The Dog Food Dude

Knocking the Stuff Out of It!

2012-02-04T10:38:00.000-08:00

Although I can never be sure what their actual motives are, I'm led to believe that the dogs have a purpose for tearing the polyfill stuffing out of their toys. The reason might be that they are inspired by some primordial instinct that is a make believe version of life in the wild. Well, that's what I think. But it could also be that they have a deep hatred for the vacuum. By spreading spider sized white clouds throughout the corners of the house, they stretch out of few moments of quiet reprieve while I figure out how to dig a clog from the middle of a the hose. I tend to believe the former, because my dogs are goofy, endearing and playful. They're acting tough, and I can go along with the masquerade. But we've put a stop to the factory installed vital organs being tossed around. And as a side benefit, they aren't ingesting a petroleum based appetizer. The most obvious fact about canine nutrition is a derivative of petroleum isn't on the list of recommended vitamins and minerals.

We've dismantled many a stuffed animal that was too cute to pass up purchasing or that we've received as a gift. At the end of a long session of tug-of-war, they all fail the stress test. I used to call Jackson's first stuffed animals his "babies," until I saw what he could do to them. Carrying them around from the kitchen to his bed looked cute. The orange billed duck didn't seem to mind, it was even smiling. Before I or the duck knew it, the insides were revealed to be as white as the duck's own white fleece. When I saw it Jackson and I were smiling at one another. The duck was still smiling too. I picked up the innards and threw them away. The duck sat in the living room untouched after that.

As I was folding laundry one day, I came upon a solution. I save a basket of socks in the laundry room that I hope to someday reunite with their mates. It's obvious that some have little reason to hope. Tonight, Raleigh disemboweled a mallard. At the first sight of stuffing, I finished the job myself. After tossing the polyfill in the trash, I dug into the depths of the sock basket to find a couple of clean, cotton implants.

Our dogs still enjoy the thrill of the hunt and fighting over the prey. I don't have to worry about them swallowing something that's only going to cause a problem later. And every once in a while, I hide a treat inside the sock to make the game more exciting. One of our favorites is "Good Girl Gizzards". It's cheap and simple to make. Plus making "GGG" provides a delicious side dish of homemade stock. "GGG" are aren't oily and being dense nothing evaporates into crumbles. After the dogs free the sock from inside their stuffed toy, they spend another five minutes insisting on their reward. It's also easier to launder both the toys and the socks without the threat of polyfill lint adding to the pet hair problem.

The recipe for Good Girl Gizzards is in my book, Feed Your Best Friend Better, already available for pre-order online. More than a book, I want you to have an experience and understanding of your dog. The recipes will be inside the book, but I aim to carry on my blog so that you see my whys and hows that make me want to help you Feed Your Best Friend Better.

Dog Food Dude - Kong Stuffing Recipe on YouTube

2012-02-02T04:17:00.000-08:00

Here's my first dog food dude video - a quick, easy and nutritious treat for your dog's kong: http://tinyurl.com/dogfooddude-kong. Get Crackin'

Dogs drool for a reason. They're jealous.

2012-01-25T22:42:00.000-08:00

I'd like you, your dog and me to be in a room with a room full of veterinarians, scientists, behaviorists, trainers and people pet communicators. Everyone would have a different opinion about what you dog is thinking and what promotes his behavior. I believe in a couple of things.

Nobody knows your dog like you do. And with good advice from all of them, you can make great choices for your pet. We can truly improve the lives of our pets in easy steps, it's just difficult to sort through all the noise.

No matter what any of them say, your dogs are watching you while you're in the kitchen and they know that you're eating something tastier than you. They see you gathering food from the fridge. They watch the food go to the sink to be rinsed off. Then they follow your hands as you drop things in a pot. After you've shooed them out of the kitchen, they creep back in at the border to watch you dish it up a plate. Next they trip you while you enter the dining room, then watch you savor every bite. You're not supposed to let them lick at your plate, so they get nothing but the same boring kibble day after day.

Whether it's by sight, smell or how they feel it in their body, dogs know what food is, and they know they're getting the short end of the bone. Nutrition is very important, but we know there is more to life than a minimum. The fresher the food the better it is for us and our canine companions.

You can get your dogs to behave different around food. You can make your dogs feel better physically and live healthier, longer lives. You just have to give them something better to eat.

Those are the reasons I want to help you Feed Your Best Friend Better.

The advice of veterinarians, scientists, behaviorists, trainers and pet communicators is always welcome.

Feed Your Best Friend Better - The Cover

2012-01-21T11:36:00.000-08:00

Here's the cover for my dog food cookbook, Feed Your Best Friend Better, that will be published April 10th, 2012.

It's been such a great experience working with my publisher, Andrews McMeel, and in particular my editor Lane Butler. At times it was required a bit of extra effort understanding how the publishing world works, but it in the end it's turned out fantastic. The inside of the book has been beautifully designed by Holly Ogden with sidebars, silhouettes and a great improvements to my preferred recipe layout. I think you'll really enjoy the book, and your dog will certainly enjoy the easy to make recipes.

Santa Paws is coming to town

2011-12-11T22:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas time can be confusing for pets, they don't comprehend the meaning of gift giving and with the house full of extra people they can get confused and anxious. However, by selecting a few appropriate gifts you can make both a dog and a dog lover very happy. Here are my gift suggestions for 2011. I'm providing links to sources, but many of these can also be found at your local pet retailer.

The most important thing you can give a dog is something that they will enjoy and that's good for them.

A Kong is my favorite Christmas gift. (And every owner will need it come April when my book comes out full of creative Kong stuffings.) Kongs are a hard rubber toy that encourage a dog to chew providing mental stimulation and a side dish of dental hygiene. http://www.kongcompany.com/
Deer Antlers: I'm still stuck on chewing. This is a great treat harvested from deers that have left them behind in the forest. A little softer than bones so they are less likely to crack teeth but still provide hours of chewing. My only suggestion is to buy larger than you think you'll need. http://tinyurl.com/7jkvr44
Bamboo Toys: These are longer lasting toys that are good for tug of war, fetch or just lounging and chewing. http://tinyurl.com/7kzfffm.
Treats: My only caution here is to buy treats that are made in the USA. Please do not buy the duck or chicken strips made in China as over 70 pets have recently died after consuming these products. I found some great rolled, longer lasting treats last week at Trader Joe's that were made in the USA.
A comfy bed: LL Bean makes some of the nicest beds with a wide assortment. They also have free shipping and are currently offering a $10 gift card when you spend $50. http://tinyurl.com/llbeanbeds
Raised feeding stations are great for larger breed dogs and senior dogs. We have one that stores dry food in the base that is not only functional, it looks great. Here's a great one from Cabela's http://tinyurl.com/dogfeedingstation
Placemats: also at LL Bean are the waterhog placemats that can be personalized. These are helpful for dogs that tend to dribble all over the floor.

For dog owners you might consider the following gifts:

Lights that can attach to leashes will help keep both your friends and their dogs safe while we're waiting for the dogs to get longer.
If you know somebody who likes to hike or camp, check out the collapsible dog bowls at REI. http://www.rei.com/category/40003712
Is your friend's Christmas sweater covered in dog fur? Check out the furminator that helps eliminate the undercoat and reduces the amount of hair dogs shed. We have one and I cannot believe how much hair I can get out of Raleigh and Chloe. (It's not so useful for dogs like our Chihuahua, Duncan.) http://www.furminator.com/?gclid=CKSvi6rw-6wCFWU0Qgod7xiQSQ

The one thing your dog wants more than any gift is to spend time with you and to explore the neighborhood. So when you finish up your Christmas shopping, take some time to admire the Christmas lights in your neighborhood and take your dog for a long walk.

Happy Holidays from our pack to yours. (The picture above is Baxter trying on Duncan's homemade sweater.)

Chloe's Christmas Gift

2011-12-04T10:54:00.000-08:00

I didn't wake up in the best of moods Saturday morning. Instead of an alarm clock I was awakened by Chloe's coughing, something that has become a familiar sound when we go to sleep, throughout the night and early in the morning. In her sixteenth year, congestive heart failure means this will probably be her last Christmas with us. Each morning we communicate our happiness to spend another day together, her with a wagging tail and me with a chin scratch or a hip massage.

Saturday was different only because I had a large list of projects to accomplish and errands to run. The majority of my weekends in the last 3 months have been spent on house projects and running errands, another weekend of the same left me feeling crabby. The night before I had compiled the Christmas card list and early in the morning I made a list of gifts to buy. I hesitated and wondered if I should include a spot for the dogs. What could they possibly need? More treats? Theirs are homemade and our cookie jar cycles rather quickly through the extremes of full and empty. Collars and leashes? Ours are holding up well. More toys? We have a box full. And for Chloe, what do you buy a dog that might not make it through Christmas?

As I picked up the house, I suddenly became overwhelmed with Christmas Claustrophobia. Although a tree was now standing inside the living room, what I really needed was to be out in the trees. The dogs probably felt something similar; torrents of rain and low temperatures have dramatically shortened our walks in the last few weeks. Grabbing leashes, I abandoned my chores and herded the 'girls' into the car.

Driving down Willamette Boulevard I could see our destination securely wrapped in fog, creating a mere suggestion that a forest lay across the river. When we arrived the dogs eagerly jumped out of the car and began to alternate between studious sniffing and running down the trail. The path was firmly packed mud, covered in leaves and the air was cold and crisp.

About a half mile in the sun parted and the few leaves still attached to trees twinkled in the sunlight as they fell to the ground. I was concerned the hike would be too much for Chloe, but she was speeding up rather than slowing down. The walk restored me as well, mostly because of the effect it had on Chloe and Raleigh. Seeing Chloe's enthusiasm I realized the best Christmas gift I could give her was one that was wrapped in leaves and the size of which could only be measured in miles.

