Healthiest Dog Food is Home Made

Nature never intended for pets to eat dry food resembling compressed sawdust. This convenience is paid for in reduced pet health. Where is it written that your pet's food bowl has to be filled with chalk dry nuggets of quasi-nutritious ground up brown stuff? We've been sold on a bad idea because it makes our lives easier.

With the advent of instant information, and the ease of research on the internet we can easily find out about the practices of the commercial dog food manufacturers. Some of these practices are downright sickening, others just plain dangerous to the health of our pets. Headlines and recalls about food that is tainted and contaminated have become the norm. Commercial dog food certainly does not seem to be the nutritious, healthy diet that we have been led to believe.

Did you know commercial dog food has to be enhanced with sprayed on fat and flavors to cover up the chemical taste, to be even remotely attractive to your pet. Without this palatability modification, I don't think the kibble would ever get eaten.

Sometimes sugar is used in the form of cane, molasses or corn syrup to hook your pet. That way when he/she dives into to food bowl we feel a sense of satisfaction. They love it we think because they can't get enough. This then translates into it must be good for them, but of course it is not. Obviously processed sugars are unnecessary and foreign to animals, and just like us, can cause tooth decay, diabetes, and obesity.

The newest alternative that has become mainstream for our pampered pets is finding all natural, organic dog food, made with fresh human grade ingredients. They are available, and are easy to find if you invest some time to investigate. Alternately, you can make your own healthy pet food. I make mine in bulk and freeze the appropriate meal size portions. Always keep in mind your pets nutritional needs, and check with your vet first.

Dogs need specific amounts of meat, starch, and vegetables daily, as well as vitamins and supplements to maintain optimum health. They need to be slowly changed over to any new diet by slowly introducing the new food, and making sure it is properly tolerated. Any number of recipes are available through the internet, your vet, your local pet store, or even the old fashioned way, by going to the library. Once you have the knowledge you will not want to return to the unhealthy diet that has become the easy way out.

We have been led to believe that giving your dog a variety is bad for them. This is certainly not true. You will get to know which foods are the favorites. Any animal lover who considers their pet a family member, which in today's society has become trendy, will feel much better about giving a healthy nutritious diet to their beloved pet, and extending their pooches life. Ultimately for our own greed as much as anything, this will give us extra years to share with a loved one. If you are a dedicated pet owner and your pets health and happiness are a priority, then you should consider giving him/her a well balanced, nutritious all natural diet, made by your own loving hands.

I am a dedicated pet owner, and animal lover. Check out more info at http://www.recipes4gourmetdogs.com

All Natural Dog Food

By: Laurie Lindsay

Many pet owners these days are opting to shift away from commercial dog foods and towards all natural dog food, often of the homemade variety. It's not as hard as many think to move to a natural homemade alternative diet for your pet. You should consult your veterinarian prior to making changes in your dog's diet. Your vet is a good source for your pet's specific nutritional needs; they are familiar with your dog's medical history and can make you aware of any special needs your dog may have for supplements, and inform you if there's anything that should be avoided.

Vegetables may be added to your pets diet if you are making homemade food for your dog. This is not only economical, but healthy. Crush or blend vegetables before adding however, otherwise your dog will be unable to reap the nutrients of the vegetables. The reason for this is that unlike humans, dogs are unable to break down cellulose and thusly need their veggies pre-pulped.

Fresh meats should be a major ingredient in a homemade all natural dog food program. Start your dog with lean meats such as chicken. Organ meats may be added later in moderation; a high fat diet is no better for your dog than for you. Be sure to cook meats before giving them to your pet. Although your dog will certainly be willing to eat raw meat, cooking it will destroy potentially harmful bacteria that could cause health problems.

Keep your dog's diet balanced. This is key to any diet plan, whether for a human or for the family dog. Typically, a dog's diet should be comprised of a ratio of 40% protein, 30% starch and 30% fiber. Again, consult with your veterinarian. They can help you figure out a plan for an all natural dog food plan that works optimally for your dog. Your veterinarian may also be able to point you towards resources to help you plan a healthy diet for your dog, as well as having valuable advice about what supplements your dog may require.

One good piece of preparation for switching your dog to a homemade diet is to look through websites on the topic (and there are many to be found). These sites often feature recipes for your pet, as well as containing a wealth of information from other dog owners who have already made the switch to all natural dog food.

