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  • ESSENTIAL OILS - Safe or Not?

    ESSENTIAL OILS - Safe or Not?

    If you are anything like us, you probably love using essential oils around the house, especially if you’re trying to hide those ‘doggy’ smells!

    Whether to make our homes smell amazing or to use them for cleaning, essential oils have become a staple for many of us. But have you ever stopped to wonder if they're safe for our four-legged friends?

    In this blog we explore which essential oils are safe for your dog and aim to a comprehensive list to help keep your dog safe and free from harm.

  • PREVENTING FLEAS THE NATURAL WAY

    PREVENTING FLEAS THE NATURAL WAY

    With summer fast approaching and the weather warming up nicely, you may have started to notice your four-legged friend scratching a little more than normal, signalling the arrival of those unwanted jumping visitors……fleas! 

    Fear not; help is at hand with our latest blog.  Here we share with you some of our favourite natural, chemical-free ways to deter fleas from not only your dog, but also your home.

  • Paws Up for National Dog Friendly Day! 🐾

    Paws Up for National Dog Friendly Day! 🐾

  • SNIFFING, LICKING & CHEWING - 'The Trifecta of Calm'

    SNIFFING, LICKING & CHEWING - 'The Trifecta of Calm'

    These seemingly simple exercises are crucial in stimulating your dog's senses and engaging their brain, leading to numerous benefits for their overall health and well-being.

    These three exercises have been labelled as ‘The Trifecta of Calm’ by a qualified dog behaviourist who focuses on coaching dog guardians about canine mental health*.

    So, what are the benefits?  Let’s look a bit further at each and explore how, together, they can help promote calm our four-legged friends.

  • RECIPE CARDS

    RECIPE CARDS

    Some recipe ideas to make your own treats to complement your raw fed canine companion's diet.

  • Happy International Guide Dog Day, From All of Us at Basil's!

    Happy International Guide Dog Day, From All of Us at Basil's!

  • FUN DOG FACTS - Some you may know, but some may surprise you!

    FUN DOG FACTS - Some you may know, but some may surprise you!

    We've put together some doggy facts, just for fun.  You may know some of them, but some may surprise you!

    Enjoy!

  • AND THEY CALL IT PUPPY LOVE.....❤️

    AND THEY CALL IT PUPPY LOVE.....❤️

    Every dog owner will have wondered at some point, ‘does my dog love me?’. 

    While it’s not clear that dogs experience love in the same way that we humans do, it has been proven that they do get a rush of oxytocin (the ‘love hormone’) when they have a strong bond with us. 

    Our dogs also have their own ways of expressing their feelings of comfort and trust, which is their way of showing that they ‘love’ us.

  • CELEBRATING OUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS - International Pet Day

    CELEBRATING OUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS - International Pet Day

    International Pet Day pounces onto our calendars on 11 April!

    A day to celebrate the joy, love, and companionship that our furry, feathery, or scaly friends bring to our lives. Whether you’re a devoted dog parent, a proud cat lover, or have a menagerie of pets, this special day is a time to honour the bond between humans and animals.

    Here we are going to focus on our canine companions.  Each with their own unique personality, offering unconditional love, comfort, and endless entertainment, it’s no wonder they become our beloved animal companions and hold a special place in our hearts.

  • More than Just a Pet!

    More than Just a Pet!

    They greet us with wagging tails, furry hugs and boundless enthusiasm.  For all of us dog lovers, these four-legged creatures are more than just pets, they are family members who provide comfort, joy and also health benefits.

    Simple, but effective, here are some ideas to help ensure your dog stays mentally and physically fit and well.

  • NATIONAL WALKING DAY - 2 April 2025

    NATIONAL WALKING DAY - 2 April 2025

    National Walking Day is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday in April, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to take a step towards better health.

     

    This day serves as a reminder of the many benefits of walking and the importance of incorporating physical activity into our daily lives. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood, a brisk walk in the park, or a hike along a scenic trail, every step counts towards improving our overall well-being.  And what better way to take a walk than with your four-legged friend?

     

    So, lace up your shoes, put your dog on their lead, step outside and enjoy the benefits of a walk in the spring air with your canine companion!

