A Holiday Weekend

Over the 4th of July Weekend mom and I took a little extra time off from working at the shop. I work pretty hard, and it’s nice to take a break sometimes to unwind and have some fun. Of course my family’s idea of fun is squeezing in as many adventures as possible – so I made sure to do a little bit of everything over the weekend!

Holiday Weekend with Ammo the Dachshund

I kicked things off with a campfire in the backyard. Because it wouldn’t be the 4th without a good old fashioned weenie roast. (don’t worry….actual dachshund wasn’t on the menu)

Holiday Weekend with Ammo the Dachshund

Then it was time for a Saturday morning breakfast out in town, followed by catching a game of little league baseball. After all I gotta get practicing my team coaching skills for when my little sister gets here and is ready to join a sports team!

Holiday Weekend with Ammo the Dachshund

Then it was time to celebrate a very special ladies’ 92 Birthday! I loved getting to celebrate my Super MomMom’s B-day with the family.

Holiday Weekend with Ammo the Dachshund

Family makes everything more fun!

Holiday Weekend with Ammo the Dachshund

Of course it wouldn’t be a “vacation” if I didn’t do some laps around the farm.

Holiday Weekend with Ammo the Dachshund

Just enough to warrant a 3 hour nap of course!

Holiday Weekend with Ammo the Dachshund

I even got to check out a hot air balloon launch. It was pretty cool, but I’m pretty happy just watching from the ground….that fire looked terrifying!

Holiday Weekend with Ammo the Dachshund

While I’m not a huge fan of fireworks (I alternate between hiding in the basement, and barking my head off at them in anger….can’t make up my mind if I’m scared or just pissed really), I did track down some of “nature’s fireworks” with a sunset trip to the lake. Nothing better.

Holiday Weekend with Ammo the Dachshund

4th of July was finally here and I couldn’t miss the celebration in town. Good food and family fun, a perfect way to celebrate America!

Holiday Weekend with Ammo the Dachshund

Then it’s off to the farm again to track down some groundhogs.

Holiday Weekend with Ammo the Dachshund

Well, and maybe do a farm chore or two too!

Holiday Weekend with Ammo the Dachshund

And to end the perfect holiday weekend, a cookout of epic proportions….where corn on the cob is necessary for a small dachshund’s survival. (well at least thats what I would have my family think…..and you better not tell them otherwise!)

I’m pretty sure after this weekend I’m going to need to sleep for an entire week. What sort of fun did your pups get into? Any other dogs out there can’t make up their mind about how they feel about fireworks? Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Adding Raw to Your Dog’s Diet with #StellaandChewys Meal Mixers + A Giveaway

This post is sponsored by Stella & Chewy’s and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Meal Mixers, but AmmotheDachshund.com only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Stella & Chewy’s is not responsible for the content of this article.

Adding Raw to Your Dog's Diet with Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers + A Giveaway

Have you ever wanted to add some raw to your dog’s diet, but weren’t sure where to start? Well guess what, today I have a great product to share that can make adding raw to your pet’s diet simple and easy. Meet Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers®!

Adding Raw to Your Dog's Diet with Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers + A Giveaway

Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers are raw foods that have been freeze-dried to lock in nutrition and flavor. They are ready to feed right out of the bag. (no waiting around for mom or dad to prep you a bowl of raw food!)

Adding Raw to Your Dog's Diet with Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers + A Giveaway
Simply scoop and serve!

Adding Raw to Your Dog's Diet with Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers + A Giveaway

Now I know if you’re never fed raw pet food it can be a little bit scary, but as an extra food safety measure, Stella & Chewy’s uses a test and hold process. Third party independent lab analysis is conducted on each batch of food before it leaves their own Wisconsin-based manufacturing facility. The results for every batch is posted on the Stella & Chewy’s website for consumers to see. I don’t know about you, but that sounds a whole lot safer than eating raw beef off the grocery store shelf. Plus it’s much less messy!

Adding Raw to Your Dog's Diet with Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers + A Giveaway

When using Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers you don’t have to commit to feeding your dog a completely raw diet either. You can simply scoop the desired amount and mix it with your pet’s dry dog food for an extra boost of raw food nutrition.

Adding Raw to Your Dog's Diet with Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers + A Giveaway

Adding Raw to Your Dog's Diet with Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers + A GiveawayStella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers includes premium ingredients:

  • Packed with 95% nutrient-rich meat, organs and bone
  • Complemented by organic fruits and vegetables and added probiotics & antioxidants
  • All of Stella & Chewy’s products are made WITHOUT grains, glutens, fillers, artificial preservatives or colorings

Plus they are made in the USA!

