the simplicity of nutrisource pure vita sweet potato freeze-dried treats

We all read labels, now. And not just for our own foods, but for pet foods, as well. It's important to know what is in what we put into our bodies so that we can make educated choices. My nutritionist friend always tells me that a good rule of thumb is to try not to eat any food that has more than five ingredients. So when chewy.com gave me the opportunity to try NutriSource PureVita Sweet Potato Freeze-dried Delights for Dogs, the first thing I did was check out the ingredient list. Guess how many ingredients are on the list. 

Go ahead, guess.

Want the answer?

One. One ingredient is on the list: "freeze dried sweet potato." No wondering or guessing with this dog treat. 

The treats are natural and made in the U.S.A., are grain-free, vegan, and are healthy for dogs in all life stages. So what more do you need to know? Oh...I suppose you'd like to hear from the dogs.

As usual, my N.A.S.H.A. turned her nose up at them and gave me a few blinks, as if to say, "when are you going to bring out the real treats?" Typical. We know we can't trust her treat judgement. Once again, I had to outsource my trials with some willing clients. Let's see what they thought:

The reviews are in.

Three out of four dogs agree, these sweet potato treats rock. And we can feel great about giving such a simple one-ingredient reward to our pups. It's all good. 

More information or to purchase:

PureVita Sweet Potato Freeze-dried Dog Treats on chewy.com

You might also want to check out:

fromm's chicken with carrots and peas recipe treats for dogs are the real deal

Chewy.com provided me with a package of PureVita Sweet Potato Freeze-dried Dog Treats in exchange for my honest opinion. Well Minded only reviews products that we think would benefit our readers. All opinions are my own.

pet weight loss without deprivation: theo's success with #HillsPet

When a pet develops a weight problem, the first thing vets usually recommend is a diet–reduced food intake. It makes sense, right? A pet needs to consume less calories than he burns during the day in order to lose weight. A restrictive diet can be challenging, though, and we hate to feel like we're depriving our animals. My sister puts it well. She's always wanting to lose a few pounds and says "I sure wish I was a dog so someone would put me on a diet." Exactly. It's hard to do it on our own! Our dogs and cats are lucky in the sense that they can lose weight if we put them on a diet, but they are completely at our mercy. And diets for dogs and cats can be so restrictive. We want them to be happy and feel satisfied.

We've all tried a crash diet, right? We achieved some temporary results, but we felt a bit like the devil was inside us? We were hungry!

Theo was no stranger to table scraps or to cuteness. Photo credit: Alice G. Patterson Photography via Daily Dog Tag

Meet Theo. (Awwwww! Isn't he fabulous?) Theo's family put him on a diet, and he wasn't so happy about it. He had achieved some weight loss success with help from his owner, Beth, but he was feeling very deprived.

Beth and her family adopted Theo, an adorable puggle, last July from The Humane Association of Central New York. He was about four years old. Beth recalls "Theo was overweight when we met him at the rescue. But to be honest, I thought he was adorable just the way he was. Theo was 38 pounds when we brought him home!"

The vet thought Theo's ideal weight would be about 30 pounds.

As soon as they brought Theo home, it became obvious that his previous owners had fed him table scraps. Knowing Theo could stand to lose a few pounds, Beth and her family did not follow suit. They reduced his food intake and increased his activity level. "Theo started losing weight, and I thought we were well on our way to a healthier dog," Beth reflected. By Christmas, Theo had lost a fair amount of weight, but by January, his family started to notice that he seemed hungry all the time and they saw a change in his behavior. 

Theo looks ready to hit the hors d'oeuvres. Photo credit: Alice G. Patterson Photography via Daily Dog Tag

Theo figured out how to work the foot pedal on the garbage can and started helping himself to anything he could reach. If someone dropped food, Theo was aggressive about claiming it. He tried to steal treats and food from the other dogs. In short, he was miserable and so was I. So I gave up his diet to help get back the pleasant dog I adopted. –Beth

Soon after making this decision, Beth discovered Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution, a food that activates a pet's metabolism to regulate appetite and burn fat. It does not require depriving or restricting your pet. Beth hoped that this would be the answer to Theo's hunger issue, yet allow him to continue to lose weight because, she said "being so hungry brought out a side of Theo that I wasn't really comfortable with." When Theo began the Hill's® program, he weighed 32.4 pounds. Though he seemed to get around okay and accomplish all he loved to do–best of all playing with the kids–the veterinarian recommended that to be at his best, Theo would need to lose a few more pounds.

After feeding Theo the Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution for nearly four months, Beth reports that it seems to be working well. Theo has lost a bit more than a pound, and considering that he's so close to ideal weight, now, that's pretty awesome. Beth says that "the most important part of this system to me is Theo seems to be satisfied during the day. He isn't constantly looking for food or whining for food." And it's really easy. Theo gets a cup of food in the morning and 3/4 of a cup at night, plus a few extra pieces of food along with the Hill's® treats to dole out to him here and there (he's so deserving...just look at those adorable eyes–er–hold that thought...that's how we got into trouble in the first place).

