Low Protein Dog Food

Low protein dog food is a variety of dog food, that is many a times prescribed by vets to dogs in order to help them overcome some or the other ailment or disorder. This variety of dog food is named so obviously due to the fact that the protein content in the food is lesser than the usual dog food. It should be noted that low protein dog food should not be given to your dog unless and until it is prescribed by a vet. It should be noted that a normal and healthy dog requires about 25% of protein in his daily diet. According to animal experts and vets, an over consumption of proteins is not good for a dog's health as the regular over consumption and digestion of proteins results into production of toxins in the dog's body. These toxins eventually result in the malfunctioning of kidneys and the urinary tract. Hence your dog's protein intake must be controlled.
When is Low Protein Dog Food Prescribed?
The answer to this question is very simple. As mentioned earlier, under normal circumstances, a dog needs 25% of proteins in his food to stay healthy. It has been observed by the animal experts that dogs suffering from ailments related to the urinary tract need low amounts of protein. The following are some of the related ailments when low protein dog food is prescribed by vets.

• Genetic kidney related diseases
• Chronic kidney failure
• Acute kidney failure
• Glomerulonephritis
• Urinary tract and kidney failure as a result of parasite borne diseases
• Congestive heart failure
• Urinary stones

he answer to this question is very simple. As mentioned earlier, under normal circumstances, a dog needs 25% of proteins in his food to stay healthy. It has been observed by the animal experts that dogs suffering from ailments related to the urinary tract need low amounts of protein. The following are some of the related ailments when low protein dog food is prescribed by vets. Genetic kidney related disease

Best Dog Food on the Market

Being a dog owner myself, I know what a hassle it could be to choose one amongst the numerous commercially available dog foods for your pet dog. Although home cooked dog food is considered the best for the growth and nourishment of dogs, many of us cannot prepare dog food a home due to our time constraints. You need not worry as the dog's nourishment needs can be well taken care of by providing it with the best dog food on the market.

There are many types of best dog foods available in the market and each serves a different purpose. These include holistic dog food, natural dog food, organic dog food and canned dog food among others. While choosing the best dog food brands for dogs, you should take into consideration many factors such as the quality, nutrients that it contains and the value for money that it delivers. Also, your dog may not approve of some ingredients in the dog food, so you must make sure that you identify the ingredient and choose a dog food brand that does not contain that ingredient. Make sure that the dog food that you purchase is apt for its age, breed and size.

Dog Food Analysis: Best Quality Dog Food

Choosing the right dog food plays an important role in keeping your dog healthy and fit. Feeding the best quality dog food promotes health and increases the lifespan of your dog. It has been found that dogs fed on high quality foods, are energetic and have a shiny coat. Dog food analysis helps us know the different ingredients used in making dog food. After examining the ingredients, a veterinarian can analyze whether the food is of good quality. Dog food analysis is used to ensure that the food meets the nutritional requirements of the dog.

There are certain factors that need to be considered before choosing a dog food. For instance, underweight or overweight dogs have different nutritional needs. Dogs with a higher activity level need more nutrition-dense foods. Dog food available in the market are classified into 3 main types. They are 'grocery store' foods, premium foods, and healthy foods.

Grocery store foods is the cheapest option to feed your dog. Although these foods may be pocket friendly, they contain ingredients which are not easily digested. They are blended with additives and chemicals that are responsible for causing diseases like cancer. These foods fail to provide the nutrition required for the proper growth of your dog. Quality control standards are very low in these foods. As a result, in some cases, poisonous substances such as plastic, are detected in the analysis. On the other hand, premium foods provide high quality ingredients, but still contain certain elements such as chemical preservatives, artificial flavors and colors that can be harmful to your dog's health. Premium foods are much more costly than 'grocery store' foods, as they contain a higher grade of ingredients that are easily digested and are beneficial for your dog. Premium foods are generally found in veterinary clinics and pet stores.

Healthy dog foods are often recommended by veterinarians as they contain the most nutritious ingredients. Available in any pet food market, these foods are made from the highest quality, nutrition rich foods that provide optimum health benefits for your dog. These foods are prepared using vegetables, fresh fruits and grains like barley and brown rice that are rich in carbohydrates. Most of these foods do not contain additional colors or preservatives. They contain additional minerals and vitamins that provide a beautiful coat and a healthy skin to your dog. As these foods are fortified with high quality ingredients, they are expensive than other types of dog food. In short, you will have to spend more to get a healthier and a better quality of dog food.

Dog food ingredients are listed on the container labels. When buying healthy food for your pet, check the ingredients list and see if eggs, fish or meat are the first ingredient. In case, they are on the top of the ingredients list, then the food is a rich source of protein and is easily digestible.

Saving Money on Dog Food

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Arnold_F_Grundel]Arnold F Grundel

When you know there are a pet, you know the price of owning a couple of things that all pets need. The first is lots of love and attention, but that's pretty much a given. The second thing pets need is food. And lots of it. That's why it's important to understand the cost of owning a dog before you buy one, so your dog will have enough food. Let's run the numbers shall we? We could say your dog eats 10 pounds of food a week, and you buy 20 pound bags of Iams dog food.

If there are roughly 52 weeks in a year, and you are shelling twenty-six dollars out every fortnight, that means you're buying 26 bags of bags of twenty pound dog food containers a year. Iams dog food keep that dog you have proliferated to several different papers and Internet sites world wide, making it easier than ever to economize on your dog food! Dog food coupons are easily accessible to people who know where to look for them, and one of the finest places I know is Dogfood-coupon.com. Those are priceless.

Now there is an easier way to get those coupons, and with that simplicity of use comes the comfort of knowing that you can afford to keep that dog you have always wanted. If Sparky's starting to thin out too much, it could be time to start fishing for coupons so you can home your dog's stomach into your position. In fact, if you are unable to afford to feed your dog, you most likely should not have one. Great Dog food coupons are in high demand now, and you want to get good deals you must be quick on the draw. Ok, so I guess I can't help but mention the best way to get a deal, and that's to let your dog eat your neighbor's food. That is always the way I used to feed my dog. Till my neighbor got a blow dart gun and began shooting darts at my small Fido. Now Fido is shocked of going outside, and wets the bed at night. So just ask yourself next time you send your small FeFe adjacent to rob their food, is your neighbor a member of the NRA?

Hard Or Soft Dog Food - Finding Out Which Is The Best One!

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Abhishek_Agarwal]Abhishek Agarwal

Sometimes puppy owners face a dilemma regarding the type dog food for providing their puppies. Dogs tend to prefer moist and canned food types. They are aromatic and are naturally tempting the dog's palate rather than the dry ones which comes inside a bag. Every dog's dental health relies on the ability of the dog being to chew crunchy and hard items and kibble foods which are dry serve well for this purpose. What must an owner do?

Some make a 2 pronged approach while selecting food for their own furry friends. They mix a part of both dry foods with the canned, giving their pup "best of both the worlds." If you're feeding canned moist food to your pup, you would definitely give it nutrients in some way or other along with something which it can crunch and chew. Dog biscuits and chew dogs or treats might help to serve the purpose.

Do remember that a pup's health depends upon the nutritional value of the food. A dog is as healthy like the food consumed, in all respects. The food which you get for your pup should meet the nutritional needs possible, either it's moist or dry. Unfortunately while it comes to doggie's food you get for what you pay. Generics and Store brands are made with lots of cheaper ingredients and many types of filler. They will feed your dog; however, they might not be the apt choices for your dog. The most expensive brands like the Science Diet and Eukanuba are "specially formulated" and really, to an extent, are. They have high quality ingredients which are suit better to meet all your pup's needs.

In fact, if you are providing a good methodology for your pup to work on its choppers in a regular basis, it does not matter if you're using moist food or dry. During regular checkups your doc will examine the pup's teeth and will tell you if there's a problem which needs to be repaired by giving some dietary supplement or different food type.

The reason why dogs need to chew on hard things is 2 fold. It strengthens the teeth and also works out the jaw muscles, keeping their teeth strong and having a powerful jaw. It also provides dental care .All owners should brush the dog's teeth at least 2 times a week. If it's not possible, crunchy foods as kibble and biscuits might be a sort of toothbrush for the pup, loosening the tartar and plaque for cleaning their teeth.

Selecting the correct food for your pup is very important for the pooch's nutritional value needs and also it's dental health. If you would prefer to give your pooch the soft tastier, moist foods which would come inside a can which is fine, just make it sure you are also giving something for your dog to really sink his tooth into.

Hypoallergenic Dog Food - What You Need to Know

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Teddy_Paseo]Teddy Paseo

There are those who say that mans best friend has been dealt a bad hand. Their lives are shorter than ours. Most dogs only live about a tenth as long as humans. But during that time many of them contract the same diseases. Food allergies are conditions that are common in dogs as well as humans. Allergies are caused by the bodies inability to process certain proteins. As a result, they may become physically and emotionally irritated, as they become plagued by intense itching sensations.

To eliminate the food allergy the pet owner should start their dog on hypoallergenic dog food. Have you used hypoallergenic dog food? Hypoallergenic dog food is created with ingredients that cause less stress on the system. Duck and potato may be the only contents of some hypoallergenic dog foods.

If a pet owner wants their dog to have better tasting food with more variety, there is the option of hydrolyzed protein foods. With this type of dog food, regular meats and vegetables are used, but they are chemically altered to produce proteins that are extremely small. As a result, the animal does not undergo an allergic reaction.

Sometimes the allergy is not related to food. If you have tried both of the above mentioned types of food and the allergy has not resolved, your vet may do further tests to see if the allergy is based on an inhalant. Some dogs show slow results to food changes, and the vet may leave the dog on a hypoallergenic dog food for a long time in order to adequately test the results.

