Dog Food

Dog Food – 10 Scary Truths

Monday, January 30th, 2012

40% of dogs are obese. 46% of dogs, and 39% of cats, now die of cancer. Heart, kidney and liver disease are epidemic. Like people, dogs are what they eat. Save your dog a lot of suffering, and save yourself a fortune in vet bills, by learning the truth about your dog’s diet. Here are 10 important things you may not know about what your dog is eating:

1) Commercial dog food is “fast food.

Heavily-processed fast foods (burgers, fries, tacos, etc.) cause major health problems in people. How can fast foods be good for dogs? Only dog food manufacturers think this nonsense makes sense. Dogs and people share roughly 75% the same genetic makeup, and we have similar nutritional needs. What we’re doing to ourselves with processed foods, we’re also doing to our dogs.

2) People food is good for dogs.

Despite what you’ve heard, wholesome “people food” is good for dogs. It is, however, bad for dog food companies. The same fresh, nutritious foods people eat can offer your dog the nutrition he needs and save you a mountain of vet bills. It just takes a little education to learn the small differences in nutritional needs.

3) Don’t presume the food your vet sells is a superior product.

Veterinarians, like medical doctors, learn relatively little about nutrition in school. Much of what vets do learn comes directly from pet food company articles, seminars and sales reps. If your vet hasn’t studied and experimented on his or her own, it’s unlikely your vet knows bad food from good. They may be acting on outdated information or superstition. And if they profit from selling one brand, and not another, they have a conflict of interest that may influence their opinions.

4) The quality of processed commercial foods is suspect.

Dog food may legally contain “4-D” meat: meat from dead, dying, diseased and disabled animals. Add a little road kill, mill floor sweepings and corn contaminated with high levels of pesticide (yes, really) and you have a recipe for ill health. The cheaper the food, the cheaper the ingredients, the worse the nutrition.

5) Kibble does not clean teeth.

Most dogs eat kibble. Most dogs have dental problems. Does that tell you something? Although a small study once suggested that kibble might clean teeth better than canned food, better doesn’t mean effectively. Hoping to avoid brushing our dog’s teeth, we too willingly grasp at unsubstantiated health benefits. But pretending that kibble or hard treats will keep teeth clean will only lead to huge vet bills, lost teeth and much canine suffering.

6) “Complete and balanced” does not mean “optimum.”

“Complete and balanced” means that a food meets minimal theoretical requirements for dogs for a short period of time. Over time, nutrient and enzyme deficiencies are inevitable. Of course, complete and balanced better than not complete and balanced, but again, better does not mean good.

7) Feeding the same food day after day limits nutrition.

Imagine eating corn and chicken wings every meal of your life, with the same mix of cheap vitamins and minerals added. Nutritionists urge people to eat a variety of foods, both for improved nutrition and also to prevent allergies. But variety can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, right? In the short run, yes. Nutritionally-deprived animals have sick guts. In fact, intestinal upset when switching foods is a sign your dog needs more variety. Once good nutrition has healed a dog’s digestive system, the dog can eat different foods every meal — just as people do. Just switch foods gradually over several weeks while your dog’s gut heals.

8) Kibble is not better than canned.

Whereas canned food is preserved by the process of canning, most kibble is preserved artificially. (Ever contemplate how many preservatives must be required to retard spoilage of food left out all day?) Kibble begins as a dry meal whereas canned food is canned fresh. Kibble is exposed to more heat than canned (destroying nutrients). Worse yet, kibble is linked to kidney and bladder problems in cats, and to bloat, a deadly problem especially for large, broad-chested dogs. It’s also dehydrating. Of course, canned isn’t perfect either. Fresh is best, raw or cooked. Next best is frozen prepared food and then dehydrated and freeze dried foods, all available at better pet stores.

9) Chewing can be hazardous to canine health.

Cooked bones and rawhide chews can cause major health problems requiring emergency surgery. Wheat-based treats can bring on allergies. Onions, grapes, raisins, chocolate, the article sweetener Xylitol and other common foods can be toxic for dogs and must be avoided.

10) Corn kills.

Most kibble is loaded with corn, a cheap filler. Unfortunately, the corn isn’t the luscious kind you and I eat. It’s feed corn (like cattle eat), or cheap remnants of feed corn. It may even have been condemned for human consumption, there being no upper level of pesticide contamination for pet foods. If that weren’t bad enough, corn (which gives us both high fructose corn syrup and corn oil) is fattening. Any wonder so many dogs are obese and suffer from diabetes?

