Basket
855 908 4010
 
 
 
Account # or Apply for an account Credit Balance: $0

Filtered by tag ('dog food')

Is it healthy to feed my dog a meat-free diet?

 by lucy on 10 Sep 2018 |
1 Comment(s)
Many pet owners choose to eat plant-based diets, but it’s less clear whether their dogs can thrive on vegetarian or vegan meal plans. Fortunately for plant-based pet parents, dogs are highly adept at getting the nutrients they need from a variety of foods. Many pet parents choose to live vegetarian or vegan lifestyles, but it’s less clear whether their canine companions can thrive on similar diets. Owners’ main concern when switching Fido to a meat-free meal plan is whether their pet will get all the nutrients he needs to stay healthy. Fortunately for plant-based pet owners, dogs can lead healthy lifestyles without consuming meat.   Canines belong to the order Carnivora, but in reality, our companions are omnivores and scavengers adept at eating a variety of foods. This means the canine body is able at transform certain amino acids—the building blocks of proteins—into others, so dogs can get the amino acids they need without eating meat. However, dogs process food differently from humans and will have a few special needs when eating vegetarian diets. Dogs cannot produce vitamin D in their skin, for example, so they must receive this nutrient from their food.   As with any diet, buy only commercial pet foods that have undergone feeding trials and meet Association of American Feed Control Officials standards when switching Fido away from eating meat. If you plan to make your own vegan or vegetarian pet food, it’s essential to consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your pet is getting the nutrients he needs. While replacing meat with eggs and dairy is a relatively easy switch to make in your pet’s diet, owners wishing to feed their dogs a vegan diet—one completely free from animal products—will need to pay close  attention to their pet’s nutritional intake. The right balance of different plant-based proteins, such as from beans, corn, soy and whole grains, can still provide the needed amino acids when carefully monitored.   Potential problems to watch for when switching your pet to a meat-free diet include low protein intake, imbalance of certain amino acids such as taurine and L-carnitine, and deficiencies in other vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus and iron that are obtained through eating animal products. If nothing is done to fix these deficiencies, they can lead to serious medical problems, such as reproductive or growth failure. It’s best to avoid feeding puppies or breeding dogs a vegetarian diet to avoid potential complications from these deficiencies. You should also schedule more frequent wellness exams—at least two per year— to ensure your pet is thriving on a meat-free diet. Skipping the chicken and beef can be highly beneficial, however, for certain dogs that suffer from food allergies.   After making sure your pet will get the vitamins and minerals he needs eating a meat-free diet, the only hurdle to overcome is with picky eaters who are accustomed to beef, chicken or other animal proteins in their food. If Fido turns his nose up at his new food, try gradually mixing increasing amounts of the new food into the old, until he switches seamlessly to his new, plant-based diet.

Vegetarian and Vegan Pets

 by lucy on 26 Jul 2017 |
No Comment
Approximately 7.3 million people living in the USA alone are vegetarian and the popularity of a plant-based diet and lifestyle is increasing – understandably, this means some people want to feed their pets a vegetarian or vegan diet, too. People decide to eat a vegetarian diet for a multitude of reasons based on their religious beliefs, cultural background, to protect the environment, try to improve their health and political ideals. Including their pets in this decision can sometimes seem like the logical thing to do, and it can definitely be done for some pets.   Many animals, like cats, some reptiles and some marine mammals, are obligate carnivores. This means they must eat a diet of meat to survive. Only meat from an animal has the complete range of vitamins and amino acids cats need to thrive, so plant-based proteins such as soy simply aren't nutritious enough to keep your cat happy and healthy. Cats can't digest carbohydrates from grains, fruits and vegetables in the same way omnivorous animals can, so meat protein is their main source of energy and nourishment. Make sure your feline friend is provided with high-quality, high-quantity moist meaty food – stay away from anything containing grains and dangerous additives and preservatives.   It is absolutely possible for dogs to eat a vegetarian or even vegan diet, but it's worth checking in with your veterinarian first to make sure your pooch is at peak levels of healthiness. Dogs, unlike cats, can make some of the vitamins and amino acids on their own, but they can still lack other essential nutrients such as iron and taurine that are found in higher concentrations in omnivorous diets. When cutting out meat from a diet, you're also cutting out most of the protein but it can be easily replaced with vegetable and soy protein. Both tasty pre-prepared canned and dry vegetarian and vegan dog foods, as well as home-made dog food recipes, are widely available online. Your dog will never know the difference!   In addition to all cats, puppies should not be fed a vegetarian or vegan diet. When you bring them home, they'll likely have been fed an omnivorous diet and a change in food on top of a change in location will only make them more stressed, upset and unhappy. Only make the change when your vet says your new friend is old enough and healthy enough to move from puppy food to adult dog food.   It is impossible for all animals to thrive on a vegetarian or vegan diet, just as it is impossible for all people. Pre-existing medical conditions and fussy eating habits might restrict your pet from getting as much nutrition or energy from plants as they could from food containing animal products. If necessary, or if a little extra boost is needed, supplements are readily available. Whatever you decide however, it is your pet's health and happiness that is the most important thing.

