5 Tips To Fuel Your Small Breed Dog/s

This post is sponsored by Wellness CORE but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

As an animal care provider I handle many shapes, sizes, ages and species throughout the week.

It has truly given me an appreciation for all of the many factors that contribute to what makes each and every pet I come across so very unique. And when it comes to dogs every wet nose, puppy slurp, and toe bean (yes, that's the official term) is as distinctly one of a kind as the pup that owns them.

Naturally, that is what makes annual vet check-ups so very important. Just like no human from any one background, hair color, shape, or size is identical to another of similar build every pup requires it's own unique map to a long, happy, life lived. However, when it comes to breed size, there are definitely some generic tips you can take to heart to help ensure your pups are living their happiest life, no matter their, erm, short-comings.

In no particular order, here are my favorite tips to help fuel small breed dogs, in particular...

#1: Let Them Slurp

If you have a small breed dog then you know that size does not limit personality. If anything small dogs are known for having larger than life personalities that define them far beyond their height and stature.

Whether your dog is justifiable timid and slow to trust, the life of the party at the end of the leash borking (yes, borking) on 2 paws, or the bossy bitch at the dog park talking smack through the chain link fence at the 'big dog side.' small breed dogs have consistently clear and defined personalities.

One thing is for certain, though, you are their favorite human- unless you have a food motivated dog- then the bringer of food is Person #1, and you are Person #2- but hey, #2 ain't so shabby, so don't feel bad. No matter the persona your small pup embodies it's important to know that you are their sun (or their moon, depending on where you are in the food galaxy) and any and all affections they so honorably bestow upon you should be greeted as though it were a treasured gift. After all, it kinds is, isn't it?

It may sound like common sense (great! then you do this already,) but your pup needs time to show you love and affection just as much as you feel you need to take time out to reciprocate with pets and love to them. This might just be a few seconds snuggled up against you, a moment where you take your hands off the laptop/coffee mug/smartphone for just 2 extra minutes, or that magical word "kisses" and an invitation for some sloppy kisses.

Whatever your dog's love language is use it often- this just may be one of the biggest fuels you can provide for a longer, happier life!

2. I Am My Own Dog

I often here people joke that those who parent small  breed dogs 'collect' them like crazy cat ladies collect cats. Just like potato chips, you can't have 'just one.'

If you've fallen into this pattern of tiny paws and itty snouts it can be easy to get a little laxed and let certain behaviors slide in the name of 'fairness' or even your own convenience.

Whether it's easiest to do 'the same' for every pup, or simply something you feel is right because that's the only 'fair' wait to do it- think again.

Going back to how each pup is their own unique, wonderful, ball of wonder and magic- each dog should always have the consideration of an individual. Sure, you CAN buy 1 large dog bowl and let all the small breed dogs graze on the same food throughout the day- but is that what's really best? Even brothers and sisters from the same litter, raised in the same household, can have different nutrition needs as they age. And if that isn't reason alone your pup will certainly appreciate seeing your recognize them as a unique individual with their own feeding station, and food consideration. You don't like the same exact things as your siblings, do you?

In our home Nora wouldn't get a single bite if Gidget had her say, so we are always sure to separate feeding areas to ensure that Nora gets every bite of her carefully selected food and nutrition. And Gidget, who metabolizes better than Nora, and can handle a higher fat content in her food for her high energy levels throughout the day, needs a little extra protein then mature Nora.

Taking time out to re-evaluate your small breed dog's needs on a 1-by-1 basis, at least once a year, while working with a vet for proper nutrition means you can get the most from meal time.

3. Protein Is At The CORE Of My Dog's Diet

While every dog is different, and your dog's diet should always be guided by a licensed veterinarian, many believe that small breed dogs can thrive on quality, natural, animal proteins. But finding a grain-free, protein-rich, natural pet food that also caters towards the tiny mouths of small breed dogs has traditionally been frustrating.

Many of my clients feed their pets Wellness® CORE® RawRev, a kibble+ dry food with 100% freeze dried meat, for a flavorful and protein packed meal that helps fuel breeds of every size. Until now, however, I haven't been able to share this range with my own pups, because the formulations weren't made for dogs their size.

However, Wellness® CORE® Small Breed is here at last and packed full of all sorts of flavorful treats from wet shreds and broth pouches to Wellness® CORE® Small Breed RawRev and Wellness® CORE® Petite Treats for a comprehensive selection to delight every small breed dog's unique palette and needs. Find Wellness CORE Small Breed at a store near you today!

