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The days might finally be getting a bit longer again but they aren’t getting warmer! We have compiled a list of handy tips to keep your dog safe this winter!

Stuck with what to get your dog this Christmas? Don't worry Jurassic Bark have got you covered with a range of gifts for all price ranges!

What makes a dog food "healthy" is a hot topic at the moment and with good reason. Just like we've all become more aware of making ourselves healthier, the same attitude should be applied to our furry, four-legged friends too.  Let's set the scene, you're in your local supermarket doing your weekly shop and you've arrived at the pet food aisle. Slightly daunting, isn't it? With shelves of pet food claiming to be the best option for your pup, it's easy to gravitate towards the cheapest brand with the cutest packaging and call it a day. However, this isn't always the best strategy when it comes to ensuring your dog is getting a well-balanced and healthy diet.  That's precisely why the lovely team at Jurassic Bark are here to break it down in simple, digestible (pardon the pun) chunks, so you can come away from this blog post knowing what you should (and shouldn't) be feeding your dog. Let's begin with what type of dog food is out there. You'll be able to get your hands on both wet and dry foods in all pet shops and supermarkets. Dry food will come in either biscuit, pellet or kibble form, whereas wet food will most commonly come in a gravy sauce or jelly chunks, (which we know doesn't sound too appealing, but your dog loves it!) You'll also be able to find raw dog food, which often comes frozen and has a high meat content. It's not a case of whether wet or dry food is healthier, but in terms of your dogs' enjoyment, wet food tends to be more palatable and the excess water can keep them hydrated, which is a bonus. However, if you're on the hunt for something a little less messy, opt for dry food. You also get more bang for your buck, too.  Now we've defined the different types of dog food on the market and we're about to answer the golden question 'what should be in your dog's food?' We'd recommend looking for food with high meat content. Of course, high protein levels can also be achieved through plant sources, but the healthiest option is to ensure your dog food has a mixture of animal and plant protein when buying commercially prepared dog food.  Another handy tip when it comes to spotting excellent dog food is to make sure you're looking for the words "complete and balanced" on the packaging. If you spot this, it indicates the food should be providing all the nutrients your pet needs in healthy amounts. Beware though, as 'holistic' doesn't mean the same thing, it's just a crafty marketing trick.  If you can't find "complete and balanced" anywhere on the packaging, fear not. Get your reading glasses out, because it's time to read the small print. Have a look for the AAFCO adequacy statement (which stands for Association of American Feed Controls) on the packaging, as these clever people specialise in providing nutritional advice for pet owners. If the food is marked "intermittent or supplemental", then it probably isn't ideal.  We also want to point out that although the contents of what's in your pet's food is important, portion sizes are just as vital in ensuring your pet is healthy. Canine obesity is experiencing an epidemic at the minute, so make sure you aren't overfeeding your dog. Manufacturers will include recommended serving sizes on the packaging, and it will vary from brand to brand, so make sure you give it a read and measure the food out.   Our last tip when it comes to ensuring your pet has the healthiest diet possible is check in with your vet, especially if you're thinking of making adjustments to what your dog eats. Your vet will know your pup really well and will be aware of their unique needs so will be able to recommend brands best suited to your dog.  Jurassic Barks top healthy picks for your dog:   Eden  Acana  Orijen  Barking Heads   Of course, if you have any questions about the dog food we sell, drop us a message on social media or pop into one of our stores for a chat. 

