Nov
25
2009
0

Does Your Dog Hanker for Homemade Dog Food?

Americans, including American dogs, are gaining more and more excess weight. They may live contentedly with their owners, but a lot of dogs are less active than they should be and eat less appropriate diets than dogs did only 10 to 20 years ago. We see more illness, more vet bills and dogs with much shorter life spans as well. Some people have begun putting their dogs on special diets. First they do the research to find out what their dog should be eating in the way of regular meals and dog treats. Once they know their dog information, they can make sure they are giving their dogs what they need.

Some dog owners have started to use their own dog information to help them make their own food and treats for their dog. This has to be done very carefully, since learning how to make your own dog food can actually hurt your dog if you do not make it correctly. Your dog may not be able to digest certain meats or fats, for instance. There are also some foods that can harm your dog, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, bread dough and anything that contains mold.

Some companies will make an all natural dog food for you. These companies have done the necessary research and they know your dog information, especially the vitamins and minerals your dog has to have to survive and be healthy. They are also aware of what foods your dog should avoid as they make him sick. Some companies, such as Flint River Ranch Dog Food, make human grade dog food, which means a person can eat it without becoming ill.

An array of “human safe” canine treats can be found on store shelves. There are specific shops which will create these delicacies in an oven, in much the same way baked goods are made for humans. Some of these shops even invite you to bring your animal in to determine which of the items they prefer. No matter which diet you choose for you dog, remember that exercise, rest, and plenty of fresh water are also needed to keep him healthy. Do your research so you can make the best decisions for your dog. You’re not only his owner but his best friend and his health depends on you.

Many people feed their dogs special diets after they determine what foods their dogs need to eat, both for regular meals and for special treats. This dog information allows them to be sure that they are feeding their dogs the food that they need to stay healthy and strong for a long time to come. Some companies, such as flint river ranch dog food, make human grade dog food, which means a person can enjoy eating it too. If you want to make your own dog food at home, you must do your dog research and learn what your pet should and should not eat.

If you’re interested in the type of dog food you’d like to give your dog, consider homemade dog food. And for other types of dog information you’ll find it at www.HealthyHappyDogs.com

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Written by Jennifer Poultson in: Dogs | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Oct
31
2009
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Dog Food Labels – What Are We Really Feeding Our Dogs?

All commercial pet food is regulated by the AAFCO. This agency sets the standards and does the testing on the ingredients that pet food manufacturers use in their food products. Because of the number of different food products and ingredients used, these standards can be somewhat vague. This gives manufacturers much leeway in meeting up to these standards. So having the AAFCO stamp of approval on a dog food label does not mean that the ingredients used to make that product are good for our dogs.

There is much information found on a dog food label. Much of which is difficult to understand. So how are we to know what we are actually buying? How can we tell what is the best dog food and what is a poor quality product. In order to tell the difference we must learn how to correctly read what we are being told on the label.

Because of the constant exposure to the marketing tactics of pet food manufacturers, many of us have are loyal to a certain dog food brand or product name. We have been led to believe that this brand has high quality food products. The first rule to remember when reading a label is that if the product label mentions an ingredient such as “beef chow” for example, then that product must contain 95% of that ingredient by weight if the product is a dry product and 70% if it is a wet or canned product. If the label includes words such as “dinner” or “formula” then only 25% of that ingredient is required.

The ingredients of a particular dog food product are listed by weight in descending order. So if we were to read the ingredients of say a “chicken dinner” product, then by the percentages mentioned above, the chicken is only 1/4 of the product and therefore probably not the main ingredient. The main ingredients are more likely to be corn and bone meal. Both are undesirable as main ingredients and are mostly found in generic or discounted brands.

In many cases the main ingredient is not mentioned in the title. Instead we see such words as “flavored” as in “chicken flavored.” There is no set required percentage for these items. We will also see the words like “Premium” or “Natural” on the labels. Premium dog food is a worthwhile product to checkout. Most premium products do follow the AAFCO standards for a nutritionally balanced dog food product. “Natural” just means that there are no artificial ingredients such as colors, preservatives and flavors in the product.

An easy way to determine if the dog food you are buying is of good quality is to find the fat source ingredient on the content list. Look for such ingredients as beef fat or chicken fat. Ingredients listed before this fat source are main ingredients. If there are just a few ingredients listed before the fat source the product is good. The quality of the product diminishes with the addition of more ingredients. The ingredients listed after the fat source are just food enhancers and fillers.

