5 Top Places to Buy Green Tripe for Dogs

When I transitioned our dogs to raw feeding, I heard about green tripe, but didn’t know what it was or where to buy it, so our dogs didn’t try green tripe right away.  Since I couldn’t find it, I didn’t think it was a big deal if I added to our dogs diet or not – they were doing just fine without it.

Is It Okay NOT to Feed Green Tripe?

Absolutely! There are plenty of raw feeders who believe that green tripe has no nutritional value and they choose not to feed it to their dogs.  In fact, there is one Facebook raw feeding group that won’t allow members to bring up the subject of green tripe (or vegetables, fruit, or kibble).

Although I disagree with the statement that green tripe has no nutritional value, I respect that everyone is making choices that are best for their dogs.  For my four dogs, green tripe is definitely on the menu, because green tripe offers:

natural enzymes that promote a healthy digestive system for my dogs; and feeding organic green tripe has been fantastic for Rodrigo and Scout

natural Omega 3s, which promote healthy skin and coat health, lubricate joints, and assist with a growing puppy’s brain functions

the perfect calcium and phosphorus balance, which was great when I was worried about adding bone (whole or ground) to my dogs’ meals

What if I Can’t Find Green Tripe?

Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about feeding green tripe.  Many readers want to add it to their dogs’ diet, but they don’t know where to find it.

Believe it or not, there are a ton of sources for green tripe.  I wish I would have known this three years ago:

1. PetKind Canned Green Tripe

Stock up on canned green tripe by PetKind.  I have 5 cases on hand (venison and bison).  PetKind also offers green beef tripe and lamb tripe.  If you feed dry dog food and your dog doesn’t have a poultry allergy, consider PetKind Tripe Dry.  It’s also an excellent option for training treats.

2. Join a Local Raw Food Co-Op

Look for a local raw food co-op in your area.  I order 1/2 of our green tripe through our co-op and the other half through Darwin’s Pet, who offers both organic green beef tripe and green bison tripe.

CLICK HERE to find a co-op in your area.

3. Have it Delivered to Your Door

I’m not sure about other countries, but here in the States, you can order frozen or freeze dried green beef tripe through Darwin’s Pet, Raw Paws Pet Food and Vital Essentials Raw.

Both Darwin’s and Raw Paws offers shipping; with Raw Paws, if you spend a certain dollar amount, you may qualify for free shipping.

4. Green Tripe Dog Treats

There are a lot of green tripe dog treats out there, but I prefer the ones made by PetKind.  I can order them through…

my local raw food co-op

at our local pet store, Julz Animal Houz

online at Amazon.com

I usually pick up the venison tripe treats, but the green tripe treats are just as yummy according to my pack  I like these because my fingers don’t stink after I feed them, and the treats are soft and can be broken up and used as training treats.

5. Your Local Butcher or Rendering Plant

I’ve never tried this, because I honestly don’t want to handle pounds of green tripe.  I do know that I can order it from a local butcher or get it directly from a processing plant for next to nothing, because no one wants to buy this stuff and it’s not for human consumption.

I was told that I could buy a 60-pound bucket of whole green tripe.  That would mean I’d have to cut it into smaller pieces and grind it for my dogs.  Ummm, no. NO NO NO.

Access to green tripe varies depending on the area of the country you’re in (and area of the world).  In my experience, the easiest and most convenient way to add green tripe to your dog’s diet is to buy PetKind canned green tripe.  If you want frozen green tripe, then I’d recommend Darwin’s Pet, Raw Paws Pet Food, and Vital Essential Raws.  And for treats, check out PetKind’s green tripe jerky treats.

And FYI, the white tripe at the grocery store is bleached tripe and no longer holds any nutritional value for our dogs.

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My Biased Review of NRG Dehydrated Raw Dog Food

DepositPhoto/andresr

I have access to a lot of raw brands through our local raw food co-op.  I tried NRG raw dehydrated dog food when they had a special.  Our dogs weren’t getting fish in their diet beyond canned sardines, and NRG offers a salmon recipe.

Why NRG Dehydrated Raw Dog Food

I like dehydrated raw, because it’s easy, convenient, and allows me to add more protein options (salmon and bison) to our dogs’ diet.  I’ve heard many good things about NRG raw from other raw feeders who belong to the co-op:

• It’s great when you need to travel with your dog.
• It’s easy for kennels and pet sitters to prepare for your dog.
• It’s a quality brand that people respect and dogs love.

The decision to buy a few bags for our dogs was an easy one.