Find out how we're making the world a little greener, each paw print at a time. It seems everyone's talking about climate change, and with good reason. But Jurassic Bark didn't just want to join the conversation; we wanted to take action.  We want to reduce our carbon footprint in our lovely little corner of Norfolk. With lots of alarming statistics and data hitting the headlines each week, it inspired the team to transform ourselves into eco-warriors.  Keep reading to discover what we're up to, and how both you and your pet can get involved!     Does your cat eat wet food? If so, you'll know that the pet pouches that the food comes in aren't recyclable at home, which means there's a huge amount of packaging going into landfills. As pet owners ourselves, we understand just how frustrating this can be. This is why we came up with a pretty nifty solution that we're rather proud of (if we do say so ourselves.) You can now bring your used wet food pouches into the store, and we'll recycle them for you! So far, it's proved extremely popular with our customers, and we're recycling a minimum of four bags a week, which is fantastic. You can pop your pet pouches into either of stores, and one of our lovely team members will be happy to help you.   However, that's not all our green fingers have been getting up to in-store. All of our delicious frozen food gets delivered in large polystyrene tubs which, before now, have been thrown away in the bin. With our new determination to make the world a little greener, we decided to push back on our suppliers to see if there was any alternative solution. And voila, there was! We now collect all the tubs until we've made a pretty impressive polystyrene tower of around 40 containers, which we then send back to the supplier for them to re-use. It turns out Tesco were right; every little does help.     Did you know that each year it's estimated than an eye-watering 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are used and thrown away? Yikes. As a result, Jurassic Bark is now proud to announce that we'll be swapping all our plastic bags for paper bags in both our stores. If you pop into either our Littleport or Downham Market shop and stock up on goodies for your furry friend you'll now get a biodegradable paper bag to take away with you. Make sure you put it into your recycling bin once you get home!   If you're looking to buy into more ethical pet brands, then Jurassic Bark is the place to be. We stock a range of products that are kind to the environment and feature recyclable packaging. First up is Goood, which offers sustainable premium dog food that doesn't come at the expense of animal welfare or the environment. Win, win. If that wasn't enough, Goood has also won the Ethical Award, so you can sleep easy at night knowing you're doing your bit. Check out their delicious range of wet food, dry food and treats, which include free range chicken, organic turkey and sustainable fish. Of course, we couldn't be chatting about eco-friendly pet brands without mentioning Norfolk's very own Pooch's. Pooch's source all their meat from Norfolk Butchers and East Anglia suppliers and their product packaging are fuss-free and friendly to the environment. Lovely.     If you'd like to chat about anything eco-friendly or sustainability-related, pop into store where one of our team members will be happy to assist you!

Naturally, the thought of inviting a new pet into your home brings feelings of excitement, joy and bundles of fluffy cuddles. Pets need lots of love, care and attention. So you need to establish what type of pet will best suit the needs of you, and your family's lifestyle before purchasing. Jurassic Bark has put together some top tips from across the internet to help you decide what type of pet you might like to become an owner to.   Having a pet comes with a lot of responsibility. Although we'd love to tell you owning a pet is all sunshine and rainbows; unfortunately, that's not always the case. So it's good to be prepared and clued about all the pros and cons of each animal to help you decide whether they'll be a good fit for you.    Whether you're debating over a horse, dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig or fish, give this blog post a read for some quality advice. Oh, remember, Jurassic Bark sell pet supplies for animals of all shapes and sizes, so make sure you pop into store or online when you have your pet!     There are several fun quizzes online that you can take, which tells you what pet you're best suited to dependent on the answers you give. Although this can be amusing, we advise you don't leave it up to an online quiz to decide your fate on what pet you should choose.   Blue Cross recommends some critical factors to consider when choosing which pet to buy. First up, think about your lifestyle. A dog needs a lot of attention, so if you work full-time, you need to find a way of taking care of them during the day. Hiring a dog walker or looking into dog-day care centres are a great solution. Alternatively, if you're able to pop home on your lunch break to feed and walk your pup, this is a good option. If you're thinking of introducing a cat into your life, make sure you have plenty of safe, outside space for them to roam.  As coming home to a clawed armchair because your cat has been cooped up all day isn't ideal.      It is also key to research factors such as; the size, temperament, exercise requirements, lifespan and health predispositions of different pets and breeds. Once you know all this information, you'll be able to decide whether the pet is the right choice for you, emphasises Blue Cross.     But it's not just lifestyle you need to consider, other elements to think about include is money. Owning a pet isn't cheap, as it's not just buying your pet that's the expensive part. You'll need to budget for things like insurance, neutering, microchipping, vaccinations, food, toys and unexpected vet bills. Some pets can only cost a couple of hundred pounds per year; however others can be upwards of a few thousand. Therefore it's essential to think ahead of what you can afford to spend on your pet before you buy them.   It's also important to use a reputable breeder if you want to buy a pedigree dog or cat, recommend Blue Cross. Make sure to ask the breeder for all the official paperwork, especially health screening certificates and written medical history.   Try to avoid buying your pet from an online breeder, especially those who offer many different breeds of pets. There's a good chance they could be puppy farms or have no real concern when it comes to the wellbeing of the pets they are selling.     Last but not least, it is vital to wave goodbye to any preconceived ideas you have about a pet before you buy, says Blue Cross. It's important to remember that every pet has its personality, with most dogs having strong traits dependent on their breed. For example, although you might wrinkle your nose at owning a rat, they making fantastic pets. Not only do rats love social interaction, but they also make far better pets in comparison to hamsters or chinchillas. Hamsters and Chinchillas are nocturnal, meaning when your children want to play, they'll be asleep.      

