Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Grain Free Dog Food For Healthier Diets

Cape hunting dogs forage in packs and set out at dusk to start their predations. With their alert ears and shining coats they make an ideal marketing picture for grain free dog food. They may never have taken a mouth full of the top dog food brand sold in supermarkets but seem none the worse for that. They're lean and mean and shining with good health.

Like other dogs these creatures are omnivorous rather than carnivorous. Before they tear another animal to pieces they will forage in the bush. Beetles, eggs, insects and a good deal of herbivore dung will be consumed.

The main goal remains protein rich meat. When the kill is done meat will be torn off and swallowed with hair and bone, and the contents of intestines and stomach slurped down. Afterwards the pack will find fresh water and mouthfuls of leafy grass will be taken from damp patches near the water.

In the profusion of dietary items available in the wild there will be relatively few grains. The main item on the menu will be raw meat. Pure protein will outweigh everything else in a successful pack of hunters.

Canned feed may contain too much water and maize meal for optimum nutrition. The few scraps of meat or meat flavor in a can may encourage an animal to wolf down the contents in preference to dry food but the preponderance of carbohydrates may lead to unhealthy obesity.

Some dry food brands announce that they are a complete formula. They encourage owners to feed nothing but the formula. Dogs often eat only a minimum amount of such foods, possibly because it is so distasteful or so salty that they can't ever satisfy their hunger and remain lean though unsatisfied. This scientific method does not seem to pay much attention to the emotional needs of owners or their pets.

A switch to a grain free dietary regime is often recommended because the carbohydrates in maize and wheat meal can make an animal feel replete without supplying the proportion of protein that is needed. This can lead to obesity and the associated health problems. Vets may recommend a switch in diet as a pet gets older and needs more protein.

On one hand the cost of foods with more meat will be higher because pure protein is expensive. On the other hand an animal might need less of such feed on account of the higher protein content. Quality can be played off against quantity. Good brands of feed will also have vitamins and supplementary elements.

Potatoes, tomatoes, peas and canola oil may be included as supplements, depending on availability. These will supply vitamins and trace elements that would occur naturally in a scavenger's diet. In fact, due to scientific formulations there could be a good chance that the commercial brand would be better than the completely natural diet.

Aside from costs, another consideration to be taken into account is the composition of fat in a grain free dog food. Again, economics might determine the use of inferior meats with large fat content. In this respect it might be a good idea to look for grain free dog foods that contain fish rather than chicken or beef.

Friday, March 11, 2011

A Quick Look At Organic Dog Food

Dog lovers know the magic that works between them and their canine companion. It can seem as if mental telepathy connects them, and no words are needed to communicate the love and adoration they share. Grooming, bathing and feeding are the least that can be done for them, and making sure they have the best in medical care and dietary needs is crucial to long life and happiness. Let's look at a few of the benefits of feeding organic dog food.

Allergies are often associated with commercially manufactured feeds because of the toxic chemicals used in creating them. Natural dog food has produced results which improved skin conditions and even cured previous allergic reactions. The coat becomes softer, and has a luxurious shine and is much healthier.

Canines typically look to their owners as the leader of the pack, and keep their attention focused on the humans in the household. Dogs that are not getting the necessary nutrition can become listless and look as if they are not happy. When fed organic dog food their eyes brighten up, and abnormal discharge goes away. Their ears also improve and become drier, instead of having excessive fluids.

The indications are that canine digestion improves because the stool is smaller in size, meaning all of the nutritional value was successfully absorbed into the system. It is also more biodegradable. Bad breath is a common occurrence for animals being fed chemically treated feeds, and when switched to organic that condition at least improves, if not completely disappearing.

One of the many reasons people loves their canine buddies is because they are so playful. Organic dog food shows a marked increase the their energy level and vitality. They have better hydration, and their innate senses of hearing, smell, and interaction sharpen to a much higher level. Their overall tone is greatly improved, and are eager for meal time.

Canine sporting events have become more popular, and is one area where endurance is vital for the animal to compete at full potential. Organic dog food strengthens the heart muscle, and causes a more pronounced muscle definition for the rest of the body. They are less susceptible to diseases, and common infections, because their immune system is enhanced from the increase of nutrient intake.

Even though many locations require annual vaccinations for canines, most dog lovers realize the importance of maintaining the health of their furry little companions. Organic dog food has shown a decrease in visits to veterinarian offices for conditions that are a result of what kind of commercial feed the pet is being fed. Most owners are careful to make sure their canines are tested for heart worm at regular intervals.

