• 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

    3 New Cold Weather Dog Treats @ilovemyk10 @preschoice

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    The weather outside is frightful!  I mean it isn’t THAT cold compared to seasonal norms but it is cold enough for you to say brrr and cut your walks short and make sure your naps are long. We are all in hoodies to stay cozy… With the change in weather, here are a few treats that can help you and your dog make it to the muddy spring!

    1. K10+ Calming Formula – You mix this with water!  Similar to EmergenC for humans, this is a supplement to calm your dog (cabin fever anyone!!) of any anxiety. This is great for extended nap time, before unfamiliar guests come over, travel and just to relax your dog.  It comes in small little packets and they are easy to use. Just open and put into the water.
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    I put 1 packet in this water bowl. You can see the water turns a lemony yellow with bits floating. My dog drank it no problem… Vitamin Water for Dogs!

    K-10+ is a line of soluble water vitamins where different formulas address various purposes in dog health – This one is calming but there are also ones for senior dogs, multivitamins and Glucosamine.
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    2. Betsy Farms Natural Chicken Jerky – Betsy Farms™ offers a line of high-quality jerky recipe treats that dogs love. Each product is made in the U.S.A. with wholesome ingredients sourced in America (all poultry is raised in the U.S.A.). The delicious treats are available in three varieties, including chicken, duck and turkey. Each product is made with real meat and provides protein that all dogs need. Theline is available exclusively at Sam’s Club and Walmart.

    *Chicken, Barley, Tapioca, Chicken Liver, Vegetable Glycerin, Pea Protein, Corn Protein Concentrate, Dried Whey, Poultry Fat, Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Salt, Lactic Acid, Hickory Smoke Flavor, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Rosemary Extract, Colored With Annatto Extract”

    As you all know, Jacob is really picky with treats and he LOVED the Betsey Farms Natural Jerky.  It is nice to have a hearty treat during the winter instead of a cold dry dog biscuit!  They don’t  I give one of these to him before bed and it sends him right off to puppy dreamland.

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    3. PC Nutrition First Dog Chicken Strips for Heart & Eyes –  My mom brought these for Jacob on her last trip and they have lasted a long time!  You can get it at any Superstore or Loblaws. They are real chicken strips and made in Thailand. There are only 3 ingredients: Chicken, Vitamin A Acetate, L-Carnitine.  The shape of these look just like a piece of chicken and none of the pieces are identical so I know they are not mass produced.  Jacob loves these too!

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    Excuse the slobber!photo 1

     Treat taste testing is exhausting – Now time to hibernate until spring!

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  • My Dog Jacob

    Gift Ideas for your Dog Lover @PetmateProducts

    According to a recent study by the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 50 percent of pet owners are city dwellers, so if you’re thinking of highlighting the growing trend of urban pet ownership, Petmate offers several stylish and unique solutions for pets and their owners.

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    –          For the on-the-go pet, the WETNOZ Carrier by Petmate is part pet carrier and part cuddle bed making it perfect to use anywhere, anytime. Ideal for pets under 20 pounds, the carrier features a plush and padded interior that is leak-free in case there are any accidents, an interior tether to keep pets safe, side pocket storage, and both a shoulder and carry handle for easy transport ($150 MSRP).

    This is perfect for a small dog!  You can take them on the subway and travel easily. It is also great for taking your cat to your vet so it is not in a cardboard box. I wish Jacob could fit in this! I would get the lime green one.

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    –          The Petmate Portable Pop-Up Tent provides a shaded home away from home for pets headed to the city park. Constructed from heavy-duty water-resistant canvas, the tent folds out in seconds and features ventilated mesh-sided panels. Available in two sizes ($44.99 – $59.99 MSRP).

    How adorable! I can see cats having a great time jumping in and out of this. Again, perfect for a small to medium size dog and the ‘enclosed’ area always makes the pet feel safe for a quick nap. 

