Posts Tagged ‘Digestive System’
There are always times when we worry about our dog’s eating habits. The two most common worries are overeating and not eating enough. Both can have profound effects of your dog’s digestive system and health. Overeating leads to obesity, which in turn can affect your dog’s circulatory system, just as it does in humans. Not eating enough leads to poor nutrition which has a profound effect your dog’s immune system and can cause serious damage to other systems.
To combat overeating, which is usually snacking throughout the day, do not leave food for your dog at all times. Leaving a constant supply of dog food is referred to as free feeding or free range feeding. Some dogs just don’t do well being fed this way. In these cases, you need to feed your dog at the same time every day, allowing him only about 30 minutes to eat. He will probably balk at this in the beginning; you will need to offer him the food and remove the bowl if he hasn’t eaten in within the 30 minute time period, offer it to him later following the same routine. Once he has eaten his food, do not give him any more for the rest of the day. Repetition of this procedure at the same time every day will teach him to eat at that time and give you control over the amount of food he takes into his body.
Changing the habits of a dog that is not eating enough can be tougher, unless it is a result of a life stress: moving, losing a loved one (person or other animal), and changes in food are examples of life stress for a dog. In cases of life stress, the problem usually works itself out as long as the dog is given plenty of love and support. Sometimes, the problem can be a serious health condition and should be treated by a veterinarian. Because this is the case, we suggest that you take your dog to the vet if the problem persists.
Why is My Dog Moving His Food?
Dog’s may have different reasons for moving their food. Sometimes it is just a force of habit, maybe you have recently moved his food bowl and he is used to eating in the old place. If you have recently done this and he is taking his food mouthful by mouthful to the old place, give it a week or so. He may become comfortable with the new placement. If he continues to take the food after a couple of weeks, he’ll probably be more comfortable if you just go ahead and put the food bowl back in the old place.
If you have other dogs, he may be taking his food so that he can eat in peace. This happens more when there is a size variety of dogs in the house. Smaller dogs will take their food, by mouthfuls, to someplace that the larger dogs cannot get to. Then they feel more comfortable about eating and don’t have to worry about the larger dogs taking food away. It also happens in homes that have young children, as the dog is trying to eat in a place that the children cannot get to them. If your smaller dog is doing this, you need to work on ’sharing.’ This should be done with all dogs in the house. Our articles about food protection (one titled, Puppies and Food Protection and one titled, Resource Guarding) will help you accomplish this.
Another reason your dog may be moving food is that he just wants to be near you while he eats. In the wild, mealtime is one of the times that animals are most vulnerable to attack. Even though your dog is not, and probably has not been ‘in the wild,’ these instincts remain. He feels safer, knowing that you’re there to watch out for him while he eats. It may be easier in this case to just feed him when you can be close or move the food bowl near you.
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
downtown doggy manufactures dog clothes and dog jackets.
Since the first time one of our pre-historic ancestors tossed a scrap of meat at a wolf, dogs have been living off the leftovers from their master’s table. While this is a common practice in many parts of the world, it isn’t the best nutrition for the dog. As with humans, dogs also require a well-balanced meal, be that in the form of fresh foods or packaged, store-bought food. Either way, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with what constitutes a healthy diet for your dog.
Water is probably the most vital yet often overlooked part of a dog’s diet. A bowl of clean water should be available to a dog at all times, so that it can drink whenever it gets thirsty. If you’ve been feeding your dog foods that are unusually salty, keep a close eye on their water bowl, as your pet will want more water (and need to pee afterwards) once they’re done with the salty food.
Meat provides many things for the naturally-carnivorous dog (though, ideally, only about half their diet consists of meat), including proteins and fats. Though cooking is good for all meats fed to a dog, only pork and rabbit really need to be cooked. Processed and heavily spiced or salted meats, such as beef jerky, salami, or pork rinds, aren’t as easy on a dog’s digestive system as they are on a human’s digestive system.
Dogs will also gladly eat eggs and fish, though a few words must be said about both first. Fish should be thoroughly deboned, lest a stray fish rib pierce a dog’s windpipe, and it should always be cooked. Dogs love eggs, and they don’t know the difference between brown eggs and blood spots and ordinary eggs, so you can save some money by buying cheaper eggs.
Grains are another good food for a dog, especially since grains offer all the carbohydrates they might need. Breads, rice, and cereals are all good grains, though all grains should be cooked before you feed them to a dog. However, as important as grains are, they shouldn’t be more than half of a dog’s diet.
