The Recommended
type: channel
link: https://www.therecommended.com
description: Your source for expert recommendations and advice.
date: 2023-08-17T09:58:18.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: The best dog crates for all types of dog, recommended by animal experts
items: The best dog beds, recommended by top animal experts
items: The best cat litter trays, with buying advice from cat experts
items: How to manage your dog’s separation anxiety, with tips from a dog behaviourist
items: How to cat-proof your garden: 10 easy ways to make your outside space safe for your cat
items: Do dogs need sunscreen? We spoke to an animal expert to find out
items: How often should you change your cat litter? We spoke to two experts to find out
items: The best pet trackers to track your dog or cat and keep them safe
items: Can dogs get hay fever? Two dog experts give their top tips for dogs with allergies
items: The best automatic pet feeders, with tips on how to choose the best feeder for your pet

The best dog crates for all types of dog, recommended by animal experts
type: item
date: 2023-08-15T15:00:20.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Pets
subject: Dogs
description: When it comes to buying a dog crate, there's more to consider than you might think. We spoke to leading animal experts to get their take on what to look for and what to avoid when buying a dog crate for your furry friend.
encoded: If you own a dog you'll know that they tend to take over the home and if they're not asleep on your washing you can often find them mucking around on your sofa, dirtying the carpets, or attempting to steal food from the table. Whilst you might feel like your dog has free roam of your house they do still need a place they can call their own where they can go to sleep at night and feel secure during the day. That's where a dog crate comes in. Dog crates often house your dog's bed and give your pup privacy and security. The majority of dog owners have crates and crate training is an important part of welcoming a new pooch to the family and can help your new addition with toilet training and separation anxiety. When looking to buy a dog crate for your pet, it can be hard to know where to start. That's where we come in. The Recommended sought the opinions of three leading animal experts and got their take on what to look out for (and avoid) when finding the best dog crate for your four-legged friend. In line with their advice and recommendations, we put together our list of the best dog crates to keep your furry friend happy and content. The best dog crates at a glance: Best overall dog crate: Ellie-Bo dog crate, £35.99, at OnBuy Best dog crate for puppies: MidWest Homes For Pets Dog Crate Starter Kit, £88.74, at Amazon Best space-saving dog crate: Double Door Dog Crate, £54, at Argos Best dog crate for travel: MOOL Lightweight Fabric Crate, £39.99, at Amazon Best fabric dog crate: Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate, £66.26, at Amazon Best dog crate for cars: Easipet Folding Sloping Car Crate, £26.99, at B&Q Best wooden dog crate: PawHut Wooden Pet Crate, £85.99, at Robert Dyas Best chew-proof dog crate: Kelixu Heavy Duty Dog Crate, £179.99, at ManoMano The best dog crates Best overall dog crate: Ellie-Bo Dog Crate Versatile and built to last A real all-rounder, this dog crate speaks to all our expert’s recommendations. With a removable tray base and a durable steel st…

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The best dog beds, recommended by top animal experts
type: item
date: 2023-08-10T13:30:04.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Pets
subject: Dogs
description: We spoke to leading animal experts to get their take on what to look out for, and what to avoid when buying the best dog bed for your furry friend.
encoded: If you have a dog, you'll know that amongst walks, treats, toys and tummy rubs, one of their favourite pastimes is sleeping. On average, dogs sleep for 12 to 14 hours a day, with puppies and senior dogs averaging a sleep time of 18 hours up to a whopping 20 hours a day. With so much time asleep, it's important that our dogs get the best bed so that when their heads are on the pillows, they feel comfortable and secure, so they can get quality rest. Having the right bed is essential for supporting your dog through a happy and healthy life, but with so many options on the market, how do you know which dog bed is best? To help you work this out, we've got rid of the guesswork and spoken to three animal experts who gave their take on what to look out for (and avoid) when buying the best dog bed for your pooch. From the perfect puppy-proof bed to memory foam havens for your golden oldies, we’ve covered all bases with our expert lead recommendations of the best dog beds. The best dog beds at a glance: Best overall dog bed: PetFusion Dog Bed, £109.99 at Amazon Best chew-proof dog bed: Bedsure Waterproof Dog Bed, £40.99 at Amazon Best dog bed for puppies: Vet Fleece Bedding, £18.73 at Wayfair Best orthopaedic dog bed: Silentnight Orthopedic Pet Bed, £85 at Argos Best anti-anxiety dog bed: Silentnight Donut Dog Bed, £40 at Boots Best durable dog bed: Topology Luxury Dog Bed, £110 at Omlet Best memory foam dog bed: JoyElf Memory Foam Dog Bed, £57.99 at Amazon Best dog bed for large dogs: Silentnight Airmax Pet Bed, £55 at Pets at Home Best travel dog bed: OneTigris Travel Dog Bed, £32.99 at Amazon The best dog beds: Best overall dog bed: PetFusion Dog Bed Smart and sustainable This bed speaks to all our expert’s recommendations. Prioritising superior comfort and ease of use, PetFusion Dog Bed works to improve your dog's health, mobility, and energy. The Petfusion is great for all shapes and sizes, and larger beds can easily support larger dogs over 50kg. With a solid 10cm memo…

