Yes, I’ll have the Grilled, Ground New Zealand Lamb and Farm Raised Hormone Free Chicken with Russet Potatoes, slow Cooked Sweet Potatoes with Steamed Fresh Grated Carrots, Broccoli, and Squash over Toasted Whole-Wheat bread croutons with cheddar cheese, cottage cheese and garlic. Oh, and add a Doggie Cannoli with Carob Cream for dessert, please. Bailey just loves those!”

No, that wasn’t an excerpt from some Hollywood Boulevard menu or a clip from a Disney doggy movie.  That was pure and simple truth from Chef K9’s Bakery and Bistro.

Welcome to chef-prepared, breed specific gourmet meals.  For real.  If you’re like most concerned pet parents, you’ve heard the horror stories of how commercial grade dog food isprepared and the not-so-great long term effects on your pet’s health. Some Kibble is cooked at such high temperatures, that NOTHING survives, including the so-called nutrition the bag claims to contain. To rectify this, many manufacturing companies spray the kibble with a greasy melody of vitamins, minerals and in some cases supplements. Supplements that, if consumed on a regular basis and without warrant, will shut down the body’s own natural manufacturing of it…such as glucosamine. The vitamins and minerals are a gesture at best, but hollow when it comes to translatable nutrition.

Have you ever read the ingredient label on most foods?  If you have to break out a dictionary or google the name of the ingredients, chances are they probably shouldn’t be eating it. In most cases, these foods lead to chronic ailments such as itchy skin, hot spots, and food allergies.  To the credit of many well intentioned pet parents, many still purchase grocery store or bulk kibble or wet food that guarantees nutrients and high quality ingredients on the pretty packaging. But…have you ever opened a bag of this type of “kibble” or a can of this type of “wet food” and been so impressed that you wanted to try a bite for yourself?   Really??  Yea, I didn’t think so.

Pompano Beach, FL is home to the country’s only breed specific, 100% natural, high quality, human grade food for your pooch. Backed by veterinarians, researched by nutritionists…fine dining for your four legged children has never been so good. Founded six years ago by, Craig Zeleznik, Chef K9’s meals are quickly sweeping the nation simply by word of mouth, and they are quickly outgrowing their second store front. Their unrivaled, nutritionally packed meals have been turning dogs with chronic health issues, into happy, healthy family members since they began. Chef K9’s Bakery and Bistro was born out of Craig’s love for his own dogs. The desire for his four legged kid’s wellbeing naturally overflowed into the kitchen as he started educating himself on the proper diet for his dog’s breed. Soon, he began selling mouth watering, nutrition packed meals to friends and family and within no-time, he was cooking meals for 40 different breeds. “I began cooking freshly prepared meals for my dog. I used ingredients that were indigenous to his particular breed’s country of origin. This way I learned and believed that each dog could properly assimilate all of the food he ate. I quickly learned to fine tune my recipes in the event of a weight control issue, be it too light or too heavy. In doing all of this, one thing became obvious: my dog was much healthier. Over a period of months, ailments like hot spots, eye infections, and digestive issues that had plagued my dog were now a thing of the past”, says Craig.

Craig is no stranger to the kitchen…nor health, wellness or nutrition. As an experienced chef of more than ten years for the two legged variety, he pours his passion for fantastic food into every meal that he and his staff personally prepare for hundreds of dogs every week.

His college education in nutrition, fitness, and culinary arts are his own fine ingredients that make his meals such a booming success among his clients and their masters. A visit to the Chef K9 website will make most do a double take as pictures of dishes surely found in high end restaurants grace the menu page. Absolutely NO chemicals, preservatives, by-products, artificial colors, or meat “meals” will ever be found in any of the food prepared in the Chef K9 kitchen.

Every dish is completely suitable for anyone to dig in with an eager fork…although Fido might have an opinion or two on that. But, it’s not just the pretty appearance that keeps pets and their people coming back for more. In fact, the visual aesthetics are merely an added bonus. What’s truly significant about Chef K9’s meals, is the impact that they are having on the health of the consumers. A look at the testimonial page will reveal countless customer applause regarding the tangible change in their dog’s health.

