Your dog is at your mercy when if comes to meal and snack time, and the only discipline being exercised in doggie’s diet is yours. If you have a hard time turning away from those pleading eyes (and what dog owner doesn’t?) perhaps realizing that you are doing your pet much more harm than good with each unnecessary bite will help you. Statistics show that a recent pet population survey in the USA showed that 40 percent of the pets are overweight.

If your dog is overweight then it is eating more calories than necessary. Period! If your dog is overweight and is otherwise healthy then it is eating way too much. Certainly have your pet examined by your Vet to check for heart, thyroid or other metabolic disorders to rule out a possible medical cause. Be honest with your vet about how much or how little exercise your dog gets, and how often, as well as how much you feed, what and when you feed, and how often you treat.

DON’T MAKE EXCUSES

Are you giving your dog rewards for negative behaviors? Things like: He won’t go to bed until he gets his special treat, is something that you have taught him. You might think that it’s cute, but all you’ve done is teach him bad manners. Now he knows that if he makes a fuss, he’ll get a treat.

And the classic excuse for overweight dogs is the one that goes “Buster won’t eat dog food.” Oh really? Then what does Buster eat? You got it, table scraps and whatever it wants. Once again the dog has succeeded in training the owners to give it what IT wants. And it worked, but the dog is paying the price for it physically. Hard not to overeat when you’re getting the “select” goodies isn’t it? Remember this, it is NOT up to the DOG to choose what it eats in your house – it is up to YOU – the owner. And you choose the best high quality nutritious feed on the market or make it at home.

START A DIET PROGRAM

First take a good hard look at the food you are feeding. The FIRST ingredients present in the bag of food should be MEAT or meat products, NOT grains like corn.

Record your dog’s present weight and date and then start reducing his present intake of food by 1/3rd. This includes treats and snacks. Do not give in to any begging or whining. You are doing nothing to harm him and in time he will learn that begging won’t work. After two weeks, weigh in again.

If Buster has lost weight at the end of the two week dog diet, then stick to this schedule. If he hasn’t lost any weight, reduce his intake by another one third and also find out if someone else in the house is treating Buster.

If you’re wondering about low cal diets for dogs, you CAN get them, but many vets don’t like to recommend them as they have very restricted fat levels BUT because the fat is reduced the carbs are increased. Increased carb production produces extra insulin that tells the dog’s body to store the unused calories as fat.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

There are far better ways for you to let your dog experience your love than with too much food. Your pet will almost certainly enjoy spending more time on walks or playing games with you than he or she will when eating alone. There are plenty or nutritious foods which have loads of doggie palate appeal out there, so you should never feel like Buster is missing something by not dining at the family table.

Alex is a freelance graphic artist with a love of writing and dogs. She has a long and personal background with dogs and has studied what works and what doesn’t when teaching them. If you liked this article, check out a couple of her others, like Why Are Some Dogs Afraid Of Thunder? or Is Your Dog At Risk . . . Effects Of Sun & Heat On Dogs.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Technorati Tags: dog behavior, dog diets, dog obedience, dog tips, Dog Training, dog training tips, fat dogs, free dog tips, overweight dogs, teaching dogs, training dogs, training puppies

Is your pooch pudgy? Should he go on a diet? Many owners don’t really notice that their canine friends are gaining too much weight. Being with them every day, we may not really notice the changes that are taking place.

Veterinary nutritionists generally agree that 25 to 40 percent of pet dogs in the United States are overweight (defined as more than 20 percent heavier than their ideal weight). As with people, the more excess weight a dog has, the higher the health risk. Some of these risks include diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, spinal degradation and difficulty breathing.

How can you determine if your dog has put on too much weight? There are some very basic observations you can make. When standing over your dog do you see an hourglass shape? If so, then he’s probably doing okay. However, if you notice his sides protruding, then its likely that your dog needs to shed some weight.

Run your hand along your dog’s ribs. If you can easily felt then he’s probably not dangerously overweight. However, if you have to press hard to feel his ribs then he needs to slim down.

Its always best to take your dog to your veterinarian before making any significant changes to his diet. Consult with the vet so that you can make sure that your diet plan will still include nutrients the dog needs.

One thing is certain: eliminating high calorie treats and table scraps is an important first step.

Daily exercise such as taking your dog for regular walks and setting aside time for play and exercise will help both you and your dog.

Eliminating high calorie goodies and substituting lower calorie treats isn’t hard to do. A few healthy snacks include apples, carrots, green beans, cottage cheese and broccoli. And yes, in most cases, your dog will eagerly devour these healthier choices. How about preparing your own healthy homemade dog treats? (see below)

Adult dogs, like adult humans, don’t lose weight easily or quickly. A proper low calorie, healthy diet will result in a very gradual weight loss.