Happy 4th of July!

 by lucy on 04 Jul 2017 |
No Comment
Who doesn't love the 4th of July? From the food to the fireworks, Independence Day is fun for the whole family - at least the human family. To pets, the 4th of July can be confusing and terrifying. While humans associate fireworks with spectacle and celebrations, cats and dogs see and hear them as nothing more than sudden loud noises. Holidays for humans can involve inviting new friends and family members into their homes; to a pet, this might feel like an invasion of privacy. A few adjustments to your holiday celebrations can make sure that the day is fun for both pets and their owners.   For most household companions, cat and canine alike, fireworks pose the biggest source of fear on the 4th of July. Humans like the spectacle of bright colours and lights, anticipating the bang as they explode high up in the air, but to a dog or a cat, it can be very sudden and frightening. Some pets completely ignore fireworks, but others find them extremely distressing. Fortunately for both you and your furry friends, there are lots of simple ways to reduce your pet's stress levels during firework season.   1) Keep your pet inside. If your cat is normally an outdoor cat, make sure the outside doors and cat-flaps are closed and that they have access to an indoor litter box. Take your dog for a walk long before the fireworks are due to start. If guests are going in and out of the house frequently, make sure doors are shut firmly to make sure your pet can't escape, and ensure your pet is microchipped and tagged in the event that they do escape.   2) Make sure there is a safe space for your pet. Dogs might seek out a place to hide under a piece of furniture - if you know where that may be, put comforting objects like their favourite toys or a piece of clothing that smells like you there ahead of time. A cat might find their own safe space, but if you know of a favourite place they like to hide ensure that it's not blocked off when the fireworks start so they can hide as soon as they need to. Don't try to coax them out - it will only make them more anxious.   3) Close the curtains and turn on the television or radio. This will help to block out the sound and lights from the fireworks. Your pet will still hear the loud noises from outside but they'll be muffled by a noise they're very used to - human voice.   4) Let your pet move around if they want to. Pacing and circling is a common stress behaviour in dogs - they might be restless or looking for a place to hide. Restricting this movement will only make them more afraid.   5) Act natural. Try to show your pet that you aren't reacting fearfully to the fireworks, so neither should they.   Another thoroughly enjoyable part of celebrating Independence Day for human beings and animals alike is the food. It's hard to resist the temptation to sneak a treat from the table to feed your pooch when they hit you with the puppy eyes. Unfortunately for both dogs and cats, there are quite a few foods that you might be preparing around the 4th of July that can be harmful to them. Grapes, raisins, onions, avocados and chocolate are some foods to both dogs and cats. If your celebrations involve alcohol, keep it far away from pets as all kinds of alcoholic drinks can cause serious inebriation due to their comparatively smaller size and lack of tolerance to alcohol.   To prevent your pets accidentally eating something they shouldn't be, keep the food away from the pets and the pets away from the food. Make sure plates and bowls of food remain out of reach on a worksurface or table and keep a close eye on inquisitive cats. Shut your pets indoors if you're barbecuing or in a room separate from where the food is being prepared and served, far away from anything they could accidentally eat that could do them harm.   As nice as the idea might be to include your pets in celebrating the birthday of America, their safety comes first. Keeping them calm and healthy is your best bet for ensuring everyone, human and animal alike, has a enjoyable day.

