Eric, Author at SHT Blog

January 26, 2020 By Eric Leave a Comment

Best Trampoline Enclosure in 2020

Having a trampoline without an enclosure or net? Do you realize how dangerous this really is for your children to play on a trampoline without the safety of the enclosure? Statistics show that most of the trampoline injuries are caused because of the missing enclosure.

When you are looking for the best trampoline enclosure, you might want to get as much information as possible. To ensure that you are purchasing the right enclosure that will give the best protection to your family. With this mentioned information, you will know that you are on the right track with the enclosure that you are going to buy.

The Importance of Having a Trampoline Enclosure

Why is it important to have a trampoline enclosure in the first place? Shouldn’t the one on the trampoline just be careful when they are jumping?

When you are using a trampoline, it can be hard to control the movement and where you are actually going to land. This can result in one ending up on the edge of the trampoline, or have the risk of falling off the trampoline.

And, if this is smaller children, they can really get seriously hurt when they are falling off. The enclosure is making sure that they aren’t going to fall off the trampoline. It keeps everyone safe while playing.

The Right Size Enclosure for the Right Trampoline

With purchasing the right enclosure, the first thing that you need to make sure about is that you are buying the right size enclosure for the right size trampoline. That the enclosure is fitted perfectly on the trampoline.

Many of the trampolines have their own enclosures that you can purchase extra. So, make sure that you are looking for the right enclosure before you are just going and purchase the first and best enclosure you can find.

Considering the Features of the Best Trampoline Enclosure

Before buying the best trampoline enclosure, the next thing that you need to make sure about is the features of the enclosures. You want to make sure that you are getting value for money, but that safety is also a priority.

These are some of the features that you need to consider before purchasing your trampoline enclosure.

The material that the trampoline enclosure is made off. The more durable the material the better
The size of the enclosure. It should be a perfect fit for the trampoline that you have
How the enclosure is attached to the trampoline. The better it is attached to the trampoline the safer it will be for the person using the trampoline.
Are there any other safety features on the encloser that is making it better to purchase?

Buying Guide for Purchasing the Best Trampoline Enclosure

Buying a trampoline enclosure isn’t that hard, you just need to know what to look for when searching for the best one for your trampoline. With this guide, you will not make a mistake with the enclosure that you are buying for your trampoline.

The price of the enclosure and the features that you are getting from the enclosure. The more features it will have, the more you will pay for it. Giving you more value for money.
Can the enclosure size be adjusted? Some of the enclosure’s sizes can be adjusted so that it fits better on your trampoline.
The type of material of the enclosure and how durable it will be. This will influence the price that you will pay for the enclosure.
The height of the enclosure. The higher the enclosure is, the higher the children can play on the trampoline.
The door of the enclosure. Does the door close securely so that children can’t fall out of the door when they are playing on the trampoline.

Best Rebounder Trampoline in 2020

Some of the Best Trampoline Enclosures That You Can Purchase

The moment that you know some of the best trampoline enclosures that you can purchase, you will not have any problems in purchasing the best enclosure.

There are many places online where you can find the best trampoline enclosures. You just need to know where you can find the best ones. These are some of the best trampoline enclosures that you can purchase.

SKYTRIC Universal Trampoline Enclosure Safety Net
Universal Replacement Safety Enclosure Net by Upper Bounce
Upper Bounce Trampoline Safety Enclosure Set of Net, Poles & Hardware

When you have a trampoline without an enclosure, this is something that you need to consider. This is the only way that you can know for sure that your children will be safe while they are enjoying the trampoline.

Many people don’t like the enclosures, because they are saying it restricting them from enjoying the trampoline completely. However, to ensure that your children are completely safe, this is something that you need to consider.

With this guide, you will get all the information needed to purchase the best trampoline enclosure for your trampoline.

January 26, 2020 By Eric Leave a Comment

Best Rebounder Trampoline in 2020

Rebounder trampolines. This is one of the best ways that you can exercise these days. More and more people realize how beneficial it is to make use of a trampoline to exercise. To get fit and healthy.

However, the problem that many have, is to purchase a great rebounder trampoline for adults, and not just purchase one that children can use to play on. With this buying guide, you will know for sure that you are going to purchase one of the best rebounder trampolines on the market, for getting the best possible results.

Why Should You Purchase a Rebounder Trampoline?

As we said before, the rebounder trampoline is best for exercising. Especially, if you aren’t using to exercise your body hard. With a trampoline, you are getting a full-body workout in the comfort in your own home.

The great thing about the rebounder is that there are many different exercises that you can do on it, that is fun to learn. Most of these exercises can be found on the internet. Now, exercising and getting fit and healthy can be fun as well.

The Size of the Rebounder

The first thing that you need to consider when you are purchasing your rebounder trampoline is the size of the trampoline. The larger the rebounder, the more you can move on it. However, you need to make sure that you have enough space to store the rebounder when you aren’t using it.

