Belated May BarkBox Review

Sorry this is late, but here is our May BarkBox! In this BarkBox we received Slobbery Sunflowers ($12.00), Dingo the Scarecrow ($12.00), Donuts Fried Dough Bites for Dogs ($8.00), Nana's Natural Chicken Jerky for Dogs ($8.00) and a beef trachea ($3.00-7.00). 

These treats are actually grain free, unlike the jerky ones below. They are a softer treat and can be broken up to make smaller treats. I haven't had a chance to try them yet, but they smell good hahaha!

Meet Dingo the Scarecrow. Linc loves getting new plush toys! This toy is similar to Ninja Kitty because the limbs can change lengths and are attached to each other. You just pull and adjust the length of the two limbs that are attached.

These were a little weird because they are not attached and are separate toys. Each sunflower has a squeaker in the flower. Linc has had fun carrying these around, but they could be a choking hazard in the larger dog. Photo below of Linc holding one of the flowers. Also, the bow shouldn't stay on the toys, very dangerous!

These jerky treats are completely grain free. Like the others, I still haven't had a chance to try these with the boys. These treats claim to be grain free, but they have rice flour in them. . . rice is a grain. I haven't tried them with the boys, but we'll give them a shot even though there is false advertisement.
I figure they'll enjoy them. Only 5-6 treats in the bag. So if you give them whole you'll run out pretty fast. Probably a good treat to break up and use for training.

Last but not least, the trachea chew that will most likely go to Indie. He has a hard time chewing bully sticks, but does fine with tracheas. So this special treat will go to him. =)

Here is Linc happily holding Dingo waiting for me to throw him. He LOVES toys and always goes for them first.

And Linc holding one of the Slobbery Sunflowers. Obviously it's a good size for him, but a larger dog and actually Linc's size, could easily swallow one. Not ideal shape for a toy in my opinion. He loves them regardless and does not chew plush toys.

March BarkBox

The March BarkBox theme was "Sherlock Bones." I thought this was a cute theme. The Barkbox included: Victorian Venison Dinner Treats ($7.00), a Treat Maze ($14.00), Good Dog Shepherd's Pie Treats ($6.00), Butcher's Block Beef Jerky Pretzel ($5.00) and a Rowdy Pipe ($9.00). 

The treats in this month's box weren't that bad, but still probably not something I would purchase on my own. The Sojo's Shepherd's Pie Treats do have oatmeal in them and I try to avoid grains for the most part. My dogs do not react well to grains.

Indie did enjoy the jerky pretzel. Usually when there is a single chew like this, Indie gets it.



The two toys were fun. I don't purchase the mind games for my boys because everyone I know who buys them, says they have to keep buying new ones to keep their dogs interested. It was fun to see them try to figure out the Treat Maze. Even Indie took some interest in it. I put in Nutri Source's Grain Free Rabbit Treats as they were the correct size to use.

So, after filling the maze, I let the boys loose on it. It's odd because sometimes the treats will fall out as they should when the toy is tipped and other times they get caught on one another at the hole. This frustrated Mac & Linc because they knew the treats were right there, but weren't coming out. I think it would be beneficial to add fewer treats to either side and see how it goes. 

Mac being Mac figured the best way to get the stuck treats out of the maze was to chew them out. Another reason why I don't buy these puzzle games. They don't tend to be cheap and I don't need chewed plastic everywhere. It was fun to try though. 

I am in no way connected to the company. This review is voluntary. 

Natural Chews

I've been wanting to make a post about natural chews for quite a while.  Most places will tell you to give a puppy a kong and a nylabone.  I have yet to have a dog (out of 4 so far) that actually liked kongs. I even tried to fill them and they were still a no go for my guys.  So, when I adopted Linc, I decided to go the natural route, not natural nylabone or anything, but actual natural chews. Linc grew up chewing four different natural chews: dried cow hooves, dehydrated beef tracheas, bully sticks and split antlers. 

 I chose hooves for multiple reasons, one of the main ones is that they are keratin and naturally break down in the dog's digestive system. The cow hooves I buy are also 50¢/hoof, but they can range between 50¢-$2.00 each. The hooves I buy are from US raised cows and have no artificial additives.  They are actually dried in my home town. They are high protein, low calorie and 4-5" long. My boys love them! Granted, it does hurt if you step on one, like a massive lego. But it's worth the pain.







