WELLNESS® SUPER5MIX® family of dry dog food

Pet Products Review - WELLNESS® SUPER5MIX® family of dry dog food

Ok, as you all know, when my panel of 5 dogs test products, I watch them pretty carefully to see their reaction.  I know its not scientific, but it is entertaining.  Well, let me tell you when I gave my dog Champ his first taste test of Wellness Super5Mix Complete Health, this is what happenend:

First, he sniffed it, and looked up at me with a "why are you doing this to me again" look.  Next, he took a nibble.  After a slight pause, there was another nibble.  Finally, he ate the whole bowl before my very eyes.  Honestly, it was like watching a kid whose been introduced to licorice for the first time.

Now Champ is not a fast eater.  And the few times he has "gobbled" down food, it was grocery store bought and a cheaper quality of food.  I call this doggie junk food.  That food kind of food has tons of bad filler and exagerated taste chemicals designed to make your dog eat more.  Well, in this case, I know the Wellness brand, and know they are a super premium pet nutrition company and therefore can tell you, not only is this food good for your dog, it taste good too.

But rather than me go through the details, I thought I'd share with you their press release.  This way I leave out no details.  Here it is:

 

Tewksbury, MA (June 16, 2008) - In a nod to the distinctly different dietary needs between large breed and small breed dogs, the Wellness^® brand of natural food and treats for pets announces two new product lines joining the Super5Mix^® family of dry dog food  - Super5Mix^® Large Breed Puppy and Adult Health, and Super5Mix^® Small Breed Adult Health.

 

Not all puppy breeds grow in the same way. Large breed puppies, for instance, have special considerations for their weight and bones, and can be at risk of serious development issues. Wellness knows that just feeding them a bigger kibble is not the solution. The company's nutritionists and veterinarians created Large Breed Puppy Health as the best nutritional solution for their unique needs. With precise calcium and phosphorus levels for proper bone development and controlled fat and calories for well-paced growth, Large Breed Puppy Health ensures the right start to a healthy weight. This new formula also delivers guaranteed levels of DHA that support brain development vital for learning and training.

 

Large Breed Adult Health is holistically formulated to effectively manage the special nutritional needs of large breed dogs. These large dogs need to feel full without consuming excess calories. The moderate fat and controlled caloric intake in Large Breed Adult Health helps to prevent obesity. In addition, Wellness has included therapeutic levels of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to aid in supporting their overburdened joints; and live probiotics and increased natural fiber promote easy digestion through their smaller digestive tracts.

 

Small breed adult dogs eat small meals but need increased energy to support their metabolisms, and need to control calories to prevent obesity. With a life expectancy of up to 20 years, small breed's life-systems need nutritional support to stay strong. Small Breed Adult Health supports the special lifestyle of these dogs with just the right ingredient balance. The smaller bite-sized kibble is perfectly proportioned for small jaws and teeth, and a guaranteed great taste pleases even the most finicky palates.

 

"At Wellness, we're passionate about helping pet parents feed their dogs the healthiest food possible," said Deborah Ellinger, CEO of Wellness. "With attention to the particular health and wellness needs of dogs of all sizes, consumers can be confident that they've got the perfect, wholesome recipes for their dogs' unique breed-related needs."

 

As with all Wellness natural pet foods, these new recipes contain no meat by-products, wheat or wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Each recipe features The 5 For Life Supplement System^TM, a complete array of complementary ingredients designed to protect, restore and nurture dogs;

• Fruit & Veggie Antioxidant Rainbow - a proactive step towards fighting disease;
• The WellCoat^® Omega 3 & 6 Mix for healthy skin and coat;
• Botanical & Herb Blend of nature's best ingredients, each with their own nutritional properties;
• Essential Vitamins & Minerals for cellular health, immunity and disease resistance;
• After cooking, each kibble is ActiCoated^TM with live active probiotics to promote a healthy intestinal tract and overall digestive health.

 

Super5Mix^® Small Breed Adult Health comes in 4 and 12 lb. bags, while Super5Mix^® Large Breed Adult Health and Super5Mix^® Large Breed Puppy Health come in 15 and 30 lb. bags. All are available nationwide at pet specialty stores. To find an authorized Wellness retailer, please visit www.wellnesspetfood.com.

