Are You Over-Feeding Your Dog?

Most people do, unfortunately. To keep your dog healthy, maintain its proper weight.

Looking at your dog from above there should be a slight indentation at the end of the rib cage.

When looking from the side, there should be what is called a "tuck up", which is their bottom line and should angle up towards the hips, after their ribs. If it is a straight line across the bottom, they are overweight.

You should be able to easily feel ribs on the side, but they should not be readily visible.

A common mistake people make is following the weight guidelines on a bag of dog food.

If your big dog weighs 85 lbs but should weight 65-75, when you look at the food feeding guidelines don't use the amount it says for an 85 lb dog, use the amount it says for a 65 lb dog. Feed based on what they SHOULD weigh, not what they do weigh. That said, most dog foods have far too much listed on their guidelines. They want you to use as much of their product as possible!

Keep in mind if your dog should get 2 cups of food per day and you feed 2 - 2 1/2 cups per day, plus treats, plus a few table scraps, well, you can see where this is going. Those treats and table scraps really add up, so if you are going to give those then cut back on the amount of food you feed.

Here you can find the proper weight range for any breed:

http://www.petobesityprevention.com/ideal-weight-ranges/

Like people, dogs have different metabolisms. If they weigh too much, they need less food, a low-calorie, low-fat formula and more exercise. If they weigh too little, they need more food of a higher caloric content. Also, an active dog who receives a lot of exercise may be able to eat more than a dog who lays around the house all day without adding weight.

If your dog is overweight and you put him on a diet, don't expect to lose all the weight quickly. If you change to a different food, introduce it gradually but still only in the amount needed for what the target weight should be. Besides using a low-calorie, low-fat food, reduce the number of treats and table scraps your dog gets. Like us, it's easy to forget just how many calories we are getting in a day from multiple treats and snacks. You can give your dog less dog food and add in some no salt canned green beans for filler. Instead of dog treats, try some baby carrots for a treat.

More exercise will go a long way towards helping your dog lose weight. They should be walked daily for at least 30 minutes and the more play time they get the better. A dog that is exercised often will be a more well-behaved dog also. As the saying goes, "a tired dog is a good dog".

You also want to be sure not to under-feed your dog. Like us, a healthy body weight makes for an overall healthier dog. If they are picky eaters, find a top-shelf food that they like. Adding table scraps is fine. Just bear in mind that table scraps are what's left on your plate. Cooked bones and cooked skin or fat should never be fed to any dog!

Overweight dogs will generally wind up suffering from a host of maladies, including breaking down of hips and joints, diabetes, lack of energy etc. Monitoring your dog's weight will increase the number of happy, healthy years you will have with this special part of your family.

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Pros And Cons of Feeding My Dog Table Scraps

We can't really sugar coat this: everyone feeds their dog table scraps at some point or another. Quite frankly, it can be difficult to resist the temptation when you see those two cute little eyes staring at you from under the table during thanksgiving dinner. In fact, after guests leave, your dog may have eaten far better than you. Still, you have to wonder whether or not this is a good idea, or something that should be avoided altogether.

The Professional Opinion

All veterinarians will have their own opinion on feeding a dog table scraps, and most say that you should avoid doing it simply because it is not ideal for their diet.

When you purchase dog food, you are buying a food that is properly adjusted for their digestive system, and will keep them in good health. Human food is not adjusted for them and it will not give them the proper vitamins or nutrients.

The Other Side of the Argument

Okay, as we said, it is impossible to resist giving your animal a treat once in a while, and if you think about it, many of the treats you buy at the store aren't really 'good' for your dog either. If you think about how you feed yourself, you will come to realize that we all break the dietary rules once in a while. Was that piece of chocolate cake good for your diet? Probably not. What about that bag of chips you tore into earlier? We aren't telling you how to eat, but you can plainly see that everyone breaks the rules, even your dog.

The Key is Moderation

Just as you moderate yourself (hopefully) you should moderate your dog. The general consensus is that 'people food' should make up less than ten percent of your dog's diet, and that you should always vary it when you do give in.

Fruits and vegetables, along with grains and pasta are considered to be healthy dog treats. In addition to that, it is recommended that you use human meats as a training tool to teach your dog the most basic of commands. Any dog will be motivated to sit when a piece of steak is on the line!What to Avoid

There are certain foods you will want to avoid giving your dog at all costs. These include:

-Chocolate

-Onions

-Macadamia Nuts

-Grapes

-Raisins

While a very, very small amount will not hurt your dog, large amounts could be potentially fatal and you should take them to the vet immediately. As always, try to avoid greasy or fatty foods for the same reason that you would do so.

