Best Bully Sticks Healthy Dog Blog

April 4, 2013

BBS Breed Spotlight: Akita

A dog breed with a rich history and personality, the Akita is treasured by an entire nation and the families it’s a part of. Find out more about this Japanese dog breed on the BestBullySticks Breed Spotlight.

History & Background: Originating from the island of Honshu in the region of Akita in Japan, the Akita Inu has lived a relatively unchanged life from its ancestors. In fact, the Akita is one of seven dog breeds considered a “Natural Monument.” In Japan, the Akita (natively pronounced AH-ki-ta instead of the Western version of a-KEE-ta) has been used in various capacities including police, military and guard dogs. This breed is also known for being a great hunting dog because of its “soft” mouth and ability to hunt in inclement weather.

Akitas were first brought to the US by Helen Keller in 1937 when the Japanese government gave Keller an Akita as a gift. This dog’s name was Kamikaze-go but sadly died shortly after Keller brought the dog back to the states. The dog’s brother was given as a gift in the next year and was named Kenzan-go. After WWII, many US Soldiers brought Akitas back to the states. Today, the original Japanese Akita and the American Akita are thought to be two separate breeds.

Height: Males: 26 to 28 inches; Females: 24 to 26 inches

Weight: Males: 100 to 145 pounds; Females: 80 to 120 pounds Read more

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April 3, 2013

Weekly Drool Recipe: Fresh Breath Dog Treats

BestBullySticks knows spring cleaning doesn’t just refer to your house—how about your dog’s mouth? Our sweet doggies don’t always have the sweetest of breath, so give them this yummy treat full of great ingredients and breath freshening qualities.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour
1 1/4 cups cornmeal
1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon water
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1 large egg

Directions

1. Pulse flours, cornmeal, oats, wheat germ, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor until combined. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal with pea-size butter lumps. Add 1 cup water and pulse until a coarse, dense dough forms.

2. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead in parsley and mint until well distributed. Gather, then halve dough with scraper. Form into 2 balls and flatten each into a 6-inch disk.

3. Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 2 large baking sheets.

4. Roll out 1 disk of dough into a round (1/3 inch thick) on a well-floured surface with a well-floured rolling pin. (If dough becomes too soft to roll out, wrap in plastic and chill until firm.) Cut out as many biscuits as possible and arrange about 1/4 inch apart on 1 baking sheet.

5. Gather scraps and reroll, then cut out more biscuits. Repeat with remaining dough, using other baking sheet.

6. Whisk together egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush biscuits with egg wash and bake, switching position of sheets halfway through, until tops are golden brown, about 35 minutes total. Turn off oven and dry biscuits in oven overnight.

Enjoy & Bone Appetit!

Be sure to check out all of our yummy and healthy dog treat recipes on the Weekly Drool Recipe category. For an everyday yummy treat, check out BestBullySticks entire line of all natural bully sticks!

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April 2, 2013

BBS Recognizes “Every Day is Tag Day”

In 2011 a study found that 80% of pet owners thought pet id tags were important. However, only 1 in 3 pet owners say their beloved pet always wears an id tag. Only 15% of dogs and 2% of cats in shelters are microchipped or have id tags. If this isn’t enough reason why you should have identification markers for you pet, BestBullySticks wants you to know three easy ways to ensure your dog or cat is identifiable!

1. Identification Tags: This traditional means of pet identification has been around for a while and they're no less handy! Pick up a custom pet id tag at your next visit to Best Bully Sticks and keep it on your pet’s collar. Your dog’s name, your phone number and the city and state where you live are all necessary pieces of information for a pet id tag.

2. License: Similar to an id tag, a pet license is proof that your pet is up to date on important vaccinations and comes in the form of a metallic or plastic tag to affix to your dog’s collar. Licensing changes between jurisdictions, so you’ll want to find out pet licensing requirements for your area.

3. Microchip: Implanted under your pet’s skin, this small device (about the size of a grain of rice) contains all your pet’s pertinent information. Once implanted, a microchip can be scanned and your pet’s information will become available to any vet, rescue or humane society that might find your pet. Microchips are easy to register and are relatively inexpensive.

