Kero & Bree

31/10/2022

Happy Howl-o-ween my boo-tiful furiends! 🎃🦇

24/10/2022

With Halloween season comes the time of spooks, scares and frights! 💀

What is your favourite scary/horror movie to cuddle up on the sofa with your dog to watch?

I’ll go first.

Mine is any movie from the Saw franchise! 🧩

Let me know yours in the comments below!

11/10/2022

Playing about with purple sweet potato powder to use as a natural food colouring and ended up with this gorgeous pink colour. I LOVE it! 😍

SodaPup Zombie Emat with:

> Goats milk kefir + purple sweet potato powder

06/10/2022

👻 Spooky season is upon us!

That means it’s time to have fun creating Halloween enrichment for the doggos!

Here are my go-to colours for using in my dog’s Halloween enrichment along with a few examples of how you could incorporate these colours.

🟢 Green - Perfect for Frankenstein, witch brews and potions.

🟠 Orange - Perfect for Jack O’ Lantern pumpkins.

🟣 Purple - Perfect for witch hats, brews and potions.

⚫ Black - Perfect for spiders, bats, cats and cauldrons. Also perfect for witch hats.

⚪ White - Perfect for ghosts, skulls, skeletons and spiderwebs.

04/10/2022

🐸 ⁠Say hello to the NEW SodaPup Water Frog Etray
⁠
Available in purple and green.⁠
⁠
Hop on over here to shop now:
https://www.keroandbree.com/products/sodapup-slow-feeder-f

03/10/2022

It’s spooky season and the Halloween collection is now LIVE!

🎃 NEW - Halloween Enrichment Bundle 🎃
SAVE 20% with our fang-tastic Halloween enrichment bundle (while stocks last).

Head on over here to shop the range 👇🏻
https://www.keroandbree.com/collections/halloween-for-dogs

27/09/2022

I'm not pollen your leg... SodaPup HONEY POTS have landed! 🍯🐝⁠
⁠
I can't tell you guys how long I've been waiting to get these in stock; they have been SO popular! ⁠
⁠
I've been testing the honey pot out over the last few days with Bree, and I think it's safe to say she absolutely LOVES it. She's definitely added this one to her favourites list.⁠
⁠
SodaPup Honey Pot at a glance:⁠
⁠
> Flat bottom, so it doesn't roll around as you prep it⁠.
> No holes in the sides, so no leaks as you prep it⁠.
> The opening on top is much larger than your standard treat dispenser/enrichment toy, which is easier to eat from⁠.
> Ideal for dogs who either struggle or don't enjoy enrichment toys with smaller openings.
⁠
To give you a rough guide on sizing for food, I got about 180g of chunky mince in Bree's honey pot. ⁠With the finer mince, I got around 200g.

15/09/2022

Who wants a copy of my free complete guide to puppy enrichment? 😀

Inside you’ll discover the different types of puppy enrichment, and which one to reach for in any given situation. Plus, get your paws on a wealth of ideas to easily enrich your puppy’s day.

👉 Click here to download yours:
https://www.keroandbree.com/pages/puppy-enrichment-guide

12/09/2022

Let's have an honest conversation... 😬

How many enrichment toys does your dog really have? 😆

I bet it's far more than you ever thought!

Drumroll, please! Kero and Bree have a cupboard full of 34 enrichment toys!

Is it time for a declutter?

Naaaaaah! 😆

Let us know your number in the comments below... 👇

31/08/2022

Want more days of peace and calm with your puppy, and less energy-fueled chaos at home? 😀

In this free guide, you'll discover how to teach your puppy to settle, unwind and burn energy with ease through the power of enrichment. 🙌

Let's do this!

👉 Grab yours here:
https://www.keroandbree.com/pages/puppy-enrichment-guide

29/08/2022

CAN A RAW MEAT-BASED DIET BE MIXED WITH KIBBLE?
Mark Roberts PhD

Feeding a dog, a raw meat based (RMB) diet, is viewed by some dog owners and veterinarians as being inappropriate for many supposed reasons. With this concern expressed, an additional level of worry is instigated when combining of a raw meat-based diet with kibble is suggested, but is this viewpoint warranted?

Having completed several studies involving dogs consuming different ratios of commercial dry diets and RMB’s, I observed no detectable differences in faecal score and blood work over several parameters. To be specific, I witnessed none of the gastrointestinal issues commonly reported relating when a mix of these diets are fed to dogs. Don’t get me wrong, I would rather see (as my research would suggest for other reasons) dogs being fed solely a RMB, however, if this is simply not possible, for reasons such as cost, convenience, perception etc., then a combination of the two is a better option than just feeding kibble. This is because if it’s possible to reduce the amount of dietary carbohydrate a dog consumes, and replace this with high quality protein and fat, then this is a compromise I’m willing to accept.

