Archive for July, 2009

 

Dog Food Faq’s

Friday, July 31st, 2009
G D Williams


Pet food never used to be a problem, as most people simply fed their pet table scraps. But now we know that feeding our dog table scraps is bad, this is because it can lead to health problems, because the food eaten by humans is not always right for dogs.

There is no one dog food that is suitable for every dog, so sometimes selecting the correct one can be difficult. The choice of dog food varies, depending on the age of your dog, breed and size. Convenience can also influence you in your decision on what you think is the right kind of dog food for your pet.



Preservatives


Preservatives and chemicals are not only bad for humans, they are just as bad for your dog. The recent case of contaminated dog has scared a lot of pet owners, as it has led to a lot of pet deaths. Because of this a lot of pet owners have entirely removed any commercial dog food from their home. Making your own dog food is one way for you to take control of the food your dog eats, but it is not always possible or convenient.

Choosing a holistic pet food that is chemical and additive free is one way to eliminate preservatives from your pets diet. Dog food that provides good nutrition without chemicals or additives is available to you through different brands. A example of this is wellness dog food, as it has all the goodness of nature without those nasty chemicals in it that can cause of your dog to be ill.

Dry Food Or Canned?

Do you give your pet dry dog food or canned pet food is another decision you might want to make. For some pet owners this is a matter of economics. Dry food is easier to store and frequently a lot cheaper. This will mean you will have to make fewer trips to the pet store and less money will be spent by you at the end of the day. While this may be more economical, you should still take care about the kind of dry food that you feed your dog.

A better choice may be canned food as it has less preservatives in it. But this choice can pose a storage problem and you can find it a lot more expensive than dry dog food. Another factor in selecting might be your dogs preference! Some dogs will only eat certain types of pet food while others will eat anything. Experiment a little and be sure to change your dogs diet slowly into eating the new dog food of your choice. You can always try various flavors to see what your dog likes.



Jonathan

 

Nutro Dog Food - A Must For a Healthy Pet!

Sunday, July 26th, 2009
Gen Wright


wants to make sure that their pet remains healthy. In order to ensure this, everything related to the pet must be strictly regulated. For dogs, this starts right from the dog food. Nutro dog food is one thing which you must consider seriously if you want your pet to be healthy and happy.

As a person who loves his pets, you would find that the nutritional, properly balanced diet for your pet dog is as necessary as it is for any member of your family. This can be achieved by feeding Nutro dog food to your pet. This dog food has been prepared using natural, holistically nutritious ingredients. To begin with, Nutro dog food offers all the protein that the dog needs. At the same time, it is prepared by a nature friendly process to ensure that the dog does not get unwanted and often harmful additives. The product is specially prepared to ensure that it would not have any negative impact on the health of your pet.

Nutro dog food is prepared using the three major sources of protein for your dog namely chicken, lamb and salmon.At the same time, Nutro Dog Food also provides all the essential amino acids which help the dog in muscle development and toning. This dog food is also rich in the natural oils like those extracted from sunflower and fish which ensure smooth functioning of dog’s digestive system. Tocopherol is used to increase the shelf life of this dog food because it is a natural preservative. At the same time it is also a source of vitamin E. All this means that your dog gets the fresh food that is both nutritious and completely natural .

Another important ingredient of this dog food is the Linoleic acid. The purpose of this acid is to ensure that the skin of the dog remains completely healthy . It is required to ensure that the dog has a healthy and shiny coat of hair. When the company developed this dog food they wanted to ensure the overall good health of your dog and therefore came up with the concept of a holistic dog food.

Another important thing that you should not is the inclusion of DHA in Nutro dog food. This has been included to help the dog speedily learn the thing s that you teach . In short this is an intelligence enhancement pill for your dog delivered in the form of dog food. Moreover, every single ingredient of this dog food has been specially prepared to ensure that when it works with all the other products, it is able to deliver extremely good health benefits to the pets.

