Allergies occur due to a prolonged exposure to a single protein. By rotating diets we can help prevent this. By offering single protein diets we can also help prevent this. So ….. here’s some good news for 4-pawed sufferers.

Artemis has just released a highly specialised formula based on specifically omitted sources. Called S.O.S. (Specifically Omitted Sources), it is comprised of fewer than 10 ingredients, plus vitamins and minerals, to hone in on any special dietary needs your dog may have…because sometimes paying attention to what isn’t there is just as important as what is. In layman’s terms, it’s a food specially designed for dogs who need to limit their protein source due to allergies or intolerances.

With three flavours (Salmon, Duck & Lamb) to choose from, your dog can be sure he is getting the protein that’s right for him. As individual animals have different levels of enzymes some animals assimilate nutrients from one source better than another. By providing a variety we allow our animals an optimal chance to get the best assimilation.

Artemis is dedicated to providing not only healthy pet food but promoting a whole-line or holistic approach to caring for animals. They believe that achieving a balance of all parts – all aspects of an animal’s life - enables them to thrive.

Because a healthy life style begins with nutrition, Artemis creates pet foods that balance all the necessary proteins, fats,  carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, resulting in a food that is greater than the sum of its parts. A holistic approach also encompasses disease prevention and finding ways to support the natural healing process. Their products are developed with the idea that prevention is the best cure and they have gone the extra mile by incorporating fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and digestive enzymes to truly meet all the nutritional requirements.

The S.O.S. .range is available in a dry kibble in 3.4kg and 12.7kg size bags at special introductory prices ($34.36 for the 3.4kg/$82.36 for 12.7kg) for a short time only.

We always talk about glucosamine and chondroitin when it comes to joint health and osteoarthritis so this news about Rosehips is BIG!

We were contacted recently by the people at The Rosehip Specialists about a new product of theirs called Rose-hip Vital Canine. For more than ten years their Rose-Hip Vital with GOPO (for human consumption) has been available in pharmacies and health food stores throughout Australia. It has been hugely successful so after 30 scientific papers, including 6 double-blind placebo trials on humans, dogs and horses, unique to Rose-Hip Vital, they are delighted to finally be able to offer a product for dogs. (There will soon be a product for horses).

It’s the first natural product registered by the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) since new guidelines were introduced for the registration of Complementary Herbal Remedies in 2009. Having had some experience with this process, we know how difficult and costly it can be to get this registration!

Rose-hip Vital Canine is plant based and is made from 100% pure and natural Rosehip fruit with no additional additives. Unlike many other complimentary therapies for joint health, the product doesn’t contain any animal ingredients, including shellfish. Nor does it contain yeast, gluten, wheat, dairy, lactose or genetically modified ingredients. Additionally there are no known side effects or contraindications and it is shown to be well tolerated.

A patented manufacturing and drying process activates a compound found only in Rose-Hip Vital products which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.  Rose-Hip Vital Canine is a clinically proven 100% natural anti-inflammatory, power antioxidant and rich natural source of Vitamin C, which may be of benefit for improving the joint health and general well-being of active and ageing dogs. Throughout the APVMA application process the people at Rosehip Specialists actively seeded the product with both dog owners and Vets with amazingly positive results.

“What an amazing difference Rosehip Vital has made to our 9 year old red cattle dog, Wally. Wally has a history of back injury but thanks to Rosehip Vital he is now enjoying a new lease on life. Wally is more active as he is moving a lot easier. Other people have commented that this is the best they have seen him look for a long time. We were concerned that Wally’s history of back problems would shorten his lifespan but thanks to Rosehip Vital we are confident that Wally will be enjoying life for many more years.” (Melissa from Bucca, QLD)

For more testimonials, check out Rose-Hip Vital Canine’s website.

It’s available in two sizes (150g and 500g) and as an introductory special, we’ve taken 10% off the price (until March 2013).  If your dog is an active or ageing dog, then for joint health and general well-being try Rose-Hip Vital Canine.

The new Osopure Grain Free range contains three different & nutritious recipe formulas - Bison, Duck & Salmon – all without grains but mixed with Garbanzo Beans which are an excellent source of carbohydrate, fibre and other essential nutrients.

All contain approximately 24% protein and come with the trusted Artemis Guarantee that NONE of their products contain any corn or soy, any wheat or wheat gluten, rice protein concentrate and no added chemical preservatives, artificial additives or by-products.