 

About Wellness^® - Unconditional Love. Uncompromising Nutrition.^®

 

At Wellness, we do whatever it takes to create the healthiest foods for the pets that depend on us. Food feeds their souls, sustains their lives and protects their bodies. Our diverse team of animal lovers, nutritionists and vets has only one mission: To help provide pets a healthy, happy, long life through the power of natural nutrition.

 

We constantly strive to raise the bar and never compromise-selecting nature's finest ingredients and combining them in exact proportions to help support pet health and wellbeing. All Wellness and Old Mother Hubbard food and treat varieties feature recipes using natural human-grade ingredients without the use of meat by-products, fillers, potential allergens, or artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. And as a pioneer in holistic nutrition, we are passionate about seeking new ways to help pets thrive, educating people about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and supporting animal wellness programs.

 

Wellness is proud to be a part of the Old Mother Hubbard pet food family, which celebrated its 80^th anniversary in 2006. Wellness is sold through pet specialty and natural food stores throughout North America and is now available internationally. For more information, please visit www.wellnesspetfood.com.

PetHealth™ OPC Formula with Glucosamine for Dogs & Cats

Pet Product Review - PetHealth™ OPC Formula with Glucosamine for Dogs & Cats

Last week was my birthday, and let me tell you, age is not something thats "in your head" you feel it!  Well, as pets age, they feel it too.  They face many of the same issues as we humans. And like the store bought groceries and fast food we consume many pet foods are over processed and have little nutritive value. Combined with pollution, we're all full of free radicals that make us stiff, achy and defenseless to a whole lot of nasty things we associate with aging. For myself, I take vitamins and fish oils all with anti-oxidents.  I tried to do the same with my dog Champ, but have you ever tried to give a big nutritional vitamin to a dog?  Its almost impossible.

Lucky for me the people at PetHealth™ Advanced Pet Care sent me a sample of PetHealth™ OPC Formula with Glucosamine for Dogs & Cats.  Giving both my pets their vitamins instantly became easy.  You simply sprinkle it into their food.  You don't need a whole lot and its beef flavored, so your pets don't realize you've just fortified their diet.  I feed both my cat and my dog a combination of wet food and dry food, so I recommend mixing it into the wet part.

Now what is PetHealth™ OPC Formula with Glucosamine for Dogs & Cats? PetHealth™ OPC is a food supplement made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine, pine bark extracts, citrus extract bioflavonoids, and glucosamine, designed to promote healthy joints and provide a strong antioxidant defense.

Benefits:

• Combats free radicals
• Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• Helps maintain healthy circulation
• Helps maintain joint flexibility
• Helps promote/support cardiovascular health
• Helps support visual health/visual acuity
• Potent free radical scavenger
• Promotes/Supports healthy blood vessel dilation
• Promotes/Supports healthy nitric oxide levels
• Supports healthy blood glucose levels
• Supports healthy platelet activity

We'll see how in the long run how PetHealth™ OPC Formula affects my pets.  But I think for a $20 investment into their health and well being it can't hurt.  The container is 11.1 oz and should last a good part of the year.  Go to www.puppiesgrowthchart.com to order yours.

If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper Test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com

Wellness CORE Grain Free Salmon, Whitefish and Herring Formula Canned Dog Food 5 oz can

Pet Products Review - Wellness CORE Grain Free Salmon, Whitefish and Herring Formula Canned Dog Food 5 oz can

As you may know, the other day I posted a review on a superior Cat food product manufactured by Wellness Natural Food and Treats for Pets.   Today, I am posting my review of one of their dog food formulas - Wellness CORE Grain Free Salmon, Whitefish and Herring Formula Canned Dog Food 5 oz can.

Wellness CORE canned formulas for Dogs and Cats together represent Wellness's successful efforts in providing a higher protein, grain-free pet food that is nutrient-packed and contains high quality protein sources that are grain free right down to the source. What drove their initiative was the desire to bring your dog back to a diet similar to a "raw" diet that is most natural with their genetic make up and being; a diet rich in nutrients and meets that are super high in valuable protein.  Left out is the caloric density that can create long-term obesity.