Adding Raw to Your Dog's Diet with Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers + A Giveaway

They are available in 4 protein options Stella’s Super Beef, Chewy’s Chicken, Tantalizing Turkey, and Savory Salmon & Cod and come in 3 sizes (3.5 oz, 9 oz, 18 oz). I got to test out Stella’s Super Beef option.

Adding Raw to Your Dog's Diet with Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers + A Giveaway

I also found that Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers were very convenient to travel with as you don’t need to refrigerate it, and it doesn’t require any special meal prep.

Adding Raw to Your Dog's Diet with Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers + A Giveaway

Adding Raw to Your Dog's Diet with Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers + A Giveaway

I’m always eating on the go whether it be at home, on the farm, or at work – and sometimes out and about during my many adventures. So having a food that can travel easily is always important to me.

Adding Raw to Your Dog's Diet with Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers + A Giveaway

So if you’d like to add a little raw to your dog’s diet you can fetch these Meal Mixers from Stella & Chewy in a store near you!

And now for the best part…

Adding Raw to Your Dog's Diet with Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers + A Giveaway

ENTER TO WIN A STELLA & CHEWY PRIZE PACK!

25 Winners who each receive a Stella & Chewy’s product Assortment valued at $75. The Giveaway will open September 10th and run through October 2nd.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you ever tried feeding raw to your dog? Tell me your experience in the comments below!

Never want to miss any of the adventures (or giveaways) on my blog? Make sure you sign-up for e-mail updates! 
Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

 

Dehydrated Pet Food from The Honest Kitchen + A Giveaway

Disclaimer: this post is brought to you by The Honest Kitchen. All opinions are my own, and I only share products I think you and your dog will love!

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Pet Food Review + Giveaway

As you may have read on my blog last week, I’ve recently taken the plunge into trying dehydrated pet food. Since I’ve been on a rotational diet since I was just a wee pup I’m always excited when mom finds a few food for me to try. This time around I got to try the Revel Chicken Recipe from my friends at The Honest Kitchen!

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Pet Food Review + Giveaway

If you’re unfamiliar with de-hydrated dog food, it is essentially raw foods that have been dehydrated to lock in the nutrients. It’s less processed than dry food, and typically needs water to “plump up”.

The Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated pet food, treats and supplements are made from 100% human grade whole foods.

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Pet Food Review + Giveaway

The Honest Kitchen makes several varieties of pet food including grain free, whole grain, and even limited ingredient foods for sensitive pets, or pets with allergies.

Revel is the food I started out with, and had been eating over the past few weeks. It’s a whole grain chicken food with Free-range chicken, organic barley, potatoes, organic flax, organic oats, green peas, carrots, bananas, parsley, organic kelp, celery, tricalcium phosphate, choline chloride, zinc amino acid chelate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, potassium iodide, potassium chloride, iron amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate.

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Pet Food Review + Giveaway

A 2 lb. box of Revel costs $15.99, and if you consider that I eat 1/3 cup twice a day, a 2lb. box (which contains about 8 cups of food) would end up costing me $1.33 a day and would last me 12 days (and there is even bigger savings when you buy larger quantities).

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Pet Food Review + Giveaway

Now let me just say, I’ve never been much of a morning dog, but ever since Revel showed up at my door I’ve been an early riser because I just cannot wait to get my breakfast! No joke, I’m the first one out of bed now ready and waiting to be served my Honest Kitchen meal.

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Pet Food Review + Giveaway

I’ve been eating about 1/3 cup twice a day for the past several weeks – and loving every minute of it.

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Pet Food Review + Giveaway

The hardest part about eating dehydrated is having to wait that agonizing 3 minutes while it “puffs up” after mom adds hot water. I have to say though, after about a month I’m starting to get a bit more patient for my meals now, and mom likes how it’s teaching me to have more self control (as if dachshunds have any of that!).

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Pet Food Review + Giveaway

The aroma of chicken noodle soup (which is what mom says it smells like) fills my house at mealtime, and I scarf that puppy down! After a month of eating dehydrated food from The Honest Kitchen mom even noticed that my coat seemed shinier and softer too.

You can fetch REVEL and other great dehydrated foods from the Honest Kitchen. And as a BONUS, if you’d like to try some Honest Kitchen with your pets you can use my special promo code for a FREE SAMPLE BUNDLE + Honest Kitchen Coupon ($10 Total Value) for just $1 in shipping. (discount will be automatically applied at checkout)

And now for the best part…

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Pet Food Review + Giveaway

ONE WINNER WILL WIN A 4lb BOX OF REVEL FROM THE HONEST KITCHEN!