That night I saw her sleeping and her legs were twitching while she whimpered softly. I'm pretty sure she was reliving the hike in her sleep which is the best thank you note I ever received.

Happy Wagsgiving

2011-11-20T21:47:00.000-08:00

It's getting close to one of my favorite holidays: Thanksgiving. With family and friends around the table there's plenty of good food and conversation to make for a memorable afternoon. If your dogs are anything like ours, they are pretty excited about all the wonderful smells coming out of the kitchen. Unfortunately the dishes we serve on the table are not well suited for our pets.

Each year hundreds of dogs spend black friday in the veterinarian's office because they were fed turkey skin by well meaning individuals. The excessive fat in the skin can cause pancreatitis which causes diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy and abdominal pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek professional help immediately.

Then there's the pumpkin pie; the mace and nutmeg that define that wonderful fall flavor can cause abdominal pain, vomiting and affects the central nervous system.

My most basic rule is that if it goes on your plate, it doesn't go in the dog bowl. Once we add fats, salt, pepper and other spices to our meals it's too late to share. However, it doesn't mean you have to leave your dog out of the festivities. Share off your cutting board instead. Below are some foods that might be appearing on your menu and they can be shared with your dog in small amounts. Pick one to liven up the dog bowl this year and give your dog something to wag about.

Potatoes - after boiling potatoes set a small amount aside for your dog before you add the butter, sour cream, salt and pepper. Serving size: 1 tablespoon per 10 pounds body weight.

Pumpkin - dogs love pumpkin and it's safe to share some of the leftover pumpkin you use to make your pie provided it doesn't have any spices added. (Pre-made, canned pie filling contains the mace and nutmeg.) Serving Size: 1 tablespoon per 10 pounds body weight.

Green Beans - fresh or frozen these can be given raw as a distracting snack to keep your dog out of the kitchen or lightly steamed and chopped. Canned green beans have too much salt, so don't share these. Serving Size: 1 green bean per 10 pounds body weight.

Green Peas - they're like little tiny tennis balls with vitamins! Serving Size: 1 tablespoon per 10 pounds body weight.

Baby Carrots - while your setting out the crudite platter, toss a carrot to your pal. Serving Size: 1 carrot per 10 pounds body weight.

Whip Cream - an extremely small amount of whip cream can go further by smearing it around a plate or your dog's bowl. By no means should you give your dog an Uncle Carl size heap of whip cream. (Hey, Uncle Carl, did you leave any for the rest of us?) Serving Size: 1/4 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight.

It's time to begin thawing that turkey (it takes 3-4 days to thaw in the fridge), so consider turning the giblets into a delicious gravy to put over your dog's food. I like to do this on Tuesday so it's ready in advance and doesn't take up room on my very full stovetop. It takes about 20 minutes, it's nutritious and you can save the leftovers by freezing in an ice cube tray.

Giblet Gravy for Dogs:

4 cups water

1 package giblets and turkey neck
2 russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into quarters
1/4 cup parsley (optional)

Remove giblets from package and combine with turkey neck, water and potatoes in a medium size pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove from heat. Discard neck and allow broth to cool to room temperature.

Combine giblets, broth, potatoes and parsley in a blender and process on low speed until smooth.

Yield: 6 cups.

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons per 10 pounds body weight.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

A fall walk with the dogs

2011-11-20T16:52:00.000-08:00

The Dilemma of the Omnivore

2011-09-09T23:02:00.001-07:00

The nature of dogs and whether they should be fed a predominately as carnivores is much debated. There are no easy answers and what works for one dog and pet owner doesn't necessarily work for every canine-human family. It's a personal choice that's up to you to make. But there is no doubt that dogs are opportunistic omnivores and therein lies the true problem.

Our dogs enjoy slices of plums, apples, melons, carrots and other fruits and vegetables as treats every bit as much as a baked treat. I smile every time they anxiously appear when the cutting board comes out, but I have mixed emotions when I catch Raleigh rooting around in the garden's snap peas, helping herself to mid-day snack. That's barely an issue when compared to the other trouble curious mouths can cause.

A heavy percentage of dog owners have to contend with the scarfing of cat poop. Why dogs are so persistent with that is a mystery. There's also the garbage raiders who endanger themselves by devouring chicken bones or plastic wrappers that smell like food. There's no end to what a dog might try; a couple weeks ago The Huffington Post ran a story about a dog who ate $10,000 in diamonds. (Does that make the dog both a man and girl's best friend?) I also recently heard about two dogs who tore into a bottle of laundry detergent. They were blowing bubbles out their noses and their diarrhea was perfumed, but the owner was terrified.

The best deterrent is awareness and vigilance. For many dangers a secured trash can will provide piece of mind. Just don't limit yourself to thinking about the outside garbage can and the kitchen trash. The bathroom garbage can also present danger; dental floss can cause obstructions in the digestive tract and toothpaste containers can be easily chewed, allowing access to the toxic xylitol that sweetens toothpaste. The compost bin lures dogs in with a heady scent; unfortunately dogs aren't aware that coffee grounds and moldy food debris can mean an overnight stay at the veterinarian.

One of the most common issues reported is pets ingesting human medications . It happened to us as well when a friend was housesitting. Luckily the house sitter discovered Raleigh in time and the Dove Lewis Animal Hospital in Portland was able to treat her. Just because the cap says child proof, doesn't mean the bottle is dog proof. Keep medicines up high or better yet in a cabinet instead of the countertop or bedside table.

Even if you have never been troubled by a dog helping themselves to forbidden items, it's worth spending 15 minutes surveying your house for potential temptations. It could save you a couple thousand dollars at the veterinarian and some very gut-wrenching hours.

The below link is to the ASPCA's poison control center. Bookmark the link to have it on hand should you need it in the future. They also have a list of poisonous plants that's very helpful. http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

Constructive chewing is another way to distract your dog from finding their own amusements; stuffed Kongs and deer antlers are two of our favorite diversions. You carefully choose the food you feed your dogs, by exercising a little extra caution now you can also prevent them from making their own poor choices.

What's Cooking in Kansas City?

2011-07-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

Well, that'd be me. Cooking for dogs and the people who love them. I just agreed to teach a cooking class August 27th at the Whole Foods Cooking Studio in Overland Park, Missouri. The previous classes I've taught here in Portland have been so much fun, that I'm looking forward to this one as well. I've got a lot to pack in a two hour class, luckily I talk fast and can move around the kitchen at lightning speed.

I'll be sharing my recipes for Mutt Loaf, a special cookie, supplements, and one of the best and easiest recipes to make for your dog. I'll also be showing students my recipe for Salmon cakes and we'll be serving the human version at the class. Each student will go home with some samples of the recipes and handouts that will start them out right.

My trip to Kansas City started out being a visit with my publisher, Andrews McMeel, but I extended a few days to see some sights and teach the class. If you're in Kansas City and want to sign up just visit http://tinyurl.com/3wfkn8w.

Feed Your Best Friend Better,
Rick

Homecoming

2011-06-05T19:41:00.001-07:00

Returning home this evening after attending a weekend wedding, I pulled up in the driveway, shut off the engine and listened to the last few minutes of a radio show. I was having a NPR driveway moment. Similar stories had captivated me in the past, but I accepted an unsatisfactory cliffhanger that could always be followed up online. Today was different because I unlocked the door to an empty home.

Instead of wagging tales and noses pressed up against the glass panels in the front door, I was greeted with a couple days of newspapers that had not been retrieved by Raleigh. I quietly brought in my luggage and laid it on the floor instead of the table. No curious noses were around to do a TSA check, so my bags sat undisturbed. Tired after driving most of the day, I laid on the couch without a dog on top of me or insisting that I provide scratches and ear rubs. Instead of excited barking the only sound in the house was the slow tick of the mantle clock.

This is the last 'vacation' the dogs (and Gregory) will take without me, and I'm anxious for their return. After two years of living in separate states, Gregory is finally moving to Portland. Gregory has been a professor of costume design and theatre at Western Washington University for 16 years and is starting a new career path in Oregon. For the last few years we've lived together on weekends and breaks, each time divvying up our four dogs into various combinations when Gregory returned to work. Sometimes I kept the girls and he took the boys. In a few cases all dogs statyed with me, and in others Baxter and Raleigh stayed behind while Chloe and Duncan travelled 500 miles in a roundtrip adventure with Gregory. Only a few weeks have ever been completely dog free at our house, the Burrage Bungalow.

While the dogs are away in Bellingham they have access to acres of fields on the property where Gregory stays with friends. Our dogs run alongside Maggie and Bear, their canine buddies, until all six are exhausted and collapse in pools around the patio. The dogs love the extended car rides, especially when the windows are slightly cracked, and they greet each destination with a joy that humans are too reserved to demonstrate.

I sit here waiting, although it will be days, not hours until they're home. I can satisfy my longing with an understanding of calendars, clocks and schedules, but the clock still ticks in a monotonous rhythm that makes me wish it was otherwise.

When we adopt a dog into our lives, a decade or longer will be filled with their greetings each time we turn the key in our locks. It's an odd feeling to be on the other side of the door waiting for dogs to return home. We take vacations and business trips, where we are distracted by new adventures. Meanwhile, our dogs wait for us wondering when we'll be reunited and can go for a walk or play a game of fetch. And then there's the hundreds of days every year that we go to work; our dogs patiently anticipate the tick of a clock being broken by the click of a lock. How do they persevere through such long waits when we so often become anxious while standing in line at a check stand?

This odd circumstance I find myself in creates a vacuum, but it doesn't make me sad. I appreciate my family even more because of their absence and finally understand why our dogs are so excited to hear the car pull up in the driveway. I know this week when they come home I'll be the one rushing to the front door, sharing the same enthusiasm for their return as they do for mine.

Flee, Fleas!

2011-04-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed how long our evenings are lasting? The weather is warming up, flowers are starting to show themselves and even the bare patches in my grass are starting to fill in. Goodbye winter, hello spring.

