Total Dog Magazine

Category: Reviews

  • Fallowcopse Feeds Review: A Convenient, High-Quality Alternative for Raw Diet Enthusiasts

    Fallowcopse Feeds Review: A Convenient, High-Quality Alternative for Raw Diet Enthusiasts

    As a former professional dog trainer, author, and co-founder of trusted dog publications such as Total Dog Magazine and K9 Magazine I have dedicated my career to understanding canine nutrition and welfare. With a background working with over 2,000 dogs and contributing to more than 300 pet-related publications, I have a deep understanding of what dogs need to thrive. Additionally, as the UK World Animal Day Ambassador, I am committed to promoting the best care for dogs as well as educating people on how to ensure their pets are able to live long, happy, healthy lives.

    In March 2024, I planned an extended trip to Spain with my two dogs, Danny and Emma. Given the logistical challenges of maintaining a raw diet while travelling, I sought a convenient, high-quality alternative. Fallowcopse Feeds, known for its premium ingredients and balanced nutrition, appeared to be the perfect solution.

    Like me, there are many people who are passionate advocates for raw feeding but who also acknowledge the benefits and convenience of kibble / complete dry foods. The key element, as always, is quality.

    This review of Fallowcopse Feeds is not for the purpose of starting, settling or engaging in a debate on raw food vs kibble. It is a simple, objective analysis from the perspective of someone who is and will remain a raw dog food advocate but who also acknowledges that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to dog feeding and nutrition. As responsible dog owners, we all recognise that the best dog food is the one that works on multiple levels, for our dogs, our particular budgets, our lifestyles and theirs.

    The Premise: Why Consider Transitioning from Raw?

    The Challenge of Raw Feeding on the Move

    Raw feeding is praised for its high nutritional value, better digestion, and improved coat condition. However, it also presents significant challenges, especially when travelling. Ensuring the quality and safety of raw food, dealing with refrigeration, and finding reliable suppliers in unfamiliar locations can be daunting.

    I discovered this when I took a three month trip to Spain in July 2023. In my naivety, I assumed I’d be able to feed my dogs their usual raw food in the UK and then quickly find a new supplier in Spain. This did not transpire as I had hoped. Meaning, when I arrived in Spain I had some high quality dry kibble ready to feed alongside a (very expensive) store purchased meat food. This resulted in not only transitioning my dogs to a new country, climate and lifestyle, I was also switching food too. Being unable to source a new raw food supplier until 3 weeks in to my stay, I regretted not planning things better.

    This time round, I was not about to make the same mistake – so when I read about Fallowcopse feeds extolling the virtues of their food for people who are enthusiastic about raw feeding but seeking a more convenient alternative, it almost found like a direct, personal pitch to me.

    Why Fallowcopse Feeds?

    Fallowcopse Feeds provides a solution that addresses these challenges without compromising on quality. Their British Grass Fed Lamb kibble, enriched with superfoods, offers a balanced and highly digestible diet. This kibble is designed to meet the needs of dogs at various life stages, making it an ideal choice for pet owners who value convenience without sacrificing nutritional benefits.

    Danny and Emma began their transition to Fallowcopse in readiness for our extended visit to Spain.

    Introducing the Dogs

    Danny: The Gentle Giant

    Danny, my eleven-year-old Rotterman (Doberman x Rottweiler), was a rescue dog from Ireland. At 40kg. A gentle giant with a calm disposition. As an older dog, Danny had specific nutritional needs, including support for his joints and overall vitality.

    Emma: The Energetic Youngster

    Emma, born on 20th December 2022, is also a Rotterman, weighing in at 27kg. She is much more active than Danny due to her age and smaller size. Emma’s diet needed to support her high energy levels and growing body.

    Tailoring Nutrition to Their Needs

    Fallowcopse Feeds’ formulation proved versatile enough to meet the differing needs of both dogs. The high-quality protein from British Grass Fed Lamb, combined with superfoods like mint, pomegranate, mulberry, broccoli, and fennel, provided a balanced diet suitable for both an active young dog and an older, less active dog.

    The Transition Process

    Gradual Introduction

    Understanding the importance of a gradual transition, I spent the first few weeks mixing Fallowcopse Feeds with their regular raw diet.

    Adjusting portion sizes accordingly, within 18 days, both dogs were fully transitioned to Fallowcopse Feeds, ready for our journey to Spain.

    Observations and Findings

    Convenience and Consistency

    The biggest advantage was the convenience. Travelling long distances and staying in various accommodations made raw feeding impractical.

    Knowing that Danny and Emma were receiving the same high-quality food they thrived on in the UK provided peace of mind. The consistency in their diet meant fewer adjustments and more predictability in their feeding routine.

    Hydration and Feeding Adjustments

    One noticeable change was the increase in water consumption. Moving from raw food to kibble led to both dogs drinking more water, which is a normal adjustment when switching from a moisture-rich raw diet to dry kibble.

    To manage this, I started feeding them two smaller meals per day and occasionally added water to the kibble. This adjustment helped maintain their hydration levels without overwhelming their digestive systems.

    Health and Condition

    Despite my initial concerns, both Danny and Emma showed no signs of degradation in their body condition. Their energy levels remained high, their coats shiny, and their stools well-formed and dark. This was a significant indicator of the food’s quality and digestibility.

