Nudges -- USA made jerky for USA dogs *SPONSORED*

I rarely if ever give Lulu jerky treats because I normally just feel it's the safest thing to do. With all these recalls, how can you know that the product is safe? Especially since a lot of these companies are getting ingredients from China.

So when I was offered the chance to review Nudges treats, I was wary, but intrigued.

Nudges is manufactured by Tyson Pet Products, division of Tyson Foods (the chicken people). They also make True Chews and Top Chews. They also make beef bully sticks and pork ears.

Tyson uses American grown chicken, and produces the treats in a plant in Independence, Iowa. So they are Made in the USA dog treats. They just recently began expanding that plant, according to an Iowa TV station. Interesting story, Tyson closed that plant in 2006, but reopened it to begin making pet treats (proof of the growing power of the pet industry).

Anyway, Nudges sent me an Lulu a package of their Vitamin Essentials chicken jerky treats. The ingredients include a number of vitamins, but no fillers.

But the ingredients are approved by the FDA and by AAFCO (which monitors pet food).

Lulu, of course, loved them.

A lot. She tried to rip the bag open and wouldn't sit for a picture with the unopened bag.

And she certainly enjoyed them.

One thing they also have on their website is a feeding chart, so you know how much to give your dog depending on their size. For instance, Lulu gets up to three.

So, how can you get some?

Nudges are sold at Walmart and at Kroger, and a few other stores. The website has a store locator.

You can also get a dollar off coupon by going to the Nudges Facebook page and liking it. You can also talk to Nudges on Twitter with @NudgesDogTreats.

DISCLAIMER: "I have written this post on behalf of BlogPaws Pet Blogger Network  for Nudges . I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Nudges Wholesome Dog Treats , but we only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers."

When China gets in the way: Origins' cruelty-free problem

These are some of my favorite skincare products.

After trying lots of skincare products over the years, including some cruelty-free products, I tried Origins. The stuff was a little pricey, but within no time at all face was devoid of break-outs, and my skin has never looked so good. I have stuff for every level of facial care, plus skin cream for my hands, and makeup.

I love their products, they are natural, they work, you get free mini-facials in the stores, and they are environmentally-friendly.

But is it animal-friendly?

For the longest time, it was. And sometimes, it still is.

But then this happened: in March 2010, Estee Lauder, Origins parent company, began selling in China. And that includes the Dr. Andrew Weil's (the great bearded health guru himself) products.

Well, there's just one problem: China requires animal testing for some products, or at least some ingredients. The European Union banned cosmetic testing, and the US doesn't have a law either way.

If you haven't noticed though, companies, especially luxury brands, are very keen to market to China. While some companies have used the EU ban as a way to stop animal testing (like Shiseido), others are not willing to budge and miss out on a big market.

"We do not conduct animal testing on our products or ingredients, nor do we ask others to test on our behalf, unless required by law."

If you go into the stores, I've never had a worker not tell me they are cruelty-free. And they may not... in America?

I asked Kim Paschen, a spokesperson for Leaping Bunny.org, about why Origins was not on the cruelty-free list. Here is another problem Origins has: Estee Lauder itself.

"Origins is actually owned by Estee Lauder and they are selling in China, which requires animal testing. Because the companies EL owns are not independent subsidiaries as in the case of L'Oreal/Urban Decay, we can't certify just Origins."

In other words, while Estee Lauder and Origins say they are committed to being cruelty-free, because they sell to China, where testing is required, they can't be. And they are not fighting those laws either.

The bottom line is, until companies start standing up to China, or someone doesn't change their policies on animal testing, nothing will get done.

In the meantime, I'm in a dilemma, and I'm sure I'm not alone: what do I switch to? Can I switch? I don't really know, but I'd like to start trying to.

Do you have a special skincare product that you use?