Homemade Dog Food

The Biggest Lie in the Dog Food Industry

Pop Quiz:

Do you know what US Dog Foods contain some really bad sh*t, like could be detrimental to your dog’s health kinda sh*t?

I bet you think if it’s made in the US it’s got to be okay right?

After that big huge chicken jerky treat deal that actually killed a bunch of dogs, and yes, they still have that crap on some store shelves for purchase, and they still haven’t solved the riddle of what the hell was in them.

Oh yeah, some say its antibiotics. Yikes. That scary. But really we still don’t know.

Anyway, the media has done a super good job of convincing us that it’s only dog food and treats produced in China that’s got toxic wrapped around it. But that’s not the truth.

**The truth is there is plenty of dog food in the US that’s got some really bad sh*t in it.**

A recent study found two popular US made dog foods contain aflatoxin B1 and melamine.

There are plenty of others that shouldn’t be fed to ax murders sitting in prison even, but I don’t have space to go into all of them in this article. If you want to keep up on the latest, get my free Pumpkin Frosty Paws Recipe and you’ll be updated in the future on the latest dog food recalls and healthy real food your can feed your dog.

There are some great wholesome ingredients you should be adding to your dog’s food to keep them healthier longer, I’ll go into those later, but here is why aflatoxin and melamine are so bad for your dog.

What Is Aflatoxin B1 Anyway?

Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring contaminant produced by mold. Aflatoxin B1 is a known human carcinogen and is known to cause liver cancer in animals. Even low levels of aflatoxin B1 over time put dogs at serious health risk.

Do You Know What’s in Melamine?

Holy crap. This is disgusting. And they add this to dog food. Really? Melamine is a nitrogen based compound that is often combined with formaldehyde and used in industrial plastics. It is used in utensils and formica to name a few items.

And so how does melamine end up in your dog’s food?

Simple answer: it is used in wheat flour because it is nitrogen based and make the product appear to have more protein. So there ya go. Nice huh?

Ummmm, I’d probably STOP feeding my dog either one of those two if you are right now. Just sayin!

Learn 5 Ingredients That You Should Be Feeding Your Dog For Optimal Health

Feeding your dog an organically cooked or raw meal twice a day is a lot to ask, we don’t even do that for ourselves. However, you can add these things in as often as possible to keep your dog alive longer and increase health benefits all along the way.

Coconut oil. Huge. The benefits of coconut oil are crazy. For dogs in is anti bacterial, anti parasitic, it reduces yeast which is the cause of itching, scratching and licking for the most part, and it reduces inflammation.

Feed your dog coconut oil! For sure.

Pumpkin. Pumpkin has some awesome benefits different than coconut oil. Pumpkin has been used to help with an upset stomach or diarrhea. Pumpkin contains vitamin A which helps in the process of regeneration, slowing the aging process.

Pumpkin seeds. Huge benefit to dogs. Pumpkin seeds can eliminate parasites, even tape worm! It’s best fed ground up in a food processor or nutri-bullet. Feed your dog pumpkin seeds often.

Colloidal Silver. A wide spectrum natural anti biotic. It is affective against 650 bacterial and viral organisms. It can be used internally and externally. Always have colloidal silver around for cuts, and it to the diet immediately if you notice your dog looking a little low.

Apple Cider Vinegar. Another ingredient that can be given internally or externally. Use it cut 50% with distilled water for ear infections. It improves digestion and acts as a natural anti biotic.

Here’s What You Should Do To Feel Better About Your Dog’s Health

As mentioned above, all or nothing is not what I’m talking about here.

As with any good habit, add one good thing this week.

Make it super easy.

You’ll find yourself doing it waaaaaay more for your dog, and interestingly enough for yourself!

Want an easy recipe to increase your dog’s health and happiness today?
Free Easy Super Food Recipe For Your Dog

Maui Dogs | Most Favorite of All Time

Maui Dogs | My Most Favorite Of All Time In The History of Ever

Favorite things in the world. We all have them. Most of us don’t celebrate them enough. Unless of course you have “that dog” in your life.