  • THERE'S NOTHING SEEDY ABOUT THIS SUPERFOOD! - Hemp Seed Oil 🌱

    THERE'S NOTHING SEEDY ABOUT THIS SUPERFOOD! - Hemp Seed Oil 🌱

    An ancient plant, hemp has been used for fibre, food, oil, and medicinal purposes dating back thousands of years.

    Today, various forms of hemp and CBD are used in all kinds of products, from treats and topical products, to supplements.  But there’s a lot of confusion about hemp and CBD for dogs.  Hemp oil, hemp seed oil and CBD oil for dogs are some of the ways this plant is used in pet products.

    We’ve included Hemp Seed Oil in our new Basil’s Superfood Range, so in the last of our Superfood Ingredients Series, let’s take a closer look at this seedy little superfood!

  • FEEDING RAW - IS IT SAFE?

    FEEDING RAW - IS IT SAFE?

    If you’re considering switching your dog to a raw diet, you’re in good company!

    Many owners are drawn to the idea of a more natural diet, but have concerns about bacteria in raw food, such as salmonella.

    Let us talk you through the risks and give you our top tips for safe raw feeding. 

  • MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE! - CHICORY

    MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE! - CHICORY

    In the sixth in our Superfood Series of blogs, we look at this pretty blue flower with the root that can boost your dog’s gut health.

    Cichorium intybus, or Chicory, is a beautiful plant with bright blue petals that belongs to the dandelion family.   But, did you know that chicory root can act as a natural prebiotic?

    We all know prebiotics are a good thing for our tummies but, did you know that prebiotics can be great for your dog’s tummy too? That’s why we’ve included this beauty in our new Basil’s Superfood Range.

  • BASIL'S - THE PAW-FECT WAY TO FEED YOUR NEW PUPPY! 🐾

    BASIL'S - THE PAW-FECT WAY TO FEED YOUR NEW PUPPY! 🐾

    Puppies thrive on a diet of fresh, wholefood nutrition, and our premium raw dog food provides just that.

    In this easy to read guide, we will take you through settling in your new puppy, keeping them safe and then look at the optimal time to wean your puppy, the appropriate quantities to feed them, and suitable raw meaty bones and treats that you can add, for a balanced diet.

  • PLANTS DANGEROUS TO DOGS

    PLANTS DANGEROUS TO DOGS

    There are many plants which are dangerous to dogs.  Although cases of poisoning are rare, it’s important to be vigilant, especially if your dog is young or curious.  As our four-legged friends love to explore the world with their mouths, they can be at risk of licking, chewing or eating a poisonous plant.

    Here we give you a list of plants which can be dangerous to your dog, especially if they consume large amounts.

  • SPRING FORWARD AND ENJOY THE NEW SEASON 🪻KNOW WHICH OF NATURE'S FLOWERS MAY HARM YOUR DOG 🪻

    SPRING FORWARD AND ENJOY THE NEW SEASON 🪻KNOW WHICH OF NATURE'S FLOWERS MAY HARM YOUR DOG 🪻

    With the days getting longer and the sun beginning to warm up the ground, it’s lovely to see spring emerging while out and about, in our gardens and in our homes.

    But while they may look pretty, some of these spring flowers are poisonous to dogs. 

    Although cases of poisoning are rare, it’s a good idea to get to know which spring plants may cause harm to your four-legged friend, especially if they are particularly curious, or prone to digging or chewing, so that you can keep an extra eye on them!

  • THE DEEP SEA POWER PLANT - KELP

    THE DEEP SEA POWER PLANT - KELP

    For many years, the sea has provided humans with much-needed nutrients and supplements from fish, molluscs, shellfish and sea plants, but now we are recognising the benefits for our pets too. 

    In the fifth of our superfood ingredients series, we look at Kelp, the deep sea power plant!

    Dried sea kelp is one of the aquatic foods that has the most benefit for our dogs.  While other plants from the sea are nutritious for dogs, kelp is a nutrient powerhouse!

    Containing more than 60 nutrients, it is nature’s multi-vitamin – a highly regarded superfood; rich in iodine, natural salts, amino acids, and a variety of helpful vitamins and minerals. Sea kelp is easy to digest, low in fat, and rich in protein. 

    It's hard to think of healthier food that can improve your dog's energy levels while helping them maintain a healthy weight too!