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🐕 What's really in your dog's bowl?

3/13 Sponsored by: Montana Dog Food: grandpaws project, bacteria in dog food, dogs at risk of infection

Dog Tongue GIF

Happy Thursday:


And more! ❀

True or False?

Dogs can detect earthquakes before humans can.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Senior Artists Help Elderly Dogs Find Homes

In Fairfax, VA, seniors are using their artistic talents to help elderly shelter dogs find loving homes. Through the Grandpaws Initiative, part of the Draw for Paws project, residents of The Virginian Senior Living Community are painting portraits of senior dogs, bringing attention to older animals in need of adoption.

These portraits aren't just beautiful; they’re helping dogs like Pippa, Bo, and Cali connect with potential adopters. So far, two out of the three painted pups have found their forever homes thanks to the heartfelt art that tells their stories.

The Draw for Paws project, founded in 2018 by eight-year-old Scarlett Chwatko, has expanded into something much bigger. Even after Scarlett's passing, the community of supporters, known as the Scarlysquad, keeps her legacy alive by raising funds for shelter animals and connecting them with loving families through art.

This project proves that no matter your age, you can make a difference. The Grandpaws Initiative is a wonderful reminder that compassion and creativity can change lives.

The Smart Science Behind Pet Food Safety

When it comes to pet food, safety is just as important as nutrition. Pet food makers use advanced processes to eliminate harmful bacteria, ensuring every bite is safe and healthy for your furry friend. These methods, called “kill steps,” help prevent contamination and keep pet food fresh.

Different types of pet food require different safety measures. Kibble is typically cooked at high temperatures to destroy bacteria while preserving nutrients. Raw and freeze-dried foods often use High-Pressure Processing (HPP)—a method that applies intense pressure instead of heat to neutralize bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria. Some brands also use natural fermentation or specialized irradiation techniques for added protection.

While HPP is considered a safer alternative to traditional cooking or irradiation, some pet owners have concerns. The intense pressure can alter proteins, affect digestibility, and reduce beneficial probiotics that support gut health. That’s why many pet parents seek out minimally processed foods made with clean, high-quality ingredients.

At the end of the day, what’s in your pet’s bowl matters—but how it’s made matters, too. Understanding how pet food is processed can help you make the best choice for your pet’s health and happiness. Want to learn more about how your pet’s food is made? Check out your favorite brand’s safety practices for extra reassurance!

What’s Really In Your Dog’s Bowl?

Not all pet food is created equal—beyond ingredients, how it’s made plays a crucial role in your dog’s health. That’s why many pet parents seek a more natural approach.

Montana Dog Food Co. keeps things simple, ensuring that every bite is as close to its original, nutrient-rich state as possible. That’s why they refuse to use harsh processing methods like High-Pressure Processing (HPP) or irradiation. This preserves essential nutrients and probiotics for better digestion and overall well-being.

Founded by pet industry experts and Montana natives Josh & Holly Allen, they’re setting a higher standard for pet nutrition.

Exclusive for Daily Dig readers, you can get your discount now by adding one of these coupons at checkout:

  • 25% OFF your first regular order with code DigMontana25

  • 50% OFF your first autoship order with code AutoDig50

Want to give your pup the wholesome boost they’ll love? Explore Montana Dog Food Co.’s options here and see the difference for yourself!

Thank you to Montana Dog Food Co. for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Should You Let Your Dog Lick Your Face?

Dogs are family, and yes, that means they sometimes share a little more than love—like bacteria. Before you panic, though, experts agree the risk of catching something from your pup is pretty low. Still, small habits can help keep things cleaner and healthier for both of you.

Take dog kisses, for example. While your pup’s sloppy affection is adorable, their mouths aren’t exactly pristine. Dogs explore the world with their tongues, and that can include licking some questionable surfaces. While the risk of infection is minimal, avoiding face licks—especially if you have an open wound—is a smart move. And if you’re letting them on the furniture (or worse, the kitchen counter), a little extra disinfecting never hurts.

Even bath time can be a culprit. If you wash your dog in the tub, be sure to clean it afterward. Experts say it’s unlikely to make you sick but a quick wipe-down keeps things fresh.

At the end of the day, good hygiene—like wiping paws, washing hands, and keeping surfaces clean—goes a long way. So, cuddle away! Just maybe keep the face kisses to a minimum.

Final Bark

Want to give your pup the wholesome boost they’ll love? Explore Montana Dog Food Co.’s options here and see the difference for yourself!

Plus, get 25% OFF your first regular order with code DigMontana25, or 50% OFF your first autoship order with code AutoDig50.

Minnie’s Picks

What is your dog's favorite kind of food?

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A Special Message From Our Best Buddies

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 đŸŸ

🩮 A Little Treat

đŸ€” True or False?: True! Dogs are highly sensitive to changes in the environment. They can often detect vibrations, sounds, or changes in air pressure before an earthquake occurs. Some researchers believe dogs’ acute senses allow them to pick up on seismic activity before humans feel it.

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