Eating healthy has never occupied America’s thoughts more than it does today.  We know that we should not indulge our “sweet tooth,” give “white anything” a space in our pantry and buy only “organic,” if we are not yet skilled enough to grow all of our own food.  

Of course, we don’t always eat only what’s good for us anymore than we always make it to the gym or the jogging trail.  But many of us do try to eat a healthier diet for our well-being and for the well-being of our family. 

The importance of a well balanced diet for children has been the object of many government studies and programs in recent years; concluding that eating at home, where quality and preparation can be controlled, is an important step in reducing childhood obesity and heart disease in later years.

Animal advocate, Melanie Fox, has taken that theory a step farther— to the family pet.    

President of Homegrown Hounds, Fox has created holistic dog food recipes, which she prepares for her own dogs and for retail sales in her bakery located at 4101 Worth St. and the Snackin’ Wagin’ Food Truck.

Homegrown Hounds was created to support the nonprofit dog rescue efforts of Hound Haven— an all volunteer, foster-based dog rescue located in the DFW area.     

“Not only are we about saving dogs, but we want to help all dogs live a happy, healthier life. Starting with the food and treats they eat!” Fox said.  

A certified clinical pet nutritionist, Fox has studied pet nutrition for more than 10 years.  She has appeared on the TV show “For the Love of a Dog,” and she is working on her herbalist certification.

All of the recipes at Homegrown Hound are veterinary approved and in addition to meat they contain ingredients such as sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, pumpkin and rolled oats.  The finished products are 57 percent protein and they never contain salt, sugar, wheat, corn or soy.  

Catchy names like “Dog Dogz,”  “Jammin’ Jerky” and “Tail Mix” are a few of the treats your dog can enjoy from Homegrown Hounds. You may also want to welcome a new arrival to someone’s home with a special cookie or celebrate your pampered pooch’s birthday with a beautiful cake fit for a canine.  Fox even offers a “party package” kit complete with a birthday bandana, cake and party hats.  The bakery, set up like a café, can be booked for doggie birthdays.

The holistic food and treats may be purchased online, at the bakery or from the food truck.  Food truck locations are provided on the website. However you choose to buy, proceeds from sales go to help homeless dogs.

Fox also offers cooking classes to teach other pet owners interested in a holistic diet for their dog how to prepare the dog food at home. 

I first met Fox at the Snackin’ Wagin’ Food Truck in the parking lot of Whole Foods Lakewood on a Sunday afternoon.  I immediately thought of Central Dog Park.   Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is located at 4711 Westside Dr. in Dallas and is home to a one-acre community dog park.   The church’s fully equipped commercial kitchen was also a perfect spot for a dog food cooking class.   

“Canine chef wannabes” gathered in Central’s kitchen as Fox and assistants set up hot plates, pans, cutting boards and knives at each work station.  Just like on the Food Network, ingredients had been pre-measured for preparation of the recipe.

Participants set about chopping vegetables and “gently” sautéing the meat as Fox talked about the nutritional needs of dogs and explained the benefits of each ingredient. 

The finished product, chock-full of crisp, tender vegetables, was appetizing and smelled good enough to eat.

The dog food was packaged to take home to the “real tester.” I daresay no pet turned up his nose.  Wheels, the BubbleLife Boston Terrier special contributor, surely did not.

Melanie Fox is teaching another class at the bakery on Worth Street on Sunday August 24.  For information, visit www.homegrownhoundfood.com.