Feeding all natural will greatly reduce the physical and mental speed of premature aging in our pets, associated with a lifetime of poor nutrition. Several degenerative diseases, such as cancer, kidney disease, heart disease, arthritis, skin problems, bowel problems (such as Pancreatitis), and even diabetes have been found to either be hurried up or slowed down very much by what is eaten. Please keep in mind that by also feeding a properly put-together home-made or raw diet will provide these same benefits, and more!

You should also be aware that feeding an all natural or holistic diet can actually save you money in the long run. So your dog benefits and so do you.

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Why Feed Your Dog A Raw Diet?

Because of the many dangers of feeding commercial pet foods, many are turning to other alternatives. One of these alternatives is Raw Feeding.

Why should you feed your dog a raw diet? To begin with feeding your dog raw meat is healthier. What is called Raw Feeding or The BARF Diet by the savvy crowd is much healthier for your dog.

Here are a few great reasons for feeding dogs and puppies a raw diet dog food:

1. By feeding processed dog food, most dogs experience periodontal disease within 4 years. When feeding your dog raw dog food, periodontal disease is practically not existent.

Periodontal disease is where bacteria is allowed to enter through the mouth due to unclean teeth and cause numerous health problems.

2. Dogs perform best on a raw diet. High performance dogs, such as greyhounds and sled dogs, have been fed raw diets and shown an increase in their performance levels. No wonder pet owners are turning to a raw diet in order to see an increased benefit of better health in their companions. Feeding artificial processed diets have resulted in many dangerous health issues, not even including the pet food crisis. That is another issue altogether.

3. By feeding a raw diet, your dog will not experience the obesity found when feeding a commercial diet. Dogs become more fit and energetic on raw fed diets. Many owners and breeders feeding raw have found improved coat conditions, reduced coat loss, and leaner, healthier overall condition in their dogs.

4.Allergies disappear.

5. Arthritis is reduced significantly or even totally disappears.

6. Gone is the dog odor.

7. Longer life span than commercially fed dogs.

8. Pregnant females show less problems.

9. Puppies show better weight and health.

10. Raw feeding is less expensive.

11. Vet visits are less frequent.

12. There is little to no preparation.

13. Ease of shopping. All meats can be found at your local grocery store or a meat packing plant.

Once adjusted to a raw diet your dog will love it!

So, what is stopping you from trying the healthiest dog food diet you can feed your dog? Even if you only substitute part of your dog food with raw meaty bones, or even small bites of raw food, your dog will be healthier because of it.

Do your own research into this alternative path to a healthier, happier dog by reading up more on Raw Feeding.

Karen has been training dogs for over 35 years. She's also helped others learn to train their own dogs. Karen manages several dog web sites to benefit dog owners. Visit for more great info at 4theLuvofDogs.com.

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Bad Dog Food: The Rise of Cancer in Dogs

By: Darren Craddock

They say that dogs are a man's best friend.

It's true, isn't it? There is nothing better than waking up to slobbery kisses first thing in the morning, or getting jumped in the excitement of you coming home to your dog. Dogs absolutely love their owners and the owner's love their dogs and whenever a dog has a serious medical issue is almost the same as having a family member or relative having a serious medical issue. Some medical issues in dogs are extremely similar to the ones people have, and one that is on the rise is cancer.

Bad Dog food not bad dog

Cancer is more prevalent in dogs these days than ever. Believe it or not, the current rate of cancer in dogs is much higher than it is in humans. It's commonly known that part of the problem is when the majority of dog owners switched to kibble as opposed to natural food.

There are several factors that can go into why dogs are getting cancer. The least controllable one is genetics. If the parents of the dog or any dog in the family line have had cancer that means the dog is more susceptible to getting it, just like in humans. The environment can affect this as well, if dogs are around a lot of smoke or pollution.

You are what you eat - even if you are a dog

Then of course, their nutrition and diet is a huge part of keeping a dog healthy in general. This is the one we have the most control over. It's important, just like us, to have healthy eating habits. Yes, it's easier to just scoop a cup of kibble or dry dog food into their bowl and let them eat, but it's not always the best thing.

Consulting with a nutritionist that specifically deals with animals is the best way to see what kind of nutritional options that is out there. There are even herbal and vitamin supplements that can help give your pet the nutrition they need. It's understandable that feeding a dog steak every night is out of the question, no matter how much the dog would love it.

