Archive for the ‘Dog Diets’ Category

When to Stop Your Dog’s Diet

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

There are times when you should stop your dog’s diet immediately. Although these situations occur rarely, it is important to know when and how to cease your dog’s diet.

Typically, pet owners are advised to make changes to a dog’s diet gradually. Consistency is frequently the rule of thumb when it comes to your dog’s diet. Sudden changes to your dog’s diet often cause your pet stress and trouble, but at times, stopping your dog’s diet immediately is necessary.

If your pet will be having a medical procedure performed that involves the use of anesthesia, your vet may recommend that you stop feeding your pet for a period of time before the procedure. As always, follow the advice of your trusted vet. He or she knows the dangers to your pet regarding surgery with a full stomach.

If you expect sudden changes and stress in your dog’s life, such as a move to a new location, your pet may refuse to eat his typical diet. During the first day with a guide dog in training, trainers recommend to skip a meal to avoid stomach upset during this extreme time of stress for the dog. If you have concerns about stopping your dog’s diet due to stress and illness, consult your vet for advice.

Most of this information comes straight from the Dog Diets pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you’ll know what they know.

In light of recent pet food recalls, you will want to be prepared should you need to stop your dog’s diet suddenly for safety reasons. In some cases, your dog may have already shown signs of upset or disinterest in contaminated food, but if not, take no chances with the health of your pet in the event of a recall. If your type of dog food has been recalled, stop feeding it as part of your dog’s diet immediately. If possible, locate a new bag or can of the same variety of dog food that is safe for your pet. This will reduce any disruption to your dog’s diet and routine.

If you are uncomfortable or unable to locate dog food that is safe in the same variety, you may want to cook a meal for your pet to substitute as your regular dog diet until you can. At this time, you simply may just have to switch varieties or brands of dog food.

As mentioned before, a sudden switch in your dog’s diet is not typically recommended, but in the interest of your dog’s health, it may be necessary. Should this be the case, try to locate another type of dog food that is similar to your dog’s diet in quality. This will help to reduce any digestive issues.

Your vet will best be able to advise you, but expect some digestive trouble such as gas or diarrhea during a sudden diet change. Of course, you will want to keep an eye on this situation, but it is not necessarily a sign of poor quality food. Your dog’s digestive tract is not used to significant changes, so it will take a period of time to adjust to the new diet.

A sudden switch or cease of your dog’s diet is not typically recommended as the way to go, but in some instances, it is for the best. Always talk to your vet about any change to your dog’s diet and follow the advice. Your dog’s safety is the utmost concern.

You can’t predict when knowing something extra about Dog Diets will come in handy. If you learned anything new about Dog Diets in this article, you should file the article where you can find it again.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Does Your Dog’s Diet Need to Include Supplements?

Saturday, February 26th, 2011

If you’re seriously interested in knowing about Dog Diets, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Dog Diets.

A healthy, balanced diet is essential for a long and happy life with your pet. How do you know if your dog’s diet needs supplements? What types of supplements should you add to your dog’s diet?

In most cases, your dog’s diet will not need to be supplemented. Assuming you feed your pet a diet formulated by a reputable dog food company, your dog’s food is specially designed for a healthy balance to ensure excellent health for your pet.

Occasionally, some low-quality dog foods will increase the need for extra supplementation. Your vet may recommend that you give your dog’s diet a little boost. Consider supplementing your dog’s diet with a hard boiled egg a couple of days per week. This simple step will add extra amounts of vitamins A and D to your dog’s diet. Such vitamins help to maintain good bone structure and healthy eyes.

If you have decided to personalize your dog’s diet by customizing a raw diet, cooking at home for your pet, or just want to make sure your dog’s diet is at its best, you will want to know about the benefits of other supplements. Your dog’s diet can be supplemented with whole grains, green vegetables, and nuts. These items will increase your dog’s intake of vitamin B. Other ways to supplement your dog’s diet to increase the amount of vitamin B include beans, yeast, and liver. Your dog needs vitamin B in a healthy, balanced diet to support healthy skin and muscles.

To ward off immune system deficiencies, supplement your dog’s diet with additional vitamin E. Good sources of vitamin E can be found in wheat germ, bran, and vegetable oil.

Most of this information comes straight from the Dog Diets pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you’ll know what they know.

Vitamin K can be another important nutrient in your dog’s diet. Liver, fish, leafy greens, and seeds can provide vitamin K to your dog’s diet. This vitamin will help to enhance your dog’s blood clotting abilities.

