Pet Food News

Okay, I admit it. I am fascinated, overly curious, not quite obsessed with the idea of “you are what you eat.” If you could see me, you’d say I need to lose more than a few pounds and certainly don’t seem to practice what fascinates me so. I know in my gut (literally), that my consumption of overly processed foods, restaurant lunches, sweets and chips are slowly but surely going to cause me major harm and very probably chop a few years off my life. To my credit, I am getting up early every morning and exercising in an effort to, freif not lose weight, at least stave off the diabetes that runs in my family. So, if my family needs to eat better, what about my pets?

Hopefully, you’ve all read my article on the horrible things that are found in commercial, pet foods. If not, check it out at the link below. When I found out what was in the kibble we were feeding both our dog and cat, I researched the alternatives and came up with a great all natural dry pet food. I’ve been extremely happy with the results of the switch with Annie, our cat, but for some reason, Dax just doesn’t go for it. In fact, he really isn’t crazy about dry food in general. He will eat it when he gets hungry, but let’s just say he doesn’t seem to enjoy his food. I’ve tried several brands and nothing flips his bippy. On the other hand, he jumps for joy when I give him a scrambled egg or chicken scraps. And salmon! Katy, bar the door!

So here we are. While I’m trying to convince myself to feed my human family better, maybe Dax would be better off, too, with a more natural diet of fresh foods. I’m not committing to anything at this point, but I’m willing to do some research and see how convincing it is. Want to go along?

You know, when I think back to visits at my grandparents’ farm, I never saw my grandmother feed their dog anything but table scraps. I don’t think I ever saw a bag of dog food at their house. Now, today, table scraps would mean pizza, French fries and other bad examples of human “food.” But not back then. My grandparents raised grass fed beef, which they slaughtered and ate. My grandmother had a huge garden and Papa had acres of corn. They grew what they ate and the scraps that Beau got were good, healthy, all-natural and pesticide free.

So, the first question that comes to mind is that of total nutrients. I know the premium dry foods I have been buying assure me that they are formulated to supply all the nutrients Dax needs. So how can I provide everything my dog needs in a homemade diet? Well, let’s see what the experts have to say. They tell me to aim for variety to ensure a balance of nutrients.

They tell me that my dog and cat are natural carnivores and that meat and other protein sources should be high on the list of ingredients in this new way of eating. They also tell me to feed the meat raw. Okay, now wait a minute. That just grosses me out. What about e-coli and salmonella and all those other nasties found in raw meat? Well, it seems that your dog’s stomach has a much higher acid content than your’s and can handle raw meat just fine. In fact, raw meat is much higher in nutrients that cooked meat.

Interchange lean meats such as turkey, liver, mackerel, chicken, tuna, heart, lean hamburger, duck, rabbit or fish. Try ground meats for convenience and ease of eating.

Meat alone should not be the only source of protein for our critters. There are lots of other ways to beef up the protein intake. Eggs are an excellent, low-cost source of low-fat protein. Again, experts recommend feeding them raw. Try cottage cheese, too. Whole grains are another cost-effective source of high quality protein as well as carbohydrates and an array of vitamins and minerals. Grains, however, should definitely be cooked before feeding to aid in digestion. The most cost effective sources of good grains are oatmeal, cornmeal, millet and bulgur (whatever that is).

The list goes on. Beans and other legumes such as split peas and lentils are great sources of protein. Cook them just like you would for your family. These are good to cook in larger quantities and freeze in meal portions.

Okay, we’ve got protein covered. What’s next? Vegetables. Veggies are vital for adding vitamins, minerals and roughage. Some can be fed raw, such as grated carrots, squashes, lettuce and other greens, and grated beets. Others like corn, peas, green beans, and broccoli need to be cooked. Please! No canned vegetables! Our focus here is on fresh foods. If the vegetables are not organically grown, be sure to wash them thoroughly, even use a little soap and then rinse thoroughly.

