The Benefits Of Grain Free Dog Food - Home

Dogs are known as mankind's best friend for an extremely good reason, they are loyal, protective, and smart. Mankind typically returns the favor by giving the dog the very best food and shelter they can. Recently, a trend among dog owners has involved changing over to grain free dog food. And though the grain free diet might not be perfect for every animal, those with certain allergies, skin rashes, and stomach illnesses will probably be much better off on one.

Before they were quickly domesticated, canines' diets typically consisted of meats and they generally only ate plants and carbs when it was already in the stomach contents of their dinner. Most pet food companies, however, tend to ignore this information when it comes to the contents of their items. Most commercial brands have ingredients such as grains, corns, and meal, none of which were ever intended to be eaten by mankind's most loyal friends.

Corn isn't able to be digested by dogs and is included in their food as a filler. Up until recently, many companies even promoted their use of corn since most dog owners weren't aware of its effect on their pet and considered it healthy. For canines, eating food that contains corn is like eating fast food for every meal, their stomachs literally turn the ingredient into sugar.

Grain is another story altogether, grain isn't bad for pets, other than wheat, but some may have some allergies to it. Owners who notice diarrhea, bloating, excessive gas, or similar symptoms in their dogs should consider switching her or him to grain free dog foods to ameliorate them.

Pets who are not experiencing food related allergies will probably still benefit from a new grain free diet. This is due to makers of this kind of pet kibble including other sources of carbs and vitamins. Many use potatoes which contain highly absorbable proteins and important amino acids.

Eating foods that don't contain grains like wheat can provide benefits other than eliminating allergy problems as well. A young pet will be able to maintain its healthy weight and an older one who has a little trouble getting around will eventually shed its extra pounds. The formula will provide an old dog with easier passing stools and a noticeable increase in energy.

The Omega-6 and amino acids included in the recipes will make the coat of your pet noticeably softer and shinier too. In most cases, they leave them with skin that is significantly healthier too. Kibble that is grain free can be obtained at most feed shops and pet stores easily. However, you should research a few brands online before to make sure you get a product that's legitimate.

When changing your dog to a different kind of diet, you should be very careful. Canines have unique bacteria in their stomachs that find and aggravate foreign elements so new diet changes could end in stomach issues and sickness. To make the change easier, start slowly and only add about half of a cup of the new kibble to the bowl at one time. Each week, put in a little more new stuff in until you've replaced the older food completely.

Jamie is a canine health specialist who specializes in grain free dog foods. .

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Is Your Brand Of Dog Food The Right One ? - Family

For basic survival and optimal health there are a set of dietry requirements needed by your dog.Understanding what goes into the dog food you buy is essential to making sure your dog's needs are met. Apart from the daily nutritional needs, there are also other conciderations needed in making the correct choice for dog food

Essential Nutritional Requirements

Dogs need a daily intake of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. Fatty acids from protein are essential for good skin and hair. They also facilitate growth, repair of tissues, and enhance the immune system. Meat, as an ingredient in dog food, provides the protein that your dog needs and adds texture to the food. The source of protein, usually lamb or chicken, is a better gauge for nutritional adequacy rather than the percentage of protein in the diet.

Carbohydrates are an important source of energy and fiber, components that are critical in active dogs. Dog foods usually contain a percentage of carbohydrates. The percentages are calculated against the amount of protein, fat, fiber included in the dogs diet. However, too much intake of carbohydrates could lead to obesity since not all types of carbohydrate can be easily broken down in a dog's system.

Different types of minerals are needed for your pets nutritional needs. A healthy dose of calcium helps build bones. A supply of iron prevents anemia and ensures healthy blood condition. Phosphorus, magnesium, iodine, and other minerals are important for the dog's general health and should be included in the dog food.

A healthy food consumption ahould be combined with water intake at meals. Dogs lose water everyday through their natural physical processes and it is important to maintain a suitable level of water for their survival. Just as in food, the right amount of water that a dog needs varies with size, weight, weather condition and their activity. Apart form actually drinking water, your dog's water requirements may be obtained from ceratin foods.

Choosing the Right Dog Food

With a lot of choices in the market today, choosing the right one for your pet could be a confusing process. It is so easy to stick with a particular trusted dog food brands and just ignore other dog foods. But if your aim is to find the right food for your dog, then it is best to compare the pet food market.