An unfortunate side effect is the return of fleas. I was talking with my dental hygienist the other day and the topic came up. Katie also grooms dogs part-time; she loves animals and enjoys helping both humans and dogs look their best. She's seen how miserable fleas can make both pet and owner. Her 'salon' has a no flea policy to protect her clients, her own pets and her family.

If you have a domestic no flea policy, you probably enforce it with a topical product. Check your shelves, because Pfizer just announced they are stopping production of Promeris because it has been found to cause autoimmune skin disease. Unfortunately they stopped short of recalling, preferring instead to sell off their current supply.See http://bit.ly/hTLaHT for more information.

Nobody wants a dog with fleas upon its knees. However, it wouldn't hurt to estimate how much of a risk fleas are for your dog and if a gentler method of flea control would be enough. We use a topical flea treatment from May to September. The remainder of the year we just supplement their food with nutritional yeast and garlic powder. The summer is more high risk for us because we spend a lot of time hiking and the dogs are in fields a lot. We still only use about 1/2 the dosage. It's worth asking your veterinarian if you could try a reduced dose, because these products are essentially chemicals. There are plant extracts that can be used with success, especially for dogs that spend little time with other dogs and in fields or forests. If a senior dog prefers the couch to the backyard there's less likelihood that fleas are an issue. As a natural deterrent, mix a cup of nutritional yeast with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon for a small dog or a tablespoon for a larger dog, on your dog's food each day.

Vacuuming both your rugs and your dog's bed regularly also helps to keep the flea population low. You might also want to try a bed with cedar chips inside.

Happy Birthday, Jackson.

2011-04-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday. It's would have been Jackson's thirteenth birthday. I haven't been as excited about my birthday since Jackson passed away a little over a year ago. It just doesn't seem as special without sharing it with my buddy and I don't feel like celebrating. This year I'm recovering from knee surgery and had a pretty rough day in managing the pain. In addition it was a pretty rough day at work. I've been a little grumpy and just didn't feel like I wanted to acknowledge the day at all.

Tonight I grabbed a bottle of wine and an ice pack, determined to just spend a quiet evening at home. As I thought about Jackson, I decided it was time to release some of the sadness about his passing. He will always be a part of who I am and what has helped to form me into the person I am today. I learned patience, understanding and to spend more time loving than fighting. It seemed like an appropriate day to spread the ashes that have been in a wooden box for over a year. As the sun was setting, I spread his ashes around the garden, the perimeter of the house and his favorite tree. As I gently scattered his ashes, I found a large blackened piece of metal. It was Jackson's silver tooth.

It feels a little strange finding a piece of dental work and feeling so emotionally attached to it. I'm not sure what to do with the tooth; it certainly defined Jackson's rough and tumble attitude and it will always remind me of my best friend. Although my buddy is no longer here, I'm incredibly grateful to find a more permanent reminder that he once was.

Thanks for the birthday gift, Jackson. I love you.

When the lights went out for Baxter.

2011-03-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

Shortly after Gregory and I melded our households together we stopped dividing our pack into “yours” and “mine” and they simply became the small dogs and the large dogs. That’s how we referred to them, but Baxter still had it in his mind that he was Gregory’s dog, not mine. We had a difficult adjustment, but in the past year Baxter and I have come to an understanding and an appreciation for one another. Unfortunately, much of his acceptance of me is a result of his dependence on my extra care; Baxter was diagnosed with diabetes about six months ago, and he’s now blind.

While writing the section on my book about diabetes, I stopped typing to observe Baxter obsessively drinking from his water bowl. This was a sudden departure from his usual behavior, and upon close examination his eyes were getting cloudy. We went to the vet that week to see if it was indeed diabetes and they confirmed our suspicions.

Dr. Barnes, our veterinarian, explained that Baxter would need extra care in the form of insulin shots and blood glucose monitoring and that he would eventually go blind. Eventually turned out to be a matter of months. One Saturday we screamed out the backdoor for Baxter to stop barking at the squirrels and by the following Wednesday Gregory called me to report that he was bumping into furniture and couldn’t go upstairs. Baxter was blind.

We had been giving Baxter insulin shots and his blood glucose level was lowered to a level that the vet was comfortable with, but now we had a new complication to deal with and we were not prepared.

Hopefully you will never need these tips, but if your dog is diagnosed with cataracts or diabetes (which means cataracts are part of the deal), I offer these suggestions to help you be prepared.

No matter how difficult it is, your dog still needs walks and the stimulation they provide. Your dog will be depressed and apprehensive in his darker world, but he can still hear, smell and feel the grass and pavement below his paws. Continuing your walks will keep him excited about the world, rather than fear it.
Once your dog is diagnosed with cataracts, IMMEDIATLEY start pausing at curbs to tell your dog “Up” and “Down”. It will prevent a lot of tripping and the anxiety produced by sudden shifts in the topography.
You are now a seeing eye human. Slow down on walks and watch for hazards such as shrubs that stick out or changes in surface that might freak your dog out. A rose thorn in the eye means another trip to the vet!
Add water to your dog’s food. This keeps your dog hydrated without additional trips to the water bowl.
Dr. Barnes told us that “if Baxter doesn’t eat, he doesn’t get insulin.” We had a couple worrisome episodes to figure out when he shouldn’t get insulin even if he did eat. Ask your vet at what blood glucose level you should not give your diabetic pet insulin, even if he does eat.
Block off stairs!
More importantly than not moving furniture is not moving the rugs! Helping your dog navigate through surface texture will help prevent bumping into the furniture.
If your dog is diabetic put the syringe on the counter before feeding. This will help you remember if you gave insulin.
If you can identify a toy as your dog’s favorite. Make it readily available (and buy backups). This is your dog’s security blanket. Baxter expresses himself through the “Baxter Ball” seeking it out and squeeking it whenever he is excited.
Talk to your dog A LOT!
In addition to the blood glucose tests that you do for 24 hours (every 2 hours!) do additional tests a couple times a week.
Stuff a Kong with treats: it keeps your dog mentally stimulated.

Baxter is doing very well and we are very grateful to Dr. Barnes for her advice during our learning curve. Baxter has had to stop commuting with Gregory and stays with me during the week, but it’s helped us bond even more. Yes, it’s different and at times difficult, but I believe that it’s worth every extra ounce of effort because Baxter is still a pretty happy dog even if he can’t see the tears on my face when he comes over to cuddle with me.

If You Repeat It, They Will Come

2011-03-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

Wedged between two dogs and listening to four of them snoring, I suddenly remembered something I needed to do. Despite it being midnight I sprang from bed and went downstairs. Chloe, our border terrier who a half hour earlier was totally asleep and refusing to budge suddenly woke to follow me. I sent my e-mail and told Chloe I was going back to bed. She stared at me in disbelief, "What, no treat?"

Chloe and I have established a little ritual; I forget to do something, we both go downstairs and every once in a while I give her a treat. Chloe is a gambler, and while she doesn't always receive a payout, it has happened enough times that she's always hopeful.

Dogs, especially food motivated dogs like my old girl, are imprinted by those moments we share food. If something worked once, they'll try it again. If it works a second time you can bet there will be a third and fourth time.

The most often repeated phrase in our house is, "Dogs, out of the kitchen." It's completely my fault our dogs mill around in the kitchen, and it's not just because I'm the best canine chef in the country. When I drop something on the floor, one out of four times I tap my foot and call one of the dogs in to clean up my mess. This sets a double standard that the dogs continually test. Much to their credit, they immediately retreat to the safety of our kitchen nook when asked. The reason why our requests are so quickly filled is that we often shoo the dogs out of the cooking area and provide them a carrot or string of grated cheese when they're sitting in the nook, out of the kitchen area. Over time, our dogs have learned that the nook is more successful than the kitchen when it comes to getting a treat. It doesn't mean they have abandoned their kitchen raids because they know when I chop carrots, something is going to fall on the floor and they are all lined up at the starting line for when that foot taps.

We've been much more successful in keeping the dogs out of the dining room by applying the same logic. Raleigh grew up with the no begging at the table rule, but it took a few lessons for the other dogs to catch on. We trained them to stay in the living room and any dog that refrains from roaming receives a treat right after we're done with our meal. Our dogs have learned that not begging actually has better odds. Only through rigidly training ourselves have we been able to train the dogs.

Your dog can learn the same lessons. It's not people food that teaches dogs to beg, it's the people giving the food. Next time you find yourself giving your dog a treat, a scrap or a piece of food, ask yourself if you want this situation to be a daily occurrence. Try feeding your best friend away from the areas you eat and prepare food and establish new rituals for handing over the goods.

I enjoy Chloe's companionship on my middle of the night runs downstairs. She got a cookie.

Deer Toothbrush

2011-02-28T18:59:00.000-08:00

How often do you brush your dog's teeth? I thought so. How often does your dog brush his own teeth? Not that often either? Dogs love to chew and gnaw on bones but often bones are messy and the area rug takes a heavy hit. We've tried cow hooves but they smell so bad. I often recommend Kongs, but that requires stuffing and there isn't as much brushing action from a bulbous structure.

There is another option: Deer Antlers. I just found them at a fantastic price and although antlers are a little more expensive than other bones, they are not messy, they don't really smell and the dogs love them. Antlers also last longer than ordinary bones. You don't have to be worried about Bambi either; antlers are shed annually by deer and then harvested simply by picking them up off the ground. No animals are harmed.

Dental hygiene is very important to your dog's overall health and gnawing on an antler can help to scrape off some of that plague which also causes doggie breath. (A regular cleaning by your veterinarian is still a good idea.) The other benefit is that giving your dog something to gnaw on is a mentally stimulating activity and gives your dog something fun to do.

Always buy antlers that are much larger than your dog can swallow and monitor the consumption.

