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.”

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Why do you need to understand your dog food ingredients label? Because what you don’t know about what is in your pet’s food could actually be harming your beloved dog! You think you are feeding your dog food for optimal health, when in fact, you might be poisoning him.

Maybe you have looked at your ingredients label and just scratched your head. What are all these things in there? So you just shake your head and put your trust in the dog food company. After all, haven’t these companies been telling us for decades that they know what is best, nutritionally speaking, for our dogs? Well, the massive pet food recalls over the past several years have thankfully given us a well needed wake-up call. This is evident with all the all-natural and organic pet foods that have been popping up in the market.

But it’s not hard to figure out what is in your pet food so you can compare with other brands. Here are some of the more common “tricks” to reading dog food ingredients lists:

1. The first 5 – 10 ingredients listed are the majority of the food. If they are not quality ingredients, it is not a quality pet food.

2. Look for natural preservatives, such as vitamins E and C (also shown as tocopherols and ascorbic acid). Inferior pet foods still use BHT, BHA, and Ethoxyquin. These chemical preservatives have been banned from use in human food.

3. Since ingredients are listed by weight, a dog food with a lot of one ingredient (especially one that is not a quality ingredient, for example, corn) is allowed to be broken into different parts and listed separately. For example, you might see corn flour, corn bran, and corn gluten meal all listed somewhere in the dog food ingredients list – yet they are all derived from corn. Why not just say corn? Why break them up? Because the weight of the individual components will weigh less, so they can go further down the ingredient list, making them look like they are not a key component of the dog food. Sneaky? Yes. Underhanded? Yes. Legal? Yes.

4. Listing just a meat as a top 2 ingredient. If the actual meat is listed (i.e. chicken) , and not a meat meal (i.e. chicken meal), then the meat is weighed with all moisture in tact. Meal, on the other hand, has most of the moisture removed first. Therefore, the amount of protein in one pound of chicken will be less than in one pound of chicken meal. Keeping the moisture in the meat makes it weigh heavier, keeping it in the beginning of the dog food ingredients list.

The moral of the story? Learn to read the labels to see what you are actually feeding your dog. Your current dog food may be great, or it may be the worst thing for your dog. Don’t just rely on enticing packaging showing a delicious chicken and lots of fresh beautiful fruits and vegetables. Although we like to think that is what we are feeding our dogs, the reality is, most dog foods are nothing like this!

Keep your dog healthy and happy by learning how to decipher your dog food ingredients list. Check out the Healthy Dog Food blog to learn more about healthy dog food ingredients and how to find the healthiest dog food for your dog to stay in good health, naturally.

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Why are dog food ingredients lists so hard to figure out? It’s like some secret language. But you need to learn to translate your ingredients in your dog food. If you don’t, you could be feeding your best friend food that prevents optimal health and even causes some health problems down the road.

How in the world are you supposed to figure out what all these ingredients mean? You’ve heard of corn, but what is corn gluten meal? Is it good for your dog? The dog food companies spend lots of money in advertising telling us they are feeding our dogs exactly what they need. But unfortunately, we found out the hard way, with all the pet food recalls, that the pet food companies care more about their bottom line. The good thing that came out of the pet food recalls was that more organic and natural dog food alternatives are now available to us.

What you need to do is learn how to compare your dog food to other brands. There are a couple of tips to help in deciphering the dog food ingredients label:

1. The first 5 – 10 ingredients listed are the majority of the food. If they are not quality ingredients, it is not a quality pet food.

2. Look for the chemical preservatives BHA, BHT, or Ethoxyquin. These preservatives have been banned from use in human food as they are linked to kidney and liver damage. However, they are still used in inferior dog foods. Look instead for natural preservatives, like vitamins C and E (ascorbic acid and tocopherols).

3. Since ingredients are listed by weight, a dog food with a lot of one ingredient (especially one that is not a quality ingredient, for example, corn) is allowed to be broken into different parts and listed separately. For example, you might see corn flour, corn bran, and corn gluten meal all listed somewhere in the dog food ingredients list – yet they are all derived from corn. Why not just say corn? Why break them up? Because the weight of the individual components will weigh less, so they can go further down the ingredient list, making them look like they are not a key component of the dog food. Sneaky? Yes. Underhanded? Yes. Legal? Yes.

