Ashi Budig.

Imagine a beautiful, sparkling afternoon in Venice, California.

Ashi (my puggle, my partner in crime, my best friend) and I are in the kitchen. She sits fully animated at my feet watching each and every move I make with her attentive Disney eyeballs.

I’m preparing a rather gourmet meal tonight. I’ve decided on Salmon Seafood Chowder and a Pumpkin Pear Ginger side dish. I crack open two recycled brown boxes and pour the contents into a jar.

Oh? Did I forget to mention? This gourmet meal is for my dog.

Planet Dog has created the most genius dog treats ever.  These delectable little biscuits are 100% organic and wheat, corn and soy free.  Oh yeah, and not to mention gluten free, full of super nutrients and they help ward of tartar. Basically a super treat.

I took a look at the ingredients (aptly labeled BEST ingredients) of Ashi’s Salmon Seafood Chowder (with Omega 3 Fish Oils) treats and found that not only did they use real salmon—it was wild atlantic salmon.

Okay, so anyone who knows my writing knows I’m a huge foodie.  I love salmon, but stay away from all farm raised salmon and jump at the opportunity to enjoy a good steak of wild fish.  My nose started to flare and I placed the biscuit under my nose—smelled nice.  Bland but smooth, just like a cracker.  My curiosity intensified.  I nibbled the edge. . . and then down the gullet—I popped an entire dog treat.  And you know what?  Not bad at all!  Could use some pesto or a nice relish, but it was good!

I reached over for the Pumpkin Pear Ginger cookie. Pop. Down the hole.  Sweet with a trace of pumpkin puree! How delightful!

By this point, Ashi is wheeling in her puppy pants wanting to know why the hell mama was eating her puppy treats.  To which I answer,

“If it’s something I would put in my body, then I will happily feed it to you.  Dig in.”

She proceeded to inhale without even chewing.  We’re working on the sophistication of her palette, but there’s no doubt she loves these treats. I feel 100% guilt-free giving her these organic, human grade treats.  I even feel good knowing they came in a recycled box and that 2% of each purchase is donated to the Planet Dog Foundation.  The only problem is these treats fly out of the jar at the speed of light into Ashi’s belly and she keeps trying to place a lifetime order on her iBone.

Nosh.  Nurture.  Nourish. Well done, Planet Dog.

Bone Appetit!

Kathryn is a lover and teacher of yoga by day, a wizard in the kitchen by dinner time and a professional dog snuggler at night.

Follow Kathryn @kathrynbudig or on Facebook

www.kathrynbudig.com