It is hard to believe that Joey is 7 years old! Looking back, it is hard to remember that scared and shaking little puppy in the back of the cage at the pet adoption event that somehow caught my eye. From the moment that I picked him up in my arms and he settled right down, I knew that he had to be a part of my family. Little did I know at that time just how much things would change in 7 years 🙂 All of my sisters and I would get married within that time period, my nephew was born and now my other twin nephews will be making their appearance in a couple of months! My stepson, lil man, and Joey would become best buddies!! Joey would be Dad’s first mate on the boat (he has been boating with us since he was a couple of months old)… 
I have always strived to go above and beyond to ensure the best for my furbabies! After all their love and friendship means the world to me and they are members of my family, so maybe I indulge them just a bit… For Joey, that means that he goes on all of our family vacations to the lake and most boating trips, goes to the doggie spa on a regular basis, gets mule rides each night, gets full access to coaches and beds and the lists goes on and on… He is also a very picky eater but I want to optimize his health so I am very particular about what he eats. He won’t even eat people food, unless it is meat and it has to not be breaded and not too hot or too cold. He will also will NOT eat on command…exhibit A… 
And that is why this is the best picture that I could get of him and his new food (which he loves BTW), Natural Balance 😉 Did you know that just like in human food, even when the best ingredients are used in pet-food preparation, there is always a risk for food poisoning or contamination. That’s why rigorous testing is CRUCIAL to ensure the safety of all pet-food and thus optimizing pet health. I learned that Natural Balance performs nine safety tests on every batch of food! You can actually go to the Natural Balance website, enter the product info of your bag of Natural Balance food and get the safety report on your bag of food or treats, in real time. They call this their Buy with Confidence® promise!! That is just one way that they do everything they can to make sure you and your pet love their products just as much as they do! In an industry full of food recalls and issues, Natural Balance really stands out. Normally, paying more for a product means that it is higher quality but that isn’t a guarantee in today’s world. That is why Natural Balance goes the extra mile to test all of our products for safety. They care about your pet’s health and happiness above anything else!
After being invited to try out Natural Balance for Joey, I decided to use their “Help Me Choose” tool on their website to determine the right food for my Joe Joe Bear. Since he doesn’t have any special health needs or considerations (except that he is uber picky and likes his meat), I decided to try a few, then I made my list and headed down to our local PetsMart to pick up a variety of Natural Balance Pet Food (it is available at your local pet specialty store: PetSmart, PetCo, independent retailers, or online). I was impressed that they craft each of their formulas with quality ingredients like sweet potatoes, legumes and brown rice, and premium animal proteins such as chicken, lamb, salmon and venison. 
I also grabbed him some of the Natural Balance treats and I love that they are as healthy as they are tasty! Just like in the pet food, the treats have no artificial flavors or preservatives, so I can feel really good about giving my baby a few! 
I actually got him to look at me!! As long as I had a Natural Balance treat in my hand 🙂
This is my Joey trying to keep his Natural Balance treat from our cat, Gabbi 😉 He is very protective of his new goodies!! He has the whole thing in his mouth…LOL 🙂 Have I mentioned how much he hates cameras? You have to sneak shots of him when he isn’t looking…you pull out a phone or a camera and point it at him, he turns away or walks away! He just somehow knows that it is a camera 😉 But enough about that…are you ready for a fun giveaway from our friends at Natural Balance?
Want to win a $100 Visa gift card?
Just share with me in what ways do go above and beyond to ensure the best for your pets? Maybe you change his water bowl 3x a day, and get him groomed weekly. Tell me in the comments for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card so that you can try Natural Balance Pet Food for you and your pet and keep optimizing their health 🙂
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Year ago I didn’t think much about what I fed my dogs – dog food was dog food. It wasn’t until years later that I began to learn the real differences. Over the years I’ve started to really read the ingredient panel on any food I buy and have researched what each of those ingredients does (or doesn’t do) for my furbabies. I’ve also had to balance the nutrition in the food with what my budget can afford. There are far too many over-priced foods on the market that are really no better than less expensive brands. There are also budget-priced brands that are the worst things you can feed your dogs. It’s hard and while I found a product that is within my budget and has the nutrition my dogs like, I still like to investigate other products. I haven’t found the perfect dog food.
Shared on Twitter – https://twitter.com/Urdchan/status/796360419128418306
I’ve heard great things about Natural Balance. I’ll have to give this a try with my two guys. Thanks!
