Natural Dog Food - Computers

What is Organic? Normal refers to environment-friendly farming methods using no manufactured pesticides, fertilizers or chemicals to produce this purest and most pure foods possible. Organic and natural, earth-friendly farming practices market the sustainable value of our natural resources and produce beneficial nourishing foods for your families and friend pets.

Since the advance of grocery store commercial dog food, there has been an explosion involving pets dying via tumors, growths, types of cancer, and diseases that had been unheard many years ago.

I truly believe this has been brought on by the unhealthy substances, pesticides, hormones, body fat and preservatives familiar with make this cereal based kibble palatable and long lived. Is it possible to imagine eating some sort of dry, cereal such as, tasteless food daily, that in fact can certainly sit on the display for years and not pamper. Obiously there are heavy duty chemical substances and preservatives utilized to extend the life expectancy. It's like ingesting sawdust with a substance enhanced flavor, to cover up all the harmful additives.

Changing to natural dog food, whether it is selfmade organic, with the same all natural ingredients you eat for supper, or purchasing the premium high grade organic and natural dog food that has become more popular then ever, is the best you can do for the four legged companion. An organic and natural dog food marked 95% organic meets the same rules as organic foodstuff produced for people. The food won't include pesticides or prescription medication, and it's preserved along with natural substances such as Vitamins C along with E. Organically authorized pet food is more costly, just like our own organic your meals are more expensive, but the benefits of superior pet health and helping our environment makes it worth while to most of us. Organic Pet Food will claim it is using authorized organic ingredients, and may say which agency has done the qualification.

Foods with a lot of fillers are cheaper but much less nutritious. Just as with man organic food, organic organic ingredients should go a long way toward providing your pet a long, balanced life.

Some of the important things about switching to organic dog food are: Increased energy, more pastime, stronger bones in addition to teeth, and a lovely healthy coat. - Helps prevent itching in addition to irritating skin conditions, simply because organic dog food is provided for free of artificial colors and flavor pills, chemical additives in addition to toxic pesticides that can cause many of these pores and skin allergies. In some cases absolutely eliminating these dyspathetic skin reactions. - It is easier to keep a healthier weight, mainly because organic dog food is superior in nutritional value, and this prevents over-eating in you dog as is also more satisfied eating scaled-down amounts. There are no majority fillers in natural and organic dog food. - Superior overall health and a more powerful immunity. Even if you puppy seems healthy he/she can certainly still benefit. An increased immune system will help prevent long-term, costly illnesses as well as infection s, that may demand costly medical treatments. - Quality of life and endurance are increased by means of feeding organic commercial dog food as opposed to the cereal filled cheap dog food.

Organic and natural dog will be developed with human class meat, not terrain bits and pieces of wildlife that are unfit for human consumption, or rancid path kill, as the more affordable store bought commercial food items industry uses. In addition, you should find an organic and natural dog food that boasts applying no corn, whole wheat, soy, grain fractions, fillers or by-products.

Be able to decipher labels on commercial pet meals. They are purposefully tricking us into buying low grade, unhealthy foodstuff all for profit, not really for the health of our family pet.

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USDA Certified Organic Dog Foods - Family - Pets

Unquestionably, USDA certified organic pet foods are healthier than pet foods made from conventionally produced ingredients. Unlike cheaper conventional pet foods, USDA certified organic pet foods contain no residues from pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, or chemicals accumulated during manufacturing that may include a number of the toxic chemicals that are associated with conventional pet food processing. Organic pet foods contain more nutrients--such as vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals--than non-organic pet food. This is especially important, considering the depletion of nutrients that comes with heavy processing and the consequent need to supplement pet foods with mostly synthetic, low-grade nutrients in order to provide some level of nutrition to dogs, cats, or other pets. So, USDA certified organic pet foods are a great way to provide your animal friend with safe, nutrient-rich food staples. But beware: currently in the USA, only organic certification is regulat ed by law and any claim of organic status other than that of '(USDA) certified organic' is not substantiated by an unbiased third party.