Vegetables are a perfectly fine addition to a dog’s diet, though foods like peas and beans should be avoided. Carrots, lettuce, celery, potatoes, and potato skins are fine for a dog to eat. Cooking vegetables is purely optional, though the less time spent cooking the better for your dog, at least in terms of nutrition.
Cheese and dairy products are another good bet, as they provide a healthy amount of proteins and a larger dose of calcium for older dogs. However, not all dogs will appreciate cheese, so know if your dog in particular enjoys it. Dogs can also consume cow’s milk in their diet, though newborn pups shouldn’t drink cows milk. Further, too much milk in a dog’s diet (save for newborn pups), will leave them with a case of diarrhea.
Dogs can become fat and out of shape or undernourished just like their owners. When deciding how much food to give your dog, the general formula is an ounce of food for every pound of the dog’s weight. Another factor to take into consideration would be how active your dog is. If he’s working herding cattle or sheep all day, as opposed to lounging around a penthouse apartment with not much to do, you will have to adjust the amounts of food appropriately.
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
Jeff Clare runs Dog Training News where you can read many more articles on dog training schools. For more general advice on dog food go to Dogs And Dog News.
In many respects, dogs are very similar to humans. For example, one of their biggest health problems is obesity. To many owners, a tubby dog is extra cuddly, but the fact of the matter is that a fat dog is an unhealthy dog! In much the same way as obesity affects humans, dogs too can suffer from diabetes exacerbated by over weight, and their life expectancy can be seriously shortened.
Some pet owners do not know if their dog is overweight or not. A layer of blubber around the dogs midriff does not mean it has a comfortable weight. A simple way to find out is with a simple visual check. Your should be able to easily feel the ribs under the dog’s skin. If a dog is overweight then the will have a layer of fat over their ribs.
There are a number of factors that can effect a dogs weight. Over feeding is probably the most common, but lack of exercise can compound the problem of over eating dramatically. There are other factors too though, some not as obvious as those just outlined. For example, and depending on the age, breed and sex of the dog, conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism can also play a part. If you suspect that you pet is overweight, then your first port of call should be to the vet, just in case something more serious is at play.
Once you have ruled out any serious health problems from the equation, you can start to deal with the other factors yourself. Make a plan of the quantity and quality of the food that you give your dog, and how many times you actually feed it. Many cheap brands of dog food are not fully nutritious, so one of the first things to do will be to get better quality food for your pet. If you have any doubts, talk to your veterinarian about the diet you give your dog, because they will be well placed to advise you with respect to the breed and age of the animal. If you do change your dog’s diet, do so over a period of time rather than all at once. Let your dog’s digestive system deal with the changes, especially if they are quite radical.
Treat your dog as you would treat yourself if you were on a diet. Cut out sweets for example, especially if they are high in calories. Make notes of exactly what you feed your dog, especially with respect to the calorific content. As with humans, losing weight is all about calorie deficit, and one of the first things to do is to check the dog’s calorie intake. Try and avoid feeding your dog leftovers as well, even if they are used to having them. Human food has not been prepared with dogs in mind, and will often have higher calorie content than a dog should have.
The other side of the weight loss coin is adequate exercise. Dogs need to have a huge amount of exercise to remain healthy, far more than you take yourself, no matter how fit you are. If your dog is overweight, they should go for at least two walks a day, of minimum duration of 30 to 45 minutes each. This will depend largely on the size of your dog. If you have such a thing as a dog park nearby, then take your dog there. Play lots of games which involve you throwing and the dog running. Less work for you and more for the dog, but that is the way that it should be. And it can be fun too!
Try to look at a long term plan for your dog’s weight loss, and not a crash diet. A gradual program will be more sustainable over the long term. Remember to record your dog’s weight too, a keep an eye on progress regularly.
By and large, dogs become overweight by overeating and inactivity, much as we do. Follow the feeding guidelines set by your vet, improve the quality of the food you give your dog, and increase the amount of exercise and activity your dog gets. Following these simple rules will get your dog back to being the way that nature intended. They will thank you for it!
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
Do you have an overweight dog? Discover how to find out if it is, and learn the best tips for getting your dog lose weight and look fit and trim.
Can an Epidemic of Dog Diarrhea, Canine Cancer, and Other Dog Illnesses Be Cured with Natural Remedies?
