As pet owners continue to feed their dogs from the table, a drastic rise in the number of human illnesses in dogs is being seen.
More dogs than people (11%) suffer from heart disease. In fact, nearly 8 million dogs are afflicted with heart disease – 20 million more are overweight and millions more are diabetic.
It is a commonly accepted belief that dogs physically resemble their owners and, more and more, follow their every move…including diet. And, just as the "humanization" of pets continues to grow, some of the health problems that plague Americans—namely, obesity and diabetes—are trickling down to the canine world. As Americans gain more weight and the numbers of cases of heart disease and diabetes rises, so does it follow with their pets.
"Similar to dieticians, most veterinarians now recommend more frequent meals with smaller portions for pets," says Barry Schwartz, CEO and Director of All American Pet Brands, a California-based business that has made it its mission to make dog food healthy. "As people learn more about nutrition and the importance of healthy eating, and come to consider pets as part of the family, there's been an increased demand for better pet nutrition and wellness."
All American Pet Brands. has created the first and only dog food to be concocted and endorsed by Cardiac Veterinarians. With a premium blend of natural ingredients providing essential nutrients optimized to promote your dogs nutrition, health and vitality, All American Pet’s “Bow Wow Breakfast” is the paramount way to combat future health problems for your pet.
Bow Wow breakfast comes in a variety of flavors and textures, including: Chompions, Barkfast Squares, Chewa-Bunga, Fido Flakes, Pooch-Cheeze. Also, All American Pet Brands recently launched its newest product, Grrr-nola, heart healthy dog food. The first ever product to be endorsed by a Cardiac Veterinarian.
All American Pet Company Brands, Inc. All American Pet Company produces healthy products for dogs, with the core product being super premium dog food. With the addition of chewable nutraceuticals, electrolyte and rehydration products, the core product categories are super premium dog food and pet wellness. All American Pet's products are manufactured in the U.S. under strict manufacturing guidelines and contain 100% American made ingredients. The expansion of the product offerings to include pet wellness products is targeted at taking advantage of a much wider approach to pet health trends which are being driven by the humanization of dogs. More than just the need for good nutrition, APPT is focused on complete “Pet Wellness”.
Over Christmas, my dog Axel received a holiday gift of a box of DoggieLicious Carob-dipped peanut butter* bones. I was immediately taken by not only the beautiful presentation of the treats, but the smell which was heavenly. And needless to say, Axel LOVED them.
Thinking about all the dog lovers on Swanky Pup, I wrote to the company asking whether they'd be willing to send me a sampler of their gourmet treats for me to review. A week later, a bag full of the most mouth-watering treats arrived, each one looking and smelling more delicious than the next. Their tail-wagging selection includes: Garlic Growlers; Molasses Almond Woofers; Carob-dipped pretzels; Classic Peanut Butter Bones; Peanut Butter and Oat Crunchers; Carob Chip Cookies; Pumpkin Twists; Grrrranola Squares, Pumpkin Squares; Breathbusters; Peanut Butter Carob Chip Cookies; Blueberry Mini Muffins; Carob Mini Muffins; Molasses Spice Drop Cookies; Pumpkin Poppers; Peanut Butter & Jelly Mini Bones and many more... Note, all DoggieLicious treats contain NO fillers or preservatives that are found in so many commercial treats. They do not use any sugars, salts or unhealthy fats in any of their products.
For such exceptional gourmet treats, they are very reasonably priced. Packages of 6oz treats sell for between $6-$7. As a special gift to Swanky Pup readers, DoggieLicious, are offering limited amounts of FREE 2 oz sample size of their Garlic Growlers, Peanut Butter & Oat Crunchers or Pumpkin Squares treats to try! Just click here to get yours now! Your pup will thank you!
Plus...can it get any better? Don't miss out on DoggieLicious's special Valentine selection of goodies which include Yogurt Dipped Peanut Butter Bones; Yogurt Dipped Molasses Hearts; Snowy Valentine Bones; and Molasses Almond Hearts.