Many times no matter what is going on, that certain dog in our lives constitutes, “My Most Favorite of All Time In The History of Ever.”

I’m called upon a lot for two things: Dog behavior and dog health. What to feed? What’s the healthiest thing that could possibly make my dog live longer? How much and what kind of exercise could lengthen my dogs life? Those kinds of things. Which I truly love answering and being helpful for people and their dogs.

Oh yeah and and a big question for those that live on Maui,
who’s gonna take care of my dog that I trust and is safe and

I don’t have to worry when I’m off island or away from home?

Sure, behavior can be a problem. But let’s face it. We all got issues! And sometimes quite honestly the dog’s issues are really our own issues. But what are we really worried about in life?

What quality of life do we have?

How happy are we day to day?

How long are we going to live?

Is this all there is?

Things to Add To Most Favorite Of All Time Daily List

Life is short. In the last couple of weeks I’ve had two really cool people I know diagnosed with cancer. Another dog, a Chocolate Lab went to rest forever, hopefully in some dog wonderland. He had cancer too, and he leaves behind a Dude that loved him dearly.

So, make it a commitment.

Do your most favorite things as often as possible
Be with your most favorite people as often as possible
And spend as much time with your most favorite dogs as often as possible
Exercise as often as possible
Eat whole food as often as possible
And love yourself all the time
And of course love your dog
Drink water… and sometimes wine… laugh, enjoy, live every moment to it’s fullest as often as possible
Be grateful for your health and every little thing you have

Do you ever tell your dog, “I love you more than anything ever?”

There’s a reason. Its called unconditional love. Acceptance. Do that for yourself too. Its the hugest lesson ever you can get from your dog.

Get 17 Things Maui Dog People Should Know

Jt Clough lives in Maui, Hawaii and practices health, happiness, natural remedies and training for dogs and their people. Her work at Maui Dog Remedies is for people looking to live healthier and happier lives through their dogs and her passion for it has helped so many to find and do that thing they’ve been talking about or wishing to happen for so long. She is a dog whisperer for our best friends. Her latest publications are Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes and 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.

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Dog New Years Resolutions 2014

11 New Years Resolutions for a Healthier and Happier Dog

2014 is here and with all the intentions of resolutions are still fresh in our minds, let’s include our the dog family member in them as well. After all, they do say those who start an exercise program with their dog get results waaaay more than those who don’t. So, time to start a nutrition food lifestyle resolution process with your dog as well!

11 New Years Resolutions for a Healthier and Happier Dog

Feed your dog coconut oil: No matter the age it’s good for inflammation, skin issues, anti bacterial, and anti parasitic. Huge for all dogs. Drop a dollop of coconut oil in every meal. Vitality guaranteed!
Keep carbohydrates low in your dog’s diet: Just because a dog food or treat is “grain free” does not mean it is low carb.
Avoid sugar in all of its forms in your dog’s food and treats. This includes sugar, evaporated cane juice, high fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, and even honey.
Refrain from any food or treat products with chemical preservatives including: propylene glycol, all forms of glycerine including “vegetable glycerin,” BHA, BHT, propyl gallate, ethoxyquin, titanium dioxide, and all artificial colors
Make meat protein from clean sources the building block of your dog food choices.
When shopping for your dog food be wise, don’t fall into the trap of looking for the cheapest dog food or choosing the most expensive food you can buy! The cheapest is sure to have some pretty bad ingredients as filler, and the most expensive may be good but have too many grains or simply over priced for what’s in it.
Hydrate dry dog food, no matter what the quality, for optimum digestion and stomach health. Add water and allow the kibble to absorb moisture or add canned food.
You’ve started reading ingredient labels on food for yourself; learn to read dog food labels. If something doesn’t make sense or you don’t know what a certain ingredient is, don’t hesitate to call or write the manufacturer.
There is not a perfect food for every dog! Like people, different dogs tolerate different diets. I always recommend whole food whenever possible. If your dog’s coat is dull, or greasy, if you dog is itching a lot, or develops hot spots the first place to look is at the food you are feeding.
Titer Test before automatically administering vaccines: Reconsider “routine vaccines” as part of annual vet exams; instead, ask your veterinarian to do blood work and send it out for titer testing by a reputable lab.
Older Dogs Nails and traction: Again, like humans, aging in dogs brings mobility issues. Consistent activity from a young age helps. Nail trimming. HUGE for all dogs but older dogs don’t move as quickly or as much as younger dogs. Keep nails trimmed for mobility and for comfort. The click, click of dog nails may sound cute, but it feels like running downhill in shoes that are 2 sizes too small all the time. Awful. Regularly trim your dog’s nails.*this is all true for all dog ages, older dogs tend to not wear their nails down naturally the way younger dogs have a tendency to do