Hypoallergenic dog food can ensure that your dog doesn't have to suffer through years of itching and discomfort. In recent years hypoallergenic dog food has become cheaper, so you don't have to lay awake at night worrying about the price. A hypoallergenic dog food diet needs to be followed closely by your vet to assess its benefit, and make sure that adjustments can be made to get the most out of the diet. You need to find the source of the problem. A hypoallergenic dog food diet won't hurt anything, but without a plan you won't be able to find the source of the allergy. And in the end its important to find out what the dog is allergic to.

Dog Food Allergies and Symptoms

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mark_Tarnsterton]Mark Tarnsterton

Every Dog is unique and it is sometimes hard to know and determine the exact cause of food intolerance or dog food allergies because many other problems can also cause similar symptoms such as environment, disease, flea and insect bite, parasite, yeast or bacterial infections etc. Dog can have allergy from difference type of foods. There are many research which proven that chicken, beef and eggs can cause more reaction than other types of food. Various proteins can also create problems for certain type of dogs.

If you find out that your dog is suffering from food poisoning or having sign of food allergy symptoms from the food that was given to them earlier then you should remove the offending food immediately and carefully observe what is happening to your dog when they eat certain types of food.

Many commercial foods contains preservative which are also the cause of dog food allergies and can lead to even worst problems such as liver problems if commercial food is given for a long times.

Dog Food Allergy Symptoms

As mentioned earlier that the allergy symptoms is quiet similar to other problems. These are the suffering signs and change in behaviour that can be clearly seen from external -> Itching, scratching, foot licking, biting other parts of the body.

Diagnosis

You should make sure that your dog allergy doesn't come from the following problems -> Atopy, flea or insect bite, intestinal problems due to parasite, yeast or bacterial infections etc.

There are other types of test that can be perform by veterinarians such as blood test -> radioallergosorbent (RAST), Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA), intradermal skin testing can also help in the diagnosis but food trial testing is the only best way to accurately diagnose your dog food allergies symptoms.

What is the Best Human Grade Dog Food?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Candice_Lee]Candice Lee

If you're looking for the best human grade dog food, Life's Abundance Dog Food rates right at the top. It is made by the highest standards at a human grade facility plant and contains all human grade ingredients.

So, what is human grade dog food? By simple definition, it is a food that a human could actually eat! It is made and supervised under FDA inspection and every ingredient in it must be approved for human consumption before it can even come in to the dog food manufacturing facility. Some companies even have it tasted by humans as part of the quality control!

The best human grade dog food will be APHIS certified. This is the certification used in Europe for all pet foods. The Aphis certification has much tighter regulations than the US when it comes to the manufacturing of dog food. Life's Abundance dog food is certified by both the U.S. and Europe.

There are many manufacturers in the U.S. that choose to use the bare minimums required by law when it comes to what goes in a dog food. There are huge profits to made in this industry and by using inferior ingredients that are cheaper, more profit can be made. Because of the current regulations they are allowed by law to do this and you can usually tell if a food is poor quality by looking at the bag and seeing if it has the word "by products" in it.

Life's Abundance dog food does rate right at the top as one of the best human grade dog foods on the market today. It has quality protein, fresh vegetables, plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxoidants. So just remember, no matter what kind of dog food you decide to use, be sure and do your homework and read your labels make SURE you are getting a quality dog food.

Cesar Dog Food - A Premium Brand

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mark_Neal]Mark Neal

Cesar dog food is a well known brand that is aimed at small dogs. The marketing schemes are Cesar are designed to entice those who wish to give their dog the best possible diet as they proclaim to be premium and gourmet dog food. Cesar dog food is unusual in the types of meals and ingredients it uses for dogs as some of the foods are exotic such as Mediterranean Chicken Casserole. Considering that most brands simply state the main ingredient such as rabbit, this can seem like the more extravagant option. Cesar dog food is more expensive than most other wet food options but many feel that it is worth that little extra. It is not unusual for pet owners to feed their dogs Cesar dog food as a treat.

The portions are small as they are specifically aimed at the smaller breeds of dog that require less amounts of food although still need high energy, which is taken into account. Smaller dogs are usually between five and ten kg and often cannot manage the larger cans on sale. Cesar dog food caters exclusively for small dogs but they also have products designed at puppies and elderly dogs. Their regular brands are intended for healthy adult dogs.

Recipes from Cesar Dog Food Range

Cesar dog food products are sold in both pouches and trays; the trays can be one of two sizes and it is possible to purchase multi-packs for extra value. The general theme from the Cesar dog food range is that of good quality dog food for smaller dogs. They have a tasty recipe menu with meals that sound like human quality selections such as Italian Beef Stew and Game & Fine Vegetable Stew. These recipes entice dog owners to buy Cesar food to give their dogs the closest thing to real food as possible. Amongst the range of pouches available are the choice recipes selection which have food cooked in jelly and the favorite recipes selections which have even more extravagant meal plans.

Compare Brands Using a Dog Food Comparison

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Janie_Knetzer]Janie Knetzer

A successful dog food comparison will require some basic knowledge of a dog's nutritional needs.

There is no doubt that dog owners have more options of food and treats for their dog today than ever before. The problem is that most owners are overwhelmed with so many different varieties and brands and choosing the best dog foods can be difficult.

Use the following information as a guide to your dog's basic nutritional needs.

PROTEINS

Protein is extremely important for a dog's muscles, skin, coat and nails.

The age and the level of activity of the dog will determine the recommended amounts of protein that your dog needs. Puppies, high performance dogs such as sled dogs, sick dogs and pregnant or lactating dogs will need higher levels of protein. Recommended amounts would range between 25%-35%. The average adult dog requires 18% of protein in his daily diet. On the other hand, dogs with kidney disease should be on protein restricted diet.

If your dog has kidney problems, always check with your veterinarian prior to changing his food or diet.

CARBOHYDRATES

While most prepared dry dog foods contain anywhere between 30-70% of carbohydrates, dog's actually need very little. The main reason for such high percentages of carbs in most brands of kibble is that the starch helps to mold and form the kibble itself.

FATS

Fats are the major source of energy for dogs and again the age and level of activity determines the recommended amount. Puppies, pregnant or lactating dogs should receive 17% daily. The average healthy adult dog should receive approximately 10-15%. Active dogs or high performance dogs require roughly 20% a day. Sled dogs of course require the most at 50% daily.

Most veterinarians recommend animal fats, however oils such as vegetable, canola or olive are also good sources of fat for dogs. These oils can provide the recommended 1% of Omega 6 a.k.a. Linoleic Acid in which a dog needs. Linoleic Acid is considered an Essential Fatty Acid meaning humans and pets must receive and consume it from dietary sources. Fats also promote a healthy immune system.

FIBER

Although not essential for dogs, adding fiber to his daily diet is very beneficial for his bowels and colon health. Fiber aids in constipation, anal gland problems and diarrhea. Good sources of fiber for your dog are pumpkin and Metamucil.

By understanding your dog's dietary needs you can achieve better results when completing your dog food comparison. Many consumer research magazines provide dog food reviews and ratings on popular brands which can also help. I strongly recommend comparing the all natural brands against the traditional commercial brands which is often a wake up call for many dog owners.



Along with her three dogs and husband, Janie resides in the Pittsburgh area. With over 25 years of dog handling experience, she shares many articles on the importance of dog care and canine nutritional health.

How to Buy the Right Dog Food for Your Pit Bull Terrier

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tim_Amherst]Tim Amherst

Knowing exactly which dog food to buy for your Pit Bull terrier can be confusing. There are countless options available when you go to the store and many of them are very unhealthy choices. Dog food is offered in packets, cans, or large bags. Dog foods that are mass prepared can be high in quality and well balanced, it is important that you buy the best you can afford. Most of the larger dog food companies maintain testing laboratories that check for quality and nutritional value.

Basically, there are three different types of dog food.

1. Dry food

2. Semi moist food
3. Canned food.

Dry foods are made up of roughly ten percent water. The raw ingredients used to make dry dog food differs greatly from brand to brand, so stick with a higher quality food.

These dry foods are generally less expensive when compared to semi-moist and canned foods. This is beneficial if you own several dogs or have one that eats more than the typical canine. You can also purchase dry dog food in bulk quantities and store them for several weeks. Storing dry dog foods for too long may reduce the nutritional value of it however.

Semi-moist foods contain more water than dry foods, typically in the range of 25%. Semi moist dog food is usually offered in the form of chunks of meat or simulated hamburger. Given the choice, most dogs prefer semi moist foods over dry foods, however these foods aren’t as good for a dog’s dental health.

Canned foods are the most popular choice of dog food and it is available in two different forms. The first kind of canned food has a cereal component, making it a complete diet. The second type has a meat only component that doesn’t give the dog a very balanced diet unless something like a dog biscuit is given in addition to the bowl of food.

No matter what you choose to feed your dog, be sure to follow the feeding instructions on the packaging as they differ greatly. Don’t overfeed your Pit Bull by feeding him extra large portions or extra meals throughout the day and be sure to get your dog out for his daily walk.

FDA Finds Plastic in Your Dog Food

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=M._Bruno]M. Bruno

Recent reports of wheat gluten tainted with aminopterin in commercial dog food manufactured by Menu Foods has spurred a nationwide recall of at least 95 private label and major dog food brands.

Aminopterin is a rat poison that has been used to induce abortions in the past and is prohibited for use in the United States. The aminopterin apparently found its way into the dog food via wheat gluten produced in China by a new supplier of the ingredient to Menu Foods.

As a result more than 16 pets have died to date. Reports of Kidney failure in dogs who have eaten the contaminated dog food is spreading in news flashes around the globe.

