Try Out Raw Pet Food with a Starter Pack from Balanced Blends

If we gathered up all the food that Mr. N has rejected, it would feed a Lab for a month. The same amount would probably feed Mr. N for a year or more. He is a picky, picky pup. And yes, we have tried leaving down food for him and taking it away if he doesn't eat it. Little dog went on a hunger strike. 

The problem with buying raw food for pets online is that you usually have to commit to buying large quantities at a time without being able to try it out. And well if Mr. N won't eat thirty pounds of beef, what are we supposed to do? Toss it out or fry it up for ourselves? Most shelters won't take unopened bags of kibble... I highly doubt I could find one that would take open bags of raw food. And returning it is not an option either.

If you're looking to try out raw food, Balanced Blends (a raw food company that delivers to your door) is now offering a starter pack where new customers can order five pounds of raw food with free shipping ($30 for chicken and $35 for beef) and no minimum order.  There is also a smaller starter pack for cats. This makes it a great option for people who want to try a new brand of raw food or are experimenting with raw food for the first time. 

Like many people, I worry about the safety of Mr. N's food after all the recalls and reports of contaminated pet food. Balanced Blends uses high pressure processing to eliminate food-borne pathogens, has their food tested by a third-party laboratory and does lot tracking so they can keep track of the ingredients that go in each batch. 

To make sure their food has all the nutrients dogs and cats need and is species-appropriate (although Mr. N thinks he's a obligate carnivore and would happily eat just meat all day), the food is formulated by vets and a nutritionist. And they stand behind their food with a satisfaction guarantee. 

We are assiduous label readers over here (for dog food anyway). The beef recipe includes:

Ingredients: Beef, Beef Livers, Beef Hearts, Cabbage, Carrots, Peppers, Bone Meal, Berries, Salmon Oil, Psyllium Husks.

Vitamins: Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Panthotenate, Biotin, Riboflavin, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine HCL, Folic Acid.

Trace Minerals: Salt, Iron Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate. 

Balanced Blends is not only made in the USA but their meat and organic produce is sourced in the USA as well. The chicken is cage-free, antibiotics-free and USDA approved and the beef is grass fed when possible, antibiotics-free and USDA approved.

When I buy Mr. N's food, I always think about if I'd eat it if it came to a pinch and I'd definitely eat Balanced Blends if there was a zombie apocalypse. Provided we still had some way of cooking it. I do like sashimi and beef tartare but I generally prefer my food cooked. 

Balanced Blends strongly believes that pets are family and they're hosting a holiday contest for you to show off your pets engaging in holiday activities. Does your dog (or cat) participate in holiday traditions? Do you have photographic evidence? If so, enter them in the holiday contest for a chance to win a starter pack of Balanced Blends Raw Pet Food. You can submit photos through Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Make sure to enter in the widget (link above) afterwards!

This post was sponsored by Balanced Blends. They are not responsible for the contents of this article. All opinions expressed are our own. We only review dog food or treats that Mr. N will eat.

Who Wants Gingerbread Houses?

Mr. N thinks that instead of gingerbread, these houses should be made of meat instead.

The Gift of Positive Training with a Veterinary Behaviorist

There was a little dog. And he had a little curl right in the middle of his forehead. When he was good, he was very, very good. And when he was bad, he was horrid.

Mr. N is very, very good most of the time. It's that one percent that trips him up. His main "bad" fault is that he is leash reactive to other dogs and will bark and pull and lunge out of excitement. He's improved a lot over the years and we can go to trials and classes and shows and pet expos with some careful management.

Walks in close proximity and the dogs in our complex are still a challenge. We manage encounters as best as we can but occasionally corners or other things will trip us up. But it's mostly just embarrassing. Because people look at him like he's a yappy little untrained dog. And me as an irresponsible owner. And you want to proclaim that you have put hours and hours of training into that dog and he has titles and ribbons even if he has trouble walking past another dog calmly.

The other issue is separation anxiety. That is definitely rooted in fear. He spent the first few years of his life locked up in a crate almost non-stop so I don't blame him. And I wish there was a way to tell him that I will come back to him. That I will always come back. But fear of abandonment always lurks in his little doggy brain.

