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The pet food industry has changed drastically over the last thirty years. With so many options now available it can be difficult deciding on which brand to feed your furry friend. Read further to learn what you can to do start controlling obesity in cats and dogs.  One of the greatest health issues facing both cats and dogs is obesity. Unfortunately even some of the best quality brands can contribute to this. Protein is great for cats and dogs, however formulas that lean to heavily on it can contribute to weight gain especially for pets that do not receive an adequate amount of exercise. One brand that is a great option for pet parents tackling this issue is Boreal. Boreal is made with quality ingredients mainly sourced from Canada and focuses on maintaining your pet’s weight and promoting their overall health. They also have many delicious recipes and limited ingredient options. Their weight loss and weight management secret is using low glycemic index starches like peas and beans and only using single protein meat sources. This should help keep your pet feeling fuller longer and maintaining blood sugar levels. Their recipes also include added minerals for balanced nutrition. Some great choices for pets are: Boreal Functional Indoor Cat Chicken Cat Food Boreal Functional Limited Ingredient Venison Taking all this into consideration, it’s clear that Boreal is a perfect choice to handle weight management for cats and dogs in Toronto while also providing them with great taste and balanced nutrition. By Tiffiney Manios, Sales Associate at Critter & Co. Photo by Lum3n on Pexels 

Dog-Friendly Businesses in Toronto – Best Pet-Friendly Places to Visit Dog-friendly businesses in Toronto are making life easier for pet owners who love to explore the city with their pups. Whether you're looking for a pet-friendly café, a welcoming retail store, or top-tier grooming services, there are plenty of businesses that welcome your furry friend. Thanks to Toronto Dog Moms, we have an amazing list of verified pet-friendly locations to help you and your pup find the best spots in the city. Credit Where It’s Due This guide is inspired by Toronto Dog Moms, a community dedicated to highlighting pet-friendly places in Toronto. If you're looking for even more locations to visit, check out their Verified Dog-Friendly Locations List for up-to-date recommendations. Why Support Dog-Friendly Businesses in Toronto? Pet-friendly businesses help create a more inclusive and welcoming city for dog owners. More businesses are recognizing the importance of accommodating pets, which means you can now enjoy outings with your dog without worrying about leaving them at home. Supporting these businesses also benefits the community. It encourages responsible pet ownership, strengthens the bond between pet owners and local businesses, and fosters a positive environment for dog lovers. Not to mention, pet-friendly spaces often make city life more enjoyable. Imagine sipping coffee at a café while your dog lounges by your side or shopping at a boutique with your pup trotting happily along. The more we support these businesses, the more likely they are to thrive. Dog-Friendly Businesses in Toronto to Visit We’ve rounded up some of the best dog-friendly businesses in Toronto, ranging from cafés to essential pet services. 1. Dog-Friendly Cafés and Restaurants Toronto’s food scene is diverse, and thankfully, some places welcome both you and your dog. Here are a few of our favorite spots: Tom & Sawyer – A pet café serving freshly made, human-grade meals for dogs, along with great coffee for their owners. Black Lab Brewing – A dog-friendly craft brewery that frequently hosts pet-friendly events. The Dog & Tiger – A cozy pub with a dog-friendly patio, making it a great spot to relax with your pup. 2. Pet-Friendly Retail Stores Shopping with your dog? These stores allow leashed pets inside while you browse. Critter & Co. Pet Outpost – A locally owned pet supply shop offering high-quality and sustainable pet products. Indigo (Select Locations) – Many Indigo bookstores are dog-friendly, allowing leashed pups inside. Lush – This cruelty-free beauty retailer welcomes dogs while you shop. 3. Dog-Friendly Services Need pet services in Toronto? These businesses put your pup first: Unleashed in the City – A training and lifestyle service designed for urban dogs. Spaw Boutique – A luxury grooming salon offering high-end pet care. Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital – A trusted 24/7 veterinary clinic providing expert pet care. How to Identify Dog-Friendly Businesses Wondering if a business welcomes dogs? Here are a few ways to tell: Look for a “Dog-Friendly” sticker on the storefront. Check their website or social media for pet policies. Ask staff if dogs are allowed inside. For an extensive list of verified dog-friendly businesses in Toronto, visit Toronto Dog Moms’ directory. Hidden Dog-Friendly Gems in Toronto Beyond cafés and stores, Toronto offers great pet-friendly places to explore: Evergreen Brick Works – A scenic outdoor space perfect for a walk with your pup. Stackt Market – A trendy shopping area with dog-friendly vendors. High Park Dog Off-Leash Area – One of the best off-leash areas in the city. Final Thoughts With more dog-friendly businesses in Toronto than ever before, it’s easy to find places that welcome pets. Whether you're grabbing coffee, shopping, or booking services, supporting these businesses helps keep Toronto a fantastic city for pet lovers. A special thanks to Toronto Dog Moms for their dedication to the dog-friendly community. Check out their Verified Dog-Friendly Locations List for more places to visit!

