Archive for the ‘Dogs’ Category

All Natural Tips to protect your Dog’s Skin and Coat this winter

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Winter can be harsh on your dog’s skin and coat.  To help protect your dog from the annoyance of dry skin, some all natural tips include: brushing, haircut length, bathing, and all natural healthy dog food.

 

Brushing

 

Be sure to brush your dog on a regular basis.  The atmosphere in your home will likely be dry because of the heat.  This can make your dog’s skin dry out and become flaky.  This can irritate his skin causing your dog to scratch.  Brushing your dog will remove flaky skin and stimulate his circulation leading to healthy skin and coat.

 

Haircut Length

 

When your dog gets his haircut, do not let the groomer cut your dog’s hair too short.  Have the groomer leave an extra inch or two.  You will not want to strip him of his thick undercoat.

 

Keep Bathing your Dog

 

It is okay to keep giving your dog a bath in the winter.  However, it is important to make sure she is dry before she heads outside.  Dogs can chill quickly and there is a risk of hypothermia.  When bathing your dog, be sure to use an all natural shampoo.

 

All Natural Healthy Dog Food helps to protect his Coat

 

Extra energy will be used by simply trying to keep warm, especially if he is outside during the day.  Feeding your dog an all natural healthy dog food will help provide the vitamins and minerals your dog’s skin needs.  Also, increase the amount of food you feed your dog during the winter.  When your dog is not fed enough all natural healthy dog food, the first thing to be affected is his coat.

 

Following these steps and switching to an all natural dog food will help to protect your dog’s skin and coat this winter. 

 

Pet Food Café is here to help you raise a healthy and happy pet so you can enjoy life together for a very long time.  Our all natural pet food, all natural pet supplies, and training tips will ensure your dog or cat has the best life possible. 

 


 

It is not too late!   Decide today to “make the switch” to all natural dog food, all natural cat food, and all natural pet supplies.  Your pet deserves the best and Pet Food Café provides the best!

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Poisonous Plants to keep OUT of Reach of Pets

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

If you are bringing plants in or always have plants around the house, it is important to know which plants to keep out of reach of pets.  Plants can be poisonous to pets and pets tend to LOVE to eat plants.  While plants are all natural, they can be dangerous to your pets.  Remember that even if you keep your plants up high, cats can still get to them. 

 
Know which plants are poisonous to your pets and prevent a tragedy.  Here is a list of the most poisonous plants that many people may not know can be fatal to your pets.  In some of these plants, there could be only parts that are harmful to your pets such as the bark, leaves, berries, roots, etc.  However, the entire plant has been listed here as dangerous. 

 

• Almond, Amaryllis, Angel’s Trumpet, Apple Seeds, Apricot, Arrowhead Fern, Asparagus Fern
• Autumn Crocus, Avocado, Azalea,
• Baby’s Breath, Balsam Pear, Beech, Belladonna, Bird of Paradise, Bittersweet Woody, Black Locust
• Boston Ivy, Boxwood, Buckeye, Buttercup
• Cactus,Caladium, Calla Lily, Castor Bean, Cherry, China Berry, Chinese Evergreen, Christmas Trees
• Chrysanthemum, Coral Plant, Coriaria, Creeping Charlie, Creeping Fig, Crown of Thorns
• Daffodil, Daisy, Datura, Day Lily, Delphinium, Dieffenbachia
• Easter Lily, Elderberry, Elephant Ears,English Ivy
• Foxglove
• Geranium, Golden Chain, Ground Cherry
• Hibiscus, Holly, Honeysuckle, Hyacinth, Hydrangea
• Impatiens, Indian Rubber Plant, Iris, Ivy
• Jack in the Pulpit, Japanese Yew, Jasmine, Jerusalem Cherry
• Kalanchoe
• Larkspur, Laurel, Lily of the Valley
• Majesty, Malanga, Mistletoe, Morning Glory, Mushroom

 

Protect your pets from these poisonous and common plants. 

 

Pet Food Café is here to help you raise a healthy and happy pet so you can enjoy life together for a very long time.  Our all natural pet food, all natural pet supplies, and training tips will ensure your dog or cat has the best life possible. 

 

 


 

 

It is not too late!   Decide today to “make the switch” to all natural dog food or all natural cat food.  Your pet deserves the best and Pet Food Café provides the best!

