🥩 Why a Carnivore, Real Food Diet Is Best for Your Dog’s Health

(And Why We Trust PawTree for Our Goldendoodles)

At Harmony Doodles, we believe that a happy, healthy Goldendoodle starts with what’s in their bowl. The food your dog eats doesn’t just fill their belly—it fuels their coat, joints, energy, digestion, immune system, and lifespan. That’s why we go beyond generic kibble and recommend a carnivore-based, real food diet—designed to support the way dogs are biologically meant to eat.

🐶 Dogs Are Carnivores—Feed Them Like It

Your Goldendoodle isn’t built for grains, fillers, or highly processed food. Their digestive system is optimized for animal protein, not corn or soy.

But walk down any pet store aisle and you’ll see shelf after shelf of dry kibble made with:

• Grains and gluten

• Mystery meat by-products

• Low-quality vegetable oils

• Artificial preservatives

• Sugar-packed fillers

It’s like feeding a human fast food every day—convenient, yes. Healthy? Not even close.

✅ The Benefits of a Real Food Diet for Dogs

A carnivore-focused, high-quality diet has major benefits:

• Shinier coat & itch-free skin

• Stronger joints and muscles

• Improved gut health and digestion

• More stable mood and energy

• Fewer allergies and sensitivities

• Better breath and dental health

We’ve seen the transformation firsthand in our litters and in our own family pets.

🥇 Why We Recommend PawTree

While raw or homemade meals can be excellent, we understand not every family has time to prepare fresh meals daily. That’s why we recommend pawTree - a premium pet food brand that aligns with our values:

🐾 What Makes pawTree Different?

• High-quality animal proteins as the first ingredient

• No by-products, soy, wheat, or corn

• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

• Custom nutrition plans based on your dog’s breed, size, and age

• Real food ingredients with added vitamins, minerals, and digestive support

PawTree offers both kibble-based nutrition and freeze-dried raw options—making it easy for families to provide a species-appropriate diet without the prep work or guesswork.

Whether you're feeding a growing puppy or an active adult Goldendoodle, PawTree’s formulas are designed to support optimal health, shiny coats, and strong immune systems.

🐶 What We Feed at Harmony Doodles

All of our puppies are started on pawTree, because we trust their formulations and ingredient integrity. It gives each Goldendoodle the best possible start—with food that’s:

• Rich in animal protein

• Easy to digest

• Packed with real nutrients (not synthetic fillers)

• Loved by dogs (seriously—they crush it)

We also encourage our families to continue with PawTree or transition to a balanced, carnivore-style diet with similar nutritional quality.

🐾 Ready to Upgrade Your Dog’s Nutrition?

Feeding your dog real food is one of the most powerful investments you can make in their long-term health. Whether you go fully raw, gently cooked, or choose a high-quality alternative like pawTree the goal is the same:

✅ More protein, less filler
✅ More real ingredients, less junk
✅ More energy, less inflammation

Got questions about feeding or transitioning your dog to better food? Reach out at 336.981.5164 …we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Goldendoodle Winter Care — Keeping Your Doodle Happy And Healthy

Health problems relating to winter account for roughly 30% of the seasonal care concerns Americans have for their pets, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. This fact is significant for Goldendoodle owners because it highlights the necessity of winter care. 

Whether you’ve had a Goldendoodle before or just brought one into your home, this guide covers what to do to protect your dog’s skin, coat, paws, and nose from the snow, ice, and winter conditions during the winter months. Advised in this guide are our top 5 tips to make winter smooth sailing for you and your pooch!

1. Maintaining a Healthy Coat

Goldendoodles are known for their unique coat texture and appearance, but extra care is needed during the winter months to keep it healthy. So what does a great coat routine look like?

Daily Brushing: Winter coats tend to mat more easily, especially when exposed to snow and moisture. To eliminate tangles and spread natural oils, brush your Goldendoodle at least 2-3 times per week. The Slicker Brush is easy to use and works well on Goldendoodle coats.

Bathing Routine: During winter, avoid over-bathing your dog as this removes natural oils from the coat and causes dryness. Use a moisturizing dog shampoo and conditioner combination to as needed.