Of course not all dry food is the same for your dog but if you don't do your research you could really be harming your dog. Just like keeping your body healthy, keeping your dog healthy is a great way to keep them happy, and in turn having them around longer will make you happy as well. Exercise everyday, along with proper feeding habits is a great way to battle a potential thread of the ever-increasing cancer in dogs.

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Tom Peters is a dog lover and owner of Birkdale Medicinals. He created a healthier dog food and herbal supplement line after losing his beloved Banjo to cancer. Keep your dog healthy with a pet mix created for ultimatewww.dogcancerinfo.com/Dog-Cancer-Diet-Pet-Mix-s/55.htm"> dog health with www.dogcancerinfo.com/Pet-Health-Products-s/1.htm"> Organic pet food

The Best Dog Food For Your friend

By: Thomas Henricks

Walking the isles, you will find a wide choice of dog food available in supermarkets and pet supplies today. This can make it difficult to decide which is the best dog food for your best friend. This may be one of the most commonly asked questions by pet owners when they take their dogs to their veterinarian. The answer really is not definitive.

There really is not one "best" that is suitable for all gogs across the board. The answer can be narrowed down by looking at each dog. Dogs are very much like people. Some dogs are extremely active to the point that they are often labelled hyper. Some dogs are built big and tough and some small and delicate. Each will need a diet tailored specifally to that dog's physical needs. However, understanding what determines those needs will help you to determine what the best dog food is for your pet.

The First Component

The first primary difference in dog food relates to the raw materials that are used to provide the nutritional value. You will notice that commercial dog foods are either grain-based or meat-based. Most experts will agree that the best dog food to maintain healthy dogs (who don't have heart or kidney problems) is a meat-based food.

Meat-based dog foods are considered the option due to the fact that their digestive system more easily extracts the nutrient value from the food source. It is common knowledge that protein is a necessary component in the diet of all dogs. Meat based dog foods typically are very high in protein. While meat based dog foods are produced from lamb, turkey, fish, beef and venison, many professionals in the field feel that chicken-based dog foods are the best choice.

Basic Guide

As notednpreviously, no single dog food can be rated the best for all dogs. There are a few things to specifically look for when selecting your dog's food. These components found in the appropriate ratio will ensure that your pet is getting the required source of nutrition from their food. As with people food, dog food will display nutrition labels that provide information about the nutrient value that can be expected from that product. These labels will provide the information you need to dtermine which is the best dog food for your pet.

When reading the nutritional value analysis, pay attention to the amount of protein contained in the dog food. For most dogs this value should be at least 30 per cent. In addition be sure to look at the fat percentage as well. The food should contain at least 18 per cent fat. This number may vary according to several factors. Older dogs or overweight dogs may require food that provides lower fat levels. These issues can be manged simply by selecting a product with lower fat in the source. Other components you should look for would include Vitamin E, the presence of Vitamin C, and the presence of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Food for Health and Happiness

The best dog food for your dog ultimately rests on the evaluation of your particular dog's needs. The key thing to consider is that you ensure that your dog is getting the appropriate amount of nutrients. You may want to consult with your veterinarian for more professional advice about a healthy choice for your dog. That will help you determine what is the best dog food to meet your needs.

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Tom Henricks is a retired utility worker and charter fisherman from The Canadian of Shore of Lake Erie. For more information about Petfood please visit Petfood Tips and Info

Human Food For Your Golden Retriever

By: Peter Finch

Now that you have got your golden retriever home, it is important to pay enormous attention to his daily needs. Diet is very important for the health of your golden retriever.

Well, we would all feed our favorite pets dog food, but even pets can prefer variety in their platter. And it is not a bad idea to opt for human food for your golden retriever.

Golden retrievers, or any pets for that matter, love attention showered on them. So, if you are having a sumptuous dinner and your dog is salivating next to you, it is not a bad idea to make him sample some food.

Many a times, golden retrievers communicate in an interesting manner. If your pet expresses excessive fondness with the refrigerator, he may be communicating his interest in some particular food that is stored in the refrigerator.

As we all know dogs have a great sense of smell, and it would not be easy to hide a delicious food item from him. Human food, when served with a little caution may actually be good for the golden retriever. However, it would not be a wise idea to feed him table scraps. That way, you would be spoiling your pet.