Looking for coconut oil ideas to add to your dogs diet?

Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes e-book offers recipes which all include coconut oil. The added bonus in health benefits of pumpkin for a dog in each recipe too.

By the way, if this is resonating with you and your dog – you find yourself lacking support and tired of listening to the vet and or doctors suggest benadryl, antibiotics, or really bad dog food they get a kick back from selling/promoting – I just want you to know that I support you.

Subscribe to ReVIBE | Dogs and I’ll help however I can. If its healthy and it’s vibrant and brings joy I’d like more of that for you and for me and for our dogs.

Jt Clough lives in Maui, Hawaii and practices health, happiness, natural remedies and training for dogs and their people. Her uncanny way of communication with both dogs and people is healing and her training is effective physically and emotionally. Her work at Maui Dog Remedies is for people looking to live healthier and happier lives through their dogs and her passion for it has helped so many to find and do that thing they’ve been talking about or wishing to happen for so long. She is a dog whisperer for our best friendsand studies natural dog remedies, nutrition and communication. Her latest publications are Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes and 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.

Halloween Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe

Aloha wags and Happy Halloween from Maui Dog Remedies! It’s one of my personal favorite times of the year, mainly because of the colors and the costumes and the fun my dogs and I have around it all.

There are usually treats galore around this holiday. For those of us who are doing our best to keep choosing healthy, those store bought treats can be tempting but really disgusting for our digestive tract and how we feel throughout the day. That certainly goes for our dogs’ as well!

Dogs who love treats have big adoring eyes on the lookout for a little something’ something’ all the time! Halloween can prove to find big scores on the treat acquisitions.

If you’ve looked at a dog treat label lately though, its really hard to find anything super healthy for your dog. In fact it’s hard to find one that doesn’t have some serious toxic stuff in them. Homemade dog treats is the best option and what a better time to try a new dog treat recipe than Halloween!

This Halloween pumpkin dog treat recipe has both pumpkin, which is way awesome for your dog and coconut oil which should be a staple in your dog’s diet as well as yours.

Read more on Coconut Oil for Dogs here.

Halloween Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe

2 cups organic brown rice flour
1/2 cup buckwheat flour
3 tsp wheat-free baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp powdered or fresh ginger
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 eggs beaten
1/2 cup honey (raw is best)
1 1/2 cups organic canned pumpkin (without spice)
1/2 cup water
Combine and mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine all the wet ingredients, except for the water, blending well. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet. The batter should be thick but pourable. Incrementally mix in the water until you have a nice consistency.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Take about 1/2 Tbsp size drops and place them on a well-oiled cookie sheet.

Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes. Cookies should be firm, but still soft and chewy, just like you like your own cookies!

For small dogs make smaller cookies! Just check to make sure they aren’t over baked at 8 minutes!

Have a fabulous Halloween and Keep your Dog Safe

Keep your dog safe this halloween from open door escape due to trick or treaters, odd costumes that flip them out or might accidentally eat, and the consumption of a bunch of really crappy human treats that are bad for them!

Looking for dog boarding, dog sitting, dog walking, or a pet taxi on Maui?
GET YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

Looking for pumpkin coconut oil ideas to add to your dogs diet?

Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes e-book offers recipes which all include coconut oil. The added bonus in health benefits of pumpkin for a dog in each recipe too.

By the way, if this is resonating with you and your dog – you want some healthy options to increase your dogs’ immune system and provide a healthier lifestyle– I just want you to know that I support you.

