Category Archives: General

Mortar and Herbs resize

A new look on old kitchen staples

Some of you may be wondering how an old fashioned spice rack would have anything to do with dogs. Well you may be surprised to know that there are many herbs and spices that pack a lot more than just seasoning, not only for us humans but for our canine friends as well! Our confections are designed to look attractive and familiar to all you human guardians but that’s just the surface. Just like people and our furry friends, there’s always more layers to them and it’s equally important to us that the cookie itself is rewarding in both flavor and most importantly natural nutritional value. You may be surprised to know just how beneficial some of the ingredients we use actually are! We too were pleasantly surprised at the many values one little ingredient had to offer and that is ultimately why we painstakingly organized our “Dictionary of Ingredients”.  We wanted to share this knowledge with you, after all knowledge is power and can be pretty darn tasty to boot!

In a recent conversation about one of our Valentine cookie recipes, Rosemary and Apple,  I was asked if this was something i pulled out of the sky, following the current “designer foodie” trend or had a special reason for that particular combination. Now since each of our signature confections all have their own particular recipe, when the seasonal or holiday recipes come up its always fun to make them as special as the occasion they represent and a little different as well. So i guess the answer was a bit of all 3, a chance to try something new that paired nicely while still contributing meaningful value.

Now while our Dictionary of Ingredients gives an in depth look at each individual ingredient and is accessible at anytime at zenbellypet.com we thought a quick overview of some herbs and spices as well as a few oddities we like to incorporate into some of our recipes would give you inspiration or a new idea that you can feel good about giving your dog…and the best part is you would know why! So here is just a small selection we hope gives you a new kick on some old spice!

Parsley has always been something we imagine to be that useless garnish on a plate and in some cases depending where your eating it may be best to keep it that way!

In reality its actually a pretty tasty and nutritious health benefit. Parsley is loaded with vitamins A B C and K and the minerals potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and protein…whew! It is also high in chlorophyll, which gives a natural freshening power that can help combat foul smelling breath. All these things make Parsley a fantastic addition to a dog’s diet!

Rosemary traditionally thought of as a seasoning for roasts and veggies is becoming more appreciated for its medicinal values. Rosemary is a natural antiseptic and antibiotic. It also increases blood flow to the brain aiding in memory and sensory rejuvenation. It’s actually a potent little herb and a little goes a long way! We included Rosemary in our sweetheart mix, part of our Valentines collection.

Ginger is a favorite and its no wonder the smell alone instantly transforms the house into a cozy warm “home” (just like our dogs!) This is a very tasty and nutritious spice especially beneficial for upset tummy’s.

Mint is probably one of the first things you think of as a natural remedy for freshening breath and you would be right! It’s also a fantastic aid in digestive upset for dogs as well as humans so this makes mint a double threat against common dog ailments.

Oddities, Ends and Random Picks

Apple Cider Vinegar is something you may not associate with your dog but it seems you cant go wrong for both the inside and out! In a nutshell, apple cider vinegar is good for arthritis, allergies, itchy skin, correcting pH levels, fighting fleas and other pests and even eliminating tear stains around the eyes! The easiest way to introduce ACV into your dog’s diet is to start off adding a tiny bit into there water bowl. Give it some time then add a bit more. As your dog becomes accustomed to the taste which should be slight, gradually increase until you reach about a teaspoon a day into fresh water. It’s not an overnight miracle by any means but over time you will notice the benefits.

Flaxseed contains fiber and acts as a natural laxative to aid in digestion. In the intestine, it helps coat the lining reducing any incidence of gastritis, constipation and colon conditions. Using ground flaxseed in recipes is a natural addition of beneficial fiber and digestive support. That’s why it’s a staple in our Nutty Squirrel cookies.

Molasses is not the monster many people think it is…sugar oh no! While it is true that the syrup is the by-product of refining sugar, technically its the concentrated “left over” after the sugar’s sucrose has been crystallized. What’s left in this by-product are lots of beneficial minerals such as iron, copper, manganese, potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin B6. So if you are looking for an alternative source of sweetener, blackstrap molasses is definitely one you should consider and it is suitable for a wide range of foods. We found it to be a big hit with our gingerbread “dog” houses and gingerbones during the holidays!

