Hey there, dog lovers! Dr. Becker from Dr. Becker's Bites here, ready to dish out another tasty tidbit of wisdom. We're diving into the world of biome probiotics for dogs. Just like humans, our four-legged friends need a healthy gut, too! So grab a leash, and let's explore why pet biome probiotics are the talk of the dog park.
The gut isn't just for gobbling treats; it's a complex ecosystem full of good bacteria. That's where biome probiotics come in, making sure the belly's balanced and thriving. Think of it as planting a beautiful garden inside your pup's tummy. A happy gut garden means a happy dog!
Now here's a treat with benefits! Biome probiotic for dogs is like a daily dose of wellness wrapped in a tasty morsel. These treats ensure the good bacteria are having a party while the bad ones are shown the door. It's more than a treat; it's a healthy habit!
Ever noticed your furry friend looking a bit off? It could be a troubled tummy! With pet biome probiotics, you'll see that fur shine, eyes sparkle, and tail wag with new energy. It's like giving your pup a health spa treatment, one yummy bite at a time.
Trust me, friends, these aren't just trendy treats. Adding biome probiotics to your dog's diet is a small step with giant rewards. It supports digestion, enhances immunity, and keeps that tail wagging. It's science wrapped in deliciousness – what's not to love?
So there you have it, fellow dog lovers! Embrace the magic of biome probiotics for dogs and let your pup feast on health and happiness. Ready to make your dog's belly dance with joy? Try Dr. Becker's Biome Probiotic Treats, and join the pet biome probiotics revolution today! After all, a healthy gut means a happy pup, and we all know that's what life's all about. Bark on! 🐾
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Hey, fellow dog lovers! Dr. Becker here from Dr. Becker's Bites. Is your canine friend acting jittery or anxious lately? It's more common than you think, but don't fret! We've got just the remedy for you and your furry buddy: calming bites for dogs. These magical munchies not only taste paw-some but are a great calming solution for dogs. Let's dig into how they work!
Anxiety in dogs can manifest in many ways — from tail-chasing to excessive barking. It's like their way of biting their nails! But fear not, calming bites dog treats are here. They're designed with special ingredients that work with Fido's biology, providing a natural and tasty solution to those jittery nerves.
Calming bites for dogs are not just an ordinary treat. These bites contain ingredients that work wonders on the canine nervous system. Imagine having a delicious snack that also acts like a soothing hug from you. Now that's a treat worth wagging about!
Think of calming bites as mini-therapy sessions for your dog. They're like that cozy blanket on a thunderous night or a soothing rub behind the ears. Calming bites offer a go-to solution, making them an essential part of any nervous pup's toolkit.
You'll be surprised how calming bites can turn your anxious canine into a Zen master! Regular use can lead to a happier, healthier, and more balanced pooch. They might not meditate, but you'll definitely see a calmer, more content pup at the end of the day.
So there you have it, lovely dog enthusiasts! With calming bites, you're not just treating your dog to a tasty treat, but also to a calmer and happier life. Want to see those tails wagging in joy? Try Dr. Becker's Bites and join the calming solutions for dogs revolution today! Remember, a calm dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog makes for an even happier human. Woof! 🐾
]]>Just like humans, puppies can also experience joint problems, especially as they grow older. Maintaining healthy joints is crucial as it affects their ability to move, play, and explore their environment. By focusing on joint health from a young age, you can potentially prevent joint-related issues later in their life.
Proper nutrition plays a significant role in supporting healthy joints. Essential nutrients like glucosamine, eggshell membrane, and glucosamine sulfate help promote cartilage production, reduce inflammation, and improve overall joint health. Including these nutrients in your puppy's diet can be a proactive step towards preventing future joint problems — and when it comes to joint dog joint supplements, you can trust that ours have everything your dog needs.
Treats can be an effective and enjoyable way to address and maintain your puppy's joint health. Not only do treats serve as a tasty reward for good behavior and training, but they can also offer additional benefits in terms of joint support, especially when the reward is Dr. Becker’s Bites. We’ve been passionate about loving our pets well for years, and our timeline shows how we’ve evolved over the years.