Improving your dog’s diet can add years to your dog’s life and save you a fortune. It doesn’t require a lot of work or expense. It just requires a little knowledge and the desire to give your dog the healthy body he or she deserves.

Jan Rasmusen’s book, Scared Poopless: The Straight Scoop on Dog Care, won national awards for Best Health Care Book (of any kind) and Best Pet Care Book. Find free dog care videos, audios, and articles at Jan’s website http://www.Dogs4Dogs.com . Sign up for her popular free e-newsletter and her two holistic care blogs.

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Dog Training Rule – Puppy Behavior Excuses Equal Bad Dog Behavior

Sunday, January 29th, 2012

When your little fuzz ball makes his first trip through the door to your home, dog training begins. His bad behavior might seem cute now, but without puppy training, it could balloon into dog behavior that’s maddening.

The puppy stage is the perfect time to begin dog obedience training, and to stop habits, like digging and chewing behaviors, from forming. Sure, he’s adorable and he melts your heart, but you must remain strong and stick to a routine; for the sake of your dog human relationship.

Excuses never work in puppy training. Here are few examples of how they can sabotage your dog training efforts:

Your puppy jumps on you and your guests.

An Excuse: He’s so short. What harm is he doing? He just wants to meet people.

Dog Training Truth: Your puppy will quickly learn that jumping gets him attention. It won’t be long before he’s trampling children and bowling over senior citizens.

Your puppy barks when he’s lonely, when he wants out of his crate, or when he wants to play. You stop what you’re doing to give him the attention he wants.

An Excuse: My puppy needs love, and he’s telling me that. When I give him that love, he stops barking.

Dog Training Truth: You’re rewarding what will someday become a bothersome behavior; and you’re effectively teaching him to bark when he wants something. He’ll be barking until his last day. Only give your attentions when the puppy is being quiet, and you’ll discourage excessive dog barking.

Your puppy bites and nips at your fingers and wrists while you play. The more excited he gets, the more he bites.

An Excuse: Puppy biting is harmless. It’s just a phase. He’s not hurting me; I’m tough.

Dog Training Truth: It might not hurt now, but when your dog’s mouth takes on size and bite pressure, you’ll be howling for relief.

Your puppy chews on the old couch in the basement. However, you would never allow him to gnaw on your expensive, custom made dining room furniture.

An Excuse: That old couch is such a rag, anyway. When he chews on it, he’s occupied, and his attentions are diverted from the good furniture.

Dog Training Truth: If puppy is permitted to believe that one piece of furniture is a chew toy, he’ll eventually move on to other chewing endeavors. Provide him with plenty of toys to chew on, and if he tries to take a bite out of your property, divert his attention to his toys.

The puppy goes crazy when you hook the leash to his collar. He jumps around, tugs with all his might, and keeps constant tension on the leash.

An Excuse: There’s no way the little guy is moving me. It’s a good way for him to expend some energy, and it lets him explore the world on his terms. Dog Training Truth: If you allow your puppy to take control of dog walking, you’ll have no control once he’s big enough to drag you into the path of oncoming traffic.

There’s nothing cuter than a puppy. But no matter how big those brown eyes, or how fuzzy that little face, you have got to maintain consistency when training puppy. This will make future dog training seem virtually effortless. Puppies crave a predictable routine, and will thrive when they have confidence in what comes next.

Puppy care can be complicated by a pup without good manners; but good puppy training will make this feat surmountable, and even simple. Ask a top dog trainer, and he or she will tell you that to stop digging and chewing behaviors before they start, to learn proper dog walking manners, to limit puppy biting, to stop dog barking, and to stop dog jumping, you only need a set of simple dog obedience training techniques.

Holding firm might seem difficult at first, but when you’re basking in the glow of the dog human relationship that you’ve always dreamt of, you will look back on puppy training, and view it as the invaluable investment that it was.

Dr. Nortey Omaboe is a practicing veterinarian with over 27 years of experience. He created Fast and Easy Dog Training with a professional dog Trainer. Please visit http://fastandeasydogtraining.com to learn more.

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Is Turkey Bad for Dogs?

Monday, January 16th, 2012

 

When it comes to feeding table scraps to a dog, there are many different opinions about what is safe and what is not. Responsible pet owners should always exercise caution when feeding human food to their pet, but some foods are safe to feed to a dog. As far as turkey goes, it is important to use moderation and be conscious of what part of the turkey the dog is eating.

