Organic Gardening In The Backyard Fun Healthy and Easier Than You May Think

J. GustafsonOrganic gardening, which is sometimes thought of as something out of the 60s hippie culture, has been steadily growing in popularity over the years. Not only can you find entire aisles of organics at the local supermarket, the number of specialty stores dedicated to organically grown foods has increased dramatically. Part of this popularity is due to an increasing understanding of the dangers associated with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Growing organically generally means gardening without these potentially dangerous chemicals. Many backyard gardeners are turning to organic methods as they realize how easy and effective organic growing can be.

Part of the reason chemical pesticides and fertilizers are so widely used is because they work well. In deciding to use organic methods in your backyard garden, you first will need to accept the fact that you will likely have more pest damage and lower yields than if you were employing chemicals. Many people are willing to make this trade off in return for the opportunity to harvest chemical-free foods for themselves and their families.

There are several different approaches and techniques used in organic gardening. You may find that you are using some of them already. If you have selected cultivars that are resistant to pests or drought, you are involved in one form of organic gardening. If you put out a scarecrow or bars of hand soap to keep animals away, this too is organic gardening. Compost is an organic fertilizer. Organic techniques are around in many gardens already. By utilizing them more and moving away from chemicals, you can improve the environment and lead a healthier lifestyle.

There are different levels of organic gardening and different reasons why people choose organic methods. Some do it because they do not want to harm any animals, even aphids or cutworms. So they try to develop a system where they can cohabitate peacefully, keeping insects and other animals out when possible and removing them or learning to live with them when other options dont work.

Some people are not opposed to pest control and extermination but they dont want to add any more chemicals to the environment or to the food that they eat. Others go organic as a means of getting back to a more historic, natural, and even challenging way of gardening. You will need to decide which methods match your personal philosophies and reasons for going organic.

Pest control and fertilization are two of the key areas to focus on with organic gardening. In addition to using native, resistant plants, mulching, and practicing crop rotation, the use of other natural methods of pest control and of compost and manure as fertilizer can go a long way toward creating a more organic garden.

Pest Control

There are many ways that backyard gardeners can control insects and other pests without the use of synthetic chemicals.

- Use mesh row covers to keep insects off of plants. They need to be removed from squashes, melons, cucumbers, peppers and other plants that require or benefit from pollinations during flowering.
- Collars placed around young plants will help prevent damage by cutworms.
- Allow natural predators such as ladybugs and wasps to assist you in your efforts by planting vegetation that will attract them to your garden and avoiding pesticides that harm them as well.
- Screens, cold frames and fences can help keep some insects and animals such as rabbits out of the garden.
- Aphids can be removed from plants with a strong stream of water. Hand removing insects such as potato beetles can be effective in small gardens.
- Weed your garden and turn the soil regularly to help reduce the growth of insects that like to nest in certain plant debris.
- Learn to identify the egg clusters of harmful insects and remove them immediately
- Use homemade insecticides such as garlic spray or other harmless pest inhibitors.
- Try using non-invasive methods of pest control including soap bars, cuttings of human hair, or an alert dog in the yard. These techniques may or may not be effective, but are worth a try before resorting to chemicals.
- Some home pesticides such as those that use rhubarb or tobacco plants can be very dangerous to humans and other mammals. Use caution and be sure you know what youre getting into before you begin.

Organic Fertilizers

Of course you want your plants to grow quickly and produce large yields. However, chemical fertilizers are potentially harmful to those who eat the plants and to the environment, especially if applied too heavily and allowed to run off into water supplies and habitat areas. Using organic fertilizers can decrease the problems associated with chemicals.

Manure is a natural, effective fertilizer if used properly. Not only does it improve soil structure, it provides the nutrients plants need to develop. Manure that is allowed to age and decompose before use is most effective. Pasteurized manure is less likely to include active weed seed or harmful bacteria. Do not apply too heavily.

Create and maintain a compost pile to use as fertilizer. Not only does it incorporate the use of natural organic material such as leaves, lawn clippings and household waste such as potato peels and carrot stems, it also provides a free source of fertilizer and reduces the amount of waste that is hauled to landfills.

If you choose to use chemical fertilizers, use sparingly and choose a slow release variety that is less likely to leech into vulnerable areas.

Companion planting, which is the practice of putting together two plants that seem to benefit each other, has been offered as a means of enhancing organic gardening practices. It is thought that plants such as nicotina and marigolds are natural pest deterrents. However, there is no firm research to support this as yet. Still, many gardeners have reported success with this method.

Additionally, planting vegetables with prickly vines, such as watermelon or squashes around the perimeter of vulnerable plants may help keep out rabbits and other animals that dont like the scratchy vines.

These days, many gardeners are looking for ways to reduce the use of chemicals and rely on more natural and inexpensive means of providing food for their tale and backyard growing enjoyment. Organic gardening techniques provide fun and healthy options.

Part of the reason chemical pesticides and fertilizers are so widely used is because they work well. In deciding to use organic methods in your backyard garden, you first will need to accept the fact that you will likely have more pest damage and lower yields than if you were employing chemicals. Many people are willing to make this trade off in return for the opportunity to harvest chemical-free foods for themselves and their families.

There are several different approaches and techniques used in organic gardening. You may find that you are using some of them already. If you have selected cultivars that are resistant to pests or drought, you are involved in one form of organic gardening. If you put out a scarecrow or bars of hand soap to keep animals away, this too is organic gardening. Compost is an organic fertilizer. Organic techniques are around in many gardens already. By utilizing them more and moving away from chemicals, you can improve the environment and lead a healthier lifestyle.

There are different levels of organic gardening and different reasons why people choose organic methods. Some do it because they do not want to harm any animals, even aphids or cutworms. So they try to develop a system where they can cohabitate peacefully, keeping insects and other animals out when possible and removing them or learning to live with them when other options dont work.

Some people are not opposed to pest control and extermination but they dont want to add any more chemicals to the environment or to the food that they eat. Others go organic as a means of getting back to a more historic, natural, and even challenging way of gardening. You will need to decide which methods match your personal philosophies and reasons for going organic.

Pest control and fertilization are two of the key areas to focus on with organic gardening. In addition to using native, resistant plants, mulching, and practicing crop rotation, the use of other natural methods of pest control and of compost and manure as fertilizer can go a long way toward creating a more organic garden.

Pest Control

There are many ways that backyard gardeners can control insects and other pests without the use of synthetic chemicals.

- Use mesh row covers to keep insects off of plants. They need to be removed from squashes, melons, cucumbers, peppers and other plants that require or benefit from pollinations during flowering.
- Collars placed around young plants will help prevent damage by cutworms.
- Allow natural predators such as ladybugs and wasps to assist you in your efforts by planting vegetation that will attract them to your garden and avoiding pesticides that harm them as well.
- Screens, cold frames and fences can help keep some insects and animals such as rabbits out of the garden.
- Aphids can be removed from plants with a strong stream of water. Hand removing insects such as potato beetles can be effective in small gardens.
- Weed your garden and turn the soil regularly to help reduce the growth of insects that like to nest in certain plant debris.
- Learn to identify the egg clusters of harmful insects and remove them immediately
- Use homemade insecticides such as garlic spray or other harmless pest inhibitors.
- Try using non-invasive methods of pest control including soap bars, cuttings of human hair, or an alert dog in the yard. These techniques may or may not be effective, but are worth a try before resorting to chemicals.
- Some home pesticides such as those that use rhubarb or tobacco plants can be very dangerous to humans and other mammals. Use caution and be sure you know what youre getting into before you begin.

Organic Fertilizers

Of course you want your plants to grow quickly and produce large yields. However, chemical fertilizers are potentially harmful to those who eat the plants and to the environment, especially if applied too heavily and allowed to run off into water supplies and habitat areas. Using organic fertilizers can decrease the problems associated with chemicals.

Manure is a natural, effective fertilizer if used properly. Not only does it improve soil structure, it provides the nutrients plants need to develop. Manure that is allowed to age and decompose before use is most effective. Pasteurized manure is less likely to include active weed seed or harmful bacteria. Do not apply too heavily.

Create and maintain a compost pile to use as fertilizer. Not only does it incorporate the use of natural organic material such as leaves, lawn clippings and household waste such as potato peels and carrot stems, it also provides a free source of fertilizer and reduces the amount of waste that is hauled to landfills.

If you choose to use chemical fertilizers, use sparingly and choose a slow release variety that is less likely to leech into vulnerable areas.

Companion planting, which is the practice of putting together two plants that seem to benefit each other, has been offered as a means of enhancing organic gardening practices. It is thought that plants such as nicotina and marigolds are natural pest deterrents. However, there is no firm research to support this as yet. Still, many gardeners have reported success with this method.

Additionally, planting vegetables with prickly vines, such as watermelon or squashes around the perimeter of vulnerable plants may help keep out rabbits and other animals that dont like the scratchy vines.

These days, many gardeners are looking for ways to reduce the use of chemicals and rely on more natural and inexpensive means of providing food for their tale and backyard growing enjoyment. Organic gardening techniques provide fun and healthy options.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
C.J. Gustafson is an amateur gardener and a professional photographer, providing valuable tips and advice about garden accessories and other vegetable gardening topics. She would rather lose a few ears of corn than go without wildlife in her garden.

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How to Make a Christmas or Holiday Gift Basket

Making a gift basket for Christmas or a holiday is a very personalized way to convey your feelings. It's easy too. A custom, unique, personalized gift basket from you will be appreciated by the recipient more than anything you can buy from a store.

How to make a gift basket is not rocket science. Once you learn the basics you can use the same pattern, all year 'round, just change the theme.

A holiday or Christmas gift basket is a great gift idea. Give one to your mother (mom), father (dad), grandma or grandpa, boss, co-worker, corporate co-workers, teacher, friend, new friend, best friend, boyfriend or girlfriend.

Also, you may want to give one to your neighbor, shut-in neighbor, hospital patient, assisted living facility resident, retirement home resident, nurse, doctor or a special thank you to someone who has helped you in some way.

The first thing to do is decide on what items or products you're going to put in the basket.

