My Pets: REVIEWS

Showing posts with label REVIEWS. Show all posts

The Trainers Pouch - Training Pouch Review

The Trainers Pouch was designed by an Australian dog trainer who understood the need for a practical and durable treat dispenser for dog training sessions, whether you're a professional or a dedicated dog owner at home.

The pouch is made from high quality BPA-free, non-toxic silicone. This means you can carry both dry and wet dog treats (especially our dogs' favourite - roasted chicken!) without any odours being absorbed or mould developing.

We were actually surprised by the size when we first received it. The Trainers Pouch is definitely a lot larger than anything we've previously used: 12cm (height) x 15cm (width) x 7cm (depth).

This means you could theoretically carry up to 4 cups of food or 4 tennis balls - not that you would ever need that many! In times of need, the pouch can also double as a travel water bowl, just keep the slit open for your pooch.

The pouch is flexible but strong and you can easily flip it inside out for quick and easy cleaning. If you get caught out in the rain, this pouch is waterproof and it is also dishwasher safe (placed in the top rack) to ensure it remains completely hygienic.

Included with The Trainers Pouch is a high-quality easily adjustable long (120cm) belt.

Our favourite feature is the narrow slit opening at the top meaning your dog treats won't fall out if you need to kneel or bend down to pick up a ball! This has happened to us a few times, meaning our dogs got a smorgasbord of treats before doing anything to earn them.. Training session over that day!

How versatile is it? Watch the video below to find out more...

PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

The price includes The Trainers Pouch and a durable trade quality belt in Black.

Available in Black, Blue, Purple and a Limited Edition Hot Pink.

RRP: $44.00 (inc. GST) at www.thetrainerspouch.com

Disclaimer: Product gifted by The Trainer's Pouch for editorial consideration.

REVIEWS

A La Carte Grain-Free Dog Food - Review

Comment

It is a sign of the times that everywhere you turn, there seems to be a new range of grain-free gluten-free dog food. As our dogs are treated as members of the family, we are spending more dollars to ensure their health and wellbeing and the best place to start is always with their nutrition.

Not all dry dog foods are created equal and we think there’s a lot to like about the new A La Carte grain-free range. Despite its name, it has been developed in Australia by an experienced team of pet nutritionists, veterinary professionals and breeders.

Unlike many brands sold here, A La Carte is manufactured in Australia using prime quality ingredients that have been carefully blended to produce premium and flavoursome dog food formulas.

We first discovered this brand nearly 18 months ago when we reviewed their main formulas (including Chicken & Rice, Lamb & Rice and Salmon & Potato low-grain varieties) suitable for the fussy and active dogs and those with sensitive skins.

A LA CARTE NEW GRAIN-FREE DOG FOOD RANGE

The main reason why you would choose to feed a grain-free diet is if your pet suffers from diagnosed food or skin allergies or struggles digesting grain-based food.

The main signs of food allergies may include chronic diarrhoea or gas, licking their feet or an itchy “derrière”! If you notice any of these symptoms, your first port of call should always be your vet as only he/she is qualified to diagnose an allergic reaction and work out how to eliminate its possible cause. Although wheat and corn are known allergens, they are not “evil” and there are many other ingredients (including proteins) your pet could be reacting to.

For both currently available formulas, ingredients listed are shown from the greatest to the least important ingredient so you know what you are really purchasing. It is refreshing considering how many brands actually claim a fancy protein in their formula name whilst it does not show up until 5th or 6th position in their ingredients list so always read the labels carefully and don’t be fooled by the marketing on the front of the pack!

Chicken, Lentil & Seawood Formula

Also called E-Stamina 30/15, this GMO free formula uses Chicken as the main source of Protein (min 30%) followed by Crude Fat (min 15%) which explains the name.

Other ingredients include vegetables like Potato, Green Peas, Chick Peas, Sweet Potato (a good source of slow release carbohydrates), Lentils plus the interesting addition of Seaweed (Algae).
It also contains Probiotics, Glucosamine and Chondroitin (for joint health), Omega 3 & 6 (great for healthy skin and coat) and a whole range of vitamins and antioxidants.