Let's talk about taste.  I mixed a 5 oz can of Wellness CORE Grain Free Salmon, Whitefish and Herring Formula Canned Dog Food in with my Dog Champ's regular dry food.  This is recommended by the way.  Champ who is a very finicky eater consumed his whole bowl right away and seemed to really enjoy the seafood.  Champ has tried other brands of seafood based dogfood, rejects most all of the seafood varieties; especially the kinds that look like chum.  As Champ's server, I found Wellness CORE Grain Free Salmon, Whitefish and Herring Formula Canned Dog Food to have a pleasant smell, not over powering, and a good consistency for mixing in with dry food.

I highly recommend Wellness CORE Grain Free Salmon, Whitefish and Herring Formula Canned Dog Food brands.  If you're shopping online, I recommend going to PetFoodDirect.com for this brand.  They have the best prices I saw and ship quickly.  

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CUZ Hard Rubber Squeeky Dog Toy

Pet Product review - CUZ Hard Rubber Squeeky Dog Toy

Today's post is going to be nearly a wordless Wednesday.  Because quite simply, I'm going to say tha my do Champs absolute favorite toy, and the favorite toy of all of his friends is his CUZ Hard Rubber Squeeky Dog Toy.  Its so cute, resesembles a ball with feet. There is a good CUZ which is just round with feet, and a Bad CUZ which has little devilish horns. Very cute.  Dog's love the squeek.  It is a bit insane, in fact, I do have to hide his CUZ toy every month, just to allieviate my headache caused by the squeeking. 

Champ has had his CUZ toy for 5 full years and always knows where it can be found.  I suggest you get one for your dog.  They do come in 3 sizes for small, medium and large dogs.  But the price is so right, why not buy all three in a special pack?  The site: www.muttmart.com has them on sale for only 14.99. 

 

Return Moi Pets - Bringing Your Pets Home .... Pet Recovery

Pet Products Review - Return Moi Pets - Bringing Your Pets Home .... Pet Recovery

As you all know, I travel quite a bit.  In fact, next week, I'll be away on vacation.  When I travel, what's my biggest fear? Let's put it this way, I am totally consumed 24 hours a day on where my pet is, and if he's okay.  Yes, he is microchipped, and he has pet sitters, but, seriously, thats not enough.  You know there are rare times, when out of fear or panic, your dog escapes and runs away.  And lets face it, they have 4 legs, and a lot faster than you.  Now, imagine, your' a dog walker, or watching a pet, what do you do when this happens.  Hopefully the owner left instructions what to do, and who to call.

So that's the basic, I've been introduced to one more level of pet protection and pet recovery that I think is quite ingenious.  Its called ReturnMoiPets.  I'm going to recommend immediately that you go to www.returnmoipets.com for info.  Now, what ReturnMoiPets does is give you a tag with an ID number, then you simply go online and create an online profile of your pet.  Hopefully, that will be the end of your relationship with ReturnMoi, but in the case your pet goes missing or is lost, you call them.  From there ReturnMoi calls pet owners all over the area and creates a search and rescue alert.  Then, they incent people with a special gift pack to look for your lost pet and make a call if they see them. 

Here is a short video to describe the service:

ReturnMoiPets is a simple concept but one, I think, is super affective.  If you're concerned about your pets' where abouts like I am, and certainly if you're an active traveler, consider ReturnMoiPets.  Go to www.returnmoi.com for more info.

If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper Test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com

 

Wellness CORE Canned Cat Food - Chicken

Pet Products Review: Wellness CORE Canned Cat Food - Chicken

I've written several times about a really wonderful brand of pet food called Wellness.  I love this company and have fed their food to my pets for many years; their company's philosophy is "you are what you eat!"; how basic can that be? well to Wellness it means that pet nutrition is never compromised.  I was delighted when they reached out to me with a new product of canned food for both Cats and Dogs called CORE. I was delighted to try CORE for my cat Stinky since its been a while since he's been introduced to a new brand.

 

What's great about CORE is that its designed to accompany your pet that eats mostly dry food.  CORE compliments the food, and thats what I've been doing with Stinky since he was a kitten. For cats are CORE Canned Chicken, Turkey and Chicken Liver for poultry lovers and Salmon, Whitefish and Herring for those partial to fish. Each is grain-free, nutrient-packed, and contains high-quality protein.  I was surprised to find out that Wellness goes as far as only using seafood that has never been fed grain either.  So you know, the entire food cycle of the ingredients has been taken into consideration by Wellness.

