<% Option Explicit %> <% Response.Buffer = true %> <% dim category_ID, rsPage, strPageHTML, strPageTitle, page_ID, strParameters, strPageHeader %> The Dog Bowl - Blog

The Dog Bowl Pet Supply and BARF Raw Food Blog

The Dog Bowl is an online storefront that offers quality pet products including: raw dog food, B.A.R.F., pet beds, dog dental care, pet first aid kits for travel, and every other luxury pet gift imaginable.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

 

Your BARF pet with a Genetic Disposition:

As a general rule, any genetic fault your pet may have inherited will have minimum chance of expression when the BARF diet is fed.

  • BARF allows pregnant animals to rear an optimum number of offspring whtat become long lived; healthy, well adjusted adults. BARF fed moms can produce more healthy litters over a lifetime than kibble fed moms.
  • BARF fed males develop and maintain healthy and fertility well into their advanced old age.
  • BARF fed working, racing or active dogs, are able to perform to the maximum of their genetic potential.
  • Sick pets fed BARF are more likely to become well.
  • Aged pets when switched to BARF "become young again".
  • By feeding BARF to our "stay at home desexed' companion dog or cat we find they simply have BILLIANT health. They are more likely to be happy, active, bright, alert, well adjusted family members - free of any problems - and they tend to stay that way for all their VERY LONG lives.

It is The Dog Bowl's hope that as your read through this website you will realize that for all of the healthy aims we have for our pets, the BARF diet, the raw food diet, is the only diet that has maximum chance of fulfilling those aims. (Switch to BARF? Click here)


Tuesday, February 27, 2007

 

BARF promotes supreme wellness!

Supreme wellness that is defined as: Least disease combined with best growth, health, reproduction, and longevity.

BARF fed pets tend to be free of dental problems, skin problems, ear problems, eye problems, bowel problems, kidney and heart problems, pancreas and liver problems and immune system problems.

BARF fed animals enjoy a life with an enormously reduced chance of developing both infectious and degenerative diseases. They rarely develop cancer. This healthy state continues into advanced old age.

The BARF diet allows animals to grow and develop their bodies to the peak of genetic perfection.

Monday, February 26, 2007

 

Our pets' bodies malfunction without the food of their wild ancestors:

When our pets were forced to abandon their evolutionary diet and were switched to processed pet food, instead of undergoing instant adaption, they suffered biological damage and bodily breakdown on an enormous scale. This continues today.

Our pet's basic physiology cannot be changed by a few decades eating processed food. Such a rapid change is a biological impossibility. The good news is that by eating BARF, our pets can be returned to brilliant health, and the need for constant veterinary intervention in their lives will decline accordingly. Click here to read more about raw diet for pets.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

 

What is so 'magical' about an evolutionary diet?

Simple! For any machine to work properly it must be supplied with the manufacturers recommended fuel, lubricants, and spare parts. Anything less will cause that machine to malfunction. Our pets' bodies work on the same principle. Their design requires the evolutionary diet. It is what the manufacturer recommends. It is the only diet that will maximize healthy, longevity, and reproductive capacity.

 

Let's talk about poisons!

With the weather warming up in the Houston area comes the increasing activity of rats & rodents. Yuck! What do you do?

Have you put out poisons for them to ingest (poison food trays)? STOP! The Dog Bowl wanted to share a few thoughts about putting out poisons for rodents.

One major problem with putting out poisons in the form of food trays is that rats, possums, or raccoons do not eat the food there! They carry it away. And when they "take the food to go" this can be big problems for you and your neighbors, even your neighborhood! Imagine how many places the rodents go! They take it, maybe drop it, maybe eat part of it and leave the rest - yikes! Where? The next yard, where your neighbor has a cute pup or kitten, to the next block where the kids play with the pets... Yes, without a doubt, the poison is traveling along with the rodents!

If you suspect you have a rodent problem contact a professional for the best way to deal with the issue. But we ask you to be aware of about the "food traveling factor" before deciding to put poisons out.

Putting out poison in the way of food can only mean big problems if and when it travels with the rodents. I am sure the last thing anyone wants is to hurt your neighbors pet, or child!