Now a new potentially fatal dog killer has been discovered in the recalled food by the FDA. Government tests have uncovered a chemical used in the manufacture of plastics in the recalled dog food.

Melamine has been discovered in tested samples of recalled dog food from Menu Foods and in the previously suspect wheat gluten. This chemical which is also utilized as a fertilizer has been discovered in the urine of sick pets and in the kidney of a pet that died.

If you buy any of the commercial dog food manufactured by menu Foods and listed at menufoods.com/recall/product_dog.html

Then you have been feeding rat poison, and now a chemical that is used to make plastics to your dog.

It should be no surprise that dogs live shorter lives than possible. In fact, dogs have a potential life expectancy of close to 25 years but most dogs live only an average of 10 years.

We stopped buying commercial dog food such as those listed in the recall years ago after we discovered skin conditions and other ailments in our dogs.

The change for the better was evident in a few short weeks as the junk in their system was replaced by healthy and nutritious foods.

Take the initiative now. Stop buying toxic poison and killing your dogs with junk that in our view is not suitable as food.

Your dog will give you a hug and be healthier for it.

Take Care of Your Dog: Feed Him or Her Dog Food

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=James_Hunt]James Hunt

Many dog owners treat their pets as though they are their own children. They play with them, let them live inside and sit on the furniture, and even sometimes sleep in their beds. There is no denying the love most dog owners have for their pets, but sometimes they unwittingly cause health problems by feeding their canine pals table scraps rather than dog food.

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.

Learn How to Find the Right Dog Food For Your Dog

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mit_Burman]Mit Burman

Pet food was once a very simple matter, most people simply fed pets the scraps from their tables. Today we know that feeding our dogs scraps is bed and can lead to health problems because the foods that humans eat are not always suitable for dogs.

Choosing the right dog food can be difficult and there is no one dog food that is suitable for every dog. Depending on the size, breed, and age of your dog the right dog food varies. Convenience might also enter into what you believe is the right kind of dog food for your pet.

Preservatives

Chemicals and preservatives are just as bad for dogs as they are for humans. The recent case of contaminated dog food that has led to pet deaths has scared a lot of owners. In some cases to the point of completely eliminating any commercial dog food in the home. While making your own dog food at home is certainly one way to control the food your dog eats, it is not always convenient or possible.

One way to eliminate preservatives from your pet's diet is to choose a holistic pet food that is chemical and additive free. There are a number of brands that offer good nutrition without chemicals or additives. Wellness dog food is one example of pet food that has all the goodness of nature without the nasty chemicals that can cause your dog to feel ill.

Dry Food Or Canned

Another choice you might want to make is if you will give your pet dry dog food or canned pet food. For some people it's a matter of economics. Dry food is often a lot cheaper and easier to store. This means fewer trips to the pet store and more money left in your wallet at the end of the day. While it may be more economical you have to be careful about the kind of dry food that you give your dogs.

Canned food has fewer preservatives and so may be the better choice. It does however pose a storage problem and can be a lot more expensive than dry dog food. Another factor might be your dog's preference! Some dogs will eat anything while others will only eat certain types of pet food. Experiment a little and be sure to transition your pet slowly into eating the new dog food that you choose. Try different flavors to see what suits your dog.

Diabetic Dogs - Putting Your Dog on a Special Diabetic Dog Food Diet

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kiera_Grey]Kiera Grey

Dogs can also be diabetic, the symptoms are pretty much the same as with humans. The only way to control a diabetic dog is to watch the food you prepare and to make sure it has no sugar and low carbohydrate content.

You need to monitor their sugar intake and also monitor the frequency of their meals to control this deadly disease. Smaller regular meals two or three times a day will help the blood sugar levels stabilized. One big meal one a day will only make the blood sugar problem worse.

A dog can suffer from hypoglycemia as the blood sugar lowers too quickly, and could cause all sorts of organ failure problems .Your dog might rapidly gain or lose weight very fast. This is very dangerous and must be controlled immediately. The insulin levels could shoot up and then hit rock bottom within in minutes after meals. Your dog should be under supervision be checked out by a veterinarian immediately should this happen.

How does one control diabetic dogs?

I would recommend you avoid all commercial dog food groups as they contain high amount of sugar and carbohydrates. Generally commercial dog foods are full of preservatives, sugars and other horrible ingredients. One should always check the labels to see the ingredients on both wet and dry dog foods. Avoid any concentrated sugar products as they will spike your dogs blood sugar level.

Any fatty foods also need to be avoided. When your dogs pancreas is under strain, so are all the other major organs. The pancreas over produces the glucose and enzymes to break down the micro fats and carbohydrates. This also means your dog will also suffer from high blood pressure, cholesterol, blurred vision which are all symptoms of diabetes getting out of control. You should only feed your dog food with natural fats and oils, like fish and other natural fats found in certain vegetables.

So what is the best food for a diabetic dog?

If you really want to control and know exactly what's in the your dogs food, it is recommended that you make your own dog food. Veterinarians all agree that home made food is by far better than the commercial food on the market. They are too full of preservatives, colorants and high levels of sugar.

Making your own dog food provides the best care and nutritiously formulated dog food. It will control your dogs diabetic dietary needs and is quick and easy to prepare. This method is a lot cheaper that commercial dog food too and is really not expensive. You can make dog food in bulk and freeze it. You can store it and use it over a week's period. There are many recommended recipes that are healthy, nutritious and specifically designed for balanced diets and for diabetic dogs.

If you want to know more about special dog food recipes, remedies and how to cure simple dog dietary illnesses, please visit http://www.dog-food-conspiracy-secrets.com

You will get a step by step health plan, real easy recipes and all the secrets to better living conditions for your Dog.

Are You Providing Your Pet With the Proper Dog Food Nutrition?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins]Lee Dobbins

Just like humans, dogs need to eat a properly balanced diet including the 6 basic nutrients needed to give your dog optimum health. These nutrients are fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, proteins and water. Providing these essential ingredients as part of your dog food nutrition will promote healthy growth, energy, replace worn tissue and help fight off any diseases.

Choosing a nutritionally balanced complete dog food should give your dog all the required nutrients he needs, but picking one that is balanced can be a challenge. If you read the label on commercial dog food and it reads as 100% complete, this should be suitable as it contains all of the nutrients required in proper proportions, however you may want to double check the ingredients to make sure as you can't be too careful when it comes to feeding your four legged friend.

Manufacturers always list the ingredients and nutritional content on the package as well as give recommended guidelines for the amounts of food to feed your dog. This guideline will depend on size, weight and in some cases, the breed of dog. Having said that, if you have a dog of mixed breeding, you can go by size, weight and age. If ever in doubt, consult your vet for advice.

Anyone who has taken a trip to the pet food aisle in the grocery store knows that there many different foods on the market today giving you many options in dog food nutrition. If you have decided to stick to dry food and have checked the label for the nutritional content, there are a few other steps to consider. For one thing your dog's age has to be considered because puppies and seniors will not thrive on the same food. For anther thing, your dogs weight needs to be consider since an overweight dog might need a special diet or type of food.

Puppies, young adults, and older dogs all have different nutritional needs; puppies require the correct nutrients to ensure healthy bones, a shiny coat, and good teeth much the same as a mother would do with a baby. Older dogs, for example, will not need a high energy food, but still need correct nutrients to help them along in old age.

If you are using canned food, always refrigerate after opening so it doesn't spoil and remove all uneaten canned or moistened food from the feeding dish after your dog has eaten. Always wash and dry the dish afterwards as leaving a dirty dish will not only attract harmful germs, it can also cause infection in your dog. Remember to provide clean fresh drinking water for your dog, ensuring all of their nutritional needs are met.

All the six basic nutrients are essential for your dog's body cells to function properly; nutrients need to be in the correct balanced proportion. This helps with necessary chemical reactions of digestion, absorption, transportation and elimination to occur. These all help to eliminate any chances of liver or kidney failure later in life.

Nutrients are your dog's fuel and converts into energy; this produces heat and with proper feeding, this determines your dog's ability to control his body temperature critical to a healthy life. All your dog does from playing, working, running to living a long and healthy life is determined by the fuel you have provided and the energy it produces.

The proper dog food nutrition is key to the health of your dog so when choosing a food for your dog, choose carefully. There are three forms of commercial dog food. Canned food contains as much as 68%-78% water and includes color enhancers. Semi-moist contains color enhancers and lots of sugar. Both these types of food should not be given to your dog as his total diet. Dry foods are a blended mixture of grains, meat, meat by-products, fats, mineral and vitamins and average of 90% dry matter and 10% water. Choosing dry food will give your dog less tartar build up and less gum disease.

Dog Food Myths - 10 Common Mistakes We Make When Choosing How To Feed Our Dogs

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Susan_French]Susan French

Since the infamous pet food recall in March 2007, dog owners have had their confidence in the commercial pet food industry shaken, and justifiably so. In today's age of information, you'd think it would be easy to find the best way to feed our canine friends. It's true there is a lot of information available, but so much of it is contradictory or biased that it becomes more confusing than helpful. I hope that by debunking a few common myths, I can help anyone who is struggling with the question of what to feed their dog.


1. Only commercially prepared dog food offers a "complete and balanced" diet

Surely we have been brainwashed here? The pet food industry is so lucrative for the big-name manufacturers, that they devote a huge budget to marketing, advertising and seductive packaging. If anyone tried to tell a mother that the only way she could feed her children "complete and balanced" nutrition was with a processed, packaged (or canned) food and nothing else, she would be horrified!


How did dogs survive before commercial dog food was available?


2. Dry dog food benefits teeth and gums

Are biscuits good for our kids' teeth?

