Our Best Canine Joint Regimen, and A Neeko Update (Bad hip xray photos)

Last week, Neeko had a follow up with our primary vet, the wonderful Dr. Cindy Baker-O'Dell. Some adjustments were made to her treatment regimen. She had an x-ray of her paw, the bone lesion is unchanged. She had an ultrasound of her spleen, Dr. Baker-O'Dell said her spleen is "beautiful." She will have follow up chest x-rays in September. A couple of medication/supplement changes were made at her appointment last week.

She is not really limping on her front legs now, so our primary concern is her hips. The emergency vet described them as "horrible." Dr. Baker said she almost wishes she had never seen Neeko's hip x-rays.

Neeko's hip x-ray

This is Neeko's hip x-ray. It demonstrates advanced hip dysplasia with subsequent proliferative arthritis. This is a very bad canine hip xray. Many are impressed she can even walk. (Ignore the fact that the x-ray states "unaltered." Neeko is in fact spayed, was at a young age. Which I beat myself up for.)

Short story long, my girl has bad hips. But we are doing everything we can to treat them, short of surgery at this point. I am actually interested in surgery and/or stem cell therapy for her hips, but we have to be certain there is no underlying disease process at this point.

The following is Neeko's current hip/joint regimen, which seems to be working pretty well. Dr. Baker stopped the carprofen, and her appetite almost instantly came back, which is a good thing.

Our Current Joint Regimen

Adequan - polysulfated glycosaminoglycan. It is derived from bovine (cow) trachea, and is FDA approved to prevent cartilage loss and may restore joint lubrication, relieve inflammation, and renew the building blocks of healthy cartilage. Adequan is available by prescription only from your veterinarian. It is typically injected approximately once per month after a loading period in which injections are given twice weekly for four weeks. Following is a video demonstrating how easy it is to inject adequan into your dog. 

Fish oil - fish oil dosing can be confusing. There is the mg of actual fish oil, and the mg of DHA + EPA, which is the Omega fatty acids we are most concerned with. It is the amount of DHA + EPA that is important. The general rule of thumb for raw fed dogs in 10 mg EPA + DHA per pound for maintenance dosing, and 30 mg EPA + DHA for therapeutic dosing. This is to balance out the Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acid ratio, and to provide anti-inflammatory benefits, along with cardiovascular, joint, skin and coat health benefits.

Neeko is currently on 60 mg per pound of DHA + EPA for her fish oil dosing. This is nearly 6000 mg for her. The most convenient and cost effective way for me to dose her is with Nature's Bounty concentrated fish oil capsules. Each capsule contains 1400 mg fish oil and 980 mg EPA + DHA. So she receives 6 capsules per day. She takes them easily, because she has figured out that if she punctures them with her teeth, she gets the fish oil taste. So they are treats to her.

Glucosamine - Neeko is currently on two different joint/glucosamine supplements. I had her on GlycoFlex 3 chews, because they are in treat form, contain a high amount of glucosamine, and contain MSM and green-lipped mussel. (I love my dog so damn much I give her products that could kill me. I have an anaphylactic allergy to shellfish.) Dr. Baker suggested the addition of Arthroplex because it adds bromelain and boswellia. It also adds Vitamin C, which anecdotal literature suggests helps with joint pain and DLPA (DL-Phenylanine.) She is currently receiving 2 GlycoFlex soft chews and 4 Arthroplex caps per day.

I am also offering her raw chicken feet and dehydrated venison trachea as treats. Both are natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, and very raw friendly.



Last week Dr. Baker also sent us home with a bottle of DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine). It is an amino acid which can help canines with joint pain. We stopped the carprofen, which immediately improved her appetite, so she wanted this as a backup for pain, along with tramadol. Fortunately we haven't needed either one.

