What Makes Paddy Nom Nom?

Nom nom. That is the sound of a happy pup; the sound that filled our little apartment after we treated Paddy to some of Bit o Luv's yummy Smokehouse Dog Treats.

These bite-size bits (breakable if you're looking for a training incentive)- smell oh so doggy-delicious and of course are pet-friendly (made in the USA with USDA inspected chicken and beef). Slow-roasted and free from by-products, wheat gluten and artificial flavors or colors, they're a lovely way to reward your pooch for good behavior or just being them!

And as our pals at Phetched commented- we can't help but love the adorable design of their packaging (which was what originally caught our eye too!).

Available in Smokehouse, Bistro Beef and Roasted Chicken flavors you can pick up your own bag from Amazon.com in bulk or individually from your local pet food supplier.

Don't forget to check out Bit o Luv's site as well to read about their wonderful philosophy (possibly the best we've ever seen when it comes to pet products!) and check out their great community features that are designed to hook up local dog lovers and help locate lost pets.

xo Barkzilla

Vote for Paddy!

Paddy is in the running! That's right, we just entered All American Pet Brands' 1 million dollar "Cutest Dog" competition. Show your support for arguably the cutest pup in Chelsea and Barkzilla by voting! Thanks in advance for all of your support!

Happy wags :)

Barkzilla

My oh my, pizza pie!

Why is it that warm weather always makes us crave Italian food for some reason? Maybe it's the pizza craze that's recently hit NYC. Maybe it's the warm, dry weather reminds us of Umbria in July... okay, so that may be a little bit of a stretch....

Needless to say, we weren't so keen on sharing our pizza dinner with Paddington both for health and personal reasons (pizza= yummy in Barkzilla's tummy), lucky for us we had some of Olive Dog's tasty "My Oh My Pizza Pie" dog cookies on hand!

These parmesan cheese pizza flavored treats smell just like the real thing. Even Paddington the Picky didn't turn her nose up when these treats hit her dish!

Made in small batches to ensure top quality, these snacks feature notes of oregano, parmesan and cheddar. Cooked up using only the freshest, most natural organic ingredients (Olive dog even uses cage-free organic eggs!), these delicious aromatic tasties also contain NO wheat, corn, soy, artifical flavors or colors, or preservatives. Low in saturated fat, we wish our pizza was just as good for us.

A little on the larger size for smaller dogs (think about the size of an Oreo), break these treats down for more manageable snacks.

Pick up a 7 oz. bag from Olive Dog's website for $8.25, and don't forget to check out their other environment & pet friendly products!

xo Barkzilla

Snuggies for Dogs....

We're not even sure what to say about this, but had to share it with you before we head out the door for the weekend. That's right, you're reading it correctly- a Snuggie made for dogs. Yes. Not a random human-Snuggie modified for your pooch, an article of blanket/bedding created SPECIFICALLY for Fido. What will they think of next? Even if the video doesn't convince you that your pet NEEDS a Snuggie of their own, we guarantee you'll have a good laugh.

For additional info check out www.snuggiesfordogs.com.

More thoughts to come later this weekend- wishing you a good one!!

xo Barkzilla

It's Raining on Prom Night

Photo courtesy of The Salty Paw's Flickr Stream

Last week we attended The Salty Paw's first-ever Puppy Prom which benefited Pennies for Paws! With great sponsors like Sexy Beast, Stella & Chewy's and Pooch Smooch treats, it was a swinging event down at The South Street Seaport in downtown Manhattan. Pups dressed to the nines filled our favorite doggy-daycare/groom-spa location to celebrate summer! In addition to the ceremonial crowning of Puppy Prom Court, there was also a delicious cake for the canine party-goers provided by Canine Confectionary. While Paddy's pink-tissue paper dress didn't quite hold up during the cab ride en route (and the torrential downpour!), we're pretty sure she had a good time catching up with some of her favorite pals. We also won some lovely pet-aromatherapy candles generously donated by Cors Candles in the raffle. Other prizes included lovely treats from The Salty Paw, gift certificates to local restaurants (mmm Adrienne's Pizzabar) and of course, treats!