Both of our girls are loving Wellness® CORE® Small Breed High Protein Kibble + 100% RAW Turkey- it's a safe and easy way to integrate RAW feeding into their diets at home and on the go. We transitioned this new blend into their old Wellness dog food over the course of a week and bowls are being licked clean. We even get a little happy dance at meal time!

Gidget, at 2.3lbs, benefits from a small portion of 'wet' feeding each day and enjoys the Wellness® CORE® Grain Free Mini Meals- especially the shredded varieties with generous chunks of meat you can see.

***PRO TIP: Make your own 'slow feeder' by sizing up your small breed dog's bowl to a 'large' bowl and adding small washable dog toys at the bottom. Cheap rubber based dog dogs are easy to wash in the dishwasher and soak, and help create a barrier for your pup to navigate at feeding time, for slower eating and better digestion!

4. Fuel Their Brain

Treating your pups is a wonderful time to bond, and a necessary part of any Small Breed to Human Slave relationship. However, where it is mandatory in the rules that treats are given often and amply, there is not regulation on how they must be presented- so I say, make them work for it!

These days there are many wonderful treat dispensers, robot treat launchers, and homemade puzzles you can provide to help exercise your pups brain, and senses, at treat time.

We, especially, have been enjoying watching Gidget 'forrage' for her Wellness® CORE® Petite Treats in a homemade "Snuffle Mat." You can find various kits online for plastic mat bases- but these Snuffle Mats really can be made at home with any felt strips of your choice tied to a variety of creative bases. The main idea is to tie the treats to, and hide them deep within, the flaps and folds of these mats.

You can make an event of it and present the filled mat to your pup, or slyly hide 1 or 2 in the mat when you pass by throughout the day. The Snuffle Mat is always a hot spot in our household!

5. Just Because I'm Small Doesn't Mean I Don't Need To Work Out

Naturally your dog's age, health, joints, etc- determine the amount of exercise and play they can safely do every day. The important part is to know what your small breed dog is capable of and encouraging them to do it!

It can be quite easy to have a lap dog, or two, or three snuggled at every corner of the couch or arm chair for hours on end- but the truth is that your and your pups should be motivating each other!

Just because they are SMALL does not mean their don't need to get their heart pumping, and stretch those tiny legs!

Take several time outs during the day, if even for 5 minutes, to stop and get their zoomies on with some silly fun beyond a trip to the backyard or a walk for potty.

Keep in mind your dog's size physical limitation and their environment, such as temperature, joint sensitivities, heights, and always provide plenty of fresh water before/during/after playtime, but PLAY often. You're not only fueling your pup's day, but enriching yours as well!

So there you have it, 5 of my favorite tips for fueling Small Breed Dogs for their furriest and fiercest life. Just like parenting or raising any other living thing, learning to raise and care for a small breed dog is a constantly evolving experience. There's no such thing as perfect, but remember, you're pretty darn close in your dog's eyes (unless, again, you aren't the bringer of food, then remember you're still pretty darn close.)

State Of The Woof: And Grocery Outlet Pettacular Event

Please Note: Momma Told Me does not endorse over-indulging, or un-safe feeding of pets. Any photos shown below are taken in complete human supervision and portioning is as advised by product packaging and/or personal vets. Always supervise your pets when treating and consult labels for portion control. In addition, we recommend you monitor your dog's online activity, as internet safety should be a top concern for connected canines.

With 2018 in full swing, it seems like just yesterday we were bringing out newest family member home, as opposed to an astonishing 6 months! I still remember dropping off our monthly donation at the shelter and spotting Gidget's new intake photo thinking to myself we'd never have a chance at such a tony, adorable, puppy.

Of course you all know the story by now- we went through some pretty strict vetting and brought Nora for supervised play dates, before the foster mother picked us over 20+ other potential homes. I wasn't quite prepared to bring a puppy home, since we hadn't been looking for a puppy- but she found us, and the rest is history, as they say!

The vet estimates Gidget at approximately 1 year of age, tipping the scales with an adult weight of 2.16lbs. Its hard to believe she's the younger of the 2 when her and Nora get together. Gidget is always quite elegant and lady-like, while Nora can't focus on anything for more than 30 seconds. It certainly makes photo-taking a challenge!

Since Nora is (one hyper, yet still an) "old lady" she prefers to chill on the couch solo most of the day, while Gidget is so tiny she prefers to be against human skin (or at least have a heartbeat to listen to). You could say she's been raised by the glow of a computer screen, and it shows! Just the other day she pointed out something of particular interest in my inbox- the Grocery Outlet weekly ad.