I've compiled and listed here some ideas and suggestions. These are items that might be appropriate for Christmas and the holidays, for you to consider, and choose from. Many of these items can be picked up at the dollar store if the budget is tight. Only use new items.

Important tip: be careful about using any packaged cookies or crackers. They have a short shelf life and go stale quickly.

Now the list of items and products -- circle or make notations as you read: small plant, disposable camera, a small book, inspirational book, spa pillows, bath pillows, spa supplies, bath and body products, facial and body scrubs, handmade soaps, fragrant soaps, shampoos, hand and foot lotion, fluffy towel, potholders, gift certificate for massage or spa visit, scented oils,and scented massage oils.

Also, gift certificate to favorite store, gift certificate for restaurant, loofah, fragrant candle, matches to light candles, CD of nature sounds, favorite artist CD, DVD of newer release movie, how-to video or DVD, garden trowel or other garden tools, garden gloves, work gloves, cold weather gloves, leather gloves, garden picks, seeds, hand lotion, and flower pot.

Also, flavored teas, green tea, specialty tea, herbal tea, biscotti, tea infuser, small tools, gadgets, stuffed animals, toys, playing cards, calculator, healthy snacks, food, wine, champagne, special beer, lottery tickets, travel-size games and small puzzles.

Also, fancy chocolates, boxed chocolates, chocolate bars, hot chocolate mix, specialty coffee mix, handwritten poem, perfume, cologne, watch, framed photo, t-shirt, baseball cap, collectible cards, tickets to events, small dolls, homemade cookies, homemade brownies and homemade jams.

And movie tickets, popcorn, caramel corn, giant-size boxed candy, candy canes, suckers, lollipops, apple, pear, orange, persimmon, mango, papaya, chips, pretzels, nuts, plastic skulls, spiders, fake cob webs, magic shop items, coffee mug, gourmet pasta, and gourmet olive oil.

And doggie biscuits,cat treats, dog or cat collar, dog or cat toys, stationery supplies, cooking tools, cooking gadgets, measuring spoons, receiving blanket, baby rattles, baby powder, baby shampoo, baby bath wash, hooded towels, pre-packaged food items, pancake mixes, brownie mixes, cookie mixes, wooden spoons, baby games and baby items.

And your best chocolate chip cookie recipe, Italian recipes, Mexican food recipes or other ethnic recipes, book of motivational quotations, birthday poems,corkscrews, computer-related items, mouse pad, yarn, and painting or artist supplies.

And finally, golf balls, golf tees, golf knick knacks, tennis balls, tennis knick knacks, key chains, small calendars or desk calendars, barometer, outdoor thermometer, science gadgets, electronic gadgets, health-related items, auto-related items, cinnamon sticks, etc.

Make sure to include some red and green Christmas products or other holiday items.

Use a red and green Christmas theme unless your religious holiday uses another color theme. Decide what type of container to use. To make it simple use a traditional wicker basket. If you have time to experiment there are many other containers you can use, of course. For Christmas I think the best container choice is the traditional wicker gift basket however.

Now the easy part -- gather together all of your gift basket items, scissors and other tools, container, liner, filler, wrap, ribbon, card, etc. Then line your selected gift basket with a red cloth napkin or red fabric.

Now stuff your filler with red and green straw or just red or just green straw (available from craft stores) - into the gift basket. Place, layer and arrange your selected items on the straw in the gift basket. Put the larger items in the back, the smaller items in front to give it the proper proportional height.

Fill in the holes or prop up the items with more filler (shredded paper, straw, wrapped chocolates, napkins, holiday napkins, etc.) Also you can use artificial flower picks if you have them to fill in any empty space.

You can leave the basket unwrapped or get some cello wrap from your craft store. Place the wrap under the gift basket. Center the gift basket on the wrap. Bring the cellophane over the top of the gift basket and tie it with red ribbon and a beautiful red bow! Use ribbon and bows to match your red and green theme.

Tuck a hand-written card or a Christmas card in the ribbon and that's it! You're done. Now why not make another gift basket?

With these tips you now know how to make a holiday or Christmas gift basket. Your loved one or the recipient of your unique, custom, personalized holiday or Christmas gift basket will be thrilled to receive it. Don't worry if it isn't perfect. He or she will love it and love you for it!

Helen Hecker heads Twin Peaks Press since 1982. Helps publishers, online marketing,mailing lists,press releases,Helen Hecker's Biz Hotline,How to Make Gift Baskets DVD. http://www.TwinPeaksPress.com http://www.HowToMakeBeautifulGiftBaskets.com http://www.SellCookbooks.com

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The Comparative Sizes of Poilus and Doughboys

The American soldiers of World War I certainly were bigger than their counterparts in the French Army. They were a good head taller and from five to fifteen pounds heavier. The French populace and the French soldiers (poilus) looked upon the average American soldier as being something of a comparative (to the French) giant. The French soldier had an average height of 5 feet 4 inches and the average height of the American soldier was about 5 feet 8 inches, thus the Americans towered over their French companions-in-arms.

That the American was a larger man, was no doubt due to the improved diet and the larger meals that he enjoyed while growing up. When the first doughboys of the AEF arrived in France, the French stood by slack-jawed and pop-eyed, looking at the tall, husky and bronzed soldiers from America as if they were men from outer space. Having been brought up on translated versions of the American dime novels of the Wild West and American made cowboy-western motion pictures, verily the French believed that all Americans had been born in the saddle. The newly arriving soldiers were the American Indians literally arrived in France.

It is no exaggeration to state that the French expected to see the Americans come down the gangplanks of the troopships carrying tomahawks and wearing feather-bonnets, instead of carrying Springfield 1903 rifles and wearing their peaked felt campaign hats (which made them look even taller)! Thus was the legend of the wild, red-Indians from America reinforced. Of course, the doughboys bolstered this French belief wherever and however they possibly could. Sometimes they would let out war-whoops, sometimes they actually (until the practice was banned) carried homemade tomahawks on their packs or on their belts. Some came down the gangplank with feathers sticking out of their campaign hats! American soldiers did not really have to do much to reinforce the French beliefs, as the French had already spread the legend of the giants from America the length and breadth of France, by word of mouth and in the public media. At each telling, the Americans got larger. And, it goes without saying, that the exuberant Americans played the roll to the hilt. Nevertheless, the arriving Americans detected a certain amount of disappointment on the part of the French. They found out later that the French expected the Americans to be seven feet tall and wearing long beards!

The American doughboy enjoyed a healthy diet, and was (except for the city boys) used to hard work in the fresh-air, and he got plenty of exercise. The smaller city boys didn't arrive in France until later on when the National Army divisions began to arrive. The initial American divisions which arrived in France were composed of the `cream of the American crop' of men, tall, rangy, well-built, and, according to the mademoiselles, very good looking. The French were always remarking on the healthy complexions and the excellent teeth of the Americans.

The men of the AEF were always amazed at the sheer muscular strength of the French soldiers. Doughboys would stand amazed while watching the shorter, more squat French soldiers march by with their great, heavy overcoats on, carrying their jumble of accoutrements on their backs in the form of pots and pans, a large pack, extra hobnailed shoes, his Adrian-style helmet perched jauntily on his head, his `pinard' bottle, and the ubiquitous pipe stuck in his mouth. The doughboys didn't envy the poilu carrying his long, heavy Lebel rifle with the needle-like Rosalie bayonet. Through all of this, the doughboy always commented that, through his thick moustaches and beard, the poilu (poil means hair) of France almost always had a smile and a greeting for the Americans. It was constantly remarked by the Americans that the French marching gait was short and choppy, so that the soldier wouldn't topple over because of his offset center of gravity. The poilu wore a long coat, and when he was marching he buttoned back the front flaps to make room for his legs, so when the Americans saw that, they knew he was on the march. If his face was set grimly, they knew he was going to say: ?Nous les aurons,? that is: We?ll have them, we?ll get them.?

Infantrymen shouldered heavy burdens during the First World War. It is a well-known fact that the optimum weight for a man to carry is one third of his own weight. The French infantryman?s load was as much as eighty-five pounds, an awesome figure no matter how well it may be distributed. No matter that he was decidedly overburdened--he carried this load everyplace that he went. Henri Barbusse described the pack as ?monumental and crushing?: it contained not only all the regulation items, but also a man?s little treasures and comforts ? tins of fruit, chocolate, candles, and so on. The regulation items comprised of: two blankets rolled up in a groundsheet, a spare pair of boots, a sheepskin or quilted coat, a shovel or pair of heavy wire-clippers, a mess-tin and a large pail for rations, two liters of wine, two quarts of water, food for four days, 200 cartridges for his Lebel rifle, six hand grenades and a gas mask, as well as assorted clothes and personal belongings. The whole lot was carried in a ?bazaar? or more often the ?bordello?. The knapsack itself was referred to as ?Azor?, the French equivalent of ?Fido?, because at the beginning of the war it was made of dogskin.

The Americans had a saying that the French soldier could march all night and fight all day. The Americans also remarked that they would probably desert their own army if they were forced to carry the enormous load of the French soldiery, which, in the words of the AEF, was only fit for a mule.? The Americans stood in absolute awe of the indefatigable, seemingly tireless French soldier. They also had a saying that the French Army would not fight any more because it had worn itself to a frazzle carrying those enormous loads all over France for four long years.

Of the two soldiers, the Frenchman was evidently the more physically powerful man, despite his shorter stature. The average French soldier was from the countryside, was an ex-farmer, and one who did not have the advantage of power-machines on the farm. Every iota of the hard work he did was by the sweat of his brow and the labor of his back. This all added up to a physically strong soldier.

The French populace was astounded at the capacity of the seemingly ever-hungry Americans to devour food. The already impoverished French had a very difficult time feeding themselves properly, let alone the always ravenously hungry American soldiers. French meals are (even today) much smaller than what the average American is used to. This was also true in 1918.

