Our Ingredients
Safe for dogs, straight from the earth, with absolutely no processed, harmful toxins. We pride ourselves on the carefully chosen ingredients in all of our dog products, from balms to shampoo, gnawers, and everything in between. After extensive research, we select only the highest-quality essentials to craft our healing solutions for your loyal friends.
We care about where our ingredients comes from and how they are grown. Pesticides, chemically-enhanced fertilizers, and other harmful additives are never a part of our process. We use organic ingredients whenever possible!
Free of chemicals, with only all-natural ingredients from our earth. We mean it when we say we use nothing but 100% pure, natural ingredients to formulate products for your pup.
We craft our products with care, intention, and plant-based ingredients. All of our balms are vegan, loaded with natural, green essentials.
Our products are never tested on any laboratory animals. We conduct thorough research on each and every ingredient to ensure they are safe for all dogs.
Organic Shea Nut Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)
Shea nut butter (also commonly referred to as shea butter) is derived from the nut of the African shea tree. It can go by a long list of potential names and can be used with a variety of other oils and as a substitute for cocoa oil.
Shea butter is a triglyceride, which is essentially a fat, and is derived from stearic acid and oleic acid. It is commonly used in a variety of cosmetics, including as a salve, lotion, and moisturizer.
Why Use Organic Shea Nut Butter for Dogs
By relying on this important and valuable ingredient, it helps to provide moisture for the dog’s dry snout. It can also be highly effective at smoothing out the skin. When a dog’s snout becomes dry, it can begin to crack and split, causing pain and discomfort.
Adding shea butter to Snout Soother provides a solid base of humectant and emollient, which provides much needed moisture and aides in encouraging smoother skin along this part of the dog.
Also, when a dog’s snout is dry and cracked, there is a distinct increased risk of infections developing as a result. Shea nut butter provides assistance as an anti-inflammatory, which helps to provide an extra barrier against bacteria and other infections.
Shea nut butter is also a natural sunscreen, which helps keep the dog’s snout protected to some degree against the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. So for any dog that is dealing with some level of dry snout conditions, shea nut butter is an invaluable ingredient.
Essential Properties of Organic Shea Nut Butter
Shea nut butter is considered a complicated fat that contains the following fatty acids:
- Oleic acid
- Stearic acid
- Linoleic acid
- Palmitic acid
- Arachidic acid
Shea nut butter will melt at body temperature and will also be absorbed into the skin relatively, which is certainly beneficial when a dog’s snout is dry and cracked. It also possesses what is known as good water binding properties.
Parts Used
Shea nut butter is derived from the nuts of the African shea tree. It goes through a series of extraction and refining processes before it can be used as a snout soother or in any cosmetic uses.
History of Shea Nut Butter
There have been numerous depictions of shea nut butter being used throughout ancient Egyptian culture for cosmetic use. In fact, there are some depictions as early as Cleopatra’s Egypt using this particular cosmetic supplement.
It has been a precious commodity throughout many parts of the world, including all the way back to Ancient Egypt.
Organic Hempseed Oil
Organic Hempseed Oil (Cannabis Sativa)
Originating from Canada but now being grown throughout the world, organic hempseed oil is formally called Cannabis sativa. It is widely considered one of the most nutritional oils available and provides numerous benefits for both medicinal as well as cosmetic use. It is loaded with amino acids, fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, that are essential for healthy living and proper nutrition. It is a powerful active ingredient for dogs with dry and cracked paws.
As dogs get out and move around, their paws become exposed to some intense conditions, including extreme heat on paved surfaces to cold air. This can all dry those paws out, which is why finding relief for painful paws is so important.
Why Use Organic Hempseed Oil for Dogs
Finding balance between dry skin and comfort can be challenging, especially for dogs. A dog’s paws act as not only a protectant, but also a cushion. Think of them like your sneakers when you’re out jogging; the softer the soles, the more comfortable you’re going to be. It’s the same for dogs, but when paws become dry and cracked, they can also become painful.
The fatty acids that are found within organic hempseed oil are many of those that dogs simply cannot live a healthy life without. A dog’s biology prevents them from creating these fatty acids on their own, unlike humans that can produce numerous forms of fatty acids through other nutrients. This is the primary reason why obtaining them through diet is so critical for canines.
Essential Properties of Organic Hempseed Oil
Organic Hempseed Oil offers tremendous benefits for dogs and provides essential nutrients. It has a slightly nutty aroma and usually contains high quantities of amino and other fatty acids.