Natural Balance sounds like great food. I think it’s important to feed our pets quality food and not the bargain basement stuff. Thanks!
Making sure they have plenty of good food and most importantly lots of love. Every animal needs love.
Their food is so important. This sounds like a great brand we need to give a try.
Walking my dog often for exercise and getting groomed every couple of weeks is how I go above and beyond!
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/796492080314990592
I buy organic foods for my dogs and cats
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/796495922515636224
I take my dog with me when I go on runs to give him plenty of exercise. I also only buy dog food with natural ingredients I can pronounce!
https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/796512791318425601
It sounds like this is perfect for my dog, balancing our pet food is important.
We just switched to natural balance for my dogs. I am loving it so far!
I ensure the best for my pet by buying him quality food and making sure he gets enough exercise.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/796532389900062720
Natural Balance is a great dog food and perfect for dogs with dietary issues. I love the natural ingredients and variety they offer.
I try to feed them the best possible foods and treats, take them health checks at the vet, we enjoy walks and staying active together.
https://mobile.twitter.com/arress83/status/796546191114780672
I make sure to walk my dog daily and get him the best food.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/796559559976488960
Joey is such a cute dog. I don’t have a dog, but I’ve been reading a lot about how great Natural balance is for pets. I will share this with my pet-owning friends.
The Natural Balance pet food I have not yet tried yet for my dog. I have heard such good things about these products so I will have to pick some up. The treats and dog food I know my dog would love for sure. Your dog is so cute. Thanks for sharing these awesome products and the giveaway.
I have been thinking about natural balance and heard it’s great. I fed blue for the past few years and with my new rescue give zignature due to allergies but she might do well on this! I go above and beyond for them by trying to make their lives happy. I take them out with me in the car and every Saturday they go on a special adventure. I shop for puzzle games and freeze kongs so they won’t get bored. I try to always think about what would make them happy.
I make sure to give my dog the healthiest diet possible by buying here really good food. I brush my dog every day, pet her every day, take her for a walk and just spend time with her!
tweet entry-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/796688997514964992
Our pup has severe allergies. We need to take him to the vet every 3 weeks for a shot and to get his paws checked because they get so red and bleed sometimes because of his scratching and biting due to the itch. We give him pills twice a day too.
https://mobile.twitter.com/Kn71203/status/796694459366998016
I always look at the ingredient labels and try to purchase healthy products for my dogs.Natural Balance sounds like a good choice.
I have never heard of Natural Balance brands for dogs before. Your dog Joey is just gorgeous. Our dog Molly does not like most dog foods, she is so picky. I love to see her smell and sniff it first to determine if it is good enough for her. I will definitely look for this brand next time I am at the store.
I groom my own pups. I have a Pomeranian and a chihuahua. They are both older gents. Occasionally they get a nice grilled turkey burger!
I make sure my dogs get a ton of exercise and every week my bigger dog gets to go to day care, way out of my way but he loves it.
https://twitter.com/AndrewColton7/status/796743208428597249
I make my cat’s food. It takes FOREVER and every feeding time is a hassle but he was too fat on store bought food. He’s now thin and playful so it’s worth it.
I do, however, still feed the strays around here with dry food because there’s no way I’m making food for ALL the cats.:)
thanks!
I keep my fur baby at a healthy weight.
https://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/796752023135879168
Thanks so much! I tweeted as iceyninja. You’re so thoughtful 🙂 I love your blog!
I leave my work on my lunch break so my dog isn’t too lonely at home
groogruxking40 @ gmail dot com
tweet- https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/796776000164167680
We just switched my furbabies food to something healthier. They did great with the switch and I am happy with that decision. My yorkie kept puking up his food. He was over eating the low-quality stuff and it would expand in his tummy. Then he would be way too full. The new food isn’t like that and it is made for digestive issues.
I make sure my dog has the best food and also the best care. He is very important to me!
I just love this. SO many people are focused on eating healthy, but they never think to extend this diligence to what their pets eat. Sounds like a great brand of food for our pups!
We try to take our pup on as many adventures as possible. He loves trips to the park. We also buy him treats or toys whenever we go out – he’s a spoiled guy!
tweet: https://twitter.com/Twenteries/status/796830324458188801
I go above and beyond for my pets by giving them vitamins and making sure they have quality food.
https://twitter.com/RachelGriesmer/status/796850068854898688
I make sure they always have plenty of food and water!
https://twitter.com/willgriesmer/status/796856793716625408
I try to make sure my pup has plenty of fun stimulating toys and also take her on lots of walks and car rides. I want her to have fun and enjoy life. I try to make sure she doesn’t get bored.
