Pet Wellness

Kelly J. Diehl, D.V.M., M.S., Morris Animal Foundation Page 06

Courtney Budzyn, Owner of Tucker Budzyn, Instagram's Favorite Golden Retriever

Access to Care Emerges as a Defining Issue in 21st-Century Pet Care

In a relatively short time frame, access to animal care has become a defining issue of the 21st-century animal protection movement. It involves a commitment to higher animal welfare, inclusion, and stronger community engagement.

What would it feel like to be told that because of your lack of resources, you shouldn't be able to have a pet — or keep the beloved animal who's already part of your family? What if you and your pet lived in a neighborhood with no veterinarians or pet groomers? What if you wanted to train your pet but didn’t have a car to drive to a trainer? What if the pet food, cat litter, and pet toys at the only grocery store near you were seriously overpriced with no real selection offered? These are very real experiences for millions of Americans who love animals, and they help to explain why access to care is a defining animal welfare issue of the 21st century. Just as there are food deserts, there are veterinary and pet-service deserts: communities in which residents care deeply for their pets but cannot rely on or easily secure the same information, services, and support available to pets and their families elsewhere.

This is not a new issue but rather a long-neglected one that animal organizations are now addressing with targeted programs to help pets and people in underserved communities. Such programs offer veterinary care, spay/neuter services, grooming, behavioral training, and critical pet supplies — at no cost to citizens — based on the conviction that the joys of animal companionship,

like the human-animal bond itself, should transcend demographics and socioeconomic circumstances.

Different starting points

The principle of pet equity that propels access-to-care initiatives involves the recognition that people and pets do not all start from the same place in life. Achieving greater balance and securing better outcomes for all will require substantial investments from organized animal protection and society as a whole. It will also demand a concerted effort to identify and address both intentional and unintentional barriers, including pervasive structural poverty that may limit what is possible for at least some pets and the people who love and want to help them.

National and local groups around the country, including the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), are tackling this crisis with critical research, resources, and expertise to support the needs of millions of animals whose owners, whatever their circumstances, want to keep their pets healthy, happy, and safe.

Our data at the HSUS indicates that an estimated 20 million pets live with their owners in poverty across the country. For context, this is three times greater than the number of pets entering animal shelters every year.

A recent Harris Poll survey suggests that some 43% of those with pets have at some point found themselves unable to pay for their pets’ needs, and that most Americans (89%) agree that owners who care for and love their pets deserve to keep them and should not have to relinquish them should they suffer hard financial times.

Laying the foundation

Access-to-care initiatives are designed to keep animals together with the families who love them. At the same time, they create larger social benefits, helping to reinforce compassionate values and advancing the development of a more diverse and vital animal protection movement in a nation of changing demographics.

Organized animal protection stands to gain from diversity and what it brings to our cause — new people, new ideas, new energy, new competencies, new partnerships, and new solutions. In that sense, access-to-care initiatives are helping to lay the foundation for changes that will be good for both animals and people for generations to come.

Written by Bernard Unti, Ph.D., Senior Principal Strategist, The Humane Society of the United States

Publisher Valeria Vizcarrondo

Photo courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States

The Cost of Veterinary Care Keeps Rising, Stretching Pet Parents' Budgets

The rising cost of veterinary care is making it difficult for many Americans to get their pets the medical treatment they need.

Any pet parent who has taken their dog or cat to the vet in the past few years has noticed it’s getting more expensive, even compared to the relatively high inflation in the rest of the economy. A new Cost of Veterinary Care report from Healthy Paws shows the cost of veterinary care rose about 6.7% in 2023, after rising 13.6% the previous two years.

The report details reasons for spiking costs, including the price of advanced medical procedures for pets, a generally high inflation rate, and private equity takeovers of veterinary practices, which has reduced competition. It includes examples of expensive vet visits, including a dog who racked up $48,780 after a bout with pleural effusion, and a cat whose treatment for a urinary obstruction and hip luxation ran $29,282.