We found an 8" antler piece, labeled XS, at Salty's Dog Shop for only $6.95. The largest piece (the size of our Chihuahuas' body) was only $19.95. The Nature's Treats carried by Salty's are a local product from Bend, Oregon.

Salty's is at 4039 N. Mississippi #104, Portland OR 97227 or call 503-249-1432.

In the above photo our dog Chloe demonstrates the proper technique.

Side by Side Chicken

2011-02-19T08:59:00.000-08:00

Whole Foods had a great deal on organic chicken yesterday so I decided to do a special chicken for the dogs while I was making our dinner. As long as the oven is hot, why not?

Ours was flavored with Ginger, Lime and Coriander. The dogs had a bit of ginger and a bed of vegetables. We enjoyed ours and the dogs enjoyed theirs too!

Baked Apples

2011-02-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

With much of the country buried under snow, it seems like a good time for a recipe that’s easy to prepare from ingredients that are on hand. Snuggle up to the fire with a dog at your feet while the warm scent of cinnamon and ginger fills the house.

Click on the image for a larger view of the recipe.

Less Waste, More Treats - the Fish Edition

2011-01-24T22:40:00.000-08:00

Our local grocery store had a special on whole Steelhead fish today, so I bought an 8 pound beauty to put under the broiler tonight. My filleting skills are pretty poor, so I asked the young guy behind the butcher counter if he'd filet the fish for me and he happily agreed. I asked him to save the head, backbone and tail in a separate package and he gave me a quizzical look. "It's for the dogs." He smiled and started hacking away at the fish.

When he was done, I was presented two packages that I could swear were almost equal in weight. (At home a scale revealed that the "scrap" was 30% of the total weight. After turning on the broiler, I started a pot of water boiling and added the parts that I didn't want to eat. The filets were given a light coat of salt and pepper, a bit of olive oil and some marjoram (a totally under-appreciated herb.) Five to seven minutes under the broiler did the trick and that's the same time I turned the "fish stock" down to a simmer.

I prepared the rest of the dinner (saving the kale stems for including in a homemade dog food recipe) and by the time it was time to do dishes, the stock was pretty rich. After straining the stock, I was left with large chunks of fish, which I carefully separated from the bone. I was surprised to end up with over 2 cups of fish meat in addition to my 8 cups of fish stock. Baxter, Chloe and Raleigh all received a few bits of the boiled fish, and their wagging tails made me feel like quite the hero. The remainder went into ice cube trays to freeze, which I'll transfer to a freezer container for surprise treats.

The fish stock will be drizzled over their food or used in place of chicken stock when making cookies. If a dog has a sensitive stomach, rice cooked with a bit of fish stock and water will make a soothing meal.

My fish cost $24.00, seven dollars of which would have been waste. Instead I have stock and fish cubes for very little effort. Next time your at the seafood counter, consider asking the fishmonger to wrap up the scraps separately and share a bit of those healthy Omega-3 fatty acids with your best friend.

Note: Raw fish should not be served to dogs, especially fish from the Pacific NW.

Pumpkin Pie Seeds

2010-10-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

Carving pumpkins for the big night on Sunday? Whether your Jack O'Lantern is spooky or silly, save those nutritious 'brains' that you scooped out for a healthy snack for you and your dog. Pumpkin seeds contain a good dose of Omega 3 fats that'll help your dog's dry skin and are loaded with phytosterols that have positive health effects for us as well. Pumpkin seeds are also a traditional way to prevent worms.

Fiona, a friend's young daughter came up with a nice twist on roasted pumpkin seeds that you can share with the beast in your home: Pumpkin Pie Seeds. While I enjoy the traditional seeds with garlic and a bit of salt (go easy on the salt) - a little cinnamon, brown sugar and a dash of salt make these the best tasting pumpkin brains I ever ate.

Pumpkin Pie Seeds:

Rinse seeds well and spread on a cookie sheet.

For each cup of seeds add 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil.

Mix well and roast at 375 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir once or twice during the cooking process to ensure even browning. Cool and share!

Remember to keep all candy up and away from your family's werewolf. Have a safe and happy halloween.

Blue Buffalo Recall

2010-10-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

I reviewed a lot of dog food labels before deciding on which dry food to supplement our own dogs' food. Now Blue Buffalo is recalling some of the lines of food. This is pretty upsetting because this is one of the brands that I've recommended to many of you based upon the quality ingredients they use. The recall is due to an excessive amount of Vitamin D in the food which can cause calcium in the blood to soar and/or damage a dog's kidneys. This is a manufacturing error; I still believe Blue Buffalo uses quality ingredients.
However, we're taking our dogs off this brand and I'd suggest that you do the same.

For more information visit the below link:
http://bluebuffalo.com/news/vitamin-d-voluntary-recall.shtml

We're out of homemade food for Raleigh and I was supposed to test my homemade kibble recipe today. It looks like I better get cooking. Our dogs will be getting a lot more homemade food for a while. If anybody else wants a recipe, let me know.

Thin, Fit or Fat?

2010-10-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

The temperature is dropping and persistent raindrops are just around the corner. For many of us that means staying in by the fire or hanging out in the kitchen while we're making a great dinner (for us and our pets hopefully). Let's not forget that our dogs have been hanging out in the house all day, so raindrops or wind they still need more exercise and stimulation than a five minute potty break in the back yard provides. Aim for 30-45 minutes a day walking around the neighborhood or spending some time in a local park. It's good for the mental health, waistline and relationship of both of you.

I know there will be a few days or strings of days where the darkness and the rain challenge you to get out. It happens in my house too. Now's a good time to check your pet's shape and determine whether any adjustments need to be made in the portion sizing. During the winter months I reduce our dogs' food by 5-10% to prevent excess calories and reduced exercise from expanding their waistlines. It's not much of a reduction, but over the course of these cold months it makes a difference. (Dogs who live outside actually need more calories in the winter because their metabolism is working harder to keep them warm.)

The below chart is an excerpt from Feed Your Best Friend Better that illustrates how a dog's proportions should look. Ideally you're looking for a slight hourglass figure just behind the ribs and a nice abdominal tuck. (Click on the image for a larger view.) Different breeds have slightly different body shapes so if you have concerns, contact your veterinarian. Your vet can also tell your pet's ideal target weight and they have that handy scale right inside the entrance so it's worth a trip.

For a serious weight reduction do it in steps - if your dog needs to lose 15 pounds, aim for 5 pound reductions every 12 weeks. Obese dogs usually need their food reduced by about 20-25%. Each increment will also mean an additional reduction in the amount of food that you feed, but additional reductions are about 10%. Stepping down in increments helps to prevent your pet from going bonkers with hunger. If your dog is just slightly overweight, talk to your vet about reducing the food by 10-15%.

If your pet is underweight, simply increase by the same percentages depending on your dog's body type.

Questions or comments on this topic? Just drop me a line and let me know and I'll respond here.

Feed Your Best Friend Better - Big Milestone

2010-09-12T23:21:00.000-07:00

After 3 1/2 years of working on Feed Your Best Friend Better, I've reached an important milestone; I've sent out the book proposal to an agent. I appreciate all the support from so many people and hope you all enjoy the book when it comes out.

Part of the cookbook is a photo essay that illustrates the friendship between us and our dogs. I'm very lucky to be working with a talented photographer on this project. Alicia Dickerson of Four Legged Photo not only photographs dogs, but also weddings and family portraits. She really has a gift for capturing the animal-human bond and I'm very grateful to have her as a partner in this venture.

Alicia's website is http://www.fourleggedphoto.com if you'd like to check out some of her other work.

You Say Tomato, I Say Tomahto

2010-09-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

All summer long we've been waiting for our tomatoes to ripen and this looks like the week that the garden has started turning red. Tomatoes are high in Vitamin C, beta-carotene and lycopene that seems to always be in the news for its anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and heart healthy properties.

Some dogs won't go near them, but some dogs absolutely adore them. If you'd like to try sharing some tomatoes with your dog try some of the below methods:

Slice and serve - many dogs that won't eat a whole tomato will try it out once the skin has been cut.
Slice and sautee tomatoes with a little olive oil and mix in with your dog's food.

Just remember a green tomato doesn't belong in your dog's alfredo because green tomatoes contain a high amount of tomatine which can cause severe symptoms in dogs including weakness, tremors and seizures. The green parts of a tomato plant are also poisonous to dogs, so keep Fido out of the garden.

If you want to share a little bounty from your garden, do so in small amounts because tomatoes are also rather acidic and some sensitive stomachs can become upset.

Below are the maximum amounts that should be fed per day:

10 pound dog:

1 Tablespoon

20 pound dog:

2 tablespoons

40 pound dog:

3 Tablespoons

60 pound dog:

1/4 cup

80 pound dog:

1/3 cup

Dog Food Recall by Iams and Eukanuba / Vitamin Recall

2010-08-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

If you're feeding your dog a Iam's or Eukanuba formulation - please take a look at the attached link, as the food may be contaminated by salmonella. Unfortunately this recall greatly affects veterinary formulas by Iams. If your dog has specific nutrition needs due to illness, please contact me and I'll forward you some recipes from my book, Feed Your Best Friend Better.

http://www.iams.com/iams/en_US/data_root/html/recall_message.html

For further information or a product replacement or refund call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8823

Also, a recall of some pet vitamins has recently been announced.

http://www.propetrecall.com/uploads/FINAL_Press_Release_--_UPG_Recall-_7-2-10_PM.pdf

The Green, Green Grass of Home

2010-06-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

I was eavesdropping on a co-worker's conversation today with her vet while she was asking why her dog was eating grass. (Like a dog when you say 'cookie' or 'walk' my ears automatically perk up when I hear the word dog.) Like my colleague, this behavior used to cause me quite a bit of concern. I was impressed to hear that my colleague was asking all the right questions; could there be something wrong? Is it dangerous for my dog to eat grass? Is there something missing in her diet? After she hung up the phone, I walked over and we debriefed about the situation. My colleague's dog eats grass pretty regularly, unfortunately it's both the ornamental and the lawn variety. However, her dog doesn't throw up after eating grass like many dogs do. So is eating grass a problem or not?