Nutro Dog Food is also prepared to agree to the taste buds of your dog. In order to ensure that all the benefits of this food reach your dog, it has to eat the food first and Nutro food is specially prepared to match the taste preference of the dogs. The makers claim that in 95% cases, this dog food was preferred by canines over other brands.

Patricia

 

What Dog Foods Should You Buy

Sunday, July 12th, 2009
Matt Seweryniak


When choosing a dog food you have to look at many different things. The thing I really like about dry dog food is that it is easy to measure. My dog likes both wet and dry dog food, so I just go with what works best.Some dogs are picky, and you have to use just moist dog food. I just fill his bowl with and he eats it right up.

It’s good to keep your dog on a regulated diet that doesn’t involve a ton of different foods. Eating people food is a big no-no and can cause your dogs a lot of problems. Not eating dog food can cause things like tummy aches, obesity, and behavior problems.

Make sure that you feed your dog according to how much he weighs. Read the back of your dog food for a chart on how much food to give him. When you start a dog on a new food, you might have to take special care so that he doesn’t get sick.

Dry dog food can be mixed with water to give your dog something more moist. I just stick with dry though because you can barely smell it when it is just dry, but moist food smells bad. I think that dogs probably like moist dog food better, but some flavors of dry dog food are very good tasting and so I think it is just fine.

Make sure that your dog gets enough exercise and that he has water all day long. I like to exercise with my dog in a local park where we can get in shape together. Maybe some day I will be able to keep up with him! We go for three walks a day and he never has a problem going to the bathroom which is good because it shows that dry dog food does not cause constipation.

The vitamins in most dog foods are supposed to help give your dog a great, shiny coat, and very good nails. These are some of the factors that determine if your dog is in good health. Pick a top quality brand that is supposed to be some of the most nutritious dog foods for dogs and another great thing is that there are so many different flavors out there that it is hard to find one that your dog doesn’t like. I give my dog lamb and rice all the time because it is not good to mix up flavors all the time. You want your dog to be on a good regulated diet so that he does not have any stomach problems.

My dog eats about a cup of dog food everyday. I don’t have to force him to stop eating, but he gets excited when I put it out for him. I also give him some dog food treats when he comes home from his walks. He likes milk bones too.



Regina

 

Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipe

Thursday, July 9th, 2009
Gerry Restrivera


Dog owners are now hesitant to feed their dogs with processed or commercial dog food due to recent reports and news about food contamination on commercial dog food causing illnesses and premature deaths of dogs. This is really scary that is why more and more pet owners are turning to healthy homemade dog food recipe to make sure they are feeding their dogs with healthy dog food.

It is a growing concern now to most pet owners that commercial dog food contains preservatives, harmful chemicals and made from poor-quality meat that could result to various diseases. News of rampant recalls of contaminated dog food due to numerous reports of kidney failures on animals leading to deaths has alarmed most pet owners to be cautious in feeding their pets with commercial dog food. Healthy homemade dog food recipe is the answer to avoid food poisoning and diseases.

Healthy homemade dog food recipe do not contain harmful chemicals or additives that will put your dog´s health at risk. Your dog will benefit more and will be healthier if you switch from commercial dog food to healthy homemade dog food recipe. You are sure that you are feeding your dog with fresh, high quality and healthy dog food recipe.

Before switching from commercial dog food to healthy homemade dog food recipe, it is recommended that you consult you vet to know the nutritional needs of your beloved canine friend and to discuss your new diet plans.

If you find it hard to create a healthy homemade dog food recipe, you can research the internet for healthy recipes or ask help from the experts on how to make healthy recipe for your dog. Putting a little extra time for the safety and health of your dog is not a waste of time; after all you love your pet and want to spend more years of companionship with your canine friend.