I have witnessed all too often a hardline approach to feeding a dog on both sides of the debate (kibble vs meat based). Moreover, having seen no major health concerns from feeding a combination of both, if someone is willing to try mixing the two, in my experience, more often than not, they will likely see the dog consume the meat product first, and in time will switch over to that format if they are in a position to do so. I guess what I'm saying is that a gentle nudge is better than a hard push.

29/08/2022

SHARE 3 words that best describe your dog. 🐶

This should be interesting! 😆

I'll kick things off…

Kero is cuddly, unique and fun.

Bree is exuberant, sassy and loving.

What about your pooch? 🥰

25/08/2022

⏰ Have you got your entries in yet?

There's not long left to get them in for the PawsnRun fun online dog show to raise funds for German Shepherd Rescue Scotland.

Head over to Pawsnrun Online Dog Show to get entered and support a good cause. But hurry, you only have until the 30th August 2022!

So many gorgeous photos already entered into our sponsored category "Most Amazing Eyes" that it's going to be so hard for me to judge, can't wait!

Good luck to everyone entering! 🐶💜

Welcome to our fun online dog show, the show will run until the 30th August 2022. 1st to 6th place will receive a rosette with the winner being put through to Best In Show.
All funds raised will go to German Shepherd Rescue Scotland.
https://www.facebook.com/GermanShepherdRescueScotland
Entries 3 for £5, 7 for £10 and 15 for £20
Payment to be made via: https://www.gofundme.com/f/pawsnrun-online-dog-show...
Once payment made, send payment reference and photos via messenger to the page along with dog's name and category for competition.
Class 1. Rainbow Bridge
Class 2. Best Action Shot
Class 3. Best Group Shot (2 or more dogs)
Class 4. Most Handsome Dog
Class 5. Prettiest Bitch
Class 6. Best Rescue
Class 7. Cutest Puppy
Class 8. Golden Oldie
Class 9. Most Amazing Eyes
Class10. Best German Shepherd

23/08/2022

THE ANSWER TO LEAKY ENRICHMENT TOYS - STOPPLES 🐾

Have you ever put your dog's raw food into an enrichment toy for it to leak all over the counter? Yes?! Me too! 😆

The Paws In Earnest Stopples have been a complete gamechanger during my dog’s enrichment toy preparation, and they really have made my life easier.

There are two types 👇🏻

🐾 STOPPLE FOR STUFFERS

Insert the Stopple into your dog's favourite enrichment toy; it works as a stopper to prevent the contents from leaking out and spilling everywhere whilst also helping to stand up the toy so you can fill it easily.⁠ ⁠

🐾 STOPPLE FOR TOPPL

The same principle as the Stopple for Stuffers but is specifically designed to fit the West Paw Toppl and prevent the contents from leaking out.

To get your paws on a Stopple for yourself head on over to:
https://www.keroandbree.com/collections/paws-in-earnest

22/08/2022

⚠️ ROYAL MAIL STRIKES⁠
⁠
Unfortunately, due to Royal Mail strikes in the coming weeks, there will be some delays to orders.⁠
⁠
The strikes are planned for the following dates:⁠
⁠
❌ Friday 26th August ⁠
❌ Wednesday 31st August⁠
❌ Thursday 8th September⁠
❌ Friday 9th September⁠
⁠
Orders placed the day before, during or in the days after any strike action will be subject to delay, so please order early to avoid disappointment. ⁠
⁠
Apologies in advance for any delays with your orders 💜

22/08/2022

HAVE YOU EVER TRIED A SNUFFLE BOX? ⁠📦⁠
⁠
The idea of a snuffle box is similar to that of a snuffle mat; it encourages natural sniffing and foraging behaviours.⁠
⁠
Simply take a cardboard box and fill it with a selection of household items such as scrunched-up paper, toilet roll tubes, egg boxes, yoghurt pots or plastic bottles (minus the lid). ⁠
⁠
Avoid using paper or leaflets with a shiny coating on them, as the coating on these can stick to your pup's teeth.⁠
⁠
As you fill the box with your items, scatter some food or treats inside. You can even bury a special treat like a natural chew or a filled treat dispenser at the bottom of the box.⁠
⁠
When ready, let your pup rummage around to retrieve the goodies.⁠

