Saturday, May 14, 2011

Echo is paying it forward!

https://www.facebook.com/notes/echo-the-deaf-pittie-mix/best-smile-contest/211173302236276
Follow the link above and help pay it forward.  You'll be glad you did.

Noyo Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars

Here is the recipe most voted yesterday on our stores facebook page
Paws for Cats and Dogs Facebook page :)  

4 cups Rice Krispies
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup Buckwheat flour
1/2 cup dried apples ( dice into small pieces )
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 eggs
1/4 cup carob chips
1/4 cup molasses
1/3 cup natural peanut butter ( chunky or creamy )
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 325 degrees
Lightly grease a 9x9x2 baking dish (preferably glass)

In a large bowl combine the following: cereal, oats, cranberries, flour, apples, carob chips and set aside.
In a separate medium size bowl mix together the following: eggs, molasses, peanut butter, and oil.
Take the peanut butter mixture and add it to the dry ingredients in the large bowl and mix well.

Pour into baking pan and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Poke with a toothpick or fork to test if done.
(stick should come out without dough)
Let stand to cool.
When cool, cut into little bars and you have a tasty treat for your pawed pal to enjoy with you at breakfast!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Great diet, great skin!

More and more dogs and even cats are showing up with skin ailments and allergies to foods.  Every pet owner wants their four legged companion to look and feel their best.  When constant licking, chewing, scratching and flaky skin abound owners and pets become frustrated. Often a simple change in diet can provide relief for both pet and owner. Consider what animals might eat if left to their own devices in the wild before we came along and made pet food.
An animal has an instinct for what it needs for itself, a dog or cat left to its own devices will forage for vegetables and meat and water whenever and wherever available.  Most of the time they know instinctively what not to eat as well.
There has been a lot said about allergens in pet food.  Read the label of your pet food.  Are the first few ingredients a grain - wheat, corn, or soy product?  Those are fillers and provide no real nutritional value for animals.  Certain grains have proven to be difficult for the body to process, specifically the liver and kidneys.  These organs process waste and eliminate toxins.  Some doctors even refer to the skin as the third kidney,  toxins are also eliminated through the skin.
Even in this economy there are foods available that offer true meat protein as the first ingredient and won't break the bank.  Take a moment and read the labels and price shop, talk with your veterinarian to get their opinion and suggestions.  Consider a diet filled with healthful ingredients and vitamins and minerals.  Many veterinarians are even suggesting a diet of canned wet food over kibble.  Nutrients are processed easier by the organs and with more of the correct healthful ingredients, there is generally less waste to be eliminated. 
Discuss with your veterinarian the specific issues your cat or dog has and ask their opinion about a diet that is suitable for your pets needs.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Kidney Failure in Dogs and Cats

Daily I am asked about nutrition for animals in various stages of renal failure otherwise known as kidney failure.
Avoiding stressors in their and providing key components can possibly extend the life of any pet in renal failure.  Simply put, kidneys process blood and eliminate waste and toxins, then eliminate through urination.
Speaking nutritionally, the two major stressors on kidneys is inadequate and improper protein and low moisture.
Commercial kibble diets are difficult on the kidneys due to the starch and low moisture.  Even some homemade diets can lack the proper nutrients required for kidney diets. 
A strong healthful diet is the first line of defense for the kidneys.  A low protein, low phosphorus and nutritious well balanced whole food diet that avoids hard to assymilate, synthetic vitamins and minerals will aid the kidneys in not having to work overtime in processing.
Processed food can be laden with chemicals and toxins, making it difficult for your pet to process.  Fatty diets and high carb diets again make the kidneys exert a great deal of energy.  When the kidneys and liver have to work overtime eliminating things that are bad it decreases the ability to repair continuing the downward cycle.
Your mom told you to eat your greens, so should your pet!
Kelp is a great anti-inflammatory and helps to balance the thyroid.  Chlorella and spirulina have 12 times the protein than that of an ounce or so of milk! Barley and wheat grass are chock full of vitamins and minerals that animals need and assymilate easily.
A well balanced diet can aid your pet in processing medications it must be on if any, by boosting the immune system and allowing the body to rest in the areas it needs to in order to aid in healing.
Work with your veterinarian with regard to nutrition and even alternative methods that aren't quite as taxing on the organs.  Your veterinarian may refer you to a nutritionist to help you come up with a plan.
Something so simple can extend the life of your beloved pet and its quality of life!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Someone's in the kitchen with Blondie!

