Before opening the Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers bag, I was impressed by the premium ingredients label. The complement of organic fruits and vegetables listed after nutrient-rich meat organs and bone as well as added probiotics and antioxidant was an unexpected surprise. I learned that all of Stella & Chewy's products including Meal Mixers are grain, gluten, filler, artificial preservative and coloring free and no hormones or antibiotics are added. That kind of healthy, digestible quality dog food is exactly what I prefer to feed my dogs! After scanning the ingredients, I read how much Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers each of my dogs should have with their kibble. The scoop for each dogs weight per day chart is easy to read but how much is "a scoop?" Well, to add to the already simple raw feeding scoop, mix and serve Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers provides, a scoop is included in every bag. I will never have to fear forgetting a dog feeding scoop on a dog friendly road trip again!  We tried Chewy's Chicken Meal Mixers for this review but the other protein options available are Stella’s Super Beef, Tantalizing Turkey and Savory Salmon & Cod all available in 3.5, 9 and 18 oz bags.

More important than Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers scoop, mix and serve convenience is that the dogs are so excited for the serve part. Wilhelm, Brychwyn and Huxley are in full agreement with the University Wisconsin-Madison taste study showing that 9 out of 10 dogs prefer their kibble with Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers. Evidence that Stella & Chewy's freeze drying process locks in nutrition and flavor comes at each meal time and on every one of our fit dog outings.

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Typist: Bethany
As cold, wet weather slowly returns to Cascadia, more and more people and pets spend time in the warm, dry indoors. Leo, Amelia, Wilhelm and even Brychwyn have been avoiding too much time outdoors. However, the change in seasons has not deterred our outdoors man, Huxley, from lounging outside as many hours a day as he can. I also like to be outside as much as possible in order to keep my spirits lifted as the days grow darker but I don't have any clothes that protect me from the elements like the thick coat of a collie. Still, as I make every nutritional effort to keep my immune system strong during the colder months, I do the same for my furry dog. Despite Huxley's protective layers of fur, the weather often does more to him than it does to the rest of the Cascadian Nomads. Perhaps it is that he spends more time outdoors than the rest of us.

The season change means Huxley will get wetter and colder so I was a little nervous about switching his food. But the quality ingredients on the Pinnacle® label reassured me. Duck is the fist ingredient of the Grain Free Duck and Sweet Potato Recipe Pinnacle dog food that I switched Huxley to. Other quality ingredients like quinoa, sweet potato, pumpkin, sea kelp and cottage cheese meant I was giving my dog the total nutrition needed for holistic health through a safe, limited ingredient diet (LID.) Pinnacle also makes it clear their pet foods are "made in our California plant." The antioxidants to support healthy immune system, fiber to encourage healthy digestion and small stool and high quality meat recipes that promote general joint health and overall muscle tone in Pinnacle are just what an active dog spending lots of time outdoors needs, especially with the changing season. When trying to get as much time outside between autumn storms, it is especially important that I not upset Huxley's sensitive stomach.

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Typist: Bethany
It is my understanding one is supposed to be careful in naming a pet because the personality of the pet will often develop to match the name. I was first cautioned about naming pets by a friend who had a cat named Dorje. This cat definitely took his "thunderbolt of enlightenment" name very seriously. I had, however, already named Gryphon, as in the eagle/lion, and was learning the truth of the "be careful what you name a pet" warning. Since we Cascadian Nomads live a life of loving and enjoying nature, I didn't think this cautionary phrase applied to the name I chose for my handsome, harlequin blue merle rough collie. Huxley means "outdoors man." His wish to be outdoors all the time is inspiring but sometimes a bit extreme. Of course I understand enjoying fresh air next to nature, but laying on the wet ground in the rain?

Stay tuned for the results of Huxley's Pinnacle feeding trial!

Does your dog love the outdoors?
What is your dog's favorite outdoor activity?

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Typist: Bethany
When out and about with the Wilhelm, Brychwyn, Huxley, Amelia and Leo, I am fortunate to have the most interesting conversations with people. Most people will simply comment on the menagerie, others ask questions about the dogs breeds, how they all get along or training. Every once in a while I have an in depth discussion with someone about life with and love for pets. One such amazing conversation occurred last week and while discussing the deep bond formed with pets, the woman I was talking with mentioned how much she missed her bearded dragon. At first I though it was odd to discuss reptile care when a reptile is the one type of pet I did not have on my walk, but this neighbor knew I was simply a pet lover, regardless of species. She explained "I never thought I would be involved in reptile ownership. I mean, me, with reptile pets? But this bearded dragon was not being properly cared for and when the opportunity came for me to take it home, to help it, I knew that it needed me." The woman whimsically described the changes she witnessed in the personality of the lizard as it adjusted to a correctly sized enclosure, basking light, comfortable bedding, branches and a hide, carefully monitored temperature and humidity and a well rounded diet. "After a few months, as I was cleaning the enclosure, that bearded dragon suddenly climbed up my arm and just cuddled up on my shoulder. That became out routine every day for years. We really loved each other..." the woman's voice cracked slightly then faded. There was quiet while my welling tears subsided as well. Then I creaked out that I completely understood and commended her for the wonderful end of life she had given that pet.

Have you or has anyone you know ever had an incredible bond with a reptile? Please share your story in the comments.

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