How to Create the Best Holiday Gift Basket for your Dog

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of The J.M. Smucker Company. The opinions and text are all mine.

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I've had MaQ for five years and it was the month of December when we first met. That day still feels like it was yesterday. Every holiday season I can't help but go overboard on getting him gifts. My reasons are, there's always an occasion to spoil my dog and I'm just really grateful for him and love him to bits! We have been through a lot together and he has taught me so much along the way. He's not just a pet, or a friend - he's family. Which is why I couldn't resist buying these treats during a recent trip to Walmart. And I wanted to share some other fun gift ideas along with the treats to make the perfect stocking/gift basket for your dog! I'll even be showing you how to wrap it up into one gift! And believe me when I say this, it is completely painless and easy! (The way present wrapping should be intended! Ha ha!)

1. Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks

Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks feature the same teeth cleaning and vitamin-enriched goodness of Milk-Bone Original biscuits in five delicious flavors your dog will love. Your dog always does so much to show you their unconditional love. Return that expression of love by treating them with a yummy Milk-Bone biscuit. For dogs of all sizes. 

2. Pup-Peroni

Sharing these tasty treats is a great way to provide contagious joy for both dogs & dog parents. With more real beef* and a mouthwatering aroma it's no wonder dogs simply can't resist Pup-Peroni Original Beef Flavor dog snacks. Don't forget to take a package along so you can treat your pup wherever you pal around! *Than the leading soft and chewy dog snack competitor 

3. Any Christmas-Themed Stuffed Animal

One of MaQ's favorite toys are stuffed animals, so much so, we created a game called the "Identification Game" where he can literally I.D. over twenty stuffed animals he owns. That's how smart my boy is! I went with a Christmas tree and a reindeer to build upon his vocabulary. Though I somehow believe he already knows what these words mean after five years together, ha ha! 

4. A Fresh New Dish

It's always a good idea to replace your dog's dish/bowl after a while, right? What better time than now to get a fresh new one? I like this one because it's not made out of metal, and the color is super cute! I also can appreciate that it is a larger size as MaQ is a pretty big guy and does eat a lot! 

5. It's the Little Things

On top of stuffed animals, MaQ is also obsessed with balls, like most German Shepherds. Of course, I had to add a couple of (red & green color-coordinated with the holiday season, naturally) them into the gift basket. Lastly, a super cute Naughty/Nice red bone toy and red & green play rope for the finishing touches. 

I assembled these gifts in one basket! I used the same plastic wrap that is used for flower bouquets and such, starting with the bowl and adding the treats and toys after. Once everything was inside, I tied a red satin ribbon around the top to close it and also make it look festive and adorable. What do you guys think of my gift basket idea? What kind of items would you put in your gift basket for your pooch? You can find Pup-Peroni Original Beef Flavor Dog Treats (25 oz.) and the Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks at your local Walmart in the pet treat aisle. For more info go here. 

LOVE & XX'S,

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Pup-Peroni with MaQ-eroni

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of The J.M. Smucker
Company. The opinions and text are all mine.

With my crazy hectic schedule as a full-time writer, photographer, and blogger/digital content creator, I don't get that much time with my German Shepherd dog, McQueen, or also known as MaQ to most of you, as much as I'd like to. So I definitely make room for some heavy duty quality time with my fur baby every chance I can get. It's not only for his well being but for mine as well. We are each other's best friend and if I could take him everywhere with me, I would in a heartbeat. Which is why when I was recently asked by Pup-Peroni to share some of MaQ's most recent favorite treats we, of course, wanted to share with you a couple of his choices! Here's a small clue to what he always goes for... and they are made with real meaty goodness!

When MaQ sees these Pup-Peroni Original Beef Flavor Dog Treats, he immediately starts to drool and gives you the 'I want it NOW' eyes. He'll do anything for these treats, one of his favorite go-to maneuvers is the paw shake or high-five, which is always rewarded with a treat or affection. We do everything together and I love being able to count on a brand that provides real meat like beef, steak, bacon, etc. as the #1 ingredient in their treats. Even made with real Angus steak, (MaQ also is in love with the Prime Rib flavor as well) I am reassured that I'm giving something authentic and tasty to my beloved pooch. With less time to worry about what I'm giving my dog, I can spend the time I have with him playing and enjoying our time together, showing other people his tricks and 'tricks of the trade.' 

