If you’re looking for some New Year’s resolutions for your pet, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite resolutions so your dog or cat can start 2024 off right.
Spruce up their diet
Fresh or gently cooked foods are a great addition to your pet’s meals and an easy way to benefit their overall health. Not only can fruits, vegetables, and gently-cooked meats make your pet’s current food more appetizing, but fresh foods can also be a key component to longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Here are some simple and familiar ingredients that can fill nutritional gaps your pet might have.
- Carrots. Great for eye health and an excellent source of fiber, beta-carotene, and Vitamin A.
- Berries. Both blueberries and strawberries are rich in antioxidants and double as a sweet, healthy treat for your pup.
- Brown rice. Gluten-free, easily digestible, and a great source of energy.
- Sweet potatoes. Rich in fiber and a great source of vitamins A and C.
If you’re committed to taking your pet’s diet to the next level, consider switching them to My Perfect Pet. Their gently cooked, solution-based meals are made with only the freshest, most wholesome ingredients that your dog or cat will absolutely love. And for all the puppy and kitten owners out there, they also have meals specifically formulated for your growing animal’s needs.
Try out new ways to be active
Long walks might be a tried and tested way to get your dog moving, but if you ask us: exercise should be fun. Trying out new ways to get your pup active is not only a great resolution for the New Year, but a way to stimulate both their mind and their body.
Set up a DIY obstacle course
Use common household items like pillows, laundry baskets, boxes, and even your couch to set up a unique and fun obstacle course for your pup to participate in. Not only is this activity great for the colder months, when you won’t necessarily be able to go outside as much, but it also serves as excellent mental stimulation as your dog navigates and explores the course.
Play hide-and-seek with treats
This fun game blends physical activity with mental stimulation and gives you one happy pup. To start out, let your dog watch as you hide their treats. Once everything has been hidden, release them from their place or crate and let them put their memory and sniffing skills to the test. Don’t forget to stock up on treats for this fun activity either! We recommend Bocce’s Everyday Soft & Chewy treats.
Head to the pool
Swimming is an activity that you and your dog can enjoy together. As a non-impact and non-weight bearing exercise, swimming is great for dogs with joint issues. Plus, it’ll help expand their range of motion as they move and swim in different ways. Just make sure you’re mindful of the temperature outside before taking a dip in your pool!
Test their memory
With three solid-colored cups and a treat of your choosing, you can test your dog’s memory skills with this simple and easy game. Simply put the treat underneath a cup and then shuffle the cups. Once they’ve been mixed up, ask your dog to find the treat. Don’t forget to reward them for trying, either!
Introduce them to a regimen
Just like humans, dogs benefit from routine. By introducing your pet to a regular routine, you can support their physical and mental wellbeing.
Here are some things we suggest implementing into your dog’s daily routine:
- Daily dental chews. It’s important for our pets to practice good dental hygiene. Just like we brush our teeth every day, so should our dogs. We recommend Ark Naturals’ dental products, especially if you’re looking for dental chews as unique as your dog.
- Supplements. According to our Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Lindsey Wendt, supplements can provide missing nutrients in your pet’s diet as well as boost their immune system and keep their skin and coat healthy. We’re a big fan of Super Snouts, who makes supplements that support joint health, urinary tract health, and more!
- Consistent mealtimes. By feeding your dog at the same time every day, you help support healthy digestion. You can also help contribute to your dog’s overall sense of safety and security by feeding them at the same time every day, lowering their anxiety.
- Five minutes of training time daily. By spending a little time every time working on commands and other training activities, you can stimulate your dog’s brain without overwhelming them. Try practicing new tricks or relearning old ones — the possibilities are endless, especially if you’re utilizing Bocce’s training treats!