Dr. Becker's Bites offers a Joint Support Solutions Shaker as well as Joint Support Solutions Bites to ensure that your pet is cared for. We know that finding the right dog joint supplement can be a challenge — but our joint supplements contain everything your dog needs to be happy and healthy.
Taking care of your puppy's joint health from an early stage sets the foundation for a vibrant and active life. By incorporating the right treats, specially formulated with joint-supportive ingredients, you're not only rewarding them with yummy flavors but also nurturing their joint health. Dr. Becker's Bites ensures that your precious pup receives the necessary nutrients to maintain healthy joints and stay agile throughout their life. Remember, a happy and active puppy starts with treats that prioritize their joint wellness.
]]>Of course, treats crafted from a single ingredient will be free of all kinds of other ingredients, which means that our treats are grain-free, hormone-free, preservative-free, and steroid-free. Without these other ingredients or compounds, your dog will enjoy delicious, whole-meat treats that are crafted from the highest quality meat available.
Our single-ingredient treats are made from top-quality sources of protein, which means that your dog will benefit from high-quality protein that isn’t diluted by fillers, grains, or other ingredients. With higher-quality protein for your dog, you’ll help to boost their health naturally! Choose from beef, venison, lamb, or bison for top-quality protein that your dog will love.
Each of our single-ingredient treat options are crafted from sources that also provide vitamins and nutrients that your dog may be missing from their regular diet. Whether you choose the Lamb Bites for essential amino acids, selenium, and zinc, or the Bison Bites for Vitamin E and beta-carotene, these are great ways to add essential nutrients into your dog’s diet without using processed supplements.
Feeding your dog single-ingredient treats provides more benefits than just a delicious snack that has protein and vitamins. When your dog has all of their essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in their diet, they are more likely to grow shinier, healthier, and softer fur. In addition, they’ll enjoy less joint pain, are likely to have lower cholesterol, and will in general feel their best!
Shop for high-quality, single-ingredient treats from Dr. Becker’s Bites today!
]]>Ready to give your pooch something healthy and delicious? Order the best dog treats from Dr. Becker’s Bites today!
When it comes to finding the best dog treats, always look for options that contain quality and natural ingredients. Avoiding any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives is best for your pup’s health. At Dr. Becker's Bites we use only the best natural ingredients that are always human grade.
It is best to look for dog treats that contain little to no sugar. Dogs don't need added sugars, so it’s best to avoid treats with high concentrations of them. Our Dr. Becker's Bites products contain no added sugars at all, making them the best choice for your pup.
Treats with a high fat content can lead to obesity in dogs. For this reason, it’s best to choose treats that have low levels of fat and fillers. All of our Dr. Becker's Bites treats are low-fat and contain no fillers or by-products, making them a healthy choice for your best friend.
You can't go wrong when you opt for homemade dog treats. When you shop homemade, it's much easier to control aspects like sourcing, ingredient list, and portion control. If you are looking for homemade treats to feed your pup, our Dr. Becker's Bites treats provide a great alternative to more mainstream dog treats!
We know how much your dog means to you and that's why we put so much love into each and every dog treat we make. Our dog treats are made fresh in small batches to ensure that your dog is getting the very best.
Not only are our dog treats delicious, but they're also healthy for your dog. We use all-natural, organic ingredients and avoid artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors. We also make sure to include ingredients that are good for your dog's health, such as omega-3 fatty acids.
Dr. Becker is a veterinarian who has more than 24 years of experience. She created our dog treats with the health and well-being of dogs in mind. All of our dog treats are veterinarian-approved so you can be sure that your dog is getting the best treats on the market.
Your furry friend deserves the best of the best and that's why our dog treats are homemade and tasty. We know that dogs have sensitive stomachs so we make sure to cook our dog treats with care. Our treats are made from scratch in Dr. Becker's kitchen. Each dog treat is handmade with love and we only use the best ingredients available!
If you're looking for the best dog treats on the market, look no further than Dr. Becker's. We offer delicious, nutritious, and all-natural treats in a wide range of flavors. Whether you're looking for dog treats to help with pain or inflammation, or you're just looking for a yummy treat to show your dog some love, we've got you covered. Our treats are available in a wide range of flavors, including beef bites, veggie bites, berry bites, and so much more. Get in touch with us today or order your homemade dog treats!
