A day in the life of a pet dad

It is a truth universally acknowledged that pet dad's don't need alarm clocks. Every morning, there's either a dog sitting on your chest staring at you, or a cat walking across your face. That's their alarm clock.

For a growing number of men in the UK, Father's Day is becoming a celebration between them and their four-legged companion. Whether you're a dog dad logging miles on morning walks, or a cat dad whose evenings now revolve zoomies, this Father's Day we're celebrating everything you do for your furry friend.

The morning shift

For dog dads, there's no negotiating. You're up, leads are on, and you're outside before most of world has stirred. And whilst you may still be a bit groggy, getting in some early morning steps with your dog has some amazing health benefits! Research has found that dog owners are significantly more physically active than non-owners which has measurable benefits to cardiovascular health and blood pressure.

For cat dads, mornings are a different kind of ritual. Or more precisely, a trial. Breakfast is served under the watchful eye of feline companions. It must be the correct amount. No less. More is of course okay, but don't even think about scrimping out with a few grams under. If you are lucky they might deign to sit with you whilst you doomscroll. Hopefully they will bless you with their presence as research has shown that 78% of men with cats say their feline companion helps them quiet their minds and stop overthinking. A cat sitting on your lap while you drink your morning coffee is, apparently, doing something neurologically useful.

The unbreakable bond

What the science says about man's best friend

When we interact with our dog or cat, our brain releases oxytocin, which is the bonding hormone involved in human relationships, and cortisol, the primary stress hormone, drops. The bond is sow powerful simply making eye contact with our pets raises our oxytocin.

Of course, owning a dog encourages more exercise which in turn significantly reduces the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease. Particularly men living alone. Many dog owners rate their relationship with their dog as more satisfying than those with their closest human companions in measures of companionship, affection, and consistency. Don't tell our family, but we agree!

Whilst cats are often considered to be more aloof than their canine counterparts, research has found that cats form secure attachments to their owners, behaving in ways that mirror bonded children with parents.

Fun fact! Despite cats bonding to their humans as children, cats also consider us to be rather large, incompetent kittens. Cats use meowing as kittens to communicate with their mothers but don't tend to as adults. However domesticated cats have there perspective that we need help, similar to that of a kitten.

Them meowing at us is just their way of giving us simple and direct instructions of what they need.

A daily pet dad routine

A man and woman walk a brown dog along a sunny, leafy path beside a brick wall.

Good morning!

The morning walk is the foundation of dog dad life. That special bonding time between man and man's best friend. Unmissable.

When it comes to breakfast, you already know pet dads are serving up only the finest raw recipes to their dogs and cats. Kicking off their dog's day with a bowl full of our delicious Chicken recipe or, if their feeling fresh, our Fresh Lamb Medallions will set them up for the day.

For cats dads serving up a portion of our Cat Beef recipe will go down a treat (it's our cat fan favourite!).

Kick back and relax

The favourite part of a pet dads day - when they get to kick chill out and relax with their pet. Their dog will usually be curled up on the sofa next to them. Their cat may bless their dads by sitting on their laps turning their chill out session into a stress out session as they do their best to not disturb their feline blanket.

Then their pet will give them that look. The look that says 'it's time' dad already knows what he has to do. It's Sprat time.

Man sitting on a sofa with a cat on their lap, thanks for your order!

Evening wind down

After a busy day meeting the demands of the pet, dad's like nothing more than winding down for the evening. Starting off with an evening stroll for dogs dads it comes to a peak with dinnertime.

Did dad forget to defrost dinner? Yes he did. But don't worry, there is some Gently Steamed in the cupboard (we'll forgive him this time because it's delicious). For cat dads, the evening meal is time to really build the bond with their cat and there is nothing cats like more than polishing off some Chicken Hearts or Turkey Hearts.

As everyone heads up to dreamland, it's time for goodnight toilets and treats of course. No bedtime would be complete without Lamb Puffs - approved by dogs and cats!

Pet dad gifts worth giving

Looking for a gift from your pet for the father figure in their life? Give these a try:

Turkey Neck - For extra tasty snack time.

Freeze Dried Treats - Unlock every trick with these.

Chicken Neck - Adding some extra crunch to their day.

Sprats - Because everyone loves Sprats.

These are all presents for their pets? Yes, because there is not greater gift for pet parents than their pet loving them just that little bit extra!

The pet dad identity represent something genuinely worth acknowledging.

Men who take daily responsibility for an animal's nutrition, health, behaviour, and emotional needs are doing consistent, considered caregiving and research confirms it benefits them as much as their pets. Lower stress. Better physical health. Deeper routine. A relationship defined, as one researcher put it, by emotional support, connection, and unconditional presence.