Organic dog foods are great if done right. The best organic dog food is, of course, prepared fresh at home. However, this may be challenging, given the time constraints of the modern world. Although USDA certified organic dog foods are a great choice, there are big differences in quality among the many available choices. Most of these differences stem from the quality of the ingredients used. Although no low-grade ingredients, such as byproducts or other indefinable ingredients, can be included in USDA certified organic dog foods, a number of important nutritional distinctions arise from manufacturers' choices of ingredients. Some of these distinctions are highlighted below.

Organic dog food should not contain grains or flours as first, or primary, ingredients. Dogs did not evolve to eat grains, whether raw or cooked. Although cooking will render grains digestible by the dog's gastrointestinal tract, cooking also destroys many constituent nutrients; often, the only thing left are empty calories with little or no substantive nutritional value.

The first ingredient in organic dog food should always be a clearly defined source of animal protein. Don't choose dog foods that contain ingredients listed as 'chicken meals' or 'animal protein,' as these cannot be reliably traced to their origin. Absent any known origin, it's easy for manufacturers to use low quality sources of animal protein. Moreover--and tragically, as recent history has taught us--if any contamination or tainting of unsourcable ingredients occurs, it becomes difficult to mount a quick and effective pet food recall to save animal lives if one can't trace the ingredient in question to its source. In the case of USDA certified organic dog foods, one needn't worry because the USDA organic standards prohibit the use of obscure and unsourceable low quality ingredients.

Any choice of organic dog food should contain some fruits and/or vegetables. However, plant matter should never make up more than 50% of the total contents of a given dog food product. The percentage of plant matter in a given dog food should be more in the range of 30-40% of the contents by weight. And it goes without saying that these ingredients should be organic as well, both to avoid contamination with toxins and increase the nutritional value and health benefits of any given USDA certified organic dog food.

The great thing about feeding your animal with whole food-based USDA certified organic products is that you shouldn't have to worry about routinely supplementing whole foods with isolated nutrients because organic foods are generally much more nutrient-dense than conventional--or non-organic--pet foods. In the case of a truly organic diet, you can supplement with nutrients simply on the basis of your own animal's particular individual needs, and only when necessary. Such occasional supplementation makes it possible for you to choose high-quality supplements for your dog instead of the typically low-grade vitamin-and-mineral mixes added by conventional pet food manufacturers to enable them legally to call their foods 'balanced' or 'complete.'

Although choosing USDA certified organic pet foods over conventional varieties is just a first step toward better health and wellbeing for your animal, it's a very important first step. So, be good to your animal; take that first step today!

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7 Things to Remember When Buying Bulk Dog Food - Family - Pets

All pet owners are interested in maintaining their pets' health and welfare specifically in a convenient and cheap way. For dog owners, buying the right food for their pets is a main concern. Most people actually don't keep just one canine in the household so they want to find a way to save money on their pet's food. With this kind of situation, buying bulk dog food is highly advised. Here are the things that you should remember when you buying dog food in bulk.

1. Make sure that you ask other dog owners first, especially the ones with the same breed as yours, about the usual food that they give their dog. It would definitely create a big problem if your dog isn't suitable to the food that you will buy. They might experience nausea or diarrhea if the food is not fit for them.

2. Ask for best deals by consulting pet stores or wholesale pet supplies stores. These shops usually sell bulk dog food in discounts. You can either call the stores first or check advertisements to grab the best bargain.

3. Make it a habit to look at the expiry date of the dog food that you will buy. Surely, you know your dog's food consumption rate so buy a bag that your dog can consume in a certain period of time. You can see the expiry date readily in the bag, look for it first. You are planning to buy bulk dog food so you must make sure that everything would be consumed along with your calculated time.

