Posts Tagged ‘Quality Food’
Choice cuts of beef, juicy chunks of chicken, whole grains and fresh vegetables, all covered in thick creamy gravy, sounds appetizing does it not? What about rotten meat, mouldy grains, pieces of plastic, bones, and euthanatized pets all in a blood and pus sauce, does that sound like something anyone should eat? Of course not!
For millions of pets this is exactly what their masters feed them and they have no choice but to eat it. We are making our pets eat filth that it’s making them sick, and often times killing them and we don’t even know it.
We blindly trust the slick advertising of the pet food companies and believe that the government wouldn’t allow for our dead pets to later be served to our new pets. We are trusting them with our pet’s lives and they are lying to us.
What do we do? How do we protect man’s best friend? How many years do you want to have your beloved dog, 3 years, 5years or 15 years? If you want your dog to have a long healthy life than the answer is simple we must give them quality homemade dog food, the kind of food they deserve. We can add years to their lives by giving them good wholesome food.
You may be thinking that I am exaggerating things to scare you. I’m not, there’s no need to. The colorful bags on the store shelves that picture quality food and happy pets are a ploy. As consumers it is easy for us to believe what we are told, but as the old saying goes don’t judge a book by it’s cover, don’t judge a product by it’s label.
Haven’t you ever wondered why your hand is shiny and covered in a greasy substance after you put your hand in a bag of dog food? Well I will tell you why. Dog food companies cover their product in grease to make it more palatable to your pet.
Most dogs are too smart to eat the garbage used to make their food, so they cover it to mask what it truly is. Oh, this grease they use is restaurant grease, the kind that sits in big vats in the back of restaurants for weeks if not months. Can you imagine what type of bacteria is in those vats? You know what too much grease in a diet does to a human? It is the same for dogs, it eventually kills them.
To protect your dog you need to be feeding it wholesome nourishing food. After all, that’s what you want for yourself, so why should you treat your dog any different? Making home cooked dog food for your pet can be quick and easy and will prolong your dog’s life.
If you’re still not convinced then let me continue. I’m sure you’ve driven down the road and seen the carcass of an animal that was hit by a car. Do you remember what that looked like? Would you ever consider stopping to pick up that rotting road kill to bring home and feed your Fido? Well when you buy a bag of commercial dog food from your local market that is exactly what you are doing.
Unbelievable, but it is true. In addition to the rotten beef, bits and pieces of chicken bones and beaks, and dead pet parts you are also feeding your pet road kill. You can keep these disgusting things out of your pet and prolong his life by giving him homemade dog food.
We are poisoning our pets and making them sick by feeding them this mass produced dog food. Their bodies can’t process all these bacteria and chemicals without it putting a strain on their systems. They weren’t made to digest the garbage put into the commercial dog food we feed them. This food is causing them to get numerous types of cancers, causing their kidneys to fail, and shutting down their organs.
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
Please, if you do one thing for your pet today, find out how to protect him! You can increase his lifespan by 134% just go to www.dog-food-secrets.org to discover the secret to prolonging your dog’s life…
Dog constipation can be a problem for many dogs. There are various causes but most are harmless and can be avoided or treated.
First of all your dog needs exercise. If the dog is lying around all day long then dog constipation is more than likely. Give him less food when he does not move much. This brings us to the second most important aspect, dog food. The wrong food can easily cause dog constipation or other symptoms.
Choose the food which is appropriate for your dog, its age and weight. Not all pet food is made similar. In fact there are some pretty bad pet foods out there. You should look out for quality food and also give him fresh food from time to time. Instead of giving him one large amount of food, feed your dog twice a day instead. For constipation is is recommended you increases the amount of fiber in the food.
Stress can be another reason for dog constipation. If your dog has to live outside then weather conditions, cold or heat can cause constipation. A dog is an animal which does not like to be alone but always near you or with other dogs. This can cause stress too.
Before changing the diet for your dog you should also talk with your animal doctor. He knows much more about pet food, especially when it comes to dogs. He can also make a proper diagnosis which helps to find other reasons for your dogs constipation.
Unfortunately it is not always about food and exercise. Sometimes the problem is bigger. Dog constipation can also be caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses for example. Also poisoned food can be a cause. Here the veterinarian can help as well.
Your dog can not really care about himself so you have to do is. One of the best things to do is to check his excrements on a daily basis. While this does not sound like fun, it gives you important information about your dogs situation. It gives you early warning signs when something is wrong.
