Our pets give us unconditional love every day of the year, so why not return the favour on Valentine’s Day? This year, take the opportunity to express just how much your furry friend means to you. Here are some of our favourite ways to make the day extra special for your dog:
1. Give Them a Valentine’s Day Gift
Treat your dog to something they’ll love! Head to your favorite pet store, like Feeds’n Needs, and let them pick out a new toy (or a few!). They will be so excited to go home and play with their new toy with you.
2. Plan a Special Valentine’s Meal
Dogs like eating at the same time as their pet parents! Plan to sit down to eat a meal at the same time as your pet. Your dog will appreciate the extra attention.
3. Make Them Special Valentine’s Treats
Show your love by baking your dog some heart-shaped treats! Choose their favorite flavors and get creative in the kitchen. Try out these tasty DIY Pumpkin Dog Treats. They’ll be sure to savor every bite!
4. Create Valentine’s Day Keep Sake Artwork
Why not make a lasting memory with your dog? Use pet-safe clay to make a paw print impression or have them walk across a canvas with pet-safe paint on their paws to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. You can even personalize a treat jar with their name, filling it with their favourite treats from Feeds’n Needs. Your dog will love this thoughtful gesture (and the treats, of course!).
5. Quality Time Together
Sometimes, the best gift is simply your time. Whether you’re taking a walk through the snowy outdoors, playing at the dog park, or curling up on the couch for a cozy movie night, your dog will cherish the time spent with you. Quality moments are the heart of any great Valentine’s celebration.
Wishing you and your furry friend a very Happy Valentine’s Day from your Experts at Feeds’n Needs!
Gift Guide for Homesteaders
Looking for the perfect Christmas Gifts? Feeds’n Needs has a great selection of gifts for everyone on your list! Here are some of our top ideas:
Books – Farmer’s Almanac, gardening books, recipe books, and how-to books, you’ll be sure to find the perfect option!
Canning & Preserving Supplies – Mason jars, lids, and fermentation kits so that someone on your list you’re shopping for can preserve the foods they grow!
Seed-Starting Supplies – Help them prepare for the upcoming growing season by gifting them seed-starting supplies! Plant pots, trays, starter soil, peat pellets, plant markers, etc.
Sprout Growing Kit – For greens all year long, you can’t go wrong with sprouts. Healthy and packed full of nutrients, sprouts are both easy and fun to grow, so get them started with a sprout starter kit!
Vesey’s Seeds – The gift that keeps on giving! Gift them high-quality Vesey’s seeds this Christmas.
Gardening Supplies – Gardening gloves, tools, a soil test kit, a rain gauge, etc. Useful gifts they’ll surely appreciate!
Beekeeping Starter Kit – Bees play a vital role in fertilizing the plants we grow, and their by-products can be used for all sorts of things! If someone on your list is interested in beekeeping, a starter kit could be the perfect gift for them!
Farm Décor – Chicken coop signs, farm style décor, garden flags, door mats, and so much more will make perfect gifts for the homesteader in your life!
Walton Wood Farm Products – Consciously crafted, natural beauty and personal care products make the perfect gift for any hard-working homesteader to relax and pamper themselves!
Rescue Coffee – Premium, fair trade, organic coffee for a good cause! With each bag purchased, 10% of the profits go towards helping local shelter animals. Available in multiple delicious flavours.
Coffee Mug – Pair a new mug with a bag of rescue coffee, and you’ve got a perfect gift for the coffee lover on your list!
Apron – A great gift for the homesteader who loves to cook and bake!
Egg Basket – An excellent tool for the chicken farmer in your life. Egg baskets make egg collection easy with less risk of breaking eggs!
Feeds’n Needs Gift Card – Not sure what they would like? Why not give them a gift card to Feeds’ n Needs?!
Visit your local Feeds’n Needs to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!