We are supposed to believe that chewing hard biscuits mimics the effect of chewing raw meat. In reality, stale material lodges around the dog's teeth, causing plaque buildup.


3. Eating the same food every day is better for my dog's digestion

While it is true that you should make radical changes to your dog's diet gradually, a variety of meal ingredients given as part of the regular diet is no more disturbing to our dogs than it is to us.


4. Changing my dog's diet will cause diarrhea

Commercial dog foods can include a lot of "filler" ingredients, causing production of large stools. Artificial "stool hardeners" in the foods prevent these large stools from also being objectionably loose. If you decide to change your dog to "real" food, make the change slowly, gradually weaning the dog off the "artificial" food over several days. Introduce new foods one at a time.

Your dog's stools will become smaller and less offensive. They might seem soft initially, but will eventually settle to being soft but formed.


5. Too much fat is bad for dogs

Obesity is now a major human health concern. As humans, we are constantly encouraged to eat less fat. Dogs, however, do not have the same issues with animal fat. In fact, unless your dog is overweight, he actually needs fat in his diet, especially if he is a working dog, or very active. We humans use carbohydrate food (grains, cereals, fruit and vegetables) for energy. The canine digestive system is designed to process meat, bones and fats; dogs need fat for energy.


6. Bones are bad for dogs

Wrong! Cooked bones are bad for dogs. They can splinter and damage the gut.

However, managed sensibly, raw bones are beneficial to teeth and gums and provide a relaxing treat. If you are worried about feeding raw bones, use mutton flap or brisket, both of which contain quite soft bones.


7. Milk products are bad for dogs

Some adult dogs can lack the digestive enzyme needed to process lactose. Try your dog with a small volume of milk to see what happens. Milk products such as yoghurt (natural, unsweetened), cottage cheese, and buttermilk are excellent foods for dogs, and good sources of bioavailable calcium.


8. Raw food is dangerous for dogs because of bacterial contamination

When handling raw meat for dogs, we need to practice the same standards of hygiene that we use for our own food. This is more to protect ourselves than to protect our dogs. Dog saliva has an enzyme that destroys pathogenic organisms; canine stomach acid is strong enough to destroy harmful bacteria. Keep a separate chopping board for meat; wash your hands and utensils after preparing your dog's food; keep leftovers covered and refrigerated; keep raw meat wrapped in the fridge.


9. Raw eggs are bad for dogs

Raw eggs contain a substance that interferes with the absorption of biotin. However, eggs are such a valuable nutrient source that their benefits far outweigh this small disadvantage.


10. Older dogs need less protein

Actually, older dogs need more protein, and better quality protein because as they age, their digestive systems become less efficient. Good quality (animal) protein is more easily utilized and more nutritious for them.


Nothing will ever be as easy as pouring the kibble into a bowl, but with a little planning and organization, feeding real food, homemade from wholesome ingredients, need not be complicated. The joy with which your dog eats, the security that comes from knowing his food is safe, the improved health of your dog, and the saving in veterinary costs can make this small effort very rewarding.

6 Tips to Get Your Dog Started on Veggie Dog Food

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dr._Mayra_Alfonso]Dr. Mayra Alfonso

There are a lot people who are starting to feed their dogs vegetarian diets. Curiously enough, most people do not really understand that dogs are not genuinely true carnivores, merely they're in reality omnivores. Thus, this means that your dog actually can get along without getting meat as a part of their diet. Nevertheless, if you desire to start your dog on vegetarian dog food, you will want to do it cautiously. Thus, if you're ready and waiting to take your dog down the vegan route, the following are some tips that will assist you to do so.


Tip #1 - Read Books - Foremost, if you wish your dog to begin consuming vegetarian dog food as a part of a vegan diet, then you need to start out by doing some reading. Reading books is a way to do some inquiry and the web could be very helpful likewise. Read up on foods for dogs that are healthy and find out more about vegetarian diets for dogs. Then you will know more about what your dog requires and learn how to easily bring them over to a vegetarian diet.


Tip #2 - Test Your Dog's Urine - If you are starting your dog on a vegetarian diet, you'll want to have your dog's urine examined regularly. You'll be able to do this at home; nevertheless, you may get better results if you have your veterinarian perform this test. When your dog eats vegetarian dog food, it can turn the dog's urine a little bit more alkaline, which could make your dog more susceptible to urinary tract infections. Therefore, keep an eye on on your dog in order to prevent this from occurring.


Tip #3 - Get a superior Quality Vegetarian Dog Food - If you're going to start out your dog on vegetarian dog food, you want to be sure that you only choose a high caliber dog food that's from a quality company. Whilst you can make your dog's meals at home, it's less complicated to buy a good vegetarian dog food. Check out the food and read reviews on the food prior to you buying it and then you can make sure that it will do a good job for your dog and give him with the whole nutrition that he requires.


Tip #4 - Make Sure that Your Dog Gets Amino Acids and Vitamins - Another thing you would need to do, if you would like to get your dog on a vegetarian diet, is to be sure that he gets all the amino acids that he requires, besides the vitamins that are needed too. Particularly be sure that your dog is receiving enough vitamin B12. This makes it particularly important to become very well-educated in the nourishment that your dog needs in order to be healthy.


Tip #5 - Consult with a veterinarian - Prior to you make up your mind to put your dog on a veggie diet that includes vegetarian dog food, take the time to consult with your dog's veterinarian. There may be a few serious consequences to making this alteration overly fast, and your veterinarian can provide you with some guidelines that will be helpful as you make the switch. They can as well give you a good idea of how to keep your dog's diet supplemented in order that they get all of the nutrients they require in their diet.


Tip #6 - Supplement the Diet - You might want to as well supplement your dog's diet with some doggie biscuits and treats as well. There is an assortment of vegetarian dog cookies and treats that you'll be able to buy to give to your dog. These will provide them with even more nutrition and help to keep your dog healthy as you start to make this huge change in his diet.


If you plan on starting your dog on a vegetarian diet in the upcoming future, it's important that you keep these tips in mind. For certain, vegetarian dog food could comprise an outstanding alternative for your dog, merely the switch needs to be done slowly. Been careful when doing the change and keeping your dogs' well being in mind will help keep your dog content and healthy during this big modification in his nutritional habits.

The Deal About "Healthy" Dog Food

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Finley_Zhang]Finley Zhang

It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the "healthy" dog food choices in the market, and it does not help things that so much negativity has been said about commercial dog food products. Many dog owners find themselves at a loss in choosing or preparing a good dog food diet for their pets, and often wonder if there really is a perfect healthy dog food diet out there.

It's really quite simple once you know what should go into the dog - the nutrients. Dogs need a mixture of protein, carbohydrates, good fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Whether you're checking the label of a particular dog food brand or preparing his meal yourself, making sure that your dog gets all these essential nutrients will keep you on the safe side.

Next, you'll need to decide on the ingredients of the dog food. Meat, vegetables, starch, and fruit are good sources of the nutrients that dogs need. Meat products such as lamb, poultry, fish, and lean beef and pork are good choices - it depends on the availability. The same goes for vegetables - choose what's most available, and go organic if you can afford it.

Good starch foods include brown rice, brown pasta, oatmeal, and potatoes. Stay away from the grains, however, as dogs can not properly digest them and may have nutrients that dogs do not need. When choosing starch foods, go for whole products so your dog can take advantage of the extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

There's a prevailing rule of thumb for dog owners these days that if you will not eat a particular kind of food, then do not feed it to your dog, either. Some organ meats and byproducts (feathers and beaks, for instance) are included in some commercial dog food brands, and may not exactly be best for your dog.

Another thing to remember is that the above mentioned rule of thumb does not apply in the reverse - it does not necessarily mean that if you can eat it, your dog can, as well. Chocolate, raisins, grapes, garlic, and onions have been found to be toxic to dogs, so it's wise to avoid feeding them such foods. In other words, if you've been feeding your dog pizza, it's in his best interests that you never do it again.

With this information, you then choose the type of dog food diet you'll be giving your dog. Basically, you have three options - commercial, BARF, or natural. Commercial dog foods are those you find lining the shelves of your pet store or supermarket - they're basically tailor-made to suit the needs of dogs in all stages of their lives. They also come in organic form, though a bit pricier. It's a good idea to choose the premium brands over economy, since the cheapest ingredients are almost never the best for your dog.

BARF stands for Bones And Raw Food, the diet some experts insist is the ideal diet for dogs, owing to the fact that this was what dogs ate while in the wild. Despite the theory's validity, some questions have been raised about feeding bones and raw meat to dogs. It's best to approach this type of dog food diet with caution.

Finally, you can go between commercial and BARF diets and feed your dog a natural one. Natural dog food diets involve cooked meat, fresh vegetables, enough starch, fruits, and water - quite close to what we'd eat ourselves. Despite the lack of scientific proof, dog owners have claimed that feeding dogs a natural diet (40% meat, 50% vegetables, 10% starch, for instance) make them healthier, happier, and live longer lives.

Keep these tips in mind, and you'll make no mistake about coming up with healthy dog food for man's best friend.

Is Natural Dog Food Worth It?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Finley_Zhang]Finley Zhang

When it comes to feeding dogs, there's a difference of opinion between groups of dog owners. On one side, owners insist that commercially-made dog food is the only choice for dog diets, as the nutrients in these products have been scientifically researched and optimized for the dog's needs. On the other side, owners suggest that it's not right to feed dogs what we humans can't in conscience take in, and that the best diet for dogs would be tailored after our own - this is what these owners call "natural dog food."

So is natural dog food worth it?

It depends on many things. It includes vegetables, legumes, and fruit into the dog's diet, which means that dogs on this diets take in more of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that most commercially made dog food products don't provide.