The ideal dog poop does not smell much, is moist but can easily be taken away without breaking apart. Any major changes in your dog’s poop can indicate an upcoming disease or – in the best case – are just a sign for you to change your dog’s nutrition.
There are many good dog food recipes which you can try out to make your dog healthier. On my web site I have some tips about this. One final word of warning though. When you choose high quality dog food then supplements should not be necessary. They could cause imbalances and also lead to dog constipation.
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
Learn how to stop dog constipation at www.DogsConstipation.com
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.
Have you ever wondered whether or not the dog food you feed your precious pooch contributes towards the overall dog grooming and appearance? If you haven’t then it’s time to don your thinking hats and give this a really good thought.
Good Dog Food For Great Dog Grooming and Appearance
Vet recommended dog food for the dog breed you own, is the best and safest choice. However, there are other good dog food brands that meet the ideal dog food tag. If you have often asked yourself, “which dog food should I feed my dog to ensure a healthy, shiny coat and skin,” here’s a list of our criteria for choosing the ideal dog food.
1. Dog food quality. Definitely an important concern if you love your dog. Just like you, your dog deserves good food and quality food. Not only will quality dog food save you money from infrequent visits to the vet, but it will also make your dog healthy and boost his immunity. Good dog food will make its presence felt in the shining and thick coat and the glowing skin. So, you’ll spend less on dog grooming and more on film rolls! Remember, we are who what we eat and the same is applicable for canines. So choose carefully!
2. Dog food price. Sure, good quality dog food comes at a price, but if you are being charged an arm and leg in the name of quality, then it’s best to choose another brand. Quality dog food at a reasonable price is what you should be looking for. Check with your dog’s vet for recommendations.
3. Dog food taste. We enjoy food that tastes good. Similarly, your dog should like what you feed him. If you have already tried many dog foods that your dog can’t stand, it’s time to look more carefully. Tasteful, healthy, and nutritious food is important for your precious pooch’s long life and appearance.
4. Dog food availability. While there are many premium dog food brands that meet the criteria of quality, taste and price, they simply aren’t available that easily. There is no point having to order dog food via a special shipment as that will cost you dearly. Look closer home and you are bound to find some good dog food options.
5. Dog food and corporate responsibility. Dog food manufacturing companies that understand the needs of the dogs but also of the dog owners and are constantly innovating to ensure the quality of their food, are our recommended choice.
6. Do I need a dog food that is specific to breed? Many of the leading manufacturers have infested many years researching the specific nutritional needs of all breeds, including kibble size and exercise requirements, this information is then tailored in a unique food. Breed specific dog food has been around for some time and many owners of dogs from Rottweiler to Cocker Spaniel all agree that every breed is different, but breed specific food ensures the best for your dog!
Finally, you may want to spend some time researching the internet for dog food brands that not only offer quality, but also meet the other important criteria. Remember, a healthy and well-groomed dog will not only make you proud but also bring you long-lasting joy!
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
If you need further information on breed specific dog food, including Royal Canin and Hills visit our resource centre. We also have a great range of products for dog grooming with hundreds of specialist brushes and combs.
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition to remain healthy. Vets and pet food manufacturers often have differing views on appropriate nutrition for your dog. Although commercial pet food manufacturers are motivated in large part by profits, commercially prepared foods are routinely recommended as part of an adequate, or good, diet for your dog. Sometimes your vet or dog breeder may approve of commercially prepared foods as your dog’s sole diet. Many experts, however, tend to prefer a largely natural diet which for dogs is invariably comprised of meat and bones. Raw is preferable to cooked, as some of the minerals are definitely lost in the cooking process.
The reason why the commercially prepared pet food is so often fed to our dogs, is because, apart from the convenience, it can (depending upon the quality) actually contain many of the nutrients which are essential to your dog’s wellbeing. The key word here is quality. There are in fact very, very few commercial manufacturers which produce nutrient-rich food. And they’re not the brands you find in your supermarket, or even in most pet stores or vetinarians.
Raw bones with a little dry food as well as occasional rice or pasta, and perhaps the odd quality food scrap from your table, will generally contain most of the nutrients which your dog needs.