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The best cat litter trays, with buying advice from cat experts
type: item
date: 2023-07-28T12:15:25.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Pets
subject: Cats
description: We spoke to a leading veterinarian and a seasoned animal behaviourist to get their take on what you should look out for (and avoid) when looking for the best cat litter tray for your favourite feline.
encoded: Cat litter trays aren't the most attractive part of owning a cat, but they are essential for your feline's comfort and the safety of your carpet. Choosing the right cat litter tray will not only make your cat feel sheltered and secure but also protect your home from unpleasant smells and unwanted cleaning jobs. Cat litter trays come in all shapes and sizes, from very basic to high-tech designs. With thousands of options available, picking the right one can be a tough task. To help, we've gone on a mission to find the best cat litter trays for your home. We've spoken to two experts, a leading veterinarian and a seasoned animal behaviourist, to get their take on what you should look out for (and avoid) when purchasing a cat litter tray. Here are some of their favourite cat trays and advice on how to choose the right cat litter tray for you. The best cat litter trays at a glance: Best open litter tray: Iris Ohyama Cat Litter Tray, £23.99 at Amazon Best litter tray with hood: Trixie Vico Litter Tray, £16.59, at Zooplus Best discreet litter tray: Archie & Oscar Messer Litter Box Enclosure, £102.99, at Wayfair Best self-cleaning litter tray: PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Tray, £286, at Argos Best private litter tray: Pets at Home Casetta Hooded Cat Litter Tray, £50, at Pets at Home Best large litter tray: CatCentre Large Litter Tray, £16.95, at Amazon Best metal litter tray: Yangbaga Stainless Steel Litter Tray, £42.99, at Amazon Best travel litter tray: Petsfit Portable Litter Box, £28.95, at Amazon The best cat litter trays Best open litter tray: Iris Ohyama Cat litter tray High walls for good protection While this litter tray is made with an open-top design, the high sides prevent mess, and the transparent plastic allows your pet to see their surroundings, helping them feel safe and secure. This cat litter tray is made of durable plastic and comes equipped with a litter scoop. It's less restrictive than a hooded design while still working to keep litter co…

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How to manage your dog’s separation anxiety, with tips from a dog behaviourist
type: item
date: 2023-07-27T07:30:53.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Pets
subject: Dogs
description: We all know our dogs miss us when we’re away, but how do we help manage their anxiety and calm their nerves when we’re not there?
encoded: Our dogs are always going to miss us when we’re gone, but what happens if you think your canine is really struggling to cope with your absence? If you find them barking, crying, or scratching at the door when you leave, they might be suffering from separation anxiety. This behaviour can become a concern if it persists and can make owners feel uncomfortable leaving their dogs at home. If this sounds like you, don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ve got the expertise of a top dog behaviourist who is here to assist us in calming our dog’s anxiety when we go away. He’s provided us with six expert tips to help in soothing your dog’s anxiety. Our dog expert To help us ease our dog’s separation anxiety, we have got the help of dog behaviourist Adem Fehmi. Adem is a Canine and Feline Behaviour Association registered dog behaviourist and therapist. Adem currently works as a behaviourist for Barking Heads and is also the owner of Dog-ease, a canine behaviour and training business based in Hertfordshire. Here he helps dog owners train, manage, and overcome their pet’s behaviour issues. Adem’s experience has given him a broad knowledge of dogs, and he has previously advised us on the best dog toys, the best dog beds and the best dog crates. Today, Adem has helped us by providing six tips to reduce the anxiety our dogs feel when we leave them. What is separation anxiety? Separation anxiety is a condition that some dogs experience when they are left alone by their owners. Just like how some humans might feel worried or sad when their loved ones go away, dogs can also feel the same emotions. When dogs have separation anxiety, they can become very anxious and stressed when their owners leave them at home or go away for a while. You might notice some signs of separation anxiety in your dog, such as excessive barking, howling, whining, and destructive behaviour like chewing on furniture. Other pointers include trying to escape from their crate or room and sometimes even going to the b…