Do you want to discover a step-by-step survival guide that makes your dog live a longer, healthier life so you will enjoy more years of happiness and companionship with your dog? Start feeding your dog healthy homemade dog food recipe and increase your dog´s lifespan visit Dogs’ Corner



John

 

Discover Why You Need to Prepare Homemade Recipe Dog Food

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009
Gerry Restrivera


Dogs are not just a companion but most of the time they are treated as part of the family. If they are treated this way, would you trust anybody you do not know to prepare food for your dog especially now that there are a lot of issues regarding contaminated commercial dog food products? It is scary to risk the safety of your pet that is why more and more pet owners are shifting to homemade recipe dog food.

Your dog’s health and life are linked on the kind of food that he eats. You need to be careful in feeding your dog. Aside from old age and various diseases, food poisoning is another source of fatality in dogs. There is nothing more devastating for any pet owner than the sudden death of his pet due to contaminated dog food.

Here are the reasons why it is important to prepare homemade recipe dog food.

Prevent food poisoning. With a lot of deaths associated with commercial dog food products, it is wise to prepare homemade recipe dog food. By preparing your own healthy homemade recipe dog food, you are sure that you are feeding your dog with foods free of any toxic chemicals and contamination. Your dog will live longer and you will enjoy more years with your loving pet.

Prevent diseases. If improper or unhealthy dog food will not cause poisoning or sudden death, it may lead to a lot of diseases that will also put your dog’s life in danger. Research shows that commercial dog food contains chemicals that can cause diseases like kidney cancer, stomach cancer, liver dysfunction, severe allergic reactions, chronic diarrhea and other fatal diseases. By preparing a homemade recipe dog food, you can prevent these serious dog diseases from happening.

Your dog will feel better, healthier and happier. Preparing homemade recipe dog food will give you an opportunity to feed your dog with the complete nutrients and vitamins that he needs making him healthier. Another benefit is that homemade dog foods do not have preservatives or chemicals that can affect your dog’s behavior. A healthy dog is a happy well behaved dog. You and your family will enjoy more memorable and happy times with a well behaved and happy dog.

Cheaper. Preparing homemade recipe dog food is a lot cheaper than branded dog foods. You do not have to spend more to give your dog quality healthy dog food.

To ensure the safety and health of your beloved pet it is best to prepare homemade recipe dog food. Discover the survival-guide to a healthier and happier dog that lives longer than dogs whose owners feed them commercial dog food visit Dogs’ Corner



Vanessa

 

Homemade Dog Food

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009
Lizzie Novotny


My two Vizsla hunting dogs get homemade dog food twice each day. I mix an adjusted amount with good quality dry kibble.

Homemade dog food can be better than some commercial products. We don’t realize what’s in the food we give our pets. Always inspect the ingredients.

Commercial dog foods can contain preservatives, and are altered by chemical processes that can be unhealthy for dogs. They can also contain processed unknown animal products and fillers that do nothing to contribute to your pet’s health.

To avoid your dogs ingesting unknown dog food ingredients, make your own. Control not only the content, but the quality as well.

Reasons To Consider A Homemade Dog Food

Homemade dog food, your hunting dog will love you

* dog has allergies to food

* persistent skin problems

* gastrointestinal upsets including diarrhea or constipation

* competes in sporting events or working stock and needs strength for endurance

* control of quality and freshness

* nothing processed so food retains all the vitamins, antioxidants and enzymes

Observe your dog to see he is getting his required dog food nutrition.

* shiny coat, illustrious feel

* sparkling eyes

* alert, good energy and activity

* maintain weight without getting fat

* stool firm and consistent

An appropriately balanced dog food recipe contains roughly 40% meat, 30% starch and 30% vegetables.

1. Meat: Any type can be included. Organ meat, such as liver, is particularly healthy for dogs. Bones should be removed as they are a choking hazard. Cook the meat - uncooked meat can contain unhealthy bacteria and possibly parasites.

2. Starch: Most forms are okay - cooked pasta, potatoes, and rice are common choices for homemade dog food.

3. Vegetables: Most types can be used. Do not use onions as they can be toxic. Cook the vegetables - raw veggies can pose a choking hazard.