Of course, you would have to make a conscious choice of what is appropriate and what is not for your dog. Human foods may or may not be suitable for it. Here are some may - have and should - not - have human food for your golden retriever -

"May Have" human food for your golden retriever:

Most of these food groups are beneficial for us, but the golden retriever may just benefit from and enjoy them. They would provide the appropriate nutrients along with the variety that your pet would like-

- Brown Rice ; Rich in fiber content, they are good for your golden retriever.
- Chicken/ Egg yolk/egg shells/ raw eggs. Rich in protein, this human food is also good for them
- Raw Vegetables
- Turkey. You need to exercise caution with this. If the strips are too hard, your pet can choke on it.
- Oatmeal
- Fruits. With the exception of grapes and raisins.

"Should Not Have" human food for your golden retriever;

- Egg Whites; This usually results in biotin deficiency (Vitamin B) due to the presence of avidin. Hence avoiding egg whites is best.
- Onions and garlic
- Chocolates. Bromine in chocolates can lead to toxicity in dogs and cats. Even if you opt for the un-sweetened variety, you may not be doing your golden retriever any good. Hence it is best to avoid chocolates completely.

It is better to always consult a veterinarian. Your vet may be right person to recommend the right diet. He will also be able to suggest what foods should be avoided. It may not be very wise to experiment with human food, unless you are sure about the effect of the same.

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Pet Food Recall: Are These Pet Food Manufacturers Purposely Killing Your Animals?

By: Jane Saeman

We all want the best for our beloved dogs, especially when it comes to the foods they eat. We want to give them only the healthiest food available to make sure that they will live a long and healthy life. But what if the so-called "healthy pet foods" that are being sold in the market today are not reliable anymore?

What do we do when we can no longer trust the food manufacturers who is supposed to provide us with safe and healthy foods for our animals?

When The Food Is Killing Your Pets, Something Has To Change: The widespread recall of pet food has created a scare to all dog and cat owners who rely on commercial brands to feed their pets. All over the country, contaminated pet food has caused many dogs to become severely sick, while a large number of them have died.

In March alone of this year, Menu foods, an Ontario based manufacturing company, recalled more than 90 brands of "cuts and gravy" moist foods (both dog food and cat food) after more than 14 animals died from eating them. A few weeks later, the same company added 20 more varieties of their brand to be taken off store shelves.

It was later discovered that wheat gluten, an ingredient found in the said pet foods, was contaminated with rat poison. The risk of Salmonella contamination has also been the cause of a recall for two brands of pig ear dog treats.

Cases of toxic pet foods go back to December of 2005, when several dogs died and dozens fell ill after eating kibble manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods. It was later found out that the food was contaminated with aflatoxin; a naturally occurring chemical produced from fungus and can be found on crops such as wheat, corn, rice, and beans. This chemical is also toxic to domestic animals, livestock, and even humans. Other pet food recalls during this past decade also involve the risk for Salmonella contamination.

Are These Pet Food Companies Breaking The Law? FDA regulations state that pet foods should be manufactured similar to the way human foods are manufactured. They should be processed under a sanitary environment, do not contain any harmful ingredients, accurately labeled, and safe to eat.

All pet food manufacturers are expected to comply with these regulations to ensure that the food is safe and healthy. However, due to limited resources, the FDA can only inspect pet food issues after consumer complaints are made or if the FDA has a reason to believe that there is a threat to animal health. A recall is then announced by the FDA or the manufacturer if a defective product is found.

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Pet Food Recall: Knowledge Is Power When It Comes to Pet Food

By: Jane Saeman

Due to the recent pet food recall, millions of pet owners are left feeling daunted and bewildered as to why this incident happened. So many dogs and cats were left sick and worse yet, many more died. And since most pet owners depend on commercial pet food to feed their dogs, they are now skeptical about which brand of food to buy and what type of food is safe for their dogs.

Who Can The Consumers Count On? Commercial pet foods have been contaminated with harmful chemicals, including mycotoxins (toxins produced by fungi). The FDA and food manufacturers have authorized several recalls after a defective food is found. The FDA and the food company join together to find out the main cause of the problem and prevent it from happening again.