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Posted in Cats, Dogs | 2 Comments »

Protect your Pets from Pesky Insects

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Weather you have an inside dog or cat or an outside dog or cat, your furry loved one is bound to attract some of those unwanted pests, such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.  Go all natural with an all natural insect/tick repellent to keep your dog from having to deal with those pesky pests crawling all over their body, and ultimately inside your home.

 
This recipe was recommended by CJ Puotinen, contributing editor for Taste for Life and the author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care. 

 

20 drops rose geranium, palmarosa, or myrrh oil
3 drops citronella oil
3 drops rosemary or lavender oil
3 drops clove oil
1 tbsp bay rum or bay tincture (alcohol base)
1 tbsp black walnut hull tincture (alcohol base)

 

Mix these together and add one cup of water, Aloe Vera gel OR add a combination of both.  The different oils play a different part in this all natural insect repellent.  Rose geranium, palmarosa, or myrrh oil helps to repel ticks.  Citronella repels mosquitoes.  Black walnut helps to repel flies and fleas.  Rosemary, as well as lavender and clove are an all purpose insect repellent.

 

Why subject your loveable furry friend to poisons when you can give them an all natural repellent that will not harm them in the process?  It is worth a try!

 

 

Pet Food Café is here to help you raise a healthy and happy pet so you can enjoy life together for a very long time.  Our all natural pet food, all natural pet supplies, and training tips will ensure your dog or cat has the best life possible. 
 

 

It is not too late!   Decide today to “make the switch” to all natural dog food or all natural cat food.  Your pet deserves the best and Pet Food Café provides the best!

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Posted in Cats, Dogs | No Comments »

Teaching the Outside Dog Manners for the Inside

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

It is getting that time of year when the weather will be hitting below freezing and your loveable pet will not be enjoying the outdoors as much.  For those of you who keep your dog outdoors as a gesture of love because they love to be outdoors or for the people who simply feel a dog belongs outdoors, it is safe to say that your dog’s safety is in jeopardy if you leave him out in the freezing cold weather.  There is a time to keep him out and a time to bring him in.

 

The problem is that when you have him outside for so long, he may not remember the “rules of the house”.  You may need to do a refresher dog behavior training session.  They simply forget their dog manners.  They are likely so excited to be indoors now that it is cold, they go crazy!  Do not let this frustrate you.  Some common things you may run into are housebreaking accidents, chewing, etc.  This is because they have not had to hold it while they were outside nor can they distinguish the difference between a remote control and stick. 

 

Some dog obedience commands you should begin right away are:  sit, down, stay, no, and good dog.  These are simple and can be learned quickly by your dog. With just a little bit of effort, you will be on your way to enjoying the time you spend with your dog during the cold winter months.

 

 

Pet Food Café is here to help you raise a healthy and happy pet so you can enjoy life together for a very long time.  Our all natural pet food, all natural pet supplies, and training tips will ensure your dog or cat has the best life possible.  

 
 

 

 

It is not too late!   Decide today to “make the switch” to all natural dog food or all natural cat food.  Your pet deserves the best and Pet Food Café provides the best!

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Become the Alpha Dog in your Home

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

You have likely heard the statement, “Dogs are pack animals”.  This has been a widely known fact for hundreds of years.  While we know that dogs are pack animals, it is sometimes forgotten.  Although they are becoming a part of your family, it is still hard on the dog when they leave their litter.  It can also be confusing to the dog because he will not know who will be the alpha dog.  You will need to establish a strong alpha dog presence right away.  Otherwise, you will be fighting your dog for the position of alpha leader in your home!

 

 

How can you gain the respect of being the alpha dog?  It is not a hard concept.  Through dog obedience training a lot of patience and love, you will respectfully gain this position and the love of your dog.   Believe it or not, your dog would rather be able to relax and be a family pet rather than have to take on such a huge responsibility of alpha dog.

 

Here are some things you can do to help your dog accept you as the alpha dog:

Set a schedule and stick to it

Walk through doorways ahead of your dog

Practice basic dog obedience commands daily

Do not let your dog pull you when you walk

Keep him off of the furniture

Do not let him make up the rules (like barking to get you to do something) 

 

 

You can come up with some other rules for your family, as well.  The point is that your dog must be aware of who is boss.  Dog obedience training will help you tremendously in this aspect.

 
Pet Food Café is here to help you raise a healthy and happy pet so you can enjoy life together for a very long time.  Our all natural pet food, all natural pet supplies, and training tips will ensure your dog or cat has the best life possible. 

