free counters

The Importance of Dog's Diet


You truly love your dog. He really is man's best friend. Is there any doubt you want to keep your pet as healthy as possible? There are many ways to keep your dog happy and healthy. A nutritious diet for your dog is one of the best ways to positively influence the health and longevity of your pet.

If you consider how unpleasant a person can be when he or she is hungry or malnourished, you will undoubtedly se the importance of healthy choices when selecting your dog's diet. You and your pet will not enjoy life at its fullest if your dog's diet is poor.

Selecting a high-quality diet for your dog will increase the likelihood of a long and happy life for your pet. A healthy choice for your dog's diet will include the basic vitamins and minerals essential for your dog's health. Also, your dog's diet should include some extra nutritional supplements.  Speak with your vet about your dog's diet. They will be willing to help you make informed and educated decisions about your dog's diet. Ask about glucosamine or fish oils to combat health issues such as arthritis and dandruff.

Your dog's diet will affect your pet's energy level. If the dog's diet is lacking, your pet may be sluggish or unable to rest contently. If your pet requires extra nutrition to run or walk considerable distances, a healthy diet is crucial.

Your dog's diet affects the amount and size of outputs. When your pet eats a healthy diet with few fillers, the excrement is less. This is important to lessen the cleanup of the kennel or yard. Ask any handler who picks up after their dog and learn the importance of your dog's diet.

Obesity is not just a problem for people. Weight is also a concern for your pet. Your dog's diet plays an important role in maintaining a healthy weight for your pet. Extra treats can seem like a simple luxury, but they can create serious health problems when given to your pet too frequently.

Finding the best diet for your dog can even help to reduce reactions to food allergies.  Decreasing allergy troubles will make your dog feel so much better. Sometimes a simple change in the type of dog food can make such a difference to your pet. Your dog's diet affects every aspect of your dog's health.

Your pet's coat will look and feel better with a healthy diet. Good nutrition and adequate grooming will keep your pet's coat looking shiny and magnificent. 

The type of dog food you select for your dog's diet can even make a difference with your pet's teeth. Choosing a dry dog food can help to sharpen and polish your dog's teeth. Avoiding canned food when possible will help to reduce tartar and plaque. 

As you can see, a dog's diet influences everything from outputs to teeth. Even your dog's energy level and attitude is affected by the dog's diet. Selecting your dog's diet wisely and consulting your veterinarian is a fabulous way to improve the quality of your pet's life.

Don’t Give Your Dog Table Scraps As Diet


We have all done it. Our cute, little furry friend is practically smiling at us from beneath the kitchen table. The ears are perked and the tail is wagging. We know what our dog is after.  Just a tiny tidbit from dinner would be delightful, right? What could it hurt? It is just a bite or two after all.

Hold Jack’s ears he won't want to hear this. A dog's diet really should not contain table scraps. People food is just that...for people. A dog's nutritional needs are not the same as a human's. Sure, we eat some of the same things, but feeding your pet from the table is one of the biggest mistakes for your pet. A dog's diet doesn't require all the added goodies we put into our meals.

People have problems with obesity. A dog can have this problem, as well. If your dog's diet consists mostly of scraps from the dinner table, chances are high that your dog will have trouble maintaining a healthy weight. Even a few pounds over weight can really make a difference in the quality and length of your pet's life. Curb the begging and stick to your guns.

When you have a dog who is not a picky eater, it can be tempting to let your pet be the garbage disposal in the home, but really, this is not a good idea. Certain people foods can harm your dog and should never be a part of your dog's diet. Grapes, for example, have been known to cause serious problems for dogs, even death. Chicken bones and popcorn can also be a problem for your dog. Permitting large quantities of chocolate can be dangerous in a dog's diet.

A poor diet even shows up out in the yard. When your dog's diet is not at its best, your pet's outputs will be greater in size, smell, and mess. Benefits of choosing a healthy diet for your dog will be noticeable in your pet's health, as well as, during those walks around the block.

There are a few occasions when a supplement or treat from the kitchen may be alright, but never in excess. Talk to your veterinarian about healthy snacks for your dog's diet. If you simply must continue feeding Jack at the table, many vets recommend you give your pet ice cubes or pieces of carrot to munch on between scheduled feeding times.  Providing your pet these healthy alternatives to pizza and cupcakes gives you the freedom to choose a healthy and nutritious snack for your dog's diet.

