Orijen Dog Treats from Chewy.com: Product Review

When Chewy.com contacted us to see if we'd like to give Orijen dog treats a taste test, we jumped at the chance.

We love Chewy.com because they have such a wide selection of pet food and treats, fast home delivery, plus their customer service is outstanding.

This order was no exception.  Within just a couple of days, FedEx delivered our Orijen Black Angus Beef Freeze Dried Dog Treats.


Our dogs loved these dog treats!  They smelled good as soon as we opened the package and each dog was eager to take a turn with the taste testing!

Rudy could hardly wait!

Jeffie tries to savor the taste!

Orijen single-source dog treats are 100% pure meat, grain-free, 5-7 calories per treat and come in five flavors:  Alberta Wild Boar, Brome Lake Duck, Black Angus Beef, Free Range Bison, and Ranch Raised Lamb.  Orijen has also created three formula-matched treats (matched with their dog foods):  Original, Regional Red, and Tundra flavor.
  

 According to the Chewy.com website:

Orijen includes more fresh meat than any other dry pet food brand.  Orijen is designed to mirror a natural animal diet and includes a diversity of meats.  Free-run chicken and turkey, fresh whole eggs, free-range red meats and fresh saltwater and freshwater fish make for a healthy and nourishing diet.

Orijen is made by Champion Petfoods and is produced using only the freshest regional ingredients.  Champion Petfoods is Canada's award-winning pet food maker.  Located in the heart of Alberta's prairies, Champion Petfoods got their start in 1985.  Their foods are matched to the digestive systems of both dogs and cats.  Origen brings peace of mind to owners by promoting peak health of their pets in addition to containing natural flavors that their pets crave.

Champion Petfoods closely works with local farmers, fishermen, food processing innovators, and the scientific community to produce the highest quality products.  Arriving fresh from the region each day, the meat is never frozen and never exposed to heat or chemicals.  The harvested fruits and vegetables are ripe with vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants.  The natural herbs help strengthen organs and tissues while supporting the digestion process of pets.

All these fresh ingredients are processed under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's highest food safety standard.  Even the ingredient suppliers are approved by the United States Department of Agriculture.

We gave the Orijen Black Angus Beef Singles Freeze-Dried Dog Treats a taste test.  Ingredients:  Angus beef liver, boneless Black Angus beef, Black Angus tripe.

Pros:

• 100% Pure beef
• High in protein
• Grain-free formula 
• Only 6 calorie per treat
• Single ingredient treat
• Made without cooking or preservatives
• Re-sealable bag for freshness
• Made with Canada�s best and freshest ingredients in Orijen's own kitchen!

Priced $7.99 to $12.99 at Chewy.com, it's easy to fill your cart and there's free shipping with any order over $49!

We give these dog treats and Chewy.com all paws up!

Rosie says:  More, please!

* We received one bag of Orijen dog treats from Chewy.com in exchange for our honest review of the product and service.  We received no other compensation - financial or otherwise.

We're joining the Tasty Tuesday blog hop today.  This is a blog hop that celebrates good food, sponsored by Sugar the Golden Retriever and Kols Notes. 

KONG Premium Jerky Dog Treats: Product Review and Giveaway

Jeffie's birthday party continues!  

What would a dog's birthday party be without treats?!

When we were contacted by JAKKS Pacific, Incl, and asked to give their new dog treats a try, the dogs said:  YES!

After learning that JAKKS Pets has partnered with the KONG Company to create their Premium Treat Line, the humans said: YES!  As we learned more about them, we were happy to agree to let them send us some of their new dog jerky treats for a taste testing, review and a giveaway!

Be sure to enter because 3 lucky winners will receive 1 package each:

• KONG Chewy Treats Natural Jerky - Beef
• KONG Chewy Treats Natural Jerky - Chicken
• *Bonus* KONG Long Lasting Chews - KONG Chew Buddies, Puppy Teething Loaf, Ham Shank or Drumstick (depending on the size of your dog.)

 

You may have already heard about the new KONG Premium Treat line.  Their jerky treats are all natural and include NO wheat, soy, corn, or animal by-products.  Plus, no artificial colors or artificial preservatives.