Subscribe to ReVIBE | Dogs + Joy + Vibrance

Jt Clough of Maui Dog Remedies is a Lifestyle Dog Trainer with online programs, pet industry business coach and marketing strategist, health fanatic, and author. She is a 9 time Ironman finisher, with decades of training dogs and their people to better lifestyles, from behavior modification to fitness and health through natural remedies, mental stimulation and lifestyle choices. She is an emotional healer through dogs. Described as a seeker, Jt has an uncanny ability to teach adaptation to change and to take inspired action.

Beneful Dog Food Recall Yes or No

Beneful Dog Food Recall Yes or No?

The dog world is rocked with dog food questions these days. What is good, what is bad? What is the truth, what is not. The latest controversy is a Beneful Dog Food recall that hasn’t happened. A Purina product.

Yep, one of the big store name brands that puts pretty pictures of real food on the front of the bag. The marketing is done nicely. Fresh carrots and peas, chunks of premium red meat imprint on the mind. The photos let us believe in our hearts this is what we are feeding our beloved dogs.

After all. Its an oldie goldie trusted name, right?

But Beneful Dog Food is Not on the FDA Dog Food Recall List

Should I be concerned?

Recently the Consumer Affairs website has been inundated with over 250 complaints about Beneful Dog Food causing illness, even to the point of liver failure on their website. I think these complaints are going to be far from over unfortunately. It’s quite a political arena as it turns out, sort of like the fight over listing GMO’s!

*you can see more complaints about Beneful Dog Food at Dogstar.com

An Examiner article titled Beneful dog food killing dogs nationwide; no recall issued by FDA has become quite popular and in fact has also taken criticism for reporting something before it is actually proven to be true.

Yet, the truth of the matter is there have been chicken jerky dog treats on the market that have also been making hundreds and thousands of dogs sick, some to the point of death, but have not been placed on the FDA recall list.

The FDA Criteria

Finally, after over a year of people reporting sick and dying dogs over the chicken jerky treats coming out of China, the FDA listed Milo’s Kitchen® Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers after the company voluntarily recalled the product due to finding trace amounts of antibiotics in them.

What??? Not only are there all kinds of chemicals and diseased products being added to our dogs’ food, but we are feeding them a little bit of antibiotics every time we give them a treat? Sound like something you want to sign up for?

I don’t know about you, but I’d certainly believe the number of complaints and problems listed on the Consumer Affairs website to have some serious validity to them before I’d wait until the FDA decided to issue a warning!

So why isn’t the FDA recalling Beneful? There could be several possibilites.

It could be every single complaint on the Consumer Affairs website are legitimate reports of pet death or illness linked to Beneful, but only a few of these pet food adverse events were reported to FDA.

You can read more on reasons why the FDA doesn’t seem to get on these things in a timely fashion at Information Regarding Beneful Complaints

What Dog Food Should You Feed Your Dog

That’s the big question. And there are many opinions about it. Personally, I have a problem with an all processed diet. However, not even I have time to cook for my dogs every single day. As well, feeding your dog a home made dog food diet does require some knowledge. They need certain vitamins and minerals.

It’s not that hard really though. Once you have a few rules down, get a few good dog food cookbooks and find good quality ingredients kibble to feed on those days you can’t do it all, you’ll have a happier healthier dog (and you too most likely… back to the old fashioned you are what you eat methodology).

Let People Know About Beneful Dog Food

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Jt Clough lives in Maui, Hawaii and practices health, happiness, natural remedies and training for dogs and their people. Her way of communication with both dogs and people is healing and her training is effective physically and emotionally. Her work at ReVIBE | Dogs + Joy + Vibrance is for people looking to live healthier and happier lives through their dogs and her passion for it has helped so many to find more peace and joy in every day life with dogs. She is a dog whisperer for our best friends, specializing in private training and dog retreats. Her latest publications are Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes and 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.

*photo credit By vmabney

*there are a couple affiliate links in this article, a few links to other resource articles and a couple links to e-books I have written myself.

