Dog Health & Food--What Should I Feed My Dog?
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Your Dog's Health Has Everything to Do With the Food You Feed Him
There is an assumption amongst many dog owners that dogs don't need the same nutritional value from their food as we do. Some feel that a dog can just get by with any type of food, regardless of the nutritional value of the food.
Your dog's general health is very connected to the type of food you feed him. The right type of food can add years to your dog's life!
Make sure you check the list of ingredients on the back of the dog food bag. Pet foods will always have their ingredients listed by order of weight.
Make sure none of the ingredients listed are meat byproducts. These are low quality meats that come from the other parts of the animal that are not used for human consumption, and are usually sold by slaughterhouses in bulk.
The first ingredient in your dog's food should be real meat like fish, chicken, lamb, or venison-- not meat byproducts. Look out for "filler" ingredients like corn, wheat, or cornmeal as these can be potential allergens and are used as cheap way to add mass to a food.
Choosing a healthy dog food in today's marketplace can be challenging with the variety available and the promises made on the packaging.
Keep in mind that no one food is best for every dog. Every dog is different, and some dogs can be really quite picky about the food they eat. Some dogs love lamb, some love fish. You may find that you will have to try several different types of food before you find one that is good for your dog, and one that he likes.
Here are few things to keep in mind when picking a new type of food for your dog:
* Overweight or Underweight Dogs
If your dog is overweight, you will want to choose a healthy formula that is geared towards a doggy diet. Likewise, if your dog is underweight, certain types of food will be nutritionally charged to help get him back on his feet again.
* Your Dog's Age
Do you have a puppy, adult, or senior dog? Choose a food that is nutritionally suited to your dog's age group.
* Health History
If your dog has allergies, diabetes, digestive problems, or cancer, make sure you consult your vet to help you choose a food that is right for that condition.
* Expenses
Healthier dog foods can be more expensive. Feed your dog the best food you can find that is within your budget. Often these foods are denser in nutritional value, so you may end up using less.
Your dog's general health is very connected to the type of food you feed him. The right type of food can add years to your dog's life!
Make sure you check the list of ingredients on the back of the dog food bag. Pet foods will always have their ingredients listed by order of weight.
Make sure none of the ingredients listed are meat byproducts. These are low quality meats that come from the other parts of the animal that are not used for human consumption, and are usually sold by slaughterhouses in bulk.
The first ingredient in your dog's food should be real meat like fish, chicken, lamb, or venison-- not meat byproducts. Look out for "filler" ingredients like corn, wheat, or cornmeal as these can be potential allergens and are used as cheap way to add mass to a food.
Choosing a healthy dog food in today's marketplace can be challenging with the variety available and the promises made on the packaging.
Keep in mind that no one food is best for every dog. Every dog is different, and some dogs can be really quite picky about the food they eat. Some dogs love lamb, some love fish. You may find that you will have to try several different types of food before you find one that is good for your dog, and one that he likes.
Here are few things to keep in mind when picking a new type of food for your dog:
* Overweight or Underweight Dogs
If your dog is overweight, you will want to choose a healthy formula that is geared towards a doggy diet. Likewise, if your dog is underweight, certain types of food will be nutritionally charged to help get him back on his feet again.
* Your Dog's Age
Do you have a puppy, adult, or senior dog? Choose a food that is nutritionally suited to your dog's age group.
* Health History
If your dog has allergies, diabetes, digestive problems, or cancer, make sure you consult your vet to help you choose a food that is right for that condition.
* Expenses
Healthier dog foods can be more expensive. Feed your dog the best food you can find that is within your budget. Often these foods are denser in nutritional value, so you may end up using less.
Feed Your Dog the Right Way
Natural Health for Dogs
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Is People Food Bad for Your Dog?
We all know that chocolate is a big no-no for dogs, as it can make them extremely sick or even kill them. Did you know that there are a multitude of common people foods that can harm your dog?
* Onions Onions are known to have ill effects on the red blood cells in dogs, and can even kill your pet if a large enough dose is eaten. Don't panic if your dog gets a hold of a small piece of onion. If he does eat some, keep a close eye on him. Take him to the vet if he starts acting sick in any way.
* Ibuprofen Dogs love the smell of this stuff and will go to great lengths to get their paws on some. In fact, it is very harmful to them. If your dog does ingest ibuprofen, call or take him to the vet immediately.
