After the Cat Wine, my dog pestered me about Dog Wine and made me write this blog…I already share everything with my dog…Dog Wine was the only thing missing! Apart from that, it’s International Dog Day! While doing my research for this blog, I’ve found out that there are many dog treats out there, apart from Dog Wine. Beer, Starbucks Puppuccinos, Dog Wine, Dog Tea, you name it…
Dogs have been our loyal companions for centuries, bringing joy, companionship, and endless tail wags into our lives. As they’ve become more integrated into our families, it’s only natural that we’d want to share some of life’s pleasures with them, including our love for good food and drink. That’s where “Dog Wine” comes in – a trend that’s capturing the hearts of pet parents and their furry friends alike.
The Rise of Dog Wine
In recent years, there’s been a growing interest in providing pets with more than just the standard kibble and water. Pet owners are increasingly seeking out products that enhance their pets’ quality of life and allow them to partake in special moments together. Add Dog Wine to the picture – a creative way to involve our four-legged friends in our own enjoyment of special moments.
What is Dog Wine?
*** ATTENTION: Before you imagine Fido sipping from a wine glass, it’s important to note that Dog Wine isn’t alcoholic. It’s a pet-friendly beverage crafted specifically for dogs, using safe and natural ingredients that cater to their tastes and dietary needs. These beverages just mimic the look and feel of wine. The term “wine” is used to allure the dog parents only. Alcohol is extremely dangerous to animals! Don’t give them any alcoholic beverage! *** Always talk to your vet before introducing new treats into your dog’s diet, especially if they have specific dietary requirements or health concerns. And remember: dogs can’t drink alcohol or grape juice! It’s really harmful to them!
Ingredients and Flavours
Dog wines are typically made from ingredients that are safe for canine consumption. Common components include filtered water, natural herbs, and vegetables. These ingredients are blended to create flavours that appeal to dogs while ensuring their well-being.
Apollo Peak’s Dog Wine
After the Cat Wine, Apollo Peak has also developed Dog Wines: ZinfanTail and CharDOGnay. I would say that this brand is really good at nailing the names and the labels! The ingredients are slightly different in this case, although beet is always there to provide colour to the Dog Wine. According to the company, it’s “Made with filtered water to ensure freshness, 100% Alaskan fish oil for a hint of taste, and glucosamine to support healthy joints”.
WOOF&BREW
This company has gone beyond Dog Wine! Not only do they carry that, but they also offer pooches a “Bottom Sniffer Beer” and “Herbal Doggy Teas”. The balance between passions and professions (or what you’d call work life balance) has pushed Steve Bennett and Lisa Morton to create WOOF&BREW and the world’s very first herbal doggy tea bag in 2012. Their entire product range revolves around the use of unique herbs. The extensive advantages of herbal teas have been acknowledged for humans for quite some time, and this concept is now extended to dogs. The doggy herbal tea is available in both doggy teabags and pre-made tonic formats and is crafted to complement pet nutrition. Filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, they offer a holistic boost to canine well-being. Again, loving the names…
Crafty Beasts Brewing Co
Crafty Beasts Brewing Co is dedicated to producing the Dog Beer “Fetch” – a Canine Pale Ale. Of course, it’s not a human invention. This beer has been totally designed by the four-legged Chief Product Developer “Einstein”, who wanted to share a tipple with his pet human. It’s made from water, beef, pork, carrot, apple, natural flavour and spices and can be widely found across Canada. The fruits and veggies that go into the recipe are all sourced from a local farm which would otherwise discard them, as they wouldn’t be much appealing to humans. According to Einstein, “We needed healthy ingredients for our crafty brew and the good luck is – we found them! Turns out, our local farmer has all these yummy fruits and vegetables that the humans don’t want. I guess they are shaped a little funny, and some have spots. Haha, that sounds like most of my dog buddies!”
WELL DONE, CALIFORNIA
It’s very common to find dogs in wineries and I totally understand that. If I had such space, I would have a full pack! It’s also nice to see that some wineries dedicate entire projects to dogs, such as Cacciatore Fine Wines and Olive Corporation (CWO), with their “Good Dog” labels. This wine is produced and bottled in Tulare County and it undergoes stainless steel ageing to maintain the unique qualities of the grapes. Now the good part is that when you buy a case of Good Dog wine, a portion of the earnings is donated to CVRR or Valley Oak SPCA (Visalia).
Another Californian winery, the Chateau La Paws, also boasts a similar project. By producing affordable wines, they’ve decided to help no-kill shelters. According to the company, “Life is better with best friends. That’s why we back up our belief with action. We proudly support No Kill Organizations around the country and our labels feature adorable shelter dogs to draw attention to this great cause. It’s simple: keep dogs cared for and happy until they become members of their new families.”
Always in the same state, the Bar Dog is to be found. The winery crafts wine for people who have a passion for dogs, and aim to contribute to the well-being of the furry companions that bring us boundless happiness. Therefore they have partnered with Petfinder Foundation and created the “Bar Dog Operations Grant”. The company states that the “Money from this grant goes to rescue shelters across North America and helps save animals awaiting their forever homes.”
And the Cali-dog-projects go on with “Rescue Dog Wines” as well, as the winery claims to donate “50% of our profits go to support rescue organizations” ❤️ Pick your project and do a good deed, help a furry friend.
International Dog Day
The bond between humans and dogs is a remarkable testament to the depth of connection that can exist between different species. Dogs, often hailed as “man’s best friend,” embody a pure form of love and loyalty that is unparalleled. This special relationship has evolved over thousands of years, with dogs evolving from wild wolves to become devoted companions to humans.
The unique bond between humans and dogs goes beyond mere companionship. Dogs have an innate ability to sense human emotions and provide unwavering support in times of happiness, sadness, and everything in between. Their intuition and empathy often lead them to offer comfort and solace when we need it most, demonstrating an extraordinary depth of understanding.
Every wag of their tail, every affectionate nuzzle, and each joyous bark is a testament to the profound bond that exists between us and our canine friends. Dogs have become an integral part of our lives, enriching our existence in countless ways.
This deep connection is celebrated on International Dog Day, a day dedicated to honouring the loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love that dogs bring into our lives. Created in 2004 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert Colleen Paige, International Dog Day falls on August 26th each year. The day aims to raise awareness about the plight of dogs in need of rescue, promote responsible pet ownership, and recognise the remarkable role dogs play in our lives.
On this special day, people around the world come together to celebrate their furry friends, advocate for animal welfare, and highlight the incredible bonds they share with their dogs. From heartwarming adoption stories to inspiring tales of service and therapy dogs making a difference, International Dog Day shines a spotlight on the extraordinary ways dogs enhance and enrich our lives.
So, whether they’re offering a comforting presence, providing a playful source of joy, or standing by our side through thick and thin, our canine companions hold a cherished place in our hearts. On International Dog Day and every day, let’s celebrate the unique and extraordinary bond that exists between humans and dogs—a bond built on love, loyalty, and an unspoken understanding.
By the way, do you have a dog?