It is because of the ineffectiveness and toxic side effects of prescription medication that Natural Remedies are gaining popularity.
Dogs Are Sicker Than Ever
Today, Diseases like dog diarrhea, diabetes, Crohns Disease, and IBS, are epidemic. Unknown diseases are frequently misdiagnosed! Almost every dog over the age of ten has some form of canine cancer. The number of dogs maintained long term on prescription medication is at an all time high. The pain, suffering, and expense are daunting. What is causing these problems?
“Fully 90% of all disease is caused by an unhealthy digestive system.” Royal Society of Medicine Great Britain
Three Causes of Dog Diarrhea, Dog Cancer, and Most Everything Else
(1) Commercial dog food is loaded with low-cost ingredients that lack nutritional value. Commercial dog food is a primary cause of illness today. Your domestic dogs wild ancestors hunt and eat fresh kill. The closest most of us can provide is a raw diet. No matter what diet you choose, we offer a variety of supplements proven to optimize and support GI and immune function.
(2) Over-the-counter remedies and prescription medications are toxic, highly acidic, and worse yet, the pathogens that medication was designed to treat are increasingly treatment resistant.
(3) Vaccines have also taken on an undeserved mythical quality. It is as if you could feed a dog the worst junk food and vaccinate against the ill effects, which is, of course, nonsense. Vaccines are one of the causes of the epidemic. Vaccines composed of live viruses, formaldehyde, MSG, aluminum, mercury, and many other toxins are not, and never could be, the remedy.
Natural Products Promote Natural Healing
First, natural formulas are safe, gentle and effective. The Royal Society of Medicine in Great Britain states That 90% of all disease is caused by an unhealthy digestive system. Products like Pet Flora, which contain 29 active strains of soil-based probiotic organisms, are scientifically proven to resolve diarrhea within 8 hours- without needing to withhold food or water!
For occasional GI upset and as a preventative for a healthy dog, soil-based probiotic organisms (SBOs) work wonders. But, the fact is most dogs are only borderline healthy. Many health issues are deeper seated. In order to resolve them, a variety of products like herbal extracts, enzymes, krill and fish oils, natural-source minerals, are administered to compliment the SBO. Each natural remedy should be carefully formulated to nourish and revitalize the target organ, or system.
If a healthy dog is maintained on our products, each subsequent litter will become healthier. Diseases as debilitating as hip dysplasia and cancer can be bred out within a few generations!
Importantly, the same products formulated to resolve health issues are also effective to prevent diseases! “A healthy pet is a happy pet, and a less expensive pet to own!”
Looking For Proof?
There are innumerable studies supporting the effectiveness of the ingredients we use to formulate products that are natural, comprehensive, yet gentle. Products like Pet Flora, Pet Enzymes, Lithothamnium Calcareum, Luxolite, and Arabinogalactan are human grade. They may be taken as a part of your own preventive program. They are also similar to products recommended by holistic vets.
Looking For The Most Successful Remedies and Supplements For Your Dog?
Websites like Professors House contain informative articles, and links to information and products that will increase your knowledge about the benefits of natural healing.
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
Stephen Becker is a nutritionaist and President of Vitality Science, where he formualtes scientifically proven remedies and supplements for cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies.To learn more visit Vitality Science on line WWW.VITALITYSCIENCE.COM
Recently we looked at some of the physical differences between dogs vs humans and the effect on nutritional requirements. The number of teeth, the ability of the dogs jaw to only work up and down and perhaps most importantly the short digestive system of the dog when compared to humans. As a result we concluded that a dog needed to be fed a healthy natural dog food. Taking this one step further we might go so far as to say that they should also be fed a human grade dog food. While this may seem extreme so many health issues that manifest themselves in dogs are a direct result of poor nutrition.
Certain additives that we take for granted, can create liver and kidney damage. Liver and kidney diseases are amongst the leading causes of illness in dogs. For example, our water contains fluoride. Dogs definitely do not need flouride in their water as they do not get cavities. Although generally considered safe for humans 10 European countries have banned flourination of water. In dogs, fluoride alters serum calcium/phosphorous balance and can damage bones and kidneys. Because of the high amount of flourinated water in canned food, dogs should definitely drink filtered water and avoid canned dog food whenever possible. These contain high levels of concentrated fluoride.
