6 PEAKS Pets Fall Favs for Fido

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Spring forward, fall back!  Just because the days are getting shorter, darker and rainier in Squamish it doesn’t necessarily mean less outdoor time with our dogs.  We have put together the essential must haves for Squamish during our rainy and dark days this season.  You don’t want to be without these essential as they are sure to keep your pets safe, visible and entertained during the nighttime walk at 4:30pm!

1. NiteHowl Rechargeable Safety Necklace

The NiteHowl Safety Necklace has been around for years and is the trusted go to because of its easy of use and functionality.  NiteHowl is a flexible polymer collar illuminated by LEDs, NiteHowl provides a full-circle glow for nighttime walks and backyard hangs. We like it because it can be customized for a perfect fit for all sizes of dogs.  Simply cut NiteHowl to size and slip it over their neck for a bright addition to their collar.  You can easily turn the safety necklace on with a push of the button.  The NiteHowl is durable and weather-resistant offering 360° illumination so you can view your furry friend from all angles. Yes, it can stand up to the torrential downpours that Squamish has to offer.  Set NiteHowl to glow or flash mode for added visibility and recharge it in just 1.5 hours via USB-C cable (not included).

2.Niteize SpotLit Collar Light

For dogs with longer floofy coats the light up collar can get covered up by the longer thicker hair.  We recommend the Niteize SpotLit.  The SpotLit is either battery powered or rechargeable and clips onto virtually any collar or harness, featuring steady glow or flash modes for easy spotting from the street to the yard.  SpotLit runs up to 3.5 hours at a time and is water resistant and comes in disco or specific colour to match your dog’s vibe.

Peaks Pets Pro Tip:  leave the light attached to your dog’s harness or collar so you don’t forget it as you head out the door.  Or better yet attach one light on the collar and one on the back of the harness to ensure visibility from all around.

3. Silverfoot Walker – After Hours Reflective

If you want more of your dog seen by approaching car lights The After Hours Reflective Walker by Silverfoot is perfect for early morning and late-night walks! Silverfoot is a Squamish local business that makes durable rugged accessories for dogs.  The After Hours Walker is a great addition to your current leash and collar/harness set-up the walker just slips on for a high visibility addition. One Size fits most adjustable 16″-39″ girth.

Peaks Pet Pro Tip:  This is a great accessory to put over a rain jacket for extra visibility

4. Chuckit! Max Glow Ball

The Chuck It! Glow Ball is exactly what it sounds like.  It is the durable Chuckit! Ball that you know and love, but the rubber is made with glow in the dark 3D print.    The Max Glow rubber has a fast-charging time of 5-10 minutes under a bright light. At full charge the ball will glow for up to 30 minutes.  The Max Glow Ball comes in small to XL sizes and great for those who don’t want to bother with batteries.  These balls fit in all the Chuckit! Launchers too.

Peaks Pets Pro tip:  Bring a flashlight so you can recharge the ball on the go for extended play time

5. GlowStreak Wild LED Ball – Disc-O

The GlowStreak Wild has it all it is the fully loaded ball.   This rugged rubber ball features unique ridges that make for perfect gripping and can be used in a ball launcher.   The ridges cause the ball to bounce in a wild new direction with each throw, keeping your pup engaged and focused for truly tiring fetch sessions. The rubber shell encircles a protected inner core containing a motion-activated module with color-changing LEDs. GlowStreak Wild automatically shuts off after 10 minutes of inactivity.  Ideal for bigger breeds, this molded ball is shockproof, waterproof, bite-friendly, and slobber-resistant—it even floats. The core also holds 2 easily replaceable, long-lasting CR2032 3V batteries for up to 35 hours of play.  We have tested this on our 2-year-old mastiff cross and it holds up to his chewing sessions.

Peaks Pet Pro Tip:  Bring a pup friend and add an extra ball and enjoy the light show.