4. Try to buy the biggest bag that you can see in the store. As the bulk of dog food increases, the bigger savings you get. Some establishments even give bigger discounts or promos when you buy a bigger amount. However, as stated earlier, make sure that you are aware of the expiration date of the bulk dog food you are buying.

5. Provide a container for the bulk dog food that you will buy. If you will buy a big amount of food and just leave it inside an opened bag, it would definitely be exposed to moisture and possible infestation of insects or bugs. Most dogs are very sensitive to what they eat so if other creatures have touched their food, they are sometimes hesitant to eat it. The worst thing is rodents might smell the pet food and eat all of the food up. Keeping the pet food in a safe, dry container ensures its freshness. It would definitely save you the headache of buying a new bulk.

6. Ensure the freshness of the pet food you will buy by not buying from the Internet. It would be better if you see the moisture consistency of the bulk that you will buy before purchasing.

7. Make sure that you will still follow your dog's dietary taste and restriction. Never just buy bulk dog food just because it would save you a lot of money. Your pet might have a problem in ingesting or digesting.

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Posh Doggy Boutiques - Family - Pets

For your posh puppy, pet boutiques offer designer dog clothes, stylish carrying cases and many other unique pet accessories.

Fifi & Romeo Boutique - Los Angeles, CA (7282 Beverly Blvd, (323) 857-7214) - Big dog fans beware: This froufrou boutique is strictly tiny canine territory. Lavishly decorated with pink-striped walls, a chandelier and Pucci mannequins, Fifi & Romeo is--in the words of co-owners Penelope Francis and Yana Syrkan--"Audrey meets Eloise." Cashmere sweaters and faux fur-trimmed wool coats are just a few of the decadent goods made for pint-sized pooches. There are also blankets, raincoats and stylish doggie totes for critters on the go. But pampered pets aren't the only concern at this shop. It has extended its collection of luxurious accessories to include items for women, infants and the home.

DOG Pet Boutique - Los Angeles, CA (346 N La Cienega Blvd) - Paris Hiltons and Nicole Ritchies, rejoice! Now there is a fashionable and chic place to accessorize and pamper your pooch. Located across from the Beverly Center, this fun store offers extravagant clothes, rhinestone collars, plush bedding, designer carrying purses, pink chew toys, organic dog food and baked doggie treats. The knowledgeable staff, large selection and one-of-a-kind items make the spot the perfect place to over-indulge man's best friend.

Canine Styles Downtown - New York, NY (59 Greenwich Ave, (212) 352-8591) - Go elsewhere for bulk food. Come here to pamper your pooch with extravagant treats. Try tasty Sushi Snacks or custom-made raised feeders. They also have collars and leashes in all styles and colors. This adorable West Village nook is like Barneys, but for the canine set. Think Burberry dog beds, camo-patterned sweaters, and gourmet snacks. Poochi Sushi, anyone?

The Urban Pet - Los Angeles, CA - Urban Pet's lush digs on Beverly Blvd. - supplies (dog, bird, cat, fish, reptile), competitive prices, premium, holistic and raw pet foods - plus an added bonus: a friendly staff who encourage you to bring your pet companion shopping. Hang out by the Koi pond and shop the Green Zone freaturing all eco-friendly products. From beds, toys, leashes, collars to shampoos and kitty litter, be assured your eco-friendly craving will be satisfied.

Bark N Bitches - Los Angeles, CA (505 N Fairfax Ave, (323) 655-0155) - Brimming with treats for everyone's favorite beast, this spacious, well-appointed store maintains a holistic collection of wares suitable for the kookiest of dogowners (which, in L.A., is everyone). From koi fish-printed dog beds and painting kits for four-legged friends to stuffed toys, biodegradable bags and chic doggie license tags, the stock is inventive, organic and practical. With fashionable personalized water bowls, cosmetic bags and even cute doggie literature, the owner's passion for her furry clients makes for an inspired shopping experience.

