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The last two years have hit everyone hard. People have been stuck at home, forced to live a changed lifestyle and in some cases, a changed financial lifestyle as well. One of the things that has happened in a direct response to the last two years is

If you want a simple and easy way to spoil your pup, get outside and take a walk together. It's natural for dogs to love the fresh air, exercise and freedom of being out exploring with his owner. In this blog post, we will cover several reasons to pick up the leash and get outdoors.

At NaturalPetWarehouse.com, we believe that an ingredient panel should contain the least amount of items possible. With single ingredient pet treats, you don't have to worry about fillers, additives or other harmful items being added to your pups snack. Products made with one ingredient typically feature whole foods such as meats, fruits for vegetables and you can find them freeze dried, dehydrated, frozen or baked.

This months product spotlight is focused on KCCanine Jerky Dog Treats. We are proud to sell their Elk, Venison, and Buffalo jerky which are made with all natural ingredients. KCCanine is a family owned business that produces these treats in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Each ingredient is of human-grade and sourced in the USA from quality sources. They utilize a USDA inspected human-food facility to produce and package their products.

Bill & Elaine Schwing, Owners of KCCanine are concerned about the welfare of animals, which is why they are dedicated to providing wholesome and all natural snacks for their furry friends. Their products are protein packed and are slow cooked for 8 hours to provide a wonderful taste and texture that your dogs love! Each package contains a large bar that is scored to break into 5 smaller bars for convenience. You can also break them into smaller pieces which make it a perfect snack for training, travel, camping, or everyday snacking. They utilize cyro vacuum packaging to ensure your dog will receive a fresh product. Because there are no added preservatives, the product will need to be refrigerated after opening.

You can purchase KCCanine Jerky Dog Treats at NaturalPetWarehouse.com or by calling 877-595-5276.

Tucker's just introduced a new line of treats called Barkin' Blends. These freeze-dried treats are available in the following recipes, beef and bacon and beef and sweet potato. The freeze drying process is effective in preserving the meat, without exposing it to high temperatures which helps it retain the nutritional value and flavor. Barkin' Blends are cube shaped snacks that are made in the USA with human-grade ingredients. They are perfect for snacking and even as a food topper.

In addition to the 16 ounce bags of jerky, Tucker's just introduced a 12 ounce bag of each variety. This new size is available in Mighty Max's, Klassic Kelli's, Wild Wyatt's and Slammin Sammy's. These jerky slices are moist and each piece is individually wrapped to maintain freshness. Each variety features all natural ingredients that are of human-grade.

You can purchase Tucker's Jerky Dog Treats at NaturalPetWarehouse.com or by calling 877-595-5276.

NaturalPetWarehouse.com is now a retailer of Grandma Lucy's Dog Food. They choose to carry this line of products after careful evaluation of quality, sourcing, and manufacturing processes. With many unique protein sources and high nutritional value, Grandma Lucy's has set themselves apart as a leader with freeze-dried diets for dogs. Their foods and treats are proudly Made in the USA with human-grade ingredients. The Freeze-drying process gently removes 98% of the moisture, while keeping many of the nutritional characteristics of raw ingredients. The result is a convenient and nutritionally rich food that is a great substitution for feeding a raw frozen diet. Grandma Lucy's dog foods are GMO-Free, Preservative-free, and all natural.

Grandma Lucy's Artisan Dog Foods are grain-free recipes which are available with chicken, pork, lamb, bison, or venison as the protein source. Each recipe contains USDA meat as the main ingredient, followed by nutrient rich fruits and vegetables such as carrots, blueberries, cranberries, and apples. These complete and balanced diets are a great choice for pet owners that want great nutrition for their furry friends.

Grandma Lucy's Pureformance Dog Foods are available in 4 different varieties including chicken, goat, and rabbit. Like all their other foods, it is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and Made in the USA. Pureformance Dog Food differs from the Artisan formulas because it features Chickpeas instead of potatoes. All these recipes are completely natural and are packed with produce that is rich in antioxidants. These complete and balanced diets are highly convenient and nutrient rich.