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Why This is a Biased Review

I call reviews about commercial dog food biased, because I’m pro-raw feeding.  So I go into a review about a raw food brand expecting to love a product simply because it’s raw.  With more dog owners giving raw a shot after traditional pet food (dry and canned) let them down, I hope to see more veterinarians adopt an open mind about the diet.

I’m seeing a lot of raw brands come to market, which is making my reviews more difficult.  Although I want to love the brand, because we’re in the same niche, I recognize that the pet industry is a sixty billion dollar industry and many brands will bring on a raw line to get a piece of that expensive pie.  Dog owners have shown time and again that we’ll pay top dollar for our fur babies, and there are people who are more than happy to pocket our hard earned cash.

So this review will be fair.

My Review of NRG Dehydrated Raw Dog Food

NRG offers three formulas on their site.  I buy a recipe called Maxim from our local pet store.

What I Like about NRG Dehydrated Raw Dog Food

1. NRG allows me to add fish and bison to our dogs’ raw diet.
2. NRG is easy and convenient – just hydrate and feed.
3. NRG is available at our local pet store, Julz Animal Houz, and through the raw food co-op.
4. NRG is a great option to have on hand when I haven’t thawed raw food.
5. NRG travels well and is easy for a pet sitter to feed.
6. There are no carbs, unnecessary ingredients, and the fat content is below 20%.

Our dogs love the food, and no one has had any issues eating NRG raw dog food.

What I Don’t Like About NRG Dehydrated Raw Dog Food

My dislikes reflect my personal tastes when feeding raw and not the brand.

1. I’m not a fan of the way NRG looks.  I have the same thought about most dehydrated raw dog foods.  I’m used to raw food looking like food.  The dogs don’t care – they love the food.
2. It’s expensive for a person with four big dogs, so it’s not a food that I would feed regularly.  I’m able to get it for a good deal through our raw food co-op.

It’s important to follow the directions on the bag.  I’m used to weighing food for our dogs and even with premade raw brands, I weigh the food that I put in each dog’s dish.  With freeze dried raw dog food, weighing the food doesn’t work for me, because I always end up feeding too much.

The serving instructions on the bag are easy and clear to follow.

My Bottomline on NRG Dehydrated Raw Dog Food

I think this is an excellent dog food, My Biased Review of NRG Raw Dehydrated Dog Foodand I do feed it to our dogs.  Despite my comment on the appearance and price, I like having the salmon recipe on hand for our dogs.

Transitioning My Dogs Back to Kibble in 10 Easy Steps

It’s interesting when life throws you a curve ball.  Lately, I feel like I’m in a game of dodgeball and I’m not sure if I should dive left or right.

If you clicked on this post in confusion, then you’re in good company.  Many people are confused by my choice to transition from raw dog food, a diet that I’ve been feeding for three years and promoting for two years.

Let me explain.

DepositPhoto/Thamkc

Raw Dog Food is Fatal to Dogs

All of our dogs are alive and well and I want to keep them that way.  I recently learned that raw dog food is fatal. I was speaking with a veterinarian who works for an insurance company and she shared that feeding raw was dangerous and listed the risks.  I was stunned.  I’ve been putting my dogs in danger for three years?

• the bacteria in raw dog food can lead to serious health complications, AND DEATH
• raw bones can splinter, leading to illness, emergency surgery, AND DEATH
• the ability to feed a balanced diet is difficult and complicated and not doing so can lead to malnutrition, AND DEATH
• raw meat has high levels of parasites that can lead to illness, AND DEATH

Feeding Raw is Dangerous for Humans

Not only have I been putting my dogs’ lives at risk; I’ve put my own life at risk as well.  The veterinarian told me that being exposed to bacteria can be fatal to ME.  I didn’t know that I was supposed to wash my hands thoroughly EVERY time I handled raw meat.

During that same week, I saw this adorable video of puppies eating raw meat and scrolled down to see the comments and was stunned by what I learned…

• Feeding raw meat makes dogs go bloodthirsty and kill their owners.
• Feeding raw meat makes dogs aggressive and violent.
• Feeding raw meat makes dogs crave only raw; they won’t eat anything else.

I’m stunned.  As I type this, I’m blown away by my lack of research, education, and just plain common sense when I decided to switch my dogs from kibble to raw.

Transitioning Back to Kibble

For the past two years, I publish a series in April about raw feeding; last year, I turned the series into a book called Raw Feeding from A to Z.  This year, I will be sharing everything I’m doing to transition our dogs from raw dog food back to kibble, including:

• What brand our dogs are eating now!
• How I’m helping Rodrigo transition to kibble despite his digestive and food allergies!
• How I’m dealing with the haters and bullies who don’t understand my choice!
• Why I’m not raising awareness of the dangers of raw feeding!