Some of the rebounders can’t fold up to get stored away. So, you need to make sure that you have space for the size of the rebounder. Having a smaller one will not mean that you can’t use it correctly. There are many exercises that you can do on the smaller rebounders.

The Total Weight Limit is Essential

This is an essential thing to make sure about. To look at the total weight limit that the rebounder can handle. This is also a great way to make sure that you are purchasing a rebounder for adults and not just a small trampoline for children to play on.

The higher the weight limit, the better the trampoline will be, and the longer it will last. The weight limit will normally be on the package of the trampoline. Don’t purchase one if you can’t find the weight limit. You can get seriously injured if you are using a rebounder that is breaking underneath you.

The Quality of the Trampoline

The quality of the trampoline is just as important. As we said, if the trampoline breaks while you are exercising, you are going to get hurt. So, you should make sure about the quality of the trampoline. The higher the quality, the better.

You can find out the quality of the trampoline, by looking at the materials that the trampoline is made off. And, you can read some reviews about the different rebounders. This will give you an indication about which rebounders are known to be the best in quality.

The Price of the Trampoline is an Indication About the Quality

If you are wondering if you are going to purchase a high-quality trampoline, you can just look at the price of the trampoline as well. There are a couple of trampolines that are high in quality, but low in price. However, this isn’t always the case.

The lower the price, the lower the quality of the trampoline. And, you need to make sure that you can actually afford the trampoline before you just purchase any rebounder trampoline. Before you decide that the price of the rebounder is too expensive, look at the accessories that come with the trampoline before you are making your final decision.

How to Stake a Tent

Some of the Best Rebounder Trampolines That You Can Purchase

These are some of the best rebounder trampolines that you can purchase. Making sure that you are going to purchase something that is going to give you value for money. You can also consider those that come with the handlebar. To ensure that you have a place to hold onto when you are exercising. Making sure that you don’t fall and get injured. Something that will last for a while and that will give you the right amount of bounce to exercise on.

Boing Rebounder Bungee Trampoline
Pure Fun Mini Rebounder
bellicon Classic Mini Trampoline
Needak R01 Rebounder Soft Bounce
Cellerciser Rebounder with Balance BAR

When you are looking for a rebounder trampoline, you need to know which rebounder is going to be the best rebounder trampoline to purchase. Making sure that you are going to get value for money, and that you will use something that will actually work. This is why this buying guide is so great.

It will make sure that you know everything you need to consider to purchase the best rebounder. It also gives you a couple of names of rebounders that you can purchase.

January 26, 2020 By Eric Leave a Comment

Pros and Cons of Grain-free Dog Food

What Is Grain-Free Dog Food?

As we are going to discuss the pros and cons of grain-free dog food let us understand its ingredients. Grains such as wheat, barley, oats, corn, etc., are added to the dog food. They are not inherently bad but low-quality fillers derived from corn, wheat, etc. should be avoided.

Whole, organic or natural foods are unprocessed and contain the complete nutritional profile of the grains. Whole grains are healthier as they are not degraded due to processing. But they should be high quality and digestible to the dog.

If your dog is allergic or sensitive to grains then a grain-free diet is advisable. Your dog will get high quality and digestible food as it contains legumes, beans, vegetables and other plant-based sources of the basic food groups.

Pros and Cons of Grain-Free Dog Food

We discuss the pros and cons of grain-free dog food so that you can decide for yourself if it is right for your pet.

Pros of Grain-Free Dog Food

A grain-free diet does not mean any carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are made of 3 components – sugar, fiber, and starch. Fiber and starch are complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly. While sugar is a simple carbohydrate that releases energy immediately. Starch from dog food ingredients such as tapioca, beans, vegetables, legumes, and potato digests slowly to release energy over time.

Grain-free dog food is meant for canines that cannot digest grains. Usually, all dogs have enzymes to digest, absorb and utilize the nutrients from grains. But in the case of those dogs that cannot – grain-free dog foods are a blessing.

Dogs may be allergic to grain proteins such as gluten. Their system may identify the protein as an invader and produce histamine. This causes the dog to chew, scratch and itch incessantly. A grain-free diet may be recommended in this case.

Other health issues that benefit from grain-free dog food are dog obesity. The low carbohydrate diet causes their body to utilize the fat and proteins to produce energy.

A low carbohydrate diet or grain-less diet is recommended for dogs diagnosed with cancer or diabetes. Low carbohydrate and high-fat diet with fish oil help speedy recovery and extend a disease-free remission.

Grain-less dog food also helps manage the production of insulin for diabetic dogs. Some grains have a high glycemic index. The high glucose level challenges insulin levels.

