Holiday Gift Guide - Review: Crazy Curly Beef Chew by Bravo!

Bravo offers a variety of all-natural chews so parents can provide their pets with a safe, healthy, grain free treat. A “good chew” helps keep your pet’s teeth clean, helps promote gum strength and reduce stress. For your complete peace of mind, these dry-roasted chews are USA sourced and made.

NEW Bravo Crazy Curly Chew Beef Bully Sticks for dogs

NEW Bravo Dry-Roasted Pork Rolls for dogs

Bravo Dry Roasted All-Natural Bully Sticks for dogs

Bravo Dry Roasted Beef Trachea for dogs

Bravo Bonus Bites® Dry Roasted Duck Feet treats for dogs

Why feed a raw food diet?

More and more animal health and training professionals are advocating a second look at what we feed our dogs and cats, and caring pet parents are taking notice. 

There is emerging evidence that dogs and cats are healthier when fed a raw, natural diet, because that’s what their ancestors craved and thrived on. Dogs and cats are essentially carnivores. In the wild, their perfect meal would consist of fresh, raw meat, some uncooked bones, some raw organ meats and green vegetation.

There is also a growing belief that commercial pet foods cannot supply all the nutrients dogs and cats need to thrive. Pet parents tell us that switching their dog or cat with a health issue to a raw diet has helped improve their conditions. Those with healthy pets feel that feeding raw food has helped them avoid some of the illnesses that are becoming common in our companion animals.

Regardless of the starting point for your pet, a high quality raw diet can help promote a long and healthy life. For the full story, you’re invited to read Beginnings, an informative booklet available exclusively from Bravo. To download a free copy, click here.

Bravo is a family-owned business located in Manchester, Connecticut. Our parent company has been providing high quality meats to fine dining establishments throughout New England since 1942. Leveraging our expertise, we pioneered the raw pet food category by introducing our Bravo Blends line in 2002. So you might say our focus on super-premium nutrition runs in the family.

Today, Bravo offers over 125 different products for dogs and cats. All are made from the finest, most nutritious ingredients such as antibiotic-free poultry, responsibly harvested fish and select cuts of meat. And you can rest assured that our multi-step process meets strict food safety guidelines while keeping our food as close to natural as possible.

As our pet parent fan club continues to grow, our commitment to quality and purity will remain the simple idea at the heart of every Bravo product. Because we firmly believe in giving pets the best so they can be at their best. That’s what our make good happen™ slogan is all about.

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Purchase Bravo pet food products at a retailer near you, or at online retailers such as Amazon. 

Our Thoughts

We've been raw feeding our dogs for about 7 years now and I'm always on the lookout for good, natural chews and treats. Our dog, Bella, is a chewer.  I'm always happy to give her beef tracheas, bully sticks, cow ears, etc.

Bravo sent me one of their NEW Bravo Crazy Curly Chew Beef Bully Sticks for dogs.  

A beef bully stick is, quite simply, a beef pizzle (aka the dried penis of a bull). It's a fantastic chew treat for any dog.  Bravo's curly chews are approximately 5 - 7" long and are nice and fresh; a good quality chew.  Sometimes these types of chews have their own scent (which can be mild to overwhelming!) but Bravo's chews have been scent-free in my experience.

As soon as I opened the package, Bella was RIGHT THERE. She knew what that package contained!

Please mom . . . 

I did make her work for her treat by running her thru a bunch of commands, including "sit" and "wait".  And yes, there was some drool involved. LOL. 

Bella is more comfortable in the safety of her kennel with a prized chew treat, where it only took her about 10-15 minutes to completely demolish and devour her curly bully stick. When she was a small puppy (rather than a 70lb dog!) bully sticks of this size could keep her occupied for a good long time.  Generally speaking, the bigger the dog, the faster they chow this thing down. I do notice Bella has a bigger need to chew when she's feeling anxious about something. Squirrels get her all riled up, so giving her some quiet time with a bully stick is a nice break from her chasing from window to window.

As a raw feeder, I appreciate all of the information on Bravo's website regarding raw feeding, and especially the max percentages listed for the treats & chews.  Raw feeding relies on getting your pet the correct percentages of a variety of raw foods so your pet gets the correct nutrition they need.  Thanks, Bravo!

Review: Evanger's Dog Treats

 Choice of Champions since 1935

All Evanger’s foods are made with completely human-grade, highly palatable and nutritious foods that will satisfy even the most finicky eater. With no soy, corn, wheat, artificial ingredients, harmful additives, preservatives or by-products, Evanger’s canned meals make an excellent mixer to our dry foods. Not only do they offer your pet a variety in taste, our gourmet dinners offer the additional nutritional benefits your pet needs. Natural Vitamins and minerals are blended with the all-natural meats for ultimate nutrition that are completely balanced meals for all life stages, ages, and breeds.