American doughboys were heartily weary of the unimaginative and barely digestible food served by army cooks. Their diet usually consisted of beans, ?Canned Willy? (Argentine beef that was already rancid when it was processed), hardtack biscuits and/or French bread, and an evil concoction called ?slum.? The hardtack and the bread were both so hard that one practically had to stomp on it to break it up. The Americans felt that their cooks were stuck in time, someplace between the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

When the Americans came into town, they would order gigantic omelets made of dozens of oofs and have the French women cook whatever else was at hand. They would literally eat a town out of food, and then go scrounging around the local countryside for more eggs, ducks, chickens, pigs, vegetables, anything that could be boiled, baked, barbecued, or eaten raw. And they would pay some absolutely outrageous prices for all of what they ate. Big men have equally big appetites. The AEF is still remembered in France as being an army of the heartiest eaters the French had ever encountered.

There was something different about the soldiers the Americans sent abroad under Pershing in that AEF. Such soldiers, perhaps, were never seen before, and have certainly never been seen since. They sang. They laughed a great deal. They believed in themselves, their country, their way. They were young, confident and open; to the Europeans it seemed like they were indeed godlike, untouched, sure of the sacredness of their mission, which was to give the world a new order and make the world clean and right. Their sons, the ?G. I.? of world War Two, were comparatively somber, very quiet, did not sing, and had very much of an ?Oh, God, here we go again? attitude. After all, their fathers had told them about the futility of the First World War, and urged them ?not to join the army.?

The doughboys of the AEF did not have to show their hatchets or put on their war bonnets to prove that the were indeed a race of born and bred warrior-giants; they proved all of that and more on the battlefields of France. They are now just about all into that Valhalla reserved for them. Most of them are still shouting -- Lets Go! or When do we eat?- the two favorite cries of the inimitable doughboys of the AEF. And, they are surely asking one another the inimitable question of, ?What outfit, buddy?? God bless them all, wherever they are now. And, wherever they are now, the `doughboy' and the French poilu probably have their arms around each others shoulders as they march along in eternal camaraderie, each probably singing some bawdy verse of ?Mademoiselle from Armentieres,? or ?Hinky-dinky, parlay-voos.?

About the author:

David Homsher, a veteran of U.S. Army service during the Korean War, and now retired, is a historian/author of and about the American soldier of World War I and his battlefields. Dave has traveled extensively over many of the battlegrounds of both World Wars and he is has written and published the first of a series of guidebooks to the American battlefields of the World War I in France and Belgium.

Copyright April 2007 by David Homsher.
Battleground Productions
85 Tilton Avenue, # 4,
PO Box 624
San Mateo, California, 94401 USA
Website: http://www.battlegroundpro.com

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Free Homemade Dog Food Recipes

The current crisis in our pet food supply has many of us looking for homemade dog food recipes for our beloved pets. I have been cooking for our dog for many years and find that he likes mostly the same foods that we do. Each animal has his own preferences, just like we do. For instance, our Oscar will not eat tomatoes, but Bonnie loves them. Use these recipes as a starting place for homemade dog food recipes. Then, as you discover your pets preferences you can customize them more. One caution: you should not serve onion or chocolate to dogs as they contain substances that can be toxic to dogs.

Some veterinarians prefer raw meat for our pets. I prefer to cook the meat because of concerns over E Coli and other bacterial contamination. If you wish to use raw meat, do not use ground meat. The grinding process increases the possibility of contamination by providing more surface area for the bacteria to grow.

Canine Meat and Grain Menu

2 cups cooked brown rice
2/3 cup Lean beef
2 teaspoons lard -- or veggie oil
1/2 cup vegetables -- no onion*

Mix all together. You can serve the beef raw if you use chunks of beef. Do not serve ground beef raw, the grinding process increases the chances of bacterial contamination. Use any vegetables you like. You will find over time that your dog will leave any vegetables he does not like. Mix the above. Serve slightly warm, but not hot.

Chow Chow Chicken

You must remove the meat from the bones in this recipe. Chicken bones can easily splinter and cause choking problems in dogs.

2 chicken thighs -- or white meat
1 stalk celery -- sliced thick
3 carrot -- peeled and halved
2 small potatoes -- peeled and cubed
2 cups rice -- uncooked

Place chicken pieces in large pot. Cover with cold water (5 -6 cups). Add carrots, celery, and potatoes to water. Add salt to taste if you want. Cover and simmer on low heat about 2 hours until the chicken becomes tender. Add the rice, cover and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove soup from heat. Pull the chicken meat off the bone ( it will practically fall off), discard bones. Return shredded pieces to pot. Stir well. Let cool. Store in the refrigerator or freeze.

Meaty Dog Biscuits

Use beef, chicken or lamb strained baby food for these biscuits.

2 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 egg
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 to 10 tablespoons water
2 jars baby food meat, strained

Mix all ingredients together and knead for 3 min. Roll out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a dog bone shaped cookie cutter, and place biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 min.

Makes approximately 2 dozen doggie biscuits

Bacon Bites for Dogs

6 slices cooked bacon -- crumbled
4 eggs -- well beaten
1/8 cup bacon grease
1 cup water
1/2 cup powdered milk -- non-fat
2 cup graham flour
2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup cornmeal

Mix ingredients with a strong spoon; drop heaping tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake in a 350 oven for 15 minutes. Turn off oven and leave cookies on baking sheet in the oven overnight to dry out.

Ace's Favorite Cheesy Dog Biscuits

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cups grated cheddar cheese
1/4 pound margarine -- corn oil
1 clove garlic -- crushed
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup Milk -- or as needed

Grate the cheese into a bowl and let stand until it reaches room temperature. Cream the cheese with the softened margarine, garlic, salt and flour. Add enough milk to form into a ball.

Chill for 1/2 hour. Roll onto floured board. Cut into shapes and bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until slightly brown, and firm.

Makes 2 to 3 dozen, depending on size.

I hope that these free dog food recipes will inspire you to cook safe and healthy food for your pet.

Do you need more free dog or cat food recipes? Download our free collection of dog and cat foods at Free Dog and Cat Food Recipes. and instantly download the ebooks.

Are you interested in traditional southern cooking? Diane has just finished a free cookbook of her favorite southern recipes. Download Easy Southern Favorites today. These recipes are guaranteed to have them begging for more. Best of all, its free!

Diane Watkins is a traditional southern style cook. She enjoys cooking, teaching, and writing about good food and family. For more information on southern cooking and recipes visit her website at Easy Southern Cooking

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Nostalgic Flashback Of The 1950s

Since I grew up in the 1950's it is fun for me to reflect on some of the nifty things during that era.

Drive In Theatres Known then as the passion pit, Drive In Theatres bring back many happy memories! My birthday being in July was the prime season for Drive In movies. I would invite all my friends over to celebrate my birthday complete with my mother's homemade barbeque sandwiches which was my favorite.She would make it from sliced rump roast and then lay the meat in an electric skillet smothered in barbeque sauce. Just before dark we would all pile into a car and head for the drive In. I still remember the intermission jingle Let's all go to the lobby with the hot dog, soda drink and popcorn dancing across the screen. The Drive In was the favorite place to go on a date and the after the show we would go to the Steak n Shake for a hamburger and fries. At that time you stayed in your car and your food was brought to you. A tray holder was placed on the drivers side window to hold the food. It was just brought to my attention from my teenage grandchildren that going steady is no longer used. I asked them what do you call it now? They replied just going out. Makes no sense to me, but that is how times change. Back in the 50's and 60's when you were going steady, the girl would be given her boyfriends ring to wear. Because they were always too big to fit, we would wrap the back with white bandage tape and then cover that with fuzzy angora yarn in different colors.. way too cool! The only place you could buy the angora in my town was a department store downtown and I can still remember that they did not have cash registers at the counters, but instead the clerk would send your money through a vacuum tube that led upstairs to the cashiers office. It was much like the drive in banking tube that is used today.

Rock n Roll The summer of 1955 with Bill Haley's song Rock Around the Clock changed the music we listened to forever. I was hooked. Then came Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and the rest is history. Every Saturday I would walk downtown to Lindstrom's Record store and listen to the latest hits and always come home with at least one new 45. In my bedroom next to my bed was my radio that I would listen to every night just to hear the newest songs. Radio at that time was AM only and at night with less interference in the airwaves I could pick up a station from Little Rock which was about 600 miles from where I lived. The commercial that I will never forget was for White Rose Petroleum Jelly. I was so excited the night I heard the song Sea Cruise that I ran down to Lindstrom's to buy it only to find out that it wasn't available yet. My parents did not like Rock n Roll and would say it sounds like noise. They did however put up with it and allowed me to play my record player as loud as it would go which was not very loud when compared to today's stereos. Now we have a stereo in the living room, a portable stereo in the garage complete with subwoofer, subwoofers on our computers and a subwoofer in the car. My love for music has stayed with me and the music and the equipment to play it with just keeps getting better.

Clothes Cuffed bobbie socks worn with suede uckskin shoes or saddle shoes that came in all color combinations and styles from light weight to the original heavier oxford in black and white. The sleeves were always cuffed and rolled on the girls short sleeve shirts, and finished off with a scarf around the neck. Wool skirts with the length at the middle of the calf with a slit in the back. The favorite hair styles were pony tails, and shoulder length hair that was rolled at the ends with bangs and usually a side part. Barrettes were often used as decoration and to hold the hair away from the face. The boys typical clothes were blue jeans with cuffed legs, a t-shirt with rolled sleeves, or a shirt with the back of the collar turned up. They wore various short hair styles ranging from the butch to slightly longer Elvis style that was combed back and held in place with VO5 Hair Dressing into a duck tail or DA as it was called. Going to church on Easter Sunday was a sight to behold! All the women and young girls (me included) wore a hat adorned with artificial flowers along with white gloves.

Toys and Hobbies I wasn't much into dolls as a child because I preferred to be outside exploring or making something with my hands. The one doll that I did enjoy for a short time was the Ginny Doll that is tucked away in a closet complete with all the clothes, accessories and furniture along with a Toni Doll still in the original box almost untouched. The Toni Doll was a Christmas gift and I was evidently at the age that it just didn't interest me much. Easy Bake Oven has been around for 50 plus years as I was given one for Christmas when I was 8 years old and made and ate all the cakes the first night. Needless to say, I got very sick later that night! One of my weekly downtown stops was the local Hobby Shop that sold Paint by Number products. I would sit at a desk in the sunroom and paint for hours. I painted a black tole waste basket and Kleenex box holder that was given to my Mother as a gift. They also sold magic tricks that fascinated me and I would give magic shows at home on the piano bench covered with a black antique crazy quilt. Two other toys I have fond memories of was the Hula Hoop and the Slinky.

