest-quality sourcing, ingredients, and products on the market. I love working for a company with values and a product that stands the test of time. It brings me fulfillment to participate in the company’s mission to feed pets the best so they can live long and healthy lives. Although I’m just one employee, I can speak to the fact that everyone at our company is extremely passionate about providing pets with the best nutrition possible. We are a group of dedicated pet advocates, animal lovers, and nutrition nerds. Working at Oma’s is more than just a “job”; it is a way to help animals across the USA thrive. I love pushing this family business and legacy into the next generation, expanding our customer base, and discovering more and more ways to make our customers the happiest possible. The history of Oma’s Pride Have you heard the story about how Oma’s Pride began? It’s a heartwarming story of trial, triumph, and tradition. At the heart of Oma's Pride lies a rich heritage passed down through generations. Oma’s Pride is named after our beloved matriarch, Margaret “Oma” Miller. Rooted in humble beginnings in Connecticut’s Farmington Valley, we began selling eggs door-to-door. Over the next several decades, we evolved into a turkey farm, raising and processing human food for the local community. Through the 1970s, we transformed into a USDA poultry processor and regional food distributor, serving the entire New England area. A tradition of healthy pets living on the farm and a sick family dog cured by the emerging raw food movement in the 1990s led to the creation of Oma’s Pride. Oma’s daughter, Sandi, driven by a trailblazing spirit and passion for animal wellness, partnered with animal nutritionists and veterinarians to formalize decades-old family raw food recipes for pets everywhere. Over the last several decades, our product offering has evolved into AAFCO complete pet diets, exotic proteins, natural supplements, freeze-dried treats, chews, and more. Our commitment to pure, human-grade ingredients sourced from local farms and relationships of trust has not and never will change. Our commitment to quality Speaking firsthand, quality and transparency are non-negotiable at Oma's Pride. Every ingredient that goes into our raw pet food recipes is carefully selected and meticulously tested to meet the highest standards. From sourcing fresh meats and vegetables to ensuring optimal nutrient content, no shortcuts are ever taken. This is something that no company should ever have to “market.” It is something that should never have to be talked about. It should be the standard across the board…however, sadly, that’s not always the case. When we talk about being transparent, we aren’t just using buzzwords to persuade consumers to make a purchase with us. We show you exactly what we’re made of. Pet owners deserve to know exactly what is in their dogs’ or cats’ meals. That’s why we strive to provide complete transparency at every step of the process. Our commitment to transparency extends beyond just our products—it’s ingrained in our culture and helps guide every decision we make. That’s why it’s been my pleasure to share behind-the-scenes manufacturing videos at our USDA facility in Connecticut. If you don’t follow us on social media, here’s your reminder to do so! We put time and effort into showing you the entire pet food manufacturing process, from how ingredients come in, how they are mixed, how they are packaged, and more. oma’s pride instagram Oma’s Pride & a culture of care My personal experience at Oma’s Pride has been nothing short of fantastic. As cheesy as it might sound…walking through the doors of Oma’s Pride, you’re not just entering a workplace; you’re stepping into a family. The feeling of camaraderie and mutual respect among employees is unmatched. Whether you're a family member who has been in the business for decades or a new hire (like myself), everyone is treated like family. Everyone feels empowered to reach their full potential, encouraging creativity, innovation, and personal development. We all share a common passion for providing pets with the food we know they deserve, and that shared purpose unites all of us. Our customer-centric approach At Oma's Pride, customers aren't transactions—they're valued members of the extended family. We take extreme pride in building long-term relationships based on trust, transparency, and world-class customer service. That’s why we have customers who have been buying our raw food for over 10 years! Let me give you a specific example of our customer-centric approach in action: A few months ago, a customer contacted us on a Friday afternoon to inform us that FedEx delivered her monthly Large Dog Subscription to the wrong address. We were closing soon and the next FedEx pickup day at our distribution facility was on Monday. She was going to run out of food, and the only option she had was to drive to a local retail store and buy another brand. We looked up her