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

No purchase necessary. To enter use the Rafflecopter widget below. You will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends. Open to USA residents only. Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. By entering you are agreeing to the terms & conditions set forth in the Rafflecopter widget (see below).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. The Honest Kitchen is also having a fun Calendar Contest you can enter to win a Free trip to San Diego for you and your pet + Honest Kitchen Goodies! If you’d like you can check out my entry, and see the “honest confession” that I’m telling the world. I’d love it if you could give me a vote too! ?
Grab a FREE SAMPLE BUNDLE + Coupon (A $10 Value) for $1 shipping with code AMBBGKD6100 from the Honest Kitchen!

Never want to miss any of the adventures (or giveaways) on my blog? Make sure you sign-up for e-mail updates! Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

 

Kid Magnet

Kid Magnet // Ammo the Dachshund

One of the things that I love about the summer is being able to dine at restaurants with my mom and dad. Occasionally on the weekends we make sunday morning breakfasts (which accommodate outdoor seating that is dog friendly) a priority.

Kid Magnet // Ammo the Dachshund

This particular weekend I decided to hit up the Green Street Grill for some yummy breakfast.

Kid Magnet // Ammo the Dachshund

As soon as I parked myself at the dining table I began to draw attention from the other diners, in particular those that were under 3 feet tall.

Kid Magnet // Ammo the Dachshund

If you didn’t know already, I’m a total kid magnet!

Kid Magnet // Ammo the Dachshund

Maybe it’s because I’m the perfect kid-friendly size, but where-ever I go those tiny little hands are bound to find their way onto my fur.

Kid Magnet // Ammo the Dachshund

And I’m totally ok with being a kid magnet, because when I’m stuck eyeballing mom’s breakfast (that I seem to never get a bite of)…..

Kid Magnet // Ammo the Dachshund

….I know there will always be a kid nearby that has their breakfast all over their face and hands that totally won’t mind if I sneak a lick!

Kid Magnet // Ammo the Dachshund

Afterwards, when I thought my breakfast outing was over, we headed out to the home improvement store to do some shopping.

Kid Magnet // Ammo the Dachshund

Little did I know that my breakfast wasn’t quite over yet, because I got to meet this little girl with delicious left-over food all over her face!

Kid Magnet // Ammo the Dachshund

Being a kid magnet is exhausting, but I wouldn’t change it for anything, because someone out there has to rid the world of sticky kid hands and faces! Ammo the Dachshund

March 2014 Monthly Recap

Before we get to the recap of all the exciting adventures I’ve been on in March, I wanted to give a shoutout to my special sponsors! Thanks to them I’m able to bring you exciting posts, so make sure you give them some love and check out what great products they carry!

Barkbox AdBarkbox is a monthly subscription service for your dog. Starting as low as $19 a month (shipping included) you can get a box of the finest treats and toys sent right to your front door every month! Choose from packages for small, medium, and large dogs and as a bonus 10% of their sales go to supporting rescue groups!

Use code AMMO5 for $5 off your Barkbox Subscription.

 

Ruffwear Ad

Ruffwear carries performance dog gear designed to enhance and inspire outdoor adventures for dogs and their human companions. Totally my kind of company that carries anything from dog hiking packs, harnesses, camping essentials and more! You can check out my review of their dog boots – that even work for dachshund’s too!

Free Shipping on all orders over $75 at Ruffwear!

 

If you would like to find out more about my advertising rates, click HEREAnd thanks again to all of my wonderful sponsors, I couldn’t do it without you!

ammo the dachshund blogging outdoors

One more thing before I get to my monthly recap, because it’s oh-so-exciting! Have you heard about the World’s First Laptop for Dogs from Toshiba?

Worlds First Laptop For Dogs

Seriously, it’s about time! Do you know how hard it is to type on a standard keyboard with these paws? With a built in doggie cam and bark-to-text software I’m totally moving this to the top of my wish list! You can find out more about the incredible PetBook K9 from Toshiba.

Ok so now onto my exciting March Adventures…..

Charlie Be Good Bowtie & Dog Duvet Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I introduced everyone to Charlie Be Good, and gave away some adorable designer bow ties!

Oscars 2014 // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared some photos from the National Pet Expo as well as the fun I had watching the Oscars with host Ellen this year – and can you believe it, more snow photos!

ammo playing baseball

I shared a Throwback Thursday video of how I can totally entertain myself when there isn’t anyone there to play fetch with me!

Mattie & Margot Ombre Dog Collar Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I modeled my new Mattie & Margot Ombre Collar and even gave a few away!

