• My Dog Jacob

    The Healthy Hound Cookbook

    As you may or may not know, Jacob has only ate a handful of dog food in his 9 years and mostly has eaten raw or home cooked meals. How do you cook for your dog? Why should you cook for your dog? Is it easy?  What can my dog eat?  All of these questions are answered in the Healthy Hound Cookbook. It is a great way to introduce your pet and yourself to how to eat ‘real food’. Dog food esp kibble is not NATURAL!  Dogs, like all beings, should eat fresh, nutritious fruits, vegetables and meats. Check out this book to get healthy this spring! 9781440572821_300dpi

     

    Your best friend deserves the best, and the simple, all-natural recipes in The Healthy Hound Cookbook (Adams Media, April 18, 2014) will make it easy to create healthy treats and meals for your favorite canine.

    Authors Paris Permenter and John Bigley, of the popular DogTipper.com website, have crafted more than 125 nutritious recipes using healthy, fresh ingredients from your kitchen. From Oatmeal Turkey Dog Biscuits to Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Ice Cream, each of these homemade dishes uses only real, whole ingredients like beef, chicken, potatoes, and carrots, so you’ll always know that your furry friend is getting a snack that’s flavorful as well as nutritional.

    You’ll also find information on cooking techniques, recipes for pets on grain-free, Paleo, or raw diets, and a portion calculator to adjust serving sizes according to breed.

    With the whole foods recipes in The Healthy Hound Cookbook, your dog will start living a more natural, happier and more flavorful life.

    More About the Authors:

    Paris Permenter and John Bigley founded DogTipper in 2008, and since then, it has grown into a trusted website for dog lovers. They have been featured in USA Today, The Huffington Post, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Redbook, and Men’s Health and have written over 2,500 magazine articles for publications ranging from Reader’s Digest to Cesar’s Way. As America’s Pet Economist™ and a certified dog trainer, Paris speaks at pet expos and conferences around the country. Paris and John live with their two dogs and four cats near Austin, TX.

  • My Dog Jacob

    Surfs Up with @BodyGlove Pets

    Screen Shot 2014-03-26 at 7.34.27 PMJacob is the only dog in the neighborhood with the Body Glove rash guard.  Do dogs surf?  Lately we have been couch surfing because of the serious cold weather here in New York.  But today, with a bit of sun and a lot of wind, we put on the Body Glove Pets Rash Guard.  Great for an ‘undershirt’ with itchy wool sweaters or extra coverage when wearing a jacket.   Even if you are not ‘surfing’ a rash guard can be totally great for hiking the woods and of course swimming!

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    Rashguards are especially great for hot days because shirt will keep your dog’s coat cool all day long. Sun shirts are comfortable, super soft and offer 4-way stretch. Fabrics are quick drying, so no more worries about saggy shirts. Shirts are made from chemical-free, UPF 50+ sun protective Nylon/Lycra fabrics to protect your pooch from harmful UV rays.

    Check out more on http://bodyglove-pet.com/

     

  • My Dog Jacob

    Top 10 Cat and Dog Breeds of 2013 – Pets Best Insurance

    Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC (Pets Best), a leading U.S. pet insurance agency, today released its list of the top 10 most popular dog and cat breeds enrolled with the agency in 2013.
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    In the company’s eight years of insuring dogs and cats, the top 10 most popular breeds have remained relatively consistent. However, the agency has noticed definite trends during the years, with certain breeds gaining popularity and others falling in the rankings.

    While a number of breeds have gained popularity in recent years, the French bulldog has seen the most dramatic rise. In 2006, the French bulldog was the 55th most popular dog breed enrolled with Pets Best. By 2013, the small, muscular pooch soared up the list to become the 19th most popular breed.

    “Several years ago, French bulldogs started popping up in television commercials and print ads,” said Dr. Jack Stephens, president and founder of Pets Best. “When a relatively unknown dog breed begins to enter the mainstream, it creates a buzz among prospective pet owners and begins to affect ownership trends.”