For a limited time only, get 'em for 15% Off! Just add the code HEART at checkout!
* Note: all peanut butter used in DoggieLiciouis products is made by the J. M. Smucker Company. They are safe for consumption and are not part of any recall.
I was a bit cynical when I brought home Olive Organic Little Berry Bites treats for Axel. My dog has a penchant for singling out healthy snacks and rejecting them. He is a Milkbones, Pupperoni type of guy. We still buy Milkbones but I've been trying to go healthy for a while.
Little Berry Bites are manufactured by Olive. They are made of 100% natural ingredients like organic rolled oats, organic cranberries and blueberries, unsweetend applesauce, raw honey, and organic ground cinnamon and cloves. Wheat, corn and soy free. No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives of any kind. The range comes in three additional flavors - Nutty 'Nanners, My Oh My Pizza Pie, and Happy Apple Snacks.
I can only tell you that Axel LOVED these snacks. He gobbled them up like they were fries from McDonalds. Each 8 oz package retails for approximately $7.95. Olive also sells an Organic Cookie Treat Gift Set which includes all four popular Olive organic dog snacks neatly tucked in an organic cotton cinchpack for $29.99.
Pet owners, please be aware that Mars Petcare US has issued a voluntary recall of Everson, PA Plant Dry Pet Food Product due to potential salmonella contamination.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Affected foods include Pedigree, Wegmans, Ol' Roy, Country Acres and many more. For the Mars company's press release and a detailed listing of all affected foods, please click here.
Long, long ago, our faithful friends were fierce predators, but over the centuries they became domesticated. But our dog's still share the DNA of the wolf. Taste of the Wild™ brand dog food offers your pet a diet dictated by his genes. It provides your pet with the kind of natural, balanced diet that he could find "in the wild."
Taste of the Wild comes in three flavors: High Prairie Canine with Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison; Pacific Stream Canine with Smoked Salmon and Wetlands Canine with Roasted Wild Fowl. Sounds yummy, no? As usual, upon receiving samples from the company, I turned to Axel, my faithful tester for his opinion. He seemed to enjoy all three flavors and happily munched away on the crunchy, fresh kibble. At some point he took a breath to give me his paws up salute.
Taste of the Wild is a grain free formula made with real roasted meats, fruits and vegetables. They also contain natural antioxidants to support a healthy immune system and overall health. This is a high quality dog food and as a result it is not found in pet supermarkets or chain stores - please visit their website to find a store near you that carries this brand. Also, read the many glowing testimonials on their website from grateful owners, many of whom had dogs with health issues, who have switched to Taste of the Wild, with excellent results.
We all remember the horrible pet food recall fiasco that occured last year. Thankfully, I was not feeding Axel any of the affected foods, but nevertheless, the recall was a wake up call for me. I started looking at WHERE dog food was manufactured and what the ingredients were. I then started researching dog food companies and their products. My search ended with Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance® Dog Food. I have fed Axel Natural Balance® for over a year now and not only does he eat his food with relish, his coat is shiny and he is the picture of good health.
Natural Balance® products provide all natural complete and balanced nutrition in a variety of foods, from dry, canned, dog food rolls, frozen loaves and treats. Axel suffers from seasonal skin allergies so we feed him Natural Balance's® Allergy Formulas over spring and summer when his allergies are at their worst. In winter and fall, he gets the regular kibble or the Reduced Calorie kibble because he is little "too substantial." In addition to the kibble, Axel loves Natural Balance's® Dog Food Rolls which to the uninitiated, look like big baloney rolls. We slice them, grind them up in the food processor or just break off pieces and mix it in with kibble. They come in different sizes and are perfect for travel or meals on the go. Axel loves it!
Our household is so keen on Natural Balance® that we buy their treats too. Before my awakening, we used to buy supermarket brand treats such as Pupperoni, Snausages, Milkbones etc. So Axel is how should I put it, used to treat junk food. I was thus highly skeptical that he'd enjoy healthy treats such as Turkey, Oatmeal & Cranberry biscuits. But, he gobbled them up and we've never looked back. With seven different treat formulas, Axel is never bored. Plus, they have no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors.