Transitioning My Dogs to Kibble in 10 Easy Steps

1. Get in car
2. Drive to pet store
3. Walk up and down aisle
4. Choose an expensive kibble with wolves on the package – species appropriate, right?
5. Pay for kibble
6. Get back in car
7. Drive home
8. Open bag
9. Pour in dog dishes
10. Put dishes on floor

Super easy, right?

Unsupportive Friends

My friends are being a pain about this, with comments like…

• “Please don’t do it, it’s not worth it!” ~ Dr. Karen B.
• “Even the very highest quality kibble contains ingredients that are proven to be detrimental to my dog’s health. ~ Janet M.
• “Dogs fart more.” ~ Chris S.
• “Clean whole foods are better.” ~ Deniese L.
• “Tons of dog poop.” ~ Emily P.
• “What about Rodrigo’s gut?” ~ Tina B.
• “Was it too much work for you? Are you no longer interested in doing what you can to help your ‘dogs live forever?’ Good luck managing your dogs’ intestinal issues with sh$% kibble.” ~ Katrina O. (this is my BFF!)
• “Hear you’re switching back to processed food, sorry to hear.  P.S. you might want to look into investing in a large bottle of chlorella for the pups in the future.” ~ Rodney H.

You would think that they would understand.  What if I faint some day?  I don’t want my dogs to eat my head!

And for those of you who aren’t laughing your a$$es off right now at the idea of me switching my dogs from raw dog food back to a kibble diet, please look at your calendar.

APRIL FOOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Although I’m not a kibble hater, I hope to never be in a position where I have to switch our dogs back to a kibble diet.  Rodrigo did so poorly on a processed diet and he’s thriving on a diet of fresh food.  So I will continue to work hard to raise awareness of the benefits of raw feeding so that this diet becomes an affordable and accessible options for all dog lovers.

April’s Raw Food Challenge

This year, I will be sharing 20 days (Monday through Friday) of blog posts that are about what I’m feeding my dogs, which will include:

• what I’m feeding my dogs
• where I source the proteins
• why I chose the proteins
• the supplements that I add to our dogs’ meals, and why

If you haven’t done so already, please order your copy of my ebook Raw Feeding from A to Z andsubscribe to my weekly newsletter to be the first to get a free copy of my Quick Start Guide to Raw Feeding.

A Sorry-Not-Sorry Apology

For the people who find this post judgemental, please note that I’m not making fun of or judging people who feed their dogs dry dog food.  I’m making fun of myself, it’s a joke.  April Fools Day!

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Selecting The Right Cage For Your Bird

Swainson Toucan

I like to think of my bird’s cage as her bedroom – a happy place, with lots of stuff to do, that belongs to her.  I respectfully try keep out, except when it needs cleaning or toy changes.  A cage needs to provide safety, security, and comfort for your bird and peace of mind for you in knowing that she will be okay while you are out of the house. PetSmart offers Up To 15% OFF On Select Bird Cages. Buy now!, click here

If you are looking for a new cage, or buying your first, here are some rules of thumb to go by:

Toco Toucans

BIGGER IS BETTER! Birds are active creatures. Always try to get the largest cage you can that has bar spacing still suitable to your species.  A parrot needs to exercise it’s wings and must have enough unobstructed room to do so.  This means that you should look for a cage that is larger your bird’s wing span with several inches on each side to spare.  This allows for any toys or perches that are in the cage and could injure the bird during vigorous activity.  If you have a long-tailed parrot, remember to plan for room for that too!  Your parrot should be able to turn in any direction without bumping any part of its body, wings or tail against anything.

If you have separate sleeper cages for your parrots, a smaller one is okay.  I bought Theo, my goffins cockatoo, a travel sized cage (30″X20″X18″) that would never be suitable for daytime use, but is perfect to provide her a good night’s sleep.  We haven’t gotten her in it, because she is not yet comfortable with it, but we are working on it.

Blue and Gold Macaws

* Bar spacing is an important consideration.  If the spacing is too wide for the smaller species, a head can get caught in the bars.  It’s amazing how a head will fit through the bars in one direction and suddenly become so large that it won’t come out the way it went in. Also, it makes negotiation around the cage difficult for little feet. Likewise, a larger bird in a cage with too small bar spacing can get a foot caught in the bars.

Congo African Grey Parrot

* Easy and practical to service.  Does it have slide out trays for easy bottom cleaning?   Can you service the food dishes from outside the cage? Is the front door large enough to easily and safely remove your parrot?  Is it on wheels? Most newer cages include optional seed catchers.  They are a great help in keeping the mess under control, but they take up 8-12″ more space around the cage on each side. I don’t use mine for that reason.