All dogs must obtain reasonable nutrition from their food to maintain excellent health and performance. The main nutrients required by your dog are water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Vitamin or mineral deficiency in dogs fed a commercially manufactured diet today is not widely publicised. But then again, the slosh and dried formulae which are readily available from your vet or the local supermarket are not your dog’s natural diet. If your dog was left to fend for itself in the wild (assuming it could manage to adapt, that is), would choose raw meat. And one of the reasons why meat, and especially bones, are so good, is the chewing action and the teeth cleaning function which the bones perform. Of course, there are also commercially prepared substitutes which can also effectively clean your dog‘s teeth and satisfy his/her need to chew.
A lesser known fact is that to feed your dog only meat (with no bones and no cereals or other carbohydrate source) can cause severe deficiencies: your dog is likely to become lethargic, sick, and even death has been known to occur from an all meat diet. But what about dogs in the wild, I hear you ask? Isn’t meat a dog’s natural diet? Isn’t that what you just said, Brigitte? Well, yes and no: in the wild dogs eat the whole of their prey, not simply muscle meat – they thus obtain vegetable matter from the digestive tract of their prey, and calcium from the bones. As well, wild dogs occasionally, but routinely, add to their diet with plants, fruit and berries.
Most dogs relish some raw fruit and vegetables in their diet, so long as that’s what they’re used to. A dog who has been fed commercially prepared dog food all of its life won’t be used to the taste of fresh food, so may well turn up his/her nose if you introduce such healthy food later in life. But persevere – try hand feeding pieces of carrot or apple to begin with. And if your dog is still very young, all the better. Start as you mean to go on and feed him/her some raw fruit and vegetables from time to time. Your dog’s health will benefit!
(c) 2005, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs
Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com
Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in natural health for dogs. For your free special report, as well as weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog, click here for your dog health report.
Allergies abound in today’s health arena, for dogs as well as humans. There are a various causes for this, but in my opinion, there is only one maintaining cause, ie the reason it keeps going.
As a rule, allergies are showing that the sufferer has a very weak immune system. When you are considering feeding your dog a hypoallergenic dog food, you know that his immune system is at rock bottom.
I’m not going to address the possible causes here, but I am going to look at bringing your dog’s immune system up, so that he is no longer so sensitive.
Food is consumed every day. So food has the biggest impact on your dog’s health. Whatever the label may say, if you’re feeding your dog a commercial hypoallergenic dog food, then you’re contributing to his discomfort and ill health.
All commercial pet foods are basically the same:
over cooked, destroying vital nutrients
use of very low quality food, such as dead animals and high fat
use of any cheap filler to bulk it out
use of highly toxic preservatives – how else do you keep ‘meat’ products indefinitely, at room temperature
Each one of these aspects of commercial dog food will undermine your dog’s immune system. Bringing them all together ensures he can’t fight off any health issue that comes his way.
The best way to help bring up your dog’s immune system is to feed him as his ancestors fed – with raw meat and bones.
I’m not saying that by feeding your dog as nature intended he will necessarily completely recover from his allergies. But he’ll do a whole lot better than he will by feeding him a commercial hypoallergenic dog food.
There is no true holistic vet or animal therapist who doesn’t adhere to this policy.
Once you have his diet addressed and he’s been on it for enough time to see what it alone can cure, then it’s time to consider treatment.
Being a natural therapist myself (a homeopath), of course I’m biased! But I get a lot of animals come to me who vets haven’t been able to help. Once I get the dog on the natural diet, then the homoeopathic remedy of choice finishes the problem off. Without the diet, the remedy can only palliate.
What I’m really saying is that there is no such thing as hypoallergenic dog food. There is only good, healthy dog food and unhealthy dog food. You will never address a problem if you don’t look at the cause (which homeopathy does so well) and you don’t contribute to it.
Suppose you have a riot in the city (allergies). You can send in the police and the riot will die down (allergies seem to clear up). But underneath the unrest continues (the cause of the allergies hasn’t been cured), and the real reasons are left untouched, only to fester into a much worse state (now hypoallergenic). Homeopathy is akin to finding the cause of the riots and disturbances and dealing with those in a peaceful and constructive way. That is the true nature of cure. (See afternote.)
So don’t be taken in by the pretty words and smiling actors on a packet of commercial hypoallergenic dog food. It will do nothing to bring your dog’s immune system back up, which is the only way to help cure his sensitivities.
I consider there is only one type of healthy dog food, only one type which help restore even the sickest dog’s immune system. And that’s the one based on the natural diet of wild dogs.
Footnote
The above example was written by Jeremy Sherr, a leading UK homeopath.
Allergies abound in today’s health arena, for dogs as well as humans. There are a various causes for this, but in my opinion, there is only one maintaining cause, ie the reason it keeps going.
As a rule, allergies are showing that the sufferer has a very weak immune system. When you are considering feeding your dog a hypoallergenic dog food, you know that his immune system is at rock bottom.
I’m not going to address the possible causes here, but I am going to look at bringing your dog’s immune system up, so that he is no longer so sensitive.
Food is consumed every day. So food has the biggest impact on your dog’s health. Whatever the label may say, if you’re feeding your dog a commercial hypoallergenic dog food, then you’re contributing to his discomfort and ill health.
All commercial pet foods are basically the same:
over cooked, destroying vital nutrients
use of very low quality food, such as dead animals and high fat
use of any cheap filler to bulk it out
use of highly toxic preservatives – how else do you keep ‘meat’ products indefinitely, at room temperature
Each one of these aspects of commercial dog food will undermine your dog’s immune system. Bringing them all together ensures he can’t fight off any health issue that comes his way.
The best way to help bring up your dog’s immune system is to feed him as his ancestors fed – with raw meat and bones.
I’m not saying that by feeding your dog as nature intended he will necessarily completely recover from his allergies. But he’ll do a whole lot better than he will by feeding him a commercial hypoallergenic dog food.
There is no true holistic vet or animal therapist who doesn’t adhere to this policy.
Once you have his diet addressed and he’s been on it for enough time to see what it alone can cure, then it’s time to consider treatment.
Being a natural therapist myself (a homeopath), of course I’m biased! But I get a lot of animals come to me who vets haven’t been able to help. Once I get the dog on the natural diet, then the homoeopathic remedy of choice finishes the problem off. Without the diet, the remedy can only palliate.
What I’m really saying is that there is no such thing as hypoallergenic dog food. There is only good, healthy dog food and unhealthy dog food. You will never address a problem if you don’t look at the cause (which homeopathy does so well) and you don’t contribute to it.
Suppose you have a riot in the city (allergies). You can send in the police and the riot will die down (allergies seem to clear up). But underneath the unrest continues (the cause of the allergies hasn’t been cured), and the real reasons are left untouched, only to fester into a much worse state (now hypoallergenic). Homeopathy is akin to finding the cause of the riots and disturbances and dealing with those in a peaceful and constructive way. That is the true nature of cure. (See afternote.)
So don’t be taken in by the pretty words and smiling actors on a packet of commercial hypoallergenic dog food. It will do nothing to bring your dog’s immune system back up, which is the only way to help cure his sensitivities.
I consider there is only one type of healthy dog food, only one type which help restore even the sickest dog’s immune system. And that’s the one based on the natural diet of wild dogs.
Footnote
The above example was written by Jeremy Sherr, a leading UK homeopath.
Article Source: http://www.articlewarehouse.com
Madeleine Innocent is a practicing homeopath, a specialised modality of natural health care. She treats both people and animals in her busy West Australian practice. Madeleine loves to spread the good work of homeopathy and other areas of natural health care and writes extensively on the subject. For a complimentary ebook on how to have a healthy dog, starting today, visit naturallyhealthydogs.com or www.bestdoghealth.blogspot.com
You have probably all heard and read a lot of different information about health and nutrition for your dog. Commercial dog food companies realize that we want a nutritionally balanced, high quality food for our pets. After much study, we now have a better understanding of various ingredients that are beneficial and how these ingredients impact our dog’s health. It has also been found that a high quality pet vitamin can be helpful in maintaining optimal health in dogs.
Certain minerals are crucial for things like the functioning of muscles and nerves, transporting oxygen in the blood, and formation of bone and cartilage. The two minerals required in the highest amount are Calcium and Phosphorous. These minerals work together in the body to grow and maintain the skeletal system. The important thing is the ratio of calcium and phosphorous to provide the best nutrition. Magnesium also works with calcium and phosphorous as well as Vitamin C, Vitamin E and potassium. Magnesium aids the body in absorbing the other vitamins and minerals. Potassium helps maintain the level of fluid and is also needed for enzymes, muscles, and nerves.
Some other important things you should look for in a pet vitamin-mineral supplement include, copper, iodine, zinc, selenium, manganese and iron. Although these minerals are required in lesser amounts, they are equally important.
Copper works as an antioxidant, as well as forming red blood cells and aiding in the development of collagen and connective tissue. Iodine is needed for the functioning of the thyroid gland and production of thyroid hormone. the thyroid gland regulates growth and metabolism. Iron and copper together produce hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Selenium is an antioxidant and zinc is beneficial for skin and coat.
For older dogs, a pet vitamin containing the supplements glucosamine and chondroitin can be extremely helpful in dealing with arthritis. These nutrients support joints and decrease damage to joint cartilage and are completely safe for your dog.
A high quality, all natural pet vitamin contains some other ingredients that provide health benefits for your dog. Some of these ingredients are not as familiar, but are helpful in keeping your dog as healthy as possible. Ingredients like kelp, seaweed, algae and brewers yeast are known as prebiotic and probiotic supplements. They provide natural sources of antioxidants and vitamins, and aid in digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Our pets are living a longer, better quality life than ever before. Now that we understand the importance of good nutrition, we can provide our beloved pets with the best quality food and pet vitamins available.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol
You have probably all heard and read a lot of different information about health and nutrition for your dog. Commercial dog food companies realize that we want a nutritionally balanced, high quality food for our pets. After much study, we now have a better understanding of various ingredients that are beneficial and how these ingredients impact our dog’s health. It has also been found that a high quality pet vitamin can be helpful in maintaining optimal health in dogs.
Certain minerals are crucial for things like the functioning of muscles and nerves, transporting oxygen in the blood, and formation of bone and cartilage. The two minerals required in the highest amount are Calcium and Phosphorous. These minerals work together in the body to grow and maintain the skeletal system. The important thing is the ratio of calcium and phosphorous to provide the best nutrition. Magnesium also works with calcium and phosphorous as well as Vitamin C, Vitamin E and potassium. Magnesium aids the body in absorbing the other vitamins and minerals. Potassium helps maintain the level of fluid and is also needed for enzymes, muscles, and nerves.
Some other important things you should look for in a pet vitamin-mineral supplement include, copper, iodine, zinc, selenium, manganese and iron. Although these minerals are required in lesser amounts, they are equally important.
Copper works as an antioxidant, as well as forming red blood cells and aiding in the development of collagen and connective tissue. Iodine is needed for the functioning of the thyroid gland and production of thyroid hormone. the thyroid gland regulates growth and metabolism. Iron and copper together produce hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Selenium is an antioxidant and zinc is beneficial for skin and coat.
For older dogs, a pet vitamin containing the supplements glucosamine and chondroitin can be extremely helpful in dealing with arthritis. These nutrients support joints and decrease damage to joint cartilage and are completely safe for your dog.
A high quality, all natural pet vitamin contains some other ingredients that provide health benefits for your dog. Some of these ingredients are not as familiar, but are helpful in keeping your dog as healthy as possible. Ingredients like kelp, seaweed, algae and brewers yeast are known as prebiotic and probiotic supplements. They provide natural sources of antioxidants and vitamins, and aid in digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Our pets are living a longer, better quality life than ever before. Now that we understand the importance of good nutrition, we can provide our beloved pets with the best quality food and pet vitamins available.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol
Article Source: http://www.articlewarehouse.com
Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to petvitamins4u.com or to theroadhousedobes.com for further information
Your choice of dog food makes a huge difference in the health of your dog. Pet foods range radically in quality from the supercheap to the highly expensive. They are geared for diverse ages, stages, sizes, and even breeds. How the heck do you discern which pet food to select from amongst the many that decorate pet and grocery store shelves?
With the assistance of your vet, you can establish what your dog needs to eat. If your dog is healthy, a first-rate adult maintenance diet is most likely just fine. Read the label, look for identifiable meat protein sources listed among the first few ingredients, and get assistance from your vet. If you are not positive about which food is best for your dogs, puppies, adult dogs, senior dogs, and dogs with special needs.
Puppies need a high-quality puppy food, but large breed puppies, even the skinny ones, must grow slowly, therefore after the first few months of life, most of these dogs need to be weaned off puppy food. Large breeds like Labs, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and large mixed breeds are suceptible to bone and joint abnormalities as they get older. If they grow too quickly bones will not be as dense, and joints will not develop well. Feed large-breed puppies a high-quality food with modest amounts of protein, fat and calories.
Senior dogs and dogs with special needs, for instance injuries or diseases, may have specific nutritional needs. Dogs that develop kidney problems might need a low-protein food, but other seniors must have enough protein to keep their muscles nourished. Many good prescription foods focus on specific health problems and chronic diseases. Consult your vet, who can advise you best about prescription diets to meet your pets individual needs.
