The Freshpet Blog

Spring is here, but with the warmer weather and blooming plant life can come allergies for humans and pets alike. Just in time for the peak of the season, our friend Dr. Katy Nelson is here to share a few tips on how to tame seasonal allergies for your dogs and cats. Dr. Katy is a veterinarian and host of The Pet Show with Dr. Katy – you can find her on twitter @drkatynelson.

There are three primary types of allergies that we see in pets: food allergies, flea allergies, and environmental allergies. If you notice your furball getting itchy during spring, summer, or fall, they’re most likely suffering from seasonal allergies or flea allergies. If your pet seems to have allergies all year round, it may be an issue with their food. I won’t focus on food allergies here, but if you suspect that your pet may have issues with their food, you may want to consider switching to a grain-free dog or cat food.

Seasonal allergies and flea allergies in pets typically take the form of skin irritation, mostly itchy and scratchy skin. Common symptoms include itching, biting, scratching, chewing and even ear or skin infections. Your pet may also rub against vertical surfaces. You may notice that your pup or kitty’s skin is turning red, or that they are losing hair.

Often, there are different allergies in play when your pet begins to exhibit allergy symptoms. It’s only when that combination hits a certain level that allergies become an issue.

The Itch Threshold: When Allergies Combine to Cause Scratching

All pets have an itch threshold, which is the point where sources of itching add up to enough irritation to cause the irresistible urge to scratch. Many different factors can contribute to the threshold: seasonal allergies, food allergies, dry skin, external parasites, and infections. One allergy alone may not cause your pup or kitty to scratch himself; so, if your pup or kitty is scratching, it may be due to a number of factors, not just one allergen. Every animal has a different threshold. That’s why it is important to investigate the cause, as well as different forms of treatment, which can take time.

Take, for example, a dog with both food allergies and ragweed allergies. He may be able to eat the food that he is allergic to without displaying any allergic reaction; however, once ragweed season comes around, the combination of the ragweed and the food allergy may push that dog above his threshold, causing him to itch. As the pet parent, you may blame ragweed as the issue; however, if the food allergy were treated, ragweed season might not affect him, or at least not as severely.

Nutrition and the Itch Threshold

 You can help raise your pet’s itch threshold by improving his or her nutrition, easing stress, and controlling external parasites. Nutrition that comes from healthy, natural dog and cat food like Freshpet can help decrease inflammation, boost the immune system, and heal skin issues. Because Freshpet is fresh and less processed, it retains more of the nutrients found in many essential ingredients, allowing pets to get more of the vitamins and minerals needed to improve the itch threshold and fight allergens.

In addition, you may want to consider feeding a natural diet that is lower in food allergens. Freshpet contains only high quality carbohydrates, never corn or wheat, and all of their Vital recipes are entirely grain-free.

Always speak to your vet before making a change to your pet’s diet, use flea and tick prevention year round, and be sure to ask your vet to test your pet for allergies to help determine the root cause. I hope with these tips your pup or kitty will be on their way to less itching and scratching soon!

We have something exciting to share with you.

Today is the first day of our new #TriviaTuesday game on Twitter.  Test your smarts about a variety of pet-related topics, with a chance to win a Freshpet coupon for fresh food for your dogs and cats! So join us on our twitter page for a chance to try something fun, and maybe even learn something new.

Here is how it works:

1. On the second Tuesday of each month, visit Freshpet on Twitter (@Freshpet) for our #TriviaTuesday contests.
2. Up to one hour before the start of #TriviaTuesday, we will post the trivia topic
3. @Freshpet will tweet three different Trivia questions beginning at 5PMEST
4. Tweet us your guess (be sure to include @Freshpet in your reply)
5. Guess quickly! The first fan to answer the question correctly will win a coupon for Freshpet
6. We will publish a post with the correct response, along with the winner, before we move to the next question.

All prizes will be sent via mail and winners will be asked to contact Freshpet directly via email (online@freshpet.com) or direct message.