* Coffee Coffee increases heart rate in dogs, just like in humans, but to a much greater degree. Be careful if your dog gets into some, and keep an eye on him. It can cause seizures in dogs.
* Grapes Some types of grapes have been known to cause kidney failure, and are generally bad for dogs in large quantities. Don't feed your dog grapes.
* Apple seeds Apples are great for your dog-but remove the seeds first! The seeds contain cyanide, which is poisonous.
* Bones If you give your dog a bone, make sure it's not cooked. They can splinter and cause internal bleeding.
* Avocados Every part of this fruit is bad for your dog. Avocados contain a toxin called persin, which can cause damage to the heart, lungs and other tissues in your dog's body.
* Garlic Garlic can be harmful to your dog, much in the same way as onions.
* Tomatoes Tomatoes can make your dog really sick. Unripe tomatoes are the worst, but, to be safe, don't feed your dog tomatoes at all.
All in all, be very careful what you feed your dog, and make sure to dog-proof your kitchen. As long as his food is of good quality, your dog is better off eating his own food, and leaving the people food for the people.
When the Vet is Not at Hand...
Is The Raw Food Diet Good for Your Dog?
The B.A.R.F., or bones and raw food diet for dogs has gained more attention in recent years. The idea is that as dogs would naturally eat raw meats and other foods in the wild, this is naturally the healthiest diet for them.
There is not one specific meal plan for the B.A.R.F. diet, and breed and size will play a factor in what types of foods will work best for your dog.
Here is a typical meal plan you might try if you want to start your dog on the B.A.R.F. diet:
Raw Ground Turkey
You can get turkey from your local butcher and have them cut the turkey into 1 lbs chunks, and then freeze them for later use. Some dogs will eat a few pounds every meal, and some will eat far less depending on their size. About 50% of each meal should consist of meat.
Softened Oats
You can use different types of grains, but oats will generally be easier for your dog to digest. Boil some water in a tea kettle, and pour it on the oats to soften them.
Fresh Raw Vegetables
Some proponents of the B.A.R.F. diet recommend juicing all the your vegetables because dogs have a hard time digesting certain vegetables due to their short intestinal tracts.
You should feed your dog an array of vegetables at different times of the week including carrots, apples, and fresh greens (such as kale, parsley, and swiss chard). Celery, beets, and alfalfa sprouts are also great for your dog.
If you don't have a juicer, you can feed your dog the softer fruits and vegetables, and he should be able to digest them fine. Again, this could depend on the size of the dog.
Feeding your dog all raw food can be expensive, but well worth the nutritional value you will give your dog. Maybe at first you could start your dog with a raw meal a few times per week, see how he likes it, and get an idea of how much it will cost.
If you do decide to try the bones and raw food diet for your dog, be sure to check with your veterinarian first, see what his or her opinion of the diet is, and if it will suit your dog.
Keep Your Dog Active and Happy
Dog Health Questions or Comments? Leave Me a Message!
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jsluvmypets
Mar 23, 2012 @ 2:28 pm | delete
- This is so true ? you are what you eat and it's the same for animals and people. About two years ago I made sure what I buy my dogs has chicken as the first ingredient and I got a puppy recently too and started him off right with a natural dog food called Ultra. People don't realize how much crap is put into some dog foods. We stick with Natural Balance and our dogs are problem-free.
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JuliaBusch
Jul 19, 2011 @ 4:07 pm | delete
- Lots of great information here. And so very true, diet is a major key to the health of your dog.
Not many people understand that most supermarket cat foods contain ingredients we wouldn't want to know about. But if you are curious, you'll find some great information on immunity, enzymes, and cancer-fighting therapies on http://NikkisStory.com - Lots of info I wish I had known about before Nikki was diagnosed with canine osteosarcoma. (if you're specifically interested in commercial "ingredients," do a site search for "dog food."
Great luck with your lens,
Julia (Nikki's Mom)
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Infonitum
Feb 15, 2010 @ 1:53 pm | delete
- My dogs have allergies and I thought nothing would help. Finally, I found a brand of dog food (prescription) that actually worked! You're right on about how dog food and dog health go hand in hand! I'm adding you to my lensroll "Help! My Dog Ate Chocolate!" Thanks for this great information.
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DavidGlez
May 25, 2008 @ 1:13 pm | delete
- Great! I would appreciate it if you would visit and rate my lens Diabetic dog food
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