Now that the basics are taken care of, the next thing the experts say we need to consider is supplements. Evidently, both cats and dogs, but especially dogs, have a high calcium requirement. Calcium can be added to a fresh food diet in several ways. A common source of calcium is bones. This is where experts take very different paths. Some advocate feeding your dog raw bones. Others are opposed based on the fact that cow bones can contain high levels of lead or can splinter. Those that oppose raw bones recommend the use of bone meal. Now, let me stop and stress right here that they are not referring to the bone meal found at your local garden center. It’s toxic to animals. The bone meal recommended for feeding is that found in health food stores recommended for human consumption or some say, better yet, a bone meal made especially for animals. I’m thinking a large pet store might be a good source or maybe a good feed store.

A great source of natural calcium can be found in something we all through in the trash: egg shells. Who knew? In his book, Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats, Dr. Richard Pitcairn recommends washing eggshells right after cracking and letting them dry. Bake at 300 degrees for 10 minutes and then crush into a fine powder. This can then be sprinkled on your pet’s food. If you prefer, you can even crush calcium tablets into a powder. Don’t give them to your pet whole.

Other recommended supplements include nutritional or brewer’s yeast for its B-vitamins, iron and other nutrients; oils such as fish oil and cod liver oil for Omega-3 and Omega-6 benefits; Vitamin E is a natural anti-oxidant and can be found in wheat germ or just puncture and squeeze a capsule over your pet’s food.

So, the last question that comes to mind is this: I’ve always heard that a dog needs dry, crunchy food to help keep his teeth clean. This is still true with a fresh food diet. A good, all natural, crunchy dog biscuit, fed once or twice a day will help exercise gums and clean teeth.

This is a very brief overture to the world of fresh food feeding for pets. I know I don’t feel guilty anymore for feeding Dax meat scraps and eggs. If you want to know more, please check my website often. I will be posting more in-depth articles on this topic. In the meantime, happy eating!

Sherry Massey
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/feeding-your-pet-fresh-foods-99305.html

There are hundreds of choices of dog food on the market today. Everything from wet, dry, high protein, high fat, low protein, and low fat foods fill the aisles of our pet stores. So how is one to choose the right one for their dog?

But before we talk about food, let’s talk about something even more important – water.

All the beneficial ingredients that go into the best dog foods will not help your dog if he is not drinking enough water. Water is the most important nutrient. Adult dog’s bodies are 60% water and a puppy’s body is 84% water. Dogs can lose all of their fat and half of their protein without adversely affecting their health, but a 10 % water loss can cause significant problems. Dog owners should place as much attention on the importance of the quality of the water their dog drinks as they do on the ingredients that go into the best dog foods; not all water is the same.

A criterion for clean drinking water for dogs is similar to the criteria for clean drinking water for people. Tap water generally provides the best nutrients and least contaminants; however, if the tap water contains high amounts of nitrates, magnesium and iron it can cause long term health risks. For those who fear their tap water may be contaminated bottled water is a better choice.

Stainless steel and stoneware dishes are safe choices for food and water bowls. Plastic bowls may scratch giving contaminates an ideal place to live. Water should be cool in the summer and room temperature in the winter. The dogs bowl should always be clean; if you think it may need changing ask yourself if you would drink the water; if the answer is no-change the water.

Dogs should have access to fresh water all the time. This is even more important than buying the best dog foods on the market. Dogs need three times more water than food every day. They need even more if it is extremely hot, the dog is lactating, or the dog is exercising more than normal. Dogs that eat canned dog food do not drink as much water because of the high amount of water contained in the canned food.

In addition to better health, proper hydration also contributes to the performance of a dog. Many owners of working dogs flavor their dog’s food in order to make sure they are drinking the appropriate amounts. Studies have proven that proper hydration increases working ability by 80%. The next time you pour one of those best dog foods into your dogs bowl, remember if the dog doesn’t have the right amount of clean water the food is useless.

Okay, now let’s move on to dog food

First you need to have one basic goal in mind: Feed your dog the brand that keeps your dog looking and acting the best. This is the most important thing to remember when choosing food for your dog. You may have to try several brands of dog food over a stretch of time before you can determine which is the best choice.

Another important factor is likeability. You need to choose a food that your dog likes to eat. You’ll want it to be easily digestible, which is indicated by a small to moderate stool volume. Ideally, you should check a week after switching. After a few weeks of the new food, check the dog’s coat and see if there is any improvement, such as it being shiny and healthy looking. In addition your dog’s skin should be a healthy color, without sores or trouble spots. Your dog should have a healthy look overall.

