By Cindy McKie

Do you like eating foods laced with preservatives, fillers and potentially dangerous chemicals? I’m going to take a safe guess and say no—but most dog owners serve this to their beloved pets every day.

Death Due to Dog Food

Commercial dog food health concerns are being raised as more and more people are exposing the potentially harmful practices of commercial dog food manufacturing. On Friday March 16th a major dog and cat food recall was announced by Menu Foods, the company that makes 48 brands of pet foods including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba pet food. The Menu Foods recall was announced after it was discovered that 10 dogs and cats died and an unknown number affected from kidney failure as a result of eating these pet foods.

Do you know what’s in Your Dog’s Food?

The truth is many commercial dog foods have ingredients that would shock you.

Your Dog’s Food Could Contain:

Worms

Rancid Animal Fats

Diseased or cancerous meat

And…

Sodium Pentobarbital used to euthanize animals!

Yes, I’m sorry to tell you but dead animals could be in your dog’s dinner bowl. According to author Ann Martin, author of “Protect Your Pet” and “Food Pets Die For” it is a common practice that euthanized animals are routinely rounded up from veterinary clinics and sent to processing plants to become your dog’s food.

Now tell me—would you knowingly feed your beloved pet this type of food? Of course not! But commercial dog food health concerns stem from the fact that the manufacturers don’t have to tell you what happens to the meat before they get their hands on it.

Discover How To Feed Your Dog a Healthy, Life Enhancing Diet

The key to providing dog food health benefits is to feed your beloved pet the nutrients and vitamins they need—without the preservatives, fillers and tainted meat. Just as you take care to cook healthy meals for you and the rest of your family, you can easily create healthy recipes for your dog. Making homemade meals for your dog isn’t expensive, it isn’t difficult and it will dramatically improve the health and well being of your dog.

On the days that you may not be able to “cook” for your pet you can substitute a safe brand of kibble. You will have to study up on your pet food labels but there are a precious few commercial dog foods on the market that are designed with your pet’s health in mind…but you need to read those labels to be sure you’re giving them the correct brands.

Feed your dog a healthier, chemical free diet and they will:

Have stronger immune systems

Suffer less skin conditions

Better all over health including less chance of heart conditions and kidney failure

Live much longer

If you have a dog you know what a cherished member of the family they become. What you may not know is that you may be putting them at risk for disease and a significantly shorter life span every time you serve them their dog food. Health and happiness for your dog can be as simple as taking the time to learn the truth about commercial dog foods and learning how you can better feed your four legged friend

Cindy McKie is a freelance writer and owner of a 15 year old Bichon Frise named Molly. Learn how to start feeding your dog a healthier diet today with the 5 Free Tips to a Better Dog's Diet mini-course.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cindy_McKie

Labels: Dog Food, Dog Health

By Dechen KsLau

We love our dogs and we want the best for them. We buy them expensive beds, toys, clothes(!?), and other accessories. It seems that there is no end to the lengths we will go to make our little friends' lives better. But how do we decide which food to feed him?

To begin, there is not a single dog food that is right for every dog. Many dog foods are well-formulated and will be great for most dogs. However, those same foods may not be so good for some dogs - they may even cause gastrointestinal upset in some.

A good starting point in determining the appropriate food is your dog's stage of life. Puppies need higher amounts of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals for proper growth. If an adult dog eats a food formulated for puppies he is likely to become overweight. Senior dog foods are formulated in a way that makes it more easily digested.

Dry dog food is usually recommended more often but some dogs prefer semi-moist or canned. Moist dog food is often recommended for dogs with missing teeth or other dental problems.

Good nutrition is essential to good health. When making decisions related to the food your dog eats consider comparing nutritional labels. Some cheaper or economy brands of dog food use inexpensive ingredients, many of which are not easily digested, which of course means they do not provide the best nutrition for your dog. These foods may meet the legal specifications but many have lower-grade proteins and lower energy values.

In many cases the healthy nutrients may pass through the dog's digestive system without being absorbed. This leads to another disadvantage of feeding your dog such lower quality food - your dog will need to eat more in order to get the same amount of nutrition that he could get in a smaller amount of premium dog food. In the end you may find the economy brands cost more because you go through the bags more quickly.

Always compare the ingredients between the various brands before making a choice. The ingredients are listed by weight. The first or second ingredient listed in a quality food should be meat, fish, egg, or some type of meat meal or fish meal. These ingredients all have a high biological value. That means they have a high percentage of protein.

The "Guaranteed Analysis" is a chart that lists the percentages of various ingredients contained in that particular dog food. But keep in mind that the analysis does not take into account the amount of moisture in that food. Even dry dog foods have some moisture content.