    Understanding the Nutritional Breakdown

    High Animal Content and Freshly Prepared Ingredients

    Fallowcopse Feeds British Grass Fed Lamb kibble boasts a high animal content, with 65% total lamb, including 35% freshly prepared British Grass Fed Lamb. This ensures a rich source of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support everyday health and wellbeing.

    Superfood Blend

    The inclusion of superfoods like mint, pomegranate, mulberry, broccoli, and fennel adds unique health benefits:

    • Mint: Source of potassium, aiding nerve and muscle function.
    • Pomegranate: Rich in vitamin C, essential for collagen synthesis and maintaining healthy bones.
    • Mulberry: Provides iron to support normal circulatory system functions.
    • Broccoli: Offers dietary fibre to help normalise gastrointestinal transit time.
    • Fennel: A good source of calcium, promoting healthy bones and teeth.

    Digestive Health and Grain-Free Recipe

    The food also includes pre-biotics MOS and FOS, which promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and support digestion. The grain-free recipe is ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities, ensuring a balanced diet without common allergens.

    Analytical Constituents Explained

    • Crude Protein (27.5%): Essential for muscle growth and repair. High protein content ensures your dog receives the necessary amino acids for overall health.
    • Crude Fat (15.5%): Provides a concentrated source of energy. Adequate fat levels are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and coat.
    • Crude Fibre (3.5%): Supports digestive health by promoting healthy bowel movements.
    • Crude Ash (12%): Represents the total mineral content in the food, including essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
    • Moisture (8%): Indicates the water content in the kibble. While lower than raw food, the hydration needs can be managed by ensuring fresh water is always available.
    • Metabolisable Energy (361 kcal/100g): Provides a measure of the energy available from the food, ensuring your dog gets enough calories to support their activity level.
    • Omega 6 and Omega 3 Fatty Acids (1.9% and 0.8% respectively): Crucial for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and supporting brain function.
    • Calcium (2.4%) and Phosphorus (1.5%): Important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
    • Collagen (7%): Naturally occurring in the ingredients, collagen supports joint health and skin elasticity.

    These nutritional elements are balanced to ensure your dog receives comprehensive nutrition, supporting overall health and vitality.

    The Final Verdict: A Journey Well-Nourished

    Emotional Farewell to Danny

    It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Danny’s passing on June 5th, 2024. He was a truly special, once in a lifetime dog. You can read his story here.

    Up until his final few days he was fit, energetic and able to walk up Spanish mountains which would challenge dogs half his age. He will be terribly missed by all who knew him.

    Who is Fallowcopse Feeds For?

    Fallowcopse Feeds is ideal for dog owners who seek high-quality nutrition but need the convenience of kibble. Whether you’re a raw feeding advocate like me facing logistical challenges, or simply someone looking for a premium food for your dog, Fallowcopse Feeds offers a reliable solution.

    Recommendations and Considerations

    Based on my experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Fallowcopse Feeds. The food maintained my dogs’ health and vitality, provided convenience during travel, and offered a balanced diet suitable for different life stages and activity levels. While transitioning from raw to kibble might require some adjustments, such as increased water intake, the overall benefits far outweigh these minor considerations.

    Click Here for more information about Fallowcopse Feeds ⇢

    Conclusion

    Fallowcopse Feeds has proven to be a valuable ally in maintaining my dogs’ health and nutrition during our travels. While I am a dedicated supporter of raw feeding, I acknowledge the importance of having a reliable, high-quality alternative. Fallowcopse Feeds offers precisely that, ensuring our four-legged companions receive the best possible nutrition, no matter where life takes us.

    Notes:

    Danny and Emma were given three months supply of Fallowcopse Feeds British grass fed lamb complete dog food to conduct this review.

     

  • Best Pet Treat Camera For Older Dogs

    Best Pet Treat Camera For Older Dogs

    We test a lot of pet tech. We’re lucky that way. So when we tell you what we think is the best pet treat camera for older dogs, it comes from a place of experience. We’ve tried loads.

    New research recently revealed that we spend the most on our dogs when they are puppies or in their senior years, which makes sense really.

    When our dogs are young, we try to find out what our puppies like/dislike to make them happy – and of course, the teething stage means we have to replace beds, toys, and more, multiple times, and when a dog enters their senior years, I think we’re more determined than ever to make each day special.

    Or that’s how I see it.

    Our oldest dog is 14 now and over the last couple of years, her mobility has slowed her down, her teeth and gums are more sensitive so hard chews are not really a suitable treat option any more and she’s never been one to play.

    But she loves food and when we first got her a Furbo pet treat camera, it changed her life.

    Here’s why.

    It brings unpredictability and variety to her day.

    She never knows when the jingle to let her know treats are being dispensed might ring out, so she is more alert because heaven forbid another dog gets any.

    When we’re away from home, it makes us feel like we’re never too far away from being connected with her. Something that’s more important than ever these days.

    The Furbo app, which you use to dispense treats, is simple to use and works off wifi.

    Furbo treat camera app

    The app also lets you save your memories, letting you take videos and photos, and gives you the option to personalise what your dog hears when treats are dispensed.

