Healthy Pet Magazine

Healthy Diet for Dog – Good Diet is Key to Healthy Dog

Nothing is more essential to good training than good health. And the foundation of good health is a good diet. Depending on your budget you may or may not be able to feed your dog a larger proportion of fresh meat, but at least be prepared to spend enough for a good dry food.

Here are a few things to look for…

All dog foods are labeled with the ingredients in order by proportion. That is, the material that forms the largest percentage is listed first, followed by the second and then others.

One of the attributes that makes cheap dog food less preferable is the high percentage of ‘waste’ animal parts. When you see ‘by products’ on the label, it’s better to avoid these brands. If it does appear on higher quality dog food, which is rare, it will be listed near the bottom indicating a small proportion.

Those ‘by products’ consist of parts that were not considered usable for human consumption. That fact doesn’t by itself make the product dangerous, but the lower quality will have a long term effect on coats, muscles and bones, and overall health.

Just as one indicator, dogs with healthy coats (particularly, long-haired breeds) will look shinier and shed less. Assuming proper bathing and brushing habits, of course.

Some experts put the proper ratio of meat, vegetables and starch at about roughly 40%, 30%, 30% respectively.

Common meats used are chicken, lamb and beef. These provide readily digestible sources of protein – essential to healthy coats, muscles, etc.

Vegetables provide minerals and vitamins that help produce proper hormone and enzyme types and amounts, as well as compounds for good bone health and other functions. Carrots and squash, for example are both excellent for almost all dogs.

The starch content is often provided by brown or white rice. Either is an excellent source of carbohydrates. These compounds are broken down in the body to form the basis for energy and cell repair.

As with any food substance, some dogs have special conditions that make special diets necessary. Many Golden Retrievers, for example, are sensitive to wheat products. Corn meal is hard to digest for some dogs.

Look for these on the label and discuss with your vet whether it’s necessary to avoid them. Some indicators are soft stools, excessive scratching and frequent gas.

Some dogs will find dry dog food more enjoyable if prepared with a little water and microwaved for about 30 seconds. Feed dry at least occasionally, though, to help scrub teeth and gums.

Needless to say, go easy on the treats. Even quality treats tend to be high in fat content – one of the reasons the dogs enjoy them so much. One or two per day isn’t harmful, but go for the quality brands.

The price differential for good food is sometimes considerable – with higher quality dog food often twice the cost. But considering the effects on health you’ll likely make up for it in lower vet bills, or at least a healthier dog.

The shine of the coat, the clarity of the eyes and other less obvious indicators will show in the long run. And, in the final analysis, the health of your dog is priceless.

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Science Diet Coupons: Healthy Savings On The Best Food For Your Pet

—> Get Science Diet Coupons For Healthy Savings<—

All dog owners have heard of Science Diet, but as we all know there are a lot of products out there with fancy sounding names that impy expertise without actually being anything special. But what about Science Diet? Does it fit that description? The answer would be a resounding “No!” Science Diet was indeed developed by a Phd named Mark L. Morris Jr. His father Mark L. Morris Sr. was the originator of the field of veterinary clinical nutrition. Morris Jr. fulfilled a request to develop a special diet for the first seeing-eye dog in history, because the dog had kidney problems. This was the first of numerous formulas he created for various nutritional needs, and these formulas formed the basis of the Science Diet product line. Science Diet is indeed synonomous with expertise.

—> Get Science Diet Coupons <—

Science Diet has a number of products that are so specific in their aims that they require prescriptions from a veterinarian. They don’t simply produce generic products but products that actively promote your beloved dog’s health, whether that be general health or related to a specific ailment or specific risk group. This is why veteranarians so often recommend Science Diet for their visitors’ pets. For example, one variety of SD is called “Hill’s pet nutrition Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Canine Growth”, obviously targeting both a specific breed and a purpose (growth). There are innumerable such variations in their product line, so there is inevitably something suitable for your dog and its needs.

In tough economic times it’s painful to part with our hard-earned dollars, but it’s interesting to note that pet supplies sell just as well during recessions as they do during other times. Of course that’s because we all love our pets so much that we make sacrifices in other areas to give our pets the best that they deserve. But luckily Science Diet Coupons help lessen the burden a little bit, and allow you to keep buying the best for your dog without taking so much of a hit in other areas. You can obtain Science Diet coupons from the Hills pet food corporate website, as well as from a number of internet coupon websites. Just visit one of the major coupon sites, navigate to the pets section, and have a look until you find Science Diet coupons.