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How to cat-proof your garden: 10 easy ways to make your outside space safe for your cat
type: item
date: 2023-07-26T13:30:00.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Pets
subject: Cats
subject: Garden
description: Follow theses simple steps to ensure your cat can enjoy the garden without you having to worry.
encoded: Cats love to roam around outside, and often we see them walking the streets, darting into hedges, or lying in wait for a stroke. Despite loving a wander, cats often don’t travel far from their home and rarely stroll beyond 200m away. For cat owners, this means that our gardens (if lucky enough to have one) are often the closest and most frequented area of green space for our felines. So how do we make them safe and enjoyable spaces for our cats? Cat-proofing. This process clears our outdoor areas of hazards which might endanger our cats whilst also adding entertainment features to make it a more enjoyable space. To help you turn your garden into a cat paradise, we’ve drafted together the top 10 tips to help you cat-proof. 10 easy ways to make your garden cat-proof Here are our top 10 ways to make your garden safer and more exciting for your cat: 1. Select cat-safe plants Everyone loves a green and colourful garden, but when selecting the plants to make your garden stand out, prioritise cat-safe plants. These can help to keep your cat protected and also make the garden a more exciting place for your cat to play. You want to avoid common garden plants such as lilies and tulips, which are both toxic to felines if ingested. For a full list of toxic garden plants, see Cat Protection’s toxic plant guide. Instead of these toxic plants, opt for plants like catnip, aromatic catmint, and nutritious wheatgrass. These are excellent options as they will keep your cat excited and playful whilst ensuring they stay out of harm's way. If you want to grow your own cat grass (wheatgrass), you can buy growing kits which can then be planted in your garden. 2. Create a designated play area Designing a dedicated play zone in your garden is like setting up a private cat playground! Lay down soft ground coverings such as sand or soil to create a comfortable and safe space where your cat can mess around to their heart's content. This designated area will not only keep your garden organised b…

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Do dogs need sunscreen? We spoke to an animal expert to find out
type: item
date: 2023-05-25T12:20:29.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Pets
subject: Dogs
subject: Skincare
subject: Summer essentials
description: We all know how important SPF sunscreen is for protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but do you need to protect your dog in the way? We spoke to an expert to find out.
encoded: As temperatures rise, dog walkers can rejoice as the ground is no longer muddy and raincoats are swapped for shorts and a t-shirt. The difference in weather is a welcome change for most but also brings some seasonal safety considerations. Protecting the skin against UV rays is one of these. It's commonplace for us to use sunscreen before heading out on a sunny day, so should we be doing the same to protect our furry friends? Do dogs even need sunscreen, and is it safe for them? Here at The Recommended, we’ve been on a mission to find out. To help us do this, we have the assistance of an expert to answer questions surrounding the relationship between dogs, sunscreen, and sunburn. Our dog expert To help us with our guide to whether dogs should wear sunscreen, we have got the expertise of Alison Frost, Head of Nutrition and Product Development at ProDog Raw, where she helps to keep dogs healthy through nutrition and provides safety advice for pet owners. Alison has shared with us her top tips on dog skincare and explained if dogs need sunscreen, what breeds need the most protection from the sun and alternative ways to protect your dog from sunburn. Do dogs need sunscreen? Dogs, just like humans, can be susceptible to the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays and, therefore, can benefit from using specially formulated dog sunscreen. While the fur of dogs provides some natural protection, certain breeds and individual dogs with thin or light-coloured fur, or those with exposed skin areas, are more prone to sunburn and sun-related issues. Alison told us that “not every dog needs sunscreen, but certain breeds, and those with more exposed skin, will. Dogs with white or very thin coats and dogs with light-pigmented noses and eyelids are more at risk for sunburn, so you need to keep them protected! Dogs with very light-coloured noses need sunscreen – black noses are generally fine without; paw and nose balms will do the job just fine!” In cases where a dog does need sunscreen,…