Theo now weighs in at 31 pounds. He's only got an itty-bitty way to go. You can do it, Theo! We know Hill's® will help him achieve his ideal weight. Check out how awesome he looks...he's so happy!

What a handsome fellow! Photo credit: Daily Dog Tag

A special thanks to Beth Patterson and her family (and especially to darling Theo) for helping me share their story. Well Minded wishes Theo a lifetime of health and happiness. To learn more about Theo's weight loss journey and cheer him along, please visit him on the Daily Dog Tag blog:

Will Theo Be in the 88% Success Category?

Theo's Weight Loss Journey With #HillsPet

More information about Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution: 

if bear can do it, any pet can: gaining back your friend with #HillsPet

is your pet overweight? let's get real

#HillsPet redefines love by helping our pets achieve healthy weight loss

Hills® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution Web Site

Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution Product for Dogs

Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution Product for Cats

If your pet has tried Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution, Hill's® would love to hear about it and celebrate with you. On their Ratings and Reviews Facebook Page, you can share your stories and celebrate others' success. Join me!

Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution Ratings and Reviews

This post is sponsored by Hill's® and the Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Food, but Well Minded only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

fromm's chicken with carrots and peas recipe treats for dogs are the real deal

Chewy, "where pet lovers love to shop" recently gave me the opportunity to try a new dog treat. You might think I'd jump at the chance without a second thought, but my pet is not a guinea pig–she's a dog–so I read the ingredient label before giving them the go-ahead to send it. U.S.A.-made Fromm's Oven-baked Chicken with Carrots and Peas Recipe Treats for Dogs were on deck, and this is how the label read:

INGREDIENTS: chicken, pea flour, potato flour, tapioca, whole peas, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), tomato pomace, cranberry, sweet potato, carrot, apple, split peas, green beans, green bell peppers, celery, beets, parsley, lettuce, watercress, spinach

Everything good and nothing bad? We're in!

While we waited for our treats to arrive, I did a little research about the Fromm Family Pet Food company. They declare themselves "the world's first and oldest family-owned and operated premium pet food company," which seemed a bold statement to make, but they have the history to back it up:

LOVE the vintage logo and packaging! Image courtesy of Fromm.

Since 1904, The Fromm Family has maintained a tradition of quiet innovation dedicated to the health and nutrition of animals. In the 1930's, The Fromm Family introduce the first canine distemper vaccine. In 1949, we introduced the concept of premium pet food to the public. As the country's first and oldest premium pet food company, we have earned the reputation as an industry leader, producing only the highest grade pet foods with the finest natural ingredients.

Based in Wisconsin, Fromm Family Foods is now in its fifth generation of being family owned and operated. We take great pride in this family commitment, as it ensures that our customers will continue to  receive superior pet food products now and for years to come.

For more than four generations, the Fromm Family has brought together veterinarians, biochemists, research specialists and food production engineers to formulate our pet foods.

N.A.S.H.A. was very excited when the package arrived. I verified the ingredients on the package and cracked it open. I knew immediately that they would be promptly rejected by my dog. She is the pickiest thing ever, and she won't eat crunchy treats. Hard kibble is fine, but her treats must be soft. She feigned interest. 

Great ingredients, and they sure do look good, mom!

She tried, but, like other crunchies, she left on the tile, which was a bummer, because these are some seriously healthy treats that I would love for her to love. Luckily, this week I've had a few other friends around to help me, and they gave these awesome treats their seal of approval. Check it out:

Darby's review. Blurry dog=excited dog. Treat consumed in 1.3 seconds.

Layla's review. Sitting pretty and being polite in hopes of having seconds and thirds. Treat consumed in one swallow.

Gypsy's review. Treat consumed along with a portion of my finger. 

Three out of four stars ain't bad, and I'm guessing that if I had more canine friends around, the positive reviews would keep rolling in. Bottom line, N.A.S.H.A. has odd taste. Don't listen to her. 

I would highly recommend Fromm's dog treats. This variety we tried was grain-free and made in the U.S.A. The treats contained high-quality, healthy ingredients, and are a great size. Not too big so your pooches can maintain a healthy weight while feeling indulgent. Isn't that what it's all about?

You can purchase Fromm's Oven-Baked Chicken with Carrots and Peas Recipe Treats for Dogs at Chewy.com along with other healthy Fromm pet foods and treats. Chewy.com offers a huge selection of healthy brands and offers free shipping with their convenient autoship service.

Connect with Chewey.com on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest.

Connect with Fromm on Facebook.

Chewy.com provided me with a package of Fromm's Oven-Baked Chicken with Carrots and Peas Recipe Treats for Dogs in exchange for my honest opinion. Well Minded only reviews products that we think would benefit our readers. All opinions are my own. 

keeping your pooch hydrated with viva coco #review and #giveaway

The summers here in Phoenix, AZ are harsh. They're akin to extreme winter conditions elsewhere. Basically, everyone hibernates in their air-conditioned homes, and if we do have to go out, outdoor activities are kept to a minimum. It can be 120º + during the peak of the season. 

