Archive for June 2011

There are a myriad of ways in which you can show your love for your dog. This can be shown in the way that you play with him, pet him and generally show affection and love. However, caring for your dog’s health is the strongest way in which to display your love for him as without your care and consideration, your dog’s health will suffer.

When it comes to the good health of a dog, this primarily starts with his diet. Similar to humans, dogs require a healthy, balanced diet of dog food in order to maintain good health and develop correctly. As we would suffer mentally and physically without correct nutrition, your dog may become vulnerable to illness which in turn, can have a disastrous effect on his behavior. A carefully planned and selected diet will not only provide him with the vitamins and nutrients he needs but also, it can help to reaffirm your bond with your canine companion.

A healthy and balanced diet can be devised by speaking with your vet who can recommend the best foods for the size and age of your dog. However, along with good quality dog food, it is important to provide him with regular treats. Treats are a great addition to your dog’s diet as they can not only provide him with additional vitamins to enrich his diet, but they too can also promote good health. Although treats are utilized to help training your dog to promote good behavior and reward him for obedience, they should also be used as an addition to his meals.

Freezy Pups are a treat like no other. An organic, make-at-home frozen treat, Freezy Pups are the small, tasty treat that combines delicious, amazing recipes with water for a treat that is both unique and refreshing. Great either on their own or added to your dog’s food for an extra-special meal, Freezy Pups could be the answer picky dog owners have been searching for. By purchasing the Freezy Pups Kit for dogs, you will be equipped to create, cool and tasty bone-shaped frozen treats for your dog. Each Freezy Pups Kit also comes with a pack of four organic, gourmet recipes which are guaranteed to keep your dog satisfied and eager for more!

Steering away from traditional, stereotypical dog treat flavors, Freezy Pups frozen treats will give your dog a spectrum of flavors like never before. Including White Cheddar Cheese, Sweet Potato & Maple and Chicken Soup, all treats are made using only organic ingredients, ensuring that your dog is provided with tasty and highly nutritious treats. Furthermore, each refill pack makes a full tray of treats, meaning that you are able to provide your canine companion with as many tasty, frozen treats as he may like.

Freezy Pups are a treat like no other, providing your dog with great flavors and the benefit of a cool and refreshing treat-ideal for those hotter months. So, if you’re looking for a great treat that can also be utilized within your dog’s diet for a healthier, happier canine, look no further than Freezy Pups frozen treats.

At Best Bully Sticks we consider your pets part of our pack and family. Like our beloved pugs Sushi & Espy, we only want to give your furry family member the best in healthy, safe pet products. We are constantly searching for the best of the best so if you have any feedback or product suggestions please let us know. So here is what’s new on the site and in our wag of the woods! Please be sure to check out our barkworthy New Products for everything we have added in the last month.

Now Offering Primal Pet Food

Primal Pet Foods is a San Mateo, CA, based manufacturer of fully prepared, 100% human-grade raw foods and treats for dogs and cats. Primal Pet Foods was founded with the goal of improving the quality of life and overall health and happiness of pets through wholesome raw foods that mimic the diet of animals in the wild.

Primal Pet Foods feels it is imperative to offer an alternative source of nutrition to our pets as an alarming number of our beloved animals are being diagnosed with diet-related disease. Produced with only the highest quality raw ingredients, all Primal products offer pets a superior form of highly digestible amino acids, vitamins and minerals, the building blocks of every animal's biological function.

All of our raw foods and treats are produced using the freshest, 100% human-grade, antibiotic-free and steroid-free meats, poultry and game, certified organic produce, certified organic minerals and unrefined vitamins. At Primal Pet Foods, we procure our meats, poultry and game from ranchers throughout the United States that take pride in producing wholesome sources of protein through natural, sustainable agriculture.

Primal Pet Foods is committed to elevating the health of all pets and to educating their owners as to the benefits of feeding high-quality nutritional foods and treats as a superior alternative to processed pet foods.

Primal Dry Roasted Lamb Heart Chows for Dogs

Primal Dry Roasted Lamb Liver Snaps for Dogs

Primal Dry Roasted Lamb Lung Crisps for Dogs

Primal Dry Roasted Venison Liver Slabs for Dogs

Dog chews are a great way to keep your dog happy and occupied-perfect for those times when you are unavailable to play with him and keep him entertained. In addition, they are a great way in which to keep him well behaved at times when your home has visitors or you are required to leave him alone for a short period of time. However, with such a broad range of dog chews on the market, it can be hard to decipher which is the best for your canine friend.

From researching dog chews online, you will discover they can be purchased in a wide range of shapes and sizes. It is best to decide which size you will purchase for your dog based on his size. For example, if your dog is rather large, refrain from giving him small dog chews which he will devour in mere seconds. Steering away from smaller chews can also help to eliminate choking as some dogs can be guilty of gulping down small treats in the hopes they will be provided with another one! Smaller chews will be ideal for smaller dogs that may not only eat these slower, but may also struggle to carry around larger chews. Should your dog suffer from any dental complaints, it is also ideal to refrain from purchasing hard chews which may cause them pain or discomfort and opt for softer varieties. If you are struggling to find a chew that he will enjoy, always ask the advice of your vet.

Although it can often seem perfectly fine, it is advisable to refrain from simply handing your dog and chew and leaving him to enjoy it unsupervised. Although dog chews are designed for dogs, they can, at times be hazardous. As it becomes softer with constant chewing, dog chews can break off in small pieces which can cause choking or can cause harm to your dog’s mouth. While it is not advised to keep a constant eye on your dog while he enjoys his dog chew (he may fear you’re after it!), it is advisable to check on him every so often. Where possible, encourage him to enjoy his dog chew in the same room as you and should any sharp pieces come off the chew, always dispose of these.