Glucosamine can be a great supplement in your dog’s diet. Glucosamine has been proven to improve joint health and ward off arthritis in your pet.

Supplementing your dog’s diet can be risky if not done correctly. You may think you are providing your pet excellent vitamins and low calories by tossing your dog a few grapes or raisins. Some dogs have been known to die from renal failure due to consuming such fruit. Always seek advice from a professional before supplementing or changing your dog’s diet in any way just to be on the safe side.

Calcium supplements can be dangerous when used excessively in your dog’s diet. Although calcium is good in moderation to form strong, healthy bones, too much calcium can create trouble. Large breed pups given too much calcium may grow large bones, but these bones lack the strength they need.

Always talk to your vet about the supplements you are considering. Your vet can advise you on the appropriate amounts of each supplement to add to your dog’s diet. Both you and your vet care for your pet and want what is best for your dog. Providing a healthy and nutritious diet is one of the easiest ways to ensure good health for your furry friend.

As your knowledge about Dog Diets continues to grow, you will begin to see how Dog Diets fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

How Treats Affect Your Dog’s Diet

Monday, January 24th, 2011

The following paragraphs summarize the work of Dog Diets experts who are completely familiar with all the aspects of Dog Diets. Heed their advice to avoid any Dog Diets surprises.

You know the importance of choosing a healthy diet for your pet. You have taken the time and effort to consult with the veterinarian about a healthy and nutritious dog food. Whether you choose dried food, canned dog food, or make it from scratch, you may be overlooking something extremely important in your dog’s diet.

Do you occasionally give your best friend a treat from the table or a rawhide to chew? These treats may seem like a simple snack or tidbit, but they really can add up. You may not have considered it before, but any and all treats that you give your pet are a part of your dog’s diet. The question now becomes, how significant are treats in your dog’s diet? Do you give your dog a treat once a day in the evening while watching television, or do you scatter Milk Bones throughout the day for each cute look or adorable pet trick?

The type of treats you give your dog also makes a difference in your dog’s diet. Do you pass out cookies and scraps from dinner, or maybe a piece of popcorn or two? Junk food for you becomes junk food for your pet. In fact, some healthy foods for you are not good for your dog. Raisins are a healthy snack for humans to munch on between meals, but they can be detrimental to the health of your dog. Keep your dog’s diet healthy even during snack time with treats.

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole Dog Diets story from informed sources.

Rawhides are an area of controversy. Some pet owners and vets feel they do not make a good treat for your pet. Others feel that rawhides provide entertainment and good dental health for your dog. Find out what your vet recommends. If you decide to allow rawhides in your dog’s diet, avoid them in excess. They can create thin stools and provide many empty calories.

Your dog views a treat as just that, a special treat between meals. For the most part, dog’s don’t care if you give them a baby carrot, rawhide chew, or Milk Bone. They are happy to get the snack. If you find you provide numerous treats during the course of the day, you may need to modify your dog’s diet to avoid maintaining a healthy weight. Giving your pet a whole bunch of treats sure is fun for both you and your dog, but can lead to serious health troubles.

Consider altering your dog’s diet by giving him or her less treats. Instead of a large Milk Bone, for example, break the treat into several smaller pieces and distribute them one at a time. This will have your dog eating less between meals.

Ice cubes, small bits of apple, and baby carrots are terrific healthy treat ideas to consider when choosing a healthy diet for your dog. Such treats make little difference overall and make monitoring your dog’s daily intake much easier for you. This way, you can focus solely on the food consumed during mealtime. A dog’s diet needs to be healthy to ensure a long and happy life for your pet.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

Benefits of Fiber in Your Dog’s Diet

Thursday, January 20th, 2011

We know the benefits of fiber in our own diet, but is their any benefits of fiber in a dog’s diet? Fiber was consider filler and bulk in year’s past, but today, the nutritional value of fiber in the dog’s diet is finally realized.

What exactly is fiber? It is a part of carbohydrates. Fiber is not highly digestible by the body. Your dog’s diet can benefit from fiber in appropriate amounts. Just like humans, too much fiber in a diet can have negative effects on the digestive system. It is always important to monitor your dog’s diet to maintain a healthy level of fiber to suit your pet’s needs. Talk to your veterinarian about the benefits of fiber in your dog’s diet.

Obedience is prevalent in both humans and pets. Too often, pet’s become overweight. Fiber in your dog’s diet is a terrific way to help your pet lose excess weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to the longevity and quality of your dog’s life. We know that fiber cannot accomplish weight loss on its own, but it can truly make a difference. Fiber helps to keep your dog feeling full and content without large amounts of calories.