CBD Oil - I have been giving Neeko CBD oil from a few sources for the last several weeks, including Canna Pet, Good CBD, and Pet Releaf, and Bark Avenue, a pet CBD bakery in Denver. I have found that 4-8 mg 2 or 3 times per day seems to do the trick for her. Finding good literature regarding CBD dosing for dogs is difficult. When I mentioned stopping the CBD to our vet, she insisted I continue. There is not much research out there regarding it's benefits or dosing, particularly in canines, but she has seen it with her own eyes. I next plan to try KOI CBD spray, after speaking about it at length with someone today.

Turmeric - I am giving her some form of turmeric at least daily, preferably 2-3x daily. It has anti-inflammatory properties, along with a host of other benefits. Sometimes I give her a frozen liver-turmeric treat, recipe HERE.  Other times I offer her golden paste, which I also eat myself because it tastes good. And at times I give her a frozen bone broth/golden paste treat.


That is our current joint care regimen. She seems to be improving. The weather was glorious today, temps in the 70's with low humidity. She played outside with the boys for awhile, then she and I took a 25 minute walk this evening, our longest in several weeks. We are going to be continuing this regimen for the time being.

Do you have any joint care products you would recommend?

A Recipe for Golden Paste That Actually Tastes Good (For You and Your Dogs!)

I decided to try my hand at golden paste. But I wanted a golden paste that tastes good. I know of the benefits of it, for both humans and canines. I have been giving the dogs (particularly Neeko) turmeric with a fat carrier for a long time. But turmeric is better absorbed with the addition of black pepper. I myself could never stomach turmeric alone, only as an ingredient in various recipes, such as our Bone Broth.

I did some research, and learned that the amount of black pepper included in a standard recipe recently increased from 2 tbsp to 3 tbsp, so that is one difference in our recipe. They other difference is the one that makes it much  more palatable for humans and canines alike is raw honey! Though its a sugar, and contains carbs, honey has a variety of benefits. It is a natural antimicrobial and antifungal. It can help with environmental allergies. It contains phytonutrients and antioxidants.

This is easy to make, requires easily obtainable ingredients, and stores in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, if it lasts that long. I eat a bit plain morning and evening. One could add it to smoothies or yogurt. For the dogs, I simply spoon a small amount, about 1-1.5 teaspoons, over their food, morning and night.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup turmeric powder. Turmeric is more cost effective if purchased in the supplement aisle as opposed to the spice aisle.
• 1/3 cup organic virgin coconut oil.
• 1 cup water.
• 3 tablespoons black peppercorns.
• 3 tablespoons honey.

Method

I started by grinding 3 tbsp of black peppercorns in a personal blender/magic bullet. A coffee grinder works well too. You can also use an old fashioned pepper mill, but that is time consuming and will likely leave you with sore hands, wrists, and forearms.

Ignore my nails and cuticles.

Mix together the water and turmeric in a small saucepan. Cook over medium to medium-high heat for 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently. A thick paste should form.

Remove from heat. While still warm, stir in coconut oil, freshly ground pepper, and HONEY. Stir until thoroughly combined.

Pour into a glass jar, store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, and enjoy! This recipe fits perfectly into a 16 oz Mason jar.

If you're looking for an alternative to golden paste in treat form, read about our liver turmeric treats.

Northern Breed Coat Care Featuring Nourish by Isle of Dogs

While all three of my dogs are "northern breed mixes" they have three different fur types. Caring for the coat of any dog can be a challenge, though it doesn't have to be.

Coat health starts within, and Isle of Dogs Nourish products are a beneficial addition.

This post is sponsored by Isle of Dogs. All thoughts are my own. 

Diet. The best thing I do for my dogs' coats is feeding them a raw diet. I personally feel that unnecessary ingredients, fillers, and poor quality ingredients will take their toll on a dog's coat by making it either too dry or too oily, "dirty" feeling, and even increase the rate at which they shed. Proper nutrition can contribute to a healthy coat, be it in the form of a raw diet, a balanced homemade cooked diet, or high quality kibble or canned food.

Neeko has a very woolly coat, with long guard hairs, and the thickest undercoat I've ever encountered on a dog. Bruce has what I consider a typical northern breed coat, and Faolan's is a combination of northern breed and GSD.