It’s official everyone, we’re in June, which means one thing- it’s summertime. (Hurrah!) The days get longer, BBQ’s become a staple in the nation’s diets, and beachside walks actually become enjoyable. One thing that should be a priority this summer is ensuring your dog is safe in the warmer weather.   And although in England we aren’t always blessed with the hottest summers and endless sunshine, it’s always best to be prepared, just in case a miracle occurs.   Jurassic Bark has compiled some handy tips and products to ensure you’re fully clued up on how to give your dog the coolest, happiest summer yet.     Did you know humans aren’t the only ones who can catch the sun? Our furry friends can also get burnt, especially white or thin-coated dogs, who are most vulnerable. Area’s to keep an eye out for are noses, ears and bellies, as often these are the body parts with less body hair to protect them from UV rays. So, how can we avoid dogs catching a tan? Vets 4 pets recommend that on really sunny days, keeping your dog out of the sun altogether. Keeping your pup away from direct sunlight will stop them burning, so making sure they stay in the shade or inside that has plenty of good ventilation.   Thinking of jetting off abroad and taking your dog away with you? Some European countries allow you to bring your bet along for the trip, but you’ll need to get your pooch a Pet Passport. Although this sounds made up, it is, in fact, a requirement if you’d like to take your dog, cat or ferret sight-seeing. Pet passport require owners to have their dogs vaccinated, microchipped and treated for parasites before returning back home. Happy holidays!     In the warmer months, some dogs love nothing more than cooling off by taking a swim in the sea, streams or lakes. But be careful, because although this can lots of fun for your pup, not all dogs are natural swimmers. Make sure you keep an eye on your dog if they decide to take a dip, just to be safe. It’s also important to bare in mind that the sea can have strong currents, which can’t always be seen from the beach. However, this isn’t the only danger when it comes to fresh-water swimming. Seawater can really upset your dog’s tummy, so make sure you give them a drink of clean water to flush them through. Alongside upset tummies, dogs can also contract earaches if they enjoy a swim. Make sure they are all dried off to reduce the possibility of any nasty infections.   Hydration is also super important when it comes to keeping your dog safe in the sun. As we all know, dogs love to excitedly run around and play games, but in hot weather, although this is lots of fun, it can be quite dangerous. If your four-legged friend overheats and becomes dehydrated, this can lead to heatstroke and other health problems. So how can this be avoided? The exact amount of water your dog should be drinking really depends on size, activity level and weather conditions, reveals doghealth.com. Try and aim for ½ to 1 ounce per pound of body weight per day, and make sure you check your dog’s water consistently, ensuring it is cool. You can also make dog-friendly ice cubes and popsicles for a little sunshine treat.     Check out some of Jurassic Bark’s top product picks that will help keep your dog safe this summer.   Aquamat Chiller Cooling Coat Available in 6 sizes and in stock in both stores, the Aquamat chiller cool coat is made out of a material which especially holds cold water without getting your dog wet, allowing them to stay comfortable in the sunshine.     Scruffs Cool Mat The Scruffs cool matt is super handy as it doesn’t require you to fill it with any water. Filled with a non-toxic gel, the mat is self-cooling and is typically 5-10 degrees cooler than room temperature. It also comes in 4 sizes, so there’s a mat to fit every dog.     Kiwi Walker Travel Bowl Keep your pup hydrated on the move! Kiwi Walker has created collapsible travel bowls that zip up into a small compartment that can easily be hooked onto a belt or bag.  