Recipe For Quick Adult Homemade Dog Food

This recipe will feed a 50 pound adult dog for one day. If your dog in smaller or larger then the 50 pounds, adjust the amount of ingredients. You can cook enough for many days, divide accordingly and freeze the rest. This food has No preservatives, so refrigerate the fresh food for 3 days maximum. The human vitamin supplement Theragran-M Advanced and calcium carbonate (example: Tums) can be found in any pharmacy. Always consult with your veterinarian.

* 5 oz. dark meat chicken or turkey beef or fish

* 2 1/8 cups cooked brown rice

* 1 tsp. corn oil

* 1/2 tsp. salt

* 2 pills Theragran-M Advanced (crushed)

* 2100 milligrams calcium carbonate (crushed)

Directions:

1. Cook rice until done.

2. Bake your meat, poultry, or fish choice 325 degrees for 30 minutes.

3. Crush human vitamins and “Tums”.

4. Mix all ingredients.

Pay attention to your dog’s response to the new dog food recipes you use. There may be items they refuse to eat or have reactions to a particular food. Try something else in their place, such as substitute chicken for turkey or rice for potatoes. Be aware for changes in your dog’s behavior, especially things such as excessive scratching. This could indicate an allergy to one of the foods you are using.

Homemade dog food recipes generally cause fewer allergic reactions than commercial brands. Plus, by making dog food recipes at home, you can control the proportion of different ingredients. This can be very important to working and sporting breeds that may require more nutrients for their active lifestyles.

While in the kitchen, why not whip up some dog biscuits. Recipes can be found on the Internet, or try your library. Here is an easy dog biscuit recipe, use it for training or a treat. I have never met a dog who didn’t love his cheese!

Any Cheese Biscuits

* 1 cup all purpose flour

* 1 cup whole wheat flour

* 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or any cheese in the fridge)… dogs Love any type of cheese!

* 2 tbsp. butter

* 3/4 cup milk, lowfat

* grated Parmesan for topping (if you have it on hand)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Mix all flours and cheese together in a food processor (or by hand, mix well).

3. Add softened butter and milk, mix well.

4. Roll out on a surface to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness.

5. Cut into shapes, squares is fine.

6. Place on greased baking surface.

7. Bake for 15 to 29 minutes or until golden brown.

8. Cool and store in refrigerator.

Always check with your Veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet. For any type of dog, homemade dog food is a good choice to ensure they live a long, happy, and healthy life.



Lara

 

Raw Dog Food - How Can You Be Sure It’S Healthy?

Saturday, July 4th, 2009
Madeleine Innocent


Most people feel reassured by the pictures of smiling veterinarians and dog breeders paying tribute to the commercial pet food they feed their dog. Or perhaps, you’ve been convinced by your own vet that the food they sell is sure to be nutritionally balanced.

For your dog’s sake, be a bit suspicious. Don’t be convinced by anyone (including me) that what they are trying to sell you is necessarily in your dog’s best interest.

Instead, it may be in their own best interest if they gain a sale from convincing you.

If you’re having a problem getting your head around the idea of raw dog food, then I suggest it’s your problem, not your dog’s.

Dogs evolved on a diet of raw food over millennia. Humans have only recently taken an interest in making dog food.

Do you really imagine, for one moment, that humans have been able to change the domestic dog’s digestive and immune system in fifty odd years?

You may well say that humans have had an impact on the way dogs look, with all the different breeds. Yes, that’s true. But have you also noticed that pedigree dogs are also the most unhealthy? What I call a Heinz 57 dog, is normally much healthier.

So in breeding a selective type of dog, humans have gone against nature, by isolating one or more traits, until the breed becomes what the breeder wants.

And so it is with food. Humans tinker about with food, under the guise of ‘science’. I call it junk science, because there’s nothing scientific about commercial dog food. The word ‘science’ has come to be revered by the majority. Just as the word ‘natural’ is currently enjoying popularity.