The pets who achieve the desired weight goal may need a little extra fiber in the dog’s diet to maintain the desired weight. Combining fiber with strict portion control, you will be able to create a dog diet that is healthy and satisfying for your pet.

Again, similar to humans, constipation does occur in pets. Your dog’s diet should contain fiber to help prevent this medical condition from occurring. As your dog ages, his or her diet should contain elevated levels of fiber. Senior dogs tend to deal with issues of constipation more frequently than their younger counterparts. For this reason, you will note higher fiber content in senior dog diets.

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

How does fiber help keep things moving? Fiber absorbs water. With the absorption of water in the fiber, the contents in the intestine have more bulk. This is what causes the movement along the intestinal tract. The passage time through the bowel becomes more normalized and regular.

Healthy amounts of fiber in your dog’s diet will contribute to fecal consistency. You will know when your pet is getting the proper amount of fiber when your dog relieves himself regularly. Too much fiber in your dog’s diet will result in loose and messy stools.

Some studies indicate that a slight increase in fiber can assist in the management of diabetes mellitus. The fiber helps to control blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar from the intestine.

Take note that excessive amounts of fiber can have negative affects on your dog’s health. For this reason, it is important to buy high-quality dog food from reputable companies to ensure a healthy diet for your dog. Watch for these sources of fiber in your dog’s diet. Beet pulp, soybean hulls, rice bran, apple and tomato pomace, and peanut hulls. Grain such as oats and rice are also examples of indigestible fiber.

Fiber does have benefits in your dog’s diet when used in moderation. Talk to your vet about the best amount of fiber for your pet.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

Why is a Dog’s Diet Important?

Thursday, December 16th, 2010

This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding Dog Diets. A careful reading of this material could make a big difference in how you think about Dog Diets.

You truly love your dog. He really is man’s best friend. Is there any doubt you want to keep your pet as healthy as possible? There are many ways to keep your dog happy and healthy. A nutritious diet for your dog is one of the best ways to positively influence the health and longevity of your pet.

If you consider how unpleasant a person can be when he or she is hungry or malnourished, you will undoubtedly se the importance of healthy choices when selecting your dog’s diet. You and your pet will not enjoy life at its fullest if your dog’s diet is poor.

Selecting a high-quality diet for your dog will increase the likelihood of a long and happy life for your pet. A healthy choice for your dog’s diet will include the basic vitamins and minerals essential for your dog’s health. Also, your dog’s diet should include some extra nutritional supplements. Speak with your vet about your dog’s diet. They will be willing to help you make informed and educated decisions about your dog’s diet. Ask about glucosamine or fish oils to combat health issues such as arthritis and dandruff.

Your dog’s diet will affect your pet’s energy level. If the dog’s diet is lacking, your pet may be sluggish or unable to rest contently. If your pet requires extra nutrition to run or walk considerable distances, a healthy diet is crucial.

Your dog’s diet affects the amount and size of outputs. When your pet eats a healthy diet with few fillers, the excrement is less. This is important to lessen the cleanup of the kennel or yard. Ask any handler who picks up after their dog and learn the importance of your dog’s diet.

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole Dog Diets story from informed sources.

Obesity is not just a problem for people. Weight is also a concern for your pet. Your dog’s diet plays an important role in maintaining a healthy weight for your pet. Extra treats can seem like a simple luxury, but they can create serious health problems when given to your pet too frequently.

Finding the best diet for your dog can even help to reduce reactions to food allergies. Decreasing allergy troubles will make your dog feel so much better. Sometimes a simple change in the type of dog food can make such a difference to your pet. Your dog’s diet affects every aspect of your dog’s health..

Your pet’s coat will look and feel better with a healthy diet. Good nutrition and adequate grooming will keep your pet’s coat looking shiny and magnificent.

The type of dog food you select for your dog’s diet can even make a difference with your pet’s teeth. Choosing a dry dog food can help to sharpen and polish your dog’s teeth. Avoiding canned food when possible will help to reduce tartar and plaque.

As you can see, a dog’s diet influences everything from outputs to teeth. Even your dog’s energy level and attitude is affected by the dog’s diet. Selecting your dog’s diet wisely and consulting your veterinarian is a fabulous way to improve the quality of your pet’s life.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

How Your Dog’s Diet Affects Outputs

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

If you are a computer guru, you may remember the term GIGO. This term stands for Garbage In. Garbage Out. So, what does this have to do with your dog’s diet? Well, your dog may be no walking, wagging, and barking computer, but he or she works in the same way. What food goes into your pet will eventually come out in the end.

