(Welcome to our weekly pet column, courtesy of Pet Connection Programs Inc. of Marilla. We post a new article each week, so be sure to check back on a regular basis!)

As more and more pet parents are giving careful consideration to better nutrition, natural and organic pet foods are becoming increasingly popular choices. Amid the buzz whirling around these green diets, it can be easy to use the two terms interchangeably, so Dr. Simon Starkey, a veterinarian with PetSmart Canada, explains the difference between natural and organic pet foods and gives us the key benefits:

Fetch! Dog Treats, a Cheektowaga, N.Y.-based business offering healthy and delicious homemade dog treats made with all natural and organic ingredients, is now offering its popular product line via mail order!

“Our products are carefully made with oat flour and all-natural ingredients such as salmon oil, which promotes healthy joints, skin and coat,” said owner Jackie Lovern. “When it comes to caring for your dog or puppy you want to be able to reward them with healthy and wholesome treats they will enjoy.”

(Welcome to our weekly pet column, courtesy of Pet Connection Programs Inc. of Marilla. We post a new article each week, so be sure to check back on a regular basis!)

Brushing your teeth and getting dressed in the morning are among the daily routines that are second nature to humans. But you may not always remember that your pets need regular care too - like avoiding potentially harmful table scraps, being protected from pesky fleas and ticks, keeping the sensitive pads of their paws safe from ever-changing weather conditions, and getting regular veterinary care.