So a clever commercial dog food manufacturer will incorporate the word ‘science’ and/or ‘natural’ in the advertising, to lure you in.

That doesn’t mean there’s anything of quality within the packet or can. It could be anything. You have no way of knowing how the food was prepared or what is in each pack.

Raw dog food, on the other hand, contains all the nutrients essential to a healthy dog.

I appreciate that it may take you time to get your head around the idea, because you’ve probably been brought up on the idea that commercial pet food is the healthiest way to go.

If that was true, how cum that dogs health invariably improves when a switch from commercial to raw dog food is made? The only way you’re really going to find out for sure is to try it out yourself.

You may be worried about parasites and bacteria in raw dog food.

Neither of these are an issue for dogs, whose digestive system is very robust, with powerful digestive juices. Dogs aren’t carnivores, they’re omnivores, which means they can eat anything (as long as it’s raw), including vegetation and rotting carcasses.

In fact, you will notice that when you feed a raw dog food, fleas and worms decrease and almost disappear.

Dogs have problems with unnatural foods - those that are cooked, those that contain preservatives. Neither of these are natural. Cooking destroys many vitamins and denatures other nutrients.

I can genuinely assure you, that your dogs health will improve considerably when you start feeding a raw dog food. There may be a ‘de-toxing’ period initially, but this is normal, natural and only takes a short time to go through.

Why not try it for a month and see for yourself? What have you got to lose?



Taylor

 

A Guide to Dog Food

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009
Rolf Joho


Dog food is the animal or plant material that is used for consumption by dogs or canines. Dog treats are the special type of foods that are given as a reward to the pet, and not as a regular diet. Many people buy the readymade dog food, but few prefer to make their own dog food as per the pet’s individual requirement, and using best quality ingredients. Best diet for dogs has always been a controversial topic. Some people argue that dogs have been thriving on scraps and leftovers from their masters for several years, others feel that commercial dog food is the best choice, and few believe that commercial foods contain additives, poor-quality meats and many other ingredients that pets should not ingest, and hence they must be fed the most natural diet.

Commercial Dog Food

Most of the pet foods available in the market are either in a dry form, known as kibble, or in the wet form. Dry dog food is more convenient for the owners, is much cheaper, and can be left out for several days. Canned food becomes unappetizing after few hours, but it has a longer shelf life, and it also contains more fat and protein as compared to dry dog food.

These days, many types of dog foods are available in the market, and some of the common alternative dog foods include frozen, dehydrated, fresh and homemade foods. Freeze-dried or frozen food comes in cooked or raw form. It skips the processing stage, hence preserving the nutritional integrity.

You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about dog food. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?

Refrigerated or fresh dog food is produced through the pasteurization of fresh ingredients. After slightly cooking, the products are quickly sealed in the vacuum package, and refrigerated till served. Homemade dog food usually comes in the bucket type package, and is preferred by many dog owners for their pets. These diets contain raw or cooked meat, pureed vegetables, ground bone, multivitamin supplements and taurine supplements. Some of these dog foods use the vitamins specifically engineered for dogs, and other use the human vitamin supplements.

Most of the commercial dog foods contain the materials that are considered undesirable or unusable by some authorities and dog owners. Some of these ingredients include grain by-products, meat-and-bone meals, horse meat and so on. Cheaper canine foods usually have less meat, and more grain fillers and animal by-products.

There are also special dog foods that are formulated for the dogs allergic to common ingredients such as wheat, corn or chicken. These foods have substitute uncommon starches and novel proteins.

Many people believe that animals living in the wild eat the natural diet, and such diet is most ideally suited for them. These pet owners are usually opposed to the commercial pet foods, and try to mimic the natural diet for their canines.

There’s no doubt that the topic of dog food can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about dog food, you may find what you’re looking for in the next article.



Robert
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