Informational

Dental health is one of the most overlooked areas of dog care—and yet it’s one of the most important. Just like humans, dogs can develop plaque, tartar, gum disease, and even systemic health issues if their oral hygiene is neglected.

In fact, studies show that over 80% of dogs develop some form of dental disease by the age of three. Left untreated, dental issues can lead to pain, tooth loss, bad breath, and infections that affect vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. That’s why Dental Health Awareness Month is the perfect reminder to give your pup’s teeth the care they deserve.

👉 Shop our full Dental Range and enjoy 25% OFF until the end of August.

Signs Your Dog Needs Dental Care

It’s not always easy to tell when your dog’s teeth need attention, but here are the most common signs:

• Bad breath that doesn’t go away
• Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
• Bleeding gums or drooling
• Pawing at the mouth or difficulty eating
• Loose or missing teeth
• Changes in mood—irritability or reluctance to play with toys

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to take action before the problem worsens.

Natural Dental Care Products That Work

At Nooch Pets, we’ve created a dental care range that’s both effective and gentle—using natural, science-backed ingredients designed to support oral health without harsh chemicals. Here’s how each product helps:

🦷 Vitamin Sea Powder

• Key ingredient: Seaweed meal
• How it works: Seaweed naturally reduces plaque and tartar buildup by altering the biofilm on teeth, making it harder for bacteria to stick.
• Best for: Daily prevention and long-term oral health support.

🌿 Minty Fresh Dental Spray

• Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, coconut MCT oil, peppermint tincture
• How it works: This water additive supports fresher breath, balances oral pH, and helps control bacteria. Easy to add to your dog’s water bowl.
• Best for: Fresh breath and daily maintenance.

✨ Flashy Fangs Toothpaste

• Key ingredients: Turmeric, castor oil
• How it works: Turmeric offers natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, while castor oil supports gum health. Designed to be safe to swallow—because let’s face it, dogs don’t spit!
• Best for: Dogs who tolerate brushing and need extra gum support.

🐾 Shark Stis (Shark Cartilage) & Quack Feet (Duck Feet)

• How it works: These natural chews encourage chewing, which mechanically scrapes away plaque while providing joint and bone support.
• Best for: Dogs who love to chew and need a healthy, functional dental treat.

Choosing the Right Dental Care Routine

Every dog is different, and the best dental care plan often involves a combination of products:

• For prevention: Vitamin Sea Powder + Shark Stis or Quack Feet
• For fresher breath: Minty Fresh Dental Spray
• For targeted gum and tooth support: Flashy Fangs Toothpaste with brushing sessions
• For a full routine: Combine one daily additive (powder or spray), regular brushing, and natural chews for a triple-action approach.

Keep Your Dog’s Smile Bright – Special Offer

This Dental Health Awareness Month, we’re making it easier than ever to start your dog on the path to better oral health.

👉 Shop our full Dental Range and enjoy 25% OFF until the end of August.

Because a healthy mouth means a happier, healthier dog—for years to come.

Feeding your pet might seem simple—but the bowl you use can make a big difference in their digestion, comfort, and even long-term health. From materials to function, there’s a lot more to consider than just style or colour. 

In this guide, we’ll break down 8 types of pet bowls, their benefits, potential drawbacks, and how to choose the best one for your dog or cat. 

1. Stainless Steel Bowls 
Overview: The most common and highly recommended option for pets. 

Pros: 
• Durable and long-lasting 
• Easy to clean and dishwasher safe 
• Doesn’t retain odours or bacteria 
• Often has rubber bottoms to prevent slipping 
Cons: 
• Not ideal for microwaving 
• Can be noisy if moved around 
• May rust if low quality 
Best for: Everyday use, pets prone to allergies, hygienic feeding 

2. Plastic Bowls 
Overview: Lightweight, affordable, and comes in fun designs. 

Pros: 
• Inexpensive and widely available 
• Lightweight and portable 
• Variety of shapes and colours 
Cons: 
• Scratches easily, trapping bacteria 
• Can cause chin acne in some pets 
• Not as durable 
Best for: Travel or backup bowls—not ideal for long-term use 