The answer greatly depends on your dog. Not all dogs are actually eating grass, many dogs, like my dog Raleigh, like to smack on grass - essentially licking off the dew. Some dogs slowly chew grass like a lazy goat. If your dog is a regular grass eater, it may be that your dog is bored, likes the taste of grass, or simply wants to get a little variety in her diet. This is not usually a problem behavior. Other dogs mow the lawn down in a hurry and it's these dogs you want to keep outside for a few extra minutes because it's probably going to come back up in a few minutes. Only your dog really knows why she is eating grass for certain, but if you look for additional behaviors it will clue you into whether there might be an issue. Look for signs like loss of appetite, depression, or lack of activity. If you notice these behaviors in combination with grass eating or throwing up it's wise to consult with your vet.

Grass is a natural part of the diet for your dog's wild cousin who is out stalking prey. After eating all the other delicious parts, wild dogs turn to the stomach and eat the contents. The benefit for wild dogs is much of the grass is predigested by the unfortunate victim. The dog however is benefiting from all the nutrients and phytochemicals in grass that help to round out a mostly meat diet. You can provide a little variety and extra nutrition for your dog using fresh vegetables as well; green beans, carrots, spinach or broccoli are great choices for adding to your dog's food bowl. Another option is adding a bit of dried kelp powder to your dog's diet.

For dogs who love a little green you can also give some in a cookie. Portland's Stam Treats makes a cookie with Spirulina, Chia Seed and chickpea flour that dog's love. Check them out at http://www.stamtreats.com/id3.html .

As a cautionary note, don't let your dog snack on the neighbor's grass because you don't often know when it was last fertilized. The same goes for your grass - you should prevent your dog from eating fertilized grass for 10-14 days after fertilizer is applied. This applies for all types of fertilizer even organic/natural products.

Looking for Recipe Testers

2010-05-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

I have finished the below recipes and am now looking for people who are interested in testing them and giving me feedback. Just e-mail rick (@) dogstew dot net with the recipe name and I'll send you the recipe and a feedback form.

Treats
	Nesbitt’s Liver Treats
	Kong Stuffings
	Liver Pate
	Pumpkin Puppy Puffs
	Sardine Croutons
	Sea Biscuits
	GRRRRRanola bars
	Rice Reborn
	Pumpkin Ice Cream
	Peanut Butter and Banana Ice Cream
	Wonton meet Parmesan
	Liver Brownies
	Dogs Y Jerky
	Good Girl Gizzards
	Duck Hearts
	Beef Stock
	Chicken Stock
	Fish Stock
	Puppy Pesto
	Giblet Gravy
	Pumpkin Puree
	Pumpkin Seeds
Cookies
	Cheddar Cheese & Rice Flour
	Golden Koi
	Liveriffic Cookies
	Peanut Butter & Cinnamon Cookies
	Pup’s Parmesan Cookies
	Green Pea Christmas Trees
	Toot Sweets
	Barkscotti
	Fresh Kiss Cookies
	Gingerbread Mailman
	Blueberry Moons
	Soft Oatmeal Cookies
	Bacon Yappetizers
	Pumpkin Coconut Cookies
Meals
	Supplement Stew
	Eggshell Powder
	Arroz Con Pollo
	Slow Cooked Chicken and Barley
	Chicken for Puplings
	Cluck Loaf
	Thighs & Tabbouleh
	Kebabs for Dogs
	Turkey Minestrone
	Turkey Meatloaf
	T.O.P. of the Morning (Turkey & Oat Porridge)
	Beef & Bulgur
	Birthday Beefcake (or Pupcakes)
	Hearty Beef
	Beef & Mac (with just a bit of cheese)
	Mutt Loaf
	Beef & Potato
	Hamburger and More Patties
	Stir Fry and Rice
	Tiny Tuna Noodle Casserole
	Lamb Muffins
	Pork & Penne
	Duck Dinner
	Venison Vittles
	Rabbit Stew
	Canine Crunchies
	Mother Hubbard Eggs & Oatmeal
	Scotch Broth
	Lazysagne
	Puppy Food
Warm Nose Meals for Ailing Dogs
Allergies
	Lamb, Millet and Yams for Allergies
Arthritis
	Roasted Mackerel & Millet
	Beef and Sweet Potato
Cancer Fighting Chicken
Diabetes
Kidney (Renal) Disease
	Potatoes and Beef
	Rice with Eggs and Sardines
Heart Disease
Liver Disease
Gastrointestinal Diseases
	Rice & Egg
	Chicken & Rice

Small Appetites

2010-04-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

Not all dogs are the voracious eaters that we believe them to be. For the last few weeks, Duncan and I have been squaring off at the food bowl, and I finally understand what many of my blog readers have worried about. Duncan goes with Gregory almost every time Gregory goes to Bellingham, and this is the first time that I've had to worry about his consumption, or lack thereof. Duncan is our chihuahua, and constantly lives on the threshold of a nervous breakdown. When Gregory is gone, Duncan shivers, whines and initiates a hunger strike.

I've counseled many people about their dog's appetite, with sympathy and hopefully some good advice. However, it's not until your dog skips his second meal of the day for the third time that week that you start to really feel how worrisome the situation can be. On my rational side, I know that all dogs aren't required to eat two meals a day. Some dogs simply don't have much of an appetite and will eat when they are hungry. It's pretty natural, since their cousins in the wild eat when they can find food - which isn't necessarily everyday when the nearest tree lacks an electrical outlet for the refrigerator. Dogs are fully capable of living on a cycle of gorging and fasting. Since we invite dogs into our home, we assume they should adapt to our multi-meal schedule, but dogs can skip a meal, maybe even two without much of a concern. At the third meal, reasonable worry should kick in. It's important to look for other changes in behavior; has your dog's mood changed? Is your dog still drinking water? Is your dog eliminating normally? If your dog won't even take a cookie when he skips his third meal, it's wise to consult with your vet.

If everything else is normal, maybe it's just the same boring food that your dog doesn't like. It could be time to look for a new brand of dog food. Consult your local pet store on options, and don't be afraid to spend a couple of extra dollars on the food because a couple of extra bucks usually go right into higher quality (and tasty) ingredients.

If your dog is an occasional grazer, try mixing in a scrambled egg, or sprinkle less than 1/4 teaspoon of grated parmesan cheese over the food to up the ante. Homemade meals are also an option - even mixing in half and half with the normal dry food can bring your dog back to the bowl. (If you'd like to try some recipes, please let me know. I could always use more testers.)

With Duncan, I've noticed a few behaviors.

He'll eat a cookie any time I give it to him, so I started experimenting and he'll even eat dry food away from the bowl.
Unfortunately he's usually harassed by the other dogs who are waiting to gobble up what he doesn't finish. Feeding him away from the other dogs has helped.
Hand feeding works wonders even though it takes a while and can be a little messy.
He really prefers the taste of beef over chicken.
Sometimes he eats a big portion, sometimes he eats a half portion and other days he decides to diet. I have to learn to live at his rhythm.
Everything else about him is normal; he plays, he goes the bathroom and he drinks plenty of water. As we've progressed through the last couple of weeks his appetite has increased as he became more comfortable without Gregory.

This is Duncan's cycle, and it's the same for many dogs, especially smaller breeds. If your dog normally eats well and suddenly refuses food and/or you notice other changes in behavior, contact your veterinarian. But if your dog normally eats only when he's hungry, don't be too alarmed, but try to offer something a little more tempting when mealtime rolls around.

Just One Wish

2010-04-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

When I first went to meet Jackson to determine whether we were

compatible candidates to be buddies, it was obvious from our first look

into each others eyes and the subsequent shake of a paw that we were

enamored with one another. In addition there were two 'woo-woo' signs that indicated we were meant to be friends.

I was running late to the appointment; stuck in traffic and getting

antsy. Although Jackson couldn't tell time his family could, and I

worried about making a favorable impression. Traffic slowly inched

forward and I was unfortunately positioned staring at the rear of a big

semi truck. There was nothing I could do but listen to the radio and

look at the sky. Scanning the horizon, I was surprised to see a

cloud shaped like the profile of a child propped up on it's

cumulonimbus arms. As the truck pulled ahead, another cloud hidden

behind the truck was revealed. The second cloud looked like the head

of a dog, nose to nose with the child shaped cloud. I shook my head as

if stuck in a dream, took off my sunglasses and evaluated the shapes

from the few angles possible while sitting in place. There was no

denying the weather-made image, and I took it as a good omen.

When I arrived hands and paws were shook, and within minutes I was

covered in orange dog hair. The interview went well and it was agreed

the Jackson adoption would be completed on the following Saturday. I

paused at the door as I went to leave and asked, "Oh, what day is

Jackson's birthday?"

"We adopted him in October and the vet said he was about six months

old, so we decided to celebrate it on April 14th," his owners informed

me.

"You're kidding me," I replied in a moment of shock "That's my

birthday too." We all smiled at what had to be a sign; our friendship

was meant to be."

A couple months later we shared our first birthday together with a

long walk and a trip through the drive-in for a hamburger.

A year later my birthday was heavily dog themed. My co-workers went

to great lengths to decorate each another's desks at our birthday, and

they chose a Scooby Doo theme for me. I was a bit worried whether

the cake would be made of dog food, but luckily the gang did not carry

the theme that far.

That evening I opened presents from friends and family, discovering

that I not only was to share a birthday with Jackson, but also the

birthday loot. Jackson helped to tear the wrapping paper off (one of

his favorite things in the years to pass) creating confetti in the

living room while revealing a dog cook book, dog toys, a leash and

books about dogs. Jackson looked at me expecting his own slice of

birthday cake, but I had to draw a line somewhere-instead he received

a small finger tip of the icing. Our shared birthday wasn't totally

one sided, Jackson shared with me as well. My mom had sent him a

stuffed animal and for the next three weeks I was blessed with polyfill

stuffing was all over the house.