Have fun! 😃

18/08/2022

🎉 INTRODUCING THE NEW SODAPUP HONEYCOMB EBOWL⁠
⁠
Another new arrival and I'm so excited SodaPup have made a slow feeder ⁠bowl! 🤩⁠
⁠
⁠It is pretty common to have a dog that inhales their food in a matter of seconds. However, eating too quickly can lead to indigestion, stomach upset, choking, vomiting, regurgitation and even bloat (of course, other factors can contribute to these too).⁠
⁠
The SodaPup ebowl is perfect for dogs that tend to eat too quickly; it helps stop overly-enthusiastic eaters from gobbling their meals down as fast as possible with its segmented design.⁠
⁠
So if you need help slowing down your dog's eating habits and preventing them from inhaling their food, then the ebowl is for you!⁠
⁠
Give me a show of hands in the comments below who has a speed eater ✋⁠
⁠
I'll start... ME! 🙋‍♀️

18/08/2022

👋 SAY HELLO TO THE NEW SODAPUP ECOINS⁠
⁠
So excited these beauties have arrived from SodaPup
⁠
The ecoin is made for licking. Its round, smaller size makes it perfect for snacks and for smaller dogs and puppies. It's made from nylon for extra durability.⁠
⁠
There are three unique segmented designs.⁠
⁠
Tell me your favourite in the comments below 💚💛💙

16/08/2022

❌ DOG TREAT INGREDIENTS TO AVOID ❌⁠
⁠
⚠️ ARTIFICIAL PRESERVATIVES & ANTIOXIDANTS ⚠️⁠
⁠
Preservatives and antioxidants are classed as technological additives. They are added to maintain the treat and its flavour by stopping it from spoiling over time.⁠
⁠
These can come from natural sources such as from herbal or plant extracts, however, they can also be artificially created. Always check your product labels carefully and avoid artificial preservatives and antioxidants.⁠
⁠
Here are some examples of preservatives and antioxidants used in dog treats (and food) ⬇️⁠
⁠
> Potassium sorbate (E202)⁠
> BHA (aka Butylated hydroxyanisole or E320)⁠
> BHT (aka butylated hydroxytoluene or E321)⁠
⁠
Don't forget to save this post so you can refer back to it later and share it to make others aware 👏🏻

10/08/2022

❌ DOG TREAT INGREDIENTS TO AVOID ❌

⚠️ ARTIFICIAL COLOURINGS ⚠️

Artificial colourings are classed as sensory additives. This type of additive is basically added to products to give them a desired taste, colour and texture.

In dog treats (and dog food) they are used to artificially dye or enhance the colour. They serve no purpose or benefit to our dogs, and they are merely a way of making dog treats look visually appealing and attractive to those that buy them.

As with all additives, they are subject to strict regulations, but that doesn't make them the best choice or an ingredient you'd want to see in your dog’s treats.

Always check your product labels carefully. You may see these colourings labelled in the format “Blue 2” or by their “E” number however, they may also simply be labelled as “colourants”.

Here are some examples of colourings used in dog treats (and food) ⬇️

> Blue 1 - Brilliant blue FCF or E131
> Blue 2 - Indigotine or E132
> Red 3 - Erythrosine or E127
> Red 40 - Allura red or E129
> Yellow 5 - Tartrazine or E102
> Yellow 6 - Sunset yellow FCF or E110

Don't forget to save this post so you can refer back to it later and share it to make others aware 👏🏻

27/07/2022

**9 DOG TREAT INGREDIENTS YOU SHOULD ALWAYS AVOID**⁠
⁠
Do you check the ingredients label on your dog's treats?⁠
⁠
It's something I definitely recommend doing!⁠
⁠
Always check the ingredients label on your dog treats and don't just accept that something labelled for dogs is best for your dog because, sadly, this is certainly not the case with many conventional treats these days.⁠ 😟⁠
⁠
Avoid these 9 common dog treat ingredients 👇🏻⁠
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❌ Artificial flavouring (e.g. smoke flavour, bacon flavour)⁠
⁠
❌ Artificial colouring (e.g. Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6)⁠
⁠
❌ Artificial preservatives and antioxidants (e.g. BHA, BHT, potassium sorbate, sodium tripolyphosphate)⁠
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❌ Low-quality fillers (e.g. cereals of unknown origin, corn)⁠
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❌ Meat, animal, fish or vegetable derivatives⁠
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❌ Sugar and sweeteners (e.g. sugar, syrup, sucrose, caramel)⁠
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❌ Salt⁠
⁠
❌ Rawhide⁠
⁠
❌ Cooked, dried or smoked bones⁠
⁠
Don't forget to save this post so you can refer back to it later and share it to make others aware 👏🏻

22/07/2022

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY TO BUILD CONFIDENCE AND OPTIMISM

📦 CARDBOARD CHAOS 📦

Cardboard Chaos is a fun and simple game that helps build confidence, optimism, flexibility and how to be cool with novel situations!

