Healthy Pets Are Happy (and Ridiculous)
Let’s face it, growing up with a pet does not necessarily mean we naturally know how to raise and care for one as an adult, and we learnt this the hard way! One of our Bali puppy rescues got adopted by a USA expat that seemed like a great adopter. HOWEVER, when we followed up on how he was adapting to his new home two weeks later, we found a very lethargic, starving, malnourished puppy.
Turns out she was feeding him cheap, canned adult dog food each day, and not enough of it, clearly. He was noticeably lacking the nutrients he needed to develop properly, especially since he was deprived of them while living on the streets for the first two months of his life. Heartbreaking stuff!
So, it turns out that puppies and adult dogs have different nutritional requirements. Who knew? We do now, and so do you. Having said that, in this guide we’ll walk (maybe zoomies) through how to keep your furry companions healthy the natural way. We’ll look at wholesome food, non-toxic grooming, smart supplements, and fun playtime that doesn’t end with destroyed furniture.
We’ll also share a few products that make the journey easier and funnier, based on real experience and a bit of trial and hilarious error.
Disclaimer
Natural Food That Doesn't Cause Side Eye
Your pet’s food bowl is their fuel tank, and what’s inside matters more than ever. Big brand kibble might be convenient, but many are packed with fillers, mystery meat, and artificial junk.
What to Look For:
- Named animal proteins (like “chicken” instead of “meat byproduct”)
- Whole food ingredients (like brown rice, sweet potato, carrots)
- Free from artificial preservatives, dyes, and bad fats
It may cost a bit more to choose something healthier, but it may save you in vet bills later on and potentially add extra years to their life. Look, we know how hard it is to keep up with costs, so our best suggestion is to make a few small changes which can add up to a significant difference long term.
For example, we feed our rescue dog with commercial dry dog food that contains as many natural ingredients as possible, within our budget, in the morning, and then in the evening, he gets fed balanced, cooked human grade whole food from a local supplier, also within our budget.
Funny Side Note:
Bali dogs eat practically anything, but when we introduced some freshly cooked buffalo to the neighbour’s dogs we help feed, they refused to eat it. We guess even island dogs have standards.
Product Picks:
- Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Natural Dog Food – Great for sensitive stomachs
- Lily’s Kitchen Organic Dog Food for Puppies – Built for healthy growth with no junk
Make sure to read our article: [Best Grain Free Natural Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs]
Grooming Without Chemicals (or Drama)
We all want our dogs to smell like sunshine and rainbows, but many commercial grooming products are more like a chemistry experiment than a bath. Sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances are common ingredients in pet shampoos, and they can cause itchiness, skin irritation, or worse.
We’ve seen what dogs actually think of that, firsthand! A sweet Bali pup who free-roams our street occasionally gets pampered by our friends. Every time she comes back smelling amazing, she promptly finds a cow pat or the foulest-smelling trash to roll in. It’s vile. But after switching to a natural, unscented, plant-based wash, we no longer need to chase her down, gagging, with a hose.
What to Look For in Natural Grooming Products:
- Short ingredient lists you can actually pronounce
- Organic, plant-based formulas (aloe, oatmeal, lavender, chamomile)
- No artificial dyes or perfumes
- pH balanced for pets (not humans)
And remember, dogs have a much more sensitive sense of smell than we do. What smells “fresh” to us can be overwhelming or unpleasant to them. Go light.
What We Recommend:
Pro Pet Works Oatmeal Non-Toxic Dog Shampoo & Conditioner – A aloe and oatmeal-based cleanser that’s mild on skin and leaves no fake “baby powder” scent
Earth Rated Plant-Based Wipes – These are a life-saver for in-between bath days (and muddy paws on white floors)
Honest Advice:
If your dog hates baths, natural products won’t change that overnight. But they will reduce the chance of skin flare-ups and make the experience a little more bearable. For both of you.
Blog coming: [5 Best Non-Toxic Grooming Products for Dogs]
Supplements That Help (Without Snake Oil)
We’ll be the first to admit, the world of pet supplements can feel like a scammy minefield. With so many “miracle” products making big promises and hiding behind vague ingredients, it’s hard to know what’s legit and what’s just expensive flavored dust.
