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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.

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:

http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-293144264/stock-photo-pug-dog-with-food-isolated-on-white.html?src=csl_recent_image-1

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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.

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:

We are constantly looking for new brands of pet treats that are Made in the USA with high quality ingredients. This month, we are introducing “I'd Rather Be With My Dog” which come in a variety of flavors to please your finicky pup.

All the ingredients in these treats are sourced from the United States or New Zealand and are of high quality. Their recipes include protein sources such as Salmon, Duck, Lamb, Venison, Fish, Turkey and Beef. I'd Rather Be with my Dog is the first pet brand that formulates their recipes to comply with the Paleo diet.

In addition to great flavors, they also have treats that can help in a variety of ailments such as joint pain, digestive health, and skin health. All their treats have coconut oil which is known to help provide beautiful coats and can reduce inflammation. If you are looking for a grain-free healthy snack for your 4-legged friends, look no further than I'd Rather be with My Dog.

You can purchase I'd Rather Be With My Dog Treats at NaturalPetWarehouse.com or by calling 877-595-5276.

In most cases, senior dogs require special care and attention to stay healthy, happy and maintain a high quality of life. While they may lack energy compared to those bouncy puppies that can win your heart in a split second, senior dogs have plenty of unconditional love to offer and make loyal companions that will stay by your side no matter what. Want to take better care of your senior dogs? In this case, you should start by understanding their special necessities and addressing them in an ideal manner.

Understanding the Aging Process in Dogs

Dogs age at a different pace. Generally speaking, small dog breeds age slower than giant dog breeds. Nonetheless, researchers have reached the conclusion that several factors, such as the environment, lifestyle, nutrition and genetics influence the pace of the aging process in dogs. To be able to prevent health concerns associated with the signs of chronological aging displayed by your four-legged friend, just follow the simple tips listed below.

Tips on How to Keep Your Aging Dogs Healthy, Lively and Happy

• Monitor Your Dog’s Eating Habits. A dog that eats very seldom may be dealing with one of more health concerns. For instance, many senior dogs end up dealing with dental problems. If your dog is having a hard time chewing its favorite treats, consider switching to a different kind of food. Digestive issues are another common symptom of canines aging. In this case, it is highly recommended to invest in premium foods designed especially for older dogs containing easy-to-digest ingredients. Some formulas could also incorporate beneficial supplements added to eliminate or reduce the unpleasant symptoms triggered by the aging process. As pets age, their metabolic rate slows, which can lead to obesity. This makes it important to closely monitor the calorie intake to prevent your dog from becoming overweight.
• Take Your Senior Dogs to the Vet at Least Twice a Year. How often do you take your dog to the vet? Generally speaking, aging dog should be seen by a veterinarian at least once every six months. At the vet, they should undergo a routine health checkup, similar to the one recommended for younger dogs. At the same time, additional dental care and blood work may be required, as well as special examinations conducted based on the particular symptoms that your companion may be experiencing. Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to keeping a senior dog healthy, active and happy. Whenever possible, we recommend using a holistic veterinarian and using natural remedies.
• Don’t Neglect the Importance of Proper Parasite Control. Did you know that an element as simple as parasite control could prolong the life of your pet and help you prevent a wide range of canine diseases? Worms, fleas and ticks could lead to severe health problems that may be difficult to handle by an old dog with a weakened immune system. Therefore, when it comes to implementing an effective parasite control plan, keep in mind that year-round vigilance is a basic requirement. We recommend using natural parasite control such as garlic remedies and Diatomaceous Earth.
• Adjust Your Environment to Respond to the New Needs of Your Senior Dog. Most owners focus on regular checkups, pest control strategies and dietary and lifestyle changes to enhance the wellbeing of their pets, while ignoring the fact that their own environment can put their senior companions at risk. If you want to take good care of your aging dog and eliminate the potentially dangerous obstacles that could limit its comfort and/or raise safety concerns, you should start by senior-proofing your home. For example, If your dog usually sleeps with you upstairs, now would be a good time to leave its bed or mat, water and food downstairs, as stair climbing could become quite a challenge after a certain age.
• Pay Special Attention to Exercising and Nutrition. In order to help your senior dogs live a much more fulfilling life, focus your attention on two key elements: nutrition and exercising routine. Buy vitamin-rich foods and treats that your pets could easily chew and digest. Just because your dog is aging, this doesn't mean that you should let it become the victim of its own sedentary lifestyle. Keep your senior dog active and healthy, without pushing it too far. Simple exercises, like the ones that your pup would normally perform during a relaxing walk in the park, could be enough to help provide a better mobility and a higher quality of life.