After careful consideration make a selection. If you decide to switch from one dog food to another you will need to allow time for the transition. A gradual change will assist your dog with the adjustment to the new food choice. Plan the transition over a course of about a week or a little longer depending on your dog's acceptance of the new food.

Start by mixing three parts of the current or old dog food brand to one part of the new. Feed that mixture for 2 - 3 days. If your dog does well with that you can then mix the foods half and half. Feed the 50/50 mixture for two or three days, again depending on your dog's adjustment. You can then switch to the three parts new - one part old mixture and then make the complete switch.

By carefully selecting a quality food for your dog you will enrich and lengthen his life. That means he will be there to be your friend and companion longer - and that makes all of us happier!

Dechen KsLau is an Author, Speaker, and Consultant specializing in Internet Marketing and Puppy Lover

http://www.puppylover.us

http://www.squidoo.com/lucky-dog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dechen_KsLau

Labels: Dog Food

By Jake Poole

Vegetarian dog treats are becoming more popular as more dog lovers become concerned about meeting the nutritional needs of the four-legged members of the household. However, there are a still people who are not sure what is in these types of treats, and where they can find them. Here are some things you should know about these treats, and my they may be ideal for your dog.

One of the problems with many commercial treats for pets is that they contain a lot of animal by-products. In some cases, this may mean that your pet is getting a higher amount of fat in the diet than you would like. Because a vegetarian dog treat is free of animal fats, the treat will not promote the accumulation of fatty deposits throughout the body. Your dog will retain a lean figure, and there will be fewer worries about being able to control and maintain your dog's weight.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that a vegetarian dog treat is not short on essential vitamins,proteins and other supplements. In fact, the treat will actually be easier for your dog to digest, since all the ingredients are vegetable based. Many people do not realize that natural organic matter can be an excellent source of protein, and one that contains none of the other elements that could have adverse effects on the long-term health of your pet. Look for vegetarian treats that contain a rich balance of greens, legumes, and similar vegetables,and your dog will be healthy for a long time to come.

Finding a vegetarian dog treat is not as hard as you may think. Many health food stores will carry vegetarian alternatives that are both tasty and nutritious. Local pet markets may also include a few vegetarian based dog treats that are made locally, and completely free of any preservatives. You can even go online and find several vegetarian dog treat options that are especially created for various breeds, ages, and sizes of dogs. While you will pay a little more for a vegetarian dog treat, keep in mind that you are helping to ensure that your beloved pet remains happy and healthy for a long time to come.

Find more information about these treats and where to find vegetarian dog treats here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jake_Poole

Labels: Dog Food, Vegetarian Dog

By Kelly Marshall

Three and a half million unwanted dogs are put to death in this country every year, with millions more dying through starvation, disease, accidents, and abuse. Nearly a quarter of these victims are purebred dogs. It is important to learn the facts and possible consequences if you are considering breeding your dog. In today's overcrowded world, we must make responsible decisions for our pets and for ourselves. Consider the following points carefully.

Just like humans, dogs are different depending on age, breed, overall health, severity of infestation and activity level. If you are not sure what is the best recipe for your dog, please email me and include: age, weight and breed of your dog, when diagnosed and how severe of a case your dog has, list all symptoms, tell me about your pet's health in general and list all vitamins/medications/herbs your dog is taking and what brand of food you are feeding. This site is not meant to diagnose or prescribe, information provided is a general guideline - for a dog with a mild to moderate case, which is in good health.

Know the typical genetic diseases for your breed. Test for them, and do not breed a dog that may pass on serious genetic disease. Do not let your love for your dog make you blind to your obligation to others. Your dog may be healthy, but may still pass on serious genetic disease. Do what you can to avoid causing heartache. Do not breed your dog if you have no information on the health and fitness of both the parents of your dog, and its prospective mate. You need more than a single generation to make a good decision.

When a dog refuses to eat or eats only a portion of the dog food he needs or what he usually eats every day will produce an imbalance in his dog nutrition. The term Anorexia is used to describe the condition when a dog refuses to eat. A dog's eating habits are normally controlled by hunger. Another thing that causes a disturbance of the dog's natural eating behavior is mechanical interruption.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for the average consumer to tell which one is the best for their pet; In particular any allergies that your dog may have. While others have a sensitivity to lamb. Through a process of trial and error you can usually find a dog food that your pet will eat. Dog owners are faced with a difficult choice when comes to the right food for their dog. Others will take the opposite view and see no reason to spend extra on a premium brand dog food. Of course we are not just talking about canned dog food. Juicy food contained in a can but it is important for them to also to chew on hard crunchy dog food such as dry kibble and dog biscuits.

