Pets need different diets for different stages of life. Pet parents who have just adopted a puppy or kitten have to pay extra close attention to what’s going in their food bowl. Food lays the groundwork for a young pet’s health—not just for the first few months, but for the rest of their lives.

Most dogs go their whole lives eating nothing but kibble, treats and the occasional table scrap. But some pet parents like to mix things up in an effort to add some variety to their furry friend’s diet. This can lead pet parents to give their pups a taste of less-conventional foods like herbs, egg shells and even duck heads.

Pet parents can tell something’s wrong when they hear the incessant jingling of a collar. Their furry companion won’t stop scratching, but they have no idea why. Itchy skin is often accompanied by vomiting, leaky eyes and infections—symptoms that point to any number of health problems.

It’s no secret that cats love to eat meat. They’re carnivores by nature, with pointy teeth designed to tear into unsuspecting prey. Domesticated cats have retained the meat-eating tendencies of their ancestors, leading pet parents to believe all these fur babies want is a heaping pile of protein-rich wet food.

Pet parents work to avoid health problems that are readily apparent—injuries, weight gain and allergy symptoms, to name a few. However, not all shortcomings in your pet’s health are easy to spot. Brain health often falls to the wayside, but neglecting this aspect can make your pet gradually develop cognitive challenges over the years.

If your fur baby eats nothing but kibble, you may be looking to switch up their diet. Cats and dogs are big meat eaters, which is why their food bowls are filled with beef, pork and chicken. Many pet parents wonder if their furry friends can eat other parts of these animals besides muscle meat. The answer is yes!

It’s no secret why pet parents prioritize gut health. A healthy gut can reduce symptoms of digestive upset like vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Proper gut health will also help regulate your fur baby’s bowel movements. For these reasons, pet owners make gut health a central part of their cat’s or dog’s regimen.

Nutritional needs change throughout a pet’s life. Pet parents have to adjust their cat’s or dog’s diet to accommodate those needs. However, switching up their diet is a bit more complicated than pouring a new formula into the food bowl.

Owners love sharing pet-friendly foods with their fur babies. Many of the fruits and vegetables in your kitchen are safe for cats and dogs to eat in moderation. But one produce item that’s less common in pantries is seaweed. Not only is it safe for pets, but seaweed is also packed with a diverse range of nutrients that support the thyroid, heart, skin, immune system and more!