Knowledge Is Power: When it comes to getting the best dog food possible, you need to know what to look for and what to avoid. Below are some ways to monitor the food you are giving your dog to ensure its safety:

1. Check the expiration date on all foods and treats before feeding them to your dog. Doing so will help you avoid any items that are scheduled to go bad. While this is a wise consumer action on your part, ironically enough the food could still be poisonous to your animals because of preservatives and other chemicals that are added for taste, longevity, and texture. Try shopping organic if possible.

2. If the food or treat is not yet expired but appears to be stale or has a foul odor, do not feed it to your dog and contact the company/manufacturer. There probably isn't much you can do in terms of getting your money back, but by contacting the producer of the food themselves, you may be a small part of a larger action to have a recall initiated. Remember, if nobody complains that nothing gets done.

3. Consult with your vet if your dog shows any symptoms of abnormal or unusual behavior. Early treatment will result in a better chance of full recovery. It's safe to say that some of the dogs and cats that were killed by tainted pet food may have survived had the owners' brought them to the veterinarian at the first signs of illness. Take the situation seriously if you sense that you are dog is having a reaction. Remember, the threat is real and many pets have died.

4. To ensure the safety of the food that your pet is eating, keep informed of the latest news on pet food recalls. The best way to do this is to go online and type in "pet food recall". Read through as many articles as possible.

Try to avoid information that is put out by pet food manufacturers themselves. It's not that the information is not reliable, but consider the fact that these companies are going to sugarcoat the dangers of pet food is best possible. It is their livelihood after all. They are in the business of selling pet food!

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Dog Foods Cause You To Order Pet Medications

By: Susanne Bargel

This can actually save me money too! The best pets rx is prevention. I will order pet meds when necessary, but I prefer to just keep her healthy in the first place.

Most commercial pet foods are garbage. Most, not all, be sure to read the label. One of the things lots of companies do is add ethoxyquin as a preservative to dry foods. That's not a good thing at all for her and it's illegal for my food so it makes sense not to give it to her either, right? Think of this the next time you order pet medications for your sickly pet. Ethozyquin causes all sorts of health problems and they know this, and yet put it in their foods and tell you to feed your dog their product.

They can also add euthanized cats and dogs and zoo animals and road kill, grind it all up and call it 'meat meal'. Yes, most dog food companies put this into your beloved pet's food. This also includes the dog tags, flea collars, the bags they put the dead animals in and the poop inside them! One study found upto 25% fecal material in the 'meat meal'. Do you want to pay for that? More importantly, do you want to feed that to your pet? I know I don't. I love my dog.

Another really bad ingredient that gets into commercial food is the sodium pentobarbital they use to put suffering animals down. That stays in the body of the poor deceased animals that get ground up into the 'meat meal' So, when your pooch eats her food she's actually behaving like a cannibal and eating chemicals that cause all sorts of health issues. There is a better way.

Your dog has many generations behind him/her that were fed on the same stuff we eat everyday. Store bought dog food is not now and has never been necessary to your pets survival. Now science has guidelines for the best nutrition of your pet, broken down to certain breeds as well. You can select a quality brand of commercial food that truly is looking out for her nurtition or make good stuff yourself at home. I do both.

Here's some of the receipes my little girl loves. You can add more protein (meat), or fiber(veggies), depending on your particular pet's need. These are foods that I can eat so I know they will be good for her too, although not all people food is good for our pets.

This first receipe I call her rice dish. She eats about 1/3 of it each meal so it goes pretty quickly. Occasionaly I get to freeze a portion or two and that makes it easy to just grab, microwave to thaw, and heat a little before serving. You may also double the receipe to make things easier on you, the cook.

Start with a medium sized pot. Brown 1/2 pound of lean beef or chicken. Then add 1 1/2 Cups of water and 1 Cup of uncooked rice (brown rice is best but white will also work). Boil together until rice is tender, it should be slightly watery at this point. Add 1/2 Cup grated carrots, 1 small can of peas, and any scraps of vegtables you may have leftover (if your dog likes them). I also add a dash of garlic because she likes it and it smells good in my kitchen. Simple and yummy.

This next receipe is called her macaroni dish. This is a little large and lasts about twice as long. Oftentimes I alternate these dishes to give her variety.

Start with a large pot and a splash of oil. Add 2 Cups of lean meat... beef or chicken or lamb, brown. Yes, you can keep any pan drippings in there and she just loves that. Add 2 or 3 choppped carrots, a zuchini chopped, 1 stalk celery chopped, and a can of peas. You can also add the scraps of broccoli or the potato scrappings from last night or any leftover veggies you may have. Cover with water and simmer till veggies are starting to get soft. Add 1/2 pound macaroni and continue to cook uncovered until pasta is soft. Serve her one big scoop and freeze the rest in
baggies. Take out one baggie per meal so proportion them accordingly.

