True or False?

Dogs can taste water.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

If you love exploring the outdoors, bringing your dog along for the adventure might feel like the perfect plan. And in many cases, it is. But before packing the leash and hitting the road, it’s important to know that not every national park is fully dog-friendly.

There are 63 national parks in the United States, and most allow pets in some capacity, though many limit where dogs can go. Some parks welcome pets on trails and overlooks, while others restrict them to campgrounds, parking areas, or paved roads. These rules are usually in place to protect both wildlife and your dog.

The National Park Service follows a simple set of guidelines known as B.A.R.K. That means bag your pet’s waste, always keep them on a leash, respect wildlife, and know where dogs are allowed to go. Some parks even offer “B.A.R.K. Ranger” programs where dogs can earn their own badge.

A few parks stand out for being especially welcoming to pets. Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio allows dogs on more than 100 miles of trails, and Acadia National Park in Maine offers 100 miles of hiking routes and carriage roads where leashed pets are welcome.

Before heading out, it helps to plan ahead. Bring plenty of water, pack a small pet first aid kit, and check the specific rules for the park you’re visiting. With a little preparation, a national park trip can turn into an unforgettable adventure for both you and your dog.

We all want our dogs to live long, happy lives, and it turns out a lot of that starts with what’s in their bowl. Just like people, dogs thrive when they eat a balanced diet filled with the nutrients their bodies actually need to function well.

A healthy dog diet should include a mix of protein, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and plenty of water. Protein from sources like meat helps support muscles and energy, while healthy fats provide fuel and help keep your dog’s skin and coat in good shape. Carbohydrates and fiber also play an important role, helping support digestion and overall gut health.

Many experts recommend choosing foods made with whole ingredients whenever possible. Minimally processed foods (such as meats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) tend to provide more natural nutrients than heavily processed alternatives. Whole grains in particular often get a bad reputation, but research has shown they can provide valuable vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and fiber that support healthy digestion.

The most important thing to remember is that every dog is different. Age, size, breed, and health all influence what a dog needs nutritionally. A growing puppy, for example, has very different dietary needs than a senior dog. That’s why veterinarians often recommend choosing foods tailored to your dog’s life stage to help keep them healthy for years to come.

With hundreds of dog food brands all claiming to be "the best," how are you supposed to know which one is actually good for your dog? Here's a hint: start with what veterinarians recommend.

When veterinarians recommend a dog food, they look for complete and balanced nutrition, high-quality ingredients, proven digestibility, and research-backed formulations.

That’s why JustFoodForDogs is proud to be the #1 vet-recommended fresh dog food. Each human-grade recipe is made with real, whole-food ingredients like USDA-certified meats and fresh vegetables, then gently cooked to help preserve nutrients.

Developed alongside board-certified veterinary nutritionists, every diet is formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles, substantiated through AAFCO feeding trials, and aligned with WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. Backed by research, these meals are designed to support whole-body health, from digestion to skin and coat condition.

With fresh frozen, JustFresh shelf-stable options, and customized diets available, JustFoodForDogs makes it easy to feed your dog the nutrition veterinarians trust most.

Take the quiz to find the perfect match for your dog’s food needs.

Thank you to JustFoodForDogs for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Meet Gunner, proudly submitted by Daily Dig reader Sutra. And yes, Gunner is absolutely convinced he’s human. Just look at how he sits

Instead of curling up, Gunner prefers to sit upright on the couch like he’s part of the family meeting. He looks ready to discuss the day’s plans… or at least when dinner will be served.

One thing’s for sure: Gunner has mastered the art of being both hilarious and adorable at the same time.

Have a pup with a personality (or sitting style) all their own? Send in a photo for a chance to see your dog featured as a future dog of the day.

Here are our favorite picks of the week, new tricks and unexpected friendships included:

• 🚨 The #1 vet-recommended fresh dog food revealed

• 🎾 21 fun and easy tricks to teach your dog

• 🐴 Tiny Pomeranian and horse become best friends

With fresh frozen, JustFresh shelf-stable options, and customized diets available, JustFoodForDogs makes it easy to feed your dog the nutrition veterinarians trust most.

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 True or False: True. They have special taste receptors just for water.

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