    Furbo treat camera two-way microphone (works even for older dogs)

    The two-way mic and speaker also means you can talk to them while away from home. They can hear you and you can hear them.

    It keeps her active and engaged.

    Over the last six months, like many older dogs, her hearing has started to fade and she relies on my other dogs to let her know when they hear my personalised ‘who wants a biscuit?’ jingle.

    Summary – the Furbo pet treat camera is perfect for older dogs (and younger ones too)

    However, even though she no longer hears like she once did, her desire to get to the dog camera for the treats before anyone else is still as strong as ever – and she will barge anyone out of her way if need be (she’s always been focused and single-minded).

    The concept of a dog treat cam may seem like a novelty in some ways, but quite honestly, we wouldn’t be without one. It has without a doubt made my dog’s days brighter.

    Want a Furbo pet treat camera for your dog?

    Get One Here
  • Shame on You Channel 4: Rich Dog, Poor Dog TV Show Review

    Shame on You Channel 4: Rich Dog, Poor Dog TV Show Review

    As a dog lover who loves to channel hop, I can guarantee there are few things which will make me stop and watch whatever show I land on. But one thing that will always make me stop and watch is a dog.

    Last night while browsing I came across ‘Rich Dog, Poor Dog’ on Channel 4. At this stage, I would normally include a link to the show for readers to watch themselves if they missed it.

    In this case, I really can’t bring myself to do that except to say: if you haven’t seen it, I wouldn’t recommend watching it. Seriously, if you love dogs and understand the animal welfare crisis in the UK you won’t enjoy it: here’s why.

    At first I thought the show was simply looking through the keyhole at the life of dog owners who live only streets apart but find themselves living on very different scales of income: one rich, one poor.

    In the beginning, I watched not really sure that was that much of a revelation but found myself watching all the same.

    Through our interviews for K9 Magazine, we’ve been told city-dwelling dog owners often find themselves making new friends through their one common interest – dogs. And so I watched thinking this may be where we were headed.

    Admittedly the show telegraphed this by filming the two ‘poor dog’ owners and their dogs, a Jack Russell and Staffie, walking to the shops to spend their last £7. Glancing from afar at the houses which they said must be worth £5 million, they speculated those who lived there wouldn’t have their sort of money problems.

    Contrastingly, we then saw the ‘rich dog’ family receive a visit from their groomer who the owner speculated was “the best in all of Chelsea and Battersea” for a pampering session in the comfort of the wealthy Shih-Tzu’s own home.

    Then the show took a turn.

    In the ‘poor’ household after being told one of the dogs would have to have cat food as they’d run out of dog food and had no money left until their benefits would be next paid, the concept of breeding was introduced in a ‘let’s get the laptop out and look at how to breed dogs’ segment.

    The topic seemed planted by producers at best, negligent at worst.

    The concept of backyard breeding wasn’t introduced as a bad thing. Nor as something that should NEVER be advised or attempted, but as something being actively considered because they had no money and because of how much you can earn if you breed cross-breeds with a fancy name like a “little jack shihtz”.

    The UK has an animal welfare crisis.

    Not just by sheer volume of dogs who end up in rescues every year neglected and abused (and this number is rising), but by breeders actively breeding dogs who will grow up with health problems and puppy farmers who in some cases are concealing their true motives aided (knowingly or otherwise, if we’re being generous) by The Kennel Club, who run Crufts (also currently being aired across Channel 4’s network).

    Dogs aren’t here to be our cash cows. They aren’t here to solve our income issues. They are our companions and do many, many wonderful things every day as our companions. They make us laugh, they give us comfort and in some cases are amazing assistance dogs transforming the lives of their owners.

    Watch a dog sitting with his homeless owner and you can see a content dog giving comfort and companionship. Dogs relationship with man has nothing to do with wealth.

    Across the country, there are dogs who already suffer at the hands of humans in many different ways. The fact the show aired this as something that people could do is appalling.

    So what happened?

    Well, the two sets of dog owners met and had nothing except dogs in common. Staffies were bashed a bit by the rich dog owner who had a stereotype in her mind which didn’t match the reality and should have known better, and the ‘poor dog’ Jack Russell (Juno) couldn’t have puppies and she was given up.

    This show COULD have said something positive about the discrimination towards certain types of owners and their dogs. It didn’t.

    It could have shone a light on how many dog owners put their dogs ahead of themselves. It didn’t do this either.

    What it did do it put the idea of backyard breeding out there with no common sense highlighting the untold distress to animals as a result. Nor did it tell the story of how this could put further stress on the animal rescue system which is already bursting at the seems.

    The show flashed up a hashtag to encourage people to take to social media to discuss. While following the trail today I discovered I’m not alone. Here’s what others thoughts.

     

     

  • Could an App Help You Run Your Pet’s Life More Easily?

    Could an App Help You Run Your Pet’s Life More Easily?

    It seems new apps for pets or their owners are launching more frequently than ever before. Our friends at K9 Magazine compiled a list of the 5 best apps for dog owners last year,  but could one of those apps be about to lose their spot to the latest pet health app released by Bayer Animal Health?

    As an owner of three dogs and a cat I’ve found myself switching healthcare routines to set them all on the same schedule for flea and worm treatments. Not only was it much easier knowing what was needed and when with everyone working to the same routine, but it also meant I received a lot less reminder texts from my vet.