Trixie + Peanut Pet Emporium - New York, NY - Online retailer and New York City pet boutique trixie + peanut celebrates the unique relationship between pets and the people who love them. Named after founder Susan Bing's two rescued Boxers, trixie + peanut began as a mail-order catalog in 1999. As an animal lover, Susan understood that pet owners desired the very best for their four-legged friends. A seasoned art director and graphic designer, she realized there were no pet catalogs that took advantage of sleek design to market an equally chic collection of items.

Dogadillo Dog Boutique - Austin, TX - With high end clothing and accessories, other packs can immediately tell if you shop at Dogadillo. Our top of the line nutritional products make your dog look and feel great!

Pawsh Dog Boutique - Boston, MA - Pawsh is a chic Back Bay boutique offering a variety of healthy, practical and fun options for dogs and their owners. Sample the latest and greatest dog collars, stylish apparel, luxurious spa products, fun toys, and tasty treats.

Off the Leash Pet Boutique - Chicago, IL - Full-service pet shop sells grooming products, human-grade pet food, leashes, collars, toys, brushes and more; dog wash on the premises.

Pet Shop Girls - Boston, MA - At The Pet Shop Girls, we believe that a healthy pet has a much better chance of staying healthy through proper nutrition. For this reason, we have carefully selected the variety of foods and treats we sell to provide the highest quality diet available. Pet Shop Girls is the spot to keep your dog or cat, healthy and vibraten. We carry a wide variety of vitamins & supplements for your pet.

The Barkery - Scottsdale, AZ - Five hundred dollar cologne for your dog might sound a little extreme to most folks, but for the those who are crazy for their canine, and have that kind of dough to spend, this is the shop for you. Located at D.C. Ranch, this quaint boutique is filled to the brim with mostly expensive, extravagant splurges for your pooch. You can find everything from a Steve Nash basketball jersey to a wedding gown or tux. The store also stocks a wide ranch of bowls, shampoos, collars, jewelry and dog related artwork.

Diva Dogs Boutique - Phoenix, AZ - Functional, Fashionable, Fabulous, The core elements of Diva Dogs that makes you smile when you see that well dressed dog strut its stuff down the street as if they were in a New York fashion show. Delivering on high expectations of quality is the focus of product line selection and personal service in addition to a true, alluring boutique setting only fit for pampered owners and their pets.

Urban Beast - Seattle, WA - We like to think our cat is as style-conscious as we are. Seattle-based Urban Beast caters to that fantasy with a bright, cheerful pet boutique in a new development across from REI. While plenty of their stock comes from Italian design firm United Pets, the friendly staff make a particular effort to source locally-made and eco-friendly products such as Marmalade pet care's Cheeky Chaise.

Petopia - New York, NY - Pet supply shop carrying some natural and organic brands of pet food and pet care supplies; free delivery.

Canine Styles - New York, NY - Canine Styles has been a leading purveyor of top quality accessories for dogs in New York City for half a century; dog toys, clothing, coats & sweaters, collars, leashes, harnesses, dog beds, carriers, bowls, dog ID tags, and more. Building on this reputation for excellence, we are proud to launch our website and bring our business into the 21st century by making our selection of dog gifts and accessories available to dogs everywhere.

High Maintenance Bitch - Seattle, WA - High Maintenance Bitch store that caters to pampered pooches. This small Wallingford shop is packed with everything to spoil any dog rotten, including designer collars, feather boas, magnetic earrings, diamond necklaces, bubble bath, dog-friendly cookie dough and more. A doggie beauty section holds items like "whiskera" lash brightener, paw exfoliator, Candy Paws nail polish and handmade fragrances. Humans can shop themselves as well, browsing designer pet carriers, bathrobes, panties and t-shirts emblazoned with the store's logo.

