Articles - The Woof Meow Show

"Helping You and Your Pet Become Best Friends for Life"


 

The “Woof-Meow” show is on every Sunday at 8:30PM on WVOM, 103.9FM, the Voice of Maine. Hosted by Don Hanson of Green Acres Kennel Shop, the show focuses on educating dog and cat guardians about their dogs and cats.

AIR DATE: Sunday, January 28, 2007

GUEST: Don Hanson & Kate Dutra

Treats for Dogs and Cats – Just Because

At Green Acres Kennel Shop we strive to provide you with a large selection of treats for your pets that are nutritious, low in calories, full of wholesome ingredients and of course, absolutely delicious! As discriminating pet guardians ourselves, we are always trying out the latest brands and varieties so stop by the shop to see what’s new!

“Just Because” treats are those treats we give to our dogs – just because! They are generally too large or have too many calories to be a practical training treat or are too easily consumed to be a quality chewing treat for a dog.

We have rated the following treats with one star (*) to four stars (****) based on 1) quality of ingredients, 2) overall confidence in the company, 3) availability of caloric information, and 4) the experience we and our pets have had with these treats.

Cat Treats

Finding a good cat treat is never easy. Often the healthy ones or the ones we think our cats will like the best are met with disgust.  We have found that the treats listed below are ones that most cats enjoy.

CANZ Real Meat Jerky Treats for Cats

Consisting of 95% real meat, CANZ Real Meat treats contain exceedingly more meat than traditional cat treats.  All meat sources are free range, farm raised, and natural.  There are no fillers, artificial ingredients, or artificial preservatives added to CANZ Real Meat treats. 

The enticing smells and mouth-watering flavors make these highly satisfying treats for our feline friends. They are soft and easily broken into little pieces so that you can feel good about rewarding your pets without creating a weight problem.

The six Real Meat flavors are available in 4 oz and 12 oz re-closable bags. Because these treats do not contain artificial preservatives, they should be refrigerated upon opening.

CANZ Real Meat Jerky Treats for Cats

VARIETY

CAL./
TREAT

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES
RATING

Lamb Jerky

8

Lamb, Chicory, Lecithin, Sea Salt, Mixed Tocopherols

****

Fish & Venison Jerky

8

Fish, Venison, Chicory, Lecithin, Sea Salt

****

Venison Jerky

8

Venison, Chicory, Lecithin, Sea Salt, Mixed Tocopherols

****

Lamb Liver Jerky

8

Lamb, Lamb Liver, Chicory, Lecithin, Sea Salt

****

Beef Jerky

8

Beef, Chicory, Lecithin, Sea Salt, Mixed Tocopherols

****

Chicken & Venison Jerky

8

Chicken, Venison, Chicory, Lecithin, Sea Salt

****

To Learn More

Stop by the store and talk to our knowledgeable staff about CANZ Real Meat treats or checkout their webpage at http://shopping.netsuite.com/countrypet/.

 

Cosmic Pet Products, Inc.

Cosmic Pet Products, INC. was pioneered by a man whose goal was simply to make his cat happy.  This devoted guardian would go all the way out to the country to pick only the finest catnip for his cat.  Eventually, he commenced selling his catnip and today Cosmic Catnip is the world’s leading brand of catnip.

Cosmic Catnip

Your cat will go crazy for this catnip!  The pure catnip product comes in a 0.5 oz plastic container.

VARIETY

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES RATING

Cosmic Catnip

Catnip

****

Cosmic Cat KittyCat Grass

This is a mix of herbs and greens that you can grow fresh in your home for your cat!  The KittyCat Grass not only aids in your cat’s digestion, but may also help to save your precious houseplants by giving your cat an alternative plant he is naturally attracted to.  Best of all the seeds and soil do not contain any chemicals! 

Thelma and Louise, the Green Acres Kennel Shop cats, absolutely love their pot of Cosmic KittyCat Grass!

VARIETY

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES RATING

Kitty Cat Grass

Pure Seed:  Barley, Oats, Wheat

****

To Learn More

Stop by the store and talk to our knowledgeable staff about Cosmic Cat products or checkout their webpage at http://www.cosmicpet.com/.

 

Greenies for Cats

The Feline Greenies® dental treats have a delicious chicken flavor and help reduce tartar in cats' teeth as documented by independent studies.  The treats come in a 3 oz re-closable bag. Even finicky cats really seem to love feline Greenies.