Are you aware that dogs actually produce their own Vitamin C? Dogs use trace minerals in the liver to produce their own supply of this vitamin. Humans cannot do this. Supplementing Vitamin C for dogs can create pH imbalances in the kidney. Adding Vit C can also damage the liver. Many manufacturers use vitamin C because it is a cheap preservative that prevents discoloration, not because it benefits the dog.
There are many differences between dogs and humans and we can take a look at them in later articles, dog’s sense of smell, sight and hearing is all dramatically different and bears looking into. What you may not realize is that a dog not only can see motion better than humans but they have a third eyelid as well? It helps to remove debris from the eye and protect it as well. Dogs have flatter lenses and larger pupils so you see that when you delve a little deeper into your four-legged friends physiology that you need to learn more about how dogs are built in order to understand the “why” of what they might need.
Despite highlighting the nutrional and digestive aspects of your dog’s needs we also need to know as much as we can about our dog’s physiology in order to insure they will be around and healthy for as long as possible. I hope you have enjoyed this comparison and that it helps you make informed decisions about how and what to feed your best friend. We all need whole, natural, unprocessed food. You can see that dogs need high quality, human grade dog food for healthy absorption and digestion.
Amongst other things we will be covering how to read labels in future articles.
Dr. Janice Elenbaas
Always remember, Health comes from the inside out!
Recently we looked at some of the physical differences between dogs vs humans and the effect on nutritional requirements. The number of teeth, the ability of the dogs jaw to only work up and down and perhaps most importantly the short digestive system of the dog when compared to humans. As a result we concluded that a dog needed to be fed a healthy natural dog food. Taking this one step further we might go so far as to say that they should also be fed a human grade dog food. While this may seem extreme so many health issues that manifest themselves in dogs are a direct result of poor nutrition.
Certain additives that we take for granted, can create liver and kidney damage. Liver and kidney diseases are amongst the leading causes of illness in dogs. For example, our water contains fluoride. Dogs definitely do not need flouride in their water as they do not get cavities. Although generally considered safe for humans 10 European countries have banned flourination of water. In dogs, fluoride alters serum calcium/phosphorous balance and can damage bones and kidneys. Because of the high amount of flourinated water in canned food, dogs should definitely drink filtered water and avoid canned dog food whenever possible. These contain high levels of concentrated fluoride.
Are you aware that dogs actually produce their own Vitamin C? Dogs use trace minerals in the liver to produce their own supply of this vitamin. Humans cannot do this. Supplementing Vitamin C for dogs can create pH imbalances in the kidney. Adding Vit C can also damage the liver. Many manufacturers use vitamin C because it is a cheap preservative that prevents discoloration, not because it benefits the dog.
There are many differences between dogs and humans and we can take a look at them in later articles, dog’s sense of smell, sight and hearing is all dramatically different and bears looking into. What you may not realize is that a dog not only can see motion better than humans but they have a third eyelid as well? It helps to remove debris from the eye and protect it as well. Dogs have flatter lenses and larger pupils so you see that when you delve a little deeper into your four-legged friends physiology that you need to learn more about how dogs are built in order to understand the “why” of what they might need.
Despite highlighting the nutrional and digestive aspects of your dog’s needs we also need to know as much as we can about our dog’s physiology in order to insure they will be around and healthy for as long as possible. I hope you have enjoyed this comparison and that it helps you make informed decisions about how and what to feed your best friend. We all need whole, natural, unprocessed food. You can see that dogs need high quality, human grade dog food for healthy absorption and digestion.
Amongst other things we will be covering how to read labels in future articles.
Dr. Janice Elenbaas
Always remember, Health comes from the inside out!
Article Source: http://www.articlewarehouse.com
Dr. Janice Elenbaas has had a long and successful career as a Doctor of Chiropractic. She was the first woman in Canada certified to adjust animals and was instrumental in bringing animal adjusting to Canada. As founder of Lucky Dog Cuisine she continues her passion for animals by advocating human grade food for all dogs. Follow her FREE INFOSERIES Toxic Soup ‘ Truth about Commercial Dog Food here => www.luckydogcuisine.com
Fiber is very important in our diet. As humans we need it. But what about dogs? Is there a benefit of having fiber in their diet? Is making sure there is adequate fiber in dog food giving them the best dog food possible? At one time fiber was considered a simple filler, however today, we know that adding fiber to a dog`s diet has benefits.
So what is fiber and what are the benefits? Fiber is a carbohydrate and like other carbs too much is not a good thing. Like us, because fiber is not highly digestible, too much can wreck havoc on our digestive system. So it is equally important that dogs get the right amount of fiber in their diet as well for the best possible dog food.
