I remember watching Natasha become a first time pet owner as an adult and chuckling as she perused ingredient labels of the various dog foods, just as I had done when she, my first child, was first moving into solid foods. (My first grandchild was a canine named Buddha!) I stopped laughing when she started informing me of what she was discovering and vowing never to buy commercial dog food again. From that day on, Natasha cooked for Buddha as I had cooked for my children. I was floored when she told me the big name brands of dog food were owned and manufactured by companies that made cleaning products, hygiene products, cereal, granola bars and multiple other products that have nothing to do with animals. Proctor and Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive and Nestle to name a few. These three companies bring us Ralston Purina, Science Diet, Eukanuba and Iams! Natasha’s Food For Paws’ sole focus and efforts towards development are compelled only by the desire to bring best health and enjoyment to our pets.

Next time you read “meat byproducts” on the kibble label, interpret this as it really is…the non rendered parts of slaughtered animals that are not fit for human consumption such as spleens, kidneys, lungs, brains and other organs. Restaurant grease is sprayed on the processed food so that our pets will want it; this covers for the “extrusion” process that removes the moisture to provide a long shelf life. Nutrients are lost in the process only to be added back, albeit less naturally, then covered with restaurant grease. The big umbrella companies fund the veterinary schools skewing the information they are given regarding good food for pets.

No wonder Natasha fervently began researching what “IS” good and needed for best health of dogs, (now she’s moving into the cat world). There are times the obsessive energy of my girl has been challenging, but in situations like this, it has served her and her pets well. I would be willing to bet Natasha knows a few things about dog nutrition that some veterinarians don’t! Compare the above description to how she prepares her dog and cat food. No “extrusion” processes allowed! No removing and replacing nutrients. No spraying on grease of any kind! The meat used is from grass fed animals (we’ll go into the drawbacks of the popular less expensive corn fed cattle and chickens another time), the food is cooked fresh, mixed with fresh and organic vegetables, whole grains, minerals and natural food supplements creating a meal that is holistic, health promoting and delicious. Once cooked, the food is immediately packaged and frozen to retain the nutrients, flavor and freshness when thawed for its consumption. Just read the testimonials on her website from owners of dogs who weren’t well, were lethargic, had GI problems…you won’t find these kind of testimonials from big name products unless they are coming from the lips of a paid actor/actress! By the way, another saying…what goes in comes out…well regarding both ends…customers also tell us their pets breath smells better and the gas goes away!

Natasha’s Food For Paws is essentially home cooking for your pet based on well researched knowledge of what is good for our pets. Natasha has read vociferously on the subject for years now as well as consulted with veterinarians for the past 10 years. Wow…has it really been that long? Amazing….I’m looking forward to feedback on the new feline product she has developed for cat lovers.

Look for Natasha’s Food For Paws in its new packaging…I’ll have to go into that next time….new improved packaging and sizes…but it is time to put something inside of me now…

Pawla for Paws

Hope to see you there,
Natasha

The treats are made of dehydrated, grass fed, beef liver.  Grass fed beef is lower in cholesterol and higher in healthy fats for dogs.  The liver is amazingly good for our dogs as it is high in iron.  Iron benefits the blood and the liver.  This is all good news since dogs love this treat.

Currently, only a few of our retailers carry the treats.  If you cannot find it in the store of your choice, be sure to request it and Natasha will be sure to stock it for you.

Pawla for Paws

From Rags to Riches

I met Mimi a couple of months ago while visiting in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  She was one of the lucky ones there to be rescued by the owner of the Hacienda San Angel Boutique Hotel.  The owner, Janice Chatterton, has spent the last decade rescuing, treating back to health and finding homes for homeless and sick dogs and cats.  She has also created an awareness in the community and now hosts annual fundraisers to support the “Casita” where the animals are treated, loved and housed until homes are found.  Janice also facilitated the creation of the PV SPCA.  Mimi was so malnourished that she could only drag herself around in her cage by her front paws and could not keep any food down.  After days of loving and beginning with licking fluids off of our fingertips, Mimi began to thrive.  She has found a loving home in Chicago and no longer suffers loneliness and malnutrition.