Zen Dog Pet Boutique - Denver, CO - Zen Dog Pet Boutique is a haven for pampered pets, Commons Park boutique offers toys and accessories for cats and dogs and freshly made organic biscuits and treats. From Schnauzers to Siamese, furry friends are sniffing, prancing and sprinting to Zen Dog Pet Boutique in the North Platte neighborhood. Owner Alex E'Aton has created a zen like environment of brilliant colors, enchanting products and a mantra of good taste. This is more than a pet store, but nothing short of "dog"ma! Providing one of the most comprehensive, upscale, edgy, purposeful and playful collections for the family pet.

CityDog Market - Atlanta, GA - CityDog Market is your dog and cat specialty store. So whether you're pampering your pet or nurturing a rescued dog or cat, we have the products, provisions and expertise you're looking for. When you and your pet visit CityDog Market, you'll be happier than when you arrived.

Doguroo - Atlanta, GA - Doguroo is Atlanta's full-service dog care destination. Our goal is to enhance the lives of dogs and their parents through a holistic and uncompromising offering of services, products, and education. Doguroo is a pack of people who are intent on providing the very best care for the beloved dogs of others. We provide that care by meeting the needs of dogs and their parents through our comprehensive service offering and our affordable, yet hand-picked nutrition and other retail offering.

Cheeko B Pet Boutique - San Francisco, CA - Cheeko B Pet Boutique is San Francisco's newest and chicest pet boutique. Located at the intersection of Union Square and Nob Hill, Cheeko B brings San Francisco residents and visitors a unique selection of collars, leads, toys, accessories, grooming products, apparel, carriers, beds, food and treats for dogs, cats and their owners.

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Commercial Dog Food - 10 Realities You Need To Know - Other