Regardless of what type of table scraps a dog is eating, it is important to avoid foods that are overly high in fat. The digestive system of a dog is simply not equipped to handle foods that have a great deal of fat in them. In addition, fatty foods can lead to excessive weight gain that can cause its own set of problems down the road.

One of the major issues with turkey is that the skin is very high in fat, which makes it very difficult for a dog to digest safely. There also evidence that eating turkey can cause fatal pancreatic inflammation in dogs. If someone does decide to allow their dog to eat a small amount of turkey, they should make sure that all of the skin is removed before giving it to the dog.

It is safe for a dog to be fed cooked turkey meet in moderation. However, if a dog really develops a taste for turkey, it is a much safer idea to give them turkey-flavored products that are intended for consumption by dogs. In any pet store, there are many options for things such as treats and bones that have the flavor of turkey without the dangerous side effects.

It may seem unlikely, but if there is one part of the turkey that should be kept away from the dog at all costs, it is the bone. Turkey and chicken bones splinter very easily and the pieces can be stuck in the intestines, causing many complicated and dangerous health issues. After serving a turkey, it is important to immediately put the bones in a tightly closed, dog proof garbage can.

Whenever a dog owner decides to give their dog table scraps, they need to be aware of the fat content and make sure that there will be no dangerous repercussions for the dog. In moderation, it is okay for a dog to have small amounts of cooked turkey, but they should never be allowed to have the bones. Letting a dog chew on turkey bones or letting them eat the skin could lead to unnecessary and dangerous health problems.

It is also important to make sure your dog is well protected. For more information on one top dog tracking collar, the Garmin DC30, click on the following link: Dog Tracking System.

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The Truth About Food Aggression in Dogs

Friday, January 6th, 2012

The Truth About Food Aggression in Dogs

Are you just plain fed up? Does feeding your dog turn into a nightmare of aggressive dog behavior if anyone in the household comes near him while he’s eating? If your pooch is displaying food aggression in dogs, this serious dog behavior problem needs to be stopped before your dog attacks you or someone in your family.

Dog Food Aggression Is Instinctive Behavior For Canines

In the wild, a dog is protective of his food, his mate, and his territory. Aggressive behavior in dogs is necessary for their survival. The most aggressive dog is the pack leader, or alpha male, and he enforces his position by being the dominant dog in the pack.

However, your dog shouldn’t be the pack leader in your home. If he is, you’re in for trouble, because he thinks he’s the alpha male, and like he would in the wild, he’ll enforce his position by using aggressive dog behavior. This is a dominance issue that won’t go away on its own. You must take steps to deal with his aggressive behavior before it reaches a dangerous level.

Causes of Food Aggression In Dogs

Most of us have laughed at a “cute” little puppy who’s aggressively guarding his food. Don’t do it! This is a serious training mistake many dog owners make. Instead of encouraging this kind of canine possession aggression, you need to nip this problem in the bud.

In your dog’s mind, he’s confused about who the pack leader is. If you don’t take the role of the alpha male (even if you’re female), there’s a leadership vacuum, to your dog’s way of thinking. If you don’t step into the role, he will. And he won’t be nice about enforcing his position in your household.

Since he considers himself the top dog, he thinks he can take whatever he wants from whoever is lower in rank than he is. The reality is that the family dog should be at the bottom of the heap, not the top. Anyone in the household should be able to take anything away from him, even his food. Of course, you’re not really going to do this, but he needs to know where he stands in your household pack.

Dog Food Aggression Training

With a puppy, you’ll make it clear that having people or other animals around when he’s eating is OK. Do this right from the beginning, and you’ll probably never have a problem with this type of aggressive dog behavior. Anyone in the family should be able to safely stand right next to him at any time while he’s eating. If this isn’t the case, you need to take control of his food.

It’s always a good idea to feed your dog after you and your family have finished eating. Your dog will instinctively understand that the alpha dog always eats first. This reinforces your position and your family members’ positions in the pack in relationship to him.

Require that your dog sit and stay quietly while you’re fixing his food. If he whines and jumps around and demands food, don’t give in. He needs to earn his food by behaving in a non-aggressive manner.

Never let your dog “win” his food by growling at you. This only rewards his bad dog behavior.

If food aggression in dogs is already a serious problem in your household, a dog behavior course may be your next step. Look for a course that includes a consultation with an experienced dog trainer, and that has a forum where you can get advice from other dog owners.

Now that you know what to do, don’t delay in taking steps to control dog food aggression.

