With the commercial pet food industry being under the gun in recent times, it can be hard for any of us to believe that we will not be seeing more pet food recalls in the near future. The sad truth is that the dog food we buy in the stores has the potential to cause extreme illness to our dogs.

These recalls weren’t just small isolated cases – some of them were widespread and affected thousands of households.

Many pet owners lost their dogs – someone they considered members of their families – over tainted dog food incidents. Many dog lovers will never trust the commercialized dog food industry ever again.

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.

However we often don’t think twice about what we are feeding our dogs when we pick up a bag of food for them. However, the same theory applies to any animal – what you feed them has a direct impact on their health and quality of life.

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.

There are other ingredients to consider, but I think you have gotten the gist of why some of the major brands of dog food that are on the supermarket shelves should be avoided.

When you do your research about feeding your dog the right foods, you will be amazed at the changes you see. Your dogs mood, energy levels, skin, bathroom habits and even their behavior will improve. It’s amazing what a change in diet will do.

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.

Click Here for information on the dog foods you must avoid and how to keep your dog from getting sick. You need to know how to find healthy dog food to make sure your dog lives a long and healthy life!

Premium dog foods are most certainly better than an economy dog food. But it’s sometimes hard to figure out the difference between a premium dog food and the rest. Do you go by price alone? A lot of companies are betting on it. Does it say premium on the bag? What makes a premium dog food premium?

A true premium dog food has better quality ingredients. This means your dog will get more and better nutrients that he desperately needs. But don’t be fooled by all the enticing bags in the market today. Don’t be lured in by the beautiful pictures of fresh foods and advertising stating how your dog needs something in this dog food. The dog food ingredients list is what you need to find.

Look at the first 2 ingredients to see if you are purchasing a premium dog food. Economy dog foods use a lot of low quality grains and meat by-products. Premium dog foods list an animal meat as the first ingredient.

Grains: Economy dog foods usually have a grain as the first ingredient, premium dog foods will not. Dogs are able to digest some grains well, like rice and oats, but have difficulty with corn and wheat.

Another problem with the type and quality of grains/carbs used by the economy dog foods is that they are common sources of food allergies for dogs. They are also usually the by-products of the grain, not the whole grain itself, and thus has virtually no nutritional value to your dog. The grains/carbs really turn out to be nothing more than a way to make your dog feel full.

A meat by-product is not a top 2 ingredient in premium dog foods. Meat by-product is just what is left over after all the usable meat has been removed. This includes the bones, head, intestines, and blood.

Like the grain by-products, these provide very little nutritional value to your dog, but do boost up the protein ratio in the dog food. The quality of the meat by-product is another big mystery that no one seems to be able to answer.

Most premium dog food brands will have a animal meat or meat meal as the first ingredient. This means the major ingredient in the food is an actual animal protein which will have the most usable nutrients available for your dog.

What about price? Is that a good indicator of the type of dog food? Not really. Of course if you see a really cheaply priced dog food, it is probably an economy food. But just because the food is expensive, does not automatically mean it is a healthy, premium dog food. Again, you need to take a peek at the dog food ingredients list to really know what you are getting.

And now there are more types of dog food, like organic and all-natural. To find out more about the different types of foods available for your dog and how to carefully choose the best premium dog foods for your beloved pet at the Healthy Dog Food blog.

With people looking for ways to save money it promised with the economy, using coupons is becoming a popular way to save. A dog owner can find printable dog food coupons at a variety of sources on the Internet.

Target and some other popular retailers occasionally have printable dog food coupons available on their websites. A dog owner may want to check for printable dog food coupons on the websites of the stores that they go to.

The dog owner should consider that any coupons printed from a retailer’s website is likely to only be able to be used at one of that retailer’s stores. The dog owner may be able to look at the current sales circular on the retailer’s website which could include a sale on dog food. Finding dog food on sale can sometimes save the dog owner just as much money as if they found dog food coupons.

Dog food manufacturers are an excellent source for printable dog food coupons. Some dog food manufacturer’s websites do not have printable coupons, but will send you coupons if you request them by filling out an online form for their current coupon offer.

Dog owners looking for dog food coupons should check dog food manufacturer’s website and the websites for the brands that the manufacture produces. There are often different dog food coupon off first one the dog food manufacturer’s website and the websites of their brands.

While looking for dog food coupon offers, the dog owner may find offers for trials of new dog food. When feeding a dog a trial size packet of new dog food, do not replace the dogs meal of their usual food with a sample.

Abruptly changing the dog’s food can cause the dog’s stomach to become upset. It would be better to give the dog about half of the sample with their regular dog food. No less than half the meal should be their usual dog food.