As it turns out, this week only, Grocery Outlet is having a massive Pettacular Event on the back of a 1 Million Dollar + pet food buy. Grocery Outlet used to be very regional, and some place we could only shop at when we visited Momma in Oregon, but has since opened 2 stores in our Southern California community in the past few months. Grocery Outlet is a family owned business that often buys large overstocks and more, then passes the savings on name brand items down to the consumer. These might be items with a graphical packaging error, flavors that just didn't sell as well in mainstream stores, over-production, items nearing best by dates, or more. Shopping Grocery Outlet really is an amazing treasure hunt; so much so we stop by at least twice a week!

I didn't need any convincing- we were low on puppy pads (essential during poor weather), so we packed Gidget up in her sling and took a trip the Grocery Outlet around the corner. I was happy to find Animal Planet pet beds, a giant bundle of Hartz puppy pads, Gorrrrilla chew toys, Greenies brand treats, and of course plenty of great food brands for all of our furry family members. We really scored some amazing deals- and even broke the New Year's diet with some 'turkey' Beggin' Strips from Purina.

Once Gidget was satisfied that we'd shopped 'her' aisle enough I let loose in the fresh product department, planned several meals for the upcoming week, and scored an incredible deal on Larabars in the NOSH (organic) section. We spent $83 in total and saved over $123, no coupons necessary!

I try to raise my dogs to be strong independent people, so I require them to partake in the unloading and unpacking of their goodies before allowing them to indulge. Gidget wanted to point out that she could turn the shopping bag into a home, and that the treats weighed more than her. Excuses.

Of course the begging is real, ya'll.

Like really, really, real.

One thing I've learned about having a tiny dog is that every emotion is amplified by their tiny features. When Gidget gets excited she rumbles. Her whole body vibrates as if she will imminently explode and she makes the silliest chirping noises. It's a complete 360 from Nora, who spins in rapid circles and runs back and forth like a bull in a China shop.

Of course I'm a pushover and begging almost always wins at home, in public, not so much- but I can be a softy when nobody's watching.

Where as Gidget has no shame demanding her new treats from the Grocery Outlet Pettacular shopping trip, Nora much prefers to help herself.

I can offer Nora a treat multiple times and have her turn her nose up, where as she will happily wander on over to the bag when I'm not looking and take one for herself.


Maybe I just don't know which treats in the bag are the tastiest?

Don't think that just because we have a new dog that Truffles, the cat, has been neglected-

If anything, she's still the easiest of our pets to care for, and I appreciate that.

Cats are great, independent, lovers who shower their humans with attention when appropriate and otherwise carry on with their own activities in the mean time. Every night when the 'girls' (Gidget and Nora) are tucked into their beds Truffles is sure to climb up into bed with me and cuddle.

Naturally we picked out some delicious cat treats at Grocery Outlet Pettacular event for her, as well.

So, tell me, how do your pets like to get involved with the household activities?

  

Find Your Adventure- Canine Style With Natural Balance

Momma Told Me: Never stop exploring.

Some may think that Nora, weighing in at 7.8lbs soaking wet, and standing a whopping 13" tall is not much of a dog. Small breed dogs have a bad rep for sleeping in all day, being carried, and getting dressed up for their owner's entertainment. But the truth is, it doesn't matter the size of the dog- Man's Best Friend is precisely such for their unending curiosity and thirst for exploration, unmatched loyalty, and energetic companionship. Of course there are traits that vary with the breed of dog, but every dog is a canine underneath. For our family, and Nora, that means plenty of exploration and a thirst for life that truly inspires the humans around her.

Nora has many nicknames 'Rocket Dog,' 'Wildling,' and 'The Flash' are just a few. We like to take a short drive from our home and let her run wild in the abandoned fields by the high school. It's great to get her off a 'leash' and really let her connect with her roots. Freedom is something Nora enjoys almost as much as a good run. For someone who's legs are 5" long, she can outrun me until she's just a speck on the horizon!

As much as I love sending Nora to the 'dog spa' to get a trim, and general pampering- Nora has other ideas of indulging herself. It drives my father bonkers how little we restrain our pup, and the lack of 'training' we gave her. Nora likes to play rough, and puts all of her enthusiasm into it, with the kindest heart, of course. I snapped the above shots when we took her on a 'fashion' photoshoot I was doing for the blog. Behind us were beautiful strawberry fields and a rustic old barn. Nora spent her time waiting on us chasing after birds and mice through the mud- I think it's safe to say she might have even had a romp through the sprinklers. Doesn't that face just sum up everything great about having a dog in the family?

As curious and energetic as Nora is we are constantly planning day trips just for her to go out, get back to her roots, and explore her wild side. She loves a good adventure, and she loves interacting with other animals and wildlife. The nearby pond is a favorite where we can spot squirrels, turtles, seagulls, ducks, and even a swan or two. On our first trip I was worried her enthusiasm might wind her up in a hot water with the territorial birds. But size means nothing to Nora- she happily told them she was here to explore, and they could just leave if they had a problem with it.

