This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND. The opinions and text are all mine.
You make healthy choices for yourself, but are you making the best choices for your best friend?
Hi friends!
I have to be honest with you, it's hard watching Rhett age. He's coming up on his 15th Birthday later this month and the little rascal is slowing down. I sometimes long for the days that he would play with toys for hours and beg me to pay attention to him ALL the time. I even miss him barking at the doorbell and jeopardy on TV (He has trouble hearing these days.)
Honestly he spends a lot of his time right here....
He follows me around to whatever room I'm in to find a nice soft place to sleep! I know he's super old in dog years, but I'm determined to make the best out of the time I have with him. He has been my best friend for my entire adult life.
I recently learned about Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND Adult 7+ Dog Food. I had seen the commercial on TV about the old dogs who come back to life after eating it and I was intrigued. I work hard to make healthy choices with the food I eat, and I want to do the same for my best friend of 15 years.
So I decided to give it a try with Rhett!
This food is backed my legit science. Scientists at Nestle Purina have been studying aging in pets, like Rhett, for more than a decade and discovered that nutrition can positively impact a dog’s cognitive health. Check out all the fun facts about our pets!
I did NOT know a dog yawn was a sign of endearment. Rhett yawns all the time, so I must be loved.
Last year, Purina Pro Plan introduced a super cool breakthrough innovation in their food. It now contains enhanced botanical oils shown to promote memory, attention and trainability in dogs seven and older, like Rhett.
It's basically like food with supplements for our dogs! Wouldn't you take a supplement if you knew it would slow certain signs of aging?
Apparently Rhett has been losing glucose metabolism in his brain since age 7, which has been affecting his memory, learning and decision making. I have definitely seen that over the years. Poor guy!
I was offered a trial through my partnership with FitFluential and Purina, so I went to a local specialty dog food store and picked up a bag larger than my dog! I like buying in bulk what can I say... and I was pretty sure he would like it!
I picked out the Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND Adult 7+ Chicken and Rice formula for Rhett, but they also had bags specifically for large and small breeds.
I also went online and filled out the Dognition assessment for Rhett. There I learned more about his habits and fun cognitive games I can play with him to help him stay sharp! I loved learning more about how my Rhett-ster's mind works.
Armed with these tools, I followed the directions on the bag to transition Rhett from his current food to Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND Adult 7+.
It was a hit! Lip smacking good. 🙂
But the real test was as time passed. I noticed Rhett was up to a few of his old tricks including creating a ruckus more often! I even caught him barking at some of my neighbors trying to walk by the house. Silly dog!
He's still an old guy, but I watched subtle signs of improved alertness in him, even when we were chilling out watching House of Cards on the couch. He kept turning around to play with me! He's totally into the show, btw.
He's a little video of him after he had been eating the food!
The changes were small, but at this point in his life I'll take any change I can get. We are loving Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND Adult 7+. I can only imagine the difference this food would make on a slightly younger senior dog.
Dognition Assessment Giveaway
Now for the fun part! I'm going to be giving away a free trial of the online Dognition Assesment. It will help you learn more about the personality of your dog, at any age, and also your dogs cognitive style... how they think, learn and problem solve. By learning more about your pet you can help them and relate to them more. The site also has fun science-based games to play with them to improve their mind as they age. It's a twenty dollar value and is a such a great tool for those of us who love their dogs!
To enter follow the prompts below. The contest is open to anyone with internet and will close August 22nd at midnight.
Thanks for stopping by today! Here's what's coming up this week on Running in a Skirt...
Healthy Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
The Ultimate Marathon Spectators Guide
Oven Baked Zucchini Fries <--- using my giant zucchini
Fashion Friday- Dressy Black Shorts & Off the Shoulder Shirts
I'm linking up for Marvelous Monday, Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday and Annmarie for Wild Workout Wednesday.
Your turn!
Tell me more about your pet?
If you have a senior dog, will you take the challenge?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND. The opinions and text are all mine.
Lynn Humohreys says
Our granddog, Ruby, just had her 14th birthday. She is slowing down and could use a new diet! Rhett is a model of perfection for the product! ?
JulieWunder says
Thanks Lynn! He's a handsome devil!