    Still I’ve found myself wondering over the last year if there was an easier way to remind myself. I use calendar notifications and apps for everything from shopping reminders to tracking my exercise, so why haven’t I ever looked to see if there was an app for my pets lives?

    Maybe there never was one, or maybe I needed a nudge to investigate.

    This week, I got that nudge.

    The Pet Life app from Bayer launched and is designed to be your pet personal assistant. You begin by adding your pet’s profile before moving onto the more in-depth information so you can keep track of reminders for treatments, appointments and even your pet’s weight.

    The move to using the app was pretty easy, it didn’t feel like it was going to be extra work to maintain and another ‘job for the list’ – although perhaps this is because I’m used to using apps for my own daily recordings – but it gave me peace of mind in truth knowing someone (or something) else was in charge of remembering what was needed and when to keep everyone happy and healthy.

    It was also really easy to use and comes packed with useful resources and videos for extra tips along the way. Best of all, it’s free.

    Take a look at the app in more detail for yourself, it could be the answer you’ve been looking for putting the reminders in the hands of someone (or something) else and fun back in yours.

    Available for both android and iOS devises, you can find it on the Google Play store here or iTunes App store here. You can find more on the itsajungle.co.uk website.

    Have fun!

    Disclaimer: This post is brought to you by Bayer – ‘It’s a jungle’. The Pet Life app is part of ‘it’s a jungle’ programme from Bayer, which aims to help you keep your pet parasite free. For more information, please visit – Itsajungle.co.uk

  • New Pet App Launches to Help Make Pet Owner’s Life Easier

    Are one of the many pet owners who’ve seen pet apps launch and wonder ‘is this for me?’, if so, don’t worry – you’re not alone.

    Recently we were alerted to a new app which is designed to make your life easier. It’s called Pet Life and it has been created by animal health company, Bayer Animal Health.

    The app is designed to essentially help you put all of the most important information about your pets in one central place, so you no longer need to worry about calendar and post-it note reminders for each and every one of your pets. Rather, this app allows you to store everything you need – from treatment reminders to appointments in one place and alerts you as and when needed giving you peace of mind that someone else is in charge of remembering!

    dog photo

    Easy to use, the free app’s interface is clean and very intuitive. Once you’ve set up your pet’s profile, you can then move through the navigation to set treatment records and reminders up, as well as adding in your pet’s weight for maintenance and management monitoring.

    The Pet Life app is particularly great if you have more than one pet with the ability to set profiles and reminders up for each. As you’d expect with a team like Bayer behind the app, it has lots of expert advice and resources to delve into with helpful videos offering tips.

    Take a look at the app in more detail for yourself, it could be the answer you’ve been looking for putting the reminders in the hands of someone (or something) else and fun back in yours.

    Available for both android and iOS devises, you can find it on the Google Play store here or iTunes App store here. You can find more on the itsajungle.co.uk website.

     

    Disclaimer: This post is brought to you by Bayer – ‘It’s a jungle’. The Pet Life app is part of ‘it’s a jungle’ programme from Bayer, which aims to help you keep your pet parasite free. For more information, please visit – Itsajungle.co.uk

  • A Pet Owner’s Review: Are Steam Cleaners Really Worth It?

    A Pet Owner’s Review: Are Steam Cleaners Really Worth It?

    It’s Summer, it’s meant to be sunny isn’t it? We’re all set for a heatwave in the UK apparently but let’s be honest, that’s likely to be followed shortly by rain if the past few months are to be judged.. We’re just being realistic, we have to be prepared for the muddy paw prints don’t we?

    Following our review of vacuum cleaners last year paying particular attention to what we as dog owners need, we decided to find out if steam cleaners are really worth the hype, and in some cases, price tag.

    With three black coated dogs, including a puppy who has successfully conquered (thankfully) house training, a cat, and husband (who spills but never admits) at home, our house has a heavy footfall daily.

    Not only that, we have cream carpets throughout except for two rooms which have hard floors. The carpets, flooring and rugs take the brunt of the paw prints but nevertheless short of attaching clothes to every paw/foot, I knew I needed to try something different and wanted a different option to bleaching constantly but at the same time, wanted something which could kill bacteria. So could a steam cleaner be the answer?

    I’ll be honest, I was a little excited to try this. The time I spend cleaning our hard floors means the doors are closed to all and I can put any cheesy music on full blast without worry that I’ll be asked ‘what on earth are you listening to?’ because no one wants to come in and risk being told the floor cleaning task can happily be assigned.

    So, on with the reviews. We chose to review three steam cleaners with different price points.

    First up…

    Name: H20 X5 5in1 Steam Cleaning System

    RRP £79.99 (Free P&P)

    Pros: Great price, easy to store with great customer service. Speedy start time from switching on to being able to use.

    Cons: The cloths which attach to the steam cleaning head weren’t hard wearing enough to cope with our stone floor sadly so they lasted one-two uses each.

    Summary:

    The H20 X5 mop uses water only (no chemicals) and they say the steam alone will ‘kill up to 99% of bacteria like salmonella and E. coli’ (less on wooden floors). It uses ordinary tap water that it turns into super-heated steam to help sanitise and deodorise.