As for taste, Stinky gives it a paws up.  As for Nutrition, I'll leave that part up to Wellness.  Here is what they say:

:CORE Canned Cat Recipes follow the foundation of the bestselling Wellness CORE Dry Cat diet, providing a complete and balanced offering that is 100% grain-free with five quality protein sources: 75-80% meat satisfies the feline palate and supports lean muscle mass. CORE Canned Cat Recipes include fresh cranberries to support urinary tract health, along with carefully controlled magnesium levels, and moderate fat and calorie levels that cater to the metabolic needs of today's feline life style. The Fish and Flax Omega Blend provides a rich supply of Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to support optimal skin and coat health, and supplies a tasty way to increase water intake."

Wellness products can be found a most high end specialty pet food stores.  To be sure, visit www.wellnesspetfood.com for more information.

If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper Test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com

Salix Premium Beefhide Beef Basted Ribs 2 lbs Bag

Pet Products Review:  Salix Premium Beefhide Beef Basted Ribs 2 lbs Bag

So the othere day, I'm in Walmart and whenever I am at Walmart, I stock of on dog food, cat food and treats.  They simply have the best prices for pet product.  On this particular trip, I wanted to get some raw hide treats.  Reason being, is I'm going on vacation the first week in March and I wanted to make sure that the dog sitter had ample chew treats that would keep my dog occupied while I was gone.  Well, you may know if you've gone shopping lately, these chew treats are very expensive.  Lucky for me, Walmart sells Salix Primum Beefhide treats.

I am trying out the Beef Basted Ribs that come in a 2 lbs bag.  You can't beat the price at $5.49 for a the entire bag.  Compared to pigs ears which I on occassion for the same reason, to keep my dog busy, they can cost about $2 per ear. 

Salix American Beefhide Beef Basted Ribs did at first concern me, because unline raw hide chews, they splinter a bit and was worried about choking.  But after giving my dog one, I noticed that rather than splintering, the ribs actually crumble, and stay very soft.  The package says they veterinarian approved, who knows, but they . They also help to reduce tartar buildup, something I value since keeping my dogs’ teeth cleaned and healthy is important.

Salix says these are handmade in Brazil, and they come with a satisfaction guarantee. They’re about three inches long and look like real short ribs.  Well, my dog seems to like them and I think they're good for an occassional chew treat.

If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper Test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com

BOWHAUSENYC - Ruby Chan Unleashes New Luxury Line for Pets

Pet Products Review - BOWHAUSENYC - Ruby Chan Unleashes New Luxury Line for Pets

We'll I'm in New York City, and it's Fashion Week!  One of the most celebrated and joyous times to be in New York City.  This is the week when we demand to be seen in alluring chic attire attire at parties, galleries and dinners always attended by society with bold faced names!  But if you've got style surely you won't let any dour economy dampen your mood, and the same goes with your pooch.

That is why I am so delighted to introduce Ruby Chan and her elegant collection of luxury pet accessories.  This is class, take a look:

 

New York Designer Ruby Chan Unleashes New Luxury Line for Pets

 

Focused on function and design, BOWHAUSNYC is proud to unveil a new luxury line of dog accessories for the hip, urban dog. The premiere collection features rocker-chic details, bold and graphic prints, rhinestone bling, and hot-off-the-runway metallics.

 

Created by FIT Alumni and Manhattan designer, Ruby Chan, BOWHAUSNYC is an inspired collection based upon the Bauhaus architectural movement, emphasizing function and design. The fashionable dog owner first conceptualized the luxury accessories line when she realized there was no collar funky enough, no lead stylish enough, and no bed suitable for her exceptional pug pup "Mao."

 

With all the cool charms, like the 'Mom' heart tattoo, rhinestone skull, or retro boom box, pet owners can make their dogs as stylish as they are. Catering to urban dogs with a style of their own, BOWHAUSNYC has a full line of collars, leashes, and harnesses, as well as travel gear, in a myriad of colors and sizes for dogs to strut their stuff in the big city. Rhinestone charms are available to adorn each collar and emphasize the dog's unique personality and garner the attention they deserve.