address, and she lived only an hour away. Our fulfillment team repacked her order and put it in my car. And guess what? We were able to drop off her new package in under an hour! She couldn’t believe it. Her jaw was essentially on the floor. We go the extra mile for our customers on an individual and company level. This culture perfectly fits my hospitable, go-getter personality! The future of Oma’s Pride If you haven’t picked up on it by now, I’m proud to work for a company like Oma’s Pride. The legacy of quality, tradition, and family values will continue to guide us strongly into the future. It’s my privilege to work every day honoring the company’s legacy while simultaneously getting the opportunity to help shape our future. With each passing generation, the company remains committed to the standards set by its founders while adapting to meet the needs of an ever-changing world. From selling brand-new products like Portion Packs to launching an enhanced blog to unveiling a brand-new website (still to come!)...we are proud of our momentum to make Oma’s Pride even stronger. We have many plans in the works (most of which are shaped by customer feedback!) to make the Oma’s Pride experience better, faster, and stronger than ever before. We can’t wait to continue serving pet parents and pets around the USA the best possible raw food. As pet owners increasingly seek out natural and healthy alternatives, Oma's Pride stands ready to pave the way, ensuring that every pet can live a happy, healthy life as nature intended. Final thoughts Working at Oma's Pride is more than just a regular job. It’s an honor, privilege, and a responsibility. It's about being part of a family that values tradition, embraces innovation, and always puts the well-being of pets first. Whether you're an employee of the Oma's Pride team or a loyal customer, one thing is for sure: you're part of something truly special. Thank you, from all of us at Oma’s Pride, for being part of the family! Bryan's picks Here’s a selection of some of my favorite Oma’s Pride products! Check ‘em out!

Everyone gets bored sometimes…even dogs! When humans get bored, we can easily fix it. We can go for a drive, pop in a movie, or play a game on our phones. On the other hand, domestic dogs rely heavily on owners for entertainment. Although they might like to, they can’t take themselves for a walk, play fetch solo, or cook up dinner when they get hungry. So, do dogs get bored? Yes! Bored dogs are understimulated and tend to seek stimulation in destructive ways. Your dog might be bored if they chew up furniture, make a mess, dig a hole, or bark excessively. In this blog, I’ll share with you how to spot signs of dog boredom. I’ll also show you the best strategies to entertain your furry friend, such as giving them a bone, trying a puzzle, exercising, training, and more. Signs you have a bored dog Every dog is different, so one dog’s boredom might look different than another’s. Another way to say “bored” is “understimulated.” All dogs, no matter the breed, need daily stimulation of some kind to stay healthy. If they become too pent-up with energy, that positive energy can overflow into negative behaviors. As pet parents, it’s our job to provide healthy energy outlets for our pets so they don’t seek out unhealthy entertainment. Here are some of the tell-tale signs that your dog is understimulated and bored: Chewing, tearing, or shredding.A bored dog might destroy every toy, pillow, or piece of clothing in sight. Dogs naturally desire to chew, but they can take this out in an unhealthy way if they are understimulated. Digging.Digging is natural for dogs, but it can quickly turn destructive when they are bored. Digging inside can lead to torn-up doors or carpets; digging outside can result in ruined fences, walls, sprinklers, or unwanted holes. Excessively barking.All dogs bark (some more than others). Excessive barkers won’t stop vocalizing no matter how often they are told to stop. These dogs might even bark all day and disturb the neighbors. Eating non-edible objects.Bored dogs may begin eating non-edible items, like paper or stuffing from toys. Not only is this unwanted, but it can also be dangerous for your dog as it can lead to blockages or an upset stomach. Jumping.Constant, unwanted jumping is a sign that your dog has built up energy and is trying to get your attention. Although some may see this behavior as “cute,” it can lead to dangerous situations where a dog claws at a person or knocks them over. Not sleeping when they should be.Dogs naturally sleep many hours a day (especially if they are puppies or seniors). If you notice your dog can’t rest, is pacing, or can’t settle down, they might be bored. Please note, not sleeping could also be a sign of another medical condition, so don’t ignore it either way!. Separation anxiety vs boredom Some of the destructive behaviors listed above can also be signs of separation anxiety. While boredom and separation anxiety are