Rachel says
My dog Dart is getting older too. He recently turned 12 in May. He sleeps a lot now. Occasionally, he'll get a burst of energy and run around like a puppy. I've always fed him Purina Pro Plan, but I'll have to look into the adult formula. Thanks for the giveaway.
Elizabeth O says
I'm not a dog owner but I know the value of feeding our pets the best suitable food. Your post is a terrific example of how well nourished pets look and act. Good job!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition says
I'm catching up on blogging and just found this post. Rhett is gorgeous! I love that the food has helped him be a bit more active. The video of him is so cute. I just want to give him a snuggle!
CourtneyLynne says
I don't have a dog, but I do have two kiddies and feed them the cat version of this food! Great stuff!
JulieWunder says
Awwwww! That's great! I'm sure they love it.
Cassandra @ Powered By BLING says
We don't have any pets, but I love that you care enough about yours to make sure they are healthy!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Cassandra! They are a lot of fun.
Liz says
I'm glad to hear the Purina bright mind is working well for you. My fur baby is still pretty young, but we feed him the Purina Pro Plan Sport, which is in the same line of dog food as the bright mind.
JulieWunder says
That's great! Such good options.
Angela says
What a sweet dog! We have 2 big dogs... a yellow lab who is 13 and LOVEs to eat, but has to watch his weight ,and a Spinone Italliano who is 2 and has a super high metabolism so can eat a lot!!
JulieWunder says
So different! They sound like such cuties.
Nicole Escat says
U bet this to my puppy, I'm really sure that she would love it too!
JulieWunder says
I hope she loves it!
Emily says
We don't have a senior dog yet, but I need to keep this in mind. That is SO neat that this really helped Rhett in the aging process. SO thankful for those little gifts, because it is hard to see them age. We had a 14 year old beagle that passed away last year. :'(
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
Rhett is such a cutie! The building I'm currently living in doesn't allow dogs but the minute we move, we'll be getting a doggie. I can't wait 🙂
Crystal says
My dog is almost 13. I'm grateful for her long and healthy life. Nutrition has definitely been a part of that.
Natalie @ A Fit Philosophy says
Rhet is the cutest dog ever!!! It makes me happy when people take care of their pets, especially when it comes to nutrition! They are like our kids right?!?
Natalie @ A Fit Philosophy says
Oh my gosh! Rhett is the cutest! I love that you place priority on your dog's nutrition! We are too! I mean, they're like our kids right???
Jolina says
Rhett is so precious! Our dog sadly passed when he was 12 and yeah, hard to watch him get older. There wasn't as many healthy options for dogs then. I'm so happy there's tons of options now!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I'm still getting used to this pup and her crazy personality! Our previous dog, Cleo was so mellow. This one is something else!
Christina Bauer says
What an adorable dog!! Animal nutrition seems pretty interesting.
Lindsay Cotter says
Yes, healthy choices are so important for pets! You have such a cute dog! This is a great giveaway!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Lindsay! They are members of the family.
Farrah says
I had no idea that dog yawns were a sign of endearment either. Rhett is such a cutie! <3 Yay for Purina, and that's awesome that they had cognitive games for you to play with him! :]
JulieWunder says
Thanks Farrah! He's my buddy!
Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says
I totally agree! It is one of the hardest things watching your little pups age. Why can't they have the same lifespan as us humans?! Not fair 🙁 I'm definitely going to look into this dog food though for my older pup!
JulieWunder says
It's soooo not fair!
Jeff SWANN says
Thank u for this my Ella gonna be 9 in Sept and my anniversary for 9 will be at Thanksgiving... makes me want to try.. she has a gentle stomach so. Guess could transition smoothly.... do Walmart sell this or u think have to go to a speciality store.. my Ella is my Baby since single and no kids... I would do anything for her.. just love her.. thanks for all u share..
JulieWunder says
Hi Jeff! I think this particular type of Purina is at specialty dog stores. I feel the same way about Rhett!
Brandy says
What a great giveaway, it's important that we focus on our doggies health too! Loved reading this, going to check out this option for Jenny the pug!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Brandy! Pugs are so cute too.
Paige says
Your dog is adorable, first off. Niko turned 8 this year, and it's so sad she's getting older - I know we've got some years, but still!
JulieWunder says
I know! It's so hard to even think about it.