It has a pH value of 6.1, has no measurable THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and contains the following fatty acids:
- Palmitic
- Steric
- Oleic
- Linoleic
- Linolenic
Unrefined hempseed oil will appear to be a dark or light green color. When the oil’s color is darker, it is generally due to a ‘grassier’ context and flavor. Refined hempseed will become clear in color and does not often contain many natural vitamins and antioxidants, as they have been refined from it. Refined hempseed oil is more commonly used a lubricants, paints, in plastics, and more and can also be used for body care products.
It has high nutritional value, though, because of its 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.
An important note: organic hempseed oil should not be confused with oil that is derived from the Cannabis flower, as they are completely different. The oil derived from the flower is marketed with numerous medicinal qualities that are different than those offered by hempseed oil. It is also important to note that THC is the psychoactive drug commonly associated with traditional Cannabis and is not present in organic hempseed oil.
Hash oil and hempseed oil or not the same, so avoid making this common mistake. Hash oil does contain THC.
Parts Used
Hempseeds are the seed part of the Cannabis plant and it is broken down and developed into an oil during the process.
History of Organic Hempseed Oil
Organic hempseed oil was originally grown in Canada, but was cultivated in the United States. The leafy part of the Cannabis plant has more commonly been adopted for recreational use as it contains THC, the aforementioned psychoactive drug.
Canadian hempseed, though, has been cultivated much more efficiently through the years in order to provide the best nutritional benefits for which is has become known. It’s interesting to note that while flaxseed oil (a similar product) can not be used continuously without developing certain health issues, the same is not true of organic hempseed oil.
In many circles, organic hempseed oil has become known as ‘nature’s best omega oil’ and when relying on this supplement for a dog, positive results should begin showing within one month’s time. Not only will the paws appear healthier, but your dog might actually appear more energetic, willing to chase down that ball with a bit of extra gusto.
All thanks to the right type relief for painful paws.
References:
https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/hemp-seed-oil/profile
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp_oil
“THC, Laboratory/Animal/Preclinical Studies, Anti-tumor Effects”. National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. April 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
Schwab, U. S.; Callaway, J. C.; Erkkilä, A. T.; Gynther, J; Uusitupa, M. I.; Järvinen, T (2006). “Effects of hempseed and flaxseed oils on the profile of serum lipids, serum total and lipoprotein lipid concentrations and haemostatic factors”.European Journal of Nutrition 45 (8): 470–7.
Organic Coconut Oil
Organic Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera)
There are numerous medical and health applications of coconut oil, from providing benefits for skin to hair and much more. For dogs, organic coconut oil can be incredibly soothing when dogs keeping licking its paws because of its moisturizing qualities.
Coconut oil is commonly used as a cooking oil, but can also be added to a variety of other food items. However, when topically used, it can be incredibly beneficial at alleviating dry skin conditions, reducing protein loss, and even for many soaps.
A dog’s paws can take quite a bit of abuse throughout a normal day. They act as a cushion for walking and protecting against extreme weather elements, including heat and cold, but they can also become damaged, causing the padding to become dry and cracked and break down.
Keeping these paws in good health will provide comfort to your dog and that’s why dogs keep licking its paws, relying on a comforting solution is such a great idea.
Why Use Organic Coconut Oil for Your Dog
There are many different ingredients that can be highly effective at helping to protect a dog’s paws. Coconut oil is one of them. Coconut oil contains a high quantity of saturated fats, which is an essential component of skin moisturizers.
Because your dog’s pads can become dry and cracked, it’s important to use some type of moisturizer. However, moisturizer that is used for your skin isn’t going to be effective and can actually cause more harm for your dog. It’s best to rely on a topical ointment that is specifically designed for dogs that will help stop him from licking its paws. Ones that contain organic coconut oil are some of the most effective because of the ingredients they possess.
Essential Properties of Organic Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains high levels of saturated fat. The most significant is a lauric acid and that can elevate total blood cholesterol levels, both HDL and LDL, to dangerous levels when consumed internally. It’s one of the main reasons why coconut oil is much better for dogs as a topical use only.
These saturated fats make up 86.5% of the total fat contained within coconut oil. Monounsaturated fats make up 5.8% and polyunsaturated fats make up 1.8%.
Linoleic acid is also in high quantities within coconut oil. This is a monounsaturated fatty acid, and not a saturated fat. It is an omega-6 fatty acid that has been known to show inflammatory properties.
Coconut oil is also rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
History
Coconut oil has been commonly used throughout much of the world for centuries for a wide range of uses. In India, for example, it was often used as fuel to keep lamps lit, providing the main source of illumination. From India, the coconut oil was exported originally as cochin oil, which is a name that may still occasionally be used to describe this potentially beneficial ingredient.
