Hey Ollie blog readers! We’re offering you an exclusive 60% OFF your starter box! Try now!

All Recipes

Fresh Recipes

See all

Whole food ingredients, slow-cooked for nutrition and flavor and frozen for freshness.

Baked Recipes

See all

Real meat and veggies, gently baked in small batches for crunch and convenience.

18 March 2016

2 MINS READ

6 Reasons Why Pups are Great For Kiddos

Thanks to the CDC, kids everywhere now have some serious bargaining power when it comes to finally obtaining that puppy they’ve been begging to get since 2009. That’s right, parents, you’re about to lose this battle. According to a November 2015 report from the Centers for Disease Control, the health benefits linked to dogs can […]

Share article

Thanks to the CDC, kids everywhere now have some serious bargaining power when it comes to finally obtaining that puppy they’ve been begging to get since 2009. That’s right, parents, you’re about to lose this battle.

According to a November 2015 report from the Centers for Disease Control, the health benefits linked to dogs can help kids bypass some of the unhealthy pitfalls of childhood and adolescence. So in the case of Parents vs. Please, Can We Get a Puppy? Please, Please, Pleeeeeease?, we present the the following arguments:

Children with dogs have higher levels of physical activity and healthier body mass index (BMI), making them less susceptible to childhood obesity and the health issues associated with it. (Plus, think of all that time they’ll be running and playing outside while you get caught up on the Real Housewives. Win/win.)

Dogs are insta-conversation starters, which alleviates social anxiety in kids. But that isn’t the only kind of anxiety dogs help with–animal-assisted therapy (AAT) reduces anxiety and arousal, alleviates separation anxiety and enhances attachment. All of this adds up to better mental health. Raise your hand if you’d like mentally healthy children. Yeah, thought so.

You know the old saying, that dogs are man’s best friend? Well, there’s some research to back that up, particularly in kids ages 7-8 who rank their pets higher than humans as providers of comfort and self-esteem and as confidants. No offense to parents, of course, but sometimes the only person who understands how a kid feels is not a person.

Caring for a dog is not just a great way for kids to learn responsibility, but it’s one of the best ways to engender empathy and compassion. And if you don’t believe me, I’ve got two words for you: Old Yeller.

The companionship of a dog also offers kids a certain amount of protection and independence, providing opportunities for to explore the world around them. Think about it: an iPad can never do that for your kid.

And finally, parents, in addition to this vast amount of scientific guilt tripping, we ask you to consider the irresistible cuteness of Exhibit A:

Parent's get your kid a dog, cute puppy

We rest our case.

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.

Tagged As:

The nutrition your dog needs,
the food they want.

Get Started

You might also like

6 MINS READ

Dog Diarrhea: How to Prevent and Resolve

Dog diarrhea is distressing for pups and their owners. Understanding common diarrhea causes can help you respond quickly and effectively to your pup’s intestinal issues.

by

7 MINS READ

Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs: Signs, Treatment & More

Can dog food really lead to heart issues? We sort through the confusion and share expert information about dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.

by

7 MINS READ

How to Get a Dog to Drink Water? Full Guide on Hydrating Your Pup

Water is dogs’ most important nutrient. Unfortunately, many dogs don’t drink an optimal amount of water each day, which can leave them sluggish and ultimately affect their health. To ensure you…

by