Lectins and glutens in some grains cause inflammation. Chronic gut inflammation occurs where the superficial layers of the intestine have eroded. This impairs the secretion of enzymes that aid in immunity, digestion, and absorption of nutrients. The malassimilation of carbohydrates causes diarrhea.

If this malabsorption continues it leads to bacterial fermentation and overgrowth that causes flatulence, and other issues.

The Cons of Grain-free dog food

Regular dog foods include a balanced amount of grains in them. This provides complex carbohydrates that digest slowly and release energy throughout the day. Grains are nutritious. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, etc. The dogs are disallowed the benefits of grains.

Grains are also rich in fiber that binds the feces and helps in gut motility. This helps clean the digestive tract and maintain weight. Grains can delay gastric emptying; this slows down the small bowel transit time. During this time the bowels bind the toxins and bile acids that irritate the bowels. The overall process normalizes the gut motility. The slow transit of fiber also causes the animal to feel full longer which curbs the appetite.

Grains are also rich in lean protein. The gluten in the grains is a high-quality protein. Though it is not as bioavailable or intestinally absorbable as animal-sourced proteins. The high-quality whole-grain diet helps fortify other protein sources that contribute to your dog’s health.

The combined effect of the nutrients, fibers and regular bowels sets up a healthy gut fauna. A healthy gut ensures a healthy heart, brain and immune system. This promotes healthy sleep, improves the mood and prevents auto-immune diseases and cancers.

Some pet owners believe that a grain-free diet means a high protein or meat diet. This is not true as this dog food includes peas as a first and alternative ingredient to grains. The following ingredients may be chicken meal and fats; which is not meat.

Best Dog Food for Labradors

Grains have lower fat content than meat. A balanced diet of meat and grains helps control weight by reducing calories.

A study by FDA informed of the deleterious effects of the grain-free diet on these fur babies. It found that the dogs fed on lentils, peas, potatoes, and legumes had higher chances of suffering from Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Regardless of the pros and cons of grain-free dog food your dog deserves a balanced diet. As one size does not fit all it is recommended that you formulate a diet that supports your pet’s needs. The factors to consider would be the pet’s activity level, age, size, health issues, etc.

You may not need to include grains. But it is always wise to consult with your veterinarian to personalize your pet’s food.

January 26, 2020 By Eric Leave a Comment

Best Dog Food for Labradors

What Are the Nutritional Requirements of a Dog?

Before we discuss the best dog food for Labradors let us learn more about dogs as a genus and species. This will give you an insight into their anatomy and physiology. Which in turn will give you an idea of what kind of food is best for them?

Like all living beings, dogs of any breed require carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and water. These food groups are broken down in the body to build muscles, bones, blood, etc. They are required to carry out various physiological functions in the body.

The need for these components may vary in different stages of the canine’s life. For example, a puppy and adolescent may require more calcium for growing bones. A well-balanced diet is vital for the overall health and wellbeing of your Labradors.

Dogs belong to the taxonomical Order Carnivora. Some animals in this order are Obligates or true carnivores. For example, with cats; meat is an absolute dietary requirement. But humans and dogs are Omnivores. This means that the dentition (the teeth structure) and intestines have become adapted to an omnivorous diet.

Their nutritional requirements are met through a plant and animal-based diet. The source of the nutrient groups is less important compared to the digestibility and quality. In other words, if Labradors are fed a balanced vegetarian diet they will thrive.

Types of Best Dog Food for Labradors

We have enlisted the various types of dog foods available in the market.

Dry Food aka Kibble is a combination of raw ingredients that are cooked, ground and blended. The homogenized mixture is extruded into bite-size pellets. Besides meeting nutritional needs kibble has dental benefits.

Chewing kibble scraps off plaque and tartar off your pet’s teeth. Besides, if your dog has specific dietary requirements you will find a great variety of kibble available in the market.

Wet food comes in pouches and cans. Wet foods contain 87% moisture while dry foods only 10%. They also have a higher percentage of fats and proteins besides higher amounts of calories and flavour. Beware of the ingredients used to bind and thicken the food besides other additives such as colours, preservatives, etc. Wet foods have a short shelf life and are meant as supplements.

Prescription foods cover specific dietary requirements to mitigate a health problem. They are not regular food for Labradors.

Freeze-dried foods are frozen and then the moisture is removed by desiccation. The resulting product retains the nutritional integrity. This food can be cooked or raw and requires rehydration. They are flavorful, carry high nutritional value and do not contain artificial preservatives.

Human-grade dog foods contain ingredients fit for human consumption.

Dehydrated foods are the dry feed that requires rehydration to restore the food to the original state. No preservatives are used thus it is safe and healthy.

Frozen fresh foods are closest to the natural dog diet. They may be cooked or raw, frozen or refrigerated. They are usually high-quality foods where nutritional integrity is not compromised.