linked, they are not the same. Boredom or general anxiety.A lack of stimulation typically causes boredom. It tends to be less severe than separation anxiety. It might take a bored dog a few hours of being alone to begin destructive behaviors. You can alleviate boredom by providing adequate enrichment activities. Separation anxiety..Separation anxiety is a behavioral issue that causes intense distress in a dog left alone. Separation anxiety tends to be more severe than boredom. It may take the help of a behavior specialist to alleviate your dog’s fears and boost their confidence. The connection: dog breed, age, and boredom While all dogs can become bored, it’s essential to consider your dog’s breed and age when understanding their stimulation requirements. For example, my dog Lula is a mix of intelligent, hard-working, task-oriented breeds (Australian Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd, Husky, Malamute, Chow and Grey Wolf). Lula’s exercise and stimulation requirements are much higher than those of a smaller dog like a Maltese. When I got Lula, I knew I would need to set aside more time and energy each day to ensure she doesn’t become restless. Tip! High-energy dog breeds tend to have a higher stimulation requirement than others. Border Collies, Dalmatians, Greyhounds, Vizslas, Jack Russell Terriers, and Labrador Retrievers are just a few examples of dogs that need more daily entertainment than others to stay healthy. Additionally, certain high-energy dog breeds are bred to perform a job, increasing their stimulation requirements. For example, some dogs are bred to be bird, herding, tracking, or guard dogs. Finally, you must consider your dog’s age when calculating how much entertainment they need. Puppies and seniors sleep most of the day but still need walks or play time to avoid boredom. All dogs, regardless of breed or age, can benefit from daily exercise or activities. Next, we’ll discuss specific strategies you can use to relieve your dog’s boredom. How to entertain your dog (7 strategies) Strategy 1: Give your dog a natural chew or bone First, consider giving your dog natural chews or bones. These are a great way not only to keep your pup occupied but also to clean their teeth at the same time.Check out our complete raw bone guide here! Both recreational bones and natural chews have numerous benefits for your pup, including: Releases endorphins through chewing and ripping Removes tartar and plaque from teeth Strengthens and exercises the mouth and jaw Keeps your dog entertained for long periods of time Provides crucial mental and physical stimulation Wondering what type of chew or bone to give your dog? Here are some popular bones and chews for you to choose from: Raw bones.Raw bonessuch as marrow, knuckle, or rib bones, are uncooked, weight-bearing bones from animals like buffalo, cow, elk, or bison. They typically have tendons and some meat attached. Larger marrow bones are more appropriate for medium to large dogs, while smaller rib bones are suitable for smaller dogs. Yak, Himalayan, or cheese chews. Yak chews are typically made from limited ingredients like milk, salt, and lime. These long-lasting, hard, odorless treats are great for most chewers as they don’t contain bones or sharp edges. For very aggressive chewers, you can soften the chew by soaking it in water or briefly putting it in the microwave before serving. Antlers Antlers, like low-odor Moose Antlers, are some of the hardest, long-lasting chews on the market. Antlers tend to be very large and suitable for medium, large, or extra-large dogs. Antlers are ideal for gentler chewers because being too aggressive can lead to splintering. Hooves and horns. Cow hooves or horns from animals are very similar to antlers (see above). They are ideal for larger dogs and gentle chewers. Stuffed bones. You can reuse or recycle a raw marrow bone by stuffing it with a treat like a freeze-dried round, peanut butter, cheese, pumpkin, fruit puree, or anything else you can think of! You can also re-freeze the stuffed bone, so it takes your pup even longer to chew on it. Beef trachea. A Beef Trachea is a cartilage tube from a cow's throat. It is typically baked or dehydrated. These fully digestible chews are safe for more aggressive chewers as they are made of 100% soft cartilage. Trachea is sold in different lengths for dogs of various sizes. Lamb weasand twists. Lamb Weasand Twists , or dried lamb gullet, is another natural chew option. They are generally safe for most chewers but don’t last as long as harder chews. These twists contain healthy protein and glucosamine for joint health. Bully sticks. href="https://omaspride.com/all/">Bully Sticks are fully-digestible chews made from dried bull penis. These are long-lasting chews that come in different sizes and lengths for all types of dogs. Bully sticks are a rich source of amino acids and protein. Ears Cow or pig ears are cartilage chews suitable for dogs of all sizes. They are sold baked