When it comes to taking care of the health and well being of our pets, many people feel that they must go with natural organic dog food in order to make sure that their dogs are healthy. This does not mean that those dogs that are not raised on organic dog food are unhealthy, but those who are raised on it have less of a chance of getting ill because there is not a lot of artificial ingredients and such.
Even if you have not raised your dog on the organic stuff, you can still make the switch and give them something new and different.
Any change for the better is one that should be welcomed, even if you are not used to giving your dog organic food. You will want to keep in mind though that this type of dog food is probably going to cost a lot more money then you are used to spending each week on meals for your dog.
It is truly worth it in the end though if the health of your pet improves and they are less likely to need expensive visits to the vet’s office. In the long run going with better tasting and high quality dog food is the way to go because it will make a real difference in the life of your dog.
If you are used to shopping in the grocery store or your local department store for your dog food you may find that you will have to start shopping other places. There are some department stores and grocery stores out there that carry organic dog food but there are not many of them simply because the demand from pet owners is not yet that high.
For now you may find it best to head directly to a pet supply shop where you will be likely to find a large variety of organic dog food. Even though it is going to cost you extra money, especially considering where you are going to have to do your shopping, you just have to keep in mind that it's worth it.
If you are on a tight budget then you are going to want to try to find yourself as many discounts or coupons as you possibly can. This will help to make sure that the cost is kept down somewhat for you. Head to the web site for the brand of organic dog food that you prefer as often times there will be coupons there that you can print out. Sign up for their mailing list and you will probably be sent coupons from time to time. Also be sure to look for general store coupons that can be applied to the purchase of the organic dog food.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
A Guide to Healthy Homemade Dog Food
Recently, many pet foods were recalled from the market because of dangerous ingredients contained in them. There has always been some controversy around ready made pet food. Many people believe that they don't contain sufficient nutrients for a pet's good health. As well, it is believed by many that commercial dog food is unhealthy for dogs as the meat used in those foods is considered unfit for human consumption.
These factors have led a lot of pet owners to look for guidelines for preparing healthy homemade dog food. However, homemade dog food ingredients must be chosen carefully so as to provide a well-balanced diet.
For many years, it was believed that canines were carnivores. However, at one time many dogs fell ill from eating an all meat diet. It is now believed that canines are omnivores. This means that they need both plant-based food and meat in their diet to remain healthy.
It's important to keep in mind that dogs need a source of protein containing ten amino acids. Corn is the main ingredient of most commercial pet foods, but though it is a protein, it has only four of these amino acids.
A healthy homemade dog food must be meat-based, along with good quality proteins such as chicken, beef, egg white and fish, and some carbohydrates such as oats, corn, rice, wheat, soy and barley. It is also important to add some vegetables for energy, minerals, fats and vitamins. Grind up some eggshells, and add them to the dog’s food as well.
Your dog’s diet must consist of 40% meat, 30% vegetables and 30% starch. Such a diet can be easily prepared at home using human quality foods. And the ingredients can be varied so that the dogs get an array of nutrients. Following this formula will ensure that your canine is getting a well balanced diet.
There are a few foods that can cause some serious health problems in your dog, and hence must be avoided. These foods include chocolates, macadamia nuts, avocados, garlic, grapes, mushrooms, onions, and all kind of spicy and greasy foods.
Always cook meat before giving it to your dog. Organ meat such as kidney, liver and eggs are very good for the health of your dog. Refrigerate after preparing and don't keep it for more than three days.
If you have been feeding your dog commercially prepared food, you are advised to check with your vet before switching over to homemade dog food. Most veterinarians agree that healthy homemade dog food is ideal for your pet in the long run.
These factors have led a lot of pet owners to look for guidelines for preparing healthy homemade dog food. However, homemade dog food ingredients must be chosen carefully so as to provide a well-balanced diet.
For many years, it was believed that canines were carnivores. However, at one time many dogs fell ill from eating an all meat diet. It is now believed that canines are omnivores. This means that they need both plant-based food and meat in their diet to remain healthy.
It's important to keep in mind that dogs need a source of protein containing ten amino acids. Corn is the main ingredient of most commercial pet foods, but though it is a protein, it has only four of these amino acids.
A healthy homemade dog food must be meat-based, along with good quality proteins such as chicken, beef, egg white and fish, and some carbohydrates such as oats, corn, rice, wheat, soy and barley. It is also important to add some vegetables for energy, minerals, fats and vitamins. Grind up some eggshells, and add them to the dog’s food as well.
Your dog’s diet must consist of 40% meat, 30% vegetables and 30% starch. Such a diet can be easily prepared at home using human quality foods. And the ingredients can be varied so that the dogs get an array of nutrients. Following this formula will ensure that your canine is getting a well balanced diet.