The high costs have had tragic consequences for many pet parents who have skipped necessary care for their furry friends or even had to choose euthanasia when they can’t afford a procedure costing $2,500 or more.

Pet parents can prepare for vet fees by taking a few measures.

• Take your pet for regular check-ups and vaccinations. Exams can be costly, but catching problems early can save money in the long term.

• Keep your pet at a healthy weight. Substantially overweight pets are at increased risk for many health conditions.

• Create an emergency fund to cover a $5,000 vet bill. Personal finance experts suggest starting with at least $500, with the ultimate goal of covering three to six months of living expenses if you should lose your income.

• Shop around for a vet. Prices can vary between practices. Ask for recommendations and check reviews to ensure high-quality care.

• Purchase pet insurance. Pet insurance allows you to budget a set amount every month. Then, if your pet gets sick or injured, once you meet the deductible, a percentage (in some cases, up to 90%) of the vet bill may be covered.

Written by Christy True, Content Manager, Healthy Paws

The Role of Vet Care in Keeping Your Pet Healthy This Summer

Many pet owners face barriers when trying to access care for their pets. Fortunately, pet owners and veterinarians can work together to keep pets healthy.

As we enter the summer months, there are many things pet owners can do to keep their pets safe and healthy. One of the most important steps is scheduling regular check-ups. Unfortunately, for many families, accessing care for their pets can be challenging. Over the past decade, veterinary medicine has seen increasing specialization and tremendous advancements in the treatment of many conditions. However, this has also led to a growing gap between the care that is possible and the care that is within reach of many families.

Improving access to care

For many conditions, veterinarians may discuss multiple diagnostic and treatment

approaches for the family to consider. These may range from simple, less invasive, and often less expensive options to more aggressive, technologically advanced, and expensive approaches.

Pet owners can and should have transparent conversations with their veterinarian about the range of treatment options available to determine which fits the unique family circumstances and aligns with their goals of care for their pet.

Such conversations may especially benefit pet owners who face financial obstacles to care. For owners who struggle to access veterinary clinics, including those who face transportation issues or live in rural areas, veterinary telemedicine offers an innovative lifeline.

The ASPCA is working with state lawmakers across the country to modernize veterinary practices and empower veterinarians to use telemedicine as an additional tool to diagnose conditions or provide treatments, rather than being limited to the sometimes-challenging veterinary clinic visit. We encourage pet owners to speak with their veterinarians and use telemedicine technology whenever it is legally available and medically appropriate to do so. To learn more about how you can work with your veterinarian to keep your pet healthy this summer, visit the ASPCA’s website.

Written by Dr. Carolyn R. Brown, D.V.M., Vice President of Medicine, Community Medicine, ASPCA

How to Help Local Shelters Through Pet Adoption and Fostering

Many animal shelters are struggling with staffing and veterinarian shortages, as well as an increasing number of animals who require specialized care.

Many animal shelters across the country are overwhelmed, facing too many animals and not enough adoptions. These challenges are only increasing as we enter kitten season — the time of year during the warmer months when cats typically give birth — leading shelters to urgently seek adopters and foster caregivers to provide lifesaving care to the growing number of animals in need.

The ASPCA is providing critical assistance to hundreds of shelters and rescues across the country at this time by helping homeless dogs and cats through relocation, training, sharing resources, and legislative advocacy. You can also play a role by supporting your

local shelter, which might include providing an animal with a loving home or even getting involved as a volunteer.

Supporting animals in need

If you decide to open your heart and home to an animal in need by adopting or fostering — which helps shelters assist even more vulnerable cats and dogs — keep an open mind, ask questions, and rely on shelter staff for guidance. You might go home with a different pet than you initially considered, as shelter staff are uniquely qualified to match an animal’s needs and temperament to an adopter based on their experience, preferences, and lifestyle.

