Friday, March 29, 2013

Doggie Meat Loaf

I thought I had posted this recipe I use, but I looked and found out I had not.  This is a great recipe that's fairly easy to make.

1 lb. ground meat (beef, turkey or chicken)
2 Tablespoons dried organic parsley
1 organic egg (raw)
1/2 cup finely diced organic celery
organic quick cook oats (dry, not cooked)
organic low-sodium tomato juice
1/2 small organic squash, cut into small pieces (yellow or zucchini)
 (Note: you do not need to peel the squash, but be sure to wash it off)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Lightly beat egg and pour onto ground meat, add parsley,celery and squash, mix well (it works best doing it with your hands, clean hands of course!), mix in enough tomato juice and oats to get the mix to hold together well...form into a loaf and place in a pan that has been rubbed with some organic extra virgin olive oil (to keep from sticking).  Bake for 30-45 minutes (check for doneness by sticking a toothpick down the middle.  It should come out fairly clean when the meat is baked enough).Cut into bite size pieces (or mash with fork for doggies with no or few teeth or small dogs).  Be sure to allow it to cool enough that it doesn't burn their little mouths).

I know typically for people we add onion to meatloaf...DO NOT ADD ONION TO YOUR DOGGIE MEATLOAF!

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Springtime, Inc. - Supplement Review

I really like to search out and use quality supplements for my dogs as much as I enjoy feeding them a healthy diet.  It's great when you find a good article or book that helps in this quest.  However, in this blog, I want to introduce you to a company that has a wealth of information that is contained in their supplement catalog!  I have mentioned this company before in blogs, and I have now added them to my 'Websites and Dog Resources' section of my blog.

I have used Springtime, Inc. over the past 4 to 5 years and have been very pleased with the quality and effectiveness of their product.  They carry a variety of natural supplements for dogs, horses and people.  (Note: Right now until April 30th, they are offering free shipping to 48 states...great deal!)  You can go to their website, www.springtimeinc.com and request a free catalog.  Another great 'perk' to their products is their 'save up to 50% specials' and the 'free product' offerings. (for orders $75 and over)

I am going to hi-light some of the invaluable information in this catalog, and also some of their products.  The 2013 Spring Catalog has a nice spread over 8 pages on 'Safe Raw Food Secrets for Dogs & Horses'.  First off, I'd like to point out that they conduct 20 tests for safety and purity on their products, which are made in the U.S.A.  The desiccated raw beef liver used in their supplements is from Argentina and comes from 'hormone free cattle raised in pristine wild areas'. 

For dogs they have Advanced Hip & Joint Chews, Bee Pollen, Bug Off Garlic (available in air-dried granules or chewables), C-Complex (if you've read some of my previous blogs, I have touted the benefits of using complex vitamins, and not fragments), Joint Health Chewables, Omega 3-6-9, Stress Free Calmplex  and several other beneficial products for our canine friends.  There is a nice article on 'Quick Tips to Evaluate Your Dog's Health', written by Trista Reeder, M.S., Ph.D.

For my order this time I am trying Springtime's 'Fresh Factors'.  I understand this works great with the joint supplement, and it highlights 'itch-free skin and enhancing digestion/reducing stool size, cleanup', among other listed benefits.  I have purchased in the past their 'Joint Health Chewables', but this time I am trying the 'Advanced Hip & Joint Chewables', as I have several aging doggies in our home.  This product contains Boswellia extract and 'is by far the most potent herbal pain reliever available for dogs'.  It also contains chondroitin sulfate extract along with other high grade ingredients.  (Note: always tell your vet what supplements you are giving your dog(s), especially if they are on prescription medications).

I periodically use their Omega 3-6-9 which provides 'complete full-spectrum omega 3-6-9.'  It is ' distilled  wild fish oil (that) has been purified - no heavy metals, PCBs, etc., absolutely clean & safe.'  The 'Bug Off Garlic Chewables for Dogs' is a wonderful alternative to chemical use for flea control.  I have used various garlic supplements over the years (15 plus years) on my dogs, and I do not have flea issues.  It is a great insect repellent, and this one 'provides a 24-hour shield against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, etc.'  Garlic is of course, one of the world's most powerful antioxidant foods.  This product 'promotes friendly bacteria in the digestive tract, provides four times more organic sulfur than any other food, and contains natural MSM' (an effect joint enhancer).

On page 39 there is a picture list of recommended reading, several of these are already in my library....and I'd certainly like to add these others as well.  Page 42 hi-lights 'Spot-On Flea & Tick Toxicity'.    This is something every pet parent needs to be aware of.  I have blogged numerous times about keeping a safe, healthy, natural environment inside and outside the home.  I hope you will consider adding these wonderful supplements to your dog(s) regimen.  Even if you are feeding a home cooked diet, or raw; it's very challenging to have it all.  The addition of these natural products will prove to be a valuable compliment.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

The Honest Kitchen Dog Food Review

I really enjoy reviewing and researching dog foods, after all part of loving our dogs (and families) is feeding them.  Not feeding them just anything, but filling their bellies with foods that will meet their true nutritional needs.  Most commercial dog foods do not fall into this category, so if your dog is on such a diet, proper supplementation is not an option, it's a necessity!

