How to Select Quality Dog Food by Robert Kokoska

Even a great depression or recession could not deter people from spending millions on dogs and dog food. Statistics say Americans still keep a major chunk of their income for dogs. This shows the importance they give for their pets. In many homes, dogs have become an extension of the family and great priority is given for their wellbeing. As the market is flooded with different brands of dog food it is really difficult to select quality food. Since the age we live in is an age of marketing, where big companies flourish deploying marketing professionals who have their own way of luring the gullible. The resulting companies and marketing industry thrive in the name of pets. So it is really important to look into the credibility of pet food before buying it.

Animal protein, grains, bacteria cultures, probiotics and antioxidants are a must in dog food. A dog that feeds on quality food out-lives dogs fed on lower quality foods. Debate is going on strong whether dog food should be protein rich or not. While some argue that dogs are omnivores and can go about with out additional protein while others say it is essential for their growth. There is a general belief that too much protein can lead to renal failure. But whatever be the contention, protein is essential along with vitamins and minerals. One thing you have to pay attention to, is the quality of the meat.

Low quality protein is difficult to digest and can cause serious ailments. So it has to be avoided at all costs. As most companies use corn gluten to increase crude protein levels, you have to be extra careful before choosing protein rich food for your pet. Since fake products have entered the fray, it is advised to be alert and not to be hoodwinked by the false claims of business tycoons. As there are no regulatory measures to protect dog food, adulteration becomes easy.

Many canned foods contain harmful chemicals and preservatives intended for shelf life. More than that, most of the dog foods use euthanized or carcass as raw material. In many cases they use corn and soy to increase the protein which is not suitable for dog as it causes indigestion. The best dog food has become a rarity as more and more manufacturers cut costs on a daily basis. Their integrity regarding love for the animals is questionable as they are more concerned with the fattening of their wallet. At least the premature deaths of dogs place them in a bad light.

The best dog food should contain only two grains with ample protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and essential oils. Make sure that the protein is from chicken and not from soy or corn. As vitamins and minerals are needed for the supply of oxygen the best dog food should contain adequate amount. A healthy diet should include dry food. Though canned foods claim wholesomeness, nothing can beat the homemade stuff. Even if the dog likes canned food, if it is given crumbs it will eat eventually. It is a false notion that dogs don't eat vegetables. In fact they relish it. The fiber content is good for the health of the canine.

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Homemade Dog Food - Can I Feed My Dog Table Scraps? by C.J. Burke

Many people confuse a complete homemade dog food diet with table scraps. Although many holistic veterinarians generally favor table scraps they urge you to make sure they are nutritionally wholesome and they are plain. A dog's digestive tract is geared for simpler food than we eat.

So you can feed your dog table scraps but first try sharing a little of what you are having each day with your pet, along with the food you are already feeding them. This will give them a little variety and help you determine if you want to switch to a totally homemade diet. Always decrease the volume of commercial food you feed by the amount of table scraps you are adding to their diet. Once you determine if you want to switch over to a total homemade diet for your dog then you should learn as much as you can about proper nutritional levels.

But for now, if you want to start adding some natural food to your pet's diet these are a few things to be aware of:

5 Foods to Avoid:

1.)Onions are toxic to dogs. No onions whatsoever.

2.)Left over fat and remnants. No Bacon or bacon grease. There are high levels of nitrates in bacon and the high heat used to cook bacon creates many other harmful compounds.

3.)Stay away from rich foods like ham, sauces, and limit the cheese you feed your dog.

4.)No spicy, salty or fried foods. No spicy chili, pepperoni or luncheon meats.

5.)NO sweets, cookies or cakes. Definitely NO CHOCOLATE. Certain compounds in chocolate like theobromine and caffeine are toxic to dogs and cause vomiting, excessive urination, hyperactivity, fast breathing ,weakness and seizures/

6 Foods You Can Feed Your Dog:

1.) Almost all vegetables are good, especially carrots and anything in the broccoli family, green beans, alfalfa sprouts, and leafy greens. Dogs like to chew on raw carrots and that helps to keep down the tartar on their teeth. Asparagus is also good and sometimes dogs will eat these like they are treats. You can add some potatoes to their diet and lentils and split peas are an excellent choice.