I get the expensive wet food because they’re worth it! It also saves on vet bills.
His is the only brand we feed our dog
I have spent many thousands of dollars for surgeries and other vet care for my pets, and many times, I couldn’t really afford it. They are like family to me though. Thanks for the giveaway!
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/kit95841/status/796880000511115264
What a great giveaway. I’ve heard great things about Natural Balance Pet food. I will have to give it a try for our pup.
I make sure to feed her healthier foods but flavors she likes!
Tweet: https://twitter.com/tinkerbellmmc/status/796911987519262720
I go above and beyond by making sure my active dog gets a couple miles of exercise nearly every day of the week.
I’ll have to keep this in mind when my family gets a dog, we’re thinking in the Spring! I love natural food, it’s so much better for those who eat : )
We treat our pets like our children. We talk to them, feed them, we entertain them, groom them and love them bunches.
I don’t have dogs, but my mom does and I’ll have to tell her about this brand and see if she’s heard of it!
I’m amazed at the many healthy and good dog food choices that is available in the market now. Glad companies are making these. Our dogs deserve it.
We make sure to keep regular doctor check ups and to feed and exercise our dog well. Thanks so much.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/797151480742604800
Thanks again.
My cats get groomed weekly and get the prime spot on the couches!!!!
Ha! My cat & dog both get the prime spots on the couch😜
My pet cat Shiva gets brushed daily.
I think we give them extremely great vet care, and lots of great toys. 🙂
I’m all for supporting better health, whether it be for humans or pets. Thank you for sponsoring such a good cause and for this opportunity.
We dont have any pets yet but I really want to get a dog for the kids. This post really helps me – there’s so much I need to learn about having a pet!
Makes me happy to see more and more attention being paid to proper pet nutrition. It makes a big difference.
I give my pets organic food, clean water, lots of exercise and love
tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/797794200402018305
We go for runs in the woods all the time.
My fur babies are my life. I feed them 3 x’s a day, I make sure they always have fresh water. They have comfy beds for the living room, the back yard and the bedroom. I give them a treat every time I eat so we can enjoy food together. I often also share my human food with them. I pet them,love on them and dote on them as much as I can every single day. I also try to take them to the park at least 4 days a week. When the rare occasion comes up that we all have to leave them alone (about twice a year for a week at a time), I pay good money to a pet sitter to come play, love and walk with them 3 times a day, every day until we can get back home. I try my best to make their every day special and filled with love.
TWEET!
https://twitter.com/samdaleo/status/798012631600676864
Our dogs always have food. They are very active and we never have to worry about them being overweight.
tweet
https://twitter.com/bridget_sweeps/status/798561113222905857
https://twitter.com/Natashalamoreu1/status/798652869721268224
Proper nutrition and daily excersise i believe helps keep our animals in the greatest shape possible.
We have cats and we’ve been grooming them more and also giving them special freeze-dried raw food. It’s a bit more expensive but they seem healthier.
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/798703087162720256
I used to have a cat but he’s gone now. I used to clean his box right after he used it. He have a special spot on my bed, which is my pillow! 😀 He’s absolutely my best friend, and my master!
amy [at] uTry [dot] it
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/799078204178731008
amy [at] uTry [dot] it
When I last had a dog, I actually worked at a vet, so I was able to get her lots of care.
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
i go above and beyond by making sure they are feed daily and get yearly checkups and all vaccines are up to date
https://twitter.com/Ericamw1/status/799645767619190784 tweeted
Your pup is so sweet! We have a chow pup that is so fluffy and he might enjoy these options.
we always gofor a couple daily walks
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/800300849864069122
Our baby Bella gets all the time, love and affection she can handle. She is spoiled rotten and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
I play ball with tizzy and maggie daily
We make sure our dogs eat healthy and get plenty of love and exercise.
https://twitter.com/myway070/status/800834233908412416
Our animals are all spoiled in some way. There are times when I have to move to a different sink to brush my teeth since the cat is insisting on having a trickle of water from the faucet to drink form. Love him though I do, I draw the line at having my toothbrush and his tongue in the same place!
We feed good quality food, give fresh water and exercise, a warm bed, and lots of love.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/802659389836431360
We give our pets lots of love. Make sure they get lots of exercise, eat well and visit the Vet for checkups. Thanks so much.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/804137924560388096
Thanks again.