YOU WILL NEED:

> Cardboard boxes
> Tasty treats or part of your dog or puppy's daily food allowance
> And of course, your dog or puppy

HOW TO PLAY:

Before playing Cardboard Chaos, you should ensure your dog or puppy is happy with the concept of scatter feeding. When they are, you are good to go!

To play cardboard chaos, simply arrange your cardboard boxes in a pile, scatter food among the boxes and then allow your dog or puppy to investigate.

Begin super easy; for some pups, one cardboard box can be novel enough to start with; I know it certainly was for my two.

You can then gradually build upon your Cardboard Chaos pile, making it more challenging as they become more confident. Try to include spaces where they have to go over, under, on top of, and through the boxes.

Remember when introducing new games and activities to take it slow, let them investigate the games at their own pace and never force them to interact 💜

20/07/2022

**5 FROZEN SMOOTHIE DOG TREAT FLAVOUR IDEAS**⁠
⁠
Summer is here, and so is the warm toasty weather! 🌞⁠
⁠
Frozen smoothie dog treats are a fab way to help keep your pooch cool and refreshed during these hot summer days.⁠
⁠
They are surprisingly simple to make, and you don't need to use precise measurements. They are also a fun way to use leftover dog-friendly fruits and veggies.⁠
⁠
To make, simply blend up your chosen fruit and/or veg with a dog-friendly liquid into a runny consistency, pour the mixture into a mould and pop it in the freezer.⁠
⁠
Here are 5 frozen smoothie dog treat flavour ideas for you to try:⁠
⁠
1. Mango and pineapple⁠
2. Watermelon and cucumber ⁠
3. Strawberry and banana⁠
4. Banana and peanut butter⁠
5. Broccoli and spinach⁠
⁠
Dog-friendly liquids you could use in your treats include things like kefir, bone broth, yoghurt and water,⁠
⁠
⭐ BONUS TIP: For super fast treat prep with minimal effort, use pureed fruit and veg baby food pouches. Ensure you check the ingredients are doggy-safe first.⁠
⁠
What is your dog's favourite frozen smoothie treat flavour combos? Share them in the comments below!

15/07/2022

**NEW IN**⁠
⁠
I'm a huge fan of SodaPup! So I was super excited to get these new products in from them; you guys are going to LOVE these!⁠
⁠
> SODAPUP ECOIN AIR - Designed for licking, but this isn't your typical lick mat. Its round, smaller size makes it perfect for snacks. It's made from nylon for extra durability and has a unique segmented design in the form of a hot air balloon.⁠
⁠
> SODAPUP MANDALA ETRAY - A slow feeder tray with defined sections; think of the Etray as a cross between a lick mat and a slow feeder bowl. They are deeper than lick mats but not quite as big and deep as standard slow feeder bowls.⁠
⁠⁠
Love love love the colours of these, which is your favourite?

14/07/2022

PawsnRun is running a fun online dog show to raise funds for German Shepherd Rescue Scotland, and we are sponsoring the "Most Amazing Eyes" category. Head over to Pawsnrun Online Dog Show to get your entries in and support a good cause.

Good luck to everyone entering, and I really look forward to judging all your gorgeous photos! 🐶💜

Welcome to our fun online dog show, the show will run until the 30th August 2022. 1st to 6th place will receive a rosette with the winner being put through to Best In Show.
All funds raised will go to German Shepherd Rescue Scotland.
https://www.facebook.com/GermanShepherdRescueScotland
Entries 3 for £5, 7 for £10 and 15 for £20
Payment to be made via: https://www.gofundme.com/f/pawsnrun-online-dog-show...
Once payment made, send payment reference and photos via messenger to the page along with dog's name and category for competition.
Class 1. Rainbow Bridge
Class 2. Best Action Shot
Class 3. Best Group Shot (2 or more dogs)
Class 4. Most Handsome Dog
Class 5. Prettiest Bitch
Class 6. Best Rescue
Class 7. Cutest Puppy
Class 8. Golden Oldie
Class 9. Most Amazing Eyes
Class10. Best German Shepherd