Another important step you can take is to help prevent an animal from ever entering a shelter to begin with. If you find kittens outside this summer, the ASPCA has an online tool to help identify the best next steps to support their well-being, which doesn’t always mean bringing them to a shelter if their mother is nearby taking care of them.

To learn more about how you can support animals in need while supporting local shelters in your community, visit the ASPCA’s website.

Written by Christa Chadwick, Vice President, Shelter Services, ASPCA

Pet Health Protection: Why Even Experienced Pet Owners Need Insurance

As a seasoned pet owner, you know that pets are more than just animals — they’re cherished members of your family. Furry friends bring joy, love, and companionship into our lives. In return, it’s our responsibility to ensure their health and well-being.

However, that cherished responsibility can quickly become a financial burden that not everyone can bear. One effective way to safeguard your pets’ health and your wallet is by investing in pet insurance.

A financial security blanket Pet insurance, also known as pet health insurance, is a crucial safety net that helps cover the costs of veterinary care. It often operates on a reimbursement basis, where pet owners pay the vet bill upfront and then file a claim with the insurance company to receive a portion of the costs back.

One of the key advantages of pet insurance is its ability to alleviate the financial burden of unexpected veterinary expenses. By having a pet insurance policy in place, you can make informed decisions about your pet’s healthcare without the fear of draining your savings when faced with high vet bills. Additionally, pet insurance provides peace of mind knowing that you can afford the necessary care to keep your furry friend healthy and happy for the duration of their life.

“Insurance allows owners to make the best decision for their pet without worrying about the financial impact of optimal care,” said veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Liff, Lemonade’s veterinary consultant.

It’s important to note that most pet insurance policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions, so it’s recommended that you invest in pet insurance as early in your pet’s life as possible to avoid complications or eroded coverage.

“While pre-existing condition exclusions may seem unfair, the best way to avoid them is to get insurance as soon as you adopt your pet, before any health conditions can be identified or can manifest over time,” Dr. Liff said.

Hassle-free health insurance

Lemonade, a leader in the insurance industry, offers a comprehensive pet insurance plan tailored to your pet and your budget. As Lemonade Pet’s product communication lead Eliana Sagarin explains, “Lemonade offers a combination of customizability, affordability, and convenience that’s hard to beat. Coverage and add-ons can be tailored to your pet’s needs and your budget. Plus, you can

manage your policy and file claims directly through the easy-to-use Lemonade app.”

Lemonade Pet provides a range of benefits, including a base accident and illness policy to cover the unexpected, as well as preventative care packages that help cover routine expenses like vaccinations and wellness visits.

With fast and efficient claims processing through the Lemonade app, managing your policy and submitting claims is painless. In fact, about half of Lemonade Pet claims are handled instantly, and reimbursements are issued directly to your bank account.

“If you want a 100% digital experience, you can enjoy that with Lemonade Pet,” Sagarin said. “We also have a phenomenal team of customer support professionals who are available via email or phone. Lemonade Pet is human-friendly pet insurance, whatever that means to you.”

If you’re a dedicated pet owner looking to protect your furry friend’s health, don’t wait until a crisis strikes to invest in their well-being.

Written by Taylor Rice

INTERVIEW WITH Dr. Stephanie Liff Veterinary Consultant, Lemonade

Photo courtesy of Lemonade

The Top Products for Keeping Your Pets Happy, Healthy, and Safe This Summer

SPOTON GPS FENCE

SpotOn is the leading "GPS fence" brand for dogs. GPS dog fences are "wireless" invisible fences that can be easily mapped and modified on your phone. No wires, physical fences, or anything else — just a simple dog collar with a GPS receiver. It's a great solution for wandering pups that puts your mind at ease. spotonfence.com

THE MISSING LINK PET SUPPLEMENTS

The Missing Link® vet-developed pet supplements provide fresh, high-quality, and effective solutions to meet the health needs of every unique pet. Designed to fill the nutritional gap between what’s in their bowls and treats, and what they need to eat to be their healthiest and happiest, there are a variety of formulas for specific areas of health support and life stages. The Missing Link® was the first-of-its-kind powder supplement developed over 30 years ago and has been a trusted brand ever since. missinglinkproducts.com

New Tips to Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy This Summer

Summer is a great time to have fun with our furry friends outside. Here are a few science-backed tips to keep your dog safe and cool!

