Eco-Vegan Dog

Video Review: Eco-Friendly Dog Games by Nina Ottosson

2011-12-18T23:42:00.000-08:00

Dogs love to play games inside and out, but this is usually limited to fetching balls or frisbees, squeaking toys, and tugging ropes. Like humans, dogs like to be mentally stimulated, but they rarely get the chance with typical games and toys. That's where Nina Ottosson comes in - this company makes interactive dog activity games, many of which are eco-friendly. These toys give dogs a chance to use problem solving skills to get food rewards, which is a great way to keep them occupied under your supervision at home. You can learn more about the importance of mental activity for dogs by clicking here.

According to the Nina Ottoson website, their products are made from "only the very best materials in the care and safety for our dogs, ranging from packaging to the smallest detail can be submitted for recycling or incineration." The wood used to make the toys comes from Swedish beech trees and every part of the tree is used in the process. Their plastics are non-toxic and recyclable and are made from 40% plastic and 60% wood shavings.

Evie loves playing with them and as a Jack Russell she got the hang of them pretty fast, however it was still a bit of a challenge. It's fun for the both of us and I don't have any eco-guilt.

Featured in High Desert Dog Magazine!

2011-09-15T22:52:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I was approached by High Desert Dog magazine, who asked if I would write an article about raising a vegan dog. I received the published issue in the mail today and am so honored to be in a section entitled "Humanely Healthy Diets", which also features articles by PETA, James Peden of VegeDog, and vet Dr. Armaiti May, who have all influenced and guided my journey with Evie. The feature on the plant-based diet for dogs is a wonderful summary of how healthy and easy it is, dispelling many myths on the subject. Check it out!

Video Natural Flea Control and Treatment For Dogs

2011-09-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Fleas are a common problem when living with a dog and a incredibly frustrating. The itchy, the scratching, the picking - and dogs have to deal with this too! Fleas are such a natural canine issue you'd think there would be more natural solutions to getting rid of them, but unfortunately the options are few and not very well-known. Few dog lovers realize the harmful consequences of putting on chemical-based sprays, drops, collars, feeding pills, or setting off flea bombs. Dogs can also become resistant to popular flea products like Frontline and Advantage, so they might not work after a while.

Luckily I've had some good luck with various natural flea control methods and treatments, so here is my best advice

Keep dogs as clean as possible and check for fleas everyday with flea comb. When coming back from walks, wipe off with a wet cloth or in the bath tub.
Find a shampoo that has some tea tree and lavender in it and give a bath with that regularly. I like Olive green dog lavendar shampoo.
Spray with a all natural flea remedy like J&J's. You can also try neem oil or spray, but it is very strong and is best mixed in with something like shampoo.
Vacuum regularly
Dust your home with diatomaceous earth - warning, it's kinda messy and annoying! You can also use the Flea Buster service. Other people recommend using Borax the same way.
Garlic in the diet supposedly helps, but I haven't seen a major effect. I've given Evie PetGuard Yeast and Garlic tablets.
Amber W. recommends fennel, which I've never tried but I love the plant. She says to "crush and rub the juice on the coat. Brew for a spray by juicing from the whole, fresh plant -- stems, mostly, but the whole thing. Keep potted plants around the house!"
If all else fails, Dr. Armaiti May recommends Comfortis (aka Spinosad), an oral once a month organic pill that is approved for use in dogs that can be prescribed by a veterinarian. It kills fleas in all their life stages and is very safe, but does not kill ticks.

Video: Green Bags for Dog Poop - Biodegradable, Compostable, & Flushable Options

2011-08-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there are over 70 million dogs in the United States? And each one creates up to 300 lbs of waste a year on average! It's the law to pick up after dogs to prevent pollution and water contamination, but many people use plastic bags to do this. These bags end up in landfills where they may never degrade, and the waste inside can't decompose naturally. With dog waste taking up about the same space in landfills as baby diapers, this is a problem.

Luckily, there's an easy solution: eco-friendly dog waste bags! There are many to choose from, but here are my suggestions:

Biodegradable and certified compostable bags by BioBag, which are made from non-GMO corn and can degrade in 10 days when properly composted. You can create a special compost in your backyard for them, ask to add them to a community garden compost, or bury them about a foot under ground. If none of those options are possible, say you live in a big city like I do, throw them in the trash - they have a much better change at decomposing than plastic does. BioBags are widely available at pet stores and markets, and run about $5 for a box of 50.
They are some great flushable dog waste bags available as well, and these may be an even better environmental choice, according to the EPA. Companies like FlushDoggy make water-soluble bags out of polyvinyl alcohol, which degrade in water. Pick up waste in the bag and flush the whole thing down the toilet, or empty it out in the toilet and flush the bag separately or toss the soiled bag in the trash. These type of bags are hard to find in stores, but are easily to buy online - FlushDoggy charges $20 for a pack of 100, so twice the price as BioBags.

Check out this video to learn more and see these bags in action, thanks to Evie! : )

Video: Vegan Dog Vet Check-Ups & Spay with Dr. Armaiti May, DVM

2011-08-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

Raising a vegan dog can feel scary at first because there aren't enough people talking about it, and many will try to convince you that it's unhealthy. However, the guidance of a confident vet will put your worries behind. I was fortunate to have the expertise of Dr. Armaiti May in Los Angeles, who specializes in vegan dogs and cats (check out my interview with her). I was very cautious and nervous in the first 6 months I had Evie, but Armaiti always put my mind at ease. She allowed me to record several of our initial check-ups and I even got some footage of her at the clinic after Evie was spayed.

Enjoy this video that takes you along with me and Evie as we learn how to make sure she's healthy on the vegan diet, and see her recovery from a successful spay by Dr. Armaiti May. If you're not in Los Angeles, this video may inspire you to find a vet that will be open and equally as professional when it comes to raising a vegan dog.

"Dogs THRIVE on a Vegan Diet"

2011-08-18T15:47:00.001-07:00

Found this video on YouTube today and had to share!

Video: How to Make Vegan Dog Food for a Puppy Using VegeDog Supplement

2011-08-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

Back in November 2009 when Evie first came into my life I made her food from scratch because there's currently no packaged vegan dog food on the market that's formulated for puppies. I used the trusted VegeDog supplement as recommended by my vet Dr. Armaiti May. It was really easy and inexpensive to make - just took a little time every couple of days unless I made a big batch. I felt great knowing that I was in control of every ingredient going into her food, especially since a lot of dog food content is pretty questionable. And best of all, it was eco-friendly because I could buy a lot of items in bulk and they lasted a while.

If you've been following this website you already know that Evie has been thriving on the vegan diet. She really enjoyed the VegeDog recipe I used and has like V-dog and her current food Natural Balance. I recommend that you consult your vet before switching a dog to a vegan diet, but in my experience and research it's very safe and healthy if you make sure they're getting all the necessary nutrients.

I recorded this instructional video back in November 2009, right when I started my journey with Evie the Eco-Vegan Dog.

The Best Vegan Dog Treats (Based on Canine Taste Test)

2011-08-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

Right before Evie came into my life in November 2009 I got stocked up on vegan dog cookies. Over the past (almost) 2 years she's tried pretty much every brand out there and enjoys most of them. I was curious which she liked best, so I took one of each and laid them all out for her, allowing her to take 7 (out of 18 options) each day. Here are the results, which you can see via video below as well.

Top 7:

STAM - grain-free dog treats. 10% of treat profits are donated to no-kill animal sanctuaries.
Alopaw
Want a Cookie - no artificial flavors or colors, wheat-free, corn-free, sugar-free
Alaska's Bakery: Oatmeal & Date - organic, wheat-free
Max & Ruffy's: Wolf Peach Flavor - organic
Zuke's Z-Bones - cleans teeth & freshens breath, antioxidants
Buddy Biscuits by Cloud Star: Peanut Butter Flavor - soft & chewy, no corn, soy, propylene glycol, BHA or BHT

Runners Up:

Boston Baked Bonz - organic
Mr. Pugsly's by PetGuard - partially organic, free of corn, wheat, soy, and yeast
Mr. Barky's by PetGuard - yeast free, no by-products, artificial colors, artificial flavors, added sweeteners, salt or sugar.
Max & Ruffy's: Molasses Explosion Flavor - organic
Wet Noses: Washington Apples & Carrots Flavor - organic

Least Favorite:

Raw Dog Action Snacks
Sweet Potato chews (though she loved these as a puppy)
Wet Noses: Pumpkin Flavor
Onesta

Even I've tried some of these treats, such as Alaska's & Mac & Ruffy's, and they're pretty good! Enjoy the video!

Vote for Greener Pup to Help Their Eco Dog Business!

2011-08-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

Kari of Greener Pup and Ace of Hearts entered an American Airlines contest that will award one business owner 50 round-trip tickets that can be used for national promotion. While flying certainly isn't good on the environment, it would be a great opportunity to expose the country to an eco-friendly company.