13/07/2022

**HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG ENTERTAINED INDOORS ON A HOT DAY**⁠
⁠
During the summer when it's super hot it's a great idea to adjust your walking routine so that you walk early morning or late evening when it's cooler.⁠
⁠
Although saying that you don't have to walk your dog every day - dun dun duuunnn... there I said it! 😬⁠
⁠
You can skip the walks altogether when it's too hot and opt for indoor activities instead. ⁠
⁠
With that in mind, here are some fun and enriching indoor activities to try 👇🏻⁠
⁠
> Foraging for treats in a snuffle mat⁠
> Play hide and seek where you hide and they find you⁠
> Play scent games with fleece toys⁠
> Hide treats and play a game of “find it”⁠
> Training games⁠
> Trick training⁠
> Stuffed treat dispenser toys⁠
> Slow feeder/puzzle bowls⁠
> Interactive puzzle toys⁠
> Long-lasting chews⁠
> Appropriate raw bones⁠ (for raw-fed dogs)⁠
> DIY enrichment activities (e.g. snuffle box)

12/07/2022

**HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL IN HOT WEATHER**

The warm weather is here, and it's toasty hot! ☀️

Whilst it may be enjoyable for some of us, hot weather can be uncomfortable and dangerous for dogs.

Here are my 9 tips to keep your dog cool during hot weather:

1. Adjust your walking routine and walk early morning or late in the evening.

2. You can even skip the walk altogether - you don't have to walk your dog every day.

3. Give your dog a cool area in the house to relax and chill. Keep curtains or blinds drawn to limit heat coming through the windows.

4. Circulate cool air using a fan or air conditioning if you have it.

5. Provide frozen enrichment toys for a nice cool, refreshing treat.

6. Give your dog a damp towel or a cooling mat to lie on. Remember to never put the towel over them or wrap them in it.

7. Ensure your dog always has access to shade.

8. Always ensure your dog has plenty of fresh drinking water to keep them hydrated - You can flavour water with a little bone broth to encourage drinking.

9. Treat them to a refreshing dip in a shallow paddling pool. Make sure it's in a shady area of your garden.

How do you keep your dog cool during hot weather? Let me know in the comments below 👇🏻

07/07/2022

/// 7 BEST NATURAL CHEWS FOR PUPPIES ///

Puppies chew things.⁠
⁠
Chewing is completely normal puppy behaviour, and we need to help them safely satisfy their need to chew by providing a suitable outlet.⁠
⁠
We can incorporate appropriate chewing into our pup's daily routine by providing a suitable outlet such as natural puppy chews.⁠
⁠
In this blog, we’ll be talking about natural puppy chews - the benefits of them and we’ll share our top natural chews for puppies. Plus you’ll also get some handy puppy chew tips and advice.⁠

Read the blog here 👇🏻
https://www.keroandbree.com/blogs/kero-and-bree-dog-blog/natural-long-lasting-dog-chews

05/07/2022

SLOW FEEDERS FOR DOGS AND PUPS WHO INHALE THEIR FOOD⁠
⁠
It is pretty common to have a dog that inhales their food in a matter of seconds; I have one myself (looking at you Kero...!). However, eating too quickly can lead to indigestion, stomach upset, choking, vomiting, regurgitation and even bloat.⁠
⁠
To slow down your dog's eating habits and prevent them from inhaling their food, I recommend trying out a slow-feeding bowl or tray.⁠
⁠
Slow feeder bowls and trays have defined sections or protruding patterns within them; I like to think of them as a food maze where your dog has to lick their way around to get the food.⁠
⁠
They are perfect for dogs that tend to eat too quickly as they stop overly-enthusiastic eaters from gobbling their meals down as fast as possible.⁠

04/07/2022

/// THE PERFECT DAY ///⁠

If your dog or puppy had the perfect day, what would it be?⁠
⁠
My Kero and Bree's would probably go a little something like this...⁠
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🐕 Wake up to a scatter-fed breakfast in the garden.
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🐕‍🦺 Some training games.
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😋 A second breakfast because the silly hoomans forgot to communicate to each other that doggo breakfast had already been served.
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🐶 Unlimited belly and butt scratches for Kero and unlimited neck scratches for Bree.
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🌲 A long sniffy forest walk for Kero.
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🏖️ A quiet stroll along the beach for Bree with no other dogs around.
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🤤 Treats. And more treats.
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🧠 Some enrichment and brain games.
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🐾 A 1-hour run around the local secure dog field with even more treats.
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🤢 Green tripe for dinner, their favourite!
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🥰 Evening chills and cuddles with their hoomans.
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😴 Sleep on the bed with their hoomans.
⁠
Share a snippet of your furry friend's perfect day in the comments below!