Archive for March, 2010
Every owner these days seems to have their own ideas on what constitutes a healthy balanced diet for their dog. How many of them are reliably imformed though? The following questions are designed to critically assess your dogs diet. Please read them, for your dogs sake.
1) How many times a day do you feed your dog?
There is no set rule for adult dogs but the general consensus is that twice a day is a sensible amount. Some owners feed once a day, some three times a day. How much your dog is fed is far more important than how often really, but it is useful to set guidelines nevertheless. The reason many experts suggest twice a day rather than once a day is that once a day feeding encourages the dog to gorge his or her food as he or she is so hungry, having last had a meal a full 24 hours ago. Eating too quickly can cause reflex regurgitation or vomiting. Also it has been theorized that deep chested large breed dogs are more likely to suffer from a twisted stomach (gastric dilatation and volvulus), a life threatening condition, if they are fed one large meal daily rather than two smaller meals.
Clearly more active dogs will burn far more calories than others but these variables are best reflected in portion size rather than frequency. Some dogs with medical conditions may benefit from multiple meals of smaller portions, for example those recovering from gastroenteritis. Puppies must be fed more often than adult dogs as they have a higher metabolic rate, around 4 times a day from weaning to around 5 months old, then drop down to 3 times a day until 7 months old, then down to twice a day thereafter.
2) Is your dogs diet manufactured specifically for dogs or do you give human food or food from the butchers?
There is a misconception around that human food is higher quality than dog food, and therefore better for them. This is by and large nonsense. Reputable dog foods are formulated after extensive trials by pet food companies to provide the mixture of protein, carbohydrate and fat that suits canine physiology best. Dogs on balanced dog food diets do not get nutritional deficiencies but dogs on human food do. Certain human titbits can play havoc with your dogs digestive tract, chocolate being a prime example.
Your dog need ingest nothing other than a complete dog food and water to have a complete and balanced diet. Remember, dogs do not need variety in their diet! They are perfectly happy having the same boring looking meal every day! So keep it simple and safe, feed your dog either a complete dog food (dry or tinned, dry is better for their teeth) or standard dog biscuits and tinned dog meat together. Of course human leftovers every now and again or a bit of tripe or heart from the butcher is fine, but do not make it the day to day diet.
3) Which is the best dog food to choose?
There are so many different brands of dog food on the market, the best one is basically a matter of opinion. Certainly palatability is a factor, there is no point in purchasing a particular food if your dog cannot stand it, although this is occasionally a necessity in dogs with food allergies, for example. Rather than recommending you a specific brand, we suggest that you choose one which adheres to the criteria below.
Dog foods labeled as complete and balanced must meet standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), either by meeting a nutrient profile or by passing a feeding trial. There are now two separate nutrient profiles for dogs – one for growth (puppies) and one for maintenance (adults). Maximum levels of intake of some nutrients have been established for the first time because of the concern that overnutrition, rather than undernutrition, is a bigger problem with many pet foods today. The standards include recommendations on protein, fat, fat soluble vitamins, water soluble vitamins, and mineral content of foods. If you are prepared to get technical, you should choose a food that comes closest to AAFCO recommendations.
In summary, consider the following points.
Choose a food that suits your dogs age, breed and overall health. Most big pet food companies will have different foods for small vs large breeds, and puppies vs adults. Dogs with medical conditions may be recommended special prescription diets.
Choose a food that come closest to AAFCO recommendations.
The ingredients contains the truth about a particular food. Everything else is there only for marketing purposes.
There are no legal and scientific definitions for the terms premium, super premium, quality, or natural.
Use dry matter numbers to evaluate and compare foods.
The source of ingredients (e.g. animal vs vegetable) does not matter, except in the case of food allergies.
Avoid supplementation. All commercial dog foods have more than enough protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Too many minerals can lead to severe skeletal problems in growing dogs.
Feeding your dog a good food incorrectly can lead to significant problems. For example, overfeeding puppies can lead to serious skeletal problems. Neutered dogs require portions 20% smaller than unneutered dogs or they will put on weight.