Here's her entry video:

Kari is an amazing green woman all around, so I highly recommend that you vote for her here

Fashionable Vegan "Leather" Dog Collar, Leash & Carrier By BK Atelier

2011-07-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

Evie is kinda a Tom Boy - she's muscular, plays rough, and spends most of her time in a gender neutral red Doggles harness and Premier Pet ECO leash, so it's no wonder strangers usually comment on how cute "he" is. But when Evie wants to show off her femanine side, she wears BK Atelier, and the compliments on how pretty she is are non-stop.

If you and your canine pal want to look sophisticated without harming other animals, BK Atelier is for you. Their beautiful dog accessory line includes collars, leashes, and carriers, which are entirely leather free, but you would never know it. The line is made from materials like faux vintage leather, metalic webbing and nickel free hardware. The designer has a background in human fashion, which is completely evident in the quality of her luxurious pet accessories.

Evie has been strutting around town in the Etoile Leash with matching Poopy Bag Holder in Cognac color, and a Luna Collar in Sand shade. They are quite durable - after 5 months of wearing them they still look brand new. The holder hides biodegradable waste bags and has a little slit on the bottom for easy access when you need it - it's the perfect size for BioBags on a roll.

Dogs that like to travel first class can hit the road in style with one of BK Atelier's carriers. The Karli Black is gorgeous and so sleek - the lap of luxury for any dog. It's well ventilated, lightweight, durable and the petite size is approved by most major airlines.

I can't say enough about positive words about BK Atelier - it's so wonderful that a company is making high end vegan products for dogs.

Q&A: Can A Dog Be Vegan Temporarily?

2011-03-09T22:14:00.001-08:00

Whitney, Evie, & Armaiti May with David from V-Dog

Question: I was wondering if you had more information on how the transition affects the dogs, and how long the transition takes. Obviously every dog is different but I'm curious to know more. We want to foster dogs, and some folks are concerned that the transition to a vegan diet for however long we have him and then a transition back to a meat-based diet will be detrimental to the dog. That his digestive system will be overly taxed by this flip/flop.

Answer from Dr. Armaiti May, vegan dog specialist & vet.

I recommend gradually increasing the proportion of vegan food, while still feeding the former diet that the dog is accustomed to, over a period of 1-2 weeks, until the vegan food comprises most or all of the dog's diet. This gradual approach should minimize the occurrence of gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea).

If the dog is going to be switched back to the other diet shortly after being fostered, however, it might be beneficial to include some small amount of it along with the vegan food so that he/she doesn't suffer from gastrointestinal upset once put back on the diet after being off it for a long period of time. Sometimes adding pumpkin or squash in small amounts can help keep the stools a normal consistency if there is a dietary-induced change in stool quality. If the dog eats something that causes vomiting, a period of fasting (with veterinary guidance) and/or bland diet of tofu and rice may be indicated for a few days until the dog's system normalizes again.

Flea control: update

2010-07-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

Since my last post on natural flea treatment, I'm happy to report that my efforts have been successful! While the fleas aren't gone entirely yet, I'm only seeing one or two a day on Evie right now. I check her a few times a day by combing through her coat, pulling off fleas if I see them (and putting them in soapy water), and spraying her with J&J's Natural Flea & Tick Potion. I also stopped taking her to the dog park, which is sad for both of us, but we've been taking nice long walks instead - I'm sure she misses playing with other dogs though...

The diatomaceous earth seems to be working. I have been sprinkling it on the carpet and furniture when I see a few fleas, and then after a couple days I vacuum it up. But I think the best solution is to check for fleas with a comb, use the natural spray, and keep the home clean.

A natural war on fleas

2010-07-08T02:47:00.000-07:00

Evie has had fleas off and on since she's been living with me, but they haven't been out of control...until yesterday. The night before I noticed she was scratching a lot, but I figured she might have the usual flea or two. However, the next day I found about 15 on her throughout the course of the day, and she had horrible swelling and welts - this meant war. ***update, just saw the vet and she doesn't think the welts are from fleas, as that's not a typical reaction. she thinks it was a random bug bite or allergy to something in the environment. but back to the fleas...

It's hard to track down the source of fleas. They could have laid eggs in my apartment a while ago and finally hatched. Evie could have caught them from our frequent trips to the dog park. I could have tracked them in on my shoes. Up until now, I was able to control them by spraying her with J&J's Natural Flea & Tick Potion, feeding her PetGuard Yeast and Garlic, and bathing her in Olive green dog lavendar shampoo. However, those weren't enough to control the fleas this time. I suddenly realized that all the specks of black dirt on Evie and in my apartment was not what it seemed - turns out it was flea feces. : (

When I found the welts on her I called my amazing vet, Dr. Armaiti May, and she recommended that I give her some children's Benadryl. Believe it or not, this human medication is also safe and effective for dogs, but make sure to consult with your own vet (or Dr. May) before using it. I gave Evie 1 dose of a 12mg tablet every 8 hours, but it didn't seem to do much - she didn't even get too drowsy. I sprayed her with some soothing Almond Oatmeal conditioner (Perfect Coat Nourishing Naturals by 8 in 1) - this seemed to give her some relief (and made her smell wonderful). I've also been giving her extra body massages and back scratches. : )

I gave Evie a bath in the lavender shampoo, used a comb to take out all the fleas, and put them in soapy water (R.I.P. little guys). Then I sprayed her with J & J's and checked her for more of the parasites throughout the day - though I only found a few more, I knew it was only a matter of time before more hatched, so it was time for a new tactic.

No, I did not give her a topical medication like Frontline or Advantage, as I am strongly against those types of chemicals. This may seem strange, as everyone seems to use them and they have the approval of many vets, but I don't trust them. Do a little research and you'll see why I feel this way; here are some articles to check out:

In March 2010 there were a bunch of news stories on the dangers of flea and tick products because there was a sudden rise in the number of pets that got sick after treatment.
Is Frontline or Other Spot-On Flea and Tick Treatments Safe for Dogs and Cats? - The EPA warns of risks that come with spot-on flea and tick treatments, including Advantage and Frontline
Are “Spot-On” Flea Killers Safe? - they contain "chemicals that are toxic to the brain and nervous system, that may disrupt hormone (endocrine) systems, and that cause cancer"; "more than half a billion dollars annually are spent on [these] products"; "our dogs may be more vulnerable to unknown chemical-related dangers than the happy commercials would have you believe."
Toxic medicine, flea and tick products are poisoning our pets - "With today's increasingly toxic environment, our pets are coming down with serious and inexplicable health problems. A Pesticide collar is nothing but a poison necklace around your pet’s head. It emits a constant toxic cloud that your pet inhales, and so do you, every time you hug your pet."

Unless Evie's allergic reaction to fleas becomes dangerous or too uncomfortable, I would rather deal with the parasites on occasion then use a toxic quick-fix product that could have long-term effects on both of our bodies and the environment.

So what am I doing instead? In addition to the aforementioned natural products, I am giving diatomaceous earth (DE) a try. This is "a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock", consisting "of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae" that comes in the form of white powder (Wikipedia). DE naturally kills fleas and other insects by absorbing "lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects' exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate" (Wikipedia). It also has tiny sharp edges that cuts the pests, but is not harmful to humans or pets. In fact, DE can be sprinkled on dogs' spines as a way of killing off fleas, but people are advised to wear a dust mask during application in order to avoid ingesting it into the lungs. Make sure to buy food grade DE, as it is safer for household usage.

"In tests performed by the USDA, as well as consumer trials, diatomaceous earth has shown to be just as effective as chemical insect control. (eHow.com)"

My friends have had success with diatomaceous earth, and said the main drawback is that it's messy, but I was willing to deal with that. I sprinkled a very thin layer of it on my carpet and furniture tonight, and will vacuum it up in a couple days. Apparently, the flea problem should start to decline within 72 hours, and should be entirely gone within a month. This wait period is exactly why many people resort to the instant gratification of topical flea medications, but I'm going to wait it out and have faith that nature will take its course. I'll keep you posted.

Overall, it seems like the best way to control fleas naturally is to be aggressive with chemical-free products and to check for them everyday. Though we live in a quick-fix society, the dangers and shortened life expectancies are not worth the time we save in the beginning. Remember that the chemicals in the common topical medications can have negative effects on your pet, yourself, and the planet, so I encourage you to take the extra time to try the natural solutions. Besides, this gives you another excuse to pamper and spend time with your pet, which will result in even more of their unconditional love.

Super canine: what a vegan dog looks like

2010-05-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

(Click on photo to enlarge)

This is 8 month old Evie on a San Francisco beach. As you can see, she has a ton of energy and strength. And she's been completely vegan since she was 11 weeks old.

