Fresh ideas: Pamper your pets

It's holiday gift-giving time! If your animal companions could write a wish list, these items grown and created in California would surely be at the top.

	Smell busters Eww… what did you roll in this time? If that sounds familiar, your pooch may need a good lather of Dirty Dog Organics Pet Wash. The Santa Barbara company uses California-grown lavender, rosemary, orange and mint that are gentle enough on a dog's coat, but strong enough to wash away the gunk. No time for a bath? Try a few spritzes of the fur freshener. Available: online and some specialty pet stores More information: www.thegrapeseedcompany.com or 805-456-3655
	Doggone delicious Slow-baked chicken and sweet potatoes sounds more like Sunday dinner than dog food. But even Fido can be a foodie and enjoy Bark Stix Sweetie Pies made with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes from Merced County and free-range chicken from Fresno County. Based in Contra Costa County, Bark Stix offers a variety of nutritious dog treats, and 5 percent of all profits go to the Greyhound Welfare Foundation. Available: online and select pet stores More information: www.barkstix.com or 510-235-2430
	Not just for kitties Originally developed for house cats to help them with fur balls, Priscilla's Kitty Grass is now used by the San Diego Zoo as part of its "enrichment program" for wild cats and other animals to enjoy. They may play with it, lay on it or eat it. Dogs, guinea pigs and other household pets also benefit from the Costa Mesa company's grow-it-yourself creation that provides vitamins and nutrients as well as entertainment. Available: online and select stores More information: www.kittygrass.com or 866-368-9705
	Straight to the horse's mouth Instead of the "carrot and stick" approach to motivation, horse owners can reward their animals with All Carrot No Stick cookies from Nicker Bait. From the El Dorado County-based bakery to your barn, these treats contain fresh, human-grade ingredients from local sources. Ecstatic equines will savor this blend of oats, barley, molasses and flax topped with grated organic carrots from Kern County. Available: online and select feed stores More information: www.nickerbait.com or 530-718-0026
	Attack pet plaque A healthy body starts with good dental hygiene—that's the philosophy of Karen Albert, founder of Malibu-based HealthyMouth. The company's water additive and gel are comprised of fresh ingredients such as blueberries, pomegranates and cloves and are designed to reduce plaque and keep breath fresh. Varieties are available for dogs, cats and horses. Available: online and select veterinary clinics More information: www.healthymouth.com or 805-973-1213