To find out more, check out their Web site. Sign up for their Great American Dog Sweepstakes and win a trip to California for you and your pooch plus Natural Balance® food for a year.
Handmade, Organic Dog Cuisine Fit to your Dogs Needs
Over the past few years, I have made the transition from "regular" food to all organic food for my family (as many people have done). This trend to more natural, wholesome and organic foods has also taken hold of the pet food market.
I was recently introduced to eModernDog -- a very unique and cutting-edge organization -- that combines modern technology, leading research, and old-world craftmanship to feed our dogs. Their latest program, Organic Nutrition Express (O.N.E) is a quick and easy way to get homemade, organic, nutritious meals directly to your pet.
The food consists of organic and naturally raised bison, chicken and/or turkey and is blended by hand with locally farmed organic vegetables and seasoned with anti-oxidant herbs and oils.
What's so amazing about this program is that the food and diet is customized specifically for your dog. Should your dog have specific allergies, a condition requiring certain foods or food avoidance, or weight issues, you can be confidant that your dog will be eating healthy, appropriate meals for their breed, body type, and conditions.
Getting involved in this program is simple. Check out the website and review the various programs. Complete a form to help determine which food and recipies would be best for your dog. Then email owner Daryll (very hands on and so nice!) with the form, any questions and to get involved. Once you place your order, your dogs meals will be made and then frozen, and shipped to you within 48 hours. (If you live in the LA area, you can have your meals delivered or can pick them up.)
Take advantage of a fabulous 20% discount with code TSP-517123 on all first orders. Your dog will love you for it!
A Holistic, Natural Dog Supplement (and it's tasty too!)
An impressive intelligence, a striking physique, and an utter fondness and devotion toward his or her person make the Pit Bull Terrier a perfect companion. But there are also a few minor ailments characteristic to this breed: My dog Ruby, a Pit mix, has some dry skin issues and a very weak stomach.
Last winter I noticed that Ruby’s ID collar was rubbing against her skin and causing the hair around her neck to fall out. I went to my local pet store looking for a “skin and coat” formula of some sort and found exactly what I needed: Nupro All Natural Dog Supplement.
Nupro is a holistic powder that, when added to your dog’s food with a bit of water, creates a tasty gravy. One of the ingredients is desiccated (dried) liver, a flavor that is very palatable to dogs, so even the most picky eaters are sure to enjoy it. The liver also works to supply your dog with Iron and Vitamin B.
Other ingredients include Norwegian Kelp, which is a great natural source of minerals and vitamins that work to benefit your dog's overall health, specifically aiding in bone strength and growth, a strong heart rate, and a sound nervous system. Norwegian Kelp will also sustain muscular strength, and is great for your dog’s coat.
Micro-pulverized Bee Pollen, considered a natural “superfood,” supports a healthy immune system, and also helps to control any allergies your dog may have.
Imported Yeast Culture is another awesome ingredient included in a dose of Nupro. Not only does it support a healthy coat, but also may control excessive shedding, hot spots, and dry skin. This ingredient makes Nupro especially superior to other brands, as most use cheaper yeasts made from grains in which many animals are highly allergic. Yeast Culture is grown on sugar beets, without the use of grains, eliminating the possibility of an allergic reaction.
Nupro also provides your pet with essential Omega 3 fatty acids, a healthy does of fiber, and works to ward off possible types of infection. Lactobacillus Acidophilus aides in digestion and produces healthy intestinal bacteria.
All of the all natural ingredients in Nupro are raw and human grade, and Nupro contains no Sugar, Filler, Preservatives, or By-Products. By adding this supplement to Ruby’s food every morning and evening, I not only made her meals more enjoyable, but I also helped control her dry skin and made her a more overall healthy canine in the process. For more information or a sample of the product call 1-800-360-3300.