Grandma Lucy's Valor Dog Foods are contain USDA Meat and are available with Chicken, Lamb, or Fish. This food is unique because it features Quinoa which is known as a superfood. In addition to the Quinoa, it also contains antioxidant rich carrots, celery, apples, bananas, blueberries, cranberries and pumpkin. This combination of ingredients provides a wholesome and delicious food that your dogs can thrive on.

You can purchase Grandma Lucy's Freeze-Dried Dog Food and Treats at NaturalPetWarehouse.com or by calling 877-595-5276.

We are proud to carry Primal Pet Foods products and are excited to introduce several new treats that are now in production. Since 2001, Primal has been a leader in freeze-dried foods and treats for dogs and cats. Last month, they released new varieties and packaging of Nibs, Munchies, Chips and Snaps. These all natural treats contain protein sources such as Venison, Beef , Buffalo, Turkey, Chicken and Pork. Each variety contains limited ingredients and is Grain-Free, Gluten-Free and Preservative-Free. Their treats are proudly Made in the USA with human-grade ingredients sourced from New Zealand and the United States.

Not only does Primal make great treats, but they also manufacturer Freeze-Dried Diets for Dogs and Cats.. Their foods are made with USDA Human Grade ingredients are are always Grain-free and Gluten-Free. Each protein is sourced from the United States with exception of Venison and Lamb, which are sourced from USDA approved farms and ranches in New Zealand. Each recipe features antibiotic-free and steroid-free meats along with organic produce to ensure that your pets are receiving great nutrition. Their freeze-dried foods provide a convenient and highly nutritious diet that is not exposed to high heat during production. This allows the nutritional content to say viable and increases your pets nutritional intake.

You can purchase Primal Freeze-Dried Dog Food and Treats at NaturalPetWarehouse.com or by calling 877-595-5276.

Since we love our four-legged friends and treat them just like family, we even dress them up and buy them presents like our beloved two-legged children. Therefore, they’re worthy of a few more dollars when it comes to their diet.

But as consumers, sometimes it’s difficult to know exactly what we’re purchasing nowadays, especially when it comes to pet food. While we don’t want to buy the super-cheap varieties that are full of preservatives, byproducts and other unhealthy ingredients, at the same time we don’t want to overspend on healthier options.

But it begs the question, what exactly are byproducts and why are they so harmful to animals? What other ingredients in traditional pet foods are dangerous?

Byproducts, by definition, are really two-fold, meat and poultry, whose real ingredients are less than pleasant. According to Pet Food Advisor, the pet food producers themselves define them as:

• Meat: The non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals. It includes, but is not limited to lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, partially defatted low temperature fatty tissue, and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents.
• Poultry: The non-rendered clean parts of carcasses of slaughtered poultry such as heads, feet, viscera, free from fecal content and foreign matter except in such trace amounts as might occur unavoidably in good factory practice.

Basically, byproducts are slaughterhouse waste, with the exception of things like hair, horns and hooves, they can be almost anything. As responsible pet owners, we train our animals to stay out of the garbage, so why would be intentionally feed it to them?

Copious Amounts of Corn

If you read labels, in many varieties of inexpensive retail pet foods, you may see corn or corn meal as the main ingredient. Just like the byproducts mentioned previously, it doesn’t necessarily mean the actual food portion of this grain. It could be ground up cobs, portions of the husk, stems, leaves and other waste products - not the kernels themselves.

These unhealthy ingredients can cause a variety of health problems for dogs including digestive issues and allergies. Corn and other grains are not fully digestible by animals and therefore aren’t nutritious for them to consume.

Another problem with grains is the possibility of the presence of mycotoxins, a form of mold that can occur naturally, which can sicken or even kill some animals. As a matter of fact, a class action lawsuit was filed against Purina earlier this year in relationship with this dangerous ingredient allegedly found in their Beneful brand of dog food.

But Why?