Most dog owners know the essential tips to keep their fur babies safe during the hot summer months, but here are a few new tips for dog owners that have been gathered from our experts at Morris Animal Foundation.

Leave out water bowls

FURMINATOR DESHEDDING SHAMPOO

The FURminator® deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo is formulated with multiple conditioning agents that, when used with our deShedding Tools, offers a complete system for deShedding, cleansing, and conditioning. Enriched with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, this moisturizing formula helps reduce excess shedding and promotes healthy skin and coat for your pup. Plus, it’s formulated without parabens or chemical dyes. Even better, the OdorCapture 360™ Technology helps remove the wet-dog smell — which means you’ll want to cuddle up to your fresh and furry friend. furminator.com

ACANA™ CLASSICS DOG FOOD

The new ACANA™ Classics line nurtures dogs by providing them with simple, quality nutrition. Available in three delicious recipes, Chicken & Barley, Salmon & Barley, and Beef & Barley, you’ll love that the nutritious ingredients help support four key health benefits: immune health, healthy skin and coat, digestive health, and healthy weight. acana.com

It's essential that dogs have access to plenty of cool, fresh water when outside, but sometimes our dogs can get a little rowdy and end up tipping or spilling their water bowls. Lack of water on a hot day can quickly spiral into a medical emergency. We recommend a broad-based, large, and heavy bowl for outdoor water. Don't use a bucket — many dogs can't get their mouths inside if it is large, and buckets are easy to tip.

Invest in cooling mats

Consider buying a cooling mat, whether your dog is inside or outside. Some mats can keep cool for several hours, and there are many choices to meet a dog's unique needs (and an owner's pocketbook). However, it’s important to keep in mind that a cooling mat does not replace a shaded rest area!

Update microchips

Make sure your dog's microchip is up to date. With more pups outside or on vacation, lost dogs are a common summer problem. Most chips require a pet owner to pay to keep data accurate, so even though your pet might be

chipped, if your data isn’t current, you might have trouble finding a lost pet.

Avoid algae

As our climate changes, algae blooms in water are becoming more common. Many algae produce toxins that are harmful to dogs, and it doesn't take much to cause a big problem. Algae blooms have a distinctive smell that can tip you off that the water isn't safe for your pup to drink or play in.

Keep out of the pool

A recent study suggests that exposure to chlorinated water is linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer in some dog breeds. Until we know more, it's best to keep your dog out of the pool this summer.

Stay off the grass

Nothing is more inviting than a plush, green lawn, but if pesticides and herbicides have been applied to keep it looking good, it's best to avoid walking your dog in the area. Both pesticides and herbicides have been linked to cancer (primarily bladder cancer) in some breeds of dogs.

It's also always important to remember that dogs can quickly overheat in a car or other enclosed space, even with windows cracked or parked in the shade. If it is too hot for people to be outside, it's too hot for your dog!

Written by Kelly J. Diehl, D.V.M., M.S., Morris Animal Foundation

Celebrity Designers’ New Home Decor Collection Brings Beauty and Function to Pet Parents

Interior designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent discuss their new PetSmart collection that is allowing pets and pet parents to live more beautifully, stylishly, and comfortably — together.

What inspired you to start the Nate + Jeremiah for PetSmart collection, and what challenges did you see that pet owners were having in their homes?

Jeremiah Brent: We know pet parents want to incorporate their pets into every part of their lives, and their living spaces are no exception. As pet parents ourselves, we found that there weren’t many offerings in the pet space that were stylish, functional, and affordable. That insight is what sparked our collection with PetSmart over a year ago.

