Saturday, March 29, 2008

Martha Stewart: Pets need good, healthy food -- just like humans

Q . I am concerned about some of the ingredients in commercial pet food. What do you feed your dogs?

A . It's just as important to read the labels on your pet's food as it is your own. Make sure that the first ingredient listed is some kind of meat, and that the rest of the ingredients are natural, as opposed to processed. You'll also want to choose a pet food that is not high in carbohydrates or sugar.

I feed my dogs an all-natural, organic dry food, but then supplement their diet with some very basic human foods. For example, I often give them steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, kale, spinach and even sweet potatoes. They need plenty of protein, so I'll also scramble the occasional egg for my dogs or add a piece of cooked meat or a spoonful of cottage cheese to the bowl.

Paying close attention to your dog's diet and giving him fresh, nutrient-rich food will help him live a long and healthy life.

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Sunday, March 16, 2008

New breed of pet products going green

Many pet stores are adding special eco-friendly sections to their aisles, and online sales are booming.

Now in its third year of operation, Earthdoggy.com is one of at least a dozen online retailers specializing in environmentally friendly pet products. The store carries everything from natural peanut butter-flavored dog cookies to eco-friendly plush squeaky toys. Their top seller is a $120 dog bed made from recycled materials and printed with low-impact dyes, and a $75 organic cotton quilt designed to protect car seats from pet hair is so popular it's out of stock.

Bodenstein says she sells environmentally- friendly accessories for all facets of a pet's life, from snout to tail - even biodegradable plastic baggies for picking up dog poop.

But the industry isn't all lavender and mint dog shampoo and stylish leashes made of hemp.

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Saturday, March 1, 2008

Barkery Boo'tique offers 'personal touch'

Animals have always played an important role in Debbie Bauman's life.

So it seemed only natural that she incorporate her affection for them with a new business when she decided to leave the real estate field in 2006.

Inspired by her family's Golden Labrador mix Boo, Ms. Bauman opened Boo's namesake, the Barkery Boo'tique.

"I love everything about it," Ms. Bauman, 48, said of her pet store at 38 Bank St. during a recent interview there.

The business was previously located on Bridge Street near Veterans Bridge, but relocated just a few months ago.

The store sells a variety of pet baked goods -- even birthday cakes -- and boutique items catering to nearly every pet need.

Natural and organic cat and dog food, collars, apparel, pet beds, travel bags, toys, bath supplies, safety products and bowls are among the items for sale at the Barkery Boo'tique.

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