If you suspect your neighbors have put out poison make sure you survey your yard. Pests like to travel via the telephone wires, and along the fence lines. Visually check these spots in your yard for and removing any unusual looking pellets, kibble, or any strange items that could be suspect. Secondly, talk with your neighbors about the fact that the pests take the food with them - people usually don't know or think about this if or when they put out poison trays.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

 

BIG Announcement! Raw Food Special now happening!

The Dog Bowl is now offering a special on your purchase BARF Raw food! Add a 2nd case and take advantage our huge savings!

Read more about raw dog food - it is the best! (Click here)

To see a list of the Raw Food The Dog Bowl offers click here! (Offer ONLY good within the United States - at this time we cannot ship perishable food items to Canada & Europe).

Enjoy the savings! As much as $20-$50 in savings going on NOW!

**This discount applies ONLY to orders processed ONLINE - Discount does not apply for orders that are taken over the phone, called in, or emailed.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

 

This month is Dental Care month for pets!

This month is "dental care month" for pets. Instead of the stress of a dental, consider Leba III. Use of Leba Dental spray is easy - simply spray a mist into your pet's mouth. It mixes with the pet's saliva and works on the tartar!

Dental problems are anticipated to be the start of big problems for pets: heart, liver, and other issues. Click here to read more about pet dental care.

The Dog Bowl is now offering FREE shipping to any U.S. location. For Canada & UK shipping estimates are under $10.

Click here for more information and to order LEBA III.

The Dog Bowl clients LOVE this product!

 

The BARF program is more evolutionary than revolutionary:

Because the BARF program of feeding is based on the diet our pets have eaten for millsions of years, it is in no way a radical change for our pets.

BARF (raw food diet) is actually a return to the biologically appropriate method of feeding that was abandoned a mere 60 or 70 years ago when processed pet foods took over from more traditional methods. (Industry started "production" of items that could be transported & also the US needed supplies & food for the war.)
The product shown above, is BARF chicken recipe, which is frozen fresh food. It is available online & The Dog Bowl ships to all US destinations. Click here to see the raw foods available for your pets.

Monday, February 19, 2007

 

Is the BARF Diet concept the "return your pet to nature" diet?

NO - The BARF Diet is NOT suggesting or attempting to suggest that you return your pets to nature!

The natural environment can be dangerous. It includes lack of shelter, lack of medical and surgical intervention, the possibility of starvation and the danger of injury or death from many quarters, particularly from other animals, including those animals hunted for food.We will continue to keep our pets in an artificial environment, that includes regular bathing and grooming, training, shelter, love, regular flea and worming treatments, vaccination and medical and surgical intervention when required.

The only part of the environment we wish to become more natural is the food, though of course we shouldn't expect our pets to hunt for it. We shall begin to provide our pets with the type of food for which their body was designed. Food that is raw and whole and in the same form, balance and amount, as they would have received in their natural environment.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

 

The BARF diet is Very simple!

You may use whatever you can buy (or find) in the way of whole raw healthy foodstuffs - meat, bones, vegetables, and organ meats, etc. What ever mimics the diet of a wild or feral animal. Majority of these products may be found at your local supermarket. **We advise you read the labels to make sure no preservatives such as salts, broths, etc are used to process or preserve the raw items. Preservatives could be a very bad thing for your pet. SO consider your source of purchasing & make sure you buy the freshest possible, even possibly frozen.You can enhance the diet you produce with healthy supplements such as vitamins, essential fatty acids, probiotics, kelp, alfalfa powder, various herbs, etc. Once you understand the simple evolutionary principles on which the BARF diet is based, you will find that feeding BARF is uniquely simple.

 

What does B.A.R.F. stand for?

BARF stands for "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food" and also for the "Bones And Raw Food Diet": This is the specific version of the Biologically appropriate Raw Food diet that evolution designed for our dogs and our cats.