For puppies, it is very important that you keep a close eye on your pups food intake. We all know that it’s hard to resist those puppy dog eyes. However, in the long term, its one of the wisest things you can do for your pooch.

Veterinary nutritionists generally agree that puppies should be fed only dog food that is formulated specifically for puppies. For the first three months, they should be fed four times a day.Then, for the next three weeks, reduce feedings to three times a day. After six months, reduce feedings to twice a day and then to once daily feeding when he is one year old. At one year of age you should switch to adult dog food and monitor his weight regularly.

Dogs that are at the proper weight are usually happier and more energetic. At times, we may simply fail to pay attention and don’t realize the impact that our decisions about what we feed out dogs can have on their overall health and longevity.

Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for over thirty years covering a wide range of topics. He has also been fascinated with dogs for longer than he’d care to remember. Check out his DogBurg web site for canine friends at http://www.dogburg.com. Once there, sign up for his newsletter for dog lovers and receive the free ebook, “Pamper Your Dog: 130 Recipes for Your Canine Friend.”

Popularity: 8% [?]

Technorati Tags: dog care, dog dieting, dog diets, dog lovers, dog nutrition, dog weight loss, Dogs, fat dogs, overweight dogs

Is your dog too fat? Does he need to go on a diet? Many owners are blissfully unaware that their dog has gained too much weight. Since we see them every day, we may not really notice that they need to shed a few pounds.

Experts estimate that 25 to 40 percent of dogs in North America are overweight (more than 20 percent heavier than their ideal weight). The more excess weight a dog carries, the higher the risk to his health. Some of these dangers include high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, heart and liver ailments, spinal problems and breathing difficulties.

How can you tell if your dog is overweight? There are some very basic observations you can make. When standing over your dog do you see an hourglass shape? If so, then he probably doesn’t have a weight problem. However, if you see his sides protruding, then its likely that your dog needs to lose some weight.

When petting your dog, run your hand along your dog’s ribs. If they can be easily felt then he’s probably not overweight. However, if you have to press hard to feel the ribs then your dog needs a lifestyle change.

Its a good idea to take your dog to your veterinarian before making any major changes to his diet. Consult with the vet for additional tips and to ensure that your diet plan will still include essential nutrients the dog needs.

One thing is certain: no matter how much he might beg, you should stop giving him high calorie treats and table scraps.

Taking your dog for daily walks and providing regular play and exercise will help both you and your dog.

Eliminating high calorie goodies and substituting lower calorie treats isn’t hard to do. A few healthy snacks include apples, carrots, green beans, cottage cheese and broccoli. And yes, in most cases, your dog will eagerly devour these healthier choices. How about preparing your own healthy homemade dog treats? (see below)

Adult dogs, like adult humans, don’t lose weight easily or quickly. When done properly, the weight loss will be gradual.

When it comes to puppies, it is very important that you monitor your pups food intake. Undeniably, it’s hard to resist those puppy dog eyes, but, over the long haul, its one of the best things you can do for your pup.

Veterinary nutritionists generally agree that puppies should be fed only dog food that is formulated specifically for puppies. For the first three months, they should be fed four times a day.Then, for the next three weeks, reduce feedings to three times a day. After six months, reduce feedings to twice a day and then to once daily feeding when he is one year old. At one year of age you should switch to adult dog food and monitor his weight regularly.

Dogs who are at the proper weight are happier and more energetic. Sometimes we simply fail to pay attention or don’t realize how much impact that our decisions about what we feed out dogs has on their overall health and longevity.

Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for over thirty years covering a wide range of topics. He has also been enamored with dogs for longer than he’d care to remember. Check out his DogBurg web site for canine friends at http://www.dogburg.com. Once there, why not sign up for his newsletter for dog lovers and receive the free ebook, “Pamper Your Dog: 130 Recipes for Your Canine Friend.”

Popularity: 14% [?]

Technorati Tags: dog care, dog dieting, dog diets, dog lovers, dog nutrition, dog weight loss, Dogs, fat dogs, overweight dogs

More and more people are choosing a vegetarian diet for their dogs. While one might expect that this choice is the person behind the dog and their beliefs about vegetarianism, in fact there are some benefits to a vegetarian diet for your dog. Some people who ate meat, even to themselves they are feeding their dogs vegetarian diets for health reasons. Others may have great concern about the poor quality of livestock products in many commercially produced, animal feed in meat and avoid feeding their pets bi-products of the meat industry.