Here is Linc working on a new hoof I just gave him. None of my dogs have ever had any problems with choking or obstructions from the hooves I buy.













I buy 6" dehydrated beef tracheas in bulk, around 50-100 at a time. Indie can chew these easily and all three go crazy for them. They are higher in calories than the hooves, about 158 calories/per ounce. Tracheas are wonderful for older dogs like Indie or dogs who are missing some teeth.  They are a softer chew and more gentle on the jaw.  Tracheas are a natural source for glucosamine and chondroitin, which is awesome for my older boys! The 6" is an easier length for Indie and is a great treat that I give a couple times a week.  indie obviously doesn't chew much at 14 and can't handle the bully sticks like he used to, so I give these to help exercise his jaw, clean his teeth and give him some entertainment

Bully sticks are awesome! I do wish they lasted longer! I also buy these in bulk to save some money. I buy the 12" bully sticks. Now depending on where you buy them from, they can range from around $2.00-$13.00/per bully stick.  I have noticed the prices are also based on the thickness of the chew itself. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy a 3' bully stick and cut it yourself, but other times it is cheaper to buy them in bulk. Indie is unable to chew these anymore, so only the aussies get them. But damn do they go crazy for them!

Antlers tend to be the most controversial chew on this list. Many dogs have broken teeth on them. I only buy the split antlers because the dogs can dig out the marrow and then I toss them. Antlers do tend to be the most expensive chew on this list also. I don't buy them very often and if I do, I buy them from ebay. I did buy a few while in Wyoming for my sister's wedding. They were $2.00/ounce, which wasn't bad at all. We currently don't have any antlers, but I will get some more in the future.  Again, I have never had any problems with broken teeth when giving my dogs antlers.

When giving your dogs chews of any kind, always monitor them! It is your responsibility to make sure the dog can handle the chew! Always be careful!

Plato's Hundur Crunch Fish Treats for Dogs Review

I went to a local feed store yesterday and saw these. I decided to give them a try. These treats are Plato Pet Treats Hundur's Crunch Fish Treats for Dogs "Jerky Minis." I am always on the look out for new one protein treats for the boys. They retail for $9.00 - 4.99 for 3.5oz.










On the bag:
Nutritional Benefits:

• Single source protein: 100% Icelandic Fish
• 100% Natural
• Zero additives or colors
• Natural source of omega 3 & 6
• Grain Free
• Great for healthy skin and coat
• Helps remove tartar
• Responsibly sourced

Ingredients:Cod skin, golden redfish skin

The boys had to wait both times I gave them each one. I love that both of my boys have great self control and leave its.

Calorie 309.84 C/100 g and Sodium 786.75 mg/100 g

Crude Protein: 75% Min
Crude Fat: 3.7% Min
Crude Fiber: 0.5% Min
Moisture: 13% Max
Omega 3 Fatty Acids: 1% Min*
Omega 6 Fatty Acids: 0.12% Min

I am in no way connected to the company. This review is voluntary. 

Stella & Chewy's Carnivore Crunch Review

I tried these treats a while ago and forgot to write a review.  These are freeze dried dog/cat treats from Stella & Chewy's. I tried both the Salmon & Cod and Duck recipes. They are available in 3.25oz bags. These treats retail between $9.00 - 14.99 per bag depending on where you purchase them and depending on protein source. They were an instant hit.

Here is a size comparison. The treats are rather fragile to be honest. They can easily be squashed. The treats are extremely similar to their Meal Mixers. You could easily add these on top of a meal like the meal mixers or add water to make a whole meal. While I don't suggest this, the two are extremely similar in size and texture.

Ingredients:

Salmon & Cod:

Salmon (ground with bone), Cod (ground with bone), Cod Liver Oil, Tocopherols (preservative)

Duck Recipe:

Duck with Ground Bone, Turkey, Turkey Liver, Goose, Turkey Gizzard, Tocopherols (preservative)

Key Benefits

• Grain and gluten-free treats

• Made with raw, freeze-dried, naturally raised meat

• No antibiotics, hormones or fillers

• No artificial preservatives, colorings, sugar or salt

• Made in the USA!