More energy, no more hot spots, healthy moist skin, no allergies or digestive problems, shiny coats, weight control, etc., etc., etc., The list of benefits could go on and on. This isn’t by Look at all the TRULY healthy, Nutrient Dense Ingredients. Can you see any of this in a commercial kibble  breed’s specific needs and based on factual research by the National Research Council (NRC) and their published Nutrient Requirements for Dogs. “Our diets have been formulated by actual professionals, specializing in the breed specific nutrient requirements of various breeds of dog. Information such as breed work-ups, breed origin, places of origin, native crop supplies, and native protein sources to countries of origin are used to prepare the ideal formulations for each dog”, says Craig.

All of the ingredients are from US based farms except for the New Zealand and Australian legs of lamb and all produce, provisions, and meats are inspected and approved by the USDA. No corners are cut to save a buck. Craig buys many of his ingredients from the same suppliers of fine dining restaurants across the country.  With menu items like: ground shoulder of beef served over pearled barley and ovenroasted red potatoes, served with a sauté of fine ground corn, pan-wilted spinach, fresh kidney beans, zucchini, green beans, and garlic.  Finished with fresh shredded cheddar cheese and high oleic kosher safflower oil… there’s no doubt in the quality of the meal.And, you don’t have to be the parent of a pure breed canine to benefit from Chef K9’s culinary collaborations.

Have a mixed breed or hybrid?  No problem!  A phone consult with the Chef K9 kitchen will result in a diet specifically designed for your “kid” of diverseorigins.  Have a medical condition? No problem! Chef K9 can consult with your veterinarian if ecessary and whip up a succulent, medically sound concoction that would make the Food Network jealous.

But wait!!  There’s more! In case you missed it the first time, Chef K9’s store front is called Bistro and BAKERY!  Seriously, what “mutt” wouldn’t want to finish off his 5 star dish with a cannoli, or rosette cookie, or a woofy wafer?!  Every treat and pastry is prepared just like the meals, using only the finest ingredients that will satisfy even the pickiest of pallets…AND IT’S GOOD FOR THEM!  Did I mention the pizza, the pretzels, or the three layer birthday cake?  Or, how about the holiday and seasonal treats?

So, how can I get my paws on these fantastic feasts and delectable desserts, you might ask?

Well, I’ll let the Chef fill you in…“Since our meal plans are 100% real food, containing no preservatives, they are perishable. Therefore, our meals must be stored in a refrigerator and/or freezer. All our meals come to you pre-portioned and vacuum-sealed for maximum freshness.  If you purchase a one-month supply, you will receive four bags of food, each bag containing one week’s worth of food. Three bags will be put directly into your freezer, while the final bag is put into your refrigerator. When you are two days from running out, simply pull a bag from your freezer and put in your refrigerator to thaw naturally. That’s it!” 

As if it couldn’t get any better…Chef K9 makes every effort possible to be eco-friendly and encourage you to do the same.  If you fold up your insulated K9 meal shipping boxes and mail them back to “the kitchen”, they thank you by sending you free food on your next order! Kudos to that!

Can’t seem to stop your dogs itching, or get rid of those hot spots, or overcome his digestive issues and you’re spending a month’s salary on repetitive, unsuccessful treatments. Chances are, the food you’re feeding your four legged friend could be the culprit and it could be getting overlooked. Just a thought, but why ponder any further, give Chef K9 a call for some insight and suggestions for your pooch. Understanding your dog’s take on certain ingredients is definitely something worth looking into.

So the next time you open up that bag of dry, funny smelling, warehouse stored, nutrition deficient kibble or a can of unidentifiable cylindrical goop…take a bite. Mmmm.  Yummy. Yea, I didn’t think so. Hmmm…Animal Planet… Pet Food Network…Yea, it’s coming for sure thanks to pioneers like Craig Zeleznik!