Varieties include:

• KONG Natural Jerky Strips - 92% real meat and come in Beef and Chicken.
• KONG Meat Stix - KONG Beef Meat Stix include apples, carrots, and extra vitamins.  KONG Lamb Meet Stix include salmon for Omega 3 and 6 for a healthier skin and coat.
• KONG Thick Cut Jerky - the beef treats include blueberries, peas and ginger.  The turkey includes cranberries, carrots and sweet potato.
• KONG Meaty Flavor Bites - real bacon, real beef, and real cheese.
• KONG Mini Meaty Bites come in beef and chicken.  Sized for training and rewarding.
• KONG Sweet Potato Stix - vegan treats include sweet potato, carrots and peas.
• KONG Crunchy Flavor Bars - Lamb with blueberries, peas and apples;  Chicken with cranberries, carrots, broccoli, and peas.
• KONG Dental Chews - chicken, calcium for puppies and seniors, and fresh breath with alfalfa and parsley varieties.
• KONG Small and Large chew Buddies
• KONG Puppy Teething Loaf

We received:

1. KONG Chewy Treats Thick Cut Jerky in beef flavor:  92% real US-sourced beef with chicory, lecithin, salt, cultured whey, mixed tocopherols, and garlic.
2. KONG Chewy Treats Thick Cut Jerky in chicken flavor: 92% real US-sourced chicken with chicory, lecithin, salt, cultured whey, mixed tocopherols, and garlic.
3. KONG Chew Treats Chew Buddies in a variety pack: bacon, chicken and fresh breath. (Ingredients vary.)

It would be a serious understatement to say all three dogs loved these treats!  As we opened the bags, the smell of jerky filled the room.  And it smelled good to the humans, too

Beef?  Chicken?  They liked them both.  We didn't try stuffing them into our KONG toys, but that would be great for treat time!

We like the new KONG Premium Jerky dog treats because they're made in the United States with real beef and chicken.  After all the recalls of pet jerky treats made in China, it is a relief to know that KONG makes a safe, natural jerky dog treat!  

KONG's Premium line of jerky treats was developed with special attention to oral care, skin and coat maintenance and allergy concerns.

The Chew Buddies (shown above) help clean teeth and they're available in two sizes:  small and large. They come in fun animal shapes.  Jeffie particularly enjoyed the squirrel!

We're glad to give the new KONG Premium Jerky dog treats an all paws up recommendation.  They're already on our shopping list!

For more information about these new dog treats, visit KONG on the web or the KONG Treats Facebook page.

Now, I know you'd like to try some of these barking good treats!  So, follow the directions in the Rafflecopter below for chances to win some for yourself.  (Sorry, this giveaway is open to only those folks with US shipping addresses.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this review.  I received 3 packages of KONG Premium dog treats in exchange for my honest opinion.  Talking Dogs only shares information and products that we support.

 

Night Dawg Collar from Safety Gear Online: Product Review

When Safety Gear Online contacted us to see if we'd like to try a complimentary Night Dawg collar, we made sure they understood that our dogs are not walked on a leash at night.  

In fact, our dogs are free to roam in our two acre back yard.  Though we do have some spotlights, there are large sections that are truly dark.

There are times when they're out there that we can hear them, but can't see a thing.  So, we thought it would be fun to try one of these collars and see if we could keep better track of the dogs.

According to Safety Gear Online, Night Dawg collars are a great tool for any dog owner.  When walking your dog after dark, it can provide visibility to motorist.  In addition, a Night Dawg collar can help an owner locate their furry friend if they wander off into woods at night.

Night Dawg LED Light-Up Dog Collars have a built in LED system that glows quite brightly.  There's a power switch built right into the nylon webbed collar which controls three light modes:  glow, flash, and off.  Easy to change batteries last for up to 150 hours.  They're water resistant (not waterproof) and come in three adjustable sizes:  small 10-13", medium 13-18", and large 18-27".  All of the Night Dawg collars come in red and retail on the Safety Gear Online web site for $14.95.

We were given one size large Night Dawg collar to try.  Sizing instructions are included and involve removing the light-up LED component from the nylon webbing collar and cutting it to size.  Then you must re-insert it, which could be tricky for some folks, depending on your dexterity and patience.  The power switch was very easy to operate.