For dogs with dry, cracked paws, coconut oil is a wonderful ingredient for soothers.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_oil
http://www.livestrong.com/article/338662-coconut-oil-ingredients
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/the-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil
American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada Offer Up-to-Date Guidance on Dietary Fat”. American Dietetic Association. Archived from the original on 2012-03-19. Retrieved 2011-03-16.
Organic Jojoba
Organic Jojoba (Simmonfdia chinensis)
The jojoba plant typically grows in North America and can reach up to 15 feet in height. It’s mostly found in Mexico and Southern portions of the United States. When the seeds of this plant are distilled, they can form a liquid wax-like substance commonly called jojoba oil. While it’s not an oil, it can still have some very potent benefits, especially for cracked and dried dog paws.
As most dog owners may realize at some point in time, their beloved pet’s paws can take quite a bit of abuse and usage. These parts of the body are designed to not only offer protection against the elements, such as extreme hot and cold, but also a cushion for comfort as they stroll around or sprint down the yard. That’s why a dog may constantly be licking its paws. Helping these paws become rejuvenated is an important aspect for many dog owners as that will provide comfort and healing to these incredible animals.
Why Use Organic Jojoba Oil for Dogs
There are many benefits to relying on jojoba oil for health and well-being, but none of them match the benefits it offers to skin. As a topical paw soothing ingredient, jojoba oil has some amazing properties that restore and rejuvenate dried and cracked skin.
It contains a number of fatty acids and dogs don’t have the ability to produce these fatty acids on their own. Humans can, but dogs cannot, so if they don’t get them in their diet, it can lead to a deterioration of the skin, including the surface of the paws.
Cracked paws can look terrible, but they can also be incredibly uncomfortable and painful for the dog. When a dog has dried and cracked paws, they may spend a considerable amount of time licking them as the saliva can provide temporary comfort. For anyone who knows what it feels like to have extremely chapped skin on their hands, that should give a relatively fair assessment of what your dog may be going through.
Essential Properties of Organic Jojoba Oil
As noted, there are numerous ingredients in jojoba oil that are incredibly beneficial for overall health. It can be taken internally, but for dogs with dried and cracked paws, it’s best to focus on a topical treatment. Fatty acids and saturated fats can affect cholesterol levels when taken internally, but that’s exactly what the skin (and those tender paws) need.
Jojoba oil contains the following fatty acids:
- Palmitoleic acid
- Oleic acid
- 11-Eicosenoic acid
- Docosenoic acid
- 9-Godienoic acid
Many lotions and moisturizers contain some level of jojoba oil for its ability to help restore and rejuvenate cracked and dried skin.
History of Jojoba Oil
While jojoba oil has been used for many years as a replacement for whale oil, it wasn’t truly discovered for its healing properties until the past few decades. It can be used as a fungicide as well, which helps to control mildew.
Interesting to note, though, is that jojoba oil would pass through the body undigested if taken internally. This is why it’s so much more beneficial as a topical soother for dried and cracked paws.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jojoba_oil
http://www.livestrong.com/article/140756-skin-benefits-jojoba-oil/
“Learn the powerful benefits of jojoba oil”. Retrieved 2011-07-01
Organic Calendula Extract
Organic Calendula Extract (Calendula Officinalis)
Calendula is also commonly referred to as pot marigold and comprises 15-20 species of annual and perennial plants. They are indigenous to a variety of locations around the world, including southwestern Asia, western Europe, and the Mediterranean region. It can be derived from plants known as corn marigold, desert marigold, marsh marigold, and other marigold plants. The extract from this plant can provide healing to raw paws and other damaged paws for dogs.
The calendula extract has been used in medicinal herbs for thousands of years. It is most commonly used to help healing wounds.
Why Use Organic Calendula Extract for Dogs
When a dog has raw paws or any other type of damage that has occurred with its paws, that can be extremely painful. It’s akin to dealing with dry, cracked skin on the bottom of one’s feet as well as the palms of their hands. These are the parts of the body that are commonly used for walking and carrying out any number of ordinary tasks.
If a dog has raw paws and isn’t finding any comfort or relief, it can make it more difficult for that animal to walk around, run, or even feel energetic. The dog may prefer to remain in place rather than getting up to go outside for a walk if the discomfort or even pain is too severe.
By relying on the anti-inflammatory properties possessed by calendula extract, it helps to promote healing, thus allowing other active ingredients found in solution to help bring those paws back to good, normal health.