Burma Shave The old motels are now a thing of the past having been replaced with travel hotels. More rooms in a smaller space, but not as convenient as the motels where you would park right in front of your room. When our family would take car trips we would see the Burma Shave signs along the road and read them out load as we passed them. DON'T TRY PASSING, ON A SLOPE, UNLESS YOU HAVE, A PERISCOPE, BURMA-SHAVE.

If computers had come along 45 years sooner, I think my life would have been very different. Oh well, better late than never.

About the Author: Barbara Wangelid along with her husband Tobbe are the owners of http://www.JackandFriends.com where you can purchase vintage and retro reproduction signs, enamelware, antique labels, 1950's retro, and classic pedal cars.

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Three Reasons Why More Website Content Increases Traffic

People typically visit the internet in search of information. They are looking for content that is relevant to their purpose. They typically are not looking for marketing ploys. There are a number of ways to increase this content, including having a search engine optimization company provide you with keyword rich articles, but there are three major reasons why more website content increases your website traffic.

The first reason more website content increases traffic is that content articles tend to be focused on a topic. This focus will then lead to the repeated use of a keyword or phrase. That repeated use leads to higher search engine rankings. Search engine rankings are the way returns come back to an internet user through a search engine. If someone searches for the term ?dogs? they will come back with thousands of pages of results. The order those results are displayed on the screen depends on a number of factors including how frequently the term is mentioned on the site and where it is mentioned on the site.

Research shows that people tend only to click on the first ten results a search engine offers them. Increasing your website content will help you become one of those first ten websites. This means more people than you ever thought possible will be clicking on your site in no time simply based on your website ranking. Not only will you be closer to the top of the search engine with more content, you may also be indexed by more search engines. This could mean something like ninety percent of all internet users seeing your website in any one given internet session.

The second reason more website content increases traffic is a bit more complicated. If you have strong, well written content on your site, you increase your credibility with customers. Suddenly you are no longer a company selling homemade dog food; you are somebody who can offer knowledgeable advice about anything a responsible dog owner needs to know including house training, leash laws, and sleeping problems. This increase in credibility not only makes people believe what you have posted to your site, it also makes them want to stay at your site to read the rest of your content articles. The more content articles you have at your site, the longer they will stay. Keeping them there as long as possible is the key to selling your product to them. You have a much longer time frame in which to pitch your product and close the sale.

Not only will they stay at your site longer with more content, but this also means they may come back to your site the next time they log onto their machine. For example, if you are selling refilled printer ink cartridges, but you have content on your site related to all things printers, you have a good chance that someone might stay to look at a few of the articles. However, the next time they need digital photo printing tips, chances are good that they will remember what great content you offered them during their last internet session, and they will return directly to your site just to read more of your content. This means you have their complete, undivided attention for an even longer period of time. Moreover, if they are returning to your site on some sort of regular basis, chances are good that they will recommend the site to other users like friends and relatives which will mean even more traffic for your site.

The final way more website content increases your web traffic is that it increases the likelihood that advertisers and reciprocal link exchangers will be attracted to your site. Reciprocal links are exchanged by websites that have similar interests. The more relevant topics you are able to list, the more chances you have of someone with similar interests attempting to link to your site. This could greatly increase your website traffic because not only will people be able to find your site through search engines, they may also be able to find your site through other sites. Further, though, advertisers are looking for sites that encourage customers they want to do business with. More keywords will mean more customers for you which can mean more advertisers for you which can mean more profits and visibility for you.

No matter which reason you choose, more content will increase your website traffic. That can only mean good things in store for you and your website. You can have your content articles written for you or write them yourself. Whichever way you go, though, be sure they are well-written, as poorly written articles will do nothing to increase your website traffic.

About the Author:

Question #1: Are You an Internet Marketer? Question #2: Are You an Ezine/Newsletter Publisher? Question #3: Do You Use Email to Send Messages to Your Subscribers, Prospects and Clients? If Yes, Check Out Here: http://www.thedirect2client.com

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Beware Excessive Protein Are Bad For Your Dog's Health

Just like any living organism in this world, dogs have certain food that they should avoid or not eat. Because your dog cannot communicate with you directly, it is the responsibility of the dog owner to take care of a dog's dietary needs.

It is commonly known that chocolates are bad for a dog health, and you should not feed your dog any food that even contain chocolate. Not as commonly known are raisins and grapes, as both are toxic to dogs, too much of them in your dog's stomach might even cost him his life.

While many of such these ingredients come from homemade diets and snacks, this articles seek to inform you that commercial products may contain deadly and harmful ingredients too. They are namely excessive proteins and chemical preservatives that you might have unknowingly feed your dog constantly.

Dog food companies manufacture and formulated performance food in the market. These dog foods have high or rather excessive amount of protein and are designed specially for dogs or working dogs with a high level of activities. These food are consider to be containing excessive protein and would be unsuitable for smaller breeds or dogs that seldom exercise.

In cases whereby dogs get excessive protein in their body, thay are excreted in the dog's urine and it was research and believe that excessive protein content might also be one of the cause for damaging a dog's kidney. It is also known that damaged kidneys have difficulty processing protein.

It was also believe that excessive protein cause dogs to show more aggression because too much protein provide too much energy for dogs to handle effectively. Although it is not the food that makes the dog aggressive, it might be that the already aggressive nature dog is affected by a high protein diet and need space to release them. It is certain that some dogs that show certain type of aggressive behavior can be tame by feeding a lower protein content diet.

Chemical preservative is present in most commercial dog food for obvious reason - to preserve and increase the life span of the food. Preservatives in dog food can prevent mold related fungus that can cause severe health problems in dogs that eat them.

However, some of these chemical preservatives are detrimental to the dogs that consume them, even when in small amounts. Preservatives, such as Ethoxyquin, BHA and BHT have been investigated for their links to certain health disorders. Ethoxyquin, above all, shows indication to be cancer causing to dogs.

Dog owners out there, do understand that your dog's health is your sole responsibility. Do take extra care and time to research and feed the best dog food whenever possible.
About the Author

Moses Wright is the founder of Dog-Diet.net. You can find more helpful information on Canine Dog Diet, Natural Dog Food and Homemade Dog Food on his website. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

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Make Your Own Homemade Carp Fishing Bait Choosing Cool Ingredients

'Homemade' is a funny word as it can imply 'simple or basic', but when applied to making carp or catfish bait, the subject certainly deserves far more explanation for optimum results and catches!

Bait really has a single end function; to get the fishing hook into the carp?s mouth, so giving the opportunity for it to be hooked! To achieve this, the bait needs either:

?To emit a recognizable carp food signal, or stimulate carp curiosity.
?Be representative of, or a mimic of a natural food source.

Carp are curious and will examine any new potential food item they come across. Whether paste / dough or boilies, it needs to be resilient enough to be put on the hook or ?hair?, for it to withstand the fishes? attention and enter the mouth.

?Boilie? baits are the more scientifically proven kind that have evolved from the days of the ?Specials? baits. These were often based on ground - up dog, cat, fish foods and farm animal foods in pellet, biscuit and tinned form. They were bound together with eggs, and fished as pastes. In the 1950 to the early 1970?s these were often fished ?free lined? with big hooks, with no weight, and individual baits could be the size of an orange, in order to deter bait-whittling smaller fish!

Other common ?kitchen? type ingredients were also incorporated to enhance paste effectiveness like minced tinned fish, curry powder, bottled condiment sources, yeast powders, milk powders, grated cheese, salt and pepper, herbs, yeast extract, cake baking flavours, whole - wheat flour, corn flour, bird foods, ground fish meal pellets, and animal / pet food pellets, beans, peas, seeds, and many food oils have been used; many of which have proved themselves. Many, in original or extract form, are still used in baits today.

Baits were originally boiled to allow them to be thrown much further out into the water, as carp moved out in response to increased angling pressure and tackle improvements. The fact that nearly every other fish that swims with carp can eat boilies, has shown that the ?hard skinned boilie idea didn?t really work. In fact many species, like big roach, tench, bream, catfish etc, seem to use boilies as part of their staple diets and their improved growth rates can attest to this fact.

The ideal ?average? size established for boilies used to be a recommended 15 millimeters in diameter, although today highly pressured waters often see better results on much smaller sizes and some do very well on even 35 millimeter ones as have done in the UK and France.

If you were an average carp angler, fishing in around 1980 in the UK, then you were most likely still experimenting with many of these ingredients, to give you an ?edge? over those pesky carp! However, there were an advanced minority, who kept the latest bait and rig secret developments private among themselves, and pockets of carp anglers developed different edges and formulas which could totally out - fish the old ?specials?.

This was because they were based upon, and maximized, scientifically proven data, on the carp dietary preference mechanism! Understanding the scientifically proven carp data, on the carp?s dietary preference mechanism and baits designed on this basis, resulted in more highly nutritionally balanced baits. So giving carp the maximum energy and dietary requirements, for the least cost in effort!

The real missing ingredient, for very many carp anglers, even today, is in understanding why a carp eats any of these carp boilie foods at all! And why carp can actually prefer some baits to the exclusion of all the rest!

This is an important area I feel, that has been neglected, leaving many modern carp anglers with less understanding of the baits available to him and how best to choose how and when to use them, because this can be a very important ?edge? in itself! Also I feel it is as important to really understand why your shop-bought bait catches and doesn?t catch in different circumstances, seasonal and weather conditions, and different at types of waters.

Of course it is not vital to know, or understand these things to catch carp. But only the most exceptional outstanding anglers catch big carp consistently, using a normal number of fishing hours to achieve this. Compared to the ?average? majority, who are usually those having taken up carp fishing in the last 5 to 15 years or so and often to struggle to maintain big fish catches consistency all year round unlike much more experienced and ?bait wise? anglers.