6. Woof Pet Pupsicle Toy

Let’s face it, some days you must skip or cut a walk short.  For those days we have the ultimate enrichment toy for your pup.  The Woof Pet Pupsicle is built to last and our most popular dog toy.  It is an interactive toy that dispenses frozen or pre-made treats that is designed to be durable and clean. The rubber toy unscrews in the middle for easy filling and cleaning. You can fill it with pre- made, shelf-stable Woof Pupsicle Pops or with homemade frozen recipes using the optional Pupsicle Treat Tray.  There is a recipe card that comes in each toy to inspire you.  Our shop manager Sierra has tested the tray and made her pup, Gary peanut butter goat milk treats that have lasted him well over 30 minutes.  We really appreciate the thought that went into the design of the Pupsicle.  Woof thought to incorporate the toy with drool-catching slots and a weighted base to prevent tipping.  We have let our dog enjoy this on our (dare I say) COUCH and it didn’t leave a mess when compared to a bone on the couch.

Peaks Pet Pro Tip: Pop the popsicle in the dishwasher for easy cleaning

All the above 6 Fall essentials can be found in our shop at 39449 Queens Way, Unit 7 in the Squamish Business Park or online at peaksfamilypets.ca.   We wish you all a safe and fun Fall and hope this helps to make those dark rainy days pass by quickly.

*For those with keen eyes we have left off rain jackets off this list. Only because we covered that one in our most recent newsletter.  If you are not signed up for our newsletter please email us at info@peaksfamilypets.com and we will add you to it or click on this this link and sign up for an account on line https://www.peaksfamilypets.ca/account/login/.  Sign up to receive shop announcements, updates on sales and heads up a new amazing things we have seen in the pet market.

Raw and your lifestyle

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There is a raw dog food perfect for you and your dog’s lifestyle.

Amazing news! You have decided to feed your dog raw? Well, the next question is which one is best for me? Let’s say for arguments sake that all raw is created equal, then the choice often comes down to packaging. Ask yourself what portioning fits with your dog’s daily needs and how much you want to deal with portioning the raw. At PEAKS Family Pets we often get asked “which is the best for my dog?” and the conversation usually ends with which raw brand is the right fit for your lifestyle. So we thought we’d go over some of the popular brands we sell and tell you why our customers prefer one brand over another.
Hopefully this well help open options for your if you are currently feeding raw or thinking about making the switch.

Why Consider Raw Dog Food?

The number of owners that switch to raw dog food is growing each year. Many owners see it as the closest to natural way to feed their dog or cat. It is the most wholesome and natural option for feeding dogs. Many owners have switched to raw because their dog has certain food intolerances or are trying to figure out which foods their dogs are allergic to. By following an elimination diet using raw may help to isolate which proteins, veggies are triggering allergic reactions. Raw food is the best choice for elimination diets as there are just pure protein options and novel protein options. Oher benefits that owners see when they feed their dog raw is improved coat health, higher energy levels, better digestion, and cleaner teeth. Is the switch too complicated or onerous? Commercial raw dog brands make this diet accessible, offering pre-prepared, proportioned, nutritionally balanced options without the hassle of sourcing and preparing ingredients at home.

Our customer often asks or tell us…….

I don’t want to portion out my dog’s raw food.

The typical Squamish Dog is approx. 50-70 pounds. That means you will need to feed your dog between 1 to 1 ½ lbs of raw a day. Great news that is the normal portion size of our raw brands. If you are looking for a quick thaw and don’t want to mess around with proportioning, then we suggest choosing raw brand that have ½ lb portions. Usually these come in the form of ½ lb patties or ½ pound bricks. Then you can thaw what you need the night before and you don’t have to mess around with weighing out your raw food each time.

For smaller dogs K9 Naturals has 2 oz medallions and these medallions thaw really quickly and are perfect for the amount that a 10lb dog requires. Added bonus they take no time to thaw.