So, the next time your beloved pet starts eyeing your grub, redirect his or her attention. Don't reach for your fatty steak or chicken leg. Instead, toss your buddy a cool, refreshing ice cube to bat around and munch on. A couple of baby carrots will keep Jack happy and leave you feeling good about your choices for the nutritional value of your dog's diet. You will know that you are doing your best to maintain a high-quality diet for your pet.

For Better Health Prepare a Natural Dog Diet at Home


Who knows what is really in that bag of kibble at the grocery store? You have turned over the package and read the ingredients, but still it seems baffling. What do all of those long, scientific words really mean? The only way to really know what your dog's diet consists of is by making it yourself at home.

Is it difficult to make a natural diet from home for your dog? No, a little bit of time and knowledge will leave your dog's diet healthy and nourishing. And, the best part, you will know what your best friend is eating.

Creating a healthy diet for your dog at home will allow you the opportunity to take charge of your pet's health. Many options are available for you when selecting the specific amount and ingredients for your dog's diet. Always talk to your veterinarian about what to feed your pet.  Your vet will help you to decide what products and foods are best to avoid and include in your natural dog diet. Also, they can educate you about any supplements that may be a good addition to your dog's diet to maximize health potential.

You may consider the raw diet for your pet.  This dog diet consists of raw meat, vegetable juices, and grains. The philosophy behind this dog diet is to return to the diet nature intended. Getting your dog's diet back to the basics will help to encourage good health.

An organic dog diet is easily achieved at home with the purchase of organic meats, vegetables, and grains. If you have access to home grown organic goods in your local area, this may be the best option for your pet. If you have the time and space, consider growing your own organic vegetables for use in your dog's diet. What better way to keep your dog's diet on track?

So, you have decided to go natural? Good choice. Now that you have turned away from the processed food, what options are available for treats? You can make your own natural dog treats at home.  Simply give your dog a baby carrot or piece of apple as a natural treat. Dogs love ice cubes as a snack. This will not alter his diet at all.. 

The dog's diet can include homemade treats such as frozen vegetable juice or dog biscuits made from organic ingredients. Do remember to subtract the amount of treats from the daily regimen at mealtime to keep the diet balanced properly. For instance, if the dog's diet typically includes five baby carrots a day, you may want to subtract this from the meal and use them throughout the day as treats.

Take control over your pet's health by making your dog's diet at home. Avoid processed food that is not as healthy for your pet. Many natural diet options are out there. Speak to your vet about which natural dog diet is best for you and your pet. When the quality of your pet's health is important, a natural diet for your dog is the best way to go.

How Diet Affect The Output of Your Dog


If you are a computer literate, you may remember the term GIGO. This term stands for Garbage In, Garbage Out. So, what does this have to do with your dog's diet?  Well, your dog may be no walking, wagging, and barking computer, but he or she works in the same way.  What food goes into your pet will eventually come out in the end. 

Your dog's diet will affect the outputs considerably. Other factors play a role such as illness, nerves, and the weather. You can tell a lot about the health of your hound by the outputs produced.

As any responsible pet owner knows, cleaning up after your pet is not the most pleasant job, but it is a necessary one. Being choosy and selective about your dog's diet will make cleaning up after your pet much easier.

When your dog is eating a diet high in fillers, your pet will show it. The excrement will be large in size and often runny and hard to pick up. You may notice when you give your pet leftovers from the table, he or she is really happy, but you aren't exactly smiling on the next trip around the block. The outputs of a pet eating an unhealthy diet is just plain messy, stinky, and large.

Even treats such as rawhide bones can change your dog's stool. Your dog's diet consists of everything your pet eats from treats to mealtime. Monitor how treats affect your dog's outputs to determine how healthy the snack really is for your pet.

If you choose to feed your dog a balanced diet that is high in quality, you will notice a particular difference in the outputs. Cleanup may not be placed on the top of your things to-do list, but it will be much easier and more tolerable. When the dog's diet is healthy and nutritious, you will have less mess in the yard or kennel.