On the other hand, if you or anyone else in the household can't live up to the additional tasks of buying, washing, and cooking dog food (tasks that commercial dog food don't entail), then it might not be worth it. This can be addressed, however, by simply preparing the dog's meals for the week over the weekend.

The rising popularity of this diets appears to be well-founded - there have been stories of dogs living past their normal life spans after being subjected to a natural dog food diet. Dogs who normally reach old age by the age of nine, for instance, may still be very healthy at fifteen years of age.

When preparing them, keep these tips in mind:

Choose fresh produce - organic if possible. These are the best ingredients for a good meal, whether for your dog's health or your own.

Wash all produce well. Even if the food comes in packs or is undeniably fresh, a few minutes soaking in clean water (and rinsing afterwards) can clean produce even further and bolster its appearance.

Include all the food groups in a meal. A good natural dog food diet consists of a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. It may take a few experiments to know what kinds of natural food your dog likes, as well as how much it can eat in a meal, but it'll be good eats from there.

Cook all meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs. Some foods may be harmful to your dog's health when uncooked. Also, make sure you take out the bones in meat, poultry and seafood before serving the meal to your dog.

Make sure your dog has enough clean water to drink. A dog needs about 1-2 liters of clean water a day (2-4.5 pints). Change his water at least once a day to make sure it's clean. Dogs can survive on tap water, but if you can afford the extra mineral water, why not?

Some veterinarians may be biased towards commercial dog food, and unfairly attribute any health problems your dog has to the natural diet. It's important to find a holistic, open-minded vet - since your dog has a special diet, the chances are higher that such vets will know how to deal with the health of such dogs.

One more thing - always consult a good vet before feeding a weaning puppy natural dog food. For some breeds, it may take a while before their digestive systems can adapt to natural dog food.

Why Reading Dog Food Secrets May Save Your Dog's Life

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hodges]Jim Hodges

These days, dogs dying and getting sick mysteriously are becoming more and more common than ever before. Veterinarians cannot explain how and why a healthy dog could just suddenly becomes sick and then fall prey to diseases like kidney problems and skin problems.


What most dog owners do not know is that a very real culprit is the food that their pets eat. This is where ebooks such as The Dog Food Secrets come in to play. Pet owners should become more informed regarding (and interestingly) the dirty web of lies involving commercial dog food companies. These lies result in the death and sickness of many of our beloved pets. All in the name of profits.


The foods that your dog eats is examined by Dog Food Secrets, an ebook that cost many dollars to make. You will be startled by what you have been feeding your dog all along. Remove the blinders and become aware of the lies of the behemoth dog companies. This ebook exposes the many horrendous sources of raw meat and ingredients used by dog food companies to produce your pet's favorite food. Information is power. This ebook does provide proven facts for you to judge.


If you do not know how and what to look for in the labels of your dog's favorite commercial food, then this ebook will help. It has laid down all the red flags you need to watch out for in every commercial dog food label.


It educates pet owners of the symptoms of dog food poisoning you must learn before irreversible conditions emerge. It describes the symptoms and the causes in simple terms. There is no need to be an expert on dog health and veterinary medicine. This ebook gets down to business in the most basic level everyone can understand.


The Dog Food Secrets ebook does not only expose what's dangerous inside a can or bag of commercial dog food, it provides you tips on alternative, safer foods for your pets. Thirty five healthy dog food recipes are included in this remarkable ebook. Making sure that you can still provide the best nutrition needed for your dog's health. And without the use of the dangerous processed products.


There is other useful information in the Dog Food Secrets ebook. For instance, it has tips on what is the perfect body temperature of your pet. Your dog's normal heart beat and respiration are also provided as well as tons of other useful information you should know. You owe it to yourself to check it out for yourself.

Organic Dog Food - Should You Feed Organic Food to Your Pet Dog?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lee]Michael Lee

These days, going eco-friendly and organic is all the rage, and you can see people striving to make a change in their lifestyles and their eating habits. So why not include dog food in the organic crusade? Sales of organic dog food are going up, and this is due to the fact that pet owners who are trying to eat well also want their dogs to do the same. People are starting to think that the usual commercial dog foods aren’t the best option (especially with the dog food recall), and that organic dog food is the key to keeping their dogs healthy.

Many dog owners are convinced that organic dog food ensures better health for their pets. However, there haven’t been any studies or reports that make such a claim, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) itself also states that the main difference lies in how the food is produced and processed, not in their nutritional content.

Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop people from helping their pets adopt an organic diet, and the fact that organic dog food uses more wholesome ingredients is already a major part of its appeal.

What goes into organic dog food? The manufacturers of these meals all have their own approach to the ingredients, and they promise that their products don’t make use of growth hormones, antibiotics, and artificial flavorings. Organic dog food made out of chicken, for example, usually uses free-range chickens. Even dog treats can be manufactured using organic whole grains.

If you’re thinking about switching your dog’s diet to organic dog food, there are a few things you should consider. First is the price. Organic dog food is more expensive than regular dog food, so you should first look at the food options available and determine which one is within your budget.

You should also do your research on organic dog food manufacturers and learn more about their production process and their reputation as well.

Don’t forget to consult your veterinarian first before making the switch. Making the change to organic dog food isn’t applauded by all veterinarians, so it’s best to find out from your vet how this change can affect your dog.

Organic dog food has many positive points, but you shouldn’t forget to look at the other side of it as well. It may turn out that your dog is most suited to what he currently eats, so do your research first and don’t rush him into a complete diet overhaul.

Buying Or Making Natural Dog Food

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mark_Neal]Mark Neal

Since the large pet food recall occurred people have started to look at buying or making natural dog food. In the pet food recall it was found that tainted ingredients imported from China were the cause of the illnesses and deaths of pets. By making or buying natural dog food the owner can be confident that their dog is getting healthy food which is not tainted with harmful substances.

Buying Natural Dog Food

There are many pet food stores and internet sites that advertise Natural Dog Food. Buying the food will certainly be easier than making it but will probably prove to be quite costly. For example, Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food for Dogs is a great quality dog food but will cost about fifty dollars for a forty pound bag. This dog food has such ingredients as chicken, catfish, fresh fruits and vegetables, and select farm products. It is costly but for those who can afford Life’s Abundance it will be a great food for their dogs.

Flint River Ranch Dog Food offers several varieties of their natural dog foods and these also will run about fifty dollars for forty pound bags. The food comes in several flavors including fish and chips (trout and sweet potato) style. Flint River has food for all age dogs that will provide great nutrition and great flavor.

Canidae Dog Food is another natural dog food that offers great nutrition for any dog. This food will cost a little less at about forty dollars for forty pounds. There are four types of food that come in dry or canned styles. Canidae offers the All Life Stages, Platinum, Lamb and Rice, and the Chicken and Rice formulas for the pet owner to choose from. For a pet owner who wishes to buy natural dog food these three companies offer great choices and there are other brands with good selections as well.

Making Natural Dog Food

If a person chooses to make there own natural dog food there are many great recipes available on the internet and in pet care books and magazines. A person can even get ideas for recipes by just looking at the ingredients listed in other natural dog food products. Making natural dog food can be time consuming but is worth the time and trouble to provide great nutrition for a best friend. The pet owner will notice within a short time of starting the new diet that the pet seems to have more energy, is more content, and has healthier skin and coat. Natural dog food will help the pet to live a longer and more satisfying life.

Dog Food Tips and Lies

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=George_Zuwala]George Zuwala

This has touched me on a personal level because I have a friend as well and I wanted to do some research in order to help out his friends who are suffereing because of ignorance and human error.
I can not imagine what it must be like for the owners of the pets who consumed these dog foods.

Now it is our responsibility to control our dog's nutrition, just like it's our responsibility to control our own and that of our children if you have any.

But when it comes to our dogs, we have no habit of finding out what is best for them and conveniently rely on the messages we see in advertising.

Unfortunately, those ads are bold-faced lies! The amount and types here is a article from Andrew Lewis the author of the incredible book Dog Food Secrets.

Taking Control Of Your Dog's Nutrition
It's dinnertime. Do you know what your dog is eating? If you're feeding him or her commercial dog food, the answer to that just might come as a very big surprise.

Dog Nutrition or Russian Roulette?

That "Chicken Flavor" dog food you've selected may have some chicken in it. Then again, it just as well may not. It's not required to, pursuant to the FDA guidelines concerning dog food ingredient listings. That "Lamb & Rice Formula" for dogs certainly has some lamb and rice in it -- but the total combined could be as little as 25% of the total packaged product, and still conform to regulations. What comprises the remaining 75%?

Is that 75% all goodness? No!

What about all those fillers and by-products and chemical preservatives listed? Do you know what BHA and BHT are, and why they are banned for human use? Are you familiar with ethoxyquin? Rolls right off the tongue doesn't it?

Is meat the first (and thereby most prevalent) ingredient listed, or does corn or grain lead the way? Do you suppose all those artificial colors and flavors are there for your dog's benefit, or for yours? Does your dog food supply the complete and balanced daily dietary provisions for your dog? And, with the loose regulations on dog food labeling leaving us somewhat in the dark as to what exactly we are feeding our pets, how can you be sure?

There is really only one way to be sure.

Give your dog some good home cooking. Homemade dog food allows for flexibility and purity. It also gives us total control over our dog's nutritional needs. We can be assured that all ingredients are of the highest quality, and add up to a balanced, toxin-free diet. We can also maintain complete caloric discretion, modifying as necessary to accommodate our dog's ever-changing demands.

But if you don't know how, you may as well go back to commercial dog food because it can be just as dangerous.

Making the decision to feed your pet fresh food does not mean you need to overcomplicate matters. You do want to make sure that you provide him with all the nutritional building blocks he needs to maintain a healthy body. Animal protein should be combined with vegetables, pasta, rice, cereals and other foods to provide all the protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals needed.