I received an invitation to review dog food from 'The Honest Kitchen'.  I was not familiar with their product and was surprised to find when I received it, that it is dehydrated! Ok...something new.
Before I get in to my food review, I'd like for my readers to know all the wonderful products they carry for your dog, such as tea...yes...tea.  I have read in the past about using herbal teas for dogs, but I've not tried it, so this is definitely something I am looking forward to.

They have one for calmness, their 'Quiet Tea' with of course, contains chamomile and many other beneficial herbs; a mobility tea, 'Lithe Tea', which contains alfalfa...a very, very wonderful herb useful for many health ailments in our canine companions; and a urinary tract tea, 'Easy Peesy Tea' (gotta love that name!).  I'm very anxious to get some of these and try them! What a great addition to a home cooked diet! And also, they have supplements for digestion, skin & coat, and an antioxidant.  Of course, as always, I have blogged to not start numerous supplements at one time.  You need to determine what your dog is lacking, what issues there are, and find out what supplements help in those areas.  Try one, at least for several months to determine the results before adding another.  By trying different supplements over a period of time, you can see what is of best benefit to your pooch, as not everything will work for everypawdy!

The Honest Kitchen also has some gourmet treats you can give your dog, pure meat ones....what dog wouldn't like that?  And cookies? Yup. And even a product called 'Ice pups', which is a grain-free mix of dehydrated free-range chicken and turkey that you mix with water and freeze or can serve as a warm drink!

What I like about their food is they start with human-grade whole-foods, they're gently dehydrated (commercial dog foods are cooked at temperatures ranging from 176-392 degrees Fahrenheit...note that vitamins are inactivated at 117-118 degrees Fahrenheit).  Their product is made right here in the United States (yay!) in a human food facility on the same equipment that produces 'people foods'.  There are no artificial ingredients or preservatives, it expands 4 times its original weight when hydrated, and is gentle on sensitive stomachs. And...no corn, wheat or soy, which can be allergins to many dogs.

Out of the four samples they sent me, I have used two so far, the 'Keen' which contains dehydrated turkey, organic oats, potatoes, organic flaxseed, carrots, cabbage, organic alfalfa, organic kelp, apples, honey, garlic, rosemary, and then some vitamin and mineral supplements.  The Chaplin pups have also tried the 'Verve' which contains dehydrated beef, organic oats, organic rye, organic flaxseed, potatoes, carrots, organic alfalfa, eggs, apples, parsley, cranberries, spinach, chicory, rosemary and some vitamin and mineral supplements.  Do you see anything in this ingredient list that you can't pronounce? It's food....whole foods!  Wow, isn't that great? If you examine the product label of a commercial dog food, you won't see that!

This is a very versatile food that can be used by itself, with a home-cooked diet, raw diet...and is even great to take with you on-the-go.  When I poured the dehydrated powder into a bowl for preparation, the smell was typical of the whole foods that are put into it, and then I added the warm water and stirred (see pictures below)...ok...I admit, the appearance wasn't appealing to me....but I had to tell myself...this isn't food for me...it's for the furkids.  Us humans tend to think it's all about appearance...it's not.  Your dogs do not care what color the food is or how 'fancy' it looks in the bowl.  They don't even know they need to care about nutrition...they just know what they like! And yes, my doggies liked The Honest Kitchen Food, even my picky eater, little Maebelle.  So I'm the one with the obstacles to overcome, not them! (hmmm...what can I learn from that?)

There is certainly a lot of information in the pamphlets they sent with the food, too much to cover in a single blog.  I invite you to check into this for yourself...hopefully you will want to try some of it for your furry babies.  Their website is: http://www.thehonestkitchen.com.  They are also on Face Book: fb.com/thehonestkitchen and Twitter @honestkitchen and pinterest.com/honestkitchen.  You can send questions to: questions@thehonestkitchen.com or call them at: 866.437.9729. 

I believe every dog owner (and they carry some cat foods too) can benefit from the use of The Honest Kitchen products.  Anyone who has read my blogs know I'm very snooty when it comes to what my dogs eat.  Nutrition is their first line of defense against disease, and we all want our dogs to be healthy and live for as long as possible.  As a responsible pet owner, it is imperative you make this a priority in their lives.  Thumbs up to The Honest Kitchen for a great product!





Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Ground Meat Doggie Stew (Recipe)

Let your doggies enjoy this yummy stew on a cold day to warm their bellies.  It is a Chaplin Doggie Diner exclusive! I developed this recipe to be very versatile.