Our Hand Packed Edition is a monumental improvement in canned dog and cat foods. We have taken our extraordinary product and made it even better by filling each can individually with one pair of hands, instead of machines. The benefit of this process is that you, the consumer, can actually see the quality ingredients in its original form; whole, pure meats and fresh vegetables without any additives or by products. Your pets will think they are being treated like kings and queens!

Since the 2003 addition of the Hand Packed foods, Evanger’s family of foods has expanded to include the following groups of exceptional foods and treats:

Signature Series Cuts & Gravy
Hand Packed Dinners & Supplements
Gold Line Dinners & Supplements
Grain-Free Game Meat Supplements
Classic Line Dinners & Supplements
Dry Dog & Cat Diets
Nothing But Natural Treats in Semi-Moist Jerky and Freeze Dried Varieties

Evanger’s cans are packed with natural, raw ingredients in their own natural juices. The ingredients are then cooked entirely inside the sealed can to lock in the nutrients and flavor of each variety. This process assures both wholesome nutrition for long life and good health, plus the great taste your dog and cat will love. Naturally the best!

About
Since 1935, Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company, Inc. has been the finest natural pet food company in the United States. Our founder, Fred Evanger, bred, exhibited, and championed his Great Danes in international kennel clubs. He was a fervent believer that his dogs’ health and the health of their offspring were dependent on wholesome, nutritious food, and strongly advocated that this was the key to his success in the show ring. Mr. Evanger built a canning factory at his kennels so that he could make a quality pet food, free of harmful additives or preservatives;, that was superior enough for his champions. Over 76 years later, we know that Fred Evanger was a man ahead of his time.

What the Professionals Have Known for 75 Years!
There is no question that Fred Evanger accomplished his objective back in 1935. Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Co. grew into a regional, then national, success story as word of the quality ingredients and manufacturing processes spread to breeders of show and sports dogs, veterinarians, boarding kennels, and feed stores. Evanger’s has always supported the independent marketplace and you can find our quality pet foods in independent pet food retailers close to you; just click on our store locator!

Seventy-six years later, Evanger’s expanded pet food line is manufactured on the original site, following the same tradition of uncompromising quality in delicious meals for dogs and cats. Evanger’s remains a family-owned and operated company and continues to be as innovative today as Mr. Evanger was when he first started making pet food. In 2003, Evanger’s was the first pet food company to create a food that was packed by hand instead of machine by putting whole pieces of fresh meat and vegetables into the cans. This innovative process started another new trend in pet food, and we call it, “People Food for Pets™.”

Visit Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company, Inc. on social media & their blog:
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evangersdogfood.blogspot.com


Our Thoughts
We've been raw-feeding our pets for several years and our new puppy is no exception. I'm always on the lookout for good, quality, wholesome treats I can use for training.  Bella, our newest addition, is now 6 months old and full of sass.  She's extraordinarily cute, too, but I might be a little biased there! 

Evanger’s generously sent me their Buffalo jerky treats, Venison jerky treats, and their freeze dried beef tripe for Bella to try out.

We tried out the jerky treats first.  Oh boy, that went over well!  Bella LOVES these treats!  She is still learning quite a bit at only 6 months old, so these are working well as training treats. 

The ingredient list is pretty simple, too, which is important to me.  I refuse to feed my dog anything with corn, soy, or wheat, as well as artificial colors or flavors.  We've had dogs with food allergies to corn and wheat, as well as a variety of other foods so we're always careful about what they eat.  

Evanger’s jerky treats are grain free.  The only ingredient in the jerky treats I have to be careful of is potato flour - not because my dog is allergic, but my son is highly sensitive to nightshade foods (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers - sweet and hot, paprika, eggplant, ground cherries, goji berries, etc.) - myself less so, but even so I still take great care to utilize these treats after my son is in bed for the night and wash my hands thoroughly after coming in contact with them - which is always a good idea anyway when you're raw feeding! :)

Next up was the beef tripe - whooooooo let me tell ya that's got a smell to it!  LOL!!  But that's to be expected considering what it is. Tripe is not for the faint of heart (or stomach!) Especially green tripe.  Phew!  You'll definitely want to wash your hands thoroughly after touching them, but again, you should do that anyway. ;-)

While yes, beef tripe does smell quite  . . . well, pleasant to a dog! it's one of my favorite treats for Bella.  Why?  Because it's just that, tripe.  Nothing else.  Tripe is quite simply the nutrient rich lining of the stomach of a ruminant animal (such as a cow). Tripe for human consumption has typically been scalded and bleached, but green tripe is minimally processed.