Yogurt is another food that’s been around for ages. It is an excellent source of protein and because it has less milk sugar it is easily digested even by lactose intolerant animals. It contains beneficial bacteria that support the digestive and immune system and it’s a great source of calcium. A tablespoon or so of organic, plain, low-fat yogurt can benefit your dog in many ways. It is especially helpful when your dog is on antibiotics being it restores some of the “good” bacteria that antibiotics are known to break down. Yogurt is a staple in many Zen Belly recipes and is one of our favorites!

The possibilities are endless! The most important thing is that you educate yourself. It’s not so important that you remember every benefit of every good ingredient but VERY important that you remember the bad ingredients that are toxic and unsafe such as the commonly known chocolate and macadamia nuts. (easy substitutions for these are carob instead of chocolate and sunflower seeds instead of macadamia nuts) The more you discover the more it will inspire you to try new things and its great fun experimenting! Your dog will be over the moon for your efforts and more than willing to be your taster “guinea pig”. Even if it’s not such a hit, it is still quality time with your favorite pal and i never  minded my failures because i got great amusement out of my girl Eddie who was very dramatic in letting me know how much of a flop it was by spitting it across the floor and giving me a squinted eye and a raised brow!! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone was so honest?

Happy Tails Everyone!

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Cold Weather Blog Pciture

Doggonit it’s getting cold outside

With the cold weather upon us it’s a good idea to take the time to
brush up on some common winter hazards and easy ways to keep your canine comfy in the cold!

A common misconception is your dog will be “fine” if left outside.
This is not true. Just like humans, they are susceptible to hypothermia and
frostbite. Puppies, seniors and arthritic dogs are particularly vulnerable so
make sure to use extra precaution when taking them out and be aware of the
signs that your dog has had enough! Shivering, shaking, whining, hesitation
and slow moving are all signals it’s time to go inside. Keep in mind your dog
will most likely feel the cold before you do because of their smaller body
mass and they are closer to the wet ground. So a good rule of thumb is if
it’s too cold for you it’s too cold for your dog!

A few things to have on hand…
It is always a good idea to keep a week supply of food, water, clean bedding and any medications your dog may be on in the event of a snowstorm where you will be unable to get out and/or the stores/Vet’s office is closed

Common Hazards…

Antifreeze often collects in roadways and driveways and it is toxic. Although it smells and tastes good it can be deadly even in small amounts.

Rock Salt used to melt ice on sidewalks and streets can irritate foot pads. Be sure to rinse and dry your dog’s feet after your walk

Frostbite is a real concern. To help prevent frostbite on ears tails and feet don’t leave your dog out for too long.

Dehydration is as likely in winter as in summer months. Be sure to provide plenty of fresh water. Snow is not an acceptable substitute for water. In fact you should avoid letting your dog eat snow because it can very easily hide contaminates.

Illness Just like people, dogs seem to be more susceptible to illness in the winter months. Be aware of any strange symptoms and find out if your Vet has different hours for the winter months.

Watch those Paws!
Towel or blow dry your dog if they get wet from rain or snow. Clean paws too, this helps avoid tiny cuts in cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking. Dogs with long fur on the bottom of the paws often develop ice balls between the toes and pads of the feet. This can be very uncomfortable and can cause other problems. To help prevent the ice from forming trim the hair around your dog’s feet

Coats and sweaters….

Not something all dogs will put up with so don’t it if they resist. However If you have a small dog, a short haired or a course haired breed then a sweater is a must for these pooches! Consider a sweater or coat that protects the base of the tail to
the belly.

As a responsible guardian use your good judgment when on your outings with your pal. We don’t want to restrict your fun activities; we just want you to be aware. The city streets are loaded with all kinds of chemicals that can be toxic so just look out for your dog like they look out for you.

A little trivia!

Did you know a normal dog’s body temperature is a few degrees higher than a humans? Now for a snuggle buddy you can’t beat that!

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Holiday Travel Tips

Away We Go!!!! Pet travel

Pet travel tips for holidays

More and more people are traveling these days with pets along for the ride simply because the thought of not having their beloved companions with them during holiday festivities is unthinkable!

Knowing that many of our friends will be traveling this holiday season to visit family and friends we thought it might be handy to provide some information that will make your travels a lot easier on both mind and body.