Product Analysis Salmon & Cod Recipe

Product Analysis Duck Recipe

These are definitely awesome treats, they don't smell at all, they were an instant hit and you can easily break them in half to split between pets. I would definitely give these a try!

I am in no way connected to the company. This review is voluntary.

Indie's 14th Birthday!

I know this is late, but Indie celebrated his 14th birthday on February 11th!! I can't believe he's 14! For this special occasion, we ordered a grain free (yes! grain free!) birthday cake for him made by the awesome Canine Crunchery! Jane does a wonderful job on her cakes and treats.  I just adore her work!

This year his cake was peanut butter and carob swirl with peanut butter frosting.  Jane made the carob lab cookie and made it "furry" with some carob frosting on top.  Isn't the cake gorgeous?

 Here is a collage of photos from when we went to pick up the cake.  Indie enjoyed the outing so much and even had a small heart shaped peanut butter and carob cake while there.  Yes, he was very spoiled on his birthday, but in a healthy way.

Here is Indie when we first brought him home almost 14 years ago! Look at how tiny he was!!

 Had to get a photo of the inside of the cake.  The aussies also had pieces to celebrate. 

 Indie LOVED his cake and his day!!

How do you celebrate your animals' birthdays?

February BarkBox

The February BarkBox arrived today and this month's theme is the Lunar New Year! 

This month's BarkBox has:

Lucky Cat Toy ($14.00), Fortune Cookie Toy ($14.00), Bamboo Shoots ($9.00), Sweet Duck Dog Biscuits ($10.00) and a large beef trachea ($7.00)

The trachea will be given to Indie who turned 14 on the 11th!

 The treats this month didn't thrill me because they both have ingredients I would normally dodge.  My dogs usually don't eat any grains, whether in treats or food.  But, we'll give them a try and see how they do.  I will say that I highly doubt I would buy these on my own.

Again, the ingredient list on these dental treats don't thrill me.  There are a lot of fillers that really don't need to be there.  I did give one to each of the boys and they devoured them instantly, so I highly doubt they would help in anyway for dental problems in my guys. They are soft, so I'm not scared of obstructions, but I also doubt I would purchase these treats on my own.  I actually dodge dental treats, especially greenie style ones because I once sadly knew a dog who died from an obstruction caused by one.

 Linc and his new toys.

Linc hogging the new toys as usual.  Very very excited every time the BarkBox comes so he can have new toys.

I am in no way affiliated to BarkBox and am not endorsed by the company to post my monthly boxes. 

January BarkBox

The theme for this months BarkBox was 1960's Hippie Love and Peace.

It included a box of Sojos bacon cheddar flavor Treats 5oz (10oz is $7.99), a Hippie Fringe Vest Toy ($14), a Hard Rock Hound Plush Guitar Toy ($10),  American Hound Treats in Chicken (website is down) and a Beefy Braid ($4)

 Linc as usual went straight for the toys.  He loves when barkbox comes because he know there are goodies inside! I think the toys this month are adorable, but not as sturdy as last months box.  Linc is quite rough with toys and can easily rip them up and destuff them. The treats are quite nice this month.  Last month we also received Sojos.  It's wonderful to try companies I don't usually purchase.

He is wearing a cone due to having itchy front paws.

I am in no way connected to BarkBox and am not endorsed by the company to post my monthly boxes. 

BarkBox, Raw and the boys

 This past months BarkBox (December) was there when we arrived home from Chicago.  Included were Sojos simplyturkey treats, Bixbi Pocket Trainers in Chicken, a BarkBox treat tin, a Bark & Co Pixel Penguin toy, Dogzilla Penguin Egg, and an Ettasays pork chew.  Linc loves the penguin toy, as he always loves new toys.

 I have decided to start feeding pork.  I have never purchased pork in my life.  I was raised Jewish and was raised in a pork free home.  So, this was quite different for me.  I bought some pork hearts, a fresh raw pork ham, pork kidneys, pigs feet, some chicken feet, turkey necks and backs for the boys today.

The raw ham was discounted, so I jumped in.  Cut it up and rebagged it at home.  Most of this is in the small freezer.