Because of busy schedules many of us have to feed our dogs commercial brands. By just taking a little extra time we can prevent exposing our animals to poor quality foods. If we read an ingredient that we are unfamiliar with or that we would not eat ourselves, then why would we think of feeding it to our dogs. Lets be more careful when reading those dog food labels.

As dog owners we are totally in control when it comes to feeding our dogs. Knowing what the best dog food is, what are the right dog food ingredients and what dog food nutrition they provide can sometimes be overwhelming. Find out more about commercial and homemade dog food recipes by visiting www.onlinedogfoodrecipes.com.

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Oct
20
2009
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All Natural Dog Food

Dog food that contains natural or organic ingredients is often marketed as all natural dog food. Having all natural ingredients does not automatically make dog food healthy for dogs. Therefore, this phrase is sometimes misleading.

Commercial dog foods typically use artificial colors, artificial flavoring, and preservatives. Several small dog food manufacturers produce natural dog food that does not contain these artificial ingredients.

If the dog food claims to be natural, does not necessarily make it healthy for dogs. For example, a dog food that consists of corn and other grains and no protein could be labeled as all natural if it only contains grains, but a diet such as this can be detrimental to the dog’s health.

Dog owners need to consider what the ingredients are and not be solely concerned with whether or not the ingredients are natural. The healthiest dog food is a meat-based dog food. Dogs diet should not consist only of meat, but should contain a significant percentage of meat.

There are many different forms of healthy dog food with quality ingredients that are beneficial to dogs. A dog owner can look for a commercial food that has organic ingredients and is a good source of protein from meat.

All natural dog food can also be made by the dog owner. Many dog owners enjoy making homemade dog food or feeding their dogs a raw food diet. This gives the dog owner control over which ingredients are in the dog’s food and the quality of the ingredients.

The majority of a dog’s food should be protein from meat. This is true whether the dog owner decides to feed the dog homemade dog food or buy commercial dog food.

A variety of grains and vegetables are often added to the meat in homemade dog food. The dog should be fed a variety of foods to make sure the dog receives the proper vitamins and minerals.

If a dog owner decides to feed the dog homemade dog food, the dog owner should know which foods are toxic to dogs and should never be included in dog food. The dog owner should also be conscious of the fat content of the dog food since obesity can be problematic for dogs. A veterinarian should be consulted if the dog owner has questions about the dog’s dietary needs.

Do you want to know more on how to make homemade dry dog food and found out details on natural dog food recipes that you can give to your beloved dogs? Find out more at our healthy dog food resource site.

categories: dog diet,dog food,dogs,pets,home

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Written by Moses Wright in: Dogs | Tags: , , , ,
Oct
18
2009
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Keep Your Pet Healthier By Avoiding Dangerous Dog Food

Don’t you consider your pets as part of the family and want to avoid giving her dangerous dog food? They are our friends and children. We wouldn’t purposely feed tainted chow to our four-legged children.

Shouldn’t we give our beloved pet the best? All natural dog foods are definitely the way to go. But, like me, you probably buy off the shelf bags of kibbles.

In terms of our pet’s health and longevity, this could be costly.

The media has been broadcasting a slew of information concerning the bad ingredients in some dog foods, and it would benefit our pet’s to be a bit more particular.

Doing more research into the products we are feeding or best friends would be a smart move. Perhaps choosing natural dog foods instead and reading the labels on everything we get from the chain stores could secure our pets health.

Watch the ingredients list for things that seem off or just make you think: “What in the world is that?” One trick I have always used is to implement the same mentality used when looking for foods for my two-legged family — if I can’t pronounce it, I’m not eating it.

In other words, if the ingredients on my baby’s (dog baby, that is) food are something I would not eat then I’m not feeding it to her.

To keep our pets as healthy as possible, it is up to us as their parental units, to feed them all natural dog foods and avoid the dangerous dog food that lurks on the market.

Perhaps, we can assist in extending our dog’s lives by only a few months. But wouldn’t it be great if we could keep them around for several years longer?

Want to find out more about Dangerous Dog Food? Visit http://www.squidoo.com/dangerousdogfood now to learn some shocking truths.