    23368_PM_silicone travel bowl_1half cup_green–          While basking in the city sun, be sure to bring along plenty of water and the Petmate Travel Bowl to keep pets nourished and hydrated. The collapsible, silicone travel bowl fits into small spaces and pockets, and the sturdy no-spill feature allows for splash-proof fun at home or on the go. Available in two colors and two sizes ($9.99 – $12.99 MSRP).

    I have this and it is the most useful pet product ever! It pops up and fold flat so you can take a water dish with you anywhere. Every time Jacob drinks from a water bottle he makes choking sounds so this little travel bowl is a must have when we play frisbee at the park!

    71090_AH_Bone Dispenser and Waste Bags

    –          Be sure to pick up after Fido with the Arm & Hammer® Bone Dispenser and Biodegradable Waste Bags by Petmate, which  harness the odor-neutralizing and freshening power of baking soda. The dispenser attaches to any leash for easy access, and the  biodegradable waste bags are made from corn starch ($9.99 MSRP).

    Totally useful and a must for all dog owners and walkers. You will have 30 bags in case of that surprise ‘2nd poo’ you weren’t prepared for!  I like the odor neutralizing aspect of it and the bone has a easy screw on and off top for replacement bags. This is a must!

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    –          If your dog is a fan of the indoors, the ChuckIt! Indoor Flyer by Petmate provides the same slobber-free fun as the outdoor line, but features a soft and resilient texture, making it ideal for indoor use. ($11.99 MSRP)

    I am excited for the day when I have an apartment big enough to use this toy!  This is an indoor frisbee for your pet to play with. I think Jacob has enough toys but one more can’t hurt 🙂

    –          To create a cozy, warm nest on the coldest of loft floors, the Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bed by Petmate uses the same technology that heats Mylar “space blankets” and reflects a pet’s own body heat. Available in four sizes ($29.99-$69.99). Also available in self-cooling for pets wintering in warmer climates.

    A self warming bed? This is so cool! I can tell when Jacob is cold when he sleeps in a ball and when he is warm he is spread out. I am excited to see this Mylar technology bed and how it holds up during the winter. 

    www.petmate.com

  • My Dog Jacob

    Winter Snooze with @PetMate

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    Pet Mate has a variety of pet bed for your dog and we recently received the Self Warming Lounger Dog Bed Spice/Creme. It is 24 X 20 Inch and Jacob is 60 lbs and fits perfectly. This is a size small – these are probably designed for big dogs.   It is made of 100% recycled fiber fill.

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    Testing out the new bed Screen Shot 2013-11-12 at 2.40.40 PM

    It reflects and retains your dog’s radiated body heat. It uses a space blanket technology and is totally safe and hassle free. Screen Shot 2013-11-12 at 2.40.33 PMThe best part is that it is machine washable!  What a cozy bed.

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    See more pet products like this cozy bed on www.Petmate.com

     

  • My Dog Jacob

    Hurray! Now available @BurtsBees for Dogs

    It is not secret that i LOVE my dog and i LOVE Burt’s Bees products so imagine my excitement when I found out there are now dog products!

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    Here are a ton of new items and I can’t wait to try out the dental products, the shampoos and also the Nose and Paw Lotion! How cute! Jacob tried the Soothing Shampoo and Spray today. This cleanser features Eucalyptus Oil to provide powerful soothing and cooling to skin irritations and Honey to moisturize and hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and soft. He looks bright, white, smooth and soft!

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    The spray can also be used on the dog’s bed!

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    Fetch…for pets! announces a new partnership with Phillips Pet Food & Supplies, a premier pet food and pet supply distributor. Phillips Pet will sell Burt’s Bees™ Natural Pet Care, a natural grooming and oral care line for dogs manufactured by Fetch…for pets!. The products will be available at the 12 Phillips Pet Food and Supplies distribution centers, which are strategically located across the United States.  Burt’s Bees™ Natural Pet Care is currently available from their distribution centers in Easton, PA and Taunton, MA with plans to fully roll out by 2014.

    Find out more at http://burtsbeespets.com/