One of his favorite games he's loved playing since he was a puppy is what we like to call the "Idenitification" game. MaQ has an assortment of plush toys, ranging from a dragon, fox, pig, monkey, practically a whole farm, that he absolutely adores, so much in fact, that he doesn't rip them up to shreds like other dogs sometimes do. We'll put all the toys in the toy bin and then ask MaQ to individually bring us a certain one, one by one until he is mentally exhausted. He can bring nearly twenty toys in one sitting! I'm not kidding! I'm even thinking about doing a live video on Instagram or Facebook one of these days, what do you guys think of that idea? We, of course, reward him each time for his efforts with his favorite mouth-watering beef treats. 

MaQ aims to please and is one playful pup while doing so! Some other activities we love doing together are taking long walks throughout the city, rollerblading and playing catch with one of his favorite balls. He also loves going to the store with me, even hearing the word gets him super excited! But no matter where we go, I always keep a few Pup-Peroni treats within reach. When people ask how MaQ is so well-behaved, it's not just his demeanor, it's the hundreds of treats given through training and positive reinforcement. When you can make training fun and full of engagement, it can do wonders for you and your pup. And with the best meaty treats, your dog will do anything for one! You can find Pup-Peroni Original Beef Flavor Dog Treats (38 oz.) at your local Walmart in the pet aisle. Woof, YEAH!!! 

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MaQ's New Fave – Nature's Recipe Grain Free Salmon Dog Food

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Nature’s Recipe®. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Some of you may have read up on MaQ, my German Shepherd dog's diet a while back. For many years it's strictly been raw red meat (sometimes chicken or salmon), sushi rice, cooked green beans with a dollop of cottage cheese and olive oil. And glucosamine pills to keep those hips in check.(Whoa.) While I haven't fed him purely kibble food since he was a puppy, the vet has recommended putting a little bit of it into MaQ's meals. What is the reasoning behind this? There are just some ingredients dogs cannot get in other food categories like in dog food. Which is why lately, I've been giving my fur baby Nature's Recipe Grain Free Salmon Dog Food, a healthy & nutritious easy-to-digest dry food MaQ has become completely addicted to! Look how adoringly patient he is waiting to eat his breakfast! Awe!

It's no surprise that salmon is healthy. And while it's the number-one ingredient in Nature's Recipe grain free easy to digest salmon, sweet potato & Pumpkin recipe, it's also part of an all-star lineup including nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources to help your dog stay on the move. Sweet potatoes and pumpkin round out this mix, giving your dog a nutritious, easy-to-digest food that doesn't get in the way of all that delicious salmon. The best part? It is new at Walmart, it has no corn or wheat, no artificial flavors or preservatives, and no poultry-by-poultry meal. Which is why for many years I didn't feel confident including dry dog food into his diet. German Shepherds are prone to extremely sensitive digestive systems and I'm always a little weary giving him something new since it throws his tummy off. 

But with Nature's Recipe's real chicken or fish being the #1 ingredients in their dry recipes, made with premium protein sources and fiber to help support digestion, energy and satisfy natural cravings for every stage of a dog's life, it is the perfect form of dry kibble for MaQ. And he goes absolutely nuts over the smell of the kibble alone! You should have seen his face when I first introduced the bag, I thought his eyeballs were going to pop right out he was so excited! In today's post, I mixed the kibble in with raw salmon, (like a total grizzly bear, he is a savage when it comes to this specific fish) shredded carrots with lettuce, white rice, and olive oil. We even feed him handheld treats out of the kibble as an in-between snack! It's his grandpa's (YES, he has a grandpa!) favorite way to give him a treat. Can you tell he's lovingly spoiled?! :) 

If you're a pet owner, I strongly recommend Nature's Recipe Dog (and cat) Food for your beloved babies. They have a variety of other flavors besides salmon such as chicken, lamb and more! There is also a line of wet dog food too if that's your pooches' thing! The best part, is you can find Nature's Recipe at your local Walmart. This makes the switch to kibble easy and convenient. For more info on this amazing dog food line, click here! 

LOVE & XX'S,

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5 Foods You Should Feed Your Dog

When it comes to feeding my dog, MaQ, I've put him on specific diet since the age of 1. Every day, twice daily, he gets red meat, cooked sushi rice with green beans, some cottage cheese and olive oil, and glucosamine pills. But I also like to give him a little nutrition boost, from time to time, now and again, since these staple powerhouse foods are not only good for us humans, but for your beloved pooch too! And who doesn't love sharing their food with their loved ones? Sharing is caring, remember?! Here is a list of five foods you should (and can) be feeding your dog - right now!