This formula is designed for medium to large breeds so this is the one we favoured to trial with our pack of Belgian Shepherds and all three did thrive on it: no upsets at “either end” and certainly no need to trick them into eating their meals!

Our dogs decide to investigate their new bags of A La Carte grain-free formulas as soon as they arrived with copious amounts of sniffing!

When we opened our first bag, we were surprised by the smell - reminiscent of a well-known brand of breakfast cereal, so it is definitely not your average boring kibble... We can't actually disclose what this mysterious ingredient is just yet, but clearly it is mouth watering for dogs!

At the time of publishing this review, all our dogs have been eating this food exclusively for four weeks. Our female Malinois displayed some hot spots on her lower tummy last month (for the first time in a while we actually fed a diet including grains) but these appear to have now cleared up.

Now, we can't necessarily attribute this to switching to the A La Carte food as she could just as well have developed an allergy to a plant or an insect bite but it is worth mentioning...

Smoked Salmon & Vegetables

Also referred to as E-Energy 32/22, this formula is also gluten-free and aimed more at your active small to medium breeds (aged from 4 months and adults).

It contains a slightly higher level of protein (32%) and fat (22%) and the same amount of fibre (4%).
The first ingredient is Pea Meal, followed by Salmon Meal, Lamb Meal, Beef Tallow, Tapioca, Soybean Meal. We noted the addition of Yucca Schidgera known for its waste odour control properties (1). Yucca also contains high numbers of saponins and polyphenolics which might help reduce joint inflammation.

It also includes a similar profile of Probiotics, Glucosamine & Chondroitin, Omega 3 & 6, vitamins and antioxidants.

WHAT WE LIKE

We prefer feeding our dogs a grain-free diet and have done so now for around 7 years though we also feed them raw and home-cooked diets at time. Having trialled a number of brands, what seems to be the common denominator with many of these super premium dog foods is the very high price they command per kg, putting them out of reach of normal households, especially when you have a large dog or multiple dogs.

Clearly it does not have to be the case… You can purchase a high quality dog food which is not full of cheap fillers (cereals) and animal by-products, without having to spend a fortune on your dog's diet each month!

We did crunch the numbers and feeding our dogs the Chicken/Lentil & Seawood formula only cost $6.60/kg and the Smoked Salmon & Vegetables worked out at $6.90/kg, based on a one-off purchase of a large (15.88kg) bag. Their standard formulas are even cheaper as they come in a supersized 18kg bag!

We also like OEM A La Carte's very clear pricing structure, offering big discounts for large volume buyers which should appeal to breeders, rescue groups and dog addicts having a large pack at home.

PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

RRP: $104.90 for E-Stamina 30/15 and $109.50 for E-Energy 32/22 directly from www.connex.com.au

Special Offer for Australian Dog Lover readers!

Use the Promo Code ALCGF15 (until 31/10/17) and receive a 1.5kg bag of the other formula FREE.

NB: Free delivery within 50km of Sydney. You will find this brand at an increasing number of pet stores on the Eastern seaboard.

Disclaimer: Product gifted by OEM Pet Care for editorial consideration.

REVIEWS

ION5 Ionic Toothbrush for Dogs - Review

Comment

The Soladey ION5 is the world’s first titanium light-activated ionic toothbrush which promises to do a lot more than just brush your dog's teeth!

The ION5 is designed in Canada, made in Japan and now distributed globally including in Australia. We first came across this product at the 2017 Melbourne Dog Lovers Show and August being Pet Dental Month, we decided to take a closer look at this toothbrush as it is now marketed towards not only humans but also pets (using different heads of course!).

HOW DOES THE ION5 IONIC TOOTHBRUSH WORK?

This ionic toothbrush contains a photosensitive titanium* dioxide rod. When exposed to any light source (sunlight, plain light bulb or fluorescent bathroom light), the solar panel charges the patented titanium dioxide semiconductor rod inside ION5 converting light into ions (negatively charged electrons). The rod then releases the ions, which blend with saliva to attract positive (hydrogen) ions from the acid in the dental plaque. The acid is then neutralised and plaque is disintegrated.
NB: *Titanium is used in many medical applications worldwide and deemed safe.

