What Ingredients Are Best For Homemade Dog Food?

By James Beckett

After doing the research and discovering all of the disgusting things that can find their way into commercial dog food, you have made the wise decision to switch to homemade dog food. Making the decision was easy, but many people don't know where to go from there. Thankfully, making dog food at home is just as simple as finding the right ingredients, let's look at what you need to include:

What to Include

While variations on the following numbers are common, a general way to look at homemade dog food is that 40% of the calories should come from meat, 30% from starch and 30% from vegetables. Any type of meat can be used, but organ meat, such as liver, can be very healthy for dogs. Even though some people encourage feeding dogs a raw diet, it is generally best to cook the meat in order to kill any bacteria or parasites that may be in it. Additionally, bones need to be removed since they can cause choking. Common sources of starch for dog food are cooked rice, pasta and potatoes, though others can be used as well. Vegetables are another instance where almost any type can be used (avoid onions and broccoli, however). Veggies should either be cooked or cut into very small pieces in order to minimize the risk of choking.

What to Avoid

Certain foods are toxic to dogs and should not be included in your pet's diet. The most important ones to consider when making dog food are onions, broccoli, mushrooms, and garlic. In fact, seasonings shouldn't be necessary, as it will be the meat that is most attractive to your dog. Raw salmon and similar fish can contain bacteria that are fatal to dogs. Therefore, if you serve fish, be sure to cook it thoroughly. Potato peelings can be dangerous as can stems and leaves of tomatoes. Raisins, grapes and parts of other fruit can be bad for your dog as well; be sure to research thoroughly prior to adding fruit to your pet's diet. Caffeine and alcohol should never be part of a dog's food.

Special Considerations

There are some things to keep in mind when making food for your dog. First is that, like people, dogs have food preferences. If you find that your pet continually turns their nose up at a certain ingredient you are using, don't push the issue, stop using the ingredient and try something else. Attempting to force your dog to eat a specific item will only be stressful for the both of you and cost you unnecessary money. Other things to watch for are behavioral changes, such as scratching excessively, as they could signal an allergic reaction. If that is the case, be aware of what your dog ate and be cautious with those ingredients until you are certain which one caused the reaction. Finally, there is the percentage issue. The calorie breakdown is a general guideline and shouldn't be written in stone. An overweight dog will need fewer calories overall and specifically less fat, whereas an active sporting dog needs more protein and other nutrients. The best thing about homemade dog food is that you can tailor it to your dog, and not someone else's idea of what your dog needs.

For more information on homemade dog food including a great free recipe then visit us here

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Arthritis In Dogs - Does Your Pooch Suffer?

By David P. Lee

As a dog begins to age or suffers constant stiffness or has a disability, watching their arthritic decline is heart wrenching. This disease progresses at a slow pace, beginning with a discomfort that is hard to pinpoint. The worst cases turn into an animal not being able to stand, walk about, or even eat their meals.

There are many forms that arthritis comes in with different underlying causes. This leads to many health questions. When it comes to cats and dogs, arthritis can strike any breed or age. While humans seem to commonly experience arthritis through autoimmune rheumatism, dogs too suffer from this condition. Lyme disease and primary cartilage degeneration in young dogs are common causes, joined by one of the most striking - degenerative osteoarthritis. As animals get older, their bony joints don't move as smoothly, causing bony spurs to emerge, which work towards alleviating affected joints. It is the unstable joints and bony proliferations that cause pain in an animal as they attempt to move.

When arthritis attacks, your pet is usually unable to express this pain. Older dogs and cats do not moan and groan about achy joints. Sometimes, displaying difficulty getting up and down is a sign. If they have problems climbing stairs, jumping onto furniture, getting into the car, or seem sore after exercise, you may suspect arthritis. Your pet may even become grumpy, which is why a yearly checkup for older dogs and cats is a must. With some types of arthritis (like OCD, hip dysplasia, and rheumatoid arthritis), treatments that involve surgery and medicine work well. However, degenerative osteoarthritis has no cure.

An affected animal has no choice but to live the rest of their life on anti-inflammatory drugs that include aspirin, phenylbutazone, Feldene, and when it becomes worse - cortisone-like options. Yet, some owners have found benefits in turning towards natural therapeutic treatments, which have proven to ease pain, slow down disease progression, delay the need for drugs, and reduce the medications that may cause serious side effects.

A common initial approach is to change all food to a rather high quality of natural diet selections, while the best dog food is made in the home using recipes illustrated in books by Pitcairn and Volhard. Most dogs that suffer pain undergo a great change after switching their diet to one with high in vitamines and nutrients. The next step is to administer glucosamine supplements, which work to fortify the cartilage associated with damaged or disease-ridden joints.

A veterinarian can point you in the right direction - usually suggesting brands like Cosequin and Glycoflex. To treat pathologic inflammation, antioxidant vitamins are also good, especially when used in combination of homeopathic treatments. When it comes to arthritis, the subject of herbal treatments often arises. Pet owners ask about this approach, yet numerous holistic veterinarians believe herbs are not as useful as nutritional changes and working on the body. If you are thinking about herbal treatments, check with a professional veterinarian who is well versed in Eastern herbal prescription choices.

A majority of animals that are suffering from arthritis, or other musculoskeletal conditions, attempt to relieve their constant pain by twisting about their spines. Occasional chiropractic attention is something in which these such animals will certainly appreciate. Acupuncture treatment is something else which many animals have responded well too when suffering with moderate to severe pain.