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Selecting a diet plan for you pet, does it make any difference?

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Choosing a right pet nutrition can be daunting task at first; with the availability of so many brands of food available you may feel a bit confused. Remember that not all dog foods are same. It is not required that you spend a lot of money to get you best diet, rather it is that you pay attention to some important factors. Below are listed some symptoms which can help you to understand if the dietary plan of your pet needs to be changed:

The dog refuses to eat the food offered.

Dog has gastric problems.

Dog has a smelling breath.

Dog sheds frequently.

Dog has a dull coat.

These are a few indications that can happen occasionally with the dog, but if these are observed on regular basis, care has to be taken. First, understand that the dog is carnivore and thus needs meat. His teeth and body structure is made for ripping and tearing the meat. Your dog’s body is made up of cells and each cell has to function properly. With all the nutrients like protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and water all the chemical reaction in the body takes place easily. All these act as a source of fuel for the body and every activity of the dog like running, playing and living a long life is determined by the level of all the proteins, vitamin, materials he is getting.

All the dog food packages are provided with the information about the amount of protein that is used in the food. The percentage is blended in the form of plants or grains, corn, wheat and rice, etc. Look out for the amount of grains in the food, the more grain in the food the cheaper it will be to produce.

When the protein needs of the dog are not fulfilled properly several problems might occur. Dogs may suffer from ear infections, spinning, aggression etc. To compensate for this loss you have to feed them meat along with amino acids complex tablets.

During a dog’s life span their weight increases, ranging from 15 to 40 times. While the dog is growing he needs a stable diet. If he faces nutritional deficiency, problems can occur later on. Too much of protein and fibre rich diet creates problem, try to maintain a balance between on all the nutritional requirements.

There is a great need to consider your pet’s requirements. It is wise to take time from your busy schedule and plan your dog’s safe health!

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I want to put my dog on a healthy more holistic diet (my cat too really) what is a good step ?

any recommendations? I dont mind spending more for food as long as it’s not outrageous. I think my pets could benefit from something healthier…my cat is on Purina one healthy weight formula and my dog is on Beneful.

Thanks!

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Should I switch my Jack Russell and my Russian Blue to a raw meat and bones diet?

After all of the concern over the pet food recall, I am seriousley considering switching my beloved pets to a raw meat and bones diet. Have any of you done this? Is it better? How can I be sure that my pets are getting the nutrition they need from raw meat and bones? Could the bones harm them? What about bacteria from raw meat? Any advise or even opinions will be much appreciated. I have been feeding my pets Nutro, but only the dry stuff. Thanks!

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A Healthy Dog Diet for Your Pet Will Keep it Happy and Healthy

When choosing a healthy dog diet it can often be difficult and confusing, that is if you let it be. The packaging and marketing of the products you wish to purchase will often blur your perception of it. Your dogs diet is the easiest and best way to keep your pet in good health and happy for the many years you will have together. it is better for you to find a diet that will provide all the essential nutrients that are needed for your pet to thrive rather than merely survive.

So here are some basic guidelines for you to follow when you are selecting the food for your dogs diet. you should know that every dog is different and what is the right diet for your neighbors dog may not be exactly what your pet needs.

The first step should always be when deciding your dogs diet, is to talk to your vet. They will always have your pets interest at heart, just like you. The vets recommendations will help you make the right decision.

What you need to do is find a reputable brand of dog food to be the main ingredient of your dogs diet. It is not impossible to come across a high-quality dog food that you have never heard of or seen before, but a well known and manufacturer provides you with an amount of safety and security about the decision to feed your dog a healthy diet.

Reputable and recognized dog food manufacturers take the time to research animal nutrition. This allows your pet to benefit from the company’s research rather than going it alone.  

What you should do is select a dog food that is appropriate for your pets age. With a older that is showing signs of aging, then it is best to consider a dog diet that is specially formulated for senior dogs. On the other hand puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs.

You will need to find a variety of food that meets your dogs needs. Even the breed and size of your pet will make a difference in the type of diet you should feed it. Diets formulated specifically for small dogs and large breeds are readily available. You will want to keep this in mind when selecting your dogs diet.

