Three Dog Blog

Feed vs. Food

Three Dog Bakery was founded in 1989 by three dogs, two guys, and a 59¢ biscuit cutter. Because Gracie (Mark Beckloff and Dan Dye’s Great Dane) was born deaf, blind in one eye, and had a delicate constitution, Mark and Dan made all of her own food. After researching what is allowed by regulation to be put in dog treats and food, Mark and Dan made a commitment to create a dog bakery that makes all-natural, oven-baked food and treats with 100% human-quality ingredients for dogs. Three Dog Bakery products contain no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or other artificial ingredients.

How Dog Feed is Allowed to be Made:

Dog food companies fall under the auspices of the feed industry, which includes both agricultural feed and pet feed. Feed is different than food by definition in that feed is allowed to contain rather unsavory things that food may not contain.

While federal regulations ensure that dog feed meets certain minimum standards for keeping dogs alive, the same regulations also allow pet feed and treats to be made from all manner of things that we wouldn’t generally consider edible. They even allow parts and pieces that have been condemned for human consumption to be included in dog feed. These byproducts may come from animals that died in transit, died from disease, or were euthanized. To reach minimum crude fat requirements, dog feed is also allowed to contain the grease that is collected at restaurants.

Most dog feed is extruded. That is, meat, meat by products, and offal are scooped up and placed into the back of an unrefrigerated flat-bed truck. The truck can take about three days to a week to fill up. Once full, it is transported to the rendering facility where its contents are ground up into a paste and boiled at very high temperatures to kill harmful bacteria. Required nutrients are then added per government standards, and the food is extruded (puffed up with air) to create the kibble shape.

At this point, roughly three weeks may have passed from the time the truck started filling up; and a dog won’t eat the extruded kibble. Although dogs may eat something that’s three days old, they’re smart enough not to eat something that’s three weeks old. So, to make the kibble palatable, it is often sprayed with digest, which is exactly what it sounds like: emulsified guts. Digest gives extruded kibble its greasy texture, and is why most food bags are lined with a sort of waxed paper. This is also why many commercial brands do not have a window on their packaging to see the kibble. Although palatable to dogs, it’s also what makes us wonder why they eat it. It certainly doesn’t smell appetizing.

Some companies use terms like holistic and organic to make their products appear more wholesome than they are. In reality, there is no government-endorsed definition for the term holistic. At the end of the day, a dead animal in the gutter could be called ”holistic”. And the term organic is only a certification of how the grain was grown or the feed was raised prior to harvest or slaughter. It says nothing about the quality of the finished product. Many so-called “organic” dog foods contain ingredients that have been condemned for human consumption.

How Three Dog Bakery Food for Dogs is Made:

At Three Dog Bakery we believe in feeding our furry friends like they are a part of the family. Three Dog Bakery food for dogs exceeds government minimum standards by containing only the finest ingredients.

Our food includes premium-quality meats such as chicken, lamb, and fish made with whole, unadulterated parts that are refrigerated until such time as all ingredients are combined into a dough, dye-cut, and baked 5-10 times more slowly than most brands to preserve nutritive value and flavor. We add no animal fat, no meat meal, and no byproducts. Loaded with anti-oxidants, essential fatty acids, and wholesomeness, Three Dog Bakery food is ready to eat when it comes out of the oven. No digest is sprayed on our food! And rather than being artificially preserved, Three Dog Bakery food is preserved with natural ingredients.

So it’s not dog feed; it’s all-natural, oven-baked food made with premium-quality ingredients—for dogs!

Today pets are treated as family and what family member doesn’t deserve a good party in their honor. Whether it’s a yappy hour or Birthday party, owners are going head-over-tails for canine-centric celebrations.

We, at Three Dog Bakery, are known for our dog friendly events such as Dogs’ Night Out and frequent Yappy Hours so naturally we are masters at planning dog-oriented parties. Follow our 10 easy steps to plan a “puptacular” party they won’t want to miss!

1. Location – Pick a good location for your party. One that is pet-friendly and has lots of space to work with. Ideally you would want a patio and a lawn so the dogs and their owners have plenty of space.

2. Pupdate – Pick the right date for your party. You want the weather to be cool enough for the pets but not too cold for their owners. Spring and fall are great times but summer can be accomplished on a cooler evening or morning. Just make sure the dogs have plenty of water to drink!

3. Rules – Simple rules are always good when you’re hosting a party, especially one that is canine oriented. A couple rules of thumb are bathroom breaks before eating and after, keeping dogs on a leash, and don’t allow anti-social dogs.