Last but not least, remember that the love that you are sending to your dog on a daily basis can make all the difference in the world, by helping your beloved friend cope with the signs of the aging process with minimal difficulties.

Whether you are just starting with a new puppy or you've had your canine best friend for years, it is never too late to get in the habit of keeping his teeth strong and healthy. We’d like to share a few tips to make that as easy as possible.

Make the Change Pleasant

If your dog is not used to having hands near his mouth, you’ll want to go slowly, but it will help you make it part of your fun and relaxation time with your friend. Start slow and be gentle. If you meet with a lot of resistance, you can put a bit of peanut butter on the tip of your finger for him to enjoy as you gently help him adjust to some touching his gums, lips, and teeth – but beware of putting your finger too far in lest he decides you just became part of his unexpected buffet.

Once Fido is used to his teeth and mouth being touched, you can introduce him to a Dog Toothbrush and Dog Toothpaste Combo. Try to work that in at the same time of day, and if not daily, then at least three or four times a week. You might even try doing it on one side of his mouth one day and the other side the next. With the first couple of times, allow him to sniff and lick at the toothbrush and toothpaste. Dogs tend to see with their noses, so allow him to get familiar with the scent and taste and associate it with happy times and his beloved master.

Between brushing, try Dental Treats for Dogs and Dog Dental Chews, as these will keep his teeth clean and prevent bad dog breath. Whatever method you use for his oral health, keep up the happy talk and rewards for good behavior.

A Dog’s Gotta Chew Sometimes

There are a lot of things you can do that will help keep your dog’s teeth strong and healthy, but you probably won’t be able to stop him from chewing on things, especially during his early months when he’s going through some teething issues. Your job is to make certain that what he is chewing is safe for him, his teeth, and your pocket book.

If your puppy is going through a teething episode, here are some ideas. Wet down a small towel or piece of rope and then freeze it. This will give him something to chew on, and the cold will numb any pain he may be having. Just remember to check how this chew toy is holding up and replace it before your puppy starts swallowing any fabric or fiber.

If all else fails, get some bitter tasting chew repellent to use until he has learned not to chew on your expensive leather chair.

After your dog’s adult teeth have arrived, which usually happens when he’s about 7-8 months old, you can start looking at chew toys. Chew toys act as a natural dog teeth cleaner between brushing, but before you buy any, check with your Veterinarian about what he recommends for your particular dog and his breed. Then buy one that is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).

Training your dog to love the time you spend cleaning his teeth is worth every moment you spend because good oral health will strongly contribute to a longer active life shared with you and your family. Dogs can suffer from the same issues as humans when it comes to bad oral care habits. Gingivitis, Plaque and tartar build-up can lead to bacteria moving from the mouth to other areas of your pet’s body and compromising his health and wellness. When you both build this time into a part of happy moments, you not only deepen the bond between you and your dog, but you lengthen the journey together as well.

Your dog is your friend; you already go out of your way making sure he’s happy, comfortable and healthy, taking care of his oral health is just a bit of gravy on his steak.

K9 Natural has been providing freeze-dried dog food since 2006. They are introducing a new variety of treats that feature ingredients sourced from New Zealand. Their treats feature limited ingredients which are gently air-dried or freeze-dried to maintain the nutritional values and flavor.

The new product we are most excited to introduce is Green Lipped Mussels and Blue Lipped Mussels. These mussels are naturally farmed in the clean ocean waters of New Zealand and are packed with nutrition and have a crunch that dogs love. Green Lipped Mussels provide canine with a natural source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin B-12. Blue Lipped Mussels contain long chain fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) along with glucosamine and chondroitin. Green and Blue mussels found in New Zealand can help reduce inflammation and may improve joint health.

K9 Natural also offers wholesome dog treats such as freeze-dried chicken heart, lamb heart, venison bites and dental chews such as venison tendon and beef ligaments. They take food safety seriously, they get certificates from the meat suppliers to ensure it is fresh and their and facilities are thoroughly cleaned at the end of each day. All K9 Natural Dog Treats are made with top quality ingredients and are processed in strict compliance with New Zealand Food Safety Authority.

Click Here to shop K9 Natural Products at NaturalPetWarehouse.com.