Dog Blog - Dog Information and Dog News

Lucky Dog Cuisine Offers a New Healthy Food Option for Your Dog - Turkey 'n Taters Includes Turkey, Pumpkin, Yogurt and More

Lucky Dog Cuisine has a new recipe! Turkey 'N Taters is Lucky Dog's grain free alternative. While Lucky Dog Cuisine believes that dogs benefit from grains, they also understand that there are some dogs that have a true grain allergy. For those special dogs they present Turkey 'n Taters.

Turkey 'N Taters is a blend of turkey, roast potatoes, yogurt, pumpkin, spinach, peas, carrots, olive oil, rosemary, garlic, sea salt and love. Even if your dog doesn't need a grain free alternative, they will still love to have Turkey 'n Taters join their rotation of Lucky Dog recipes. Read more about Lucky Dog Cuisine on their DogFriendlyCompanies.com bio page.

Lucky Dog Cuisine Founder Shares Insights on Garlic for Dogs, Weighs Controversy Vs. Benefits of This Powerful Health Food

Healthy Natural Dog Food: Part 3 Garlic and Your Dog
by Dr. Janice Elenbaas, founder of Lucky Dog Cuisine

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Ah, garlic!  As a woman who loves to cook and to eat, I am thrilled to learn about all the wonderful health benefits of my favorite seasoning.  I cook for all the members of my family and that includes our furry babies.  My dogs eat a healthy, cooked, natural human grade dog food that I prepare.

Garlic has been used for centuries as a blood tonic.  There has recently been controversy over feeding dogs garlic.  Too much can cause a disease called hemolytic anemia.  Too much means 50 cloves at one time – that is too much for anyone!  Conservative use of one or 2 cloves per 50lb dog a few times a week has so many benefits.  Now even the AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) recognizes garlic as safe.  The AAFCO is responsible for monitoring the safety of animal feed products and gathers information from professional toxicologists from all over the United States.

Let’s look at some of the amazing natural health benefits of garlic. It has effects on many organ systems. For the skin, it makes its way through sweat glands and pores.  Insects are 10,000 times more sensitive to its smell, making garlic an effective natural deterrent against ticks, fleas and mosquitoes.  Imagine, no fleas for your dog just by feeding human grade dog food containing garlic. For the stomach, garlic triggers gastric juices for better digestion and promotes the growth of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract.  It also has the ability to help regulate blood sugar and reduces cholesterol and triglycerides while purifying the liver by helping with detoxification. Garlic also contains the powerful antioxidant, selenium.  Selenium activates enzymes, which protect against cancer.  Cancer is the leading cause of non-accidental deaths in dogs.  The National Cancer Institute has found garlic to be effective in slowing the growth of cancer cells.

In summary, we can see that garlic stimulates immunity. It has antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antiviral properties. It also aids in digestion and detoxification

The power of nature is seen again in the wonderful effects of garlic.  The best way to receive these benefits is through eating a diet rich in whole, natural, unprocessed foods.  Dogs, like people live longer when fed human grade dog foods that contain vitamins, minerals and real ingredients like natural garlic.  It is a simple thing to do to add to the health and vitality of your canine family!  And it tastes great too!

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Dr. Janice Elenbaas DC has had a long and successful career as a Chiropractor to both humans and animals. As the first woman recognized to adjust animals in Canada and a founding member of the first Ontario Veterinarian Chiropractic Association she is passionate about our animals’ health. With four years of Nutritional Studies coupled with a natural approach to health care and a lifelong love of animals it was only natural that Dr. Elenbaas founded Lucky Dog Cuisine Inc. A company dedicated to providing All American, all natural, “Human Grade”, cooked meals for dogs.

Read more about Dr. Elenbaas and Lucky Dog Cuisine.

Healthy Natural Dog Food: Part 3 Garlic and Your Dog
by Dr. Janice Elenbaas, founder of Lucky Dog Cuisine

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Ah, garlic!  As a woman who loves to cook and to eat, I am thrilled to learn about all the wonderful health benefits of my favorite seasoning.  I cook for all the members of my family and that includes our furry babies.  My dogs eat a healthy, cooked, natural human grade dog food that I prepare.

Garlic has been used for centuries as a blood tonic.  There has recently been controversy over feeding dogs garlic.  Too much can cause a disease called hemolytic anemia.  Too much means 50 cloves at one time – that is too much for anyone!  Conservative use of one or 2 cloves per 50lb dog a few times a week has so many benefits.  Now even the AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) recognizes garlic as safe.  The AAFCO is responsible for monitoring the safety of animal feed products and gathers information from professional toxicologists from all over the United States.

