Autumn is a magical time of year.
The vibrant colors of crinkly leaves, campfires and cozy sweaters, the comforting scents and crisp breezes… if only it lasted more than a few weeks! We'll soon be deep into winter (the busiest time of year), so let's enjoy every bit of this magnificent, brief season! Our Fall Bucket List will help you do just that!
1. Go to a Pumpkin Patch
This is the first item on the bucket list for a reason. Not only are pumpkin patches the perfect place for a family photo op, but pumpkins are a must for most of the following bucket-list experiences. Call ahead to your local patch to make sure it is safe to bring your pup! And check out these resources on what to look for when picking the perfect field pumpkin for carving or pie pumpkin for cooking.
2. Have a Fall Picnic
There is no better way to kick off the fall season than a picnic! Don't miss next week's blog post as we'll be sharing the 5 Essentials for the Perfect Fall Picnic with Your Pup! Sign-up to our newsletter to receive the latest Plato news (don't miss out on any promotions, events or product releases)!
3. Eat More Pumpkin
We humans love to find creative ways to incorporate more pumpkin into our diets (pumpkin tacos, anyone?), but did you know pumpkin is a superfood you can add to your dog's dish as well? Pumpkin contains essential micronutrients and is rich in fiber which helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome to support your dog's digestive system. Pumpkin also contains vitamins A, E and C as well as potassium and iron which provide nourishment for vision health and a strong immune system. These are our favorite pumpkin treats:
4. Pick Apples
Whether it's for a crisp, juicy snack or a tart, cinnamon-y pie, autumn and apple-picking go hand-in-hand. Did you know an apple a day keeps the vet away? Yep! Apples are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. If you're a fall fanatic and up for a foliage-filled road trip, here's a list of the best apple-picking locations by state. For everyone else, we've got you covered with these honestly healthy dog treats full of apple-y goodness:
5. Carve or Decorate a Pumpkin
It's time to get messy. Nothing shouts fall more than a porch full-o-pumpkins! Whether you're into painting or carving, these tips will help your pumpkins last through the entire fall season (unless zombie pumpkins are part of your plan). Stay tuned for our upcoming post on "All Things Pumpkin!" Sign up to our newsletter so you don't miss out!
6. Roast Pumpkin Seeds
What will you do with all those pumpkin guts? Roast 'em! Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are a great source of healthy oils, magnesium, potassium and calcium that that help to make our human hearts and bones healthy. They are also a great source of antioxidants! Here is a recipe to get you started.
7. Go on a Nature Walk
Whether you and your furry friend head out for a heart-strengthening stroll or a slow, serene walk, we hope you take a moment to simply enjoy the sights and smells of the fleeting fall season. Not only is being outdoors good for the soul, but just 5-30 minutes of sunshine exposure helps to boost Vitamin D levels (the "sunshine vitamin") in humans. Your dog will also benefit from the outdoor exercise and mental stimulation. Ultimately, walking your dog makes you both happy!
8. Make Your Halloween Costume
We love a good homemade Halloween costume. We especially love human/dog duo costumes! Check out this list to get your creative juices flowing!
9. Jump in a Pile of Leaves
Never have we been more incentivized to do yard work. In fact, we expect to rake the leaf piles more than a few times. Digging, burrowing and rolling (aka frolicking) in leaves is a great exercise for your dog that delights all the senses! It's certainly an adorable thing to witness (and a great photo shoot opportunity). Get in there and have some fun! Frolic away!
10. Plan Your Thanksgiving Menu
We've made this one easy:
Real Strips Grain Free Turkey With Sweet Potato are soft-textured, meat bars that support healthy digestion and are just the right portion size and shape for chomping. Our Mini Thinkers Grain Free are small but hearty, meat-packed sticks with added EPA and DHA to support healthy brain function, supports skin and coat health, and also supports healthy digestion.
It's time to savor the season! We hope you and your furry friend have time to enjoy all of these fall favorites!
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