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Healthy Snacks for Our Beloved Pets
November 12th, 2009
We all enjoy a snack between meals, either as a treat or to give us an energy boost to get through the rest of the day. Our dogs also enjoy a little snack at times, and sharing our treats is a great way of showing him affection. Just as we try and choose a healthy alternative to snack on, we should make sure our dog’s snacks are good for him.
There are some snacks that are a definite no-no for our dogs. Chocolate is quite toxic to them, it contains theobromine which, if given in large enough amounts, can cause depression, vomiting, seizures and even death. Even so called dog chocolate contains theobromine, so it’s not safe either. Choose carob treats for your dog, and keep those yummy chocolate snacks for yourself.
Grapes and sultanas are great for us to nibble on but they’re potentially deadly for our dogs. They can cause acute kidney failure, which is often fatal. Not all dogs are adversely affected by grapes, but there’s no way of telling if your dog will become ill if he eats them. As few as six sultanas can be enough to make a dog sick. To be safe, never feed your dog grapes or sultanas.
Fortunately there are healthy snack alternatives for your dog. Vegetables are by far the healthiest option. Gently steamed pieces of carrot, or other diced vegetables are tasty and fat free.
Dogs love chopped hot dogs and sausages, and these are fine in small amounts. They do however have a high fat content, and if you’re not careful, they’ll contribute to your dog’s expanding waistline.
Dried liver is a tasty favorite, and is very lean, however your dog can have too much of a good thing. Feeding your dog too much liver will lead to excess vitamin A intake, which can cause depression, weight loss and a dull coat.
Wherever you choose to purchase your dog treats, read the labels carefully. Treats that are labeled as “low fat” often contain lots of sugar. The result is the same – too many calories.
If you’re handy in the kitchen, you may want to bake your own dog snacks. That way, you’ll know exactly what the ingredients are, and you know they’re fresh. There are many recipe books for dogs available, so you’re sure to find a snack that your dog will enjoy.
The main risk when it comes to giving your dog snacks is the quantity. Dogs are the same as people, and they’re very much at risk of obesity and the associated health problems.
If you avoid the obviously dangerous snacks, then the only rule you need to follow is “everything in moderation”. Your dog can have little bits of hot dogs, and liver, and vegetables, as well as your delicious home bake. Just don’t give him too much, and he’ll stay lean and healthy.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/frozen-in-time/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Tags: dog snacks, dog treats, dogs and chocolate, healthy dog treats, healthy treats
Posted in K9 Care, K9 Health, K9 Nutrition | No Comments »
Interview with Dan Pock of Barkstix
September 22nd, 2009
K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into the dog treat business?
Dan: We wanted to develop a healthy dog treat better than what could be found on the market. The receipt was inspired by two recently rescued Greyhounds.
K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success-how have you gotten to where you are today?
Dan: Success comes from producing quality products with out compromising the integrity of the ingredients and staying within out niche market of Mom & Pop boutique pet stores.
K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?
Dan: The quality and pureness of ingredients. Listening to our customer base. Innovation, experimentation and most of all for the love and welfare of all dogs.
K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?
Dan: Companionship and loyalty. They give more than they receive, something we all can learn. In the case of ex-racing Greyhounds-after all the abuse they go through, they forgive us.
K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your business?
Dan: Building rapport with our customer’s and hearing their positive feedback.
K9 Cuisine: How does your company give back?
Dan: We are pretty much an extended family business. Our staff and owners are all animal nuts. Dan is on board of directors for Greyhound Friends for Life. His wife Ginny and daughter Keri do volunteer work for Fix our Ferals including fostering. Son Garrett and the rest of the family also foster Greyhounds when needed, transport greys from the track to our rescue kennel and anything else that needs to be done. Co-owners Mim and Kate attend meet and greets with their greys, volunteer their time for fund-raising events for GFFL and local humane societies.
Two years ago Mim made the largest dog bone biscuit in the world (9′ 8″) for the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society (they said they were going to Guiness it–don’t know if they did). www.berkeleyhumane.org BarkStix beat the previous record of 9′ which was an event sponsored by Microsoft!!!! A kind of David beats Goliath story. At least when it comes to giant dog biscuits.
We also give 5% of our profits to Greyhound Friends for Life, all volunteer, rescue, adoption and advocacy group for former racing greyhounds. www.greyhoundfriendsforlife.org
K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and your company?
Dan: Twitter and Facebook, but most importantly www.Barkstix.com. Our doors of communication are always open, give us a call.
K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!
Dan: I love dogs and especially Greyhounds. In regard to the rest of me, you can talk to my shrink!
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
Tags: barkstix, dog biscuits, dog snacks, dog treats, greyhounds, healthy dog treat, treats
Posted in K9 News, K9 Nutrition | No Comments »
Thrive! Dog Treats
March 1st, 2009
There’s a new treat on the market, and it comes in the shape of a biscotti.
SuperTreats Pro-Health Biscotti – SuperTreats™ Pro-Health Biscotti are an all natural, unique dog treats for dogs. They have no wheat, no corn, no soy, and no artificial anything.
Contains goodies like omega-3 rich flax seed, vitamin E rich almonds, B-vitamins from oat flour, and vitamin A rich carrots to make sure that your pet has everything he or she needs.
Eats like a treat, acts like a multivitamin™
Pro-Health Biscotti are made with three phytonutrient rich fruits and vegetables – bananas, tart cherries and carrots. Phytonutrients are antioxidant-rich nutrients that can only be found in select fruits and vegetables.
Human tested, Dog loved™
Dogs flip over the banana aroma when the package is opened. These treats have a great taste and authentic biscotti texture. They can be broken into pieces that are just the right size for your dog.
Fun to share™
Because we make our biscotti in a FDA-certified, human food facility using only human-grade ingredients, they are good enough for people to eat too (and lots do)!
Ingredients Guaranteed Analysis
Oat Flour, Oats Crude Protein (min.) 10%
Honey Crude Fat (min.) 12%
Brown Rice Malt Crude Fiber (max.) 6%
Bananas Moisture (max.) 7%
Cherries
Flax Seed Meal
Dried Carrots
Almonds
Olive Oil
Vanilla
Baking Powder
Vitamin E
Find this tasty dog treats here!
Tags: biscotti, dog, dog treats, natural, no artificial, treats, vitamins
Posted in K9 Health | No Comments »
