Frequently Asked Questions

Are Happy N’ Healthy pet products made in the U.S.A.?

Yes. All product manufacturing is done in the U.S.A.

Are Happy N’ Healthy dog treats 100% organic?

What does the word “organic” mean?

No growth hormones
No chemicals
No genetically engineered anything
No preservatives
No antibiotics
No coloring or flavoring
No heavy metals
NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS OF ANY KIND

The beef cattle that deliver our products are grazed in a natural, pristine environment. Their diets are supplemented with organic grain feed, completing a healthy lifestyle meeting the stringent federal requirements to be labeled 100% organic and are treated humanely throughout their lives.

Are Happy N’ Healthy dog bones 100% natural?

Yes, our products are made of 100% natural beef, free of antibiotics, added hormones, flavorings, and anything artificial – the way nature intended. All the pathogens have been killed in our dry heat sterilization process. Happy N’ Healthy real beef bones provide your dog with the major minerals, as well as trace minerals, protein and some fat for added energy.

What does the word “natural” mean?

The government defines the word “natural” as meaning “minimally processed, no artificial ingredients.” However, this definition does not address raising practices, and we believe that for a product to be “natural” it needs to be free of all chemicals, like antibiotics and added hormones, which are used extensively in animal raising practices. We also believe that the animals from which these products are derived need to be treated in a humane way and raised in a clean and healthy environment.

If the label only says “all natural” but nothing about antibiotics and growth hormones, it is almost certain to contain them. Labels may make statements such as “Cattle do not receive antibiotics or growth hormones within 100 days of pre-harvest” or they may mention testing for chemical residues. Neither of these statements indicate that the animals used to make the product are free of antibiotics or added hormones.

The only way to know for sure is to look for the statement “Certified no antibiotics, no added hormones” as you will find on every package of Happy N’ Healthy dog bones and treats. You can be assured that every animal used to make our products has not received any antibiotics or added hormones from birth.

Why should it matter to me that Happy N’ Healthy pet products are “antibiotic free”?

Over 50 million pounds of antibiotics are produced annually, and more than 50% of these antibiotics are administered to animals. Numerous articles are being written about food safety and the emergence of bacterial strains that are resistant to antibiotics. In fact, studies have shown that antimicrobial drugs have been transferred between animals and even on to humans by means of the meat and bones that they consume (1998 study by the USDA, FDA and the Center for Veterinary Medicine and conducted by the National Research Council Institute of Medicine). Virtually all other dog bone products, except Happy N’ Healthy, contain antibiotics. For more information regarding antibiotics, please see our antibiotic discussion.

What does “no added hormones” mean?

All cattle have naturally occurring hormones in their body. However, unlike conventional cattle, our cattle are never given additional hormones intended to speed weight gain.

How important is it that Happy N’ Healthy pet products are “certified” to not contain any antibiotics or added hormones?

All Happy N’ Healthy dog bones come from beef cattle that have not been given any antibiotics or added hormones from birth. Each animal is meticulously tracked to insure that this is in fact true. If an animal gets sick and antibiotics are called for, then we want it treated but tagged as such and removed from the herd. This tracking system is monitored by the USDA for compliance.

When it comes to buying products that claim to be antibiotic and hormone free, it is important for you to make sure that these claims have been properly certified by third parties.

Do Happy N’ Healthy pet products contain any artificial flavorings or coloring?

No. They are 100% natural.

How can I be sure that there are no bacteria on the bone or treat that could harm my dog?

First, Happy N’ Healthy bones come from healthy animals, not spent, old dairy cattle like many other real dog bone products. Second, every Happy N’ Healthy bone goes through a dry heat sterilization process that kills virtually all of the pathogenic bacteria that may exist in, or on, the bone (based on ongoing testing results compiled by an independent laboratory). Third, each Happy N’ Healthy bone is wrapped in an extra heavy grade material to keep it clean.