4) How many times a day do you give your dog treats?
It is hard to resist those puppy dog eyes begging you for a little piece of what you are eating. Indeed treats promote a special bond between you and your dog and it gives such pleasure when they have a delicious morsel to savor. The key word is MODERATION. If you are giving your dog regular treats, you must subtract this amount from the portion given at meal time to maintain a appropriate calorie intake. As a rule of thumb the amount of treats should never exceed 10% of your dogs daily food intake. It is far easier to make your dog obedient if you reserve treats for rewarding good behavior rather than just giving them willy nilly, where they become meaningless.
5) What do your dogs treats consist of?
Quality dog treats are usually far healthier and lower in calories than table scraps. Many dogs are fed scraps habitually from the table while families are eating, particularly by children. This only encourages further begging and feeding with often unsuitable high calorie treats which are forgotten about when it comes to measuring the dogs daily portion(s).
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
Dr Matthew Homfray is one of the veterinary pet experts at www.WhyDoesMyPet.com. Our dedicated community of caring pet experts are waiting to offer you advice, second opinions and support.
Feeding your dog can be filled with stress.
Many dog owners take a zealous approach to how they feed their dog and can be quite judgmental of other dog owners when the issue of a dog’s food comes up.
The reality is that what you feed your dog is your decision. It will be guided by how you have always fed your dogs and what you think is right for your current dog or dogs.
A dog’s food is only one part of raising a healthy and happy dog, but it’s a very important part, and worth some careful consideration.
How to Choose a Dog Food
If you go shopping for dog food, you quickly see that there are many options. There’s premium dog food, low-cost dog food and so many dog food brands your head can spin.
Here are some quick tips for finding the right dog food:
* Begin your search before you go the store. If you make your choice in the store, it could easily be the incorrect one.
* Ask friends and family for recommendations. If they use a particularly good dog food, consider that as one of your viable choices.
* Ask your vet for a recommendation. Based on your dog’s age and health, your vet might have a specific recommendation for your dog.
* Remember that the best dog food for one dog isn’t necessarily the best for another. Consider your own needs and budget before settling on a dog food choice.
* Read dog food reviews. If they are reputable and published in well-known publications or web sites, you can usually trust them.
* Remember that puppy dog food is a completely different beast than food you feed an older dog. Don’t feed a puppy regular dog food, and don’t feed an adult dog puppy dog food.
When looking at learning more about Best Puppy Food, read as much as you can.
The health of your dog depends on it!
What About Homemade Dog Food?
Recently, the safety of pet food was questioned when many dogs became sick and died after eating commercial dog food. Some of the brands in question were even considered premium dog food brands, so it seemed that no brand was safe.
This safety scare led many people to decide to give their dog a homemade dog food diet. It’s an excellent option if you have the time and money. Feeding a dog a homemade dog food diet can be expensive and somewhat time consuming, though it does get easier the longer you do it.
If you are thinking you might skip the dog food brands and go for the homemade dog food, consider these tips:
* Make sure the dog food you make is nutritionally balanced. Dogs need a good amount of carbohydrates, fat and protein. Do some reading ahead of time to make sure that you get just the right proportion of nutrients for your size and breed of dog.
* Be willing to cook animal body parts that you might not consider desirable. Dogs can eat legs, organs and necks. In fact, many believe that one of the main advantages of a homemade dog food diet is that your dog can get more raw meat and bones, which many consider to be the ideal dog food diet.
* Remember that if you start Rover on a homemade dog food diet, it can be hard to switch over to a more traditional diet. You can’t just put a bowl of kibble down because you are too tired to make your dog’s dinner. To that end, it’s best to do a lot of preparation ahead of time so there are packages in the freezer you can pull out and thaw.
Conclusion
The best dog food diet for your dog is the diet that proves to be best for you. Depending on your budget and time available, you might make a choice that’s different from your neighbor. The key is to find dog food brands that are accessible, affordable and that feed your dog healthfully. Or make your own. It’s truly your choice.
