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

Article by Adrian Namara

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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Healthy Dog Food Diet

Choosing a healthy for your dog might be confusing and difficult.  Pretty packaging and marketing may keep us from picking the best  product.  Keeping your dog healthy and happy will depend on you and what diet dog food you choose. Essential nutrients will  allow your pet to thrive rather than merely survive.

There are some simple guidelines to follow when you select food for your dog’s diet.  Know that every dog is different. Your dog is unique in itself and you will need to find out just what is best for your dog.

Talking to your veterinarian will be the  first step. Just like you your Vet has your dogs interest at heart. Let your vet’s recommendations  steer you in the right direction. Reputable dog food manufacturers take the time to research the topic of animal nutrition.  Allow your pet to benefit from the company’s wealth of information rather than going it alone.  

Select a dog food that is age appropriate. If you have a senior dog consider a dog diet that is specially formulated for older dogs.  Now puppies have needs all together different from  adult dogs.  Find a variety of food that meets your dog’s needs.

Sometimes the  breed and size of your pet can make a difference in the type of diet food you should feed your him. Dog diets are  formulated specifically for small dogs and large breeds.Please keep this in mind when selecting your dog’s diet.

The activity level and weight of your dog are  factors to consider when making the decision of what to feed your dog.  If your dog is extremely active or overweight, you may need to pick a type of dog diet that accommodates him.

Pay close attention to portion size.  Obesity is starting to be a serious problem in pets.  It can lead to joint troubles and take years off your pet’s life. Please no table scraps, they are definitely out for a healthy diet.  Your dog’s diet should consist of a high-quality food specially designed to meet your pet’s dietary needs.  Just think every time your dog begs for table scraps or you want him to just have a bite, that obesity is likely to follow.

Only supplement your dog’s diet when recommended by a veterinarian.  Giving your pet too many supplements in the dog’s diet can lead to a lower quality of health.

Always consult your vet for advice on what to feed your dog.  Your dog’s diet will fuel his health, so choose your dog’s diet wisely.  Select a brand of food that is reputable and suited to your dog.

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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.

Find More Healthy Dog Articles

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

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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.

We are devoted to making the highest-quality pet foods available with great taste and outstanding value. Learn more at www.hillspet.com
Video Rating: 5 / 5

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Diet Tips For Obese Cats

One of the major concerns for all cat owners to watch out for is their cat gaining too much weight. Obesity in pets is becoming more visible and as a good cat owner you want to take care of your cat’s health. This article will provide some tips for obese cats.

You may be asking why I should be concerned about my cat being overweight. For starters, you may not know which foods are best to feed your cat and how many treats you should give your pet during training sessions. Diet tips for obese cats will provide you with this information so you can have a healthier pet.

The following topics will be covered: why is obesity dangerous for pets, how can I know if my cat is overweight, facts about feeding cats, establish a regular feeding time, and how are treats different from normal cat food.

Why Is Obesity Dangerous For Cats?

Just as obesity is dangerous for humans, it is also for cats. The extra pounds can weight in on their cardiovascular and respiratory systems, exacerbating existing conditions and may cause new ones. Fat pets are prone to injury, more at risk in surgery, and open to other conditions such as diabetes. A list of additional problems is; decreased stamina, diminished immune function, and digestive disorders are consequences of an overweight cat.

If your cat is severely overweight it can diminish your pet’s quality of life. It is important that you, as the owner, control your pet’s intake of food and treats.

How Can I Know If My Cat Is Overweight?

Here is an interesting fact, between 25 to 40 percent of cats are obese or are likely to become obese. So, what can I do about it? Good question. So, here is how you can take action now:

Monitor your cat’s weight. They don’t get overweight overnight. Keep a close eye on them. Be sure to have your pet exercise daily. Failure to keep your pets weight under control may cause your cat to be a higher risk for diabetes, arthritis and other health related conditions.
Here is how you can know if your pet is overweight when you gently press down as you are petting her. If you are not able to feel her ribs, consider taking her to the veterinarian for an exam. When any underlying medical causes are ruled out, your veterinarian can help you develop a proper nutrition and exercise program to remove the excess weight.

Facts About Feeding Cats

Just as humans require a healthy balanced diet, so do cats. As a cat owner, you can provide your pet with the best quality cat food that has all of the nutrients your pet requires together with a high level of palatability. Do not add any human food to your cat’s diet. Doing so may upset the nutrients of a balanced diet.