Pets that are overweight can be benefited by having extra fiber in their diet. Because it helps in keeping your dog feeling full they will not pig out on calories. Even though fiber alone cannot achieve weight loss on its own, it can make a difference by maintaining a healthy weight. This will contribute towards a longer and healthier life for your pet.
If your dog needs more fibre in the diet to aid in constipation, then insoluble fibre such as found in fruits and vegetables are fine. Most dogs won’t eat many fruits, but will eat washed raw vegetables – my dog likes carrots, peas and broccoli. Go figure.
As a dog reaches the senior years, constipation can become a problem. An increase in fiber can help this condition become manageable. How does fiber help in the aid of constipation? Fiber absorbs water which gives the contents in the intestines more bulk and this causes movement within the intestines.
You will know if your dog is getting too much or too little fiber in there diet by their consistency. Too much fiber will result in a loose and messy stool but the right balance will result in a normal regular movement. Another benefit of fiber is that it can assist in the management of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is frequently diagnosed in pets five years of age or older. This is also known as Type II or adult-onset diabetes.
Simply put, diabetes mellitus is a failure of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar. Diets high in fiber are preferred because they are generally lower in sugar and slower to be digested. This means that the dog does not have to process a large amount of sugar at one time. Additionally, the fiber may help stimulate insulin secretion in Type II diabetes.
Because too much fiber can be harmful to your pets it is important that you buy the best dog food available that contains just the right amount. Better yet consider making your own dog food. It is easy and affordable and you will then know exactly what your dog is getting.
Other types of foods that contain fiber would be Beet pulp, Soybean hulls, Rice bran, Apple and Tomato pomace and Peanut hulls. Grains such as oats and rice are also types of digestible fiber. If your dog needs fibre for some sort of bowel disease, then soluble fibre, such as psyllium or oat bran should be used.
Yes fiber does have benefits for our pets when used in moderation.
Fiber is very important in our diet. As humans we need it. But what about dogs? Is there a benefit of having fiber in their diet? Is making sure there is adequate fiber in dog food giving them the best dog food possible? At one time fiber was considered a simple filler, however today, we know that adding fiber to a dog`s diet has benefits.
So what is fiber and what are the benefits? Fiber is a carbohydrate and like other carbs too much is not a good thing. Like us, because fiber is not highly digestible, too much can wreck havoc on our digestive system. So it is equally important that dogs get the right amount of fiber in their diet as well for the best possible dog food.
Pets that are overweight can be benefited by having extra fiber in their diet. Because it helps in keeping your dog feeling full they will not pig out on calories. Even though fiber alone cannot achieve weight loss on its own, it can make a difference by maintaining a healthy weight. This will contribute towards a longer and healthier life for your pet.
If your dog needs more fibre in the diet to aid in constipation, then insoluble fibre such as found in fruits and vegetables are fine. Most dogs won’t eat many fruits, but will eat washed raw vegetables – my dog likes carrots, peas and broccoli. Go figure.
As a dog reaches the senior years, constipation can become a problem. An increase in fiber can help this condition become manageable. How does fiber help in the aid of constipation? Fiber absorbs water which gives the contents in the intestines more bulk and this causes movement within the intestines.
You will know if your dog is getting too much or too little fiber in there diet by their consistency. Too much fiber will result in a loose and messy stool but the right balance will result in a normal regular movement. Another benefit of fiber is that it can assist in the management of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is frequently diagnosed in pets five years of age or older. This is also known as Type II or adult-onset diabetes.
Simply put, diabetes mellitus is a failure of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar. Diets high in fiber are preferred because they are generally lower in sugar and slower to be digested. This means that the dog does not have to process a large amount of sugar at one time. Additionally, the fiber may help stimulate insulin secretion in Type II diabetes.
Because too much fiber can be harmful to your pets it is important that you buy the best dog food available that contains just the right amount. Better yet consider making your own dog food. It is easy and affordable and you will then know exactly what your dog is getting.
Other types of foods that contain fiber would be Beet pulp, Soybean hulls, Rice bran, Apple and Tomato pomace and Peanut hulls. Grains such as oats and rice are also types of digestible fiber. If your dog needs fibre for some sort of bowel disease, then soluble fibre, such as psyllium or oat bran should be used.
Yes fiber does have benefits for our pets when used in moderation.