Dog Food with Fish In It Is From China For Sure

Processed Dog Food with Fish In It is From China

Not that many years ago in the dog world nutrition made it’s break through. The realization that dogs needed Omega 3 as well as other minerals and essential vitamins became common knowledge. Dog food companies have done a great job of marketing their products as the only way to get the right mix of nutrition.

And so, we have become a society that believes dog food is the only way to go. Please rethink this one and Join My Inbox ReVIBE | Dogs + Joy + Vibrance for healthy alternatives.

Is Fish the Best Way to Get Omega 3 in Dogs

Sure, non processed anything is probably best. True for our dogs and true for ourselves, BUT when it come to fish here’s an ugly fact you probably didn’t know. And the reason I stopped feeding my dogs anything that has fish in it that is processed or not directly from Maui (never left the island kinda thing).

*One exception for me. I live in Hawaii and will feed myself as well as my dogs locally caught fish that has not left the island for processing, fresh never frozen!

Guess Where Most Fish is Processed – CHINA

Yep, the same place the chicken jerky treats that are killings dogs. China. Yes it is true. Doesn’t matter if it was caught in Alaska or even Hawaii. Most fish is caught fresh, frozen, shipped to China, thawed, processed, re-frozen and shipped all over the world. Be aware that chemicals are added during processing in China too.

That’s information for both people and dogs! Read more at Something is Fishy

Dog Food Kibble with Fish as an Ingredient – Just Say No

As I have been a big proponent of making people aware, dog food manufacturers aren’t held to high standards. That means what is going into kibble, even some high end premium food, is really scary. Diseased animals, hooves, hair, even plastic is the latest new ingredient in approved for dog food. For real!

Those few facts alone tell me the fish that is going into dog food is for sure without a doubt from China. And it also tells me it’s not sushi grade fish going into that food.

Just Say NO to Fish in Dog Food Kibble

Sure, your dog needs Omega 3, so share yours! We use Nordic Naturals Omega 3. Cut it in half or give it every other day depending on the size of your dog. But please, stop feeding your dog fish processed in China. And yes, I am suggesting you use human grade Omega 3 for your dog. *The Whole Dog Journal that stated dogs should get 100 to 150 mg per body weight of omega 3s daily.

And seriously you many want to consider what fish you are eating yourself!

Those of us in Maui have resources because a little fish is really good for everyone. Just make sure you know where it came from!

Jt Clough lives in Maui, Hawaii and practices health, happiness, natural remedies and training for dogs and their people. Her uncanny way of communication with both dogs and people is healing and her training is effective physically and emotionally. Her work at ReVIBE | Dogs + Joy + Vibrance is for people looking to live healthier and happier lives through their dogs and her passion for it has helped so many to find and do that thing they’ve been talking about or wishing to happen for so long. She is a dog whisperer for our best friends, specializing in private training and dog retreats, studies natural dog remedies, nutrition and communication. Her latest publications are Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes and 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.

Home Cooked Dog Food

The latest round of dog food recalls left many whirling about what to do as a good dog food choice, considering many premium dog foods were on that list. Most dog owners have come to believe the only thing to feed their dog is kibble.

When one really stops to think about it, dog food recalls aside, feeding only kibble may not be the healthiest diet for dogs. We’ve learned through our own diets that processed food has gotten us to obesity, diabetes, thyroid problems and a host of other unhealthy situations.

Yet, the thought that we feed our dogs an all processed diet and wonder why diabetes, cancer and obesity are on the rise to the tune of nearly 50% of our dogs has seriously been overlooked.

Dogs Need Nourishment Too

Dog nutrition has been sold to us by the media for the last couple of decades as “balanced” through kibble. In fact it has been sold to us so hard that most people actually believe the essential vitamins and minerals dogs need can only be attained through kibble.

It is true that dogs do have vitamin and mineral requirements but surely with a bit of balance in real food the notion that they can’t get the right nutrition without eating kibble is a little crazy really. We have been sold the notion to the point we believe and our dogs are suffering over it.

Time to get a little education on what to feed your dog to get real nutrition. It’s time our dog’s get something healthier than the McDoggie diets they have been existing on, that have actually been detrimental to their long term health.

