So what exactly is rawhide? It’s literally made from the outside of a cow, dried out cow’s skin.  The majority of rawhide chews are made outside of the United States (you can imagine the obvious problems with that), but even those made here in the U.S. are dangerous. Rawhide is a heavy duty material that is very difficult to break down. During the process of making a rawhide dog chew, various chemicals are used to strip the skin of any hair, dry it out, and sanitize the chew.  During the sanitation process, the chews are submerged in a bleach solution. Do you really want your pet chewing on something previously dipped in bleach?

The most dangerous issue with rawhide chews is the possibility for creating major blockages in the dog’s system.  When the dried rawhide is made wet again by your dog’s saliva, it slowly expands to it’s original size.  When your pet chews up a piece of rawhide and swallows it, that piece could expand inside the stomach and cause anything from an upset stomach to death.

Every dog loves to chew, but there are other alternatives to rawhide that are much safer and healthier for your pet.  Here are some alternatives, but remember to always supervise your dog with any toys and chews!

• Bully Sticks made from Free Range Cow
• Grade A Deer Antlers
• Himalayan Chews
• Marrow Bones made in the USA

Halloween is approaching and I thought I would post this yummy and healthy recipe for pumpkin treats! Keep some handy in case you get a few four-legged trick-or-treaters :)

Pumpkin Pie Treats

Ingredients

• 6-8 cups whole wheat flour
• 4 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1.5 cups pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie mix)
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup Canola Oil
• 2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses

Directions

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees
• Combine Pumpkin, water, canola oil, molasses and cinnamon in a mixing bowl
• Slowly add the flour and mix on low speed until all ingredients are combined and dough forms
• Work in small batches and roll dough out to about 1/2 in thick
• Cut out shapes with cookie cutter (try a pumpkin shape!) and place treats face up on a baking sheet
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until treats are hard and crunchy
• Let treats sit and cool for up to 2 hours, allowing the moisture to evaporate
• Store in air tight containers

Pumpkin is great for sensitive stomachs! It’s filled with fiber and great for digestion.

Does your dog inhale bones and chews in a matter of minutes? I know it sounds weird, but deer antlers are a great choice for big time chewers and large dogs because they are durable and really last!  Don’t worry, the antlers are naturally shed, so no animals are harmed to collect them.   Here are some of the great benefits of antler dog chews

• Long lasting and durable
• Safe – antlers do not splinter
• Odor free
• The natural marrow in the middle provides calcium and minerals
• Clean, oil-free, leaves no residue on floor or furniture
• No chemicals or preservatives

Antlers fly off the shelves at our store because our customers with big dogs love how long they last.  Actually, one of our customers who has a HUGE Great Dane buys the XL sized antler and it lasts her dog a few months! So, if you have been looking for a long lasting and safe chew for your furry friend, try a deer antler!

Apple Peanut Crunchers

Ingredients

• 6 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 cups unsweetened apple juice
• 1 cup natural peanut butter (I use Smart Balance)
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons canola oil or olive oil

* Note: You may have to adjust the amount of flour and canola oil, depending on the brand you  use. Just start out with a small amount and add gradually read more…

We bake all natural homemade dog treats at our store and I’m always trying out new recipes.  Here’s an easy recipe to try at home. Use your favorite cookie cutter or roll dough flat and use a pizza roller to slice dough into small squares.

Peanut Butter Bites

Ingredients

• 6 cups whole wheat flour ( you may have to add more or less depending on the brand of flour you use – Arrowhead Mills Organic Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour works best for us)
• 2.5 cups water
• 2.5 cups natural peanut butter (Smart Balance Peanut Butter is great!)
• 2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses
• 2 tablespoons canola oil

read more…