Brands: Carnivora ½ lb patties, Healthy Paws ½ portions, K9 Choice ½ lb portions, Bold By Nature ½ lb patties, K9 Choice 2oz medallions.

Good for: Owners that prefer to have a standard raw portion each meal and who don’t want to weigh their food out each meal. Ideal for those who are having someone watch their dog for them who is not familiar with raw. Takes the guess work out of portioning.

I need novel and Single-Ingredient Proteins what do you have?

On an elimination diet? Most of the dog food brads we carry have a PURE protein version of their complete raw meal. They do not have added supplements or fruits and veggies so make sure you consult your vet or be sure to supplement on your own. Novel proteins such as kangaroo, rabbit, venison, salmon, bison and elk are the most sough after. These products are perfect for elimination diets or for combining with additional ingredients to create a custom meal plan.

Brands: Rawbone, K9 Choice, Red Dog Blue Kat, 3P Naturals, Carnivora, Crudo By Surrey Meat, Big Country Raw (all in 1 lb portions)

Great for: Elimination diets, dogs that have intolerances to more common protein. Those that want to add variety to their dogs meal or are more DIY raw feeders.

Rotational Diet is it necessary?

Rotational feeding not only add variety to your dog’s meal but also helps to maintain a healthy gut and ensures that your dog is getting optimal nutrients from a variety of proteins. If you want to take the guess work and tracking of what protein you last fed your dog and opt for a Variety Pack. Most of our brands have a larger bulk variety box that combine at least two proteins. Rotational feeding is highly recommended but not a must do. It is nice that there are many brands out there that help facilitate adding variety.

Brands: Big Country Raw 30 lb Box, Big Country 18lb Grab and Go, Healthy Paws 16lb Variety Pack, Healthy Paws 24lb Variety Pack, Carnivora Variety Pack 25lb, K9 Choice Econo Box, Bold By Nature 24lb Variety Pack, Iron Will K9 Buffet, Iron Will Canine Complete, Bold By Nature 24lb Mega Blend, Bold By Nature Variety Pack 24lb.

Good For: Households with more than one dog or a dog that eats a least 1 lb a day. Those that have the additional freezer space.

What’s good if I feed my dogs different amounts of raw.

There are raw food that come in a 1lb tube. This is a great option for example if you have a 60lb dog at home that doesn’t quite fit in the ½ lb or 1lb daily serving. The tubes are handy as you can portion them out yourself when they are semi thawed to 1/3 portions or what ever you dog may need. They are easier to handle if they are semi thawed and you simply just need to cut them in a cross section into individual disc portions. As a rule of thumb, raw food is generally cheaper if they are in tubes larger portions as there is less handling that goes into the packaging. Also, if you are an owner that loves to take the time the prepare your dogs meal and want to save a little bit of money the 1lb tubes are a good choice for you.

Brands: Crudo by Surrey Meat, Rawbone and Healthy Paws 24lb case.

Good For: Owners who prefer to portion food out on their own.

In the End

Navigating the options for commercial raw dog food may seem overwhelming at first, but we hope that at Peaks Family Pets in Squamish, BC, we can help make finding the perfect choice easier. Why? We have the largest variety of raw in Squamish and we have pretty much consulted on every type of dog and cat owners who have chosen to feed raw. By considering your dog’s individual needs and your daily lifestyle and exploring the variety of options available—you can ensure your furry friend receives the nutrition they deserve.

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Dog Food for Camping

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Camping with a dog who gets fed raw!

Hey Peak Family Pets Pack!

If you feed your dog raw and are and avid camper, then this blog is just for you! Each year our biggest question is “What can I feed my dog when we are camping?”

Well good news, we have added a lot of dried raw options. This year there have been a lot of new products for Adventure Dog Owners. We have listed our favourite ones below and have tried them all with our dogs who have given them all a paws up.

Why choose raw for camping?

