Castor & Pollux Organix Can Food

I never thought I would have to reject this product, and it saddens me to do so. I had fed her 2 whole cases of this product since it first came out, with no problems....Lexi was doing great (stool-wise) until the new case of out-of-stock back-ordered Organix can food arrived.

When Lexi had constant diarrhea after the first few cans, I didn't want to believe the food was the problem. But, then again this was when the recall disaster was all over the news. I thought I was being paranoid so I tested it out.

Lexi was given no food or treats for approx. 14 hours. Her diarrhea stopped and she had small amounts of firm stool of whatever was left in her stomach. The next day I gave her a small can of Nature's Variety Prairie Lamb formula. Again she was fine. The next 2 weeks I only gave her boiled chicken or beef, mixed with small cans of Nature's Variety, Wellness, or Innova and she was fine. So I decided to give it a go and gave her 1 small can of Organix. The diarrhea started immediately and this time accompanied with vomiting :O

I couldn't believe it. I threw out the whole case.

Although they proclaim to have no connection to the recall, their products are manufactured by MenuFoods, and they voluntarily recalled their Feline formulas. Just because a brand boasts their organic produce, it doesn't mean that they're all good. Yes, they use organic turkey, chicken, and organic vegetables but they're produced with other brands from Menufoods, which lead to cross-contamination.

Please keep in mind that this brand was rejected by Lexi only, and yes, it could just be a solitary reaction specific to her. I just don't want to take the risk, and neither should your pets.

Pros: Certified organic produce
Cons: Diarrhea, vomiting, produced by Menufoods

Lexi Rates it: 0 Stars for giving her tummy-ache
Mom Rates it: 0 Stars for making Lexi suffer

Old Mother Hubbard Wellness Can Food

We love Wellness!

Although the kibble was too rich for Lexi and gave her occasional runs and constant loose stools, the can formula is fabulous! They have lots of variety, important ingredients, and lovely packaging~ Of course you should never choose such an important product like your pet's food by it's packaging, or marketing skills (such as glossy photos of veggies), it's just nice when a really good product has equally nice design.

The grain free formulas are great toppers, or additions to home-cooked or raw diets, but not formulated to be the pet's sole diet. Recommended for dog's with allergies or having digestive problems.

Here is their blurb about the recall:

• Our ingredients are primarily sourced in the United States and Canada. We source some unique ingredients internationally—for example lamb and venison from New Zealand. However, we do not source anything from the supplier in China at the center of the recent pet food recalls.
  
• Click here for more.
• Available online, or local pet store.
  

Pros: Not manufactured by Menu Foods Inc.
Cons: None!

Lexi Rates it: 5 Stars for yumminess & variety
Mom Rates it: 5 Stars for not cutting any corners

The Original Vermont Bag Balm

This pretty little can of salve is great for all the minor boo boo's (cuts, sunburns, itch/redness) and even continuous irritations, such as elbow callous and paw pads. Originally made for cow udders, it is safe for both pets and humans for over 100 years since 1899!

Definitely a must-have for all pet owners. Available at some CVS stores, and also online.

Pros: Safe, gentle, proven formula
Cons: Somewhat hard to find

Lexi Rates it: 4 Stars cuz she'd rather lick her wounds
Mom Rates it: 5 Stars for always being there when we need it

The K9 Campus Agility Class Randolph, NJ

We found the K9 Campus through their Meetup Group which offered a agility try-out class for only $10.00. It was Lexi's first time and she had lots of fun! She's no agility superstar with her big clumsy feet, but Jean Owen, our instructor sure had her feeling like one!!! With lots of treats, praise, and motivation through her Retriever's wonderful agility performance, every dog had a fantastic time~

The K9 Campus staff were knowledgeable, professional, and kind and the campus itself was very spacious, clean, and well-kept. Thank you for a wonderful class!

Pros: Big clean space, excellent trainers
Cons: Far from nyc, can be brighter inside

Lexi Rates it: 5 Stars for tons of fun & treats!
Mom Rates it: 4 Stars for long distance drive (1 hr drive from nyc)

Natura Pet Evo Can Food

Another reliable can food that we can trust even after the recall.
Although their kibble gave Lexi the runs, the can food is always a success with Lexi's sensitive stomach~

No grain, and 95% meat, organs, cartilage, the whole nine yards. Evo is designed to be an alternative to raw feeding, or an addition to raw or home-cooked diets. (*Their packaging seems to have changed...)

Lots of nice varieties and Lexi loves the taste! Available online.

Pros: No grain, 95% meat, small, firm stool
Cons: Sometimes gives Lexi gas...

