Natura Pet Products (maker of INNOVA, EVO, California Natural, HealthWise and Karma Organics) was founded nearly two decades ago in California as a health food company for pets utilizing human-grade ingredients. Today, Natura is also known for its leadership in pet industry and manufacturing excellence of the healthiest pet foods in the world, operating two of its own ISO 9001:2000 and USDA Certified American plants. For more information log on to their Web site.

So, there you are: chatting up a friend you ran into while out walking Rex, a cup of coffee in one hand, leash looped around your wrist, and a full bag in another. You’d prefer it wasn’t so, but you only have two hands.

This is where PoopPac (Retail, $29.95) comes in. It’s promoted as a companion for dog-walkers, but for the busy dog-parent, it’s like a third hand. A lightweight case that’s both durable and machine-washable, it’s designed to carry used and unused bags in two separate compartments. The main compartment has a wipeable lining and has a built-in charcoal filter to absorb odors. The second compartment is reserved for unused bags, but also has slots to carry personal belongings like keys, cell phones and wallet.

Choose from an array of attractive patterns, and is customizable to suit the preferences of its owner. You can clip it to your belt, attach it to a lanyard or wear it with a shoulder strap.

Learn more about PoopPac, contact Sherri Loomer from Your Animals Best Friend at sherri@youranimalsbestfriend.com or call her at 714-230-6541 or 949-375-1832.

Sophie’s has one goal in mind: providing products to keep your dog happy in mind, body, and stomach. The Fullerton-based shop’s high-quality product and “gourmutt” food offerings include luxury carriers and beds; collars and harnesses; apparel and accessories; and healthy treats and other edible goodies. Make sure to check out their BARKery offerings – salmon “pup”overs, top dog pizzas, peanut butter paws and more!

A cheerful presence at the Irvine Farmers Market, Homemade Doggy Dinners specializes in recipes made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients. Their line of foods – dinners, treats and cookies – are prepared with a mixture of 100% ground turkey, chicken livers, white and brown rice, veggies, organic herbs and vitamins raised and harvested domestically.

Each dinner is fully cooked, scooped into individual servings and frozen to lock in their freshness. To learn more, or to get a free sample, click here.

We are what we eat – and the same goes for our pets! Make long-term health choices for your dog or cat when you choose Wellness Pet Food.

The East Coast-based company believes that a long and healthy life begins with a proper diet. Wellness offers a variety of delectable recipes made with high-quality ingredients that deliver the ideal balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates based on the distinct nutritional needs of canines and felines. Wellness foods and treats use only the most nutritious ingredients with naturally occurring antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, and with very minimal preservatives.

Join the Naturally Well Pet Club today to receive exclusive deals, and access helpful articles and advice from veterinarians, trainers and a host of pet experts. Best of all, it’s free! Learn about the club here.

We love showering our pets with colorful rubber balls, stuffed animals, and all manner of squeaky, jingling and aromatic toys. Below are some of our 2009 favorites:

For the power chewer: The Huck Ball, Hurley, Bumi, Zisc and Tux are a line of indestructible chew toys created by West Paw Design. They’re made from Zogoflex, a non-toxic, durable and eco-friendly material. The company will even replace or refund your toy if your dog actually damages it. ($8.50-$14.50)

For the puppy: Fetch Dog‘s Puppermint Chew‘s peppermint-infused rubber toy is fun and freshens doggie breath. ($13.75)

For the snacker: Toss your dog a bone, a biscuit, or specialty jerky! DogToys.com sells treats for $5 and under. See their catalog here.

For the happy hunter: We can’t have a list without the award-winning Fling-ama-String, the battery-operated toy that gets cats stalking, pouncing and leaping. The toy attaches to a standard doorknob and has two speed settings. ($25-$30)

For the sleepyhead: West Paw Design makes use of another eco-friendly technology – InteliLoft fibers – for its popular and super-comfy cat nap mats. The Eco Nap for Cat mat has been tested for more than 100 harmful chemicals and is guaranteed 100% safe. ($27.90)

Consumer Affairs (www.consumeraffairs.com) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov) have bulletins on a bevy of products that have been recalled, or are in the process of being investigated. To narrow down your pet-related research, search for “dog toys,” “cat toys” or “pets.”

16389 Bolsa Chica St. , Huntington Beach

(714) 377-7630

www.animaliapetspecialty.com

Voted “Winner – Best Couture of OC 2010” by My Fox LA Hot list!  The store, for dogs and cats only, offers a variety of specialty foods, toys, apparel and treats from basic to luxury. Large selection of US made toys, super premium and organic and raw foods containing no wheat, corn, soy or by products, clothing items for teacups to XXX large dogs, puppy gear, collars, treats from local bakers, healthy goodies, flower essences and much more. Pets are welcome on a leash or in a carrier. Special orders are welcome too!  Animalia also offers anesthesia-free teeth cleaning on the second and third Thursday and fourth Friday of each month. Animalia is open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Check out all the incredible deals on our Coupons page.