  • No Thawing Needed: Say goodbye to bulky coolers and the worry of spoiled food.
  • Nutrient-Packed: Give your dog the fuel they need for those long hikes with high-protein, energy-dense meals.
  • Lightweight & Easy to Pack: Raw dehydrated and freeze-dried options are significantly lighter and more compact than traditional raw food, leaving more room for other essentials.
  • Perfect for Trail Treats: Use dried raw food as a healthy and motivating treat during your hikes, ensuring your dog gets the nutrition they need while enjoying the adventure!

Here are some top brands we carry that make raw feeding on the go a breeze:

  • Smack: Known for their gently dehydrated raw food, Smack offers a variety of recipes made with high-quality, whole-food ingredients. This food is made in Manitoba by a Canadian family, and is easy to pack and rehydrate, making it a convenient option for camping trips.
  • Red Dog Blue Kat Raw Everyday Everywhere: This is their newest line of dog food, designed specifically for travel and on-the-go feeding. This line is eco-responsible, with 75% lower emissions than freeze-dried options. It provides the benefits of raw food in a convenient, shelf-stable form. RDBK is a BC based company.
  • Grand Cru Dehydrated: Grand Cru, a Canadian company based in Montreal, offers a selection of dehydrated raw foods that are easy to store and serve. Their recipes are made with premium ingredients and provide complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all life stages.
  • Open Farm Freeze Dried: Open Farm’s freeze-dried raw recipes are made with humanely raised meats, poultry, and sustainable seafood, combined with organic fruits and vegetables. Their freeze-dried food is minimally processed, preserving the natural nutrients and flavors of the ingredients. Open Farm is based out of Toronto, ON.
  • Acana Freeze Dried: Acana’s freeze-dried food is crafted with a high concentration of animal ingredients, offering a protein-rich and biologically appropriate diet. It’s a convenient and lightweight option for pet owners who want to feed their dogs a raw diet while traveling. Acana although is now owned by American owners it uses food sourced in Alberta and BC so buying Acana supports Canadian farmers and fishermen.

All these brands offer the convenience of serving the food dried, or with water added to reconstitute it, providing flexibility for feeding on the go.

What’s the difference between these types of food?

Dehydrated Dog Food

  • Process: Dehydration involves using low heat over an extended period to remove moisture from the ingredients. This slow process helps preserve some of the food’s nutrients.
  • Characteristics:
    • Shelf-stable (doesn’t require refrigeration).
    • Lighter weight than fresh food.
    • Typically needs to be rehydrated with water before serving.
    • Some nutrient loss can occur due to the heat involved.

Air-Dried Dog Food

  • Process: Air-drying involves using a gentle flow of warm air to evaporate moisture from the raw ingredients. This method uses lower temperatures than dehydration.
  • Characteristics:
    • Shelf-stable.
    • Dense and nutrient-rich.
    • Retains more nutrients than dehydrated food due to the lower temperatures.
    • Often has a jerky-like texture.

Freeze-Dried Dog Food

  • Process: Freeze-drying involves freezing the raw ingredients and then removing moisture through a vacuum process (sublimation). This process minimizes nutrient loss.
  • Characteristics:
    • Shelf-stable.
    • Very lightweight and has a soft consistency
    • Retains most of the nutrients, flavor, and texture of raw food.
    • Can be served dry or rehydrated.

Gently Cooked Dog Food

  • Process: Gently cooked dog food is prepared using lower temperatures than traditional cooking methods (like those used for kibble). The aim is to retain more of the food’s natural nutrients.
  • Characteristics:
    • Typically requires refrigeration or freezing.
    • More moisture than dried foods.
    • Closer to a “home-cooked” diet.

At Peaks Family Pets, we understand that your dog’s health and happiness are a top priority, even when you’re on the go. That’s why we’re proud to offer a wide selection of these premium raw food brands.

Happy Trails!
The Peaks Family Pets Team