Did you know…

Dogs are ____, not strict carnivores.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

If you’ve ever worried that food brings out your dog’s competitive side, science has some reassuring news. Researchers found that dogs are actually quite generous, especially when it comes to dogs they know and trust. In a study out of Vienna, dogs were given the choice to keep food for themselves, give it to another dog, or let no one get a treat at all.

When the “other dog” was a familiar companion, dogs chose to share far more often. In fact, they were nearly three times more likely to give treats to dog friends than to strangers. That suggests dogs aren’t just reacting to food. They’re making social decisions based on relationships.

The takeaway? Dogs don’t just live alongside each other; they build real social bonds. While mealtime still deserves supervision, this research highlights something many pet parents already sense: dogs understand friendship, generosity, and who’s worth sharing snacks with. It’s another reminder that beneath the wagging tails, dogs are thoughtful social creatures: sometimes even better at sharing than humans.

Meet Bentley, the 4½-year-old Boston Terrier and proud only “dog child” of Daily Dig reader Mary. Bentley lives just outside Atlanta, Georgia, and spends his days making the most of a nearby park he considers his second home.

From chasing ducks and exploring the trails to greeting every dog and human he meets, Bentley never misses a chance to make a new friend. He even takes time to relax and enjoy the swings, as pictured. After a full day of adventures, his favorite way to wind down is a game of frisbee before bed.

Thank you to Daily Dig reader Mary for sharing Bentley with us! Want to see your dog featured as a future Dog of the Day? Send a photo and a short note about your pup to the Daily Dig. We’d love to feature them.

Hollywood actor and leading pet advocate Rob Lowe recently went on camera to reveal 3 "forbidden" foods he feeds his 6 rescue dogs.

These are foods most owners think could harm their dogs—but they might actually help your pup live healthier, move more easily, and feel years younger.

The first food on Rob’s list is something you’ve probably been told is "unhealthy" for dogs—but it’s the ONLY thing his pickiest eater will touch when she’s sick and refusing everything else.

The second food hides in your grocery store’s freezer aisle and is one of Rob’s favorite "low-budget hacks" for dogs’ joints, skin, and digestion.

The third food is so controversial that most people would lose their minds if you suggested it… but top veterinarians now say it might be one of the most beneficial things you can add to your dog’s bowl.

Click here to see the 3 "forbidden" foods to feed your dogs daily.

Thank you to Ultimate Pet Nutrition for sponsoring Daily Dig.

If your dog turns into a full-time lap warmer once winter hits, there’s a real reason for it. When temperatures drop, dogs instinctively seek warmth, and curling up next to a human is one of the easiest ways to conserve body heat. Smaller dogs, seniors, and short-haired breeds feel the cold faster, which can make them noticeably more affectionate during winter months.

Seasonal changes can play a role, too. Shorter days and less sunlight can affect dogs’ energy levels and mood, leading to more sleeping, slower routines, and a stronger desire for comfort. Add in colder floors, drafty rooms, and fewer outdoor adventures, and your dog may naturally gravitate toward the warmest, safest place around: you.

That extra closeness can also reflect emotional connection. Dogs are highly tuned into human behavior, and when routines slow down in winter, shared downtime often increases bonding. Still, it’s important to watch body language and let your dog choose affection on their terms. When winter cuddles come with signs of pain, stiffness, or sudden behavior changes, a vet check is worth considering. Otherwise, those seasonal snuggles are just another way dogs adapt and connect when the weather turns cold.

Here are our favorite picks of the week:

• 🐶 3 foods that are surprisingly good for your dog

• 🍓 142 food-inspired dog names that are too sweet

• 🥹 This pup’s begging face is irresistibly adorable

Hollywood actor and leading pet advocate Rob Lowe recently went on camera to reveal 3 "forbidden" foods he feeds his 6 rescue dogs.

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

🤔 Did You Know: Dogs are omnivores, not strict carnivores. While descended from wolves, they’ve adapted over thousands of years to digest grains, veggies, and meat.

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