Darlene Norris worked at a vet clinic and an animal shelter, and has had lots of experience dealing with aggressive dogs. Visit her new website, No More Bad Dogs, to learn more about food aggression in dogs, and discover which dog training course she recommends at http://NoMoreBadDogs.com

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Iams Healthy Naturals – One of the Best Pet’s Food for Your Pet Health Care

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

Healthy and natural food is always lovable to all. Whether its humans or animals, all deserves to have healthy and nutritious foods for living the life healthy and happy.

When we talk of our pets, there are companies and brands like Iams that are best for pet’s food. Iams is a leading and renowned manufacturer of pet’s food in the whole world. This is the brand that is known for its production and supply of pet’s foods to Canada, USA, etc.

If you are looking for pet’s food for your cat, there is none better than Iams Healthy Naturals. It is best for your lovely cats and your cats simply love to have these foods. This is easy to digest and is rich in some of the very healthy ingredients to provide your cats’ energy and healthy body with enhanced immune system.

Iams Healthy Naturals contains the ingredients like chicken provide your cat the necessary vitamins and minerals that you are looking for. It also includes some high quality proteins that are most needed for your pets. The food is rich in vitamin E, amino acids, fibers, etc. that makes the food energetic and easy to digest.

Moreover these Iams Healthy foods do not at all contain any of the artificial colors and flavors that may prove harmful for your pet’s health. This is completely natural and best for your pets. This is also rich in fruits and vegetables and completes the perfect diet for your cats.

It has been seen that often dogs and cats are very active throughout the day. It is therefore necessary for you that you should provide them with best food they deserve to give them nutrients and energy to remain active. You should of course choose the right food product that is most suitable for your breed.

You can consult the veterinary experts or the local pet food store owner who can suggest the right foods for your pets. Finding the right food like that of Iams Healthy Naturals and serving your pets with it will be easy to digest for them.

Iams Healthy Naturals is a great buy for all if you simply love your pets. This is cheap to buy and you cannot get any other pets food with such rich ingredients at this price. There are today Iams coupons available for you that can save you much money on your pets’ food. You can just register them online and can get them directly to your email box when they are available for the first time.

Now you can easily get some of the exciting Iams coupons and other printable dog food coupons that are best for getting you a healthy dog’s food.

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The Importance of a Dog’s Diet and His Health

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

Your dog is your friend and like any friend, you surely want to keep him as healthy as possible. There are lots of ways to do this; long walks, play, affection but the most positive way is to give him a nutritious diet to keep him healthy.

A hungry or malnourished dog, just like a hungry or malnourished human can be unpleasant and bad tempered so a dog’s diet is important to keep him even tempered as well as healthy.

If you choose a good quality diet for your dog, his chances of living long and happily will be vastly improved so select a diet which includes all the essential vitamins and minerals that he needs.

Consult your vet for the most suitable diet for your dog. Don’t forget that this will change throughout his life and depending on his breed. For older dogs or dogs with inherent diseases such as arthritis or kidney problems, your vet may recommend supplements.

A dog’s diet affects his vitality and energy; if your dog is listless and doesn’t want to go for a walk, his diet may be lacking or he may have some other underlying health problem. Consult your vet immediately in this event.

You may not know that a dog’s diet has a bearing on how much and what he excretes. The more goodness is absorbed from the food and the fewer fillers, the less excrement you will have to clear up.

A dog should maintain a healthy weight, just like a person. A dog’s diet as well as the amount of exercise he takes is crucial in keeping his weight as it should be. Don’t give unsuitable treats such as human biscuits or chocolates; stick to treats which are designed for dogs and don’t give too many. It’s best to keep them as a reward or make the dog work for them by putting them in a toy designed for the purpose.

It’s important to note any change in your dog if you change his food. Dogs have food allergies too which can cause anything from stomach upsets to skin problems.

A dog’s diet also has an effect on his coat. A dog with a healthy diet will have a lovely shiny coat; grooming will help with this too.

Don’t forget the dog’s teeth as well. Dry dog foods are ideal for scrubbing off plaque and polishing a dog’s teeth. If your dog won’t eat dry food, you should clean his teeth for him.

A dog’s diet has an influence on every part of his body, his energy and his quality of life.

A dog’s diet is instrumental in promoting his health and vitality and you can find more information at A Dog’s Diet.

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More Overlooked Reasons to Choose a Homemade Dog Food Recipe vs Processed Food

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

Introduction

There are tons of reasons for choosing a homemade dog food recipe diet for your pet vs. feeding processed food.