Lexi Rates it: 5 Stars for variety and meaty satisfaction
Mom Rates it: 5 Stars for keeping Lexi healthy & strong : )

Dremel Cordless Pet Nail Grooming Tool 761-03

Clipping thick, black nails can be difficult and scary!
Using a dremel after proper introduction to it to your dog can be the answer to this important grooming ritual.

When Dremel came out with this model made specifically for pets after the overwhelming amount of customers who bought the Dremel rotary tool to groom their pets nails, I was very excited to try it. Although it boasted cordless and quiet abilities, it was a utter disappointment.

The 4 AA batteries lasted a mere 2 uses, and came only with the 1/4 inch sanding drum suitable for small dogs only. I purchased the 1/2 inch sanding drum to accommodate Lexi's bear-like nails, but it was very hard to replace the drum. Also the power is too weak and took forever to grind down her nails. Lexi Rejected!

For big dogs, use the Dremel 300N with speeds 5000-35,000 RPM (use only setting #1,2)

Pros: Quiet, cordless, cheap
Cons: Weak, hard to replace drum, eats battery too fast

Lexi Rates it: 1 Star for time consuming pedicure
Mom rates it: 1 Star for waste of money : (

Planet Dog Soccer Ball

This is soccer ball is yet another Planet Dog WINNER!!!
It's extremely durable and even has a minty coating that's supposed to freshen your dog's mouth while it's playing. However, Lexi didn't like the minty smell in the beginning, but it soon wore off after all the slobbering, drooling, and knawing.

It's durability lies in the unique hollow feature and 'Orbee Tuff' compound that is non-toxic, rinses clean, and even recyclable for our environmentally conscious moms~

Keep in mind is rolls straight, unlike the oval football that bounces all over the place, and it boasts a 5 inch diameter, which makes it fabulous for our ball fanatic big-jawed friends.

Pros: Looks like real thing, tuff-enough for big-time destroyers!
Cons: A lil' heavy and pricey @ $14.95 , only $10.99 on Ebay!

Lexi Rates it: 4 Stars wishing it didn't smell minty
Mom Rates it: 4 Stars cuz its big size gets stuck on her jaws sometimes...

Nature's Variety Prairie Can Food

Lexi has been on a variety of so-called premium pet foods. She started out with dry kibble food like Wellness (too rich), California Natural (dislikes taste after a while), to Solid Gold (extreme gas), Canidae (dislikes taste after a while), Eaglepack (still loves the anchovy mix), and Innova Evo (diarrhea and gas).

After the recall scare and research against kibble in general, I now give her a mix of canned food with home-cooked or raw meats, and recreational raw bones. When I move to my new house with a yard at the end of this month, I will switch her over to a raw diet and feed her outside.

After all the recalls which commercial food do I still trust when I'm in a hurry?

My #1 choice is Nature's Variety Prairie Can Food. Why?

They have not been involved at all in the recall, or in any past recalls, and Lexi has never shown any upset with their foods from the day I switched her over cold turkey. Her stool has always been small and firm, with no gas from any of their canned variety. This article also tells me that this company cares, and knows what they're doing.

Their first 3 ingredients are always meat-related: the meat, the meat broth, and the meat organs. They also mention which meat the broth is made of. They also have Taurine, whole egg, and biotin which I think is both important and nice.

Here is their product info:

• 95% Meat, 5% fruits & vegetables
• Grain-free
• No wheat, corn, soy, gluten, rice protein concentrate
• No by-products, artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives
  
• No hormones, no steroids
• Chelated minerals for better nutrient absorption.
• Complete and balanced for all life stages and all breeds.
• Can be rotated with Nature's Variety Kibble and Raw Diets.

You can also go to their website for full ingredient list.

FYI: Why don't I choose to feed Lexi their Raw Patties? Lexi had diarrhea even when I only gave her small nickel sized amounts. Also I found it annoying to thaw and expensive to feed considering she is a big dog. I would rather feed 'real' raw meats and bones since it is the natural form and doesn't give Lexi diarrhea.

Pros: Small firm stool. No gas
Cons: Hard to find, online order or local all-natural pet store.

Lexi Rates it: 5 Stars for yumminess in gravy
Mom Rates it: 5 Stars for peace of mind

Pretty Yoko Monogram Raincoat

I used to be one of those people who were against putting clothes on dogs.....That is until I realized how sensitive Lexi was to cold temperature. In the winter, she used to shiver so much that my whole car would vibrate. So last winter I purchased a Chilly Dog's winter coat that was fleece lined and waterproof, but it was way too hot for the spring showers.