I originally thought that Rudy would be my guinea pig for this review.  However, he was not particularly keen on the flashing mode, plus he plays with puppy Rosie so much, I was afraid she might damage the collar and nix the review.

Jeffie didn't mind the Night Dawg collar in any mode.  

Frankly, I thought this was pretty cool.  No matter where he roamed in the yard, I could easily see the glowing red collar.  Unfortunately, my photography skills were a bit lacking when I tried to get photos of Jeffie in the inky darkness.   I used my photo editing tools to lighten up these photos, so you can see the dog and I was grateful for the full moon.

The bottom line:  If you need or want to be able to see your dog in the pitch black of night and / or want to make sure that drivers can, then this is a great product!  In fact, if you're walking your dog at night, you might want to also invest in a matching Night Dawg LED dog leash.

Talking Dogs received one complimentary Night Dawg LED Light-Up Dog Collar from Safety Gear Online to try out for this review.  We were not financially compensated for our honest opinion of this product.

Comfy Dog Boots for Jeffie | Product Review

Of all the dogs in my life only one has worn boots and loved them.  Though I'm quite sure he's not interested in making a fashion statement, I know he absolutely hates getting snow between his toes.  Can't say that I blame him.  Poor boy, he has very hairy toes.

Used to standing patiently to put on a coat in super cold or snowy weather, Jeffie wasn't sure what was going on when his first set of boots were on his feet.  One step outdoors and it was like a light bulb went off in his head:  dry feet!

That first set of dog boots lasted for several winters.  Unfortunately, when they began to wear out (and I no longer could make repairs), I discovered the company no longer in business.  Subsequent trials with different brands had varying results.  None of them stayed on his feet for long play times.  Luckily he had a little brother, Rudy, who was happy to retrieve them.   Still, it left Jeffie with a wet and iced foot or two.

Rudy may be out of the boot retrieval business now!

So, when Lori at Comfy Dog Boots contacted me about giving a set of her handmade footwear a try, I jumped at the chance.

The first thing I liked about Comfy Dog Boots is that they are handmade and created to fit.  Lori is well aware that paws come in different sizes and she offers an easy guide to sizing for the proper fit on your dog.  I'll admit that Jeffie did not want to stand still on a tape measure long enough for me to read the measurement, but with a little help from the Dog Daddy, I had Jeffie's measurements sent in.

Comfy Dog Boots come in a nice selection of colors.  I told Lori that Jeffie's coat is dark green with burgandy trim, so she sent burgandy colored dog boots for Jeffie.  I think he looks pretty stylish!

These boots are made with durable flannel and Cordura nylon.  Velcro closures keep the boots on and there are non-slip rubber bottoms.

Comfy Dog Boots offers several varieties of dog boot and shoes, as well as dog coats, parkas and jackets.   Choose from warm weather indoor, cold weather outdoor, lace up with velcro, and high top boots.  Some styles are perfect for those slippery tile or hardwood floors!  They even create custom dog boots to fit pets with paws that need extra protection due to allergies, dragging, deformities, and for disabled dogs.
  

Prices vary according to the type and size of boot selected.  Jeffie's boots retail at $22 plus $3 shipping.

Our boots arrived in record time!  We're impressed at how well made they are and how true the color is to the photos on their web site.  The fit is snug; the velcro closures have plenty of room for our big boy's feet.

Sleet and snow arrived just in time for Jeffie to give his new Comfy Dog Boots a nice trial.  Obviously comfortable, there were zero problems keeping them on.  They are light weight and flexible.  I love that they are machine washable and dryer safe!

Here's what we liked about Comfy Dog Boots:

• Made in the USA - in Maine
• Handmade with the ability to customize fit
• Attractive with many color selections
• Several styles available for varied purposes
• Attractive web site with clear information and lots of photographs
• Excellent customer service
• Very affordable prices

We're pleased to highly recommend Comfy Dog Boots! .

Good Dog Take Outs Treat Giveaway

We have good news for you!

Remember our product review of Good Dog Take Outs pet treats?  Well, now six lucky pet households can give them a taste test, too!

You read that right.  Six lucky pet people will win their choice of two 4 ounce boxes of healthy, all natural, tasty treats!