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

I shared that I will be performing at the Spring Doxie Fest this April, and also posted a video of my latest trick!

Pennsylvania Roadtrip with Ammo the Dachshund

I went on a fun road trip in my home state of Pennsylvania where I did a little hiking, shopping, and exploring!

dachshunds and ponies

I shared a Throwback Thursday video of why I enjoy when my ponies start to shed their winter coats!

Dogtails Shampoo Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I took a bath with some Dogtails Shampoo and gave away a bottle too!

Travel Bed that's Safe for your dog in the Car // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared the new pet seat that I got for the car…..did you know it’s even heated!

Working like a dog // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared some pictures of me working extra hard at the shop.

ammo the dachshund muddy

I shared my love of the springtime mud in a great Throwback Thursday video.

Nutrisource Soft Lamb Dog Treats Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund // Chewy.com

I shared some Nutrisource Lamb treats with a bear friend, and even gave away some great products from Chewy.com.

March Breakfast Barkbox // Ammo the Dachshund $5 off with code AMMO5

I had a lovely breakfast thanks to my friends at Barkbox.

New in the Shop! Graphic Dachshund Prints! via Ammo the Dachshund // Flying Hero

I shared my newest addition to my online shop, these cute dachshund graphic prints drawn by my mom – that come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Ammo's first Airplane Ride 2012

I shared a Throwback Thursday video of my very first airplane ride.

PawCheck At-Home Pet Wellness Kit Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I tested out a PawCheck at-home wellness kit, and you can still enter to win one for your pet!

Wow, that was some March! Exciting as it was, I can’t wait to kick off April. Speaking of April, how did you guys enjoy my little April Fools Day Joke? That’s right, the Toshiba Petbook I mentioned at the beginning of this post was a clever little April Fools Day joke thought up by the funny folks at Toshiba. I thought it was just too hilarious not to share (although I secretly did wish it was real). If you click on an of the “learn more” buttons at the bottom of their page you can see their little ruse!

Happy April Fools Day! Did I fool you?Ammo the Dachshund

Breakfast with Barkbox

Disclaimer: This review is sponsored by Barkbox.

Last week my March Barkbox arrived in the mail with the idea to get your day started off right!

March Breakfast Barkbox // Ammo the Dachshund $5 off with code AMMO5

Inspired by a good, old-fashioned breakfast my box was packed full of goodies to jump start my morning!

March Breakfast Barkbox // Ammo the Dachshund $5 off with code AMMO5

Goodies like these Organic Breakfast Dog Biscuits from Wagatha’s. Made in Vermont with organic, human-grade ingredients, these biscuits are wheat-free and lactose-free!

March Breakfast Barkbox // Ammo the Dachshund $5 off with code AMMO5

Or the ever popular 100% beef bladder Barkworthies, which I gobbled up seconds after mom took this photo.

March Breakfast Barkbox // Ammo the Dachshund $5 off with code AMMO5

And who doesn’t love a little rabbit in their bowl? These Hare of the Dog Rabbit treats are healthy and wheat-free.

March Breakfast Barkbox // Ammo the Dachshund $5 off with code AMMO5

And the icing on the cake in my bowl, Aussie Naturals leather egg and bacon toys. Sadly they don’t taste like their counterparts, but they do squeak and I had a blast tearing them apart!

March Breakfast Barkbox // Ammo the Dachshund $5 off with code AMMO5

So if you want to start your pup’s day out right too you can snag a Barkbox subscription and have goodies like these delivered to your front door every month.

March Breakfast Barkbox // Ammo the Dachshund $5 off with code AMMO5

And don’t worry, you don’t have to share if you don’t want to – because I definitely don’t plan to!

You can fetch your own BarkBox starting at $19 a month. Save $5 on your BarkBox subscription if you use code AMMO5Ammo the Dachshund

Disclosure: I received a Barkbox in exchange for a review, but all opinions are entirely my own! 

5 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Fit and Trim

Ammo the Dachshund Studio Photos

After my vet gave me a thumbs up last week for keeping myself in tip top shape I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of my tips for keeping trim. And just in time for Thanksgiving too!

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

The ideal weight for a dog can be determined by being able to feel the ribs slightly, having an abdomen that is tucked when viewed from the side, and a visible waist behind the ribs when viewed from the top.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

My ideal weight for my size is around 18 pounds, and at my most recent check-up my vet could feel my ribs and I have a visible waist as seen from the photo above. It’s not easy keeping weight down (especially when you love to eat like I do), but hopefully with some of my tips you’ll be on your way to keeping your pet at a healthy weight for them!