So why get a big dog a raincoat? Big dogs smell big time when rained upon! (and Lexi hates the rain)

My sister got Lexi this adorable Louis Vuitton monogram inspired raincoat that is very easy to put on. It has a drawstring hoodie and the sides attach with velcro. It's also extremely thin so you can fold it up and carry it around your bag and it lets your dog's coat breathe easy.

I was very surprised that such a cutesy coat came in her size. This coat also makes people a lot friendlier towards Lexi's questionable appearance. For male dogs that want to prevent that sort of babyism, this coat also comes in 'tough-stud' Camo material.

Pros: Lightweight, easy to put on, reasonably priced @ $28.00 plus shipping for Lrg
Cons: People will constantly talk baby to your dog : )

Lexi Rates it: 4 Stars for making her look not-so-tough
Mom Rates it: 5 Stars for preventing big time, wet-dog smell

Italian Spa Royal Treatment Honey-Dipped Banana Oatmeal Shampoo

Lexi is a dog that had many health problems from Day 1.
I am ashamed to admit that Lexi is from a ill-reputable breeder that shipped her from Russia. Because of drastic climate changes, poor diet (her breeder fed Diamond brand recall disaster of '05), and diagnosed with Wobblers at 11mths, I had a difficult time bringing her back to good health.

After the surgery, her coat was in bad shape. She was shaved from neck to shoulders, bald patches on paws and thighs where drugs were pumped in, and thin scaly coat overall. With much help from supplements and coat rebuilding formulas, her coat is now thick and shiny!

For maintenance, we now use this wonderfully scented shampoo that was formulated by Prince Lorenzo Borghese (actual royalty!) and with ingredients from his ancestor's Italian harvest.

If you try it, it'll be the only shampoo is you'll use. It's tearless, and you only need a small amount for lots of foam and bubbles! Lexi has never been so soft or shiny and I've tried boxes of all different shampoos! This shampoo is the winner, and your pooch will smell so yummy you'll want to eat 'em up~

Here is their product info:

Both cleanser and balm, this Tearless Shampoo relies on earth’s own prescriptions for healthy skin and a regal coat: honey and banana to moisturize, oatmeal to soothe, and a host of herbs and emollients to hydrate and nourish. Specifically pH-balanced to pamper your sovereign’s sensitive skin, this shampoo contains no harsh foaming detergents.

Ingredients: Honey, Banana, Oatmeal, Chamomile, Aloe, Jojoba Seed Oil, Comfrey, Sage, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Wheat Amino Acids, Wheat Protein and Hydrolyzed Silk

Pros: Tearless, sensitive skin tested, $29.90 for huge 1 litre bottle, mitt etc
Cons: Pumps out small amounts, better off not using the pump for big dogs

Lexi Rates it: 3 Stars (she doesn't like baths~)
Mom Rates it: 5 Stars for soft, shiny fur-maker

Nzymes Antioxidant Treats

Although this blog started out as Lexi's Review, Leo (the older brother cat) wanted to share the spotlight. In this case, it worked out well since this wonderful product is made for both canine and feline friends.

I was introduced to Nzymes by a wonderful site that addressed specific feed programs for dogs with certain health problems. When Lexi was diagnosed with Wobblers I was worried about all the toxins from the drugs she had to take before, during, and after the invasive surgery.

Needless to say, the surgery was a huge success and all the vet techs were in shock at how she was able to walk around just hours after the surgery. They told me this was a first, and they've never seen a dog recover from cervical surgery that fast!

I don't want to sound like a commercial, but I do believe her daily Nzymes treats had prepared her for the worst. Also, the double dosage before the surgery probably helped her body get rid of the toxins and show such a miraculous recovery rate. She is still on Nzymes everyday and running faster than ever!

Here is their product info:

NZYMES® are tasty treats that provide important raw food nutrition and antioxidant support for a pets' good health and longevity. The proprietary sprout blend provides natural compounds used by a pet's body for the production of vital enzymes.

This powerful antioxidant formula has been used by veterinarians for over 15 years to help maintain mobility and vitality in animals of all ages. The bioflavanoids and polypeptides act as biocatalysts to help maintain an animals normal cell functions and to help cleanse dangerous free radicals and toxins from the body.

NZYMES® are natural vitamin-enriched supplements for pets of all ages. Hypoallergenic - Non irradiated. Made in USA

Pros: Tasty, healthy, crumbles to sprinkle for finicky pets.
Cons: Only available through online order

Lexi Rates it: 4 stars for yumminess
Mom Rates it: 5 stars for health

Dogswell Happy Heart Chicken JerkyTreats

This treat really makes Lexi drool from both corners of her very long mouth. The jerky is low fat, high in protein, made with 100% chicken breast & fortified with Vitamin E.