There’s no denying that the pet supplies market is very saturated with an overwhelming number of products claiming to be the best quality for your pets. Whether that’s down to price, health benefits or taste, it can all get a little confusing. That’s why the experts and pet fanatics at Jurassic Bark have compiled a handy guide of the latest must-have pet products that your pooch absolutely needs. ASAP.   Number 1 on the list is Norfolk’s very own Pooch’s hand-made dog treats. Not only are these products delicious, low in fat, environmentally friendly AND made right on our doorstop. Stocked in some very luxurious hotels across the country, our favourite flavours are the cheese bones, beef bites and the scrummy fish fingers. Shop   Soopa is big on providing your pet with healthy treats, and in our eyes, a healthy pet is a healthy pet. Soopa treats and supplements boast 100% natural ingredients, are low in fat, hypoallergic and full of enzymes that clean teeth, help digestions and support health. If that’s not enough of reason to stock up, we’re not sure what is! Soopa products also come in some tasty unique flavours such as papaya and raw coconut. Shop     Number 3 on our list is the brilliant Acana dog food, and by far our most popular seller in the Jurassic Bark stores, and with good reason too. The brand is infamous for their products being rich in meat and protein, with a focus on cutting down on carbohydrates and glycaemic which is not only a leading cause of obesity and diabetes within pets, conventional dog foods often have over 50% carb content. Shop     Without a doubt the cosiest, comfiest beds on the market for your pup. Danish Design is a lifestyle range of bedding that delivers an unrivalled level of comfort in all its products. Jurassic Bark’s person favourite is the Bobble Bed, due to its popularity amongst pets and their owners for years thanks its stylish design and snugness. Shop  

We all had a fantastic time last weekend when the lovely team from Scrumbles who came to join us at both our Littleport and Downham Market stores!   Jurassic Bark called on all daring dogs, cool cats and outstanding owners to attend our exclusive pet event held at our Jurassic Bark stores on the 27th of April. We were honoured to have the experts from delicious and nutritious pet-food brand Scrumbles come and educate ourselves and our customers all about the importance of your pet’s gut health.   If you couldn’t make it to the event, there’s no need to panic, as we’ll fill you in on all the valuable must-know information that the Scrumbles Team revealed to us during the event!   Did you know that cats and dogs have never been as unhealthy as they are right now? With ingredient lists in most supermarket-bought pet food longer than a piece of string, including suspicious non-meat sources and pea protein, and actually doing more harm than good, the Scrumbles team came to chat to us about their range of products that are gut and poo friendly!     Now for the science bit. Your pets have a unique collection of hundreds of types of microorganisms in their digestive tract, which is sometimes called the gut microbiome. The reason your dog’s gut health is so important is that the bacteria found within the gut is crucial for digestion and holding on to the nutrients from the food your pup eats. The microbiome affects everything from mental wellbeing to weight, so choosing the right food for your furry friend really is important for their health and happiness.   After realising how key this is to pets overall quality of life, the clever bunch at Scrumbles spent over a year studying canine and feline nutrition. With a helping hand from some nutritionists, they experimented to create the ultimate collection of tasty pet food. That’s exactly why Jurassic Bark is super excited to now stock Scrumbles in both our Littleport and Downham Market stores, with a selection of food to buy online, too.   According to our trusty Jurassic Bark mascots, Dudley and Dave, the Gnasher Dental Bones are the ultimate favourite, as not only are they delicious and minty, they also have a crunchy texture which is great for teeth cleaning action. Everyone that attended the event got some samples to take home for their pet to test, and were treated to free nail clips by our in-house dog groomer, Beth. We’d love to hear if your pets love Scrumbles as much as ours!   Keep your eyes peeled on our social media channels for any upcoming events hosted at our Jurassic Bark stores, and make sure you Check out Scrumbles blog here. They have plenty of helpful information ranging from everything about the safety of grain-free dog food, whether your cat should eat cheese to a not-for-the-squeamish healthy dog poop chart.   If you attended the event, let us know what you thought in the comments below!