or raw. These chews are easier on your dog’s teeth, are great for more leisurely chewers, and contain joint-boosting chondroitin and glucosamine. display-product-array Safety while chewing Giving your dog a natural chew or bone is generally very safe when you follow best practices. First, always give your dog a chew that matches their size and level of excitability. For example, an aggressive chewer might do better with a softer chew like Beef Trachea (which contains no bone or sharp edges) than a raw marrow bone. Second, don’t leave your dog alone with a chew. Even if your dog is an experienced chewer, staying close and intervening if necessary is always best. Third, never cook or boil a raw bone and feed it to your dog! Raw bones are intended to be served raw. When you heat a raw bone, it removes the moisture, leaving the bone brittle. Your dog can easily be injured by splintering if they eat a heated raw bone. Finally, try to stay away from synthetic or plastic chews. Products like rawhide are unnatural, difficult to digest, and can easily lead to blockages or choking. Toy bones made from plastic or non-edible materials are also not a great idea because you don’t want your dog ingesting toxins or plastic. Although some products like teeth-cleaning Greenies are marketed as “digestible,” a closer look at the label reveals many synthetic ingredients. Natural chews with limited ingredients are a cleaner and healthier alternative to entertain your dog (and clean their teeth!) in the long run. Strategy 2: Puzzles, snuffle mats, or other activities The next strategy you can use to entertain a bored dog is an interactive puzzle or activity. Like humans, dogs enjoy solving problems, which builds confidence and reduces anxiety. Dogs also gain a sense of purpose and accomplishment from successfully finishing important tasks. This is where dog puzzles come in! Here are some puzzles or activities you can try at home: Puzzle boards. Dog stores and online retailers like Amazon or Etsy sell “puzzles” for dogs. These usually involve hiding a treat inside the puzzle and letting your dog dig, open, slide, or move around parts to reveal the treat. Some are harder than others, so make sure you get a difficulty level suited for your dog. Snuffle mats. Snuffles are a cute and quiet option for bored dogs. They are usually made of felt-like fabric and have small pockets, ruffles, and flaps to hide treats. Snuffle mats also double as excellent training for scent work! These are typically machine washable, which is fantastic as they can quickly get dirty. Slow-release treat dispenser. A slow-release treat dispenser like the Rockin' Treat Ball is a great way to reward curiosity and entertain your bored dog without overfeeding them. You can also try something like the Twist 'N Treat, which allows you to twist it to make accessing the treats more and more difficult. DIY puzzles. If you’re not interested in buying a puzzle, you can always make your own at home! For example, try filling an uncapped water bottle with treats. Your dog can try to figure out how to get the treats out by flipping the bottle (just watch to ensure they don’t eat or tear open the bottle). When I do puzzles to entertain my dog, Lula, I like to use low-odor, single-ingredient, low-calorie, and easily breakable treats like Lamb Lung Strategy 3: Exercise and more exercise The next way to entertain your bored dog might seem simple, but its importance can’t be overstated. Your dog needs good ol’ fashioned exercise. It’s simple: the more tired your dog is, the less likely they are to get into trouble when bored. As I mentioned earlier, some dogs require more exercise than others. However, most dogs benefit from at least one nice walk or run daily to get them out into the fresh air, sniffing, and socializing. If you don’t have time to go for a walk, you can try playing fetch in the front yard or tug-of-war inside with a durable toy to help your dog expend some energy. Tip! If your dog is acting bored or less excited on a walk, try switching up your walking route. Like humans, dogs enjoy experiencing new sights and smells. Simply taking a different path or going in a different direction can relieve your dog’s boredom. Also, different walks can have different purposes. If the goal is exercise, you might run, but you can also try a “sniff walk.” Sniff walks let your dog stop and smell whatever they desire for as long as they want. Although you might not make it very far, your dog will be highly entertained and stimulated after this type of exercise. Strategy 4: Train your dog For dogs, “training” and “playing” are very similar. Dogs need a purpose, just like humans. They love to please their owners through obedience and feel stimulated by meeting a challenge or learning something new. Training is also a great time to bond with your dog! Training your dog can mean a few things. Most owners are familiar with teaching the basics like sit, stay, down, shake, and turn around. If