Friday, February 16, 2007

 

The basic philosophy of the BARF feeding program:

If our pets are to reach their genetic potential in terms of health, longevity, physical activity and reproduction (if reproduction is what we want), their modern day diet must mimic as closely as possible their evolutionary diet: BARF. The further an animal's diet departs from its evolutionary diet, the more health problems that animal is likely to develop. That is why modern grain based pet foods, no matter how well researched, cause so many health problems. It is impossible for them to match the health enhancing attributes of the evolutionary diet. If we can accept that the evolutionary diet is the gold standard diet for our pets, it is by definition, the most health promoting diet possible. Any other diet, must therefore be of a lower standard and therefore less likely to promote good health. Having understood this profound nutritional truth, it becomes very easy for pet owners to want to feed, and for health professionals to want to recommend, and evolutionary diet for pet animals. (Click here to read more about B.A.R.F Diet questions.)

Thursday, February 15, 2007

 

What is the BARF Diet?

The word BARF is an acronym which stands for biologically appropriate raw food or biologically appropriate raw bones.

The BARF feeding program is about feeding dogs and cats the diet they evolved to eat over millions of years of genetic adaptation.

Other equally apt terms include evolutionary diet, raw diet, natural diet and species appropriate diet. Simple logic and basic biology dictates because our pets' bodies require an evolutionary diet that is exactly what we should feed them!

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

 

Digestable Dog Treats

From time to time all of us purchase treats for our dogs. The look of a doggie cookie, and the words "natural" jump out at us & we think "Now this looks tastey".

Most of the time "we" like the way they look & thus that is the reason we buy them. But are they good for your dog? Are they digestable? Treats count as food - Are they additional nutrition for your pup, or just junk food?

Your pup doesn't care if it is shaped like a heart or dog bone. So it is up to you to purchase the best nutrition you can! The Dog Bowl urges you to read the labels and get the best you can for the money you spend. Give your dog some nutrition along with a quick snack. Pick the best, most digestable treat for your pup.

The Dog Bowl offers very healthy and digestable treats, and as a bonus some even look good too! (Click here to see our current selection.)

Our customers really like the Breathies Chicken Breast treats (click here to see more information & purchase this item). These dog treats are made with real chicken breast with added rosemary and parsley to promote good puppy breath. They also do NOT contain the following items: • No Flour • No Wheat • No Corn • No Soy • No Hormones • No Antibiotics • No Fillers • No Added Salt

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

 

Cat Dental Care

Have you ever looked at your cat's teeth? If you haven't please take a look! Pay special attention to the back molars. Is there a build up of tartar? Does your cat's breath smell bad?

I know we all think of "hard food" as a cleaning agent for your cat's teeth. But this is simply not the case. If you look at the way your cat's mouth functions they simply cannot move the jaw left & right, it can only move up and down. They essentially pull and tear as a way they "chew". Ultimately and contrary to what commercials and marketing says pets do not chew. So imagine the hard food plus a little saliva = hard food becomes sticky like a paste. Ugg! This is no good. So why wouldn't your cat's breath smell nice? There is no way it can. (The now sticky food is now lodged in the back molars.) So of course, there is going to be build up of tartar on the back molars when your cat's diet consists of hard food.

After assessing your cat's dental condition what do you do next? (We haven't forgotten about dog dental care - click here.)

The Dog Bowl offers a product called Leba III Dental Care which is the easy and effective solution to your cat's dental needs. Unlike undergoing a "dental" from your veterinarian this simple Leba Dental Spray is not stressful. You simply spray a mist of the dental product in the cat's mouth 1-2 times per day. It mixes with your cat's saliva and attacks the bacteria and tartar build up. Results: No more "cat breath" and you will notice the tartar build up on the molars reduce and go away over time and consistent use.

Click here to view the product The Dog Bowl offers for cat dental care & to read more about this easy dental solution.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

 

Why can’t dogs and cats digest grains and starches?

Our pets need good, quality protein. So have you ever asked yourself why most of the foods for pets contain a large amount of grain and starch?

Next ask yourself if your pets can digest these items? Why can't dogs and cats digest grains and starches?

Click here to read more about grain and starch digestion.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

 

While we are on the topic of Pet First Aid... What would you do?