Nutritional value ranks high in the list of criteria for pet food. It is easy to overlook balanced nutrition in comparison with flavor and taste, but it is possible to make a selection incorporating the two factors. When checking nutritional value labels, keep an eye on the fillers such as corn and wheat.

To aid in your selection, it is also important to ask for guidance from the vet or any pet healthcare expert. The age, size, and breed of the dog also help in narrowing down your selection. The nutritional requirements will depend on the breed, size and age of the animal.

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Sample Homemade Dog Food Recipe - Family - Pets

More and more dog owners are making the food for their dogs from home. Health wise it is much better for the dog but it is also much better for your wallet. Not just in cost of food but also in trips to the vet. The reality is it isnt as hard to prepare as you think. I started making homemade dog food for my dogs over a year ago and within 3 months I could see improvement in not just their health but coat. Below is a very simple homemade dog food recipe to show how easy it can be. Plus this recipe is a good starting point and can be customized into a lot of different meals.

This recipe is designed for a 25 pound, neutered, adult dog.

8 ounces chicken thigh meat (cooked)

ounces chicken liver (cooked)

1 large egg (hard-boiled)

4 ounces sweet potato (boiled)

2 ounces plain low-fat yogurt

1,000 mg fish oil

700 mg calcium (3/8 teaspoon ground eggshell, or any other form of plain calcium)

This recipe provides 700 kcal, 72.3 grams protein (15.8% as fed, 54.8% dry matter), 32.6 grams fat (7.1% as fed, 24.7% dry matter), 24.5 grams carbohydrates (5.4% as fed, 18.6% dry matter).

This recipe is designed for the average 25-pound adult dog; puppies have special requirements not addressed here. Dietary intake, proportions, and ingredients must be adjusted for your dogs weight, health condition, and activity level. The amounts can be increased proportionately for larger dogs, and decreased for smaller dogs, but keep in mind that large dogs require less food for their body weight than small dogs. (A 50-pound dog requires less than twice the amount needed for a 25-pound dog; use a little more than half the amounts for a 12-pound dog.) Observe your dogs weight and adjust the amount you feed as needed to keep him slim and trim.

This recipe is not complete and balanced. It is good for occasional use, but like most homemade dog food diets, it requires supplementation and variety to fully meet a dogs nutritional requirements. For adult dogs, this recipe is short on some vitamins (B1, B12, choline, and vitamins D, E, and K) and minerals (copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc). A multivitamin and mineral supplement can help ensure that your dogs nutritional needs are met, though its not a substitute for feeding a balanced diet with a lot of variety.

Now that you see how easy it is to make food for your dog yourself, why buy the food that is nowhere near as nutritional from the store?

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Gourmet Dog Food For People Who Love Their Pets - Family

People are tempted to own dogs when move out of the family home, or family members move out of your house. Owning a dog would definitely compensate the loss of companions at home and the misery of living alone. As such, people try to treat their pets like their own family. Dogs have been given gourmet dog treats to show how much their owners care and love them. It is some sort of reward for their loyalty and friendship. Dogs are indeed man's best friend.

Dog biscuits have long lost their special appeal to dogs and dog owners. With all the available kinds of biscuits in the market, they have just gone boring and unattractive for people who want to give some sort of special recognition to their pets. Leftover foods do not do the trick either. Some sorts of foods that are harmless to humans are quite dangerous when given to dogs such as grapes and raisins. Gourmet dog treats have introduced an exciting treat in dog meals.

Business institutions have started these sudden craze of gourmet dog foods. These foods look so delicious that even people are sometimes tempted to try it themselves. These specialties are made from natural ingredients that can be classified as pastas, meats, and vegetables. Birthday cakes are also available, including candles and piped greetings.

A majority of veterinarians have approved the use and value of such gourmet foods. Manufacturers have made them with the essential amount of vitamins and minerals that are required for their daily allowance. Foods can vary from peanut butter and tuna flavors with kibble and eggs to oatmeal. Others include beef, liver and chicken flavors.

Gourmet dog treats can be bought at your local pet supply store or on dog food websites in the internet. Consult with your veterinarian or professional dog trainer before you purchase since they would be able to give you some useful advice about buying these foods. Dog trainers understand the nutritional needs of your dog aside from teaching them to learn new tricks. Veterinarians, on the other hand, will be able to tell you the right kind of food supplement and foods that may be recommended in case your dog has some health condition.

You can also search the internet for gourmet dog recipes. This way, you will be able to make your own gourmet dog food. It will add a personal touch that will make it even more special, making him feel more special and pampered. The thought of giving your dog some gourmet treat, is already an indication of how much you value and care for him.