5 Things to do With Your Pet at Christmas
The holiday season is a time for spending quality moments with loved ones, but don’t forget about the furry members of your family! Pets can sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the guests, new smells, and tempting (but dangerous) decorations. However, Christmas is the perfect opportunity to bond with your pet and include them in the festive fun. Here are five things to do with your pet this holiday season:
- Take a Holiday Lights Walk with Your Dog
Like us, dogs are often fascinated by the twinkling lights and colourful displays during the holiday season. Take your dog for a stroll around your neighbourhood to enjoy the decorations together. Remember that it might be too cold for a long walk, so try to keep it local or invest in some protective gear like booties and a jacket for your dog, which are available at your local Feeds’n Needs. - Create Festive Games for Your Pet
Every pet is different, so take some time to find indoor activities that will engage your furry friend. Here are a few festive game ideas for both dogs and cats:
Indoor Games for Dogs:
Tug-of-War: A classic game, just make sure to use a toy that’s gentle on your dog’s teeth!
Toy Naming: Teach your dog the names of their toys, and reward them with a dog-friendly Christmas treat when they fetch the right one.
Hide and Seek: After teaching your dog to stay, hide somewhere in the house and call them to find you. Be ready to shower them with praise when they succeed!
Indoor Games for Cats:
Christmas Puzzle: Turn a cardboard box into a fun puzzle by cutting holes and filling it with treats, catnip, or toys. Watch your cat’s excitement as they figure out how to get the goodies!
Fetch: Believe it or not, many cats love playing fetch! Toss a catnip-filled toy and encourage them to bring it back. It may take some time, but most cats will eventually learn that the game only continues if they bring it back. - Play in the Snow
Many pets love to play in the snow. Dogs, in particular, enjoy frolicking in the winter wonderland. Whether it’s your backyard, a local park, or a walking trail, let your dog experience the joy of running in the snow. Not all pets, however, enjoy the cold, and that’s perfectly fine.
Indoor cats and rabbits should be on a harness and leash to prevent them from running away if they get too scared. Keep an eye on their behaviour, and if the outdoors is too cold and scary for them, take them back inside immediately, where it’s warm and cozy. - Try a Festive Costume
Some pets love getting dressed up for the holidays, while others may be a little more skeptical. If your pet is open to it, dress them in a festive outfit like a sweater, bandana, or holiday-themed hat. Start with something simple, and if they’re comfortable, work your way up to more elaborate costumes. Just remember to be patient and keep an eye on how they’re reacting to ensure they’re happy. - Snap Holiday Photos with Santa
Capture your pet’s festive spirit by taking a photo with Santa! Here are some tips to help you get the perfect shot:- Introduce them to Santa slowly and calmly.
- Be part of the picture or have one person directing your pet.
- Treats will help!
- Have patience.
- Exercise before the photo to tire them out.
- Squeaky toys are great to get them to look at the camera.
- If all else fails, capture your pet behaving naturally.
We hope these activities bring some extra joy to your holiday season and help you bond with your pet. Wishing you and your furry friends a safe, happy, and paw-some Christmas!
10 Christmas Gifts for Your Cat
Sometimes we just want to spoil our furry friends with the purrfect gift. Whether it’s delicious new treats, an exciting toy, or something entirely different, Feeds’n Needs offers a wide variety of fantastic gift options for your feline friends!
Check out our top 10 Christmas gifts ideas from Feeds’n Needs to help your cat enjoy this festive season:
- Treats
You can’t go wrong with delicious treats this Christmas! We recommend Cat Cravings! These delicious freeze-dried treats come in multiple flavours that your cat will go crazy for! - Toys
With so many options to choose from, why not spoil your cat with a variety of toys? From wands to balls to kickers, Feeds’n Needs has something for every cat! - Catnip
Loose catnip, sprays, and even catnip bubbles are all fantastic ways to amp up your cat’s playtime! Try sprinkling some on their favorite cat tree or scratcher for extra fun. - A New Bed
Who doesn’t love a cozy spot to curl up in, especially at Christmas? Your cats will love a new bed to nap and lounge in! Check out the selection of cat beds at your local Feeds’n Needs. - Cat Tree or Scratcher
Spoil them with a new place to scratch and play! Sisal cat trees make a great long-lasting gift your cat will love, and if you’re looking for a scratcher that will save space and money, cardboard scratch boards are the way to go! - Grooming Tools
Help your cat look their best this holiday season with a new brush, dry shampoo, or nail clippers. It’s the perfect gift for a pampered feline! - A Water Fountain
Encourage your cat to drink more water with a moving water fountain. It’s a great way to keep them hydrated and happy. - Interactive Toys
From puzzle toys to treat dispensers and interactive feeders, these gadgets offer enrichment and mental stimulation for your cat! - High Quality Food
Give your cat the gift of premium nutrition! Ask the experts at Feeds’n Needs to help you find the best high-quality food that suits your cat’s unique needs. - New Litter Box
While they may not be excited about it, a new litter box is something you’ll both appreciate! Litter boxes should typically be replaced every year, making Christmas the perfect time for an upgrade.