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How often should you change your cat litter? We spoke to two experts to find out
type: item
date: 2023-05-19T15:04:22.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Pets
subject: Cats
description: It’s a task most cat owners like the least, and we all know that keeping a clean cat litter tray is important - but how often should you clean it? We asked two top cat experts to find out.
encoded: Like with all pets, owning a cat comes with chores. There’s grooming, feeding, watering, and the picking up of their many cat toys. Out of all of these chores, the most unpleasant of them is usually the cleaning of the cat’s litter tray. Despite being difficult, this undesirable job is very important because not cleaning your cat’s litter tray frequently can trigger a number of health issues in your cat. It can also make your feline stressed and affect the cleanliness of other areas inside your home. So, how often should you be cleaning your litter to avoid these risks? To help answer this question, we’ve got help from two experts who have shed some light on the cleaning and management of cat litter. Whether you’re a new or seasoned cat owner, their expertise can help you learn the best litter tray practices to safeguard you, your pet, and your home. Our cat experts Our two cat experts have several decades' worth of experience between them and know all there is to know when it comes to looking after cats. They have helped explain why you should be cleaning your cat litter, how often, and the risks to you and your pet if you don’t do so frequently enough. Our first expert who has lent us a helping hand is Dr Jo Myers, a veterinary advisor for Vetster. Dr Myers has nearly thirty years of clinical experience as a veterinary technician and a small animal veterinarian. She studied Veterinary Science at Iowa State University and now spends her time helping pet owners as a vet. Adding to Dr Myers’ expertise is our second expert, Paul Trott. He is the UK Marketing Manager at the pet care company Catit. Here he uses his expertise in cats to help the company look after felines across the world. Paul has decades' worth of experience in the cat and pet sector and has shared with us some of his best tips regarding litter trays. What is cat litter? Before starting to think about cleaning litter trays, it's important to know what cat litter actually is. Cat litter is a granular ma…

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The best pet trackers to track your dog or cat and keep them safe
type: item
date: 2023-05-16T13:48:20.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Pets
subject: Cats
subject: Dogs
subject: Tech
description: Is your furry friend a secret escapologist? If you need a little extra help keeping an eye on your pet's whereabouts, you’re in the right place - we’ve together our top picks of the best trackers.
encoded: If we’re being honest, most of us prefer our pets to people, and keeping our dogs, cats and other furry friends safe is a top priority. A pet tracker is a great way to get some added peace of mind. Using live-location technology and GPS tracking, pet trackers can help you see where your pets are at all times and come in a variety of designs to suit every pet. From tracking collars to removable monitors, pet trackers come in all shapes and sizes. So, where do you start? Well, that's where we come in. At The Recommended, we know that your pet deserves the best, so we scoured the web to find the best pet trackers, from live-location designs to Bluetooth trackers; we’ve covered all bases and pulled together our top picks to help you breathe a little easier. The best pet trackers at a glance: Best pet tracker for dogs: Tractive DOG 4 GPS Dog Tracker Best pet tracker for cats: Tractive CAT Mini with weight-adjustable collar Best pet tracker for training: Weenect GPS Pet Tracker Best waterproof pet tracker: Pawfit Pet GPS Tracker Best 4G pet tracker: PAJ GPS PET Finder Best pet activity monitor: PitPat Pet Activity and Fitness Monitor The best pet trackers Best pet tracker for dogs: Tractive DOG 4 GPS Dog Tracker Tracker type: GPS | Subscription fee: from £7 per month (billed annually) This pet tracker works via a subscription service and offers the ultimate solution to keeping track of your furry friend. The Tractive GPS Pet Tracker delivers live GPS tracking and allows you to set up tailored safe zones that alert you if your pet wanders too far. It fits onto any standard pet collar and is lightweight and waterproof for convenient, long-lasting quality. It also has a location history option so you can see where your pet has been in the last few hours. Best pet tracker for cats: Tractive CAT Mini with weight-adjustable collar Tracker type: GPS | Subscription fee: from £7 per month (billed annually) This GPS tracker comes with a weight-adjustable Rogs Breakaway Collar and o…