Each year we celebrated together and I took great joy in sharing my

special day with my best friend and commemorating our day with a run

through the drive thru.

As my birthday approaches this year, I'm dreading it rather than

anxiously looking forward ahead. The Happy Birthday song seems

misplaced when it's not really as happy a day without Jackson.

Confronted with a cake and candles I'd only wish for one more day or

even one more hour with my best friend. Knowing that the wish can't

be fulfilled, I'll set my sights a little higher. The only thing I

want on my birthday this year is to look up and see a dog made of

clouds, then I'll know my buddy is out there somewhere romping and

playing in the fields of heaven. If you see me this year, please

don't wish me Happy Birthday, instead just say, "I hope you see your

cloud."

Scratching or Salmon Oil?

2010-02-22T20:04:00.000-08:00

Dogs have a lot of hair and they spend the majority of the day in our heated and air conditioned homes, so it's quite understandable that they are going to have an itch to scratch every now and then. When you notice the itching is driving you crazy, think about what it's doing to your dog. If you just wait for the itching to resolve itself the problem may get worse: leading to a flea infestation or hot spots.

The first you thing you should do is examine your dog; give your dog a good brushing over newspaper, if you see little spots that look like pepper, drop a couple in water. Spots that turn red indicate you have a flea problem and the quickest way of resolving it is with a flea treatment product. (To prevent fleas you can feed nutritional yeast and a bit of garlic in your dog's meal. If fleas are already in your house, you don't just need prevention, you need a cure.) Vacuum like mad as well to prevent further infestations.

No fleas? Well, let's look at the food your feeding. Many people immediately suspect their dog has developed an allergic reaction to something. If you notice your dog having symptoms at certain times of the year, it could be an inhalant allergy. But it could also be a food allergy. if you truly suspect allergies, the best thing you could do is talk to your vet. (In the meantime, keep reading, I have something I want you to try..)

Now consider this: what if it's just your dog's food not truly meeting their nutritional needs?Just about every food out there is labeled, "complete and balanced" and manufacturers must meet the AAFCO's (American Association of Feed Control Officials) guidelines for nutrition to slap those three words on the packaging. Here's the catch - there's one nutrient that the AAFCO doesn't consider essential to your dog's health and that's Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are showing up everywhere and in everything for people these days. But they're barely making it into the dog food bag. If you check your own bag of dog food, you may notice that the manufacturer includes Omega 3 fatty acids and notes somewhere on the nutritional panel that Omega 3 fatty acids are not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO. That means that the manufacturer can add any amount of Omega 3s and pat themselves on the back, because there is no standard for the minimum amount needed. For really good coat and skin quality the ratio of Omega 3s to Omega 6 fatty acids should be 1:5, but some manufacturers produce food with ratios higher than 1:20. (To see what's missing in your dog's food try the calculator at http://www.grizzlypetproducts.com/dosages/dosages.html)

Omega 3 fatty acids are important because they help to reduce inflammation and add to overall skin and coat quality. The best of these are EPA and DHA, which are more readily utilized by the dog's body than other Omega 3s. The best place to find these: fish oil. You may have heard recommendations about flax seed oil, and it does contain some Omega 3s, but it's higher in ALA than EPA or DHA. Flax oil requires the use of enzymes to be converted into the other forms of Omega 3s, and those enzymes have a lot of other work I'd rather see them doing.

There are two great sources of Omega 3s: salmon oil and cod liver oil. Cod liver oil is less expensive, but I find many dogs don't like the taste as much as the salmon oil. Both oils deliver roughly the same amount of Omega 3s and Omega 6s, plus they add some Vitamin, A, D and K.

It seems that Labs in particular are prone to skin problems and there's a good reason why; these dogs were bred to be water dogs so that they could help fishermen. Guess what their owners fed them? Fish! It's the high amount of Omega 3s that Labs were fed that gave them their water repellant coat, so we actually bred the need for a high amount of fish oil into the breed. Of course back then we didn't talk about Omega 3s, we just called it fish.

When I was delivering dog food, I met each dog with the first delivery. Paddy, a labrador, came to me with hot spots and terrible itching and when I looked at his back the dander was horrible. Fish oil was part of my recipe and I thought it would help. When his owners called me a week later, I didn't believe them when they said his skin condition had improved dramatically, so I inspected him again on the next delivery. And his skin had improved quite a bit and continued to improve while he was receiving fish oil in his diet.

So if your dog is itching and driving you crazy, think about what it's doing to your dog. Try some fish oil. Start out small with about 1/4 of the amount below to ensure your dog tolerates it well and work your way up to the the suggested dose over a week or two. (Since fish oil is a fat, pull back about 10% on your dog's dry food to compensate for the extra calories.)

10 lbs: 1 teaspoon

20 lbs: 2 teaspoons

40 lbs: 1 tablespoon

60 lbs: 4 teaspoons

80 lbs: 2 tablespoons

Training Treats

2010-02-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

First a question: Are you feeding your dog a scrambled egg every now and then? If not, what's stopping you? I'd love to hear if you have or haven't tried eggs and any feedback from you.

Second, another question: How often do you want to see blog updates and are there any topics you'd like me to cover? Originally, I'd only planned to update every week or two, figuring most people wouldn't want to read about dog food every other day.

Today's topic is about training treats. When we train dogs, it's important to let them know when they've met our expectation and most of us do that through treats. When one of our dogs first gets a new behavior right, I tend to "jackpot" them with multiple rewards right away to reinforce the message. However during long training sessions or when training dogs that just aren't that smart (that means you, Raleigh), it's really easy to "overtreat" with too much fat and calories. Many people like to give cheese as a reward, but this is my all time least favorite training treat. Many dogs are lactose intolerant because they have grown out of the ability to process dairy products after being weaned. In addition, cheese is LOADED with fat and can lead to a little digestive upset or a mess on the carpet. Another common treat is hot dogs which adds fat and a heavy dose of sodium, which can cause more digestive issues. Training with store bought treats often adds a substantial amount to a dog's diet in terms of calories, so if you're training day after day it can add inches to a waistline.

The most important lesson we need to learn in training is it isn't the size of the treat that matters. It's the transaction that makes a difference to your dog. So lots of small, tiny rewards are even more effective than one big treat.

Dry food is a sensible solution and pretty convenient, since you probably already have some around. Just grab some out of the dinner portion and head off to training.

Another of my favorite training treats is Cheerios (without added sugar.) Cheerios are a good wholesome food, easy to digest and don't leave a greasy residue on your hands, your pants or your dog's head. Try "jackpotting" your dog with 3-5 cheerios when a lesson is successful. Your dog will go bonkers and the "you did a great job" message will be reinforced even stronger.

The below amounts are the maximum I'd suggest per day. If you're training your dog with a new training treat, start out with small amounts to ensure that your dog's digestive system is in agreement.

10 lb dog: 2 tablespoons

20 lb dog: 1/4 cup

40 lb dog: 1/2 cup

80 lb dog: 1 cup

So what are you going to train your dog to do with all those cheerios?

___________________________________

Thanks to all those who have written to me about Jackson. It's really strange not having his big

orange head pestering me for ear rubs, but I'm really thankful for the three plus extra years we had together. We shared thousands of walks that the veterinarian said we'd most likely miss and I never passed by an opportunity to give him his ear rubs. Nutrition from real food not only helped Jackson overcome cancer, but it also powered his body and gave me an avenue to share my affection with him. He changed my life and gave me a mission: to help you feed your dogs better too.

I'll be posting some Jackson stories in the future that will either be included in the cookbook or a later book on dog training. I hope you enjoy them. Here's one called Lead the Way (click on the picture to enlarge.)

My Best Friend, Jackson April 14, 1997 - January 13, 2010

2010-01-20T05:08:00.003-08:00

Despite the tears and feeling like there’s a hole in my chest, I actually feel pretty lucky.

For the past seven years my shadow was a goofy orange dog named Jackson. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to earn his friendship and enjoy his companionship. Last week my best friend and teacher passed away, but not before imparting a couple more lessons.

When I first adopted Jackson, I was an inexperienced dog owner who planned on a couple walks a day, a big bag of food and maybe a new toy every now and then. If I hadn’t stopped to observe Jackson and give him an opportunity to be himself, it probably would have remained that way.

The first house rule that Jackson was supposed to learn was that dogs sleep on the floor. For weeks, that’s the way it went. The second rule was if you needed to chew, chew on a rawhide bone. Jackson wouldn’t even go near them. One night as we were going to bed Jackson picked up a rawhide bone and followed me upstairs. I figured he needed a snack. As I reached to turn out the light, Jackson dropped the bone onto my bed. As soon as I picked up the bone Jackson jumped up on the bed and settled in next to me. He cut me deal, and I unknowingly accepted the bargain. It wasn’t so bad; I felt safe and loved even if a little crowded.

His leash aggression with other dogs was uncontrollable. We consulted trainers and tried using a prong collar, which only made matters worse. In the end, it was the gentle phrase, “Okay, let’s go” that would encourage Jackson to disregard the other dogs. Violence just begets violence.

Early on in our relationship, Jackson attacked my pant leg when I got too close to his food bowl. His food guarding was resolved through hand feeding treats and meals. Later when Jackson had treats he could not get out of a toy, he’d bring the toy over to me for my assistance. Patience earns trust.

Jackson’s illness was already evident when the oncologist informed us it was lymphoma and he had less than a year to live. Jackson had lost all interest in food, walks and even interacting. I coaxed him back to the food bowl with real food and he got stronger, regaining his appetite and zest for life. A year later, after I studied canine nutrition and started my own dog food company, the oncologist said, “I don’t get to tell people this very often - you don’t need to come back.” Jackson remained in remission for another three years. Good nutrition is the key component of good health.