Let’s look at some of the amazing natural health benefits of garlic. It has effects on many organ systems. For the skin, it makes its way through sweat glands and pores.  Insects are 10,000 times more sensitive to its smell, making garlic an effective natural deterrent against ticks, fleas and mosquitoes.  Imagine, no fleas for your dog just by feeding human grade dog food containing garlic. For the stomach, garlic triggers gastric juices for better digestion and promotes the growth of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract.  It also has the ability to help regulate blood sugar and reduces cholesterol and triglycerides while purifying the liver by helping with detoxification. Garlic also contains the powerful antioxidant, selenium.  Selenium activates enzymes, which protect against cancer.  Cancer is the leading cause of non-accidental deaths in dogs.  The National Cancer Institute has found garlic to be effective in slowing the growth of cancer cells.

In summary, we can see that garlic stimulates immunity. It has antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antiviral properties. It also aids in digestion and detoxification

The power of nature is seen again in the wonderful effects of garlic.  The best way to receive these benefits is through eating a diet rich in whole, natural, unprocessed foods.  Dogs, like people live longer when fed human grade dog foods that contain vitamins, minerals and real ingredients like natural garlic.  It is a simple thing to do to add to the health and vitality of your canine family!  And it tastes great too!

-----

Dr. Janice Elenbaas DC has had a long and successful career as a Chiropractor to both humans and animals. As the first woman recognized to adjust animals in Canada and a founding member of the first Ontario Veterinarian Chiropractic Association she is passionate about our animals’ health. With four years of Nutritional Studies coupled with a natural approach to health care and a lifelong love of animals it was only natural that Dr. Elenbaas founded Lucky Dog Cuisine Inc. A company dedicated to providing All American, all natural, “Human Grade”, cooked meals for dogs.

Read more about Dr. Elenbaas and Lucky Dog Cuisine.

Healthy Natural Dog Food and Signs of Good Nutrition - by Dr. Janice Elenbaas, Founder of Lucky Dog Cuisine

Healthy Natural Dog Food - Signs of Good Nutrition
by Dr. Janice Elenbaas, founder of Lucky Dog Cuisine

Good nutrition helps your dog resist infection and disease.  He/she will live longer and spend more quality time being your friend and companion.  Dogs need healthy, natural or organic human grade dog foods!

Let’s take a look at the various parts of the body that can give us a signal about the state of overall health.  The word ‘symptom’ is from the Greek word ‘signal’.  Symptoms are signs that the body is out of balance or attempting to heal.  We want to look at what symptoms mean, not try to suppress or cover them up.  Suppressing symptoms can prevent the body from healing. 

We will start by looking at the eyes.  Take a look at your dog’s lower eyelid.  The color here can indicate proper assimilation of iron and other minerals.  If they are white or light colored, there is poor assimilation.  The lids should be pink to red.

Gums are also indicators of the proper use of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.  If in poor condition, we will see loose teeth, bleeding, tarter build up, light color or white spots.  Good healthy gums show no bleeding when rubbed and firm teeth.  The gums should be dark in color.  Additionally, your dog should not have bad breath! Feeding a good diet of human grade dog food will help keep eyes and gums in good shape.

The skin is the largest organ in the body and is an amazing indicator of overall health.  Skin needs high quality protein, fatty acids and fluids.  Without these, we see dry, flaky areas, ‘hot spots’, recurring infections and susceptibility to parasites.  Good skin should be smooth and pliable. Try lifting your dog’s skin and watch how quickly it returns to shape.  It needs to be elastic and firm.

If your dog’s coat is dry, brittle and dull, it could mean his diet is filled with poor quality proteins and is deficient in fatty acids.  A healthy coat will be soft, glossy and bright with minimal shedding.   It is not normal for your dog’s fur to always come out in clumps!

Energy levels are a natural indicator of health.  Is your dog energetic or does he seem listless and tire easily?  Dogs that appear hyper or overly nervous may be suffering from a poor quality diet loaded with preservatives and toxins.

Human grade, unprocessed dog foods provide high quality vitamins and minerals that are readily absorbed by the body.  Remember we are what we eat!  Health always comes from the inside and is reflected out!

Dr. Janice Elenbaas - Always remember, Health comes from the inside out!
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Dr. Janice Elenbaas DC has had a long and successful career as a Chiropractor to both humans and animals. As the first woman recognized to adjust animals in Canada and a founding member of the first Ontario Veterinarian Chiropractic Association she is passionate about our animals’ health. With four years of Nutritional Studies coupled with a natural approach to health care and a lifelong love of animals it was only natural that Dr. Elenbaas founded Lucky Dog Cuisine Inc. A company dedicated to providing All American, all natural, “Human Grade”, cooked meals for dogs.