Freeze dried tripe makes for an ideal crunchy treat for my dog - she takes a little more time to gnaw on it rather than gulping it whole like a small treat.

The look she's giving me here was quite plainly, stop making me pose for this  photo and give me the tripe already, pul-leeeeease!!!  

You get quite a lot of treat pieces in the containers, and I find the prices of them to be quite reasonable. Thanks Evanger’s, for caring so much about our pets and their dietary health! Highly recommended!

Zuke's skinny bakes and jerky! Give your dog a healthy treat.

Zuke’s® Delivers Real Meat Goodness with New Genuine Jerky Steaks™

Savory slices of New Zealand beef with healthy veggies to fuel your biggest adventures

Zuke’s®, a natural pet treat company leading the way in pet nutrition, is expanding their protein packed Genuine Jerky™ treat line to include a bigger, meatier version with extra vitamins and minerals that has all of the same wholesome qualities with even more nutritional power.  Zuke’s® Genuine Jerky Steaks™ are savory slices of 100% grass-fed New Zealand beef with visible vegetable inclusions that deliver protein, vitamins and minerals to fuel dogs’ biggest adventures.

Made with real, wholesome ingredients you can recognize, Zuke’s® Genuine Jerky Steaks™ bring real-meat fuel to treat time.   Each thick slice starts with pure New Zealand beef rich in omega-3’s, and is combined with generous visible chunks of carrots, potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra vitamins and minerals.   Naturally preserved without the use of added nitrates or nitrites, Genuine Jerky Steaks™ are also completely free of grains, artificial flavors or colors. With its very limited and clean ingredient list, this naturally nutritious treat is one that dogs will totally crave.

“All of our recipes are made with whole food and nutritious, natural ingredients,” says Zuke’s® Director of Innovation, Chris Meiering. “The real meat and visible vegetable inclusions in these innovative jerky steaks provide the protein and extra nutrition that dogs need to fuel their biggest adventures.” 

Providing pet parents with a simple-recipe jerky made with real New Zealand beef, Zuke’s® new Genuine Jerky Steaks™ will be available in September 2015 at pet-supply chains, independent pet-product stores, natural-food retailers, and online for an MSRP of $12.99. Genuine Jerky Steaks™ come in beef & carrot, beef & potato, and beef & sweet potato recipes. 

AND

Zuke’s® Launches New Low-Calorie Skinny Bakes® Treats Line

2, 5 and 20-Calorie Varieties Added to Guilt-Free Crunchy Treat Lineup 

Zuke’s^®, a natural pet treat company leading the way in pet nutrition, has expanded its lineup of crunchy 10-calorie Skinny Bakes® treats to include more low-calorie options with new 2, 5 and 20-calorie count varieties. The perfect reward for a healthy dog looking to stay lean or for those wanting to get fit, Skinny Bakes® are made in the USA from natural, whole food ingredients that provide high-quality nutrition. The absence of wheat, corn and soy also makes this treat a good fit for dogs with common allergies.

The obesity epidemic is not just affecting people, our pups’ waistlines and health are suffering as well. According to the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention, more than half the dogs in the U.S. are overweight, and one out of five is obese. Similar to how obesity impacts humans, excess weight on pets can result in a host of health problems, from an increased risk of osteoarthritis, joint problems, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, to high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, kidney disease, and some cancers. It can even decrease an animal's life expectancy by up to 2.5 years.

“With dog weight management an increasing concern, we saw the need for a treat that would set the bar at an even lower calorie count, while keeping nutrition and taste high. Adding to our lineup of Skinny Bakes® is the perfect platform for us to provide pet parents a treat that they can feel good about giving while keeping their dog healthy and active,” shared Zuke’s^® Director of Innovation Chris Meiering.

The complete lineup includes:

·         Skinny Bakes® 2’s: Featuring the goodness of yogurt, brown rice, pearled barley, and rice bran baked into every treat, Skinny Bakes® 2’s provide a tiny calorie count that is ideal for toy breeds, training puppies, or larger dogs. Recipes include: yogurt & vanilla, yogurt & honey, and yogurt & maple syrup.

·         Skinny Bakes® 5’s: Made with scrumptious peanut butter, tasty fruit, rolled oats, pearled barley and rice bran, Skinny Bakes® 5’s are the perfect size and low-calorie count to reward small and large dogs alike while keeping them happy and lean. Recipes include: peanut butter & blueberries, peanut butter & apples, and peanut butter & cranberry.

·         Skinny Bakes® 10’s (the original!): Featuring yummy fruits or vegetables combined with wholesome oatmeal, barley and rice bran, Skinny Bakes® 10’s are the perfect treat for medium-sized dogs looking to stay lean or for pups with a little extra around the waistline. Recipes include: cherry & berry, peanut butter & banana, and pumpkin & sweet potato.