Nate Berkus: We wanted pet parents to be able to easily integrate their pets into the home and not compromise on their personal style. With the Nate + Jeremiah for PetSmart collection, we hope that

pets and pet parents can live more beautifully, stylishly, and comfortably, together.

What specific design elements and functionality did you have to consider to ensure you were making products that were not only beautiful but also safe and of quality for pets?

NB: We wanted the collection to look really handsome but also be really functional. For example, our ceramic food and water bowls are all dishwasher-safe, the feeding placemats have a nonslip backing, the bedding is easy to wipe or can be machine washed, and the materials in our small pet items are all safe if chewed. They’re small

details but really important.

Do you have any advice for someone who's about to become a pet parent on how to keep their houses looking and feeling their best?

JB: It’s important to take time to think about how your pet will need to use the space and how you will use the space together. You’ll want to be sure to create intentional and dedicated spaces for eating, sleeping, and playing with toys. The great thing about this collection is that it offers pet parents the freedom to truly integrate their pets into the home, so their things just blend seamlessly into the space. Pet items don’t stick out and aren’t the first thing your eyes go to when you enter a room.

Sponsored

How GPS Fences Keep Dogs Safe While Giving Them Freedom

Did you know that 44% of millennials are choosing pets over kids these days? For those of us who love to take our dogs everywhere, outdated fencing methods like in-ground wires or physical fences are no longer sufficient. Fortunately, we now have advanced solutions that offer endless possibilities for our dogs, ensuring their safety and happiness wherever we go.

SpotOn recognized this need and envisioned a modern approach to dog containment. In 2019, they launched their first GPS smart fence solution, revolutionizing traditional fencing options and creating an entirely new category. Today, after half a decade in the industry, SpotOn continues to innovate, providing pet owners with unmatched peace of mind.

SpotOn features unlimited fences, location tracking, and the ability to create keep-out zones, allowing your dog to roam freely and safely in properties

ranging from half an acre to thousands of acres. Whether it's your backyard, vacation home, or even the campsite, SpotOn provides customizable solutions to fit your needs. With SpotOn, you can rest assured that your best friend is always protected, combining advanced technology with the love and care that all pets deserve.

Why is pet safety important? When it comes to pet safety, you don’t want to compromise. Having the ease and usability to see where your dog is at any moment while also feeling

comfortable giving them the freedom to explore.

Many companies make bold claims about GPS accuracy and precision, but often, these claims are inflated or inaccurate. In one third-party test, SpotOn's fences were found to be seven times more accurate and six times more consistent with boundary notifications than a leading competitor. This level of precision is possible due to SpotOn's dualfeed antenna and standalone GPS receiver, which connects to a network of 128 satellites.

Leaving your dog's safety and potentially their life up to false

claims is a costly risk — SpotOn is transparent about its product and won't make claims unless they are backed by testing and facts. By choosing SpotOn, you're opting for a proven, reliable solution that prioritizes your pet's safety above all else.

Written by SpotOn

Tips for Pet Health and Wellness From Instagram’s Favorite Golden Retriever

Courtney Budzyn (@mrsbudzyn), owner of Instagram-famous golden retriever Tucker (@tuckerbudzyn), discusses her strategies for keeping her beloved pups happy and healthy.

How has Tucker’s platform affected both of your lives?

It’s changed our lives completely! When I first started posting to Instagram, I had no idea that we could make a living out of it. After about six months, we realized this could be supplemental to our income. Tucker’s page just exploded over the course of a year, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. In 2019, I got really sick with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). I couldn’t work a normal job anymore, and because my fainting episodes were happening so often, being home alone was not really an option. With our social media earnings, my husband was able to quit his engineering job to be home with me, and we made Tucker’s social media our full-time job while I focused on healing. It was truly such a blessing.

What factors do you consider when selecting food options for Tucker?