The Dog Bowl has come up with just a few incidents where Pet First Aid could be very handy:

Traffic Accidents that involve a pet: Serious injuries to pets (dogs and cats) are commonly caused by car/traffic accidents. We want to be very aware if you approach an injured dog or cat, even if he/she is yours, the pet may react aggressively because of pain. If you have to move the animal, use a blanket - slide it underneath the pet if possible and try to wrap them up so they are limited in movement (plus this helps warm the animal and help with shock). Try to be as gentle as possible when sliding the blanket - try to seek help from anyone around if possible. Gently lift and wrap and check for heartbeat and any blood loss or hemorrhaging (knots or lumps on the body). If you do find excessive bleeding, try to stop it by holding a clean pad (from the first aid kit for pets) or clean scarf or handkerchief only over the wound and then bind it firmly with a bandage (from the pet first aid kit). Call your vet! (Hopefully you have that phone number already saved in your cell phone. If you don't - do it now!)

Burns that involves a pet: If you find a pet who has been involved in a house fire or burned please be aware, the injured pet may react aggressively. The animal is in pain and we ask you to be cautious and aware it is in pain. Try to clean off the burned area with cool running water if possible. Try to continue to keep the wound cool with running water until you can seek your vet's assistance immediately. Call your vet!

Heat stroke that involves a pet: Especially in Texas, this is a common occurrence... A dog or cat is left alone on a warm/hot day without the power of ventilation oar air circulation. (This can happen in a yard, inside a home, and ceraintly a car.) Signs of heat stoke in a dog may involve panting, vomiting, or frothing at the mouth. Try to cool the dog by placing him/her in cold water or poring water all over the body. This will help lower the body temperature. Call your vet! And wet the dog again with cold water.

Poisoning that involves a pet: Did you see the pet ingest something that is toxic? (Grapes, raisins, mushrooms,.. click here to see more listed toxins) You may or may not know what your dog ingested, but time is of the essence. Call your vet immediately! Signs of poisoning might include the following: collapse, brawny twitching, vomiting, bleeding or convulsion. If you know your dog has recently swallowed the poison, your vet may suggest to try to make him vomit. (Ask your vet first - but Salt and mustard could work).

Drowning that involves a pet: Did you know that not all dogs can swim? True. If you find a dog has submerged and has taken in water to a point of not breathing attempt to empty the dog’s lungs of water as soon as possible. Place the dog’s tail portion higher than it's head (head lower than its body), open it's mouth and check for any obstruction in the mouth (stick, leaves, etc). Next start to pump the chest by pressing firmly and briefly down on the ribs - make sure to keep pressing and releasing the pressure. Repeat at 10-second intervals. Call your vet!

Choking that involves a pet: A piece of rubber ball, stick, or anything for that matter really could get stuck in a dog's throat. This could obstruct the pet's breathing. If a dog is unable to breathe swift action is necessary. First, open the dog's mouth very carefully and see if you see anything. You may have to reach in and try to grab the item. Don't be afraid, this will open the windpipe and save the dog, so if you see it try to get it! If you don't see anything, it may be lodged too far down. Pumping the chest, as mentioned in the above "drowning" topic could possibly get the item to move closer up the windpipe. This could also push it further which could give the pet the ability to swallow it. We advise you to get your dog to your vet immediately! If the item is digestible and swallowed you are going to be ok... if the item is swallowed and NOT digestible (i.e. plastic or metal,.. etc) your vet will need to advise you of the next necessary action required.

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

 

Traveling with pets? Think ahead, be prepared for safety: Pet First Aid Kits available!

Traveling with your pet? Bet you didn't think - What if my dog needs first aid? What would you do?

Let's get prepared!


The sport dog kit is demanded for hunting dogs, working dogs, field trials and even law enforcement dogs! Comes complete with all of the items most recommended to treat dogs for injury–including gunshot wounds.