Your dog’s diet will affect the outputs considerably. Other factors play a role such as illness, nerves, and the weather. You can tell a lot about the health of your hound by the outputs produced.

As any responsible pet owner knows, cleaning up after your pet is not the most pleasant job, but it is a necessary one. Being choosy and selective about your dog’s diet will make cleaning up after your pet much easier.

When your dog is eating a diet high in fillers, your pet will show it. The excrement will be large in size and often runny and hard to pick up. You may notice when you give your pet leftovers from the table, he or she is really happy, but you aren’t exactly smiling on the next trip around the block. The outputs of a pet eating an unhealthy diet is just plain messy, stinky, and large.

Even treats such as rawhide bones can change your dog’s stool. Your dog’s diet consists of everything your pet eats from treats to mealtime. Monitor how treats affect your dog’s outputs to determine how healthy the snack really is for your pet.

Most of this information comes straight from the Dog Diets pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you’ll know what they know.

If you choose to feed your dog a balanced diet that is high in quality, you will notice a particular difference in the outputs. Cleanup may not be placed on the top of your things to-do list, but it will be much easier and more tolerable. When the dog’s diet is healthy and nutritious, you will have less mess in the yard or kennel.

Dog handlers with service animals are educated about the importance of a healthy diet and outputs during training. It is important, for example, that a guide dog not have an accident while working. The public would not be highly tolerant of trouble in a restaurant or grocery store. Take a tip from trainers and keep your dog’s diet healthy to avoid these messy situations.

Consult your veterinarian to decide what type of diet is best for your dog. Look for a dry dog food that lists meat as the first ingredient. This will help to reduce the amount of fillers your pet will consume.

Feeding your pet on a schedule is important. When looking at your dog’s diet, do not simply focus on what you are feeding your pet, but also focus on when you feed your dog. If your dog’s diet includes consistent mealtimes, you will be better able to predict your dog’s potty schedule. This can play a major role in effective housebreaking technique.

Helping your pet eat right is the first step to maintaining a healthy diet for your dog. Your dog’s diet, when perfected, will keep things running smoothly. Minimize outputs and mess with nutritious, scheduled feeding. Beware of treats in your dog’s diet. Knowing what goes into your pet will reduce the garbage coming out.

That’s the latest from the Dog Diets authorities. Once you’re familiar with these ideas, you’ll be ready to move to the next level.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Where to Find the Best Food for a Nutritious Dog Diet

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

You want your furry friend to eat right. You are very aware of the numerous benefits of a healthy and nutritious dog diet, but where can you find the best food for your pet?

So many excellent types of dog food are out on the market today. You can purchase bags or cans of dog food simply and conveniently from your local grocery or department store. Store chains are now beginning to offer varieties of dog food that are higher in quality and lower in cost.

If you don’t want to risk purchasing dog food from the grocery store, consider stores that sell feed for other animals. Companies such as TSC regularly deal with customers interested in excellent nutrition for their pets. They would undoubtedly be able to help you decide on a specific brand of food to suit the needs of your dog’s diet. Some upscale dog foods are available at such stores that you may not find at your local Wal-Mart.

Several companies use the internet as a marketplace to sell their organic and natural dog diets. Look online to locate a type of dog food that feels right to you. Some merchants will even deliver the dog food right to your door. Your dog’s diet has never been more convenient. The internet has opened the door for pet owners to expand their choices when it comes to their dog’s diet.

You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about Dog Diets. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.

Do not overlook the obvious. Your veterinarian can consult with you about the best types of dog diets. He or she may sell specific brands or varieties right from their office. Once you have decided on a specific diet for your dog, consider picking it up when you bring your pet in for a checkup or while picking up your monthly heartworm medication. A trusted vet would not offer you food that is not suitable for your dog’s diet, so this may be a great place to start. If the vet recommends a particular type of diet for your dog, due to health reasons, your vet may be one of the only places to find the exact food your dog’s diet requires.

You may find the most nutritious dog diet fresh from the garden or your own kitchen. Some pet owners prefer to cook specifically for their dog. A dog’s diet requires meat, vegetables, and grain. Carefully selected meats, grains, and vegetables can be prepared at home to ensure excellent nutrition for your pet. If you have green beans or carrots from your garden, consider adding these to your dog’s diet. You know right where the food has come from and how it was prepared.