Pssst, did you know there’s another bank holiday coming up on the 6th of May? There’s no better time to start exploring with your four-legged friend and discover the beauty of Norfolk. From historic market towns to stunning coastlines and traditional pubs offering mouth-watering foods, plus a lovely little pet supplies store right around the corner, you’re spoilt for choice of things to see and do. Jurassic Bark has compiled a handy list of the best pet-friendly things to do in Downham Market and surrounding areas. Give it a read and let us know which you are planning to head to first!   Downham Market Town Hall and Clock   It wouldn’t be a trip to Downham Market without visiting the infamous town hall or clock, now would it? With Downham Market proudly holding the title of Norfolk’s oldest market town, it’s certainly not short on historic architecture or character. Dating back to Saxon Times, the town has managed to its intimate and rustic charm. A visit to the bustling market on Friday’s and Saturdays is a must, with a selection of fresh produce, crafts, clothes and collectables.   High Lodge, Thetford Forest, near Brandon   If you love being at one with nature, head down to High Lodge at Thetford Forest, for an adventure in the woods. The forest has 4 walking trails, 3 cycling trails, forest Segway tours (perhaps not the most dog-friendly activity,) play areas, activity trails, picnic areas, a café and archery lessons. There really is something for everyone, so if the sun is out, why not head down and make a day of it! Wear the kids and the dog out. Win, win!   Bedingfeld Arms   A 20-minute drive from Downham Market is Bedingfeld Arms, a dog-friendly pub and B&B. The pub boasts 5 cosy ensuite bedrooms, 2 of which welcome dogs. There are plenty of recommended walks near the B&B, including a 3.5-mile stroll to the beautiful Gooderstone Water Gardens. Oh, and did we mention they even provide doggy-snacks and water bowls behind the bar?! Adorable.   Snettisham Beach   Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside, especially when we’ve got our dogs with us! Snettisham Beach is just a 35-minute drive from Downham Market, so grab your buckets and spades and head down! Described as a natural heaven and largely unspoiled, there’s no doubt your pet will enjoy the fresh sea air as much as you. If you get a little bit peckish after your beachside walk, make sure you head down to the very popular Snettisham Beach Fish & Chip shop, that even remains open during winter months. Jurassic Bark Downham Market Store You didn’t think we’d write a list of things to see and do in Downham Market without suggesting a trip to the Jurassic Bark store, did you? If you’re in the area, we’d love for you to pop in with your pets to say hello! Browse around our fantastic range of products for animals of all shapes and sizes, we have something for everyone! Plus, we’re a pretty friendly bunch.   

With the clocks going back last weekend signalling the official start of British Summer, there’s no better time to take your favourite four-legged friend out to explore the best Cambridge and Ely has to offer! Jurassic Bark has compiled a handy list of all the must-visit pet-friendly places that’s not just a great day out for your dog, but you too. If you’re planning on visiting any of these places, let us know in the comments below! 1) Wicken Fen Nature Reserve Boasting a massive 254.5 hectares of the national nature reserve (possibly the longest dog walk ever, if you fancy tackling it all) which welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes as long as they are kept safely on a lead. The reserve also has the Wicken Fen Big Vision Weekend coming up, starting bright and early on Saturday 4th of May with a Dawn Chorus Walk. If you prefer a slightly later start to your morning, fear not, as there will be vision boat trips, walks, demonstrations and activities for the entire family (and furry friends) too. 2) Scudamore Punting If you’ve never tried punting it really is a must, and for those who have never heard of it, a punt is a flat bottom boat typically used in small rivers or shallow water. Scudamore Punting in Cambridge lets your dog tag along for the ride too. Sit back and relax, or punt the boat yourself 364 days a year, (minus Christmas Day.) We recommend opting for a summers day with a picnic in hand for ultimate bliss. 3) Denny Abbey Farmland Museum Friendly dogs are welcome on a lead to explore the 850-year-old Denny Abbey Farmland Museum. Have a wander around the 17th century stone bar, farmworker’s cottage and the beautiful Denney Abbey. You can also transport yourself back in time with the museums traditional 1940’s village shop, we wonder if they sold pizza back in 1940? Pop in to find out! 4) Peacocks Tea Room, Ely There isn’t anything better than a cup of tea and a thick slice of homemade cake after a long walk, so with the added bonus that Peacocks Tea Room in Ely also allows dogs inside to enjoy the rest with you, it’s a must visit. With over 600 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, great food and service are almost guaranteed. Plus, you’ve definitely earned that slice of cake, (or two.)    5) Jurassic Bark Pet Supplies You didn’t think we’d write a list of things to see and do in Cambridge without suggesting a trip to the Jurassic Bark store, did you? If you’re in the area, we’d love for you to pop in with your pets to say hello! Browse around our fantastic range of products for animals of all shapes and sizes, we have something for everyone! Plus, we’re a pretty friendly bunch.     Make sure you’re following us on all our social media channels, especially our newly created Twitter page! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jurassicbarkpetsupplies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jurassicbarkltd/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jurassicbarkpe1

Ineu, a small town in Romania, has a very forward thinking Mayor who realises the problems Romania faces with masses of street dogs. No Acana or Eden for these dogs, just whatever they can find on their day scouring the local area.