* Safely constructed. Take a good look around at the cage.  Do you see anywhere that a foot could become lodged? Round dome-top cages tend to create this danger.  I know this sounds like kicking the tires when you’re buying a car, but does it feel solid when you give it a good shake? Some cheaply made cages have sides that are not welded or bolted together where toes, legs  and wings can become lodged.  Some birds are quite capable of breaking welds and larger parrots like macaws and cockatoos need to be in a very well constructed cage. Remember that your bird will explore every inch of this cage when you are away. If they are anything like mine, they will be devising escape plans, which will be put into action the minute the front door closes.  Each of my cages is outfitted with padlocks – 12 in all.

* Non-toxic powder-coated or stainless steel. A stainless steel is going to be the best that you can buy.  It will last a lifetime.  It won’t chip or rust and will be sturdily made.  When you buy a powder-coated cage, please make sure it isn’t from China.  MOST of the cages made there have tested  positive for dangerous levels of lead and zinc in their powder coating.  Please read this article on this subject by Larry Houston, who found out about this after his parrot’s health was compromised. In his article are details on how to have your cage tested if it was made in China.  Cages can be re-powder-coated if you suspect a problem with your current cage.

The cage  is the biggest investment you will make in your parrot.  It will be her home for the entirety of her life, which might be 50 or more years.  A stainless steel macaw cage will set you back more than $2,000, but when you divide this among the years of service it will provide, it doesn’t seem like so much.  There are many other cages available, costing less, that are wonderful homes to our companion parrots.  Be sure to check them carefully for safety, durability and appropriate sizing.  Don’t be afraid to contact the manufacturer for details about the cage and where it was made.

How to Choose the Right Bird Cage

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Bird cages, just like the birds they house, come in all shapes and sizes. So how do you pick the right one? It’s important to find the right cage for your particular bird because the cage will directly affect the health and well-being of your pet. Below we give advice on selecting an appropriate cage for your bird along with some tips to ensure your bird is happy and healthy in their new home.

Before you get a new cage, give some thought to where you should place the cage in your home. If possible, you should pick a central area of your home to encourage your bird’s social side. And be sure to keep the cage away from any drafts of cool air. It’s also important to give your bird and their cage some space. In fact, it’s always best to get the biggest cage possible (of course, not everyone has room to spare in their homes), and this is particularly important for larger birds. Your bird should be able to walk around and completely extend and flap their wings without touching the bars of the cage. Round cages are thought to upset birds, so always get an angled cage. Rectangular cages are considered the best.

Certain breeds have unique needs. Parrots require enough space to climb and get plenty of exercise, while canaries and finches prefer a cage that is wide and long enough to allow for flying. Budgies prefer a cage that is tall and wide so they can move around, and cockatiels need enough room so their large feathers on their tail and head fit inside the cage and don’t touch the bars when the bird moves. Birds that don’t have enough room can act out in negative ways—it can cause them to bite, make loud noises, or excessively pluck their feathers.

Also consider the bars of the cage. How far apart are they spaced? Are the bars horizontal or vertical? Larger birds enjoy bars that are horizontal so they can climb and get exercise, and smaller birds need the bars spaced closely together so they aren’t able to escape – or get stuck between the bars during an escape attempt. And always be sure that your feathered friend’s head cannot fit between the bars.

Your bird’s cage should be sturdy and well-constructed. Never choose a cage made from plastic or wood, as your bird will be able to chew through it. Cages made from stainless steel are a much better idea—they’re non-toxic and easy to clean. You also need to be sure the cage has a strong latch. Birds can be crafty, and with enough time many can figure out how to escape. Be sure to choose a latch your bird won’t be able to manipulate, possibly adding a lock to keep your pet secure.

Your birds will spend a great amount of time in their cages. After all, a cage is essentially their home. So be sure to give the decision plenty of thought. And don’t forget to clean the cage regularly and include perches and toys to keep your bird entertained, happy, and healthy.

By Jay Matthews

20 Things Only Cat People Would Understand

Pet owners know that caring for an animal brings a new world of experiences. Some pets are affectionate and some are snarky, but only cats are consistently both. Between acrobatics, midnight cuddle attacks, and massive attitude problems, cats have managed to completely capture our attention. A mix of endearing and annoying habits, the following 20 situations are ones every cat owner can appreciate. 

1. Sunbeams Are Magic

Don’t even think about ruining the magic!

