volume 28     Summer 2007  

Welcome
Gratitude: noun expression of thankfulness or appreciation of benefits received

We here at the Honest Kitchen have been feeling quite an overwhelming sense of gratitude as of late for you, our loyal customers and friends and to everyone else who has helped us to continue with our mission to make wholesome, homecooked meals a reality for all dogs and cats. We're also grateful to our furry friends: Mosi, Charlie, Willow, Samson, Coco, Texas, Roxi, and last but not least Harry for providing us with daily inspiration and comic relief.

As a demonstration of our gratitude to you for your continued support, we are giving away a free jar of Sparkle with every order over $50. Enter coupon code: R0807SPRK

Directions:
Once you have added products to your shopping cart (no need to add Sparkle. The coupon adds it for you!), add this coupon code to the section above the cart that says "if you have a gift certificate or coupon, please enter it here." If you are copying and pasting the code directly from this email, please make sure you do not include the space before and after the code.


Terms and conditions: The coupon code is good for one free jar of Sparkle in a standard retail order over $50. One coupon per customer. Not valid for wholesale or drop-ship orders. Expires 08/31/07
  • Kudos & Pony Rescue
  • Is your Dog a Star?
  • Nutrition Corner
  • Real Dogs Eat Quiche
  • Bonnie's Barkery


  • What's Going on in the Kitchen!

    Product Reviews
    We love it when you tell us how well your pets are doing on our products! Following is a selection of reviews and some snippits of feedback from the last few weeks. If you'd like to provide some feedback of your own, you can do so at reviews@thehonestkitchen.com. Don't forget, we love to see photos of our customers (photos of their guardians are optional)!

    "I just wanted to let you know all three of my dogs are eating your Force food for almost a year. They have never looked better. Even their teeth are staying clean with this food. Two of my dogs had severe allergies - not any more. Their coats look and smell great - well the best they have ever looked. No more red and itchy feet either. Also, thank you to your customer service department. When I started my dogs on your food, I had a lot of questions and they couldn't have been more helpful.
    Tracey
    Katie, Theo, and Kelsey"

    "I just wanted to let you know that after months of my 3 Miniature Schnauzers being on Force, they are healthier then ever. The two black MS's I have had their hair turning red and dry. Their breath smelled bad. The salt and pepper MS had dry skin and always itching. Their hair is now black again, their skin is healthier and their breath is back to normal now. They lost a pound or two and I see their waistline now. They look and act healthy now. Also, your customer support has always been there for any questions I have asked. After many trials of dry and raw foods we have tried, this is the right one for them. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Fantastic product!
    Pamela"



    Charity of the Month
    Our chosen Charity for the month of August is PMU Rescue, a project of the United Animal Nations which is dedicated to raising awareness about the cruel practices of the Premarin industry, the horse farming operations used for Premarin production, as well as educating about alternatives to this drug. PMU Rescue coordinates, shelters and re-homes thousands of mares and their offspring who have been displaced from the declining Premarin Industry. If you would like to provide help to a PMU mare or foal in need, you can do so at https://secure.ga3.org/01/pmurescue_donate . Throughout the month of August, a portion of all profits from sales on our web site will be donated to PMU Rescue. Shop Here!



    Wanna See Your Dog on the Cover of a Magazine?

    Bark Magazine, one of the hippest, most informative, and most enjoyable reads out there is embarking (no pun intended, of course) on a search for a cover dog. Bark isn't just looking for another pretty face though. This dog must embody their favorite qualities - happiness, spirit, charm and personality! Email your dog's photo and a short essay (150 words or less) describing why you think your dog should be on the cover (and about their special place in your life). Don't forget to include your dog's name in the subject line and on the photo attachment, and include your contact information in the body of the message. The deadline for entry is August 31, 2007. For more information, check out their website: www.thebark.com

    We will award the next Bark Magazine cover an Honest Kitchen gift basket valued at over $250. Good luck to you all!!


    Nutrition Corner: What is Gluten and how does it affect our pets?

    Gluten is a generic term used to describe the proteins found in wheat and other cereal grains. It constitutes a mixture of proteins classified into two groups, called prolamines and glutelins.

    In true grain intolerance, an immune response occurs when gluten is consumed; the villi, which are tiny hair-like projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients from food, are damaged. Damaged villi do not effectively absorb basic nutrients -- proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and, in some cases, water and bile salts.

    One school of thought is that genetically modified grains are especially risky for the gluten intolerant. Recent studies suggest that oats may not be as problematic as wheat. Some pets who are sensitive to many grains, can tolerate oats quite well. Some pets are only sensitive to certain grains. Others, by contrast, actually need some grain in their diet, in order to maintain a healthy bodyweight and proper skin and coat condition. Grain and gluten sensitivity, as with most things relating to health, are very specific to the individual pet.

    Consumption of glutenous grains in sensitive pets, can lead to chronic GI upset as well as dermatitis and chronic ear infections.

    Which grains are gluten free?

    Rice
    Amaranth
    Buckwheat (not related to wheat)
    Millet
    Quinoa

    Other gluten-free starches include garbanzo, lentils, nuts (remember dogs must not eat macadamia nuts), maize / corn, fava beans and cassava.



    Recipe of the Month: Quiche

    This dish was a huge hit with the two pups that were lucky enough to try it. For a tastier human version, substitute light cream for the kefir.

    Frozen pie crust
    3 cups plain kefir
    1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
    1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    1 diced bell pepper
    5 ounces shredded fresh spinach
    4 eggs lightly beaten
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    Few grinds of black pepper
    1/3 cup of Parmesean or Asiago cheese
    1/4 cup of meat of choice (lightly cooked)

    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
    Warm the basil and kefir in a small saucepan over low heat for about 10 minutes. Set aside.

    Heat oil in a medium skillet. Add the bell peppers and saute until tender. Add in Spinach and cook until it until it begins to stick to the pan.

    Whisk together the kefir, eggs, spinach, bell peppers, salt, pepper, and cheese. Sprinkle meat onto the bottom of the pie crust and cover with the whisked mixture.

    Bake on the bottom rack for 15 minutes. Transfer dish to middle rack and bake for another 30 minutes (or until it feels firm) at 375 degrees F.


    Store of the Month

    As many independent pet nutrition stores' inspiration, Bonnie, a Pomeranian provided the motivation for the opening of our August Store of the Month:

    Bonnie's Barkery
    30845 North Cave Creek Road
    Phoenix, AZ
    480.502.7973 or toll-free at 866.316.7973
    http://bonniesbarkery.com

    Sarah Dixon, the owner of this delightful and clean store, had a mission to stock healthier foods for her dogs as well all the fur friends in her area. She has sought out to educate pet owners about the risks of cancer, kidney & liver disease if nutrition is not addressed in the overall healthcare of the dogs and cats who visit Bonnie's Barkery. To initiate owners' involvement with their pet's diets, Sarah holds Pet Food Basics, First Aid and CPR classes. Please visit her website or stop into her store to sign up for the upcoming seminars.

    Bonnie's Barkery carries The Honest Kitchen food and has received nominations for Store of the Month. To reward her commitment to improving the lives of dogs and cats, Bonnie's Barkery will receive 20% off their next order. Thank you, Bonnie's Barkery!


    Check out our website to see if there are any stores in your area: www.thehonestkitchen.com



           
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