    It comes with a fantastic array of attachments and clothes and with the extra heads and cleaners available, it can be used to clean what felt like virtually everything – Floors, Windows (in its hand held function), Clothes, Curtains and Carpets.

    Available in different colours, you can choose from Red, Green, White and there’s currently a Special Pink edition available.

    During our review we had an issue with the ball which attaches the head to the cleaner. The ball essentially allows the head to fit into different corners and move with ease. The customer service team acted swiftly to help us resolve and send a replacement, which was fantastic.

    The H20 X5 gives lots of flexibility to change it’s use with multiple add on’s available to purchase, including a ‘Pet Kit’ which available to purchase separately for £14.99 and includes: 1 x Red Lint Cloth, 1 x Green Nylon Brush and 5 x Disposable Bonnet Cloths.

    Sadly, we found the cloth heads weren’t hardy enough for our tough stone floor which suffers primarily from muddy feet, but we have used repeatedly on windows and once you’ve got used to maneuvering and the weight of holding (it’s heavier to hold than and move up and down on windows versus the light feeling of using on floors) it becomes pretty easy to use.

    If you’re looking for something that does it all, this cleaner is worth a look. It has so many cleaning options, if you find just one like we did that saves you time and money in the long run, then it could be worth it to you.

    Find out more at ThaneDirect.co.uk

    Next up…

    Name: Vax Steam Fresh Combi Multifunction

    Price: RRP £159.99

    At the time of writing, it is currently on special offer (link below) as an online exclusive with additional add-on’s included for £109.99

    Pros: Really light to use and quick drying (Vax say it dries in three minutes). Uses a combination of water and a scented detergent which leaves a fresh smell. Great lead length meaning from being plugged in, it could stretch across a fairly large floor space with ease.

    Cons: During our review, the pads which attach to the bottom of the cleaning head kept getting caught and folding underneath so corners being cleaned weren’t getting the full benefit of the cleaning session.

    Summary:

    Winner of a ‘Which? Best Buy’ award for 2014, we were really keen to put this 2-in-1 steam mop and handheld cleaner to the test.

    Coming with an array of 10 tools to clean every nook and cranny as a handheld cleaner as well as for hard floors and carpets, it’s clearly designed to give you confidence that whatever the space, whatever the job, it can tackle it.

    The refillable container has clearly marked lines for the scented solution and water and it’s really easy to fill, remove and place back in if you need to re-fill before you’ve finished.

    For me, I really enjoyed my first few tries varying between wooden floors, where it performed very well, and my tougher stone floor, and I loved the fresh scent from the solution provided with the cleaner.

    The pads wore much better than the previous cleaner, with no visible damage which was fantastic, but sadly I couldn’t keep fixing the pads on the cleaner to ensure I managed to get into every corner needed with ease. I can’t say if this is typical, but it was typical of my trial sadly no matter how many times I checked the grip between the cleaner and cleaning pad.

    That said, the cleaner does so much more and if you’re looking for something to help you clean all of those hard to reach places, it’s worth investigating.

    Find out more at Vax.co.uk

    And last but not least…

    Name:  Shark Sonic Duo – KD450

    Price: £179.99

    Pros: Lightweight, easy to maneuver with hardy cleaning pads which have stood up to our stone flooring. Good lead length from plug in point for use.

    Cons: Not a negative as such, but the solution bottles don’t last many months and would have been great to have larger bottles where possible. Our cleaning solution lasted two months (weekly cleaning), the polishing spray, which is guided by you and how much you use, lasted three months (weekly cleaning) and the rug sprays have lasted approximately 6 months because they’ve been used less, but again how much you use is guided by you. The solution can be bought separately from different retailers varying in prices from £9.99 upwards.

    Summary:

    The most expensive out of our three cleaners, we were keen to put the Shark Sonic Duo to the test to see if the price tag was worth the end result.

    It cleans a range of household surfaces with gusto. Coming with three different colour coded pads – 2 x green for cleaning hard floors, 2 x orange for polishing hard floors and 2 x purple for cleaning carpets/rugs. The solution bottles are colour co-ordinated to match the pads for easiness.

    To clean the hard floors you mix the solution with water filling up to the lines marked on the bottle before you replace the bottle into the front of the cleaner. Using on hard floors, the cleaner allows you to use pressing down on the head to scrub the floor almost. Admittedly this took some mastering, holding down and moving, or working out which spots in front needed a little extra attention on one spot before moving onto another, but you find your rhythm.

    Once finished, you then remove the bottle, detach the cleaning pads and re-attach new pads to polish spraying the brightening polish solution wherever you wish to then move over with the Sonic Duo.

    It advises you leave the floor without walking on for around 24 hours, in our house this just isn’t possible so I try to finish the task just before everyone two legged and four legged heads off to bed to give it a decent amount of time to settle in. The results on our hard floor truly are amazing. Being a dark brown stone, it can easily look dull. The brightening solution transformed it into a shiny, clean looking floor.

    As with the floor cleaning you tackle cleaning carpets and rugs in two stages. For us with Christopher house training, and I don’t want to say being slow to catch on fully, but he did have a few accidents when we thought he’d cracked it, this part of the trial was also very much needed at home.