I was used to Jackson’s nonstop barking when he was alerting me to someone walking by, a squirrel in the tree or the neighbors cat taunting him on the other side of the fence. When Gregory moved in with his three small dogs, Jackson added another bark to his repertoire; one quick bark, followed by silence. When I’d go to the door, I’d find our Chihuahua, Duncan, shivering at the doorstop. Days later when Jackson was in the basement I heard the exact same bark. Going downstairs I found Jackson ready with a toy, eager to play. After this occurred repeatedly, the meaning became clear: Jackson was calling me. Just like with Han Solo and Chewbacca, communication doesn’t require speaking the same language, but it does require listening.

As Jackson’s kidneys and liver began to fail, he had incredible difficulty walking or even standing. After consulting with our vet, we learned it would be just days before his body would finally shut down. I took him home and fed him dinner by hand and showered him with treats. My heart broke as I chaperoned him around the yard so he could relieve himself. As I massaged his elderly body, it became apparent that Jackson was doing his best to endure his condition, but he was miserable and scared. I spent the remainder of the night giving him neck and ear rubs, telling him what a great dog he was. It was one of the most beautiful and painful nights of my life. The next day we said goodbye. Jackson fell asleep looking into my eyes, with one paw wrapped around my arm. Sometimes making others comfortable means doing things that are uncomfortable for you.

Now the house often seems like a room is missing. There’s no barking and no tail wildly hitting against my legs. Jackson’s bed is empty and his collar hangs near the door. I miss him but have come to realize just because he is no longer with me, doesn’t mean I have to stop loving him.

Jackson wasn’t just a dog, he was my best friend. I love you Jackson.

Want to go for a Walk?

2010-01-02T05:40:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Did you perhaps make a resolution about getting more exercise? Remember, you don't have to fulfill an exercise resolution just at the gym; taking your dog for a walk counts as well.

Nothing causes more commotion in our house than the words, "Do you want to go for a walk?" Just uttering the word "walk" causes heads to jerk and tails to wag. Lord help us if we're putting our shoes on at the same time. Gregory and I now refer to the activity in code when talking to each other. "Let's take the dogs out for a W." We're rationing certain words in our vocabulary like "walk" and "go" because we know how important walks our to our dogs. Try asking your dog if she wants a cookie. After paying that out, ask if she wants to go for a walk - which causes more excitement? Cookies might make tails wag, but suggesting a walk puts the whole body in motion.

The secret to a dog's happiness is at least two walks a day. Not only are you giving your dog a chance to take care of business and set the ticker in motion, you're also providing mental stimulation. Your day is probably pretty busy; work, friends, taking care of kids, watching TV, checking out the internet, reading my blog, etc.. Your dog on the other hand, spends the entire day waiting for you. If you just sat in a chair for an hour, with literally nothing else to do, wouldn't you be bored? Your house is pretty boring for those at floor level. On a walk, smells are new, other dogs are barking out their greetings and for 15-20 minutes you are consistently interacting with your dog.

Unfortunately, letting your dog out in the backyard isn't the same; all those smells are familiar and a couple laps around the yard doesn't really qualify as exercise. It's especially important during the winter months to try maintain your momentum. We use the local television station's doppler radar to determine the best time to head out.

So whether you've made a resolution about exercise or not, try to get squeeze out the time for at least two walks a day. The benefits for you include a little more exercise and fresh air, a better trained dog who isn't chewing up the couch in frustration, a visit with your neighbors and a safer neighborhood.

We'll see you on the sidewalk.

Happy Thanksgiving - for you and your dog

2009-11-25T22:26:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a great time to sit back and relax with family, friends and a good meal. Your dog is part of your family, so safely extend some of the bounty and watch how grateful your dog will be.

Serving sizes should be a teaspoon for a small dog, and a tablespoon or two for a large dog. If you want to hand feed some turkey, make the experience last longer by hand feeding one tiny morsel at a time.
If you're in charge of making pies and you have some left over pumpkin (that's plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix) - this is a great addition to your dog's dry food. Pumpkin is low in calories, high in fiber and vitamins.
Mashed potatoes are great, but the butter and cream isn't. Set aside a chunk or two of cooked potato for your dog and mash with a fork.
A little chicken broth over dry food changes both the flavor and texture.
Turkey skin is a definite no-no; it tends to give dogs pancreatitis and this can be a huge problem not only on Thanksgiving Day, but days or weeks afterwards. Instead, peel a little of that white meat right next to the chest bone off for your dog - it hasn't had a chance to absorb much of the added salt or fat we add to the outer part of the turkey.
Feeding at the table encourages begging, so all thanksgiving samples should go in the dog bowl or fed away from the table.
If you're having guests over, have a bowl of dog treats available that guests are allowed to give your dog rather than scraps from the table.
Don't feed any food with onions, raisins or grapes and keep chocolate on the counter, not the coffee table.
If your dog should have diarrhea or constipation, add some of that plain pumpkin to their food for a couple days. If your dog has eaten something that doesn't agree with him, watch for other signs such as vomiting, fatigue or lack of appetite and contact your veterinarian.

Happy and Safe Thanksgiving to you all.

The Puppy Post

2009-11-15T16:44:00.001-08:00

This weekend 10 labradoodle puppies went home with their new owners and a reader asked me to post some recommendations.

The most important decision you will make is selecting your dog's food. When picking out a dry food, pick one with meat as the very first ingredient. The more advertising you see for a brand the less likely I'd recommend to buy it as the common manufacturers tend to base their formulas on a lot of corn rather than quality. My top 3 dry food recommendations are:

1. Blue Buffalo - very good ingredients used. Although it's a bit more expensive it's worth it.

2. Orijen - mostly meat, no grains.

3. Nature's Variety - many different formulas that can be used in rotation so your dog isn't eating the same thing for his entire life.

A puppy's little body grows really fast and needs a consistent supply of energy and nutrients. For the first few months, you'll need to feed your puppy 3 times a day, so your puppy can get enough calories and not have digestive problems by eating too much in one meal. A scrambled egg can be a nice addition to the dog bowl a couple times a week.

Puppies will eat almost anything, as you will soon discover. Furniture, walls, dog toys, dog beds and even your arm are seen as chew toys. Prevent Aunt Myrtle's dining room chairs from being destroyed by investing in a few Kongs. The Kong is a hard rubber toy that you can stuff with treats, snacks or even a whole meal of kibble. Gnawing on the Kong is good for your dog's teeth and your furniture. It's also mentally stimulating for a dog to have something to chew on. (The Kong should be larger than your dog's ability to swallow, buy one that will accommodate your full grown dog.) Teach your dog to chew on appropriate toys by having plenty on hand and always within reach.

Because puppies are still curious about many foods, it's a good time to introduce some baby carrots and apples as snacks and treats. It's much healthier for your dog than a lot of snacks and easier on the waistline.

Since you are going to be doing plenty of training, and most of us use food as a reward, be careful about your choice of training treats. Although you're dog will like it, please don't use cheese. As an occasional Kong stuffing, a bit of cheese is okay, but cheese tends to cause some digestive havok in large doses and when you're training it's easy to over-cheese your dog. Cheerios (the non sweetened variety) are a great training treat, as is your dog's normal kibble.

Potty training is a big chore - but there are a few simple things you can do to improve the pace at which your dog learns:

Every time your dog changes activities, there's an opportunity for an accident. So EVERY time your dog gets up from sleeping, take the dog outside. Every time you stop playing, your dog finishes a meal, or your snuggle session ends - take the dog outside.
Go outside with the dog, even if you have a fenced yard. When your dog goes potty outside, you have to throw a party. Congratulate your dog, thank your dog, run around a little bit and play - be as excited as possible without worrying the neighbors. The more expressive and animated you are, the more likely it is that your dog will understand that they just did the best thing in the world and be willing to offer a repeat performance.
Encourage your dog to go the bathroom by using the same phrase every time. Pick this phrase carefully because you'll be using it for the next 12 years, often in public. "Do your business" sounds a little better than "go the bathroom" when walking down the street. Tell your dog "do your business" once when you first go out, and once again while the business is happening. Avoid saying the phrase over and over because your dog may just think you're singing a pretty embarrassing song and not connect it to the actual act.
Should your dog have an accident, don't punish the dog by rubbing it's nose in the offending spot. It doesn't do anything other than make your dog fear you. First rush your dog outside and try to get the dog to go again.

A few other training hints:

Be very careful from weeks 8 to 12. This is a very important phase in your dog's development and the most likely where your dog will learn fear. Although your dog should be exposed to slightly loud or surprising noises like keys jingling or dishes being put away, try not to keep your dog from being frightened.
Teach your dog to have a soft mouth, just like his littermates would - with a loud, high toned yipe when your dog bites too hard.
A mother will often lick her puppy's ears to calm them down. When your dog is overly excited or frightened, try rubbing his ears to calm him down or nuzzle the ears lightly with your nose.
Every once in a while, take a moment out of your day to feed your dog a meal by hand. Although it's a bit messy, it's a great bonding activity and teaches your dog to trust you around food.
My favorite training book is by the Monks of New Skete: How to be Your Dog's Best Friend.

Best wishes to all the new puppy owners and their puppies. If you have any questions or would like a more detailed guide on choosing a dry food, please contact me.

Pet Food Recall by Wysong

2009-10-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

If you feed your dog Wysong Maintenance or Senior products, please note they are voluntarily recalling some of their products due to possible mold.

Please see the story on Oregonlive.com http://www.oregonlive.com/pets/index.ssf/2009/10/wysong_dog_food_recalled.html

If your dog is eating these foods and has diarrhea or vomiting, see your veterinarian immediately.