She's sporting a great harness by Doggles, made with recycled materials

Vegan supplements and condiments

2010-04-30T03:04:00.000-07:00

Evie's diet is going very well - she looks and acts like any other Jack Russell terrier (although I like to think she's extra smart). You can read more details about my experience with her in general by clicking here, but today's post is about supplements and condiments.

I'm currently feeding Evie V-Dog, one of the most well-known vegan dog foods. My vet, Dr. Armaiti May, recommends and stands behind their products, and as far as I know it's a very complete food. However, I've been adding some supplements to her food everyday for added nutrition.

VegeDog. When Evie was younger I made own kibble with the VegeDog supplement, but now that I've switched her to V-Dog I simply added a sprinkle of it to each bowl of food. V-Dog is meant for adult dogs, so the VegeDog adds a little extra nutrition for puppies.
Cranimals. This berry extract adds antioxidants that help fight off urinary problems, has the potential to defend against disease and againg. Plus, it adds a little more flavor.
Raw Dog Yummy Sprinkles. This product is a condiment, but it also provides additional vitamins and minerals. Plus, it is made from organic vegetables, fruits and sprouted seeds, so it adds a little variation and extra flavor to the meal.

While it's hard to tell if Evie really likes any of these products, she does finish every bowl of food and is looking great. I'm also not sure how much of a difference they make, but she is full of energy and clearly a very happy dog!

"Meat-free dogs give meaning to Earth Day"

2010-04-25T00:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a great article from the Examiner: Meat-free dogs give meaning to Earth Day. It features my friends David Middlesworth and Armaiti May.

A long overdue update on Evie

2010-04-25T00:26:00.000-07:00

My apologies once again for a major delay in posting. I have been working on my main site, Eco-Vegan Gal, full-time and it's been taking a lot of work. However, I think about this blog all the time and have felt so guilty for not updating it. I have a ton of product reviews to share with you and I promise they will be up ASAP.

At almost 8 months, Evie has been thriving on the vegan diet. I continue to come up against speculation and arguments, but she is literally living proof that dogs can be very healthy vegans. About a month ago I moved her from making her kibble with VegeDog to packaged V-Dog, and she not only loves it be it seems to be better on her digestive tract. Her bowel movements have been very regular and firm - when she was on VegeDog it was much looser and watery. I do continue to add a sprinkle of VegeDog to her food, along with Cranimals Whole-Food Antioxidant Urinary Tract Support. Evie continues to have very little gas, has tons of energy (typical for a Jack Russell) and is at a great weight (I think she's full-grown now at around 12 lbs).

I'm going to do a seperate post for all of the different vegan treats Evie has tried. Aside from boxed goods, she loves carrots, dried cherries, and nori.

Evie's favorite toys are by Simply Fido and I love them because they are very eco. She also loves to play Zoo Active puzzles.

Pretty Pee Pads have saved me so much waste, but I admit they take a lot of extra work because you have to wash them. However, it's worth it because I don't have to deal with the guilt of constantly throwing away newspaper or pee pads. I use Everyday Stain & Odor Remover | Earth Friendly Products if she has mistakes on the floor.

I love Evie's Dublin Dog collar - it's cute and easy to clean. Though, I only use it when leaving her outside at a friends or a dog park because I use her Doggles harness for walks (that's been really durable)

The main staple of walks have been Bio Bags for waste. I'm still amazed that so many people use plastic grocery bags to pick up after their dogs, especially when Bio Bags are all over the place and aren't that expensive. Spread the word!

To keep fleas away, I use J and J's Flea & Tick Potion and, give her PetGuard Yeast and Garlic, and bathe her in Olive green dog lavendar shampoo.

Dr. Armaiti May continues to be an amazing vet and I highly recommend her if you're in the L.A. area. She spayed Evie and did a fantastic job, and was available for advice when I had some panicky puppy moments. I love having a vet who knows all about the vegan diet for pets.

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day: a video on Dublin Dog collars

2010-03-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

I love Dublin Dog collars - they are so cute and keep clean. In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, here's a video of Evie at the dog park wearing her pink collar with shamrocks!

How are they eco? Check out their Re-Gift / Re-Cycle Program

Healthy Spot - West Hollywood Grand Opening

2010-02-23T12:47:00.000-08:00

This is overdue, since the West Hollywood Healthy Spot opened weeks ago, but better late than never! And, I want you to see how beautiful this location is - I love this company!

Dog park tips

2010-02-18T21:04:00.001-08:00

Before I got Evie I dreamed of taking my companion to the dog park down the street from me. However, I was warned by several people that it was dangerous, dirty, and flea ridden; and I was disappointed. Once Evie had all her shots I was determined to give it a try, but was sure to take some precautions. We've been several times now and all has been well, so I thought I'd share some tips:

Stand outside the fence with your companion before going in. Let him/her get used to the energy. Perhaps interact with some dogs as they go in and out.
Check out the dogs that are inside before going in. Do they look friendly? Are their owners watching them?
When you first go inside, keep your companion on a leash and let them get used to being inside. Having a harness is helpful, especially if you need to quickly pull them away from another dog.
Once you both feel comfortable, take off the leash. Stand near your companion as (s)he interacts and plays. When you feel comfortable sitting down on a bench, make sure (s)he knows where you are.
Always make sure to watch your dog and be ready to step in if you see a conflict. However, be careful not to get hurt yourself.
Be courteous and pick up after your dog. My local dog park has trash bins and scoopers inside, but bringing biodegradable bags is the next best thing.
Your companion will likely get dirty and this is just part of going to a dog park. Give him/her a quick wipe off when you get home (avoid bathing too often because it dries up their skin). Since the inside of her ears gather a lot of dirt, I use an all natural ear wash called Vet's Best
Flea prevention can be a little tricky, especially if you're trying to go all natural. So far, by keeping Evie clean, vacuuming my home, and using a good natural spray - we've avoided a flea problem. I was recommended J&J's Natural Flea & Tick Potion from Healthy Spot, and so far it's working well. I also bathe Evie in a organic lavender shampoo from Olive, and occasionally add small amounts of garlic to her food.

New "vegan" dog food from The Humane Society!

2010-02-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

This is fantastic news - cruelty-free, almost vegan dog food, and it's made by the Humane Society! It is sold in PETCO and Whole Foods! What a huge step!

On the front page they say, "Your Choice: Respect & Humanely Treat All Animals; To Help Eliminate Factory Farming". The home page says, "we celebrate dogs every day, and we know that what we feed them has an impact of their healthy and quality of life." And, "we Americans care more than ever about the food we eat...it makes sense that we should extend that concern to the food we provide to the dogs in our lives." Amen!

Humane Choice is organic, no GMOs, no wheat, no corn. They do use soy, and there is a possibility that some of the micronutrients come from animal-based sources. So, it's not entirely vegan. However, a rep said, they are "researching to find out how we can get [nutrients] w/o animal based sources"

This food is not appropriate for puppies (I suggest Vegedog)

They have a great F.A.Q. section, so be sure to check that out. There is a bit of a controversy around the fact that it is made in Uruguay, and they address that on the page. Mainly, people are upset because it's made so far away from the United States, which is an environmental issue. I can definitely see the point, but I understand why HSUS made that choice.

HSUS will apply six percent of the wholesale cost of the dog food toward animal veterinary care, rescue, and undercover investigations.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-13T10:07:00.000-08:00

I apologize for the lack of posts in the last month - I have been very busy! Running 2 blogs, having a puppy, and making a living is a lot of work! However, rest assured that I have lots of great videos and written tips to share with you this year!

A quick update on Evie - she's 4 1/2 months now and thriving on the vegan diet. She met up with her sister during the holidays and Evie's coat is much softer! I'm still feeding her Vegedog kibble and she loves watching me make it.

I have a bunch of videos in store for you, featuring:

Vegan dog food by:

Harbingers of a New Age (Vegedog)
home-made food with Sanae Suzuki
Tykies
V-Dog

Vegan dog treats by:

Andean Dream
Boston Baked Bonz
Cloud Star
Max and Ruffy
Onesta
Polar Pups
Raw Dog Action
STAM
Want a Cookie
Wet Nose

Vegan dog supplements by:

Cranimals
Flying Basset

Vegan dog cookbooks:

It's a Vegan Dog's Life
Simple Little Vegan Dog Book

Eco dog accessories by:

Bio Bag
Doggles
Dublin Dog
Eco-Hound/Pretty Pee Pads
Flush Doggy
Olive green dog
Premier

Eco dog toys by:

Doggles
Nina Ottosson
West Paw

Vegan vet visits with Dr. Armaiti May

Holiday giveaway & promotion from Healthy Spot

2009-12-16T12:21:00.000-08:00

As you can tell from my video, I'm a huge fan of Healthy Spot in Santa Monica. Not only does the store have a fantastic selection of eco-products (many that I mention on this blog), but it is a blast to shop there. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, the decor is bright and easy to navigate through, and it's fun to watch the small doggy daycare! To top it all off, they have lots of vegan options, including V-Dog food, Flying Basset supplements, and Raw Dog Action Snacks.