Your dog can be an outstanding companion, just remember to resist the urge to share everything! It can be difficult, but certainly doable.

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A Beginner's Guide To Feeding Puppies

Feeding a puppy is different from feeding an adult dog. From the day a pup is born up to about his sixth month of life, he needs to eat 4 times as much as an adult dog to ensure that he is growing right. Most young dogs are also usually hyper - they are curious, playful and spend a lot of time chasing things, so a lot of food intake is important to replenish that energy.

Here are some tips to follow regarding the feeding of puppies:

Choose the right food for your pet

Compared to regular dog food, puppy food contains more fats, vitamins and minerals that support growth. Commercial puppy food must meet the nutrient standards of the AAFCO (Association of the American Feed Control Officials). Cheaper brands that use lower-quality ingredients still do meet the AAFCO standards, but more expensive brands go beyond the guidelines and test their own products. These high-quality dog foods are usually labelled "premium" or "performance".

Also, consider the breed of your dog. Large-breed puppy food cater to the needs of bigger dogs while small-breed dogs usually have nutrition formulas concentrated in bite-size nibbles.

Know when to feed your pet

Pups eat up to 4 times a day. However, most dog owners don't have the time to feed their pet that many times in a day, so the feeding sessions can be divided into 2. Just divide the recommended daily amount of food into 2 feedings instead of 3 or 4. Also, it is ideal to set specific times each day for feedings rather than just leaving food out so that your pup learns a schedule. Chihuahuas, on the other hand, should always have food available as they are prone to low blood sugar.

Know how much to feed your pet

While puppies do need to eat a lot to support bone and muscle growth, too much is still too much. Dogs would usually let you know you're giving them too much food when they have leftovers in their bowl. Experts advise following instructions and guidelines from the back of your dog food when it comes to quantity and carefully adjust according to your pup's appetite and condition. Better yet, ask advice from your vet.

Follow these simple guidelines when feeding your pup to ensure he is growing happily and healthily! Just keep in mind that it's still best to ask your vet or other dog experts if you're unsure about something regarding feeding a dog.

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3 Superfoods for Your Dog

How much happier would we all be if we could feed our dogs healthy foods that are not only delicious for our dogs to eat but can save your dog from those expensive and harmful medications?

If you are wondering...what foods you can give your dog then I am going to share some amazing health improving foods that we think every dog should love.

What is even better is that these foods are all easy to find... and also are not expensive

If your dog is already eating a healthy, whole food diet then these extra foods will be more effective and your dog already has a good start on health and disease prevention

If your dog is eating a processed diet, then these extra foods will still make him a lot healthier. I think of my dog's food as his medicine and a worthwhile investment in my dogs health

The first food we can look at is OILS

Many of us give our dogs fish oil and that's good. We know that the Omega-3 oils in fish oil control inflammation in our dogs. Examples of Inflammatory conditions our dogs suffer are allergies, joint disease, heart disease and cancer. So a healthy daily dose of fish oil has been scientifically proven to help curb the inflammation in these conditions

If you are feeding a beef based pet food, then a good idea is to supplement your dog's diet with hempseed or walnut oil say a teaspoon of oil for every pound of food

For a chicken or other poultry-based foods, you can supplement your dog's diet with a teaspoon of flaxseed or chia oil for every pound of food.

To keep your dogs diet completely balanced, rotate the oils mentioned above

Of course we cannot forget about coconut oil and I suggest you add this on a fairly regular basis. Coconut oil has amazing benefits for your dog and I have listed some of them here

Clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis, and itchy skin

Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including candida

Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing

Improves digestion and nutrient absorption

Reduces or eliminates bad breath

Contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal agents that prevent infection and disease

Another great addition to your dogs food is kefir. This is fermented milk and contains major strains of friendly bacteria that cannot be found in yogurt.

Kefir also contains friendly yeast which in turns controls candida in your dog

In addition Kefir also contains many vitamins and mineral which aid in healing and has been shown to prevent allergies. Kefir has also been shown to reduce the risks of some cancers.

So how much Kefir should you give on a daily basis

Small size dogs or cats: 1 tsp - 1 tbsp

Medium size dogs: 1 - 2 tbsp

Large dogs: 2 -3 tbsp

Try these superfoods and you will see a difference very quickly!

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The Complicated World of Dog Food

Dog foods are a selection of commercially prepared formulas and flavors. They can be very confusing for pet owners to choose what's right for their pets. To make sure that your dogs stay strong and healthy and to make sure that you're feeding them with the best formula, the owners should understand what they need.Right Food for Them

Good nutrition will help your dogs achieve their full potential both mentally and physically. Here are some types of dog food to choose from.