2.) Fruits are very healthy. Try different types and see which ones your pets like. AVOID GRAPES. Although grapes may not be toxic to all dogs there is no definitive information to enable us to tell which dogs will get sick and die after eating grapes.

Vegetables and fruits can be pureed in a blender then let them sit a day or two before feeding.

3.)Pasta is O.K. but WITHOUT the spices and tomato sauces.

4.)A little bit of good olive oil is O.K. It's actually good for your dog's skin.

5.)Low-fat, plain yogurt. You can give 1 tablespoon per twenty-five pounds of weight. You can feed it two to five times a week. Just like for us yogurt has beneficial bacteria known as acidophilis.

6.) Eggs are an excellent source of protein. You can add an egg or egg yolk twice week for each 25 pounds of weight. Dog's seem to like lightly scrambled eggs added to their meal.

Remember that all animals are individuals, with individual tastes and sensitivities. Make sure that what you are feeding your pet is not causing allergic reactions. Always check with your veterinarian before adding table scraps to your pets diet.

If you are ready to learn more ways to feed your dog the best possible diet then start by reviewing some of the best sources to give your dog a complete and nutritious homemade diet

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Dog Food - 5 Extraordinary Types of Commercial Dog Food You Might Want to Consider by Kelly Marshall

A few short years ago, feeding your dog was so much easier as compared to today's nutritional advice. I remember when my father's dog ate whatever the whole family would eat, including apple cobbler! In addition to table scraps, he also enjoyed eating commercial dog food. My father's dog had a happy life and lived well into his mid-teens without contracting any serious illness or disease.

Picking a commercial dog food was also easier back in the good old days. There were a limited selection of brands to choose from and these pet foods all had basically the same ingredients, only varying in color and flavor.
Today, however, there are so many varieties to choose from. The following list below are some of the popular commercial foods available for your dog:

Vegetarian Food For Your Dog
Most people don't realize that vegetarian dog foods allow vegetarian dog owners to exercise their dietary beliefs with their dogs. Vegetarian foods include all of the necessary vitamins and nutrients that your dog needs, just as long as they are properly made. In addition, a vegetarian diet is also great for dogs that are allergic to meat.

Raw Dog Food
Many dog owners believe that a diet of raw food is the healthiest way to feed their pet because this is the way wolves and other wild dog species ate. This belief has no scientific facts to value its accuracy. However, a diet of raw food can expose both you and your pet to dangerous bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli.

Giving Your Dog Therapeutic Food
Therapeutic dog foods have been the growing trend in dog food products in recent years. It is only available through a veterinarian and is prescribed for cases of preventive treatment, as an after-surgery diet, or for health problems, for example, like food allergies.

Try Organic Dog Food for Your Dog
Several dog food products found in the market have pesticides and other bad chemicals. If you want to give your dog food that is free of these horrible chemicals, you're your dog organic food. Warning, the term "organic" can be very misleading, so make sure that you read the ingredients carefully before making your purchase.

Dog Food That Contains No Preservative or Natural Preservative
There are dog foods that contain preservatives in the form of artificial chemicals such as ethoxyquin, BHT, and BHA. These are added for two reasons in order to prevent the food from spoiling and keep the taste lasting much longer than traditional dog food. Some dog foods have natural preservatives such as vitamin C (often listed as ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (often listed as tocopherols).

The next time you buy a dog food, buy it with natural preservatives and make sure to thoroughly read the ingredients first to make sure that the preservatives are actually derived from nature instead of it being artificially synthesized.

Last but certainly not least, try buying dog foods that are free of any kind of preservatives. These products have be properly sealed in a cool, dry, bug-free place and used immediately to guarantee freshness.

Article by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - to find ceramic dog bowls to match any decor, go to http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-bowls/
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