The Daily Bark
Welcome to The Daily Bark!
We’re so glad you’re here. This is your new go-to space for tips, stories, and expert advice to help you and your pup live your best life together. Our goal is to bring you easy ways to strengthen your bond from training, nutrition, fun activities and wellness tips. Whether you’re a first-time dog parent or a seasoned pro, The Daily Bark is here to make every day a little brighter. So grab your coffee, give your pup a belly rub, and let’s get started!
Love in Every Bite: Feeding Your Dog the Right Way
Hey dog parents, here’s a friendly reminder and a few tips to help you and your pup live your happiest, healthiest life together.
What makes a dog diet “balanced”?
A truly balanced diet provides six key nutrients: water, protein, fat, carbohydrates (including fiber), vitamins, and minerals. (PetMD) Commercial diets that carry an AAFCO “complete and balanced” statement are designed to meet these requirements. (VCA)
These nutrients each play a role:
Protein helps build and maintain muscle.
Fat gives energy and supports skin and coat.
Carbohydrates and fiber support digestion.
Vitamins and minerals support immune function, bone health, nerve signals, and more.
How often and how much should you feed your dog?
VCA recommends feeding most adult dogs either once or twice a day — two meals is common and often makes sense for routine and digestion. For puppies, more frequent meals (three or four) are needed to support their growth.
When choosing how much to feed, start with the package guidelines (based on weight and activity). But remember: those are just starting points. Your veterinarian can help you fine-tune the portion for your dog’s individual needs. (VCA)
Thinking about home-cooked or custom diets?
Many dog parents love the idea of preparing meals themselves, but this approach comes with risks if not done carefully. According to Cornell’s Riney Canine Health Center, some homemade or “partial-make” diets can leave gaps in calcium, B12, zinc, magnesium, and other essential nutrients. (Cornell Vet School)
If you do go this route:
Use recipes or mixes designed by veterinary nutritionists.
Include proper vitamin-mineral supplements.
Avoid overindulging in fatty foods, which can harm your dog’s pancreas and lead to conditions like pancreatitis.
When to revisit your dog’s diet
Your dog’s nutritional needs will evolve with age, health, and activity level. Here are some times to reassess (VCA):
Weight shifts – if your dog gains or loses weight, you may need to adjust portions or calorie density.
Life stage changes – a growing puppy, a pregnant dog, or a senior dog will have new needs.
Health conditions – dogs with kidney, liver, joint, or digestive issues may benefit from prescription or tailored diets.
Final thought
Nutrition isn’t “set it and forget it.” It’s a living part of your dog’s care and with regular checks, good food choices, and close attention, you can give your pup the best foundation for a long, vibrant life together.
A Brighter Mind for Your Best Friend: Easy Brain Games for Dogs
Keep your dog’s mind sharp with fun “brain games”
Did you know that mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity for dogs? According to WebMD, games that make your pup think, sniff, and solve challenges can help wake up parts of their brain that might otherwise stay quiet as they age.
Why mental games matter
Over time, dogs (like people) may experience mental decline. But giving them regular cognitive challenges can help maintain sharpness and wellbeing. Plus, engaging your dog’s mind can reduce boredom, destructive behaviors, and restlessness.
What kind of games are great?
WebMD suggests combining sight, scent, and problem solving in activities. A few popular ideas are:
Puzzle toys – Hide treats inside compartments so your dog must nudge or slide parts to reach them.
Hide-and-seek – Hide somewhere then call your dog to find you.
Muffin tin game – Place treats in the cups of a muffin tin and cover them with balls or other toys for your dog to uncover.
Command games – Play tug or fetch but add a “wait,” “drop,” or “leave it” command to make your pup think before acting.
These games tap into your dog’s senses and reasoning skills.
Adapting games for older dogs
Even if your pup is a senior, mental stimulation is still super valuable. WebMD notes that you can use gentler games (like simple puzzles or snuffle mats) to keep their mind active without straining their body.
Final thought
Incorporating brain games into your daily routine doesn’t need to be complicated. A few minutes a day can make a difference. Rotate toys and games to keep things fresh and challenging. As your dog becomes more confident, vary how you play to keep things interesting.
Happy Bonds: Helping Dogs Feel Safe and Loved Around Kids
Helping your dog and child become best buddies
One of the sweetest relationships is a child and a dog who truly enjoy each other’s company. But as the AKC reminds us, that bond doesn’t always emerge on its own. It takes thought, patience, and good habits to help a dog feel comfortable, even excited around children.
Always supervise and create a safe fallback
No matter how gentle the child or how calm the dog, supervision is essential. Even well trained dogs and well behaved kids can have miscommunications. When you can’t watch them closely, give your dog a cozy, child-free space (like a crate or separate room) with chew toys or puzzles to enjoy quietly.
Teach your child kind, respectful behavior
Kids often see dogs as playthings, but dogs have feelings and limits. Set rules like: don’t bother the dog while they’re eating or sleeping, no pulling ears or tails, no hugging too tightly, and don’t tease. Help children recognize simple signs dogs use to say “I feel stressed” like yawning, lip licking, turning away so they learn when to back off.
Make dogs love kids through positive association
If your dog already enjoys being around children, build on that. Offer treats, toys, praise good things whenever children are nearby. Over time, your dog will start to look forward to those interactions.
If your dog is a bit uneasy, you’ll need to use gentle desensitization and counterconditioning. Introduce exposure at a distance where your dog is comfortable (say, kids across the yard) and pair that with very high value rewards like chicken. As your dog relaxes, gradually bring the child closer (still paired with treats) until safe interactions feel natural.
Also, help your pup get used to the kinds of touches kids might do like gentle pats, nudges, light pokes and make sure to always pair these with treats. That helps reduce the chance of surprise reactions.
Build dog manners with kids
Your dog should know basic cues like sit, lie down, leave it, and a “go to your place” cue (send them to a safe zone) — especially when children are around. Try training these behaviors when children are present, letting older kids help give the cue and reward. This builds the dog’s trust in children and helps them see kids as part of their “team.”
Praise your dog when they behave calmly around kids and if your pup looks overwhelmed, simply remove them, it’s okay to give them a break.
Final Thought
Fostering a loving, safe relationship between children and dogs doesn’t happen overnight but with supervision, respect, positive reinforcement, and thoughtful training, you’re creating a bond that can last a lifetime. Your dog and your child can grow into true friends and you get to enjoy the joy it brings you both.
Hot Tips
To make walks more pleasant, we made them unstructured so I let my girl Luna smell everything she wants because it’s her time and not mine. As a result, she has become more calm on walks and chill overall because the mental stimulation of sniffing really exhausts her.
- From Snout’s Co-founder, Emma S
Please send us any tips you would like to share with other dog parents by emailing us at [email protected] and include “Hot Tips” in the Subject.
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“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
Until next time,
Their Best Life Starts With You.