3. Ceramic Bowls 
Overview: Heavier bowls with stylish or handmade appeal. 

Pros: 
• Aesthetic designs 
• Easy to clean (if glazed properly) 
• Heavier, harder to tip over 
Cons: 
• Can chip or crack 
• Must ensure food-safe, lead-free glaze 
• Not always dishwasher safe 
Best for: Calm pets in a stable feeding area 

4. Elevated Bowls 
Overview: Bowls mounted on a raised stand or platform. 

Pros: 
• Promotes better posture, especially for senior or large dogs 
• Can help reduce strain on neck and joints 
• Easier access for pets with arthritis or injuries 
Cons: 
• Not suitable for all pets—can worsen bloat in some deep-chested dogs 
• Takes up more space 
Best for: Large breeds, seniors, or pets with joint issues 

5. Automatic Feeders 
Overview: Dispense food at set times or in measured portions. 

Pros: 
• Great for busy households 
• Promotes routine and portion control 
• Can help manage weight or multiple pets 
Cons: 
• Can malfunction if not cleaned 
• Requires batteries or power 
• Some pets may try to break into them! 
Best for: Cats or dogs needing consistent mealtimes 

6. Slow Feed Bowls 
Overview: Bowls with ridges or patterns that prevent rapid eating. 

Pros: 
• Helps prevent choking, gas, and bloat 
• Mentally stimulating 
• Encourages slower, healthier eating habits 
Cons: 
• Can frustrate some pets 
• Harder to clean depending on the design 
Best for: Fast eaters or pets prone to digestive issues 

7. Puzzle Feeders 
Overview: Interactive feeding tools that turn mealtime into a game. 

Pros: 
• Provides mental enrichment 
• Prevents boredom and destructive behaviour 
• Slows down eating naturally 
Cons: 
• Not all pets will enjoy the challenge 
• Takes more time to prepare 
• May require supervision 
Best for: Intelligent breeds or pets that need enrichment 

8. Lick Mats 
Overview: Flat silicone mats that hold soft foods like peanut butter, yogurt, or wet food. 

Pros: 
• Great for calming anxiety 
• Promotes slower licking and digestion 
• Easy to freeze for enrichment 
Cons: 
• Not suitable for kibble 
• Needs frequent cleaning 
• Can be chewed if left unsupervised 
Best for: Anxiety relief, crate training, or grooming distractions 

Final Thoughts 
Feeding bowls are more than just accessories—they’re tools that affect how your pet eats, digests, and even behaves. Whether you choose a classic stainless-steel bowl, an interactive puzzle feeder, or a calming lick mat, the right choice depends on your pet’s age, breed, habits, and needs. 

As a loving pet parent, you want to keep your dog or cat healthy and protected—but do they really need yearly vaccinations, or could titre testing be a smarter approach?

In this post, we’ll explore the difference between traditional annual pet vaccinations and titre testing for dogs and cats, so you can make an informed decision based on science, health, and what’s right for your furry companion.

What Is Titre Testing?

Titre testing (also spelled “titer”) is a simple blood test that checks your pet’s immunity to specific diseases. Instead of automatically administering annual vaccines, a vet can perform a titre test to measure the level of protective antibodies in your pet’s system.

Commonly tested diseases include:
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Adenovirus (Hepatitis)

If your pet’s antibody levels are sufficient, they may not need another vaccine at that time.

What Are Yearly Vaccines?

Yearly vaccines are the traditional approach to pet disease prevention. These vaccines are often administered on an annual or triennial schedule depending on the disease and product used.

Core vaccines for dogs typically include:
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Adenovirus
- Rabies (where legally required)

Non-core vaccines like kennel cough or leptospirosis may also be given based on lifestyle and risk.

While vaccines are a crucial part of preventative care, giving them more often than necessary can be unnecessary or even harmful in certain cases.

Why Pet Parents Are Considering Titre Testing

Here at Nooch Pets, we’ve seen a growing trend of conscious pet parents turning to titre testing for several reasons:

1. Reducing Over-Vaccination
 Studies show that many pets maintain strong immunity for years after their last core vaccine. Over-vaccination can cause inflammation, allergic reactions, or even immune disorders in rare cases.