4. Choose a Theme – Choose a theme for your party. If it’s a birthday party get party hats, and Birthday cake for both kinds of guests, etc. If it is a Mexican Fiesta play appropriate music and have Mexican themed dishes for both human and pet, for example you can easily make doggie quesadillas out of our entrees and tortilla.

5. Party Decorations & Accessories – The fun part about throwing a party is getting all the decorations and accessories! Haute Diggity Dog and Charming Pet Products have plenty of themed toys, hats, and party collars to choose from. You can find a number of these products at your local Three Dog Bakery Store! If you are on a tight budget don’t fret, you can get party hats at your local party supply store or even make your own!

6. Chow Time – Creating a menu gives you the chance to be creative. When catering to the canines try cakes and Pupcakes from Three Dog Bakery or make your own Yappetizer baskets with Three Dog Bakery goodies! Our favorite is Cheese Fetch-it Sticks, Ciao Wow Cheese Pizzas, and Pretzel Sticks paired with a “drooltastic” dipping sauce! You can also dig out the Three Dog Bakery cook book to whip up some treats of your own!

7. Games – Keep your guests engaged by holding contests! Some examples include longest tail, best costume, find the toy or even an Easter begg hunt for Easter.

8. Playtime – Have a designated playtime either before or after the meal/cake and ice cream. This gives the dogs a chance to socialize and release some energy!

9. Paw-tee Pics – You are the “puparazzi” at this party and you want to capture every moment!

10. Paw-tee Favors – Lastly, you want something for your guests to take home. We suggest a small toy or a fun “doggy bag” full of treats. Three Dog Bakery carries pre-made Party Favors available at select Three Dog Bakery locations and online at www.threedog.com!

Hosting a K9 paw-tee is both fun and unique but with all the excitement expect accidents. Not everything will go as planned but don’t fret; relax and have fun with it!

Fun Tips:

• Make iron-on bandanas for the dogs to wear at the party or for their party favor!
• Have human guests make their own tie dye party collars while the dogs are having play time!
• Get fun drinks for the dogs too; peanut butter or chicken flavored water creates the perfect K9 cocktail!

Fun Recipe: Little Eataly Meatballs

2 cups quick rolled oats

2 large eggs

2 pounds ground chicken or turkey meat

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon (or a pinch) of garlic powder

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well, using your hands. Scoop out a tablespoon or two of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Continue with the rest of the mixture.

Place the meatballs on an ungreased shallow baking pan. Bake for 40 minutes.

Cool to room termperature before serving.

Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. (Thaw before serving)

Links:

Three Dog Bakery

Charming Pet Products

Sniff out a Three Dog Bakery Location

Haute Diggity Dog

We are excited to be a contestant in Fuzzy Fotos; a fundraiser benefiting the Kansas City Free Health Clinic & No More Homeless Pets KC, that puts Kansas Citians and their pets against each other in a photo voting contest!

Just visit www.fuzzyfotoskc.com and vote for Amanda and Sarah and their dogs Piper the Australian Shepherd and Lexi the Boxer! Only $5.00 per vote, and you can vote as many times as you like from July 1- July 31.

Competing photos will also be on the Web site, erase them from your memory – they’re just there to distract you away from the only photo that counts- ours! Okay, we’re just kidding on that last part….kind of. But in all seriousness, we are all competing for a great cause that helps get people and animals alike the medical attention they otherwise might not receive. So vote, and vote often!

You can check for updates on how we’re doing on our Facebook page, just search for Three Dog Bakery- Country Club Plaza- KC!

AND your vote will get you into Piper’s 2nd Birthday party at the bakery! Your printed receipt from voting at FuzzyFotosKC.com will be your ticket into the party. Of course there will also be Birthday Cake & Lickety Split for all of her friends attending the celebration! All she wants for her Birthday are votes so come join us for her party July 24th at 2pm (Country Club Plaza location only)!

Some dogs are so ugly they’re cute! June 26^th is National Ugly Dog Day and we are celebrating with a contest. Show your parent pride and send us your my-dog-is-so-ugly-it’s-cute photo and caption for a chance to win your share of $150 of Three Dog Bakery prizes!

How to Participate:

• Take your best ugly dog photo.
• Upload your photo via Twitpic or other Twitter photo applications.
• Include an original 100 characters or less caption explaining why your dog should win.
• Include #uglydogday @ThreeDogNews in your Twitter posting.
• Become a follower of ThreeDogNews on Twitter.
• Please note that if your tweets are blocked we may not be able to see your entries.

Judging:

Entries will be judged on the most creative and cutest depiction of an Ugly Dog photo, the originality of the caption and the appropriateness of the entry to our theme. This contest is limited to dogs only. Other contests will be done for cats.