Lastly, many consider the cost when making your pet’s food choices. One simple rule to remember is SPEND MORE TO SAVE MORE! Why you ask? Well, the principle is simple: the better quality, more expensive foods usually cost you less per feeding than inexpensive foods because you feed your dog less of these highly digestible foods, costing you less in the long run.

Whether you choose dry dog foods which are soybean, corn, or rice based, and are recommended for animals that are larger, or canned types that contain meat products and water for moisture for dogs smaller than 30 lbs., remember, dog foods contain fats and carbohydrates which are necessary for your pet’s energy.

Mike Long
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/find-the-best-food-for-your-dog-but-dont-forget-the-water-too-53494.html

A sad commercial with a happy ending about homeless dogs.

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Aspen Pet Products has created a Booda Soft Bite Dog Toy, which are durable pet toys designed using soft terry cloth. These cute little characters are sure to enhance playtime for your dog. Soft and cuddly with embroidery and fabric sewn-in designs, each Booda Soft Bite Dog Toy is safe in that it contains no plastic pieces for your dog to accidentally ingest. These colorful creations are designed as different animals, including a chicken, cow, lamb, hedgehog, puppy and more.

When it comes to caring for your pet, making sure that they are clean and comfortable are both very important aspects of being a responsible pet owner. The Bio Flea & Tick Shampoo by Bio Groom is a complete solution that controls and eliminates both fleas and ticks. In addition, it keeps your pet clean because it is a shampoo product. Formulated with naturally safe and effective ingredients, the Bio Flea & Tick Shampoo will keep your pet feeling and looking great.

For the fish lover in your family, TetraMin Tropical Staple Flakes by Tetra offers a pet food supply that provides a rich mix and serves as a totally nutritious diet for all common tropical fish. Featuring 40 select ingredients that create firm and fully digestible flakes, the TetraMin Tropical Staple Flakes increases filtering capacity by reducing the amount of uneaten food and tank waste. It contains essential nutrients, added Vitamin C and will not cloud water when used as directed. At PetMountain.com, the TetraMin Tropical Staples Flakes are available in a variety of pet food supply sizes to fit every home and budget.

Whether you are looking to replenish your pet grooming products, pet food supply or simply want to purchase some new pet toys for your four-legged friend, popular online pet outlet PetMountain.com has everything that you need to keep your pet happy, healthy and full of energy. Accessing an online pet outlet is convenient for a number of reasons, including the ability to make all of your purchases in one place, not having to get out and go to the local pet store in the midst of winter or being restricted to a small selection of what a local store may carry. A pet outlet, such as PetMountain.com, carries a variety of pet supplies and accessories at competitive prices and with the convenience of at-home delivery. If you want to pamper your pet, there’s no better way to show your love than by making sure that all of their needs are met.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional veterinary advice relating to pet toys, pet food, treatments and/or pet grooming supply products.

Cindy Summers
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/shop-smart-save-big-on-top-pet-brands-at-leading-pet-supply-store-100909.html

When a dog has skin problems, we rarely suspect these as food allergies or sensitivities. As most dogs keep eating the same type of dog food for years, the food usually escapes our radar as the problem. But dogs, like humans, can develop sensitivity to any food or additive at any time. Recent estimates indicate that 10 to 15 percent of all allergic skin diseases in dogs are caused by food allergy. In such cases, they should be given allergy dog food, i.e., food that does not cause allergic reactions.

As dog food is made up of a combination of ingredients, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly which is causing the allergy. The most common ingredients that can cause problems in a dog include beef, chicken, corn, eggs, fish, lamb, milk, preservatives, pork, soy, wheat, and whey.

The primary symptom that appears in a dog having food allergy is itchy skin.

Other symptoms may include anal itching, ear inflammations, hair loss, licking front paws, loss of appetite, face rubbing, and head shaking. Sometimes asthma-like symptoms, behavioral changes, diarrhea, flatulence, seizures, sneezing, and vomiting can also be observed.

When you conclude after consultations with your veterinarian, that food may be the underlying cause of your dog’s allergy, then you can begin an elimination diet. Discard all the foods in the dog’s diet that are included in the list above, and give him/her allergy dog food, which may be a commercial or homemade diet comprising ingredients the dog has never eaten before.