Coat care is not one size fits all, especially in my house.

Bathing. I am not a fan of or believer in over bathing dogs. It can strip the natural oils and dry out the skin, contributing to itchiness and fur loss. If a dog feels oily or is stinky without good reason, the problem could be due to diet or genetics. Some fur types are prone to holding odor more than others.
My boys haven't had baths in five years, yet both are soft, and neither stink or feel dirty. Neeko gets 4-5 baths per year, usually all in the spring and fall, due to the changes in her coat during these time periods.

Brushing. Regular brushing of northern breed dogs is important, not only during periods of seasonal shedding. It helps to spread the natural oils and keep the coat conditioned, and remove debris. It also helps to prevent small tangles from becoming large mats that must be cut out. It can be a way to bond with your dog, and also a way to examine the rest of their body and structure.  Don't wait until your northern breed is blowing coat to brush, brush them regularly throughout the year. (Disclaimer - none of my dogs are huge fans of being brushed...)

How Isle of Dogs can help

Nourish Grain Free Functional Dental Chews contain beneficial dental benefits on the outside, and beneficial skin and coat ingredients on the inside.

Bruce LOVES dental chews. However, most contain yeast, which he is highly allergic to. Isle of Dogs Nourish Dental Treats do not! What they do contain is kelp, chicken liver, parsley, and turmeric, amongst other ingredients I am comfortable offering to my dogs. 

Daily Fix Nutritional Probiotic Supplement - Skin + Coat Formula contains fish oil, vitamin E, and biotin for coat health, and probiotics for GI health. My dogs find the taste irresistible, and it is easy to dose in a clean/drip free pump. Omega fatty acids are well-known to benefit a dog's coat, and also overall health. This is a convenient way to offer them. 

As I mentioned above, my dogs are NOT fans of being brushed. They tolerate it at best. We have lengthy brushing sessions in the spring when they are shedding, and shorter brushing sessions throughout the rest of the year. One way I get them to cooperate with and tolerate the brushing sessions is by offering them yummy treats during the brushing sessions. 

Nourish Grain Free Jerky Bites contain no wheat, corn, potatoes or rice. They are 90% beef or lamb, and contain Green-lipped mussels. These small treats contain limited ingredients, are easy to pass out, and my dogs love them. They definitely make the brushing sessions quicker for all of us. 

Feed the highest quality food you can, brush your dogs regularly, bathe them when needed, and supplement as necessary. 

How do you care for your dogs' coats?

Easy Bone Broth Recipe You Can Share With Your Dog

I am a huge fan of bone broth, both for myself and my dogs. On a cold day, I enjoy a hot cup of bone broth in the afternoon more than a cup of coffee.

I don't claim it to be a cure-all, but it is nourishing and hydrating. And something about drinking it feels soothing for me.

It is a source of various nutrients and minerals, along with the well publicized collagen, for both humans and dogs. The collagen and nutrients in bone broth can potentially be beneficial for joints, GI systems, skin and hair/coat.

Why not make a batch that is beneficial for dogs, but also delicious for humans?

Ingredients

• Large, cut beef joint bones
• 8-9 cups water
• 4 tbsp turmeric
• 1/3 cup raw apple cider vinegar
• Several smashed garlic cloves
• Fresh ground black pepper
• Salt for the humans, added just prior to drinking

The key to delicious bone broth is roasting the bones.

Start with some beef joint bones. I purchased mine from a local butcher. Line a baking sheet with foil, and preheat oven to 450.

Place bones on sheet, and pop in oven. Roast for 25-45 minutes, depending on size. They are done when they smell delicious, and are nicely browned. Try not to eat the marrow that may be attempting to seep out. (If you haven't tried roasted bone marrow, I highly recommend it.)