I try to get my dog the best food, walk daily, and plenty of love!
Tweeted https://mobile.twitter.com/mommyto62012/status/804146428717187078
Having fresh water is a must as is a health option for food.
I make sure to get foods that are healthy.
https://twitter.com/mommysweetiepie/status/805195092940070912
I Make sure she has a lot of good food and water. I brush her, play with her and love her.
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/806586245216403457
I give my dogs plenty of attention and have been purchasing food with ingredients that I trust.
I always pet them and play with them every day. They are my girls!
tweet
https://twitter.com/MistySunrise/status/807523362566275072
Daily walks and quality food.
https://twitter.com/mitadav/status/808859174616596485
We do daily walks! Thanks for the chance to win
allisonrsdswain(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Tweet
https://twitter.com/allisonrswain/status/808933975804801024
I don’t have any pets right now, but when I did have a dog, we’d go on lots of walks and regular grooming was a must 🙂
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/809309144150786049
This sounds great. Yes, our fur baby is full of love and we buy good food and treats to keep him healthy!
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/809808548985237504
https://twitter.com/coopersmommy/status/809828071054475264
I play with my pet and feed him quality food.
Our dog is a big baby. If his dinner is a little late, he will sit and stare at you to let you know that he is hungry. He also doesn’t like to go outside in the cold. Overall though, he is a great dog.
Tweet
https://mobile.twitter.com/Michael64263870
https://mobile.twitter.com/Michael64263870/status/811028511657984001
I switched our cats hard food to a healthier one a year ago.
And I put only purified water is their dish.
Love my fur babies!
thank you
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/810701470022696960
I think food is the most important aspect of your pets’ health which is why I spend extra to by grain free all natural food for my pets. I also make sure they get lots of exercise.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/810897146291568640
I feed my cats twice a day and I make sure my timid cat gets to eat as I feed her by herself.
I take care of my much loved Mochi (chihuhua mix) – I go above & beyond by adding some broth to her dry food to give it extra flavor, getting her nails trimmed regularly, and letting her snuggle under the covers with me. She is a sweet little dog (at least with me) I do everything I can to make her comfortable and feeling loved
We have a dog with eye issues and his eyes run so much that they get crusty and he has a hard time opening them. We wash his sweet face with a warm rag several times a day to help him.
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/811423708858511361
We have two kittens that we adopted from the shelter and my wife has made sure to take them to the vet for regular check-ups and shots. With the help of our two young boys the cats always have a clean litter box, trimmed nails and well groomed hair.
I posted a tweet: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/812707000752738308.
my daughter takes her corgis to the dog park regularly so that they get plenty of exercise
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/purplepanda1966/status/813054113709785088
I make sure my cat gets the very best nutrition available and take time to play and cuddle with her every day.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/813412287654612992
We give him lots of love.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/bridget_sweeps/status/813591228981841920
I keep our fur baby at a healthy weight.
https://twitter.com/NICKIEISIS3/status/813596379155152896
I try to make sure my pets get the right nutrition.
I buy the best food for my pets. I also make sure they have lots of exercise and toys to play with.
https://twitter.com/fdp4life/status/814130981653348352
I go above and beyond for our 11 month old puppy by sending him to doggy daycare 3 times per week. I go above and beyond for our 2 cats by giving them fresh water 3x per day & scooping the litter boxes 1x per day:)
We take our two dogs to get a bath every week. We get their nails cut. We give them treats. And we treat them with love.
I spend time taking naps with my grandpuppy
Tweeted https://twitter.com/vranasweep/status/814259996477231104
Getting a kidney transplant for my cat.
I take my dogs for a walk everyday, and I research everything that they eat to make sure its the best for them.
For my fish, I do a partial water change every other day. My daughter does a good job taking care of our cat.
Making play time with my pets, taking them to the park. feeding them the best products.
We ensure the best for our dog by buying him high quality pet food and playing with him often!
https://twitter.com/SkyShyskyk/status/814600806041288704
I think that the food is an important place to start, we try to get food that is free of artificial colors and have natural ingredients.
Have 2 small furbabies and would love to try this food….
https://twitter.com/LisaVanhook1/status/814736127466897408
My pets, dogs and lizards, are treated like family members. They get gifts at Christmas and birthdays and are loved like a kid!!