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Dog Health Problems - Symptoms of Common Dog Ailments - Family - Pets

It's important for every dog owner to recognize dog health problems and symptoms as your furry pal relies on you to be his or her "first responder" when they have a problem. You can tell when they aren't feeling all that well but do you really know what to do? Listed below are the symptoms for some common dog health problems ranging from the everyday to the very serious.

Dog Diarrhea

The symptoms of this condition are pretty obvious. Your canine buddy is probably going to express some pain when defecating because that strain is just magnifying the pain in his stomach. The stool will be runny and may be an abnormal color. The odor will be more intense.

Diarrhea in dogs is quite common thanks to a dog's complete lack of discrimination in what he eats. If it smells okay and doesn't hurt his mouth then it is potential food. As a result they eat stuff that makes them sick.

Symptoms Of Lyme Disease In Dogs

Lyme disease is a bacterium known as Borrelia which is transmitted to your dog through a tick bite. Unfortunately, there are no symptoms until weeks after the infection and when they do show they are often mistaken for other ailments.

The most common symptom is one that appears to be arthritis. Joints and lymph glands can become swollen making it very painful for the dog to walk or even get comfortable laying down. Your pal will become listless, may refuse to eat because the effort hurts too much, and may revert to using the inside of the house as his bathroom rather than going outside.

The giveaway that this is Lyme's and not arthritis is that the affected limbs will change. When arthritis develops it doesn't move around. With Lyme's disease one side of your dog can be affected one week and then suddenly it heals and the other side is affected.

Symptoms of Distemper

Distemper is an airborne virus that is highly contagious and affects the dog's respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Distemper will first show itself with cold like symptoms with watery eyes, runny nose, a cough and sometimes diarrhea. Later in the development of the disease the dog will suffer from disorientation, twitching and even convulsions. Unfortunately there is no effective treatment for this disease.

Symptoms of Ear Infections

These infections are fairly common particularly with dogs that have heavy earflap like Bassets and Dachshunds. The infection is caused by bacteria or yeast that appear when there is a change in the dog's ear like an infestation of ticks or mites. Symptoms of an ear infection include the shaking of the head, a pawing of the ears, pain and a foul odor coming from the ears.

Of course there are many more ailments that can affect your canine friend but the thing to remember is prevention. It's really not so different from taking care of a kid. Keep their shots up to date, keep them well fed and clean and provide clean bedding. Parasites cause most of the problems and if you can limit your dog's exposure to strange dogs you are limiting the possibility of exposure to disease. If you notice dog health problems that do not go away after a few days, take your pal to the vet.

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Common Dog Health Problems - Family - Pets

It's unfortunate, but our four-legged friends can have the same health issues we do. Common dog health problems include skin issues and allergies, diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer. Dogs also get diseases due to viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Here is a look at some of the most common canine health issues.

Dog Skin Problems and AllergiesDogs can be allergic to house dust and dust mites, ragweed, molds, pollens, fleas, dog food ingredients, and other common allergens. Allergies may be seasonal or your pet may suffer all year round. Common symptoms of canine allergies include your dog licking his paws excessively, scratching his body, or pawing at his ears. In some severe cases, you dog may have oozing hot spots on his body.

Avoiding allergens should be the first step in treating your dog's allergies. If you dog is allergic to dust mites, vets suggest using a plastic cover over your pet's bed and be sure to vacuum your house often. If you suspect food allergies, try changing your dog's diet to eliminate common allergens such as corn and soy. If your dog has ragweed and pollen allergies, keep him out of fields and tall grasses. Cut your lawn frequently and keep your dog indoors during days with high pollen counts. If your dog has severe reactions to flea bites, talk to your vet about the best flea prevention medication.

Mild allergies are usually treated with soothing shampoos liked oatmeal shampoo and/or essential fatty acids to help stop itching and keep skin from getting dry. Hydrocortisone spray or shampoo may also help to relieve itching. Check with your vet for other recommendations, especially if your dog has severe symptoms.

Arthritis in DogsArthritis is very common in dogs, especially older ones, and can affect large breeds and small. Symptoms may range from mild to moderate or severe and there may be joint cartilage damage. If you dog has difficulty in getting up; limps, particularly after exercise; walks slower than normal or has a change in gait; has difficulty in jumping or climbing stairs; or a hard time squatting to do his business, he may have arthritis. It is best to see your vet to get a proper diagnosis in case there is another underlying issue such as cancer or hip dysplasia.