We’re so excited to get started with all of you.  Good luck and have a pawesome time!

April is a wonderful month all around: winter’s chill begins to fade, the sunshine brings out happy faces, and everyone begins to prepare for the fun of summertime.  But for pet parents, April is one of the best months of all. Here are ten reasons why April is even more awesome when you have a fur-kid or two in tow:

10.  Warmer Weather!

The warm weather can cheer the chilliest of spirits, but it makes caring for your fur-kid even more enjoyable. If you’re like us, you love taking a walk in the park with your pup. And meow’s the time to even let your kitty bask in the outdoors (if they like that sort of thing).

9. April Showers

There’s something so enjoyable about snuggling up to your kitty on a rainy day, or stomping through puddles with your pooch. Pets just make rainy days brighter. Even those of us who dislike the rain can appreciate our fur-kids’ greeting us on our way in the door after battling the weather.

8. Baseball is back

Bark if you love baseball! Baseball season is one of our favorite time’s of year, and it’s made even better by the fact that many parks are allowing fans to bring their pups to games. Plus, 162 games watched from the comfort of your home are only made better by the constant, loving presence of your furry family.

7. Earth Day

Though we shouldn’t need a reminder, Earth Day is a great day to put new habits into practice towards sustainability and green living! Saving electricity / gas / cleaning up the neighborhood – all activities that are made much more fun with a pup or kitty around.

6. The Freshpet Truck is back!

In the New York metro area, start to see more of our Freshpet Food Truck for dogs and cats in action!

5. More patches of sunshine near the window

Sometimes it’s the little things, like lounging under a patch of light streaming in through the window. April is sure to deliver the first of many springtime warm patches, something that only pet parents truly can appreciate.

4. Plant life in bloom

The flora and the fauna start to peek out, which inspires us to dress up in fresh bright colors.

3.  Farmers Markets

We love fresh produce, we love healthy eats, and we definitely love places that we can flock to with our furballs. Farmers Markets are back, and we’re definitely into it. Pet parent bonus: you may find an adoptable pup or kitty while you’re there. There is always room for one more!

2. Ice Cream season begins

For some of us, ice cream season never really ends; but for those of us who save cold treats for warmer weather, time to grab a cone (or a cup) for the first time in months. A tasty treat for your pooch as well? Well, that’s quite the bonus. Check out our ice creams and yogurts here.

1. April is National Pet Month!

An entire month to celebrate our fur babies? Why yes, that is a great reason to love April indeed.

The Easter Bunny isn’t just for kids anymore – many pet parents are getting creative, with gifts for pups and kitties alike. We love any excuse to shower our fur-kids with love and affection, and Easter is no exception! So we’ve rounded up our favorite gift ideas for Spring.

Easter Basket Finds

Treat your pooches or kitties to their very own Easter baskets, filled with treats that are sure to please.

For dogs, start with our fresh Dog Joy treats, like Dog Joy Turkey Bacon, Dog Joy Sweet Potatoes, or Dog Joy Ready to Bake Cookies. The bright packaging ties in well with the colors of the season, and the delicious taste and wholesome ingredients are sure to be a hit with your fur-kids! Just remember to hide them only about 10-15 minutes before the basket search begins- and keep the treats in the fridge prior. Add in a holiday-themed doggy toy for extra fun, like these bunny and peep-shaped toys.

For kitties, fill the basket with a selection of our Freshpet Select Roasted Meals for cats or Vital Complete Meals for cats, plus our Freshpet Select cat food in cups. And don’t forget brightly colored toys like these felt catnip balls and Easter Bunny catnip toys.

Avoid the Easter grass in these baskets, however; this plastic decorative is non-digestible for pets and can cause blocking in the stomach or intestines.