Dog handlers with service animals are educated about the importance of a healthy diet and outputs during training. It is important, for example, that a guide dog not have an accident while working. The public would not be highly tolerant of trouble in a restaurant or grocery store. Take a tip from trainers and keep your dog's diet healthy to avoid these messy situations.

Consult your veterinarian to decide what type of diet is best for your dog. Look for a dry dog food that lists meat as the first ingredient. This will help to reduce the amount of fillers your pet will consume.

Feeding your pet on a schedule is important. When looking at your dog's diet, do not simply focus on what you are feeding your pet, but also focus on when you feed your dog. If your dog's diet includes consistent mealtimes, you will be better able to predict your dog's potty schedule. This can play a major role in effective housebreaking technique.

Helping your pet eat right is the first step to maintaining a healthy diet for your dog. Your dog's diet, when perfected, will keep things running smoothly. Minimize outputs and mess with nutritious, scheduled feeding. Beware of treats in your dog's diet. Knowing what goes into your pet will reduce the garbage coming out.

When to Change Your Dog's Diet

It is important to you to keep your pet happy and healthy. How do you know when it is time to change your dog's diet? Who can you talk to in order to learn more about your dog's diet and what needs to be altered?

It may seem that your dog is doing just dandy on whatever bag or can of dog food flops into your cart at the grocery store, but how do you know for sure that your dog's diet is right on track? Take note of some simple things about your dog. The dog's diet affects all aspects of life, so observe your dog before jumping to conclusions.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when trying to decide if your dog's diet needs a change. How does my dog act?  Is your pet always scrounging around the house for crumbs and scraps? Can your pet rest comfortably following a meal?

A dog that is full and content will be less likely to scavenge and will be able to take a nap after a good meal.

Are your pets’ outputs runny, thin, or firm? A dog's diet will dramatically affect their outputs. You will be able to tell if your dog's diet is appropriate for them by monitoring potty stops.

If your pet is routinely feeling under the weather or becoming ill, you may want to consider what is in the dog dish. The dog's diet is what feeds the immune system and keeps your pet feeling healthy. A diet lacking appropriate vitamins and nutrition will not keep your pet functioning at his best.

As your pet grows and matures, you may need to change your dog's diet. A puppy has different health requirements in regards to diet than does an adult dog. Older dogs may require senior diets to help combat weight or medical issues.

How is your pet's energy level? Does your dog seem lazy or high strung? The dog's diet may be influencing this fact. If your dog and you take walks for several miles, you may need to adjust the dog's diet to suit the increased level of activity.

Whether you keep your pet inside or out may also make a difference in your dog's diet. Pets staying outside in the winter may need extra food and more calories to stay warm during the cold winter months.

If you are ever in doubt about what type of diet is right for your dog, talk to a professional.  Your veterinarian should always be advised of any medical or health concerns. He or she will be glad to discuss with you various dog diets and their specific advantages and disadvantages. Nobody knows your dog better than you and your vet. Work together to determine if your dog is showing signs that his diet needs a change.

Many factors can influence the need to change your dog's diet. Health concerns, age, and even the weather can be cause for your dog's diet to require alteration. Speak to your vet about the best diet for your pet. Good observation and education will help you to decide if your dog's diet is right on track.

How to Change The Diet of Your Dog

There are times when you should stop your dog's diet immediately. Although these situations occur rarely, it is important to know when and how to cease your dog's diet.

Typically, pet owners are advised to make changes to a dog's diet gradually. Consistency is frequently the rule of thumb when it comes to your dog's diet. Sudden changes to your dog's diet often cause your pet stress and trouble, but at times, stopping your dog's diet immediately is necessary.

If your pet will be having a medical procedure performed that involves the use of anesthesia, your vet may recommend that you stop feeding your pet for a period of time before the procedure. As always, follow the advice of your trusted vet. He or she knows the dangers to your pet regarding surgery with a full stomach.

If you expect sudden changes and stress in your dog's life, such as a move to a new location, your pet may refuse to eat his typical diet. During the first day with a guide dog in training, trainers recommend to skip a meal to avoid stomach upset during this extreme time of stress for the dog. If you have concerns about stopping your dog's diet due to stress and illness, consult your vet for advice.