In simple terms, to use your brush you only need to wet the bristles and semiconductor with water and brush your teeth (lightly but thoroughly) as you would with an ordinary toothbrush for 2 to 3 minutes. When the toothbrush is working effectively , you will notice that your saliva will foam slightly.

What you need to get your head around (we struggled with that one...) is that you don’t really need to use toothpaste though you can add a small amount if you wish. The essential requirement is that there is always an adequate light source hitting the solar panel for activation.

WHAT ARE THE GENERAL BENEFITS OF USING THE ION5 TOOTHBRUSH?

The manufacturer promotes a whole host of great benefits, ranging from a brighter smile, to reduced cavities and reduced plaque build-up and a fresher breath which you would expect from brushing your teeth regularly (3 minutes, twice daily).

We can definitely see the advantages for travelling (camping trips, long flights etc.) as it works without toothpaste and even water: saliva is sufficient for use outdoors.

There are potentially long-term savings as the handle and rod are built to last for years, requiring only inexpensive replaceable heads.

USING THE ION5 TOOTHBRUSH WITH YOUR DOG

Depending on the study you refer to, we know that 80-85% of dogs over the age of 3 years have some degree of Periodontal disease. “Brushing teeth is actually the best thing to look after your pet’s teeth - just like our teeth” (Dr. Reeve, Veterinarian on ABC Radio Adelaide – 21 June 2017)

The trick however consists in training our dogs early (from the puppy stage) with lots of rewards along the way to accept these simple grooming tasks like tooth brushing and nail trimming as normal and pleasant activities.

With an older dog, this may take a bit of getting used to so maybe set up a routine in a relaxing space (no noise or distractions) and start with introducing the ION5 toothbrush over time without forcing the issue.

The manufacturer advises to start with a normal finger brush (available from most pet stores and vets) then move on to just the ION5 brush head and then the full brush.

Progressively you should be able to massage closer to our dog’s mouth (watch out for any signs your dog is not comfortable or relaxed!) and eventually you will be able to massage around and inside the mouth without causing any distress.

This could take months depending on your dog... However if the alternative is expensive dental cleaning under anaesthesia at the vet every few years, we definitely think it’s worth a try!

PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

The ION5 ionic toothbrush is available in 3 colours: Gumtree, Purple and Blue

RRP: $72.00 (toothbrush with 2-head pack) at www.siriusdogcares.com.au

Disclaimer: Product gifted by Sirius Dog Cares for editorial consideration.

REVIEWS

Antlers for Dogs Chew Treats - Review

Comment

If like us, you live with a monster chewer and find that expensive tough toys won’t even last the day, you may be interested in trying these deer antlers for dogs.

We don’t give our dogs raw bones (on our vet’s advice) and oral treats are usually swallowed whole, which would not deliver many benefits to remove plaque or tartar... Yet, we want to ensure our dogs’ teeth remain as clean as possible so we were on the lookout for a suitable alternative!

In the lead up to Christmas, we were searching for stocking fillers for our two Malinois that would not break the bank but also last beyond Boxing Day and we stumbled across the Antlers for Dogs website. It was pretty simple to navigate as it focuses solely on antlers with a great range to choose from so we decided to give those a try.

We were very impressed by the personal customer service we received and the fact that a small family business offers free shipping with only (we’re based in the same State) a 3-day turnaround for delivery.

WHY WOULD YOU GIVE ANTLER CHEWS TO YOUR DOGS?

#1. Health Benefits

First and foremost, deer antlers are natural and packed full of minerals like calcium, phosphorous and zinc to promote brain growth and healthy digestion. Obviously, our dogs don’t consume a large enough amount daily to make a huge difference to their health but at least there is no plastic in sight!