As I said earlier, most commercial pet foods are garbage but you can find some that really care about your pet. If you find cooking for your pet to be too bothersome try looking for a quality brand and read the label carefully. I do give my girl dry food 2 to 3 times per week, sometimes with a little 'people' food on top. I use the best quality food I can find for her because I love her.

We get very attached to our pets, they become members of the family. From time to time they do need us to order pet meds on their behalf, but if we care for them
properly they can live long happy and healthy lives.

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Choosing a Dog Food or Cat Food

Proper nutrition is the number one protection against disease in dogs and cats. Feeding a high-quality dog food or cat food will keep your pet healthy and in good condition throughout its life

How do you know what dog/cat food is right? For many the choice is a homemade diet. If you have the time and the resources, I agree that this is the preferred way to go. This is usually the best, and occasionally the only choice for animals with multiple food allergies. The choice is yours whether to go cooked or raw, with bones or without.

Basically, a homemade diet should consist of 40-60% meat for dogs, 60%-90% for cats, 20-50% vegetables (dogs, or 10%-40% for cats), and the rest, optionally, grains. The choice within each category is vast, and depends on your budget, availability, and what the dog or cat prefers. Often allergies to certain foods will determine the diet.

Each dog and cat is unique and what is best for one may not work well for another. Feeding a variety of foods is the best way to provide all or most of the nutrients that your pet needs.

A good quality multi-vitamin and calcium supplements will help make sure the diet is complete. Because it can be tricky to get the right balance of calcium and phosphorus when making your own pet food, you will need to add a calcium supplement.

If you like the idea of homemade pet food, but lack the time, there are pre-mixes available, or complete ready-to-serve meals. Pre-mixes come freeze-dried, dehydrated or frozen. Usually they are grain and vegetable mixes, along with some supplements such as calcium, to which you add the meat. Ground meats, sometimes with bone, are also available where pet foods are sold. You can then add your own vegetables and/or grains if you so desire.

Complete raw-foods diets are also sold as frozen, dry or freeze-dried. Some areas may have local entrepreneurs who make and sell these diets fresh. They may also custom make meals to your pets specifications.

If you prefer to feed a commercial product, choose one of the many premium dog foods now available. though the cost may be higher than grocery store brands, what you save in vet bills will more than make up for the difference.

Whether to feed canned or dry pet food will depend on you and your dog or cat. Canned food is usually more expensive, kibble is more convenient. Pets usually prefer canned foods and some need the softer, wetter consistency. Canned pet foods generally contain higher quality proteins than dry pet food, and a higher percentage of protein and fat. The higher moisture content of canned foods can be beneficial to dogs and cats with kidney or urinary tract problems. Dry pet foods contain more preservatives. Some people choose to use both.

The most important criteria in choosing a pet food is the list of ingredients. Whole meats are always better then meat meals, and meat meals are preferable to by-products. Single source meals, such as “beef meal” or “chicken meal” are more wholesome than those marked simple “meat” or “poultry” meals. Single source meals contain the muscle meat from that animal, along with accompanying tissues, such as nerves, blood vessels and skin. Generic meals may contain other organ tissues and fatty tissue. By-product meal is a catch-all term for anything that doesn’t fit the other meal definitions - avoid these at all costs!

Look for the meat source (or sources) to be listed first on the label. If grains are included (which they always are in kibbles), they should be whole grains, rather than fractions, such as wheat bran, brewer’s rice, etc. Watch out for multiple listings of grains, they may add up to be more than the meat portion!

Avoid foods containing artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Colors are added for your benefit, not to appeal to dogs. Artificial flavors are added to enhance palatability or cover up off tastes of poorer quality ingredients. Most natural foods stores and holistic pet supply stores will carry premium brands of pet food. If you are unable to find a satisfactory dog food in stores near you, many of them can be found on the internet.

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Lessons from the Dog Food Recall

By: Andrew Kasch

It wasn't all that long ago that we had a massive pet food recall that sent quite a scare through everyone in the United States that owns a dog. It turns out that dog food from many different manufacturers had used a byproduct that was contaminated. This not only made many dogs sick, but it also ended up killing a few dogs. If you're concerned about the safety of your dog when it comes to dog food then here are some of the things that you can look for to make sure that your dog is not getting sick from what it eats.