In light of recent pet food recalls, you will want to be prepared should you need to stop your dog's diet suddenly for safety reasons. In some cases, your dog may have already shown signs of upset or disinterest in contaminated food, but if not, take no chances with the health of your pet in the event of a recall. If your type of dog food has been recalled, stop feeding it as part of your dog's diet immediately. If possible, locate a new bag or can of the same variety of dog food that is safe for your pet. This will reduce any disruption to your dog's diet and routine.

If you are uncomfortable or unable to locate dog food that is safe in the same variety, you may want to cook a meal for your pet to substitute as your regular dog diet until you can. At this time, you simply may just have to switch varieties or brands of dog food.

As mentioned before, a sudden switch in your dog's diet is not typically recommended, but in the interest of your dog's health, it may be necessary. Should this be the case, try to locate another type of dog food that is similar to your dog's diet in quality. This will help to reduce any digestive issues.

Your vet will best be able to advise you, but expect some digestive trouble such as gas or diarrhea during a sudden diet change. Of course, you will want to keep an eye on this situation, but it is not necessarily a sign of poor quality food. Your dog's digestive tract is not used to significant changes, so it will take a period of time to adjust to the new diet.

A sudden switch or cease of your dog's diet is not typically recommended as the way to go, but in some instances, it is for the best.  Always talk to your vet about any change to your dog's diet and follow the advice. Your dog's safety is the utmost concern.

Tips to Reflect on When Deciding The Diet of Your Puppy Dog


You have recently welcomed a new cute and cuddly puppy into your home. A healthy diet is essential for a long, happy life together. What things do you need to consider when selecting your puppy dog's diet? Always talk to your vet about a proper puppy dog diet. Remember that a puppy dog's diet is not the same as an adult dog's diet. Avoid a trip to the grocery store to grab a bag of adult dog food to feed your pet. This will not meet the nutritional needs of a healthy puppy dog diet.

You can choose to feed your new puppy one of several options. Natural and organic puppy dog diets have become more popular in recent years. Some pet owners prefer to feed a raw diet to their puppy. Most people choose to use kibble as the main component of the puppy dog's diet. For this reason, I will focus primarily on this choice.

As you wean the puppy, a high-quality puppy food with tiny kibble is best. A puppy dog's diet should include all the essential vitamins to create a healthy diet for excellent growth.  Feed your new puppy three or four times a day. Your puppy dog's diet should consist of puppy food moisten with water. Do not moisten the puppy food with milk. The milk acts as a laxative in your puppy dog's diet. The water will create a softer, more palatable cuisine for your pet.

As the new puppy grows and becomes accustomed to eating the kibble as a regular part of his or her diet, you will want to gradually decrease the amount of water. If you plan to feed dry dog food in the future, expect to transition the dog's diet earlier than later. Continuing to moisten the dog food may make transition more difficult later in life. By six weeks of age, your puppy dog's diet can be solid kibble. 

Your puppy should be permitted all the kibble he or she wants during the initial phase of the weaning process. Make sure you present the puppy the new diet of puppy food at regular times. Around five months of age, your puppy dog's diet should decrease to only two feeding time's per day. By this time, you should establish a specific quantity of food per day to ensure a healthy diet and weight for your dog. 

Talk to your vet about how much to feed your new puppy. All puppies look cute, round and cuddly at some point during their first few months. It can be difficult to know when your puppy is overweight. Your veterinarian will help to advise you on this issue. It is a good idea to open up the door of communication between you and your vet now. Both vet and owner only want what is best for the new puppy.

Feeding your new puppy a healthy diet does not have to be difficult. Talk to your vet for advice and information. Always choose a quality food as the main source of nutrition in your puppy dog's diet. A healthy diet for your puppy will set the stage for a healthy dog in the years to come.

Significance of a Feeding Plan in Your Dog's Diet


What your dog's diet consists of is very important. Your dog's overall health and well being is fueled by excellent food and resources. Did you know that your dog's diet should be following a feeding schedule?

Just as important as what your dog eats, is when you feed your dog. Similar to humans, your dog needs to eat regularly. Nutritious meals and snacks should be monitored as part of your dog's diet. Spacing out mealtimes and snacks or treats on a feeding schedule is a good idea.

Depending on your dog's age and health, you will want to devise a feeding schedule that supports your dog's diet and nutritional needs. Adult dogs may only need to eat at one time during the day, but two mealtimes are preferred.