Tammilee Tips says
I love that so many dog food option exist to help out pets!! I had not heard of this one sounds like a great dog food!
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much!
Neely says
Sucha sweet pup! WE dont have any pets but we want one soon!
JulieWunder says
I can't imagine not having them around! It's work, but it's worth it.
glenneth says
great post! your dog is so cute. we don't have dogs now, but growing up i had two doxxies.
JulieWunder says
awwwww! Aren't they the best.
Shelley Marcy says
Lots of great pet foods nowadays to choose from. However, I still believe in Purina brands. They have been in the business forever and have their own scientists and studies to back their product lines up. And....they're affordable! Not everyone can afford high end pet foods. With Purina brands you don't have to. Thanks for this blog post Julie.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Shelley! I agree! I really liked the research they put into this too!
Emily says
Rhett is the cutest pup ever!! I would love to get a dog like that for my son when he gets older, and will be sure to keep all of these tips in mind for healthy aging!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Emily! He is such a ham. You're son would love one.
amanda -runtothefinish says
awww pretty pup!!! our kitty is now 13 years old and i have been wondering if we need to start giving her different thigns
JulieWunder says
Yes! I think it's worth looking into when they get older.
Jenn says
Oh, he is so cute! I love that pic of him next to the HUGE bag of food. LOL! I don't have any pets, but I love that they are creating this product backed by science! Cheers to healthy pets!
JulieWunder says
He loves his food. Thanks Jenn!
Scott says
I remember buying special dog food for weight/activity for our older dog, but never considered the mind. Good to see there are options!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Scott! They've got some great stuff these days.
Meagan @ My Life as Mrs says
It's difficult when pets start getting older. My baby shadow (cat) is 13 now and she's been showing more signs of aging lately but I hope I still have at least a few years with her <3
JulieWunder says
I hope so too! Life is so much better with our pets.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I think this is such an important thing to talk about. Most people worry so much about what they are eating, but then feed their pets any old crap. We need to pay more attention as to what is in our pet's food.
JulieWunder says
So true! Thanks Dannii!
Hilary says
I always love preparing for the future when it comes to pets so I can keep my dog as healthy as possible for as long as I can! I have a 2 year old golden retriever and life just wouldn't be the same without him and his wagging happy tail!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Hilary! I totally agree!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Aweee I love that the bag is 4x his size hehe. He's such a cutie. I bet all his yawns mean he loves you tons!
JulieWunder says
Oh yes! I have no doubt. 🙂
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
Awww. He must really like that dog food. Him licking his tongue at the bowl is too cute. We are very particular what we give our dogs to eat as well. Their our babies afterall. 15 years old that is awesome. Our lab made it to 16 and smaller dogs live much longer. You have plenty more yrs ahead w Rhett:)
JulieWunder says
That is a long time for a big dog! You were lucky-- we lost Reina at 10 and it was heartbreaking!
Blane Sherer says
Glad that you have had such a great experience
with Rhett for so many years.I hope you are able
to have several more with him in as good of health
as possible.
JulieWunder says
Thank you! I hope so too.
Ilka says
So important to have our furry friends on a good nutritional plan!
JulieWunder says
It is! Thanks Ilka!
Paula says
I know exactly how you feel our Winston Thomas just turned 14 , 6lb Chihuahua!
Rhett is surly loved & it shows.. We also have a horse "Precious" who just turned 31 this month!
JulieWunder says
Aw! I bet they are both adorable! What we do without our pets?
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Very cute dog and obviously very loved by you!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Deborah! He's my buddy.
Katie Crenshaw says
Rhett looks like such a sweet dog! It is hard watching your fur baby age… I am glad you found Purina Pro Plan to help with his diet. It looks like he loves it! I will have to check it out for my dog. Thanks for the tip!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Katie! He is such a ham. 🙂
Abbey says
OMG
Your dog is adorable! Great post for dog lovers!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Abbey! He's quiet a ham!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
My husband and I were just talking about what a cruek joke it is that pups don't live as long as their humans. It's so sad to see a dog get older. Our Cooper is only 3, but I know that once he starts creeping up we'll look into doing everything we cna to prolong his life and mind!
JulieWunder says
Oh I know. It's terrible. We lost Reina last year and I am still so sad she's not around.