Easter Egg Hunt

Who says egg hunts are only for kids? Set one up for your pooches outdoors, or bring the fun indoors for your kitties. Simply scatter and hide treats, then enjoy helping your fur-kids find them all. Be sure to adjust their calorie intake accordingly for that day (though a little extra love for one day never hurts). Our Dog Joy Chicken or Beef Treats are the perfect size for a hunt. For cats, conceal Freshpet Select Roasted Meals around the house!

Keep your pups and kitties safe by keeping a close eye on them. Avoid placing treats into plastic eggs as these can be choking hazards.

You can also hide a few egg-shaped toys for your furballs to locate, like these crocheted squeaky toys, perfect for pups!

If you’ve dyed eggs at home, treat your pets to an extra punch of protein by sharing a few pieces of a peeled hard-boiled egg with them. Many dogs and cats love the taste of fresh cooked eggs, and these snacks are a safe treat for all.

Other Springtime Gift  Ideas

We’ve rounded up a few adorable gift ideas to celebrate the warm weather, the re-introduction of bright colors into our lives, and of course, our love of our pets.

• What kitty could resist this adorable bow tie collar? Available in many festive colors.
• Freshen-up your pet’s look with a new leash and collar combo made just for the season.
• Grab a harness for your pup for those long walks ahead, with bright spring prints to keep him or her looking stylish.

From all of us at Freshpet, we hope you enjoy the onset of beautiful weather and the Easter holiday!

If you’re looking for a special treat to make for your beloved furbabies, look no further. We have gathered a list of recipe ideas that will be purrfect for your companion!  These simple creations are fun and easy to make, and will sure be loved by your pups or kitties.  And, they start with his or her favorite Freshpet foods and treats.

Roasted Meals Omelets

Start off your pup’s breakfast the right way, this hearty meal will surely leave your pup begging for more!  The benefits of this protein-packed meal are great for your furry one!  And, everything you need is most likely already in your refrigerator at home:  eggs, cheese, and Freshpet Select Roasted Meals.  This is a great way to spend a Saturday morning with your loved ones.

Many kitties will enjoy this meal too, but be sure to skip the cheese if you have kitties with sensitive stomachs.  Many adult cats grow up to be lactose intolerant. If you are not sure, give your cat a small piece of cheese to try first to ensure it does not upset his or her stomach.

Fido’s Bacon Wrapped Weenies

Get your pup in on the action during your next party! Inspired by a classic spanish tapas dish, this simple recipe only needs Dog Joy Chicken Treats and Dog Joy Turkey Bacon.  Simply place the Chicken Treat at the end of the Turkey Bacon strip and begin to roll.  When finished, stick it with a tooth pick to keep it together, and viola! You have a bacon wrapped weenie. Check out our Vine to see this technique in action, and don’t be afraid to get creative! Try substituting our Chicken Treats for Dog Joy Beef Treats for a slightly different take on a great snack.

This treat is a perfect little appetizer or snack for a special occasion or a pooch party!

Fresh & Meaty Cupcake

Create your own fresh cupcake to celebrate with your pooch! Lightly microwave the Freshpet Slice & Serve roll of your choice until soft. Then, place in a cupcake liner inside cupcake pan then refrigerate for a bit to keep the cupcake shape. Freshpet parent Yvonne C. tops hers off with frosting made of yogurt and peanut butter!

Fresh Soft-Bite Cookies

Are you a fur parent that loves to go above and beyond for your little ones? Then this soft-bite cookie is the recipe for you.  Semi-homemade, this recipe takes baking for your pet to the next level, and we are sure there will be a stampede to the kitchen while these cookies are baking in the oven!  The Freshpet ingredient card is the key to your pup’s heart; it has everything listed that you will need along with the proper cooking instructions. Just start with the Slice & Serve roll of your choice, mix the ingredients, and bake for a meaty, moist treat your pooch is sure to love.

We hope you enjoy these fun, creative ways to spice up your Freshpet food and really treat your fur kids to something special. Do you have any other suggestions? If so, email us at online@freshpet.com. We’d love to hear it!

Happy cooking!