    Compared to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) 2012 dog registration statistics, the Pets Best top 10 list offers several surprising findings. First, the No. 1 most popular dog breed enrolled with Pets Best not only in 2013 but throughout the agency’s history is a mixed or designer breed. This is of note because the AKC only recognizes purebred dogs, without highlighting the popularity of mixed breeds. Pets Best found mixed-breed dogs solidly hold the No. 1 spot. In 2013, mixed breeds made up nearly 30 percent of all canines enrolled with the agency.

    While the AKC list does not include pit bulls, the Pets Best rankings show pit bulls as the seventh most popular dog of 2013. Based on data from Pets Best, this category includes the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier. The category climbed from 10th place in 2007.

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    In addition to these rankings, the ever-popular Labrador retriever held second place for most popular dog breeds. Among the top cat breeds, the domestic shorthair ranked first, followed by mixed-breed cats and the American shorthair.

    Top 10 Dog Breeds of 2013
    1.       Mixed breed

    2.       Labrador retriever

    3.       Yorkshire terrier

    4.       Golden retriever

    5.       Chihuahua

    6.       Shih Tzu

    7.       Pit bull

    8.       Dachshund

    9.       German shepherd

    10.   Maltese and English bulldog (tie)

    Top 10 Cat Breeds of 2013
    1.       Domestic shorthair

    2.       Mixed breed

    3.       American shorthair

    4.       Domestic longhair

    5.       Domestic medium hair

    6.       Siamese

    7.       Maine coon

    8.       Ragdoll

    9.       Bengal

    10.   Persian

    “While the popularity of dog and cat breeds can be affected by factors such as a spotlight in the media and pop culture, I encourage people to do their research on breeds to learn whether a specific dog or cat will be the best fit for their lifestyle,” Dr. Stephens said. “Additionally, pet owners should ensure that they are financially prepared to take care of this pet and the inevitable health issues that will arise over the pet’s lifetime.”

    Pets Best offers a multitude of pet health insurance plans for both cats and dogs. These include a Cancer Only plan covering the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in dogs and cats, as well as a Feline Illness plan that covers 21 common feline illnesses. For more information about the agency and its plans, visit www.petsbest.com.

    About Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC
    Dr. Jack L. Stephens, president of Pets Best, founded pet insurance in the U.S. in 1981 with a mission to end euthanasia when pet owners couldn’t afford veterinary treatment. Dr. Stephens went on to present the first U.S. pet insurance policy to famous television dog Lassie. Pets Best provides coverage for dogs and cats and is the only veterinarian founded and operated pet insurance company in the United States. Dr. Stephens leads the Pets Best team with his passion for quality pet care and his expert veterinary knowledge. He is always available to answer questions regarding veterinarian medicine, pet health and pet insurance. The Pets Best team is a group of pet lovers who strive to deliver quality customer service and value. Visit www.petsbest.com for more information.

    Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company. Independence American Insurance Company is a member of The IHC Group, an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates that has been providing life, health, disability, medical stop-loss and specialty insurance solutions to groups and individuals for over 30 years. For information on The IHC Group, visit: www.ihcgroup.com. Additional insurance services administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by Prime Insurance Company. Some existing business is underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

    Pets Best is a proud member of the North America Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).

  • Bitty,  My Dog Jacob,  New York

    Funny Dog Toys @PrideBites

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    The PrideBite was named Best Dog Toy of 2012 by Pet Business magazine.  Jacob loves his pink bow!  It floats and is the best stuffy ever. It is machine washable and can be used for a ton of games –  Tug of war, Fetch, Playing in water, Multiple dog playtime, Training tool and Indoor or outdoor fun. We have been throwing it around all day.

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    It Squeaks – squeakers sewn into pouches connected to the toy for saftey
    • Floats
    • Versatile – Indoor, outdoor
    • Interactive
    • Made of Durabite Fleece
    • 55 lb pull pressure
    • Soft foam stuffing
    • Vet approved
    • Safe

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    Get your dog a Pride Bites or a custom one here!  http://pridebites.com

     

  • My Dog Jacob

    DIY Puppy Treats with Excalibur Food Dehydrator

    The Excalibur Food Dehydrators is a kitchen electronic unit that is ideal for making easy, delicious, and nutritious treats for your pet. These homemade treats will have NO Additives and NO Preservatives; making them the most natural treats you could possible give your pets.