So I feel it is important to help explain how to become more satisfied and consistent in your carp fishing, because these days it can be a large sacrifice, both in time and money, to pursue this sport. I believe, especially newer carp anglers, need impartial guidance when it comes to the importance of bait (often a complete afterthought!), when frequently thousands of pounds have been spent on carp fishing tackle!

An introduction to the boilie ingredients: Boilies are usually made using dry mixture ingredients of either 500 grammes or 1 pound. Using a combination of natural and synthetic materials, bait may be bound together usually with eggs, to form dough balls or shapes. The most effective size and dimensions vary depending upon your fishing situation, and could be 8 to 30 millimeters plus. (Never underestimate how fish preferences alter over time and even at different times during a session!)

It pays to make different sizes, shapes, and densities boilies: this helps take away a ?danger? reference point, i.e., it stops the fish recognizing it and fools the carp into eating the hook bait with the hook (which is the point, isn?t it?!)

Boilies have conventionally been and are often labeled in terms of the food group which forms the majority percentage of the bait, i.e.:

Milk protein (whole milk and it?s derivatives)
Carrier carbohydrate (soya flour / semolina)
Bird foods (seed mixes, rearing foods and extracts, etc)
Fishmeal (ground trout pellets, oily fish meals, crustacean meals, seafood extracts, etc)
Meat meals (beef, poultry, pork flakes, hydrolyzed feather meal, etc)
And so on?

Of course, these labels are misleading to some folks these days because baits have become more complex. The benefits of mixing the nutrients of different food groups in the same bait mix, means there may be no single food group in any given bait!

So how do you choose which ingredients to use, which ratios of these to use and why? The first step is commonly practicality; can you put these things together into a dough or paste, to produce a boilie mix that will bind together and roll well? To produce a boilie from various ingredients without instructions on ratios of each ingredient takes some preliminary testing. So it is wise to start by using one large hen?s egg (or similar), mixed with a small amount of any liquid ingredients, to confirm that your test dry ingredients when mixed actually bind and roll well into balls to make boiled baits. If not, add more egg, a small amount of vegetable oil or ?binding material?.

Ideally start by putting the carp?s dietary needs first when making bait, and begin with the bulk ?whole protein food? content of ingredients at 25 % to 50 % of your preliminary 100 % dry mixture. Such examples used could be combinations of some of the following: caseins, lactalbumin, fish meals, meat meals, whey protein.

Usually you will require a binding material to hold the protein food together in the bait. This may require using dry binding ingredients like semolina, wheat gluten, wheat flour, soya flour etc for up to 50 % of the mix, necessary for many types of coarse bird food meals, shellfish meals, meat and fish meals. Different bait materials will alter this approximate ratio, but use the ratio that rolls first! and increase the protein content from there (Using eggs / egg powder to bind your bait, adds a great nutritional added profile as a complete protein food.)

Examples of binders:

Hen?s eggs
Egg powder
Whey gel
Bread crumbs
Full fat ?yellow? semolina
Maize meal
Corn starch
Potato starch
White ground rice flour
Wheat flour
Wheat gluten
Potato gluten
Full fat soya flour
Ground seeds
Ground ?Sluis CLO?
Ground ?EMP?
Ground ?CeDe?
Ground ?Red band? pigeon seed mix
Beef gelatin based binding products

Some of the most effective attraction of your bait comes from the water soluble fraction of particular ingredients used. Ingredients with this characteristic content could constitute 10 % up to 30 % of the mix. Making a resilient practical boilie mix may require the addition or reduction of only one ingredient. Some of the best baits you will ever discover are made by this trial and error process. The solubility of ingredients is especially recommended if an ingredient has high protein value, such as sodium and calcium caseinates, calf milk replacers, whole milk powder, yeast powder, hydrolyzed fish and shellfish proteins etc...

Some are used at much lower levels, e.g. 0.2 % to 6 % ; e.g., hydrolyzed fish protein, hydrolyzed spirulina extract, squid extract, anchovy extract, green crab / lobster / scallop / shrimp / oyster / baby clam extracts, green lip mussel extract etc. These are also effective as most are extremely quickly and efficiently digested with immediate benefits that the carp can feel.

I prefer to fresh freeze baits, or ?air dry? them naturally, or preserve them in a flavour / amino acid / supplement compound, rather than using a chemical preservative in the bait like ascorbic acid.

Carp require oils (essential fatty acids) but only in small amounts e.g., up to 5 % of your total dry mix. Oily fish meals and shellfish meals are already rich in these, as are flax seed, hemp seed, sesame seeds, salmon oil, cod liver oil, crustacean oil, etc. To meet minimum carp dietary requirements try adding perhaps around 1 milliliter to 3 milliliters of a good quality nutritional oil per egg, (maximum,) depending on oil level in the dry mix.

At times of year when water temperatures drop below 55 Fahrenheit / 13 Degrees Celsius, it?s sensible to drop the oil levels used or use emulsified oil. It also pays to reduce some of your ?whole protein food? content and substitute it with e.g., 3 ounces of wheat germ; this is a proven method of improving the biological conversion of your bait inside the carp by making your bait more ?carp digestible?

Carp love to crunch food and in doing so send out all kinds of feeding signals to other carp, allowing attractive food particles to pass out of the gills.

Nutritional ingredients can be used for this effect, e.g. bird foods ? ?Robin Red?, ?Red Factor?,?Nectarblend?, Ground ?Red Band? pigeon food, prepared ground mixed nuts and seeds; prepared tiger nuts and hempseed, millet, egg - biscuit myna - bird rearing food, niger seeds, ?RRR?, ground birdseeds ?Ce De?, ?PTX?, ground insects, dried larvae, coarse kelp meal etc.

Also used are crushed oyster shell and eggshell. These also allow bait to release attractors faster, putting more out to attract carp quicker and more effectively, especially in lower water temperatures. They also help the fish to eat more bait by helping them pass it through their systems faster.

Test each individually because their properties vary. Use, e.g., 0.5 ounces per pound for shell through to e.g., 2 ounces per pound of course kelp meal, to e.g., 3 ounces per pound of ?Robin Red?, ground birdseed e.g., 6 ounces per pound, up to 8 ounces per pound of ?Nectar Blend?.

Here are some examples of recognized ?nutritional? bird food ingredients:

?PTX?
?Robin Red?
?Red Factor?
?Nectar Blend?
?RRR? Spanish peppers
?Prosecto Insectivorous?
?Sluis? CLO
?Sluis?Universal
?Sluis? Mynhah bird food
?CeDe?
?EMP?
?Red Venom? carophyll red liquid pigment attractor (http:/www.ccmoore.com)

Other ingredients are used to change resilience, texture, attractor leak-off, e.g., milk powders, whole milk, ?Vitamealo? at, e.g., 4 ounces per pound), or in a very soluble bait to bind it ?tighter? e.g., whey gel at 3 ounces per pound, or make it harder, e.g. blood powder at e.g. 4 ounces per pound, egg albumin at e.g., 2 ounces per pound, whole egg powder at, e.g., 3 ounces per pound, or whey gel, e.g., 1 ounce per pound.

To avoid silt / to make baits more buoyant, include ingredients like sodium caseinate, e.g. 5 ounces per pound, or shrimp meal, e.g. 3 ounces per pound or krill meal at e.g., 3 ounces per pound.

Vitamins and minerals are great attractors too, being essential for carp health and growth. Many of the above extracts supply these, but they leach out of bait very fast. Adding black strap molasses, betaine hydrochloride to the mix and as liquid soak really help.

Other ingredients can be added in very low levels to enhance your bait, or give it an ?extra special attractive note? e.g., 1 teaspoon per pound, of powdered taste enhancer, sea salt, or sweeteners like sodium saccharin and fishing company proprietary brands liquid and powdered sweeteners with no ?chemical back taste?.

When you mix new ingredients together always test your mixture first. Try using one egg as a binder, to see if you have your ratios right for practical binding and rolling purposes. Always prepare your wet ingredients first and add dry ingredients to the wet ones gradually as you become accustomed to the ingredients you?re using, this part will become simple!

You can refine your bait?s ?nutritional profile? content, attraction properties and additional practical physical properties, as you become more familiar with getting a practical bait together; that works right for you and catches carp consistently! (Big ones preferably!You will soon find it?s very easy to make all kinds of baits, and your secret bait armory will fill you with confidence and your photograph albums with big carp!

By Tim Richardson N.D.C.H. The ?thinking man?s fishing author? and bait guru.

For more information see: http://www.baitbigfish.com

Tim is a leading big fish angler with many incredible catches to his name. He is also a nationally recognised carp and catfish bait guru in the UK. His best selling bait making manuals are used by members of the elite ?British Carp Study Group? for expert reference. This comprehensive information and research can help beginners and experienced anglers alike.

Contact: info@baitbigfish.com

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Leopard Mountain Newsletter Feb 2007

News from Zululand
It has been a very long summer and the end is not yet in sight but there appears to be the first signs of our equivalent of autumn sneaking in. The intensely hot days have become bearable and the evenings are now pleasantly cooled with a gentle breeze yet still the night air is filled with the sounds of the resident frogs and insects. It is a bitter-sweet farewell to the summer weather as the rainfall has begun to dwindle and the grass is beginning to brown. Yet even with this change nature seems to slowly shift its course and the animals seem to come out of hiding in search of water and food. A trio of warthogs has already taken up residence in the front garden, trying to beat the rush I imagine, as the manicured, green lawn proves too appealing to resist. Even the dry season of the bushveld has its own unique beauty as everything lies dormant, we await it patiently. As things are fairly quiet in Zululand we start with this proverb in Northern Sotho:

Bophela ke molaetsa. Thee letsa.
(Life is a message. Heed it.)

Bush Cuisine
Potato & Mushroom Soup

? Onion finely chopped
1 pnt Fresh Brown Mushrooms cut large
3 Potatoes cubed
200 ml Fresh Cream
250 ml Water
Mixed herbs, salt and pepper to taste

?Saut? finally chopped onions until brown and add the mushrooms
?Add the potato and water and allow to simmer until cooked
?Add seasoning and blend until smooth
?Lastly adding the cream
Best served piping hot with croutons or fresh homemade bread.