Each party goer also left with a luxe gift bag (we took a picture of ours, we couldn't help it)!

Due to the rushed effort to get to the event, we forgot our camera (and our Blackberry's camera sucks), but you can check out some of the pictures from the event on The Salty Paw's Flickr stream and at photographer Susan Marie's website (click on client galleries- Puppy Prom).

xo Barkzilla

Ready for our close up...

Did you see it? That's right, Barkzilla and Paddy were interviewed on Dogasaur!! We spilled the beans on some of our favorite finds and gave a behind-the-scenes at the glamorous life of blog star and brave Barkzilla tester Paddington B!

An online community dedicated to improving the lives of dogs everywhere, Dogasaur is a great resource for pets and their companions. Featuring both tips and a local business finder, the site also offers social networking tools for you to connect with other like-minded pooches and their owners. The site also features interviews on its blog with other dog community notables like pups Jake and Tycho (who they have their video site), Artist Knox (Animal Planet's Groomer of the Year) and Carla Fish (an artist who makes and sells sock pets to benefit homeless animals).

Paddy says: "I'm camera shy!"

Check out our interview here and don't forget to check out Dogasaur!

xo Barkzilla & Paddy

Empty Cupboard?

What do you mean we're out of snacks?!

If you're a pet owner in an urban environment, you know the pain of having to schlep home a 10lb bag of dog food. We all know it makes more sense to buy in bulk (both cost-wise and for your sanity), which is why stocking up your cupboard can be a huge pain if your pet food provider does not offer a delivery service. While places like PetSmart and PetCo are an alternative that delivers in some locations, for those with picky pets who love specialty brands.... well most of the time you're out of luck- it's off to the local overpriced boutique for you! That's why K9 Cuisine.com, purveyor of premium dog food, is a fantastic alternative that we've recently discovered!

With great high-quality brands like Horizon, Zuke's, Wellness, and a variety of other organic, holistic, all-natural treats and food- their selection makes it hard not to find what you're looking for. Their wide variety of products and detailed descriptions are also wonderful for those that are looking to spice up their pet's diet and try something new. We found lots of brands and products that we'd never heard of that we wanted to try! (LOVE the Inu Treats Paw Stickers- so adorable!!)

AND when we had questions, there was an online specialist there to help us pick the right treats and goodies for our pooch.

K9 Cuisine also carries a variety of pet toys to reward your anipal for cleaning their plate and shampoos/grooming supplies.

In this economy it's also a great way to get what you need at a reasonable cost. Their site not only offers great deals, but also ships 95% of their orders the same day and will provide free shipping on orders over $50. Hungry pets and anxious owners have no fear!

In addition to providing you and your animal companion with sustenance, this family owned business also focuses on giving back to the local pet community and has worked with programs like the Pooch Pantry in Illinois. Check out this awesome video about the great things they've been doing to help families who are struggling to feed their pets in this tough economy.

Make sure to check out their site and browse through their astounding array of pet goodies. You can also follow the president of the company, Anthony Holloway, on Twitter- username: k9cuisine.

We say thanks K9 Cuisine for not only making it so easy to provide the premium pet food and treats that we love to our pup and for doing such a great job giving back!

xo Barkzilla

No More Empty Calories!

Here at Barkzilla, we're lucky to have one of the country's most discerning canine palettes at our disposal.

Paddington is a notoriously picky eater who has been known to turn her nose up even at the most tasty of treats. A tough critic to please, we're often nervous when it comes to putting something new in front of her. (Trust us, if you've got a moody dog- you know what we're talking about!)

