Organic, Gluten-Free Ingredients            The main source of principal allergies in pets is gluten!  Veterinarians increasingly diagnose a growing prevalence in many breeds - even our precious mutts. Gluten exists in wheat, barley, rye and most oats, causing serious food intolerance for sensitive stomached dogs. The sad fact is, an incredible amount of harm to a phenomenal number of animals, is becoming more apparent. Glutens contribute to malabsorption in the intestine reducing vitamins and minerals. Adhering to the finger-like projections of the intestine that are vital for the absorption of nutrients, they effectively reduce them from entering the bloodstream. In an attempt to digest these glues, the stomach adds as much acid as possible to break them down.       At the end of the day, why risk our dog's health?  Furthermore, national recalls on tainted beef or poultry products are far to common. Remote as this may be, we exclude this possibility by avoiding animal protein; preferring other sources.  While defining our recipes, we found an impressive mill in Oregon that produces certified "organic, gluten-free and grain-free" products. In every treat, our foundation ingredients are brown rice and quinoa. Quinoa (often thought as a grain, but in fact, is closely related to spinach) is a valuable source of a complete protein - extremely rare in a plant. It contains every single amino acid and is especially well-endowed with the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. Both are strong beginnings for healthy, all-natural dog treats!        Wheatgrass, Barley Grass Powders              (Don't be fooled by their names - they are gluten-free)       Our decision to add naturally detoxifying anti-oxidants; dried wheatgrass & barley grass - rich in chlorophyll, cell oxygenation and loaded with enzyme properties - is strictly based on the proper harvesting time for these two important vegetables.  And why are enzymes so important? Because they are the key part of the digestive process. Without enough digestive enzymes, dogs aren't able to process or absorb all the nutrients in the foods they consume.       Certified organic and grown in Kansas for more than 200 days, the crops are harvested prior to jointing.  Once a year, during this critical window, the highest levels of nutrients occur in both grasses. This cycle, happens before the maturation stage whereby these vegetables, form a wheat grain top. Catching these young super crops before the stalks evolve into grains, determines their gluten-free value. We add these nutritional "power-houses" for optimum benefit in Nutz About Nutrition! treat.   Understanding the Guar Bean      When you bake gluten-free, a stabilizer is important. The guar plant is a legume, related to the pea & bean family. Approved for dogs by the USDA, the gum is extracted from the guar bean, where it acts as a food and water store. Unlike a starch, it's an important source of soluble dietary fiber as well as a water-thickening agent.  Compared to 12 percent soluble fiber in oats, water-soluble gums contain as much as 80 percent soluble fiber and can behave as prebiotics, helping sustain beneficial intestinal bacteria; ours is grown in Texas.     Striving Eco-Friendly       Whooz ‘Ur Doggy! is committed to helping our canines live in a more peaceful, environmentally friendly community, beginning with organic food from nature.  Similarly, our treat containers are re-sealable rice-paper pouches; packing is 100% recycled paper ~ because it matters.      If you believe your pets deserve the best choice, and every action you make can change the world, we agree. We’re proud of purchasing foods grown, harvested & processed in the USA, and determined to enhance our canine’s universe in every way we can!   BONE Appétit                                                                             "feed as a snack or training reward."                   ©Copyright 2007 Whooz ‘Ur Doggy! ALL RIGHTS RESERVED