4. We all want to see a meat listed as a top 2 ingredient. That way we know our dog will get the good protein he needs. But really, you want to see the meal of that meat listed instead. If a meat is listed by itself, then its weight is measured complete with liquid. That makes it very easy to put as a #1 or #2 ingredient. But when the food is actually processed, the liquid is removed, so weight-wise, it might actually fall down to #3 or #4. A meat meal is weighed after the meat has been dehydrated. So you get more of the animal protein and nutrients in the meat meal than you would just the meat.

As confusing at it seems, it will really pay off in your pet’s health and well-being if you can understand the ingredients and what you are actually feeding him. If you figure out your current dog food is nothing but garbage, don’t despair. Just keep looking at the ingredient labels on various foods until you find one that you think is better. The more educated we become in what we are feeding our dogs, the better quality ingredients and natural preservatives will become available. Knowledge is the key.

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Like many pet owners, you probably believe that sufficient exercise and a balanced diet are all the factors necessary to keep your dog healthy. Without a doubt, commercial pet foods have come a long way in recent years in terms of their nutritional value and ease of digestion. But, just like people, dogs derive significant benefits from the minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants available in dog vitamin supplements.

Dog vitamins are an essential preventative health measure for man’s best friend. Just as human health is now focused on prevention instead of treatment, more and more veterinarians and pet owners are realizing that dog vitamins can help strengthen a dog’s immune system and prevent illness and premature aging, allowing your pet to lead a longer, healthier life than he would without vitamin supplements.

The benefits of dog vitamins stem largely from the ability of vitamins to fight the cancer causing effects of free radicals, and fight the physical deterioration associated with aging. Dogs suffer many of the same effects of aging as people. Some examples include loss of eyesight, weakened cartilage, and a weakened immune system.

Research has also shown that dog vitamins can help a dog live longer. The data indicates that the earlier in life you start your pet on a vitamin regimen, the greater the benefits your pet will reap. Dogs who begin receiving supplements while they are still puppies seem to fare better and suffer less illness and degeneration as they age.

When choosing a vitamin supplement for your dog, make sure to take his individual needs into account. Older dogs will need different nutrients than puppies, and active dogs have different needs than sedentary dogs. Discuss your dog’s needs with your vet, and make sure you research the effects on your dog’s health of each individual component of the supplement that you choose. Choose supplements that contain all natural ingredients, and avoid fillers and artificial ingredients.

A good basic supplement should include vitamins A, B complex, and C, at a minimum. These nutrients foster a healthy immune system and increase antibody production to protect against communicable illnesses, battle free radicals in the body, promote optimal liver function, boost the production of red blood cells, and improve the health of your dog’s skin, coat, mouth and eyes. Other important nutrients include chondroitin, glucosamine, and Omega fatty acids. These are essential for the health of your dog’s skin, cartilage, and coat.

Often, pet owners notice an improvement in their dog’s health within weeks of beginning supplementation. Some things you may notice are increased energy and a healthier, thicker coat. But, most of the benefits of dog vitamin supplements happen over the long term as you spend less on vet bills, and most importantly, get to spend more quality time with a pet who’ll live a long life, as happy and pain free as possible.

Take charge of your dog’s health and get him started on a quality vitamin supplement regimen. Even though this is an additional expense right now, it will pay off for you in the long run by reducing unnecessary trips to the vet. More importantly, it will provide you with the maximum possible time to enjoy the company of your loyal companion.

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Many pet owners think that a healthy diet and regular exercise should be enough to keep a dog in good health. Even though commercially available pet foods have increased in nutritional value and digestibility over the years, dog vitamin supplements are vital for your pet’s health. Just like humans, dogs need antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to enjoy a long and healthy life. Dogs derive many of the same benefits from a quality vitamin supplement that humans do.

Vitamins for are a critical measure for dogs, just as they are for people. More veterinarians and dog lovers than ever recognize that the key to pet health is a strong, healthy immune system and the prevention of premature aging and illness. Dog vitamins are a powerful tool that can help your pet lead a longer, happier life.

Dog vitamins have a host of benefits when it comes to your pet’s health. Antioxidant rich vitamin supplements fight cancer-causing free radicals, while at the same time bolstering certain bodily systems that tend to deteriorate with age. Some of the signs of deterioration that come with age include weak bones and cartilage, poor eyesight, and a sluggish immune system. Vitamin supplements can help counter these problems.