Please note that some vets will discourage the use of hard chews: not just deer antlers but also hard plastic or nylon chews, sterilised bones, cow hooves etc. as they potentially can cause bleeding in the mouth (or internally if they splinter) or blockages if swallowed so you need to decide if this is right for your dog.

#2. Long Lasting Treat

Compared to other dog treats – which tend to be inhaled rather than savoured! – these particular antler chews are very long-lasting.
The company advised that we could expect 3 to 6 months chew time and our first antler (Chewy Brute Large) did remain in action for close to 6 months! It was not completely finished but by that stage, it was too small to be held easily or chewed safely.

With two Malinois working on a timeshare arrangement, we found this longevity was quite an achievement! We had previously bought antlers from a store but had no idea where they were sourced from. They were also consumed within a couple of weeks (especially split antlers) so there was a big difference in quality!

#3. Odourless

We also like the fact that deer antlers are odourless and on cold or wet days, this makes them excellent indoor chew treats as they provide mental stimulation and help relieve stress!

There is no treating, boiling or preserving which makes them safer and softer which minimises the risk of tooth breakage.

We have tried a couple of these antlers now and they don’t get slimy nor do they splinter. I personally tend to remove them after 10 minutes of intense chewing or if I am unable supervise our dogs closely.

#4. Environmentally-friendly

Antlers are also cruelty-free. Deers will grow a new set of antlers each year: the mature antlers fall off naturally to make way for the new pair coming through. They would go to waste if they were not collected by the Antlers for Dogs’ owners on their farm in the Hunter Valley so why not put them to good use?

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ANTLER FOR YOUR DOG

The most important thing is to choose the right size for your dog. There is a great reference guide on the website to help you select the appropriate antler based on your dog’s size and breed but please feel free to contact the company for advice and they’ll happily share their experience with you.

When you’re choosing deer antlers for dogs, it’s better to get a larger size antler than a smaller one. Dogs will still be able to chew on a large antler – however if their antler is undersized they might get through it quite quickly!

Our Weapon of Choice - The Chewy Brute

These are the biggest, toughest and "meanest" antlers you’ll find and finally a match for our dogs!

The Chewy Brutes include the ‘burr’ – which is the part of the antler which connects to the skull – making these incredibly durable and resistant to cracking and splintering.

These enormously chunky antlers have a minimum weight of 400g.

RRP: $36 (small) and $46 (large)

Fallow Straps - The Softer Option

With our Christmas order, we also received one large Fallow Strap which was a novelty as we did not even know these existed.

Fallow straps come from the thinner, flatter bit of the antler – right at the top. In technical terms this is known as the palmate and it is the softest, most nutritious and delicious (or so we're told!) part of the antler.

Fallow Straps can be used as occasional treats (e.g. as odourless chews for long car trips) and it’s certainly the way our dogs used theirs. Between our two dogs, I think it took less than 45 minutes to chomp through an entire large one so these are not the best choice for our power chewers.

They are however a good choice for puppies, small dogs, senior dogs or those that are just getting introduced to the world of antlers.

They come in Small or Large or if your dog needs a bit of extra incentive, there’s even a Beef and Apple Cider flavoured variety!

RRP: from $18 (or you could get two for $30).

For more information, please visit www.antlersfordogs.com.au

REVIEWS

BOco Dog Collars and Leads - Review

Comment

Is it just us or have dog accessories changed dramatically over the past ten years?

When we got our first dog, I don’t think we gave any thought to his collar or leash: they were some of the essentials we needed to buy in the first couple of days and we just grabbed the first ones we saw from a supermarket shelf, hoping they would work and the collar size would fit! We just needed to attach his ID Tag and a leash so what more could there be to a dog collar?

Fast forward to 2017 and we’re now musing over textures and hues, width and stitches not to mention the colour of the matching hardware, as the overall look must work with each individual dog ID tag not to mention their various high tech accessories!

It’s getting harder than shopping for ourselves!

The BOco Range of Leather Dog Collars and Leashes

We first spotted the Australian BOco brand of designer dog collars and leashes at the Melbourne Dog Lovers Show this year. We were very impressed by the obvious quality and the beautiful colours in their range. We were told that there was more to come soon and we were not disappointed…

All the BOco signature leather dog collars are made from premium pebbled vegetable-dyed leather and you can complete the look with a matching leather lead.