Article written by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - visit for dog food storage containers in every size

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Marshall

Labels: Dog Food

By Bill Carr

Should you be concerned about your dog or cats health these days? With all the dog and cat food companies that are recalling there food, for poisonings, you most likely should be. As a pet owner now there are limited products for your loved pets.

But there is a solution to this problem, why not cook or bake for your cats and dogs. At least you know what your putting in there pet food, and not to mention your cat and dog will enjoy there new found pet food much better than that old canned byproduct anyway.

With limited choices of what to feed your pets, more and more pet owners are feeding them table food and dinner scrapes. It is important to keep your pet healthy with a balanced meal, with the right nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and proteins for your type of cat or dog.

It's really not that hard to prepare meals and treats for your pets: There are many different recipes you can prepare for them that are healthy and good for them. Just put aside a little time each week to make your dog or cat treats, and you will be able to give them there treats for the week and the same goes for there meals, except you might have to prepare them a little more often, maybe two or three times a week just to keep it fresh. But you can prepare one batch for the whole week and freeze half of it in your freezer, provided you have the space, or if you have a kitchen vacuum sealer for moist food, dry food you can just save in a container.

Article by Bill Carr

Safe Pet Food Recipes http://www.petfoodrecipessite.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Carr

Labels: Dog Food

By M. Bruno

The dog food industry announced in a recent statement that labeling on pet and dog food is actually better than labeling requirements on food for human consumption.

This would be the best news that we have heard since the beginning of the dog food recall that has claimed the lives of thousands of dogs, while an ever growing number of dogs continue to suffer from kidney failure after eating contaminated dog food.

Let’s take a look at how the pet dog food industry supports this claim.

The dog food industry has the option of including ingredients that they deem safe and nutritious in the dog food that they produce and sell.

Some of those ingredients are:

Dead, dying, diseased and downed animals. Well, this confuses me a bit. I don’t know of any regulation permitting the inclusion of these unsuitable proteins on any human food label. The fact is that these 4Ds, can not be used in human food but are used by dog food manufacturers. Ever see those listed on a dog food label?

Rendered animal tissue, such as acquired from the remains of euthanized dogs and pets from animal shelters are used in some dog food products. Hmmm, I never saw any of that on an approved for human consumption food label.

Dog food labels often have statements that claim the dog food is complete, balanced and safe. This would be almost an impossible claim to have approved by the FDA for food destined for human consumption. But dog food manufacturers make this claim as almost as a matter of course. Just check their label.

The dog food industry is fond of pointing to the oversight of the industry by AAFCO the, Association Of American Feed Control Officials. AAFCO has no real regulatory authority and the testing of dog food is little more than a joke.

Here’s a synopsis of AAFCO testing requirements

• Eight dogs more than a year old must participate

• The dogs must be of normal health and weight

• Blood tests are taken at the inception and conclusion of the test

• No dog (of the eight participants) die or are taken off the dog food because of nutritional problems.

Results of a Successful Dog Food Tests

• At least six of the original eight dogs that began the test must complete it.

• During the test, none of the dogs used are to die or be removed because of nutritional causes.

• Six of the eight dogs starting must finish the test.

AAFCO, with no real authority conducts a test on all of eight dogs. If none die or are excluded and a very basic blood test is passed, that dog food gets the green light.

Are you willing to risk your dog’s life on the claims made by the dog food industry? Do you think that a test which will determine the safety and nutrient values of your dog food is adequate when the test involves only eight dogs?

Do you believe that the FDA should be more directly involved or is the oversight of a group such as AAFCO sufficient to assure the health and safety of your dog?

What is happening in the dog food recall is the product of the claims and performance of the dog food industry, AAFCO, and their marketing and business efforts.

Before chancing our dog’s life to the claims of dog food manufacturers that their labeling requirements are safe, that their dog food is safe, and that their industry is regulated, become an informed consumer. Spend some time and learn what your dog food label really says at http://www.fda.gov/cvm/petlabel.htm

Dog food companies claim that the products they manufacturer are safe.

Sadly, the recent dog food recall and recalls prior to this one suggest otherwise. The dog food industry has in many cases been untruthful in their sales pitch, unsavory in their ethics and have produced a product that in many instances belong in a landfill, not eaten by your dog. A few good apples exist in the commercial dog food world. Make absolutely sure that your dog food comes from one of the good guys or consider making your own dog food at home

By doing so you can make sure that the food you give your dog is truly healthy and not a potential death sentence.

Do you buy your dog food at a supermarket? Pet superstore? Online? Is it healthy and safe? Find out what’s the dog food you feed your pooch at http://www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-that-kills.html This article may be reproduced with the author's link

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M._Bruno

Labels: Dog Food