Pick a ground meat:
Buffalo
Beef
Chicken
Turkey

Pick a broth: (preferably organic)
Beef
Chicken
Vegetable

Pick some veggies: (as many organic as possible)
Carrots
Potatoes
Celery
Green pepper
Okra
Broccoli
Yellow/green squash
Green beans
Peas (don't use too many of these)

Cook meat in a separate skillet.  Cook all vegetables in a pan with the broth.  Add about 1 (one) Tablespoon of organic dried parsley.  Measuring really isn't necessary...just 'eye' it...this really helps the meat to go a lot further.  When meat is finished stir it in with the cooked vegetables in the pan.  Do not serve this hot! Be sure it has cooled off so you don't hurt little mouths! :-)  Add a small amount of kibble on top and serve!

Note: I do not suggest the use of corn, as many dogs have allergies to this vegetable and it does not digest well.

I cut the carrots into smaller pieces, as I have small dogs and one has no teeth and several others have fewer than they should.  Also note, you can also make this for yourself! Just add some salt and pepper to taste. (Do not add the salt and pepper for your doggies, however!) Do not add onion for dogs either.

For the picture below I used left-over beef broth from a pot roast, ground turkey, celery, carrots, potatoes, broccoli and parsley.








Saturday, March 2, 2013

Pet-Aloe: K-9 Crumbles (Dietary Supplement)

Last week when I was out participating in an adoption event, I stopped by one of my favorite health food stores to pick up a few things, and I came across a sample that caught my attention, so I tossed it in my cart.  So, today, I'm finally getting an opportunity to check it out. (You know how I love to research and try new things!)

This product, Pet-Aloe is a dietary supplement made with aloe vera juice, glucosamine, yucca schidigera and vitamins and minerals (A, D, E & B6).  With no animal byproducts, wheat or corn, this would be a great supplement for a dog with allergies...in fact, it is said to help in this area.  It is intended to be used daily.

This company acknowledges in the brochure that came with the sample, what I have said in so many of my blogs, 'many commercially processed pet foods have preservatives, fillers, including sugar, salt and sodium complexes...'  I truly feel it is necessary to supplement the canine diet, because even some of the best foods can still be lacking, even when you use organic....considering soil conditions, environment, processing, shipping distance, storage....all these play a role in the quality of foods we consume.

'The K-9 Crumbles were specifically developed as a nutritional preventative to help maintain and improve your pet's health and well-being.'  There has been much research and development that has gone into this product...and this specific one (they carry many aloe vera based products) has been around since 1996.  Claimed to be 'effective in the treatment of the debilitating side effects of arthritis, hip dysplasia, chronic vomiting, objectionable gas, fecal and body odors, dull coats, hyper-activeness, compromised immune systems, allergies, behavioral and management problems, and as an all-around health toner and conditioner.'  Wow!  Almost sounds too good to be true....however, knowing that all the ingredients are very nutritional, quality products which are made in the U.S.A. (yay!), I have no doubts that it is something very beneficial, that every dog and puppy (and even cats and kittens!) could certainly benefit from the use of.

They have a great web-site which has a store locator so you can find a store close to you to purchase this (and many other items), and it is also available on their web-site (which I have added to 'My Favorties') www.pharmaloe.com.  Their toll free number: 1.800.972.2981 or email at: ask@pharmaloe.com.  A 1# jar is $9.99 and the 5# is $35. (which would be a better deal, especially if you're like me, and feeding multiple dogs!)  The brochure states that 'one pound of K-9 Crumbles will treat a 40-lb pet for approximately one month and is intended for daily supplemental feeding only...to fortify your pet's food, not replace it.  It is necessary to supplement your pet's food daily with K-9 Crumbles for a minimum of one month to see the benefits.'

As with any supplement that is natural or herbal, results do take time...be patient, and be consistent! I am posting a picture below of what it looks like (kinda reminds me of when I had rabbits and fed them rabbit pellets!)  It is to be mixed in thoroughly with the pet's food...which if you're home cooking, won't be a big deal.  I do not anticipate having any problem getting my dogs to gobble it down with the rest of their food.  Use 1 (one) tablespoon K-9 Crumbles to dog's food for each 20-lbs. of body weight.  For puppies just 1/4 teaspoon K-9 Crumbles daily.  I feed my dogs twice a day...so it appears just once daily is all that is needed.

I hope you will consider trying this product for your dog(s), as I plan to.  If you do, please let me know your results.  I always stress not over-supplementing.  Don't add too many supplements at one time, this way you can better know what you're using is working and how well.  (as not everybody benefits from the same thing)  You know, when I give a 'thumbs up' to a product...it has passed my strict approval.



Looking forward to posting several more blogs here soon...it's been very busy at the Chaplin Doggie Diner! Please keep in touch by leaving comments, and please feel free to ask questions or give suggestions for future blogs.  My email address is: ChiLadyInIndy@att.net.  Thank you for your support of this blog, I appreciate my readers!