In my house we have switched over to everything organic and green that we possibly can. With Earth Day coming up, now is a great time for you to take a look at all of the great earth-friendly dog products out there, like these Blue Dog Bakery Premium All Natural Low Fat Dog Biscuits (currently on sale!).
Some Green Pet tips, courtesy of Petco:
1. Buy a natural pet food made from pure protein sources raised without growth hormones or antibiotics, and that doesn’t contain any animal byproducts, rendered meat or chicken meals.
2. Use all natural cleaning products free of toxic chemicals.
3. Choose eco-friendly pet grooming products made without phosphates, sulfates and other chemicals.
4. Pick eco-friendly pet toys made from organic or recycled materials.
5. Purchase alternative forms of kitty litter made from recycled material such as newsprint and use biodegradeable poopbags for your daily walks.
Petco has a great section of their website devoted to Earth Day, earth-friendly products, a quiz to see how green your pet is, and a "Pet for the Planet" sweepstakes.
Tell Petco how you and your pet work together to take care of the environment. Enter your green pet tip for a chance to win the Grand Prize of a year’s supply of Pet Promise dog or cat food and $250 worth of pet products! (9 runner up prizes also available.)
A little over a year ago, I found out that my dog has a food allergy. Every time he ate chicken, he would get sick. It wasn't fun! I changed his food to an all vegetarian diet. But, I was still having trouble finding treats that were easy on his stomach. I found a website called Henryandsons.com and they specialize in making all natural, vegetarian and vegan treats for dogs. Henryandsons.com dog treats do not contain any meat, chicken, pork or fish products. In addition, they also do not contain any lard, animal by-products, anything artificial GMO ingredients, added salt, wheat, corn, soy or chemical preservatives. In other words, this stuff is GREAT for your dog. Their treats come in a variety of flavors... each one delicious. My dog especially likes the sweet potato flavor. Easily digestible and allergy sensitive formulas are also available. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, or you just want to give your dog the very best, try the treats and biscuits from Henryandsons.com. Your dog will keep coming back for more.
We all love getting gifts on Valentine's Day from friends and the ones you love. Shouldn't your canine love get some lovin' too? At canineparties.com, they have delicious Valentine's Day treats that any dog would love to get their paws on called Peanut Butter Carob Bark Bars. We gave one to my dog and not only did he eat it right away, (usually he buries his treats and saves them later), but he came running back for more. The treats come in two shapes, a postman and a cat. Each box contains between 35-40 cookies, enough to share with friends or that special Valentine in your dogs life. Order your box of Peanut Butter Carob Bark Bars today at canineparties.com and receive it in time for Valentine's Day. Don't forget to add coupon code PCC1107 for 10% off your order.
I recently switched all of my family's food over to natural, organic food. Then I realized my dog isn't eating organically, and I want her to be as healthy as she can be. So I started researching organic dog food.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that one of my favorite organic brands, Newman's Own, also makes organic pet products! They have dry food, wet food, and treats for both dogs and cats in different variety's.
I tried a number of their treats (peanut butter, chicken and more) and my dog loved each and every one. They are a great size for any dog. And she gobbled the dry food as quickly as her good old favorite. I feel better knowing I am giving her all natural food. There are no poultry by-products, no antibiotics or steroids, no chemicals, no artificial colors or flavors, and no wheat or corn. When you read the ingredients it sounds like something you would actually want to eat: organic brown rice, organic oats, natural chicken, organic peas, and more. This is so important for your pet's health!
If you are interested in learning more, check out the Company's FAQ page. You can purchase Newman's Own products from your local pet stores. Here is a list to find a store near you.
If my dog could, he would sit at the dinner table with us. He would probably lick clean all the food on everyone's plates and he'd probably knock over a glass or two. Well, now he has his own table...a table just for him. Fitzyourpet.com is a website that will make a dinette set for your cat or small dog. Its stylish design, custom colors and easy maintenance make it so nice to keep in your kitchen. Not only that, but there are so many benefits for the health of your pet. Since it has adjustable heights, it helps reduce neck and shoulder strain and it improves digestion through better alignment. It's very easy to keep clean with mild soap and warm water. Fitzyourpet.comalso carries accessories for your dinette such as braided rugs for your dinette to sit on, engraved dinette nameplates, personalized placemats, food and water bowls, treat jars, toys and more. So, if you're ready to bring your pet to the table, check out Fitzyourpet.com. Enter coupon code "theswankypup" to receive 5% off your purchase.