Prizes:

1^st Place – $75 value of Three Dog Bakery treats

2^nd Place – $50 value of Three Dog Bakery treats

3^rd Place -  $25 value of Three Dog Bakery treats

Everyone who enters and becomes a follower of @ThreeDogNews on Twitter will receive a coupon for 15% OFF their next online order at threedog.com

Rules & Regulations:

One entry per dog, and no more than two entries per person. Contest is for dogs only. Contest runs 6/21/10 – 6/27/10 11:59 pm (CST). The founding dogs and staff will pick the winners. Winners will be announced and contacted within a week of the end date. All participants must follow @ThreeDogNews on Twitter to be a winner. Please note that blocked tweets may result in a failed entry. A hashtag of #uglydogday must be include in the tweet to qualify. RT’s appreciated.

Terms & Conditions:

Must reside in the USA and be 18 years or older. No cash value and non transferable. We will contact winner and must here from them within 48hrs. Standard shipping and tax is included. Please email contests@threedog.com with any questions or concerns.

Bringing home a new puppy can be very exciting and also very scary. I know when I brought Lela home I was so thrilled to have rescued her but also very scared because she was the first pet I truly owned 100 percent by myself. Before Lela, I only had pets when I was little and let’s face it—my parents did all the hard stuff, such as vet visits.

Before bringing home a pet consider your options. Make sure your schedule allows you to take sufficient care of your puppy. They need lots of attention, love and affection. Also, if you have kids make sure the timing of your puppy is appropriate.

At Three Dog Bakery we are HUGE advocates of adoption, when you decide to pick out a puppy please check out your local shelter first. So many wonderful dogs need good homes.

When bringing home a new puppy follow these easy steps to help you prep for a good start to a long lasting, fulfilling relationship.

1. Start by preparing yourself and your family members. This is especially important with children; rules need to be set so that everyone understands their responsibility and knows how to properly handle the puppy. When pups are small injuries can easily occur. Also, if you already have a dog make sure your current dog’s temperament can handle a puppy.
2. To make certain the puppy doesn’t get mixed signals and get confused, discuss how you are going to train the puppy. That way everyone is on the same page.
3. Next, make sure you purchase the necessary supplies; puppy food, dog treats, water and food bowls, chew toys, collars and leashes, bed and a playpen/crate. You may also want to purchase grooming supplies at this time as well. Three Dog Bakery’s Web site offers a variety of all natural food & treats suitable for puppies as well as grooming supplies!  And Three Dog Bakery Stores offer everything you need for a new dog. Sniff out your local bakery today!
4. You will need a carrier or a kennel, either for travel or while you’re away. To save money choose a size that will fit the breed once they are full grown. Kennels can also be used for potty training.
5. Next, make your home suitable for a puppy. Pick a designated area for your puppy to mature. It will most likely hangout here while you’re away until it is potty trained. Remove all electrical cords from reach and also make sure that the puppy has plenty of water and appropriate things to chew such as all natural rawhides or puppy toys. It is a good idea to remove plants from this area. Puppies will often chew on plants, and common house plants can be harmful or even poisonous.
6. Since puppies have a natural tendency to chew, you should store away items that may appeal to them (i.e. shoes, kids toys, belts, etc.) until the puppy has matured.
7. Put away / up breakable items; puppies jump, get excited, wag their tails, chew and rough house. Things can easily be knocked over and you don’t want to have to scold a happy puppy or have your favorite item broken.

Bringing a furry friend into the family is always exciting and with these easy tips you will be closer to doing so! I know getting Lela was the best decision I ever made.

For more information on Three Dog Bakery treats and food visit threedog.com/

Depending on where you live, the summer months can be harsh on our furry friends. Just like we need to cool off during hot weather, so do our dogs. In fact, dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke than us humans. Follow these 10 easy steps to keep your dogs safe from heat!