Thus, as a holiday gift to you, Healthy Spot and I teamed up to offer you a few special treats:

One person will win a free dog spa package in the store
From now until Dec 25th everyone can get 10% off when purchasing from their online store. Just enter coupon code: ECOVEGAN
When you shop during the 10% promotion you will automatically be entered to win a spa package, and the winner will be selected after Dec 25th

Holiday giveaway & promotion: Olive the Green dog

2009-12-07T00:46:00.000-08:00

Winner: Vegan Dog's Life

One of my favorite sites to find eco-friendly dog supplies on is Olive - Green Goods. Not only does it have a great variety, but their products are so cute and fun. I have videos on some of their products coming up, featuring their wonderful shampoo, organic blanket, treats, and waste bags.

Since it's the holiday season I want you to experience the joy of Olive, so I'm offering:

One winner will receive your choice of a Spa Gift Set or an organic, vegetarian Cookie Gift Set. (see photos below)
Starting today, you can get 10% off Olive the Green Dog goods, for an entire year! Just enter this code at checkout: ECOVEGANDOG. Will expire 12/7/10

Holiday giveaway: a copy of It's a Vegan Dog's Life

2009-12-03T23:26:00.000-08:00

While researching for this blog, time and time again I found the information I sought from Vegan Dog's Life, another vegan dog blog. I am incredibly impressed with what Molly, the writer, puts together on her site, and I look to her as a great resource. She recently released a book of info and food recipes, and it's fantastic. I love it so much I want to share it with you, so for this holiday giveaway one lucky winner will get a copy of It's a Vegan Dog's Life.

Here's Molly's description:

Don’t let the title fool you, my book is for dogs even if they aren’t vegan! Some things you will find in my book:
Over 50 treat recipes
Grooming recipes (toothpaste, coat spray, pest control, etc.)
Car safety tips
Road trip tips
Helping your dog and yourself to cope with loss
Eco tips to reduce your dog’s paw print
How to make a first aid kit for dogs
Vegan foods to avoid feeding dogs
Hiking tips
Natural pest control
How to start brushing your dog’s teeth
Making plans for if your dog survives you
An online shopping resource guide for cruelty-free doggie goods
A resource section for books, forums and other websites
As you can see, there’s something useful for every dog guardian. Plus, every dog can enjoy the treats made from my recipes. There have been many non-vegan taste testers that have given my treats “two paws up“! All of my recipes have been revised several times until they meet both my standards and the approval of my two canine companions. One of them is quite the picky little girl, which made it a challenge to come up with healthy treats that she loved. She has given each and every recipe her “paw of approval”. This book is written and published by myself, but professionally printed. It is sold within the Etsy terms of use. Book details: 93 pages, perfect bound, 8.5” x 11”. Every copy will be signed.

Healthy Spot: a tour with Andrew Kim

2009-12-02T23:54:00.000-08:00

Healthy Spot: for your dog's mind, body, and bowl! A very eco-friendly and vegan-friendly store.

Featuring:

Green holiday gifts for dog owners

2009-12-01T23:30:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year - shopping for the holidays. But what do you get your dog loving friends? Or what do you put on your wish list that will benefit your dog too? Here are some green ideas:

Bike basket from Cynthia's Twigs (check out my video here)
Winter Bliss collars from Dublin Dog (as seen above, come in 3 colors)
Pretty Pee Pads from Eco-Hound (these are great for puppies)
Anything from Olive the Green Dog (their products are so cute!)

Evie update: almost 12 weeks old!

2009-11-28T17:15:00.000-08:00

Evie's been with me for 2 weeks now, and it's certainly been fun. But it's been challenging too.

Challenges:

Biggest challenge is working my schedule around having a puppy. I don't want to leave her alone for more than 4-5 hours. Since I live by myself and have 2 jobs, this is tough. I've been able to work it out so that I come home during my lunch breaks from my full-time job, but my part-time job has been rough since it's retail. Eventually she'll go to Doggy Day Care when she's old enough, but for now it's a balance of switching hours and getting friends to watch her.
It's also frustrating that I can't bring her into stores. Usually I sneak her in with her backpack, but I've been stopped and asked to leave. Seems silly to me that you can't bring a dog inside even when they're in a carrier...
Since she's teething I have to watch her every move to make sure she doesn't eat something bad or chew on my stuff. When she starts to chew on something bad I uses the sound "eh eh!" instead of "no", as it's a little bit more positive. Then I distract her with a toy she's aloud to chew. But it's constant super vision.
Potty training has its ups and downs. She does very well on the pee pads (from Eco-Hound), but if they're dirty or she's outside of her play pen she'll go on the floor. I take her outside at least 3 times a day and she's getting used to going on the grass. However, her biggest mistakes have been going in her beautiful bike basket (by Cynthia's Twigs) and in the car - these moments are a mystery to me since they happen after walks.

Successes:

Today was her first day eating completely vegan! I slowly weened her off Wellness but putting less and less in her bowl and adding more and more Vegedog kibble. I also add small amounts of supplements from The Flying Basset.
I kept her in the crate during bedtime for the first week or so, but tried her out in my bed and she made it through a few nights without any mistakes. The nights she did go, she got off my bed and went in the bathroom or near her playpen.
Evie loves training, and even knows the word when I say it. I do little sessions with her at least twice a day. I sit on the floor and show her how to do something, then reward her when she does it. Through repetition she'll learn to do it on her own within a few days. So far she knows: sit, right paw, left paw, lay down, and high five (hitting her paws on my hands).
She's getting very good on and off the leash outside. She is learning to walk faster and be less resistant. Today I worked with her in a safe place about walking and running off leash, learning to stop when I stop walking/running. She is also learning to sit when people are passing, and wait for me to allow her to say hello to them.

Evie's bike basket from Cynthia's Twigs

2009-11-21T19:55:00.000-08:00

Cynthia's Twigs

Thanks to Christy Morgan for helping with the video!

Make Your Own Herbal Flea & Tick Bandana

2009-11-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

From It's A Vegan Dog's Life

Herbal Flea & Tick Bandana

1 bandana (can be found in most craft stores)
1/2 tsp rubbing alcohol
1/4 cup water
2 drops cedarwood essential oil
2 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops citronella essential oil
2 drops geranium essential oil
2 drops neem essential oil

In a bowl, mix all ingredients except the bandana together. Add bandana, soaking it with the mixture. Hang to dry. When it’s dry, it’s ready to use. Tie around your dog’s neck, allowing two fingers of space between their neck and the bandana. This repelling benefits should last for about a month. After that, wash the bandana and repeat.

Evie's first weekend with me: video summary

2009-11-20T00:14:00.000-08:00

Featuring:

Dublin Dog

Pretty Pee Pads/Eco-Hound

Doggles

West Paw

Cloud Star

Video chatting with your dog

2009-11-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

It's definitely been hard leaving Evie while I go to work, but as you can see in my separation anxiety post I'm doing everything I can to help her. But I have anxiety too, so my solution is to check in on her via video chat. (She sleeps a lot, plays with her toys, and whines for about 5-10 mins every once in a while.)

So how can you do that too? Well, you could buy a special setup to watch your dog, but since I'm a Mac geek I figured out an (almost) free solution.

Equipment & software needed:

2 Mac computers
1 webcam on your home computer
2 AIM accounts (free)
MobileMe account ($99 a year)

Steps:

Once your MobileMe account is set up, go into your System Preferences and turn on Back to My Mac on both computers. Make sure to turn on screen sharing in your Sharing preferences as well. Also make sure your home computer is not set to sleep when inactive (Energy Saver).
Setup your AIM accounts on iChat, one on each computer. Test out the webcam to make sure it works properly with iChat (if it's built in it should be no problem) and that it's pointing at the area where your dog is. Make sure you're logged to the AIM accounts on each computer.
On the away-from-home computer, open up a Finder window. You should see your home computer listed on the left-hand side under Shared. Click on the home computer and then click on Share Screen at the top right of the Finder window. You will have to enter in the user name and password for your home computer. Once you do you should be able to see and control the screen of your home computer (pretty cool huh?!)
Open up iChat and find the away-from-home computer's user name on your Buddy List. Click on that and then click the video camera icon at the bottom of the iChat buddy list window. A window will pop up on your away-from-home computer asking if you want to video chat - click accept. You should now be able to see video of your dog at home!
You can exit the Screen Sharing/Back to My Mac and continue to video chat. However, if you close the video chat window on your away-from-home computer you'll have to start all over to video chat again.

Evie update

2009-11-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

Evie is amazing. She is so smart and sweet.

