No plastic bowls- ever!

Amazon just delivered another glass bowl that I ordered for feeding my four-legged kids. I decided that if plastic was not-so-good for humans to drink from, microwave in, eat in, then why are we still feeding our dogs from cute little molded plastic bowls?

Boomer chows down

Because they're everywhere, that's why. PetSmart, grocery stores, Target and WalMart - plastic bowls molded in the shape of goblets and kitty cats - you know the kind. And they're cheap - I picked up a bowl for less than $1 as a temporary water bowl. But I hated using it. So I went on the hunt for a glass dog bowl.

I had to look long and hard before I found one that suited me. I tried using inexpensive Corelle bowls from the Corning Outlet which are terrific: I can heat up chilled food in the microwave and then serve it to my doggies with some confidence that I am not releasing evil plastic molecules into their little bodies. However, glass and ceramic bowls scoot around on the floor making a terrible racquet and causing a rather comical chase around the kitchen by the Milli and Boomer who are trying to get the last nibble from the bottom of the bowls.

Finally I found a  PetStages glass bowl that has a rubber ring around the bottom and up the sides a bit (with cute little paw print cutouts, too). The bowl stays put on the floor and fits perfectly into my elevated dog feeders (needed for my bigger guys, especially with their hip and joint problems). Perfecto!

They cost a bit more - $14 each - but they are dishwasher safe and supposedly microwave safe too. But there's that rubber/ plastic thing and heat that bothers me. So I heat up the food in a Corelle bowl, then transfer it to the Pet Stages glass bowl.

Complicated? Maybe, but my little family of Shelties are worth it!

Petrol - fuel for dogs

Is your dog THIRSTY this summer?

Boomer (l) and Mlli (r) lap it up!

Might want to give him or her something a little "stronger" than plain old H-2-O -- how about Petrol for dogs?

I stumbled across this site a few months ago, was intrigued (by the product and the clean look of the site) so I promptly ordered some for my darlings and a couple of gifts baskets for doggie friends of mine.

I didn't order much .. the stuff is expensive! On the website you can buy 12 cans for $36 - at least there is free shipping at that quantity. The two-can trial with travel bag was only $12 but I had to pay shipping to send them to my friends, so it wasn't much of a bargain.

The taste test? Mixed reviews:My friends' dogs turned up their little noses at the stuff, but mine lapped it up like there was no tomorrow.
Rogg Dog Rating: FOUR PAWS


Honestly, aside from a gorgeous red pop-top can and a few vitamins, there's not much to recommend Petrol fuel for dogs. Except that sometimes I want my little guys drinking extra liquid (like this summer during 105-degree days). And little Milli needs a lot of fluid to keep her damaged kidneys flushed out.

Petrol comes in 12 oz cans

Petrol Fuel for Dogs ingredients:
(from their website)


Reverse Osmosis Water, Natural Flavoring,Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Niacin, Biotin, L-Carnitine.
Minimum Guaranteed Analysis Per 12 oz. (355ml)


* Vitamin B1 (thiamin): .11 mg
* Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): .23 mg
* Niacin: 1.2 mg
* Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): .11 mg
* Biotin:* .01 mg
* L-Carnitine:* 7.26 mg


*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles
Calorie Content (Calculated)  21 kcal ME/Liter; 8 kcal/12 oz.

Petrol Fuel for Dogs isn't widely available yet, but I did see it at a local specialty pet store last week, so expect to hear lots more about it. The store was selling it for $3.85 a can, so it is cheaper to order it from the website if your dogs like it.

My verdict? I plan to keep a few cans on hand and use it sparingly. It's a good treat for a hot summer afternoon and I feel good about providing a little extra boost of nutrition.