Avoid feeding your dog these fruits and vegetables

 by lucy on 18 Jan 2017 |
6 Comment(s)
We’re all guilty of spoiling our dogs with a human snack every now and again, but some foods are best kept away from our canine companions. To help keep Fido fit and healthy, avoid these fruits and vegetables that are toxic to pets:   1. Grapes, raisins and currants: We may enjoy a healthy handful of grapes, but for our canine companions, this snack can be fatal even in small doses. Although experts don’t know why, grapes, raisins and any foods containing the two can cause severe kidney damage. Pet owners who are familiar with the dangers grapes may be surprised to learn that currants carry the same, life-threatening level of renal toxicity, too.   2. Cherries: While the flesh itself is safe for Fido to eat, cherry stems and pits are toxic to dogs. That’s no surprise, give that they contain cyanide, a deadly poison that deprives the body of oxygen and can lead to respiratory failure and even death.   3. Onions and garlic: Onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate, which can cause damage to your dog’s red blood cells. Some experts say that garlic is even more toxic than onions, so avoid this pungent food, too.   4. Mushrooms: Only some species of mushroom are poisonous to humans, and the same goes for our pets. While some mushrooms are safe to feed Fido, you need to be 100 percent positive about what you’re feeding him, since other mushrooms can cause tremors, seizures, organ failure and even death.   5. Apricots: Like cherries, apricots contain toxic seeds and stems. While dogs can safely snack on the fruit’s flesh, the cyanide in the pits can cause respiratory failure and death in large enough doses, so be sure to peel Fido’s sweet treat before handing it over.   6. Raw or undercooked potatoes: Raw, green and unripe potatoes are toxic to dogs. If Fido scarfs down a bad batch, look out for nausea and vomiting, seizures and heart irregularities as they can contain solanine, a defensive poison found in the plant’s stems, leaves and skin that can damage your pet’s nervous system.   7. Rhubarb: A seemingly innocent ingredient in a classic pie, rhubarb contains xalate crystals in its leaves and stems that can deplete dogs’ calcium levels. In large enough doses, this can kidney failure and other symptoms such as drooling, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, tremors and bloody urine.   8. Apple seeds: Like other fruits, apple seeds contain cyanide. While Fido may have to eat quite a few to suffer any ill effects, it has been known to happen and is best to dispose of the core before feeding your dog any apple snacks.     If you know what your dog has eaten and he is displaying symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or other ill effects, call your veterinarian immediately. You can also contact a Pet Poison Helpline after hours to find out the level of risk your dog is facing after eating something he shouldn’t have.

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

 by yunus on 25 May 2016 |
6 Comment(s)
Every dog owner’s seen his pet rush to the door only to chow down on the nearest patch of grass. While common knowledge holds that this is a quick fix for Fido to make himself sick, vets have largely debunked this myth. Dogs lack the enzymes needed to digest grass, too, meaning there is little nutritional value in their grazing. So the question remains: Why do dogs engage in this seemingly senseless behavior?   Unlike their feline counterparts, dogs are not full-fledged carnivores. For thousands of years, canines operated as opportunist omnivores, scavenging most anything that met their dietary needs. Modern dogs, however, no longer eat like their predecessors. While wild dogs often ate their prey in its entirety, including the stomach contents of plant-eating animals, our pets consume a very different diet. This may explain why some seek out grass as an alternative food source. Some theorize that grass helps improve digestion, especially in cases where Fido is lacking in fiber.   While eating plant matter may come naturally to dogs, this doesn’t explain why your canine companion sometimes throws up after eating grass. Some theorize that dogs intentionally graze on grass to make themselves sick when they’re not feeling well— to ease nausea or bloating, to clear a blocked digestive tract, or as a reaction to parasites or bacteria, for example. Evidence suggests the vast majority of foraging canines aren’t ill when they start eating grass, however, and veterinarians have found that less than a quarter of dogs that eat grass regularly throw up afterwards.   While some dogs seek out grass and other vegetables matter due to nutritional deficiencies or an upset stomach, vets believe many cases of “pica” — eating things that aren’t food, including grass — are simply a sign of boredom. If you suspect your dog’s pica is due to under-stimulation, ensure he’s getting enough exercise by engaging him in fun activities such as playing interactive games together or buying him a chew toy. If, on the other hand, you suspect your dog’s grazing is due to a nutritional deficiency, try switching to a higher quality dog food with more fiber. Some dogs, however, may continue eating grass simply because they like eat. Though experts agree that grazing isn’t harmful in and of itself, pesticides used on lawns can be toxic when ingested by your canine companion. And while some afternoon snacking on grass is normal, you should take your dog to the vet if he seems distressed or eats grass often in order to vomit, as these may be signs of underlying veterinary conditions.