Air Travel

Often times people have arrived at the airport to check in with Fido or fluffy in tow only to find that they are turned away because of the guidelines have not been met to the airlines satisfaction. So there you are stuck and unable to board with your pet and unable to see through your frustration to figure out what to do next. While unforeseen problems do happen, a proper way to ensure this nightmare before Christmas won’t be part of yours is to take a few moments at home and go online with a nice hot cup of cider. Go to the airline website and print out 2 copies of the Pet Travel Guidelines from the exact airline your traveling with. This is important because each carrier’s restrictions may vary. Stick one copy on your fridge for quick reference and handy checklist. The other copy should be filed with your itinerary, documentation and tickets that you will be carrying with you. This is an easy way to ensure you haven’t overlooked anything. As an extra precaution you can call the airline to make sure there haven’t been any unexpected changes due to security updates.

  1. Most airlines limit you to two (2) animals per flight per person. Each animal must be at least 8 weeks old and in good health. For cabin travel (which is highly recommended) keep in mind most airlines require the animal to be no heavier than 22 pounds,18 inches in or less in length and 11 inches maximum in height. Again check with your carrier for specific details and weights.
  2. A current valid overall Health Certificate issued by a licensed
    vet within 30 days of travel is required. (7 to 10 days of departure is
    suggested just to be safe) Include documentation of immunizations such as rabies If you’re leaving the country ask about any potential health risks your pet may be exposed to so you may get any additional vaccinations or parasite control.
  3. Proper transport carriers include sufficient room and ventilation.
    Make sure you check that your pet’s carrier meets the proper specifications. (Size, strength, safety etc.).
  4.  Proper Identification secured to your pet is such a small detail that can make the biggest difference. Make sure your pet tags are current with the correct information such as name address and phone. If you are spending the holiday at a friends or relatives home you may want to consider getting a temporary second tag with that local address and phone along with your cell phone number to ensure quick contact just in case the new surroundings get the best of your pet’s curiosity.
  5. Do a little checking on the area you will be staying. A local vet
    is always good to have handy for emergencies. A pet friendly hotel isn’t a bad idea to have on hand discreetly…just incase you end up sharing a room with Aunt Vera and her snoring is causing sleep deprivation! Ahh you gotta love your family!
  6.  Always take your canine pal out for some exercise and a bit of play before you leave for the airport as they will be confined for a period of time.

CAR TRAVEL

When traveling by car you obviously have a lot more control over the situation and this reason alone this method of transport recommended when possible. Keep in mind when packing the car for your road trip that you leave ample room for your pet to be comfortable. Bring along plenty of food, water and comfy bedding. If your pet is on any medications or supplements put them in a place that’s easy to get to.

  1. Don’t let your pet loose in the car during the drive. At least provide a crate or fit your dog with a harness that connects right into the seat belt system.
  2. For your pets own comfort you should plan ahead and purchase these things in advance so you can familiarize yourself and your pet with a sort of “trial run”. This is especially beneficial if your pet is not used to car travel or long trips.
  3. As we mentioned in a previous Blog,(minimizing holiday stress) staying at different locations, gatherings and holiday celebrations can be stressful on your pet. It’s a good idea to take along a favorite toy and familiar bedding to set up a peaceful area for them to retreat to and sleep.
  4. Stick to your normal routine as best you can. Keeping feeding times and outings the same will alleviate a lot of anxiety.
  5. Make sure your friends and family are expecting ALL of you. Don’t ever assume they know your bringing your pets. Also having a simple conversation to go over the “rules” of the house as well as any requests you may have in regards to your pal will eliminate any tensions before they begin.

Remember our pets are very intuitive and pick up on your vibes be it positive or negative so stay calm! If you let the chaos or Cousin Rita’s constant backhanded compliments get to you your pet will notice and it will affect them as well.

We want all your holidays’ events to be merry and as smooth as possible so in addition the site Pet Travel.com is a fantastic resource that gives up to date info on airline policies, immigration rules and listings of pet friendly hotels. They also provide a toll free number you can add to your mobile for quick reference 877 241 0184.

Happy Travels Everyone! Say hi to Aunt Vera for us!

One added note for last minute shoppers! We are so pleased to announce that Beasty Feast is offering Zen Belly’s Holiday Gift at their Hudson Street location here in NYC. So if you’re in the area stop in and say hi!

It’s not too late to order online for our friends out of town so don’t worry you can
still get our confections in time for Christmas!

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2mixed

December 2 has been declared National Mutt Day!

It was created in 2005 by animal welfare advocate, Colleen Paige.
This day is all about celebrating mixed breeds and raising awareness.