Arthritis is not a death sentence. It can be contained with a blend of natural and conventional approaches. It is essential to slow down the advancements of the dog Illness, dog disease by introducing a healthy diet with good dog food nutrition along with the administration of glucosamine supplements during the early stages of the disease. If your pet shows signs of being stiff, then ensure that you speak with a veterinarian immediately.

David Lee is owner and designer of several pet sites. For more information on cats see, cat furniture, or for dogs check out our dog ramps.

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Constipation Dog Health - The Scoop on Your Dog's Poop

By Nicki Howell

Are you concerned about constipation dog health? Typically, dogs have bowel movements at least once every two days. Read on to learn about the symptoms, causes, and prevention of canine constipation.

Symptoms.

A dog who is constipated may experience loss of appetite, vomiting and seem lethargic. If your dog strains while having a bowel movement or stool is bloody, your dog may have an infection and you should consult your vet immediately.

Causes.

Certain breeds of dogs may be more prone to constipation; however it can affect any dog. Eating large meals, bones, chew toys, sticks or other objects that aren't meant to be edible, can cause blockage in your dog's digestive track.

Causes can also be more serious, such as a condition called "mega colon" which is an inflamed colon which prevents the discharge of feces. If you suspect a problem, the best idea is to consult with your vet.

Treatment.

Typically your vet will exam your dog and use radiography if necessary. If the problem is minor, your vet may elect to use a laxative that will soften the stool. If that doesn't work, your doctor may opt for surgery. Your dog may also need to be treated for dehydration.

Prevention.

Making sure your dog has a diet high in fiber and drinks plenty of water can do wonders for preventing constipation. Regular exercise will also stimulate the bowels.

Although it may be tempting to feed your dog from the tables, refraining will help prevent constipation. Foods that contain, flour, sugar, rice, dairy and high protein can be problematic for your dog.

Did we answer your question? If not, please visit www.dog-health-info.net for additional resources.

http://www.dog-health-info.net

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How To Find Your Perfect Puppy

By Tjangu Jack

The choices you make at the start are crucial. You have to ask yourself if you are prepared to devote the next ten to fifteen years of your life to the care of this living, adorable creature. Are you ready to give him unconditional love and attention, for that is what he will be giving you in return, if you treat him the right way.

If your answer is yes to these first basic questions, then you have to consider other choices, which are numerous. How big or small do you want him? Do you want an energetic or a docile pet? Do you like them long haired or short haired? Do you want him to be kid friendly? Do you want a pedigreed puppy, or a cross breed, or a rescued one?

A lot of the choices will fall into place, if you consider where you live and how you live. For instance, is your home large enough for a Great Dane? Do you have a balcony or a fenced-in yard, or neither? Are you an indoors person, or do you love going on long walks? Do your neighbors like dogs? Are there kids at home, or any other pet? Will there be someone at home at all times, or will your puppy have to get used to being home alone? Lastly, will you be able to afford feeding him, paying the vet’s bills, and kennel charges when you go on vacations?

So do all the research you can beforehand. Talk to the local vet; if there is a local dog rescue center, you can tell them about your requirements; see the kind of dogs the neighbors have, they may have already done their homework, and their experience with their pet dog may give you valuable insights; read up on different breeds at the local library, the internet, or at the bookstore. Don’t make the mistake of giving in to the kids’ whims; you have to be totally comfortable with the choice you are going to make, since you will be bearing the brunt of nurturing the puppy!

When you are doing your research, note down any special equipment which might be required for the breed you will be choosing, like yard fencing, collars and leashes, bedding, food, toys etc. You have to know beforehand if your chosen breed is prone to any health problems which it might develop; you might even have to change your mind.

Lastly, never buy a puppy for someone as a surprise, and never buy one for someone without asking them these questions.

To find out what Dog Obedience training can do for you and to
Learn expert dog training techniques for your puppy and advice to help with dog behavior problems, and more tips to raise an obedient dog and companion. Please go to this link:
http://kcjack-trainingdogs.blogspot.com

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Information About Commercial Dog Foods

By Jared Lee

There is no such single commercial dog food which can be designated as the "best-suited food" for all dogs. Every dog has different and exclusive nutritional requirements based on its breed, age, size, and level of physical activity. Therefore, what is best for one dog may not work at all for another dog. Feeding your dog with just one kind of meal for its entire life can leave a lot of nutritional gaps. Therefore, all dog owners prefer to feed their dogs with a variety of commercial dog foods in order to fill these nutritional gaps. In addition, commercial dog foods contain a lot of supplements for better health of your dog.

All manufacturers of dog food are supposed to strictly abide by the AAFCO guidelines and provide the composition of the dog food. Although the list mentions the ingredients and contents of the dog food, the exact percentage by weight of each ingredient is usually not mentioned. Usually the list mentions the names of all the ingredients present in the dog food in decreasing order of weight.

There are different brands of commercial dog foods available in the market. They usually contain ingredients such as -- animal by-products, animal digests, meat (beef, chicken, etc), bone and animal fat. Many meals are grain based formulations containing corn gluten, and include corn, barley, whet, rice, oats, brewer's rice, brown rice or any other grain. Other plant based formulations include amaranth, alfalfa, semolina, barley, soybean, flaxseed, or linseed. Commercial dog foods may also contain whole eggs, whole fish or fish cuttings.

Many commercial dog meals are exclusively made up of fresh vegetable and fruit base. Such meals contain green turnips, tomatoes, carrots, peas, guava leaves or peppermint leaves. A variety of fruits are also used in commercial dog foods such as oranges, papaya or pumpkins. The benefit of a meal based on fresh fruits and vegetables is that it provides the essential vitamins and minerals required for your dog's body.

Check Out More Articles:

Develop A Plan For Dog Training

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