If your dog inhaled their food in 3 seconds flat, you’re not alone — and you’re not imagining the risks. Fast eating is one of the most common causes of a long list of digestive issues in dogs. Luckily, there’s a simple solution that’s backed by veterinarians, behaviorists, and thousands of pet parents:

➡️ Slow feeder bowls.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly why slow feeders matter and why so many parents are switching to them.

🩺 1. Prevents Choking & Gagging

When dogs inhale their food, they’re not chewing — they’re swallowing whole pieces of kibble.

This can cause:

• 
  Gagging
  
• 
  Choking
  
• 
  Vomiting
  
• 
  Regurgitation
  

Slow feeder bowls naturally create obstacles that force your dog to slow down, chew more, and breathe between bites.

🧠 2. Improves Digestion

Eating too fast overwhelms your dog’s stomach.

Slow feeders help by:

• 
  Reducing bloating
  
• 
  Preventing indigestion
  
• 
  Supporting smoother digestion
  
• 
  Slowing down food intake to a healthy pace
  

Your dog isn’t meant to inhale meals — they thrive when they eat at a steady rhythm.

😋 3. Turns Mealtime Into a Fun Puzzle

Dogs LOVE mental stimulation.

Slow feeders:

• 
  Engage your dog’s hunting instincts
  
• 
  Prevent boredom
  
• 
  Support better behavior throughout the day
  

It’s a simple way to add enrichment to your dog’s routine.

🐾 4. Great for Weight Management

Dogs who eat slower often eat less — because they feel full sooner.

This helps prevent overeating and obesity.

✔️ 5. Vet-Recommended for All Breeds

From Frenchies to Goldens to Pugs — every breed benefits from slowing down their eating.

🏆 Final Thoughts

A slow feeder bowl is one of the easiest, most effective upgrades you can make for your dog’s health.

Better digestion, safer eating, improved behavior — all from a simple bowl.

Want to try one?

Check out the BarkLuxe™ Slow Feeder Bowl Collection on our store.

Cat towers aren’t just furniture — they’re a lifeline for your cat’s happiness, confidence, and overall wellbeing. But with so many designs, materials, and sizes to choose from, how do you pick the right one?

Let’s make it simple.

🏠 1. Consider Your Space

Do you have a small apartment? A large living room? A dedicated cat corner?

Choose based on:

• 
  Height: Tall for active climbers, shorter for seniors
  
• 
  Footprint: Wide bases for stability
  
• 
  Aesthetic: Match your home décor (modern, neutral, wood-based designs look best)
  

🐾 2. Look for Multi-Level Designs

Cats naturally love:

• 
  High perches
  
• 
  Safe hiding spots
  
• 
  Stretching zones
  
• 
  Scratching areas
  

A good tower includes multiple levels + a lounging spot at the top.

🎯 3. Prioritize Stability

A wobbling tower = a scary tower.

Look for:

• 
  Strong wood base
  
• 
  Thick posts
  
• 
  Solid weight distribution
  

Your cat should feel safe jumping from level to level.

🐈 4. Check for Scratching Surface Quality

Sisal rope or sisal carpet is ideal.

Avoid:

• 
  Paper rope
  
• 
  Flimsy material
  
• 
  Lightweight cardboard
  

Your cat needs a proper outlet for scratching — it saves your furniture.

🛏️ 5. Add Comfort Elements

Cats love:

• 
  Hammocks
  
• 
  Soft condos
  
• 
  Fuzzy pads
  
• 
  Top perches
  

Soft touches = more naps = happier cat.

🔍 6. Extra Features Worth Having

• 
  Built-in litter box storage
  
• 
  Hidden cabinets
  
• 
  Enclosed dens
  
• 
  Activity toys
  
• 
  Replaceable scratching posts
  

These add value AND save space.

🏆 Final Tip: Choose for Your Cat’s Personality

• 
  Climbers → tall tower
  
• 
  Snugglers → hammock + condos
  
• 
  Scratchers → heavy-duty sisal
  
• 
  Seniors → ramps + lower levels
  

The more a tower matches your cat’s needs, the more they’ll use it.

📦 Want the perfect starter tower?

Check out the BarkLuxe™ Cat Tower & Litter Box Combo — stylish, sturdy, and designed for modern homes.

Most pet parents don’t realize that how you store your dog’s food impacts:

• 
  Nutrition
  
• 
  Freshness
  
• 
  Flavor
  
• 
  Safety
  
• 
  Digestive health
  

So here’s exactly how to store dog food the right way.

🛑 1. Never Leave Kibble in the Original Bag

Once opened, kibble bags:

• 
  Let air in
  
• 
  Allow oils to go rancid
  
• 
  Invite pests
  
• 
  Reduce freshness
  

This leads to stale food… and unhappy stomachs.

