She says that this deficit is due largely to poor nutrition.
For example, canned food is about 75 to 78 percent moisture, which leaves very little room for nutrition.
In addition to containing what is generally considered the bottom of the barrel ingredients in terms of nutritional density, most conventional dog food products contain especially large amounts of sodium to make them palatable, as well as
dairy, by-products, chemical preservatives, artificial colors and other potentially harmful ingredients. The carbohydrate ratio is too high in some dog food brands as well, eventually leading to obesity, which is increasingly becoming a serious problem with dogs.
In fact, obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing our dogs; it can cause unnecessary suffering and a shortened lifespan
Renowned research scientist Dr. Barry Sears believes that dog food should have about the same 30-30-40 ratio as the human Zone diet. This means a relatively small amount of carbohydrates. Not only do many dog food brands have a particulary large amount of carbohydrates, they are mostly grain based, which are exactly the ones the Zone diet tries to minimize.
Another problem, according to the USDA Agricultural service, is that mites often get into dog food pellets, which can cause a number of problems such as disease. They recommend keeping dog food cool and dry, and vacuuming in the places where the food is stored the food is stored a least once a week. In addition keep the are around the dish where the dog food is served clean.
Soft Or Hard Dog Food - Which Is Best?Sometimes dog owners are faced with a dilemma regarding what type pf dog food to provide their dogs. Dogs themselves tend to prefer the moist, canned types of food. They are more aromatic and naturally tempting to the dog s palate than the dry kibble that comes in a bag. A dog s dental health, however, relies on the dog being able to chew hard and crunchy items and dry kibble foods serve this purpose well. What s an owner to do?
Some owners make a two pronged approach when selecting dog food for their furry friends. They will mix a portion of dry food with canned, effectively giving their d ..
Also, do not leave any dog food in your pet's bowl on warm, humid days.
It should be noted that harder working dogs require more protein and fat in their diet to maintain stamina and good body form. A dog food that is complete and balanced and includes at least 26 percent protein and 1650 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per pound is ideal. During the seasons when dogs are not working, their energy requirements decrease. Feed less of the high calorie
food or change to a less nutrient-dense dog food.
Dr. Jane Bicks has been honored on many occasions by the veternary profession and is the author of several books inlcluding 'Thirty days to a healthier, happier dog' and 'Dr. Jane's Natural guide to a healthier, happier dog'. She has been involved in many advisory boards including Canine Companions for independence and has served as the President of the Veterinary Medical association of New York City.
To find out more about her holistic food and other dog food nutrition facts, go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/
How to Interpret Pet Food LabelsTo the uneducated consumer, pet food labels with names like
Beef for Dogs, Beef Dinner for Dogs, or Dog Food with Beef
might all sound like pretty much the same thing. In fact, these
products could have between 3% to 95% beef content, depending on
the exact wording of the product name!
If you want to make sure you re paying for the product you
really want, take a minute to familiarize yourself with the
rules that govern pet food labeling.
The 95% Rule
According to regulations enforced by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, a product with a simple same li ..
About The Author
A. M. Wilmot is an author and researcher in the fields of human and pet health. For more info. go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/
A. M. WilmotWhat's In Your Dog Food?