Keep a pet first aid kit in your car and one at home. Emergencies can happen any time, and anywhere! And it is always better to be prepared just in case.
1 - Bottle Powder Stypic (toenail bleeding)
1 - Pair Latex Gloves (personal protection from blood)
1 - 1" x 6 yd. Sterile Gauze Bandage (wrap wounds)
1 - Bottle of Eye & Skin Wash, 1 Fl. Oz. (flush wounds)
2 - Packages of Triple Antibiotic Ointment, 1 gr. (wound)
2 - Packages of Hydrocortisone Cream 1 - gr. (rashes, itching)
2 - PVP Iodine Antiseptic wipes (sterilization)
2 - Insect sting wipes (apply to insect bites/stings)
1 - Roll 1/2" x 21/2 yd. Adhesive Tape (secure bandage)
2 - Packages 2" x 2" Gauze Pad (apply to wounds)
2 - Packages 3" x 3" Gauze Pad (apply to wounds)
1 - Pair Scissors (trim hair and cut bandage or tape)
1 - Hand Wipe (personal cleanup)
2 - Antiseptic Towelettes (clean wound or hands)
5 - Cotton Swab (apply ointments or creams)
2 - Green Soap Towelettes (clean wound or hands)
1 - Pet Care Card (detailed first aid instructions)
1 - Pet Emergency Card (record your vet's emergency #'s)
1 - Pr. Plastic Forceps (splinters/tick removal)
1 - Pet Kit Case (heavy-duty, snap-lock hardshell case)

This is a "must have" item for any car or travel trip with your pet. Not to mention, a very good gift for any pet owner!

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

 

Healthy life involves eating well.... It is common sense.

If someone told you that you could be healthy by eating fresh foods, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and more live enzymes... and staying away from processed foods. You would say, "Of course - that is common sense, no one needs to tell me that!"

Ask yourself: Why would this "common sense" perspective change when it applies to feeding your pet(s)?

It is common sense that eating fresh foods is the best way to stay healthy. Why wouldn't that be the case when it comes to taking care of our pets? "Of course it is."

The above is something The Dog Bowl wants you to ask yourself, and keep this in mind, when you spend your hard earned money. What are you buying - the best? What is the best? Is it fresh?

At The Dog Bowl we are learning new things to improve our pet's lives and the lives of our client's pets every day. One of the things we learned today is that not everything you read on a bag is truth. Afterall, things that are producted to "sit" in a bag (sometimes for years on end) are made just for that! We open it and.... no mold, no aging, it looks fine. Of course it does. But ask yourself: How can it? Simple answer: It looks fine because it was made to!

  • beef stew must be 25 percent beef
  • beef dinner must be between 25 and 95 percent beef
  • beef should be 95 percent beef
  • all beef must contain only beef and therefore not additives or supplements
  • beef flavor should have enough meat to give the canned food the flavor of beef
Do your homework and make decisions for yourself, not just because "the bag says healthy and natural" or "beef".

Ask yourself: How can somthing that sits in a bag for X amount of time really be natural? What is "natural" about that?

Just some food for thought.... Enjoy our website and read on. We have more information about produced dog food - click here.

We have lots of products that fit with whatever your descrimitating taste, education, and lifestyle may be or desire to be. Oh, and for your pet too! Enjoy.

Respectfully,

The Dog Bowl

Monday, February 05, 2007

 

Per a trainer The Dog Bowl knows...

"See, the problem is that we allow our dogs to dictate their behavior, so technically your dog isn't the problem - It's you!"

 

How much should I feed my pet?

The very simple answer goes something like this... If your pet is large and obese, feed less! If your pet is skinny and poor, feed more!

The amount to feed is loosely based on the weight of your pet.

In relation to BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food): The amount of food required daily by a dog or cat eating BARF will be between one and a half percent and ten percent of its bodyweight fed as one, two, three or four meals depending on species, life stage, activity, and individual requirements.

For example: A 100lb dog might require from 1 1/2LB to 8LB of food. A 6LB 4 ounce dog might require from 1 1/2 ounces to 8 ounces of food daily.

Your immediate reaction is "That is a huge range, where does my pet fit in"? And you are right! It is a huge range and as usual with all open questions, there is no easy answer because there are a number of factors to consider. Some of which are:
  • Age - More to puppies, Less to older dogs
  • Weight
  • Activity level - More to active dogs, less to less active
  • Metabolism

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