✔️ 2. Use an Airtight Storage Container

A proper container prevents:

• 
  Moisture
  
• 
  Odors
  
• 
  Staleness
  
• 
  Bacterial growth
  
• 
  Insect intrusion
  

This keeps food crisp and healthy MUCH longer.

(Exactly why BarkLuxe™ added airtight storage buckets to the shop!)

🧼 3. Clean the Container Regularly

Every refill, wash the inside with:

• 
  Warm water
  
• 
  Mild soap
  
• 
  No harsh chemicals
  

This removes old oils that can cause digestive issues.

🌡️ 4. Store in a Cool, Dark Place

Heat destroys the nutrients in dog food.

Keep the container in:

• 
  Pantry
  
• 
  Closet
  
• 
  Cabinet
  
• 
  Cool part of the kitchen
  

Never store near the heater or sunlight.

🐶 5. Keep the Scoop Clean

Don’t scoop food with dirty hands or cups used for other items.

Cross-contamination can spoil food faster.

🏆 6. Buy Only What Your Dog Can Eat in 30–45 Days

After 6 weeks, even well-stored kibble loses nutrient quality.

Buying in smaller batches = fresher, healthier meals.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Proper food storage is one of the EASIEST ways to improve your dog’s health — and most pet owners overlook it.

If you want to upgrade your storage, check out the BarkLuxe™ Airtight Food Storage Bucket, available in multiple sizes and colors.

Your dog will taste the difference!

Living with pets brings joy, companionship, and lots of hilarious moments — but it also brings fur, odors, muddy paws, and the occasional disaster.

The good news?

Keeping your home clean with pets is completely possible… when you know the right strategies.

Here are 5 proven, pet-parent-approved ways to keep your home fresher, cleaner, and easier to manage — without spending hours cleaning every day.

1️⃣ Use the Right Storage Solutions (Keep Food, Toys & Supplies Contained)

One of the biggest reasons homes look messy with pets is clutter, not dirt.

Using simple storage tools keeps everything organized:

• 
  Airtight food containers prevent spills and odors
  
• 
  Toy baskets keep playtime contained
  
• 
  Small storage bins for leashes, grooming tools, poop bags
  
• 
  Dedicated “pet zones” help keep your home visually neat
  

Your dog or cat doesn’t need to take over the entire house — smart storage keeps things clean and under control.

Pro Tip:

Use our BarkLuxe™ Airtight Food Storage Bucket to keep kibble fresh and mess-free.

2️⃣ Brush & Groom Regularly (Less Hair in the House!)

The number one cause of a messy home?

➡️ SHEdding.

Even short-haired dogs and cats shed more than people realize.

A simple grooming routine helps dramatically:

• 
  Brush your pet 3–4x a week
  
• 
  Use a deshedding tool during shedding season
  
• 
  Bathe every 3–6 weeks depending on breed
  
• 
  Wipe paws after outside play
  

This alone reduces:

✔ Hair on furniture

✔ Hair on floors

✔ Hair on clothing

✔ Dust buildup

And as a bonus — your pet’s skin and coat stay healthier.

3️⃣ Use Machine-Washable Pet Bedding & Blankets

Pets LOVE soft beds and blankets… but they trap hair and odors fast.

Switching to machine-washable materials makes cleaning easy.

Wash weekly or bi-weekly:

• 
  Pet beds
  
• 
  Sofas blankets
  
• 
  Crate pads
  
• 
  Couch throws your pets sleep on
  

Quick, easy, and your home smells WAY fresher.

Try:

Our BarkLuxe™ Cozy Pet Blanket — soft, durable, and completely washable.

4️⃣ Control Odors at the Source

Pet odor doesn’t mean your home is dirty — it means you need better odor control practices.

Use a combination of:

• 
  Airtight litter boxes or covered cat litter furniture
  
• 
  Regular food container cleaning
  
• 
  Pet-safe carpet deodorizing
  
• 
  Washable pee pads
  
• 
  Ventilation (open windows 10 minutes/day)
  

For cats:

Clean the litter box daily + change litter weekly.

For dogs:

Keep bedding clean and use wipes for muddy paws.

Small habits prevent big smells.

5️⃣ Choose Pet-Friendly Home Materials

You can make your life easier with the right home products.

Choose:

• 
  Vacuum-friendly rugs
  
• 
  Furniture with removable covers
  
• 
  Non-slip, easy-clean bowls
  
• 
  Scratch-resistant surfaces
  

Avoid:

• 
  Thick shag carpets
  
• 
  Easily scratched wood
  
• 
  Non-washable fabrics
  
• 
  Decorative items pets knock over easily
  

Your home will stay cleaner with less effort — simply by choosing better materials.

⭐ Final Thoughts: A Cleaner Home Starts with Smart Habits

You don’t need to deep clean every day.

You just need the right tools and a few simple habits.

With organization, proper grooming, washable pet items, and odor control, your home can stay clean, fresh, and comfortable — even with the furriest family members.