Tucker is on a fully raw, biologically appropriate diet. We look for high-quality proteins that have been minimally processed, and we supplement with whole foods instead of synthetic vitamin mixes. We love to supplement with stuff we have on hand at home, too — spinach, broccoli, blueberries, etc. We also love using goat's milk, probiotics, and CBD for inflammation and overall wellness.

Tucker is actually releasing a CBD product in June called Tucker’s Gold that contains both turmeric and ashwagandha. Both are superfoods and have many benefits along with the CBD itself. We’ve partnered with one of the top brands in CBD, King Kanine, to ensure

the best quality on the market, and we’re so excited to launch it!

What strategies do you use to ensure Tucker maintains a healthy weight and avoids overeating?

Both Tucker and Todd (@toddbudzyn) are pretty active boys. They go for daily jogs with my husband, and during the summer months, they swim a lot, which is a fantastic exercise that’s gentle on their joints. We always keep an eye on their waistlines. A great way to tell if your dog is overweight is to look at their shape from above. If there is no tuck in the waist, it’s time to cut back on their food.

How do you prioritize mental stimulation and enrichment activities for Tucker's overall wellness?

We absolutely love lick mats as a source of mental stimulation. We add some of their food

to it and freeze it, and it keeps them busy for a good 45 minutes. The act of licking is actually extremely calming for a dog, so we often use lick mats when trimming the boys' nails or when we have company over.

What advice do you have for pet owners on building a strong relationship with their veterinarian and staying proactive about their dog's health?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If a vet isn’t willing to explain something to you, find a vet that you feel comfortable with. We feel so at ease with our vet because she is willing to explain things to us in a way that’s easy to understand, and she truly listens to our concerns.

As far as being proactive, we get yearly blood and stool tests done to stay on top of any changes that may happen. We also use food as medicine and try to prevent things before they happen.

Courtney and Tucker Budzyn

How Pet Food Supplementation Can Help Pets’ Health and Happiness

Pet parents want the best nutrition for their pets. But with modern diets, it can be challenging for domestic animals to eat like they would in the wild.

Sometimes it can be hard to believe that our couch-napping pups and kittens are related to their wolf and mountain lion cousins in the wild, but many of their nutritional health needs are the same," said Marjorie Murray, senior brand manager at W.F. Young Inc., the health and wellness product company that manufactures and distributes the pet food supplement brand The Missing Link®.

She says variety is the biggest difference between wild-animal and domestic-pet diets. Wild animals get the nutrients they need from both what they eat and what their prey has eaten. While dogs are omnivores that eat meat and plants, cats are obligate carnivores — but much of their natural prey are herbivores that consume plants.

In the wild, these animals would benefit from meat, especially organ meat, and plants since these foods naturally provide protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, consuming omega fatty acids, including omega-3's found in fish, seeds, and in the animal's prey would help them with inflammation and immunity.

The Missing Link Supplementation can help pets get the

nutrients they need for overall health.

"While pet food has come a long way and includes good, healthy ingredients, no one food source can truly provide all of the health support our pets need," explained Murray, noting that some commercial pet foods may lack high-quality protein, healthy fats like omega-3, and natural vitamins and minerals.

"Many commercial kibble pet foods are highly processed and made with such high temperatures that the natural vitamins and minerals may have been leeched right out of the food – in effect, ‘denatured,'" Murray said.

Veterinarian Robert Collette developed The Missing Link, the first powder supplement of its kind, more than 30 years ago after he noticed his pet patients had recurring health issues. He researched the cause of these health issues and realized many essential nutrients pets need were depleted during the production of commercial pet foods. Dr. Collette created the powdered supplement to close that nutritional gap in pets.

Supplementation benefits

The Missing Link’s key ingredient is flaxseed, which is rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3 and dietary fiber.

It's ground right before packaging to preserve freshness. These supplements, which have probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health, are also made with superfood ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate for joint health, ginkgo biloba for cognitive functions, vitamin E and biotin (which benefit skin health and furry coats), dried chicory root for digestion, chamomile for calming gastrointestinal distress, and dried egg powder, which is a good source of protein.