Tip 1: Keep Active

Now I’m the first to admit that I don’t actually go on a daily walk everyday, but that doesn’t mean I’m not active!

Ammo on the Farm

I visit the family farm about 4 days a week – where I run my heart out! I enjoy running from groundhog hole to groundhog hole and I’m never in one place for very long. This sort of mental and physical stimulation help keeps me in shape.

Shop Dog // Work // Ammo the Dachshund

5 days a week I work at mom’s shop, and while it may not be an intense workout, just being active and greeting customers helps keep me on the move. I’m a strong believer that mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation to keep your pet fit.

ammo the dachshund at lowes

On the weekends I tend to go on one or two adventures, whether it’s a trip to lowes or a walk on the trail it’s a great way to keep me active.

Tip 2: Feed the Right Amount

Currently I eat two brands of food, Wellness Small Breed and Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed, which I alternate with each bag. Both are grain free dry foods.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

Now you’ll notice that on the back of all dog food bags they list recommended feeding amounts:

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

Based on my ideal weight of 18 lbs both bags recommend that I eat about 1 – 1 1/2 cups of food per day. But you will also notice that both bags note that dogs are individuals and these are just recommendations, and what you should feed your dog might vary from the chart.

In actuality I eat 1/3 a cup twice a day, which is much less than the recommended amount for my weight.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

My mom has chosen this amount for me over the years by monitoring my weight and cutting my food back slowly until she found an appropriate amount that was able to keep me at a healthy weight. She watches my waist line closely and always cuts my food back if it starts to look a little less trim.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

This amount of food might not look like enough to you, but you have to remember that us dogs keep food in our bellies for a long time. (Evident by the fact that hours upon hours after eating we can still throw up some pretty undigested food….yuck!)

When in doubt about how much you should feed your dog, you should always consult your veterinarian.

Tip 3: Take a Class

Ammo practices Dog Agility on his DIY Agility Jumps 2012

Typically once a week I take a dog agility class at my local training center. This helps keep me fit and keeps me thinking and learning too!

Taking any sort of class, even just a basic obedience class, is a great way to keep your dog active. Not just for puppies, any dog, any age, can benefit from training classes!

Tip 4: Use Treats Sparingly

Kong Premium Treats Product Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I review a lot of treats on the blog, but that doesn’t mean that I’m allowed to have them whenever I want. Mom keeps a tight watch on the cookie jar and I’m only allowed to have small treats when we are training.

I also try to keep most of the treats I eat on the healthy end of the scale, like eating sweet potato treats.

Tip 5: Limit Table Scraps

dachshund food

As a general rule I’m not allowed to have table scraps (although that doesn’t stop me from trying). The only exception to this rule is when mom will let me have bits of apple and carrots when she’s cutting them up. But for the most part it’s best for me just to eat the food that was designed for dogs.

So I hope you enjoyed my tips for keeping your pet fit and trim! Here’s to hoping we all live long and healthy lives!Ammo the Dachshund

Disclosure: This is supposed to be a general guide on how I keep myself fit, but you may need to consult your veterinarian as to what and how much to feed & exercise your own pet. Each pet is different!

Sunday Breakfast

Sunday Breakfast // Ammo the Dachshund

Sunday breakfast out with the family is one of those enjoyable outings that are always few and far between. Which is why last Sunday mom and dad took me out to Georgio’s to have an lovely feast.

Sunday Breakfast // Ammo the Dachshund

And when breakfast comes looking like this you can’t help but to use your best sad puppy face to get a bite of bacon!

Sunday Breakfast // Ammo the Dachshund

Sunday Breakfast // Ammo the Dachshund

Works every time!

Sunday Breakfast // Ammo the Dachshund

If you know my mom and dad, then you know that just one outing in a day is never enough – so a stop off at the river on the way home is the perfect thing to work off all that bacon I ate!

Sunday Breakfast // Ammo the Dachshund

Of course the food coma which ensued afterwards was still inevitable! But Sunday breakfast was totally worth it! Ammo the Dachshund

Lazy Sunday

Every once in a while it’s pretty quiet around my house. “Lazy Sunday” is not usually a term that you hear when you live with me. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy basking in the sun as much as everyone else….but when there are adventures to be had, who has the time to sleep in?

In my dreams this is how I’m catered to everyday. Sunning every morning, accompanied by having your breakfast brought out to you. Don’t you wish everyday could be “Lazy Sunday”. Don’t worry….we’ll be back to our regular scheduled adventure postings soon. For now though, I’m off to enjoy my breakfast…..

oooh is breakfast ready?

I’ll have whatever your having

dang. just regular old kibble for me