Naturally, dogs are omnivores, they require a diet high in protein but thrive on a vegetarian which is based on sources of protein. Legumes of all types, as well as whole grains, can give your dog a good source of protein. If you are comfortable feeding your dog cheese and other dairy products and eggs, maintenance of good health in dogs vegetarian meals will be easy. Most vegetables are well tolerated by dogs, and you can choose to make your own vegetarian dog food and the purchase of dog food commercial. Dogs are usually not particular about their food, however, as with any change in your pet food, a gradual transition is preferred

It may be possible to feed your dog solely vegetarian meals, but this type of diet is not generally recommended for your pet. Your dog’s diet must be well balanced and nutritious to support good health and optimal body function. A completely vegetarian lifestyle may be perfect for you, but difficult to achieve for your dog. A healthy diet should allow your pet to thrive not merely survive. A vegetarian diet dog too often result in a dog that shows signs and indications of a lower quality of health that a dog fed a well balanced diet contain animal products. Your dog’s body requires high amounts of protein. The protein is often through the tissues and bones of animals in nature and, in most varieties of manufactured dog diets.

Some people believe that feeding meat to your dog’s diet is wrong simply because we like to have control of our environment around us, in fact, impose our will on our dogs who really have no other option as are those that bring a home lunch. Given the choice, a dog, no doubt, choose to eat meat instead of vegetables. It is important to remember that even if you think eating meat is “immoral”, your dog has no morals, is an amoral creature who lives his life based on their desires, not good or bad. He eats meat, because it has to eat and it tastes good, not because he believes it is entitled to do so or not. Amino acids are also key to the health of your dog. Only 12 of the 22 essential amino acids can be produced by the body of his dog. The other 10 amino acids must be provided to your pet through your dog’s diet. A vegetarian dog diet has trouble meeting the requirements to allow your dog to thrive under these circumstances.

A vegetarian dog diet goes against nature so to speak, and generally not recommended for dogs. Discuss your situation with a veterinarian will help you determine the best way to achieve their goals in the diet of your pet. Your dog’s diet must be well balanced and nutritious to provide essential nutrients and amino acids to your furry friend. Supplementation can help you reach your goal. Note that both you and your vet want the best for your pet and you will undoubtedly determine a dog diet that works for your family. As with any changes you make to your diet, you want to see your doctor for medical advice. Talk to a professional about the advantages and disadvantages of feeding a vegetarian dog diet to your pet. Depending on your specific plan, he or she may recommend some supplements to add to the prospective vegetarian diet will create a healthy balance for your new furry friend. If supplements are not available to create the healthy and balanced diet your dog deserves, then the two can discuss other options to determine the diet of a dog that works well for your pet and satisfies your lifestyle.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Technorati Tags: diet, diets, dog, dog diet, dog diets, doggy, Dogs, pet, pets, pets_and_animals, vegetarian diet

Your dog’s health is worth it. Start by choosing a healthy meal to make a difference in your life. Dog lovers of all races struggle with choosing the right foods for your dog. More pet owners are wondering whether they should buy canned or dried. And it is healthy or not? There are several options you should explore. First, ask your veterinarian to recommend the best type of dog food from your diet. Most often the veterinarian takes a specific type of food you can buy in his or her office. This is the most beneficial, because the veterinarian knows your medical history and the dogs, you can choose a food based on their needs. Which will probably be the best person to talk about finding the exact food your dog needs. Another great option is to buy quality meat from the local butcher shop. Everyone knows that the butcher has to comply with the cooler is ideal for the diet of their dogs. Most likely you can negotiate a price for certain cuts of meat.

A dog’s diet affects every aspect of your health and wellbeing. You undoubtedly want only the best for your furry friend. When choosing the best diet for your dog, you have many options available. It can be difficult to determine which foods have the greatest positive effect on your dog’s diet and health. What is better, canned or dried dog Kibble? The debate between canned dog food Kibble and has continued since the two varieties have been on the market. What are the advantages of canned dog food as the main component of the diet of your dog? Kibble is dry than canned dog food? Perhaps it is simply personal preference between the two varieties.

One significant advantage of canned dog food is quality. Often you will find that canned dog food offers large chunks of real meat for your pet. Fewer additives and fillers found in most brands of canned dog food. Knowing the importance of high quality ingredients, canned dog food certainly has its place in a healthy, balanced dog diet. Canned dog food, as the main component of the diet of your dog, has a negative stigma in recent years. Many pet owners think that the cost of canned dog food is high and unappealing, especially for larger breeds who require greater amounts of food daily. To help you decide, let’s look at the advantages of each type of dog food as part of a healthy and balanced diet for your pet. For the best advice, an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss your dog’s diet. The two of you can talk about how each type of dog food that relate specifically to your pet.