 Tonight I threw some bone broth into the crock pot.  I have turkey wings, old lamb shoulder, beef bones and some chicken feet in there.  

 Here are some photos of the boys.  This one was a couple of weeks ago at the large dog park that has acres upon acres of woods to hike through. 

 Mac & Linc enjoying a walk in Lincoln Park, Chicago. The next day it sleeted and there were a few inches of pure ice, so walking was much harder.

And then this beautiful photo of Linc naturally stacking while watching and barking at squirrels in the yard.  Oh, my crazy crazy 20 month old boy.

Task Training and Indie's Birthday!!!

I am starting to work with Lincoln on some task training.  His tasks will include picking up and retrieving items, such as a bag with emergency medications, deep pressure therapy, counterbalance, body blocking, etc.  Right now I'm working with him on retrieving some items, such as medicine bottles, a shoe, my car keys, etc.  The videos below are showing some of the progress we have made with the car keys.  I made a paracord tab that he can grab instead of the keys themselves.  You can see how to "grab it" command from my previous post has been connected to "bring" and "give." I use the give command when he brings his toys also.  This helps give consistency to the word.

I'm also working on more intense "leave it" commands.  Being an aussie, Linc is more reactive to movement and I am working on that by tossing or rolling treats at him.

That's it for now.  I've been sick on and off this month, so there isn't much going on here.  My mom and I did go to Madison Comic Con in order to expose Lincoln to a convention atmosphere and to be around people in costumes.  He met lots of people in costumes and had some fun taking pictures with the DeLorean from Back to the Future, William Shatner and a few others.

This video was towards the end of the day and I was too tired to tell her not to pet him.  He was pretty ready to go also.  But, Linc will never turn down a chance to love someone.

Heeling through the crowd at Madison Comic Con.

On another note, Indie turned 13 on the 11th!! We had ordered him a peanut butter and carob cake, while my mom ordered decorations.

Of course it would have been a party without some party hats! The birthday boy himself modeling the custom made hats.

 Indie's awesome cake from The Canine Crunchery!

Canine Arthritis Supplements & Solutions

Green Lipped Mussels (Fresh)

Canine Arthritis Supplements & Solutions

Let's talk about canine arthritis.

Arthritis is caused by multiple difference things, obesity, too much activity when young (jumping high jumps), injuries, such as a torn Cranial Cruciate Ligament, various joint surgeries or genetic problems such as hip dysplasia.  

Here are some commonly used supplements and fun treats for arthritis:

Arthritis is caused by multiple difference things, obesity, too much activity when young (jumping high jumps), various joint surgeries or genetic problems such as hip dysplasia.

Here are some commonly used supplements for arthritis:

Bone broth - This is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. Homemade with chicken feet, cows feet, turkey necks and other poultry bones (recipe)

Green Lipped Mussels - Fresh or dried and powdered. GLM are a rich source of omega fatty acids and minerals. They are also natural anti-inflammatory due to them being an excellent source of glucosamine and chondroitin. 

Cow/Poultry/Pigs Feet - Another natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin.  They are also fun chews for your dogs. 

Tracheas dried/fresh - Another natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin.  They are also fun chews for your dogs. Try stuffing these with some ground meat and freeze.  They are natures kong.

Lamb/Cow/Pig ears - Another natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin.  They are also fun chews for your dogs. 

Glucosamine and chondroitin pills - There are multiple different brands on the market.  Do your research before purchasing one.  Higher quality brands such as Dasuquin & Cosequin have studies behind them.  Always do your research.

Conventional interventions:

NSAIDs - Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, these drugs are over the counter for humans, but are only prescription based for dogs.  The most commonly used NSAID is Rimadyl.  These kinds of drugs are hard on the stomach and should only be used in moderate-severe situations. Always give with food or goats milk (coats the stomach and helps prevent ulcers). You can also give a NSAID with a raw or cooked egg. DO NOT GIVE YOUR DOGS HUMAN GRADE NSAIDS!! ONE ALEVE CAN KILL A DOG!!! 

Surgery - This is based on the situation.  At times, surgery helps lessen the bone on bone friction that happens when the cartilage and synovial membrane are gone.  This is also considered a last resort for arthritis.