]]>Organic pet food and treats are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who are looking for the best nutrition for their furry companions. Not only do organic pet foods and treats contain higher-quality ingredients, but they are also known to have many health benefits.
At Dr. Becker’s Bites, our team is committed to creating the highest-quality organic dog and cat treats on the market. We believe that the connection between owner and pet should be nurtured, and that starts with providing your furry friend with the best nutrition possible. Our organic cat and dog treats are created by a veterinarian to help ensure your pet is getting the best nutrition from our single-ingredient treats to foster a long and healthy life. Keep reading to learn more about what organic pet food and treats can do for your furry friend and shop our collection today!
Organic pet treats may be more expensive than their conventional counterparts, but the higher-quality ingredients can often have a more significant impact on your pet’s energy levels. Organic treats are typically made with fewer preservatives and are often more nutrient-dense than regular treats. This means that your pet will get the most out of the treats and be able to maintain their energy levels for longer.
Organic pet food and treats contain higher levels of essential fatty acids, which can help improve the condition of your pet’s skin and coat. This can help reduce itching and flaking, as well as provide a glossy, healthy-looking coat.
Organic treats are also usually more nutrient-dense than regular treats, meaning that your pet can get more nutrition without having to eat as much. This can help them stay fuller for longer and help them maintain their weight.
Organic pet treats are made with higher-quality ingredients and are often easier for your pet to digest. This means that they are less likely to suffer from digestive issues, such as constipation, diarrhea, or nausea. Organic treats are also gentle on your pet’s stomach and can help prevent vomiting or other uncomfortable digestive symptoms while enabling your pet the ability to better absorb nutrients from their food.
At Dr. Becker’s Bites, we are dedicated to creating the highest-quality organic cat and dog treats. Our treats are made with single-ingredient organic ingredients, so you can feel confident that your pet is getting the best nutrition. We understand that pet owners want the best for their pets, which is why we have created a line of organic treats that are backed (and created!) by a veterinarian. Shop our selection of single-ingredient organic cat and dog treats today and give your furry friend the nutrition they deserve!
Curcumin is one of the most researched supplements in the world and has been shown to have incredible benefits when it comes to inflammation, antioxidant effects, and can even provide protection against cancer.
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a Vitamin B3 derivative and is critical for cellular energy and DNA repair and synthesis. As your pet gets older, these levels decrease, so including NR in our dog treats can help to prolong the aging of your furry friend.
Carnosine is an amino acid that helps to protect your dog against any pollutants and other toxic insults that they are exposed to each and every day. This dog treat supplement can help your dog to get rid of heavy metals in their body and detoxify reactive molecules.
Similar to curcumin, quercetin is an incredible dog treat supplement that has potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. This molecule can also slow the aging process and protect against nerve degeneration.
At Dr. Becker’s Bites, we specialize in creating organic dog treats to give your furry friend nutrition to last a lifetime. These Forever Dog Bites are not the only dog treats, we also have a wide variety of some of the best dog treats online to treat your dog and provide a wide range of health benefits. Want to find out more? Shop our collection or reach out to us today!
]]>When we say that our treats are handmade, we mean it quite literally. All over our website, you will find pictures of us cutting and drying meat using our own two hands and our unique drying process that saves 100% of the nutrition value in every slice. For more information about our homemade dog treats, reach out to us today!
What’s the point of creating healthy and organic dog and cat treats if your packaging is not also environmentally friendly? All of our packaging is 100% recyclable in order to help you protect the environment while giving your dog or cat some of the best treats on earth.
While some companies have sophisticated recipes with multiple ingredients, many of our dog and cat treats are only one ingredient: meat. The ones that aren’t? Well, certified organic meat is blended with organic supplements to boost the life of your furry friend and achieve optimum health.
Many companies add preservatives and other additives to their products to either help them appear larger or to “preserve flavor.” We choose not to in order to protect the integrity of our homemade dog treats! In fact, we don’t have to, because all of our treats are freshly made and sourced.