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    The unit is ideal for creating organic pet treats in volume.  Excalibur’s patented technology makes Excalibur units the most efficient heat/dry combination on the market.  The unit’s adjustable Thermostat (95◦F to 155◦F) keeps the temperature range low enough to preserve active enzymes in fruits and vegetables, but high enough to meet safety standards for dehydrating product, such as meat for jerky. Available online at www.ExcaliburDehydrator.com

    Key features include:

    ·         CLEAR door! *NEW* Made of Clear, Polycarbonate Material
    ·         Case exterior is made of Stainless Steel. Case interior is polycarbonate
    ·         Features Excalibur’s patented Parallex™ Horizontal Air Flow and Hyperwave™ Fluctuation Technology, the most efficient heat/dry combination on the market
    ·         9-large Stainless Steel trays, 15″ x 15″ each
    ·         26 Hour Timer lets you set it and forget it. Unit automatically turns off when the set time is complete
    ·         Adjustable Thermostat 95◦F to 165◦F. Temperature range is low enough to preserve active enzymes in fruits and vegetables. Temperature range is also high enough to meet safety standards for dehydrating meat for jerky. Unit turns on automatically when thermostat is in use
    ·         7-inch fan, 600 watts

    DOG TREAT RECIPES

    Chicken Jerky Strips

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    These all natural chicken jerky strips make the perfect snack for your dog, plus they are so good you can even eat them yourself! A few quick tips for easy preparation: Popping the meat into the freezer for about 15 minutes beforehand makes the meat much easier to slice thinly, and the thinner you slice the meat, the less time it takes to dry.

    • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast tenders, sliced into strips about 1/4 to 1/8 of an inch thick
    • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
    • 1 tbs. salt
    • Dog Friendly seasonings including parsley, rosemary, and sage

    Rinse off chicken breast and remove any fat. Slice the chicken with the grain. This will help make the jerky even chewier for your dog. Fat slows down the dehydrating process and will make your chicken jerky spoil faster. Next coat the chicken slices with a few dog friendly seasonings including parsley, rosemary, sage.

    Place the chicken breast strips evenly throughout the tray, leaving an equal space between them and ensure that they do not touch each other, as dehydrator air flow between them is necessary while drying.

    Once strips are on the dehydrator, turn on and set the temperature for 140 degrees. Drying will take between 3 and 12 hours to fully dry, depending on how thick you cut your slices. Check it once every hour after the first hour by opening the tray and taking one slice out. Cut it open with a sharp knife and exam the inside. No moisture at all and if it is properly dried it will have the same color throughout. If it is not finished put it back in for another hour. Once it gets close start checking once every half hour.

    Store jerky in sealed containers; zip lock bags work great for this. Note the date of prep on each bag and store in the refrigerator for a long shelf life.

    Dog Treats- Vegetarian & Vegan options
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    Your dog will love this treat if he/she follows a vegetarian or vegan diet.  For variety, you can substitute just about any fruit or vegetable. This recipe uses an egg as a binding agent but if you want to make these treats vegan– just mix the dough longer and omit the egg.

    2 1/2 cups flour
    3/4 cup dry milk powder
    1/2 cup vegetable oil
    2 tbs. brown sugar
    2 vegetable bouillon cubes; dissolved in 3/4 cup boiling water
    1/2 cup carrots, green beans, apples, or blueberries
    1 egg (optional)

    In a large bowl mix all ingredients and form into a ball. On a flour dusted cutting board, roll out the dough to about 1/4″ thick.
    Cut with bone-shaped cookie cutter or any cutter shape your pet will like.
    Dehydrate at the highest setting 145 – 155 until done.
    Approximately 6 – 8 hours.  Add time if needed as treats should be VERY dry.

    Sunflower Horse Treats- ( Not only for Horses, but dogs and cats also love these treats!)