More Information
Further information about Dog Food or Dog Food Reviews can be found here.
Feeding your dog can be filled with stress.
Many dog owners take a zealous approach to how they feed their dog and can be quite judgmental of other dog owners when the issue of a dog’s food comes up.
The reality is that what you feed your dog is your decision. It will be guided by how you have always fed your dogs and what you think is right for your current dog or dogs.
A dog’s food is only one part of raising a healthy and happy dog, but it’s a very important part, and worth some careful consideration.
How to Choose a Dog Food
If you go shopping for dog food, you quickly see that there are many options. There’s premium dog food, low-cost dog food and so many dog food brands your head can spin.
Here are some quick tips for finding the right dog food:
* Begin your search before you go the store. If you make your choice in the store, it could easily be the incorrect one.
* Ask friends and family for recommendations. If they use a particularly good dog food, consider that as one of your viable choices.
* Ask your vet for a recommendation. Based on your dog’s age and health, your vet might have a specific recommendation for your dog.
* Remember that the best dog food for one dog isn’t necessarily the best for another. Consider your own needs and budget before settling on a dog food choice.
* Read dog food reviews. If they are reputable and published in well-known publications or web sites, you can usually trust them.
* Remember that puppy dog food is a completely different beast than food you feed an older dog. Don’t feed a puppy regular dog food, and don’t feed an adult dog puppy dog food.
When looking at learning more about Best Puppy Food, read as much as you can.
The health of your dog depends on it!
What About Homemade Dog Food?
Recently, the safety of pet food was questioned when many dogs became sick and died after eating commercial dog food. Some of the brands in question were even considered premium dog food brands, so it seemed that no brand was safe.
This safety scare led many people to decide to give their dog a homemade dog food diet. It’s an excellent option if you have the time and money. Feeding a dog a homemade dog food diet can be expensive and somewhat time consuming, though it does get easier the longer you do it.
If you are thinking you might skip the dog food brands and go for the homemade dog food, consider these tips:
* Make sure the dog food you make is nutritionally balanced. Dogs need a good amount of carbohydrates, fat and protein. Do some reading ahead of time to make sure that you get just the right proportion of nutrients for your size and breed of dog.
* Be willing to cook animal body parts that you might not consider desirable. Dogs can eat legs, organs and necks. In fact, many believe that one of the main advantages of a homemade dog food diet is that your dog can get more raw meat and bones, which many consider to be the ideal dog food diet.
* Remember that if you start Rover on a homemade dog food diet, it can be hard to switch over to a more traditional diet. You can’t just put a bowl of kibble down because you are too tired to make your dog’s dinner. To that end, it’s best to do a lot of preparation ahead of time so there are packages in the freezer you can pull out and thaw.
Conclusion
The best dog food diet for your dog is the diet that proves to be best for you. Depending on your budget and time available, you might make a choice that’s different from your neighbor. The key is to find dog food brands that are accessible, affordable and that feed your dog healthfully. Or make your own. It’s truly your choice.
More Information
Further information about Dog Food or Dog Food Reviews can be found here.
Article Source: http://www.articlewarehouse.com
Find out more of the vital things you need to know about Dog Food. Our complimentary Healthy Dog Food newsletter is available for a limited time from our website.
Make sure you read dog food labels before you buy any dog food.
Poor diet in dogs could mean many things. Dogs with a poor diet don’t have high energy levels, they may develop health problems down the line, they can be overweight or underweight. They can have teeth problems, bad breath, infections… As a general rule, an unbalanced diet for your dog means a shorter lifespan for him.
It is better to never fed your dog leftovers from the dinner table, unless they are dog healthy choices. Greasy and fried foods can make dogs overweight and ill, while other foods we eat can be toxic for them. Leftovers are generally not good for dogs.
Many dog owners do not give a second thought to what they feed their dog, until they notice that their dog’s coat isn’t looking as shiny as it once did, or until their dog began scratching himself badly or not have much energy. Yet, other dog owners wait for their dog to be so overweight before they realize that there might have been a problem with their dog diet. It is best not to wait for your canine to show signs of disease to put him on a healthy dog diet.