It's not quite as simple as it sounds, entirely, but it's not exactly rocket science either.

Achieving the sought-after balance is a daunting proposition, to be sure. We admit when we began our research, we were literally bombarded with facts and figures, both real and imaginary, and found that the websites delivering disinformation and misinformation abound.

In our pursuit of balance in our dogs' diets, we discovered the balance in the available research. It is our wish now to share our study with you here, in the most concise fashion. As a bonus with Dog Food SECRETS;, we have also compiled a host of easy, healthful and delicious homemade recipes for you to try with your pet.

We are not vets, and our areas of expertise comprise only loving our dogs, and wanting the best for them. You have come this far with us, so we are certain that you want that, too.

Dog Food SECRETS; shows you eactly how to decide on a diet for your dog, according to its age, weight, level of daily activity, even time of the year and more.

A dog can look healthy on the outside even when its insides are being contaminated, don't wait for the point where it's organs can no longer withstand the daily barrage of toxins.... that day is surely coming and only you can stop it.

Why Everybody is Raving About Dog Food Secrets

Why Everybody is Raving About Dog Food Secrets
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Josh_Gan]Josh Gan

As a dog owner, we all care about our pet dogs, don't we? As a matter of fact, I can see that most dog owners love to treat their dog by simply slipping a doggy bone, snack or treats as part of their effort to show the loving care that our pets deserve. Although this seemed to be harmless, however, our simple actions may cause more potential negative repercussions than benefits especially when it is not done in moderation (e.g. diabetic dog food), thus contributing to our dog's weight gain and obesity. In fact, the last thing we ever want to see is our own darling pet suffering from unknown sicknesses, abnormal aging process, and even dying prematurely or sudden death.

Well, death cases among dogs as young as 5 years of age are no longer uncommon anymore. In fact, experts have revealed a shocking discovery that most dog nowadays have been silently "poisoned" by our choice of food that we chose to feed them and more so by giant commercial dog food companies who are nothing but greedy monster that keeps extracting money from us rather than promoting and maintaining the health and well being of our precious dogs. After much research, the evil conspiracy surrounding the dog food industry is finally exposed! Veterinarians and dog nutritionists have finally come out with a concrete conclusion that majority of the commercial dog foods are seriously lacking in proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Worse still, 80% of the commercial dog food package in the pet store is filled with slaughterhouse waste, poisonous waste materials, useless fillers, banned additives & preservatives and more worthless and potentially harmful "ingredients", which also includes several diabetic dog food.

The above findings reported by pet care experts are indeed frightening and is a major cause of concern among pet owners. As a pet owner ourselves, we sometimes take things for granted and assuming all expensive dog food must be of top quality and safe for consumption. But, this is a wrong mindset - not all expensive food is good and safe!

There are many frightening, hidden dog food conspiracies that many dog owners simply don't even know! Luckily for us, a pet health expert by the name of Andrew Lewis has decided to expose the dirty little secrets of dog food by releasing Dog Food Secrets - The Dog Food Conspiracy. In this 82-pages dog food reviews eBook, Mr. Andrew Lewis goes into great length cutting through the smoke and mirrors and takes a swipe at these unscrupulous dog food companies and shed some light on how you can do, as a dog owner, to protect your dog from suffering the sad, same fate as with other ignorant owners.

In Dog Food Secrets, you will learn details on how to pinpoint the most ideal and healthiest food for a particular dog As you dig through the content of the book, you will be becoming more informed on what are the key factors that can affect the quality of the food as well as your dog's quality of life, weight management, vitality and energy, even weight. These are vital information that every dog owner should not missed if they want their dogs to live longer and stay vibrant since this eBook actually reveals the absolute truth about the practices dog food manufacturers are trying to keep away from us!

Overall, the content of the eBook is well worth the $ 57 price taAs a dog owner, we all care about our pet dogs, don't we? As a matter of fact, I can see that most dog owners love to treat their dog by simply slipping a doggy bone, snack or treats as part of their effort to show the loving care that our pets deserve. Although this seemed to be harmless, however, our simple actions may cause more potential negative repercussions than benefits especially when it is not done in moderation (e.g. diabetic dog food), thus contributing to our dog's weight gain and obesity. In fact, the last thing we ever want to see is our own darling pet suffering from unknown sicknesses, abnormal aging process, and even dying prematurely or sudden death.

Is Your Dog Food Killing Your Dog? A Must Read For All Dog Owners!

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Linda_McNaughton]Linda McNaughton

If you are a dog lover, it's important you understand the dangers of using commercial dog food. With the number of dog food recalls that have happened in the recent future it's no surprise more and more people are starting to research the food they are putting in their dog's dish. Much of the dog food you find in the stores has been linked to all sorts of disease and illnesses - obviously you don't want to put your pup's health at risk.


The pet food industry has a tall task on their hands of trying to restore any confidence in commercial dog food. Many pet owners won't risk using commercial dog food ever again because of what happened.


Unfortunately many people didn't just see their dog get sick - thousands of dog owners lost their pets because of tainted dog food that they had purchased. It's not surprise that more and more people are starting to look into what exactly goes into commercial dog food.


The problem isn't just with dog food that has been recalled - it extends far beyond this. Commercial dog food is produced in a way that would make most people cringe. Since it's all about cutting costs for the companies they put in all sorts of fillers that have been linked to all sorts of health problems.


The trend recently has been for us humans to eat better. The more nutritious the food is that we consume means we live healthier lives. Paying attention to diet and avoiding foods that have excessive fats and processed sugars, especially in the processed foods we buy, helps us to maintain bodies that are fit and trim.


Yet, do we consider what foods we purchase for our dogs to eat? Are we simply buying certain dog food based on what we think our pets like the best to eat? You owe it to your pooch to pay close attention to what you are putting in it's precious tummy.


The companies that produce commercial dog food rely on some of the worst possible ingredients when they put together their "formulas". They look for the cheapest ingredients that just meet the laws in order to make the most money. The health risks are horrendous.


As an example, corn gluten is a by-product that is found in dog foods. This is used because it is an incredibly cheap filler. However, not only is it an extremely poor source of protein, but it is one of the most common causes of allergies in dogs.


Another disturbing ingredient used in dog food is chicken by-product meal. Where this comes from is sickening - it is made up of chickens feet, intestines, necks etc. Again, it is an inexpensive ingredient that they are trying to claim is a source of protein. However, the protein is useless and this also has the potential to be tainted or toxic.


Many dog foods include soybean meal in order to provide a source of protein. The ingredient itself isn't unhealthy, however soybean is the number one cause of allergies in dogs. It just doesn't make sense to include this considering how many dogs are allergic to it.


We could list several more ingredients, but I'm sure you get the point. The dog food you find in the stores is made up of such low quality ingredients that can put your dog's health at risk. The companies aren't looking to include the best ingredients for your pup - they just want to make as much money as they can.


It's amazing to see how much of a difference feeding your dog the right type of food can make. Your dog will be happier, healthier and even better behaved once you pay attention to their diet.


This article isn't supposed to scare you off of commercial dog food entirely, but you do need to know what to look for. Use the link at the bottom of this article for more information about finding the right foods for your pup.


There are resources available to begin feeding your dog with food that is not only tasty, but also nutritious to their dietary needs. You want your dog to live a long, happy and healthy life - do what you can to help them out by feeding them the right diet.

Dog Food Secrets Review

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hodges]Jim Hodges

Dog Food Secrets is the controversial e-book exposing the commercial dog food industry as greedy, non-caring corporate companies that are purposely poisoning our dogs.


Is it true?


I am not 100% sure. I do believe in my heart and soul that most of these commercial dog food makers are knowingly producing a product that is not nutritious and healthy for our pets. Dog Food Secrets exposes the practices that these companies employ.


*Practices such as adding dead dogs and cats to be processed as a meat product for our pet food.


*Practices such as buying or obtaining euthanized dogs and cats from pet shelters and processing into dog food as well. Euthanized! Can You Say Poison?


*Practices such as taking disease laden, dead or dying animals that are rejected from slaughterhouses and processing them into dog foods.


Dog Food Secrets also shows you how to get to the truth about the labels on our dog food. Did you know that a label saying "chemical free" doesn't necessarily mean chemical free? The dog food companies get away with it because they don't add chemicals to the dog food in their process. They are not responsible for the chemicals that are in the products before processing. They know this full well and still don't disclose it.


Dog Food Secrets recommends you prepare your own dog's food with foods you would eat yourself. The cost is only pennies a day! A fraction of commercial dog food costs. They say that taking a little time to prepare your dog's food could save you hundreds of dollars per year ... not to mention potential vet bills.


If you have to purchase commercial dog food, Dog Food Secrets will show you how to read dog food labels on bags to get the "least poisonous" of the commercial dog foods. It doesn't matter if the dog food is premium, super premium or basic. Many of these products contain the same ingredients. You will feel better that you are least purchasing the best commercial food available.


I believe Dog Food Secrets is doing a public service. They are exposing a problem in our dog food industry and trying to save our beloved pets. Statistics are given that your dog's life will be extended by 8.3 years if they do not eat these tainted foods. The quality of that life will be greatly improved. They will be happier. They will be healthier. They will have less physical AND mental illnesses. You will be happier as well.

Dog Food Recall Expands as Manufacturers Delay Testing

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=M._Bruno]M. Bruno

The recent dog food recall has claimed the health and lives of thousands of dogs due to renal failure caused by eating melamine contaminated dog food. Reeling from media attention worldwide, one would hope that the dog food industry got the message and pulled all suspect products from the market. Not so.