The most obvious reasons have to do with the questionable ingredients in many dog foods; the methods which are used to make dog food and the fact that processed pet food is really NOT the best nutritional option for your dog (no matter how many star ratings it receives.)

In this article, however, I wanted to focus on some overlooked reasons for why a homemade dog food recipe diet is better any kibble or canned food.

#1 – Conviction (or Confidence or Certainty)

When you truly get a handle on making homemade recipes, and when you see the transformation in your pet, you are going to have such a supreme confidence when it comes to your dog’s nutrition.

You will no longer be subject to bogus claims of “balanced and complete meals” nor will you be intimidated by veterinarian claims that only trained “experts” can feed your dog (if you visit your vet at all, that is!)

Your dog’s nutrition is the key to a long lasting and healthy life, and when you come up to speed on feeding homemade recipes, you will have the profound conviction that you know EXACTLY what you are doing when it comes to his / her diet.

# 2 – A Certain Unease

Let’s be honest, for many dog owners feeding time is a matter of convenience (something many dog owners fear they will lose if feeding homemade recipes. While this is not entirely true, we’ll leave it for another article).

Yet, if owners really looked deep inside they would have to admit that feeding a complete and balanced meal from a processed food bag just makes no sense. You wouldn’t open a can and feed a child a complete and balanced meal, every day for every single meal.

Nature intended animals to have variety, to have natural ingredients, whether they were grabbing bananas directly from a tree or settling down to finish off their prey.

There is a certain unease that some pet owners have when they reach for the bag or can. That feeling is their conscience letting them know that another method of feeding awaits, one which is infinitely better for their pets.

# 3 – Camaraderie

This may sound strange since you probably already have a great friendship with your dog. It’s just that when you really begin to take control of his / her nutrition, it really does begin to transform that relationship.

You will feel pride, joy, and love well up inside you because now you KNOW, you KNOW (again it’s that conviction) that you are prolonging your dog’s precious life and reducing his/her ailments by feeding natural. (You may at times feel sadness for having left his nutrition to some large conglomerate).

But no worries, now you have chosen a better way, and it is one more way that you are showing your dog how much you care.

Conclusion

Conviction, a Certain Unease and newfound Camaraderie… again, less common (but no less important) reasons to begin feeding your pet a diet of homemade dog food recipes.

Happy feeding!

Kent Simmons is crazy about homemade dog food recipes for your dog.

For more information on what constitutes a good homemade dog food recipe, visit http://recipes4dogfood.com.

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Calming Your Pets Behavior With a Diet Change

Monday, December 12th, 2011

If you are struggling with an aggressive or disobedient dog you should consider making changes to its diet. Many common behaviour issues have their roots in poor nutrition or a negative reaction to certain foods. Dogs are what they eat, both in body and mind. Once you learn which foods may be provoking your dog’s behaviour problems you can take steps to resolve them for good.

A common issue that can be attributed to diet is coprophagia. Coprophagia is a compulsion to consume feces. It is a very unsanitary habit and if you see your dog exhibiting this behaviour often you must take steps to stop it. A dog may be attracted to feces because it is not fully digesting its food. Low quality foods that are high in fat and grain fillers are usually to blame. Switch your dog to a high protein diet. Training and diligent cleaning will also be necessary to fully control this.

There is research to support that anxiety and aggression in dogs is often related to their diet. Dogs will display abnormal response to discomfort or pain. This could be due to a lack of proper nutrition or from foods that are irritating their system. Some experts claim that the additives and colouring in commercial dog foods may also be contributing to the problem. Feeding your dog a premium food with quality ingredients can help promote positive changes. But a new diet is only one part of the solution. An aggressive or anxious dog will still require obedience training. It should also see a vet to rule out illness or injury.

A sudden change in temperament or condition may be due to food allergies. Symptoms can include lethargy, incontinence, hair loss, and skin infections. Most dogs with food allergies are reacting to grain. Grain free foods are now widely available in most pet stores. Sometimes the dog may be allergic to a specific type of meat. You may need to look in to more exotic options to meet your dog’s needs such as salmon, duck, bison, or even kangaroo. You should consult a vet to diagnose dog allergies before you make any changes. These symptoms may also be signs of other illnesses.

