Get Down! A Primer

What is the difference between down and feathers?

Down is the light fluffy coating clustered beneath the feathers of waterfowl that protect them from the elements. It is usually found on the belly of geese and ducks, as this is the part that is exposed to water and must keep the bird warm. As nature's most efficient insulator, down is warm, yet light and lofty. It takes 14 wool blankets to equal the temperature control of one down comforter! Additionally, down has the marvelous ability to breathe, making it an ideal way to help regulate your dog's body temperature. Feathers have quills and can range in size from 5 cm to several inches. Feathers do provide some insulation, but are mostly used for support.

How are down and feathers tested?

The first step in producing high quality natural fill is the purchasing of the raw materials. Our suppliers have many years of experience and contacts in many different parts of the world to ensure that our down and feathers are of the highest possible quality.

Once the down and feather are procured, the processing begins. Every shipment is examined and tested to ensure that the quality of the shipment is up to our exacting standards. Our supplier has a fully equipped in-house laboratory which performs down content tests, specie tests, oxygen and tubidity tests, and fill power tests. They also send a sample of the shipment to IDFL testing lab in Salt Lake City to get a corroborating test report. Once it is determined that the raw material is the correct quality, it is assigned a lot number and is approved for use in processed material.

Cooking in the Kitchen

Each duvet may have a different fill requirement, which has its own distinct "recipe" that needs to be tested to ensure its quality. Beginning with the high-quality raw materials that we already have, we create a recipe to produce the required fill. Our supplier then makes a test batch, tests it at their in-house lab and sends it to an outside lab for extra testing. Once the recipe is confirmed, the order is produced.

Terms for Natural Fill Blends

Fill Weight
As the world's most efficient insulator, down will moderate the body's warmth even with smaller amounts. Both fill weight and quality (fill power, species, etc.) will affect the insulating value of down bedding. Down traps air, which is why the dog's own body heat is what keeps him or her cozy.

Grey vs. White
The color of down or feather has no bearing on its quality. White natural fill is typically more expensive, as most bedding fabrics in which the fill is used are white. The perception that the white look is cleaner has caused the price of white natural fill to be higher than grey natural fill.

What is Fill Power?
The primary measurement for the quality of down is fill power, or how much volume a given weight of down will occupy. This is a measurement of efficiency; the higher the fill power number, the better the down and the greater the insulating value. Fill power is directly related to the size of the down cluster. The size of the bird and the climate in which it lived determines the size of its down cluster.

What if my dog is allergic to down and feathers?

Some people can have allergies to natural feather and down. The allergic reaction is caused by the dust and dander on the materials - not the down or feathers themselves. With careful and strict washing and sanitizing standards, 99% of these allergens can be removed from down and feathers. The cleaner the natural fill - the less likely it will cause an allergic reaction. However, The Muddy Dog® also provides an extremely high quality down alternative for those dogs with allergies.

How can I extend the life of my natural fill bedding?

We recommend covering your bedding products with some sort of fabric cover. Washing a duvet cover or the Dog On It™ is much simpler than washing the bedding itself and helps to avoid any over-laundering of the natural fill products.

How long can I expect my down bedding to last?

Of course, the answer to this question depends mostly on how well you treat your bedding. We understand the rigors that dog bedding must withstand, and have taken extra steps in our workmanship to help extend the lives of the products we make for you. The insert cover is 195 thread count twill construction for durability. You can expect your down duvet to last for about three to five years.

How do I know that my down bedding will not leak fill?

The Muddy Dog® takes extra care in the bedding products that we manufacture for your pet. Although there will always be the occasional small feather or down cluster coming out, we do everything possible to prevent any fill leakage from quality bedding.

How exactly should I take care of my down duvet?

It is good idea to fluff your dog duvet on a regular basis. Airing it outside will help it to keep smelling fresh. You should wash your bedding in commercial washers, set on delicate, using a mild dish detergent. Avoid using your normal detergent or bleach, as these cleaning agents will leave a residue on the down clusters, thereby reducing their ability to regain loft. It is very important to thoroughly dry the bedding in low heat, and to let it air dry for some time to allow all of the moisture to be removed, preventing mildew. Many of our customers place a tennis ball along with the duvets in the dryers, to help fluff things up. Small stains can be spot-cleaned with a mild detergent and thoroughly dried with a handheld hair dryer.