Wednesday, June 13, 2012

OMEGA-3 FISH OIL FOR YOUR DOG? YOU BETCHA!



Fish oil for dogs and Omega-3 supplements are a healthy trend in the dog and pet industry right now. The truth is, fish oil for dogs and  Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential supplement for dog health. There are many benefits to giving your dog fish oil supplement: 

  • Fish oil acts as a source of energy, insulating the body against heat loss and preventing the skin from drying and flaking. The result is a vibrant coat and healthier, more supple skin.
  • Extensive research has shown that omega-3s help to reduce inflammation. Inflammation, experts consider, is the root cause for most chronic diseases and allergies in dogs. 
  • Just like essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, insulate the skin, these nutrients cushion the joints and tissues. For younger dogs, and adult dogs, regular fish oil supplementation can assist with healthy aging and general wellness.
  • Lower risk of heart disease and cancer.
  • Support healthy blood lipid levels and blood viscosity.
  • Provides high levels of vitamins A and D necessary for the development of strong bones and teeth; healthy skin and mucous membranes; and healthy night vision.

Let me introduce you to Nordic Naturals for Pets. Pets Deserve Quality Omega-3 Fish Oils. Nordic Naturals uses the same oils and quality standards for the manufacture of both human and pet products.

All of their oils are manufactured in Norway. They adhere to and exceed all quality requirements established by the Norwegian Medicinal Standard and the European Pharmacopoeia, delivering some of the purest, freshest, and most effective Omega-3 pet oils on the market.

Nordic Naturals starts with the best raw materials available: fish low on the food chain, which naturally contain low levels of impurities. All of their products are made exclusively from three fish species: Arctic Cod, Anchovies, and Sardines, as they are naturally high in the Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. 

Nordic Naturals offers two great products for pets - Pet Cod Liver Oil and Omega-3 Pet.


Pet Cod Liver Oil

• derived from the livers of wild arctic Cod (Skrei) (1 fish species)

• A concentrated source of the omega-3 essential fatty acids ePA & dHA

• Contains 1,260 mg total omega-3 fatty acids per 1 teaspoon

• Contains a higher ratio of dHA to ePA (compared to omega-3 Pet)

• omega-3s are complemented by naturally occurring vitamins A & d

(see product label for current amounts of vitamins A & d)

Omega-3 Pet

• derived from the bodies of wild anchovies and sardines (2 fish species)

• A concentrated source of the omega-3 essential fatty acids ePA & dHA

• Contains 1,725 mg total omega-3 fatty acids per 5 soft gels

(approximately equivalent to 1 teaspoon of oil)

• Contains a higher ratio of ePA to dHA (compared to Pet Cod liver oil)

• Contains low amounts of vitamins A & d (less than 0.1 I.u. of vitamin A

and less than 0.1 I.u. of vitamin d per 1 soft gel)



HipGreenDogs highly recommends adding Omega-3 and Fish Oil supplements to your dogs diet!
 


Want more information on Nordic Naturals for Pets and where to get them? Please visit their website at
 http://nordicnaturals.com/pet

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Doghouse Rock - A Rock'in Pet Laundry Detergent!


As you know, we here at HipGreenDogs.com love, love, love earth friendly products for us and our pets.  We are always on the lookout for new and innovative, eco-friendly pet products and  we found a great one with Doghouse Rock, a pet bed and toy laundry detergent brought to us by the awarding-winning manufacturer of eco-friendly cleaning products - 

Rockin' Green!

Doghouse Rock, like all Rockin’ Green products, is safe for our pets and our family, is dye and phosphate free, contains no fillers, enzymes or optical brighteners and is non-toxic, vegan and biodegradable. Made with recyclable packaging, it’s blended to be the perfect detergent for pet bedding, stuffed toys and pet accidents.

So, why use Doghouse Rock over your regular detergent you ask? Most detergents are designed to leave something behind such as fabric softener, fragrance or optical brighteners. That residue is breeding ground for dirt and bacteria and is toxic to your pets’ delicate system (not good!). Doghouse Rock contains none of that, rinses clean and leaves behind no residue or toxic chemicals.

It's easy to use too! Just throw in your pets bedding or toys, do a quick warm rinse to get rid of any yuckies, then add 2 scoops of Doghouse Rock detergent and do a wash cycle. Voila - clean, great smelling pet items!

Doghouse Rock is a hit in our house and we highly recommend it! One bag does 25 loads and costs $13.95.

We believe you and your pets will love it! And even though it might be tempting, we do not recommend throwing the dog in with the laundry!



