Wednesday, December 23, 2009

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.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

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.