Category / We Love

Treats, dog treats cookbook, biscuits, ice-creams, cakes to make at home / Gluten-free recipes for dogs / Baking for dogs / Dog food recipes created by nutritionist and approved by vets (C) Natalia Ashton
by Natalia

No tricks, just TREATS

Something happened two weeks ago. Something that meant a lot to me.

I published Treats – my second and much-treasured cookbook for dogs. I know I should probably be cool and content, but this recipe book was such a joy, such a heartwarming venture, that I wish I could sing about it from the roof tops.

Treats was a natural progression of Beyond the Doughnut. Same concept, different ideas. The Doughnut was all about meals and treats directly inspired by some of the famous staples to allow dog parents make a meal or treat that looked like human food but was definitely dog-friendly and safe.

Treats were purely about treats. Treats that are easy to prepare. Treats as we see them when we think of our dogs. Treats in a form of biscuits. Lots and lots of different biscuits. Treats for summer because it’s lovely to have some ice-creams a pup can enjoy. Treats for holiday celebrations and birthday parties because “party without a cake is just a meeting”.

Treats, biscuits, ice-creams, cakes and baked by Natalia Ashton (C) The ultimate dog treats cookbook / over 30 recipes including gluten-free recipes for dogs and puppies of all ages by canine nutritionist. Home cooking and baking ideas for dogs.
(C) by Natalia Ashton, taken from Treats, the ultimate dog treats cookbook

I looked for inspiration in my boys’ eyes… places we visited… flowers and seasons… Even books. I spent hours in the kitchen, inventing, cooking, testing over and over again. I got into food styling because everything had to be beautiful, tell a story, put a smile on my readers’ faces. And I fell in love with my camera for helping me to capture my ideas. I became a small animal nutritionist, food stylist and photographer in one. It was a huge challenge to take on, but life is dull without challenges.

And once I was done with the images, I designed the text pages to compliment the photos, take you away daydreaming with me. Even if for a second. It was a one-woman project that instilled me with happiness… and anxiety for the unknown future of my paper baby…

This book makes me buzz. It makes me want to dance.

Do get a copy. I know you and your pup will adore it.

Available on amazon worldwide as paperback, hardback (selected countries only) and Kindle


Image credit: cover and pages design by me, illustration of the dog by Xenia Voronicheva, food styling and photography by me, photo of me, Cooper and Fred by Elizabeth Clarke

Cooper enjoying his Lickimat Wobble toy, slow feeder / (C) Perfect cocker spaniel
by Natalia

We Love | The Wobble

We have a new favourite toy called Wobble and the boys are completely obsessed with it. I bought Wobble on a whim last week and it’s been a hit since.

Wobble is like a “moveable feast”. It’s a medium-size bowl made of thick non-toxic rubber. The inner surface of the bowl is covered with “pimples” that suppose to increase the soothing and relaxing effect on the brain while a dog is busy licking it.

The new hit comes from the Lickimat. The original mat was, of course, wonderful and we used it a lot, but I struggled with cleaning the tiny corners and cavities, and always felt the material wasn’t strong enough for dogs who may choose to give it a nibble.

The Wobble turned out to be a totally different story. It’s easy to wash. The rubber is thick and much safer.

The toy wobbles, so in addition to the calming licking effect, it gives the pups a little brain workout.

No mess – all I do is keep the ears away with a scrunchie if needed.

So far our Wobbles came out at dinners, quick lunches and as frozen snacks. Every. Single. Day. I only wish I got them sooner.

 

Photo credit: Coop photographed by me 

Most stylish belt waist bag for dog treats / H&M waist bag / Affordable dog accessories under £10 / Luxury dog products reviews / Perfect cocker spaniel dog blog (C) Expert tips and lifestyle stories about English cocker spaniels, grooming, health, puppy tips, diet and training (C) Natalia Ashton
by Natalia

We Love | Perfect dog treat bag

The most perfect dog treat bag that never was?! Oh yes, exactly that! I don’t think the H&M folks who came up with this design thought of the dog parents and walkers because this little beauty is too special and lovely. And it’s ideal if you don’t want give up on style when walking your dog yet need the utilitarian comfort.

This belt bag is a proof that best things come in small packages. It’s a perfect size. It sits on your hips or waist leaving your hands (and pockets!) completely free. It has two compartments, so you don’t have to mix your keys, poop bags (oh, the glamour level is just getting better now, isn’t it?!) and the said treats. The top part (that I’ll be using for treats) opens from the top, which allows me to pull the biscuits out quickly, without much fuss or noise – the latter is very important because dogs can swiftly react to the sound of a plastic wrapper or bag inside, so the treat suddenly becomes a lure, not a reward.

I also really like the colour… It’s neutral. It will look good with summer clothes, jeans or even worn over a trench coat. And you can always add a key ring, charms or even a small scarf to customise it.

Lets not forget it’s only £9.99, which, considering a price of an average treat bag, leaves you plenty of cash to buy plenty of actual treats, too. Still available online.