Note that I said PET people.  Cat lovers rejoice because you can win Good Dog Take Outs cat treats!  

Good Dog Take Outs offers two selections for cats:

1. 100% Organic Catnip Treats
2. Cheesey Kat Nibbles

Dog Treats can be selected from the following flavors:

1. Mint Flavor
2. Peanut Butter Flavor
3. Grandmas Molasses Cookies
4. Original Flavor
5. Egg and Cheesy Herb

Good Dog Take Outs are handmade with simple, clean, wholesome ingredients.  They use no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.  Made in the USA by pet owners who care about the quality and safety of their treats, Good Dog Take Outs are a favorite of Talking Dogs. 

The Rafflecopter giveaway form below offers you lots of chances to win!  You can even tweet about this giveaway every day for extra chances!

Note:  Are you getting a malware notice?  We've checked and there's no malware here!  Sometimes the Rafflecopter will trigger a false warning, especially in the Chrome browser.  Please consider coming back with a different browser and entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Dog Take Outs Treats | Product Review

When Good Dog Take Outs contacted us about doing a product review, we were glad to oblige.  Jeffie and Rudy love taste testing, plus they thought it was time Rosie got in on the action.

Good Dog Take Outs aims to make a pet treat that not only tastes good, but is good for our dogs.  There are no fillers, chemicals or artificial preservatives in any of their dog treats.
  

Good Dog Take Outs are made in Michigan and are hand-cut and oven baked in their licensed kitchen.  All of their treats have a guaranteed analysis from Michigan State University.  To preserve, it is suggested these treats be refrigerated.  If they last long enough, they can be frozen.

These nutritious dog treats available in a variety of flavors with prices of $4.95 and $6.45:

• Mint - available in 8 oz and 14 oz
• Peanut Butter - available in 8 oz and 14 oz
• Grandma's Molasses Cookies - available in 8 oz and 14 oz
• Original - available in 8 oz and 16 oz
• Egg & Cheesy Herb - 8 oz and 14 oz
• Sample Pack - $6.00

Good Dog Take Outs also offers cat treats!
 

We were given three varieties of Good Dog Take Outs treats to try:

1. Egg and Cheesy Herb includes parsley for fresh breath and lots of cheese - Whole wheat flour, spring water, canola oil, powdered milk, egg, cheddar cheese powder, parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, ascorbic acid -vitamin C natural preservative, dl alpha tocopheryl acetate - vitamin E natural preservative.  
   Guaranteed Analysis:  
   crude protein (min): 12 
   crude fat (min): 8 
   crude fiber (max): 1 
   moisture (max):20
    
2. Grandma's Molasses Cookies includes black strap molasses just like grandma would use -Whole wheat flour, spring water, powdered milk, black strap molasses, canola oil, egg, ascorbic acid -vitamin C natural preservative, dl alpha tocopheryl acetate - vitamin E natural preservative.
   Guaranteed Analysis:
   crude protein (min): 11  
   crude fat (min): 9 
   crude fiber (max): 2 
   moisture (max):21
3.  Peanut Butter -Whole wheat flour, spring water, canola oil, powdered milk, peanut butter, egg,ascorbic acid -vitamin C natural preservative, dl alpha tocopheryl acetate - vitamin E natural preservative.
   Guaranteed Analysis:
   crude protein (min): 13
   crude fat (min): 11
   crude fiber (max): 3
   moisture (max):18  

There's no doubt about it:  PAWS UP for these sweet heart shaped dog treats!

We liked that these treats are made in a licensed kitchen in Remus, Michigan, of natural ingredients, much like we make at home.  We also liked Good Dog Take Outs super fast shipping.  Our treats arrived via USPS Priority mail.  Within each cute take-out carton, the treats are sealed in plastic for freshness.  

Because of their ingredients, these treats are safe for human consumption.  The Dog Daddy said they're delish!  Rosie agreed!

Just like homemade without having to find the time to bake! 

Good Dog Take Outs can be purchased at their web site:   www.GoodDogTakeOuts.com



*We were given sample packages of Good Dog Take Outs in exchange for our honest opinion of the products.
 