Buy why are grain-free foods becoming so popular? We’ve blogged about this a lot (see ‘Safety in Numbers) but perhaps we can answer it with this simple explanation. Evolutionary history shows that our 4-legged besties are natural hunters and carnivores, not grain eaters. Through hundreds of years of domestication, dogs have retained a nearly identical digestive system to their wolf ancestors so grains are considered ‘foreign’ and many dogs have shown an aversion to foods that contain too many grains.

These aversions show in symptoms such as itchy skin, hot spots, yeast problems in ears and sensitive stomachs. However, medical research shows that a simple diet of real protein sources (ie; salmon, bison, chicken, lamb, etc) balanced with a non-grain carbohydrate seems to be offering permanent relief.

Have a chat to your Vet and read the labels on the products. Pookinuk sells many brands which each have grain-free formulas (Artemis, Canidae, Earthborn, EVO, Taste of the Wild) and they all vary in fat and protein levels. Some products can be quite high in fat and protein (up to 40%) which may suit some dogs but not all.  The new Osopure Grain Free lines contain 24% protein and 14% fat which is a fair balance.

Here are 6 reasons why you might consider the new Osopure Grain Free range:-

1. An holistic grain-free formula packed with essential vitamins and minerals is designed to help support your dog’s overall well-being.
2. Tomato pomace and potato fibre are two natural fibre sources that help support your pet’s digestive system.
3. Quality protein sources, rich in amino acids, are hand selected for the Osopure grain-free range in order to provide optimum fundamental nutrition for your pet.
4. The Osopure Grain Free range is carefully crafted to supply the necessary nutrition to your dog at every stage of life, from puppy to the golden years!
5. Fruits and vegetables provide natural antioxidants to help support your dog’s healthy lifestyle.
6. Garbanzo Beans & Sweet potatoes are excellent sources of carbohydrates, fibre and other essential nutrients which help your dog stay active all day.

Available from  January 2013, these three new Osopure recipe formulas will be added to our fast-growing section of Grain Free products. You now have loads more choice and more options for your pet’s food.

One of the brands we sell bases its entire personality around that urge. And the Rogz brand of collars, leads, toys, ID tags and bowls are walking out the door so fast, you’d think they had legs!

Their popularity is, according to the two South Africans who started the business 7 years ago, a lot to do with the brand’s personality. They based it on their own lifestyle – surfing, outdoors, sport and fun – and it struck a chord.

All their products boast few frills, no fuss, great looks and great quality. Check out their Utility range of collars, leads and harnesses and you’ll see exactly what Rogz is all about. Funky colours and reflective webbing (for the outdoors) is the mainstay of this range.

Rogz Utility collar in turquoise

Originally making surf-style sunglass cords and watch straps, Paul Fuller and Irene Raubenheimer started making pet accessories under the Rogz name when they saw an opportunity to create hip looking pet gear with personality. They also thought it offered an opportunity to kick back and enjoy more time surfing but its worldwide popularity has probably put an end to that!!

They’ve just launched a new range of gorgeous ‘Luna‘ bowls which are also proving very popular. Available in 5 different colours and 3 sizes, they start at $18.95.

Rogz 'Luna' bowl in orange

It’s a great story and one that’s sure to continue along its active, hip way for a long time to come. To check out the entire Rogz range available at Pookinuk, click here.

So, before the fat man in the red suit comes charging down all our chimneys, we’d like to say a very big THANK YOU for your custom and support this year. We’ve had a massively busy year full of new websites, (loads of) new products, new services and new premises thrown into the mix but it all adds up to what we hope is a better Pookinuk offering for you and your gorgeous pets.

We’ll be closing on Friday, December 21 for a little break but will be throwing open the doors on Wednesday, January 2 and look forward to helping you look after your loving, 4-pawed friends in 2013! All the best for a safe and happy Christmas and a fabulous New Year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Meadow Feast is a grain free, LAMB based diet for dogs that’s packed full of vegetables and fruit to ensure a protein rich, balanced diet.  It’s also gluten-free and high in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to ensure high energy and the development of lean muscle mass.

Without sounding like a broken record, a grain-free diet seems to be the answer for dogs suffering allergy issues. Things such as itchy skin, hot spots, yeast problems in ears and sensitive stomachs are a very common issue . Thankfully a grain-free diet seem to be combating these issues. A simple diet of real protein sources (ie; salmon, bison, chicken, lamb, etc) balanced with a non grain carbohydrate such as potatoes or sweet potatoes seem to be giving relief to dogs suffering allergy issues.