My dog Maggie got some awesome gifts for the holidays... but her favorite by far were the Chix and Pork Riblets by Pet 'n Shape. These all natural, healthy treats are perfect for her as she loves to chew.
I love Pet 'n Shape because their treats are all natural and healthy, with 100% natural chicken and duck breast. They have:
NO additives or coloring NO preservatives Not affected by Recalls LOW in calories LOW in fat LOW in cholesterol HIGH in protein
There are a number of awesome products that they offer so take a look to see what is right for your pet.
Buy from Amazonand take advantage of sale prices (over 25% off!) and free shipping when you spend $25.
My dog is obsessed with food. She has eaten everything from cat litter-box treats to filet. One of her all-time favorite treats, though, is Frosty Paws, ice cream made for dogs.
Dogs love these treats because they are refreshing and yummy. And you can feel good about giving it to your dog because the ice cream is fortified with protein, vitamins and minerals that dogs need, and there is no added sugar, artificial flavors or colors.
Available in original flavor and in peanut butter, the treats come in dixie-type cups so they are easy to give to your dog. (I just stick the cup in my dog's bowl and she stays there for awhile licking away!)
If you are interested in learning more, check out this interesting article that tells you more about Frosty Paws.
Available at most grocery stores in your freezer section, try them today!
My dog absolutely loves popcorn. Every time we make a big bowl he forgets all his training and practically jumps into my lap to get some. Harold slurps up every piece that drops on the ground and manages to get a few from us as well. He usually ends up getting to eat more popcorn than we do. Thanks to WoofyPop, no more sharing your popcorn with the dog when he can have his own!
WoofyPop Dog Popcorn is made just for our furry friends. High in fiber, it comes in delectable flavors such as grilled filet mignon, creamy cheddar cheese, roasted chicken and sizzling bacon. Harold loved the bacon and chicken flavors. I stayed away from the cheese, as much as Harold likes it his stomach does not.
We first learned about it through a friend who purchased it in a pet boutique but it is also available online at target.com and many other online stores. WoofyPop comes in 12 packs of single-serve 1.6 ounce bags that make 4 cups of popped corn. Recommended serving size: 1 cup for every 10 lbs. of dog’s weight. So remember for the smaller dogs save some for another time!
In my house, I try to buy only the healthiest foods for my family. I shop generally at Whole Foods, try to buy only natural and fresh foods without preservatives, with things like flaxseed and wholesome ingredients. This philosophy applies not only to my kids, but to my dog as well.
I was recently introduced to Homestyle Select meals for dogs. These all-natural, fresh meals are perfect for maintaining your dogs health while giving them a yummy meal, too. These refrigerated meals come in a log (sort of like Toll-house cookies that you slice and bake) and are very easy to use. You just slice it on the marking on the package, serve it to your dog, and then refrigerate it. It is just like fresh cold cuts or other fresh food.
I tried the chicken, vegetable & rice dinner with my dog and she absolutely loved it. Now, to be totally honest, she loves any type of food, but this one she particularly savored extra-long and I saw extra mouth-licking for awhile after she was finished.
I like that the food has real veggies in it and that it is fresh (there is 70% meat in it!) The rice used is brown rice for easy digestion, and there is also flax-seed oil added for healthy skin and coat. The food is part of the PAN diet, which stands for pasteurized, all natural, and nutrient dense. There is a special food for puppies, too.
To learn more, check out this video, or see if there is a sampling event in your area. Print out a coupon and try out this great product with your dog today!
and take advantage of sale prices (over 25% off!) and free shipping when you spend $25.