Tales from Africa
The people of Africa are renowned the world over for there unusual tales explaining life and the creatures that inhabit this beautiful continent. As we have shared the Zulu customs with you, allow us now to share their imagery?

How the Zebra got his stripes.

Long ago, when the sun was still new in the sky and shone too hot, the land had very little water. What water there was, was very precious to the animals. Of all the sparsely scattered waterholes, one was guarded by an obnoxious baboon who claimed to be ?the master of the water?, and did not allow the animals even one sip from his pool. The baboon built a fire close to the pond so that he could protect it through the cold nights. One day a Zebra was searching for a drink. Now in those days the Zebra wore a coat of pure white. He was about to drink from the pool when the Baboon barked, ?You trespass, go away! I am the master of the water!? ?The water belongs to us all? retorted the Zebra. This angered the Baboon even more, he bared his fangs and shouted, ?if you want water you must fight for it!?

The battle began and continued until, with a mighty kick of the Zebra?s legs, the Baboon went flying high into the rocky krantz behind them. He landed smack on his behind, and since that day he still shows the bare, red patch on his bottom, where he landed. The Zebra, with the force of the kick, stumbled back into the Baboon?s fire. The hot sticks scorched black stripes across his white fur. In shock he galloped away back into the dusty veld, where stripes and all, he stays to this day.

News from our Tracker
(Rudolph ? Head Ranger)

We have had an exciting last month here at Leopard Mountain. With scorching hot and dry weather which has both it?s advantages and disadvantages?the greatest thing being plenty of reptile sightings. One night during dinner in the boma we heard the Weaver birds going crazy and upon investigation we were treated to an amazing show from one of South Africa?s most beautiful snakes, The African Rock Python. We got out the spotlights and a few chairs and for the next hour watched him go from nest to nest looking for food but due to the Weaver?s cunning nest building skills in the tree tops, the heavy Python struggled to balance himself on the thin branches and went to bed hungry.

With many youngsters around, the bush is very busy and playtime never ends. After introducing Buffalo last year we proudly announce the first Buffalo calf. He is very cute and gives us great joy.

The fruits of the Marula trees are ripe and all the animals are enjoying it especially the Elephant?s that regularly pass through to enjoy the delicacy.

Trees
The Marula Tree (Sclerocarya birrea)

(Ranger ? Claire)

Reaching a height of up to 10 meters, the Marula is found over much of Natal and the Eastern and Northern Transvaal. It spends the winter bare of leaves and only fruits in the beginning of the year. The fruit of the Marula, richly scented, fleshy and yellow when ripe, is well known as the base for a highly intoxicating drink. The single stoned fruit contains a protein-rich oil and is very high in vitamin C the content of which is four times greater then that of oranges. This tree is one of the most highly valued indigenous trees, for both nutrition and traditional medicine uses. E.g. Bark used in a tea form for intestinal maladies and the stones themselves used in traditional divination methods.

The Marula has been declared a protected tree in South Africa.

The Small 5
So you?ve heard about the Big 5? But what about the Small 5?
Ladies and Gents, we present to you?

The Antlion:
(Ranger ? Claire)

If you have seen tiny, cone-like pits in sandy soil, you may have discovered the cunning trap set by an Antlion larva. The larva waits in ambush at the bottom of the pit, when an ant falls in, it is seized by the long curved jaws of the Antlion and all vital juices are extracted ? this predatory ?Lion-like? behavior of the larvae gives the insect its name. Not all prepare a pit for their victims; some simply lurk beneath the soil surface. Adult Antlions resemble dragonflies except they are not such swift fliers and are mostly active after dark.

Can you guess which of the Small 5 will be next? Stayed tuned!

Funny Bones
A man takes his Rottweiler to the vet. ?My dog?s cross-eyed, is there anything you can do for him??

?Well says the vet, ?lets have a look at him.? So he picks the dog up and examines his eye, then checks his teeth. Finally, he says ?I?m going to have to put him down.?

?Why? Because he?s cross-eyed?!?

?No, because he?s really heavy.?

---------------------------------------------------------------- Feel free to drop us an email with your favorite jokes to add into future newsletters. You can send them to lodge@leopardmountain.co.za

Brain Teaser
Thank you to everyone who responded to our last brainteaser. Congratulations Claire Attwood of Durban who sent in the correct answer to the riddle. You have won yourself and a partner one free night at our award winning lodge, dinner, bed and breakfast.

Last Month?s brain teaser was
There are three houses built exactly the same. One is filled with cotton, the other with wood, and the third with iron. One day an arsonist sets them all on fire. The sound of sirens was growing louder at the scene. People were screaming. Which house did the ambulance try to put the fire out at first?

The answer was
Ambulances don't put out fires

.........You too could be the lucky person to win yourself and a partner a free night including dinner, bed and breakfast at the lodge. Simply solve the riddle below to be entered in our lucky draw and email us the answer to win@leopardmountain.co.za (competition closes 15th March 2007):

Short and sweet...this week?s puzzle:
A sundial is a timepiece that has the fewest number of moving parts. Which timepiece has the most moving parts? News from the lodge

2007 has started off with a bang. We count ourselves so privileged to begin another year on such a beautiful game reserve.

Due to popular demand Leopard Mountain is pleased to announce two new activities for our guests to allow them to interact closer with nature and experience this wonderful piece of paradise on foot. Both activities need to be pre-booked so as to ensure availability.

1) Leopard Mountain Guided Morning Trail. Our guided morning trail is approximately 2 hrs long and leaves from the lodge. The qualified trails guide will give interesting interpretations of the things seen on the trail. R200pp

2) Leopard Mountain 5 Day Trail. This is an experience of a lifetime. Trails are conducted by a highly qualified guide chosen for his infectious passion for the African Bush and its inhabitants and extensive knowledge acquired over a decade of dealing with dangerous game. This is more than just a trail as guests receive informative lectures on all aspects of walking in the bush and then put what they have learnt into practice on the trail. The first and last nights are spent at the Multi Award Winning 4 Star Leopard Mountain Game Lodge with the second and third nights spent sleeping in the bush. Nothing beats walking and sleeping out in the bush and Leopard Mountain?s 5 Day interactive Trail is the perfect way to experience Zululand?s premier endangered species reserve. Trails are every last Monday of the month and take between 4 and 10 people so please phone or email for a booking. The five day trail is R5750pp fully inclusive of all meals and drinks.

Best guest comments of the month

?What a wonderful experience. Feel very well in your Lodge. Thank You so much
?The most fantastic experience, the staffs? energy ran over to us. The food, service, smiles? Never never will this be found anywhere else!!! No such a complete ?all in one?

Luxury Private Game Lodge ? Leopard Mountain

Leopard Mountain Game Lodge ? Big Five Game Viewing, Luxury Accommodation

Leopard Mountain Game Lodge ? Stunning Holiday Destination in the African Bush

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The Obvious Need For Homemade Dog Food - Why You Absolutely Must Make Your Own Dog Food

If you aren't using homemade dog food, you are contributing to the early death of your pet. I know that sounds blunt, but the facts back that conclusion. You should make your own dog food. The alternative is an unconscionable disaster that puts your dog at risk. Commercial dog foods are a disastrous blend of grotesque ingredients and ghastly additives that kill our beloved pets.Do you know what goes into the dog food you buy at the store?The corpses of dead and diseased animals. We're talking about the corpses of everything from road kill victims to euthanized house pets. Oh, and the toxic drugs used to put those dead animals "to sleep" ends up in the food, too. That's right. Straight poison.Bizarre chemicals and additives. They increase the shelf life of dog foods and the manufacturer's profits, but they wreak havoc on your pet. Over a dozen frequently used dog food ingredients are absolutely banned from human foods because of the massive damage they can cause.Plastics and inorganic matter. Plastic body bags used to move carcasses. The flea collars of dead cats. That's just the beginning of what gets ground into dog food by a careless industry hellbent on money making and apparently unconcerned with the life of your dog.

Filler and phony ingredients. It might give the food bulk, but it doesn't give your pet anything valuable. There's one "imitation protein" in common usage that can completely destroy a dog's health in the long run.The need for homemade dog food is obvious. The alternative is unthinkable. Now that you know what goes into dog food, you must make a decision. You can be complicit in the murder of your dog or you can make a change. If you make your own dog food, you can take control of the situation, easily caring for your dog in a much better way and increasing the animal's lifespan considerably.You love your dog. You certainly don't want to pour your beloved companion a bowl of poison at meal-time, but that's what's happening if you're using commercial foods instead of homemade dog food recipes. Until there are wholesale changes in the multi-million dollar dog food industry, you really must make your own dog food.Warning: Tainted Dog Food Supplies Pose Major Risks. Commercially Available Dog Foods May Encourage Early Pet Death.

By Rick Stegren

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The Benefits of Homemade Dog Food

Whether your dog is a fussy eater or not, making homemade dog food for him is one of the healthiest things that you can do. Of course, it is easier to make dog food for your dog if he isn’t a fussy eater. Otherwise, you will probably have to go through a trial and error period where you prepare batches and batches of homemade dog food until you find a recipe that he will actually eat.Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can’t prepare a nutritious meal for your dog either. After all, with the exception of a few types of meat that really don’t wind up in dog food much anymore, dog food makers actually use the same type of foods that we do. If you don’t believe it, read the label on a can of dog food.Why would anyone want to go through the extra work to prepare food for his or her dog at home rather than purchasing it in the supermarket or at the pet store? For one thing, you get to control what goes into your dog’s food and therefore, you can pay special attention to his nutritional needs.Secondly, it may actually be cheaper to prepare homemade dog food rather than purchasing it in a can at the store. Even if you buy it in bulk or on sale, canned dog food can be costly, especially if your dog is a finicky eater and prefers the better and more expensive brands.Thirdly, your dog might just like the taste of it better than the canned variety. Some canned varieties have added fillers, artificial flavorings, or animal by products. The taste may not be as natural or as flavorful as the kind that you will be making.Fourth, the time that you take to prepare it can be additional bonding time for the two of you. One of you can work in the kitchen preparing the food, while the other is watching the one that’s working. Your dog will probably be doing more than watching though, because he’ll probably be drooling as well, as the aroma of the food begins to waft over to his nostrils to kick start his salivary glands.