Place roasted bones in a large crockpot, and cover with water. Smash several garlic cloves. It's ok to leave the skin on. (Omit this step if you are not comfortable giving your dogs garlic.) Add garlic, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, and fresh ground black pepper. Some optional, but not necessary additions are other dog-safe herbs, carrots, celery, etc. If it is just for human enjoyment, I like to add a rough chopped whole onion, skin and all.

Cover crockpot, plug it in (I have forgotten this step!), turn on low, and forget about it for 24 hours or so.

I find starting a batch of bone broth in the evening the easiest. It cooks for 24 hours, and needs to be refrigerated at least overnight. By starting it in the evening, I never rushed in the morning to move to the next step. 

After it has cooked for 24 hours, remove the lid. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove all solids, placing them in a colander set over a bowl. Return any liquids that drain into the bowl to the pot. If their are carrots, celery, or the like present, use the spoon to push any liquid from them into the bowl to return to the pot.

Transfer contents of the crockpot to a large room temperature pan or bowl, cover and place in refrigerator.

Let refrigerate at least overnight, and remove.

The fat will solidify at the top, and can be easily scooped off with a spoon. I like to leave a little fat behind, for flavor.

You should now have a container of broth the consistency of jelly, thanks to all that beneficial gelatin.

Scoop the beautiful, gelatinous broth into bowls or storage containers, and refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze.

For my dogs, I feed it cold, as is.

For myself, I cut it with water, add a little salt, and heat up to make a soothing, nourishing beverage.

It also makes a great base, when cut with a little water, for any soup or recipe that calls for broth!

Have you tried bone broth?

The Honest Kitchen Perfect Form #ChewyInfluencer

I cannot recall the last time Bruce or Faolan had any gastrointestinal upset. (Not counting the occasional hunger puke from Bruce.) Neeko had a horrible time with GI issues as a puppy, which is what prompted me to switch to a raw diet for my dogs.

90% of the time, she has an iron gut. However, she will sometimes have a loose stool or two. I don't worry about it unless it happens for three consecutive poops.

If she has other symptoms, such as lethargy, signs of dehydration, or mucus or blood in her stool, I would seek veterinary attention. Otherwise I treat it at home. Sometimes I fast her and offer additional bone broth, or a bland diet - boneless chicken only.

I now have another choice if Neeko encounters GI upset - The Honest Kitchen Perfect Form from our friends at chewy.com.

I am a huge fan of all of their products, so I had no problem accepting this product. It contains papaya leaf, plantain, slippery elm, organic pumpkin seed, pectin, papain, and fennel.

• Slippery elm coats and soothes the gut.
• Papaya leaf helps to break down proteins, making them more easily digestible.
• Plantains contain highly fermentable fiber, which is beneficial for good gut bacteria.
• Fennel is said to aid digestion and help with stomach pain and bloating.

Perfect form comes in a powder. The powder has a pleasant, earthy smell, and Neeko was attempting to lick the dry powder when I let her smell it.

Simply mix equal parts powder with water based on your dog's weight to form a paste.

The princess readily ate it, and licked the bowl clean.

This makes a nice addition to the medicine cabinet. Perfect Form is made by a company I trust. It contains quality, whole ingredients, all of which provide benefit to a dog's gastrointestinal system. 

I was provided with complimentary product. All opinions are my own.

American Journey Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil #ChewyInfluencer

There are not many supplements I offer my dogs, but fish oil, especially wild salmon oil, is one that I have no qualms about giving.

Some question why dogs, particularly those fed a raw diet, need a salmon oil supplement. I supplement with salmon oil for a few reasons:

• It has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
• It's good for their skin and coat.
• To offset the high levels of Omega 6 fatty acids that are present in non organic/non grassfed meat.

The nice folks at Chewy.com sent my crew some American Journey Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil to try out.

November 2015 Pet Gift Box Review and Coupon Code

This month's Pet Gift Box arrived earlier this week, and as always, I was excited.  November and December are my favorite months of the year, because they include my birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  I love everything associated with the holidays.

Use coupon code "myrottendogs" to save 25% off your first Pet Gift Box.