Milk. Here is a little known fact; milk is not a substitute for water. As a food, it’s incomplete and does not provide a balanced diet. Milk contains lactose and requires lactase to break it down in the pet’s intestine. Too much milk can cause diarrhea.

Raw eggs. Repeatedly giving your cat raw eggs can cause a deficiency of the vitamin biotin which can cause a loss of hair, dermatitis, and poor growth. Restrict this item in your pet’s diet.

Raw fish. Some raw fish can cause a deficiency of the vitamin thiamine. Signs of this vitamin deficiency include anorexia, abnormal posture, weakness, seizures, and even death.

Raw meats. Most cat owners think that giving your cat meat is good for them. Usually raw meat does not contain all of the nutrients for a balanced diet. This must be added. Also, raw meat may contain parasites, and cooked meats can be high in fat and do not contain a proper balanced diet. I would stay away from giving your pet raw meat to eat.

Raw liver.  Raw liver fed in large quantities, can cause vitamin A toxicity in cats. Small soft bones, pork chop and chicken bones, should never be given to cats. They may lodge in the cat’s mouth or throat.

Table scraps. Table scraps will not provide your pet with the proper nutrition your pet requires. Best advice is never to feed your cat table scraps. Once you start, it is very difficult to stop. So, don’t start.

Supplements. Supplements are not required when a normal healthy cat is being fed a complete and balanced diet. A balanced diet can be found in the pet food you are feeding your cat. The same is true for additional minerals. You can find this with high quality cat food. Be a good shopper and provide your pet with the best quality cat food so you don’t have to purchase supplements.

Establish a Regular Feeding Time

This is important for your pet’s digestive health and regular bowel movements. The first step is to determine the correct quantity of food required to maintain a healthy weight. Next, is to establish a regular routine time for feeding your pet. Knowing when your cat will be hungry will assist you when you plan training sessions. Part of your pet’s meal will include treats or rewards.

How Are Treats Different From Normal Cat Food?

Everyone one likes to have a treat once in a while. So does your pet. But, what is the difference between a treat and dry cat food? Cat food is higher in nutrition than treats. However, if you want to reward your kitty with a different flavor or texture, than a treat is the ticket. They are like desserts and should be given sparingly.

Cat food is higher in protein and should make up the bulk of your pet’s diet. Some treats can be nutritional, so read the labels before making your selection. If you offer tidbits that are different from their meals, it will add to your cat’s pleasure, making training more successful. This will also help build a strong bond between owner and pet.

Treats should not be more than 10% of your cat’s total diet for the day. You will need to watch out here because giving your pet too much treats can be a cause for obesity.

By following the above diet tips for obese cats will help your pet to stay healthy and have a longer life.

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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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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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Nutritious Dog Food Diet – Choosing Healthy Pet Food For Your Dog

In a time when more and more pet owners are concerned about what they’re feeding their pets, finding a nutritious dog food can be pretty complicated. Lots of products on the market claim to offer complete and balanced nutrition for your pet, but in many cases, this is just a marketing term used to sell the product. Unfortunately, such labeling doesn’t mean that every food is equally good for your dog, rather that the percentages of protein, fiber, fat, and moisture meet the minimum standards. While any food your feed your dog should have this kind of labeling, that’s not all there is when it comes to nutritious dog food. When you decide what the best food is, you have to start with the label.

First, rule out the least expensive brands in the store. It’s not that you have to break the bank to buy a good dog food, but that cheap foods use cheap ingredients. The lowest cost dog foods on the market will use a lot of fillers and low quality ingredients, making them a lower value, even though they don’t cost a lot per bag. A nutritious dog food will be more expensive than a grocery store brand in most cases.

Secondly, pet owners need to learn to read pet food labels. Avoid foods that have a lot of corn, soy, or wheat, especially if they’re high on the ingredients list. These are very cheap sources of plant protein, which are hard to digest for dogs. They’ve been linked to a number of health problems, like colitis and urinary tract infections. Of course, dry dog food always contains some quantity of grain. However, choose a nutritious dog food that includes grain further down the list and uses ingredients like brown rice, barley, oats, or other easy to digest choices. Some foods also include potatoes.

The bulk of any nutritious dog food should come from animal sources, since dogs are naturally meat eaters. Avoid cheap filler ingredients like meals and by products, which can come from already stripped animal carcasses. Also, if you see a generic term such as ‘poultry’, ‘fish’, or ‘meat’, avoid that food in favor of one that names the type of meat used. Whole, named meats are the most desirable, and should come first on the list of most nutritious dog foods.