Dogs will get fat and ill if they eat an unhealthy dog diet. Optimal dog health can be achieved through healthy nutrition.
Dogs are mammals, just like us. Dogs get overweight if they eat too much and don’t exercise enough. Dogs will feel tired and depressed if they do not get a proper diet. Eating unhealthy for a dog can cause a whole slew of problems.
Dogs’ coat and skin are affected by diet. Dogs can get most of the same illnesses we do. Dogs can get heart attacks, heat disease, an cancer. Dogs can even get diabetes.
Dogs need a healthy diet. If a dog don’t get enough exercise or eats too much, he will get fat and have many health problems.
This is why you should understand why your dog’s diet is so important to his health. Just like with us, dogs are what they eat. Unfortunately, a dog can’t tell you when he has a stomach ache from the food he ate, or when something doesn’t feel right on him. Oftentimes, dog owners wait until something is wrong with their dogs to make any adjustments in their dog’s diet. You should get your dog on an healthy diet right now, and not wait something goes wrong with your canine!
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
Ron Smith is an expert in dog and puppy health. Visit www.dogdieter.com for more information on healthy dog nutrition, best dog vitamins , and dog food label secrets.
Food allergies are not exclusive to humans, but they can be difficult to diagnose in pets, especially when dog food allergies appear to manifest quickly. The biggest problem of course, is the pet’s inability to communicate the symptoms effectively, and they are many times confused with other ailments.
Symptoms of dog food allergies may include excessive scratching, hair loss, skin infections as well as ear infections. Most times antibiotics used for skin infections will clear them up briefly, but they will reoccur when the antibiotics are stopped. An animal with itchy skin that does not seem to improve with the use of antihistamines or steroids, may be suffering from food allergies.
There is also a difference between food allergies and food intolerance. An intolerance to certain foods may cause symptoms such as diarrhea or frequent bowel movements and vomiting. Fortunately, whether the animal is suffering from food Allergy or food intolerance, once the proper diagnosis has been made, they can both be treated.
Since most dog food is made from beef, chicken, wheat, eggs, soy and dairy products, it should be no surprise that most food allergies are caused by one of these ingredients. When pet food companies began producing lamb and rice formulations, many dog allergies seemed to disappear. Most veterinarians agree that it is not because of something special in the lamb and rice formula that reduced the incidences of food allergies in dog , rather it is the fact that the dog’s diet was changed and the animal has not developed an intolerance for the new food.
Dietary Change To Test For Food Allergies
Once other causes have been ruled out, such as flea bite allergies, intestinal parasites, yeast or bacterial infections a dietary change may be needed to reduce the symptoms of dog food allergies. A new food source containing protein and carbohydrate should be the only diet of the pet for at least 12 weeks to determine which of the ingredients in their old pet food was causing the allergic reaction.
The food source must be completely different from what the animal was used to and cannot be supplemented with treats or other types of food if the test is to be effective. Once it has been determined the pet is not having an adverse reaction to the new diet, different foods can be added to help develop a more diverse diet. However, any addition must go through the same test procedures and if any reaction is noted, the new addition will need to be eliminated.
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
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Many people might not know this, but the German Shepherd actually has 2 layers of fur to protect its body. And it is surprisingly easier to take care of than expected. The first layer of the covering which is close to the body is close-knit and soft. It provides the German Shepherd with protection, acting as a thermal coat to maintain warmth during colder months and protects it from the harmful rays of the sun during the warm seasons. The second coat of the German Shepherd, the outer coat is rougher and of a medium length.
The best way to take care of your German Shepherd is to make sure that he is getting the right nutrition he needs. The German Shepherd is, after all, a strong carnivore and you need to make sure that the food he is getting is high in protein and vitamins. The dog requires a high-protein, high-fat diet. Chicken, lamb or beef are excellent choices. If you decide to make your own dog food, be sure that it has the right balance and all of the components the dog needs to stay as healthy as possible.