So, just who is Rockin' Green? It was founded in 2009 by Kim Webb, an avid cloth-diapering mom who desired a better way to clean cloth diapers and cope with her child’s sensitive skin. In just two short years, they are in several countries with hundreds of retailers just in the U.S. alone. And in coming months, Rockin' Green is going to be expanding their home-line, so stay tuned...

We think you will love Doghouse Rock so much that you will want to use the other great products from Rockin' Green.  Check them out at 
http://rockingreensoap.com/.


Now for the fun part - Hip Green Give-a-way!!!

We are giving away one bag of Doghouse Rock Detergent to one of our lucky supporters!
To enter, you can do one of three things:
  1. Subscribe to our Blog.  Simply enter your email address in the subscribe box on the left side of this page and hit submit.
  2. Like our Facebook Page.   http://www.facebook.com/HipGreenDogs
  3. Follow us on Twitter.   https://twitter.com/#!/HipGreenDogs
Contest runs now through April 20th with the winner being announced
 April 21st.  Good Luck!


No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich - Louis Sabin

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Chicken Jerky Treats - DANGER!!!

DANGER!  WARNING!  STOP AND READ!

Please DO NOT put your dog at risk!



If I told you that there might be a chance your dog would die or become extremely sick if you fed them what you were led to believe was a healthy snack, would you risk it?  

In case you haven't heard (and most of us have not), the FDA is investigating Chicken Jerky Treats imported from China and sold here.  This has been an on-going investigation since 2007.  YES I said 2007!!  How many of you heard about the potential poisoning of our animals?  The FDA has received 537 reports of illnesses in dogs, including 467 reports since it issued a renewed warning - yes I said renewed - about chicken jerky treats from China in November 2011. That number includes 353 reports logged in 2011 and 184 reported so far this year!

Pet owners and Veterinarians have been reporting a range of symptoms within hours or days of eating chicken jerky treats, including serious problems such as vomiting, kidney failure, Fanconi syndrome, a condition marked by low blood sugar and even death. Yet, there has been NO RECALL of these potentially fatal dog treats because they have not been able to identify the contaminant.  

These illnesses are tied to chicken jerky products, also sold as chicken tenders, chicken strips or chicken treats imported from China.  Popular brands include Waggin' Train, Canine Carry Outs, Dingo and many more. 

When I started this blog and my business www.hipgreendogs.com, I did so because I want the best for my dog and yours.  I want our dogs to be healthy, happy members of our family.  It is my job and my passion to bring you not only healthy options, but inform you of unhealthy ones.  I am extremely disappointed (but not surprised) that the FDA has chosen to issue a few quiet warnings that most of the public will not see instead of broadcasting this from the roof tops to ensure our pets safety and allow us to make educated choices.  I am also disappointed in the big name stores that continue to keep these potentially fatal treats on the shelves with no warnings posted such as Walmart, PetSmart and Petco. 

This is all the more reason we have to buy all natural, organic, made in the USA treats for our four legged babies or just make them ourselves!  I would be devastated to know that I gave my dog a treat and it killed him - I'm sure you would be too.  And who's to say it is limited to just chicken treats from China.  I don't know about you, but I don't think I want any kind of treat from any other country.  

Throw your dog a healthy bone (or treat)!  HipGreenDogs.com is committed to offering you a great selection of  Safe, Made in the USA, Organic, All Natural dog treats. We have competitive prices and convenient delivery straight to your door! (click on images below if you would like product info and price.)



But whether you buy treats from us or someone else, the only thing I truly care about is that wherever you buy your treats, choose the healthiest you can find.  Choose treats made here in the USA to our high standards and don't put your furry friend at risk, it's just not worth the thousands of dollars in vet bills or the the pain of losing your best friend!!

Also, let's tell the government and the stores we shop at how we feel!  E-mail your Senator and Representative and let them know you do not want these treats on the shelves, let your local store managers know you do not appreciate the risk!  Our best friends can not speak up for themselves!

Want more information and facts on these dangerous dog treats?  Click on the articles below.


Want to save money and make your own healthy dog treats?  See my previous post "Eco Friendly Dog Tips  That Saves You Money" or just search the Internet, there are a tons of great recipes!

Sorry for such a serious post today, but this is serious.  You and I love our pets and want the best for them. It just breaks my heart that many dogs have or will suffer from something so preventable.  

Please spread the word, it just may save a dogs life!


"If a dog's prayers were answered, bones would rain from the sky" - Old Proverb