At any rate, preparing homemade dog food is simpler than you think. One of the easiest meats to prepare for this venture is ground meat. In fact, ground turkey has less fat and is easier to digest than ground beef, so I suggest that you use that. Ground veal is another good option. However, it is usually more expensive, plus it may not be available in your supermarket.Avoid adding salt or oil since you probably don’t need it. The extra salt will make your dog thirsty and it really isn’t good for him. Cook the meat on slow, stirring or turning it constantly to allow the juices to remain inside the meat. Once the juices have turned clear, the meat is fully cooked.If necessary, you can use a bit of soy bean oil to keep the meat from sticking to the pan. Additionally, you can add some beef or chicken broth to the pan while cooking the meat.If you plan on adding vegetables, you can add precooked vegetables when the meat appears to be almost finished cooking. Additionally, you can add raw vegetables in the beginning of the cooking stage provided you have diced them into small pieces.When selecting the vegetables that you will add, attempt to use some that have the most nutritional value for your dog in regard to vitamin content. Ideally, green vegetables are always a good option. Once your dog has finished eating his homemade brand of dog food, look to see exactly which vegetables he left in his dish if any. Whatever he left, he isn’t going to eat, so don’t include it with the next batch that you make.How much food you cook depends on several things. It depends on the size of your dog, your dog’s appetite, and the number of meals that you want to be able to store for the week. If you like cooking, then simply prepare your dog’s meal when you prepare your own. If you don’t like to cook, then prepare several meals at a time and refrigerate the leftovers for 3 to 4 days.Several additional options that you have for meal time is to include a bit of rice or cubed fortified bread to your pet’s dinner entree. If your pet is a bit under the weather, consider crushing some dog vitamins to add to his food.Whatever you do, always introduce a change in your dog’s diet gradually. This will avoid digestion and elimination problems. Simply add a bit of the homemade dog food to his existing food, gradually increasing the amount and decreasing the amount of his old food until you have him on 100% homemade dog food.

By Ian White

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Homemade Dog Food Recipes - Prepare Your Own Dog Food To Save Money And Prevent Illness And Disease

Homemade dog food recipes have become much more popular in recent times. After the tainted dog food that caused many dogs to die, people have turned to making their own dog food using healthy and nutritious homemade recipes. Here are some things to think about if you are considering preparing your own dog's food.You can find out exactly what ingredients and nutrients are best for your breed of dog. Start out by discussing this with your veterinarian, and then ask the people where you purchase your dog's food. If you find that they are not knowledgeable, begin to do your own research, on the internet and at the public library. If your dog already has a health condition, such as diabetes, you will be able to prepare homemade recipes that have the right amount of fiber and protein for this condition. You will find that it is much less expensive to prepare these recipes at home with ingredients purchased from your grocery store or supermarket. There are so many dog food recipes available online, so you will want to purchase them from someone who knows what they are talking about when it comes to your dog's diet. Most dogs only live from seven to about fourteen years.

You may be able to increase this, or at least know that your dog will live as long and healthy a life as you can possibly give him. You will save money and heartbreak by not having to give your dog expensive and painful treatments for diseases and illnesses that could be prevented by healthy and nutritious eating. You probably treat your dog like a member of the family already. Continue to do this by preparing your own dog's food based on healthy homemade dog food recipes.

By Connie Ragen Green

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Homemade Dog Food From Scratch

Is your pet's health important to you? I would hope the answer to that question is yes, it is important. It might surprise you to read that many studies indicate that commercially prepared dog food is not entirely healthy for your dog, and can even contribute to health issues. To avoid these problems, some people are turning their own homemade dog food. While this might seem like a much unnecessary work, it is a small price to pay to keep your beloved pet healthy.Baking Basics for Your DogIf you want to make your own homemade dog food, there are a few basic issues to bear in mind. There are some specific guidelines for homemade dog food that should be followed when you are determining the base products required. These guidelines ensure that the end result will in fact be a healthy alternative for your dog.The primary elements that make up commercial brands of dog food are protein, fats, fibre and moisture.To satisfy nutritional requirements, about one third of the components of homemade dog food should be high in protein. This protein can come from eggs, dairy products, or any type of meat. The remaining two thirds of the homemade dog food should consist of grains and vegetables.

It equally as important to know what ingredients you should avoid when preparing homemade dog food. We sometimes have a tendency to think that a dog can eat nearly anything but in fact there are certain ingredients that upset a dog's digestive system. To assure that will not occur, there some products you should never include in a homemade dog food recipe. These include chocolate, onions and onion powder, mouldy foods, garlic, grapes and raisins, mustard seeds, macadamia nuts, walnuts, and any candy containing the sweetener Xylitol. These products have all proven to be intolerable to your canine's digestive system.A Sample Homemade Dog Food recipeAlthough a number of common household food products are suitable for your own dog food a simple list of ingredients could include the following.Mix together 6 cups water, 1 pound ground turkey, 2 cups brown rice, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/2 (16 ounce) package frozen broccoli, and a combination of carrots and cauliflower. You can prepare these ingredients for use as your own custom homemade dog food by simply placing them in a large Dutch oven and cooking them for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Let the mixture cool and package in quantities suitable for to satisfy single serving requirements. Be sure to package your servings in a manner that will dispel surrounding air.Vacuum sealing is a great way to package portions that will remain safe for use for extended periods of time. When preparing large batches, these portions can be frozen until required.If you want to be sure that your dog is receiving high grade, healthy food products, try making your own. You might be surprised at the satisfaction you feel when cooking up a meal for your dog exactly as you would for any other member of the family

By Thomas Henricks

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Homemade Dog Food - Is A Home Made Dog Food Diet Right For Your Pet

It's wonderful that you're considering a home made pet food diet for your dog! Making dog food at home can be an excellent choice, for your pet's health and your pocketbook. However, there are many problems with homemade dog food you should consider before jumping in with this diet. Many dog owners make homemade dog food that is not nutritionally adequate for their animals. If you are going to make the food for your dog then you need to be sure it is what your dog needs.Many dogs have deficiencies with vitamins and minerals and many homemade dog food diets don't fix these issues. There is not a supplement you can get from the veterinarian adequate enough either. Most dog food recipes contain vital supplements in the diet that your pet needs to avoid deficiencies. It is common for pet owners to want to save money by not putting in additional supplements into their pet's diet or they just don't understand the importance. If you are going to make homemade dog food then you should follow the recipes.Many pet owners also make mistakes by making food substitutions when making their own dog food. You should not formulate your pet's diet. A dog's diet is similar to humans with the food pyramid acting as a reference. However, when you make vital substitutions that a dog needs then you can be cutting into your animal's health. Ask a vet if you want to substitute foods in a recipe.It is important to keep in mind when making homemade food that a pet is not a human. When you make homemade food you might be using some of the same foods you would eat but it doesn't mean that your dog should be on a low fat diet. Don't try and put your dog on a low cholesterol, low fat, and healthy diet.

Make the recipes as you should because a dog's digestive tract is not the same as yours and his or her health needs are much different. In addition, a dog gets much more activity in a day than you.Many owners have made their dogs sick by improperly cooking meats or feeding them raw food items that they shouldn't. You should pay attention to your use of uncooked meat and eggs when you make homemade dog food. This is because these foods could hold pathogenic bacteria that normally are killed when you cook it. Don't make your animal sick because you are trying to keep them healthy.When you make homemade dog food then it requires knowledge, motivation, and money. It is far more expensive to make your dogs food then to buy it at the store. However, when you do decide to make your pet's food then you are ensuring longevity and a healthier life for your animal. You are doing what is best for your dog.Homemade dog food is a good decision. Many pet owners make mistakes when making their dog's food that can cost them their life or cause sickness. Remember to follow the recipes exactly as they are laid out and do not substitute foods for one another. You should always consult with your dog's veterinarian before you begin any new food regimen for your animal.

By Jennifer McVey

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Homemade Dog Food - Can I Feed My Dog Table Scraps

Many people confuse a complete homemade dog food diet with table scraps. Although many holistic veterinarians generally favor table scraps they urge you to make sure they are nutritionally wholesome and they are plain. A dog's digestive tract is geared for simpler food than we eat.So you can feed your dog table scraps but first try sharing a little of what you are having each day with your pet, along with the food you are already feeding them. This will give them a little variety and help you determine if you want to switch to a totally homemade diet. Always decrease the volume of commercial food you feed by the amount of table scraps you are adding to their diet. Once you determine if you want to switch over to a total homemade diet for your dog then you should learn as much as you can about proper nutritional levels.But for now, if you want to start adding some natural food to your pet's diet these are a few things to be aware of:5 Foods to Avoid:1.)Onions are toxic to dogs. No onions whatsoever.2.)Left over fat and remnants. No Bacon or bacon grease. There are high levels of nitrates in bacon and the high heat used to cook bacon creates many other harmful compounds.3.)Stay away from rich foods like ham, sauces, and limit the cheese you feed your dog.4.)No spicy, salty or fried foods. No spicy chili, pepperoni or luncheon meats.

5.)NO sweets, cookies or cakes. Definitely NO CHOCOLATE. Certain compounds in chocolate like theobromine and caffeine are toxic to dogs and cause vomiting, excessive urination, hyperactivity, fast breathing ,weakness and seizures/6 Foods You Can Feed Your Dog:1.) Almost all vegetables are good, especially carrots and anything in the broccoli family, green beans, alfalfa sprouts, and leafy greens. Dogs like to chew on raw carrots and that helps to keep down the tartar on their teeth. Asparagus is also good and sometimes dogs will eat these like they are treats. You can add some potatoes to their diet and lentils and split peas are an excellent choice.2.) Fruits are very healthy. Try different types and see which ones your pets like. AVOID GRAPES. Although grapes may not be toxic to all dogs there is no definitive information to enable us to tell which dogs will get sick and die after eating grapes.Vegetables and fruits can be pureed in a blender then let them sit a day or two before feeding.3.)Pasta is O.K. but WITHOUT the spices and tomato sauces.4.)A little bit of good olive oil is O.K. It's actually good for your dog's skin.5.)Low-fat, plain yogurt. You can give 1 tablespoon per twenty-five pounds of weight. You can feed it two to five times a week. Just like for us yogurt has beneficial bacteria known as acidophilis.6.) Eggs are an excellent source of protein. You can add an egg or egg yolk twice week for each 25 pounds of weight. Dog's seem to like lightly scrambled eggs added to their meal.Remember that all animals are individuals, with individual tastes and sensitivities. Make sure that what you are feeding your pet is not causing allergic reactions. Always check with your veterinarian before adding table scraps to your pets diet.