Similar to us humans, dogs can have odd behaviors when it comes to eating. Whereas some dogs will have no problem in enjoying dog food or a dog chew with others nearby, some may become very defensive. Should someone unknown or another dog approach a dog that is chomping on a chew, he may become slightly aggressive or warn them off with a small growl or nip. In the event that you are having visitors round, it is advisable to place his chew outside where he will feel less threatened or in a different room in the house. This will help to give him a protective barrier, meaning not only will he enjoy his dog chew more, but he will be less vulnerable to choking as he will not feel obliged to rush.

Dog chews should be used as a treat or a reward for good behavior, and it is important to instill this in your dog. Only provide him with dog chews when he is worthy and even in the event he has not finished with his chew, you are in your right to remove it. However, in order to do this successfully, it is best to teach him good behavior from a young age in order to eliminate any nipping or aggressive behavior. With practice, your dog will not only have a good behavior and temperament, but he will be more eager to please you in order to gain that all important chew!

We always love getting emails from our customers & readers asking us to feature their dog or favorite breed for our Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed blog series every Thursday. As always we are honored to oblige. Thanks Erin, we are excited to spotlight your beautiful Dutch Shepherd. Everyone say "Hello" by sending out warm barks and tail wags to Mae!

Dutch Shepherd Mae relaxing!

Height: 22-25 inches tall

Weight: 55-67 pounds.

Coat: The coat of the Dutch Shepherd is its distinguishing feature. The breed consists of three types, which vary according to the coat: shorthaired (fine and dense), longhaired (long, straight, flat and harsh), and wirehaired (medium duration and wiry). In short the coat is either long, short, or coarse.

Color: Dutch Shepherd  coat color is brindle, including gray, silver, yellow, red or gold and blue.

Appearance: The Dutch Shepherd has muscular limbs and a well-balanced frame. Its chest and belly is deep and the ribcage is slightly sprung. The facial features are dark, including the slightly slanted eyes. It has a long pointed muzzle with strong rectangular teeth. The ears are large, stiffly erect and triangular. Its tail hangs down below the hocks. The feet of the dog are relatively small. They do not have dewclaws. The dog’s toes are well arched and its nails and pads are black. In between the toes protective hairs are present. The dog’s tail is slightly curved.

Temperament: The Dutch Shepherd can easily be labeled its owners best friend.  The Dutch Shepherd is a intelligent, lively, and playful family companion with great endurance excellent for active households. The breed is not only devoted to its owner and family, but actually offers expressions of joy when around its family. It is an energetic breed that is a skilled worker and one that knows how to play. They will do all right around children and other pets, but due to their high energy should be monitored when interacting with children that are very young. It is intelligent and will actually enjoy training. This dog possesses a keen and cunning intelligence and does not tolerate other dogs or thrive in close confinement. If raised with kids or in apartments, they accept the situation, but the Dutch Shepherd pup has indefatigable curiosity and is in perpetual motion, challenging its master to provide activity, new experiences and training. Dutch Shepherd Hounds tend to have dominating natures although they can be trained to be very obedient. With natural protective instincts, this breed is excellent at guarding. While relatively aggressive with other dogs, Dutch Shepherds are gentle and calm with children and family members. Typically these dogs will form a strong attachment with just one person but their affectionate natures also make them excellent family companions.

The Dutch Shepherd breed is not recommended for those with sedentary lifestyles. The Dutch Shepherd thrives on exercise, activity, and having a job to do. They are not recommended for apartment living and do best with a large securely fenced yard or rural setting. Physical and mental stimulation is absolutely crucial. They excel in agility, herding, obedience competition, and field trailing. Dutch Shepherd's also make excellent walking and jogging companions provided they are securely leashed.

Health: The life expectancy for a Dutch Shepherd is 12-14 years. Due to the rarity of the breed there are no recorded health issues for the Dutch Shepherd.

Is your dog barking for his or her time in the spotlight?

If you would like your dog spotlighted or want to recommend a dog breed you love for our next Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed entry please send us an email with the subject “Spotlight My Dog” or tweet @bestbullysticks. If you are submitting your very own dog don’t forget to send over a photogenic pic  and a short 2-3 sentence bio about your canine buddy.

How do you say "Thank you" to your dog? Dogs enrich our lives so show your loyal & loving dog gratitude with belly rubs, a walk or a delicious meal.  Feast your eyes on this Thank Your Dog Casserole recipe, it is a wonderful way for any dog owner to show their appreciation. Show 'em that you love 'em with a hearty meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 1/4 pound ground turkey
• 1 small carrot, chopped or grated
• 1/4 cup green peas
• 1 cup unseasoned stuffing bread cubes
• 1/2 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 tablespoon flour
• 2 cups turkey or chicken stock

Directions:

1. In a medium skillet, heat the EVOO, 1 turn of the pan, over medium heat. Add the turkey and cook until light brown, about 2 minutes. Add the chopped carrot and cook for 5 minutes. Add the peas and lower the heat to low. Stir in the bread cubes and remove from the heat.
2. In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, then add 1 cup turkey stock and cook, whisking constantly, until the gravy thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
3. Soften the stuffing with the remaining 1 cup stock. Place in a bowl for your pup and let cool for about 5 minutes. Top with the gravy and let cool for another minute before serving.

*** If your dog is on a special diet always check with your vet about which foods are appropriate & safe.

Courtesy of Rachael Ray

Stay tuned for delicious dog recipes every Wednesday in our Weekly Drool Recipes blog series. Check out our other drool-worthy recipes! Also, remember food is meant to be shared! So be a pal and submit your favorite dog recipes to be featured in this delicious blog series by emailing us at bestbullysticks@gmail.com.