Tag Archives: canine

K9 Dental Products: What You Must Know

As is typical throughout life, not all things are created equal.

Including the dental products being created and advertised for our beloved family dogs; and what you don’t know could hurt your dog!

Over the next few weeks, Cold Noses News is going to reveal the SEVEN ingredients you NEVER want to find in YOUR dog’s dental product; regardless of what the experts, gurus or even professionals may tell you.

We’ll teach you what names and terms to look for on the label for each ingredient as well as the very real and potential effects each can have on your dog.

Don’t be Fooled

As you search for an effective – and safe – product for your dog’s dental health, don’t be fooled by pretty labels, fancy advertising, “healthy” images or even these buzz words below:

  • 100% Natural
  • All-Natural
  • Organic
  • Safe
  • Healthy
  • Non-Toxic
  • Botanical
  • Vet-Approved
  • Recommended by Vets

Your Dog’s Health Depends on You

Always do your research first to ensure any claims are actually true, for your peace of mind and more importantly, for the well-being of your dog.

Note: the researched information we will be presenting over the next few weeks is only a singular look at each of these seven individual ingredients and does not address the potential for compounded negative effects/reactions when one – or more – of these ingredients are combined.

Also keep in mind, the smaller the dog, the greater – and faster -the adverse toxic reaction(s).

And finally, dogs with pre-existing conditions, compromised health or immune systems could face even greater danger from these ingredients.

So, bookmark this page (or better yet, follow us) and learn about the seven ingredients you never want to find in your K9’s dental product.

Toxic Ingredient #1

So, let’s get started. The Number One ingredient you never, ever want to find in your dog’s dental product is … alcohol.

Some K9 dental products contain as much as 25% alcohol

Bottom line, alcohol is toxic to dogs. All dogs. Always. EVEN when the label says “Natural Derived Alcohol” … naturally derived or not, it’s toxic. Period.

So here’s what you should look for and avoid:

Please share this post (and the ones that follow) with friends, neighbors and family who love and own dogs. Keep your dog safe from dental products (or any products) that contain toxic ingredients.

 

Bake Some Homemade Dog Treats in a New York Minute!

egg-944495_640With all the recent dog food and treat recalls, you may be thinking about making your own treats for your K9 family member(s).

A few simple ingredients (you might already have in your kitchen) and five minutes in the microwave and you have yummy, homemade dog treats with NO preservatives, additives or questionable ingredients or chemicals.

And, from the reaction of our resident Great Danes (who of course volunteered to taste-test), it’s a home run!

Quickie K9 Treats:

  • 2 chicken bouillon cubes
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup stone ground cornmeal
  • 1-1/2 cups powdered skim milk
  • 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs, beaten

Dissolve bouillon cubes in boiling water and set aside until room temperature.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients. (I added parsley; you could also add mint, chopped nuts, garlic or carrots or some other favorite ingredient your dog loves.)

Make a well in the dry ingredients and gradually stir in oil, eggs and cooled bouillon until well-blended.

Knead dough on a floured surface, about 4-5 minutes, until dough sticks together and is easy to work with.dough-529948_640

Roll dough to between 1/4″ and 1/2″ thickness.

Cut-out treats with your favorite cookie cutter (or just use a shot glass like I did) and place on a microwave-proof surface in the microwave (I used a dinner plate).

Microwave for 5 minutes.*

Remove and cool. Store in sealed plastic bags or containers.


* Here’s the cooking directions from the original recipe: microwave 5 minutes at medium heat. Turn over each biscuit and then microwave for another 5 minutes and turn again. Microwave another 2-5 minutes. Remove, cool and store. I found simply microwaving at 5 minutes full power worked nicely, so why spend extra time? My microwave is small (just large enough for a dinner plate) and only 900 watts.

Dog Food Recall: Purina Beneful and Pro Plan

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Purina Beneful and Pro Plan Dog Food Recall

The Dog Food Advisor website just announced that Nestle Purina has issued a voluntary recall of the following products due to insufficient vitamins and minerals.

  • Beneful Prepared Meals Wet Dog Food in 10-oz. Tubs
  • Beneful Chopped Blends Wet Dog Food in 10-oz. Tubs
  • Pro Plan Savory Meals Wet Dog Food in 10-oz. Tubs (limited to five varieties)

Purina recommends you discard any of the affected products you may have and contact them for a refund at 1-800-877-7919.

To learn more about this recall,  go to Dog Food Advisor and Purina’s News Center.

To see the full list of recalled products, click here to view the PDF file.

Are Holiday Treats Dog-Friendly?

The holidays are quickly approaching with mouth-watering smells and delectable seasonal treats!

Something else is coming too … sad, SAD puppy eyes!

While most of us will probably indulge during the season, it doesn’t necessarily mean our dogs should follow our lead.

You may actually be surprised by some of the holiday foods and/or ingredients your four-legged family member should not partake of; below is a quick list.


Want to know about additional foods and WHY they are bad for your dog?

Click here to email us for a copy of our November Newsletter!

Want a dog-friendly treat you can make in advance for those oh-so-sad puppy eyes?

Click here to email us for a copy of our November Newsletter!


iStock_000013402168XSmallAnd remember … the smaller the dog, the faster – and more toxic – the adverse effect.

So keep these items out of reach of your inquisitive (and always  hungry) resident canine!

  • Pumpkin Pie, Filling or Mix
  • Avocados and/or guacamole
  • Onions and garlic (included powdered, raw, cooked and dehydrated)
  • Grapes, raisins and currants
  • Fat Trimmings
  • Unbaked yeast dough

Want to know more? Click here to email us for a copy of our November Newsletter!

Are ALL Healthy Snacks Good for Dogs?

You’re probably just like me, I only want the very best for my dogs!

With the recent upswing in dog treat recalls, many dog owners are turning to healthy and natural dog treat alternatives for their four-legged family members.

But, do you know that not all snacks (even the healthy ones) are good for your dog?

Below is an infographic illustrating which natural foods are good … and not good … for your dog. Print a copy, review with your family and then post on your refrigerator as a simple reminder in keeping your beloved dog safe!

Did You Know that All Natural Snacks are Not Created Equal for Your Dog?

All Natural Snacks are Not Created Equal for Your Dog!

 

Thank You Petco! NO more Chinese Pet Treats!

Petco has finally stepped up to the plate and removed any remaining Chinese-made canine and feline treats from its stores and website due to fears that thousands of pets have been sickened and killed since 2007.

(There have been more than 4,800 complaints of pet illnesses, including deaths, from Chinese-made chicken, duck or sweet potato jerky treats.)

Read more