Fortunately for us, this week our treats came from the delightful kitchen of 3 Jacks Dog Bakery! Made from USDA certified organic human-grade ingredients, all of their treats are corn free. They also offer 6 flavors of corn AND what free treats for those nutrient minded pet parents. Free from any artificial colors, preservatives, flavors or sugars- they're the ultimate in healthy pet snacks. All biscuits are preserved naturally with organic rosemary for a shelf-life of four weeks!

Better yet- they're also tasty according to our star-reviewer (and the three quality control pups at 3 Jacks- Beanie, Maddie & Petey)! Paddy gobbled down 3 Jacks' Sesame Carrot Treats and Salmon Sea Biscuits without even a second sniff.

Bite sized, they're perfect for small dogs and can be easily broken into training sized niblets.

Salmon Sea Biscuit, made with Wild Alaskan Salmon for lip smackin' goodness.

Sesame Carrot Bones

Available directly from 3 Jacks Dog Bakery's site, prices run about $6.00 for a 1/4 or 1/5lb bag of treats (depending on the flavor).

Make sure to check them out, we're sure your pup (and your pup's waistline) will thank you!!

xo Barkzilla

It's Prom Time!

All you NYC doggies it's time to bust out your finest apparel for The Salty Paw's First Annual Puppy Prom!

Yes, our favorite dog grooming/day camp location is throwing a party! On Thursday, July 23rd from 6 to 9 PM The Salty Paw will be hosting an event to benefit Pennies for Paws- an organization that raises money for people who can no longer afford their dog's medical care.

In addition to accepting donations and raising awareness for this great cause, The Salty Paw will also be hosting a raffle featuring prizes from Stella and Chewy's, Canine Confectionary, PAWZ, Beggar's Banquet and Black Dog Farm to name a few. Just showing up to the event will get you a raffle ticket!There will also be trainers and a behaviorist on hand to answer all of your questions and a groomer demonstrating detangling techniques.

The best dressed pups will be crowned!

The Salty Paw is located in downtown NYC at 38 Peck Slip between Front and South Street.

Please RSVP to 212-732-2275 by Tuesday, July 21st!

We hope to see you there for an evening of fun!

xo Barkzilla & Paddy

Paddy Screams for Ice Cream

I scream, you scream- even the pups scream for ice cream! Summer weather has finally arrived in NYC which means we've got a hankering for something cool and sweet. While the real deal isn't a good idea for your pooch, these adorable treats from Haute Diggity Dog will have your pet salivating.

Available in a variety of "flavors" including: Tail Chasin' Mint, Pawpermint Pattie, Bow Wow Brownie, Georgia Peach (pictured left), and Vanilla Drool- these plush cones feature a squeaker for lots of small dog fun. We think the mint cone looks particularly delicious...

Pick up one of these cool treats (or the whole range) from Puppy Kisses where prices range from $9.50 to $12.00.

Paddy says: "Well, if I can't have the real thing, this is pretty darn good!"

xo Barkzilla

Puppy Totes

From the people who brought you these adorable pillows, come a new line of cute 100% organic tote bags. Made form 100% organic cotton and water-based inks, these environmentally friendly bags are perfect for hauling all your stuff with you wherever you go.

Pick from hand-drawn designs (we’re particularly partial to ALL of them).

Each bag retails for $56.50 from PillowPillowPillow’s site and don’t forget to check out their super cute pillows!

Bow Ow?

We saw this adorable first-aid kit on a recent trip to PetSmart and had to share it with you! Loaded with everything you'd ever need to fix up Fido after a little scrape, Creative Pet Solution's Bow-Ow First Aid Kit for dogs is packed full of supplies that will help you patch up your pooch.

In addition to a handy-first aid manual with instructions on what to do if you find yourself facing a canine emergency, the compact kit includes tweezers, gauze, splint material, gloves, hydrocortisone cream, antibiotic cream, antiseptic wipes, bandage, tape, swabs and scissors. While most of us will probably only need to handle basic pet boo boos, as per Creative Pet Solution's site, the kit also includes the tools you'd require to temporarily stabilize your pet in case of a serious emergency (until of course you get your pet to a vet!).