Article Source: http://www.articlewarehouse.com
Written by Troy Foote. Pet advocate and owner of Pamper Pet Care Your online resource for pet health care and nutrition.
Dog food labels are intentionally made confusing so that pet owners don’t realise that they’re feeding their dog some awful, terrible, disgusting ingredients. Dog food companies heartlessly exploit loopholes which allows them to add a very cheap form of protein that has almost zero nutritional value to a dog instead of essential animal protein your dog needs to survive. Did you know that dog foods that claim to be come from bone, blood and animal fat are often derived from animals suffering from various ailments, and probably not the best choice for your dog. These multi-billion dollar companies are actually allowed to mix in euthanized bodies of various animals into the food you might be buying for your dog. Would you eat meat that came from a euthanized animal? Didn’t think so! So why should your dog be subjected to this? Dogs can have food allergies from commercial dog food which long term for your dog can make them very uncomfortable, sick and weak. These euthanized various animals found in dog food and the animal by-products commonly found can include feathers, hair, leather, gristle and faecal waste. Pretty disgusting isn’t it?
Dogs, being scavengers, also thrive on eggs, berries, fruit and the food that they might find in the preys stomach, such as grains and vegetable matter. But, in saying this, dog’s bodies are unable to process whole vegetables. So with pet food companies ads showing plump chickens and whole vegetables it makes you wonder if they really know that much about a dogs nutritional needs and digestive system. Manufacturers are masters at getting a dog to eat something she/he would normally turn up its nose too. Do you know how they do this? Fat is sprayed directly on the morsels of food, and that is what you and your dog smell and think would taste wonderful – It’s just an illusion. And those wonderfully shaped and coloured treats and morsels are not for your dogs benefit, they are for yours. Don’t be fooled by pretty shapes and rainbow colours and smiling dogs on the packets – Its emotional marketing at its best. All your dog cares about is the way the food smells, tastes and all you should care about is that it is getting its nutritional needs.
Dogs, just like everyone else, have specific nutritional needs and they need proper vitamins and minerals every day. Low quality ingredients, excessive chemical additives, and poor labelling standards all result in problems for your companion pet, from skin allergies to cancer. Commercial pet foods and some pet food ingredients have been implicated in a number of diseases in companion animals. One potential problem with commercial pet food is pesticide residues, antibiotics, and mould contained in pet food ingredients and manufacturers will not disclose very much information about the sources of ingredients, how they are processed, their quality control standards, or, in some cases, even where the food is made. Doesn’t that make you have some doubt as to how trustworthy a company is if it cannot even tell you those things? It makes me very doubtful!
Think about this … have you ever seen your dog enjoy commercial dog food the way he/she enjoys a good meaty bone? I never have and I have had a lot of dogs in my lifetime and through my business care for all different breeds of dogs, sizes and ages. Do you know why? It is because bones are fresh meat, exactly as you purchase them is exactly what you give your dog. However, with commercial dog food some companies may list real meat as their number one ingredient, but they may actually have more fillers, which reduces the ratio of quality ingredients to useless ones. Ingredients, such as peanut hulls, are used for filler or fibre, and have no significant nutritional value. Because the ingredients they are using are not wholesome, their quality may be extremely variable, and the harsh manufacturing practices destroy many of the nutrients the food had to begin with. Cereal grains are the primary ingredients in most commercial pet foods. These are often the result of an allergy or intolerance to pet food ingredients. And to top that off, sometimes a manufacturer may not have added any preservatives, but the meat or other ingredients may have had preservatives added to them by suppliers. So, by the time the food gets to your dogs plate the good quality that may have been slightly present in the beginning has disappeared. And not every batch of dog food is the same because meat by-products and meat and bone meals vary from batch to batch creating an unstable source of nutrition for pets.
The multinational pet food companies have increased bulk-purchasing power; those that make human food products have a captive market in which to capitalize on their waste products, and pet food divisions have a more reliable capital base and, in many cases, a convenient source of ingredients. The ingredients listed on the label are very much less as to what is actually present in the food – they are tiny; and the items themselves are usually scraps and rejects from processors of human foods-certainly not the whole, fresh ingredients they want you to picture. The labelling of dog food is a confusing discussion to say the least and very much a tell half-truth scenario. Many label rules exist such as; the “Flavour” Rule that states that a food may be labelled as “Beef Flavoured Dog Food” even if it does not contain any beef, as long as the flavour is “sufficiently detectable. When a label reads “With Real Turkey,” a consumer may assume that he is purchasing quality turkey dog food for his pet. If the label reads “Beef and Liver for Dogs,” the food must contain a combined amount of beef and liver to total 95%, and again there must be more beef since it is listed first. However, as I outlined above the amounts in there are based on tiny morsels and weight – weight is inclusive of water content too.