2. The Joy of Kittens

No one appreciates the heart-warming joy that comes from playing with kittens quite like cat people. Whether it’s their pint-sized ferocity or surprisingly razor-sharp claws, cat owners know that cute power is strongest in a pile of kittens. 

3. The Look of Pure Patience

Any cat owner with more than one pet knows that cats are the most patient animals on the planet.

4. Sharing Your Desk

When you’re a cat owner, keeping your desk to yourself is virtually impossible. Warm laptops or keyboards are cat magnets, no matter how many times we shoo them off. Even if your desk holds nothing more than notebooks and pens, cats are determined to prove that your space is their space. Luckily, the internet brought us the desk/cat box hack, or else cat owners would be perpetually at war between productivity and cat snuggles. 

5. Preferring Cats to People

Cats never complain, leave you, seriously impede on your space, or need an explanation. What’s not to love?

6. Wishing You Could Take Your Cat Anywhere

Unlike dogs, cats take a lot of coercion to go anywhere. So much so that a cat willing to take a walk is likely a sign you’ve finally achieved full nirvana.

7. Cats Are the Boss

It’s so sweet of you humans to buy me a cat scooter. Now just get rid of the dog.

8. Cats Are Too Smart for Their Own Good

Anyone who has ever nearly died laughing while watching a cat furiously trying to figure out a mirror knows all about this.

9. Being Your Pet’s Servant

Just like cats see our space as theirs, our time is theirs as well. You could be cooking, gardening, or getting ready, but when your cat decides it’s time for attention, almost nothing can dissuade them. Cat owners know that when it’s time for your cat, you’re better off listening. 

10. Kitty Cat Eyes Are More Powerful Than Puppy Dog Eyes

Resistance is useless!

11. Random Acts of Snuggles

When your cat is in the mood, cat owners can expect aggressive cat cuddles. Just don’t try and snuggle when it’s time to hunt.

12. Midnight Wake Ups

Much like your cat deciding your daytime schedule, cats are happy to decide your sleep schedule too. Cat owners are all too familiar with waking up in the middle of the night to cat paws batting at their ears. It seems that time is not a factor for cats, and us owners can just get over it. 

13. Tiny Cat Paws

This one’s self-explanatory. Every cat owner’s been caught swooning over these little foot pads.

14. You’re Really Just Furniture

Nothing summarizes being a cat person quite like feeling like you’re part of the furniture. Despite (sometimes) craving your attention, cats are also pleased to lounge all over you. Cat owners understand this best, and are fast to change hats between being an owner and a cat couch. 

15. Cats Are Part Liquid Grace, Part Idiot

Yah, I meant to do that.

16. Cat Toys Aren’t Impressive

Another experience cat owners know too well is the untouched pile of cat toys you just brought home. Cats are notoriously picky, so cat toys we humans like don’t always interest our furry friends. Every cat owner can commiserate over the mound of unused, bright, fluffy toys in the corner. 

17. Your Furniture Is Impressive

On the other hand, every cat person knows that cats will decide what is a toy. Couches, chairs, beds, and virtually anything else that can be scratched, were clearly purchased just for your cat. Despite notches and sawdust at the corners of all of our furniture, we still don’t get mad. Just as integral to cat ownership as watching your furniture melt away, is getting sucked in by those wide, round kitty eyes. 

18. Pure Paper Bag Excitement

When you’re tired of buying toys your cat doesn’t respond to, every cat owner has offered their prized cat a paper bag to play in. Second only to catnip, paper bags drive cats crazy. Who knows if it’s the crunching, the movement, or the built-in ability to hide, nothing is more at home to a cat owner than the sounds of your kitty destroying a paper bag. Such a simple toy brings cats so much joy, and cat owners find themselves jealous of such simple happiness. 

19. Lasers Are Everything

Learning about science fiction laser weapons as a kid is immediately followed by disappointment when you learn the comparatively limited capacities of real world lasers. However, all of this is pain is made up for the first time you show a laser to your cat. Instantly ecstatic, cats go together with lasers better than peanut butter and jelly. There’s nothing like watching your cat cartwheel around the room chasing a laser pointer to remind us cat owners that there’s really something exciting about this bit of technology. 

20. Your Keyboard Is Sacred

Much like trying (and failing) to keep your cat off of your desk, keeping your keyboard clear is nearly impossible when you’re a cat owner. Like letting a toddler free in a candy store, turning your back for even one minute results in disaster. A cat will seize absolutely any opportunity to slip under your working hands and take a snooze. If you’ve ever swept hair balls out from between your keys, you might be a cat owner. 

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Featured photo credit: Dramatic kitten/Gabriel Rodríguez via flickr.com