Here's an update on her:

Made her Vegedog kibble and have been adding a few pieces in her current non-vegan food (Wellness). I'm going to slowly add more and more for the next week until she's weened off the Wellness. She eat practically everything, so I don't see it being a problem! Just have to monitor her to see if she has any allergies to the ingredients.
Since I've been feeding her 3 times a day, I haven't needed to give her any treats. However, I've been training her with Cloud Star Buddy Biscuits (she already knows how to sit!) and she loves the Sam's Yam chews.
She loves to play with toys. I have some great products from Doggles and West Paw.
She's pretty well potty trained. She used the Eco-Hound pee pads right away, but is particular about them if they're not clean. I have to rotate the 2 pads, cleaning one each night.
She's finally getting used to her harness and walking on a leash. I got a great harness from Healthy Spot, but I don't think it was eco-friendly. The eco harnesses I have from Doggles and Premier Pet are too big right now.
She's been suffering from separation anxiety since I've been going to work for 2 days, but I hope she gets used to the routine soon.
She's learning fast. Getting better walking with her leash outside, and today she made it up the building stairs!

Separation anxiety

2009-11-16T20:07:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is a big day for me and Evie - the first day I'm going to try leaving her while I'm at work. I have a lot of anxiety about it, and I'm sure she'll suffer from some separation anxiety. Luckily I work very close and will come by at lunch, but I've researched some hints for dealing with separation anxiety:

I put together a play list of calm and classical music to play while I'm away. I'm playing it while at home and petting her, so she associates it with being relaxed. There are several CDs you can download. I really like DJ Doggy. My playlist includes music from Ben Harper, Coldplay, Sarah McLachlan, movie soundtracks, and Row Twelve. I have a feeling she'll like it, because listening even makes me feel relaxed!
I bought some drops to help relax her, from Newton Labs called "Nervousness & Fear"
I also bought some vegan chew toys made from sweet potato that were soaked in Chamomile tea, which are supposed to help with anxiety. Sam's Yams, Calmly Chamomile

Playlist (click to enlarge):

Puppy tips?

2009-11-12T10:51:00.000-08:00

I'm finally getting Evie tomorrow! I would love any advice you have for the first few days/weeks with a puppy. Please add your tips in the comment section below.

Healthy Spot Howl-O-Ween Bash

2009-10-29T23:36:00.000-07:00

I love Healthy Spot pet shop and I can't wait to take Evie in there when I get her! I will also be doing an interview with one of the owners. But until then, here's a sneak peak, from the Healthy Spot Howl-O-Ween Bash.

Interview with Sharon Sherman, president of PetGuard

2009-10-22T15:27:00.001-07:00

Did you know that PetGuard has been making vegetarian dog food since 1984?

"It doesn't mean omitting food but actually creating a better plate"

Sharon, president of PetGuard, is interviewed about vegan dog food on VegTV. (Scroll down 3/4 of the page to the Vegtv Lifestyle Video Highlights section, or just search the page for "dog". Video is called "Organic VEGAN Canned Dog Food")

Sharon talks about the benefits of feeding dogs quinoa, pet food recalls, skin problems, weight loss, and allergies.

Here's another video between the two of them:

Save the planet: eat a dog?

2009-10-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

A controversial article has been making the rounds today about the environmental effects of owning a pet. And of course I have an opinion.

"Save the planet: eat a dog?" highlights points from a new book called Time to Eat the Dog: The real guide to sustainable living, and states that pets, such as cats and dogs, have a large impact on our planet. They say, "the eco-pawprint of a pet dog is twice that of a 4.6-litre Land Cruiser driven 10,000 kilometres a year". But that is based on the way the average person raises their dog, and the ingredients in the food they feed them. If you've been reading this blog you've noticed that I aim to raise my dog as a vegan and under the most eco-friendly circumstances. Feeding a dog a vegetarian diet has the same advantage of feeding yourself a vegetarian diet - a significantly less effect on the environment. Meat production wastes a lot of water and grain, and pollutes the air. The article states, "In a study published in New Scientist, they calculated a medium dog eats 164 kilograms (361 lbs) of meat and 95kg (209 lbs) of cereals every year. It takes 43.3 square metres (141 feet) of land to produce 1kg of chicken a year" So if your dog is a vegetarian, there goes a huge chunk of that problem.

And of course, taking eco-conscious measures with your pet, such as using biodegradable waste bags and buying products made from recycled materials, will also lessen the impact.

As a vegan, I was also alarmed by one of the first sentences in the article: "pet owners should swap cats and dogs for creatures they can eat, such as chickens or rabbits". Without reading the book I have a hard time judging this, but it seems like the authors are suggesting we raise animals as pets and then eat them. While small farmers do this on a daily basis with cows and chickens, I'm not sure that they consider these animals as pets. Our society is accustomed to having pets for many years, solely for the love we receive and give to them, so I highly doubt we could transition from loving then killing a pet so easily. Plus, as a vegan, I don't believe in killing animals period, and therefore don't think this is a great solution. I would rather not have a pet at all.

If you'd like to learn more about how vegetarianism is beneficial for the environment, check out this article on GoVeg.com.

Dog blog

2009-10-21T15:06:00.001-07:00

Interview with Sandy Anderson, founder of Veganpet

2009-10-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a video I found on YouTube.

Sandy, founder of Veganpet, discusses nutrition, ingredients used in the product, a vet's impression, transition to vegan diet (puppies specifically), and controversy.

Dr. Pitcairn’s Healthy Powder

2009-10-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

I came across a recommendation to add Dr. Pitcairn’s Healthy Powder to some vegan dog food recipes, so I thought I'd share it with you. Dr. Pitcairn wrote Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats.

Here's the page from the book that gives the instructions for making the Healthy Powder (click to enlarge)

The recipe isn't vegan, but here's a vegan version that I found on In the Dish.

2 cups nutritional yeast
1 cup (soy) lecithin granules
1/4 cup alfalfa powder
1oz flaxseed meal

Interview with Dr. Armaiti May, vegan veterinarian

2009-10-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

Dr. Armaiti May

Vegan dog controversy

2009-10-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

There is a LOT of controversy around feeding dogs a vegan diet. But, as you can see from this site, there are a lot of resources and testimonials showing that it is very healthy for some dogs.

Today I came across this thread on Yahoo called, "How can I help stop vegan dog food?". It made me so sad because it was so opinionated. Even though I'm really passionate about vegan dog food, I would never go as far as to try to ban meat based dog food (although I think most commercial dog food is awful). I'm even willing to change Evie's diet if she doesn't do well on it. So what about the other way around? Why won't someone want to try a vegan diet for their pet if there's research that says it's healthier?

After reading that post I found some great information on the International Vegetarian Union site:

"although neither is a vegan by nature -- dogs are omnivores, and cats are carnivores. While both dogs and cats belong to the class carnivora, this doesn't mean a lot, so does the panda bear which is near vegan."
"By nature cats and dogs wouldn't eat anything like what is commonly found in a can of pet food either"
"Not only is it POSSIBLE to feed most cats and dogs a non-meat diet, it is also DESIRABLE. Buying "normal" pet food is supporting the same meat industry with its attendant cruelty, exploitation, waste, and environmental damage that veganism is so opposed to."
"This is not a matter of "imposing your beliefs" on your pets (or companion animals, or whatever you call them) since you are not forcing them to eat it and you are not stopping them eating local wildlife on their wanderings round the neighbourhood."
"Secondly, the whole act of feeding it from a tin (as opposed to letting it find food for itself) is unnatural, so you might as well make the best of it. Thirdly, the actual contents of the tins of commercial pet food bear no resemblance to what a cat/dog would eat in the wild anyway"

V-Dog Food: interview with president David Middlesworth

2009-10-12T23:35:00.000-07:00

I interviewed the president of V-Dog Food in May 2009 about his kibble, the benefits of the vegan diet for dogs, and myths on the subject. David mentions vet Dr. Armaiti May.

In the video David also mentions that they'd have new products by the end of this year. I recently followed up with him and he said: "we still plan on introducing these new products, and we hope to raise the required capital this year to accomplish this". In other words, if you support the company enough they'll be able to make new products!

*Sorry for the poor audio quality - I was having technical difficulties with the mic that day. : (

Vegan Diets for Pets: video from ABC News

2009-10-12T22:49:00.001-07:00

Vegan Diets for Pets

Eco-friendly dog carrier

2009-10-12T00:15:00.000-07:00

I need to find a eco-friendly dog carrier to send to my mom for when she brings Evie out on the plane. Any recommendations?

Here's what I've found so far...

Eco Friendly Blue Pet Carrier by Doggles - $45 (not for airline travel)

Boat Canvas Dog Carrier - $130

Snoozer Eco-Friendly Pet Tote - $60 (Airline carry-on approved, can't tell if it has leather)

Rescued friends

2009-10-11T22:39:00.000-07:00

(photo by Viktor Budnik)

Last night I was invited to a friend's party. When I arrived I was greeted by her two beautiful dogs and immediately fell in love with them. They were both rescued. I couldn't believe how incredibly sweet the dog from downtown L.A. was - he literally curled up next to me on the couch (as you see in the photo)

I want to mention a great rescue group in L.A. called Bound Angels. Please check them out.

