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When we get back to the car after a walk in the woods, there are many antics we must go through before my dog will concede that the walk is over. Particular challenges occur when she sees another dog starting their walk and it does not do that she can’t join them. This was until I discovered a box of Leonard Greene’s ‘Tonic Treats’ under the Irish Country Living Christmas tree.
Since keeping this box in the boot of the car, one glimpse of these sticks and there is only one thing on my dog’s mind: “Open the door and let me in!”
She is well over 30 kilos and could easily crunch a few sticks after every walk, but there is no point in spoiling her; one stick snaps easily into three pieces, making them all the more precious to her and of better value for me!
Real food
There is a clean, savoury aroma like a rich gravy from the box, and each stick can vary in colour and texture – no uniformity here.
Curious to learn about these proudly Irish treats, I spoke to their producer, Leonard Greene, from his base in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath.
“What I am doing is going back to basics,” says Leonard, who is from a mixed farming background and has trained as a master butcher before continuing on into the meat processing industry.
With plenty of insight into the kinds of ingredients available and an understanding of the mechanics of production lines, Leonard applied his own manufacturing skills to the project; by designing the machines to make these particular meat treats.
“I had to do it, because it is a very, very expensive business to get into,” he explains.
“I have been very lucky; my family owns this building that I am working out of, and I had some machines that I re-conditioned – then I built a few from scratch. I made about 50-60% of the line,” he explains.
Next step: raw ingredients
“For me, it is important that the meat is grass-fed. I will only use Irish meat [at the moment beef]; and meat that is fit for human consumption,” he says.
Beef collagen is also used for the casing, then Irish seaweed with a selection of herbs are added.
As it says on the label, “We don’t and won’t use artificial ingredients of any kind.”
With straightforward, real ingredients, dogs are big fans of these treats that are a ‘tonic’.
Here comes the science bit…
“Dogs can fully digest animal protein, in addition to getting the benefits of amino acids present,” outlines Greene.
“When a dog eats meat, it keeps the pH of their stomach at a steady level.
“If you raise that pH by feeding them glutens, grains and sugars, you are encouraging potential for ill-health,” he explains.
Research with Teagasc
Wanting to make sure he was on the right track, Leonard was keen to analyse his product for health benefits and so began a research study with Teagasc.
“We are seeing heart health benefits, we are seeing type-two diabetes benefits and also for elderly dogs with arthritis and high inflammatory levels, we are seeing a reduction in inflammation,” he is delighted to say.
With all this goodness, maybe I could stretch to giving a whole stick to my pal after her walks!
Caitríona Bolger was gifted a ‘Tonic Treat’ gift box.
For further details check out:
www.tonictreat.com for customer orders and
www.puremeatsnax.ie for retail opportunities
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