Protection Against Cold: Depending on your Goldendoodle’s coat type and the severity of the cold, they may benefit from wearing a dog coat or sweater. Look for one that is comfortable and doesn’t restrict movement.

Trimming: While it’s important not to shave your Goldendoodle in winter, keeping their coat neatly trimmed can prevent snow and ice from clinging to the fur.

2. Protecting Their Paws

A dog’s paws are particularly vulnerable in cold weather, as ice, snow, and salt can cause irritation and cracking. Try a combination of these preventative measures for best results:

Paw Balm: Before heading out for a walk, apply a pet-safe paw balm or wax to your Goldendoodle’s paw pads. This creates a barrier against cold and harmful chemicals, such as de-icing salts. Check out this organic, pet-friendly balm offered by pawTree, our favorite pet brand.

Booties: If your Goldendoodle will tolerate them, dog booties are an excellent way to protect their paws from the elements. Look for waterproof options with non-slip soles for better traction.

Post-Walk Care: After every walk, rinse your dog’s paws with warm water to remove salt, ice, and other debris. Dry them thoroughly to prevent irritation or cracking, and reapply paw balm if necessary.

Trimming Fur Between Pads: Long hair between the paw pads can trap snow and ice, causing discomfort. Regularly trim this fur to keep their paws clean and comfortable.

3. Keeping Their Nose Moisturized

Cold air and indoor heating can dry out your Goldendoodle’s nose, leading to cracking and discomfort. The nose area is often neglected when it comes to overall canine health, so take steps to avoid any severe issues this winter. 

Pet-Safe Nose Balm: Apply a thin layer of nose balm or coconut oil to keep their nose hydrated. Make sure to use a product specifically designed for dogs to ensure your dog get sick from licking a harmful substance.

Hydration: Drinking enough water is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. Staying hydrated supports overall skin and nose health, so keep water available for your dog in the winter months.

4. Supporting Skin Health

Dry, winter air paired with cold temperatures can cause your Goldendoodle’s skin to become irritated and itchy. Here’s how to prevent it:

Diet and Supplements: A balanced diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help maintain healthy skin. If their kibble doesn’t contain these essential elements, consider adding a fish oil supplement to their meals after first consulting your vet.

Humidify Your Home: Combat the dryness caused by indoor heating by using a humidifier in the areas where your Goldendoodle spends the most time. Don’t underestimate the effectiveness of this simple but often overlooked action.

Avoid Overheating: While keeping the house toasty is tempting, excessive indoor heat can dry out your dog’s skin. Keep the temperature moderate and provide cozy blankets for warmth instead.

5. Exercise and Outdoor Safety

Winter shouldn’t mean skipping exercise, but it’s important to adjust your routine to suit the colder weather. Here’s how you can maximize time outside without putting your pup at risk:

Shorter Walks: Instead of one long walk, plan on shorter outings to limit exposure to the cold. Monitor your Goldendoodle for signs of discomfort, such as shivering or lifting their paws off the ground.

Avoid Salted Areas: De-icing salts can irritate paws and be toxic if ingested, so stick to pet-safe walkways and rinse paws thoroughly after being outside.

Indoor Play: On particularly cold days, provide plenty of indoor activities to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated. Puzzle toys, fetch in a hallway, or hide-and-seek games can all be great options. A simple internet search can also give you other ideas on how to keep your puppy entertained when going outside isn’t an option.

Final Thoughts:

Caring for a Goldendoodle in winter requires dedicated attention, but the investment in their care yields significant returns. By focusing on coat care, paw protection, nose moisture, skin health, and safe exercise, you can ensure your furry friend thrives during the winter months.

Stay Connected for More Goldendoodle Care Tips

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more exclusive advice from Goldendoodle experts with 10+ years in the industry. Keep an eye out for our upcoming emails and blog posts, where we'll dive deep into topics like:

• Seasonal grooming techniques

• Nutrition adjustments throughout the year

• Exercise and mental stimulation ideas

• Health maintenance strategies

• Training tips and behavioral insights

Visit our website at www.harmonydoodles.com to learn more about our family, our unique processes, and why families nationwide trust us as their preferred F1 and F1b Goldendoodle breeder.