While at the party I spoke to a guest who is a excellent vet in Malibu. I asked her about the vegan diet for dogs, and she said she's seen many dogs successfully on a vegetarian diet.

Funny enough, a vegan at the party doesn't think it's best, but he does feed his dog a raw diet with meat.

"What's REALLY In Your Pet's FOOD??"

2009-10-09T15:47:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine shared this YouTube video that is really disturbing. Be warned - it is not for the faint of heart, but it is important to know about.

The description: "Although you may think all pet food manufacturers have your pet's best interests in mind, this is not always the case. Current pet food regulations allow manufacturers to use ingredients that you would never knowingly give to your pet. In fact, you may be SHOCKED to learn what some companies are putting in their pet food!"

Vegan Foods To Avoid Giving Dogs

2009-10-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

This is a great list of Vegan Foods To Avoid Giving Dogs, from It's A Vegan Dog's Life:

alcoholic drinks- causes intoxication, coma or death
apple seeds, pear pips and fruit pits- the fruit itself is perfectly healthy for dogs, but the seeds, pips and pits contain cyanide. Pits can also cause internal blockage.
avocados- contains persin, which can cause congestion and fluid accumulation around the heart and can even be fatal.
caffeinated beverages- caffeine is a stimulant and can negatively impact heart rate, causing seizures or heart attacks
chocolate- acts as a stimulant, making the heartbeat accelerate or beat irregularly, leading to seizures and even cardiac arrest. It also acts as a severe diuretic, causing frequent urination, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
citrus oil extracts- can cause vomiting
fatty foods- large amounts of fatty foods can cause pancreatitis and obsesity.
grapes & raisins- they contain a toxin that can damage the kidneys and cause organ failure
hops- if you brew your own beer, keep your dog away from the hops. It can cause excessive panting, seizures and even death.
macadamia nuts- they contain a toxin that affects the muscles, digestive and nervous systems. Symptoms from eating macadamia nuts include severe abdominal pain and neurological issues. Even a small amount can be very dangerous.
marijuana- it can cause vomiting, depresses the nervous system and can cause changes in heart rate (hemp is perfectly safe for dogs)
mushrooms- they can contain toxins that might affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death. Safe mushrooms include shitaki, maitake and reishi.
mustard seeds- can cause gastroenteritis
nutmeg- can cause ingestion, tremors, seizures and death
onions, chives & garlic- they contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Garlic is less toxic than onions but has also been known to cause problems in some dogs.
persimmons- the seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis
potato, rhubarb and tomato leaves & stems (green parts)- they contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems
salt (large amounts)- can cause eloctrolyte imbalances which results in excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, swelling and fluid retention in the brain, seizures, coma and death.
sugars- can lead to obesity, dental problems and diabetes (small amounts of maple syrup, agave nectar syrup and blackstrap molasses are okay)
walnuts- they have a fungus or mold which causes drooling, jaundice, lack of coordination, and vomiting
xylitol- spikes insulin, leading to a dramatic drop in blood sugar, which will cause shock and liver failure
yeast dough- can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines

How to transition your dog to a vegan diet

2009-10-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite resources for vegan dog information is It's A Vegan Dog's World. The blog has profiles of vegan dogs and info on the owners' experiences. One of my favorite things to read is how they transitioned their dogs to a vegan diet. Most of them had no problem switching, but here are some tips:

"I had a couple days worth of meat based dry food left, started mixing in the Natural Balance and within 1 week my dogs were vegan"
"We started by feeding her a mixture of vegetables and nuts chopped finely in the food processor with a raw egg added at the end. After a couple weeks, she stopped eating the egg, so we stopped offering it."
"I initially added rice and veggies to Carmen's meat pellets in the evening. She eventually refused to eat her breakfast unless it also had rice and veggies in it. I started making her vegan meals once or twice a week, and then switched over to only vegan meals."

Vegan dog food recipes

2009-10-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Local Green Circle
Vegan Poochy Biscuit Recipe

Ingredients:
9 cups whole wheat flour
3 cups spring water
1 cup nutritional yeast
1 Tbsp. sea salt
1 Tbsp. garlic powder

Mix dry ingredients. Add water. Knead into a pliable dough. Roll out to 1/8" thickness. Cut into desired shapes. Bake for 10-15 minutes at 350°F. TIP: After turning off oven, leave biscuits in the oven overnight or for an 8-hour period so they become hard and crunchy.

Courtesy of Serpico on It's a Vegan Dog's World.

Mashed beans:

lentils mixed with rice/unsweetened soy milk/ or water,
along with small amounts of a bunch of other stuff: flax meal/oil, nutritional yeast, wheat germ, steamed veggies.
All of this is pre-made and frozen in huge batches and added to food everyday.

As treats:

fruit (cantaloupe, melon, apple, banana, pear, etc.)
stems from Kale
pretty much any other veggie so long as it's a little steamed
carrots and avocados

Courtesy of Carmen on It's a Vegan Dog's World.

rice with some quinoa or millet, lentils and / or chickpeas and / or beans and / or tofu,
variety of cooked vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, baby marrow, peas, asparagus etc, baked sweet potato and / or butternut, raw celery, carrot, broccoli, parsley, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds that I chop in the blender,
a bit of tahini, organic alfalfa, barley and spirulina supplement,
teaspoon blackstrap molasses per meal,
teaspoon wheatgerm per meal
dash of flaxseed oil per meal.

Courtesy of Veg Out With Us:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
2 vegan Italian sausage links (Field Roast or Tofurky)
1 medium sized broccoli stalk, chopped into small pieces
1 large carrot, chopped into small pieces
2 small red potatoes, chopped into small pieces
2 T Tofutti sour cream
1 T Earth balance vegan margarine

Instructions

Chop up all the vegetables and place in a pot of water. Boil and then simmer until vegetables are tender. Drain & melt 1 T vegan margarine and 2 T sour cream over them (this is to add some fat and some flavor).
Meanwhile, chop up the sausages into little bite sized pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooked rice, the vegetables and the sausages. Feed Fido or refrigerate until dinner time! This makes 4 servings for my dog – I mix it in with his kibble though (about half and half).

Calories: 365

Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 18g

Vegan Jack Russells

2009-10-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

I've been coming across a lot of vegan Jack Russell Terriers on the internet, so here they are!

Hayley

Liz, of the Yo Soy! blog, rescued Hayley when she was 8 years old. She mostly eats Natural Balance and leftovers. The key to her heart is rice mixed with peanut butter. Most dogs love peanut butter, but the way Hayley will attack even just a totally plain bowl of rice is crazy. She isn't 100% vegan however, because Liz's work is often sent non-vegan dog food and treats.

Tanner:

I met Tanner's owner, Patrick, on Twitter (@PatrickVeg). Patrick has a great blog, on which he mentions his THREE Jack Russells (no pictures of them yet). I found out about Tanner because he was featured on It's a Vegan's Dog World. Tanner eats Natural Balance.

Jayne

I found Jayne on her mom Kelly's blog. Jayne likes cats and bugs, and vegan muffins.

Keelo

I found Keelo on YouTube while searching for vegetarian dogs (don't think he's vegan). This video has nothing to do with his diet, but it is so cute I had to share it!

Vegan vets

2009-10-06T23:58:00.000-07:00

So you've decided to raise your dog vegan, and you have a lot of specific health questions and concerns. Naturally, you will turn to your vet, but what if your vet isn't knowledgeable in the vegan dog diet? Luckily there are some vets who specialize or are highly trained in veganism.

A great place to start is The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association's Holistic Vet listing.

Here are some that I found by doing a Google search:

Dr. Andrew Knight (London) - check out a video interview with him too
Armaiti May (Los Angeles)
Dr Larry Bernstein (Miami)
Dr. Michael Roth (NJ)

Can a puppy be vegan?

2009-10-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

Since I'll be getting Evie when she's 9 weeks old I curious if she can be vegan right from the get go. My mom already started feeding her Pedigree, so I need to find out ASAP! (although I read that Pedigree has vegetarian dog food in India)

My vegan vet (whom I'll introduce you to via video interview ASAP) said that it's healthy if prepared with a supplement like Harbingers of a New Age.

I started looking at what the companies with vegan dog food have to say:

AMI says: "Our AMI food for dogs is excellent for puppies."
Benevo says, in regard to serving size: "Puppies...require 2 to 3 times the adult amount."
BiOpet has puppy kibble
Nature's Recipe says, in regard to their dry vegetarian food: "If your young dog is still a puppy or less than 1 year of age, he should be on a puppy formula."
VeganPet says: "The best time to begin your dog on a vegan diet is when he is a puppy"
David Middlesworth, president of V-Dog, does not recommend his food for until a dog is 5 months old

Vegetarian dogs on YouTube

2009-10-06T17:29:00.001-07:00

Evie will be joining a large community of vegetarian dogs on YouTube. I couldn't believe my eyes today when I saw how many results I got when searching for "vegan dog" or "vegetarian dog" on YouTube. Here are some of my favorites.