A healthy dog diet may come from a butcher. If you choose to make your own raw diet at home, you will be able to find the quality meats for your dog’s diet from the local butcher. Ground turkey or chicken breast fresh is always best.

Regardless of what type of food you choose for your dog’s diet, always consult the veterinarian before making any changes or alterations. Once you have decided on a specific diet for your dog, take advantage of the healthiest and most convenient method available to you.

There’s a lot to understand about Dog Diets. We were able to provide you with some of the facts above, but there is still plenty more to write about in subsequent articles.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: GVO

Is There a Difference in a Senior Dog Diet?

Sunday, July 25th, 2010

You hate to admit it, but your furry pal is getting a little older. You want to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy for many years to come. You have heard all of the hype about the new dog diets for older pets. Is there really a difference between dog food for adult dogs and kibble recommended specifically for seniors? How do you know when to switch your pet to a different diet?

The best resource for information about dog diets is your pet’s veterinarian. Only you and your vet know the specific needs of your pet the best. Discuss with your vet your concerns and questions. He or she will be able to advise you on what changes, if any, need to be made to your dog’s diet.

If your older dog does not have any health problems and maintains a healthy weight, there is no need to change your dog’s diet from adult to senior dog food. On the other hand, if your dog has trouble keeping the weight off or digestive issues, you may need to switch. If weight is the only issue, consider slightly lowering the amount of dog food you give to your pet. This may be all the change your dog’s diet requires.

A senior dog is classified as a dog in the last third of their life span. Larger dogs, for instance a Great Dane, live to be about 9 years old. Around the sixth year of life, you may want to consider a senior dog’s diet. A poodle, on the other hand wouldn’t reach senior status until
About age ten due to the longer life expectancy. Primarily, the decision to change your dog’s diet should be based on health condition rather than actual age in years. Your vet will help you to determine when the right time is to alter your dog’s diet.

Dog food especially prepared for senior dogs typically has less calories. This helps to combat any weight issues. The senior dog food also contains more fiber for the different needs in your dog’s diet. As dogs age, they tend to suffer from constipation. This extra fiber will help remedy this problem.

If you don’t have accurate details regarding Dog Diets, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.

Renal failure can be another medical problem for senior dogs. How can your dog’s diet help this problem? Reducing the amount of protein in your dog’s diet will decrease the work load for the kidneys. For this reason, senior dog food frequently has lower protein content than regular adult formulas.

Whenever possible, allow your dog to eat dry dog food to encourage excellent dental health. The dry kibble helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. If your older pet refuses to eat the food dry, you may need to moisten it with water or purchase moist, canned varieties.

If your vet recommends, supplements may be helpful as part of your senior dog’s diet. Some pets are unable to eat properly due to oral issues. Other older pets are unable to gather all of the nutrients from their food for various health reasons. Supplements such as daily vitamins and glucosamine can be beneficial to maintaining a healthy diet for your dog.

Glucosamine helps to encourage joint health. For senior dogs, glucosamine can combat arthritis and hip displasia.

Vitamins C, A, and E may prevent the natural aging process and encourage better health for senior dogs. Talk to your vet about adding such supplements to your dog’s diet.

You want what is best for your pet. Your senior dog needs to have a diet that meets their special nutritional requirements. You and your vet can work together to decide what is the best diet for your senior dog. Your dog’s diet directly affects his or her health. Take care of your pet by monitoring your dog’s diet closely with the aid of your veterinarian.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: GVO

How to Know if Your Dog’s Diet Contains Enough Fatty Acid

Monday, June 28th, 2010

If you have even a passing interest in the topic of Dog Diets, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of Dog Diets.

Does your pet’s skin and coat look shiny and healthy, or is your dog’s fur lacking the silky appearance you prefer? Could this indicate the need for more fatty acids in your dog’s diet?

A dog’s diet affects all aspects of his body including the skin and coat. If your dog’s diet contains adequate amounts of fatty acids, his coat and skin should appear healthy. Fatty acids in your dog’s diet will prevent trouble with dry skin and dandruff, for example. A dull coat may indicate a need for supplements of fatty acids in your dog’s diet.

Studies indicate that essential fatty acids, called EFAs, contribute to healthy skin and coat, as well as general health. Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, for instance, can play a critical role in your dog’s overall well being.

Do not assume that adding fatty acid supplements to your dog’s diet is always a good idea. If your dog’s coat is in good condition, adding more EFAs will not automatically improve health. The fatty acid supplements, such as omega 3 and 6, are only for dog’s with diagnosed skin problems. Always consult your veterinarian before adding a supplement to your dog’s diet. Your vet will be happy to discuss with you the best form of EFAs and the appropriate dose to add to your dog’s diet.