Now, of course, not all pet food companies operate this way. Today there are a few all natural companies and dog diets on the market which pride themselves on human grade ingredients in their dog food, but remember the definition of “natural” is very broad, and allows for artificially processed ingredients that most of us would consider very unnatural indeed. You have to be very careful in your selection and educate yourself on the harmful ingredients and preservatives on the labels of these dog-canned foods. I always go by the rule that if there are no nutrients in the soil = no nutrients in the plants = no nutrients in the dog food and I cant imagine they would be getting their plant sources from the same crops as humans do.
Quality dog food is crucial for your dogs well being as it is their one source of nutrition. Nutrition is defined as the organic process of nourishing or being nourished, the processes by which an organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and nutriment: a source of materials to nourish the body. The food your animal eats should provide all of the nutritional components that are necessary for all organs and systems of a healthy body to perform in harmonious unison. So, please when your searching through all the dog food at the supermarket, forget the ads and ignore the glossy pictures and fancy titles on the cans and packages and always look for natural organic dog food with” natural” preservatives. Given the high possibility that your favourite pet foods may be slowly poisoning your dog, it’s crucial that you find brands you can trust to be animal friendly and have natural ingredients and low additives and colouring. Many listed ingredients don’t provide a significant health benefit and are really a marketing gimmick. Remember you are looking for ingredients that you recognize and you would eat. In fact, just as is true for humans, fresh foods can provide much better nutrition for pets than highly processed “fast foods. ”
The reality is that there are only two nutritional standards against which all pet foods are measured (adult and growth/gestation/lactation)-everything else is marketing. Don’t fall into the marketing trap and a side note, generally, the purchase price of pet food does not always determine whether a pet food is good or bad, the price is often a good indicator of quality. Dogs may not need the most expensive foods out there to survive… but they do need the correct nutritional value in their diet everyday.
Dog food labels are intentionally made confusing so that pet owners don’t realise that they’re feeding their dog some awful, terrible, disgusting ingredients. Dog food companies heartlessly exploit loopholes which allows them to add a very cheap form of protein that has almost zero nutritional value to a dog instead of essential animal protein your dog needs to survive. Did you know that dog foods that claim to be come from bone, blood and animal fat are often derived from animals suffering from various ailments, and probably not the best choice for your dog. These multi-billion dollar companies are actually allowed to mix in euthanized bodies of various animals into the food you might be buying for your dog. Would you eat meat that came from a euthanized animal? Didn’t think so! So why should your dog be subjected to this? Dogs can have food allergies from commercial dog food which long term for your dog can make them very uncomfortable, sick and weak. These euthanized various animals found in dog food and the animal by-products commonly found can include feathers, hair, leather, gristle and faecal waste. Pretty disgusting isn’t it?
Dogs, being scavengers, also thrive on eggs, berries, fruit and the food that they might find in the preys stomach, such as grains and vegetable matter. But, in saying this, dog’s bodies are unable to process whole vegetables. So with pet food companies ads showing plump chickens and whole vegetables it makes you wonder if they really know that much about a dogs nutritional needs and digestive system. Manufacturers are masters at getting a dog to eat something she/he would normally turn up its nose too. Do you know how they do this? Fat is sprayed directly on the morsels of food, and that is what you and your dog smell and think would taste wonderful – It’s just an illusion. And those wonderfully shaped and coloured treats and morsels are not for your dogs benefit, they are for yours. Don’t be fooled by pretty shapes and rainbow colours and smiling dogs on the packets – Its emotional marketing at its best. All your dog cares about is the way the food smells, tastes and all you should care about is that it is getting its nutritional needs.
Dogs, just like everyone else, have specific nutritional needs and they need proper vitamins and minerals every day. Low quality ingredients, excessive chemical additives, and poor labelling standards all result in problems for your companion pet, from skin allergies to cancer. Commercial pet foods and some pet food ingredients have been implicated in a number of diseases in companion animals. One potential problem with commercial pet food is pesticide residues, antibiotics, and mould contained in pet food ingredients and manufacturers will not disclose very much information about the sources of ingredients, how they are processed, their quality control standards, or, in some cases, even where the food is made. Doesn’t that make you have some doubt as to how trustworthy a company is if it cannot even tell you those things? It makes me very doubtful!