 

Paying tribute to the architectural element of the company's namesake, the signature "dog-HAUS" transforms a standard metal crate into a comfortable retreat for your pup and a stylish addition to your home decor. Using graphic prints and distinctive detailing,c these crate covers serve as custom draperies for your pet's crate and have two contrasting panels which can be rolled open with Velcro loops for easy access or rolled for nap time. These covers are complimented with a matching bed cover and pillow that fits perfectly inside.

 

To view the entire collection, visit: www.bowhausnyc.com.

Please contact Ruby Chan at 212.673.2705 or info@bowhausnyc.com for more info.

Swiffer® Sweeper - New Improved and A Must Have!

Pet Product Review - Swiffer Sweeper

Ok, if you've read my blogs before, you know that because of my Teutonic blood, a clean home is paramount.  Its the most important thing to me.  That's why I'm always testing out products like vacuums and cleaning supplies and more.  Well, when the people at Swiffer sent me a Swiffer Sweeper 2 in 1 Starter kit for Sweeping and Mopping, I was a bit skeptical.  I thought, I vacuum every day.  The last thing I need is another mop in my closet that just sits there.  Can I say "OMG" !!!!!! 

Listen to me, if you have hard wood floors, and pets, and kid.... no forget the pets and the kids, if you've got hard wood floors you must get s Swiffer Sweeper.  I was shocked how after thoroughly vacuuming my floors how much dirt, grime, pet hair and most of all dander was collected by the Swiffer.  The box says it the electromagnetic action.  I calling cleaning magic.  Seriously, I love the Swiffer Sweeper and recommend it to everyone.

Now why do I make such a strong recommendation? well, just think about the rise in allergies, especially allergies amongst children.  Well, what people don't really know is that its not always the pet hair that causes the allergies, it's the pet's dander.  And the Swiffer Sweeper does an excellent job of collecting that dander and keeping your family healthy.  Not to mention, paw prints, coffee spills, smudge marks went away with ease!  And the fact that the head of the Swiffer Sweeper rotates means I was able to get to spots like under the fridge and behind the couch.

I recommend the Swiffer Sweeper starter kit which you can get just about anywhere.  Walmart has them for $10.99.  It includes an super easy to assemble sweeper, two dry cloths and one wet cloth.  Again, the Swiffer Sweeper is a must have.

If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com

Sergeant's People Crackers - The People Dogs Love To Eat 6.5oz

Pet Products Review: Sergeant's People Crackers - The People Dogs Love To Eat 6.5oz

The People Dogs Love To Eat would you believe I remember these commercials from when I was a little kid.  And trust me, that was a long time ago.  Sergeant's People Crackers have been around forever. 

I remember being cracked up as a kid, 'cause the crackers are colorful, people shapes your dogs needs to be familiar with; Police Officer, Mail Deliverer, and Milk Deliverer.  They're not very big crackers, just little things. So, that makes them the perfect size for keeping in your pocket for training, and to show a little bit attention every so often.

The box is 6.5oz and can be found in nearly every grocery store.  You can't beat the price at only $1.49 per box.  So in this economy, you might want to take that into consideration and keep a box on hand.  Sergeant's People Crackers will let you continue to spoil your dog without breaking the bank.

What can me improved is the taste.  My dog Champ, he will sit, and obey when I give him one of the treats.  But you can see on his face, he's a bit dissapointed at the reward.  Its kind of like when your grandmother used to give you those old sticky peppermint candies in the middle of the summer and they were left over from Christmas.  Same affect, okay... but ick. 

Now right on the box it says "not for human consumption".  But that did not stop the Secret Shopper.  I tasted one.  Remember, they're little crackers.  In fact, I think it was the yellow Police Officer.  I was like "this is nasty".  Trust me there is hardly any taste.  It did vaguely remind me of those stone ground wheat crackers that you buy because they're cheap and you're already spent too much money on the cheese to go on top, but have to drink a full glass of wine to wash them down.  Poor dogs, don't have wine.  Well, what do you expect, the main ingredient in this cracker is: Ground Wheat. 

If you've got a product you think will pass the Secret Shopper test, send an email to SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com