    Once you’ve cleared the space from all (cue the cheesy music mentioned in the introduction), you first of all use the Pretreater Solution to spray the area/s needed before you go over it with the cleaner having attached the purple co-ordinated pads to the head. Once completed, you change the solution placing the brighter into the bottle holder at the front of the cleaner and repeat.

    The following day once dried the rugs and tested carpet areas smelt clean and fresh.

    Overall, this was our favourite cleaner. Although the most expensive with additional solutions needing to be purchased on an ongoing basis, we most definitely saw the benefit in our home with our specific floors with the cleaner. The pads have shown no signs of wear and tear on our hardy floors and I think from the moment I saw the brightened look on our stone floor, I fell in love. From years of cleaning and feeling like I knew it was clean so that was all that mattered, I felt like I actually saw a difference.

    Find out more at SharkClean.eu

  • K9 Magazine’s Big Canine Christmas Jumper Review!

    K9 Magazine’s Big Canine Christmas Jumper Review!

    With many changes in our canine team of late (the four-legged kind), 2014 has been a year of change for us. We said goodbye to our beloved Chloe and hello to newbies Christopher and Danny.

    Some of you may have seen Christopher feature in Mia’s big Christmas hamper review already but this is his first official review debut and give a warm welcome to Danny who also makes his first official debut. The boys have certainly kept Mia entertained since she lost her best friend.

    Our Christmas jumper review was inspired by Mia herself. Every year she dons her red cashmere sweater and runs as fast as her legs will carry her into Ryan’s parents home announcing her arrival with the sound of a door banging off the radiator before arriving with two paws fully on the worktop in the kitchen to find out what progress has been made on Christmas lunch.

    However a little over a month after losing Chloe, she was diagnosed with cancer and has been wearing her red sweater for just under four weeks to protect her stitches so we thought ‘lets find her a new one’ and we’ve done just that.

    Of course with Danny, a 16 month old Rottweiler cross, and Christopher, a twelve-week old Rottweiler, now also here and more than ready to accept lovely gifts, they both got in on the act and the team at Astar Pets were happy to send some fab goodies for the trio.

    Who are Astar Pets?

    The team behind the site are well known in the digital field with combined experiences across many known brands, but their passion for Astar Pets stems from personal experience.

    Astar Pets is essentially a market place bringing together pet brands and designers under one roof as an easy to shop experience giving you the chance to find everything from the essentials to the more luxury pet products.

    What did our trio receive?

    Mia received a soft woollen traditional pink argyle dog sweater (£21.50). Made from 100% supersoft acrylic yarn, the sweater is machine washable. Designed in a classic turtleneck style, it’s made with a light stretch making it easy to wear and much more comfortable.  Available in sizes x-small to x-large, the jumpers have an opening on the neckline for a lead to fit through so it makes it perfect to wear out and about. We think she looks divine, don’t you?

    Christopher received a traditional nordic fair isle dog sweater (£21.50). A sister sweater to Mia’s lovely jumper but with a different design, this sweater is made from the same 100% supersoft acrylic yarn and is machine washable. Again designed with a classic turtleneck collar the sweater has been weighed down with a double layer of ribbing on the front leg sleeves to help to keep this jumper in place on lively dogs, but with a light stretch all over to make it much more comfortable to move.  Available in sizes x-small to x-large.

    Danny was a lucky boy and received a luxury dog coat in a dusty blue colour, fiting for this lovely gentle giant. Stylish, waterproof and windproof this coat has a reflective trim for added visibility making it the perfect coat for early morning/evening walks during the Winter months. The collar is also a nice feature making it extra cosy around the top as you’re able to fold down, or pretend you’re a T-bird and wear up.

    The coat has a v-neck elastic panel at the front for comfort and a warm thermal fleece lining and fastens with a strap which goes under underneath the dog’s belly and fastens with a velcro attachment on top. Machine washable, you can keep this coat in tip top shape for the no doubt colder and wetter days and weeks ahead!

    Danny also received a Kyjen Christmas reindeer toy to welcome him to the team, which has has duly shared in a game of tug-o-war with Christopher (closely inspected by Mia). If he would have chosen to have the tug-o-war, who knows, no one says no to Christopher. Apparently. The boys absolutely loved this squeaky toy, being a longer design it really made a fun toy for them to play with together.

    See our gallery below for fun moments from the photoshoot which took place with Mia, Christopher and Danny’s gifts…

    A huge thanks to the Astar Pets team for making the build up to Christmas a little more special for our trio!

     

  • Mia’s Big Christmas: A Dog Christmas Hamper Review

    Mia’s Big Christmas: A Dog Christmas Hamper Review

    Our pets play as important a role in our festive plans as our friends and family do, and so choosing the perfect gift can be something we spend a good amount of time thinking about. What will they like? What do they need? What will they most enjoy opening when they find their present under the tree?

    All of these things play an important factor in our decision making process and so over the next week or so Mia will be getting in the Christmas spirit reviewing some pet gift ideas. She will be casting her expert eye over the gifts and entertaining with her gallery of photographs, which may or may not feature her new sidekick, Christopher who’s not yet used to the limelight like she is.