To read about previous and/or current Pet Gift Boxes, click HERE.

Not surprisingly, this month's theme is Thanksgiving.

Rejeneril and the Raw Feeder: Review, Giveaway, and Coupon Code

Big surprise, but I feed my dogs a raw diet.  As a raw feeder, I try to follow the "less is more" mindset when it comes to supplements for my dogs.  The only supplement all three dogs regularly receive is fish oil, and Neeko also gets turmeric.

When considering whether or not to try Rejeneril with Neeko, I asked a few questions.

• Is it safe?
• Is it shown to be effective?
• Will Neeko even take it?

The first two questions were quickly answered by a visit to the My Ultimate Pet website, and Neeko answered the third question herself.

Laboratory studies have shown rejeneril to be safe at 900x the recommended dose, it is made in North America, and contains no ingredients sourced from China.  It's active ingredients have been proven effective in studies, and customer testimonials don't lie.

Neeko's Problem

Although Neeko just turned five, her hips have bothered her since she was a very young dog, and this saddens me.  Some days she seems quite stiff and/or sore.  The princess is always willing to go on adventures, but I can tell at times she is tired or sore.  Because of this, I do all I can for her, including limiting high impact activities, keeping her lean, feeding a raw diet, and reducing inflammation with the use of fish oil and turmeric. Other than her joints, she has no chronic health issues, and her skin and coat are in great shape.

Rejeneril

The Rejeneril arrived about a month ago.  It is in a bottle designed to protect it from light degradation, and includes a standard lid, and an eyedropper lid.  Dosing is easy, and based on weight. Neeko received 17 drops daily.

According to their website Rejeneril can benefit a dog's health by:

• Improving health and longevity
• Helping build a strong immune system
• Setting the foundation for a disease-free life
• Preventing and clearing skin problems
• Treating dry, itchy skin
• Reducing arthritis and joint pain

The princess can be picky.  In the past she has refused to eat her meal if something added to it did not meet her expectations.  Rejeneril is a thin, dark liquid with a slight "vitamin-y" smell to it.

I gave her the recommended dose daily, over either her breakfast or dinner.

Rejeneril over ground green tripe.

One thing I did notice-when given over a chicken leg quarter, the liquid slid to the bottom of the bowl, and Neeko did not lick it up.  Otherwise, she took it no problem.  It works best when served over ground meat, mixed with a raw egg, or over reconstituted dehydrated raw.  

The Results

Within 10 days, I noticed that Neeko was much more willing to run and jump, seemed less stiff, and there was a noticeable increase in her overall energy and activity levels.  The energy and activity increase came as a surprise to me.  This girl notoriously hates temperatures over 75 F, and becomes quite the slug when it's too warm out.  The temperature here has been rising, and she has yet to become her typical Spring/Summer lazy self.  I am not complaining.

Running is usually something the boys do.

I am quite pleased with this product, and would confidently recommend it, to any dog owner looking for a supplement to help with vitality.  My girl definitely has more pep in her step, seems more comfortable, and more energetic.

The Giveaway

Readers, please enter our giveaway. One lucky duck (or human) will win a FREE bottle of Rejeneril® valued at $44.99! Keep an eye on your inbox as the winner will be notified by email. But if you can’t wait to find out if you won, take advantage of a 15% discount by using the discount code MyRottenDogs15 when you place your order at My Ultimate Pet.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!!!  (click the link to enter.)

This post is sponsored by My Ultimate Pet, but all opinions are my own.  I am hosting the giveaway, but My Ultimate Pet is responsible for the giveaway.

Overcoming the Summer of Shed with Vivamune ***FREE Product Offer***

My dogs blow coat once a year, in late spring/early summer.  It is usually a two to three week period of very heavy shedding, and then they return to their normal, minimal shedding selves.  Until this summer.

They all started blowing coat a bit later than normal.  And didn't stop.  I spoke with the vet about this, and she stated it was a common complaint this year, and that she was experiencing the same problem with her Lab.  She speculated it may have something to do with the incredibly rough winter we had.

