Nutritional "Dog Smoothie" Supplements

Every once in awhile a company comes along who; breaks the mold, raises the bar, thinks outside the box, etc...or any of the other hundreds of cliches to elaborately describe innovative ideas. This particular company has done just such...


They call themselves Ubuntu.

Ubuntu has created one of the coolest, most unique, and functional line of dog treats on the market today. They offer a natural ingredient dog treat "smoothie" fortified with supplements each formulated specifically for either Hip and Joint care, Digestive care, or Skin and Coat care. Each vitamin/nutrient supplement smoothies comes in a four pack of single serving 3.5oz. cups. Basically, they are a Banana/Peanut Butter flavored treats that closely resembles a kid's Jello pudding cup but for dogs. In addition to a tasty treat, Ubuntu "SMART PUP" line is PACKED with high levels of canine nutritional fortification.

We will let information from their website fill in the rest of the science:

SMART PUP Skin & Coat is specially formulated to keep dogs looking and feeling their absolute best. This treat provides the essential Omega-3 fatty acids dogs need for healthier skin and shinier coats. We use salmon and cold water fish oils formulated to provide over 300% more absorbable Omega-3 than leading dry treats. Many dry treats use botanical sources of Omega-3, like flaxseed oil to boost their claims, but dogs can’t metabolize flaxseed nearly as well. SMART PUP Skin & Coat smoothie treats are a great tasting way to deliver meaningful benefits to your dog everyday.

SMART PUP Digestive Health makes everything that dogs eat better for them. The combination of probiotic cultures and prebiotic fiber in our delicious, all-natural treats stimulate the good bacteria in your pup’s intestinal tract. This, in turn, promotes better digestion and nutrient absorption, alleviates intestinal upset and helps strengthen your dog’s immune system. Plus, a touch of ginger helps stimulate appetite in older dogs. SMART PUP Digestive Health smoothie treats are a great tasting way to deliver real benefits to your dog everyday.

SMART PUP Hip & Joint is more than just a delicious, all-natural treat for your dog. Through our exclusive formulation, each treat provides your dog with 600mg of liquid glucosamine to promote optimal joint health. SMART PUP Hip & Joint smoothie treats are a great tasting and effective way to deliver meaningful joint relief to your dog everyday. The Power of Liquid Glucosamine – Studies show that only 10-20% of vitamins and minerals in dry form are actually absorbed by a dog’s body, compared to nearly 100% when in liquid form.



My 4 year old pointer, Dewey has fallen in love with them! The first time I brought a sample home to try he literally did a back flip in my kitchen when I tore the cover off.  He licked the cup clean in under a minute. To know he was getting 600mg of highly digestible Glucosamine in each serving of something he thought was a treat made me one very satisfied dog owner. Over the past two months I have used the Hip and Joint cups as part of Dewey's post hunt recovery and prehunt prep. I have noticed an overall improvement in his recovery time and an increase in his stamina in the field. Although Dewey does not suffer from chronic joint pain,  Glucosamine is a powerful anti-inflammatory nutrient that helps aid in the nourishment of dogs muscles, joints, tendons, and cartilage. Although I have only tested the Hip and Joint smoothies, it is highly probable that their other products are equally effective. Ubuntu Smart Dog Treats are available at your local PETCO store now! The best part is they are very affordable. I urge you all to give your dog a shot at them! You will not be let down and neither will your four legged hunting companion!

Best of luck out there. -Mark

The Tailgate Check

Now that we are headlong into bird hunting season it is time to revisit one of the most critical aspects following any hunt with your four legged partner. The Tailgate Check.

Returning to your truck after a long day afield, time has come to load up your dog or dogs and head for home. A warm fire and hot meal await you both but don't be in a hurry as this is the perfect time and place to give your dog(s) the "once over". Positioning him or her on your trucks tailgate or back hatch gives you a higher vantage point to inspect your dog closely at eye level.

Start at the head and work your way back....

• Check entire dog's skin and coat with your bare hands to detect any foreign objects such as burrs, thorns, or other such debris stuck in/or on your dog.
• Remove any foreign objects completely using sterile tweezers. Medicate area liberally with antiseptic solution to clean the area using a sterile cotton pad.

Check your dog's eyes:

• Pull the skin around the eye socket back and around to see if any debris has found it's way around these sensitive areas. Keep in mind, dog's have a secondary eyelid. This is a common area for debris to find a place to hide. Look closely and inspect with great care. A small flash light can come in handy. Use a sterile canine eye wash to flush out any dust or marsh gunk.

• Treat any eye debris with concern. Sterile plastic tweezers are the best for removing such objects. If you can not reach it, do NOT push it. See your emergency vet immediately. Debris in the eye can work it's way down into cranial cavity quickly. Don't help it by struggling.

Check paws and pads. Look for cracked nail, cut pads, and thorns lodged in webbing:

• If cracked nails are found apply, styptic powder immediately. If severe, see vet asap. For cracked pads, apply k9 foot cream or suave immediately. Bandage with 3M nonstick tape if needed.

Check the ears flaps for cuts and ear canal for debris:

• If cuts are present around the ear flap apply styptic powder immediately. If debris is found in ear canal try to remove if possible. If not see your emergency vet for further help.

Tips for further post hunt home care:

If you hunt marshes or drainage canals around farm field run off(you know...the places those ditch chickens a.k.a.... pheasants like to hangout around), make sure to bath your dog with warm water and a good antibacterial shampoo after returning home. We use and HIGHLY recommend Perfect Coat Anitbacterial Deodorizing Shampoo. Fertilizer and livestock waste that runs off into nearby water holding sources can cause reactions to sensitive skin dogs(and even those tough as nails!) Contaminated field water can cause infections in open wounds or even the smallest scratch so be concerned about the post hunt bath if you frequent these areas...both for you and your dog! Even better, keep a pack of canine antibacterial wipes in your truck. During the tailgate check give your dog the once over before the marsh muck dries! This should not replace the shower and antibacterial shampoo when you get home.

Keep your canine field first aid kit well stocked. All the essentials should be thought of and available quickly. See our post http://northupland.blogspot.com/2010/05/field-first-aid-kit-essentials.html for more information.

The Tailgate Check is important as it allows you to identify any issues in a timely manner. If your travel to and from your hunting grounds are far and time consuming, this is the best place to help your dog ease an injury or painful issue quickly and efficiently.

I truly hope each of you is enjoying a great hunting season. I know Dewey and I are. The unseasonably warmer conditions here in Wisconsin is rare...but we are enjoying it while it lasts!

Best of luck out there. -Mark