Vegetables are more difficult for dogs to eat. Rather than the curved stomach like a human, dogs have a straight stomach. This can cause them to have problems while digesting their vegetables. Wheat, corn and other plant-like materials can be tough for the animal and they should only make up a small portion of the dog’s overall digestive diet. Once you are sure that the dog is getting an excellent diet, you can move on to the grooming needs.
It is usually advised that you brush your dog’s fur at least 2 times per week. You want to be sure that the oil in the fur is evenly distributed to prevent matting and tangles. You can also be sure to remove the dead skin cells and loose hair clogging the coat. A standard metal brush or slicker will work well if it is used properly. You must take care not to cause a lesion or scrape the dog’s skin while brushing.
When you start to brush, take the brush in the same direction as the coat hair. To ensure you tackle all parts of the dog’s fur, do use a combination of different brushes with various sizes of brush heads.
Based on the dog’s normal schedule, you wold probably have to bath your dog at least once or twice a month. The bathing will depend on where you live and what your dog loves to do. For instance, if your dog should love the great outdoors, it is almost certain he will necessitate a bath more often compared to dogs that prefer to stay in the house. If the dog is an indoor dog, taking a bath every few months will be sufficient.
If you stroke your dog and dust you can see dust waft up, that’s a clear signal it’s time for a bath. In addition, if he is starting to smell odorous, a bath will be a solution to that and make him far more appealing during your bonding periods. If the coat is oily, it can be a signal that it is time for a bath.
The correct shampoo is essential to the dog’s coat and condition. German Shepherds can be very sensitive to wheat and other allergic reactions, so the right shampoo can be important. For instance, oatmeal shampoo can be calming for your dog but they also cause material to collect on the coat far more easily, so you might have to bathe your dog more often. An aloe shampoo might be a good solution if you are not worried about fleas. In any case, with constant grooming, your German Shepherd is sure to look well-groomed all the time.
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Moses Wright loves to help fellow dog lovers with their pet dog training problems whenever he is free. You can find more free German Shepherd facts and training problems resources on his site.
People love ‘mans best friend’ and they in turn love us back. Dogs become part of our families. They live with us, sleep with us, eat with us, protect us and give us unconditional love. We treat our dogs like children. Just hearing dog owners calling their pets at the park, and the affection they show them make you realize just how devoted they are. Many dog owners have special names for them such as ‘baby’ and call themselves mommy or daddy when talking to their pet. It is amazing how huge the market is for dog food, toys, treats and even clothing and jewelry. Nothing is too good for our dog companions.
Special treats
Dog treats are a great way to show our dogs how much we love them. We use treats to reward our pet for doing something special. Many dogs are like children and behave better because they want a treat.
Dog treats are available at pet stores, grocery stores, department stores and specialty shops just to name a few. There are dog treats flavored like beef, chicken, pizza, chocolate and almost any other food you can think of. They come in the shape of people, sausages, bacon and steak bones plus hundreds of other shapes. There are dog Christmas stockings and birthday baskets stuffed with dog treats. People take pictures of their pooches and put them on their Christmas cards. People love their dogs and in turn, their dogs love them back.
Gourmet dog treats have become very popular. Some people make their own while others buy them. Some of the reasons people are now turning to gourmet dog treats are:
• Overweight dogs – Making your own gourmet dog treats lets you control the ingredients in the product. For overweight dogs, making low calorie treats helps the dog stay healthy while shedding a few excess pounds. Instead of commercial dog cookies with sugar and salt added, making or buying gourmet cookies and treats means you can choose a treat with no sugar or salt added, or sweeten a cookie with just a touch of honey.
• Dog Allergies – Just like humans, many dogs have allergies to certain foods and ingredients. Some vets carry gourmet dog treats that are great for dogs with allergies or you can get a recipe to make gourmet treats without using the ingredients your pet is allergic.
• Sickness- Some dogs have diabetes or other health problems so they are not able to eat regular dog treats and cookies. There are dog treats available for dogs with health problems.