Three Common Pantry Items Can Improve Your Dog's Health

 by petbucket on 11 Feb 2016 |
No Comment
Your kitchen pantry may contain several natural herbs and spices that can improve your dog's health. Rather than spending hundreds of dollars on expensive supplements, you can improve your dog's health with these three simple ingredients you probably already have.   One of the best natural supplements for your dog is turmeric. This rhizome is grown native to India and is an important part of Ayurvedic medicine.  For centuries, turmeric has been used as an anti-inflammatory medicine, helping with inflammation due to both acute and chronic injuries and diseases. Turmeric has also been proven scientifically to work as an antiviral, antibacterial and detoxifying supplement. Turmeric can be used to alleviate cancer, arthritis, heart disease and liver disease. The general turmeric dosage for pets is ¼ teaspoon per day per 10 pounds of body weight.   Ginger has long been known to ease upset stomachs and motion sickness in humans. This common pantry spice can also help your pet's nausea and digestive upset. Ginger is in the same family as turmeric, so helps some of the same conditions as turmeric, including arthritis, cancer and other inflammatory conditions.  The recommended dosage for pets is 100mg of ground ginger per 25 pounds of body weight.   Like turmeric, cinnamon is a common Ayurvedic medicine.  Cinnamon is primarily used for digestive issues, such as gas, diarrhea and upset stomach. Cinnamon can also be a great supplement for dogs with diabetes, as it helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels. Dogs with arthritis or other chronic conditions may also benefit from cinnamon, as it works as an anti-inflammatory medication.  It's important to use Ceylon cinnamon, which is considered to be "true cinnamon." The general dosage for pets is a pinch to 1/8 of a teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight per day.   There is no doubt that many excellent supplements for dogs are on the market today. Many of the most natural supplements utilize common items that you may already have in your pantry. By utilizing your own spices to improve your dog's health, you can be sure you are using fresh, organic and safe spices to help your dog live a healthier life.