Tiny Confessions Dog Art | Product Review

Ever wonder what your dog is thinking?  Why is your cat looking at you that way?  Christopher Rozzi is providing some answers with his Tiny Confessions.

Tiny Confessions are handcrafted prints of original paintings of dogs, cats, and other creatures.  In addition to the very charming artwork, Rozzi provides a few secret thoughts and a few guilty admissions!  A wide selection is available at his Tiny Confessions shop on Etsy.

We think the confessions are pretty dog-gone cute!  The artwork is truly lovely.  The expressions on the dogs is what truly captured my attention.  Rozzie is a guy who pays attention to the details.   Some are hilarious, some are sweet, and all are simply "truth."

We were offered our choice of art print in exchange for our honest review and chose the Labrador Retriever at Tiny Confessions.  Available in tan, green, blue or pink, it includes the confession:  I have information pertaining to the whereabouts of your shoe.   Hmmm, Rudy must have been talking to Rozzi!

Our art print arrived very quickly, carefully packaged in a high quality plastic sleeve and non-bendable mailer.  It is an 8x10 inch print of an original painting with a white border.  

The image itself measures 7.75" x 9.75" and is printed on professional quality archival matte paper with archival pigment ink.  Plus, it includes the artist's original signature.  Retail price is $20 plus shipping.

Tiny Confessions also offers these art prints in a smaller size (5" x 7").  Either would make a barking good gift for any pet lover, especially for Valentine's Day!

We love our art print from Tiny Confessions and highly recommend them.

 Perhaps best of all, two lucky Talking Dogs readers will win their choice of Tiny Confessions art prints!  

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below telling us which print you would choose.  Then be sure to take advantage of the Rafflecopter form for some extra entries!


Christopher Rozzi is an artist, writer, and comedian living in New York City.  Tiny Confessions are his way of combining comedy with art. His new book Tiny Confessions: The Secret Thoughts of Dogs, Cats and Everything,  will be released May 7, 2013.  Published with Perigee/Penguin, it is available for pre-sale at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Indiebound.

Talking Dogs was given a Tiny Confessions art print, plus two more for giveaway prizes, in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are those of Talking Dogs.

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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Jerky Dog Treats | Product Review

There's no doubt about it.  

Our taste testers love Chewy.com for sending us this product to review. 

They just wish Chewy.com had sent more!

Chewy.com sent us a 3.25 oz package of Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats in Chicken Jerky flavor in order to try their home delivery of pet food and treats service.  

According to their website, Blue Buffalo's Wilderness Trail Treats Chicken Jerky is a chicken strip.  

• All natural ingredients:  chicken, dried cane molasses and salt.
• No chicken or poultry by-product meals.  
• No corn, no wheat, no soy.  
• No artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.

Guaranteed analysis:

• Crude Protein   50.0% minimum
• Crude Fat    2.0% minimum
• Crude Fiber   2.0% maximum
• Moisture   38.0% maximum

Blue Buffalo does suggest that Blue Wilderness Jerky Treats be kept in a cool, dry place.  Refrigerating after opening is recommended.

The Chewy.com web site suggests that these treats are perfect for dogs with food-related allergies or pets sensitive to commonly used treat fillers.  

They also note that they're so delicious that pets might forget to chew. Jeffie and Rudy would agree with that!  This definitely has to be their favorite taste test.

As soon as we opened the package, both dogs were eager to begin their duties.  The Dog Daddy held them back while I examined the jerky treats.  Looks and smells exactly like what it is:  dried chicken.

After only the first taste, our soft-mouthed retriever boys couldn't help themselves from trying to chomp another jerky treat.  Jeffie tried to get extras by shaking paws.

Then he spontaneously sat up to beg for more.  Note:  this is NOT a trick he's been trained or encouraged to do.  This was truly spontaneous and all his own idea.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Chicken Jerky treats are a huge hit at our house.  In fact, I'll be ordering more from Chewy.com

Here's why:

• Blue Buffalo is made in the US.  These treats do not contain any meat from China (or anywhere else in Asia).  All meat is sourced from US meat suppliers.
• These Blue Buffalo treats are all natural.
• Chewy.com has super fast home delivery service
• Chewy.com has an easy to navigate web site with responsive customer service
• Chewy.com offers over 120 brands of pet food and treats with free shipping on any order over $49
• Chewy.com supports animal shelters and rescue groups with an easy way to raise funds with their Shelter & Rescue Network.
• The dogs LOVE them!