For more information or to contact Dr. Elenbaas please go to: www.luckydogcuisine.com

Bistro 17 - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Restaurant Welcomes Dogs On Patio, Offers Them Their Very Own Menu

We are happy to welcome Bistro 17 to our series of dog friendly websites. Bistro 17 is an upscale restaurant on Hilton Head Island. They allow dogs on the patio, and offer a full dog menu for people's four legged friends.

Bistro 17's Puppy Menu includes full meals with healthy ingredients like turkey, vegetables and brown rice. Puppy Menu items are provided by Lucky Dog Cuisine, owned by Dr. Janice Elenbaas, local business owner, chiropractor and dog lover.

While dogs are dining on their special meal out, dog parents can enjoy BBQ shrimp and potato cakes, chicken cordon bleu served with domestic mushrooms and thyme vinaigrette, or southern fave shrimp and grits.

A kids' menu includes grilled peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwiches, grilled cheese, sourdough french bread pizza and more.

Bistro 17 goes above and beyond the noble designation of "dog friendly." Along with welcoming dogs and offering a special menu just for dogs, owner Anna Buckingham donates regularly to charity. Throughout the year, she gives half the proceeds of Puppy Menu items to Best Friends Animal Society, a Utah sanctuary that takes in animals of all sizes and species.

In addition to donating money from the Puppy Menu item sales, Bistro 17 has also set up a Best Friends donation box at the restaurant.

Whether local or visiting the Hilton Head area, your palate, your heart and your dog are well served by visiting Bistro 17. Make sure to bring your appetite and your four legged best friends. Read more about Bistro 17, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Lucky Dog Cuisine Passes the Cori Test - This Homemade, Healthy Dog Food is Shipped Right To Your Door and Your Dog

By the editors of DogFriendlyCompanies.com

Less than 48 hours after my order was placed, a FedEx truck arrived in the driveway, and delivered the Lucky Dog Cuisine order I placed for my dog, Cori.

Packed inside a Styrofoam cooler with dry ice were blocks of this homemade, healthy dog food. With their quick delivery and effective packaging, I was I already impressed with Lucky Dog, even before I experienced the product itself. All items arrived fully frozen and intact; there was no question about whether there was partial thawing on the journey from South Carolina.

My only issue was which flavor to thaw first. Should I go with the Original Beef and Rice? Or maybe the Tail Waggin’ Turkey? I decided on the former, and stuck it in the fridge. The other packages were rehomed in the freezer for later use.

The next day, the Original Beef and Rice was thawed and we were ready to go. I cut open the bag, and transferred the food into a big bowl for storage. As I did so, I noticed that in contrast to many store bought dog food, the Lucky Dog ingredients were easily identifiable – vegetables, rice, and big chunks of beef (Angus, by the way) all announced themselves clearly, and I knew I was dealing with healthy, whole foods. I believe in eating well … Why shouldn’t I provide Cori with the same opportunity?

But as tempting as it was, I didn’t give Cori a big dose at once. As most dog parents know, incorporating new foods into a dog’s diet should be done with care and caution. One doesn’t want to abruptly replace a dog’s normal food with new food, lest our dogs experience tummy aches. No fun for anyone. Rather, it is wise to incorporate new foods slowly and in small amounts.

Dr. Janice Elenbaas, founder of Lucky Dog Cuisine, understands this. In the literature that arrived with the food, she outlines a suggested protocol, beginning with replacing a quarter of your dog’s meal with Lucky Dog. As I scooped out Cori’s first serving, she waited attentively, and promptly finished what I gave her. I thought to myself, “Yes, this product is Cori tested and Cori approved.”

I continue to incorporate Lucky Dog into Cori’s diet, giving her a few tablespoons with meals, and a tablespoon or so with a few ounces of water as an afternoon snack. Even though her regular dog food is holistic and top of the line, I feel good knowing that I am also feeding her whole foods, not just “dog food.”

I can’t say for sure, but I think that first night after Cori tried the Original Beef and Rice, I heard her whisper, “I’m a lucky dog… I’m a lucky dog....” in her sleep. Whether that is due to the fact that she is so well loved, or that she was happy with her new snacks, one will never know.

Dog Friendly Companies Across the United States - New Featured Dog Friendly Products Include Book, Booties, Medical Devices, Healthy Food

Here's October's summary of dog friendly companies featured on our websites. More to come in November! The below is listed by state.