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    1/4 C sunflower seeds
    2 C flour
    1/2 C chopped apples
    1/4 C carrots, peas, or other vegetables
    1/4 C oats ground to powder
    1 C peanut butter
    1 C rolled oats
    1 C molasses

    Combine ingredients into a large bowl, add molasses until dough is stiff.  Additional oats may be added to make the dough stiff.
    Roll out dough & cut into shapes or squares
    Dehydrate at the highest setting 145 – 155 until done.
    Approximately 4 hours.  Add time if needed as treats should be VERY dry.

    Sweet Potato Dog Chews
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    This is a very simple dog chew/treat- your dog will love this one and it is easy to make.

    Thoroughly wash and peel sweet potatoes. Slice the sweet potato into 1/4″ slices. You can also cut down the middle lengthwise and slice into 1/4″ strips.

    Dehydrate at the highest setting 145 – 155 until done. Drying approximately 6-8 hours will leave them with a chewy texture. For crunchier treats dehydrate longer until the desired consistency.

    Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

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    1 1/2 C water
    1/2 C oil
    3 tablespoons peanut butter –we recommend natural peanut butter – no sugar added
    2 teaspoons vanilla
    2 cups whole wheat flour
    1/2 C cornmeal
    1/2 C oats
    1/4 C Honey Crunch Wheat Germ

    In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, oats and wheat germ. Stir in oil, peanut butter, vanilla, and water.
    Knead till smooth, adding more flour or water as needed. Roll out the dough to about 1/4″ thick.
    Shape into bars or cut with bone-shaped cookie cutter or any cutter shape your pet will enjoy.
    Dehydrate at the highest setting 145 – 155 for approximately 6-8 hours or until done.
    Add time if needed as treats should be VERY dry.

  • My Dog Jacob

    Volleyballs and Visors: Cool Dogs Wear @BodyGlove

    I remember the day my mom got me the lime green one piece swimsuit I desperately wanted when I was 11 and how cool I thought I was. BodyGlove is one of those iconic brands I will always associate with high end swim and surf wear. Body Glove International, LLC is a surf/skateboard/watersports brand started in the United States. Body Glove was founded in 1953 by twin brothers Bill and Bob Meistrell. The brothers invented the first practical wetsuit in the early 1950s in the back of their Redondo Beach, California surf shop, Dive N’ Surf. From those wetsuits Body Glove branched out into other product categories, they now make wetsuits, swimsuits, clothing, shoes, life vests, sunglasses, wakeboards, towables, backpacks, phone cases, and snorkeling equipment. (from Wiki)

    Recently, Body Glove has launched a Pet line!  The Pet products are exceptional!  They are innovative, great quality and offer a range of products for your beach or city dog. A lot of Body Glove’s signature neoprene is used throughout the line and it remains true to it’s surf culture.

    Let me introduce you to two awesome Body Glove Pet products that Jacob and I tested out.

    1. Neoprene Volleyball $6.50 – Jacob adores this toy! Beach volleyball anyone?  This mini neoprene volleyball is can bounce, squeak, float and spiked all over your house and park. It comes with a long nylon string so you can fling it without getting dog slobber on your hands. The neoprene is chewy and fun for the dogs to gnaw on and the squeaker is low pitched and not annoying. The volleyball, like all BodyGlove toys are made from an outer closed-cell non-toxic neoprene and non-toxic polyester filling. If you want to get just one product from the Body Glove Pet line, pick the volleyball!  It comes in Pink, Yellow and Blue.

    This product gets 5/5 for us.

    The dog visor comes in black, yellow, blue, pink, purple

    2. Dog Visor $14.99 – As you can see from the photo above, Jacob is wearing a visor!  A dog visor is really useful for really sunny days and offers protection from UV rays. Body Glove Pet brings innovative, practical and high quality pet products for the active pet. Our dog hats are sturdy enough to withstand winds, but soft and comfortable for dogs. Hats fit over their ears, wrap around their forehead with enough brim to shade their eyes. Plus a built-in sweatband for added practicality and comfort. Body Glove logo on front. The visors are made from high quality, tested fabrics to provide a great look that protects and shades their eyes from the sun. It is really easy to put on with thin velcro strap under his chin. Even though he looks cool, Jacob doesn’t really like wearing hats and this M was a bit on the small side for his head so we rate this visor 4/5.

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    Check out more products for your dog from Body Glove on http://bodyglove-pet.com