Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so we should also have an equal amount of concern for our pets ... particularly with regard to the ingredients in their food. We would want the ingredients in our pets' food to be acceptable for human consumption.
After all, If byproducts are not tolerated in our food, why should they be tolerated in our pets' food? We're also starting to realize that our dogs and cats need daily supplements the same way that we do, in order to take care of their bodies for the inevitable ravages of aging. In the span of an animal's life, an early start at good health ensures less vulnerability to degenerative diseases, joints that are less likely to creak with pain and a healthier heart. Naturally we want our dogs and cats to live with us for as long as possible.
Renowned holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks says that when looking at dog food, one should be be weary of dyes, chemicals and artificial preservatives as much as possible. For example, BHA ... one of the most common synthetic antioxidant preservatives mainly used to prevent food discoloration and rancidity ... has been found in scientific studies to cause stomach cancer in lab rats at certain doses. In lesser doses, the preservative doesn't have a cancerous effect but there is no telling what BHA can do to the body in small doses over a long period of time.
Dr. Jane states that the maximum life span of dogs is estimated to be between 25 to 30 years, but the average dog often lives no longer than 13 to 14 years.
And she says that this difference is caused primarily by inadequate nourishment.
She also states that protein is a critical part of a dog's natural development so pet owners should look for foods which have whole ingredients like meat, eggs, fish and dairy as opposed to byproducts.
Harder working or more energetic 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.
Unbleached rice is one of the more digestible carbohydrates and supplies a wide array of energy for your dog. Corn and wheat, meanwhile, are considerably more difficult to digest. It is also a great idea to look for antioxidants. In recent years, we have become much more conscious of our antioxidant intake, so why shouldn't we have that same attitude towards our pets?
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. She formulates Life's Abundance premium dog food as well several types of dog supplements. For more information about Life's Abundance dog food and dog supplements go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.info/
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.info/ or http://www.dog-food-nutrition.info/
cleaning team near Winnetka ..It is very important to decide whether to keep your... Read More
So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general... Read More
Having a cat allergy came as something of a surprise... Read More
When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More
Piranhas are unique creatures that have gained popularity not just... Read More
Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More
Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More
Here are 5 things to do to put the odds... Read More
This is an old saying that many of us have... Read More
She is the protector of cats, women and children. The... Read More
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
My love of horses began at the age of 11... Read More
Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More
Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More
The main ways a puppy will play with another dog... Read More
Making sure that accidents don't happen in the first place... Read More
As overwhelming as picking out a pet bird can be,... Read More
Much has been written about the Discus, or Symphysodon aequifasciatus,... Read More
Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More
One we must regrettably share with our children for they... Read More
Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More
Yesterday we talked a little about the 6 Keys for... Read More
Are you just starting to research the BARF diet for... Read More
"Hamsters?!" I hear you say. "Who cares about some fury... Read More
Parachromis managuense has a bad reputation, just like many of... Read More
family-safe home cleaners Northbrook ..Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover.... Read More
Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even... Read More
Just how old is your dog really? More than likely... Read More
Any person, whether a minor or adult, having been bitten... Read More
A dog that is feeling pain can often be highly... Read More
While a bird is an easy pet to care for,... Read More
So what does it mean to float a horse's teeth?... Read More
Have you ever dreamed of living with a bobcat or... Read More
Is your cat talking to you?Many cat lovers claim that... Read More
I get a lot of horse training questions about stopping... Read More
Cats have a reputation for being finicky eaters, but that... Read More
Wondering how to begin crate training your puppy or dog,... Read More
Chihuahua Training is Easy! You may be wondering if Chihuahua... Read More
Yesterday we talked a little about the 6 Keys for... Read More
Throughout the course of my life, I've encountered my own... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend... Read More
Much has been written about the Discus, or Symphysodon aequifasciatus,... Read More
Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one... Read More
The cat population is astronomical. Most experts agree that average... Read More
What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More
Bringing home a new puppy, ushers in a wave of... Read More
Herbology, basically, is the use of herbs in the treatment... Read More
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More
Pet |