PAMPERING OUR FOUR LEGGED FRIENDS - Natalie Millar-Partridge

PARTRIDGE IS PAMPERED WITH TREATS AND ACCESSORIES FROM FOUR LEGGED FANCIES AND A VISIT TO THE DOG TREAT COMPANY HQ.

Partridge, ready to play sticks at the estuary..

We Brits have always been lovers of our canine pals, joyously riding shotgun with our four legged friends, we enjoy nothing more than preening and pampering our mutts with endless treats, toys and trips to the pooch parlor. Above all, putting up with damp, muddy and dark walks just to keep our friends well exercised.

Like most dog owners, I am thoroughly guilty of spoiling my gorgeous girl rotten when it comes to accessories and treats. It goes without saying that I want her to have the very best, ensuring that I only buy healthy treats along with authentic handmade accessories that are durable as well as stylish.

Treasured as part of our families, it should make sense that we would want to feed our beloved friends the same quality of food we’re happy to eat ourselves. Yet it is so hard to find dog treats that are made of the quality ingredients our loyal companions deserve.

Peanut butter pup cakes from, fresh from the doggie bakery at Four Legged Fancies.

Around three years ago I discovered Four Legged Fancies, an online doggie bakery with an outlet situated in Bath. Four Legged Fancies was founded by Victoria Stent who specialises in producing handmade pup cakes along with a variety of unique dog biscuits, pies and healthy treats. The pup cakes come in an array of flavours including ‘Peanut butter & banana’, ‘Bangers ‘n’ Mash’, ‘Chicken hot pot’ and ‘Shepherds Pie’.

Victoria only uses natural ingredients in her products and there are free from any sugars, salts or preservatives. Best of all, everything is wheat-free, making for a super healthy choice for your fluffy friend.

An assortment of pup cakes delivered straight to your doorstep!

The pup cakes are beautifully presented in a gift box, wrapped with pretty ribbon, making them even more delightful to receive or alternatively, gift a friend with a beloved mutt.

Partridge, my adorable fur ball, always gets that little over excited when a pup cake delivery arrives! I usually purchase these for her birthday or Christmas as a treat, ensuring her tail goes into wag-overdrive!

Earthbound tweed leash & collar in green.

Four Legged Fancies also stock a range of luxury handmade, durable dog accessories, including the beautiful tweed and herringbone Earthbound leads and collars. They’re exquisitely handcrafted, made not only for style but also for comfort – a really hardwearing collar for your pet. They feature soft suede backing and stainless steel buckles. All Earthbound accessories are available in a range of sizes to suit big paws and small paws alike.

Added to this the wonderful selection of bandanas, your four-legged friend will be sure to be the most envied pooch around.

Vicky's products come with a paw of approval from Harvey and Ralph, her own four legged friends.

Four Legged Fancies has succeeded in tapping into a growing market of dog owners who want to, not only spoil their four legged friend but also ensure they have a happy and healthy life.

T H E D O G T R E A T C O M P A N Y

H Q

A few months back Partridge and I revisited The Dog Treat Company HQ – a local Devon family-run business, catering for those who want to give their dogs the best quality of life possible.

Sarah Halliwell and her husband Joe are artisan producers of all natural handmade dog treats, using only human grade, ethically sourced ingredients, developed to promote good nutrition. All of the dog treats are handmade in their beautiful kitchen at their home in Devon.

The treats are free from any added sugars, salts or dyes or preservatives and contain only ethically sourced human grade ingredients with the only additives in the treats being natural, benefiting the wellbeing of dogs

The chicken Livers and eggs come from lovely free-range hens at Otter Valley and non-irradiated and GMO free herbs and spices are from the Tree Harvest, also a local company, based in Collerton, Devon.

Sarah Halliwell, pictured here with her adorable pooches, chief taser - Frosty and Pedro the Spanish water dog.

Sarah seems to have hit upon the perfect recipe. An instant hit with her own dogs Frosty, a loveable retriever, who has been appointed chief taster and Pedro a maniacal Spanish water dog is second in command. Sarah soon found herself making bags of treats for friends and fellow dog walkers. Before long, word had spread and in a short time she was inundated with requests.

Partridge, proud as punch with her 'Beauty Box' of healthy treats.

Sarah and Joe started up The Dog Treat Company in 2014, with just one original flavoured treat. There are now six main treats, produced in both tins and pouches and also six themed large mailer boxes such as ‘Run Free’ joint and bone care with devils claw pumpkin seed and free range eggshells and ‘Hair of the Dog’, a pick me up, including a water works treat with added marshmallow herb, nettle and cranberry juice. The treats are also now available in a smaller two-tray mailer box with an option to select your own combination for your ‘Fussy Pot’, a box for the more fastidious four legs.

Whichever you choose for your friend, at The Dog Treat Company, you can rest assured that your dog is getting a really healthy treat without anything hideen inside. The proof is not only in the label but also in your dog’s wagging tail.

The stunning packaging is another reason to purchase these unique dog treats. Featuring wonderfully quirky illustrations based on six dogs of family and friends that remain dear to Sarah and Joe, the tins and boxes are stylish addition to any kitchen shelve.

The companies ethos is simple ‘If you wouldn’t eat it yourself, why would you give it to your best friend?’ First and foremost at the heart of The Dog Treat Company are people who care about the health of, not only their own dogs, but all dogs alike.

Sarah and Joe’s most recent development will see the opening of their doggie bakery, situated on the edge of Dartmoor. The pioneering bakery is one of a kind in the country, producing hand-baked natural treats, using solely human grade ingredients. The idea behind the recipes is the same as the packaged treats, only without the shelve-life.

The dog-loving duo continue to offer quality products, without any pretentions, to those who want to go the extra mile in keeping their fluffy friends in tip top condition, promoting longevity and happiness to their lives.

Partridge, waiting in anticipation for another of her healthy treats from The Dog Treat Company!

I leave the HQ with Partridge, exhausted at being chased by Pedro, though happily wagging her tail, proud of her ‘Beauty Box’ treats, aimed at promoting a healthy coat, teeth and eyes. As they say, a healthy dog equals a happy dog.

Frosty, enjoying a well earned nap after all of his tasting duties.

Chief Taster Frosty’s top ingredients for a healthy treat

Delicious chicken liver, used in all of the treats - As Frosty is such a lively dog who loves to be out swimming in the sea or running on the moor he enjoys the additional benefit of the pumpkin seed and devils claw to keep his joints supple, beetroot for increased energy and chamomile to promote a good nights sleep.

Top ingredients for healthy dog treats

Chicken Liver – Liver is high in protein and vitamins so superb for general health.

Coconut Oil – Good for skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis and itchy skin. Can also help reduce allergic reactions, deodorize and promote a sleek and glossy coat.

Egg Shell – For added calcium, great for teeth and gums.

Turmeric – This is a powerful antioxidant, containing anti-inflammatory and anti microbial properties.

Chamomile – A versatile ingredient that can be used for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia in dogs of all ages.

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