VARIETY

CAL./
TREAT

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES RATING

Feline Greenies

11

Chicken meal, rice flour, wheat flour, corn gluten meal, oat fiber

***

To Learn More

Stop by the store and talk to our knowledgeable staff about Greenies or checkout their webpage at http://www.greenies.com/.

 

Kitty Kaviar

This treat is for the cat that refuses all others. It is comprised of 100% Bonito filets that are dried and shaved into very thin slices. Kitty Kaviar has no additives, preservatives or by-products, is an excellent source of taurine and is low in ash and magnesium. A little of this treat goes a long way as it is packed with so much flavor. This treat is also great for sprinkling on food if you need to entice your cat to eat (after you have visited your veterinarian of course).

Kitty Kaviar comes in a 0.5 oz container.

VARIETY

CAL./
TREAT

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES
RATING

Kitty Kaviar

Not Available

100% Bonito Filet

****

To Learn More

Stop by the store and talk to our knowledgeable staff about Kitty Kaviar or checkout their webpage at http://www.KittyKaviar.com/.

 

Wysong

Wysong, the veterinarian owned and run company, is dedicated to providing your pet with the best possible diet when the whole foods provided by nature just aren’t an option for feeding.  Their philosophy is no different when it comes to designing a nutritious treat that your pet will love munching. 

Wysong Cat Treats

The crunchy treats are made from the same high quality ingredients as the Wysong pet foods.  There are never artificial colors, sugars, or synthetic or chemical taste enhancers in any Wysong product.

Wysong Cat Treats come in 4 oz foil package.

VARIETY

CAL./
TREAT

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES
RATING

Cat Treats

384 Cal/100g

Chicken, Poultry Fat, Ground Corn, Ground Brown Rice, Ground Whole Wheat

***

Wysong Archetype

The Wysong Archetype™ is a treat/supplement/diet for cats (and dogs).  It is designed to emulate the archetypical (natural) diets of our pets.  It contains such things as meat, organs, bones, essential fatty acids, probiotics, enzymes, and plant nutrients.  The non-thermally processed diet is 99% meat, making it a delicious and very healthy treat for your cat. Wysong Archetype comes in a 7.5 oz re-sealable foil bag.

VARIETY

CAL./
TREAT

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES
RATING

Archetype

287 Cal/cup

Beef, Chicken, Beef Liver, Chicken Liver, Ground Bone

****

Wysong Dream Treats™ for Cats (& Dogs)

Wysong’s Dream Treats™ are made entirely from meat by way of a special process that does not use damaging heat.  The meaty disks are fortified with extra vitamins, minerals, probiotics, enzymes, and natural nutraceuticals (“functional foods”).  The discs are not messy and make excellent treats.

Dream Treats™ come in three meat varieties:  Beef, Chicken, and Pheasant.  They are packed into re-closable foil bags to lock in freshness and are available in two sizes:  1.44 oz & 5.04 oz. 

VARIETY

CAL./
TREAT

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES
RATING

Beef

Not available

Beef, Beef Liver, Ground Bone, Condensed Whey Product, Fish Oil

****

Chicken

Not available

Chicken, Chicken Liver, Ground Bone, Condensed Whey Product, Fish Oil

****

Pheasant

Not available

Pheasant, Pheasant Liver, Ground Bone, Condensed Whey Product, Fish Oil

****

To Learn More

Stop by the store and talk to our knowledgeable staff about Wysong or checkout their webpage at http://www.wysong.net/.

Dog Treats for “Just Because”

“Just Because” treats are snacks that are too large for training, but too small and easily eaten to qualify as chewables.

Dog obesity is a serious problem and we caution people to use care when selecting any “Just Because” treat. These treats do have calories and they do count towards your dog’s daily caloric input. We personally tend to prefer the treats that publish this caloric information and that have smaller sized treats. We also like treats that are easily breakable so that we can limit calories that way.

The following are the brands carried by Green Acres Kennel Shop in our effort to provide your pet with the best nutrition possible, even in a biscuit!

The DogHouse Kitchen Organic Treats for Dogs

Green Acres offers the full line of organic dog treats from The DogHouse Kitchen in Portland. These treats come in four varieties: Spice of Life, I Yam What I Yam, Peanut Butter Lovin’, and Reindog Rewards (offered during the holidays only). Each tasty treat is free of wheat, soy and corn and is made from USDA Certified Organic ingredients. These treats looked and smelled so good I had to try them myself. The dogs and I think they are fantastic and we think you and your dog will agree!