That said, when chosen carefully, natural supplements can make a genuine difference to your pet’s health, especially when it comes to anxiety, joint support, or gut issues.
When to Consider Supplements:
- Your dog is aging and showing signs of stiffness or slower recovery
- You’ve got a nervous pup who struggles with travel, loud noises, or separation
- Your vet recommends digestive support after illness or a diet change
What to Look For:
- Clean label formulas with no fillers or mystery binders
- Vet-approved or third-party tested products
- Clear dosage based on weight and size
- Natural active ingredients with evidence behind them
Our Experience:
Our rescue dog occasionally experiences difficulty in “doing a two”, and it comes out so dry, it crumbles… so weird. He gets sufficient protein, fat and fibre, as well as hydration in his meals, so we had to do some research and found something really handy that works for him. Pumpkin! This power vegetable contains soluble and insoluble fiber that seems to respond well to both runny and dry tummies.
We’ve tried fresh pumpkin, as well as pumpkin powder, and both seem to fix the issue, but for us, it’s easier to keep a stash of pumpkin powder, so this is one of our favourite supplements to have in the cupboard.
Products We Trust:
- Vet Promise Advanced Calming Chews for Dogs – Chamomile, valerian root, and melatonin in a soft chew that doesn’t smell like chemicals
- Vet Treat Hip & Joint Support Bites – Glucosamine, turmeric, and green-lipped mussel (great for older dogs or big breeds)
- Back 40 Dogs Pumpkin Powder – Gentle digestive support made from organic pumpkin
We recommend starting slow, keeping an eye on any changes in behavior or stool (yep, it always comes back to poop), and checking with your vet if you’re unsure.
Blog coming: [Top Natural Supplements for Dog Anxiety, Joints and Gut Health]
Mental Health and Play the Natural Way
Healthy pets aren’t just about strong bones and shiny coats, their brains need love too. Mental stimulation can ease anxiety, reduce boredom (and the destruction that often follows), and improve overall well-being. The bonus? A mentally tired dog is usually a well-behaved one.
We’ve seen this with our own rescue pup. When he doesn’t get some kind of enrichment, whether it’s ripping up a used paper towel roll insert, or playing tug, he turns into a dramatic little chaos machine. The solution wasn’t necessarily more walks. It was smarter play.
Why Mental Stimulation Matters:
- Keeps destructive behavior at bay (goodbye chewed flip-flops)
- Supports dogs with separation anxiety or low confidence
- Helps older dogs stay alert and engaged
- Strengthens your bond without exhausting you
Why Mental Stimulation Matters:
We aim for toys that are safe to chew, mentally challenging, and made from materials we’re comfortable having in our home (and their mouths).
- Puzzle Feeders – Ideal for fast eaters and brainy breeds
Try this: Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Interactive Puzzle — sturdy, BPA-free, and loads of fun - Snuffle Mats – Mimic foraging and can calm anxious pups
Try this: AWOOF Snuffle Mat for Dogs — machine-washable and foldable - Natural Rope Toys or Rubber Chews – Safer than plastic squeakers and longer-lasting
Try this: Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope Tug — premium and non-toxic
We mix it up, some days it’s rope tug and some days he just chews on his favorite toy until he falls asleep with it in his paws… too cute.
Honest Advice:
You don’t need a house full of expensive gadgets. Even a cardboard box and five minutes of creative energy can go a long way. But when you do invest in enrichment toys, go for safe, non-toxic materials, especially if your dog is a strong chewer or “de-fluffer” like ours.
Blog coming: [Best Eco-Friendly Toys and Puzzle Feeders for Dogs]
Your Pet Deserves Natural, Not Boring
Caring for your pet doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. It just means doing a little better where you can, choosing cleaner ingredients, safer products, and activities that actually make them happy (instead of just tired).
Whether it’s upgrading from generic kibble to a food with real ingredients, swapping chemical-laced shampoo for something that doesn’t sting their skin, or giving their brain a little workout with a puzzle toy, every small change adds up. To better health. To fewer vet visits. And honestly, to a lot fewer weird rashes and destroyed sofa cushions.
We’ve learned most of this the hard way, through rescued pups, muddy floors, midnight Google searches, and trial-and-error with more products than we’d like to admit. So if we can help even one pet parent avoid the mess (literal and figurative), we consider that a win.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
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