We've been cooking up some really great creations .....
Big River Biscotti
Glass Beach Parmesean Florentine Crisps
Little River Cranberry Oat Crunch
Ten Mile Sweet Potato Bundt Cake
Healthy and very tasty treats for your special canine!
Always low fat, low to no sodium and sugar ingredients as well as organic locally grown and hypo-allergenic ingredients whenever possible.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Mr. Peabody's Movie Review

Hachi: A Dog's Tales
Last evening we all (3 dogs curled around me) settled in to watch a movie. This poignant and heartwrenching story based on actual events sent me to the tissue box more times than I care to admit!  Hachi is an Akita that found a man while he was lost at a train station.  Ladies....Richard Gere stars as "Parker",  the compassionate man Hachi chooses. Good choice!  After failed attempts to find the owner of Hachi, the family decides to keep him.  The bond between man and dog blossoms and flourishes.  Daily Hachi walks with Parker to the station to see him of to work.  Hachi develops the routine of waiting for his master to return.  I won't tell you anymore about the plot, because it is a must see!

I had to watch it again so that maybe I could note the music and cinematography without tears welling in my eyes.  It was a little clearer....but the welling was still present.

The real Hachiko circa 1930
True enough the storyline captured my interest given that I am an avid dog lover.  However, not all films are created equal.  The cinematography was great.  It was shown from the dog's perspective at times and in such a way that was believeable. Kudos to director Lasse Hallstrom captures the spirit and devotion of Hachi and communicates them with originality.  This movie is not overacted, it stands on its own with dignity as Hachi did.
After watching this movie, I realized that I hadn't seen a single trailer for it during its release.  I looked into the directors background, wondering if this was an indie sleeper.
In truth, I've seen many of  Hallstrom's films and really liked them. 
Check out this movie, you will be glad you did.  Its message is profound, and will open your eyes to the unconditional love of your own dogs towards you.  I think that's what really will make you cry, and you will cry.
So, off you go.  Grab that movie a bowl of buttered popcorn and your dog(s) and revel in the pleasure of each others company.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Holiday Delights and Safety for pets

Everywhere we are beginning to see the joys of the Holiday season.  Decorations and delicious treats are appearing. 

While you are decorating your own humble abode, remember to consider how these new sights and smells appear to your pet.  Twinkling lights dancing before them are so very enticing, however, can be dangerous and disasterous if chewed or pulled.  Ornaments and tinsel can present a choking hazard.  Candles should be placed where animals will not knock them over.

Do not let animals drink holiday water, whether it be from poinsettias or the tree basin.  Avoid putting aspirin in the tree basin water.  It is thought that the aspirin will extend the life of the tree, however, this can pose a serious health risk.

Tasty cookies, fudge and other yummy morsels are displayed openly and admittedly are very inviting.  You don't want to invite the wrong patron though as some of the ingredients used to make them are very bad for animals.  Click on this link from the Humane Society for potentially harmful ingredients Poisonous foods for pets.  Although you may not have these individually displayed, think of Eggnog.  This would be very enticing to both cat and dog, yet potentially very dangerous.  Keep pets away from packaging, string, garbage and

Holidays can be stressful for humans as we all well know!  Your pet may be a bit nervous by all the activity and noise.  To reduce stress (even for yourself) keep pets on a regular schedule of exercise and feeding as much as possible.  Consider adding pumpkin with ginger to your pets diet (1 tsp for felines and 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup depending on canine size 1 time per day ).  Pumpkin and ginger are great for digestion and most pets love it! 

Make time to spend with your pet as you do any other time of the year.  It is a good idea not to let your dog out on its own, preventing not only dangerous situations but nuisance to your neighbors.

If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour emergency hot-line at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.
If you suspect that your pet has ingested any glass, plastic, or other small sharp objects call your veterinarian.

We at Paws wish you every happiness during this Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year.