We're pleased to recommend both Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Jerky dog treats and Chewy.com!

Note:  Before our taste tests, we did research the issue of recalls on Blue Buffalo jerky treats.   [And there were none.]

Click on the graphic below to discover all sorts of new treat recipes, great giveaways and more, because today is a Tasty Tuesday Blog Hop.

People Food for Pets: Evanger's Dog Food and Treats Review

 Jeffie and Rudy really enjoyed their taste testing of Evanger's dog food and treats.  Not only did it, obviously, taste good, but there were so many things to taste.

The good folks at Evanger's Food For Dogs and Cats sent us a generous box of their products to sample:

• Grain-Free Meat Lover's Medley with Rabbit Dry Food - combines rabbit, beef, and pork with fruits and vegetables.  No corn, no wheat, no soy.  Gluten free; no artificial color or flavor
• Low Grain Whitefish and Sweet Potato Formula Dry Food - a great alternative to a chicken based diet
• Pheasant and Brown Rice Formula Dry Food - another alternative for dogs with chicken allergies and contains probiotics, flaxseed and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.  No corn, no wheat, no soy
• Whole Chicken Thighs - packed by hand - canned food.
• 100% Organic Cooked Chicken - canned food
•  Chicken and Rice Dinner - canned food
• Cooked Chicken - canned food
• Organic Chicken with Fruits and Vegetables Jerky Treats
• Beef Liver Treat for Dogs and Cats - dried treats

Jeffie and Rudy take a close look at Evanger's pet food products.

Since they were so generous and I'm not keen on changing my dog's food, it has taken some time for Jeffie and Rudy to give all of these products a thorough review.  Trust me... they didn't mind!

Here's how we conducted the taste tests.  Dry kibble was hand fed as a treat.  Canned food was rationed and a small amount was added to their regular dry kibble.  Treats were given as treats - though not nearly often enough to fully satisfy the boys.

Every single product passed the taste testers with flying colors!  Bottom line:  8 paws up for Evanger's.   Favorite products were the canned foods, though the dogs definitely loved everything.  

Evanger's Dried Beef Liver Treats

The boys didn't want to pose for photos; they wanted TREATS!

I loved Evanger's products, too and here's why:

• Made in the United States by a family owned and operated company since 1935.
• Free of harmful additives and preservatives
• No soy, corn, wheat or by-products
• Human grade ingredients
• Every single product smelled good and looked good to the humans. (However, we did have to watch out for bones in the chicken thighs; cans do contain an appropriate warning)
• Competitively priced for premium organic pet food
• A VERY wide selection of food and treats: beef, chicken, fish, lamb and more.  Many recipes for pets with special needs.

Okay, I also love the story behind Evanger's.  Back in 1935, Fred Evanger bred, exhibited, and championed his Great Danes in international kennel clubs.  He believed that the key to his success in the show ring, as well as his dogs' health and the health of their offspring was due to nutritious food.  

In fact, he felt so strongly about it that he built a canning factory on his family farm so he could make a quality pet food. Even back then, Evanger's dog food was free of additives and preservatives.  In fact, he used crops and livestock raised on the family farm. 

In 2003, Evanger's was the first pet food company to create pet food packed by hand instead of machine by putting whole pieces of fresh meat and vegetables into the cans.

You read that right.  Open a can of Evanger's and you'll immediately recognize the ingredients.  Yes, that's real shredded, pulled (organic) chicken.  OMD!  those are chicken drumsticks, alright!

Cans include a warning about bones; we picked out two.

In addition, many of their recipes are created especially for dogs with special diet needs:  food allergies, low fat diet, gluten free,  sensitive stomach, irritable bowel syndrome and more.  They also have a large line of Kosher Kosher pet food products, as well as healthy selections for cats.

I should note that I found no evidence of any recalls for Evanger's pet food products, however, there were some issues with the USFDA in early 2011 regarding  misbranding of ingredients, none of which constituted a health or safety issue.

Bottom line:  We're pleased to recommend Evanger's dog food and dog treats! 
.