Dog Obsessed: The Honest Kitchen's Complete Guide to a Happier, Healthier Life for the Pup You Love

My dog Benji hasn’t got a Facebook page or Twitter handle and I don’t knit gloves from his fur. However, I am pretty nuts about him and according to author Lucy Postins, this probably qualifies me as Dog Obsessed. Her book of pet food recipes using natural ingredients went down well in our kitchen. She writes with humour offering advice beneficial to both old and new dog lovers. With lots of illustrations I can strongly recommend this book as a gift or just to find out if you’re dog obsessed.

The title says it all! As they say in the UK, "what is on the label is in the tin." This book is by and for the dog-obsessed. Written by healthy and ethical pet food entrepreneur Lucy Postins, it discusses many, many facets of having a healthy AND happy dog.Straight off, the book talks directly to those dog-obsessed. People who cannot comprehend letting the dog hog the bed need read no further. The author admits her first experimentation with a healthy, natural diet for her dogs was when she used eggs, and this obliged her husband to eat only granola for breakfast. Likewise, she admits to getting up in the middle of the night to cover her dog with a blanket on chilly nights.This is not just a compendium of home-made recipes for dog meals and treats. There is an isolation diet to help identify dog food sensitivities. But there are plenty of great recipes, make no mistake. Many of the items are based on The Honest Kitchen food mixes, of course, but there is a nice section on human/dog recipes where you can dine with your dog on one recipe--with a version for you (and other humans) and one for your dog or dogs.There are also sections on meeting dogs' emotional and intellectual needs, especially the need to belong to a pack, or family.There is also an eye-opening and shocking look at most commercial pet foods that the public at large does not know about.The book discusses everything from dog adoptions to responsibilities to one's dog, but also looking to the emotional and physical well-being of your dogs. Dog weight and obesity, dog allergies, the right diet for your dog (knowing dogs, like people, have different physiologies), and also having fun with your dog are discussed.Interspersed throughout the book are short dog factoids. I like how the book really validates the dog-human bond of love. One factoid cites the research of scientist Gregory Berns who proved dog MRI scans were different when a stranger presented food than when a human family member was present. The "love' emotion centers of the brain were active when a dog saw his family member!The illustrations and book layout are colorful, engaging and delightful. The photos and images throughout the book are of the author's own dogs and the dogs of her employees. The company practices what it preaches--selling ethical pet food that their own employees often feed their pets.I enjoyed the bibliography at the back of the book. As one truly dog-obsessed, I was happy to find I owned several of those books. This is truly a book after my own heart.The French Nobel Prize winner Anatole France said it best, "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." For the intended readers of this book, the people love their dogs so much that not only has the soul been awakened, it just had two cups of espresso!This book is a must-have for the (you heard it!) dog-obsessed or anyone who wants the very best life for their dogs.

The only problem with this book is the recipes are all made with The Honest Kitchen dog food as the base. If your dog can not eat this food , as mine can not, this book will be of no value.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book... lots of useful information. I actually am making my own dog food now from all human organic foods. the honest kitchen makes a great product... one of the best for your pup. but now I really enjoy making my own food and recipes... not difficult. but if you want convenience, this book and honest kitchen products is top of the line.

I bought this as a gift for my aunt, who loves her pup more than anything. She has been absolutely in love with it! A great addition for any dog lover!