So, if your dog (or cat) suffers from various allergies, maybe a grain free diet is the answer? Have a chat to your Vet first though and read the labels on the products. Some products can be quite high in fat and protein which may suit some dogs but not all. With the variety of different formulas on offer these days though, the protein & fat levels vary so we’re pretty sure you’ll find one that will suit your pet perfectly.

As always, give us a call if you have any queries. We’re more than happy to talk through the various grain-free ranges with you.

Toys for cats are therefore designed to challenge a cat’s senses – keep them entertained, active and amused until they’re utterly exhausted!

This new range we’ve just added will do just that. It’s called the Catit Design Senses range and there’s 7 different toys to choose from.

Catit Play Circuit

The Play Circuit features include:
- Peek-a-boo track design allows cats to see, chase and swat the ball
- Swirl patterned ball’s special colour combination specifically designed to catch and attract cat’s attention
- Multiple layout possibilities to change the circuit around.

The rest of the range includes the Catit Design Senses Massage Centre, Scratch Pad Centre, Speed Circuit, Food Maze, Comfort Zone and Super Roller Circuit to entertain your cat.

Catit Scratch Pad

Starting at $24.95, we’re pretty confident your cat will love these Catit Design Senses toys.

Well, the new EzyDog “Double-up” collars and “Zero Shock” leashes may be the answer.

Featuring two stainless steel D-rings to take the force and pull of your dog, strength and flexibility are the top features of this new range of “Double-up” collars.

To watch a video and see how it works, click here.

Made from the highest quality materials, the Double-up collar is non-rusting and features EzyDog’s soft touch Nylon webbing for comfort. Reflective stitching is incorporated for night time safety as well as an ID Attachment for your dog’s tags. EzyDog sure has doubled up on strength to triple the fun!

You don’t have to use the ‘Double-up” collar in conjunction with the “Zero Shock” leash but it’s definitely worth considering if your dog is a little hard to handle whilst out for ‘walkies’.

Protect against sudden move and jolts and make for a more enjoyable and comfortable walk with the ‘Zero Shock’ leash. The shock absorbing ‘Z’ component drastically reduces strain and pull on both your dog and the stretch acts to self correct your little (or big) furry friend. The leash also features a soft neoprene lined loop handle and there’s also an extra ‘traffic control’ handle at the short end of the leash for when you need close control of your dog.

If you’re looking for a safety light for your dog, look no further. Developed by the military and used by professionals, the Orbiloc safety light is the ants pants when it comes to your dog’s safety.

Click here to watch a video.

Seen from up to 5km away, 100% waterproof and virtually indestructible, the Orbiloc light is backed by a 3 year warranty. That’s how good it is!

Attach it to your dog’s collar, lead or harness and you’ll never lose them in the dark again!

Take the hassle out of remembering to order the dog’s food. Take the hassle out of driving to the pet shop. Take the hassle out of lugging the pet food to and from the car.

With our Auto Delivery service, you choose how often you need a replenishment of your pet’s food, healthcare, kitty litter or any pet stuff and we’ll make sure it’s delivered to your door SO YOU ARE NEVER CAUGHT OUT EVER AGAIN!

Here’s some more reasons why our Auto Delivery service could work for you:

• You’ll save up to $20 off your first order of food
• You can change, add to or modify your order at any time
• You stipulate the regularity of your order (eg. choose every week up to every 6 months – whatever suits you!)
• You won’t be signing any contract so you’re free to cancel at any time
• You will still enjoy whatever specials may apply at the time of despatch (what does that mean? Let’s say that Artemis Fresh Mix Adult is your pet food of choice and you get a 13.6kg bag delivered every 6 weeks. If your scheduled delivery occurs during a period when Artemis Fresh Mix Adult is on special, then you will automatically enjoy the special price).
• Your pet’s food & other requirements will be delivered automatically when you need it.

It’s easy to set-up: just click on the ‘Subscription Type’ heading after you’ve added some pet food to your cart to tell us how often you want to receive a regular delivery. That’s it, you’re done! You’ll never run out of pet food again! We’ll send you an email a few days before your scheduled delivery so you can double-check you’ve got everything you need and then ….. VOILA, you and your pet will never, ever be left high & dry again!

Receive regular shipments of all your pet’s needs? You gotta love that!