Commercially Prepared Food

Commercial pet food manufacturers make sure that they meet two basic standards: the puppy food standard and the adult food standard. They want to produce food that provides a complete and balanced diet for dogs.

If the food is labelled as "for all life stages," it is required to meet the puppy food standard. These standards are set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials or the AAFCO.

Here are some of the choices a pet owner should look for according to the AAFCO standard.

Balanced Nutritional Ingredients

All formulas contain a number of ingredients and different food groups in a specific ratio.

These ingredients are vital, beneficial and desirable. The correct balance of nutrients and specific ingredients will vary depending on the breed, age, size and general health of your pets. The higher ingredient on the list means the greater the percentage of it is in the food.

Protein

A well balanced food contains a good source of proteins. It provides essential amino acids. The most popular source of proteins is lamb and chicken products. This can be whole lamb or whole chicken.

Other sources of proteins are:

• Bison 

• Beef 

• Turkey 

• Salmon 

• Duck

Carbohydrates

It supplies the dogs with the energy they need. Carbohydrates contain fiber which converts glucose in their body.

Sources of Carbohydrates are:

• Vegetables 

• Fruits 

• Grains

Fats

This is also a valuable source of energy. It is essential to keep your pets coat and skin healthy. In commercial foods protein may be found in animal fat, vegetable oils and muscle meats. A specified source of animal fat is chicken fat.

Vitamins & Minerals

These are very essential to a dog's health and must be supplied with the right quantities and in the correct ratio.

The essential vitamins and minerals a dog needs are:

• Vitamin A 

• Vitamin E 

• Vitamin B12 

• Calcium 

• Phosphorus 

• Vitamin E 

• Iron 

• Potassium 

• Vitamin C

Dry Food

The quality of these foods can vary from brand to brand and it is very important to remember that the quality of the ingredients is what counts.

These are known as kibble, which is easier to serve and store. Here are some their benefits.

• Benefits for your dogs gums and teeth 

• Easy to measure out and store 

• Lower cost per serving 

• Ensures firm stools

Kibble is the most convenient type of food. This can be left out for the pet without spoilage. In fact, there are many pet owners who prefer feeding their dogs with these dry recipes, because they appreciate the convenience of filling a bowl with sufficient amount of food to feed their pets for the entire day.

Raw Food

This kind of diet emphasizes bones, fruits, vegetables and raw meat. Potential benefits of feeding with raw food diet are:

• Healthier skin 

• Cleaner teeth 

• Smaller stools 

• Higher energy levels 

• Shinier coats

The types of raw diets have developed, including commercially processed raw food diets that are freeze-dried or frozen and also the combination diets that use blends of vitamins, vegetables and grains that are now mixed with raw meat.

How Much Should You Feed?

The best way to figure out on how much to feed your dogs is to estimate the number of calories they need per day and to choose the food that is specially formulated for their size and age.

Do not free feed if you want them to grow up with good eating habits. This can lead to all sorts of problems. Divide his daily food requirements by the number of meals the pup is eating per day. Put his bowl down at usual times of the day.

If your dog has gulped the whole food down and eats very fast, you probably need to increase the amount of recipe just a bit. But this can also lead to health problems.

If you want them to stay healthy and with good eating habits, put his food in a slow dog feeder bowl.

The dogs that eat fast are prone to ailments such as:

• Vomiting 

• Gastro intestinal discomfort 

• Choking 

• Food bloat

Slow Dog Feeder Bowl

Slow dog feeder bowls prevent pets from being able to gulp on their food. They alleviate the issues associated with rapid eating. These bowls will work to some degree in slowing them down from eating too fast.

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7 Essential Ways to Keep Your Dog's Teeth Twinkling and Flourishing

Veterinarians across the globe suggest dog owners to clean the teeth of the dogs on a daily basis. But the problem is that normally dog owners do not follow this advice. The basic problem is that brushing the teeth of the doggy can be inconvenient and difficult for first time dog owners. But it is a must because otherwise build-up of bacteria in the dog's mouth can result in plaque, infections and gum irritation. To keep the gum diseases away from your furry pal it is important to have an alternate plan that can aid in keeping your dog's teeth twinkling and flourishing.

Purchase good dog food

The very first thing that you can do to keep your pet's teeth twinkling and flourishing is by giving him good dog food. There are various benefits of feeding quality food to your tyke including keeping his teeth healthy. There are certain dog foods that consist of whole foods that aid in nourishing his body and keeping his teeth stronger and healthier. But do not ever give him food that has any cereal grains or by-products in it. The reason for that is such food can stick to the dog's teeth. Instead, opt for a food that has been made from vegetables, fruits and meats.