Local Dog Services Recommendations We’re happy to share some of our community’s favorite dog services in the area. Please note that while these recommendations come highly suggested, it’s important to do your own research when choosing services for your pet. We do not have personal partnerships with any of these businesses. Grooming Services Dog World Resort & Spa A premier pet groomer, boutique, and doggy daycare in downtown Toronto, Dog World Resort & Spa offers personalized grooming experiences and a curated collection of high-quality pet products. Juju Grooms Parkdale Known for its award-winning approach to grooming, Juju Grooms in Parkdale emphasizes positive reinforcement and gentle care, making it a top choice for pet owners in the area. Dogs and Goddesses This grooming salon is loved for its compassionate approach, focusing on creating a relaxed, enjoyable experience for pets while delivering top-notch grooming services. Dog Walking Services Brockton Village: Black Labbath Offering reliable dog-walking services, Black Labbath provides plenty of exercise and social time for dogs, with a personal approach. Little Italy: Wagging with Chantal Known for her friendly, reliable service, Chantal offers walks tailored to each dog’s energy level and needs. Unleashed in the City A trusted name in the area, Unleashed in the City offers both group and solo walks, as well as enriching outdoor activities. Fort York/Liberty Village: Gussy and Company A community favorite with a personal touch, Gussy and Company offers walking and care services tailored to each dog. Bones Hugs n' Harmony Specializing in small group walks, Bones Hugs n' Harmony is known for creating fun, social experiences for dogs in Liberty Village. Pet Photography Bark Pet Studio Bark Pet Studio offers professional pet photography to capture your pet’s personality in beautiful, high-quality images. Perfect for creating lasting memories of your furry friend! We hope these local recommendations help you find the best care and experiences for your pet! Remember to reach out to these businesses directly to learn more about their services and availability.   Feature photo credit: Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

Congratulations on Deciding to Welcome a New Furry Family Member! Adding a pet to your family is a special moment, whether you’re adopting a playful pup, a curious kitten, or a wise senior cat. Here are some friendly reminders to get you started on this journey: Important Things to Keep in Mind Owning a Pet is a Long-Term Commitment Pets are lifetime companions. Dogs often live 12-18 years, and cats can live even longer! They’ll be with you through every life stage and rely on you for love, care, and stability. Being prepared for this commitment is essential to creating a fulfilling bond. Owning a Pet Takes Time and Effort Caring for a pet can be both fun and challenging. It’s hard work—especially with a puppy or kitten—but the ups and downs are worth it! Consistency and patience go a long way in helping your pet adjust and feel at home. Owning a Pet Has Costs From food and toys to veterinary care, grooming, and emergency expenses, pets come with a financial commitment. Be sure to budget for regular and unexpected costs to provide your furry friend with a happy and healthy life. Consider pet insurance to help with unexpected costs. First Things First: Do Your Research Take time to research what type of pet would best suit your lifestyle. Each pet has unique needs, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in your shared happiness. Focus on Compatibility, Not Just Looks Every pet is unique in personality, regardless of appearance. Choosing based on temperament and lifestyle compatibility is much more important than looks. Consider Online Compatibility Quizzes Not sure where to start? Try a breed or pet compatibility quiz to help identify options that may suit your household, whether for cats or dogs. For Mixed Breeds or Rescue Pets If you’re adopting a mixed-breed pet, learning about each breed in the mix can offer insights into likely behavior and needs. If it’s a rescue pet with unknown history, talk to the organization about their personality and be honest about what you’re looking for in a companion. Connect with Fellow Pet Owners Some of the best advice comes from other pet owners! Chat with friends who’ve recently adopted or visit pet communities online. You can even follow accounts dedicated to specific breeds or types of pets to learn more. Choosing a Rescue Organization Ontario has many wonderful rescues filled with pets looking for their forever homes. Here are some resources to get you started: Etobicoke Humane Society: A volunteer-run charity in Toronto dedicated to rescuing and rehoming cats and dogs in need. Petfinder Canada: Browse by breed, age, size, and location to find pets available for adoption in Ontario. Adopt-a-Pet: Another great platform to explore listings from various rescues and shelters. Many rescues share available pets on social media, so following local groups can help you stay up-to-date. Tip: Working with a reputable rescue is essential, as not all rescues operate the same way. Do your research to avoid red flags and ensure you’re supporting a group that prioritizes the welfare of the animals.  Learn more about our shelter and rescue support initiatives here. Choosing a Responsible Breeder If you’re interested in a specific breed and choose to go through a breeder, it’s essential to work with a responsible, ethical breeder who cares about the health and well-being of their pets. Use Trusted Resources: The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) breeder search is a good place to start for dogs, as CKC-registered breeders follow a code of ethics. For cats, consider using the Canadian Cat Association breeder directory. Know the Signs of a Reputable Breeder: Reputable breeders provide health guarantees, detailed information about the breed, and a supportive environment. The Humane Society offers a checklist to help you make an informed choice. Owning a pet is a meaningful journey, and with the right preparation, you’ll build a lifetime of happy memories with your new companion. Don't forget to come see us at Critter & Co. Pet Outpost for the Best Toronto Pet Supplies. Good luck finding the perfect furry addition to your family!   Feature picture credit: Photo by Danielle Daniel