If you are looking for some of the best dog and cat treats on the market that doesn't just focus on treating your furry friend but also provide nutritional value, try out Dr. Becker’s Bites. Our homemade treats are sure to satisfy and are created organically for the benefit of your pup. Shop our incredible collection of dog and cat treats today!
]]>Though we think of our pets as perfect little creatures, they can actually suffer from many of the same health problems that we do as humans. Just like us, they can develop joint pain and stiffness as they age, and sometimes their diet alone is not enough to prevent these issues. That's where supplements come in! At Dr. Becker's Bites, we've got a wide range of grain-free supplements for dogs and cats that can help keep your pet healthy and active as they age. Keep reading to learn more about why you should consider supplements and don't forget to explore our selection!
As your pet ages, you may notice that they start to move less. This can be due to joint pain and stiffness, which is a common issue in older pets. Our joint supplements, coming in bites or as a topping you can shake on your pet's food, can help to ease this pain and stiffness and get them moving again. With ingredients that nourish and fortify joint health, these supplements can help your pet move like a young pup!
Anxiety is a common issue in both dogs and cats, and it can be caused by many different things, including changes in routine, loud noises, and even storms. If you notice your pet becoming more anxious, a calming supplement may be able to help. Our CBD treats are a great option for anxious pets, as CBD is known to help calm and relax the mind.
Itchy skin can be caused by many things, including allergies, dry skin, and hot spots. If you notice your pet scratching more than usual, it could be time to try a supplement! Don't let a simple itch turn into a big problem — purchase some cat or dog supplements to find a solution.
Urinary tract infections are common in both dogs and cats, and they can be quite painful. If you notice your pet straining to urinate or going more often than usual, it could be a sign of a UTI. If you notice your pet having trouble using the bathroom, it's important to take them to the vet right away. In the meantime, you can try a supplement that supports urinary health. Certain supplements can help to ease the pain and discomfort associated with UTIs and help your pet feel better.
There are many different supplements available for pets, and each one can offer different benefits. If you need a cat probiotic, a joint supplement for dogs, or anything in between, Dr. Becker's Bites has you covered. Browse our selection today to find the perfect supplement for your pet's needs, and contact us if you have any questions!
]]>Your pet is a member of your family and, of course, you want the best for them. At Dr. Becker's Bites, we believe every pet deserves the best possible nutrition and this extends to the treats they are given. You might be surprised to learn that CBD treats can offer your furry friend a lot of benefits. We offer tasty and beneficial CBD dog treats and CBD cat treats. In today’s post, we will discuss some reasons you should consider getting pet treats with CBD for your pet. Read on to learn more and shop our CBD treats today!
Does your furry friend have separation anxiety? Do they yowl when you’re gone or get anxious every time you get your coat on? If you are struggling to depart from your pet, one of the best things you can do is create positive associations with your leaving. A delicious treat of any kind will make goodbye easier but a CBD dog treat can add some calm and relaxation to your departure routine. Help your pet say goodbye with a CBD treat!
Bath time can be stressful for a lot of dogs and cats. A CBD dog treat or CBD cat treat can help your pet wind down before they have to get in the tub. You can also make bathtime easier by pairing their tasty treat with a nice, soothing massage in the warm water. If you give your pet a treat before bathtime, it might become something they look forward to rather than something they dread.
When it’s time to wind down for the night, making sure your pet is calm and ready for sleep is essential. Pets need nighttime routines too and a CBD dog treat or CBD cat treat can make bedtime easier and more relaxing. A treat before bed will help your pet wind down and help them associate that evening treat with bedtime.
Your pet loves treats of any kind but the added benefits of CBD dog treats and CBD cat treats are a great way to reward them for good behavior and make them feel loved. CBD treats are safe and delicious and your pet will love them. We all want the best for our pets and CBD treats are a great way to provide for them and make them feel loved.
Pet treats with CBD are a great addition to your pets’ routine. They offer many benefits and can help your pet calm down and look forward to things they might otherwise find unpleasant. Dr. Becker's Bites offers premium CBD dog treats and CBD cat treats. If you want high-quality pet treats with CBD, you will find them here. Shop now!]]>Pets are often picky eaters, as are their owners. Pet owners want to give their pets the best of the best, and that includes healthy food options. At Dr. Becker's Bites, we understand this and only want the best for your pets as well. That's why we offer a variety of organic meat treats that are free of antibiotics, GMOs, growth hormones, and more. But you may read all of that and still be wondering, "What exactly makes something organic?" Keep reading to find out and contact us with any questions!
Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods. These methods include guidelines for how farmers and processors must grow, handle, and store organic food. Using synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers is not allowed, and neither is irradiation, sewage sludge, or genetic engineering. With organic dog treats from Dr. Becker's Bites, you can be sure your pet is getting the best of the best!
Products that are labeled as organic must meet strict government standards. In the United States, these standards are set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). To be able to use the organic label, farmers and processors must follow all of the rules that are outlined in the USDA organic regulations. These rules cover everything from how the food is grown to how it can be processed and packaged. Our organic dog training treats meet all of these USDA guidelines so you can be confident that your pet is getting a healthy, organic treat!
All organic farmers and processors must be certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent. This agent makes sure that the farmer or processor is following all of the USDA organic rules. The certifying agent also inspects the farm or processing facility and reviews the farmer's or processor's organic plan. The agent then decides if the farm or facility can be certified organic.
If a product has the USDA organic seal, it means that it has been certified organic and meets all of the USDA organic standards. The organic seal is voluntary, but most organic farmers and processors choose to use it because it lets consumers know that their product is organic. For example, someone looking for organic cat treats would be able to easily spot our treats that have the USDA organic seal.
Now that you know more about what it takes to make a treat organic, be sure to check out our selection of organic dog treats and organic cat treats! With a vast selection of organic bites that meet all USDA standards, you're sure to find the perfect treat for your pet. As always, contact us with any questions!]]>A Thanksgiving Story from the Beckers
A remarkable, amazing and perfect Thanksgiving story has unfolded in the Becker family…we may be a few days beyond Thanksgiving, but it is never too late for a good story filled with thanks and giving. But first, a little background.
The story starts with my granddaughter, Blair on August 4, 2017. She was driving from her home in Ohio to our bakery in Illinois, a trip she makes regularly to work with her dad at Dr. Becker’s Bites.
On this particular day, she had only two hours left of her six hour drive when she saw the cars ahead of her braking. Then she saw the blur of white hair, a creature dashing for his life, darting in and out of traffic, running frantically down the major highway…in heavy traffic…not good!
She was grateful for the care and concern the other drivers were showing this lost and confused dog, but none of them could coax him into their cars nor get him off the highway.
She prayed, then said to herself, “I have to get him, he has to come to me!” She drove about 150 feet ahead of where he was, pulled off the highway and flung open her door. She got out of her car, dropped to her knees and opened up her arms. He was on the opposite side of the highway, looking at her when she yelled to him, “This is your one shot buddy! Come here! I won’t hurt you! Come on Bud!” He ran across the highway right into her arms. Thank goodness there was no passing traffic.
She called her dad to tell him he had just become a foster dad to a dog she had picked up on the highway. He believed her when he saw a strange, but beautiful dog in her backseat.
They took him home and cleaned him up. They knew someone had to be missing their pet…he was a purebred, German short-haired pointer, handsome and gentle. They introduced him to the rest of John’s pack, who immediately accepted him. John lives on 20 wooded acres in the middle of nowhere with about an acre of his backyard fenced. This dog made use of every square foot running around John’s yard.
Blair and John tried several months to locate his owners through social media, lost-dog websites and local shelters in Indiana. Ultimately they got him on a waiting list for a breed specific rescue that didn’t currently have room for him.
Mary, John’s youngest daughter, named him Charlie. When the call came a few months later that the rescue could take him, John replied, “Sorry, he’s become a member of our family.” To quote John, “Charlie had the gentlest, kindest and most loving spirit I’d ever seen in a dog.”
Now for the rest of the story: Charlie is a digger and twice had escaped from John’s yard by digging under the fence and bolting off. But Charlie had returned home both times; and John hadn’t caught him digging in more than a year.
One week ago, John needed to make a quick run to the bakery, and he left Charlie outside, believing that his digging days were over. When he returned home, Charlie the Digger was gone. John and Mary, who was home from college on Thanksgiving break, spent the following three days looking for him, to no avail. They also posted him as “lost” on several social media sites.