Dangerous Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat

 by petbucket on 06 Jan 2016 |
1 Comment(s)
Many dog owners are unable to resist those pleading eyes at dinnertime and give in by feeding their pooch scraps of human food. What you may not realize is, some foods that are perfectly healthy for humans could be dangerous or even toxic to your dog. Here are some foods your dog should never eat:   Apple Cores   The casing around apple seeds contains a chemical that releases poisonous cyanide when eaten. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include dizziness, breathing problems, hyperventilation, unconscious collapse, seizures, shock, and coma.   Always remove the core and seeds of apples before feeding them to your dog. Incidentally, the seed casings in peaches, pears, and apricots also contain the same poisonous compounds as apple cores.   Avocado   Avocados contain persin, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, fluid in the lungs, and heart congestion in dogs.   Caffeine   Coffee contains a stimulant known as methylated xanthine, which stimulates your dog's nervous system and causes vomiting and heart palpitations.   Chocolate   Chocolate can be toxic to dogs, as it contains theobromine and theophylline. Some brands may also contain caffeine. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, muscle tremors, abdominal pains, irregular heartbeat, elevated body temperature, seizures, and damage to your dog's heart and nervous system.   Cooked Bones   Cooked bones can easily splinter as your dog chews on them. Splintered bones can lacerate the mouth, gums, throat, esophagus, stomach, or intestines, all requiring expensive veterinary treatment.   Garlic   Garlic is part of the onion family, so it contains toxins that are dangerous to dogs. Garlic can cause anemia and damage to red blood cells in dogs. However, some vets may tell you that small amounts are OK to give your dog. It's best to discuss this with your vet if you're unsure.   Grapes and Raisins   Grapes contain a specific toxin that can cause severe liver damage and kidney failure in dogs. Other symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and lack of appetite.   Hops   One of the ingredients used to make beer can be toxic to your dog. Signs of hops poisoning include increased heart rate, fever, seizures, and death.   Macadamia Nuts   Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can cause damage to your dog's digestive system, nervous system, and muscle systems. Other signs of macadamia toxicity include weakness, tremors, and swollen limbs.   Onions   Onions are extremely poisonous for dogs, no matter what form they're in. Raw, cooked, dried, or powdered onion all contain disulfides and sulfoxides, both of which can cause anemia and damage red blood cells.   Always check the label on any foods you intend to feed your dog, such as baby food, to ensure it doesn't contain onion powder or other forms of onion.   Stone Fruits   Any fruit containing a stone or large pit can be highly dangerous to your dog. Fruit such as apricots, plums, cherries, peaches, or nectarines can all cause gastrointestinal blockages or bowel obstructions if the pit is swallowed by your dog.   Xylitol   Xylitol is an artificial sugar substitute often used in candies, baked goods, pre-packaged weight loss foods, chewing gum labeled as 'sugar-free', and some other foods. While it seems to be safe for people, even small quantities of xylitol can be extremely harmful to your dog. Signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs include weakness, loss of coordination, trembling, seizures, hypoglycemia, liver failure, and death.     Use Caution: Peanut Butter   In most cases, peanut butter is completely fine to give to your dog. Peanut butter is ideal for disguising tablets or for creating homemade tasty dog treats. However, some brands use artificial sweetener, so it's important to check the label and be sure the brand you buy is xylitol-free.   Use Caution: Raw Fish   Some types of raw fish can be infected with neorickettsia helminthoeca. The bacteria can sometimes be found in raw salmon or trout, and can be fatal if not treated properly. However, cooked salmon and trout are safe.   Use Caution: Dairy Foods   Dogs are lactose intolerant. They simply don't have the enzymes required to break down lactose found in dairy products.  Feeding your dog milk and cheese won't cause life-threatening illnesses, but it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems.   Use Caution: Human Snacks   Flavored potato chips can contain garlic or onion powder. Likewise, some cookies could contain raisins, chocolate, caffeine, or macadamia nuts. Keep your human snacks to yourself and get your dog his own doggy treats instead of sharing yours.   Keep this list of foods in mind when you're feeding your dog. Even if you're making homemade dog food, read through the recipe carefully and make your decisions about which ingredients to use accordingly. If you're concerned about something your dog has eaten, call your vet and discuss the situation promptly.