Dry Kibble also has advantages in the diet of a dog. Dry Kibble helps keep your dog’s teeth healthy by removing plaque and tartar. Excellent oral health for your pet can be easily maintained with dry Kibble as the main component in the diet of your dog. The wet dog food cans do not provide the same benefit. Dry storage of the Kibble does not require refrigeration after opening. This can make traveling with your pet easier and more convenient. Dogs that have problems with chewing and oral health is the food moist, easier to eat. If you notice your dog has trouble eating Kibble diet, then canned dog food may be the solution to your dog’s diet problems. Cost is another reason to consider dry Kibble diet for your dog. High quality dry dog food is available to pet owners at a reasonable price.

Whether you choose dry or canned food Kibble for dogs, who always want to talk with your veterinarian. Canned food is ideal for picky eaters and pet with difficulty chewing. Canned food offers high quality ingredients for your dog’s diet. Dry Kibble is inexpensive and helps promote good oral health. Provide your pet with better nutrition is the first step in caring for your pet.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Technorati Tags: Canned Dog Food, diet, diets, dog, dog diet, dog diets, doggy, Dogs, Dry Kibble, pets

Although you may hate it, there’s not much you can do because aging is a normal process, so that when they finally reached the age with his friend Furrer, the best way that may correspond to many years of company is to ensure that your pet is healthy and happy for the rest of his life. I am sure you have not lost the current fashion about the incredible dog diets to higher animals. But then, you may wonder if the difference between Kibble, highly recommended for older dogs and the regular dog food adult dogs. Well, maybe there is, but if that is true, how do you know that it is time to change your dog to a different diet? The best knowledge base contact for reliable information on your pet, is a veterinarian. You and your pets veterinarian are the two people best placed to meet the dietary needs of pets. Who else does? Let your veterinarian to address their concerns, reservations and questions to your satisfaction. The vet then you advise on measures necessary to make dietary changes and if there is to do, the best way to do it.

There are some varieties of Senior Kibble dog to go a mile away to take care of your dog oral health. The dry type specifically combat plaque and tartar build-up, while the moisture from any address problems with swallowing or chewing your dog may experience. In addition to a diet high dog, the veterinarian may recommend supplements such as glucosamine (for better protection of the joints) and vitamins A, C and E (to facilitate the transition to old age). The health of your dog depends on your diet. Be attentive to their needs, which may change as we age. Do not forget to seek help from your vet to decide what works best for your furry best friend. When your dog begins to age decreases your metabolism and digestion and other metabolic functions. One question that often arises is when should you change your diet dog food for older dogs that is more suitable for them. This depends on the dog’s age and size. Larger dogs live shorter lives and certain breeds live longer than others. For example, a Great Dane or a Saint Bernard and generally only live for nine or ten years when those little poodle dogs and Chihuahuas can live anywhere from fifteen to twenty years.

If your older dog does not have health problems and maintains a healthy weight, there is no need to change your dog’s diet from adult to senior dog food. On the other hand, if your dog has trouble keeping weight or digestive problems, you may need to change. If the weight is the only issue, consider slightly reducing the amount of dog food you give your pet. This can be any change of diet your dog needs. A senior dog is classified as a dog in the last third of his life. Larger dogs, for example, a Great Dane, which are about 9 years old. Around the sixth year of life, you may want to consider a dog diet high level. A poodle, on the contrary will not arrive until the status of senior. About ten years due to increased life expectancy. First, the decision to change your dog’s diet should be based on health status rather than the actual age in years. Your veterinarian will help you determine when is the right time to change your dog’s diet.

Dog food, especially prepared for senior dogs typically have fewer calories. This helps to combat any weight issues. Senior dog food also contains more fiber for the different needs of your dog’s diet. As dogs age, they tend to suffer from constipation. The extra fiber will help to solve this problem. Renal failure can be another medical problem for staff dogs. How can your dogs diet help this problem? Reduce the amount of protein in your dog’s diet will reduce the workload for the kidneys. For this reason, the high frequency of dog food has less protein than regular adult formulas. Whenever possible, allow your dog to eat dry dog food to encourage excellent dental health. Dry Kibble helps reduce tartar and plaque. If your older pet refuses to eat dry food, you may need to moisten it with water or damp purchase conserves varieties.