Some websites are printable coupon providers. These websites allow the user to view coupons that they can print and select the ones they want to print. Coupons.com is an example of a burnable coupon provider that often has coupons for dog food and other pet supplies.

A disease that can affect dogs and be potentially fatal if not properly managed is diabetes mellitus. As it does in humans, diabetes in dogs causes uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Diabetes in dogs is managed through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.

Diabetes management and dogs should include proper diet and exercise. A diabetic dog may continue to be happy and healthy for a considerably long time if the diabetes is properly managed.

There may be initial signs that a dog has developed diabetes. Those with diabetes often experience an increase in thirst and drinking as well as urination.

Diabetes mellitus must be diagnosed by a veterinarian. The veterinarian may want to do blood or urine tests and may require the dog to be fasting at the time of the test.

A key feature of diabetic dog diets is routine. The veterinarian may prescribe a specific routine for feeding the dog and administering insulin if necessary. Often the dogs daily intake of food is divided into two or three portions given at different times.

Ideal diabetic dog diets are generally high in fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. The dog food may need to be low in fat if the dog should lose weight.

Diabetic dog diets need to remain consistent. A dog owner may be encouraged to use only one type of dog food that you refrain from giving the dog treats, table scraps, or homemade dog food that can vary too much in the dog’s diet.

Drastic changes in the dog’s weight should be avoided. Managing diabetes in dogs can be easier if the dog maintains an ideal weight. Any necessary weight loss should be done gradually.

A dog with diabetes should be checked regularly by the veterinarian. If that dog owner has any questions concerning the care of the dog, the dog’s diet, or administering insulin, the dog owner should consult the veterinarian.

The dog owner may be instructed by the veterinarian to test the dog’s ear and periodically for sugar. The veterinarian may show the dog owner how to use dog urine testing strips.

Routine exercise is beneficial in the management of diabetes in dogs. Consistency in an exercise routine is considered important. A daily routine of 20 to 30 minutes of exercise is often considered ideal.

There has been an increasing number of concerns and criticisms over a good number of commercially sold dog food. Because of such, many people have turned to feed their pet with natural dog food. In this writing, I am about to show you some important tips in choosing natural food for your dog.

* Understand Your Dog and His Food Needs

The first thing to keep in mind is that there are different forms of natural dog food. Raw and cooked meat and vegetables are usually understood as being natural, but commercially sold natural food is also in this category. Your job is to find out which type most fits the needs of your dog.

The best way to find out is to get to know your dog personally. You have to know his nutritional requirements based on his breed and special health conditions. You can do a little research on your own. Supplement your knowledge with your veterinarian’s advice.

* Prepare Your Dog’s Food

Quite a few dog owners love to prepare food for their dogs by themselves. This is a very good idea, but you should know your dog really well to serve him with exactly what he needs in nutrition. Raw food is just as good as cooked ones, although many believe that cooking and heating will help kill the bacteria in the food.

You should also take note that not all human foods are good for dogs. Chocolates, raisins, mushrooms, onions and raisins, for example, may be dangerous or toxic to dogs. List what foods are toxic to dogs and avoid them. If you are not prepared to cook for your pet, then it is safest to go for commercial brands of natural dog food.

* Read Labels

Just like what you do with human food, you should always check what is on the lable when you purchase dog food. As a general rule, natural dog food should not have such ingredients as wheat and corn fillers, artificial coloring and flavoring, animal and plant by-products, as well as artificial preservatives. Many of dog’s behavioral changes and health problems, such as gastrointestinal problem and malnutrion, can be attributed to these synthetic ingredients.

* Find Proteins and Nutrients for Your Dog

Dogs are carnivorous and should be served with enough protein. Lean meat and poulty are good sources of high quality protein, and you should by all means stay away from low-grade meat by-products.

Vitamins and minerals are another set of important nutrients that should not miss from natural dog food. You may either buy food with fortified nutrients, or you may feed your pet with squash, beans and peas, which are rich in both vitamins and minerals.

Dog owners have different opinions when it comes to homemade dog diets. Whether a dog owner chooses to feed the dog a raw food diet or make cooked food, there are certain essential ingredients that should be included in homemade dog diets.

The contents of commercial dog food are vastly different than natural dog diet. Commercial dog food contains thirty to seventy percent carbohydrates even though a dog naturally eats less than thirty percent.

A homemade dog diet attempts to replicate a natural diet. Therefore, a homemade dog diet should contain about thirty percent carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates in a dog’s diet can be grains, rice, and starchy vegetables. It is strongly recommended for the carbohydrates to be cooked since dogs have difficulty digesting carbohydrates like raw potatoes.