There are a few foods that can cause some serious health problems in your dog, and hence must be avoided. These foods include chocolates, macadamia nuts, avocados, garlic, grapes, mushrooms, onions, and all kind of spicy and greasy foods.
Always cook meat before giving it to your dog. Organ meat such as kidney, liver and eggs are very good for the health of your dog. Refrigerate after preparing and don't keep it for more than three days.
If you have been feeding your dog commercially prepared food, you are advised to check with your vet before switching over to homemade dog food. Most veterinarians agree that healthy homemade dog food is ideal for your pet in the long run.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Vegetarian Dog Food Recipes: Safe for Your Dog?
The idea of a strictly vegetarian diet for dogs and cats is met with a lot of skepticism from pet owners. However, if you follow vegetarian dog food recipes with the nutritional balance necessary, it is possible for your dog to be satisfied and healthy on a vegetarian diet.
Dogs are omnivores like humans. In the wild, they eat a lot of plant-based foods. Sure, they also eat meat in the wild but they generally eat mice, birds, and other small animals. With good, nutritious vegetarian dog food recipes and nutritional supplements, your dog can get all of the nutrients he needs from a vegetarian diet.
Your dog may be very used to eating commercial food so it could be hard for you to wean him. You can start by incorporating vegetarian food into his diet and then taking out the meat-based products little by little.
Use vegetarian dog food recipes that include tomato sauce, olive oil, powdered kelp, and nutritional yeast, which are food items dogs tend to enjoy. Veggie burgers, mashed chickpeas, and melon are also very popular with dogs.
The health of most dogs improves after switching to vegetarian dog food recipes but watch your pet closely regardless. Note any changes in his skin, fur, or gastrointestinal problems. There are times when dogs do not thrive on vegetarian diets so if that is the case, put some meat back into his diet.
You can prepare vegetarian dog food recipes for your dog by yourself or you can buy commercially prepared food. If you choose to prepare food on your own, make sure to read about the nutritional requirements of dogs and follow them carefully when preparing meals.
A dog can get sick if he doesn’t receive enough Vitamin D, protein, or calcium in his diet. Look for a supplement that contains these nutrients as well as essential amino acids to ensure that your dog gets enough of the nutrients he needs.
You can buy a book with vegetarian dog food recipes or come up with your own. Remember to use a variety of different ingredients and use a lot of protein-packed grains and legumes. Chickpeas, quinoa, amaranth, and kidney beans are examples of healthy, protein-packed ingredients you can give to your dog. If you want to use a dry dog food recipe, try mashing together ingredients like beans, corn, and potatoes and then baking small biscuits.
So there you have it. A vegetarian diet may not be right for every dog out there but it is possible to have a healthy vegetarian dog. Remember to study the nutritional needs of your dog carefully and consult a veterinarian for advice. It’s possible for your dog to get all of the nutrients he needs from a carefully planned vegetarian dog food recipe.
Dogs are omnivores like humans. In the wild, they eat a lot of plant-based foods. Sure, they also eat meat in the wild but they generally eat mice, birds, and other small animals. With good, nutritious vegetarian dog food recipes and nutritional supplements, your dog can get all of the nutrients he needs from a vegetarian diet.
Your dog may be very used to eating commercial food so it could be hard for you to wean him. You can start by incorporating vegetarian food into his diet and then taking out the meat-based products little by little.
Use vegetarian dog food recipes that include tomato sauce, olive oil, powdered kelp, and nutritional yeast, which are food items dogs tend to enjoy. Veggie burgers, mashed chickpeas, and melon are also very popular with dogs.
The health of most dogs improves after switching to vegetarian dog food recipes but watch your pet closely regardless. Note any changes in his skin, fur, or gastrointestinal problems. There are times when dogs do not thrive on vegetarian diets so if that is the case, put some meat back into his diet.
You can prepare vegetarian dog food recipes for your dog by yourself or you can buy commercially prepared food. If you choose to prepare food on your own, make sure to read about the nutritional requirements of dogs and follow them carefully when preparing meals.
A dog can get sick if he doesn’t receive enough Vitamin D, protein, or calcium in his diet. Look for a supplement that contains these nutrients as well as essential amino acids to ensure that your dog gets enough of the nutrients he needs.
You can buy a book with vegetarian dog food recipes or come up with your own. Remember to use a variety of different ingredients and use a lot of protein-packed grains and legumes. Chickpeas, quinoa, amaranth, and kidney beans are examples of healthy, protein-packed ingredients you can give to your dog. If you want to use a dry dog food recipe, try mashing together ingredients like beans, corn, and potatoes and then baking small biscuits.
So there you have it. A vegetarian diet may not be right for every dog out there but it is possible to have a healthy vegetarian dog. Remember to study the nutritional needs of your dog carefully and consult a veterinarian for advice. It’s possible for your dog to get all of the nutrients he needs from a carefully planned vegetarian dog food recipe.
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