Full time jobs, frequent traveling and a jam-packed schedule often make it tough to maintain a truly healthy lifestyle. Many of my clients tell me they hardly have time to prepare fresh meals for themselves, let alone their pet. But I’m happy to tell you that with a little planning, and some extra support, you can easily fit the best ways to keep your pet healthy into your busy lifestyle.
Shop Smart
One of the most awesome things about The Original CrockPet Diet is the wholesome ingredients. This homecooked diet for pets is made with foods that you probably already purchase for your family at the grocery store or farmer’s market. Lean protein fresh (or frozen) veggies, and healthy fats… sound familiar?
I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t have the time to make multiple shopping trips in one week. And I don’t want to spend hours in the grocery store shopping two different lists. So, a great solution is to plan your pet’s diet AND your family’s diet symbiotically.
Just as you rotate your own diet, you should also rotate your pet food ingredients accordingly. If you know you’d like to prepare a batch of pork carnitas for Taco Tuesday, buy an extra large pork loin (club stores like Costco and Sam’s Club are great for this sort of thing). Carve off what you need for Fido’s new batch of food, and use the rest to prepare your dinner. Do the same with the rest of your ingredients, and use the same wholesome foods you’re feeding your family in your pet’s batch of The Original CrockPet Diet as well. You’ll save time at the grocery store, and probably a few dollars as well.
Prepare Food Ahead of Time
Even in the most jam-packed schedules, there is always a small sliver of time that can be dedicated to food prep. Again, this is where The Original CrockPet Diet sweeps in to save you on time and labor.
While you’re prepping your own meals for the week, prepare an extra large batch of food for your pet. Roasters, and even large roasting pans or pots can be used to prepare double (or triple) batches of TOCPD in one whack. The ingredients take only moments to assemble in your pot or pan, and you can literally leave it for hours to cook while you attend to other tasks.
Once your large batch is done, keep five days worth of food in the fridge, and store the rest in the freezer for up to five months. A few extra minutes of preparation here will save you lots of time in future shopping, chopping or portioning in the weeks to come. Future you will be so thankful!
Make Your Pet Your Exercise Buddy
You already know that regular exercise is vital to your pet’s health and mobility. If exercise is also a part of your routine (and let’s be honest, it should be), bring Fido along! Dogs, and even some cats, are great partners for a brisk walk, jog or hiking.
If your fluffy friend isn’t a fan of the outdoors, or you prefer to workout in a gym where pets aren’t allowed, you can still make this work. Instead of sitting inside while you make phone calls, walk up and down the block with your dog, or entertain Fluffy with a laser pointer while you chat.
Walks and exercise routines don’t need to be long or strenuous for most pets. A quick five-minute stroll a few times a day is all it takes to help your pet stay limber. Stretch sessions out on weekends or when you find a few moments in between errands (or while you wait for your CrockPet batch to cool). The time you spend with your pet during your workouts is true, quality time that strengthens your bond.
Make Pet Food Travel-Friendly
If you’re frequently traveling for work, or just have a lot of trips planned in the near future, you don’t have to default to unhealthy kibble just because it’s convenient. Homecooked food can be just as easy, if not easier to feed on-the-go.
When you have a trip planned, or need to pack a bag for your pet, make things easy on yourself my pre-portioning meals. After your CrockPet batch has cooled, separate single meal portions into containers or reusable silicone bags. Then, refrigerate or freeze those portions accordingly. When it’s time to hit the road, pack everything into a cooler, and you’re good to go!
This kind of preparation can also make things easier or pet-sitters, and provide peace of mind for you if you can’t bring your pet along for the trip. You won’t need to worry whether food is being measured out correctly, or if there will be enough for the time you’re gone.
Stay on Top of Medications and Supplies
Don’t wait until the last minute to refill prescriptions, supplements and pet supplies. If you’re leaving the state or country, and need a new jar of Holistic Total Body Support, make sure you order well ahead of time. The same goes for refilling medications with your vet.
Sometimes, medication availability, like restocking or shipment delays are unpredictable and out of the hands of your resource or vet’s office. You should never assume you’ll be able to pick up a medication within minutes or hours, and should usually allow the courtesy of at least 24 hours for pickup (unless it’s an actual emergency, in which case your vet will help make it happen).
Set yourself a reminder to order your supplement refills at least ten days before you actually run out. This way, you allow a few days of wiggle room for arrival or pickup. You can also set up autoship for many products in my shop, so you don’t even have to think about re-ordering on time. Pet parents who wait until the last minute often end up frustrated, or with an empty bottle.
Download My App, iPet Ally
I’m making it easier than ever to get the information you need to help your pet, wherever you are. With my new app, you’ll be able to access The Original CrockPet Diet, my Holistic Health Protocols, and all of my Live Video Broadcast. You’ll even be able to search for whatever topic you need help with (like GI upset, UTIs or arthritis), and get my thoughts and advice right away.
iPet Ally will also make it easy for you to connect with me directly. I want you to have the most convenient way possible to improve your pet’s health, and that means having an Ally for your pet right in your back pocket (literally). No more waiting until you get home to hop online. Want to make sure you have the perfect ingredients for your next batch of The Original CrockPet Diet before you leave the store? No problem. Wondering if there’s anything you can pickup to help with Fluffy’s allergies, while you’re out? Just open the app, and find the help you need.
Stay Vigilant, Stay on Track
Keeping your pet healthy is a lot like maintaining your own health. When you get started, it seems daunting and time consuming. But the truth is, a little bit of preparation goes a long way. Spending the extra hour on Sunday to prepare a big batch of food, and portion it out correctly brings more than the reward of time saved. It means better health, reduced anxiety, and more time for snuggles with your favorite furry friend. And once you get into a routine, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to get on track.
You don’t need to sacrifice health to save time (or money). All it takes is a few adjustments, and the desire to pursue true health. Don’t forget that I am always here to help, if you hit a speed bump or just have a quick question about your four-legged friend. Download my app today, so we can stay close and stay in touch, and you can keep peace of mind that your pet is always in good hands: yours.