Reports continue of additional dog food products being recalled after discovery of tainting. The sad reality is that long after the initial onslaught of media attention alerted dog guardians to the more than 100 brands of dog food being recalled by Menu Foods, some dog food companies continue to drag their corporate feet and have failed to identify and recall contaminated dog food.

In the latest news dogs hospitalized for kidney shutdown prompted a California veterinarian to test Nutra Nuggets dog food bought at Costco. The lab results were positive for melamine.

Now the lives of dogs who ate this dog food brand hangs in the balance.

What is frightening to anyone who owns and loves their dogs is that Nutra Nuggets is not on any current recall list.

The dog food manufacturer had not performed any tests on it’s products and seems to have relied on the keep your fingers crossed approach while peddling their dog food to unsuspecting families.

After reports of melamine poisoning impacting countless dog food bands, cross contamination, kidney failure and death, one would hope that minimal prudence would have compelled the company to provide minimal assurances of safety for this contaminant by testing their products.

While anxious dog owners await action by the dog food company and the FDA, dogs lie sick in a veterinary hospital.

When will this end?

Frankly, I am not confident that it will anytime soon. The dog food industry has sold untenable landfill waste disguised as healthy and nutritious dog food for decades. Testing and enforcement requirements are a sham. The FDA is under funded, overworked, and the industry has run rings around dog nutritionists and veterinarians that have questioned their claims of quality and safety, until now.

The ingredient list in many dog food brands shows melamine as the tip of a poison dog food iceberg.

No dog food brand that is not at a minimum organic, holistic, or human grade should even be considered for your dogs diet.

Read the labels carefully before feeding any dog food brand to your dog. Make sure it does not contain any by products, fillers, preservatives and chemicals. Many do and disguise the actual ingredient list with palatable sounding names.

Consider feeding you dog home, made dog food. It’s one way to guarantee that you are in control of what tour dog is eating.

Want a Safe, Healthy Dog Food You Can Trust?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=M._Bruno]M. Bruno

If the current dog food recall has you scurrying about for a safe and healthy dog food for your pooch, look no more. A variety of resources exist to help you select and even prepare a dog food diet that you can trust for your dog. Here's a few examples.

Davis Veterinary Medical Consulting via BalanceIT offers dog owners the ability to custom design safe dog food recipes by making menu selections much like in a restaurant. They offer ethnic recipes, traditional recipes, and even seasonal options.

An example of some of the healthy dog food menu options includes chicken breast, ground beef, pork, lamb, and salmon.

You’ll make a selection of your preferred meat protein and couple it with your choice of egg, cottage cheese, tofu, rice, potato, sweet potato, spaghetti, oats, barley, couscous and tapioca.

Once you make your menu selection, they will make a custom recipe for your dog that is a healthy and safe dog food without all of the fillers and problems associated with commercial dog food. Certainly a better option than trusting the health of your dog to commercial dog food, which continues to be suspect with new brands being recalled almost daily.

The cost for these recipes is not cheap, it’s $20 for 1 recipe. If you order several, the price becomes more affordable.

If this still seems a bit pricey to you, there is another option.

The author of “Real Dogs Don’t Eat Kibble” suggests that heat used to cook commercial dog food destroys important nutrients that dogs need for immune system support. This contradicts the premise of cooked recipes but is touted by many dog nutritionists as the best option for your dog.

The author suggests a home made raw dog food diet to maximize the delivery level of nutrients. The book states that it is easy to do and an improvement in your dog’s health can be detected in just a matter of days.

The challenge for many is how to design a healthy dog food recipe. The book includes a variety of dog food recipes and tips, if a raw, natural diet, is your choice for your dog.

Ultimately, the choice between a raw and cooked dog food diet is up to you. The key is to make sure that only healthy, natural ingredients are included in your best friend’s food. Anything less will contribute to potential health hazards, illness and a shortened life span.

Dog Food Ratings to Help You Find the Healthiest Meal for Your Dog

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brigitte_Smith]Brigitte Smith

A dog’s diet should include a mixture of fresh, wholesome ingredients. To get the full effect and maintain your dog’s health, many reviews and dog food ratings show that although fresh food is undoubtedly best, ultra premium packaged dog food may be the way to go. Your dog will get fewer fillers, preservatives and grains from ultra premium dog foods. The dog food brand that you choose can have a huge importance to how healthy your dog remains over its lifespan.

After looking at a number of dog food ratings, the consensus is that Honest Kitchen dog food may be the best on the market. Honest Kitchen uses human-grade ingredients, which will appeal more to your dog while supplying better nutrition. The ingredients list includes chicken, organic flaxseed, potatoes, celery, apples, kelp, zucchini, green beans, yoghurt, basil, garlic, and more.

Another recommended dog food that is listed toward the top of many dog food ratings is Sojos. As with Honest Kitchen, Sojos contains no animal by-products, and in fact contains no meat products at all. With Sojos, you get all the wholesome ingredients minus the meat, and you add your own fresh meat.

By-products are the other parts to animals that are left over and not used by humans for food. If you can, try to stay away from by-products within your dog’s food to maintain their health. However, many dog food brands do put by-products in their food.

While Honest Kitchen dog food and Sojos dog food are among the top dog food brands, they can seem expensive. But things are not always as they seem! Because these premium dog foods contain quality ingredients and no fillers, you need less. So there is very little difference in price per serve between these vastly superior quality dog foods and their rubbishy commercial counterparts. And what little difference there is – isn’t your dog worth just a little extra to keep him/her ultra healthy? And your dog will live longer, too.

When you begin shopping for your dog food, remember that a combination of wet and dry food is best for most dogs. There are a vast variety of dog food brands to confuse the common shopper, but if you’re willing to spend just a little more money, dog food ratings show that Honest Kitchen dog food is the best.

The Benefits of Homemade Dog Food

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ian_White]Ian White

Whether your dog is a fussy eater or not, making homemade dog food for him is one of the healthiest things that you can do. Of course, it is easier to make dog food for your dog if he isn’t a fussy eater. Otherwise, you will probably have to go through a trial and error period where you prepare batches and batches of homemade dog food until you find a recipe that he will actually eat.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can’t prepare a nutritious meal for your dog either. After all, with the exception of a few types of meat that really don’t wind up in dog food much anymore, dog food makers actually use the same type of foods that we do. If you don’t believe it, read the label on a can of dog food.

Why would anyone want to go through the extra work to prepare food for his or her dog at home rather than purchasing it in the supermarket or at the pet store? For one thing, you get to control what goes into your dog’s food and therefore, you can pay special attention to his nutritional needs.

Secondly, it may actually be cheaper to prepare homemade dog food rather than purchasing it in a can at the store. Even if you buy it in bulk or on sale, canned dog food can be costly, especially if your dog is a finicky eater and prefers the better and more expensive brands.

Thirdly, your dog might just like the taste of it better than the canned variety. Some canned varieties have added fillers, artificial flavorings, or animal by products. The taste may not be as natural or as flavorful as the kind that you will be making.

Fourth, the time that you take to prepare it can be additional bonding time for the two of you. One of you can work in the kitchen preparing the food, while the other is watching the one that’s working. Your dog will probably be doing more than watching though, because he’ll probably be drooling as well, as the aroma of the food begins to waft over to his nostrils to kick start his salivary glands.

At any rate, preparing homemade dog food is simpler than you think. One of the easiest meats to prepare for this venture is ground meat. In fact, ground turkey has less fat and is easier to digest than ground beef, so I suggest that you use that. Ground veal is another good option. However, it is usually more expensive, plus it may not be available in your supermarket.

Avoid adding salt or oil since you probably don’t need it. The extra salt will make your dog thirsty and it really isn’t good for him. Cook the meat on slow, stirring or turning it constantly to allow the juices to remain inside the meat. Once the juices have turned clear, the meat is fully cooked.

If necessary, you can use a bit of soy bean oil to keep the meat from sticking to the pan. Additionally, you can add some beef or chicken broth to the pan while cooking the meat.

If you plan on adding vegetables, you can add precooked vegetables when the meat appears to be almost finished cooking. Additionally, you can add raw vegetables in the beginning of the cooking stage provided you have diced them into small pieces.

When selecting the vegetables that you will add, attempt to use some that have the most nutritional value for your dog in regard to vitamin content. Ideally, green vegetables are always a good option. Once your dog has finished eating his homemade brand of dog food, look to see exactly which vegetables he left in his dish if any. Whatever he left, he isn’t going to eat, so don’t include it with the next batch that you make.

How much food you cook depends on several things. It depends on the size of your dog, your dog’s appetite, and the number of meals that you want to be able to store for the week. If you like cooking, then simply prepare your dog’s meal when you prepare your own. If you don’t like to cook, then prepare several meals at a time and refrigerate the leftovers for 3 to 4 days.

Several additional options that you have for meal time is to include a bit of rice or cubed fortified bread to your pet’s dinner entree. If your pet is a bit under the weather, consider crushing some dog vitamins to add to his food.

Whatever you do, always introduce a change in your dog’s diet gradually. This will avoid digestion and elimination problems. Simply add a bit of the homemade dog food to his existing food, gradually increasing the amount and decreasing the amount of his old food until you have him on 100% homemade dog food.

5 Benefits To Feeding Your Dog Premium Dog Food

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brigitte_Smith]Brigitte Smith

If you have a dog, healthy dog food is imperative to help keep your dog as healthy as possible. Premium dog food is some of the best you can give your dog to help them maintain a healthy diet and remain energetic. Whether it’s dry, canned or frozen, premium quality dog food provides a number of facets that most dog food just can’t offer. Here are 5 benefits to using premium dog food over any other kind on the market.