The homemade allergy dog food should comprise two parts starch and one part protein. Duck, salmon, soy, venison, and rabbit may form the protein part, and rice and potatoes the starch, but soy and rice cannot be always called safe substitutes. Some animal medical centers recommend duck and potato based foods as allergy dog food.

You can also choose a special commercial food blends as allergy dog food. As the homemade food is not nutritionally complete, it should not be continued for more than 8 weeks.

Whatever allergy dog food you choose for your pet, it should be the only food the dog ingests during the elimination period. So, say adieu to table scraps, dog biscuits, dog bones, rawhide chews, vitamins, minerals or chewable heartworm pills.

If symptoms improve during the elimination period, you can reintroduce each of the eliminated food items one at a time. Each food should be tested for a week before another is introduced. This will help you to pinpoint which foods may be causing problems if symptoms resurface. And once you detect the offensive food, it will be easier for you to choose the right allergy dog food to keep your pet free from allergy.

Masni Rizal Mansor
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/guide-to-allergy-dog-food-61841.html

The average life expectancy of a cat is around fifteen years, but many lead active and happy lives into their twenties and a few even manage the early thirties. The oldest cat recorded was thirty-four years five months old when she died.

So what can you expect from your kitten as he grows up? As a baby (under four weeks of age) everything has to be done for him; as a toddler (at five to eight weeks) he has to be carefully supervised; as a child of two to nine months, he is active, playful and adventurous. All these stages are expected, but the teenage phase can take many owners by surprise.

Just like human teenagers, many cats seem to have a super abundance of energy. If they have a feline friend they can use up some of it in play, but if they do not, they may start playing boisterously with their owners, jumping out and ambushing them and giving them painful nips. They should be kept fully occupied or they can get into mischief. Regular play sessions, where the play is of the owner’s choosing, will help ward off boredom, and plenty of company is important, as is understanding if the cat becomes hyperactive.

Plenty of high quality, varied food should be given, as cats at this age will eat a lot, and probably a quarter as much again as an adult cat. One word of warning: if you are feeding a prepared cat food, hyperactivity can be caused by the food you are giving, as some cats react to certain brands by becoming ‘hyper’, their behavior returns to normal when their food is changed; this is another good reason for feeding a wide variety of food and not just one brand of canned food.

However boisterous and time-consuming your teenage cat turns out to be, remember it is just a phase, and one you will probably miss once it is past. Your cat’s middle years, however, are often the best. If he was a contented kitten, he is now truly a contented cat, he has a good relationship with his owner, he is well adjusted to family life, he returns affection with affection, and is at the peak of his physical powers. For the owner, he is less demanding, and he should be enjoying excellent physical health. Remember to keep up the yearly booster injections for enteritis and cat flu, and the complete health check at the same time.

Tristan Andrews
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/as-your-cat-grows-91641.html

The secrets about dog food. Commercial dog food has a dark side and you are being lied to. Watch this video now… It may save your dogs life. For more details … http://DogFoodSecretsUncovered.com

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If you are a dog or cat owner, you undoubtedly have come across the myriad of dog and cat treats available today. Determining what type of dog or cat treat to give to your pet can be challenging. While there is a wide variety of so-called healthy pet treats; what to look for specifically is the subject of our discussion.

There used to be a time when milk bones would suffice; in most cases they still remain the top choice for most pet owners. However, there are considerations you must make to safeguard the health of your pet. The ingredients in any treat must be the first priority. No doubt your vet will advise you as to the nutritional value of most treats, or you can certainly research their viability on your own.

The caloric intake is the second consideration. Too many treats are not a healthy way to maintain your pet’s weight (same applies to humans as well). The ingredients should be of the highest quality. For example: Milk bone treats consist of 15% protein; 12% moisture; 5% crude fat; and 3.5% crude fiber. The size of the dog determines the size of the treat; 1-8 of these treats a day are a good dietary regimen for large dogs. As long as the treats are low in fat and high in vitamins and minerals, there will unlikely be any stomach upset to your pet. Conversely, smaller milk bone treats are ideal for puppies; and a recommendation of 1-3 biscuits a day is sufficient.