Your vet may prescribe one or more anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers. You can also get special non-prescription canine aspirin for dogs to help relieve joint pain and inflammation. Some dog owners have found that supplements with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and essential fatty acids have helped reduce their dog's discomfort and improved their mobility.

Tip: If your dog is overweight, help him lose weight with low impact exercise like leash walks and swimming and a reduced caloric intake. This will reduce the stress on his joints.

Dog Heartworm Symptoms and PreventionHeartworm disease is one of the most preventable canine diseases. Heartworm disease is caused by infected mosquitoes biting your dog and depositing microscopic larvae, which mature, migrate to your pet's heart and reproduce. When they grow into adult worms, they can be up to a foot long. If left untreated, dogs will usually die of heart failure. Heartworm symptoms include tiredness, decreased appetite, weight loss, and heart failure. Sadly, symptoms often don't show up until about a year after infection when it may be too late. Preventing this nasty disease is simple. Your vet will normally perform a heartworm test as part of your dog's yearly checkup and prescribe a once-a-month tablet or a topical treatment that will prevent heartworm infestation.

Canine Kennel CoughKennel cough is a very contagious respiratory infection. Symptoms include a persistent, dry hacking cough and sometimes a foamy mucus may develop. Most commonly it is caused by a bacterial infection called Bordetella bronchiseptica. It is often referred to as "kennel cough" because the bacteria is easily passed among dogs in close quarters such as at boarding kennels, dog park, dog shows and pet hospitals. Dogs may have short term immunity after an infection but then get it again 6-12 months later. You can have your dog vaccinated for kennel cough (Bordetella), which is usually administered as a nasal drop. If you frequently board your dog or take him to dog parks, vets usually recommend that your dog be vaccinated twice a year. If your dog has a mild case of kennel cough, no treatment may be needed. In severe cases it can be treated with antibiotics.

If you think your dog has a health problem, see your veterinarian so you can get a proper diagnosis and discuss treatment options.

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The Number 1 American Bull Dog Health Problem - Family - Pets

American Bull dogs live long and happy lives when provided with the proper health care, which includes, diet, vaccinations, exercise and grooming. The American Bull dog health problem usually comes from improper health care. The cardiovascular problems along with the joint problem do not affect these smaller dogs as they do the larger dogs. Some studies have suggested that larger dogs have more hormone growth than the smaller, which is believed to shorten the life span.

The number one health problem for this breed of dog is diet. Coming up second in the care of the American Bull dog is the vaccines needed to remain healthy. Because these small dogs need less exercise, the diet needs to reflect the need for less food than a dog that has more exercise needs.

Feeding Your American Bulldog

Some believe that dogs can eat the same foods as what we do; this may result in improper nutrition that is supply by dog food. Because dog food has the necessary nutrition and vitamins needed to maintain a healthy life, food ingredients need to be checked before feeding to your dog. Because a dog's digestive system has fewer problems digesting raw foods rather than cooked foods, dog foods contain additives that attract the dog's attention.

The American Bull dog health problem with food is that they like foods such as oatmeal, cheese, eggs and fresh meats like poultry and beef. Unbelievably they also like fruit and vegetables, but they prefer uncooked foods, but do eat prepared foods, as will any dog. Are the foods that we eat are safe or not for the American Bull dog? This question has many viewpoints from many different veterinarians and breeders. The choice is yours when caring for your dog.

Vaccinations, the Number 2 American Bull Dog Health Problem

Keeping your Bulldog up to date on vaccinations is vital to their health and maintaining a healthy life without disease and even death. Viral diseases affect dogs that receive no vaccinations against such contagious diseases. The vaccinations protect the dogs against distemper, rabies and the parvovirus. In most states, the dogs will also receive heartworm pills to prevent the attack of heartworm.

Before a heartworm treatment is started, the dogs are checked to make sure they do not already have the health problem. If a dog has contacted heartworm already, prevention treatments may kill the dog, therefore, a test by the veterinarian will determine the dog's status. Do not take vaccinations and heartworm treatments into your own hands, a vet is more qualified than you are to diagnose and treat the American Bulldog.

You have a beautiful dog that relies on your care and love to survive, the American Bull dog health problem does not have to be a problem when you take the time to learn about the care and grooming of these dogs. Always remember proper nutrition and exercise along with vaccinations keep your precious Bulldog healthy and happy.

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