Visit your local Feeds’n Needs, where our experts will help you find the most ameowzing gift for your cat!
10 Christmas Gifts for Your Dog
This holiday season, don’t forget to spoil your furry friend with a special gift! As you shop for friends and family, take some time to find the perfect present for your pup. Whether it’s a new toy, tasty treats, or something else entirely, there’s no shortage of great gift options for dogs at Feeds’n Needs!
To help you choose, we’ve rounded up the top 10 best dog gift ideas from Feeds’n Needs that are sure to bring joy to your pet this Christmas:
- Kongs
For dogs of all ages and chewing habits, Kongs are a must-have! Fill them with tasty treats or Kong Easy Treat filling to keep your dog engaged and entertained longer. - Collar & Leash
Available in many styles, sizes and colors, you’re sure to find the perfect new set for your dog. Consider adding an LED Nighthowl necklace for added safety on nighttime walks! - Plush Toy
Is your dog a fan of playtime? Surprise them with a new plush toy! Choose from our wide variety of sizes and designs to match your dog’s personality. - A Cozy New Bed
Spoil your dog with a comfy new bed! Our stores offer an assortment of sizes and styles, so you can find the perfect one for your dog to curl up in. - Dog Tag
What better to go with a new collar and leash than a new dog tag?! (Not all locations have engraver in-store, but tags can be ordered through other stores) - Supplements
Show your dog you care by gifting them health-boosting supplements. We recommend Thrive Herring Oil for its many benefits like promoting skin and coat health. - Treats
Treat them right by spoiling them with their favorite snacks and chews! Tartar busters and beef jerky are fan favorites year after year! - Grooming Supplies
Help your dog look and feel their best with new grooming essentials like shampoo or a brush to leave their coat silky soft and smelling fabulous. - Food & Water Bowls
From elevated bowls to slow feeders, we offer a wide selection of options to suit every dog’s needs and eating habits. - Bosco & Roxy Cookies
Who doesn’t love indulging in some tasty cookies at Christmas time? Bosco and Roxy makes cookies made specifically for dogs that they’re sure to drool over!
When selecting gifts, consider your dog’s size, age, and preferences. Some dogs may prefer toys they can chew, while others might enjoy interactive toys that challenge their minds. Visit your local Feeds’n Needs and our Experts will help you find that perfect gift for your pooch!
Halloween Safety Tips for Pet Parents
With Halloween right around the corner, pet parents need to be extra vigilant to ensure their furry friends stay safe and happy during the festivities. From wacky costumes to spooky decorations and the excitement of trick-or-treaters coming and going, it can be easy for your pet to feel overwhelmed or find themselves in trouble. In this blog, we are sharing our expert advice on how you can keep your pets safe this Howl-O-Ween season!
Treats – Keep Them out of Pets Reach
Remember that not all human food is safe for our pets to consume. Chocolate is very toxic to dogs and cats, and if ingested, can cause severe symptoms or death. Additionally, many candies contain xylitol, a natural alternative to sugar, often used in sugar-free sweets and chewing gum. Xylitol is highly toxic to pets, and even a small amount can cause liver failure or prove to be fatal. To prevent our beloved companions from accidentally ingesting these harmful sweets, keep all candies and chocolates out of their reach. Furthermore, make sure you throw your candy wrappers in the trash when finished to prevent curious pets from ingesting them.