Studies have revealed the largest percentage of euthanized shelter
dogs is in fact medium to large sized mixed breeds. This unfortunate statistic
is a result of constant over breeding, public desire for pure bred and
“designer” dogs and the growing problem of puppy mills. Puppies sold
to pet stores are often supplied by these mills and many times produce sick,
mistreated and neglected animals. The goal of National Mutt Day is to save
10,000 mutts coast to coast
.

We strongly encourage anyone considering an addition to the family to stop by your local shelter. There are so many animals in need of a loving home. (If you have your heart set on a specific dog all hope is not lost!

Check around theres bound to be a rescue group that caters to that breed
and they are always looking for a good forever home.) Statistics have shown
mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier, live longer and are just as able to
perform the duties of many service animals. They are also known for having warm
easy going dispositions.

If adoption is not an option at this time for you there are other ways you can show your support. A donation to your local shelter is always needed and very much appreciated be it financial or supplies. Volunteering your time is just as valuable. Often times these shelters are short staffed as a result of a lack of funding. Tell someone about National Mutt Day and lets get the word out. The more people that know the greater the awareness and that’s the first step in making a difference!

Take some time to celebrate with your furry pals. We love our mutts!

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Pug

Minimizing Holiday Stress On Your Pets

Holidays are a joyous time for many, while for others chaotic and angst ridden. For our pets it’s no different! While we run around trying to find that perfect gift we can very easily get caught up in the madness and can be a little neglectful to our canine pals.

The unfamiliar noises, lights and rush of people coming and going can be very stressful for a pet so it’s important that we take the time to maintain the healthy balance they are used to year round. Nobody knows your dog better than you do so take notice of any signs that the seasons greetings are a bit too overwhelming….
~ Constant barking or howling
~ Chewing or scratching at doors or crates
~ Compulsive licking or biting
~ Excessive salivating
~ Tearing up furniture

An easy way to avoid this is to maintain a normal routine with your dog. Keep the feeding schedule and walking time as close to usual as possible. It’s understandable that with work and shopping you may have a few late nights. If your finding that it’s more than a few you may want to hire a dog walker or ask a neighbor to fill in. Keep in mind they enjoy spending time with you so give that face time! A little extra positive reinforcement with praise and treats goes a long way as well so don’t be stingy with the Zenbellys! After all it is the holiday season and a little indulgence never hurt anyone. Our dogs are a central part of our family and we just want to make the season as enjoyable for them as it is for us and we know you share our sentiments!

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Pets and Vets Picture

Pets and Vets

November 11th is a time to celebrate the men and women who have bravely put their lives on the line to defend our country. Sadly, for many members of our armed forces, coming home is the start of a whole new battle.

More and more organizations have stepped up to help these veterans on the road to recovery and meet the growing need for guide dogs and many other special need service animals.

Freedom Service Dogs, Pets for Vets and Pets 2 Vets are some of these wonderful organizations. What makes them so commendable aside from helping our service men and women they also provide a new start for many shelter animals that in many cases would otherwise be euthanized.

Studies have shown that companion animals make you happier and healthier. After just 30 minutes with a dog or cat owners feel less anxious and stressed. One of the many ways pets improve the lives of returning soldiers is by keeping them connected and involved in social settings. The ultimate goal of these programs is to provide a second chance for our veterans and a permanent loving home for our furry friends, giving them a second chance as well.

This is a worthy cause and one that deserves recognition!
You can find them at the following web sites
Freedom Service Dogs: www.freedomservicedogs.org
Pets For Vets: www.pets-for-vets.com
Pets 2 Vets: www.p2v.org

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Welcome to Zen Belly

Welcome to the new Zen Belly website. Zen Belly’s Cookies and Confections is a shop of homemade uniquely delicious natural, organic dog snacks.

Zen Belly was created out of our desire to give our dogs’ healthier snacks, In addition join us in our dedication to ending animal abuse.

With that in mind each ingredient in our recipes are thoughtfully chosen for their nutritional benefits. All of our formulas are free from meat by-products, animal fats, gluten, corn, soy and wheat as well as there are NO artificial dyes, NO artificial flavorings and NO artificial preservatives.

We created our web site, blog, and our featured Dictionary of Ingredients to provide you with information and tips about healthy living for your canine companions, as well, why Zen Belly ‘s Canine Cookies and Confections is a cut above the rest.

Our blog will feature valuable information and tips on dog health and nutrition topics on a regular basis and we welcome your questions.

Feel free to follow us via our web site, RSS feed, and Facebook. Please let us know what you think of the new site!

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