Why not be safe than sorry? Outfit your dog with all these form of pet identification. 1 in 3 pets are lost at some point in their life, so make sure your pet can get back home to their family! Every Day is Tag Day!

Watch this video about Dora, a dog in Texas who was reunited with her family becuase of a microchip!

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April 1, 2013

Dog Care 101 Tip #207: Spring Cleaning Your Dog

After a long winter, your house may be in need of “airing out” and sprucing up. But your house may not be the only thing. Your dog has been cooped up all winter and chances are he’s going to want to spend some quality time outdoors. BestBullySticks thinks Spring Cleaning your house and your can coincide!

Your Dog

Brushing: If your dog has put on his winter coat in the last few months, all that extra hair will be coming out soon, which leaves your house covered in dog fur tumbleweeds. Buy a quality brush to make your dog feel better and your house tumbleweed-free!

Flea, Tick & Heartworms: Warmer weather (unfortunately) means mosquitoes, which are the cause of multiple problems for your dog. Make sure you’re current with your dog’s flea, tick and heartworm medications and he’s getting them each month.

Dog Shampoo: Rinse the winter right out of your dog’s hair! A good shampooing with loosen any trapped fur and make your dog smell and feel great! Check out organic dog grooming products from Tropiclean at BBS! These products are naturally green and environmentally friendly!

Clean Out & Spruce Up: Take a look at your dog’s bed, blankets, collar and toys. If they’re worn out or frayed, replace them. Make sure to wash beds and blankets to freshen them up.

Your Home

Muddy Dogs: Spring rains plus your dog’s need to play equals a muddy dog. Train your dog to wait at the door before he comes inside to get his paws cleaned.

Protect Your Furniture: If your muddy dog somehow slips by you, you can still protect your furniture! Use an old bed sheet or the pet furniture covers from SureFit. These form fitting covers are a beautiful and effective solution for protecting your furniture.

Use Safe Cleaning Products: Use all-natural, pet-friendly cleaning products in your home. These products protect your over curious dog from ingesting harsh chemicals.

Keep Your Dog Calm: If your dog becomes nervous when you clean the house, distract him to keep him calm. A great distraction is a bully stick or all natural dog chew, which will last your dog until you finish the room he’s in!

We hope your Spring Cleaning for both your home and your dog goes well!

What are you doing to spruce up your dog this Spring? Share your comments below!

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March 29, 2013

What’s Hot @ BestBullySticks this Week!

From BestBullySticks.com

Venison Wrinkles
Sourced from: USA

Small: $5.50
Large: $7.43

Venison Wrinkles are a long lasting, durable dog chew that will provide your dog hours of beneficial chew time! Our Venison Wrinkles are all natural, 100% venison and made in the USA. Venison Wrinkles are made from premium cuts of venison then baked to perfection to create these high quality, palatable chews! The small venison wrinkle chew measures approximately 8” across making it a great chew for small to medium sized dogs.

Monster Bully Sticks
Sourced from: Argentina

Individual: $5.50

The Monster 12 Inch Bully Sticks are 20-40% larger than our Jumbo Bully Sticks. They are sure to last a very long time. These dog treats are recommended for large sized dogs but all sizes of dogs will love them. These bully sticks are HUGE!

Product of the Week!

Super Toothpick Tails
Sourced from: Argentina

25% off
Individual: $0.73 (Was $0.97)
10 Pack: $7.06 (Was $9.41)
20 Pack: $23.55 (Was $18.06)

Best Bully's Super Toothpick Tails are a one of a kind treat for your dog. Your dog will love the crunchy, chewy sensation of these bull tails. The softer texture allows dogs of all ages to enjoy these wonderful dog treats. These are another all-natural dog snack that drives them crazy. These do not last as long as a chew.

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On the BestBullySticks Healthy Dog Blog

Dog Care Tip #206: Easter Fun with Your Dog

Rescue Spotlight: Masthaven Mastiff Sanctuary

Weekly Drool Recipe: Loaves of Lamb via Kirby the Dorkie

Breed Spotlight: Harrier

Don't forget to help your favorite Animal Rescue or Shelter win 1K! Enter or vote in the BBS Spring Into Action Charity Photo Contest! More details here: http://bit.ly/WTLfjX