At Three Dog Bakery, we use only natural colors and flavors.  What may look like colored frosting is actually unsweeted vanilla tinted with vegetable powders.  What looks like chocolate is actually unsweetened carob, a chocolate-like substance that lacks the caffeine and theobromine that is harmful to dogs.

While sugary frostings make cookies look appealing to humans, dogs generally prefer an all-natural taste.  Too much sugar is harmful to dogs, just as it is harmful to humans and can cause health and dental issues. 

Don’t be afraid to ask:  What is that on top of that cute cookie?

Meat Meal or Chicken Meal?

Meat Meal is an animal feedstuff from unspecified animals, and is produced by recycling animal byproducts not deemed by the FDA as fit for human consumption.  Chicken meal, as well as meal from other specified animals, is a quality source of protein containing the proper calcium/phosphorous ratio required for a balanced diet.  Chicken meal contains less water than fresh chicken and, thus, retains more concentrated protein per pound.

Animal Fat or Chicken Fat?

Animal fat added to dog feed is most often rendered fat, used restaurant grease, or other oils too rancid or deemed inedible for humans.  Chicken fat  is highly digestible, very palatable, and an energy-dense nutritional ingredient when naturally preserved with tocopherols (vitamin E).  Dogs need a certain amount of fats and oils in their diets for skin and coat health and for proper brain development.

Three Dog Bakery food contains NO “meat meal” or byproducts, NO added sugar or salt, NO “animal fat”, NO artificial preservatives, flavors, colors and NO rendered ingredients. 

Here are the signs of heat stroke in dogs:

1. Rectal temperature of 104 degrees or higher
2. Excessive panting
3. Collapse or inability to get up
4. Dark red gums
5. Dry mucous membranes, including gums
6. Disorientation

You can prevent heat stroke by avoiding vigorous exercise in the mid-day heat and by providing frequent drinks of water.  Never leave your dog in a car, even with the windows open as cars may heat very quickly.  If any signs of heat stroke are noted, immediately move the dog to a cool place and cover with cool cloths (not ice cold) and provide cool water.  Then, bring your dog for a veterinary exam to rule out internal damage.

Sunburn is more of a concern with short-haired and shaved dogs.  These dogs may benefit from light clothing to protect their skin.

Hot pavement can cause burns to paw pads.  If your dog is exposed to hot pavement during walks, consider purchasing walking boots to protect the pads from burn.

Rawhides are by-products of the beef and leather industries.  The best rawhides are made from hides iced and sent directly to the rawhide producer and not given the time to decay before being processed.  The longer the delay, the more likelihood the hides were treated with formaldehyde and other chemicals to keep them from rotting.

Compressed rawhides are made from small pieces of hide bound together by “glue” that will not be listed on the ingredient list as an ingredient list is not required by the FDA on rawhide chews.  The compressed rawhides may break off into little pieces and cause your dog to choke.  Also, the “glue” may be comprised of toxic chemicals you would not want to expose your dog to.  Many of these types of compressed rawhides are colored by an unknown ingredient and made outside of the U.S.

Natural rawhides are manilla in flavor and not bleached white. Flavored rawhides should look and smell like the identified flavor.  Any strong, foul odor may signify bacterial growth.

Size is also important.  Look for rawhides that are appropriate for the size of your dog and are thick enough to allow them to chew longer and not be as able to break off small pieces.  Always supervise your dog with any chew and remove it when it is small enough for the dog to swallow it.