One of the first things that you will notice if your dog eats something that is bad is that it will become lethargic. Some of you may think that it is difficult to realize whether their dog is lethargic or not, as it may be laid-back in the first place, but you will no doubt notice the difference. You should also look for any signs that its stomach is upset. The most obvious would be if the dog were to begin to vomit, but it could also manifest itself by the dog drinking an unusually large amount of water. Many dogs will also "lick their chops" whenever they are feeling sick. This is just a precursor to the vomiting but it could alert you to a problem earlier.

Although more than likely your dog will experience some sickness from the food that it ate it will recover. The problem, really, is that it could have caused a problem that will manifest itself later in life. These problems could be things such as a kidney or liver malfunction. There is not really much that you can do to ward off this problem if you're going to purchase store-bought dog food. There are, however, some organic foods that you can buy that would help to keep this problem at bay, although even organic dog foods are not immune to every problem.

Most people are alarmed to learn about some of the things that are allowed to go into manufactured dog food. Although almost all dog foods contain the words all-natural or nothing added on the container that is only a half truth. Dog food companies are permitted to put such things as the euthanized bodies of dogs and cats into their food. They can also add food that is pumped full of steroids, and provided they don't add anything to it once it reaches the factory they are well within their rights to put this on a package.

One of the best things that you can do for your dog in this case is to feed it homemade dog food. Of course not all of us have the means or the time to prepare food for our dog, but it is one sure way of making sure of everything that your dog eats. If you must feed your dog manufactured food then make sure that you pick a company that you can trust, and keep your eye on your dog after it eats to make sure that there are no problems.

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What Is A Dog Food Allergy?

Unfortunately many dog food allergies normally manifest in your pet in a way that we can not see. However one way of knowing if your dog may have a dog food allergy is that their skin becomes itchy. Often this results in them scratching themselves on the feet, legs, chewing of the tail, shaking the head, loss of hair, rubbing of the face, anal itching along with recurrent ear infections and sores appearing. But more often than not a food allergy in a dog can be overlooked as it is assumed that their skin problems are being caused by other health issues. This may include fleas, mange or external allergens such as pollen and dust.

But where food allergies are concerned in a dog they may also be other symptoms apart from a skin reaction. This includes:-

1. Vomiting
2. Diarrhea
3. Flatulence
4. Sneezing
5. Asthma like symptoms (seem to have difficulty breathing and wheeze)
6. Some may even have seizures whilst other their behavior may change.

However in some cases a food allergy may not be suspected as the dog has been eating the same food for years without any reaction to it. But just like us a dog can develop a particular sensitivity or allergy towards a product that they have had not problems with before. This may occur because the manufacturer has made a change in the ingredients that is now using and so an allergic reaction may occur. What is important to remember is that a food allergy can appear at any age in any dog as well as in both dogs and bitches even if no alterations have been made to the product that you use.

One of the best ways of treating a dog who has a food allergy is by using an elimination diet. Although this will help to remove the symptoms it does not always provide your dog with nutritionally complete meal. So the best way to do this is by producing specially tailored home prepared meals. But for those of you who do not have the time to prepare such a meal then there are a wide variety of dog foods around which provide a vast selection of alternatives. So the best thing you can do is read the ingredients on the product carefully and closely observe your dog for at least a couple of months in order to determine whether the food you have selected is appropriate as well as being allergen free.

So if you are concerned that your dog may be suffering from a dog food allergy then talk to your vet and look at what sorts of alternative foods you can give them.
source : dogbreeds123.com

Bacon Flavored Dog Biscuits

Dog Food Recipe Ingredients:

• 5 c Whole wheat flour
• 1 c Milk
• 2 Eggs
• 10 tb Vegetable oil or bacon fat
• 1 pinch Onion or garlic powder
• 1 ts Salt
• 1/2 c Coldwater
• 1 tb Vegetable oil

Dog Food Recipe Directions:

Mix all ingredients well. Pinch off pieces of the dough and roll them into two-inch balls. Put them on a greased cookie sheet. Bake them at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Let them cool, then store in an airtight container.

Dog Article courtesy of I-Love-Dogs.com