The organized folks at Creative Pet Solutions have also created first-aid kits designed for sporting dogs, cats (Me OW), and horses (Horse Aid). Major snaps for creating a great pet first-aid kit!

Available directly from Creative's site for $29.95 or pick one up at your local pet superstore (PetSmart, PetCo, etc.).

Stay safe!

xo Barkzilla

Smellin' Good in the Neighborhood!

In summer, we all know that things have a tendency to be a little bit more "odorific" than usual. Shoes, clothes... and yes, even your beloved pup.

But pooches that fear more frequent summer showers (oh the indignity!), need have no fear- Olive's Fur Spritzer is here!

We tested out this product after a particularly warm day at Madison Square Dog Park- Paddy decided to indulge herself by rubbing against quite possibly ever smell laden item there. A few quick spritzes and voila: smell be gone! In fact, those few little sprays left our apartment smelling delicious too! (Even our visitors that evening commented!)

The 100% natural blend of essential oils of lavender, lemon and patchouli will leave your sweaty Fido cuddle ready and smelling divine. Better yet- their combination will also help to naturally repel pesky summertime annoyances like fleas, tics and mosquitoes.

At $10.50 for a 4 oz spray, it's a real steal. Check it and many other fantastic "green goods for modern dogs" at Olive's site. Tell 'em Barkzilla sent you!

Trust us, both you and your dog will be thankful :)

xo Barkzilla

Shh! Paddy's Got a Secret-

Shh! Does your pet have a secret they're ready to tell the whole world?

Why not share it with Nikki Moustaki’s Pet Postcard Project and help feed homeless pets at the same time! Kind of like Post-Secret for dogs, it's one of our favorite places to regularly check out.

Currently, for each submitted qualifying postcard one pound of dog food, courtesy of Rachael Ray Nutrish, is sent to pet charities.

To date, the project has raised nearly $18,000 and 26,000 pounds of food for shelter animals.

Author and pet blogger, Nikki was inspired to by her own two shelter dogs to find away to help other pets in need. Right now, The Pet Postcard Project’s goal is to raise 3 tons of food to both Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and Sabbath Memorial Dog Rescue, so help them reach 6,000 cards by sending in your pet’s secret. In addition to helping out a great cause, each qualifying postcard qualifies you to win one of many fabulous monthly prizes.

Find out more about the project and check out Nikki’s site at: www.petpostcardproject.com

We loved browsing the submitted postcards- they were all super creative and definitely touching (not to mention hilariously funny in some cases).

We may have to embark on our own little arts n’ crafts project this weekend!

xo Barkzilla

It's My Birthday and I'll Eat Cake if I Want to

"What do you mean I have to share the cake?" - Paddy

The countdown to Paddy's 2nd birthday has begun! In preparation, we've lined up some birthday themed posts to help you plan your own pup's big day. 

This birthday really give your pup something to brag about to their friends- a delicious cake baked just for them from Kool Dog Kafe!  Each pet-friendly cake (choose from vanilla with chocolate frosting or carob cake with vanilla frosting), is decorated with adorable sprinkles (mini bones!) and comes in a cute little cake box with a special surprise for your pooch! The nice people at Kool Dog Kafe will even let you pick what color ball tops off the Fido's frosted treat. 

Large cakes (good for a large group at the dog park, probably about 4-8 dogs) will set you back $24.99 , while a small cake (good for 2-4 dogs) runs for $13.99. But don't fret if your pups don't finish the cake in one sitting (probably a good idea)- the nifty box it arrives in kept ours fresh for about a week. Cakes are also freezable for all those planning ahead. 

And for all those with concerns about picky eaters, we can't say that there were any complaints at Paddy's birthday party last year! Don't forget to stock up on Kool Dog Kafe's delicious looking cupcakes and treats for your party as well!

xo Barkzilla