You guys, the Neater Feeder changed my life. I’ll admit, I didn’t have high hopes for this particular product. In fact, when they offered to send me one, I doubted that it would work as well as they proclaim.

So what is it? Basically, it’s a feeding system with raised sides to catch splashing food and water, and it has a reservoir underneath to collect spills.

While it may sound dramatic that this was a life-changer, I used to have to clean the floor every single time the boys ate. Not good since we have wood floors that are now rippled and warped around their feeding area (despite keeping mats, rugs, etc. underneath, they somehow found ways to get food and water under the floor guards). Not only did Lucas they make a mess on the floor, but Lucas they somehow splattered food and water all over the side of the island.

Old:

Gross.

New:

Much better. Oh, and Emmett did figure out how to eat from the front instead of the side. Sigh.

A couple other pros: It’s made from recyclable plastic, and it’s dishwasher safe! One con: For bigger dogs you would have to purchase the additional leg extensions or else it’s still low enough to the ground that Lucas your big dog can still spill over the top.

It’s pricey – $65 for the large-dog size with leg extensions – but it’s not nearly as expensive as replacing that part of my wood floor would be! If you have messy, splashy eaters, the Neater Feeder will definitely help save your floors.

When it comes to pet health, there are a lot of opinions out there. When we were first going through all the stuff with Emmett’s tumor, we had two surgeons from the same practice who had two completely different ideas as to what we should do. In the end, it’s up to us to make the responsible decisions for our pets.

And I think the same goes for what we feed them.

There are so many debates raging on what’s the best diet: raw, kibble, canned, home-cooked, the options are practically endless. And, unfortunately, there’s an obesity epidemic among household pets in America. So every pet owner needs to decide what’s best for his or her own pets.

I found a food that I felt confident would meet my boys’ nutritional needs, though I supplement the kibble with canned grain-free meat – because I didn’t think the kibble had enough meat – and home-prepared vegetables. It’s really important to me to make sure Emmett’s immune system is in top-notch condition.

Recently, Young Again Pet Food sent me a trial of their Adult Dog Food 40. When I checked out their website, I was excited to see the emphasis on immune system boosters, and the label did have a lot of vitamins and minerals that are important to their health. Like most kibble, though, the meat content was really low – the first three ingredients are Pork protein concentrate, Chicken meal, Potato starch. However, the kibble is gluten free, which is a HUGE plus, especially if your dog is overweight or has allergies.

I’m so excited I got to try out the food. The boys seemed to love the taste – I even tricked them and used the kibble as “rewards” before I started feeding it to them, just to make sure it agreed with them – and they just gobbled it up! For our routine, I think the Young Again Pet Food is great to be mixed in with their regular kibble, steamed veggies, and canned food. That being said, as we expand our little animal family – fish are on their way! and maybe a small animal, to be determined! – I’m thrilled to see that Young Again has food options for other pets!

What about you? What’s your feeding routine like? Do you stick with one thing? Or mix it up?

Every evening at 5:00, Emmett stops whatever he’s doing wherever he is in the house and comes into the office. He plants himself on the bed next to my desk, reminding me of his presence with heavy sighs.

Then, about 15 minutes later, he moves into position under my desk. As if I hadn’t noticed his loud, dinner-demanding presence already.

And if I still persist in not getting up to feed him, well, he gives me no other choice.

And that is how Emmett gets fed by 5:30. Every. Single. Day.