Keeping well hydrated in these conditions is essential. We're basically constantly sweating for three months of the year, so we have to be careful about dehydration. My family drinks coconut water as an alternative to regular water, so when I learned that such a wonder as coconut water existed for dogs, I was very intrigued. It's called Viva Coco, the all natural coconut water dog beverage. Aside from providing dogs with something a bit more exciting to drink than plain water day in and day out, the benefits of coconut water for dogs are akin to those for humans:

• 100% natural

• contains essential electrolytes for hydration

• supports a healthy immune system

• supports healthy bones and joints

• supports skin and coat health

I also love the fact that Viva Coco contains no GMO ingredients or artificial preservatives or flavors. Plus, it comes in powder form, which means it's convenient, environmentally friendly, and doesn't cost a boat-load to ship. Awesome.

But then, I wondered, would my picky dog go for it, or would she become ironically dehydrated in protest? When I mixed the powder into her water, I grew even more concerned. My girl refuses water if there's a tiny piece of food in it, so I didn't think for a million years that she'd drink this cloudy water. (Just like regular coconut water, this stuff is cloudy.)

Boy, was I wrong! She sniffed it, backed up, looked at me, and then went right for it! She told me by her enthusiasm that she was happy with it. I happened to have a client pooch staying with me at the time, so after N.A.S.H.A. drank half the bowl and walked away, our visitor went up to bat and finished it off. Taste test successful! 

I'm especially excited about Viva Coco because it would be a fantastic beverage to bring along our frequent hikes at South Mountain, which can be taxing even in the cooler months. I can feel good about giving it to my dog because it's natural and environmentally friendly, plus provides the essential electrolytes that plain water doesn't have. Good stuff, all paws up!

Viva Coco is generously offering a full pack of their coconut water powder to three well minded readers ($19.99 value each). Please enter for a chance to give it a try (open to U.S. residents only).

Cheers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Connect with Viva Coco on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Disclaimer: Viva Coco provided me with samples of their all natural coconut water dog beverage in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own. 

#HillsPet redefines love by helping our pets achieve healthy weight loss

In our society, FOOD = LOVE. We may deny it, especially the healthiest of us who eat to live rather than live to eat (can't we do both?), but we still link food and love together. 

• Food provides comfort when we're sick or sad.

• We enjoy romantic meals with our partners.

• We reward our children with candy and treats for a job well done. 

• We bring a welcoming platter of cookies to our new neighbor.

When we give from the heart, we often give food. Especially when it comes to our pets. They can't communicate in words how they feel about us, and though we try to tell them how we feel, we're never quite sure if they grasp the depth of our devotion. What's the sure-fire way to show our pets how we feel? Give them food! Those purrs and wagging tails say it all. Our pets love food as much as we do.

When does treat-giving and table scrap-sneaking get out of control? When our pets reach an unhealthy weight. This weighty problem can spiral out of control quickly, before we even notice. 

Changing our feelings about food and love would be next to impossible. We don't want to deprive our pets of what they love, and we don't want to deprive ourselves of the affection we receive when we make our pets happy. Thankfully, Hill's® has formulated a program of food and treats that do not require us to deprive our furry friends: Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution.

If your pet is overweight and you don't want to curb the food affection (who does?), this is a viable solution to consider. For pets on this program, it's not as much about the quantity of food provided (thought there are feeding guidelines, of course), but it's about feeding your pet a food that will help your pet's metabolism move things in a lighter direction. You don't have to withhold food! Awesome!

Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution is a proven weight loss program:

• 88% of pets lost weight in two months at home

• clinically proven to safely provide 28% body fat loss in dogs in two months and 29% body fat loss in cats in two months

• nutrition that helps pets feel full and satisfied between meals

• clinically proven to avoid weight regain following a weight loss program

• 80% of pet owners would recommend Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution to friends with overweight pets

This program is available for both dogs and cats and requires veterinary approval. But Hill's® is making it easier for Well Minded readers to get started with their Tell-a-Friend Program. Just by filling out a form (link below), you'll receive a $25 Wellness Visit rebate AND a $25 rebate for Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution food–a $50 value. And, please, tell a friend by sharing this post. Hill's® wants all of our readers and friends to benefit from this offer. Here's the link:

Hill's® Rebate and Coupon 

So let's redefine love. Keep giving those treats, but make sure they are the right ones. Because EXTRAORDINARY NUTRITION = YOUR PET AT HIS VERY BEST. If that's not love, I don't know what is.

Further Reading:

Feed Your Pet with Love, Not Excess Food

Is Your Pet Overweight? Let's Get Real

If Bear Can Do it, Any Pet Can: Gaining Back Your Friend

This post is sponsored by Hill's and the Pet Blogger Newwork. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Food, but Well Minded only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., is not responsible for the content of this article.