Want to reward Fido for learning to sit and stay? Does Fluffy deserve a little something special just for being so cute today? It’s always nice to keep some natural pet treats on hand for just such occasions, but there are also a few foods right in your kitchen that can be used to brighten your furry friend’s day. In her book, The Whole Pet Diet, Andi Brown recommends the following as foods that can occasionally be used in small amounts as dog or cat treats:

- Cantaloupe balls
- Cottage cheese
- Yogurt mixed with a few blueberries
- Sardines
- Organic cheese on a salt-free cracker

If you’d like to make some treats with a few more ingredients, be sure to check out the recipe for Voyko’s Paw-Lickin’ Liver Treats, along with all the other homemade pet food recipes at HaloPets.com!

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The recent economic downturn has caused many Americans to cut back spending in any way they can – including pet care. Many animal shelters are experiencing an increase in pets being brought in because their owners simply cannot afford to pay for them anymore. In order to combat this trend, the Cat Adoption Team (CAT) of Sherwood, Oregon recently opened the first cat food bank to help pet owners in need of financial assistance.

CAT, which is the largest no-kill cat shelter in the Pacific Northwest, debuted the food bank in the beginning of June to huge demand. When the doors first opened, there was a line of people waiting – proving that many were in need of this service.

From June through September, the food bank will be open on the first Sunday of each month, and each pet owner will be eligible to receive enough food to feed up to four cats. After the summer, CAT will reevaluate the program and decide how it will operate in the future.

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YES!

The pet insurance industry has grown and improved greatly in the last several years. There are now several pet insurance providers; each offering a range of competitively priced policies that can be tailored to an individual pet’s needs.

Before selecting an insurance plan, it is important for pet owners to research policy coverage and know specifically what medical claims are or are not covered. Coverage can vary depending on the presence of “pre-existing” medical conditions, hereditary diseases or breed problems. Understanding exactly what to expect from a pet insurance policy helps owners avoid frustration and assures a pet owner is financially prepared for both routine medical check-ups and emergencies.

Click here to read more about pet insurance for your dog or cat.

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The devastating flooding throughout Iowa has caused harm to more than just its human inhabitants. Nearly 60 dogs and cats have been recently spotted clinging to rooftops, balconies and trees after their owners were forced to leave their homes rapidly.

In order to help save the frightened animals, Iowa’s Emergency Operations Center has called in a rescue team from Best Friends Animal Society. Currently at work in Oakville, Iowa, the team has thus far saved numerous family pets and is receiving calls every day from those concerned about their animals’ well being. The Best Friends team is navigating the badly flooded town with the 14 foot flat-bottomed boat that they used for weeks of rescue efforts after Hurricane Katrina. Animal shelters in neighboring towns have agreed to take in the lost pets, ensuring that they will be safe until they can be reunited with their families.

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Does your dog have a smile that could light up a room? Maybe your pup has eyes that could melt hearts or a coat so silky that Hollywood actresses could only dream of having such lovely hair. Or perhaps he’s just got the biggest ears known to dog-kind. Whatever your pup’s claim to fame, there’s likely to be a category that fits him in Dog Channel.com’s Virtual Dog Show. Sponsored by Halo Pets, this is one dog show that your pooch doesn’t need to be a purebred to enter. With unique categories like “longest tongue” and “best ‘feed me’ look,” there’s sure to be a place for every dog. And the best part is the prizes: Winning dogs will receive a year’s worth of Halo natural dog food!

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Dog Channel to submit your pup’s photo in the Virtual Dog Show. And if you don’t have a dog to enter, you can still check out all the adorable nominees and vote for your favorites.

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