3 Simple Rules for Selecting a Better Dog Food

 by petbucket on 15 Oct 2015 |
No Comment
A dog's diet is one of the biggest influences on its health, longevity, and overall quality of life. Making better decisions about what you feed your dog has never been more important than now. With regular recalls on national brands, and associated pet casualties, dog owners should know more about what they are feeding their pets and have a responsibility to their best friend to choose wisely on their behalf.    With the variety of brands, package sizes, and promises, it can easily become overwhelming to select a food that is worthy of your dog. Turn those packages over, and locate the ingredient panel. This is all you need. Finding the perfect food to fit your budget and keep your dog happy and healthy can be a little less daunting the next time around if you keep these three simple rules in mind while reading those labels.  1. The First Ingredient: Meat is a Must A savvy consumer can easily weed out a handful of unworthy brands in a hurry, using the very first ingredient listed on the package. Meat should always appear first on the list. The position of an ingredient on the list tells you how much of it is contained within. The higher the position it holds on the list, the higher the content of that particular ingredient there will be.    If you select a lamb based food, the first ingredient should read "deboned lamb", or simply "lamb". If you select a chicken variety, the label should read "deboned chicken", or "chicken". 2. No Corn, Wheat, or Soy. Ever. This is very straight forward. Corn, wheat, and soy are all unnecessary fillers. They are attractive raw materials for dog food manufacturers because of their low cost. Don't select a food with these products listed anywhere on the label. Dogs may experience a host of problems, including seizures, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal issues if kept on a diet consisting of these ingredients.    Some food brands advertise soy as an extra source of protein in their product. While a seemingly attractive claim, a true quality feed will be rich in meat protein.  3. Avoid By-Products If any sort of "by-product" appears anywhere on the label, do not buy it. Remember that "by-product" is a fancy term for "garbage", and you don't want to feed that to your best friend.    While it's a priority to get your pup eating a better diet, it's also very important to always switch a dog to a new food slowly. Start by introducing small amounts of the new food into the dog's old food, mixing it in. Gradually increase the ratio of new food to old daily over the course of several days or longer. Taking time to make the switch will help to avoid potential gas, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort. When switching to a higher quality food, it is even more crucial to introduce the new food gradually, as quality foods are richer, higher in protein, and are more likely to be symptomatic if a change is made too rapidly.    Always check with your veterinarian if you have concerns over possible food intolerance, allergies, or weight management issues that may need to be addressed with a specialized diet. For further reading, be sure to check out this awesome best dog food review and buyer's guide by our friends at The Daily Shep. 

Super Foods for Dogs

 by petbucket on 17 Jun 2015 |
No Comment
By Amber Kingsley When temperatures are on the rise, many of us worry about keeping our furry friends cool during the summer, especially during heat waves that sometimes seem to last forever. Even humans can have trouble cooling off, but we don’t have to wear fur coats all day long either.   But for most dog breeds, their coat can be compared to our home’s insulation, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Please consult with a professional groomer before making taking drastic measures, like shaving your dog. Animals with light-colored skin and hair can also be more susceptible to sunburn and other unhealthy skin conditions if their hair is too short.   So how can we help keep our dogs both cooler and healthy in the raging heat? Using some of the superfoods found in the infographic below, along with another popular new trend, coconut oil, along with these tips, can help keep Fido from frying in the heat. Coconut Oil   This popular new super substance is gaining popularity with more people today for its many health benefits that can be found from both consuming it internally as well as applying it externally and the same is true for our dogs. While fleas and ticks can be less active in hotter summer months, mosquitoes and the heartworm virus they carry, come out in full force. Coconut oil can be combined with other essential oils and non-toxic ingredients to make an effective insect repellent. A cool bath with added coconut oil can be a cooling, soothing way to make your dog’s coat and skin healthy and shiny.   Many dogs actually enjoy the taste of coconut and some pet owners are adding it directly to their diets, but others are adding a drop into each section of an ice tray, adding water and once frozen, they watch their canines play and crunch on these tasty, healthy coconut-flavored popsicles. If you’re worried about a possible choking hazard, add a few to their water dish instead.   A Nice, Cold Carrot   If you think your dog might not enjoy eating fresh vegetables like carrots, think again. I once owned a dog that loved this healthy orange treat and would chew on one for quite a while before eventually devouring all the shavings. A nice, cold carrot straight from the fridge can be a healthy summertime snack for many dogs.   Pumpkins and Sweet Potatoes   Some other orange (and purple) tinted favorites include sweet potatoes and pumpkin, which can both aid in a dog’s digestion. Slices of a sweet potatoes directly from the refrigerator can replace processed treats for many dogs. Solid pack pumpkin, the cans that some people buy to make homemade pumpkin pie, can be portioned and frozen for a cool, summertime snack. Avoid buying the brands with added sugar, spices and other additives.   Juicy, Delicious Blueberries              This antioxidant packed berry can be a big hit for some dogs, but beware, it has been known to cause stomach issues or food allergies with a few select canines. For a summertime treat, try adding a little bit of milk or water to some frozen blueberries. As they start to melt, the liquid becomes slushy and it can become like a fruity slushy or ice cream. Same warning as above, some dogs don’t tolerate dairy very well, so be careful.   You should always check with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet, but it’s a pretty safe bet they will approve with some healthier food choices for your beloved pet. Check out the other superfoods that are good for our pets on this infographic, “7 Superfoods to Add to Your Dog’s Diet.”