On our more recent trips Nora's turned into a tracking dog. She likes to 'point' and sniff things with great intent, following invisible trails down the shore until she runs face to face with an ornery duck. An argument inevitably ensues until she spots a squirrel or some other wildlife in need of due inspection.

Nora never seems to tire- as long as there is a field to be ran through (even in circles at times) or a new corner of the park to explore she'll keep going. Sometimes she explores with such enthusiasm we have to literally run to keep up and force her to stop and hydrate! The fact that she's leaping over mountains of grass with her tongue smacking her neck doesn't seem to bother her one bit. Of course a high energy dog requires delicious food and great nutrition. We feed Nora Natural Balance Wild Pursuit Dry food and Natural Balance Delectable Delights® single serve wet food cups. It's a brand we trust for Nora because each of it's unique pet food ranges are formulated based on scientific principles of a canine's dietary needs.

Delectable Delights® single serve cups come in 4 delicious grain free flavors, Woof’erole™, Surf N' Turf™, Duck'en-itas™, and Fish N' Chicks™. Each single serve cup is the perfect size for a small breed dog, or a great supplement to any larger breed's everyday meal schedule. These unique recipes feature real chunks of protein and wholesome ingredients cooked in a savory broth that will turn any bowl of boring kibble into a real 'fuel' treat! Best of all, these are easy to toss in our 'go bag'- so we always have some on hand when we get caught at the park on an extra long exploration session.

Believe it or not the beach is actually much closer than our favorite park, so we take a walk to the pier whenever we can. I like to go during the week, when it's usually less crowded, and really let Nora go wild in the sandy dunes. There is something about sitting on top of the dunes and barking at all of the seagulls that entertains her endlessly while I attempt to catch some sun!

One might think Nora would have a hard time carving through the sand up and down the inland shore, but she is actually much more nimble than me. She certainly doesn't sink as much! Sometimes, if it's windy I can hardly see her through the sand being kicked up with each leap! When it gets especially hot out she'll roll in seaweed or the plants up by the dunes to help cool off.

We bring our Delectable Delights® with us to the beach too, I like to think I'm being witty when I pick up a few extra packs of Fish N' Chicks™ just for beach days. With real chunks of chicken and salmon alongside sweet potato and green beans in a rich broth, I actually find myself getting a little jealous of the gourmet eats. I hate to say it- but I always remember to bring a snack for Nora, I rarely remember to pack one for me! Whenever we sit down at the cookout tables she's quick to jump up onto the concrete seat and begin scanning the table. Nora's no fool- she knows we only go to the tables for one thing- to eat!

Momma Told Me not to swim on an empty stomach- so we like to go sunbathe a little more after snack time. I like to think of this as the time when Nora 'scouts' her next attack- eyes a particular seagull, or barks at a family passing by. Every now and then, when she can get the attention, she'll even wander off (with my permission) and play fetch with some locals near by. She even tries to play Frisbee and catches some amazing air!

Trips to the beach almost always end with a walk along the water- Much like the pond, Nora will follow her nose right up to the water's edge, only to realize seconds later the tide is rolling in much faster than her paws can get traction in the wet sand! (Don't worry we never leave her alone at water's edge without supervision and a flotation vest.) After a few waves she starts daring the tide to roll in, and will even run up as it recedes back into the shore and bark as if she's scaring it away. By the time we're ready to pack it in Nora's a wet, sandy, wind blown dog- still bouncing up the sand dunes with her tongue hanging out of the side of her mouth. How do you explore with your dog? Follow Natural Balance on Facebook and Instagram for more paw-some pet adventures, and keep an eye out for Delectable Delights® at a store near you.

What Daughter Says: Nora inspires me to always explore and greet each day with unbridled enthusiasm.

D.I.Y Doggy Ball Pit Summer Fun- #NudgeThemBack

This post is sponsored by Nudges® Dog Treats and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help create awareness about Nudges Wholesome Dog Treats available at Walmart® but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Nudges® Dog Treats is not responsible for the content of this article.

Momma Told Me: Sometimes all it takes is a little nudge.

About 2 weeks ago I flew across country for 10 days to help with an ongoing family emergency. I normally look forward to a chance to return to my father's hometown, on the East Coast, but this visit was especially draining emotionally and physically. Every night, at 2 or 3 in the morning when I'd finally curl up on a blow up mattress, or even just a wooden rocking chair, I'd wonder what my pets were doing. I'd miss fighting Truffles, the cat, for foot space, or the way Nora, the dog, would always spin in circles whenever I picked up my keys to head for the door. While a part of me felt guilty for leaving them home, and behind, I mostly longed simply to see them again.