Mary was heartbroken. She posted a last “goodbye” to Charlie on her own personal Facebook page. Within minutes, she received a message from one of her friends with a link to the county animal shelter and a picture of Charlie sitting in a kennel. John and Mary were overjoyed and relieved that Charlie had been found and was safe.
Then John read the comments under the picture. One, from a woman in Indiana, said this looked like her dog that went missing in August of 2017. She also posted a picture of her dog, “Ruger”.
This was too much for mere coincidence, and John reached out to her. She lived just a few miles from where Blair had found him. Ruger had been their family’s beloved pet. She and her family had not given up looking for him, even two years later. She was beyond happy, to the point of tears, that Ruger had been found.
As hard as it was for John and his family, they knew what needed to be done. Charlie was part of their family, they loved him dearly, but so did his first family in Indiana. Mary and John drove to the shelter that afternoon. Ruger’s family also drove to the shelter that afternoon, all the way from Indiana. The employees at the shelter already knew the story and they were in tears…so were both of Charlie/Ruger’s families. There was only one right thing to do…
Having a pet go missing is heartbreaking. Giving up a beloved pet that you’ve rescued and cared for is equally heartbreaking. However, heartbreak over doing the right thing is never a bad thing. My family chose the right thing…this mama’s heart is smiling. Blair, John and Mary, you did your part exceedingly well! Ruger went home with his first family!
]]>I’m asking my family to share a pet story from their own lives. You heard from John in the last blog, this one is from Ann. Enjoy!
Keenan and I are soul mates. We've been soul mates almost the entire time we've known each other. The first few days after we brought him home were rough - this was maybe 10 years ago. He had been passed around in his youth for reasons we don't know. In his last home, he had bonded with another dog, and we took him away from that. When we got him, his heart seemed broken and we couldn't fix it. He literally didn't eat the first week we had him. We worried and felt terrible for him. Also, I wondered how I could possibly bond with this creature. Finally, he ate. (I remember the moment vividly. A neighbor kid offered him a few pellets of dry dog food, and he sniffed them and ate them. We cheered quietly, we were so relieved.) We fell in love with him, he fell in love with us and Keenan became our pack mate.
A few days ago, Keenan and I had a serious, heart-to-heart conversation. We had just finished Round Three of a hysterical wrestling match. We wrestle almost every night after I get home from work. It’s a bonding thing between us. He lets me know when he’s ready to wrestle by dancing around, dipping and growling.
Our wrestling has gone on for many years. It’s wonderful. Our wrestling matches turned stinking funny recently because I pulled a new move on Keenan. (I have to get kind of technical to explain this, please hang in there.).
Typically when I wrestle with Keenan, we bob and weave and whatnot. I’m down on all fours, trying to make things even between us. (Sometimes when we’re wrestling, I get up off my knees, I stand up and beat my chest, and I make Tarzan noises. Keenan looks up at me like, Really?)
Anyway, he often slams his hind quarters into my face when we wrestle. This is his Signature Move. He acts very stuck up when he does this. He faces away from me, he pushes his back thigh/butt region towards my face, it’s like he’s laughing and saying to me, “Take THAT!" It is just precious.
So I decided to turn the tables on Keenan recently, and I’ve been slamming MY behind into HIS head. Not rudely or violently. Just in the same uppity way he slams his behind into my face. His reaction was so hilarious the first time I did this! He was kind of confused. He also looked at me with a new found respect (I think because I mixed it up and made him think).
I love wrestling with Keenan. My sister Karen says I am “speaking his love language” when I wrestle with him. He’s speaking my love language, too.
Keenan’s alpha is my husband Brett, who feeds him, loves him as much as I do, and is generally at home more than me. Keenan misses his other pack mate, Rachel. He sleeps in her bed sometimes. She’s away at college. Keenan really loves his pack mate, Noah, who recently graduated from high school. Noah is a wonderful 18 year old who sometimes has leftover Chick Fil-a sandwiches in his bedroom. Keenan might rather find leftover Chick Fil-a in Noah’s room than wrestle with me. Our other pack mate is Sam, Rachel’s twin brother. They’re 21 and finishing their junior years in college. Sam and Keenan are chill. Keenan is a beloved pack mate of ours.