Because byproducts and corn are cheap, that’s why. It’s that simple. The producers of most big retail pet foods are in the business of making money and not concerned with keeping our pets healthy.

The bottom line is, if we spend a little more now, we’re going to spend a lot less down the road on expensive veterinary bills which will give us extra spending cash for us pet lover’s gifts. Feed your pets nutritious, all natural food and they’ll not only be healthier and happier, they’ll be around a lot longer for us to enjoy their precious company.

NaturalPetWarehouse.com provides a huge selection of freeze-dried and dehydrated dog foods at great prices. Thank you Amber Kingsley for writing this article to educate about pet food and treat nutrition.

Shutterstock source links:

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Earth Animal Jerky is back in stock and the bags are now sold in 8 ounces but come at a lower price. Each bag is $14.99 and features the same great recipes that your dog enjoys. Earth Animal is dedicated to sourcing USA Chicken that is raised free-range and without the use of steroids, artificial growth hormones or antibiotics.

They currently produce 8 varieties of jerky, which can benefit dogs in specific parts of their health. Below we will go through each on individually and expand upon the health benefits they can provide.

Agility: Earth Animal Agility is formulated to help increase hip and joint health. Each piece is coated with glucosamine and chondroitin which can assist in increasing production of synovial fluid and promotes cartilage growth.

Fresh: Earth Animal Fresh is made with all natural chicken breast cutlets which are coated with parsley and rosemary. These ingredients work together to help freshen breath and also reduce stomach irritation.

Shine:Earth Animal Shine provides awesome taste, but also contains nutrients which help support healthy skin and coats. Each cutlet contains added Inositol (B-Vitamin) to help grow healthy fur and hair. It also contains zinc, which is known as a essential mineral for skin and coat health.

Calm: Earth Animal Calm is no ordinary snack. Each bite features brushed on Tryptophan which is an amino acid that can help reduce stress and anxiety in pets. If you have an anxious dog, this treat will help provide relaxation.

Energy: Earth Animal Energy is a perfect snack for dogs of all breeds. It features added Taurine, L-Carnitine and Vitamin E which worth together to support a healthy heart. When dogs are lacking Taurine and L-Carnitine, they may have a weakness of the heart.

Soothe: Earth Animal Soothe is a wholesome recipe that is formulated to support healthy digestion. Each delicious cutlet contains “brushed on” probiotics which can help improve digestion and boost the immune system.

Trim: Earth Animal Trim is made with natural chicken cutlets that feature nutrients that help support healthy weight. Each bite is coated with L-Carnitine which can assist in converting fat to energy. This process can be beneficial in maintaining a healthy weight.

Plain Chicken Strips Earth Animal Plain Chicken Strips are wholesome chicken breasts strips. Like all the other varieties, they are made with free-range American chickens that are raised naturally without the use of steroids, antibiotics or artificial growth hormones.

Earth Animal is a great choice for discerning pet owners that want to provide the best for their dogs. Each of their products are proudly Made in the USA at an USDA inspected human food facility. You can learn more about Earth Animal Dog Treats at NaturalPetWarehouse.com or by calling 877-595-5276.

In Australia, Kangaroo has been widely used in pet foods for the past 30 years. This is due to several factors, but mostly because of health benefits and availability. Australian Kangaroo is not farmed, they are a true free range animal which feeds on grasses, bushes, and trees. The result is a healthy meat that is low in fat, high in protein and naturally free of added antibiotics and hormones.

Kangaroo is known to be a hypoallergenic meat, which makes it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. If your dog has itchy skin, ear infections, patches or fur missing or other signs of food allergies, it may be worth it to try a different source of protein such as Kangaroo. Because many pets have never been fed kangaroo meat, they have a higher chance of not not having an intolerance or allergy. It is also naturally rich in iron, zinc, and Vitamins B6 and B12.

Another benefit to feeding kangaroo meat treats or food is that it is a natural source of (CLAS) Conjugated Linoleic Acid. This is a naturally occurring fatty acid which can benefit overall health with it's antioxidant properties. This meat has the highest amount of CLAs compared to all other red meats and can help lower cholesterol and improve the immune system.