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Written by Lisa Griffiths in: Dogs | Tags: , , , , , ,
Oct
15
2009
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Homemade Dog Food is Best for Your Dog

If you are like me, you love your pet and want the very best for them. We provide them with wonderful homes, groom them well and feed them with what we think are the best dog food in the market today. Well, the home and grooming is great; but did you know that homemade food may be a better alternative to most of the goods you see on grocery aisles? That?s right; give the best by giving homemade pet food to your beloved pet.

One thing you have to remember with homemade dog food is that this is not derived from the leftover table scraps of your previous dinner. Some people think that the pieces left on the plates like seed, inedible stems and the like can be fed to the pet, but this is not so. Unless your meals comprise of healthy and low sodium sources, it is best to serve your dog a well made food plan you have prepared specially for him.

Remember to keep away from fare that is harmful to them. Some examples of these are chocolates, ham, lunch meat, cheese and overly spicy food. Not only will these cause problems in your dog?s digestive system; many times adverse reactions can even cause death. Incorporate healthy grains like rice, barley and oatmeal in his meals. Add bite size pieces of chicken, beef or any organ meat so long as you don?t over feed him on this. Make certain all food are cooked thoroughly.

Also incorporate fresh vegetables and fruits in the mix. Mash and finely shred the slices of vegetables you are putting in. Broccoli, carrots, seaweed, leafy vegetables and bananas are excellent ingredients to homemade pet food. The nutrients they will provide will make for a healthier dog. However, you may also add some specialty supplements to make certain your pet gets all the essential vitamins and minerals that he needs. Check with your vet before administering anything to him.

It is recommended that dog owners do not combine serving homemade and processed meals to their pets. This will oftentimes lead to indigestion. If you have always given him certain pre-packed food but want to try nourishing him with homemade fare, do so slowly. Start by feeding him small bites and light snacks of the healthy nosh in between his regular fare. If the dog seems to have no untoward physical reactions to it, introduce the new food plan gradually. Decrease the amount of regular dog food and increase the volume of fresh food being provided.

The great thing about this is that you do not have to prepare their food daily. In fact, take the healthy leftovers of the dinner the past week and you will have several days? worth of tasty dog meals you can supply your pet with. It is good to change it up frequently not only to keep him interested, but also to lower the risk of getting food allergy – a likelihood when the animal is given the same kinds of food too often.

Not only is serving homemade dog food more beneficial to your pet; it is more economical for you as well. The savings you incurred can be added to your doggie fund wherein you can dip into for treats and other enjoyable activities. If a satisfied and healthy pet is your goal?then start whipping out those yummy dog recipes and get going!

Juliette Crane’s renowned homemade pet food is responsible for many pet owner?s happy canine. Get these fantastic Homemade Dog Food Recipes today. Your dog will thank you.

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Oct
12
2009
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Dangerous Dog Food Equals Bad Health And Shortened Life Span

Would you consider feeding your beloved pet dangerous dog food? Of course not! But that is exactly what we could be giving our treasured friends. Without even knowing, we could be feeding Fifi something very bad.

Shouldn’t we give our beloved pet the best? All natural dog foods are definitely the way to go. But, like me, you probably buy off the shelf bags of kibbles.

This could be costly in terms of our pet’s health and longevity.

We see the evidence all over the media concerning the dog food scares of some of the products we buy. It is wise to re-think buying these highly advertised dog chow brands.

Maybe we should get a clue and be a little more diligent and research the foods we give our canine children. Choosing natural dog food over chain store brands and actually reading the ingredients list could provide our pets with access to a longer life.

When shopping for my two-legged family, I check the labels. If I can’t even pronounce it or don’t know what it is, I am not going to put it on the table. Watch the ingredient list on your pet’s dog food label for the same things. If it makes you question at all what it is, don’t put it in your dog’s bowl.

Basically, if the list of ingredients on puppy’s dog food label is not what I would give to the rest of the family then she’s not getting it either.

All natural dog foods seem the logical choice for our family of dogs and if we want to keep them as healthy as possible, it is up to their human parents to avoid the dangerous dog food.

We could actually help keep our dog around longer, even if for only a few months. However, with a bit of effort we might have them in our lives for years to come.

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Written by Lisa Griffiths in: Dogs | Tags: , , , , , ,
Oct
11
2009
0

Holistic Dog Food Choices

Some dog owners have concerns about the quality of the ingredients of commercial dog food. Holistic dog food is a healthier alternative to many commercial dog foods. Holistic dog food is dog food, either manufactured or homemade, that contains only natural ingredients.