One particularly exhausting night I found myself unable to sleep, my mind kept up by the slew of events in the recent days past. In an effort to distract myself I tried to remember some of the absolute best memories of my childhood. After all, I was surrounded by generations of photos, family keepsakes, and memories. Somehow my mind was taken back to an ordinary fast food chain, and a ball pit that seemed as massive as the ocean itself. Every visit Momma would let me run in, after eating my nuggets, and I would jump from the snake-like slide until I was sinking in a rainbow of color. Although I couldn't see anything but the muddy cracks of light beneath the layers of shiny colored plastic, I would find an instant peace and contentment.

When I arrived back in California I couldn't quite get the warm memory of fast food and ball pits off my mind- And I was more than overdue for some spoiling of the fur-children. So I planned a special activity with both the cat and dog (separate, of course) and headed to Walmart to get the canine version of my childhood nuggets, Nudges®. Ever since Nora was a puppy the Nudges® brand of Made In The U.S.A. dog treats have been a staple for bonding and rewards. The brand itself actually caught one of our tweets to them back when Nora was just 11 months old, and still re-shares it to this day! I have to say I do love a brand that engages with their customers on such a personal level!

But back to the treats-  Nudges® dog treats are 100% real treats made with chicken, duck, pork, or beef, and never contain any artificial fillers or flavors. They are sold in several tongue wagging varieties including newer grill inspired Nudges® Grillers and Sizzlers or the classic Nudges® Jerky strips Nora was raised on. All of their varieties are easy to tear, making them great for reward based training, or simply portioning for small breed dogs (such as Nora). The Nudges® Jerky treats are actually quite big for Nora, and we can often get more than one serving out of a single piece! That means a single value sized bag of Nudges® from Walmart goes a long way in our home- good thing we have lots of canine friends!

But back to my hair-brained idea to share one of my childhood joys with the dog- I picked up an affordable kiddie pool while stocking up on Nudges® at Walmart. (Click here to find them at a store near you!) This time of the year you can get a toddler sized one pretty cheap, or a more durable, larger, plastic wading pool for around $15. Scoring the crush-proof plastic balls is a different story, but well worth the investment. You can even have them shipped to your home directly online for fairly cheap, since they weigh next to nothing.

Of course I made the mistake of pulling out the candy Nudges® in front of the child dog before play time had commenced, so Nora was unwilling to show ANY interest in my awesome ball pit until AFTER she was properly rewarded. Silly dog, you get treats for doing good things, not as a precursor to the promise of good behavior! In any case, she ran into my lap, where I snapped the above selfie old-school style with my DSLR, and I immediately gave into the begging. I allowed her 1 Nudges® chicken Jerky Cuts, and 1 Nudges® Grillers steak treat. I expect that's about equal to 2 hot fudge sundaes, but seeing as these are wholesome dog treats, not processed sugar, I let it slide.

When she was done Nora promptly ran over to her father to thank him. Typical.

Seeing as somebody needed to take advantage of the gorgeous day, I forced them both up, and told Jay to start running. Nora loves to run. In seconds she was off like a flash of lightening, back and forth, making the silliest sounds a dog ever made. (Hey, she thinks she's tough.) It was only a matter of time before the dog, or Jay, went crashing through the ball pit. Thankfully, this time, it was the dog.

This time Nora discovered the super awesome ball pit on her own, making it instantly 10X more awesome. I will have to capture this dog on video one day  prancing back and forth as balls fly here and there. It truly does capture some of the magic of my own childhood memories. It's also wildly fun to try and keep up with the balls being knocked out- if your dog's really athletic, they might even try to intercept them as you toss them back in. All I know is it has to be one heck of a great aerobic workout for our tiny dog to wade back and forth through that rainbow of balls.

Nora's much more than a dog. Like so many pets across the country, she is considered family, and I am constantly looking for new ways to engage and interact with her. A Summertime Ball Pit is just one of the fun activities we will keep on rotation this season. As far as treats? We've tried a lot of different ones through the past few years, but we always have Nudges® wholesome dog treats on hand not only because Nora loves them, but because they're a quality treat made right here in the U.S.A. Grab a limited time coupon for Nudges® here. Celebrate the joy dogs bring to our lives and join the Nudges Dog Treats Facebook Community. Now, tell me, what's one childhood guilty pleasure you with you could share with your pet or child?

 What Daughter Says: Your pets nudge you to better days, why not nudge them back?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Nudges® Dog Treats. The opinions and text are all mine.