Pets are no less fussy than humans. There are some pets who desire certain treats. Certain types of dogs require treat experimentation to ascertain which treat they prefer, especially puppies. Older dogs, however, invite any type of treat with excitement; but in any case, choosing the safest and healthiest treat is ultimately up to you.

Never substitute treats for good nutrition. Feed your pet the best quality food available. It is not advised to give any pet table food, chocolate or any other type of “human” food that will wreak havoc with their digestive system. While it may take a while to determine which type of food your pet finds acceptable; if it is high quality, your pet will most likely settle for it without any problem.

By their very nature, treats are just that; a reward for good behavior or just because you want to give them something special. It’s akin to a snack; and everyone enjoys a snack now and then, right? A good way to control treat-giving is to break the treat in half. In this way, your pet will not expect that which he didn’t receive in the first place. In addition, this will save you money in the long run, as the treats will last longer.

If your pet has any food allergies, check with the vet who can advise you which treats are suitable. While some pet owners use specialized treats for dental hygiene, the best method would be to simply brush away the plaque and tartar. Another consideration is to ensure that your dog actually chews the treat, and not swallow it whole. Breaking the treat in half or in pieces is recommended.

Pets not only provide unconditional love, but trust that you will take care of them in every facet of their growth process. This applies to their diet as well. As with all healthy pet treats, what to look for as it relates to nutritional benefit should be first and foremost in the care of your pet.

James Allen
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/healthy-pet-treats-what-to-look-for-89348.html

Dogs. They are our pets, our best friends, and the one set of ears that will never pretend to ignore us. Due to the fact that they are such great companions, it is clear why owners always want the best for their furry friends. After all, they do resemble a human being, thus it is reasonable to feed them the healthiest foods and purchase a plethora of unused toys. While top notch pet food is available in every store, it can be perplexing to try and find the healthiest product. With so many factors taken into consideration, the percentages and ingredients become mind boggling. So how does one pick dog food out of the thousands of brands?

The first thing a pet owner should know is that affordable brands don’t always mean that it is better. As we all know, dogs are like humans and they need their nutrition. Most dog food brands make sure that ingredients include meats, proteins, and fibers. However, there are those that focus on affordability rather than nourishment, which is why many animals begin to face problems. In order for your pet to have a healthy diet, you must find a food brand that incorporates protein, such as steak, chicken, or another type of meat. Additionally, these types of food should also have vitamins and minerals in them. Though dogs are much different than human beings - they still require nutrients that keep them healthy and feeling great. If you are hesitant on a certain brand, chances are there may be a problem. It is recommended that you either consult the company itself, or perhaps find a book on healthy dog food. These resources will easily help you eliminate the brands that are more concerned with money.

Are you still unsure of what you’re feeding your dog? Many pet owners simply run to their veterinarians, hoping that they will have a speedy answer. Fortunately, they can recommend many different brands - one which will hopefully be affordable and still beneficial for your dog. Although some people feel that professionals will just try to steer them in the “expensive” direction - perhaps food that is sold in their office, this is not necessarily true. A vast majority of veterinarians are concerned and want to make sure your dog is in top shape.

Luckily, there are other alternatives to healthy dog food, if you are just not pleased with the products. Recently, pet owners are beginning to take matters into their own hands. Since resources are booming, people can now cook their own dog food. That’s right - no more instantaneous trips to the pet store. Since dogs love meat and vegetables, it is easy to find them a balanced diet. Many people are actually adding chicken to their dog’s kibble or attempting to make beef cookies and dog food stew. Astonishingly, there are many health food websites catered to dog food, which will tell you exactly what to add to your dog’s meal and which recipes are popular. Given that we treat our animals as if they were our human companions, it is no surprise that we are now feeding them the same way.

Pascal E. Erdmann
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/healthy-dog-food-off-the-shelf-or-make-your-own-69616.html

Lisa Shames of the Government Accountability Office explains that the FDA doesn’t have mandatory recall power over any food except baby formula. Recalls for human food and pet food are voluntary and the companies don’t even have a time frame for when they have to report problems with the food (unlike the Consumer Safety Products Commission where they give companies 24 hours to recall unsafe products)

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