Barkworthies Dog Treats is a good place to start if you are interested in trying kangaroo. They provide all natural snacks that are made with free-range and grass-fed Australian Kangaroo. Their varieties include jerky, sausage, tails, and ribs. Barkworthies is dedicated to providing dogs with 100% digestible treats that are made with high quality ingredients and are tested by the FDA and USDA.

You can purchase natural dog food and treats at NaturalPetWarehouse.com. They are a family owned business which has a huge selection, competitive prices, free shipping offers, and great service.

Since 1968 Vital Essentials has been a leader in raw dog food. They are now offering their freeze-dried diets in two new protein sources that will be a hit among your dogs. Their Mini Patties and Mini Nibs now are manufactured with Duck or Turkey as the protein sources. Mini Nibs are a new variety of food that is similar to the nibblets, but have smaller pieces which are easier for small breed dogs to chew.

Vital Essentials chooses to freeze-dry their ingredients because it is a slow and gentle process in which the all the active nutritional elements are retained. Freeze-Dried Dog Foods can be stored without the need of freezing or refrigeration for added convenience. This process provides a convenient method of feeding raw food that was not cooked with high temperatures.

Dogs were not designed to consume cooked foods, which is why you see them eat raw meat as their main food source in the wild. Canines are natural carnivores, which is why Vital Essentials uses single-sourced USDA animal proteins in their formulas. Each diet contains No grains, preservatives or rendered by-products. Each of their products is proudly Sourced, Made, and Packaged in the USA at a USDA certified and inspected pet food facility!

You can purchase Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Dog Food at NaturalPetWarehouse.com or by calling 877-595-5276.

Diets sometimes need some help. Even with the proper nutrition, it's important to get vitamins and minerals for your body. Our dogs also need additional nutrients and fiber to complete their daily intake.

Commercial dog foods usually make up a combination of crude proteins from both animal and plant sources. You can definitely give your dog a basic, healthful diet through the correct brands of either dry kibble or wet canned food, but supplements will have to come from other foods. Try to feed your dog a combination of both wet and dry food as the variety offers respective benefits. Dry food is good for your pet's bones and bodily systems, while wet food is helpful for the joints and fur. However, make sure you know the ingredients going into your brand of choice, as not all dog food brands were created equal.

Getting your pup essential vitamins and other nutrients means thinking outside the bag. Several foods right in your grocery store make a great addition to your dog's diet. Changing what your dog eats, or supplementing his meals, may also aid in treating environmental ailments commonly experienced by dogs like allergies.

Offer these superfoods as part of your dog's meal or as a reward:

Carrots have beta carotene and essential vitamins A, C, and K. Carrots are great for your dog’s heart, eyes, teeth and respiratory system.

Sweet potatoes also contain high levels of beta carotene for your dog’s coat, immune system, and digestion. The darker the potato, the more nutrients it has.

Blueberries contain essential antioxidants and fiber. These aid in digestion, moderate blood sugar, and help condition the nervous system.

Spinach is great for the bones and heart and is especially known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Salmon has fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6. Fish oil helps with the skin and coat of your dog.

Cook vegetables so they're easy for your dog to consume. Boiling carrots with some water will soften them enough for serving to your pup, while peeling and microwaving will have the same effect on sweet potatoes. Some dogs will enjoy eating vegetables raw, too!

Be careful of what natural foods you feed your pet. Some fruits and vegetables contain toxins that are harmful for dogs, so be sure to do your homework on any foods you may wish to give your dogs. Though several of the superfoods mentioned are good for humans, too, not all people superfoods are beneficial for your pet.

Grapes and raisins are also thought to contain antioxidants, but don't feed them to your pets. Dogs can't digest either the fruit or its dried version, as it causes illness in the form of vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes ranging to serious adrenal failure.

Want to offer more at mealtime to your pet? Check out the following infographic for naturally-occurring superfoods to add to your dog's diet: