While the occasion table scraps as treats probably won’t hurt one’s furry friends, what a pet dog really needs for proper nutrition is dog food. It’s true that the ancestors of today’s dogs hunted and ate meat. And feeding a dog the occasional meat hunk or carcass probably won’t hurt. But today’s dogs are thoroughly domesticated and are different creatures. Constant table food can cause obesity and even a form of diabetes in dogs.

Dog food is designed with the necessary proteins and other vitamins and minerals dogs need to be healthy. Just like humans, dogs can experience clogged arteries and heart attacks. It’s important to include dog food in the diet in order to keep man’s best friend in prime health.

There are many types of dog food. There are many scientifically designed varieties meant to address different aspects of canine health. Some dog food targets the coat, some target joints. There is a type of dog food for nearly any dog. There are even breed-specific foods, as well as foods designed for the different ages of dogs.

Proper care of one’s dog can result in years of pleasant companionship and beautiful memories. The therapeutic effects owning a pet are well documented. Pets can help teach children responsibility. However, not taking care of this fellow creature can result in heartbreak and regret. Dogs need regular exercise, lots of love, and minimal access to table scraps. What the healthy dog really needs to eat is dog food.

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James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at www.dog-food-central.info

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

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Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to petvitamins4u.com or to theroadhousedobes.com for further information

If you’re like other dog owners, you’re taking a much closer look at those dog food labels. They claim to offer the top quality, balanced diet for your pet, but how can you know if it’s true? How do you guarantee that your dog eats only healthy food? Is it even possible to get healthy dog food from manufacturers now?

It has become tougher to find inexpensive healthy dog food. They use high levels of preservatives and take a lot of processing that destroys nutrients. Many use filler to make up the quantity but it does nothing for quality. The most common fillers are wheat and corn. Dogs don’t need corn. In fact, it can be slow to digest, giving your dog no nutrients whatsoever.

Corn and wheat can also trigger allergies in some dogs. Any grain product should include the entire grain so your dog gets all the benefits including fiber, vitamins and minerals. Look for rolled oats, barley, millet and brown rice as these will provide the best nutritional value.

When you read the dog food label, look for those with the best ingredient ratio, which is 40% meat, 50% vegetables and 10% grains. The items are listed in order of quantity. You’ll want to make sure meat is at the top of the list.

Watch out for meat by-products as this can include indigestible parts of the animals such as feet and beaks. Also, be aware of manufacturers who list meat as the main product, and then follow it with meat by-products. This alters the nutritional ratio significantly.

Did you know that Vitamins A and B make good preservatives? Look for labels that list these instead of the cancer-causing chemical preservatives BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin.

Choose a good quality, reputable dog food rather than economy brands as the premium food will contain ingredients of higher nutritional value.

Keep in mind that your dog might benefit more from a specific type of dog food, rather than a one-for-all brand. While both types of food offer value, some dogs have additional needs. Factors include your breed’s inherited health risks, your dog’s activity levels and any other underlying conditions that require certain dog food nutrients.

If you want to ensure your dog receives only healthy dog food, you can make it yourself. There are many recipes available online and in dog recipe books. Run an Internet search and you’re sure to find a wealth of choices. Look for dog-related forums. People love to go online and chat about their favorite subject – their pets – and share recipes.

Knowing how to read dog food labels will help you to identify the best product for your pet, but you can’t beat homemade for your peace of mind and to provide the best nutritional and healthy dog food to your beloved best friend.

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Sylvia Dickens is an award-winning journalist who is also a lifelong dog owner. You can read more Dog Training tips on her site. Pick up your free copy of her latest booklet, “Unveiling the Myths & Mysteries of Owning a Puppy”

I don’t understand why the concept of Healthy Natural Dog Food is so hard for you humans to grasp. You are finally trying to eat well yourself as is evidenced by the proliferation of Whole Foods, Fresh Markets and assorted other nouveau supermarkets dedicated to providing natural foods for humans so why not for us dogs? I don’t believe there is anyone more qualified to judge what does and what should go into that dog bowl them me, your humble Wonderdog. After all, I am the one who has to eat it.

How would you like to sit down for every breakfast, lunch and dinner for the rest of your life and be served a bowl of dry processed cereal? Why do it to your dog then? There’s nothing wrong with a bowl of Cheerios now and again, according to the label they are fortified and contain tons of vitamins and minerals but you wouldn’t want to live on them. Variety is the spice of life. I will bet that it wasn’t a dog eating a diet of exclusively processed commercial foods that came up with that line.

While we’re talking about it, what’s with the double standard? I’m talking about a legal loophole for commercial pet food manufacturers labelled “Pet Grade”. Why would such a thing even need to exist? I’ll tell you why, it’s because it’s all of the garbage that is deemed not fit for human consumption. Healthy Natural Dog Food is a complete oxymoron with respect to most commercial grade pet foods. Now I know that a dog, even your dog, isn’t human. Thank goodness for that, you people have enough problems but that doesn’t mean we should be deprived of vital nutrients because you can’t see through the marketing propaganda of the commercial pet food companies. Oh, their commercials are wonderful showing happy dogs with great coats and lots of energy. Those dogs are actors. They are probably eating Filet Mignon and traveling first class. They are the Brangelina’s of the canine world. How about making your dog feel like a movie star, or at the very least a Wonderdog. Whether you buy it in a store or you have to cook it yourself please feed your dogs Healthy Natural Dog Food.

Bugsy Wonderdog

Certainly spoken like someone who has never had to cook dog food for himself but overall I think he makes some great points. The innocuous little label “pet grade” in many cases might just as well say, “poison”. One of my favorite rules to live by when feeding my dogs is that if I wouldn’t eat it myself, I won’t feed it to my dog. You might want to listen closely here, it’s not everyday you get info right from the Wonderdog’s mouth. He is an actor, a model, a spokesdog and even an author but most importantly he’s a dog and as such has earned the title of “man’s best friend”. Let’s pay back some of that friendship by feeding Bugsy and all of our canine friends what they really need.

Dr. Janice Elenbaas

Always remember, health comes from the inside out!

I am in a relatively unique position in that I own a dog that doesn’t know he’s a dog. My dog “Bugsy Wonderdog” (I just named him Bugsy, he added the Wonderdog part) has had an opinion on everything ever since he was a puppy. Usually he is correct. He recently asked me if he could write a couple of articles for me so, as is the case with most dog lovers, I gave in to my puppy and I let him do it. I have taken the liberty of including his first article in the text of this one and I must admit that as usual I believe he’s right. The need for healthy natural dog food and human grade dog food is a passion of mine and from a scientific perspective can be proven. To look at it from the dog’s perspective is an interesting paradigm shift. So without further ado I bring you words of wisdom from the Wonderdog.

I don’t understand why the concept of Healthy Natural Dog Food is so hard for you humans to grasp. You are finally trying to eat well yourself as is evidenced by the proliferation of Whole Foods, Fresh Markets and assorted other nouveau supermarkets dedicated to providing natural foods for humans so why not for us dogs? I don’t believe there is anyone more qualified to judge what does and what should go into that dog bowl them me, your humble Wonderdog. After all, I am the one who has to eat it.

How would you like to sit down for every breakfast, lunch and dinner for the rest of your life and be served a bowl of dry processed cereal? Why do it to your dog then? There’s nothing wrong with a bowl of Cheerios now and again, according to the label they are fortified and contain tons of vitamins and minerals but you wouldn’t want to live on them. Variety is the spice of life. I will bet that it wasn’t a dog eating a diet of exclusively processed commercial foods that came up with that line.

While we’re talking about it, what’s with the double standard? I’m talking about a legal loophole for commercial pet food manufacturers labelled “Pet Grade”. Why would such a thing even need to exist? I’ll tell you why, it’s because it’s all of the garbage that is deemed not fit for human consumption. Healthy Natural Dog Food is a complete oxymoron with respect to most commercial grade pet foods. Now I know that a dog, even your dog, isn’t human. Thank goodness for that, you people have enough problems but that doesn’t mean we should be deprived of vital nutrients because you can’t see through the marketing propaganda of the commercial pet food companies. Oh, their commercials are wonderful showing happy dogs with great coats and lots of energy. Those dogs are actors. They are probably eating Filet Mignon and traveling first class. They are the Brangelina’s of the canine world. How about making your dog feel like a movie star, or at the very least a Wonderdog. Whether you buy it in a store or you have to cook it yourself please feed your dogs Healthy Natural Dog Food.

Bugsy Wonderdog

Certainly spoken like someone who has never had to cook dog food for himself but overall I think he makes some great points. The innocuous little label “pet grade” in many cases might just as well say, “poison”. One of my favorite rules to live by when feeding my dogs is that if I wouldn’t eat it myself, I won’t feed it to my dog. You might want to listen closely here, it’s not everyday you get info right from the Wonderdog’s mouth. He is an actor, a model, a spokesdog and even an author but most importantly he’s a dog and as such has earned the title of “man’s best friend”. Let’s pay back some of that friendship by feeding Bugsy and all of our canine friends what they really need.

Dr. Janice Elenbaas

Always remember, health comes from the inside out!

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The first woman in Canada certified to perform Chiropractic on animals, DR. JANICE ELENBAAS DC is a long time advocate for “whole foods” for both people and pets. Her passion for dogs is evident in her work as CEO of Lucky Dog Cuisine, a company that makes all natural “human grade” meals for dogs. To receive her FREE INFOSERIES on dog nutrition please follow => www.luckydogcuisine.com

Selecting a high-quality diet for your dog will amplify the likelihood of a long and happy life for your pet. A healthy choice for your dog’s diet will include the basic vitamins and minerals essential for your dog’s wellbeing. Also, your dog’s diet should include some extra nutritional supplements. Talk with your vet concerning your dog’s diet. They will be willing to help you make informed and educated decisions concerning your dog’s diet. Ask about glucosamine or fish oils to combat health issues such as arthritis and dandruff.

Your dog’s diet will affect your pet’s energy level. If the dog’s diet is lacking, your pet may be lethargic or unable to relax contently. If your pet requires extra nutrition to run or walk considerable distances, a healthy diet is crucial.

Your dog’s diet affects the amount and size of outputs. At what time your pet eats a vigorous diet with few fillers, the excrement is less. This is important to lessen the cleanup of the kennel or courtyard. Ask any handler who picks up after their dog and learn the importance of your dog’s diet.

Obesity is not just a problem for people. Weight is also a concern for your pet. Your dog’s diet theater an important role in maintaining a vigorous weight for your pet. Extra treats can seem like a simple luxury, but they can produce serious health problems when given to your pet too frequently.

Finding the finest diet for your dog be able to even help to reduce reactions to food allergies. Decreasing allergy troubles will make your dog feel so much better. Sometimes a simple change in the type of dog food can make such a difference to your pet. Your dog’s diet affects every aspect of your dog’s health..

Your pet’s coat will look and sense better with a in good physical shape diet. Good diet and adequate grooming will keep your pet’s coat looking shiny and magnificent.

The type of dog food you select for your dog’s cut down can even make a difference with your pet’s teeth. Choosing a dry dog food can help to sharpen and polish your dog’s teeth. Avoiding canned food at what time probable will help to reduce tartar and plaque.

As you can see, a dog’s diet influences everything from outputs to teeth. Even your dog’s energy level and attitude is affected by the dog’s diet. Selecting your dog’s diet wisely and consulting your veterinarian is a wonderful way to improve the excellence of your pet’s life.

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Sharonsky is entrepreneur expert of digital imaging and processing founder of Studio Sharon, a special imagine boutique providing graphic design services and business development within the high technology industries and the art world. Sharon master the world’s most advanced digital image processing and editing tools. for more interesting information click here or here please visit my site here Sharon is entrepreneur expert of internet marketing

Here is an interesting fact that you should know about dog food. If you give your pet the same brand every month, you are actually risking his health. You are exposing your pet to potential health problems, which include malnutrition and even food poisoning.

Everyone is also familiar with the presence of additives and preservatives in most packed dog foods. The accumulation of these synthetic elements may cause harm to your pet. This build up of unnecessary chemicals can weaken the immune system of your dog and may lead to sickness and infection.

With this, one can really assume that there is no guarantee of complete and balanced dog nutrition by using packed dog foods. Manufacturers and producers may claim that their products offer the best nutritional value. But there are factors that can affect and reduce the quality of packaged dog food. For example, during the distribution and storage of dog products, certain elements like temperature changes can affect the nutrients inside the product.

Another likely cause of decreased nutritional value is the fact that manufacturers use ingredients from outside sources. Manufacturers have little control over the nutritional quality of these ingredients. There is even a possibility that dog food brands may contain excessive amounts of magnesium and calcium, which do not meet the requirements of veterinarians and dog nutritionists.

During the manufacturing stage, some of the most important vitamins and minerals weaken due to the application of heat and chemical processes. At home, most pet owners love to stock up on dog foods, which of course leads to over storage.

Switching from one dog food brand to another does not even guarantee perfect nutrition for your pet dogs. But the idea is to prevent you from exposing your dog to excessive and unwanted amounts of chemicals. Diversifying your dog’s food in a monthly basis provides balance. To make sure that your dog gets complete nutrition, read the nutritional labels of the different brands. Make sure that you buy fresh dog products only.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol

Dog nutrition is something that every pet owner should prioritize. But with the availability of instant dog foods, are you really giving your pets the necessary nutrition? Veterinarians advise that pet owners should make dog nutrition balanced and complete. Experts say that you can achieve this by switching from one dog food brand to another. There are important things to remember though when you are switching brands and assuring your dog’s nutrition.

Here is an interesting fact that you should know about dog food. If you give your pet the same brand every month, you are actually risking his health. You are exposing your pet to potential health problems, which include malnutrition and even food poisoning.

Everyone is also familiar with the presence of additives and preservatives in most packed dog foods. The accumulation of these synthetic elements may cause harm to your pet. This build up of unnecessary chemicals can weaken the immune system of your dog and may lead to sickness and infection.

With this, one can really assume that there is no guarantee of complete and balanced dog nutrition by using packed dog foods. Manufacturers and producers may claim that their products offer the best nutritional value. But there are factors that can affect and reduce the quality of packaged dog food. For example, during the distribution and storage of dog products, certain elements like temperature changes can affect the nutrients inside the product.

Another likely cause of decreased nutritional value is the fact that manufacturers use ingredients from outside sources. Manufacturers have little control over the nutritional quality of these ingredients. There is even a possibility that dog food brands may contain excessive amounts of magnesium and calcium, which do not meet the requirements of veterinarians and dog nutritionists.

During the manufacturing stage, some of the most important vitamins and minerals weaken due to the application of heat and chemical processes. At home, most pet owners love to stock up on dog foods, which of course leads to over storage.

Switching from one dog food brand to another does not even guarantee perfect nutrition for your pet dogs. But the idea is to prevent you from exposing your dog to excessive and unwanted amounts of chemicals. Diversifying your dog’s food in a monthly basis provides balance. To make sure that your dog gets complete nutrition, read the nutritional labels of the different brands. Make sure that you buy fresh dog products only.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol

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Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to petvitamins4u.com or to theroadhousedobes.com for further information

Dogs should have a minimum of 18% protein for maintenance when they are adults, and 22% for reproduction and growth. Fat should be a minimum of 5% for adult dogs, and 8% for reproduction and growth. But the more fat that is in the diet, the more protein there should be. Fat makes dogs, as well as people, eat less by making them feel fuller. If they eat less, and there are less of other essential nutrients like protein and vitamins and minerals, the dog will not get the nourishment it needs.

Generally, commercial pet food is made according to the appropriate guidelines, but care should be taken if significant amounts of other food is added to the diet, and it is high in fat.

But whether you’re feeding your dog commercial dog food, or home made dog food, there are a few things to keep in mind so you don’t end up with a fussy dog:

* dogs should be fed once a day once they are no longer puppies, or two small meals, no more. Feeding your dog too frequently when he is older can turn him appear like a fussy eater, when he is actually full.

* feeding your dog too regularly can get him into the routine of expecting to eat at those times, too, and may lead to weight gain. Letting him get hungry, and feeding sensibly, will not harm him. In the wild, dogs would eat for once a day until they were completely full.

* Don’t stand and stare at your dog waiting for him to eat. He will likely think something is wrong, or something else is coming, and won’t eat.

* Don’t give into your dog and give him something else straight away if he refuses his meal, as he’s effectively training you and not the other way around!

* There’s nothing wrong with feeding your dog a varied diet, but don’t keep changing the food because he seems fussy and won’t eat it. Make sure nothing is wrong with him physically first, then if he is healthy, take charge of the situation. Put his food down, leave him to it, and then 30 minutes later go and check to see whether it’s been eaten. If it hasn’t, take it away, then at the end of the day put down some fresh food. Repeat the process, and take it away 30 minutes later if it still isn’t eaten. This way you’ll train your dog to eat his food, and not reinforce his behaviour.

Brian Kilcommons has a very interesting method for teaching dogs to eat their food. When the above fails, he prepared the dog food in front of the dog, making lots of ‘yummy’ noises whilst he did it. He made it slowly, and when the dog still wasn’t interested, he put it down in front of his face, then took it straight away and threw it out. He did this first at breakfast, then at dinner. At dinner, the dog in question was more interested, but he still threw it out after putting it in front of him. The next morning, the dog was jumping up and down whilst the food was being prepared. He put it down, pulled it away, then looked at him for about a minute, then left it for him to eat. That dog now eats anything put down for him.

* If your dog suddenly goes off his food, it could be because he has dental problems, or a stomach problem. Get him checked out by the vet.

* Some dogs do actually prefer a certain type of food, just as people do. Try your dog with a variety of foods, and if he only eats one type, and will starve himself if he doesn’t get it, the best solution can simply be to feed him that type of food.

* Don’t feed your dog a high fat diet, or junk food, including chocolate. It’s not good for them.

References: Brian Kilcommons, Good Owners, Great Dogs

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For more information on feeding your dog a natural dog food diet, see this article. For information on commercial v’s non commercial dog food that might shock you, see this article.

First of all, your dog needs 45 nutrients to function properly. Major groups for these nutrients are protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals, as well as water. These nutrients have to be in the right amounts so that they are properly digested and absorbed by the body.

Remember that your dog, or any dog for that matter, is a carnivore, meaning his body mainly uses meat. That also means that vegetables and grains are not supposed to have a major contribution to your pet’s diet.

On dog food packages how much protein is in the food is indicated. But finding out how much protein is in the food is not as important as knowing what source the protein came from.

Dog food makers have a wide choice of protein sources to choose from. Aside from meats (beef, chicken, lamb, etc.), plants and grains like corn, wheat and soy are used as sources.

To find out what sources have been used most in the package you’re buying, look at the ingredients list. By law, the largest amount of ingredient used is listed first and others follow in decreasing amounts. You should see 3 meat sources on the first 5 items mentioned. Any less than that and you may not be giving your dog the proper protein for his diet.

Your dog will also need carbohydrates primarily for energy. But unlike their masters, dogs do not need a lot of carbohydrates to be healthy. A diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates is ideal for your pet.

Since dogs are meat-eaters, diets high in carbohydrates will take a long time for your pet to digest, not to mention resulting to large and smelly stool and gas. The gums can also grow sore due to excessive chewing and his breath can develop a bad smell. So only use a small amount of a carbohydrate source (such as grains) in your pet’s diet.

Two kinds of fat exist. One is saturated (animal fat) and the other is polyunsaturated (vegetable fat). Your dog will need both and taken together supply essential fatty acids (EFA) needed to maintain good health.

Not enough fat in the diet can cause low energy levels, heart problems and dry skin. However, too much fat can cause obesity. Tumors and cancers can also develop. In reading the label, look for a product that has a good balance between animal and vegetable fat in it.

Vitamins are necessary to release nutrients from the food that the body can use. There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins. Both types are needed by your dog. Vitamins B and C are water-soluble. Too much of these will not harm the body much since it is urinated out in 4 to 8 hours. This is the reason they need to be in each meal. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble. They are stored in fatty tissues of the body and the liver.

It is important to remember that vitamins are easily lost in the making of manufactured dog food. And they break down as soon as you open the package and expose the food to light and air. Vitamins B and C are particularly sensitive.

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Information on beagle training can be found at the About Beagles site.

There has been a trend lately to feed dogs bones and raw food, or “BARF” as it is known. The idea is to feed dogs what they ate in the wild, before they were domesticated. The truth is, it is hazardous to your dog due to toxins, food borne bacteria, intestinal obstruction and the possibility of intestinal perforation. If you stop to think about it, you will realize dogs did not live as long or as well in the wild as they do now.

In this article, I will discuss just a few of the important nutrients required for a healthy dog. One nutritional element you may not be familiar with is Iodine. Iodine is crucial for proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Just as in humans, the thyroid plays a major role in regulating metabolism and growth. Symptoms of hypothyroidism, which is not enough thyroid hormone, include poor growth, weight gain and hair loss, as well as weakness and irritability.

Zinc is a mineral that works with red blood cells to move carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. Zinc also promotes normal growth and wound healing. Zinc toxicity is rarely a problem, but certain dog breeds, such as Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes have an inability to absorb zinc. The most common problem associated with zinc deficiency is a skin condition known as “zinc responsive dermatosis”. Symptoms include hair loss and dry, crusty skin around the head, face and legs and a dry, dull hair coat. Zinc can be supplemented by providing a good, quality pet vitamin. A high grade, all natural pet vitamin contains ingredients that aid in the absorption of zinc.

Two more well known nutritional supplements are Glucosamine and Chondroitin. These nutrients are especially beneficial for older dogs and large breed dogs because they treat osteoarthritis. Glucosamine and Chondroitin ease joint pain in the hips and many other joints. They are also used to aid healing after spinal or joint surgery. The use of these two supplements have eased pain for some dogs enough to allow them to be more active later into their senior years. Glucosamine works by providing the necessary elements for joints to produce new cartilage. Chondroitin fight the enzymes that break down cartilage. Pets can stay on Glucosamine and Chondroitin indefinitely.

These are just a few of the many nutrients necessary for your dogs health. Thanks to research and study by veterinarians and other scientists, we are now able to extend the lifespan of our beloved dogs for as long as possible, by providing the best nutrition available.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol

There was a time when no one gave a second thought to whether their dogs nutritional needs were being met. At that time, any old dog food would do. Now however, after study and research, we have learned that a quality food, wet or dry will impact our dogs health. A quality dog food has minimal fillers, added vitamins and minerals, and is appropriate for the dogs life stage. Dogs do not naturally produce all the nutrients they require so they depend on us to feed then quality, nutrient rich dog food.

There has been a trend lately to feed dogs bones and raw food, or “BARF” as it is known. The idea is to feed dogs what they ate in the wild, before they were domesticated. The truth is, it is hazardous to your dog due to toxins, food borne bacteria, intestinal obstruction and the possibility of intestinal perforation. If you stop to think about it, you will realize dogs did not live as long or as well in the wild as they do now.

In this article, I will discuss just a few of the important nutrients required for a healthy dog. One nutritional element you may not be familiar with is Iodine. Iodine is crucial for proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Just as in humans, the thyroid plays a major role in regulating metabolism and growth. Symptoms of hypothyroidism, which is not enough thyroid hormone, include poor growth, weight gain and hair loss, as well as weakness and irritability.

Zinc is a mineral that works with red blood cells to move carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. Zinc also promotes normal growth and wound healing. Zinc toxicity is rarely a problem, but certain dog breeds, such as Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes have an inability to absorb zinc. The most common problem associated with zinc deficiency is a skin condition known as “zinc responsive dermatosis”. Symptoms include hair loss and dry, crusty skin around the head, face and legs and a dry, dull hair coat. Zinc can be supplemented by providing a good, quality pet vitamin. A high grade, all natural pet vitamin contains ingredients that aid in the absorption of zinc.

Two more well known nutritional supplements are Glucosamine and Chondroitin. These nutrients are especially beneficial for older dogs and large breed dogs because they treat osteoarthritis. Glucosamine and Chondroitin ease joint pain in the hips and many other joints. They are also used to aid healing after spinal or joint surgery. The use of these two supplements have eased pain for some dogs enough to allow them to be more active later into their senior years. Glucosamine works by providing the necessary elements for joints to produce new cartilage. Chondroitin fight the enzymes that break down cartilage. Pets can stay on Glucosamine and Chondroitin indefinitely.

These are just a few of the many nutrients necessary for your dogs health. Thanks to research and study by veterinarians and other scientists, we are now able to extend the lifespan of our beloved dogs for as long as possible, by providing the best nutrition available.

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Joseph M. Sabol is a world class doberman breeder. For further information please visit petvitamins4u.com or theroadhousedobes.com