Considering the consequences, choosing the right food for your dog’s physical and emotional well-being can feel overwhelming. But it is as simple as knowing what your dog’s needs are and taking a critical look at a brand’s ingredients. Dogs need a diet that is high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates. Look for foods that list whole meat products as one of the first few ingredients. Avoid foods that list too many grains such as rice or corn. Some owners prefer to take control of their pet’s diet and prepare fresh food themselves.

Dogs are sensitive animals that will respond physically and mentally to the foods they consume. Sometimes a change in diet can make all the difference when dealing with a behaviour issue. Take the time to learn what types of dog food may be most suitable for your pet’s individual needs.

A dogs diet is necessary in maintaining a happy and contented animal, this can be found in the dog food ingredient list on backs of packaging

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What You’ll Find in Wellness Dog Food!

Thursday, February 17th, 2011

While some pet food manufacturers use every scrap of meat from animal renderings, Wellness dog food limits ingredients to only quality sources for what the animals need for good nutrition. A balanced combination of protein, grains for fiber and fruits for antioxidant protection are included in all varieties of Wellness dog food to help the pet remain healthy and active.

Many of the less expensive pet foods utilize all of the parts of meat and eat byproducts in their foods, allowing the inclusion of products that may include added hormones and potentially diseased animals. Wellness dog food does not use animals in their dog food with questionable health, which could possibly contain allergens, animal fats, soy, wheat and other products that may be hazardous to canines.

By using only quality protein sources, Wellness dog food promotes strong muscles and the grains included promote healthy fiber and provides energy for the pet. Antioxidant protection for the dog’s blood health is included with fruits and vegetables and the inclusion of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids provide for the animal’s skin and coat. Many dogs can develop joint problems but Wellness dog food contains Glucosamine and chrondroitin to help healthy joints and taurine help prevent heart problems in pets.

No Room For Bad Foods In Wellness

With all the nutritional products packed into Wellness dog food there is no room for fats and processed foods. It contains no meat byproducts or rendered animal fat, white rice, dairy, egg or soy products that can have ill effects on many dogs. Wellness dog food products respect and promote the overall health of all canines and only products proven to be beneficial to the well being of the pet is included in the food products.

Artificial flavorings and artificial colors have no place in a dog’s food, and are not included in any variety of Wellness dog food. Only fresh meats are included and the fruits and vegetables are not left over from other processes and dumped in the food just to save them from being thrown away. Anything that does not meet the high standards for quality to be included in the company’s dog food ends up in the trash or in another company’s products.

Most families view their dog as more than a faithful companion and many treat it like a loyal member of their family. Feeding it the best products they can is important to the animals health and well being as well as to the family’s peace of mind.

How to Avoid Feeding Your Cocker Spaniel Tainted Dog Food

Thursday, February 17th, 2011

The primary ingredients in your pet’s food does not have to be bad for it to cause tainted dog food. All it takes is one ingredient to be less that acceptable for an entire production run of tainted dog food to be shipped to outlets worldwide. Since pet food manufacturers do not make each ingredient in their product, any one of the separate components can be tainted and will affect the entire product.

It is sometimes difficult to find the source of tainted dog food as evidenced by the recent outbreak of deaths and illnesses caused by tainted pet food. If any one of the ingredients, including the main source of meat, is tainted, it will have detrimental effect on the entire batch. For example, if something enters the food supply of one of the meats that may not be a problem for that animal, it cause tainted dog food if the additive is fatal to canines.

Apple seeds for instance, can cause cyanide poisoning in dogs, but is not harmful to chickens, If a chicken has eaten apple seeds and ends up in the dog food, the cyanide may still be present causing illness and possibly death to the dogs. In the most recent incidence of tainted dog food, wheat gluten was thought to have been tainted, causing the problems with tons of pet food. Many organic pet foods do not use wheat in any form in their products, due to the adverse reaction to the protein expected in many animals. However, some companies do use it as a protein source.

Protect Your Pet From Contamination

When a large, reputable supplier is a recipient of bad food ingredients it may be difficult to protect your pet from the effects of tainted dog food. However, checking the ingredients of all pet foods can help in the fight against that possibility. Making sure the ingredients supply the protein and grains needed for health of the pet can reduce the chance of your animal from being the victim of tainted dog food.

Many pet foods use preservatives along with artificial colors and flavorings to enhance the appearance and taste of their foods. Pet foods made with quality ingredients will not need these additives to convince your dog to eat the product and many should simply be avoided. While many less expensive brands of pet food are perfectly safe, made under the same strict guidelines to avoid the potential of tainted dog food, some of the lesser-known brands may contain products that are not healthy for the animal.