Essential Properties of Organic Calendula Extract
While the pedals of a marigold plant are often consumed as part of a salad in many cultures and throughout thousands of years, the benefits of the extract is still being used today.
The flowers that produce calendula extract contain:
- Flavonol glycosides
- Triterpene
- Oligoglycosides
- Oleanane-type triterpene glycosides
- Saponins
- Sesquiterpene glucoside
Research has indicated that calendula extract is a potent anti-inflammatory and even possesses some antiviral and antigenotoxic properties that promote better healing.
History of Calendula Extract
The term ‘marigold’ is actually a derived name referring to Mary’s Gold, which was part of the early Catholic Church’s traditions when using this type of plant. In Hindu cultures, the flowers of this type of plant were commonly used to ordain statues and was also used for cosmetic purposes. Eventually it was used to add color to cheese in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Until relatively recently, calendula extract was being used to treat a variety of conditions, including cuts, scrapes, fever, bruises, burns, and minor infections of the skin.
Today, when used with other ingredients, this one can help combat a dog skin infection, and it can provide comfort and relief for dogs whose paws are raw, cut, and dried out.
References:
http://wellnessmama.com/7648/calendula-herb-profile/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendula
Ukiya, M., et al. (2006). Anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor-promoting, and cytotoxic activities of constituents of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) flowers. J Nat Prod. 69 1692-96.
Rosemary Extract
Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is a perennial herb with fragrant needle-like leaves and produce white, purple, pink, and blue flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region of the world. The name is derived from Latin and ultimately means ‘dew of the sea.’ It is an aromatic evergreen shrub and its needles are commonly used as an herb in food preparation. Recently, though, some new medicinal uses are becoming more widely known, especially for helping to soothe painful paws and allow damaged paws to heal.
Commonly, rosemary is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including heartburn, intestinal gas, gout, cough, a loss of appetite, and more. Most of these issues are addressed by taking rosemary or an extract internally. For topical use, it has been relied upon to help treat baldness (though that effectiveness is in question), improving circulation along the skin, to cure toothaches, and even for treating eczema, which is a serious skin condition.
Why Use Rosemary for Dogs
Some of the phytochemicals that comprise rosemary make it ideal for some medicinal purposes. When a dog is experiencing painful paws, it could be the direct result of external forces, such as running around on hard concrete surfaces, for example.
It could also be the result of a lack of certain nutrients in the body that normally help to promote health skin. Dogs can often deal with dry snout, damaged paws, and other similar conditions as a result of poor nutrition in the diet. By adding a topical cream to the paws and even the snout, these animals can begin the healing process.
Essential Properties of Rosemary
The most important properties for healing with regard to rosemary include phytochemicals. These include:
- Rosmarinic acid
- Camphor
- Caffeic acid
- Ursolic acid
- Betulinic acid
It also contains some important antioxidants:
- Carnosic acid
- Carnosol
The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components of the phytochemicals of rosemary make it beneficial for improving the immune system and boosting circulation throughout the body. Antioxidants become important in neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals in the body.
There are numerous research studies that indicate rosemary can be effective at improving digestion, protecting against memory loss, and more.
For dogs that are dealing with any type of dry paws, snout, or other similar skin conditions, rosemary can also promote healing and help the paws and snout retain moisture.
History of Rosemary
Rosemary has been used as a cooking herb for thousands of years, especially throughout the Mediterranean region where it is native. It has the ability to withstand droughts and cold weather. It can grow upright or in a trailing pattern along the ground. The plant has also been known to flower well outside its normal flowering range.
For any dog lover who is concerned about dry paws, cracked paws, dry snout, or other skin related issues with their beloved pet, rosemary is a potent ingredient that can make a world of difference for them.
References:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266370.php
Natural Vitamin E
Vitamin E is found in many foods and is extremely important for a variety of health issues. For dogs, Vitamin E is essential at helping to protect the skin and other cells throughout the body from free radicals. When the food a dog eats is converted into energy, free radicals are formed. If your dog isn’t getting enough Vitamin E in his diet, it could lead to lower quality skin, dry paws, and potentially even cracked and damaged foot pads that can be extremely painful to deal with.
Vitamin E is also used by the body to fight off infecting bacteria. When dogs walk around outside, they are being exposed to a wide range of bacteria, germs, and other foreign contaminants. If their paws are dry, if they are damaged, they are increasing their exposure to these foreign contaminants.
Why Use Natural Vitamin E for Dogs
There are an increasing number of supplements that contain vitamin E for men, women, children, and even pets like cats and dogs. Focusing on all-natural ingredients should always be a priority as any vitamins or supplements that are chemically modified may not be doing the body the same good as all natural ingredients.