To a large degree, price is a good indication of quality, but more high-priced premium foods are actually more of a good buy than you might think. Cheap pet foods are packed full of fillers, such as protein sources that are not as digestible, where as the more pricey protein sources include quality muscle meat. When dogs eat cheap foods, their stools are large, soft, messy, and quite bluntly, stinky. When they consume premium foods, their stool is smaller, tighter, easier to clean up, and scarcely smell at all. That is because dogs actually digest more of the food and that means you will not have to feed your dog as much food to get the similar or greater nutritional value.
Quality diets come in dry kibble, canned, frozen raw meats, or dehydrated patties. Every one has its specific benefits, and your decision usually depends on what you are able to spend, how much time you have to take preparing the food, and if your dog in fact eats it. Dry kibble contains greater fiber and helps keep teeth clean, but it contains less water, so dogs might need to drink more water to compensate. Canned food may taste better and contain more water, but some vets think it may donate to tooth decay. It also gets pricey for large dogs because it is less concentrated than kibble, so you feed your dog more of it. For some dogs, frozen and dehydrated raw diets may be healthy, if they are from a reputable company, but they can be costly and need to be defrosted or rehydrated. Raw food is controversial, debate rages over if it is more nutritious or more likely to harbor harmful bacteria, so consult your vet about whether raw food is a good diet for your dog. One type of food that the majority of vets will not recommend is semimoist. While these chewy kibble pieces might taste good to dogs, they are usually packed with sweeteners and artificial colors and are not a good nutritional choice, semimoist dog food would be considered junk food for your dogs.
Your choice of dog food makes a huge difference in the health of your dog. Pet foods range radically in quality from the supercheap to the highly expensive. They are geared for diverse ages, stages, sizes, and even breeds. How the heck do you discern which pet food to select from amongst the many that decorate pet and grocery store shelves?
With the assistance of your vet, you can establish what your dog needs to eat. If your dog is healthy, a first-rate adult maintenance diet is most likely just fine. Read the label, look for identifiable meat protein sources listed among the first few ingredients, and get assistance from your vet. If you are not positive about which food is best for your dogs, puppies, adult dogs, senior dogs, and dogs with special needs.
Puppies need a high-quality puppy food, but large breed puppies, even the skinny ones, must grow slowly, therefore after the first few months of life, most of these dogs need to be weaned off puppy food. Large breeds like Labs, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and large mixed breeds are suceptible to bone and joint abnormalities as they get older. If they grow too quickly bones will not be as dense, and joints will not develop well. Feed large-breed puppies a high-quality food with modest amounts of protein, fat and calories.
Senior dogs and dogs with special needs, for instance injuries or diseases, may have specific nutritional needs. Dogs that develop kidney problems might need a low-protein food, but other seniors must have enough protein to keep their muscles nourished. Many good prescription foods focus on specific health problems and chronic diseases. Consult your vet, who can advise you best about prescription diets to meet your pets individual needs.
To a large degree, price is a good indication of quality, but more high-priced premium foods are actually more of a good buy than you might think. Cheap pet foods are packed full of fillers, such as protein sources that are not as digestible, where as the more pricey protein sources include quality muscle meat. When dogs eat cheap foods, their stools are large, soft, messy, and quite bluntly, stinky. When they consume premium foods, their stool is smaller, tighter, easier to clean up, and scarcely smell at all. That is because dogs actually digest more of the food and that means you will not have to feed your dog as much food to get the similar or greater nutritional value.
Quality diets come in dry kibble, canned, frozen raw meats, or dehydrated patties. Every one has its specific benefits, and your decision usually depends on what you are able to spend, how much time you have to take preparing the food, and if your dog in fact eats it. Dry kibble contains greater fiber and helps keep teeth clean, but it contains less water, so dogs might need to drink more water to compensate. Canned food may taste better and contain more water, but some vets think it may donate to tooth decay. It also gets pricey for large dogs because it is less concentrated than kibble, so you feed your dog more of it. For some dogs, frozen and dehydrated raw diets may be healthy, if they are from a reputable company, but they can be costly and need to be defrosted or rehydrated. Raw food is controversial, debate rages over if it is more nutritious or more likely to harbor harmful bacteria, so consult your vet about whether raw food is a good diet for your dog. One type of food that the majority of vets will not recommend is semimoist. While these chewy kibble pieces might taste good to dogs, they are usually packed with sweeteners and artificial colors and are not a good nutritional choice, semimoist dog food would be considered junk food for your dogs.
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