Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using meal alternatives and diet methods to maintain and enhance an animal's health, particularly a dog. Obese dogs face a higher risk of many different ailments and a shorter lifespan. An animal chew meal alternative fortified with health affecting additives is safe, entertaining, and promotes good health. The invention enhances a dog's diet by substituting a healthy, high protein, palatable meal alternative of known caloric content for daily treats and table scraps of unknown caloric content that can result in reduced caloric intake. In addition, a collaborative exercise regimen for the dog and the dog's owner further improves health and wellness of the pet. Overall, the invention reduces the time required by a pet owner to administer a healthy, satisfying diet for his pet.

Abstract: Chew toys for domestic carnivorous animals having rawhide and jerky sheets or members. The jerky sheets are wrapped in a rawhide sheet by either rolling or folding. This provides an outer layer of rawhide containing jerky therein. A seam is created in rawhide outer layer by the rolling or folding of the rawhide sheet. The jerky preferably extends through this seam to provide an initial attractive odor and taste for the dog and provide an immediate starting point for chewing. The benefits of the jerky and the rawhide are maximized throughout the entire chewing process of the chew toy. Dogs are highly attracted to the scent and taste of jerky, which causes the dog to chew on the rawhide for extended periods of time. This better satisfies the dog's instinctive urge to chew, channeling it in a healthy direction, while simultaneously reducing the tartar on their teeth. The jerky is positioned with respect to the rawhide to enable the odor and taste sensations of the jerky to always be present and fresh to the dog.