Healthy and conscious treats

In October, treats seem at the top of everyone’s mind. While some adults and children give in to temptation, others try to minimize the effects of the added carbs, sugar and calories for health reasons.

Fortunately, dog owners don’t face that dilemma. A Baton Rouge company has created dog biscuits and jerky treats that are not only healthy for Fido, but also for the environment and local economy.

Attorney Hansel Harlan and graphic designer Veni Harlan, his sister, began their career in canine by cuisine by cooking for their own dogs: borzois, cardigan Welsh corgis and a Jack Russell terrier with allergies. In the wake of a number of big-brand dog food recalls, Hansel became convinced he could make a nutritious, minimally processed, fresh, all-natural product using local ingredients. The treats are called Marsh Dog, and the ingredients and backstory are interesting.

His experimentation and quest for a high-protein, lean meat led him from turkey to nutria, which is hormone, pesticide, and preservative-free, high-protein, low in fat and readily available.

Since 1998, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) had offered a bounty on nutria. The South American species was brought to Louisiana to be farmed for fur. However, the fur market collapsed, and many of the orange-toothed beaver-like critters either escaped or were released into the marshes.

Now, these rapidly reproducing rodents are devouring plant roots that anchor Louisiana’s wetlands. The Coastwide Nutria Control Program has successfully reduced numbers. However, the majority of animals killed are simply discarded.

It’s no surprise the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) holds an annual competition seeking creative ideas to tackle the problems caused by invasive species. When Marsh Dog won BTNEP’s $8,000 grant in 2011, the company had the resources to produce its product and enter the market.

As soon the treat hit the stores, it took off, Veni Harlan says: “People responded [because] product is healthy, all natural, made locally from local ingredients and helps the coastal wetlands.”

Besides the nutria, the company’s Barataria Bites biscuits contain rice from Crowley, sweet potatoes from Iota, black strap molasses from Pointe Coupee, eggs from Clinton, parsley, oats and—of course—a bit of cayenne.
“We consulted [veterinarian] Dr. Fred McMullen early on,” she says. “Now, vets love the simple ingredient list. It’s great for dogs with food and other allergies.”

Now, Marsh Dog’s new Bark (a nutria jerky) may even be better than its bites.

“The biscuits—and especially the jerky, which came out in August—are selling very well,” says Neighborhood Pet Market General Manager Matthew Ericksen. “We sell about 40 to 45 bags of each a month.”

Veni Harlan reports only one bag has been returned in the company’s history.

That kind of success prompted the LDWF Governor’s Conservation Achievement Recognition Program to honor Marsh Dog as the 2012 Conservation Business of the Year.

Despite its accolades, Marsh Dog remains a small, brother-and-sister operation. On production days, the siblings gather friends and family at their Baton Rouge plant to churn out 300 bags of treats. Both the Bark and the Bites cost about $8 to $10 per bag and are available at local retailers such as Neighborhood Pet Market, Greco’s.

For a complete list of Louisiana retailers, click here.

If you’re looking for a furry friend who might do tricks for those treats, APAWS has a variety of adorable adoptable animals including:

Romeo is a playful Bedlington terrier/poodle mix, who is a joy to be around. This two-year-old gets along well with all dogs and even the foster family’s cat. It’s hard to believe this great guy was picked up as a stray, dirty, matted and scared. Now, he is an awesome companion, who will become devoted member of some lucky family.

When her former owners lost their home, they surrendered Chloe to APAWS. This silver tabby is a sweet girl. However, she seems to sense that she’s beautiful and can be a bit of a diva. Chloe would be a wonderful companion for someone who was home often or had a calm and quiet environment. She is best suited to being an only pet.

Kitaye was a college kitty. While living with her first owner, she grew up in a frat house. Unfortunately the guy met a girl who hated cats, married her and ditched Kitaye. APAWS wants to find this buff-and-white girl—and all its rescued pets—an owner who will love and cherish her forever. She is a very sweet cat who needs someone with a little patience and a big heart to be her new owner.

Tobler is a handsome young chocolate lab mix, who is looking for a home to love him as much as he will love his new family. If you are looking for a great companion, this one-year-old is a sweet treat to meet.

Susan was found in a shopping cart outside TJ Maxx. This five-year-old tabby is a little shy and takes a while to warm up. However, once she gets used to her environment, she’s very playful and enjoys snuggling with her human companions.

Evangeline is a shepherd/basenji mix. This brindle beauty loves to be beside her human companion. In return for attention, she will shower her family with love and affection.

These pets have all been microchipped, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, heartworm and FeLeuk/FIV tested. Many other adoptable cats, kittens, puppies and dogs are available at the Animal Protection and Welfare Society. Click here for more information.