Grass

I find two (unsupported by documentation or scientific) reasons why my dogs eat grass.

1. they enjoy it (kitsu almost looks zen munching on grass!)
2. they have to barf (expel excess mucus, bile, and other impurities)



I also have heard that there are other benefits as grasses act as an internal cleanser and a sort of herbal medicine.

Dr. Patty of Dolittler/Fully Vetted gave these reasons:

 #1 The vitamin and mineral theory: As in, they’re not getting enough, therefore they consume grass.

#2 The roughage theory: Because dogs need some cellulose in small quantities to aid in bacterial digestion (sort of like a prebiotic), they sometimes consume the green stuff by way of reestablishing bacterial homeostasis.

#3 The vomiting theory: To raise a little bile when something didn’t go down just right, the nausea-inducing properties of grass are well-documented. Just eat a handful yourself if you don’t buy this logic.

#4 The angry tummy theory: If you had some excess gastric acid, maybe a little esophageal reflux and no prehensile thumbs with which to grab a bottle of Tums or a little Pepcid AC, you might just eat grass, too.

#5 The hungry dog theory: Some dogs just like it. Period. We all know a few who doubtless do.

either way I like them to have it if they need it and I planted some organic 'cat grass' for them this year because I can never guarantee that the grass in our yard is worm guts/bird poop/chemical free.

Colitis

From the Honest Kitchen Newsletter:

Colitis is essentially an inflammation of the large intestine, or colon. The term Colitis is used to cover several different conditions of the gastro-intestinal tract and can include:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (a condition where the animal’s white blood cells invade the intestine and cause inflammation to occur). The result is that nutrient absorption is impaired and this causes weight loss and general GI disturbance
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which can be related to stress
• Pancreatitis in which the pancreas becomes inflamed
• Parasitic infections such as giardia, hookworms or whipworms
• Bacterial infection such as Campylobacter or salmonella
• Food allergies in which an animal is intolerant of certain ingredients.

Thy symptoms of colitis include diarrhea, which can sometimes alternate with constipation. Mucus or blood in the stool and excessive gassiness are also signs of Colitis. Stool volume may be reduced but there may be much straining and the frequency of defecation may increase.

Click for A holistic approach to treatment

treats | fruitables

Fruitables - these things smell so good, that you can eat them (I didn't... but I'm just sayin). And they're an adorable flower shape.

I got these as a buffer for when we do longer hikes between meals.You will see they are packed with carbs -

Ingredients:
Pumpkin, Organic oatmeal, Pearled barley, Whole ground potatoes, Oat fiber, Canola Oil (with mixed tocorpherols, a natural preservative), Organic cane molasses, Blueberries, Cinnamon, Vanilla

You can now get a bag from bestbullysticks! Tell um shibaslave@gmail.com sent ya!

treats | evanger's nothing but natural

Evanger's Nothing but Natural Buffalo with Fruits & Vegetable Treats were a big hit in our house!


Ingredients:
Natural Buffalo, Oat Flour, Potato Flour, Dried Chicory Root, Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin, Cultured Whey, Fruits and Vegetables (Blueberries, Cranberries, Carrots, Peas), Sea Salt, Natural Flavors, Oil of Garlic, Tocopherols (Vitamin E).

Super helpful in training 'sit-stay' by paradigm for the puppy!