Research suggests that vitamin supplements can have a significant positive impact on a dog’s life span. What’s more, the data shows that you’ll see the greatest results if you start your dog on a vitamin supplementation program while he is still young. Dogs who received vitamins supplements from the time they were puppies have been shown to experience greater health, and suffer fewer illnesses throughout their lives.

One important thing to remember when you are choosing a multi-vitamin supplement for your dog is his individual needs and temperament. If he is young and active, he will need different nutrients than an old, sedentary dog. Take the time to discuss these matters with your vet, and look into the individual components of the vitamin supplement you are thinking of buying for your pet. You should also avoid supplements that contain fillers and other artificial ingredients. Instead, opt for the most natural supplement possible.

As a rule, a good supplement for your dog should include vitamins A, B complex, and C. These have a variety of powerful, health-giving effects, including boosting the immune system, promoting healthy liver function, supporting proper red blood cell formation, increasing antibody levels, and helping your dog to have a healthy coat, as well as healthy skin, eyes, and mouth. Some other nutrients you should consider for your dog include Omega fatty acids, chondroitin, and glucosamine. These nutrients nourish your dog’s coat, keep his skin healthy, and help him rebuild cartilage.

In many cases, pet owners say they see obvious improvements in their dog’s health and behavior within just weeks of a starting a supplement regimen. The most obvious effects are a healthier coat, along with increased energy and stamina. But, the most important benefits can’t be observed right away. These include counteracting the effects of aging in the long term, and prolonging your dog’s life. This allows your pet to live as long and comfortable a life as possible. You’ll enjoy your dog’s company, all the while saving money on all those trips to the vet you won’t have to make.

Take charge of your dog’s health and get him started on a quality vitamin supplement regimen. Even though this is an additional expense right now, it will pay off for you in the long run by reducing unnecessary trips to the vet. More importantly, it will provide you with the maximum possible time to enjoy the company of your loyal companion.

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Taking care of a new dog can sometimes be an overwhelming job. As a dog owner, it is your job to make sure you keep your pet healthy. Here are some pet care tips that can help you carry out this task.

- The Veterinarian Is Your Ally

Part of your responsibility as a pet owner is to understand when you should call the vet. When your dog’s health is at stake, don’t take a “wait and see” approach. This can sometimes work out fine, but chances are you’ll require professional help if your dog is seriously ill. Depending on your dog’s ailment, there are a variety of ways that a vet can help.

In the following cases, it’s crucial to call your veterinarian:

a) Always call the veterinarian when your dog has been in an accident, even if there are no signs of injury. Take your dog to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic if your vet isn’t available.

b) Call your vet immediately if you think your dog may have eaten something inedible or poisonous.

c) If your dog seems to be in distress, call your vet immediately.

d) Sudden gain or loss of weight is an important warning sign that you should take your dog to the vet.

e) You should call your vet right away if your dog is coughing, vomiting, or having convulsions.

- Prevention is the Best Strategy

Remember that the vet is the last line of defense. It’s better to prevent your dog from getting sick or injured in the first place, whenever possible.

Keep in mind that healthy food and physical activity are the key to your pet’s long life. Make sure your dog eats a healthy diet, receives dog vitamins and gets plenty of exercise to stay strong and healthy. Keep an eye on what your dog eats, and clean the crate or dog house frequently to reduce the risk of bacterial illness. Make sure your dog has a constant supply of clean water.

Ensure that your dog is on a leash, a chain, or inside a fenced yard at all times. If you let your pet wander around the neighborhood, he will be vulnerable to accidents and injuries.

Wash your dog often. Fleas and ticks can make your dog very uncomfortable, and they often harbor disease.

Keeping your dog in the best possible shape goes beyond these tips. It’s always a good idea to ask your vet for more health advice specific to your dog. As you spend more time with your pet, you’ll be able to tailor a routine that works for your pup. Just be sure to keep in mind that it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pet.

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How can you ensure that the dog food you feed your pet is safe? The best way is to consider making homemade dog food. Do not worry about recalls on spoiled dog food. Instead, you can know exactly what goes into your dogs food by mixing foods on your own.

When you make homemade dog food for your pet, you will need to add meat, starchy foods and vegetable into the mix. The most basic meals have meat, rice and carrots or other vegetables. If your dog deserves a gourmet treat, use tasty meats and a variety of vegetables along with potatoes and rice. Just be certain that every meal contains starches, vegetables and a meat product.

