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Cozy Up to Peace of Mind: 4 Tips to Avoid Common Pet Hazards This Thanksgiving
Tips to Avoid Common Pet Hazards: Keep your furry friends safe this Thanksgiving with these 4 essential pet safety tips. Learn which foods are toxic to pets, how to pet-proof holiday decor, and what to do in emergencies. VCA Animal Hospitals offer 50% off ER exams to help protect your four-legged family members during the holidays.
Last Updated on December 24, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Cozy Up to Peace of Mind: 4 Tips to Avoid Common Pet Hazards This Thanksgiving
(Family Features) Thanksgiving is a time for cozy gatherings with loved ones to share gratitude, crisp adventures, festive decor and, oftentimes, delicious food. However, many traditions associated with giving thanks, including the feast, can pose risks to your furry family members.
Even with the best-laid plans, accidents can happen. From tempting table scraps to the crackling fire and festive decor, it’s important to take steps to prevent seasonal hazards from ruining the celebration for your pets. However, should those unforeseen moments occur, participating VCA Animal Hospitals Emergency Care locations offer access to world-class emergency medicine, 50% off an ER exam for all pet owners and free ER exams for CareClub members.
For added peace of mind, taking these extra precautions during the festivities can help keep your furry friends safe and healthy:
Skip the Table Scraps
While pleading eyes can be hard to resist when you’re gathered around the table, remember – and remind little ones – many Thanksgiving foods can make pets sick. Avoid feeding pets turkey skin, which can trigger pancreatitis, or bones, which could splinter and lead to choking or internal injuries, and pack away any leftovers quickly to keep curious pets at bay. Similarly, beware of ingredients like onions, garlic and chives, which are common in stuffing and casseroles, and are toxic to both dogs and cats.
If you want to include your four-legged family members in the celebration, plain turkey breast, unseasoned green beans or pumpkin puree are safe for most pets to consume. However, many other seasonal desserts contain chocolate, raisins, grapes or the sugar substitute xylitol, which can also be harmful. Be sure to keep beverages out of reach as well, as pets can quickly absorb alcohol, which may lead to alcohol poisoning.
Mind the Decorations
Seasonal decor can make your home feel welcoming, but pets are curious by nature and often attracted to new items in their living spaces. Help keep your furry friends safe by sitting or hanging decorations out of paws’ reach and unplugging extra cords and string lights when not in use as they pose a chewing – and shock – risk to pets.
Beware of Open Flames
Heat sources, such as fireplaces and wood stoves, can be enticing with their warm embers and golden hue, but they also pose serious fire and burn risks should wagging tails or chilly noses get too close. Keep pets a safe distance from open flames by placing a guard around the flame and, similarly, keep lit candles out of pets’ reach.
Prepare for Cool-Weather Walks
If you live in an area with snow and ice, be cautious of weather conditions when sending pets outside to play or use the bathroom, and consider a pet sweater or jacket and booties to protect them from the cold. When going out for walks, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours, use a non-retractable leash to keep furry family members close, wear high-visibility gear and avoid paths, roads and trails with limited lighting.
Visit vcaholiday.com to find a location near you in case of emergency and more tips to keep your pets happy and healthy this Thanksgiving.
Emergency Situations That Require Immediate Attention
During the holidays – or any other time or year – accidents can happen. Should your pet be involved in any of these situations, they likely require emergency veterinary attention:
- Severe accident or trauma
- Vomiting or diarrhea that goes on for an extended time
- Severe fever or malaise
- Birthing problems
- Broken bones
- Getting hit by a car
- Seizures
- Shock
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Attack by another animal
- Known or suspected toxin ingestion
- Difficulty breathing or severe coughing
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
VCA Animal Hospitals
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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pets
Freshpet becomes first dog food brand to earn Clean Label Project certification across its full portfolio
Last Updated on May 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Freshpet just landed a big third-party credibility boost in the pet food aisle.
In a Feb. 12 announcement, Freshpet, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRPT) said its entire U.S. and Canadian product line has earned Clean Label Project™ Certification and the nonprofit’s Purity Award for ingredient quality and safety. Freshpet says it’s the first and only pet food brand to earn that recognition across its full portfolio.
The Purity Award is reserved for the top third of performers in a product category, according to the release, based on independent testing for contaminants that consumers won’t see on a standard ingredient list.
What the certification tests for
Clean Label Project says its certification process involves independent lab testing for more than 100 environmental and industrial contaminants, including:
- Heavy metals: lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury
- Bisphenols (BPA, BPS)
- Phthalates (including DEHP)
- Acrylamide
- Pesticides and other environmental contaminants
Freshpet said certification of its recipes began in early 2025, and its full portfolio now meets Clean Label Project’s thresholds for heavy metals and industrial/environmental toxins.
“Twenty years ago, we set out to create a fundamentally different kind of pet food, made from real, simple ingredients and prepared in our own kitchens,” said Scott Morris, co-founder and president of Freshpet. “Clean Label Project’s Purity Award validates that belief and reinforces our commitment to raising the standard for pet food.”
New report highlights higher contaminant levels in many dry dog foods
Freshpet’s announcement follows the release of Clean Label Project’s Dog Food Category Report, which found that many popular dry dog foods contained significantly higher levels of heavy metals and industrial contaminants than fresh and frozen dog foods.
According to the release, the report looked at 79 top-selling dog foods and included more than 11,000 individual tests. In that dataset, traditional dry dog food averaged:
- 13.3 times more arsenic
- 20 times more lead and mercury
- Higher levels of DEHP and acrylamide
By contrast, Clean Label Project found that fresh and frozen dog foods—including Freshpet recipes—had the lowest heavy metal levels of any segment tested and were lower on average than the organization’s benchmark for human-consumable products across arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, acrylamide, and DEHP, the release said.