Decorations – Are They Pet-Friendly?
While putting up spooky decorations is a fun way to join the Halloween festivities, it’s important to remember that these chilling ghosts and goblins are novel objects to our pets and can be quite scary to them if not introduced properly. Always allow your pets to explore new things at their own pace and reward them with treats for their bravery. In addition to potentially causing anxiety, some decorations can prove to be hazardous to pets as well. Make sure all decorations are put up securely so they can’t be easily torn down or chewed on by pets, and if you have jack-o-lanterns set out, try using LED candles to prevent fire hazards if a pet knocks one over.
Costumes – Should Your Pet Wear One?
What better way to get your pets in on the Halloween fun than to dress them up in a cute costume? If your pet has never worn a costume before, it’s important to approach it slowly and read their body language as you go. Watch for body cues like flattened ears, yawning, tongue flicks, and startled jumps that may indicate your pet is uncomfortable. Having clothing put on can be very anxiety-inducing for a cat or dog, so never force them to wear something if they seem uncomfortable. Let them smell the costume and get familiar with it before putting it on, and start by only having them wear it for short periods leading up to Halloween night. Be sure to reward them with treats and never scold them for being frightened or trying to wiggle away. If you choose to dress your pet up, pick a costume that won’t limit their mobility or cover their eyes, and try to avoid costumes with dangly bits that could be easily chewed off or ingested. If you want to get your pet involved without wearing a costume, there are alternatives like Halloween-themed collars, leashes and bandanas that they may feel more comfortable wearing.
Trick or Treating – Staying Safe in The House or on The Streets
In The House – If you are staying home to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters, keep your pet’s safety in mind when preparing for Halloween night. How will your pet react to all the excitement of doorbells chiming and strangers approaching? Anxious pets may feel more comfortable being away from all the action in a dedicated, safe space where they can relax. Create a den for them in a quiet room with their favorite bed and toys where they will be safe and unable to escape from the house if they get spooked. Alternatively, leave a bowl of treats on your porch for the trick-or-treaters to prevent the doorbell from ringing and disturbing anxious pets.
On The Streets – If you plan to take your pet trick-or-treating with you, take the proper precautions to keep them safe amidst the hustle and bustle of foot traffic and spooky costumes. Ensure they are fitted with a secure collar or harness, and keep them on a tight lead close to your body while you are out. Attach an up-to-date pet ID tag to their collar before you go so that in the event they get lost in the commotion, they can be quickly returned to you when found. Also, consider having them wear reflective gear while out so that they can be easily spotted in the dark. If you have a particularly anxious dog but still want to take them trick-or-treating, it may be best to take them out earlier in the evening before it gets too dark and the streets become packed with the older trick-or-treaters.
Following our advice, you can ensure your pet has a fun and safe Howl-O-Ween season with you. Stop by your local Feeds’n Needs to pick up supplies like reflective collars and leashes, treats for rewarding bravery and more! While you’re there, why not get a custom pet ID tag made to ensure that you’re ready for the big night! From all of us at Feeds’n Needs, Happy Halloween and stay safe out there!
For more expert advice and fall favorites, check out our other posts!
Top 5 Favourite Pumpkin Products for Fall
How to Pick the Right Harness for Your Dog
Helping Your Dog When You Are Out
Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Here’s a quick and easy recipe for delicious homemade cranberry sauce! Whether hosting a holiday dinner or just bringing a side dish, this sauce made with fresh whole cranberries will surely impress. Check out the recipe below!
Ingredients:
⅔ cup sugar
⅓ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
⅓ cup water
⅔ cup orange juice
12 oz cranberries rinsed and picked through — bad/bruised cranberries removed
Instructions
Combine sugars, water, and orange juice in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until sugars are dissolved, and bring to a boil.
Add cranberries and return to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer and continue to cook cranberries, stirring occasionally, 10-15 minutes or until all or most berries have burst (careful, there is some splatter) and the mixture is slightly reduced. The longer you cook your cranberries, the thicker your mixture will be, but it will also thicken up after standing.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature.
Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
How Do You Make Cranberry Sauce Thicker?
When cooking your cranberry sauce, you can simmer it as long as needed after your berries burst until the desired thickness is reached. Remember that your sauce will seem runnier while it’s hot and thickens as it cools and sets.
Can Cranberry Sauce Be Made in Advance?
Yes! Cranberry sauce requires a minimum of 2 hours in the refrigerator to thicken and set properly. However, you can make this holiday side dish up to a week in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
And that’s all there is to making homemade cranberry sauce. Enjoy!
Easy Easter DIYs Using Eggs
Springtime is all about bright colors, new beginnings, and creativity. What better way to welcome the season and have some Easter-themed fun than decorating eggs? This blog provides a step-by-step guide to making three easy Easter crafts that the whole family will love!
Blowing Eggs
Before starting any of our Easter egg DIYs, you’ll need to remove the yolks from all the eggs you’ll be working with.
What You’ll Need:
- Eggs
- Pin (you can also use a needle or sharp metal skewer)
- Cocktail stick or wooden skewer
- Paper clip (optional)
- Bowl
Step 1: Using your pin or needle, carefully poke a hole in the top and bottom of your egg. Gently insert your cocktail stick or skewer into the hole to gradually increase its size. The hole in the bottom of the egg needs to be big enough for the yolk to pass through, but be careful not to crack the egg in the process.
Step 2 (Optional): Use a straightened paper clip to “stir” the yolk inside the egg, making it easier to blow through the hole you made.
Step 3: Hold your egg over a bowl and blow as hard as you can into one of the holes in your egg. The yolk should start coming out the other end. You won’t need the yolk for these projects, but you can set them aside to use for cooking later!
Step 4: Now that the yolks are out of the eggs, rinse them under hot tap water to remove any residue. Once rinsed, leave the shells out to dry.
DIY #1 – Painting Eggs
Test your painting skills by getting creative with eggs! Paint stripes, patterns, splatters, and more! The design options for this DIY are endless!
What You’ll Need:
- Eggs with yolks blown out
- Acrylic paint
- Cocktail stick or skewer
- Paint brushes
- Sponge (optional)
Step 1: Insert a cocktail stick or skewer into the bottom hole of your egg to keep it away from your fingers while you paint.
Step 2: Use paintbrushes or a sponge to apply paint to your egg. Get creative with this part!
Step 3: Let the paint dry while your egg is still on the skewer by holding the skewer in a glass.
Step 4: Once your paint is dry, add a second coat to brighten the colors or add more designs! Leave your egg on the skewer until you are done painting and the egg is dry.
DIY #2 – Dyeing Eggs
Use food coloring or natural dyes with ingredients from around your home to create beautiful, dyed eggs that are the perfect Easter decorations! We will teach you how to dye eggs using food coloring for this DIY.
What You’ll Need:
- Eggs with yolks blown out
- Vinegar
- Food coloring (your choice of colors)
- Measuring spoons
- Kitchen tongs
- Paper towels
- Heat-proof bowls (one bowl for each color of food coloring)
- Crayons (optional)
Step 1: Prep your work area by laying down paper towels to prevent food coloring stains.
Step 2: To make your dyes, bring some water to a boil, then add 1 teaspoon of vinegar and about 20 drops of food coloring. The more food coloring you add, the more vibrant your dye color will be. Pour your mixture into a heat-proof bowl deep enough to dip your eggs in.
Step 3 (Optional): You can use crayons to create fun patterns and designs by drawing directly on the egg before you dye it. The dye pigment will not stick to the wax, so whatever you draw will stand out after you dip your egg!
Step 4: When you’re ready to dye your egg, use a pair of kitchen tongs to submerge the egg into your bowl of coloring. Make multicolor eggs, striped eggs, patterned eggs – You can be as creative as you want with this part!
Step 5: Remove your eggs from the dye using your kitchen tongs and set them out to air dry when finished.