The shedding was endless.  Bruce and Faolan appeared as if they were molting.  Neeko has longer fur of a different texture, and the dead fur was making her stink, which is unusual.

Fur dust bunnies were everywhere. I was vacuuming daily, and my poor sweeper could hardly keep up.  I was going crazy, and Les wouldn't stop complaining about it.

Enter Vivamune.

Vivamune contains OxC-beta.  OxC-beta is produce by the oxidation of beta carotene, and natural. It
supports immune health, and published studies indicate it may support healthy joint function, GI function, and support the maintenance of healthy skin and coats.

My Experience
I gave Vivamune to both Neeko and Faolan daily for a month.  One soft chew each day is all that required.  Because it contains yeast, I did not offer it to Bruce.

Not giving it to Bruce allowed me to have a "control subject" of sorts, which was nice.  The shedding stopped with both Neeko and Faolan, while Bruce continued to have chunks of fur coming off of him, even with regular brushing.  Once I brushed the dead fur completely out of Neeko, her stink went away and did not come back.

Another thing occurred, which might be the most impressive to me.  Neeko did her first true play bow/downward dog after being on the Vivamune for two weeks.  Vivamune is indicated for joint health, but I was not expecting to see this.  I nearly jumped for joy, as the princess has never done this before, I assume because of the discomfort in her hips.  She also seemed to run a bit harder and faster, and needed less recovery time.

I am truly very impressed with this product.

The chews must be palatable, because picky turd Faolan took his each day with zero problem or hesitation, which is a bonus. 

Try Vivamune For Free!!

Vivamune is providing US readers the opportunity to try a bag for free, an approximately $22.95 value.  One only has to pay $5.00 for shipping. To take advantage of this offer, click HERE or click on the image below.

• Promotes and supports healthy joint function
• Promotes and maintains normal mobility
• May help discomfort associated with normal daily activity
• Enhances healthy condition of skin and coat
• Leads to maintenance of normal intestinal function - See more at: http://www.vivamunehealth.com/about-us/#sthash.yaHrlY26.dpuf

Has your dog been shedding more this summer than usual?

This post is sponsored by Vivamune.  All opinions and ideas expressed are strictly my own.

Turmeric is Good for You, and Good for Dogs

Many people are unaware of the health benefits associated with turmeric (curcumin) for both humans and animals.

Turmeric is an inexpensive, natural supplement that can easily be added to a dogs diet, raw fed or not.

I began researching the use of turmeric for dogs about a year ago, after a friend suggested I look into it for Neeko's joint pain.

What is Turmeric?
If you have ever eaten Indian or Thai cuisine, you have probably had a dish with turmeric in it.  It is made by boiling the underground stem of a plant in the ginger family, then drying and grinding.  Curcumin is considered to be the active ingredient of turmeric.

Why use Turmeric?
Little research/clinical trials have been done regarding the benefits of turmeric for dogs.  However, many in vitro studies have been done that suggest it is highly beneficial to humans.

Some Benefits Include:

• As a natural anti-inflammatory, it can bring relief to a dog (or person) suffering with joint pain.
• There is research suggesting that it can prevent some types of cancers.  Source
• It may be good for the brain, possibly helping to treat depression and prevent dementia.

How to use Turmeric
I sprinkle turmeric straight on the raw meals of my dogs, most every day.  Initially, there was some hesitation, but now they eat it up no problem.

It looks ready to be barbecued.

There are various opinions regarding the dosage of turmeric for dogs, or how much turmeric to give a dog.  I go by the 1/8 to 1/4 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight, so my dogs get a teaspoon or a bit more of turmeric per day.

Turmeric does not dissolve in water, but does dissolve in fat.  When I first started supplementing with it, it mixed easily with Grizzly Pollock or Salmon oil, and my dogs took it more willingly.

It can be sprinkled over the top of kibble, or mixed in easily with canned food.