Natasha’s Food For Paws is working with PV SPCA now to help these animals find homes.  We are in the process of developing a link to our website so that our customers and others interested in helping can find homes for these needy animals.  There are fewer resources for finding homes in Puerto Vallarta than the states and Canada.  Natasha’s Food For Paws was born out of Natasha’s passion for helping animals and this is a natural way to support this passion in addition to creating healthy food for our loved ones.  For now,  visit www.spcapv.com  or www.haciendasanangel.com to learn more.

Pawla for Paws

We all feel excited and lucky to have the opportunity to be able to develop a food for cats and welcome any suggestions or requests. While we have an idea of where we are headed with the Feline Recipe, we are still in the beginning stages and if we have an overwhelming response one way or another, we will definitely take your comments and suggestions into consideration.

We want this cat recipe to be like just like our dog food.  A palatable and healthful alternative for those humans or animals where a raw diet is not an option. The team at Natasha’s Food for Paws thanks each and every one of you for your continued support! We love what we do everyday and have you to thank!

Best,
Natasha

This recipe was originally designed because their was nothing on the market that was similar to the quality meals that dogs benefit from when their owners cook for their pet.  Although many people, beyond the home-cookers have come to use our product too.  Our food can be used as the sole basis of your pet’s diet or it can also be mixed in with a high-quality kibble.  It can also be used as a special treat a few times a week.  I am of the opinion that as long as our animals are getting some food in their diet on a fairly regular basis, then we are doing a lot better than we have in a long time. 

There are many wonderful kibble on the market today and it makes me so happy to see a variety so that we actually have a choice of some really good diets.  Although nothing will ever take the place of real, unprocessed food.  Imagine if we lived on a cereal based diet?  I bet we wouldn’t feel so great on a day to day basis!!  Please feel free to contact us anytime at info@foodforpaws.com or 707.765.5770.

Woof, Wags and Wiggles!

Natasha

Visit this site and please share any feedback or suggestions you have in helping to live a more sustainable life.  I just started composting our food waste and it feels so much better than throwing it in the garbage.  I love that my daughter is being exposed to it at such young age too.  Hopefully it will be a part of her everyday life forever, just as recycling is for my generation.

My best to you, your family and friends!

Natasha

Understanding the serious affects of obesity is the first step.  Educating ourselves on how to identify obesity and what to do about it is the next step.

Our dogs depend on us to take care of them and this is one of the many ways that we can.

Obesity can cause osteoarthritis, cruciate and spinal injuries, respiratory and dermatological conditions, cardiac disease, compromised immune function, and increased susceptibility to many other infections, injuries and illnesses.

If you cannot see a slight narrowing between the rib cage and the rump when standing over your dog, then chances are there are a few too many pounds on your loved one.  Another good indication is tactile; feel his or her ribs, is it easy to feel each individual one?  If not, it’s time to take some action!

The best ways I know to help shed the pounds is:

1) Split the meals into two feedings, morning and night. 

2) Decreasing the amount of food by 1/4 cup to start.

3) Increase activity, a little at a time and in whatever way works best for you and your dog’s lifestyle.

4) Add fiber to your dog’s diet.  A little canned pumpkin is a nutritious, inexpensive and easy way to do this.

It may take a little effort, change and commitment is not easy!!!  But you will have a healthier and happier pet in the end.  Your vet bills may decrease as well and that’s always nice!!  If you have a pet that struggles with weight and you are going to give it a shot, I wish you the best.

Natasha 

It is of my opinion that kibble is not depended on as a proper dental care regimen, our dentists don’t recommend cereal or other hard foods as a proper way to clean our teeth, so why would the same be for animals?  What cleaned their teeth in nature were the bones they got from their diet.

Following are the things that I have found to be good methods of prevention:

Raw Bones

The enzymes and friction combined provide a good cleaning. It is also a nice treat for your pet to enjoy.

 Brushing

This can be difficult if your pet doesn’t easily allow but with persistence and positive reinforcement, it can be done!  It also requires a dedication and commitment on the owners’ part.  Making this a part of a regular routine is the best way to achieve such a goal!

 Adding a zinc solution to their water

This can be a positive way to tackle the prevention on a regular basis.

 Greenies or other dental chew treats

This can be good but need to be supervised as if big pieces are swallowed, bowel obstruction is possible.  It may also cause some upset to pets’ with a gentle stomach.

 Professional Dental Cleanings

Your pets’ veterinarian can provide a deep cleaning that cannot be replaced by anything we can do for them.