Anyway, Keenan and I finished wrestling, and we ended up snuggling. Our wrestling matches often end this way, with us laying down next to each other. I looked into Keenan’s eyes and he looked into mine. He’s good with eye contact. I took the opportunity to tell my beloved dog three things:
1. When you are tired and done and ready to die and it’s not working naturally, tell me.
2. I will prioritize your needs and desires above my own sadness.
3. You are so fortunate that a wonderful expert in our family who loves you too.
He looked away once when I was saying this to him. I took his face into my hands and made him look back at me. I needed him to hear me. He did. He listened. He looked and listened. He licked my face. We finished talking. I scratched him really, really good. Eventually he got up and left. We have an understanding.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM DR. BECKER’S BITES
I’m thinking about the year past and the new year that lies ahead and I’m smiling with warm memories and anticipation.
I’d like to share a few of my favorite photos from the past year that help tell our family story. You may well have seen some of these photos before, while others may be new.
John, Blair and Karen went to Global early in the year: fun, hard work, new faces and meeting up with some of you.
John, Blair and Karen in Florida for Global Pet Expo
John added another rescued fur baby to his Pack and his daughter Mary (the last of six children) started her final year of high school. John will experience the "empty nest" this year and I think he's looking forward to it!
Ann’s youngest, Noah, started his senior year of high school as well. Her twins, Sam and Rachel, are juniors in college. All great students! And Ann and her husband Brett celebrated 30 years of marriage in June.
Karen traveled the globe: a TED talk in Mexico; featured speaker in Brazil; and a special invitation to Poland. Blair and she traveled together to Poland, stopping in London on their way home.
Blair took her family to Super Zoo, put them to work, then relaxed at Grandma and Grandpa’s home…stopping by the Grand Canyon on their way! Her family adopted Frank this year!
My husband Jim is a really great guide (docent is the official term, I think) at Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s west campus in Scottsdale. And I have learned to blog for Dr. Becker’s Bites, to post for Mama Becker’s page, and to deal with the steep learning curve of becoming computer savvy enough to do both. Oh, and we celebrated 55 years of marriage in September!
That’s last year at a glance for our family. This new year, I anticipate raising the bar at Dr. Becker’s Bites, again! Not a new activity for us, since we believe that stagnation isn’t an option. We are looking at new opportunities and changes at the bakery. In fact, I got a message from John yesterday with a picture, captioned: “Renovation has started.” We are expanding the bakery and moving the office to what was formerly storage space.
I love change; I love continued improvements; I love new things; and I love that we have successfully grown, improved and expanded both personally and physically at Dr. Becker’s Bites.
And all of us here send you our warmest, heartfelt wishes for the very best that a new year can possibly offer.
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John working in the "new" bakery
Ann, our eldest daughter, graduated from law school and practiced environmental law for several years before moving to Phoenix with her husband, Brett and their little children. Their three are now young adults, with their twins in their 2nd year of college and their youngest a senior in high school.
Karen and her son Jim
And lastly and hugely important to me, our granddaughter, Blair...John’s daughter joined forces with us about 5 years ago, making us a three generation family business. As a child, she spent time with us each summer and was her Aunt Karen’s right-hand helper with wildlife rehabilitation. She worked in her aunt’s vet clinic after graduating high school and through all this, acquired the love for animals that seems to run in our family. Today, Blair is becoming a business woman, having recently been moved into a central role at Dr. Becker’s Bites. You will see Blair’s name and picture on our Facebook page and other social media pages. If you have personal communication with our office you may easily find yourself talking with Blair. Blair and her husband, Nate, are raising 2 teenage boys, both of whom are great kids!
All of our treats are good for cats too!!!! We do make a specific treat for cats with our most popular USDA Human Grade Beef Liver and Organic Cat Nip! Most cat treats that I've come across are loaded with not so wonderful ingredients. The cat treat here is smaller than a dime and has 50 ingredients!!! Go simple and pure and let Dr. Becker's Bites reward your cat with the tastiest and healthiest treats!!! Naturally!!!