·         Skinny Bakes® 20’s: Made with coconut, antioxidant-rich power berries, brown rice, pearled barley, and rice bran, Skinny Bakes® 20’s are larger treats designed for bigger dogs. Recipes include: coconut & açaí+cranberry, coconut & aronia+cranberry and coconut & pomegranate.

Skinny Bakes® are set to put the kibosh on junky, unhealthy biscuits for dogs. Zuke’s® recommends that pet parents give these treats to their four-legged friends when exploring outside or sharing quality time together. Each crunchy treat can easily break in half to provide twice as many rewards.

Zuke’s^® new Skinny Bakes® varieties will be available in late summer 2015 across the country at pet-supply chains, independent pet-product stores, natural-food retailers, and online for an MSRP of $6.99.

Connect with Zuke's

Website - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest.

My Thoughts

I don't know who was more excited to get the Zuke's treats, me or my dog! I have a labrador and she has a few food allergies. I have to be careful what I give her. Zuke's was a perfect treat for her. Usually jerky is made from chicken, a meat that doesn't react well with her stomach. She LOVED the beef jerky. I was tempted to try it myself. The smell of it was delicious and made my own mouth water. Reading the ingredients, it was probably something I could eat if I wanted.

We also got to try some of their lean skinny bakes. I liked that they were low-calorie. I don't give my dog a lot of treats, so calories don't worry me. However, my parents have a small chihuahua they love giving treats too. He got to try the toy size and small treats. He gave his approval too.

Zuke's treats are a treat you can give your dog and feel good about it. You're not giving your pet a bunch of fillers, instead you're giving your loved one all natural and a nutritious snack.

Whimzee's dog treats - a stocking stuffer for your pet's teeth.

Whimzee's Dog Chews

A company of dog-lovers, people-lovers and Earth-lovers. They're obsessed with bringing only the best, healthiest and most-fun dog products to the world. And they do it in a sustainable, socially-responsible way.

Connect with Whimzee's Dog Chews

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhimzeesDogChews/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/whimzeesdogchew

Instagram: https://instagram.com/whimzeesdogchew/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/whimzeesdogchew/

My Thoughts

When these arrived, I thought they were adorable little hedge hog looking chews. I have a large dog, so 4 came in the bag. Upon inspecting, they were large and hard. It wouldn't be easy to break apart, and I felt like it would take my dog a little while to eat. I wasn't 100% sure if this was meant to be a snack to the dog, or if it would last a few days.

When first giving to my lab, she carried it around, but then left it alone. I'd bring it back to her and give it to her, but she honestly wasn't very interested in it. At least while I was around. I discovered that she ate it while I was away for a few hours. She has anxieties and usually chews on one of her toys while I am away--thankfully nothing she isn't supposed to.

I gave her another one, and the same thing seemed to happen. She was disinterested when home, but when I was gone, she'd eat it. So I can't report how long it took her to break it apart and enjoy.

The ingredients in the Whimzee's treats let me feel safe with what I was giving her. There wasn't anything questionable in it. With all the ridges and grooves, I'm sure it was able to get some of the plaque off the dogs teeth. Over all, I was pleased with these and would continue to get them for her.

Splash Into Summer with Chewy

This month, Chewy has rolled out a whole new lineup of treats that will keep your gets happy all summer long. Whether you want to keep their teeth shiny or indulge in a game of tug 'o war, they have what you're looking pup.

It so nice to find a dental chew that is made with natural ingredients. These tasty treats are a combination of pumpkin, chicken meat, and papaya. They not only keep your dog's smile bright, they also freshen their breath.

 I have a Golden Retriever and the size was just right for her. She is an older dog, but had no issues chewing them.  They smell like human jerky when you open the bag, and my girl gobbled them right up. They are also grain free, and come in a nice resealable bag.

Another item that pets are sure to love is the KONG Squeezz Ball with Handle Dog Toy. There are several of these toys available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The rope of this toy is really sturdy. Normally, my dog will chew through the rope in a day, but we've had it a week and it's still in great condition. There is a thick ring with a squeaker that the dog will love to carry and chew, and a handle on the other end that makes it easier to play a round of Tug 'o War. The toy is just the right size for my Golden Retriever, but its small enough for medium-sized dogs as well. 

 
Of course, these are only one examples of the new treats available at Chewy.com. Here are a few  more items on our wish list.

Chewy has everything you need for your pets including food, liter, treats, bones, flea prevention and so much more, and all for prices well below resale. Plus, shipping is free on all orders over $49. To see all they have to offer, be sure to visit their website or follow them via social media. If you have a pet, you can make their life and yours more convenient, by shopping online with  Chewy today.

Connect with Chewy

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