Smartdog Jerky posts pix of real rescued pups on pouch

Sadly, nearly half of adult dogs in the United States are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Overfeeding at meal time and doling out high-fat table scrapes not only packs on the pounds, but puts dogs at risk for diabetes, heart disease and mobility limitations.

Heather Merritt, founder of Smartdog Jerky, is determined to help dogs stay fit and at healthy weights by offering a line of all-natural, human-grade, USDA-certified jerky treats made at a non-pet food facility. You won't find wheat, grain, soy, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors in her meaty treats. They are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. And, frankly, dogs of all sizes and ages find them irresistibly delicious.

But she didn't stop there.

"Being passionate about pets, I wanted to not only create the healthiest dog treat on the planet, but to raise more awareness about pet adoption," says Merritt, whose family includes Carly, a happy, black Labrador-Shepherd mix. "We donate a portion of our dog jerky to nonprofit rescue organizations and humane shelters. And, we proudly display real-life dog adoption success stories on our packaging, along with sharing their stories on our website."

Take a look at the packaging and you will learn about the rescued dogs named Lucy, Bailey, Phaneuf and more. Check the website and you will learn more about Smartdog Jerky's partnership with such nonprofit groups at Pet Project Foundation in San Clemente, CA, and Freedom Dogs in San Diego. The site also features a community share page.

"We are committed to posting photos of rescued dogs on each and every package of Smartdog Jerky treats and to donating a portion of our jerky to groups, big and small, whose volunteers and staff are bettering the lives of companion animals," explains Merritt.

Merritt obtains the pictures through word of mouth for now, but expects to ultimately use images submitted by customers or readers at her website. Images are incorporated into a label design, and 1,000 labels are printed (about the volume of each batch of jerky made) and then applied to the laminated barrier pouches.

The Smartdog Jerky line currently includes Real Chicken Breast Jerky, Red Beef Jerky and Real Beef Jerky Sticks. Plans are underway to expand to other flavors, including buffalo, lamb, rabbit and venison. The only ingredients used in any package are USDA-certified meats, water and a tiny bit of sea salt.

"Dogs need protein to stay fit and strong and Smartdog Jerky delivers that in a healthy, nutritious way," says Merritt.

Source: Smartdog Jerky

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