Serve fruits & vegetables for snacks

Dogs love snacks and dog owners love giving them. But there are certain snacks which are not good for the dental health of the dog. This includes food that consists of fats, sugar and cereal grains. Instead of this, you can serve carrots or carrot slices, a chunk of squash or pumpkin that pooches love. The other advantage of these snacks is that they do not stick in the mouth of the pet. These snacks aid in scraping food off the teeth of the dog. Always feed these snacks according to the size of your tyke. The overall quantity of the snacks should not be more than 10% of overall daily calorie intake.

Dried meat treats can be used as a good chew treats

There are several dried meat treats that can act as an excellent chewing option that aid in cleaning the teeth of the dog. You can rest assured that dried tendons, oesophagus, dried beef ears or snouts and even similar pieces are loved by those pets that are picky eaters.

Get chew toys

Getting nylon chew toys or hard rubber can be an excellent option for scraping and cleaning teeth. Give this toy after each meal and encourage your furry pal to chew on it for a while.

Raw bones can scrape teeth clean

Just like good toys, even bones can aid in cleaning the teeth. Get uncooked bones that are large because a small bone can break or splinter, or can get stuck in the mouth of the furry companion or the doggy will try to swallow it whole. Whenever you are giving a bone to chew to your doggy ensure that he does not break it off into pieces. There are certain veterinarians that are against the bone-chewing idea so, do get a second opinion before giving it to your pet.

Never give chew bones made of starches

There are certain chew bones that are made from starches, including rice flours, potato or corn. They tend to be stickier than vegetables or dried meat chews. When your furry pal's teeth scrape up against this sort of stuff. Normally it has an opposite effect as chewing on a cow bone.

Develop a routine for your dog

Even if you find it difficult to brush your dog's teeth after every meal or even every day, inculcate some type of teeth cleaning routine.

Once you follow these suggestions, it will aid in cleaning your dog's teeth at least on a weekly basis. Remember, it is better than nothing.

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5 Nutritional Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Fit

It can be very overwhelming when it comes to selecting the dog food. With so many different forms of dog food available in the market it becomes overwhelming to make a selection decision based whether to feed a grain-free food, canned food or raw food. Also remember that every dog is different. The healthiest diet for one dog might not be best for another.

While selecting the dog food it is important to consider various factors, including the dog's age, weight, activity level and breed. While there are other dogs that are suffering from allergies or sensitive stomachs. So, how would you determine whether your doggy is eating proper food?

To help you make an informed decision, we have enumerated certain nutritional tips to keep your dog healthy and fit:

Inquire from your veterinarian about nutrition

If you want to gain some clarity about your dog's nutrition, the very best person to answer your queries is your veterinarian. But the problem is most of the veterinarians in our country recommend a standard dry food like Science Diet. This diet is fine, but remember, Science Diet is a corn-based food that also comprises of animal by-products. Hence, try to discuss some meat-based alternatives for your furry pal. You can even ask questions pertaining to the dog food brands that you have zeroed in and ask specific questions pertaining to them.

Give multi-vitamin to the dog

Ensure that you consider serving multi-vitamins to your doggy. Hopefully your tyke might be getting requisite vitamins from the food he is eating. But just like taking a daily vitamin does not hurt us, the same way extra vitamins can be beneficial for your fur baby.

Switch to a natural dry food

Since you would be considering adding natural dry food to the diet of the doggy it will cost more than a standard dry food. The reason for that is it does not contain any animal by-products, chemical preservatives or corn. But if you can meet the budget, it is one of the easiest ways to enhance your dog's nutrition. If you think the cost is a problem, try mixing a natural brand with a standard brand.

Feed canned or raw food on a weekly basis

It has been researched and found that canned food is more expensive than dry dog food. But it can add variety to your fur baby's diet. There are wide array of natural and organic brands of canned food available. You can even consider feeding commercial raw dog food. Raw food comprises of organs, veggies, bones and raw meat all ground up in a patty format. Not every dog owner is comfortable serving raw food to their pet, but it is an option.

Supplement with digestive enzymes

Digestive enzymes and Probiotics can aid in supporting a healthy digestive system of the furry pal. These enzymes can be found in fruits, veggies and raw meat. But these enzymes get lost during the heating process while cooking the food. The dog owners who are not in favour of serving raw food to their pet can consider supplementing the diet with digestive enzymes. With the presence of Probiotics and enzymes your dog can properly absorb nutrients.

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