VARIETY

CAL./
TREAT

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES
RATING

I Yam What I Yam

Not Available

Rye flour (whole grain, dark), yams, sunflower seeds, unrefined sunflower oil, garlic

***

Peanut Butter Lovin’

Not Available

Rye flour (whole grain, dark), peanut butter (peanuts only), sunflower seeds, honey, peanuts

***

Reindog Rewards

Not Available

Rye flour (whole grain, dark), cage-free eggs, nonfat milk, brown rice, unrefined sunflower oil

***

Spice of Life

 Not Available

Rye flour (whole grain, dark), cage-free eggs, nonfat milk, brown rice, unrefined sunflower oil

***

To Learn More

Stop by the store and talk to our knowledgeable staff about The DogHouse Kitchen or checkout their webpage at http://www.doghousekitchen.com/.

 

Eagle Holistix

Eagle Holistix biscuits are made with the same concern for quality as the Eagle Holistic Select pet food line. Eagle uses only natural, human grade ingredients and their meats are antibiotic and hormone free. Both varieties of biscuits contain: organic spelt, which is high in fiber, vitamins and essential fatty acids, flaxseed and canola oil for the Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, prebiotics and probiotics to promote digestion, as well as a variety of fruits and vegetables. These crunchy treats are a favorite amongst both our canine companions and our discerning clients. These treats are available in a 1 lb re-closable bag.

VARIETY

CAL./
TREAT

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES
RATING

Holistix (Chicken)

40

Chicken, Ground Barley, Organic Spelt, Flaxseed, Chicken Fat

***

Holistix (Fish)

40

Ground Barley, Organic Spelt, Menhaden Fish Meal, Canola Oil, Ground Flaxseed

***

To Learn More

Stop by the store and talk to our knowledgeable staff about Eagle Pack pet products or checkout their webpage at http://www.eaglepack.com/.

 

Innova EVO

The Innova EVO dog treat is truly unique.  Just like the EVO dog food, the treats are high in protein and do not contain any grain.  In fact, the EVO treats are the “world’s first baked dog treat made with no grain!”  Because of this, EVO treats are a wonderful complement to the EVO dog food or to a raw or homemade diet.  Additionally, the EVO treats are perfect for feeding to dogs with food allergies to grains (such as wheat or corn).

But the goodness doesn’t stop there!  The ingredients of the EVO dog treats are of exceptional quality.  These treats contain high quality turkey and chicken, and whole fruits and vegetables.  Each treat includes antioxidant vitamins, linoleic fatty acid and the Omega-3 fatty acid.  The biscuits do not have any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and the ingredients are grown without the use of genetic engineering.  When you feed your dog an EVO treat, you can be confident that he is getting quality nutrients, not empty calories! The treats are available in a 20 oz. re-closable foil bag.

VARIETY

CAL./
TREAT

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES
RATING

Innova EVO Treats

14

Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Potato

****

To Learn More

Stop by the store and talk to our knowledgeable staff about Innova EVO treats or checkout their webpage at http://www.naturapet.com/.

 

Innova HealthBar Baked Treats for Dogs

Just like their food products for dogs, Innova treats are made with fresh whole ingredients.  This is because Innova understands the importance of providing not only food, but also treats that are nutritious and healthy for your pet.  The lean turkey and chicken meats used in the HealthBar treats are of the same quality you or I would eat.  Whole ground grains also contribute to the nutritional benefits of the baked biscuits.  Additionally, these treats contain essential vitamins, chelated minerals, and the Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids.  When you feed an Innova HealthBar biscuit, your dog is munching on a scrumptious, nutrient rich treat. The HealthBar treats are available in a 4 lb re-closable bag.

VARIETY

CAL./
TREAT

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES RATING

HealthBar

50

Turkey, Chicken, Barley, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal

***

To Learn More

Stop by the store and talk to our knowledgeable staff about Innova or checkout their webpage at http://www.naturapet.com/.

 

Mr. Barky’s Vegetarian Dog Biscuits

Mr. Barky’s biscuits are produced by PetGuard, a company focused on designing natural alternatives for a healthier environment.  The recipe was originally a secret that only Mr. Barky himself got to enjoy.  But when Mr. Barky passed on, his owner shared the secret recipe with PetGuard.  Now dogs everywhere can enjoy the same crunchy, delicious biscuit that Mr. Barky once loved. 

The highly digestible treats are made with whole grains and unsaturated fats.  They do not contain animal by-products, artificial colors, artificial flavors, added sweeteners, salt, or sugar. The biscuits are available in a 26 oz box.