Some dog food manufacturers make holistic dog food that contains natural ingredients. The significant difference between holistic dog food and most commercial dog foods is the quality of the ingredients.

Most commercial dog foods use animal byproducts as the dog food’s animal protein ingredient. Animal byproducts are pieces of meat that are not considered suitable for human consumption. Some holistic dog food companies claim to only use human-grade meat instead of animal byproducts. Vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants may be added to holistic dog food.

Homemade dog food recipes with natural ingredients can be a holistic dog food option. Easy dog food recipes are not difficult to find. A dog owner should make sure that the recipes do not contain onions, mushrooms, garlic, grapes, raisins, or any other food that can be toxic to dogs.

One basic recipe gives the dog owner flexibility in creating the dog food. The four basic ingredients of this recipe are one and a half cups of cooked brown rice, one half cup of cubed meat, two teaspoons of vegetable oil, and one-fourth cup of cooked vegetables.

The dog owner can choose from beef, turkey, chicken, ham, veal, or liver as the meat. Ground meat can be used if it is cooked thoroughly. The meat used should be cooked in the vegetable oil until it is well done.

Cooked diced potatoes, carrots, celery, cabbage, broccoli, or other dog-safe vegetables can be used alone or in combination for this recipe. One half cup of plain yogurt may be added to this homemade dog food. The homemade dog food should be blended and cooled before giving it to the dog.

The dog owner should avoid using the same ingredients for this recipe. The dog’s homemade dog food diet should include variety to ensure the dog is receiving a variety of vitamins and minerals. Liver and other ingredients of homemade dog food should not be given daily, but in moderation as part of the dog’s diet.

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Written by Moses Wright in: Dogs | Tags: , , , ,
Oct
11
2009
0

Types Of Holistic Dog Food

Some dog owners have concerns about the quality of the ingredients of commercial dog food. Holistic dog food is a healthier alternative to many commercial dog foods. Holistic dog food is dog food, either manufactured or homemade, that contains only natural ingredients.

Natural dog foods that the companies promote as holistic often contain natural ingredients. Perhaps one of the biggest differences between these holistic dog foods and the most popular commercial dog foods is the quality of the ingredients.

Most commercial dog foods use animal byproducts as the dog food’s animal protein ingredient. Animal byproducts are pieces of meat that are not considered suitable for human consumption. Some holistic dog food companies claim to only use human-grade meat instead of animal byproducts. Vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants may be added to holistic dog food.

Holistic dog food recipes blend natural ingredients. Natural dog food recipes can be found on the Internet. The dog owner needs to make sure that the recipes do not contain any foods that can be toxic to dogs including garlic, avocado, onions, chocolate, and grapes.

One basic dog food recipe for meat and brown rice dinner allows the dog owner to include ingredients that are available. The recipe includes four basic ingredients of one and a half cups of brown rice, half a cup of cubed meat, two teaspoons vegetable oil, and one-fourth to one-half cooked vegetables.

Beef, chicken, turkey, ham, liver, or veal can be used as the meat in this dog food recipe. Ground beef or ground turkey need to be cooked thoroughly if used as the meat. The meat should be cooked until well done in the vegetable oil.

Cooked diced potatoes, carrots, celery, cabbage, broccoli, or other dog-safe vegetables can be used alone or in combination for this recipe. One half cup of plain yogurt may be added to this homemade dog food. The homemade dog food should be blended and cooled before giving it to the dog.

The dog owner may want to experiment with different meats and vegetables. A variety of ingredients is strongly recommended as opposed to using liver or other ingredient every day. Using a variety of ingredients helps ensure the dog is receiving proper nutrition and avoids health problems related to eating too much of one particular food.

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Written by Moses Wright in: Dogs | Tags: , , , ,
Oct
10
2009
0

Learn How to Make Dog Treats

Ever heard of a perfect dog? You might possibly be the proud owner of one with the right tools of the trade?mainly mouth watering homemade dog treats. These simple and effective tips on how to make absolutely delicious dog treats will leave your canine no choice but to love you more and follow your every beck and call.