Saturday Night Live Parody

2009-10-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday Night live did a great parody about dog food. Unfortunately, it's not too far off from reality. Click for link to hulu.com

A quick lesson on dry food ingredients

2009-09-18T15:40:00.000-07:00

The average dry dog food has over 50 ingredients on the ingredient panel. Most of the these have mysterious names like chicken by-product, dicalcium phosphate or menadione sodium bisulfite complex. I don't blame people for not knowing exactly what's inside the bag. But the best place to start is always the beginning. If a manufacturer uses high quality ingredients at the top of the list, it's a good indication of the remaining ingredients' quality. Look for specifically named meats, with names that you recognize like "Deboned Chicken".

When you see a name like Chicken Meal, we start getting into a grayer area. Basically it's rendered "tissue" so it could include some organs, fat and other non-meat tissues. Not so bad, but not all that great.

Poultry By-products sounds like it might be little bits of chicken meat that didn't make into McNuggets, right? Well, your idea of meat has to be stretched quite a bit if you want it to include chicken heads, feet and viscera (guts). If my dogs could get ahold of the neighbor's chickens, I'm sure they'd have no complaints about some of these items. However, when heads and feet make up a majority of your dog's food day in and day out, you have to question whether that's really in the best interest of your best friend.

Check for anything generic like "Animal Fat." Any mix of animals can be included, with variance from batch to batch. It's one reason why dogs may get sick on the same formula of food after long periods of time. While most of the ingredients may be the same, the fat just has to be from any animal. Any.

Do your dog a favor, go home and check the ingredients on your dog food. If the ingredients include By-Products, say goodbye. If the first 5-8 ingredients just cause question marks in your head, ask yourself why you should place your faith in that particular food.

For a good recommendation go see Heidi at Meat for Cats and Dogs, Symon at Furever Pets or Nancy at Salty's Dog Shop and tell them Rick sent you.

The Incredible Edible Egg

2009-09-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

The simplest thing you can do to Feed Your Best Friend Better is to give your dog an egg. Your dog will go bonkers for this incredible food, plus it's inexpensive and incredibly easy to prepare.

Eggs are nutritionally dense; for the number of calories (75 per large egg) they provide a good amount of nutrition, especially protein, selenium and choline. In fact eggs have the highest biological value, meaning they are the best source of the proteins essential to growth and maintenance and are easily absorbed by the body.

Eggs should be cooked because the egg white prevents biotin from being absorbed, and biotin is essential for cell growth, metabolizing fats and protein and the quality of your dog's coat.

Cooking an egg is simple in the microwave, it takes about 3 minutes altogether and there's only two ingredients (don't add any butter, salt or pepper, your dog doesn't need them.)

Add one egg and 1/4 cup of water in a cereal bowl. Scramble to combine then microwave for 1 minute, 15 seconds on high. (The water may seem excessive, but it prevents the egg from sticking to the bowl and adds body.) For two eggs, use 1/2 cup water and cook for 2 minutes.

Allow the egg to cool and mix with dry food, then stand back and wait for that wag of appreciation.

One egg replaces 1/5 a cup of dry food: don't forget to subtract a little dry when adding an egg.

Dogs who are reluctant to eat can be encouraged by the addition of an egg and it's an especially nice treat for senior dogs. All dogs will appreciate this delicious nutritional upper and it's something you can feel good about doing as well. So go ahead and Feed Your Best Friend Better - with the incredible edible egg.

Bacon Yappetizers Recipe

2009-09-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a recipe I created for Spot Magazine's Mutt Mixer. I've reduced the bacon a bit to reduce the amount of salt and fat in the recipe, but it's still loaded with great bacon flavor!

Drop me a line and let me know how your pet likes them!

Running with the Pack

2009-08-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

This week I’m in Bellingham, house and dog sitting for some friends of my partner, Gregory. It’s turning out to be less than the ideal vacation because Gregory’s brother passed away and he had to rush down to Palm Springs to be with his family. Although I’d like to be with Gregory, we felt it best if I stayed to play camp counselor with the two dogs we are watching, plus the four of our own.

Maggie and Bear are two lovable labs with as much energy as Raleigh, so the chuck-it is in constant use. Today has been one long track meet; once an hour I put away my research and writing to race around the substantial piece of land the house sits upon. We run by Jackson who is usually sleeping on the front patio and occasionally he joins us in a lap around the house. Even grumpy Baxter gets into the act. Then while the dogs nap, I sit down to write or compose the next paragraph while walking around the yard. Raleigh and Maggie, who are becoming fast friends, constantly shadow me.

It’s quite different when you’re not just running with the pack, but your also taking time to relax and enjoy the slower pace of the pack in between runs. This morning after our morning tour of the yard, I sat with a cup of coffee watching Chloe try to pick up a scent in the air. I’m not sure if we clued into the same thing, but the roses sitting just a few feet from me smell fantastic. Baxter’s ever alert ears and subsequent 3 alarm bark drew all of our attention to a determined woodpecker, hidden somewhere in the woods. I definitely would not have heard Woody if I was working inside. Come snack time, I’m bribing the dogs with carrots rather than the milk bones we were left with. Maggie and Bear are slowly coming around to the idea of vegetables as treats, but for now Raleigh and Baxter swoop in to gobble up the discards.

This afternoon, I gathered all the dogs underneath the shade of a tree so they could nap and I could do some reading. The twenty first airborne division of the dragonflies flew over repeatedly in more of a dance than an attack. I put my book aside and let myself watch their recital and promptly fell asleep. Although it’s less than the vacation I had hoped it to be, it’s also pretty relaxing and it feels good to let go of my own expectations now that I’ve assumed the pack mentality.

Summer is running out. If you haven’t already, take a day to vacation with your dog and spend the day living at your dog’s pace instead of your own.

If you have space in your prayers tonight, please remember Gregory, his family and his brother Jeff who passed away this week. Hopefully the dragonflies dance in heaven as well.

Dog Gone Zucchini

2009-08-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

It seems like even if you only plant one seed, the late days of summer will suddenly have zucchini taking over the garden. It’s great in muffins and bread, but it can also be great for the dog bowl; one cup of zucchini has only 20 calories because it is 95% water and is a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Zucchini is also a good addition to meals for senior pets because it can provide an extra boost of nutrition without adding to the waistline, and will help them feel a little fuller.

If you'd like to share some of this summer bounty with your best friend, follow the below guidelines:

Grate zucchini so that the cellular structure is broken down and easier to digest.
If your dog needs additional help in digesting zucchini, you can boil or microwave briefly. Allow to cool before serving and pour both juice and vegetables over her normal meal.
Do not add salt or pepper.
Start with half the portion below per day to see how your dog digests it, and work up this amount:
- 10 lb. dog: 1 tablespoon per day
- 20 lb. dog 2 tablespoons per day
- 40 lb. dog 1/4 cup per day
- 80 lb. dog 2/3 cup per day

The amounts are small, so it may not use your entire stockpile. Contact a local food bank if you have an abundance of zucchini or tomatoes to share, but certainly save some for your dog.

Hot Dogs! Cool Treat!

2009-07-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

It's going to be 100 for the next couple of days and in the 90s the rest of the week in Portland. All of our dogs, except Duncan the Chihuahua, are panting like mad and refuse to move from the puddles of puppies they have created. Duncan has requested a margarita and a reflective mirror for sunbathing. By the end of the summer, Duncan should have a nice bronze George Hamilton glow.

Did you know that dogs don't sweat? It's the panting that helps them cool their head and to some extent their body. To help with that it seems a cool treat is in order: Ice Cream! Here's a simple ice cream recipe that your dog will love and will help them in the days ahead.

Pumpkin and a Bit More Ice Cream:

1 cup non-fat yogurt (which also supplies probiotics for digestion)

1 cup canned pumpkin (lots of fiber and vitamins - but this should be strictly canned pumpkin - NOT canned pumpkin pie filling)

2 boiled chicken livers, chopped (optional, but the liver is what your dog will appreciate most.)

Combine yogurt and pumpkin in a medium bowl and stir until well blended.

If using Chicken livers , chop into small pieces. (Save that broth you created by boiling for drizzling over dog food, it's okay to serve cold for an extra cooling treat.)

Distribute chicken livers among one ice cube tray. Pour over yogurt/pumpkin mixture and spread lightly. The lighter you spread it around, the more likely it is to be softer and easier for your dog to eat. You don't want it to become like a solid block of ice by packing the mixture down.

Freeze 8-12 hours. And serve to your dog outside or in a dog bowl. (It may be a little messy inside.) These are also create cool treats for stuffing a Kong and it will thaw a bit while your dog is trying to get it out.

Serving Sizes:

10 lb. dog: 1 ice cube per day

20 lb. dog: 2 ice cubes per day

40 lb. dog: 3 ice cubes per day

80 lb. dog: 6 ice cubes per day

Warm weather afternoons are also a great time for giving your dog a bath and watering your lawn at the same time! And it takes less time outdoors; I gave five dogs a bath in the space of 30 minutes on Sunday and they were so excited to be cooled down after a long hike. To make this even easier, hook one end of a leash around your ankle and the other to your dog's collar. Make sure you have a good treat nearby for a post bath "thank you treat."

Dog Food Dude

2009-06-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

If you believe, you can accomplish anything. I've been writing my dog food cook book: Feed Your Best Friend Better, off and on for the past year. A couple weeks ago, the Oregonian published an article featuring me and my dogs in a big photo and a nice mention in their article on dog food. From that, I've had a meeting with a publisher and additional publicity on msnbc. Things are looking up. What I struggle with most, is coming up with new ideas. I have about 50 recipes I'm working on, but need some inspiration. The publisher is asking for 80 recipes, so that's 30 more that I need to figure out. If you have any requests for treats, snacks or meals, let me know. I'll send you a recipe for anything that develops from your idea.

My objective for this blog is to keep you informed of what's going on as I write the book, answer your questions as well as share some questions that I receive fairly regularly. And we have a crew of five dogs who you might hear about from time to time.

Feed Your Best Friend Better,

Rick