If a dog will not eat powdered turmeric, supplements containing turmeric for dogs do exist.  I have not tried any of these, so I cannot speak to the efficacy, quality, or safety of them.

• Elimay Pain Care
• CircuVET-SA150
• MaxxiFlex 

Turmeric can potentially cause constipation, so dogs should have clean, fresh water available at all times.

Additional Reading
Dogs Naturally Magazine
Healthy Pets with Dr. Karen Becker

May 2014 PetBox Review

Last week we received our May PetBox.  It was a few days late, but PetBox was quick with their communication explaining why this is so.  I was happy with them emailing me to explain the situation.  This month, I did not choose to pick my own, I wanted to be surprised. The review for the April PetBox, in which I hand selected all items, can be read HERE.

The Goods

My Little Wolf Turkey Bliss Treats.  Approximate retail value $10.31  Grain free soft treats with decent ingredients.  We received some treats from this line in our April PetBox, which I selected because Faolan means "Little Wolf."  Unfortunately, my little wolf didn't care for those treats, but Neeko and Bruce gobble them right up.  I am still happy to have received these, and am hopeful that Faolan will be more receptive to them as they are turkey-based.

Slurp N Fresh Oral Hygiene Solution.  Approximate retail value $13.24.  While this actually has good ingredients, it is not something I would normally buy.  My dogs have pretty fresh breath and clean teeth, thanks to their raw diet.  I will be donating this, or gifting it to someone.

Sweet Pea Oh My Apple Pie dog treats.  Approximate retail value $6.99.  These are limited ingredient, biscuit type cookies with simple ingredients.  They are vegan, which means very little to me, as I am of the belief that dogs are carnivores.  I am still undecided as to whether or not to keep or give these away, as I am fairly certain Faolan will not like them.

Blue Dog Bakery Softies.  Approximate retail value $3.58.  Any peanut butter soft treat is a hit in my house, with all three dogs.  Unfortunately Bruce cannot have these, because they do contain brewers yeast, and he is allergic to yeast.  But I am pleased to have received these, and Faolan (treat snob) has already shown that he is a fan of these.  Win.

Slurpabowls, 6 pack.  Unknown retail value.  This is a clever concept.  Water resistant cardboard bowls that fold up small.  They can easily fit in a purse or a pocket.  They can be pitched, or reused.  Each bowl holds two cups of water.  I am sure these will come in handy this summer, if I am out with one of the dogs and don't feel like carrying the doggy backpack with our fabric water bowl, amongst other things.

Dura-Brite Ball.  Unknown retail value.  This is a ball within a ball.  It has a tennis ball core, that is covered with a rubber "open" ball.  The outer rubber would be easily chewed off by my crew, so we won't be keeping this one for ourselves.  Also, this toy is made in China, and I am kind of disappointed in PetBox for that.

The Honest Kitchen Quickies.  Approximate retail value $9.99.  I am a huge fan of THK, and am very pleased to have received these treats.  Only one ingredient (wild caught haddock) is present in these treats.  They are also a cute little heart shape, and the tube fits easily fits in my pocket or purse.  The smell is very enticing to dogs.  Whats great about these treats is they can also be given to cats, and I think my chickens would like them as well.

Overall, I like this month's PetBox.  We received seven products, which is more than I have ever received in a subscription box.  I think one might have been a bonus product because of the delay in getting the boxes out.  To try PetBox for yourself, click HERE.

I am a PetBox subscriber.  I am not affiliated with PetBox, nor am I asked to do these reviews.  All opinions are strictly my own.

June 2014 BarkBox Review

We received our June BarkBox today, which is always exciting.  Reviews of the current month and previous month's BarkBoxes can be read HERE.

The Goods

Romp! Silly Buns Monkey Toy.  Approximate retail value $9.29.  This toy is cute and hilarious, because I sometimes have the sense of humor of a 12 year old boy.  There is no head to it, just a butt and legs.  It is a plush that is crinkly.  While incredibly cute, this would not last five seconds with my dogs, and will probably go into the donation box.  Or I might just keep it because it is so cute.

