1. SWAP TO PURIFIED WATER.

City tap water is filled with dangerous toxins, heavy metals, chemicals, and literally poisons. These unwanted ingredients are often the cause of so many short and long term health ailments such as nervous system damage, organ damage, organ failure, reproductive issues – all the way to cancer. Well water can contain contaminants too!

So what can we do? Buy bottled water? Not only is bottled water expensive, it’s also not properly purified or safe. On top of that, these mass produced cheap plastic bottles leach chemicals into the water.

Let’s talk about the affordable solution: The Water Purifier.

Not all water filters are created equal, and many water purification systems can be very expensive. If you’re using something like Brita or similar, the water remains filled with contaminants and toxins that are unsafe to drink for all of us. After weeks of research, I finally found an affordable and high quality brand water filter for our entire family. I was so stoked to find a brand that I’m confident to recommend to you. We filmed a dedicated video on this subject you can watch below.

2. HEALTHY SNACKS.

It’s so easy to be fooled by dog treats in pet stores. Flashy words like “healthy, natural, dental care…” you name it – makes these treats seem safe for dogs. Unfortunately, in the ingredients lurk endless chemicals, color, many unsafe products, and fillers. The majority of dog treats are loaded with foods that are not species appropriate for dogs, like gluten, carbs, corn, legumes, soy … the list is endless. Rawhide is extremely unhealthy for dogs too!

AN EASY SOLUTION: SIMPLE REAL FOOD. You may already have some of these at home.

Here’s a list to get you started:

• Any kind of raw, fresh or frozen (ideally organic) berries. These make great mini training treats too, especially blueberries. Berries are packed with antioxidants and it’s wonderful for all of us.
• Organic, pasture raised hard cheeses in very small amounts and on special occasions. Little bites are amazing for training sessions. Some dogs can be allergic to cow dairy, and goat cheese can be a fantastic alternative.
• Single ingredient, freeze dried raw meat based snacks. You can find these in local, smaller mom-and-pop, healthy pet food stores – or you can get them online too. I’ve added some here to our Amazon list. You can get treats like minnows, beef liver nibs, chicken heart nibs, cod skins, etc. The ingredient list will have only ONE ingredient.
• Celery sticks. Some dogs turn their noses up, but many of them LOVE IT. It’s low calorie, healthy, hydrating, and wonderful for the digestive tract.

Just keep in mind: treats are just that “treats” and should account for the total food amount for the day to avoid overeating. Too many treats on top of the daily food intake can lead to obesity and host of other health issues.

4. DITCH THE TOXIC HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES.

This will impact you and your entire household positively. Chemicals and toxins lurk in typical floor cleaners, dish detergent, laundry detergent, (dog) shampoos, soap bars, deodorant, moisturizers, dryer sheets, lotions, you name it! These toxic substances are extremely damaging to all of us, and dogs included. I will include a link here to a video we created dedicated to this subject and you’ll be so glad to see how easy it is to make the change. I also highly recommend the eye opening documentary on this topic: Chemerical.

There are so many healthier, non-toxic options available today, and they are more affordable than ever. Toxicity causes expensive, and extremely damaging ailments which can be easily prevented. While I found great options in many supermarkets, Grove became my favorite home delivery choice for toxic-free household supplies. I’ve been a member with them since late 2019, and I’ve not looked back since.

5. DAILY FITNESS.

This is a no brainer, right? Unfortunately, many dog parents share how they barely exercise their pups twice per week. I don’t feel this is on purpose. We all love our dogs and want the best for them. Sometimes stress, a busy schedule, and self-neglect can cause this, but it doesn’t have to be this way!

Here are a couple of tips to get you unstuck, and enjoy DAILY fitness with your pup:

• Choose comfy shoes according to the season and climate. Don’t hold back from getting yourself a pair of good rain boots, hiking shoes, and comfy street sneakers. Winter calls for warmth, and I don’t know about you – but I like to keep my toe beans warm. I love my insulated winter boots and thick, warm, woolen socks.
• Wear the right seasonal clothing. People are often shocked how we take the Squad for walks – even during frigid temperatures. Well, we have great winter coats, boots, socks, hats, gloves and scarves – and they absolutely work!
• Build a routine you can easily follow. This will look different for everyone! For example, as soon as you get home from work, change clothes, throw on these comfy shoes and head out right away. Make it a habit not to do anything else before completing this task. This will help you decompress, enjoy a great evening, and better sleep. Another option can be: wake up an hour earlier and begin your day with a beautiful sunrise walk for the day. This will have a great impact on your entire day. Choose what works for you. After sticking to it for three days, you’ll have a fantastic new habit developed.
• Take your favorite drink with you on your walk. Our summers call for a refreshing iced homemade berry drink, and winter calls for cozy hot chocolate in our favorite insulated to-go mugs.
• Grab a friend to join you in what we call #GetTheHuskyOut – because we all need to get our fitness needs met. Holding each other accountable will lock you in!

Daily fitness for your pup has so many benefits, and would need an entire blog on its own to scratch the surface. You’ll prevent health issues, keep a trim weight, improve mood, improve relaxation, promote an overall healthy physique, better digestion, and yes – a longer life – for both of you!

Meanwhile, 50% of the domesticated dog population is diagnosed with cancer by 6-7 years young. Dogs suffer from allergies, chronic digestion issues, dental disease, enlarged heart problems DCM (often fatal), skin problems, obesity, and spend many years going from one drug to another without resolution.

Well, times are changing. The 21st century I feel is a time of awakening. Although we were raised to follow the crowd, many of us put the fear aside because deep down we know we deserve better, and so do our dogs. Dog parents around the world are taking theirs and the health of their beloved dogs into their own hands. They take the time to learn the foundation of a species correct diet for their dogs, ditch the kibble, and switch to holistic care to promote a long, and amazing quality of life.

Ditching kibble is by far the best thing you can do for your dog!