Reading Your Dog Food Ingredient Label: What You Should Look For and What You Should Avoid

 by wai on 22 Jan 2014 |
4 Comment(s)
When it comes to feeding your dog, you have a lot of options to choose from.  You know that table scraps won't provide the nutrition your pup needs, but you may not realize that certain dog foods can actually contain potentially harmful ingredients as well.  Even the pricier, organic brands may not be all they're cracked up to be.  If you're confused about what should and shouldn't be in your pet's food, understanding a few simple guidelines can help you make a choice that will be both nourishing and tasty for your dog.  Let's take a look at what you should look for and what you should avoid when purchasing dog food: 1.    Make sure a specific meat is at the top of the list.  When you're reading the label, meat should be the first ingredient listed.  This means that there's more meat in your dog's food than anything else.  However, it's important for the label to list a specific type of meat.  A lean meat like chicken is best, especially if your dog has weight issues.  While beef may not be quite as healthy, it's still an acceptable protein option as well.  On the other hand, you'll want to stay away from dog foods that just list something generic like "meat meal" or "animal byproduct meal."  This can include anything from horse meat to pig hooves and everything in between.  Stick with basic "chicken" or "beef" so you know exactly what's in that bag you'll be pouring or scooping from daily. 2.    Be wary of certain fillers.  Most dog foods are going to contain at least a few grains.  However, you don't want those grains to be too high on the ingredient list.  Many manufacturers skimp on the meat and instead use high levels of fillers like corn meal, oatmeal, rice and soybean meal.  High levels of these ingredients can cause allergic reactions in some dogs.  They can also be a bit difficult for their digestive systems to process, particularly for pups with tender tummies.  Don't be fooled by popular brands that proudly tout organic ingredients.  Just because they use organic fillers doesn't necessarily mean those are the foods your dog should be eating.  Choose a primarily meat-based brand with ingredients like chicken and chicken meal listed first.  Anything else will mean too many carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain and sluggishness in your dog. Image credit 3.    Keep things simple.  When it comes to your dog's food, simplicity is key.  It's best to avoid dog food that uses artificial colors, flavors or other additives.  Those brightly-colored bits and pieces may look appetizing, but there's no point in giving your dog something artificial if you don't have to.  Dogs don't perceive colors as vividly as we do, so those bright hues are really there for your benefit anyway.  You should also examine the ingredient list carefully to be sure that it doesn't include any kind of sweetener, whether it's real or artificial.  Things like sugar, corn syrup, molasses or brown rice syrup have no place in your pet's food.  In addition, steer clear of ingredients like butylated hydroxysanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene.  The bag will typically list these as BHA and BHG.  They've actually been banned in some countries because they've been linked to cancer in some pets.  Other preservatives like ethoxyquin and propylene glycol should also be avoided.  The former has been used in pesticides while the latter is related to antifreeze.  Bottom line, if you can't pronounce it, it probably shouldn't be in your pet's food.  Go with a brand that only has ingredients you can easily identify. You probably consider your dog an important part of your family.  If you want your pup to stick around for many years to come, you need to make sure he or she is getting the nutritional benefits his or her body requires.  Selecting the right dog food will help you do that.  By following the guidelines on this list, you can make sure Fido's food has all the proper nutrients he or she needs and none of that potentially harmful fake stuff.  Remember to read the ingredient label carefully so your dog can stay healthy and live a long, happy life!
Call Us - 855 908 4010

Search blog archives


Latest Updates


Tag Cloud


Blog Archives


Subscribe to RSS

Subscribe to RSS feed

 
 
Shop with Confidence
  • Low Price Guarantee
  • Free & Fast Shipping
  • Best Customer Service