Is everything making sense so far? If not, I’m sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.

Fatty acids are not produced by your dog’s body. For this reason,
You must provide EFAs to your pet through your dog’s diet. If your vet recommends additional supplements of fatty acids, you may want to ask about linseed or sunflower oil.

Within as little as four weeks, you should notice an improvement in your dog’s coat and skin. Watch the wonder of fatty acids at work in your dog’s diet. By the time seven weeks have passed, you will notice a dramatic change in your pet’s health.

High levels of omega 3 fatty acids are thought to ward off some forms of cancer. Cardiovascular health and joint health will improve, as well, with higher levels of omega 3 in your dog’s diet.

Typically, omega 6 fatty acids are present in manufactured dog food at adequate levels. Supplementing omega 3 will help to improve the ratio and make the difference for your pet. Fish and flax seed are excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Again, be cautious and ask your vet before supplementing. Some forms of fish may not be safe as part of your dog’s diet.

Supplementing your dog’s diet may or may not be necessary. The only sure way to decide if your dog’s diet needs extra essential fatty acids is to schedule an appointment with your vet to talk about your pet’s health. Never medicate your dog without advice from a professional because your dog’s diet must contain the proper balance of nutrients. Sources of EFAs include flaxseed, linseed, and sunflower oil. Higher doses of essential fatty acids can improve skin and coat issues within several weeks. Your dog’s diet is the first step in providing your overall health and a happy life with your pet for years to come.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit this new site for my swedish customers: Billigt Webbhotell – from SEK 10:- per month!

Protein and Kidney Failure from Your Dog’s Diet

Friday, June 18th, 2010

This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding Dog Diets. A careful reading of this material could make a big difference in how you think about Dog Diets.

Early research indicated that higher levels of protein in your dog’s diet would lead to kidney failure. Do you know if your dog’s diet is safe? Are you killing your furry friend by providing too much protein in your dog’s diet?

The studies that showed a relationship to high protein levels and kidney failure that sparked concerns about protein levels in dog’s diets were not sound. The research was performed on rats, not dogs. Rats primarily eat plants as their natural diet. Naturally, rats biological makeup would indicate trouble digesting diets containing high levels of protein. The rats have difficulty excreting protein due to their specific dietary needs, not because the high protein diet causes kidney failure.

Still, where do we stand on protein and your dog’s diet? Dogs are naturally omnivorous. In the wild, dog’s would hunt or scavenge. The dog’s diet would consist of both plants and animals. Naturally speaking, dogs are meat eaters, too. For this reason, a dog can easily tolerate a diet consisting of 30% protein or more.

When protein intake is reduced in a dog’s diet, renal function does not improve. Renal lesions are not less likely to form when a dog is fed with a low-protein diet. It is not until a blood urea nitrogen, or BUN, test indicates a level of 75, that a reduction in protein intake be considered for your dog’s diet.

If you have concerns about the amount of protein in your dog’s diet, schedule an appointment to speak with a professional on the subject. Your trusted vet can advise you on the specifics in regards to your dog’s diet.

So far, we’ve uncovered some interesting facts about Dog Diets. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

It is a myth that dog’s cannot properly digest high levels of protein in their diet. Kidney troubles do not result from high levels of protein in your dog’s diet. Large amounts of protein can be safely digested in your dog’s diet, especially when they come primarily from animal origins.

Ten amino acids must be provided in your dog’s diet through protein. Only twelve of 22 amino acids can be manufactured in your dog’s liver. For this reason, meat such as heart, spleen, and meat by-products all have a place in your dog’s diet.

A high-quality dog food should contain meat as the first ingredient. This will provide the proper amount of protein for your dog’s diet. You know you are on the right track when you turn to nature for advice. Do you ever recall seeing a wild or stray dog happily grazing through the cornfield at mealtime?

Senior dogs should not be automatically placed on lower protein diets exclusively based on age. In fact, some older pets require a dog’s diet higher in protein than during their younger adult stage. Unless medically indicated, provide your pet the benefit of quality protein in your dog’s diet.

Feeding your dog protein should not cause you concern. You want what is best for your dog and nature tells you that protein will help your dog to thrive. If you have questions about the myth of protein and kidney failure in your pet, speak to your vet about your dog’s diet.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest acquisition: Adsense Sites and make sure to download the free adsense sites package!