You can choose from the original collection which includes five collars in a 2.5cm width: classic Black, Indian Tan, Rose Quartz, Royal Blue or Aqua Blue.

Aramis wears the BOco dog collar in Radiant Orchid

Depending on your dog’s breed and size, you may prefer their latest collection offering a narrower collar width of 2cm in eye-catching colours like Furever Red, Hunter Green, Baby Blue or Radiant Orchid (our model’s choice and a fitting description of her personality!).

Once you’ve finally settled on your favourite colour, you will also need to select your preferred hardware from silver or gold.

We admit we have been known to swap and change collars between dogs in the past and they don't seem to mind!

However if you'd like to make your dog's collar even more personal you can now add a pawsonal touch with your pet’s name monogrammed on the collar or leash - in silver or gold to match the hardware.

If your dog’s name is short (under 8 letters), the monogrammed lettering only adds $20 to the cost and we think it’s totally worth it!

All the leads come in one standard size (125cm) and width (2cm) for all colours.

This dog collar and leash combo would make a unique present for any dog lover or yourself if you like to step out in style.

Just try and avoid the muddy puddles that day!

PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

RRP: from $55.00 (collar) and $69.00 (leash) at www.boco.com.au

Disclaimer: Product gifted by BOco Australia for the purpose of this review

REVIEWS

Petrek 3G GPS Pet Tracker - Review

Comment

The Petrek 3G GPS Pet Tracker is the world’s first and smallest 3G dedicated GPS tracker for dogs and cats!

There is no worse feeling than losing your pet and knowing that you could have done something to prevent it from happening… Our older dog once took himself for a walk through the front door - admittedly he only went down the road to chew on our neighbour’s pot plant ornaments!) but these fifteen minutes spent searching frantically for him because he did not feel like responding to his name, felt a lot longer and it is not something we’d like to live through ever again…

You could have a contractor or a visitor coming in and not latching your gate securely and it only takes minutes for your adventurous dog to seize on this opportunity…

Just as with health issues, prevention is key which is why we love the idea of the Petrek GPS Tracker easy to attach to our dog’s collar (in addition to his ID tag and microchip) especially if when we decide to explore a new area during our walks or take him with us on holidays.

What is the Petrek 3G GPS Pet Tracker?

This is an upgrade of the previous 2G Petrek GPS Pet Tracker model which was the first to offer a phone app designed for smartphones (running on both iOS and Android based systems).

This new version has gone through rigorous testing to ensure all its new features are reliable. A big improvement is the smaller and lighter body making this unit now suitable for toy breed dogs and even cats!

It comes with an IP67 Waterproof rating so it is fully submersible up to one meter and 30 minutes! Unless your dog is a deep sea diver, you can leave the Petrek 3G on your pet at all times even if they have access to a dam or pool.

The Petrek 3G GPS Pet Tracker runs in conjunction with the free iPet App which is how you easily control the multiple functions like your pet’s location (and history), set an alert perimeter around your house/backyard etc.

How to set up your Petrek 3G Pet Tracker

1. Check your Tracker Power On / Off function. Press the Power Key at the back for 3 seconds and 3LEDs (red, blue, green) will light up. To turn the unit off, press again for 3 seconds and the LEDs will go off one by one.
Remember: your Tracker should always be turned off when you charge it.

2. Give your Tracker a full charge using the magnetic charger provided. Allow up to 5 hours for the first charge (and after that up to 2 hours is required for a full charge).

3. Download the iPet app for your smartphone (iOS or Android) and check for updates.

iPet app showing your dog's location on Satellite Map / Heat Map features

4. Activate the SIM card that is already installed in the tracker (you will receive a unique Activation Code for the ALDImobile service with your unit). Just follow the prompts online to confirm your identity and always request a NEW number (do not transfer existing phone numbers). You will quickly receive an SMS confirming your new service is ready to use.