By C. J. Burke

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Homemade Dog Food - Better Than Store Bought

The dog food industry is a multi-billion dollar industry selling food to the majority of dog households across the world. They spend countless dollars on advertising and marketing to make people believe their brand is the best brand! They work all day, trying to increase profits. If this means, sacrificing a little quality in the product to deliver a better ratio of quantity per dollar cost, then so be it. Do these companies really care about our pets though? Often, dog food companies use meat that is unfit for human consumption. If we aren't supposed to eat it, how much better is it for our poor dogs?I would say these companies really care about their pockets more than anything else. They don't care what's really best for our dogs as much as what's best for their stock portfolio and end of quarter summaries. If they aren't looking out for our pets, who is? The answer of course is us, the dog owners.Dog owners do not need to purchase this high dollar food that's unnaturally processed and vitamin deficient. Wait! I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "I thought the store brand dog food was FULL of vitamins!" True. The dog food in the store is fortified with vitamins and minerals in an unnatural manner that doesn't give the dog the same ratio of proteins to carbs to fats, that you would find in natural food from nature. Also, I shouldn't have to remind you of all the dog food recalls that occurred in 2007. This is a classic example of quality being overlooked.

So how can we give our poor pooches the food they deserve? You can start by making Homemade Dog Food. Give your dogs, food that is made from home and eliminate the middle man. Also, it's not as hard as you may think. Dog food and treats are actually easy to make. Another concern you may have is that you were probably always under the impression that dogs that eat at home (via table scraps) are the most unhealthiest dogs statistically. The key term there was table scraps. Never give your dog "People Food". They aren't designed to digest the same food we eat and this is a leading cause of canine obesity.A dogs diet must consist of approximately:- Only 30% starch which can be found in grains like rice, pasta, etc.- Only 30% vegetables which believe it or not most people think dogs don't like. (Dogs Love Carrots!)- About 40% meat which must be cooked when you feed it to your dog to prevent illnesses.Here's a tasty dish that'll have your dogs pawing at their food bowl:Turkey & VegetableIngredients: 2 lbs of ground turkey. fresh vegetables such as carrots, corn, and green beans (you can even use a bag of mixed vegetables).Preparation Instructions:Put the ingredients into a large skillet and add a little water. Cook at medium heat. When the ingredients look cooked, add extra ingredients according to your dog's needs. Serve warm. You can also store any unused portions up for a week in the refrigerator.Dogs will love their new homemade food diet. There are tons of recipes out there for dogs that are healthy and delicious. Your dog will thank you with much deserved affection!

By Eric Baglio

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Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipe

Dog owners are now hesitant to feed their dogs with processed or commercial dog food due to recent reports and news about food contamination on commercial dog food causing illnesses and premature deaths of dogs. This is really scary that is why more and more pet owners are turning to healthy homemade dog food recipe to make sure they are feeding their dogs with healthy dog food.It is a growing concern now to most pet owners that commercial dog food contains preservatives, harmful chemicals and made from poor-quality meat that could result to various diseases. News of rampant recalls of this due to numerous reports of kidney failures on animals leading to deaths has alarmed most pet owners to be cautious in feeding their pets with this type of food. This is the answer to avoid food poisoning and diseases.Healthy homemade dog food recipe do not contain harmful chemicals or additives that will put your dog's health at risk. Your dog will benefit more and will be healthier if you switch from commercial dog food to healthy homemade recipe. You are sure that you are feeding your dog with fresh, high quality and healthy recipe.

Before switching from commercial dog food to healthy homemade dog food recipe, it is recommended that you consult you vet to know the nutritional needs of your beloved canine friend and to discuss your new diet plans.If you find it hard to create a healthy homemade recipe, you can research the internet for healthy recipes or ask help from the experts on how to make healthy recipe for your dog. Putting a little extra time for the safety and health of your dog is not a waste of time; after all you love your pet and want to spend more years of companionship with your canine friend.

By Gerry Restrivera

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Free Homemade Dog Food Recipes

The current crisis in our pet food supply has many of us looking for homemade dog food recipes for our beloved pets. I have been cooking for our dog for many years and find that he likes mostly the same foods that we do. Each animal has his own preferences, just like we do. For instance, our Oscar will not eat tomatoes, but Bonnie loves them. Use these recipes as a starting place for homemade dog food recipes. Then, as you discover your pets preferences you can customize them more. One caution: you should not serve onion or chocolate to dogs as they contain substances that can be toxic to dogs.Some veterinarians prefer raw meat for our pets. I prefer to cook the meat because of concerns over E Coli and other bacterial contamination. If you wish to use raw meat, do not use ground meat. The grinding process increases the possibility of contamination by providing more surface area for the bacteria to grow.Canine Meat and Grain Menu 2 cups cooked brown rice2/3 cup Lean beef2 teaspoons lard -- or veggie oil1/2 cup vegetables -- no onion* Mix all together. You can serve the beef raw if you use chunks of beef. Do not serve ground beef raw, the grinding process increases the chances of bacterial contamination. Use any vegetables you like. You will find over time that your dog will leave any vegetables he does not like.

Mix the above. Serve slightly warm, but not hot. Chow Chow Chicken You must remove the meat from the bones in this recipe. Chicken bones can easily splinter and cause choking problems in dogs.2 chicken thighs -- or white meat1 stalk celery -- sliced thick3 carrot -- peeled and halved2 small potatoes -- peeled and cubed2 cups rice -- uncooked Place chicken pieces in large pot. Cover with cold water (5 -6 cups). Add carrots, celery, and potatoes to water. Add salt to taste if you want. Cover and simmer on low heat about 2 hours until the chicken becomes tender. Add the rice, cover and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove soup from heat. Pull the chicken meat off the bone ( it will practically fall off), discard bones. Return shredded pieces to pot. Stir well. Let cool. Store in the refrigerator or freeze. Meaty Dog BiscuitsUse beef, chicken or lamb strained baby food for these biscuits.2 3/4 cups whole wheat flour1/2 cup powdered milk1 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon garlic powder1 egg6 tablespoons vegetable oil8 to 10 tablespoons water 2 jars baby food meat, strainedMix all ingredients together and knead for 3 min. Roll out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a dog bone shaped cookie cutter, and place biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 min.Makes approximately 2 dozen doggie biscuitsBacon Bites for Dogs 6 slices cooked bacon -- crumbled4 eggs -- well beaten1/8 cup bacon grease1 cup water1/2 cup powdered milk -- non-fat2 cup graham flour2 cup wheat germ1/2 cup cornmealMix ingredients with a strong spoon; drop heaping tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake in a 350 oven for 15 minutes. Turn off oven and leave cookies on baking sheet in the oven overnight to dry out.Ace's Favorite Cheesy Dog Biscuits1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour1 1/4 cups grated cheddar cheese1/4 pound margarine -- corn oil1 clove garlic -- crushed1 pinch salt1/4 cup Milk -- or as neededGrate the cheese into a bowl and let stand until it reaches room temperature. Cream the cheese with the softened margarine, garlic, salt and flour. Add enough milk to form into a ball.Chill for 1/2 hour. Roll onto floured board. Cut into shapes and bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until slightly brown, and firm.Makes 2 to 3 dozen, depending on size.I hope that these free dog food recipes will inspire you to cook safe and healthy food for your pet.Do you need more free dog or cat food recipes? Download our free collection of dog and cat foods at Free Dog and Cat Food Recipes. and instantly download the ebooks.

By Diane Watkins

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Commercial Dog Food Ratings to Homemade Dog Food

There are many more people in today's world that would probably rate commercial dog food higher than homemade dog food simply because of the convenience factor. Believe it or not, making homemade dog food is much healthier for your dog than going out and buying commercial dog food. Even if your dog is a fussy eater, homemade dog food is sure to be loved by your canine. However, there are some organic commercial dog foods that are nutritious and easy to handle. Really, what it comes down to is personal preference. It may even come down to the simple factor of cost for some. It all depends on the situation and on the canine.When it comes to commercial dog food, there are two kinds: the kind that is alright to feed your canine and the kind that is not alright to your canine. It is also a simple process to differentiate between the two of these choices: turn the can around and read the nutrition label. If you start looking at the nutritional labels on the back of your canine's foods for a couple of minutes in the store, you will begin to realize that eighty five to ninety percent of commercial dog foods are terrible for your pet. Dry food is especially terrible for your canine, even if it is organic. It is better if the dry food is organic with high protein and other nutritional quality, but it is still not alright to give this dry food to your dog if it is all that your dog's diet consists of. Your canine needs a food that has naturally occurring moisture in it and dry foods cannot provide for this need.

Dry foods are also high in carbohydrates and low in protein and other nutritional value. The key to keeping your pet healthy is to keep their diet balanced. If you do choose to keep giving your canine commercial dog foods, go for a science diet or other healthy choice. Look for dried vegetables and grains along with high protein in a commercial dog food. This type of commercial dog food will more than likely be quite expensive.When it comes to homemade dog food, you have the control you need. If you are making your canine's food, it will be much easier to make sure they are getting all the vitamins and nutrients that they need in one day. If you decide to try making your own homemade dog food, you will more than likely be saving yourself a whole lot of money. Making homemade dog food is like buying the top high grade commercial dog food for half of the price. You can add all the ingredients that you need to balance your canine's diet out while saving yourself some money. It is true that this is hardly the most convenient way to go about feeding your animal, but it is certainly the most healthy and price efficient way. You can also choose to make more than one helping at a time and save back containers that are pre-made so that feeding can be quick when you are in a hurry.

By Teddy Paseo

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