 


 

It is not too late!   Decide today to “make the switch” to all natural dog food or all natural cat food.  Your pet deserves the best and Pet Food Café provides the best!

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Why Bother with Dog Training?

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Dog training is an important part to your dog’s life.  Without proper dog obedience training, your dog will be in for a very frustrating, sad life.  Why?  This is because if you do not take the time to train your dog how to follow basic commands, your dog will never learn how to survive in your home without causing serious frustrations to you and your family.  Let’s face it.  If you are not happy, then your dog will not be happy. 

 

 
Dog training is critical to your dog’s happiness and health.  Teaching your dog basic dog obedience commands, such as sit, stay, and come could be a matter of life or death.  Let’s say you are outside and your dog decides to start running right into the street.  If he is not familiar with the come command, he will be completely oblivious and run right into a car.  Or, let’s say there is a group of kids walking on the sidewalk and your dog is not used to seeing strangers, if your dog is not familiar with basic dog obedience commands, then he may nip at one of the kids.  This then turns into a safety and legal matter. 

 
Take the time to teach your dog basic commands.  It is not a punishment.  It is like teaching your child not to put their fingers in an electric outlet.  Teaching basic dog obedience is essential for your dog to live a happy and healthy life.

 
Pet Food Café is here to help you raise a healthy and happy pet so you can enjoy life together for a very long time.  Our all natural pet food, all natural pet supplies, and training tips will ensure your dog or cat has the best life possible. 

 

 

It is not too late!   Decide today to “make the switch” to all natural dog food or all natural cat food.  Your pet deserves the best and Pet Food Café provides the best!

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Life Changing Dog Training Technique Many People Overlook: Dog Socialization

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Many people understand the importance of dog obedience training, but they are not aware that dog socialization is a very important aspect to dog behavior training.  This is especially true for dogs that are secluded, such as dogs that live in the country and are not subjected to different situations, such as strangers coming into the yard.   This could lead to a very scary situation for a dog that has not been subjected to other people, and a very dangerous situation for the people coming into the yard.

 

You must get your dog out and about.  Get him used to being around different situations, such as kids running around and people coming up to talk to you, etc.  It is best to start early, but it is never too late.  When you take your dog out, it is important to train him how to handle these situations correctly.   Make sure you do not pet your dog when he is afraid.  This will be confusing to him, as petting is associated with praising.  You do not want to praise him in this instance, as your dog may take this as a sign of reinforcement that he is handling the situation right.  When your dog is afraid, you need to redirect his behavior to a more relaxed activity, such as playing ball or giving him a command he is familiar with.  Once he is playing in this new surrounding, it is okay to praise him.  Some other ideas for dog socialization is:  attending a group class, going to more dog related events, taking him to a dog park, taking him into the front yard to play, etc.

 

Pet Food Café is here to help you raise a healthy and happy pet so you can enjoy life together for a very long time.  Our all natural pet food, all natural pet supplies, and training tips will ensure your dog or cat has the best life possible. 

 
It is not too late!   Decide today to “make the switch” to all natural dog food or all natural cat food.  Your pet deserves the best and Pet Food Café provides the best!

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Benefits to All Natural Dog Food

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

If you want to have your dog around for as long as possible, consider feeding your dog healthy dog food that is all natural.  Your dog will benefit greatly from the vitamins, minerals, and Omegas that are found in holistic dog foods.  Super premium dog foods, such as Life’s Abundance and Flint River Ranch, are excellent and can be found in many pet stores, as well as online.

 
How can your dog benefit from healthy dog food?   The number one benefit is good health resulting in a longer, healthier, and happier life.  Diseases are not random.  They generally can be traced to poor diet with not enough essential nutrients.  When you choose all natural dog food for your dog, you are helping to eliminate digestive problems because you are increasing your dog’s ability to absorb vital minerals and vitamins.  You will also be eliminating the common allergy in dog’s to wheat and other additives that are not found in an all natural diet.

 

All natural dog food also can help to curb unwanted behavior that can actually stem from inadequate nutrition.  It can also improve your dog’s coat, skin, and can help to strengthen the immune system.   This is an excellent way to help your dog fight against many harmful organisms that your dog can encounter every day. 

 

The best way to protect your dog is to make sure he gets complete nutrition.  All natural dog food is the best route to go to improve and maintain a healthy, long life.