Legally required vaccinations, and other routine health checkups are still advised, especially those for detecting heart worms. Being a pet owner carries responsibilities that include feeding, watering and grooming. There overall health and vitality could be significantly improved by changing their diet to organic dog food.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

An Overview Of Natural Dog Food

Most dog lovers want the best for their canine companions, and in addition to excellent veterinarian care, a diet which is full of nutrients is at the top of the list. There are health benefits to providing them with natural dog food, and some of them might be surprising. Let's take a look at some details about the canine diet.

Dogs are related to wolves and coyotes, and in a natural habitat, none of them are vegetarians. What plant content they eat is inside entrails and could be debatable as to whether the dog is after the vegetable content, or simply eating the protein matter that contains it. By nature, canines are protein eaters, and a high grain content can actually cause digestive problems.

Over the years, humans started developing more diseases and ailments, and it only stood to reason that the domesticated animal world would start having such things as tumors and abnormalities. When humans found out that natural foods were healthier, they realized that pets were probably being fed the same artificial ingredients. Changing their diets changed the health of both.

Hip displacement has become a common problem in most breeds of domesticated dogs, and those whose diets were changed, experienced an improvement of this condition. Dog breeders and trainers who have be religiously feeding their canines an all natural diet, have not only eliminated this condition in their stock, but have heartier animals who are more disease resistant.

Allergies such as skin rashes, constant coughing and sneezing, excess mucus and other ailments have been linked to the ingredients found in most commercial canine foods. In many cases, it is the content of vegetables that have shown up as the culprits. There are certain types of vegetation which can not be digested in a canine stomach.

People may have experienced a situation where a doggie wets the floor when someone reaches out to pet it. This bladder incontinence may not be at all related to the personality of the dog, or it giving into a submissive behavior. Bowel and bladder incontinence have been directly linked to the chemicals found in pet foods.

Raw foods that are intended for human consumption may be treated with chemicals that cause the foods to remain looking fresh. However, canines really don't care what the food looks like, since they are color blind. Feeds intended for canines do not need to look appealing to a human, they only need to be healthy for the dog.

When that moment of everlasting bond occurred, and your new canine buddy chose you to be its new friend for life, it also turned over its trust and confidence into your hands, to provide it with proper medical care and a healthy diet. Natural dog food offers an opportunity to give your companion the best that life has to offer, and help to ensure a long and happy life together as best friends.

A Raw Dog Food Diet Has Many Benefits

A raw dog food diet is an uncooked meal without any additives. The products are made from natural ingredients. Experts believe it is healthier than the commercial pet fare.

Developing natural eating habits in our dog goes a long way in improving the health of our beloved companion. Better health, longer life and overall well being of the pet are often ensured by moving away from artificial fare. Some experts have put together dog diets for pet owners. These menus include raw meat, grains, vegetables and fruit. All of these are good and safe to eat. The dog wont go hungry and eats healthier.

Dogs are carnivores, so raw meat is perfect for it. But there is the risk of raw meat being infected. So it is better to check a supplier before buying. A pure vegetable diet is also suitable for dogs. It is good for the digestive system.

A natural diet is richer in minerals and proteins and also contains more carbohydrates and and vitamins. This is because the food is not cooked. The composition of food can change the when heated, adversely affecting its nutritional value.

An advantage of the so called raw product is that the animal will eat food as it is found in nature. Groceries containing a lot of additives are not good for humans, and they are not recommended for dogs. Unfortunately that is often all you will find shops and often also the vet. Dogs eat it only because it is flavored. Added coloring is there for the humans carrying the wallet, not for the dogs. The animals really do not care about the color.

Then there is the question of itchy skin. If a dog is forever scratching with no evidence of fleas in the bath water, there must be another reason. That can often be found in its diet. You may be surprised at just how fast this problem can disappear with something that is natural in the food bowl.

Allergies can also make life difficult for your pet. It may take the form of an ear or skin infection. Often the problem is in the diet. Feed the animal what it needs and it may well be the end of the allergy. When it gets the right balance of minerals and vitamins you will probably save money spent on supplements.

If you want to breed dogs and only feed them natural meals, start the changing the female dog's food some time before the male enters the picture. This kind of fare prepares her for pregnancy. It also eases her into the lifestyle of eating differently. A change while she is pregnant is not good.

A natural meal is easier to digest because the digestive system of the animal is ready to deal with it. This is not true of additives. You will notice the dog's health improving when it grows a thick shiny coat. A raw dog food diet is also a good way of taking care of bad breath. Even teeth will benefit and be cleaner. The dog will be healthier and more energetic.