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Can dogs get hay fever? Two dog experts give their top tips for dogs with allergies
type: item
date: 2023-05-16T08:54:19.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Pets
subject: Dogs
description: Runny nose? Sneezing? Itchy red eyes? Your dog might have all the symptoms of hay fever, but can dogs get it, and what can you do to help? We spoke to two top dog experts to find out.
encoded: When temperatures begin to rise, it signals the start of summer, but also hay fever season. For sufferers, sunny days are accompanied by itchy eyes, runny noses, and pockets full of tissues. But it seems it’s not just humans that fall victim to the rise in pollen - dog owners often report that their dogs are getting it as well. So, do dogs get hay fever? Here at The Recommended, we’ve enlisted the knowledge of two experts in dog allergies and health to help answer this question. They’ve also helped us explain how to treat dogs’ hay fever symptoms, avoid dangers, and listed some handy preventative allergy measures which owners can follow. Our dog experts With over two decades of experience, Dr Scott Miller is here to help us understand more about dogs and their hay fever. He studied at the University of Queensland Veterinary School and began working at the largest animal hospital in Australia, and works alongside grain-free dog food brand Barking Heads, regularly appears on ITV’s This Morning, and stars in Channel 4’s Vet on the Hill. Our second expert is Ashleigh Walker, who is a Senior Pet Nutritionist at Harringtons. She also has expertise in dogs and hay fever, with a particular focus on how dogs can be looked after through what they eat and interact with. In this guide, they both reveal how dogs can be affected by pollen, the warning signs to look out for, and how to treat dogs with hay fever. Can dogs get hay fever? Yes! Dogs can and do often get hay fever. Allergies affect dogs in much the same way as humans, and when it comes to hay fever, the main difference is that while humans inhale pollen, dogs absorb it into the skin. Our four-legged friends can find hay fever distressing and uncomfortable whilst also not having the luxuries that we would. Dogs can’t carry handkerchiefs, put in eye drops, or pop hay fever tablets. This means the responsibility for their comfort and safety is down to us, the owner. In this guide, our experts will outline exactly what we …

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The best automatic pet feeders, with tips on how to choose the best feeder for your pet
type: item
date: 2023-04-27T15:11:56.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Pets
description: Need to keep your pet fed while you're out of the house? We've scoured the internet and pulled together our top picks of the best pet feeders to keep your furry friend fed and happy.
encoded: The way to your pet's heart is through its stomach. Any pet owner will know the power of a treat, the excitement that feeding time brings, and how managing your pet’s eating schedule is vital for their health and wellbeing. Investing in an automatic pet feeder is the perfect way to manage a busy schedule while always prioritising the needs of your furry friend. Pet feeders come in all shapes and sizes, from simplistic designs to high-tech gadgets. Whether you're a dog person or a cat person (or any other kind of pet person), you’re sure to find a pet feeder to suit your needs, and we are here to help. The Recommended has scoured the internet to find the best feeders to suit every need. From automatic designs to smart feeders, we've covered all bases and have pulled together our top picks to help you shop smarter (you’re welcome). The best pet feeders at a glance: Best multiple-meal pet feeder: PetSafe 5 Meal Pet Feeder Best smart feeder: PetSafe Smart Feed Pet Feeder Best for multiple pets: Cat Mate C200 2 Meal Automatic Pet Feeder Best for cats: Cat Mate C3000 Automatic Pet Feeder Best with water dispenser: Hipidog Automatic Pet Feeder Best affordable dispenser: Ferplast Azimut 1500 dispenser Best large pet feeder: HoneyGuaridan Automatic Pet Feeder Best feeder with a camera: PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder Best microchip pet feeder: SureFeed Automatic Pet Feeder The best pet feeders Best multiple-meal pet feeder: PetSafe 5 Meal Pet Feeder Meal prep for pets This pet feeder can hold up to 5 meals worth of food at one time and can store both wet and dry food. It allows pet owners to manage food portions to best suit their furry friend and is equipped with a timer function, helping pet parents maintain a feeding schedule when life gets busy. It has a large capacity and spins around to allow one meal to be served at a time. It is made for use by both dogs and cats, with four D batteries providing the automatic functions. It weighs just 1.8kg, so is easy to store and tra…

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