Check it out. Do it for the dog. Your best friend is more than worth it.

www.chefk9.com

Breed Specific Diet Examples:

Boxer- Slow-Roasted Ground Pork, Farm Raised Hormone Free Chicken / Turkey * with Pearl Barley, Roasted Russet Potatoes. Sautéed Cabbage, Steamed Yellow Squash, Broccoli, and Fine Ground Fresh Grated Carrots with Rye Croutons with Garlic,and Hig Oleic Kosher Safflower oil.   Price: $7.25

Chihuahua- Hormone Free Oven-Baked Chicken with Whole Grain Brown Rice, Steamed Yellow Squash, Broccoli, Pan Wilted Spinach *, Fresh Pinto Beans, Bran Flakes, Cottage Cheese *, Fresh Grated Cheddar Cheese, Avocado, Garlic and Kelp Powder.  Price: $9.75

Golden Retriever- Hormone-Free Oven-Roasted Chicken and Juicy, Nebraska Angus Ground Beef with Baked Idaho Russet Potatoes, North Carolina Sweet Potatoes*, Steamed Yellow Squash, California Carrots, & Broccoli. Fresh Baked Toasted Whole Wheat Croutons, Fresh Grated Cheddar Cheese, Cottage Cheese*, Garlic and High Oleic Organic, Kosher Safflower Oil.   Price: $7.00

Maltese- Hormone-Free Chicken, Ground New Zealand Leg of Lamb, and Steamed Tuna served with Long Grain Brown Rice, Zucchini, Fresh Pan-Wilted Spinach*, California Broccoli*, Avocado, Bran Flakes, Garlic, and Olive Oil.  Price: $8.50

Facts and myths about dog food

Chef K9's Gourmet Dog Food contains no fillers, toxic chemicals, or slaughterhouse waste.

Myth: My dog food will help my pet live a long and healthy life.

FACT: Most dog foods don't contain enough quality proteins, suitable fats, and proper carbohydrate sources. Sadly, most dog foods DO contain fillers, toxic chemicals & preservatives, sugars, spoiled or rancid grains, slaughterhouse waste, artificial colors and flavors, feces, and even pesticides. The AAFCO even allows bird beaks, feet and feathers to be used as a protein source.

The average dog can consume 35-40 lbs. of chemical preservatives a year. Cancer rates in dogs have increased, as well as starting at earlier ages then ever before. Even the average life expectancy of our dogs has been decreasing at alarming rates.

Myth: "If it looks like my pet might have a food allergy, I should be able to manage the problem by switching to another diet.

FACT: Unfortunately for food allergic pets, most pet food diets contain some sort of mixture of beef, dairy, wheat, lamb, fish, and chicken. This means that simply changing foods is bound to lead to exposure to the same allergens.

There are two ways to address food allergy: feeding a diet based on a truly novel protein source (this usually means an exotic diet like venison, duck, kangaroo, rabbit or even alligator) OR feeding a diet where the protein has been pre-digested into units too small to interest the immune system.

Myth: "Food allergy is a less likely cause of my pet's skin disease as we have been feeding the same food for years and the skin problem is a recent development.

FACT: It takes time to develop a food allergy, typically months to years. The immune system must be exposed and must develop enough antibodies to trigger an allergic reaction and this requires multiple exposures to the food in question. A reaction to a food that occurs on the first exposure to that food is not an allergic reaction. Such reactions are called "food intolerances" and involve toxins within the food but not an allergic reaction.

 

Myth: My dog food is 100% complete and balanced.

FACT: All breeds of dog vary in their own nutritional needs, therefore, how can any one dog food be 100% complete for all dogs. It can't!

Myth: My dog food contains only the freshest ingredients, and choice cuts of meat.

FACT: Most dog foods contain inferior ingredients, unsuitable for human consumption. By-products, meat meals, animal digest, old or rancid grains, bird feathers, even dead, diseased, and deformed animals all make up the ingredient list in many commercial dog foods.

 

Myth: Human food is bad for dogs.

FACT: Human food is the same food dogs ate for thousands and thousands of years. Human food cooked for people is normally made with sauces, salts, seasonings, and various other ingredients. It is those ingredients that we add, that makes our food unfit for our pets. However, meats, vegetables, grains, yogurt, and cheese are all suitable ingredients (when fed in proper amounts) for our dogs, just leave the condiments for your two legged family members.

 

Myth: Vitamin C is the new cure-all wonder vitamin for dogs.

FACT: Unlike humans, dogs produce their own vitamin C. Not only is supplementing a dog's diet with Vitamin C bad, it may even lead to kidney and/or liver malfunctions or failure.

 

 

Myth: Doggy treats are a healthy treat for our dogs.

FACT: Most dog treats contain large amounts of chemicals and preservatives. Think about how long most treats have been sitting on store shelves. These chemicals and preservatives contribute to poor health, especially over the long term.

www.chefk9.com