Did you know…

How much does the average American spend on their dog per year?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Millennials are known for doting on their pets, sometimes treating them like children. Critics argue this “spoiling” could lead to problems like weight gain or separation anxiety. But is too much love really to blame? Experts think otherwise.

Weight issues in pets are common, but they don’t stem from affection alone. Feeding habits play a bigger role, with experts recommending treats make up no more than 10% of a pet’s daily calories. Paired with regular activity, pets can stay healthy without sacrificing their favorite snacks.

As for anxiety, pets thrive on social connection, not tough love. Ignoring your furry friend’s needs won’t solve stress-related behaviors. Instead, addressing changes with a vet or trainer ensures they’re both happy and secure.

Treating pets like family isn’t harmful when their needs—like exercise, mental enrichment, and rest—are met. Experts encourage bonding activities that honor their instincts, so yes, it’s okay to let your dog share the couch!

At the end of the day, loving your pet isn’t about “spoiling”—it’s about finding a healthy balance while also letting your pet know how much you love them.

Meet this week’s DOTD Beau the beautiful Cocker Spaniel. Beau loved everyone, especially kids which is why he thrived as a therapy dog, even visiting nursing homes to bring joy to others! Beau had a fun and loving personality but was also a little bit of a party animal when he wanted to be! Thank you to Bobbie for sending in these lovely pictures of Beau.

Sure, we all love our pets. It takes a special kind of love not to lose your mind when the dog chews your new pair of shoes or when the cat scratches up your latest IKEA purchase.

But what if we told you a veterinary surgery could cost you up to $10,000? Suddenly, a few scratches start to look cute by comparison. That’s the kind of unexpected expense that pet insurance could spare you.

So, if your budget doesn’t allow for steep spending on a moment’s notice, a pet insurance policy can protect your four-legged companion and your finances with up to 90 percent reimbursement. Now, that’s really cute.

Get Your Pet Covered

For the ultra-wealthy, their pets aren't just furry companions—they’re living in the lap of luxury. Here are just a few examples of the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by some of the world’s wealthiest animals:

• $12,000 Swarovski Crystal Bathtub: Pets of high status deserve only the best, including a clawfoot tub covered with nearly 47,000 shimmering crystals.

• Personal Chef: Choupette, Karl Lagerfeld’s cat, had a chef prepare four different meals a day, served fresh in fabulous bowls.

• $195,000 Diamond-Encrusted Collar: Why settle for a regular collar when you can get one encrusted with diamonds, making a bold statement at the dog park?

• 3D Hologram Health Scans: Some wealthy pet owners opt for holographic scans of their pets to capture their pets in 3D for diagnostic and sentimental purposes.

• Luxury Real Estate: Gunther, a wealthy dog, reportedly bought Madonna’s former Miami mansion, proving that pets can also have real estate portfolios.

These extravagant purchases prove that for some pets, the good life is just a collar, bathtub, or mansion away!

Tovala’s here to help. Their meals and smart oven are the easiest way to say goodbye to exhaustive shopping, extensive prep, and oh-so-many kitchen nightmares (no one should ever microwave fish. EVER.) Instead, say hello to freshly-cooked meals designed by our chefs to cook perfectly (and effortlessly) in your Tovala Smart Oven, every time.

Ditch the dinner drama now and eat well without the work.

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: In 2023, the average American pet-owning household spent approximately $1,960 on their pets, with dogs accounting for a significant portion of this amount.

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