    First up, wearing her obligatory Christmas jumper Mia has the pleasure of reviewing the Dog Christmas Hamper kindly sent into her from the team at JustRewardPetHampers.co.uk. Packed full of goodies and health treats, the hamper is priced at £49.99.

    Just Rewards Pet Hamper web

    Who are Just Reward Pet Hampers?

    Set up with the help of canine CEO, Arthur, Just Reward Luxury Pet Hampers was set up to deliver quality products direct to your door. Combining dog treats, toys and grooming products using only the best from both local and UK wide brands, the hampers are designed to stand out from the crowd.

    Mia’s Dog Christmas Hamper

    Being a big fan of anything food related, this hamper was perfect for Mia. Packed with posh quality dog treats, she took an immediate liking to home baked dog treats by the Daft Dog Bakery. Free from Gluten and made with human grade ingredients, they have no added salts or sugars.

    After Christopher woke up and taking inspiration from Mia, he landed (quite literally) in the hamper. We thought if he’s going to be involved, he has to look the part so with the bandana from the hamper suitably worn, he decided the Good Breath Rubber Dog Bone, Antler Chew and filling were all his.

    The Antler chew is naturally shed and responsibly sourced from premium Grade A Antler. The rubber bone toy should keep him occupied for hours and because it’s infused with a strong minty flavour we can say goodbye to puppy breath!

    In addition to Mia and Christopher’s favourites the hamper also included:

    • Lily’s Christmas Biscuits – 100 % natural and hand-baked, these bite-sized, heart-shaped dog biscuits are made with freshly-prepared turkey, liver, cranberries and thyme, plus a sprinkling of yummy Christmassy cinnamon which is also a wonderful anti-inflammatory that can help boost energy, circulation and brain health.
    • Lily’s Three Bird Feast – A tin of grain free Christmas dog food made with freshly prepared turkey, goose, and duck combined with parsnips, Swiss chard, carrots, cranberries, apples and thyme for an irresistible and wonderfully nourishing canine Christmas lunch.
    • Hungry Hector Turkey Delights Made with Turkey, whole Cranberries and some sage and approved by a qualified vet. The best treat for any dog without spoiling their appetite before having their delicious Three Bird Feast Christmas Dinner.
    • Dogsbody Shampoo – A mild yet deep cleaning shampoo which removes dirt and odour without stripping the coat of its essential oils, its ‘Easy Rinse’ technology keeps washing time to a minimum, and built in conditioners and Pro-Vitamin B5 help improve the health, strength and condition of the coat.

    Mia received the hamper with a bandana sized for her breed, but if you let Just Reward Pet Hampers know what size your dog is when ordering they will pick a bandana to best fit your dog.

    As a dog who has virtually everything a dog could need this hamper was perfect for Mia, she loves her yummy snacks and with more toys than she can shake a stick at, an almost fully treat filled hamper with one chewable toy and some shampoo to keep her coat as shiny as a TV hair model, this makes an ideal gift.

    Find your dog’s perfect Christmas hamper online at JustRewardPetHampers.co.uk!

  • A Dog Owner’s Review: The Gtech AirRam K9

    A Dog Owner’s Review: The Gtech AirRam K9

    After our Spring review of the Gtech AirRam vacuum cleaner, I was excited to review the newer model enhanced and updated with dog owners in mind and find out what was new.

    I was a big fan of the original AirRam, the cordless element combined with the power was a revelation to me as a dog owner. It made cleaning so much easier and with two dogs at home, working full time and the hours seeming to fly by, anything which makes a job such as vacuuming easier has to be applauded, right?

    Today, seeking a distraction from wondering how Mia was getting on at the vets while having an operation, I started my normal distraction routine.

    1) Work – doing the essentials.
    2) Washing all dog beds. In a house where dog beds are regularly reviewed this is a job and a half.
    3) Bleaching floors.
    4) Vacuuming every inch of the house – giving me the chance to tick off no 1 and no 4 on the list, perfect!

    A Dog Owner’s Review of: Gtech AirRam K9

    Price: £249

    Gtech AirRam K9

    Pros:

    Cordless and lightweight, it makes light work of housework making it easy for daily use. Great suction and pet hairs pick up, one of the updates to this model was designed to strengthen its performance in this area (more about this below).

    Energy efficient with the battery life easily visible and displayed with LED lighting on the front, it gives 40 minutes of run time when charged. Gtech says its energy efficient design means you can clean your home twice on one 4-hour charge, running for up to 40 minutes; a 1-hour short charge will deliver a burst of additional run time.

    Cons:

    Time will tell whether the approximately £50 price difference between the AirRam K9 (£249) and AirRam (£199) are noticeable. So far I think the update to the brush bars making them easier to pick up those pet hairs which just won’t move will prove worthy of the extra outlay, but this really is an individual choice as to whether the extra cost is worth it to you if you were picking between the two cleaners.

    Summary:

    Being a huge fan of the original cordless model, this was always going to have a lot to live up to but keeping the main benefits of the original it was off to a flying start!

    When I began reviewing I did so blind in as much as I didn’t read what the changes were beforehand so my judgement wouldn’t be clouded. Although slightly heavier than the AirRam, the AirRam K9 really does makes light work of housework.

    Mia and our newest addition, Christopher, are both black-coated dogs and with cream carpets throughout the home any and all shedding is easily noticed – no room for a day’s rest in this house!