What Vitamins and Minerals Dogs Need

*vetinfo.com list these essentials

Vitamins

Vitamin A– for maintaining healthy hair, skin, eyes, muscles, nerves and ovaries.

Vitamin C– for maintaining a healthy urinary tract.

Vitamin B- complex– for maintaining normal growth and energy levels.

Vitamin D– for proper nerve and bone formation and muscle function.

Vitamin E– for proper cell respiration, fat metabolism and hormone production.

Vitamin K– for maintaining normal blood functions, like clotting.

Minerals

Calcium and phosphorous– for healthy bone growth, blood coagulation, muscle contraction, and nerve impulse transmission.

Copper–for proper formation of bone, tissue, and cells.

Fatty acids–for proper function of body organs and control of allergies and inflammation.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin– for maintenance of healthy joints.

Iodine– for proper metabolism and thyroid function.

Iron– for proper function of red blood cells which transport oxygen.

Magnesium– for proper vitamin, mineral and enzyme use, bone development, and protein production.

Potassium– for maintaining healthy muscles and nerves, and proper fluid balance.

Selenium– for protection of cells as an antioxidant.

Sodium and chloride– working separately or together, as sodium chloride, for proper fluid balance, transfer of nutrients, elimination of cell waste.

Zinc– for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

Vitamins and minerals are essential for good health and as the trend goes for whole food and juicing for people, it only makes sense that our dogs would be much better off absorbing their vitamins and minerals from real food as well.

Homemade dog food doesn’t have to be a difficult thing. In fact it can not only become quite easy but is pretty much guaranteed to spur you to a better diet for yourself.

Making the Switch to Real Food for Your Dog

If you want to make the switch to better food and better health for your dog do it just like you would any new change for yourself.

Gradually. Studies prove you have a way higher rate of success with gradual change, like 2 or 3 good meals a week instead of none. Don’t try to suddenly switch to all their meals are homemade. You are sure to fail and give up.

You don’t have to take on becoming a doggie gourmet cook overnight. Nor do you have to cook for your dog every single day.

Start by getting an education on the good nutrition for your dog and begin making a few recipes while adding to your knowledge about how to best get the right vitamins and minerals to your dog.

Learning to add the right things to your dog’s diet can come over time as well. *Join My Inbox if you’d like to get easy super food and supplement ideas using the very ingredients you would use while cooking your own food.

Home made Dog Food Tip

Calcium is a much needed mineral in a dog’s diet. The first thing we people think of as a calcium additive is milk. But guess what? It’s certainly not the best way to get calcium and feeding your dog loads of milk is not a good idea. Find out more about why milk is not a good source of calcium here: Healthy Alter Ego Milk

Here are two answers to adding calcium to your dog’s diet.

• Parsley

• Eggshells

Give your dog coconut oil every day! You can find recipes with coconut oil in Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes

• Anti bacterial

• Anti parasitic

• Anti inflammatory

Build your Dog Food Recipes and Health Dog Food Knowledge Base

If you’d like to get recipes and learn more about how to feed your dog for nourishment and health sign up for my ReVIBE | Dogs + Joy + Vibrance

Expect to get free dog food cooking recipes, notices on my dog food cooking classes, information on natural remedies for healing dogs and other good things for dogs periodically.

Please feel free to e-mail me with your questions and I’d love to hear if you have problems with itching, scratching and licking with your dog. Answer these three questions and I’ll be sure to get you the remedy report I’m working on right now.

As always, Mahalo for being a Maui Dog Remedies reader and take some time to have fun with your dog today!

Jt Clough lives in Maui, Hawaii and practices health, happiness, natural remedies and training for dogs and their people. Her uncanny way of communication with both dogs and people is healing and her training is effective physically and emotionally. Her work at ReVIBE | Dogs + Joy + Vibrance is for people looking to live healthier and happier lives through their dogs and her passion for it has helped so many to find and do that thing they’ve been talking about or wishing to happen for so long. She is a dog whisperer for our best friends and studies natural dog remedies, nutrition and communication. Her latest publications are Treading for Dogs DVD, Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes and 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.

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