1. BERRY, BERRY, POWERFUL

Like myself, MaQ is a huge fan of any berry in the berry family. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries. You name it, we love it all. I tend to make a lot of smoothies out of these berries as they're loaded in antioxidants and are loaded in fiber and vitamins as well. The phytochemicals in blueberries work the same way for your dog as they do for you. Ever hear how strawberries naturally whiten your teeth? It's absolutely true! Strawberries carry an enzyme that helps do this - for your fur babies too! Berries are powerful - they help fight free radicals in your dog.

2. IT'S ALL IN THE OILS, BABY

Twice a day, I give MaQ olive oil. First of all, it tastes great. Trust me when I say this, your dog will love you for it! The monounsaturated fats in olive oil actually encourage weight loss by breaking down the fatty cells, helping shed a couple pounds. It is also contains high levels of antioxidants, proving to arm your dog's immune system. Also a brain food, it has been shown to boost energy. And on top of being nutritious, olive oil gives your pooch the ultimate beauty treatment! Just like how we put oils in our hair to repair with moisture, you can do the same with you pet's coat or dry paws.

Coconut oil contains mainly of medium chain triglycerices (MCTs) which are loaded with lauric acid, followed by capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic. The lauric acid in coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Just like olive oil, coconut oil also can help boost your dog's energy and aid in weight loss. On top of that, coconut oil can also improveany dog’s skin and coat, improve digestion, and reduce allergic reactions. I even put a few scraping chunks in the freezer, like this organic coconut oil from Nutiva as a cooling treat during those hot, summer days.

Fish oil is also amazing for your dog. Benefits of the Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids help reduce joint discomfort, helps with shedding, decreases inflammation, adds moisture to dry, irritated skin, and even enhances your dog's appetite with an appealing fish flavor. I actually give MaQ this in capsules. He crunches them up in his mouth like Skittles, ha ha!

3. LEAFY GREENS

On top of 'eating your vegetables' like Sam from I Am Legend, MaQ occasionally gets some mint or parsley. He's not really a fan of it by itself, so I chop it up into his meals to diffuse that dragon breath of his. I'm telling you, he smells minty fresh afterward! Did you know that parsley is also good for preventative kidney health? We are all about getting rid of those toxins we carry in our bodies, both furry and non-furry!

I also like to give him some mixed greens, like a mesclun salad, which is filled with lots of fiber and vitamins/minerals. It can too help in digestion, even detoxifying the liver and urinary tract, though I don't give too much of it since he eats a ton of green beans daily. 

4. POWDERED SPICES

When I talk to most dog owners, they're initially surprised I give MaQ turmeric. Also known as curcumin, turmeric boosts cardiovascular health and helps to treat memory disorders. It is also great for overweight dogs, because it boosts the metabolism and helps to speed up weight loss. It can also offer protection against certain ailments, including anemia, cancer, arthritis and stroke. Ground turmeric is easy to add into your pet’s daily diet. I just sprinkle some on MaQ's meals 3-4 times a week! He loves the pungent scent as well.

Got a dog who gets car sick like my baby? Well, look no further. Just put some ground ginger into his meal before your journey and they'll be nausea-free. Ginger ale or Vernor's work too, but I don't like to give him the carbonated drinks due to the sugar in them. The ground ginger is also helpful in absorption of food, and boosts the digestive system. It can even help boost circulation.

Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. It can help fight sepsis and diabetes in your dog. Being that cinnamon is one of the best sources of antioxidants, it can even help to remove the aflatoxins that are found in your dog’s food. (Should you use kibble.)

5. RAW EGGS

Eggs are a nearly complete source of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), and contain lots of vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B12, iron, selenium and fatty acids. You can feed the egg with the shell on, and the phosphorus and calcium are perfectly balanced, making the egg a nearly complete source of nutrition for your dog. I like to thoroughly clean the shells before giving it to MaQ. You can cook the eggs too. Tell me a dog who doesn't love scrambled eggs! :)

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Remember, these foods should be used in moderation and as a supplement to your dog's diet. Every dog is different, so be sure to experiment with foods that are good for them. There's a ton of bad foods for dogs too, such as chocolate, grapes, avocado, a variety of nuts/seeds, onion, garlic, black pepper, and more.

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MaQ's Raw Diet

Since MaQ turned 1, I've been giving him a primal eating plan. I put in a combination of protein, calcium, fiber, carbs, glucosamine, vitamin C, and olive oil all to provide longevity, optimal health, and even some beauty treatment! Yes, you read that right! Let me explain further.