you sense your dog is bored, try teaching them a new trick like “play dead” or run through a circuit of tricks they already know. You can use small treats like Beef Lung during trick training or reward your dog with verbal praise. Home training your dog is good for obedience and provides your pup with crucial mental stimulation so they don’t become bored. Here are some other ways you can train your dog: Go to a dog park with an agility course. Some dog parks have ramps, tunnels, dog jumps, or weave polls. You can train your dog to jump, dive, or run through various obstacles in the park to entertain them in a new environment. Join a dog training class. There are many types of dog training classes, from puppy training to agility to behavioral training to clicker training. If your dog is high-energy (as many hunting or herding breeds are), consider enrolling in a local class to give them work and a purpose. Hire a trainer. While this is probably the most expensive option, you can always hire a one-on-one trainer for your dog to teach them various skills, from obedience to hunting. Regularly scheduled training sessions will stimulate your dog and prevent destructive, bored behaviors. Strategy 5: Play hide-and-seek To avoid dog boredom, try playing a game of hide-and-seek with your dog. Dogs love exploring the world with their noses because their sense of smell is so much stronger than ours. To play hide and seek, your dog should be able to “sit” and “stay” while you hide the treat or toy. First, show your dog the item (or treat) they will be searching for and allow them to smell it. Next, tell them to “sit” and “stay” while you hide the object in another location. You can do this inside or outside. Finally, use a release phrase like “go” or “find it” and allow your pup to start sniffing and searching. Start out with an easier, visible location when doing this activity for the first time. Over time, you can start hiding the object in more difficult places. When your dog finds the item, be sure to reward them with praise! Strategy 6: Practice socialization Although we typically think of socialization as an activity for puppies, dogs of all ages benefit greatly from the practice. Dogs are social creatures and enjoy new experiences, meeting new people, or simply visiting a place they’ve never been before. Socialization doesn’t just mean visiting a dog park. If you live in a place with dog-friendly restaurants or shops, try taking them along with you occasionally. Your dog will enjoy the new smells, practicing table manners, and seeing new sights. Additionally, you can even arrange a “pup-date” with a friend or relative who also has a dog. Try getting together every once in a while to allow your dogs to sniff each other and play together. Socialization throughout your dog’s life teaches great manners and is a great way to fight dog boredom. Strategy 7: Create a safe space for your dog Although dog boredom differs from dog anxiety, dogs are always more likely to misbehave if they don’t feel safe and secure. Once you’ve entertained your dog in some way through physical or mental stimulation, you can feel better about leaving them alone. Tired dogs are much less likely to act out from boredom. You can also reduce destructive tendencies by creating a safe environment for your dog when you leave them alone. This can involve crate training, leaving your dog a blanket that smells like you, or providing them with a comfortable place to nap. A tired, safe dog is much less likely to make a mess around your home or get into a destructive activity than a restless dog. Final thoughts Just like humans, dogs can get bored if they do the same exact thing every day without any stimulation. If your dog is bored and understimulated, there are simple strategies you can incorporate into your daily routine to entertain them. This can be as simple as taking your dog on walks or rotating out different types of toys and chews to provide exciting stimulation. Try out different activities daily, like a dog puzzle on Monday, a game of hide-and-seek on Tuesday, and so on. Even a short game that lasts 10-15 minutes can be extremely beneficial for your dog's mental and physical wellness. Frequently asked questions Do dogs get bored being home all day? Yes, most dogs will be bored if they are left home alone all day without stimulation like a puzzle, toy, walk, or companion. If a dog is left alone for too long, they might seek stimulation through unwanted destructive behaviors. Can you tell if your dog is bored? Yes, you can tell if your dog is bored if they begin destroying household objects, digging, excessively barking, jumping, acting restless, or not sleeping. Do I need to entertain my dog all day? No, you do not need to entertain your dog all day. Depending on the breed, most dogs can thrive with about an hour or two of dedicated daily attention. You can entertain them with activities like exercise, enrichment puzzles, or a small outing.