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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