A large number of dogs is going to eat almost anything that's submit front of them and in addition, simply like people, they happen to be precisely what they eat. Countless at present experience just what are generally preventable conditions...did we learn that 46% of every dogs die of cancer, 40% are really overweight not to mention scores a lot more suffer everyday from allergies, ear infections, skin conditions, tooth issues and some other problems... When you discover the actual awful reality regarding the particular toxic elements in a lot of commercial dog foods it is going to shock and in addition sicken we not to mention, when you fully understand the fact of the wellness benefits within feeding a dog a homemade eating plan, you should create some sort of immediate change. Should you eliminate feeding merely commercial dog foods to the dog about a daily basis, slowly introduce fresh meats and in addition veggies immediately after which prevent commercial dog foods completely, you'll protect them from useless suffering and in addition save oneself a mountain of veterinarian bills, too. At this point, here are really a few of the realities about several commercial dog foods and additionally also a few of the advantages of feeding a dog a healthy homemade diet plan... 1. Reality: Do you know which a bunch of commercial dog food typically is truly dog "junk" food? In case burgers, fried chicken, french fries, etc., eaten as a steady eating plan, may result in serious health problems with regard to humans, precisely what does dog "junk" food" do for dogs? In most cases, a canine's hereditary makeup and health specifications resembles which of humans. If perhaps we're damaging our own wellness by eating "junk food", exactly what may be in progress to our dogs whenever we feed them the similar, "junk" commercial dog food? 2. Reality: Have you figured out that the actual foods we all people eat tend to be as well a healthy choice for the dogs ? Regardless of what otherwise you have heard, the particular same healthy, nutritious foods you eat are really a great choice for dogs. Still, right now there tend to be certain variations between human plus dog health requirements thus you will need to be able to understand precisely what they happen to be when you require with feed your own dog a healthy diet plan. 3. Reality: Do you know which in the event that your vet produces dog food it in addition might not be such a good choice? Simply like our medical practitioners, veterinarians aren't taught too very much about nutrition with regard to school. A lot of precisely what the two understand typically is taught with them by the actual representatives associated with the pet food companies these as, about staff business vets, sales reps (do you think maybe the two improve their own goods?) or else from various studies, articles, plus seminars. It's definitely not surprisingly likely which your vet realizes the real dif ference between advantageous and even bad food when they personally have not studied about it or alternatively tried raw or alternatively homemade diets them. Exactly what can be in progress is he and / or she is working about obsolete data or"old wives tales". A bunch of vets even income from marketing a certain brand of dog food plus which could terribly well prejudice them against different companies or some other forms of feeding a dog, these as house cooked dog food. 4. Reality: Are you aware which some processed commercial dog foods can in fact be hazardous in order to your individual dog's wellness and even may result in countless medical problems? It's legal for dog food firms with include "4D Meat" ("Dead, Perishing,Diseased and also Disabled" ranch or alternatively neighborhood animals). With regard to addition, the two frequently add road kill (dead raccoons, possum and even alternative animals destroyed by vehicles, pickups or simply disease), dogs as well as pet s euthanized by vets, picked up by animal control workers as well as brought to dog food companies' renderers for processing, powdered mill factory floor dust (the two contact it"grain") and also precisely what they contact "corn" (typically ground left over husks) that's contaminated alongside quite high amounts of pesticides. What several pet food producers are really placing back into dog food and disguising because "ByProducts" is borderline illegal! It almost all makes a recipe for the worst potential mix of elements we all may ever feed to the dogs. As well as yet, countless number of you do so, unknowingly! Keep in mind...the particular cheaper the meals...the particular cheaper the particular ingredients...the actual more painful the diet...the actual more dangerous, additionally deadly it a particular be! Always learn what is with regard to the food, when you're feeding a dog! Read all the about commercial dog food with regard to depth within my future articles. Ple ase note: not "all" commercial dog foods usually are made from bad high quality elements and in addition cheap byproducts. Dog food producers as well as the ingredients the two employ vary greatly. My objective with regard to many of these articles is actually to offer you because a great deal information and facts potential, thus you can create your "informed" decisions about what typically is or simply is not wise food for your own dog. I'll receive into a lot greater detail about different "quality" dog food manufacturers, ingredients and just how in order to read dog food labels throughout future articles...so return typically. 5. Reality: Did you know it's an error to think that kibble cleans dog's teeth? This particular myth was actually circulated a while ago with a research which implied kibble "may" be much better than canned dog food (definitely not "is" better) for cleaning teeth. Exactly what have to it be suggesting with you which virtually every single dog over the particular age of 3 which has dental illness consumes kibble! Certainly not difficult to figure which 1 out! 6. Reality: Have you any idea that the actual expression "Complete and also Balanced"(used by a few commercial dog food companies to be able to promote their products) refuses to absolutely imply "Optimum". Generally there usually are appreciable differences: food meeting merely the actual "assumed" needs for the particular wellness of an average dog can easily be advertised because "Complete not to mention Balanced". When these foods happen to be included throughout feeding studies, the two usually are very often only tested for items such as lead and additionally some others are generally tested only on a tiny amount of dogs for an especially short time. It's certain which adequate compounds, essential for our very own dog's health, won't be included inside these treatments. It certainly typically is better than "not" complete and additionally balanced at just about all, nevertheless only "optimal" levels of balanced nutrition are generally everything you ought to be interested in. We will be providing you alongside information on precisely what optimal balanced diet is actually in a later on post. At times a quick glance at the particular label will tell a person whether or not the dog food is actually manufactured standard elements or perhaps not, inside some others it takes more knowledge about all of the ingredients in order to be able with tell regardless of whether which food can be greater. Of course each maker is actually going to state they are utilizing just the best ingredients. Having said that, the constitutional right to flexibility of speech could not require these statements with be honest.

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Why Pet Owners Should Use Pet Food Coupons - Business

Pet food is expensive -- every pet owner knows this -- but with the use of dog food coupons, it can become a very affordable thing indeed. For example, you can often find dog food coupons in a variety of magazines. With the use of dog food coupons, you'll be saving enough money that you can then afford to get your special pet the little toy or playhouse that you would not have been able to afford before.