The activity level and weight are the other factors for you to consider when making the decision of what to feed your dog. When you decide on a diet for your dog, pay attention to the portion size. Obesity is a serious problem in pets. It can lead to hip trouble and take years off your pets life.  

Table scraps are definitely not a healthy diet. Your dogs diet should consist of a high-quality food specially designed to meet your pets dietary needs.

Only supplement a high quality diet when recommended by your vet. If you give your pet too many supplements in the dogs diet then this can lead to a poor of health.

Your dogs diet will fuel his health, so choose your dogs diet wisely. You need to select a brand of food that is reputable and suited to your dog. When you find the right diet for your pet it will promote good health and allow your dog to thrive for many years to come.

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Science Diet MD Prescription Dry Cat food pulled?

Hill’s pet nutrition has recalled its Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry cat food apparently because it includes included wheat gluten from the same supplier that Menu Foods used.
For anyone worried about whether this was a question, just preface the above “question” with “Did you know that..” So ya, it’s a question AND an update.

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How do we as pet owners save other pet owners from Hills Science Diet?

I live in Kansas were Hills is owned and produced. I work at a natural pet food store and I have gone to Kansas State and worked at the vet school. Every were I turn people feed science diet or prescription diet without blinking an eye or reading a label. I am only 22 years old and I find the money to feed my dogs good food (Merrick and honest kitchen or urban wolf). I know that at K-State vet school the first year students get a backpack on the first day of class with the Hills logo and a note saying that they would be “teaching” nutrition to the first year students. If I heard that my doctor had been taught nutrition by Oscar Myer I would find a new doctor. Besides the moral concerns, the food sucks. It is full of by-products, grains and cancer causing agents like BHA, BHT and ethoxiquine. And don’t get me started on beet pulp. Now they have a “natural” food which is about as natural for a dog to eat as a shoe. My question is, how do we convince other pet owners that Hills is bad?
Obviousely hills is not the only culprit but I live in KS so its everywere. Nutro, Euk, Royal Canin and many others are horrible too but they arn’t “teaching” the vets. And as to those saying that hills is great, you prove my point. Read the label.
Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Ground Whole Grain Wheat, Chicken By-Product Meal, Soybean Meal, Animal Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Corn Gluten Meal, Brewers Rice, Chicken Liver Flavor, Soybean Oil, Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Iodized Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), DL-Methionine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract
Azmira
Beef Meal, Whole Ground Barley, Oatmeal, Whole Ground Grain Sorghum, Flax Seed, Canola Oil, Alfalfa Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Natural Flavors, Dehydrated Carrots, Apple Pomace, Potassium Chloride, Garlic Powder, Dried Kelp, Choline Chloride, DI-methionine, Mixed Tocopherols (natural antioxidant), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin Supplements (E,A,B2,B12,D3), Niacin, Calcium Ascorbate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Inositol, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K activity), Folic Acid, Biotin, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Cobalt Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite

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Raw Pet Food for Cats, Healthy Diet?

I do not own a dog so I am more interested in learning about it for cats. I recently ordered Wild Kitty raw cat food and one of my cats just loves it. However, it is not sold in my area and costs a lot – up to almost $50 just to ship for the raw frozen though it is free shipping for the freeze dried.

Also – I read that the chicken kind of Wild Kitty came up positive for salmonella during a random federal inspection in February 2007 and that salmonella can have wicked effects not just on the animal(s) but on the human handling them.

So – what are the options for GOOD nutritious food, meaning healthier than store bought junk. I have read up on this and have read that pets now have more health problems due to all these carbs and all this junk in the basic pet food, that there is a ton of byproducts, like the parts of other deceased animals, including ones who died from various diseases. Any idea on healthy diets for cats that is also cost effective? Raw? Organic? Best Kind?

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why are there so many fans of Science Diet pet food, when its such poor quality?

YIKES!!! I saw a question here asking what was the best food for a cat, and many readers said Science Diet! I WAS HORRIFIED!!! Science Diet (many formulas) contain BY-Products (beaks feet feathers – preserved with chemical pesticide Ethoxyquin -linked to numerous health problems) PLUS the food PAID for vet endorsement (not justified and inflates the price of a terrible product) (also keep in mind if a vet reccomended it – vets receive VERY LITTLE education about foods but will often reccomend a food they sell)
why are there so few people educated about pet nutrition?

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