    The biggest updates I noticed came in the form of the sound – whereas the AirRam is quite high pitched, the AirRam K9 sounds lower and in fact Christopher, aged only eight-weeks old, didn’t even move when I approached – although he did wake up. And secondly, I noticed the fresh scent which is released when cleaning. The scented filters are refillable and this really is a great touch.

    Another update has been made with pet hairs in mind. Strengthened by zinc alloy components, the AirRam K9 has upgraded brush bars which help to reduce the build up of stubborn pet hair.

    Suitable for use on all floor types, the style of the cleaner means it easily fits under sofas, tables, radiators and right up to the skirting boards.

    The volume of dirt and hairs this cleaner collects constantly amazes me, I can’t believe so much dust and hair can be accumulated in one day but am relieved I have something which gets rid of it.

    Out of all of the vacuum cleaners I’ve reviewed over the years, the Gtech AirRam and AirRam K9 are in my all time top two favourites for performance, ability, easiness of use and all-round convenience – thank you Gtech. Update: Gtech have now released a newer model, the AirRam K9 2 – read how the original compares to the newer model here: http://www.k9magazine.com/new-gtech-airram-k9-review-is-it-better-than-its-predecessor-at-tackling-pet-hairs/

    Want To Try The Gtech AirRam K9 For Yourself?

    Find Out More

     

  • Easter Goes To The Dogs – Easter Gift Box Review

    Easter Goes To The Dogs – Easter Gift Box Review

    Easter means something to us all – whether you simply look forward to the break or it means more to you, one thing doesn’t change and that’s the way we incorporate our pets into our plans.

    This year K9 Magazine’s review-some two-some Chloe and Mia are looking forward to Easter with an extra spring in their step thanks to Woof-Box, who kindly sent them one of their Easter themed gift boxes.

    woof-box easter gift box

    Who are Woof-Box?

    Woof-Box recently launched with the mission objective to deliver happiness to dogs everywhere! Tailored to their owner’s specifications, Woof-Box will create a gift box by handpicking only the healthiest, tastiest snacks, treats and other goodies to the doors of dogs across the UK every month as part of a subscription service.

    Chloe & Mia’s Easter themed Gift Box

    Chloe and Mia both loved the surprise of the gift box and both chose their favourites before we took them for a picnic to enjoy the sunshine.

    For Chloe, she took an immediate liking to the Carob Easter Eggs for Dogs.

    Just because dogs can’t eat chocolate they don’t have to miss out. These Easter eggs are made from Carob which is the dog safe alternative to chocolate.

    For Mia, well, it was the Easter themed carob biscuits!

    Each bag contains a mixture of bunny, chick and egg shapes hand baked to delight in carob and apple flavours. Carob is the dog safe alternative to chocolate, it is 100% natural and full of vitamins so whilst you are indulging in a little Easter chocolate your canine companion need not miss out. The apple cookies contain home made apple puree for fibre, oats for their known health benefits and homey which is a natural antiseptic. All of these cookies are made using the finest human grade ingredients with a base of organic wheat and gluten free flour.

    The box also included:

    • An Ancol ‘Easter Bunny’ comforter toy
    • The ‘Doggee’ waste bag dispenser
    • Hungry Hector Cornish Cluckies yummy dog treats

    Chloe and Mia received the box for medium-large size dogs, a tailored version is available for smaller dogs. Delivery is free and prices are from £17.99 per month, depending on your subscription period.

    Tailor your very own gift box, seasonal or otherwise, today at Woof-Box.co.uk and give your dog a monthly surprise they’re sure to love!

  • What Is The Best Dog Harness? K9 Magazine Has The Answer

    For dogs who pull, a harness is often one of the first recommendations made by a dog trainer as a method to get initial control of the dog’s errant walking behaviour.

    Now K9 Magazine has put together a feature profiling 5 of the best harnesses for dogs, highlighting the benefits of each with an insightful profile of this increasingly popular piece of dog training equipment.
     

    K9 Magazine says:
     

    “We’re always on the hunt for the best dog products around, and we suddenly thought – what’s the point in us knowing if we don’t tell you? Continuing our series of the Best Dog Products, we’ve been hard at work finding the best dog harnesses for Spring.”
     

    Profile in the feature are:

    • Puchi Chequered Chic Soft Dog Harness & Lead from Original Pooch
    • Ancol Car Harness from Ancol
    • Classic Buddy Belts Harness from Notforpussys.com
    • Pink Floral Soft Harness Vest & Lead from Wuff in Style
    • Company Of Animals Non-Pull Dog Harness from Paws Boutique

    On the specific issue of pulling on the lead, the magazine has this advice:

     

    “Assessing the world through the dog’s eyes is paramount to helping him walk to heel. In order to change the dogs mind from pulling, we have to communicate in a gentle language he will understand.

    The dog believing he is the leader believes it is his job to protect the pack and anything that approaches such as other dogs, joggers or cars could be perceived as a threat.

    This creates all sorts of problems as the dog in a human ruled world will react to the threat in three ways: Flight, freeze and fight.”

    Find out more about K9 Magazine’s recommendations for buying a dog harness (http://www.k9magazine.com/best-dog-harnesses/)