1. Vitamins and Minerals

As with your own food, a healthy dog food should contain lots of vitamins and minerals. Premium dog food contains vitamins and minerals that balance a dog’s nutritional needs. While they will cost more than other foods you can feed your dog, they contain no indigestible fillers or additives. It’s cheaper for humans to go buy a cheeseburger for a dollar, but it doesn’t make it right. It’s the same thing for your dog.

2. Nutrients

Premium dog food tends to provide more nutrients that can be better absorbed by the body. Because of this, you will notice that the amount your dog eats is less, but your dog will feel more satisfied and energetic than eating lower cost foods. Therefore, in a sense you will be saving money by them eating less.

3. Fewer Allergies

You can never completely eliminate allergies from a dog, but you can limit how severe their allergies are. Most premium dog food does not contain dye, which is the main source for allergies in many dogs. By providing them with healthy dog food you will help them create a balanced diet and a better nutrition that will also help fight off allergies.

4. Healthy Fur

One of the biggest benefits to feeding your dog healthy dog food, especially premium quality dog food, is how it will affect their fur. Over a period of time that your dog is on the new diet, you will notice that their fur is much sleeker and will look a lot healthier than before. This can help reduce the amount that your dog sheds as well.

5. Overall Appearance

Feeding your dog premium quality dog food will provide them a glistening overall appearance because of the nutrition that is provided. Premium dog food helps clean your dog’s teeth, build up strong bones, and as mentioned above it will give them a shiny coat.

It should be obvious that feeding your dog premium dog food will be beneficial to their overall health, as well as their appearance. Everything from their teeth to their coat to their fur will be affected for the better with healthy dog food. Although it can be more expensive than other kinds of foods, it’s hard to put a price on your dog’s health.

3 Simple Steps For the Best All Natural Dog Foods Available Using This Homemade Dog Food Recipe

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sherrie_Chastain]Sherrie Chastain

Have you been looking for dog foods information to find the best all natural dog foods or homemade dog food recipe to make your own all natural dog foods?

All natural dog foods are in high demand right now because of the information surfacing on what commercial dog food suppliers are really putting in dog foods. There is no coincidence in the trend of our weakening dog's health and the fact that many ingredients in dog foods today, that many dog food suppliers use, are really not good for your dog's health.

At the "American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Conference" the use of grains by dog food suppliers in commercial dog foods and home-prepared pet foods was questioned. Grains like oats, wheat, rice, barley, etc. are mainly complex carbohydrates, they also contain some protein, fiber, B-vitamins and a few trace minerals, however, these grains are not part of an all natural dog foods diet of wild dogs. Dogs do not have dietary requirements for complex carbohydrates and can receive the other elements they contain from other sources that are more digestible and nutritionally beneficial for your dog. Grains must also be cooked or sprouted and thoroughly chewed to be digested, which carnivores do not chew very much.

Why grains are not part of the best all natural dog foods?

Dog Food suppliers introduced them into your dog foods because the high carbohydrate content provides cheap calories. Dogs never ate grains in the wild in the amount that dog food suppliers put in today's dog foods.

The enzyme amylase is produced by your dog's pancreas to digest and utilize carbohydrates. Your dog cannot continually produce the amount of amylase required for the high complex carbohydrates in dog foods today without added stress on your dog's digestive system. Also grain proteins are not as digestible as animal proteins which can cause your dog's immune system to become irritated and weaker. The result can be allergies and other chronic immune disorders for your dog. Some of the symptoms your dog may experience from eating grains are poor digestion, bad breath, bowel trouble, gas, itching, hot spots plus other allergic reactions.

Recently it has come to light that some major dog food suppliers of high quality dog foods that advertised certain types of protein like chicken were using things like chicken feet only in their dog foods. Common sense tells us chicken feet cannot contain the same protein as the whole chicken.

Because there have been so many incidents like this reported about dog food suppliers, along with the amount of grains and other questionable ingredients used in dog foods today, the only way to assure your dog gets the best all natural dog foods possible, is for you to make them yourself.

What should I use for the best all natural dog foods in my homemade dog food recipe?

Below is a good basic homemade dog food recipe. Remember any sudden change in your dog's diet can cause your dog to have an upset stomach, so start with mixing a small amount of your new homemade dog food recipe in with the dog foods you are currently using. Every day increase your homemade dog food recipe amount and decrease the commercial dog foods you have been using. In a week to 10 days your dog will now have the best all natural dog foods available. You will also be surprised at how affordable it is.

A good rule of thumb for your homemade dog food recipe is 1 pound of raw or cooked food per day per 50 pounds of body weight of your pet. So if your pet weighs 100 pounds your dog would eat 2 pounds of your homemade dog food recipe daily and if your dog weighs 10 pounds your dog would eat 1/5 pound or 3.2 oz.

Bones become brittle and can splinter when they are old or cooked so you should only give your dog raw fresh bones. Your dog also cannot digest large pieces of vegetable without them being chopped finely, put through a blender or a food processor.

Use organ meats and inexpensive cuts of meat along with discount produce that has ripened. You can use whole chicken or turkey wings, necks and backs in your homemade dog food recipe to make your all natural dog foods as long as you do not cook them, the bones must be fed raw so they will not splinter.

Make up large batches and freeze your new all natural dog foods in serving size portions for your dog, then just take out the night before and refrigerate. Add any supplements at the time of feeding. You can feed your dog 2 times daily just divide the amount your dog needs daily in half for each feeding.

The following basic homemade dog food recipe will yield approximately 2 cups of food or 1 pound of the best prepared all natural dog foods available. The following all natural dog foods recipe is a 75% meat 25% vegetable combination. This simulates a dog's diet in the wild.

3 Simple Steps for the Best All Natural Dog Foods with this Homemade Dog Food Recipe
1) Use 12 ounces coarse-ground or chopped meat, raw or cooked. You can rotate a variety of meats, poultry and fish (organic or natural are best) for your all natural dog foods.

2) Use 4 ounces ground or chopped finely, mixed vegetables, raw or cooked. Again organic is the best choice for your all natural dog foods. Many stores will discount over-ripe produce.

3) Optional ingredients you can use in your all natural dog foods are whole eggs (including shells), alfalfa, kelp, barley or wheat grass, garlic, spirulina, chlorella, apples, pears, bananas, parsley, nettles, almonds, walnuts, fish oil for omega-3's and a shiny coat (which indicates your dog's health), plus a good vitamin and mineral supplement for your dog's optimum health.

Combine the above ingredients with warm purified water, because the best all natural dog foods are the consistency of a thick stew. Your dog will also benefit from this more natural source of water.

You can make the difference in your dog's health just by preparing this easy all natural dog foods homemade dog food recipe. Give this all natural dog foods recipe a chance for a month and see if you notice added vitality and vigor plus a new shiny coat on your dog.

7 Questions to Ask When Choosing Dog Food for Your Pooch

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mayra_Alfonso]Mayra Alfonso

When it comes to choosing dog food for your dog, it can be a difficult decision. There are so many different dog food brands, flavors, sizes, and shapes of dog food out there that making a choice can be tough. If you are picking out food for your dog, you want to make sure that you get them the best possible food. They should get food that will help keep them healthy, fit, and happy. So, when you are choosing the food for your dog, you'll have to consider dietary needs, the brands available, your own preferences, and perhaps the cost of the food. However, before you make a final decision, the following are several questions to ask.

Question #1 - What Size is Your Dog? - First of all, you are going to need to ask yourself about the size of your dog. Do you have a very large dog, a medium dog, or perhaps a small or toy dog? The size of your dog is definitely going to influence the type of food that you buy. When you go looking for food, look for dog food that is specific to the size of your dog. Small dogs won't be able to get their mouths around the food made for large dogs, and large dogs are going to need something more substantial than food designed for smaller dogs.

Question #2 - Does Your Dog Have Allergies? - You should also ask yourself whether your dog has any allergies when you are choosing dog food as well. If there are certain ingredients that your dog is allergic to, you will have to be cautious when making your choice. Make sure that there are no ingredients contained in the dog food that may cause an allergic reaction with your pooch.

Question #3 - What's Your Dogs Age? - The age of your dog is another important consideration when you are picking out food for your dog. Is your dog an older dog, a young adult dog, or a small puppy? There are different foods available depending on the age of your dog. You can find puppy food for young puppies, adult dog food for adult dogs, and there is senior dog food available for the dogs that are getting older. A dogs needs are different as they age, so you'll need to get the right dog foods for their age.

Question #4 - Are there Any Health Concerns to Consider? - Any health concerns that your dog may have can influence the type of dog food you purchase for your dog as well. Does your dog need some dog supplements in the food to help with health problems like eye problems, hip dysplasia, or even other joint problems? Also, some ingredients may not be easily digested by dogs that have health issues, so keep this in mind as well.

Question #5 - How Active is the Dog - You should also ask yourself about the activity level of your dog too. Is your dog very active or is your dog more on the sedentary side? There are dog foods available that are specifically for dogs that are very active. However, you won't want to give this kind of dog food to a dog that is not as active.

Question #6 - Is There Real Meat in the Food? - Another question to ask is whether or not there is any real meat in the food that you choose. The meat should be in the first couple ingredients, and good meat includes fish, lamb, chicken, and duck. If there is no meat, there should at least be "meal" listed in the first couple ingredients.

Question #7 - Is the Food Made by a Quality Company? - The quality of the company that makes the food is definitely important as well. You want to be sure that the food comes from a company that you can trust and that will provide your dog with the nutritious food that is needed. Take the time to check into the company and their history before you choose food from that company.

So, before you choose any kind of food for your dog, be sure to ask all of these questions. If you are sure to ask each of these questions before you choose the dog food, you'll be sure to get the type of food that your dog enjoys. Also, you'll get food that is quality and healthy for your dog as well.