They call it 'Happy Heart' because studies show that supplements such as Vitamin E in conjunction with Co-enzyme Q10, L-Carnitine, Taurine, and Fish oil may protect the longevity of your canine's beautiful heart.

Now the jerky isn't going to guarantee that your best friend won't be diagnosed with the dreaded DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) which is usually inherited. With over 55% of DCM affected dogs being Doberman Pinschers, 'Happy Heart' is a yummy treat that addresses this very serious issue.

Pros: All natural, low fat, fortified
Cons: Pricey @ $10.49/1lb bag

Lexi Rates it: 5 Stars for absolute yumminess
Mom Rates it: 5 Stars for healthy goodness

Air Dog Kong Squeaker Large Football

This is a tennis ball & football fusion!
It is durable enough for Lexi who is 'moderately destructive', meaning she is a stuffed-toy-killer & a soccer-ball-rag-maker, but hasn't eaten a whole couch or anything like that........yet '_';

With that said another reviewer mentioned that their German Shepherds tore it to pieces in an hour.....so I guess it depends on the destructiveness of your dog~

However, I don't let Lexi play with it anymore because it is way too loud. Sounds like fire truck sirens screeching through your eardrums. Not recommended for use in public parks or dog runs.

If you have 40 acres of private land, then this ball will be okay, and you must invite us : )

Pros: Cheap $5.95 , durable for 'moderately destructive' dog
Cons: Way too loud

Lexi Rates it: 4 Stars for chewability & mom annoyance
Mom Rates it: 3 Stars for becoming temporarily deaf

Old West Baa Baa Q's Treats

I don't usually trust products that are sold in big pet stores like Petsmart, but I found this also in my trusted local all natural pet store (Petropolis) and decided to give it a shot.

With its all natural ingredients and low fat qualities, this is a great, yummy healthy treat to give to your best friend. Lexi approves~

Here's their product description:

Old West Baa Baa Q's treat for dogs are 100% all natural lamb lungs received fresh from USDA facilities. Soft enough for older dogs that can't have hard treats. Low in fat, contains no preservatives, artificial colors or soy.

Pros: Low fat, all natural, no grain
Cons: Maybe a lil' pricey @ $11.59 for a 1lb bag

Lexi Rates it: 5 Stars for yumminess
Mom Rates it: 5 Stars Lexi's sensitive stomach tested (no loose stool/gas)

The Planet Dog Football

This ball is Lexi's most coveted item. Ask around the regulars at Prospect Park, Battery Park dog run, and even up at the Fort Tryon dog run in Inwood - this ball has caused more fights than Paris Hilton. Don't get me wrong, Lexi is very good at sharing. It's just the other dogs that steal it we worry about when it's time for us to go home....

We have tried to diminish the obsession with this flexible, soft, yet oh so durable football after it was stolen one too many times, and lost forever (the color makes it hard to find in the grass unless it is super sunny outdoors). So we tried cheaper balls, squeaky balls, and even treat filled balls, but we went running back to this because it can endure the jaws of Lexi.

I guarantee that it'll be the best 12 bucks you've ever spent for your dog. C'mon, get your dog the best ball and stop stealing ours~ ; )

Another great reason to purchase from Planet Dog is that their profits go directly to their charitable organization, The Planet Dog Foundation.

This ball is the Official Winner of The Lexi Review's Best Toys.

Pros: Durable, Super-bouncy, your dog becomes popular instantly (this could also be bad!)
Cons: White rubber 'stitching' part comes off, be careful your dog doesn't swallow it.

Lexi Rates: 5 Stars for fetching madness
Mom rates: 4 Stars for making Lexi too popular with the boys...

Snoop Dogg's Rapping Doberman Toy

This toy is very well made. When pressed, the Snoop Dogg within says: "Bow Wow Wow Yippee Yo Yippee Yay~"

It sounds very cool, in actual Snoop Dogg's voice and its not annoying...that is until your dog presses it like 30 times in a row at 4 in the morning but even then, its better than a squeaker~

Lexi was able to break the voicebox inside in 2 days, but she was working on it every chance she got. We miss the phrase dearly. On the other hand, the toy itself is well-stitched and hasn't fallen apart yet...

Is it worth it? $8.99 from Amazon plus shipping is a lil' on the hefty side for a dog toy, but the giggles you'll get while your dog raps is totally worth it.

Pros: Funny, well-stitched, cute
Cons: Voice lasted 48hrs

Lexi Rates it: 5 Stars for chewability
Mom Rates it: 3 Stars for easy K.O. by the jaws of Lexi