He's progressed from barking almost non-stop while I'm gone to intermittent barking in between watching the window and napping. I don't think anything will make him happy about me leaving. But it would be nice if he was at least tolerant of the prospect.

So for this Christmas (and possibly the next three Christmases considering the cost), he's getting a very intangible present. I'm going to take him to a veterinary behaviorist in the new year. Veterinary behaviorists are veterinarians who specialize in treating behavior. They have to do additional training (through a residency or mentorship), write case reports, pass an exam and author a research project. In addition to behavioral modification, they also have the ability to prescribe medication. Kind of like dog psychiatrists (they do treat other animals like cats, birds, horses etc).

I've been debating doing it for quite a while. I would have done it sooner but it is not a cheap commitment. Also Mr. N's behavioral issues are not severe. He's not living in his life in utter terror and fear or biting anyone or destroying the roof over his head. In which case, we would have found a way to take him in sooner.

But in the end, I do think it will improve his quality of life and hopefully speed up the rate at which he's improving. Helping him become more comfortable staying home alone would be a boon. And I'm hopeful that one day, we'll be able to walk past the neighbors' dogs without him throwing a fit. I don't think he's going to be excited about his gift but I hope it will be worth it.

Don't forget to enter to win a positive dog training package (puzzle toys, treats, trick book)!

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Welcome to First Monday's Positive Pet Training Blog Hop hosted by Tenacious Little Terrier and Rubicon Days. Please share your responsible pet owner positive pet training tips by linking a blog post or leaving a comment below.  Our theme for this month is my the gift of positive training but any positive reinforcement training posts or comments are also always welcome. The Positive Pet Training Blog Hop goes all week long. Our next hop will begin January 2nd and continues for a week. 

Does the Best Dry Food for Dogs and Vacuums Make Good Gifts for the Holidays?

Most of us want to give that magical holiday present that will wow the gift recipient. Including our pets. A yummy chew will make our dogs' eyes go wide and bark in glee but it will last a few minutes or a few hours if you're lucky.

Instead consider giving them a gift that will keep giving all year. One of the best things we can do for our dogs is to provide them with healthy food that will keep their bodies strong and power their brains. Wag.com offers a vast selection of delicious dry dog food and delivery to your door so you'll never run out of food. Dog food is not shiny and bright (shouldn't be anyway) but it will be well used and liked for a long, long time. And if they don't like it, Wag.com offers variety to choose from. 

Research tells us that gift givers focus on the gift giving moment and gift recipients are more concerned about the practicality of the gift.

“We are seeing a mismatch between the thought processes and motivations of gift givers and recipients," Jeff Galek, co-author of the study said. "Put another way, there may be times when the vacuum cleaner, a gift that is unlikely to wow most recipients when they open it on Christmas day, really ought to be at the top of the shopping list as it will be well used and liked for a long time.”

Seeing as the vast majority of dogs would not be pleased with a vacuum as a holiday present, what other practical presents would benefit their lives? 

Clothes are a boon for the dogs that need them. Mr. N was not built for cold weather, he has little body fat and no insulation (hair instead of fur). But equipped with a good raincoat and cozy fleeces, he's ready to brave the soggy Portland weather. Consider getting your dog a warm coat as a holiday gift. 

Insurance is possibly the least exciting gift of all. Is anyone excited to see it under the tree? But it comes in handy and you'll be grateful your dog is insured when you're at the emergency vet. Peace of mind is priceless. 

Everyone who lives in your house (including your dog) enjoys being flea-free. Keep it that way with appropriate flea protection. They'll thank you later. 

And experience gifts are never to be spurned. The Wrapsit is a crate cover that goes on your camping chair and creates a soft crate for your small dog or cat. Your pet will adore tagging along on camping trips and to the beach and to outdoor movies and concerts.

Are you getting your dog any practical presents for the holidays? Wag.com is offering our readers a chance to win a $50 gift card for a shopping spree!

This post was sponsored by Nakturnal. They are not responsible for the contents of this article. All opinions expressed are our own.