Colorants and other additives are also problematic. They’re in many different dog food brands, but they’re only there to make the product appeal more to the human who’s buying the food. Look for a food that includes as few preservatives, artificial flavoring agents and coloring agents as possible. These chemicals can cause allergic reactions in some dogs, and are undesirable in a nutritious dog food. While there are good foods out there, you might have to do some research to find them. However, if you care about your dog’s health, it’ll be worth it in the end. A nutritious dog food will make your dog happier, feel better, and live longer.

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Diet Tips For A Healthy Cat

Most of us know that feeding our cat is not really a chore at all. Dump the food in a big bowl or dish, and the cat will eat when it’s ready. Unlike a dog, cats tend to not overeat and therefore are more easily manageable than most other house pets. However, we need to be careful when assuming that the food that we are feeding our cat, and the manner by which we feed our cat, are the best choices for our cat. Here are some tips on how to maintain a healthy diet for your kitty.

Feed your cat based on their activity.

Is your cat an active cat or does it to lay around the house all day waiting for its next meal? If your cat is overweight and not very active at all, leaving a bowl full of food is probably not the best idea. It is at this point that you should begin to manage how much you feed your cat, what you feed your cat, and how often. By taking charge of your cat’s feeding habits, you will be able to increase the life and longevity of your cat by making this simple and easy choice. A simple “Here kitty kitty kitty” will make your overweight and hungry feline run for the bowl to eat your rationed healthy amount of cat food.

Watch the weather!

Simply put, the environment in which your animal lives directly affects and influences their energy needs. Extreme hot or cold weather can increases a pet’s energy needs and drinking habits. Make sure that on hot days water is readily available and that you feed your cat more canned food then dry. The water content within the canned food will help the cat retain water if it is not able to get to the water dish on a regular basis. If the weather is cold, make sure that you are feeding your cat very nutritional cat food that is not full of filler so that your cat will have more of the necessary nutrients to digest to ensure that it stays healthy.

Cat feeding times

Although discussed previously, there is much more to say about having a specific feeding time for your cat. Not only does this allow you to feed your cat nutritional canned food, you will also know that it will not be left in the open. Preservatives are nice, but let’s not take any chances with the food left out.

Also, by having specific feeding times, this allows you to monitor your cat’s diet by providing the food at regular times. It is a kind of portion-control feeding, however, most cats will simply eat until they have what they need.

Bottom line: keep a bowl full of a regular dry cat food and monitor the intake of canned food to ensure that your cat does not get overweight and is as healthy as it can be.

Buy the best

Though this sounds economically wrong, the truth of the matter is this: cheap cat food usually is cheap because of the added fillers that are put into the food.

As a general rule, cats need a daily regimen of protein found in meat, fish, or poultry. They also need an essential amino acid called Taurine and various other vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.

If you have looked at a label for cat food, you will notice that wheat, rice, and even corn is used as filler for both canned and dry cat foods. Make sure that the cat food that you choose has the proper amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals and not as much filler. The price of the cat food usually justifies its quality. And, as an added benefit, cats usually only eat as much as their bodies need. Therefore, your cat will probably eat less of the expensive of cat food because it contains more of the nutrients that it needs and not as much filler.

Avoid food addictions

Cats are said to be finicky animals. Whether this is true or not, cats have been known to develop a certain affinity toward particular brands and types of food. This could become a problem, especially if your cat develops a food allergy to certain ingredients and preservatives that may be contained within that cat food.

In order to avoid this, it is recommended that early in a cat’s life that it gets used to having different varieties of cat food and different flavors. This way, the cat is less likely to develop an affinity for a particular brand which may inevitably lead to the cat developing a food allergy because of the lack of variety in its daily diet.

Overall, by avoiding cat food products that have chemical preservatives like BHA, cornmeal, and other carbohydrate fillers, you should be able to maintain your cat’s health at an optimal level.

Learn to walk safely and properly with your cat on a leash in thisfree video. Expert: Dr. Adrienne Mulligan Bio: Dr. Adrienne Mulligan started her life-long dream to be a veterinarian at Oakridge High School in Oakridge, Tennessee. Filmmaker: Chuck Tyler
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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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.

Technorati Tags: Diet, good, healthy