The SIM card is pre-loaded with a $5 credit which will last 3-4 months with normal usage. Once you run out, you can simply logon to your account and top up your credit ($20 should give you a full year’s worth of usage).

5. Secure the Petrek 3G Tracker to your dog's collar using the silicon case provided.

We'd highly recommend you watch the Petrek 3G initial setup video on YouTube to follow all these steps properly.

It's easy to keep track of your pet’s movements

If your dog is left at home alone all day, it is reassuring to know that you’ll receive an instant notification should he leave your backyard/property which is where the Geo-Fencing feature comes in.

Through the iPet app you can simply put your finger on your property and immediately create a proximity circle that you can adjust from 100 metres to 10km.

Depending on your update time, should the iPet app detect your dog or cat outside the proximity circle on the latest location update, you will get an alert and notifications within seconds*! The timing of the notification that your pet has left the Geo-fence area depends on the settings (* see Battery Life) you are using for location updates.

Please note that Geo-Fencing relies on adequate GPS signal strength - as long as the tracker is moving and is outdoors, the breach will be picked up but if it’s inside a vehicle and not near the window it may not pick up. GSM network is required to send the notification to your phone.

If your pet has full access to a large backyard whilst you’re at work you may be interested in finding out where they spend most of their times?

Location History

The Live Location feature will deliver live location updates at the press of a button. These appear on Google Maps with an accuracy of 2.5metres so you know exactly where your pet is or their last location at the time of the update.

These Live location updates require full GSM and GPS signal. GPS signals require clear sight of sky and for the best location updates the Tracker requires to be outdoors.

This could come in handy if you go on holidays and leave your dog with a pet sitter or engage the services of a dog walker and want to check that you're getting what you paid for!

You can find out where your pet has been for any day in the previous 2 months through the iPet app! However if you don't want anyone to access this information on your phone, simply add a secure Pin to block someone from using your app and see where you've been...

Satellite View

Satellite View showing Geo-Fencing area (right)
An exact location address appears below (removed)

With the touch of a button you can switch from Map view to full satellite imagery so you know which house, tree or fence your pet might be closest to. As before, the Satellite View is only as accurate as the GPS signal! If there is GPS signal you will get a very accurate view.

Both with the Map or Satellite View, you can activate the LBS Assist function. If the Tracker is indoors or under a building the tracker will then search for the nearest telecommunications cell tower (GSM) to give you an idea of which area it might be. This “guesstimation” of location using GSM can be turned off if preferred.

Heat Map

Using this function, you can tell where your pet is spending most of his or her time during any day over the previous 2 months. However please note that the Heat Map function is only available to Android users at present.

Battery Life

If the Petrek 3G does not detect movement, it simply goes to sleep mode. In pure sleep mode, it can last up to 1600 hours (2+ months). However in practical use, depending on how active your pet is, the update frequency and features you select in the settings.

Normal mode (5-10 min updates) - Approx 8-14 hours
Urgent mode (30 Sec updates) 5-8 hours
Power saving mode (2 hour updates) 2-4 days

Battery life varies significantly depending on usage levels. For example, in places with poor GPS (when indoors) or GSM reception battery life can decrease up to 2 hours, but if your pet is normally out and about in open areas where the tracker doesn't have to constantly hunt for better reception the battery life will increase.

There is a low battery alert so when your Petrek GPS Pet Tracker is about to run out of juice, you will get a text to alert you to charge it up.

SUMMARY OF MAIN FEATURES

Light and compact - Dimensions are 46mm(L) x 38mm(W) x 19mm(H) without the silicon jelly case.
Weight: 29 grams without SIM card (1 gram)
IP67 Waterproof Rating
Magnetic Waterproof Charger
Easy to use iPet app on both iOS and Android platforms
Long life battery with power saving mode

For more information on how to set up and use your Petrek 3G Tracker and iPet app, we would also advise you to download and read the latest User Guide.

PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

RRP: $279.00 from www.pettrackingoz.com.au

Disclaimer: Product gifted by Petrek Australia for the purpose of this review