“Most pet owners assume the food they buy for their dogs is held to the same safety standards as human food, but that’s simply not true,” said Molly Hamilton, executive director of Clean Label Project. “Given that dogs often eat the same food every day, this raises important questions about long-term exposure and the need for greater transparency and stronger safety standards.”
Freshpet’s approach: refrigerated, gently cooked recipes
Freshpet’s fresh, refrigerated recipes are positioned as a less-processed alternative to traditional kibble. In the release, the company highlighted:
- Fresh, recognizable ingredients like chicken, beef, salmon, vegetables, and whole grains—without rendered meat meals or fillers
- Gentle steam-cooking rather than high-heat extrusion, which can contribute to acrylamide formation
- 20+ quality and safety tests throughout production, according to the company
“Contaminants like heavy metals and industrial chemicals do not show up on a traditional ingredient list, yet they are what many health-conscious pet parents worry about for themselves and their pets,” said Dr. Lisa Weeth, board certified veterinary nutritionist and head of veterinary research and communications at Freshpet. “Independent verification from the Clean Label Project gives veterinarians and families data to help them make informed decisions when choosing a fresh diet over conventional options.”
What to watch for (STM Daily News)
- Will other brands pursue similar third-party testing? If certifications like this become more common, it could shift how pet parents compare products beyond marketing claims.
- More scrutiny on processing methods. The report’s focus on contaminants and acrylamide may increase attention on high-heat extrusion used in many dry foods.
- Transparency becomes a differentiator. Testing for “what’s not on the label” is likely to become a bigger talking point across the pet food industry.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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Last Updated on April 12, 2026 by Daily News Staff
6 ways to keep your pets happy and healthy
(Family Features) Warmer weather means it’s time to spring clean, get grooming and prepare your pets’ diets to support them through the season.
Keep your furry friends happy and healthy this spring with these six tips from the experts at Zesty Paws, an award-winning pet supplement brand:
Give Skin and Coats a Little TLC: Many pets form winter coats during the colder months to help them stay warm and comfortable then shed the coats in the spring to prepare for warmer temperatures. Some pets may need extra help maintaining their shiny, healthy coats, especially if mats have formed in their fur or if they are breeds that develop a thick undercoat. Professional grooming, at-home brushing and regular bathing can all be helpful ways to speed up the process to remove some of the extra fur and decrease the prevalence of dander, dust and pollen that can attach to fur and skin through the season.
Add Seasonal Allergy Support with Supplements: Just like humans, furry friends can develop and experience seasonal allergies, too. Giving your pets’ immune systems some extra support can help ease some common allergy symptoms. Supplements like Zesty Paws Aller-Immune Bites for Cats and Aller-Immune Bites for Dogs are chewables that provide seasonal allergy support by aiding normal immune functions, skin health and gut flora, and may also help maintain normal histamine levels.
Ease Back into Exercise: The change in weather means more time for outdoor adventures with your pets, but don’t forget to cool down and warm up as you and your pets ease back into the season. Planning for short, leashed walks and timed play sessions can help your pets gradually prepare their hips and joints for fun, warm weather activities.
Watch Out for Pet Pests: Once temperatures start to rise, the tiny, creepy critters start crawling. Fleas, ticks and other pests can cause serious health concerns for pets. This spring, make sure your pest control programs are primed and ready for added protection. Talk to your veterinarian about the best routine and products for your pets.
Freshen Up Bedding and Bowls: It’s important to keep a clean environment by scrubbing, sweeping and vacuuming regularly to decrease allergens in the home. When you’re tackling this year’s spring cleaning, remember to put your pets’ bedding and bowls on the list, too. Updating or disinfecting your pets’ blankets, litter boxes, toys and other supplies is a good way to keep them feeling safe and comfortable in the home.
Schedule an Annual Vet Visit: Spring is a good time to schedule your pets’ annual vet visits. Make sure they’re up to date on all vaccinations, get their dental health checkups and re-evaluate nutrition plans.
Find more advice for keeping your pet healthy and happy at zestypaws.com.
SOURCE:
Zesty Paws
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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The Farmer’s Dog is expanding its reach through a new retail collaboration with Walmart, a move that will make its personalized, human-grade dog meal plans available to more pet owners across the United States. According to a corrected press release issued March 24, the company’s service will become available through Walmart.com beginning in April, marking The Farmer’s Dog’s first launch into retail.
The New York-based company says the partnership is designed to increase access to minimally processed dog food at a national scale. By working with Walmart, The Farmer’s Dog aims to connect with millions of dog families who may be looking for alternatives to more heavily processed pet food options. The company has positioned itself as a leader in human-grade pet nutrition, emphasizing meals made to support long-term canine health.
Jonathan Regev, CEO and co-founder of The Farmer’s Dog, said the company was founded on the belief that real food can make a meaningful difference in dogs’ lives. He described the Walmart collaboration as an opportunity to meet pet owners where they already shop and to help more dogs eat better and live healthier lives. Walmart also framed the partnership as part of its broader effort to offer customers products and services for every member of the household, including pets.
Since its founding, The Farmer’s Dog says it has served more than 1 billion meals and helped shift consumer attention toward fresher, less processed nutrition for dogs. The company also pointed to published metabolomics research that it says demonstrates health improvements associated with its meals. With the Walmart launch set for April, dog owners nationwide will soon have another way to access The Farmer’s Dog’s personalized meal plans online.
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