Think about this … have you ever seen your dog enjoy commercial dog food the way he/she enjoys a good meaty bone? I never have and I have had a lot of dogs in my lifetime and through my business care for all different breeds of dogs, sizes and ages. Do you know why? It is because bones are fresh meat, exactly as you purchase them is exactly what you give your dog. However, with commercial dog food some companies may list real meat as their number one ingredient, but they may actually have more fillers, which reduces the ratio of quality ingredients to useless ones. Ingredients, such as peanut hulls, are used for filler or fibre, and have no significant nutritional value. Because the ingredients they are using are not wholesome, their quality may be extremely variable, and the harsh manufacturing practices destroy many of the nutrients the food had to begin with. Cereal grains are the primary ingredients in most commercial pet foods. These are often the result of an allergy or intolerance to pet food ingredients. And to top that off, sometimes a manufacturer may not have added any preservatives, but the meat or other ingredients may have had preservatives added to them by suppliers. So, by the time the food gets to your dogs plate the good quality that may have been slightly present in the beginning has disappeared. And not every batch of dog food is the same because meat by-products and meat and bone meals vary from batch to batch creating an unstable source of nutrition for pets.
The multinational pet food companies have increased bulk-purchasing power; those that make human food products have a captive market in which to capitalize on their waste products, and pet food divisions have a more reliable capital base and, in many cases, a convenient source of ingredients. The ingredients listed on the label are very much less as to what is actually present in the food – they are tiny; and the items themselves are usually scraps and rejects from processors of human foods-certainly not the whole, fresh ingredients they want you to picture. The labelling of dog food is a confusing discussion to say the least and very much a tell half-truth scenario. Many label rules exist such as; the “Flavour” Rule that states that a food may be labelled as “Beef Flavoured Dog Food” even if it does not contain any beef, as long as the flavour is “sufficiently detectable. When a label reads “With Real Turkey,” a consumer may assume that he is purchasing quality turkey dog food for his pet. If the label reads “Beef and Liver for Dogs,” the food must contain a combined amount of beef and liver to total 95%, and again there must be more beef since it is listed first. However, as I outlined above the amounts in there are based on tiny morsels and weight – weight is inclusive of water content too.
Now, of course, not all pet food companies operate this way. Today there are a few all natural companies and dog diets on the market which pride themselves on human grade ingredients in their dog food, but remember the definition of “natural” is very broad, and allows for artificially processed ingredients that most of us would consider very unnatural indeed. You have to be very careful in your selection and educate yourself on the harmful ingredients and preservatives on the labels of these dog-canned foods. I always go by the rule that if there are no nutrients in the soil = no nutrients in the plants = no nutrients in the dog food and I cant imagine they would be getting their plant sources from the same crops as humans do.
Quality dog food is crucial for your dogs well being as it is their one source of nutrition. Nutrition is defined as the organic process of nourishing or being nourished, the processes by which an organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and nutriment: a source of materials to nourish the body. The food your animal eats should provide all of the nutritional components that are necessary for all organs and systems of a healthy body to perform in harmonious unison. So, please when your searching through all the dog food at the supermarket, forget the ads and ignore the glossy pictures and fancy titles on the cans and packages and always look for natural organic dog food with” natural” preservatives. Given the high possibility that your favourite pet foods may be slowly poisoning your dog, it’s crucial that you find brands you can trust to be animal friendly and have natural ingredients and low additives and colouring. Many listed ingredients don’t provide a significant health benefit and are really a marketing gimmick. Remember you are looking for ingredients that you recognize and you would eat. In fact, just as is true for humans, fresh foods can provide much better nutrition for pets than highly processed “fast foods. ”
The reality is that there are only two nutritional standards against which all pet foods are measured (adult and growth/gestation/lactation)-everything else is marketing. Don’t fall into the marketing trap and a side note, generally, the purchase price of pet food does not always determine whether a pet food is good or bad, the price is often a good indicator of quality. Dogs may not need the most expensive foods out there to survive… but they do need the correct nutritional value in their diet everyday.
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By Wilhelmina Ford To Read More About The Secrets, Myths and Truths of Commercial Dog Food, Check Out, Commercial Dog Food: Myths, Secrets & Truths.