Jack Russell tips

2009-10-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

While these tips don't pertain to anything eco-friendly or vegan, here are some things I read in the book: "Your Happy Healthy Pet: Jack Russell Terrier" (2nd Edition) by Catherine Romaine Brown.

While playing: "it is wise not to encourage too much tug of war, because these dogs can develop an attitude of always wanting to be the winner, which may encourage behavior that is too assertive."
"This is not a dog who can be crated for long hours and left alone. It is, in fact, cruel to crate a JRT for more than an hour or two."
"Because of their enormous need for activity, Jack Russell Terriers are often misunderstood and even rejected. They can easily become unruly without good human leadership."
"Most behavior problems can be handled by extensive exercise. Exercise can help soften their zealous nature and single-mindedness"
"Do make sure the dog always knows it is your bed...and that they must never be bossy while in your "lair""

Dog travel resources

2009-10-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

Having a dog in an apartment

2009-09-30T23:47:00.001-07:00

I grew up with Jack Russell Terriers and I know the breed very well. However, I grew up on a horse farm in Massachusetts, so things will be very different in Los Angeles. I've worried a little bit about having a dog in an apartment, but I know a lot of people who do it successfully. I'm going to work out a schedule of taking 3 walks a day, and I hope I can bring Evie to work with me.

The most important things I have to work on with Evie, since she's a terrier, are:

Barking
Energy

With proper training, attention, and exercise I'm sure we can overcome any problems.

Here are some tips on having a dog in an apartment:

Apartment tips specific to Jack Russells:

Articles:

Vegan dog food & treats

2009-09-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

Food:

Ami (contains corn)
Avoderm (contains soy, vitamin A and D may originate from an animal source)
Benevo
BiOpet (entirely vegan, organic, contains wheat, Australian)
Dr. Harveys Veg-To-Bowl (pre-mix)
Evanger's
Evolution (entirely vegan)
Humane Choice (not entirely vegan because of micronutrients)
Lively Doggie Food (contains corn, wheat, & soy)
Monzies (organic, raw) & Sojos Dog Food Mix
Natural Balance
Natural Life (contains corn, wheat, & soy)
Nature's Recipe (contains soy, may have animal derived vitamin sources)
Pet Guard
Purina HA (*not sure if it's vegan, but it seems like it)
Tykies (entirely vegan & raw)
V-Dog (entirely vegan, contains corn, wheat, & soy)
Vegan Pet (Australia)
Wenaewe
Wysong (may not be vegan, because claimed to have animal derived vitamin D3)
Yarrah (Organic, contains corn, wheat, & soy)

Supplements:

Treats:

Andean Dream Quinoa (all vegan)
Apawthecary (all vegan, organic)
Bark Bars
Bark for Peace (all vegan, organic)
Beastie Biscuits (all vegan, organic)
Bone Vivant
Boston Baked Bonz (all vegan, organic)
By Nature
Cloudstar Buddy
Colorado Barkery (all vegetarian)
Dogswell
Front Porch (all vegan)
Fruitables (all vegan)
K9 Domain (all vegan)
Max and Druffy (all vegan, organic)
Mr. Barky's
Mrs. Barksmith's Cool Treats
Polar Pups
Ohh Cutie (all vegan, organic)
Old Mother Hubbard
Onesta (raw)
Raw Dog Action Snacks (raw)
Robbie Dawg and Little Lulu (organic)
Ruffage (all vegan, organic)
STAM (they use honey)
Want a Cookie
Wet Noses (all vegetarian, organic)
Zuke's

Stores:

Recipes:

Alexander's Vegie Thins Dog Biscuit Treats
Asians for Humans, Animals & Nature
Cheeze N' Bacun Wheat Free Dog Treats by Holistically Heather
Halloweenie Stoup by Rachel Ray (minus the beef and chicken stock)
It's A Vegan Dog's Life
Sable's Supper
Supreme Master TV
from Yahoo Answers (just don't use egg)
Yummy For Dogs

Guides:

Raw vegan dogs

2009-09-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

I know a few people who feed their dogs raw vegan food, and they rave about the health benefits.

Here are some resources:

Clouds in the Attic:

"We're already transitioning our dog to a raw vegan diet, and she is doing beautifully on it. She loves her food."
"Dogs are easy. Natural omnivores, their bodies are fully capable of thriving on plant foods. We don't even have to supplement with them, we just have to take extra care in making sure their diet is varied"
"I no longer feel I can provide my pets with anything remotely close to their natural diet - as they are not in their natural setting. So no matter which route I take (meat based / plant based) it is going to be unnatural."
"I'm not opposed to the eating of raw meat for carnivores (which people are not). It's not the idea of my dog eating an animal that gets me ... it is strictly the fact that the animal hanging out of my pets mouth was specifically raised for such a purpose. That's disgusting to me. Severely disgusting!"
"In an ideal world, no, this isn't what my pets would naturally gravitate towards ... but, having been domesticated, the "natural world" was taken away from them, so we are trying to make do with what we have. If my pets can be healthy, happy, thriving creatures with NO suffering involved for any other creature ... then, you know what, I'm going to take it. It's the best we can do."

Marr Nealon:

"It's great to give our pets as much organic raw veggies and fruits as they want. They don't chew their food well, so it's smart to blend it in a food processor or Vita-Mix. You can soak almonds overnight in water (or for just a couple hours), rinse well, and then blend them into a mix of romaine, celery, carrots, and broccoli, or any other veggies you discover that they like."
"Dogs usually love many types of fruit: pear, apple, watermelon, grapes, cantaloupe, banana, avocado, papaya, and mango. To facilitate your pet's digestion and assimilation, you should mash the fruits or chop them finely. In my experience dogs do better on veggies than on fruit, so I only give fruit occasionally rather than daily."
"It became apparent to me that my dog had to be allergic to the wheat in the dry food and dog treats. His skin became very dry, and he was constantly itching (somewhat common in small long-haired dogs). The skin problem ended a month after he was placed on whole, fresh, 100% organic blended produce."

Fellow vegan dog blogs

2009-09-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

I found out that two of the great vegan peeps I follow on Twitter have vegan dog blogs too!

@urban_housewife's is all about her corn-eating Chihuahua! Check it out here!

@happyherbivore mentions her vegan pugs on her blog

They have tried and enjoyed a number of vegan and vegetarian dog formulas. The pugs recommend: PetGuard Vegetarian formula, V-dog, Wenaewe and Nature’s Balance for kibble. For treats, they live and die for watermelon and baby carrots but they are also passionate about Mr. Pugsly’s Vegetarian Dog Biscuits by PetGuard, Andean Dream Quinoa Dog Cookies and Old Mother Hubbard’s Just Veggin’ treats. They also eat a wide assortment of grains, beans, fruits and vegetables.

@GoMaxGoFoods (a company that makes delicious vegan candy bars) does not have a vegan dog blog, they used to have a vegan dog (named Max) and recommended:

Natures recipe vegetarian dog food (vegan) & 4 treats: carrots & ice cubes! Also peanut butter is a big dog yum, as is most vegan food you can spare from ur own plate :-)

Veg Out With Us blog has a post about their vegan Boston Terrier, Otis.

Sable's Supper is a blog about a 9 year old rescued collie who happens to be a vegan

Bianca from Vegan Crunk just started blogging about vegan recipes for her dog Datson

VeganDogBlog has some great resources.

While these aren't blogs Natural Balance has some great testimonials from vegan dog owners., as does V-Dog and Harbinger of a New Age.

Organic Vegan Dog Treats!

2009-09-29T12:39:00.001-07:00

While Googling "vegan jack russell" I came across an exciting site. Not only do they make Organic Vegan Dog Treats, but they're from my old stomping ground, aka Boston!

Boston Baked Bōnz is a unique company of imaginative artisan/bakers offering tasty and healthy baked goodies and gift baskets for the wonderful doggies that share and enrich our lives. We hand bake delicious batches of organic vegan dog treats for the dogs in your lives!

They have a great FAQ page too.

I found this great picture of a Jack Russell who tried their products (click to enlarge):

Also, via Twitter, I chatted with the owner of Pure Doggy Organic Bakery. She currently makes vegetarian treats, however she said she will be "converting all of my (3) treats to vegan. Waiting for the lab analysis, so that I can get new labels."

Her cookies are "gluten-free, corn-free, soy-free and contain no preservatives & no added colorings or flavors. We hand bake our dog cookies daily to ensure optimal freshness for your doggy." The packaging is partly biodegradable and all recyclable.

Dog training resources

2009-09-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

"Pros and Cons of Vegan Dog Food"

2009-09-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

This is an article from Bright Hub.