Supplements can also benefit specific types of animals. For example, cats' digestive and immune systems thrive with probiotics and cranberry. At the same time, birds' plumage can benefit from yucca, kelp, and flaxseed.

The Missing Link uses a proprietary cold-processing manufacturing process for ingredient integrity. It doesn't use high heat, fillers, preservatives, or binders.

Overall health support

When considering supplements, review the label to ensure you recognize the ingredients and whether the product has a limited amount of (or no) fillers. Look for the National Animal Supplement Council seal and that the supplement is made in America.

Murray applauds pet parents for making healthier choices for their pets, including serving them quality proteins, adding plant-based foods, and avoiding fillers.

"Even with that extra effort, food supplementation is the best and easiest way to make sure pets are not only getting the overall health support they need, but can receive nutrients that can target specific common concerns like joint pain and digestive support," she said.

Written by Kristen Castillo

To learn more, visit missinglink products.com

INTERVIEW WITH

Marjorie Murray Senior Brand Manager, W.F. Young

Pet Influencer and Entrepreneur Celine Tran Shares Her Top Tips for Pet Owners

Celine Tran is a former vet tech and lifelong animal lover, who launched her social media channel @celinetails during the COVID-19 pandemic and now has nearly 3 million followers across TikTok and Instagram. She’s also created a dehydrated dog treats brand, Wulf Snacks. We chatted with Tran about what fellow pet owners can do to keep their furry friends healthy, happy, safe, and mentally stimulated.

How can training help keep your dogs’ safe from potential hazards?

Training allows my dogs to have freedom, so I take them to training very often. We train at a competition sport level, and I cannot emphasize enough the importance of getting the right training for your pup. Proper training not only keeps them safe but also enhances their quality of life and strengthens our bond.

What role does nutrition play in the overall health and happiness of your pets, and how do you select the best diet for them?

Every dog is different, so it's hard to give a one-size-fits-all answer. However, nutrition is crucial for your pet's health and well-being. Personally, I went through a lot of trial and error with my pups. It's all a learning experience, but finding the right diet is essential for their overall health and happiness.

Are there any enrichment exercises your pets love that you would recommend other pet parents try?

I love giving my pups frozen lick mats and raw meaty bones! They can spend all day picking the meat off the bones or licking their

frozen enrichment toy. These activities provide mental stimulation and keep them happily engaged.

What did you learn while creating and launching the Wulf Snacks brand, and what were some of the challenges you encountered as a young entrepreneur in the pet space?

Being a young entrepreneur is hard. I face a lot of challenges with imposter syndrome. However, I wake up every day grateful for the position I am currently in. I surround myself with people who support and uplift me, which helps me navigate the difficulties and enjoy the rewards of this journey.

As an influencer and pet advocate, how do you use your platform to educate other pet owners?

With a large platform, I strive to educate my audience about pet safety, nutrition, and responsible pet ownership as much as possible. I share practical tips, personal experiences, and advice to help pet owners make informed decisions. Whether through videos, posts, or live sessions, I aim to create a community where pet owners can learn and support each other.

How do you incorporate your pets' well-being into your own lifestyle, and what benefits do you believe pet ownership brings to individuals and families?

Pet ownership brings me immense happiness and a sense of meaning. My pets are integrated into my daily life, from our training sessions and outdoor adventures to simply spending quality time together at home. They provide companionship, reduce stress, and bring joy to every day. For families, pets teach responsibility, empathy, and the importance of nurturing relationships, creating a more harmonious and fulfilling home environment.

Can you share any tips or advice for pet parents looking to prioritize their pets' physical and emotional wellness in today's busy world? Prioritizing your pet's wellness

in a busy world is essential but challenging. Ensure regular exercise to maintain their physical health, provide mental stimulation through enrichment toys and training, and spend quality time bonding each day. Invest in high-quality food tailored to their needs, and schedule annual vet check-ups.