]]>Remember; just because it's shaped like a heart doesn't necessarily mean it's healthy! Always read the ingredients!!
]]>THIS IS SCARY!!! The treat on the left is advertised as "Steak Bites Beef Flavor; Made With REAL Beef" This small steak shaped treat has 23 not so lovely ingredients. Just because it looks like a cute, tiny steak does not mean it's good for your babes! This is why we do what we do!
]]>It's a sad truth but the answer is absolutely not...we can't trust labels that use the term "All Natural". I took this photo to really break down what we are giving our fur babes when we walk into a store and grab the box of treats that say "All Natural". We love and care for our pets because we consider them family so we have no problem spending a few extra bucks to make sure they are getting a better quality treat! Well now you have homework to do friends...
First you need to understand that when it comes to labeling, just because the package says it's "Natural" doesn't mean that every ingredient listed is natural. There really aren't strict rules or guidelines (which is kind of frightening) when it comes to how the FDA regulates labeling for natural products.. I searched and searched for a rule book that could tell me the guidelines for labeling a product "all natural" and I pulled this up from the FDA website...
"From a food science perspective, it is difficult to define a food product that is "natural" because the food has probably been processed and is no longer the product of the earth. That said, FDA has not developed a definition for use of the term natural or it's derivatives. However, the agency has not objected to the use of the term if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances."
Well well, does this clear everything up? Yeah it didn't for me either. Basically you can slap "All Natural" on a box, mark up the price and use stellar marketing to trick us into thinking we just purchased an All Natural beautiful, live, fresh, healthy ingredient treat for your babes! So sadly...we have to dissect and read every single ingredient label that we touch to ensure we are giving our pets what they deserve! I hate sneaky loopholes!!!
Check out this picture. I pulled a random treat off the shelf and went and got every ingredient listed on it. I laid all the ingredients out and wow...13 ingredients!!!! When someone says peanut butter I think of peanut butter!!! I could eat it by the spoonful but check out the ingredient! It's Natural Peanut Butter Flavor"....I would not want to eat that by the spoonful. You'll notice that the only other ingredient listed here is "Natural Caramel Color". So out of these 13 ingredients...2 of them are considered "Natural".
What about the rest of what makes up this treat? The box says low fat...come on friends! The molasses is a hidden source of sugar. The unbleached and whole wheat flour and oats are high carbohydrates. How does any of this equate to low fat? That's right...it doesn't. Be extra careful when selecting your treats because marketing these days can trick us all.
If you can't make your own beautiful, fresh, species appropriate treat which is best because you know what you are putting into them, then let our family make the best treats for you! You won't have to spend any time wondering if you are doing the right thing because our ingredients are what we say they are. 100% Grain Free, Filler Free and Gluten Free. All handmade from start to finish with only USA ingredients. All of our meat, veggies, berries, etc. are human grade and only the best of the best when it comes to quality.
]]>It is refreshing to walk into a friend’s house that has a calm and relaxed dog. What if your dog was able to lay down in a particular spot while the rest of the family and guests sit for dinner. It makes the entire household feel serene. But how do you achieve this goal? What does it take to teach your dog to “go to your spot” and relax? Here are some tips on how to teach your dog this command by utilizing tasty treats.
Prepare an area for relaxing containing a doggy mat or bed. Next, call your dog over to the location and say, “Go to your spot,” while holding a treat near your dog’s nose. Allow your dog to smell and see the treat, then toss the pet treat to the mat. Your dog will automatically follow the treat. Once this occurs, react by clapping your hands, step away and call for your dog to move off the dog bed.
Repeat this technique. Your dog will associate going to the mat with a grain-free dog treat. Thus, your dog will stay or remain near the mat. Eventually, you shall replace the pet treats with hand signals cuing your dog to “go to your spot.” Your dog will begin to understand. To make this command stick, try removing you and the dog a distance from the actual area and practice with the treat again. Your dog will begin to digest this information. Therefore, if you are ever in a different room, and need your dog to “go to your spot”, then your dog will exhibit the desirable action requested.
Teaching your dog commands is not difficult. It takes lots of repetition, tasty pet treats, and patience. If you have all three of these factors, then you are on your way to building a happy, healthy life for your pup and the entire household.
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