Senior dogs rarely need to vary from the typical adult dog feeding schedule, although the dog's dietary needs change over time.

Puppies require more mealtimes throughout the course of the day. Nursing pups should be permitted to nurse on demand. As you alter your puppy dog's diet from milk to dog food, you will need to offer food four or five times per day. Once the puppy has become weaned and used to the new diet, you may reduce the feeding times to three occasions during the day.

Your dog's diet should be presented to your pet at regular times during the day. The specific time to present your dog's diet is solely up to you, but be certain to establish a schedule.  Avoid dramatically varying your pet's feeding times. For example, if you feed your adult dog before work at about 6:00 AM and then again at 6:00 PM, try to stick with this schedule throughout the week.

Do not be surprised if your dog starts getting antsy at 5:45 in the morning in anticipation of breakfast. Your dog's diet is important to him and he is anxiously awaiting its arrival.  

Even the treats you hand out as part of your dog's diet will become part of your dog's daily routine. If your dog knows that every morning just before your lunch, you offer a chew bone, he or she will await the daily ritual. 

Establishing a feeding schedule helps to keep your dog's diet on track. It is easy to get in the habit of feeding your dog regularly.  Scheduled feeding times will help to predict your dog's elimination schedule. When you are potty training a puppy or housebreaking an adult, it can be helpful to have an idea of when your dog needs to go out. Maintaining a healthy diet and feeding schedule will make your job much easier. This is also very useful when traveling with your pet. If you know to expect your dog's elimination schedule, you will be able to plan appropriate potty stops. In addition, you will know if your dog is feeling stress by changes to his schedule. Try to maintain normalcy and routine as much as possible.

Probably when you think of your dog's diet, you consider what food he consumes, but remember when you present your dog's diet is just as important. A dog will come to expect his daily feeding schedule and routine.

Dog's Diet has an effect on Oral Health


Your dog is your very best friend. Every single time you walk through the door your dog is so happy to see you that he wags his tail and practically smiles at you. How can you show your pet how much they mean to you? Well, one way is to take care of that smile for your pet. Did you know that your dog's diet can influence their oral health?

Humans need to brush and floss their teeth regularly to keep their teeth, tongue, and gums in good condition. Research has recently shown a link between good oral health in humans and a lower risk of heart disease. If good oral health can have such a profound affect on people, then it only makes sense to consider the impact it can have on man's best friend.

It is important to brush your dog's teeth frequently to keep plaque and tartar from becoming an issue. Even wiping his gums with a clean, damp cloth can be beneficial. 

Your dog's diet also plays a role in your pet's oral health. Do you typically feed your dog canned or dry dog food?  What kind of treats and toys do you provide for your pet? All of these things can affect the likelihood of trouble with your pet's teeth.

When your dog's diet is nutritionally sound, containing essential vitamins, nutrients, and enzymes, your pet's oral health will be at its very best. Feeding dry dog food rather than a moist canned variety is best for your dog. The tiny kibbles' hard surface rubs against the teeth to remove and reduce plaque. The simple act of moistening the dry dog food with water or gravy eliminates this property from dry dog food.

The treats you give your pet are part of your dog's diet just like snacks are part of a person's diet. As humans, we tend to want to overlook our snacking habits, so it can be easy to overlook the treats you give your dog. This is not a good idea. Carefully consider any and all items your dog will consume. 

Do you give your dog bones, rawhides, jerky treats, or dog biscuits? Maybe your pet prefers greenies or corn starch chews. You may not have considered it, but tossing Spot a rawhide chew is like giving him a candy bar. The rawhide, for example, contains calories and is often provided between meals.

Many of the treats and snacks you provide in your dog's diet can be just empty wasted calories.  Some treats, alternatively, provide excellent opportunity to improve oral health.  Greenies, rawhides, bones, and hard dog biscuits all help to keep tartar at bay. The softer snacks, such as jerky treats, do not provide much relief from plaque. The healthy treat, on occasion, will also prevent your dog from having bad breath.

Your dog's diet must be healthy to ensure excellent oral health. Dry dog food is best whenever possible. Don't forget to select treats for your pet that will enhance your dog's diet. Consciously monitoring your dog's diet will positively influence your best friend's oral health.