2. Personalised Pet Care, Titre testing allows you and your vet to tailor your pet’s health plan based on actual need, rather than a one-size-fits-all schedule.

3. Ideal for Sensitive or Senior Pets If your pet has previously reacted to vaccines or is older with a weaker immune system, titre testing can avoid unnecessary stress on their body.

4. Peace of Mind Many pet parents are happy to pay a little more for a titre test upfront if it means avoiding risks and knowing their pet is protected.

So, Should You Still Vaccinate?

Yes! Vaccines are essential, especially for puppies, kittens, and pets who have never been 
vaccinated. Titre testing is not a replacement for vaccines—it’s a tool to determine whether additional doses are needed once a pet is already vaccinated.

Nooch Pets Recommends:
We believe in science-backed, individualized care. Speak to your vet about whether titre testing for dogs or cats is appropriate for your pet’s age, lifestyle, and medical history. This way, you can support strong immunity without overmedication.

There’s no one way to care for your pet’s immune health. Whether you choose yearly vaccines or titre testing, the most important thing is staying informed and working with your vet to find the right balance.

For more wellness tips and expert info, follow @nooch_pets on socials or visit us online to explore our curated health and nutrition range.

If your pet struggles with itchy skin, chronic ear infections, or digestive discomfort, switching their diet might be the solution. You’ve likely seen labels boasting hypoallergenic dog food or novel protein for dogs but, what do these terms actually mean?

At Nooch Pets, we’re passionate about clear, science-backed pet nutrition. This guide will help you understand the differences and similarities between hypoallergenic and novel proteins, with examples to help you choose the best option for your dog or cat.

What Is Hypoallergenic Protein?
Hypoallergenic protein is a term used for animal proteins that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in pets. These proteins are typically used in limited ingredient diets for pets who suffer from food intolerances, itching, or inflammation.

Hypoallergenic pet foods often feature:
- A single source protein
- Minimal or no common allergens (like chicken, beef, or dairy)
- High digestibility and reduced inflammation risk

✅ Examples of hypoallergenic proteins:
- Kangaroo
- Rabbit 
- Goat 
- Crocodile 
- Turkey

Hypoallergenic dog food and hypoallergenic cat food are frequently recommended by vets as part of an elimination diet, a method used to identify food allergies through controlled feeding trials.

What Is a Novel Protein?
A novel protein is a protein source that your pet has never consumed before. While it might be common in the pet food industry, it’s “novel” to your individual pet if they’ve never eaten it, making it less likely to cause a negative immune response.

The idea behind novel protein dog food is simple: by introducing a new, unfamiliar protein, your pet’s body is less likely to react, especially if they’ve developed sensitivities to common proteins like chicken or lamb.

✅ Examples of novel proteins:
- Venison 
- Quail 
- Wallaby 
- Insect protein 
- Salmon (if your pet hasn’t eaten fish before)

Novel proteins can also be used in elimination diets and are especially helpful in managing food sensitivities in dogs and cats.

While the two overlap, they’re not identical. A novel protein may be hypoallergenic for your pet, but not all hypoallergenic dog food uses novel proteins.

How to Choose the Right Protein for Your Pet
If your dog or cat shows signs of allergies, like scratching, hot spots, loose stools, or frequent licking, your vet might recommend a limited ingredient diet for pets using either a hypoallergenic or novel protein source.

Pro Tip: Elimination diets often last 6–8 weeks, and it’s crucial not to feed anything outside of the chosen formula during that time.

At Nooch Pets, we stock a curated range of single protein dehydrated treats, each one carefully selected for quality and suitability for sensitive pets.

Whether you’re dealing with food allergies or just looking to optimize your pet’s diet, 
understanding the difference between hypoallergenic vs novel proteins is key. Both can support pets with sensitivities, but choosing the right one depends on your pet’s individual history and health needs.

Visit Nooch Pets online for expert advice and a carefully selected range of science-backed, pet-friendly grooming, treats and wellness products. We’re here to support you on your journey to better pet health, one bowl at a time.