If you use the coupons as a guide for purchasing food for your pet, you can even discover better brands that you wouldn't have tried otherwise. Whether you're dealing with pets or with any other product, a good sale can often get people to buy something new. Your pet may thank you when you come home with a new type of dog food that you got because of the coupons.

You can save a lot of money on your pet's food by entering and participating in a food company's promotional sweepstakes. Of course, cat food companies sponsor these contests as a way to market to a larger group of people. The personal information you provide in order to take part in these contests will only end up providing you with information about more products that can make feeding and caring for your pet a much easier process. The marketing aspect becomes much less sinister when this is considered, and many people enter the contest in order to get better prices on pet food.

If you are observant, you've probably discovered that your pet will prefer one kind of cat food over another, and this may make you reluctant to try a new kind of cat food when you have one that already works. When you've been perusing the grocery store, though, you have probably run across a new kind of pet food that you thought your pet might enjoy eating. You're more liable to give a new type of pet food a try if you have been giving the key to a discount (i.e. a coupon).

For a customer, a coupon may provide either a small bit of savings or a great quantity. Some coupons are designed to just give you a small discount on a type of food you would buy anyway. If it is a new brand of cat food or it is a more expensive kind of food, then companies will cut multiple dollars from the purchase price in an effort to get you to buy their brand of dog food.

As you can see, you can really save a lot of money by using pet food coupons. It's not even a difficult process, as you can take a look in any pet magazine, circular, or store catalog and find all sorts of coupons for all sorts of brands. If you pay too much for pet food, the blame can only rest on you. There are available dog food coupons.

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The Best Dog Food For Your Dog - Family

A lot of dog owners don't pay enough attention to the food they give their dogs. Often they'll just take whatever is available on the supermarket shelves, not bothering to check the ingredients on the label. If they did check the label they'd be shocked by some of the things these products contain, ingredients that can actually be harmful to a dog.

Not only that, but in many cases buying cheap is actually a false economy, as I'll explain later. For now, lets just concentrate on ways to select a healthy, good quality dog food for your dog.

Dogs are omnivores and require both meat and vegetables in their diet. The ratio between the two should be about 50/50 with no additional fillers. How do you know if a particular brand of kibble meets this requirement? You read the label.

Unfortunately, labeling can be confusing, perhaps deliberately so. But here's a quick and easy way to cut through the misinformation.

Check out the first 5 ingredients listed. If they are protein-based ingredients from meat, chances are the product will fulfill your dog's nutritional requirements, if they are grain based, chances are it won't.

It's not that grains are bad for your dog, just that they are better fed whole. Grains like rice, millet, oats and barley are actually a rich source of fiber, but the grains contained in dry dog food are primarily there as filler, and contain minimal nutritional value.

The other thing to be aware of are artificial flavorings and colors. Some of these are chemical based and may be a contributing factor towards diseases like cancer. The same goes for preservatives, rather choose a product that uses natural preservatives, for example vitamins C and E.

Checking labels can be tedious, but there's a much easier way to ensure that the dog food you buy is giving your dog the optimum nutrition he needs. Just buy a premium or super-premium, vet approved dog food brand.

Now you may look at the price tag on some of these products and think, "no way am I paying that for dog food!" If that's your initial reaction, I don't blame you. They can seem prohibitively expensive. But what if I were to tell you that they can actually save you money? Here's how.

With a cheap brand you have to feed your dog much more to deliver the same nutritional punch. And because the ingredients are sub-standard they create all kinds of problems, from obesity to skin allergies, to more serious diseases. These, of course, require veterinary treatment, which in the case of serious ailments can run to thousands of dollars.

Feeding a premium brand means you can feed smaller quantities, so that expensive brand of kibble last longer and also passes quality nutrition to your dog. Your dog will also pass less waste, so there's less for you to pick up!

Hopefully this article has illustrated why you should always feed your dog the best dog food you can afford. But quite aside from the health benefits, your dog deserves it.

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