Here's the definitive checklist of “people foods” that dogs should never eat, plus ones they can have on rare occasions. Keep your canines safe this holiday season, and all year long, with this handy infographic!

Nothing says “the holidays are here” quite like a comforting cup of hot cocoa. One whiff of this rich, chocolaty recipe will fully engage your nostalgia reflexes, conjuring up happy days of yore. Even better, the following simple mix-stir-and-heat recipe features a healthy measure of Chocolate Protein Powder, our non-GMO, nutrient-rich blend of proteins from pea, chia, pumpkin, hemp and quinoa! What better way to shore up your joyful reserves and fuel your holiday shopping, planning and festive jubilations!

As outlined, makes a single serving. Simply increase the fixings to serve two, six or even a dozen!

10 oz milk of choice

1 scoop Life's Abundance Chocolate Protein Powder

1 tsp Maple syrup or sweetener substitute

1 tsp Cocoa powder (increase for extra ho-ho-ho)

Pinch of salt

Optional: Add a few drops of Peppermint extract, or 1/8-1/4 tsp Vanilla extract for an added zing.

Directions: Add all ingredients into a shaker bottle or a blender and mix well. Pour contents into a saucepan or microwave-safe container and gradually heat at medium temperature or power level. Pour the warmed contents into a festive mug and enjoy at your leisure.

If you’re up for enjoying the holiday spirit in a more literal way, consider any of the following flourishes to upgrade your cocoa to a cup of good cheer!

Merry-making combos:

Peppermint Schnapps + Kahlua, Tequila or Cinnamon

Frangelico + Brandy or Bourbon

Rum + Grand Marnier, Cointreau or Goldschläger

Bailey’s Irish Cream + Vodka or Whiskey

Be sure to leave your comments in the section below. If you think you can improve upon our recipe, let us know how you did it! Remember, it’s the season of giving, so please share your cocoa-making secrets with your fellow blog readers.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Check out this snapshot of U.S. statistics on pet parents. This month, we're taking a closer look at some of the interesting numbers behind households with cats. Enjoy!

Earlier this week, we asked our readers to submit photos of their dogs and cats celebrating Halloween. So many of you responded and now we’re happy to share some of the spooky fun with you!

Adorned in a flattering ensemble, Kinzie is rocking a look she calls ‘Candy Corn Witch’.

No Halloween would be complete without a great pumpkin, and they don’t come any cuter or sweeter than Pumpkin Vasquez.

Oliver being totally chill and owning his role as Scary Biker Dude.

By far, our most highbrow submission goes to the classically inclined Ludwig 'von Big Boy' Beethoven.

Granny Zelda was caught wearing her unmentionables, saying, “I can’t talk now, my stories are on."

Stella’s costume definitely raised some eyebrows.

Is it a bird? A plane? Nope, it’s Copper doing an excellent imitation of Superman! Looks like this Kal-El is hangry.

Well, Hello Kitty! We’d trade all of our Beanie Babies for a few minutes holding Buttercup.

Even though he’s not from Baskervilles, this hound is definitely on the case. Now we just need to find him a suitable Watson!

Simple, but always spooky, Wendell looks particularly ethereal in his ghostly garb.

Slow and steady wins the race, says Luna, pulling off her turtle costume with aplomb.

It’s barely November, but Coffee is already gearing up for Christmas!

For all of you who sent evidence of just how awesome your companion animals are, we thank you from the bottom of our candy hearts! And to all of the dogs and cats who participated, we hope your bags were full of yummy, healthy treats!

Just because Halloween is over, it doesn’t mean that your companion animals don’t deserve high quality treats all year ‘round! Be sure to check our big selection of dog treats and our gourmet cat treats.

Keep in mind that we’re always interested when your pet kids do something cute, sweet or funny. Email your awesome pet photos to [email protected].

Dressing up for Halloween isn't just for humans anymore! If your dog or cat is donning a costume this year, we want you to share the adorable photographic evidence. Email your costume pics to [email protected]. Staff favorites will be posted the first week of November, so tell your four-footers to say "CHEESE!"

Who says healthy living can’t be irresistibly delicious? Definitely not anyone after sampling the latest Life’s Abundance recipe!

Judging by the reaction this recipe got here at our home office, you might want to throw caution to the wind and whip up a double batch of this fudge-inspired delight.

Be sure to share this delectably sweet and coolly refreshing treat with friends and family!

Ingredients:

2 Cups toasted rolled oats

1 Cup unsweetened coconut

1/2 Cup slivered almonds

1/2 Cup virgin coconut oil (warmed to liquid)

1 Cup almond butter

2/3 Cup raw honey

1/2 Tsp. almond extract

2.5 Scoops (approx. 1/4 Cup) Life's Abundance Greens Blend

3/4 Cup chia or flax seeds

3/4 Cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

Spread oats and coconut on cookie sheet and roast in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Set aside to cool.

Use a mixer to combine the almond butter, honey, almond extract and the softened coconut oil. If needed, add more coconut oil by the tablespoon to reach the desired consistency. Once these ingredients are well mixed, add the remaining ingredients and mix until evenly blended.

Spread and press the mixture into a 9 x 13 pan (line with parchment paper for easy removal and clean up) and set in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Cut into bite-size delights and enjoy!

On the very slim chance you have leftovers, be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Meet Michele Dobos and Max. While attending an enormous pet adoption event co-sponsored by Life’s Abundance in West Palm Beach, Florida last month, Michele took a chance and entered our Free Pet Food for a Year Giveaway. And we’re so glad she did!