Dogs love kidney and liver meats as well as turkey, chicken and beef. Rice, pasta, potatoes and other carbohydrates are the tastiest for your pooch. Carrots, celery and any number of vegetables will work well in the homemade dog good you make for your pet. Just do not forget to have starches, meat and veggies in every homemade dog food mix.

You will want to cook meat products before you mix them with other ingredients to make your homemade dog food. Many recipes call for you to mix all ingredients together and then cook or bake them for awhile. Think of it as making a casserole for supper, the only difference is this meal is for your pooch not your family.

Homemade dog food can be made by purchasing a book with recipes for homemade pet foods. You can also use the internet in order to locate an assortment of recipes so that you can prepare safe and healthy meals for your pet from home.

Your dog can gain many healthful benefits from homemade dog food. You can protect your dog from chemicals used to process dog food that is available in stores. In addition, you can help to avoid bacteria and other dangers that can find their way to dog food in stores. You should talk to your dogs veterinarian before you start to make their homemade dog food.

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Make your dog your own version of gourmet dog good by preparing them homemade dog food. Reduce the risk of your dog eating dangerous bacteria or other substances that are sometimes found in dog food purchased in stores. Protect your pet from dangerous foods on the market, just as you protect your family from foods that have been recalled or are considered unsafe.

Dogs need to have meat, starch and vegetables for a healthy diet. You can easily create your own blend of these foods from home. Homemade dog food can be as simple as mixing beef, rice and carrots. Dogs also love to eat ground turkey. The important thing is to ensure that your homemade dog food has all three key ingredients for your dog.

Eggs and other dairy foods should also be added to your dogs food. Rice, potatoes and even pasta can be used to provide your dog with the necessary starches for their diet. Beef and ground turkey are most commonly used in recipes for homemade dog food. Liver and kidney meats provide many nutrients for your pet, not to mention a taste they will enjoy.

Lean meat is best for your dog especially if they are overweight. You do not want to use fatty meats. Dietary needs might be a little different if your dog is still a puppy. In that case, you will want to talk to their veterinarian so that you know exactly which type of meats you should use in their dog food along with any other dietary needs specific to young dogs.

You can grind the meat you will use in a meat grinder if it is not already ground meat. If your dog does not like any meat chunks, you will want to process the meat. You can make large quantities, but it is important to remember that once food is cooked and prepared for your dog it should be eaten within three days.

Your dog can gain many healthful benefits from homemade dog food. You can protect your dog from chemicals used to process dog food that is available in stores. In addition, you can help to avoid bacteria and other dangers that can find their way to dog food in stores. You should talk to your dogs veterinarian before you start to make their homemade dog food.

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Your beloved dog is not immune to potential risks from food purchased in the store. Just as many human foods are recalled due to bacteria and other dangers, so are dog foods. You might want to consider making homemade dog food for your dog. You will not need to worry about harmful substances being found in your dogs food if you make it from home.

When you make homemade dog food for your pet, you will need to add meat, starchy foods and vegetable into the mix. The most basic meals have meat, rice and carrots or other vegetables. If your dog deserves a gourmet treat, use tasty meats and a variety of vegetables along with potatoes and rice. Just be certain that every meal contains starches, vegetables and a meat product.

Chicken, lamb, liver, kidney, beef and turkey are the most popular meats to use if you want to make homemade dog food that is fit for a king. Dairy products including eggs and other components should be included in your homemade dog food. Rice, potatoes and other starchy ingredients are necessary as well.

Lean meat is best for your dog especially if they are overweight. You do not want to use fatty meats. Dietary needs might be a little different if your dog is still a puppy. In that case, you will want to talk to their veterinarian so that you know exactly which type of meats you should use in their dog food along with any other dietary needs specific to young dogs.

Homemade dog food can be made by purchasing a book with recipes for homemade pet foods. You can also use the internet in order to locate an assortment of recipes so that you can prepare safe and healthy meals for your pet from home.

Say no to processed dog food. You can make safe and healthy food for your pet from home. It is best to talk with their veterinarian to determine your dogs dietary needs. They can help you to find the best homemade dog food recipes for your pet to ensure that they receive the safest blend of foods.

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