What are some initiatives and projects you're involved in aimed at supporting pet welfare or animal rescue efforts?

I actively support a Doberman rescue that my friend runs. I volunteer hours and donate funds to help the rescue operations. Additionally, Wulf Snacks occasionally donates treats, and I collaborate with brands to provide necessary supplies to the rescue. Supporting animal welfare and rescue efforts is a cause close to my heart, and I am committed to making a difference.

Celine Tran

Balancing Quality and Cost: How ACANA™ Classics Delivers Premium Pet Nutrition at an Everyday Value

In today’s economy, where every dollar counts, pet owners are increasingly mindful of how much they spend on their dogs’ needs. Enter Champion Petfoods’ ACANA™ Classics line — a new option for pet owners who demand better nutrition without breaking the bank.

Today’s pet owners are faced with balancing the financial strains of modern life with the desire to provide their pets with high-quality nutrition. Unfortunately, in the world of pet food, quality and affordability are often at odds, and pet owners are forced to choose between nutrition that supports overall health, and low-cost products that won’t put a strain on their household budget.

The pet food industry has witnessed an evolution over the years, and consumer expectations have risen in tandem. Initially, budget-focused pet foods dominated supermarket shelves, catering to the price-sensitive shopper. However, mounting awareness about the impact of diet on pet health has resulted in a shift, with increasingly health-conscious consumers gravitating toward premium offerings that boast quality ingredients.

These premium brands tout high-quality ingredients, higher protein content, and functional health benefits, but can leave pet owners wondering if the added cost is worth it.

The perfect balance Champion Petfoods recognizes a price barrier exists for some pet owners, which is why they created the value premium ACANA™ Classics line, aiming to deliver top-tier nutrition without the high cost.

“The current economic situation has led many people to reevaluate how they manage their budget,” said Ernie Ambrose, vice president of marketing for ACANA™ pet foods. “We developed ACANA™ Classics to bridge the gap between quality and cost, offering a realistic entry point for a premium pet food dogs love.”

ACANA™ Classics offers a meaningful promise to pet owners: nutritious food derived from high-quality ingredients that won’t break the bank. This is achieved through carefully curated ingredients that are high-quality and nutrient-dense.

With fresh or raw chicken, meat, or fish as the first ingredient in each of its recipes, ACANA™ Classics is protein-rich right from the start. This is complemented by wholesome grains, vegetables, and fruits, creating a balanced meal that caters to the overall well-being of pets.

Three signature recipes — Salmon & Barley, Chicken & Barley, and Beef & Barely — are all tailored to meet varied palates and nutritional needs. As Ambrose explained, “Each of these recipes is nutritionally dense, complete, and balanced, with functional health benefits. It may be higher priced than what consumers see at the grocery store, but it ends up being more affordable because you can feed much less per meal due to its nutritional density in comparison to lower-quality foods.”

Supporting pet health

Health benefits from pet food extend beyond just visible vitality. Incorporating Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids into meals contributes to healthy skin and coat, while a carefully balanced mix of nutrients supports digestive and immune health. For pet owners seeking a hassle-free feeding regimen that negates the need for additional supplements, ACANA™ Classics is a compelling choice.

“By intentionally selecting ingredients with proven functional health benefits, we have introduced a new line of foods that don’t require pet lovers to budget for additional supplementation,” Ambrose said.

Already a favorite in Canada — where the Red Meat recipe ranks as the nation’s top dry dog food — the team behind ACANA™ Classics is now bringing these beloved recipes to the United States. For American pet owners, ACANA™ Classics ensures furry friends receive a harmonious blend of quality and affordability, making premium nutrition accessible without the premium price tag.

Written by Taylor Rice

INTERVIEW WITH

Ernie Ambrose

Vice President of Marketing for AcanaTM pet foods

Courtesy of Champion Petfoods

PETS OF MEDIAPLANET