Michele is smiling because she is the winner of our drawing! Max is smiling because he’s just a happy guy, plus he was given a basket full of tasty goodies.

When asked what motivated her to attend the Countdown 2 Zero Adoption Event, Michele said, “I went to support the rescues. A friend and I filled our pockets with bills and dropped donations into each rescue group’s jar at the event. As a former rescue volunteer, I know how important this event was for all 32 of these groups.”

Life’s Abundance CEO Lester Thornhill took our winners on a red carpet tour of the headquarters. Within minutes Max and his broad Shih Tzu grin dominated the day and won the hearts of everyone who met him. He’s a seven year old with spunk and now that he’s eating Life’s Abundance All Life Stage Dog Food we’re certain to see an extra spring in his step.

Congratulations to Michele and Max, and welcome to the Life’s Abundance family!

Check out this snapshot of U.S. statistics on pet parents. We're taking a closer look at some of the interesting numbers behind households with dogs. Facts can be fun, too!

In this season of warm weather entertaining, finding a way to offer guests Pinterest-worthy refreshments minus hours spent laboring in the kitchen can feel like a high-stakes wager. But this summer you’ve got an ace up your sleeve with this bundle of perfect recipes to dazzle party goers, drop-in visitors and even your kids!

So, if you're tired of snacks that come with their own pre-packaged soundtrack, like the air-tight seal on a jar of salsa being broken, then you’re in the right place!

With a modest shopping list and just minutes relegated to preparation, you can stock your fridge and freezer with healthy and delicious treats that are guaranteed to impress. And the best part is that each recipe comes complete with a remarkable nutrition boost from premium Life’s Abundance supplements for indulgence of the highest order.

What are you serving this summer? Send in your own favorite recipes that use our nutrition supplements and you just may see your culinary creation featured here on the Life’s Abundance blog!

Summer Berry Salsa

This recipe is definitely a staff favorite. It’s fruity, yet savory and so delicious … truly a summertime must-have at any get-together.

Yield: about 1.5 cups

• 1.5 cups fresh blueberries
• 5 medium strawberries
• 1/4 medium red onion
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• juice of two limes
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 scoop Life’s Abundance Greens Blend
• 1 small avocado, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Combine blueberries, strawberries, onion, lime zest, juice, Greens Blend and cilantro in a food processor or blender and pulse 5 times, or until you reach the desired consistency. Taste and add salt and pepper if desired. Transfer into a bowl and fold in chopped avocado once ready to serve. Serve with pita, baguette slices or corn chips, or on top of fish or chicken.

Mango Tropsicles

Having these yummy, yet healthy frozen snacks in the freezer will make it easy to pass up the ice cream truck summer frenzy.

Yield: 10 two ounce popsicles

• 1 1/4 cup low fat vanilla yogurt
• 8 oz can pineapple chunks, undrained
• 2 oz orange juice
• 1 small-medium mango, cubed
• 1 small banana
• 2 scoops of Life's Abundance Minerals & Antioxidants, Tropical or Cherry Flavor

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into molds and freeze 4-6 hours.

Superfruit Mocktail

There’s nothing like a few bubbles to brighten your day and this Superfruit Mocktail is a healthy way to embrace the spirit of summer.

Yield: 1 serving

• 1 scoop Life’s Abundance Minerals & Antioxidants, Cherry or Tropical Flavor
• 2 ounces cranberry juice (or your favorite fruit juice)
• 6 to 8 ounces of sparkling water
• ice cubes
• fresh mint or lemon for garnish

Directions:
Place 2 ounces of cranberry juice into a glass and add 1 scoop of Minerals & Antioxidants powder. Stir thoroughly. Slowly pour the sparkling water into the glass and allow the mixture to settle. Add ice cubes and garnish with lemon and/or mint.

Have you ever wondered, "Why does my dog bow sometimes?" The answer is more complicated than you might think!

Dog bows serve as building blocks of dog communication and also have a physiological function in the stretching referred to as pandiculation. The reason behind each bow depends on when the dog engages in the behavior. Let’s talk about this unique form of stretching first.

Why do dogs bow?

• Dog bowing is most commonly expressed with what we refer to as the ‘play bow’. This common posture serves as a cornerstone of dog communication. Most often, it functions as an expression of ‘let's play!”
• It can signal an apologetic tone, such as, "Oops, I didn't mean to bite so hard. I wasn't trying to hurt you. Let's keep playing!”
• When two dogs meet for the first time, they may initiate interaction with play bows as a way of making friends.
• Sometimes as part of the mating ritual, canines will initially assume the play-bow position to communicate amorous intent.
• Dog bowing or stretching in the morning “wakes up” the muscular system, activating the connection between the brain and the muscles. 

Want to try something fun? Try doing your own version of the play bow to your dog, and watch your pup go from serious to goofball in a heartbeat. Use a silly voice, plop down and invite your dog to play - you will likely be delighted at your dog’s response!

If your dog invites you to play with a bow, accept the invitation! Chances are that you’ll boost her well-being, as well as yours, by simply engaging in purposeful play for only five minutes. It’s a great way to take a break from the day and begin a game of tug of war, tag or fetch.

Remember: if dogs are not properly socialized, they may not know how to respond to another dog’s play-bow invitation. Rather than responding in-kind, they may feel threatened and growl fearfully. If you witness any fearful or aggressive reactions, I recommend working with a professional dog trainer.