• Natural Treats – Many people, when they read what is in commercial dog treats, are not happy about the fillers and preservatives used so they choose to make or buy gourmet dog treats with only natural ingredients.
People nowadays are very health conscious and feel the same way about their pet’s diet. They want them to live long, healthy lives and providing gourmet dog treats is one way to help.
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
Love your dog with treats today! Learn how to make dog treats at home and find out more about dog treats at Home-made Dog Treats
As a dog owner, we all want what’s best for our dog. With the newest reports about the proper diet for your dog, they should have carbohydrates, vegtables, etc., more and more dog owners are giving their dog table scraps without realizing that there are certain foods a dog should never have. Before you put your left-overs in your dog’s bowl be sure to read the top ten foods they shouldn’t eat.
1. Chocolate – To dogs, chocolate acts as a stimulant, making your dog’s heartbeat accelerate or beat irregularly, leading to seizures and even cardiac arrest. To compound things further, it also acts as a severe diuretic, causing frequent urination, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If you even suspect your dog has consumed chocolate, take him to an animal hospital immediately.
2. Grapes and Raisins – Grapes and raisins create havoc with your dog’s kidneys and digestive system. What’s worse is that the amount of grapes needed to cause problems can vary greatly among individual dogs. Symptoms include frequent urination, vomiting, and diarrhea.
3. Onions – Onions cause the breakdown of a dog’s red blood cells, which deprives his cells of much-needed oxygen. If you’re in the habit of feeding your dog table scraps, make sure the dish was not prepared with onions, as the effects can be cumulative over a period of time. Symptoms can vary greatly, ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to loss of appetite, fever, or exhaustion.
4. Macadamia Nuts – While the exact chemical compound is still unknown, even a small amount of macadamia nuts can cause fever, irregular heartbeat, seizures, or mild paralysis.
5. Alcoholic Beverages – Dogs’ physiologies are not equipped to handle alcohol consumption. They are extremely susceptible to alcohol poisoning, and even small amounts can lead to digestive problems or even death.
6. Bread Dough – Because it is soft, dogs will often swallow the dough without chewing it. When the dough hits your dog’s stomach, his body heat will cause the dough to rise inside his stomach. This rising action can cause bloating or vomiting. To compound things further, the rising action creates alcohol as a by-product, and your dog may experience the symptoms listed in the previous paragraph.
7. Caffeinated Beverages – Similar to the effects of chocolate, caffeine is a stimulant and can negatively impact your dog’s heart rate, causing seizures or heart attacks.
8. Avocadoes- Avocadoes are toxic to many animals. The offensive chemical damages heart, lung, and other essential tissues. Be aware since guacamole’s main ingredient is avocado, that you keep any such dips well out of your dog’s reach.
9. Pitted Fruits – (Peaches, Pears, Cherries, and Apricots) The pits of these fruits contain small doses of cyanide, which can be fatal to smaller dogs. Also, if the pit is swallowed whole, it may become lodged in the intestinal tract, where the blockage will have to be surgically removed.
10. Raw Fish – Raw fish, especially salmon, can contain parasites, usually fluke larvae. The dog consumes the fish, and the larvae hatch in your dog’s digestive tract, attaching themselves to his intestinal walls. Symptoms can take up to a week to exhibit and usually mimic other canine diseases, such as distemper or parvovirus. The hazard here is misdiagnosis by the veterinarian, leading to an improper or ineffective treatment. If you choose to feed your dog fish, be sure to cook it thoroughly to kill any bad critters that could be hiding inside.
This is of vital information for your dog care. If you want your dog to have the proper diet, take a small amount of what your making before you add the onions and the extra spices and make him up his own little plate and add it with his dog food.
Remember a good dog is a happy and healthy dog.
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Michelle Johnson is highly respected in her community for her knowledge on dog care. She owns www.tailwaggingprices.com find all your dog care needs at discounted prices. If you would like to read more of her articles visit dogandpetcare.wordpress.com while your there be sure to leave a comment.