Vitamin E is commonly used to help promote immunity and encourage healthy skin and eyes. Vitamin E is also being more commonly used as an antioxidant.
Currently, most research on Vitamin E is showing that there will only be a benefit for those individuals or animals that have a specific Vitamin E deficiency. Due to the processed nature of dog foods today, many dogs are simply not getting the right level of Vitamin E in their diet. That is helping to degrade the quality and condition of their skin, including their snout and paws.
Essential Properties of Natural Vitamin E
Most Vitamin E that is taken as a supplement today is done so internally, through a supplement or with an increased focus on nutrition and diet. However, topical application of Vitamin E can also be highly beneficial for the skin as it allows the skin to absorb the nutrient directly.
When dogs have raw paws and dry skin conditions, it could be the result of a number of other factors or deficiencies. It may also be the direct result of a diminished Vitamin E quantity in the body.
There is currently no research to indicate that consuming too much Vitamin E is harmful, and when applied directly to the dog’s paws, can begin to provide healing, especially when used in conjunction with other active ingredients.
History of Natural Vitamin E
Vitamin E is found naturally in a wealth of foods throughout the world. Because it is such an important nutrient for animals from all walks of life, it is abundant. However, in today’s modern society with so many processed foods, those processes actually remove a high percentage of the positive nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the foods.
You dog’s Vitamin E requirements will likely vary from another dog’s, but when you notice his paws becoming raw, cracked, and damaged, the skin is likely suffering the same. It can be painful for the animal so healing is essential as soon as possible. A topical ointment that contains Vitamin E is going to provide better healing because of the skin’s need for this vitamin.
References:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02813/facts-about-vitamin-e
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-Consumer/
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-vitamin-e
Organic Candelilla Wax
Organic Candelilla Wax (Euphorbia cerifera)
Candelilla (Euphorbia Antisyphilitica) is native to the Chihuahuan Desert of Northern Mexico and Western Texas. Candelilla wax is derived from the stems of the Candelilla plant. The wax occurs as the outer coating of the shrub which helps the plant retain moisture.
Eco Friendly
Candelilla wax is a great vegan alternative to traditional beeswax. When all of the wax has been removed from the plant, it is allowed to dry. The dried plants are used for fuel thus recycling the entire plant. The Candelilla shrub is removed leaving parts of the root that grow into another shrub within three years.
Native to northern Mexico and West Texas the Candelilla shrub can produce this wax that can be incredibly beneficial for dogs that have dried and cracked paws. There are many ingredients on the market that can be beneficial as a paw soother and candelilla wax is one of them.
Why Use Organic Candelilla Wax for Dogs
This hard and brittle wax is derived from the wax coated stems of the shrub. This wax was originally used to make candles and the shrub became known as the ‘little candle.’ It was also commonly used during the first part of the 20th century as a waterproofing agent to protect tents and equipment for soldiers during World War I.
There are certain qualities about candelilla wax that make it beneficial as a paw soother for dogs with dried and cracked paws.
Because of its high ester, fatty acid and moisture retaining properties, Candelilla wax is one of the best suited ingredients for increasing the protective coating of several of our products.
When added to other ingredients as a paw soother, it can help to bind the other ingredients to the texture of the paws, keeping all of those beneficial nutrients from becoming rubbed off as the animal runs around.
Essential Properties of Organic Candelilla Wax
While there are limited properties to candelilla wax, it is made up of mainly hydrocarbons, esters, free acids, and resins. Because of the high hydrocarbon content of candelilla wax, that is what separates or distinguishes it from carnauba wax.
One of the most important characteristics of candelilla wax is that it helps to lock in moisture in the skin. This essentially acts as a barrier and that can be incredibly beneficial for dog paws, especially those that may have a tendency to become dried and cracked.
History of Organic Candelilla Wax
The usage of candelilla wax has been relatively recent. Aside from being used to make candles through relatively recent history, there wasn’t a significant demand for this wax for health and well-being before the 20th century when it began to be used as a waterproofing agent for soldiers’ tents and equipment as they were heading off to World War I.
It has also been used as a polish and lubricant for various things through the years. As a paw soother, candelilla wax is an essential ingredient that helps to lock in moisture as part of a series of other ingredients that all provide tremendous benefits for dogs, whether their paws are in relatively decent condition or are extremely dried and cracked and possibly even painful.
References:
https://www.lushusa.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Lush-Site/en_US/Lushopedia-Start?iid=10507