DIY #3 – Jello Filled Eggs
This DIY project is a fun way to make a tasty treat that can also be a great April fool’s prank! You can paint or dye your eggs before you add the Jello to add to the fun and make this a 2-part project or leave them plain and give someone a surprise when their egg turns out to be Jello!
What You’ll Need:
- Eggs with yolks blown out
- Packets of Jello (Your choice of flavor)
- A fine pastry tip
- Egg carton
- Duct tape
Step 1: Use a small piece of duct tape over the hole in the bottom of your eggs to seal it closed, then place your eggs tape-side down back into the carton.
Step 2: Follow the instructions on the package to prepare your Jello mixture. Try making different flavors to add variety to your eggs!
Step 3: Once your Jello mix is ready, insert a fine pastry tip into the top hole of your egg and carefully pour the liquid Jello into the egg. Be careful not to overfill the egg, as the liquid will be hot.
Step 4: Once you’ve filled all your eggs, place the carton in the fridge to allow the Jello to set. This should take 2-3 hours.
Step 5: Once the Jello has set completely inside your eggs, open the shells and enjoy this tasty Easter treat!
Have fun and get creative this spring using everyday kitchen items and eggs from your own backyard! From all of us at Feeds ‘n Needs, we hope you try these Easter DIYs and have a great time making them!
Sources:
https://www.marthastewart.com/275626/egg-dyeing-101
https://www.marthastewart.com/266591/blowing-out-an-egg
Valentine’s Pet Safety Tips
Valentine’s Day is almost here, a day you can also celebrate with your pets. Give them a special toy or treat, take them for a long walk, or cuddle them on the couch. However you choose to celebrate, be aware of the possible Valentine’s Day hazards. Check out our tips to help keep your pets safe this love day!
Xylitol: This sugarless sweetener is in many candies and gums and is toxic to pets. It can cause hypoglycemia.
Chocolate: Do NOT feed your pets anything with chocolate. It can be very toxic to them!
Flowers: Certain flowers are deadly to pets. All Lilies are fatal to cats. Roses can cause punctures to the mouth and paws and possible bawl obstruction if swallowed. Keep them away from your furry friends!
Decorations: Tape, ribbons, bows, balloons, and wrapping paper can become a choking hazard. Dispose of them before your pet finds them!
Candles: Candles can become a fire hazard around pets. They can also burn themselves accidentally. Never leave candles or a fire unattended with pets.
Cocktails: A small amount of alcohol can cause illness, coma or death. Keep cocktails away from pets and wipe up any spills ASAP!
A safe home is a happy home during festivities! Keeping these tips in mind can help avoid emergency trips to the vet.
Have a safe and happy Valentine’s Day from Feeds’n Needs!
Keep Your Pets Safe this Holiday Season
We love including our pets in holiday celebrations, but there are some holiday hazards to look out for to make this season safe and fun for everyone!
Here are some holiday pet safety tips to keep in mind:
- Secure your Christmas Tree – Always observe dogs and cats around the tree. If possible, set it up in a room your can easily close off when you’re not home to avoid them trying to jump onto or into the tree.
- Don’t let your pets drink the tree water – Pet parents with a real tree at home should ensure the water inside the tree stand is NOT easily accessible to dogs and cats as it can sometimes release toxic sap into the water.
- Keep Christmas light away from your pet s- Christmas lights and cords can cause electrocution, internal injuries, or intestinal blockage if your curious pet decides to chew on them. Fasten your lights to your tree and place cords out of reach.
- Make sure ornaments are out of reach – Chewing on ornaments can cause cuts in you rpet’s mouth, throat and digestive tract. When eaten, decorations such as garland and tinsel can also result in gastrointestinal blockages.
- Pick pet safe Christmas plants – popular decorative plants like holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias can be poisonous for pets if ingested.
- Keep gifts and candy/chocolate out of reach – Gift wrapping, candy and chocolate can threaten your pet’s health if ingested.
A safe home is a happy and festive home this holiday season. Keeping these tips in mind can help avoid emergency trips to the vet, which means the whole family can celebrate a joyful holiday season.
Have a safe and happy holiday from Feeds’n Needs!