Glucosamine helps to encourage joint health. For senior dogs, glucosamine can combat arthritis and hip dysplasia. Vitamins C, A and E can prevent the natural aging process and promote better health for senior dogs. Talk to your veterinarian about the addition of supplements to the diet of your dog. You want the best for your pet. Your dog must have a superior diet that meets their special nutritional needs. You and your veterinarian can work together to decide what the best diet for your senior dog. Your dog’s diet directly affects your health. Take care of your pet by monitoring your dog’s diet closely with the help of your veterinarian.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Technorati Tags: diet, diets, dog, dog diet, dog diets, doggy, Dogs, pets

Raw food diet for dogs seem more attractive after the dog food scare in 2007, but your dog eat uncooked food all the time? Let’s take a look at the good and the bad side of a raw food diet for dogs. The first thing you have to admit is that in their natural habitat, then the dogs can not cook their food, many people are beginning to awaken to the benefits of eating raw items. The kitchen does not mean that all the amino acids and enzymes are still intact and have not been altered or destroyed by cooking. However, the low then too, all bacteria like salmonella and E. coli are present in food. Therefore, a raw food diet for dogs is a high nutritional benefit, as long as you do your research and make sure you are getting everything they need in good proportion, but another thing to consider is that these are not the same as the wild dogs that lived only uncooked foods all that long ago. Due to selective breeding then some veterinarians are concerned that some breeds do not have an immune system strong enough to cope with the bacteria found in food that has not been cooked.

Before the market and took over the advertisers in the world of big business, what they eat dogs? We take a look at how the dogs in the wild gain adequate nutrition. A wolf, for example, survives from a kill. The contents of the stomach of the animals they eat first. Doing this, the wolf is in grains and vegetables, as well as, enzymes needed for good nutrition. Then, the wolf devours the meat and some bones. Protein and calcium were added to the diet. This natural diet in the wilderness has been effective in maintaining quality health over the years. Unlike the dogs of today, these animals tend to have a good immune system. When your dog’s diet consists mainly of unhealthy animals, can not assume that your dog will become unhealthy, as well? Today, veterinarians have more health problems with dogs than ever before. The natural raw diet feeds the immune system of your pet. The diet of dog food contains natural that provide the body what it needs to repair itself and at its best.

Dogs thrive on a diet of raw foods dog. Scientific studies have been conducted to show the difference in health among dogs in a dog raw food diet with some additions and fed with cooked meat, as well as the same nutritional supplements. These studies do not trade, even compared to a dog raw food diet dog food. The studies found that dogs in a dog raw food diet had stronger immune systems, did not have the disease are less likely to be infected by worms and parasites and had a lower incidence of fleas. Some of these results were surprising, to say the least. However, indicate the benefit of maintaining a natural diet for dogs as much as possible. The raw diet is prepared once a day. It is complicated and not worth the time and effort to ensure the good health of your dog. Always consult your veterinarian before altering your dog’s diet. Raw dog diet has helped many dogs in the fight against health problems such as arthritis, skin problems and weight problems.

Ingredients of the raw diet include meat, vegetables and grains. Approximately half of the diet is meat. Vegetables, fruits, grains, and cover the rest. In preparing the diet of the dog, feed the dog about the same amount of diet raw dog as if it were Kibble. This is a good starting point. From here, you can adjust the diet as necessary to meet the special needs of the dog.Contact a local butcher to purchase ground turkey, for example. Vegetable juices to help digest the enzymes for your pet. This is similar to the wolf consuming the contents of the stomach. The diet your dog will have a variety of vegetables daily to maximize the potential of the best vitamins and nutrients. Carrots should always be the base change and other vegetables a day. Carrots regularly supply potassium, calcium, vitamin A, B, C, D and E. Greens offer vitamin A, C, and chlorophyll. Apples are good for vitamin C.

Home cooking allows a large amount of control and if you do not want to risk a complete raw food diet for dogs then you can gently cook the meat is juicy, but leave the center, then gently steam vegetables so your dog can hopefully have a nutritious and healthy and bacteria-free food that he or she absolutely love. If you are serious about following a raw food diet for dogs then you need to make sure you do your research first so that your dog does not suffer in any way for failures, talk with your veterinarian the next time you visit to see what they say as well. Some foods to avoid include broccoli, cabbage and turnip. These create intestinal gas. Cucumbers, onions, potatoes and not well digested in the diet of a dog. Flaxseed is a great addition to the raw material to encourage healthy eating joints and coat. 6 and omega 3 fatty acids help with such conditions. The raw material for your dog’s diet can combat various health problems. The natural diet allows your dog to eat what nature intended. You know what is food in the diet of your dog. The diet is the raw material of high quality and healthy for your pet.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Technorati Tags: diet, diets, dog, dog diet, dog diets, doggy, Dogs, pets