VARIETY

CAL./
TREAT

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES
RATING

Mr. Barky's Vegetarian Biscuits

55 

Wheat Flour, Whole Oat Groats, Whole Ground Brown Rice, Whole Ground Yellow Corn, Whole Barley

***

To Learn More

Stop by the store and talk to our knowledgeable staff about Mr. Barky’s treats or checkout their webpage at http://www.petguard.com/.

 

Nutro Dog Biscuits

For over 75 years, Nutro has been formulating foods for pets, and the company strives to make quality treats as well. Using only the same natural ingredients found in their foods, Nutro fortifies their biscuits with vitamins and minerals. You will find no by-products or corn in their Max Mini Bones, Natural Choice Tartar Control Biscuits or their Natural Choice Chops. The Natural Choice Chops are created with minimal ingredients to lessen the risk of digestive upset for those pooches with food sensitivities, and the Tartar Control Biscuits are fortified with vitamins A, E, C, K, and B as well as Zinc and Manganese to help promote oral health.

The Max Mini Bones are available in a 23 oz box, the Tartar Control Biscuits are available in either 21 oz or 60 oz boxes and the Natural Choice Chops are available in 23 oz or 60 boxes.

VARIETY

CAL./
TREAT

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES
RATING

Max Mini Bones

Not Available

Wheat Flour, Ground Whole Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Meal, Rice Bran

**

Natural Choice Chops

Not Available

Ground Rice, Rice Bran, Rice Gluten, Lamb Meal, Sunflower Oil

**

Tartar Control Biscuits

Not Available

Wheat Flour, Ground Whole Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Bran, Chicken Fat

**

To Learn More

Stop by the store and talk to our knowledgeable staff about Nutro treats or checkout their webpage at http://www.nutroproducts.com/.

 

Solid Gold Biscuits for Dogs

Solid Gold, established in 1974, was one of the first companies in the United States to use natural ingredients in their pet foods and treats. The company takes a holistic approach to the health of pets. Solid Gold treats are a delightful addition to any nutritious diet.

Dragon’s Teeth & Dragonettes

Solid Gold biscuits are designed to help reduce tarter on your dog’s teeth.  They are made of all natural, quality ingredients.  They do not contain wheat, corn, soy, sugar, preservatives, animal fat, or by-products.  The biscuits come in 1 lb plastic jars.  There are larger sized biscuits—Dragon’s Teeth, or smaller sized biscuits—Dragonettes.

We frequently use these treats as recall rewards for our dogs Tikken and Dulcie and they love them. Interestingly, our cat Batman also seems to enjoy Dragonettes. Batman will wait at the door when the dogs come until he also gets a Dragonette to munch down.

VARIETY

CAL./
TREAT

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES
RATING

Dragon's Teeth (larger size)

8

Oatmeal, Spelt, Krill, Canola Oil, Flax Meal

****

Dragonette (smaller size)

3

Oatmeal, Spelt, Krill, Canola Oil, Flax Meal

****

Solid Gold Garlic Doggie Bagels

The Solid Gold Garlic Bagels are an all natural, vegetarian treat for dogs.  They have an irresistible crunchy texture and a wonderful garlic flavor that dogs and humans love! 

This is a great treat but it is large, high in calories, hard, and difficult to break which means that you will probably give it to your dog in its entirety. When using this treat you need to make sure to subtract and equal amount of calories from your dog’s diet that day. A 0.9 lb re-closable bag contains approximately 15 bagels.

VARIETY

CAL./
TREAT

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES
RATING

Garlic Doggie Bagels

120

Malted Barley Flour, Garlic, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine

***

To Learn More

Stop by the store and talk to our knowledgeable staff about Solid Gold or checkout their webpage at http://www.solidgoldhealth.com/.

 

Wysong

Wysong, the veterinarian owned and run company, is dedicated to providing your pet with the best possible diet when the whole foods provided by nature just aren’t an option for feeding.  Wysong treats are a crunchy alternative when real bones are not an option. There are never artificial colors, sugars, or synthetic or chemical taste enhancers in any Wysong product. The Wysong Biscuits are available in a 22 oz pail.

VARIETY

CAL./
TREAT

FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS

GREEN ACRES
RATING

Wysong Biscuits

 

Ground Corn, Ground Wheat, Poultry Meat and Organs, Molasses, Ground Brown Rice

**

To Learn More

Stop by the store and talk to our knowledgeable staff about Wysong or checkout their webpage at http://www.wysong.net/.

Notes from The Woof Meow Show, 28JAN07
Guest - Kate Dutra- Green Acres Kennel Shop
© Donald J. Hanson, BFRP, CDBC, CPDT

 

 


Last Updated February 3, 2007
© Green Acres Kennel Shop