Exploring Toronto with your dog? We’ve got you covered with some great local spots, along with some helpful tips to make sure everyone has a positive experience. Dog Park Etiquette Before heading out, here are some Dog Park Etiquette Tips to keep in mind: Not every dog wants to meet other dogs, and that’s okay! If your dog is off-leash and an on-leash dog approaches, it’s best to leash your dog to give both pets space. Always clean up after your dog and keep an eye on them to ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable. Popular Dog-Friendly Trails and Paths in Toronto Toronto is home to some beautiful, dog-friendly trails where you and your pup can explore nature together. Here are a few favorites: High Park: With extensive trails and an off-leash area, this iconic park is a Toronto favorite. Evergreen Brick Works: A unique spot with trails that connect to the Don Valley, great for a nature-filled escape in the city. Crothers Woods: Known for scenic wooded trails, it’s a fantastic spot for an adventure with your dog. Sherwood Park Trail: A quieter, shaded trail in midtown with off-leash areas perfect for exploring. For more ideas, check out local resources like BlogTO’s Guide to Dog-Friendly Trails or Toronto's Underrated Dog Parks. COMMUNITY FAVORITES - FENCED PARKS We asked around, and these fenced-in parks came up as community favorites: Trinity Bellwoods Park: A bustling park with a well-loved off-leash area. Cherry Beach Off-Leash Dog Park: Ideal for dogs who love the water, with a sandy beach and a large off-leash area. Woburn Dog Park: Located in Scarborough, a popular spot with lots of space for dogs to play. Cedarvale Park: This off-leash area in midtown is a hit for dogs who love to run and explore. For a complete list of Toronto’s off-leash parks, check out the City of Toronto’s Dog Park Directory. MORE SPOTS LOVED BY OUR COMMUNITY Toronto and the GTA offer even more scenic spots that locals love: The Beaches Boardwalk: Perfect for a waterfront stroll. Tommy Thompson Park: A bit of a hidden gem with lake views and natural scenery. Bluffer’s Park: A beautiful park in Scarborough with impressive views and lots of space. Humber Bay Park: A great option for a waterside walk with views of downtown Toronto. THE SCENT DEN AT WHOLESOME CANINE wholesomecanine.ca For a more private indoor experience, consider visiting The Scent Den at Wholesome Canine. As Toronto's first and only indoor sensory zone for dogs, The Scent Den offers a safe and comfortable environment where your dog can engage in a true sensory experience. The space is thoughtfully designed with a variety of elements to stimulate all five senses—taste, touch, sight, smell, and hearing—providing mental enrichment and encouraging natural behaviors like sniffing and exploring. This can help lower your dog's pulse rate and foster a sense of calm and confidence. It's an excellent option for all dogs, especially those who are nervous, anxious, elderly, recovering from surgery, or sensitive to extreme temperatures. Remember to stop by Critter & Co. Pet Outpost for the Best Downtown Toronto Dog Food, on your way to the dog park and check us out @critterpetoutpost on Instagram!  Feature image credit: Photo by Elina Volkova

Training is an incredibly rewarding journey that strengthens the bond between you and your dog, building a foundation for a happy, healthy life together. Remember, training is not just for puppies—it’s a lifelong process that becomes a natural part of your routine. We’ve compiled some resources to help you find the right trainer for you and your dog here in Ontario. Positive reinforcement is key to our approach, ensuring that training is force-free, fear-free, and fun! Resources to Guide Your Search Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers  Ontario SPCA Guide to Selecting a Dog Trainer Positive Reinforcement Trainers We Recommend We recommend using trainers who specialize in positive reinforcement techniques.  Support for Reactive Dogs If you’re working with a reactive dog, we understand the unique challenges. We recommend the 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Owners, which offer a wealth of resources, advice, and support for reactive dog owners. For Extra Practice at Home For some extra practice at home, we love the Puppr app—it’s perfect for learning fun tricks, refining skills, or just bonding with your dog, no matter their age. Additional Training Resources in Ontario The Ontario SPCA also offers a directory of trainers who adhere to AnimalKind standards, ensuring a compassionate, ethical approach.  Remember that treats offer a make it really easy to teach new behaviours because most dogs will follow a treat on their nose - so you can show them what behaviour you want and reward them for it. Every time you reward your dog for a behaviour, you add value to that behaviour. Come see us at Critter & Co. Pet Outpost for the Best Downtown Toronto Dog Treats.  Note: We recommend these trainers based on our own positive experiences or trusted referrals. Choosing a trainer is a personal decision, and these resources are here to support you in finding the right match for you and your dog’s needs. Feature image credit: Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com