"If you want to try a vegan dogfood, choose a feed that has been labeled by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and avoid homemade diet recipes that lack nutrition facts. After a month or two with the new diet, assess your pet’s weight, skin, coat, energy level and stool volume and consistency."

Pros

"bacterial contamination, which can and often occurs with meat ingredients. This contamination could cause a disease in your pet. Also, if your pet has allergies to certain meats, a vegan diet may provide a safe alternative."

Cons

"When creating a dog food without meat, it becomes challenging to ensure that the proper amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals are in it. Often manufacturers have to incorporate synthetic ingredients simply to meet the nutrition requirements"
"Synthetic substitutes are expensive and might not be processed by the dog’s body as effectively as the real thing. You can also never be too sure how nutritious a vegan dog food recipe is."
"Your dog also has a short intestinal tract, which is not meant to process diets high in plants."

"The carbon pawprint: Couple serves up green dividends for planet with vegan diet for pet"

2009-09-24T13:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a great article from Oregon Live.
"Day and his wife, Wendy Gabbe Day, now have two female dogs, Sugar and Kahlua, ages 13 and 7, both firmly within the genetic order carnivora, both without meat or dairy products in their diet. Their latest pet food from a national manufacturer includes pearled barley, potatoes, green peas, bran, oatmeal, spinach and parsley."
"An Australian carbon offsets firm estimated that a typical developed-world dog accounts for about 1.75 tons of carbon emissions a year...when it comes to food, much of that impact comes from feeding, processing and transporting cows, chickens, pigs and other livestock to the plate -- or bowl"
"Vegetarian pet food is popular in heavily vegetarian India"
(Pets) "can "thrive on a vegetarian diet," the (National Academy of Sciences) committee said, as long as it's supplemented with vitamin D and contains sufficient plant protein from grains and vegetables."

Eco-friendly dog accessories & supplies

2009-09-23T17:17:00.000-07:00

Eco-friendly Companies:

Bath Time:

Beds, Crates, Houses:

Annie's Sweatshop
Duvet (and great eco-friendly idea)
Greener Pup
Harry Barker hemp beds
Sassy Pup b eds and shirts
Rustic Lodge Eco Friendly Dog House
West Paw ECO-NAP pet beds dog crate mats (made from made from 85% recycled soda bottles)

Clothing:

Collars & Harnesses:

Skin & Coat:

All Natural Vegan Dog Shampoo Bar, Herbal Scent
Apawthecary - skin balm
Flea Collars at Only Natural Pet Store
Only Natural Pet Herbal Defense Oil Blend
Rosie's Remedies - natural flea & tick control

Toys:

Waste Management:

BioBags
Doggie Dooley
Eco-Hound - reusable pee pads
Flush Doggy - Biodegradable and flush-able poop bags

Bike baskets for dogs

2009-09-23T17:02:00.000-07:00

Since part of being eco-friendly means riding my bike, I'm looking into safe baskets so I can take Evie along for the ride. Before I show you what I found, check out this great article from the NY Daily News called "Taking a pooch along for a bike ride is not only eco-friendly, it's also fun"

Here are some of the products I'm finding:

This one from Cynthia's Twigs is really neat because not only is it eco, but it says it's meant for small to medium sized dogs. "It comes in 4 sizes, the largest of which can carry a 20+ lb. dog. Accessories available for this bicycle basket include decorative liners, puppy liners, puppy pillows and dog harnesses"

Basil makes a few eco-friendly dog baskets, but none of them seem to appeal to me. Perhaps because they're mounted on the back and that seems a little scary.

This one is cool because it's made of recycled material, but I don't know if it's big enough for a Jack Russell (and the colors will clash with my bike)

"Travelers’ big pet peeve going away"

2009-09-23T16:27:00.001-07:00

An article from MSNBC about traveling with your pet via plane getting easier.

"Eight of America’s pet-friendly airlines today announced the launch of a new travel program that will put an end to the ongoing problem of travelers and their pets being bumped from flights because the pet carrier does not meet the airline requirements."

"An eco-friendly solution to the dog-doo dilemma?"

2009-09-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

A great article about eco-friendly dog-doo from SF Gate.

In short: "The bulk of our city's doggie dreck is still mummified in non-biodegradable plastic bags and carted off to the landfill where it oozes unharnessed methane into the atmosphere and contributes to global warming. But theoretically, it is possible to produce electricity, natural gas and even fuel from our pets' poop."

"The Secrets Inside Your Dog's Mind"

2009-09-20T19:45:00.001-07:00

While it doesn't have a eco or vegan angle, Time has a great article about scientific study of canine behavior called "The Secrets Inside Your Dog's Mind". Here are some bullet points:

The first rule for scientists studying dogs is, Don't trust your hunches. Just because a dog looks as if it can count or understand words doesn't mean it can...Take for instance the kiss a dog gives you when you come home. It looks like love, but it could also be hunger.
Horowitz and other scientists are now running experiments to determine what a behavior, like a kiss, really means. In some cases, their research suggests that our pets are manipulating us rather than welling up with human-like feeling
We've all seen guilty dogs slinking away with lowered tails...What's at play here, she concluded, is not some inner sense of right and wrong but a learned ability to act submissive when an owner gets angry

Vegan Dog Nutrition Association

2009-09-19T01:13:00.000-07:00

I'm reading the online book by the Vegan Dog Nutrition Association and I thought I'd share some quotes from it:

"Luckily, it is quite easy to maintain a dog on a vegan diet and have them thrive on it."
"properly done, a vegan diet is a perfectly viable option and is not inherently less healthy than other diets"
"There are a couple of nutrients that dogs need but which are not found in plant ingredients. These are easily supplemented in synthetic form though, and so this does not pose a problem at all."
"The most important principles to understand here is that dogs do not have specific ingredient requirements; they have specific nutrient requirements."
"There is much misunderstanding, mischaracterization and misinformation about vegan diets for dogs. Some people consider it "unnatural" (as if what they are feeding is "natural," and as if "natural" equates to optimal, a fallacy) while others believe that it is nutritionally inadequate (demonstrating a lack of knowledge in nutritional sciences). Many people believe it is morally "wrong" because they believe that vegans are forcing their lifestyle choices on animals that are "carnivores." But these objections are just rhetoric and ignorance."
"The fact is that ALL essential nutrients required in the dog's diet can be met without any animal products whatsoever...refer the interested reader to Small Animal Clinical Nutrition 4th Edition by Hand, Thatcher, Remillard and Roudebush, and the National Research Council's Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats for further details on the nutrient requirements of dogs and to confirm the fact that no animal products are required to meet those needs"
From Vegepets.info: “The health hazards of commercial meat-based pet foods are extensive, and difficult to avoid. They may include slaughterhouse waste products; 4-D meat (from dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals); old or spoiled supermarket meat; large numbers of rendered dogs and cats from animal shelters; old restaurant grease"

Check out pages 39 & 40 for a list of what vegan items you can feed your dog to supply them with necessary nutrients.

Vegan dog resources

2009-09-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

Websites:

All Creatures
The Dog Food Project
Dog Food Analysis (not about veganism)
Evolution Diet FAQ's
How to Dine Your Canine
International Vegetarian Union FAQ's
It's A Vegan Dog's Life; Twitter
It's A Vegan Dog's World; Twitter
Your Dog's Nutritional Needs (not about veganism)
Vegan Cats (includes info on dogs too)
VeganCats.Ning (mostly cats)
Vegan Channel
Vegan Dog Nutrition Association
Vegan.org Action
Vegan Talk blog post
Vege Pets
Vegetarian Dogs
Vegetarians in Paradise
Veg For Life
Veggie Pets

Books:

Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Richard Pitcairn
The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat by Juliette de Bairacli Levy (not vegan)
Food Pets Die for: Shocking Facts About Pet Food by Ann N. Martin (not vegan)
Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog By Wendy Volhard and Kerry Brown (not vegan)
Natural Food Recipes for Healthy Dogs by Carol Boyle (not vegan)
The Nature of Animal Healing by Martin Goldstein
Obligate Carnivore Cats, Dogs, and What it Really Means to be Vegan by Jed Gillen
Simple Little Vegan Dog Book by Michelle Rivera
Vegan Dog Nutrition Association - Free Book! (but please donate)
Vegetarian Cats & Dogs DVD-ROM by James A. Peden
Vegetarian Dogs: Toward a World Without Exploitation by Verona Re-Bow

Articles & Blog Posts:

Alicia Silverstone's vegan dogs
"Dogs Can Be Vegan Too"
Dog Health Survey (this is an excellent resource)
"Homemade Vegan Stew Recipe for your Dog!"
"How to Have a Vegan Dog"
"How to Save Your Pets Life"
"Meatless Meals for Cats and Dogs"
"Vegetable-Eating Dog Lives to Ripe Old Age of 27"
Vegan Dog Food - an article by Sandra Perez