Why do Happy N’ Healthy pet products cost more?

Our producers of cattle have to follow well-defined protocols. They are not allowed to administer antibiotics or added hormones from birth and must follow a wellness program to ensure that disease never develops. The producers must allow the animals to graze freely in the pastures, and the feed must be wholesome, well balanced and contain no residues or animal by-products. In other words, the goal is to create a healthier living environment as part of a broader sustainable agriculture program. All these steps take time and entail additional costs versus conventional animal raising practices. However, our consumers tell us it’s worth it because they feel good about giving their dog the very best real beef bone and treat products available… Happy N’ Healthy.

Will Happy N’ Healthy beef dog bones splinter?

You may have heard that real bones can splinter, or you may have had a bad experience with another brand of bone. Splintering can occur when a bone is brittle or when a large dog is fed a bone that is too small for an animal of its size. Approximately 99% of the bones sold in the U.S. come from old dairy cattle whose bones are more brittle and more prone to splintering in comparison to our cattle. Happy N’ Healthy dog bones come from healthy beef cattle whose bones are stronger.

Additionally, during the heating process, we make sure that about 8% of the moisture is left in the bone to help keep them from becoming brittle.

Regarding bone size, if too small a bone (e.g. rib) is given to a medium or large dog, the dog can crush it potentially causing it to splinter. Therefore, it is very important that you match the proper type of bone with the weight of your dog.

What is the soft material and dark specks that I can see on some of the bones?

The soft material is fat and/or marrow, and the dark specks are meat. Meat and fat are purposely left on the bones because they are excellent sources of protein, minerals and vitamins. Marrow is left because it helps build the immune system and is an excellent source of iron, protein and trace minerals.

Why do some of the packaged bones look “greasy”?

Sometimes pieces of fat, marrow, or meat fall off and/or cling to the package causing it to look “greasy.” Regardless, the bone itself is still safe and good for your dog.

How long can I keep a Happy N’ Healthy real bone and still give it to my dog?

We recommend about 4-6 weeks; however, in reality Happy N’ Healthy bones will keep indefinitely if stored in a cool, dry place and away from other foods and grains that potentially could become areas of infestation.

Can I let my dog eat Happy N’ Healthy bones on the carpet?

We recommend that you do not let your dog enjoy Happy N’ Healthy bones on any carpeting because the area will undoubtedly become wet and messy.

Why aren’t Happy N’ Healthy natural bones smoked?

Smoking the bones has no health value for the dog. In fact smoking may not be good for the dog depending on the smoking process. We want to keep our bones as pure and healthy as possible, the way nature intended.

Why should I let my dog have Happy N’ Healthy natural bones?

Happy N’ Healthy natural dog bones offer many benefits for your dog:

Provide a natural way for dogs to clean their teeth.
Help to remove plaque and tartar buildup that can cause bad breath.
Provide a snack and/or reward that your dog can enjoy anytime.
They are also fully digestible and provide a good source of calcium and protein.
Help to satisfy a dog’s natural carnivorous instincts and urge to chew.

Be sure to match the size of the bone to the size of your dog. All Happy N’ Healthy bone labels specify the weight of the dog that should be given that particular bone. Do not give a big dog a small bone as they can crush them. Some dogs will chew bones down fast while others prefer a slower approach. Every dog is different.

What part of the animal do Happy N’ Healthy organic treats come from?

Our organic treats are made from the liver, which contains high protein, fiber and fat content for added energy.

How many treats can I give to my dog at one time?

It depends on the size of your dog. In addition to the guide located in the treats section, a guide is also provided on the back of every package.

Do Happy N’ Healthy treats have a bad odor like other treats?

No. Dogs especially love the smell and taste of our treats.

Will Happy N’ Healthy treats spoil?

No. The dehydration process we use to prepare the treats inhibits spoilage. We recommend that you close the bag tightly to preserve freshness and store in a cool, dry place.