The other diets you will find on the pet food aisle are flax-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, grain-free, high protein, limited ingredient, low glycemic, low protein and organic.

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Labradors?

The best advice is to feed the Labrador with the highest quality food within your budget. You cannot see the difference between premium dog food and budget dog food by reading the label. The difference is in the source of the ingredients in the packet. The two dog foods – premium and budget – may contain 27% of proteins but the difference is in the digestibility.

The ingredients in pet food are listed by the order of weight. Each ingredient is weighed and added to the batch of food. Some ingredients such as fresh meat have lots of water. This water is lost during processing. Another point to be noted is if, in a dry diet, corn is enlisted as the first ingredient. It will be superior quality corn.

To complicate the matters further some nutrients are listed maximum percentage while the others as a minimum. This means that the batch may contain a lower or higher percentage of a certain ingredient than printed on the label. In conclusion, instead of vacillating and worrying the best solution is to ask your veterinarian.

Nevertheless, here are a few tips to decide the best dog food for Labradors.

Pick a dog food with recognizable, real ingredients comprising of whole foods. For example – Turkey, sweet potato and cranberries mix. Here the first ingredient is meat and it is grain-free.

Pick a low-calorie diet as most neutered, spayed, indoor and adult Labradors have low energy requirements. Ideally, the cup should contain less than 350 calories.

You also have to remember you hand out treats to your fur baby which might pack on pounds leading to health problems.

August 16, 2019 By Eric Leave a Comment

How to Use Hammock Straps?

If you are still new to hammock camping, you might be wondering about how you can use hammock straps to mount your hammock. The truth of that matter is that there are various types of hammock straps and they function differently.

However, the good news is that if you properly follow the instructions, hammock straps are easy to use.

Hammock Strap Instructions

The instructions for mounting hammock straps are quite easy to follow. In a few steps, then you are done and can relax in your hammock.

Wrap the straps around a tree
You then put the end consisting of anchor points through the loop that is found on the opposite end
Tighten the strap around the tree by pulling the end that has anchor points
Snap the hammock carabiner when that into any of the anchor points when you are certain that the straps are firmly tight around the tree.

While these are the basic instructions for mounting hammock on trees, you must know that there are different types of hammock straps.

Eco-friendly Straps

These straps are easy to use but the only challenge is that they are heavy and they consist of metal pieces against metal which makes noise. However, they can act as both a suspension line and anchor point since they are long.

Start with stitched loop an make sure it facing toward the hammock or just inwards
Tie the metal loop around the tree so it passes the stitched loop
Wrap the strap around the tree but in the opposite direction
Adjust the strap to the desired length for suspension
Attach the S hook to the metal loop and continuous loop at the end of the hammock
Go to the other side and repeat the process then you are done

Long Straps With Two Loops

The two loops found on these straps have three lines of stitches and they are easy to use. You can either use a loop alone or carabiner.

Method 1

The stitched loops should face inwards toward the hammock
Hold the loop and tightly wrap the strap around the tree until you have the desired length
Pass the suspension side into the loop that you are holding and pull it tightly
Attach the hook or carabiner to the suspension at the end of the hammock
Once you repeat the same process on the other end, you can relax in your hammock

Method 2

You must hold the loop with stitches toward the hammock
Wrap the strap around the tree only once then feed it through the loop and pull tight
Insert a toggle after tying a marlin-spike
Hang the end loops of the hammock around the marlin-spike
After repeating the same process, then you are done
Do this on each strap
It is imperative to first test the hammock by sitting before you lie inside

Using Short Straps With Two Loops

The straps can only wrap around the tree once and they are easy to create an anchor point. You then feed the loop through each other while at the same time tightly pulling them to make sure they face the hammock.

Hammock With Easily Adjustable Straps

You can use the straps with a carabiner but follow the simple steps below

Start by wrapping the strap around the tree
You must then attach the end comprising of all loops through the end without loops then pull it tight
Clip the carabiner to the end of loops on your hammock and the loop that is on the strap after doing this on both sides, you are done

Ensure Strap Safety

When you are setting your hammock straps, always make sure that you take safety measures first. Check all the straps are tight on all posts and you should also sit on the hammock first before laying inside it to ensure that it is balanced.

After every use of the hammock, you should inspect the straps to check if they are still in good condition. You should also inspect the stitching of the straps on the hammock to ensure that they are still in good condition to ensure your safety.

Hammock straps usually consist of three lines of stitches so if you notice that one line is off, you better replace your straps quickly. Hammock straps are not that expensive so you should not sacrifice your safety over something that you can easily afford.

How to Stake a Tent

Conclusion

Over and above, hammock straps are quite easy to use as long as you follow the instructions carefully. There are different types of hammock straps as well as methods of using them so you can choose the appropriate one that suits your needs.