It is funny you should ask that. This past year has been one of insanity, so far as my cats are concerned. Unfortunately, it ended last Friday, suddenly, when Meeko, my fur baby, died of a series of unexpected strokes. Very sad ending to a year full of surgeries, multiple illness diagnoses and treatments, and over $8000 invested in saving him. I would do it all over again, because I did the best I could by him, but it was heartbreaking to have it all end. Sorry to be a downer but I do all I can for my pets, as they are my children of choice.
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/814845704355119104
I just got a new puppy last month and this time around nutrition is really on our mind. We feed her a dog food that is specially formulated for dogs. I haven’t done any research on Natural Balance. Right now we feed her Royal Canin dry food and Castor and Pollux canned food.
I would like to try this type of food. Looks good.
I go above and beyond by brushing their teeth twice and day and making sure they get a rub down every night!
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/814926824069328896
I guess we go above and beyond with one of our cats. He has kidney issues and we have to give him meds 2x a day and once a week a fluid IV drip (SubQ) He’s worth it, though.
I brush him every day and bathe him weekly. I also buy quality food for him as he is 14 and I want him to stay healthy.
Tweet https://twitter.com/ladyt64/status/815116160484175872
I have 4 dogs there food is important to me I tweeted
I got a fountain for my cat so he could always have fresh-tasting water!
I do a lot of research about what I feed my dog and cats. I spend a bit more whenever possible to feed a no grain diet.
I tweeted https://twitter.com/theshadedmoon/status/815228797800759296
We go above and beyond to make sure our furr babies eat healthy and are very active.
Considering they were all rescued from the harsh WNY Winters, and we love them a lot…I think we’ve done a lot for them….and their love in return is all we need. Thanks and God bless!
I also Tweeted at:
https://twitter.com/Artists4God2/status/815275467859197952
Thanks and God bless!
my #SweepstakesEntry tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/815281173953998852
Kathryn C
kacor7@hotmail.com
#SweepstakesEntry- comment
I keep my pets healthy (five cats) by keeping them indoors, they get exercise every day because they
chase & play with one another and I make sure to use flea prevention to keep the fleas from getting out of hand
We really pamper our dog with treats and toys. Take him on walks daily too
https://twitter.com/ardy22/status/815354772404445185
My pets are my best friends and there is nothing I wouldn’t do to keep them healthy and happy. My cat, Mr. Jack Whiskers loves it when I sprinkle a little catnip on his scratching post and when I grow it fresh for him in the spring and summer. My pug dog Pretty Girl is a spunky little lass who never leaves my side and loves it when we go hiking or running together. My 19 year old pug dog, Mocha Blossom has senior moments now. I talk softly to her when she gets confused and hold her. She has lots of elder issues actually. Since she can no longer comfortable jump up on the chair or climb the hill to where she ‘goes’, I carry and lift her several times per day. I keep all of my pets well groomed, feed them healthy food and treat them like family because they are.
Twitter entry: https://twitter.com/Stewbid1/status/815390480691302400
There are so many ways that I go above and beyond to ensure the best for my cat. I only feed her Natural Balance for her dry food (peas and chicken). I give her fresh cold water multiple times a day. She has a heated bed for the winter. She only eats healthy treats. I always bring her to the vet once a year for a check up.
https://twitter.com/davisesq212/status/815406512776552448
We feed our cat a grain free diet to keep his weight down and have really good pet insurance and a vet we trust.
https://mobile.twitter.com/faithjacklynswe/status/815909072247619584
The people down the street pretty much let us know that they weren’t letting their outside cats inside anymore and it’s winter so we brought them in and started the flame that mean giving them heartworm treatment we just can’t stand the thought of leaving them outside in the colder than freezing to death and that’s how we go above and beyond
Oh my, what don’t we do to keep her healthy and happy! We will not give her anything with wheat, soy or corn. We also give her fish oil, cranberry and Cosequin (she was born with a dislocated shoulder). She is always kept up with her annual vet visits and yes, groomed every six weeks. Westies should not be shampooed frequently, you brush them and the undercoat provides natural oils to help their skin because they are susceptible to skin problems. We have it covered.
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/816178547828129796
I give just as much thought and consideration for my pets as for my family members. My fur babies are totally dependent on me to choose their food and medical care. I take that very seriously.
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/829561157895778304
I make sure my dog get plenty of exercise, eats quality food, it loved every day and gets all of her shots to keep healthy and happy.
Tweeted-https://twitter.com/birdiebee52/status/829747923823034368
we have an old cat that we love and care for daily. fresh food and water. routine visits to the vet. she is a member of this family.
tweet https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/829761737142448128