Dogs have helped children all over the world know their ABC’s. What else would “D” stand for, after all? But how about “C” for crate training and “V” for vet nutritionist? We’re sending dog parents back to school with an important alphabet of terms that all pup families should know.

A

AAFCO

The Association of American Feed Control Officials sets standards for the quality and safety of pet food in the United States. And we’re proud to say that all of Nom Nom’s gently cooked dog food recipes meet the nutritional levels established by AAFCO for complete and balanced meals for all life stages. Learn more about AAFCO here.

B

Barking

The primary form of communication for dogs, barking can signify excitement, alertness or anxiety depending on context, tone and frequency. Of course, it can also be purposely used as an ear-splitting means to get your attention. Learn more about how to interpret their vocalizations and speak your dog’s language here.

C

Crate Training

Dogs are den animals, and they crave enclosed, comfortable spaces to feel safe. Slowly exposing your pup to a crate using positive methods can help with housebreaking, allow them to feel secure, and provide them with a happy and protected place to hang out when you’re not at home. Learn more about the importance of crate training here. 

D

Diet

What a dog eats can greatly impact their overall health and wellbeing. That’s why Nom Nom’s freshly made, vet-developed recipes offer complete and balanced nutrition, portioned and packaged according to your pup’s breed, weight, age, activity level and unique caloric needs. Learn more about the benefits of a gently cooked diet here.

E

Enrichment

As mentioned above, diet is a vital factor in dog health, and keeping their body and mind in tip-top shape through daily enrichment activities is another. Enrichment greatly enhances their lives — and yours — whether it involves going on a hike, playing with puzzles or spending one-on-one bonding and cuddling time on the couch. Learn more about enrichment activities specifically geared towards your dog’s personality here.

F

Fetch

Speaking of enrichment, fetch is an especially fun and interactive game for energetic dogs, especially if they have herding, sporting or working instincts. Learn how to teach your dog to play fetch here.

G

Grooming

Regular brushing, nail trimming and other hygiene practices are necessary for a dog’s health, but they can also provide a great opportunity for bonding and building trust. Just go slowly when it comes to introducing tools like nail clippers or toothbrushes, and be sure to make the experience rewarding and positive for your pup. Learn more about how to clean your dog’s teeth here.

H

Hydration

Water makes up more than 50% of a dog's body weight. However, they still are limited in their ability to store water, and lose it via normal daily activities (panting, walking, peeing). It’s critical that to help them stay hydrated by regularly encouraging them to consume enough water each day. Check out our hydration calculator to help keep your pup healthy here.

I

Instinct

As opposed to learned behaviors, instinct refers to the natural, inherent behaviors of dogs, such as hunting, herding or guarding, which are largely informed by breed. Learn more about how your dog’s genetic makeup informs their personality, health and behavior here.

J

Joint Health

Wear and tear is a normal part of aging. Getting up and lying down can be hard as your dog gets older—their joints just aren’t what they used to be.This deterioration, known as osteoarthritis, causes pain and stiffness that can make it difficult for your dog to walk. Thankfully, there are ways to support their joint health and provide comfort as they age. Learn more about how your dog’s gut health can affect their joints here.

K

KONG(™)

This brand of durable dog toys can be stuffed with treats or food, which require a bit of problem solving and dexterity to get out. They were designed to provide mental stimulation and physical exercise. Learn more ideas for keeping your dog engaged indoors here.

L

Leash

A leash isn’t just a tool for controlling your dog and keeping them close and contained on walks. It’s a form of communication. Even if your dog is a life-long puller, it’s never too late to instill positive behaviors like leash walking. Learn more about teaching an old dog new tricks here.

M

Microbiome

Your dog’s gut, or “microbiome,” has a huge say in overall wellness and weight management. That’s why Nom Nom offers vet-developed probiotics designed to balance the microbiome in order to improve digestion, metabolism, nutrient absorption and immune system function. Learn more about your dog’s microbiome here.

N

Nutrition

The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth, a dog’s nutritional needs are much different than ours. Nom Nom’s gently cooked recipes were vet-developed with your pup’s unique nutritional needs in mind. Learn more about creating a balanced diet for dogs here.

O

Obedience Training

This form of training refers to teaching your dog to respond to commands and respect boundaries. Especially when taught using positive reinforcement methods, training your dog offers an opportunity to bond, build trust and respect, work out your pup’s body and mind, and have fun doing it! Learn more about dog training basics here.

P

Picky Eater

There are a number of reasons a dog may reject their food, from health-related issues to the fact that they’re bored and holding out for something better. For those hold-outs, Nom Nom’s exciting variety of recipes boast tantalizing textures and tastes that’ll have your pup eagerly running to their bowl every single day. Learn more tips for dealing with a picky eater here.

Q

Quality Time

Spending dedicated, focused time with your dog strengthens your bond, whether that involves exercising together, engaging in tug-of-war, fetch or puzzles or Netflix and chilling. Learn more about how to nurture the person/pup bond here.

R

Routines

Establishing routines is vital for dogs. It can reduce anxiety, enhance training, promote physical health and support emotional stability. Learn more about how to create a routine here.

S

Socialization

This refers to the essential process of exposing dogs to various people, places and situations in order to develop confidence and form healthy relationships with other creatures and the world. Playdates, dog parks and daycares are popular ways to get your pup socialized in a controlled and observed setting. Learn more about how to identify safe play between dogs here.

T

Treats

Healthy treats are a great way to reinforce desired behavior in your dog. Since the best dog (yours) deserves the best treats, Nom Nom’s single ingredient jerky is made with 100% lean chicken or premium beef, making them ideal for training sessions. They can also be offered as a protein-packed snack. Learn more about choosing the right treats for your dog here.

U

Urine Marking

This refers to a behavior where dogs urinate in small amounts to mark their territory. It’s totally normal and healthy behavior when it happens outdoors, but probably something you want to avoid when you’re inside the house. Learn more about pup-proofing your home here.

V

Vet Nutritionist

While vet nutritionists have all the same training and credentials of a regular vet, they have an additional certification that makes them qualified to give nutritional advice. Regular vets spend a nominal amount of their training covering nutrition, but a veterinary nutritionist makes it the key specialization of their medical career. That’s why all of Nom Nom’s recipes have been formulated by veterinary nutritionists to address the unique dietary needs of dogs. Learn more about veterinary nutritions here.

W

Wags

The tail is one of the most expressive parts of a dog’s body. A wagging tail often signifies happiness, but the speed and position can alter its meaning. A slow wag might indicate hesitancy or uncertainty, while a rapid wag usually shows excitement. Learn more about how to read your dog’s body language here.

X

Xylitol

This sugar substitute is highly toxic to dogs, and can be found in many human foods and products like peanut butter. Learn more about harmful foods and additives for dogs here.

Y

Yawn

While yawns can simply indicate tiredness, or be used as a way to calm themselves, yawning can sometimes be an indicator of stress in dogs when dealing with situations such as separation anxiety. Learn more about dealing with separation anxiety here.

Z

Zoomies

Most dog parents know all about zoomies. Referring to sudden bursts of activity that often happen at the same time (oh, those 10 p.m. zoomie sessions), dogs tend to run around wildly, often due to excitement or excess energy. Learn more about ways to work out your dog’s energy here.

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