Green Bark Gummies Hip and Joint Bites.  Approximate retail value $11.82.  We received these in our April PetBox, in which I picked the items.  These will go to good use with Neeko, although she requires 10 of them daily to get the suggested dose.  They are not a true supplement in that sense.  Faolan will not eat these, and Bruce cannot, as they have yeast in them.  They are cute, teddy bear-shaped gummy treats, which Neeko seems to enjoy.

Benebone.  Approximate retail value $11.95.  Durable nylon chews are always appreciated and well-received in my house, and this will probably be no exception.  Made in the USA, which of course I love. It is bacon flavored, but does not seem to have a noticeable odor to it.  It is decent sized, so I am comfortable that it is not a choking hazard.  The only question is which dog gets first go at it?

Benny Bully's Beef Liver and Banana Treats.  Unknown retail value.  Freeze dried treats containing two ingredients-banana and beef liver, both sourced from the USA.  Gotta love that.  These are incredibly light weight square shaped treats, which easily break into smaller pieces.  All three dogs love them, and it is kind of funny to watch them eat a bite, because it seems to dissolve immediately in their mouth.  There was minimal crumbling in the bag, which makes me happy.  I am pleased with these.  

Overall, this month's BarkBox is okay.  Four items, three of which I will use.  I am really pleased with the liver treats and the Benebone.  To try BarkBox for yourself and receive 10 percent off of your order, click HERE.

I am a BarkBox subscriber.  I am not affiliated with BarkBox, nor am I asked to do these reviews.  All opinions are strictly my own.

Pet Naturals of Vermont Hip+Joint Review and Free Product Offer

I have lamented before about Neeko seeming to have weak/poor hips, even though she is a relatively young dog, having just turned four in March.  We have used various joint supplements in the past, all with varying degrees of what I consider success. I measure the efficacy of these products based on observations-is Neeko "bunny hopping", stiff, slow to get up?

I have again been given the opportunity to work with Pet Naturals of Vermont, and once again they are giving our readers the opportunity to try out a free, full sized bag of the product for themselves.  I was impressed with both their Breath Bars and Calming Treats.

Pet Naturals is providing us with their Hip+Joint chews.  I decided to try these on Neeko, as both boys are physically sound, and quite robust.

These are designed to support hydration, mobility and overall comfort by promoting connective tissue strength.

Glucosamine HCL is the most concentrated form of glucosamine, and often the most pure form.  It is derived from shellfish, and helps to form and repair body tissues.

Methysulfonylmethane (MSM) has a high sulfur content, which helps to maintain the structure for connective tissue.  It is a building block for healthy joints.

Chondroitin Sulfate is another natural substance that is often paired with glucosamine for joint support.

EPA and DHA are Omega 3 fatty acids, which are natural anti-inflammatory substances.

The inactive ingredients are decent, but for allergy-prone dogs, these do contain brewers yeast and soy lecithin.

These are nice sized soft chews, with a fairly strong smell that I am sure is appealing to most dogs.

Taste wise, these proved to be a huge hit for Neeko.

The day I received these, I stopped giving Neeko her other supplements (a canine liquid glucosamine supplement, turmeric, and fish oil), and began giving her the recommended "dose" of these only.  I have been doing this for the last five days. 

I am quite pleased.  She has shown no decline in her level of comfort or mobility.  This is impressive, as we recently built the platform and she has enjoyed showing off her jumping ability with it.  I will continue to use these as her primary joint support, and will reintroduce her fish oil and turmeric, as they have non-joint beneficial properties as well.

Pet Naturals is offering a free bag of Hip+Joint (valued at $10.00-$24.40) along with a coupon to the first 100 readers who sign up through this link-http://www.petnaturals.com/hipandjoint-offer/.

Please let me know if you take advantage of the offer!

Disclaimer-I am receiving free product in exchange for honest reviews.  All opinions are strictly my own.