Let us begin by preparing simple chicken snacks. If you will be having chicken for dinner, set aside a portion to make for the dogs food. Bake or roast the lightly seasoned bird. Cut and dice the meat. Place these pieces on top of a cookie sheet and bake in 110?C temperature until you see it browning or becoming crisp. When done, cool the chicken bites for a few minutes before serving or repacking for future use.

Boil liver or beef heart in water and season with spices your dog seem to like. Let simmer for about 2 hours or until well cooked and slice them in chewable treats. You can place these in a plastic air tight bag and freeze them until needed. Make sure you completely thaw them out first before you feed it to the pup lest he gets indigestion and iced teeth.

If these are not available, hotdogs are acceptable and even appreciated doggie snacks. Cut the well cooked sausages or hot dogs in slivers and microwave them until they are hard. Have these on hand for ready noshes anytime of the day. Are you one of those owners who hold the treats between your teeth? Then savory, human friendly nibbles like these will be your best friend.

How about some sweet treats? Mix 2 Tbsp honey, 2 ? cups water, an egg and a dash of vanilla in a bowl. Add in a small jar of applesauce and blend all the ingredients well. In another bowl put in 4 cups of flour, 1 Tbsp baking powder and 1Tbsp nutmeg powder and combine all these together. Fold in the batter of the first bowl into the second bowl, thoroughly blending until it the whole mixture is perfectly incorporated into each other. Scoop out dollops of the prepared batter onto a grease lined tray and bake at 350? F for one hour. This delicious dessert is good for 12 servings?6 for Fido and 6 for you.

You can add or subtract ingredients but make sure to research first before you do. Certain food that we eat are hazardous to canines like chocolates, grapes and most nuts. These homemade dog treats are easy to make but always exercise special care and consult with the vet before any significant change in their diets are made.

You will know a happy and obedient dog by the loving owner who raised him up. By learning how to make dog treats, you show that you are willing to do more to provide the best for your dog – any canine will give his right paw for a master like you.

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Oct
07
2009
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Dog Food Recipes – Homemade Dog Biscuits

The best homemade dog biscuits are not those found in your supermarket, or even the pet store. Some of them may have the word “homemade” to entice you, but of course, homemade dog biscuits can really only be made in one place – in your home! And the best part is that they are pretty easy to make too. Here are some excellent dog food recipes you can try at home today.

I don?t know if you know this but pooches just love the taste of peanut butter. I have often been bewildered with the many intricacies of the baking world but this recipe is fool proof?even for me. Combine 1 ? cup of whole wheat flour, 1 ? cup of all purpose flour, I cup milk, 2Tbsps of honey and 2 Tbsps of oil with ? cup of smooth and creamy peanut butter. Blend the mixture well and scoop into bite sized treats onto cookie sheets. Bake them for 20 minutes in 350?F and you have yourself the keys to Fido?s heart.

Anyone up for delectable oatmeal chews? Take ? cup of whole wheat flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 3 cups oatmeal, 2 Tbsp honey and mix it all together. Fold in 2 egg yolks and 1 cup of cold water to bind it all together. Ensure the smooth consistency of the batter. Bake this for 15 minutes in a 350?F temperature. Once these chews are sufficiently cooled; cut into bite size pieces for your dog?s snacking pleasure.

For older dogs with a less than sturdy set of teeth, you can serve them these soft cookies as snacks. In a bowl, mix ? cup dry milk powder, ? cup wheat germ and 2 ? oz jars of flavored baby food thoroughly. Roll into coin sized mounds and bake in a pre heated oven for 15 minutes at 350?F. After cooling, you can serve as snack or refrigerate for future use.

Liver doesn?t always sound like it should belong on our dinner plates but for canines; these are acceptable and great treats you can give. Chop and puree 1 lb of liver and blend this with 2 cups of cornmeal, 1 cup of flour and a dash of salt. Roll the mixture onto a cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes in 350?F heat. After cooling, cut these up in small pieces and keep for reserved doggie snacking.

If you are knowledgeable about baking, be creative and throw in ingredients you think will fare well with your pet. Apple, carrots and parsley are terrific items that are tasty and healthy at the same time. As you create your own dog food recipes, look up the food that will prove to be hazardous to canines such as chocolates, onion, grapes and most nuts.

Putting together amazing homemade dog biscuits wasn?t too difficult now was it? All it takes is a teachable owner with a great love for his pet. Now that you have read and are armed with these delicious doggie treats?commence the baking! Never was there a man?s best friend luckier than your Fido today.

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