Here is a list of what's in MaQ's daily meals. I serve this twice a day, for breakfast and dinner, the raw meat being the staple part of his meals. From left to right; clockwise (above):

• Kokuho Rose Sushi Rice: This superior Japanese style rice is the only rice I ever use (been eating this since I was little) and is hands down the best quality rice I've ever eaten. I use this as a substitute for commercial kibble. Most kibbles and canned food use feed grade rice, which is basically the scraps of rice that are leftover when actual rice is made for human consumption! Which means the likelihood of toxins being absorbed during a multiple processing stage is very high. So, of course, I naturally transitioned to this. As a puppy, Maq was on Royal Canin kibble because as a baby, there are certain nutrients that are vital to their immune system and since they are not full grown, the breeders where we got MaQ strongly recommended he be on this diet up until he's 1 - 1.5 years of age. Doggy's thrive off carbs, and in my opinion, rice is terrific for our beloved pets. So long as the rice is of premium quality.
• NuJoint Plus®: I give these glucosamine pills to MaQ daily. 4 pills to be exact due to his larger size. Another suggestion from our fantastic breeders, the pills help prevent all sorts of common problems that are prone in the German shepherd breed. Hip & elbow dysplasia, arthiritis, osteoporosis, and joint inflammation are just a few that can occur with GSDs. These pills are a natural anti-inflammatory hip and joint therapy supplement and are treats to MaQ. He's loved them since he was a baby and never go low on these! 
• Cento EVOO: First of all, it tastes great. Trust me when I say this, your dog will love you for it! The monounsaturated fats in olive oil actually encourage weight loss by breaking down the fatty cells, getting rid of a couple of pounds. It is also contains high levels of antioxidants, proving to arm your dog's immune system. It is also a brain food and has been shown to boost energy. And like I mentioned earlier, olive oil gives your pooch the ultimate beauty treatment! Just like how we put oils in our hair to repair with moisture, you can do the same with you pet! 
• Raw Meat: This can be basically anything! His everyday meat is usually beef, but when I want to switch it up, I'll go with salmon, chicken, ground turkey or sometimes lamb. With beef, I usually go with stew meat since it's easier to cut and prepare. There have been hundreds of articles written about the raw diet, each side debating different views. One, it's actually healthy and provides your dog a longer, healthier life, and two, it's just bad because there's too much bacteria, germs, etc. for the dog and they get sick. It does take a couple of weeks for a dog to adjust to a different diet, but once they do, not only do I think they're enjoying their food much more, but the benefits are far better than any commercial kibble! Think about the wolves, you don't see them running around looking for dried up bullshit. I know, they're not domesticated animals but they are the wild ancestors of dogs and have been living long enough in their habitat to survive and thrive. So if their ancestors can do it, dogs can as well. But, I'm not one to dispute what you feed your dog. This is up to you.

• Green Beans: One word. Fiber! And MaQ really enjoys these little veggies. And I always cook the green beans to give a softer texture because ewe, raw green beans don't taste very good! They are also heavy with antioxidants, ranging from vitamin K to manganese, and also can be an anti-inflammatory benefit. Green beans bring cardiovascular benefits as well! From the omega-3 fatty acid in the beans, it's a heart-protective nutrient.
• Friendship Cottage Cheese: I give this to MaQ very often for calcium intake. I like, from time to time, to switch it up with plain Greek yogurt, since he really likes both. I actually really love green beans with cottage cheese. Together it's delicious! I'll even have a small portion of it for breakfast!

Here's MaQ's complete meal! Dang, doesn't it look delicious? I love spoiling my pup. Why? Because I love him. It's such a pleasure to hear from strangers complement how beautiful he is. Aesthetics always come first, then once they look into his soulful eyes they are immediately enamored with my boy. When someone says, "I can see he is very well taken care of." Or, "what a gorgeous German shepherd!" Because for me, I take pride in giving MaQ the best of everything. Why? Because he does the same for me with his undying love and devotion. And if the roles were reversed, I know he'd feed me just as well!

I've got a cardinal rule when it comes to feeding MaQ. And this applies with pretty much everything else. He's not allowed to eat until I tell him it's okay to. This goes for getting out of a car, going through a door, waiting to cross the street or be invited up on the couch, even throwing a ball I'll make him stay in his position for a couple of minutes before releasing him to fetch it. Without any impulse control, MaQ would be a wild wreck! Sometimes before he eats we'll play the 'color' game to mentally challenge him. For example, I'll say some colors out loud like, 'red', or 'blue' before actually saying the word, 'okay'. He drools incessantly while waiting and I'm sure his food is that much more rewarding, plus let's be real. You ever had to wait to eat? Did it taste better than what you imagined? It's that anticipation! :)

Bon Appétit! (Yes, my dog knows what this means.) Can't blame him for having a French papa! ;)

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

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