Protein and fat are very important components of a dog’s diet. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, a dog’s diet should be up to fifteen percent fat for adult dogs and twenty percent fat for puppies.

Protein is so important for a dog’s diet that if a dog does not get enough protein it can die. The protein content of a dog’s diet should be approximately twenty-five percent.

There are several good options for protein for a homemade dog diet. Beef, chicken, liver, lamb, and turkey are just some possibilities. A dog’s diet should not contain a large amount of liver.

A homemade dog diet can contain a variety of fresh, finely chopped vegetables. Fiber is not as important as many dog owners think, but a small amount of fiber can help the dog’s digestion and help the dog to maintain a healthy body weight.

A dog owner following a homemade dog diet should not feed the dog grapes, raisins, chocolate, mushrooms, raw eggs, raw fish, or too much salt. If a dog owner has any questions regarding their dog’s diet, the dog owner should consult a veterinarian. Homemade dog diets can be tailored to meet the special needs caused by some illnesses, pregnancy, and obesity.

Buying a puppy can be likened to buying a used car. When the cars history is not known, smart shoppers demand a Car Fax report. Whether you are buying a used car or a puppy, the less educated you are, the more likely you will have expensive problems. The only way you will know for certain how a puppys mother was cared for; before, during, and post litter is to know the Breeder. Alas, buying direct from a Breeder is no guarantee that your puppy will be healthy! Breeders are often as ignorant of how to properly feed and supplement, as is the majority of MDs and Veterinarians in this country.

Pet Store and Rescue Facility puppies are a high risk to develop weak immune systems. The greater the risk, the greater the probability they will require advanced vet care throughout their lives. Why? Most of the animals sold in rescue facilities were either abandoned, or from feral (wild) mothers. Feral females are often impregnated before they are physically mature, and often become pregnant again, while puppies (or kittens) are still on the teat! Feral mothers survive by scavenging for food. Scavenged food is likely to harbor pathogenic bacteria. At best, this bacterium causes mild diarrhea, however, more likely it will cause chronic diarrhea, which leads to dehydration and fever, quickly followed by more advanced digestive and immune diseases, which compromises the milk.

The unquenchable appetite of Empty Nesters to buy puppies for companionship has resulted in an out-of-control business known as Puppy Mills. They are Big Business, and as such are run like businesses whose prime interest is stock-holder profits. The living conditions in puppy mills has been documented, but nothing has been done to legislate and monitor their facilities. Breed dogs are often treated like feed animals. Instead of getting proper nutrition and supplements to keep them strong, so they can produce and nurse healthy pups, they are fed lowest quality food and shot full of medications when they are sick, which is most of the time. They are highly stressful environments.

Every aspect of a Puppy Mill is stressful; living conditions, food, sickness, and premature weaning. This is followed by, how pups are handled when shipped to pet stores all over the country. They are stacked in cages, given little food or water, no light, extreme weather conditions, lying in the own urine and feces for days, listening to other pups crying in fear. Once they arrive at the pet store, they are exposed to a whole new set of stresses. If they adjust the stress begins again when you take them home.

All the stress results in diarrhea. Puppies are usually stabilized with antibiotics before they are put on display in the store. But the excitement of meeting you and your family is more enough to cause diarrhea. No need to panic. The last thing they need is more antibiotics or steroids. You can quickly and safely quell diarrhea by administering a few doses of soil-based probiotic organisms (SBOs). SBOs are the organisms that animals eat when when the pull at grass. They instinctively know SBOS are beneficial for their digestive system.

One of the most popluar searches on the internet is What is The Best Food to Feed a Puppy? Hint, you will not find it on most pet food isles, unless you are shopping in a holistic pet store, and even then Buyer Beware! Raising a healthy pup becomes easy when you understand that 90% of your puppys total immune system is located in their digestive system, and that 80% of all chronic disease is caused by an unhealthy digestive system. The food that is natural to your pups ancestory is human-grade animal protein, however, this protein is difficult to digest and assimilate. Additional nutrients are necessary.

Your puppy is a meat eater. By feeding your puppy human-grade animal protein, and a few critical supplements, you will have the healthiest, happiest dog imaginable. Also, its life will be extended by an average of 7 years. You can search for testimonials of people who have switched to this diet.

Hopefully, this article is a wake-up call. Owning a puppy is a huge responsibility that should not be taken lightly. All one has to do is look around at the millions of sick pets and ask “What do they have in common?” The answer is manufactured dog food, and a lack of digestive aids needed to break food down into absorbable elements. The knowledge you need to make sure your puppy grows up to be healthy and happy, as well as live a full life is very simple.

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