California
Cherie Vergini - Pet psychic and intuitive based in CA - phone sessions available

Colorado
Just joined- OrthoPets - custom made prosthetic devices for handicapped or injured animals

Connecticut
A Spoiled Dog - healthy, homemade treats available online
Fortuna Cedar Oil - nontoxic / pet friendly bug repellent - based in CT, products available online
Pawty Time Treats and Gifts - homemade treats, birthday cakes and party platters available online
Pet Aesthetics - full service grooming salon in Southbury, CT - owner directs and participates in rescue efforts
Pet E.R. Guide - directory of 700+ emergency vet clinics across the United States
Valley Firearms - retail and online firearms dealer - dogs allowed inside CT retail store

Maine
Just joined- Dog-Booties.net - handmade boots and shoes to protect your dog's feet from the elements

Maryland
Gardner Hume Collection - handmade Italian ceramics available online, owner has donated to rescue

Minnesota
Just joined- Sid Korpi - author of Good Grief: Finding Peace After Pet Loss

Pennsylvania
All Dogs Big and Small - online dog boutique, items for dog parents available as well

South Carolina
Just joined- Lucky Dog Cuisine - homemade dog food formulated by health experts - shipped right to your door

Texas
Bean Dogs Cafe - online dog boutique, owner donates percentage of sales to rescue
Dog Gone Detectives - search and rescue service for missing pets in Dallas and other areas

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Want to join us? Apply to become a featured company.

Lots of wonderful rescues joined us too! Check them out on our nonprofits page.

Bistro 17 in Hilton Head, SC Set For Big Halloween Party and Fundraiser - Proceeds Benefit Jasper Animal Rescue Mission, Best Friends Animal Society

Bistro 17 and Lucky Dog Cuisine are teaming up for a Halloween fundraiser this Saturday to benefit Jasper Animal Rescue Mission and Best Friends Animal Rescue.

All day - from 11 am to 9 pm - people who come to Bistro 17 with their dog in costume will have a percentage of the profits from their meals donated to these charities. Dog food sales also go to charity.

Prizes will be awarded as well. 1st prize is a $75 gift certificate to Bistro 17. 2nd prize is 8 lbs of Lucky Dog Cuisine in a cooler with a handle to take to the beach. 3rd prize is a gift basket of doggy treats.

Bistro 17 is not just dog friendly on Halloween. They always allow dogs to dine on the patio with their parents, and they have a doggie menu full of Lucky Dog Cuisine items for the dogs to enjoy. Throughout the year, they donate 50% of the proceeds of Lucky Dog sales to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and they have a donation box set up at the restaurant so people can help throughout the year.

If you live in the Hilton Head area, or you know anyone who does, make sure to tell them about this event, which is set to be a hit. Not only will people and their dogs have fun, it is sure to be rewarding for people to know they are doing something to help other dogs as well.

Read more about Lucky Dog Cuisine or Bistro 17.

Lucky Dog Cuisine Joins Our Network - Offers Healthy Dog Food Online and in Hilton Head Area Dog Friendly Restaurants

We are proud to welcome Lucky Dog Cuisine to our network of dog friendly companies.

Lucky Dog Cuisine was developed as a labor of love by Dr. Janice Elenbaas DC., with the philosophy that health comes from the inside, and that it cannot flourish without the basics of a diet rich in a variety of whole, natural, unprocessed foods.

Lucky Dog Cuisine offers “human grade," high quality, all natural cooked meals formulated specifically for dogs. All meats are custom blended and freshly ground exclusively for Lucky Dog. Cooking is done in small batches, using top quality, all American ingredients recognized as healthy for humans as well as dogs.

Dr. Elenbaas shares that one of her greatest sources of pride is the fact that, "you don’t need a chemistry degree to read and understand the labels."

Lucky Dog Cuisine menu items include:

• Original Beef & Rice - made with Angus beef, brown rice, tomatoes, vegetable puree, ricotta cheese, organic flax seed, wheat germ, virgin olive oil and more
• Perfect Pooch Pasta - made with whole wheat pasta, cottage cheese, vegetables, garlic, basil, oregano, wheat germ, organic flax seed, virgin olive oil and more
• Tail-Waggin' Turkey - made with turkey, brown rice, pureed peas, green beans, carrots, low fat yogurt, wheat germ and more
• Bugsy's Best Beef & Barley - made with beef, barley, yogurt, eggs, pureed peas, carrots, beans, tomatoes, ground organic flax seed and more

Because Lucky Dog Meals do not contain any preservatives, fillers, stabilizers, coloring or anything artificial, they must be shipped frozen. All Lucky Dog Cuisine items are available online and are shipped directly to your front door anywhere in the Continental United States. Lucky Dog Cuisine is also served at many dog friendly restaurants in the Hilton Head, SC area. Read more about Lucky Dog Cuisine.