1. Water, water, water! Make sure your dogs have access to water at all times, even when you are in the car or at the park. We like Ruff Wear’s portable (recycled polyester) water bowls. These can be purchased at a number of our bakeries!
2. Ceiling fans, cool tile and of course air conditioning help keep our pets cool enough in hot temperatures but also think about cool places for them outside. Have a permanent place for your dog to seek shade if he is spending time outdoors or in the back yard.
3. Make sure to have the windows down in the car when you’re driving. Dogs should never be left in a parked car when it’s hot outside. Temperatures can easily rise inside a car even when the windows are down. The hottest hours of the day are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
4. Senior dogs, puppies under six months and ill dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke. On extra hot days limit their outdoor activity and again, make sure they have plenty of clean, fresh water.
5. As a general rule do not exercise your dog on hot days. Monitor their playtime as well. Also, some breeds can handle the heat better than others and should not be taken on long runs or walks once it reaches certain temperatures.
6. Be aware of hot pavement during the afternoon hours. Hot asphalt can burn paws. We suggest morning and evening walks and the usage of our Paw Rub! Our Fur Di Vine Paw Rub is great for cracked, dry paws and chapped noses.
7. Dogs that are pale and have short hair are more prone to sunburn. Try applying sunscreen if they will be spending a lot time outdoors. However, we suggest testing a small area first to make sure the dog is not allergic to sunscreen.
8. If your dog likes the outdoors and tends to overheat, try buying a kiddie pool for the back yard. It is a great way for them to cool down rather than rolling in the mud.
9. Be aware of how your dog’s breed is affected by the heat and sun. Certain breeds are more susceptible to heatstroke and dogs with dark coats absorb heat faster than breeds with light coats. Also, be aware that during the summer months your pet might require a haircut or buzz to keep them cool. Veterinarians say Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Lhasa Apsos, Shi Tzus, Pekingese, Mastiffs and Shar-Peis are at a slightly higher risk to heatstroke.
10. Most importantly, just get to know your dog. Monitor them and figure out what they can handle and what they like. Our dogs love ice cubes on hot days!

Any of the products mentioned in this article can be found online at www.threedog.com or in a number of our bakeries. Sniff out a store today – http://ow.ly/1QhXP

Celebrate the good-stuff your pets bring to your life!

This May is National Pet Month. It celebrates the benefits that pets bring to people’s lives – and vice versa! Our pets are our babies and they give us unconditional love; this month share with us how your pets have impacted or touched your life for a chance to win Three Dog Bakery treats!

How to Participate:

1. Comment on the Three Dog Bakery National Pet Month Contest blog post and tell us the benefits that your pets have brought to your life.

2. Become a fan of Three Dog Bakery Headquarters on Facebook. Judging: • Entries will be judged on the most touching and best depiction of the subject along with the originality of the post. This contest is not limited to dog owners, Guinea pigs and rabbits enjoy our veggie chews too!

Prizes:

• 1st Place – Treat Sampler – Retail Value $75

• 2nd Place – Treat Sampler – Retail Value $50

• 3rd Place – Treat Sample – Retail Value $25

Rules & Regulations:

One entry per person. Contest is open to all animals, prizes are as stated in this blog and may not be exchanged for other products. Contest runs 5/10-5/31. Winner will be announced the week of 6/1/10. All participants must be a Fan of Three Dog Bakery Headquarters on Facebook.

Terms & Conditions:

Must reside in the US and be 18 years or older. No cash value and non transferable. Cannot be a Three Dog Bakery employee. We will contact winner via email provided or Facebook. If winner does not acknowledge within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. Standard ground shipping and taxes are included. Please email contest@threedog.com with any questions!

Dogs LOVE anything peanut butter and the peanut butter used in all of our products is made of 100% peanuts. Nothing else. No extra sweeteners, preservatives or anything unnatural. We’ve packed our peanut butter with so much pea-nuttyness that we have trouble getting the lid on the jar! For your pup, this means that he’s getting a great source of all-natural protein and Vitamin E.

Three Dog Bakery offers the best all natural peanut butter treats for your pooch. Learn more today at www.threedog.com or your local Three Dog Bakery.

Yes, it’s one of the oldest tricks in the book; sneaking your dog your fruits and veggies under the table so you don’t have to eat them. Feeding your dog fruits and vegetables has a plethora of benefits; not to mention they enjoy them too!

Vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, and pumpkins are wonderful additions to a dog’s diet. The powerful antioxidants may help to reduce chronic disease and slow down the rate of aging. They also contain other vitamins, minerals, and fiber beneficial to your dog’s daily diet.

Fruits can also be an important source of vitamins, folic acid and potassium. Again, fiber is another major component to fruit offering benefits like healthy bowels, protection against colon cancer and heart disease. Apples, cranberries, blueberries and bananas are all smart choices while avocado, grapes, and citrus fruits should be avoided. All Three Dog Bakery Natural Meals Bakery Blend products contain cranberries and blueberries or sweet potatoes.

 Additional facts about fruits and veggies….

• Low Calorie
• Low Fat
• Wheat, Corn and Soy Free
• Satiated source of water
• All natural and only contain one ingredient
• Free of additives and preservatives
• Dried fruits and veggies are great alternatives to rawhides
• Natural oils good for dogs with dry coats
• Cranberry is good for doggie breath and gums
• Can contain anti-cancer compounds such as Vitamin A and C

Three Dog Bakery now offers premium dehydrated fruit and veggie chews for your dog. Learn more today at www.threedog.com  or your local Three Dog Bakery.