Welcome to the K9 Essentials blog

What will you find here? Opinionated posts, generally written by Karl on a number of different topics. From product reviews, informative articles through to pure opinion about common dog issues, you are sure to find something to read. Feel free to leave a comment. If you agree, disagree or find something useful let us know … Read more

Dive into Relief: The Benefits of Swim Therapy in a Heated Pool for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a challenging condition that affects many dogs, particularly larger breeds. It’s a painful, degenerative disorder where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, resulting in discomfort, limited mobility, and reduced quality of life. While there are various treatment options available, one that has been gaining popularity and success is swim therapy in a … Read more

Dog breath

close up of dog head for dog category

As pet owners, we love to be close to our dog, but sometimes our their breath can make it hard to enjoy their company. Bad breath in dogs is not only unpleasant for us, but it can also indicate an underlying health issue. Here are some causes and ideas on how to prevent it. Causes … Read more

Hydrotherapy Treatment for Dogs with Osteochondritis Dissecans: A Soothing Path to Recovery

dog swimming in a pool

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a challenging joint disorder that can affect our canine companions, causing discomfort and mobility issues. When it comes to managing OCD in dogs, a comprehensive approach that includes both medical and therapeutic interventions is often recommended. One such therapeutic modality is hydrotherapy, which offers a gentle and effective way to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation process. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of hydrotherapy as a treatment option for dogs with osteochondritis dissecans and how it can contribute to their overall well-being.

The Mind-Blowing Secret to Relieving Your Dog’s Aches and Pains with Dog Osteopathy!

dog being treated

  Owning a dog with joint problems can be a challenging and heart-wrenching experience. Watching your furry companion struggle with pain and limited mobility is never easy. As a responsible dog owner, you’re constantly seeking solutions to alleviate their discomfort and improve their quality of life. In your quest for answers, you may have come … Read more

New Information Challenges DCM’s Link To Grain Free Pet Food

New Information Challenges DCM’s Link to Grain Free Pet Food CREDIT: Truth About Pet Food  www.truthaboutpetfood.com   The question if grain free dog food is linked to heart disease (DCM) in dogs has been in discussion for years. After initially appearing to be siding with grain-included pet food manufacturers, the FDA has basically refused to … Read more

Dog Friendly Weed Killer

Dog Friendly Weed Killer Simple but effective. 1L white vinegar 2Tbsp liquid dishwash 1 cup salt spray bottle Stir the salt into the vinegar to dissolve it, add dishwash and stir well. Pour the mixed solution into a spray bottle. On a sunny dry day, soak the weeds or plants you want to kill. Be … Read more

BHA/BHT – Does ORIJEN contain BHA/BHT?

Champion’s ingredients and foods are never preserved with BHA/BHT or any other chemical preservative. Champion never adds BHA or BHT (or any other chemical preservative) to our pet foods or ingredients, and all ingredients and foods are preserved with our proprietary blend of vitamin E with botanical extracts. As BHA and BHT are typically present … Read more

Human Grade Ingredients?

ARE ORIJEN and ACANA INGREDIENTS HUMAN GRADE? All of our local poultry, fish, red meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables are passed fit for human consumption by the Government of Canada before arriving at our kitchens fresh each day. Our poultry, fish, lamb and beef meals, fats and oils are produced only from animals passed fit … Read more

Irradiation?

ARE ORIJEN & ACANA PRODUCTS IRRADIATED OR TREATED UPON ENTRY INTO NZ? NO. All our products are shipped directly from Canada to NZ then trucked direct to our facility in Whangarei where we are Biosecurity certified to unpacked it ourselves in-house.  MAF do not require ORIJEN or ACANA products be irradiated or treated in anyway what-so-ever and are completely safe for your … Read more