 

Pet Food Café is here to help you raise a healthy and happy pet so you can enjoy life together for a very long time.  Our all natural pet food, all natural pet supplies, and training tips will ensure your dog or cat has the best life possible. 

 

 

 

It is not too late!   Decide today to “make the switch” to all natural dog food or all natural cat food.  Your pet deserves the best and Pet Food Café provides the best!

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All Natural Doggie Stew: Perfect for the Upcoming Cold Months

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Have you made the switch to all natural dog food and want to give your dog a special meal?  While there is a variety of premium pet foods that are excellent all natural dog foods, such as:  Flint River Ranch and Life’s Abundance, it is still fun to create a homemade healthy dog food as an added treat.

 
Chicken Stew

 

Ingredients: 

• Whole Chicken
• Chopped Carrots
• Sweet potato
• Zucchini
• Yellow squash
• Green beans
• Cooked brown rice
• Water

 

Simple Instructions:

 

 

Boil chicken until done.  Add all ingredients to a big pot.  Add enough water to cover all ingredients.  Bring to a boil.  Simmer for another hour.  Add in cooked brown rice. 

 
Beef Stew

 

 

Ingredients:
 

• 2lbs lean ground beef
• 11 cups water
• Chopped carrots
• Yam diced
• 1 cup frozen breen bean
• 1 cup brown rice
• ½ cup whole wheat macaroni
• ½ cup pearl barley
• ½ cup mixed wild rice
• ¼ cup cornmeal
• ¼ cup wheat germ
• ¼ cup natural bran

 

 

Simple Instructions:

 

1. Brown ground beef
2. Add all other ingredients.
3. Bring to boil and simmer for 45 minutes.
4. Thickens when cool
5. Place into baggies into individual portions

 

Be sure to do your research on the vegetables you give your dog.  Not all veggies are good for dogs. Your dog will love you even more when you give him that wonderful tasty stew. 

 

Pet Food Café is here to help you raise a healthy and happy pet so you can enjoy life together for a very long time.  Our all natural pet food, all natural pet supplies, and training tips will ensure your dog or cat has the best life possible. 
 

 

It is not too late!   Decide today to “make the switch” to all natural dog food or all natural cat food.  Your pet deserves the best and Pet Food Café provides the best!

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Posted in All Natural Pet Food, Dogs | No Comments »

Homemade Dog Treats – Made from the Heart

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

There are many reasons why people turn to all natural dog treats.  Whether your dog has allergies to specific ingredients in the store brand dog treats, or you simply do not like the ingredients found in store brand dog treats and dog food, you cannot go wrong with these tasty natural dog treats!  Your dog will feel extra special when you give him one of these tasty natural dog treats.

 

Frozen Dog Treats

 

These treats can be made in an ice cube tray.  These are perfect for hot, summer days!

 

Ingredients:


• 1 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 ripe banana
• 16 ounces plain yogurt

 

Directions:

 

1. Mix peanut butter, honey, and fruit together until they are well blended.
2. Add the fruit mixture to the yogurt.  Mix well.
3. Pour mixture into ice cube trays.
4. Once they are frozen, take them out and give to your dog.

 

The great thing about these is they will stay good as long as you keep them frozen.

 

Banana Carrot Muffin Dog Treats
 

Ingredients:


• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 cups regular flour
• 2 carrots
• 2 3/4 cups water
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 banana (overripe and mashed up)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon nutmeg

 

Directions:

 

• Shred carrots. 
• Mix all wet ingredients together in a bowl.
• Add in mashed banana.  Mix together.
• In a different bowl, combine the dry ingredients. 
• Add in the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix
• Spray Non-stick cooking oil on a 12 muffin pan. 
• Fill each section ¾ full.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to one hour.  After 40 minutes, check to see if they are done by putting a toothpick or fork in the center of the muffin.  If it is wet, continue baking. 

 

These are only two of many natural recipes you will find when you visit the Pet Food Café Blog!  We will continue to sprinkle natural dog treat recipes, as well as natural cat treat recipes throughout the coming blogs! 

 

Doggies enjoy!

 
Pet Food Café is here to help you raise a healthy and happy pet so you can enjoy life together for a very long time.  Our all natural pet food, all natural pet supplies, and training tips will ensure your dog or cat has the best life possible. 

 
 

 

It is not too late!   Decide today to “make the switch” to all natural dog food or all natural cat food.  Your pet deserves the best and Pet Food Café provides the best!

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Posted in All Natural Pet Food, Dogs | No Comments »