Dec 30
Dogs and Their People
Have you ever noticed that some people look similar to their canine buddy? I’m not sure that it is really not any accident that this happens. Take a moment to consider some of the important points that people almost invariably do when they pick their dog pals for life. Even consider how often you offer your pooch buddy a snack that you love and how many times you decide to "sneak" a serving of whatever you’re eating…dogs develop tastes very similar to those of their human guardians.
Every dog expert will caution the potential guardian to think about living space, the amount of attention the dog will require, the temperament of the canine, and the type of lifestyle that you are desiring for the inclusion of your pooch pal. Don’t laugh about feeding either. This is important considering that most individuals who own overweight dogs, are overweight themselves. Lack of exercise and a proper diet lead to declining health.
It is a good idea to choose a dog that matches the amount of exercise the you prefer in your life. Don’t pick a dog that has breathing difficulties if you are a marathon runner who jogs on a regular basis and spends much leisure time outdoors. If you are inclined to be one who enjoys time on the water and prefers living on a boat, it is wise to consider a dog that is able to swim and is a natural around that environment.
The amount of exercise that you prefer and your general lifestyle are very important in making a good dog choice. Smaller dogs are often more "dainty" in their attitudes and don’t often fare well with lots of rough play. Choose a sturdy dog breed…perhaps one that enjoys running, racing about and a good game of tug.
If you choose your dog carefully, both of you will be far happier in the long run. Dogs and their humans form bonds that are able to cross the sands of time…Make sure the the dog will be able to adjust to the amount of space you are offering, that you will be able to exercise him and provide lots of together time for games and outtings. Oh, and please don’t dismiss the importance of understanding and providing the best food and treats possible for every age and stage of your canine companion’s life adventures with you.
For further details and some thoughts about canine nutrition, peruse Taking Stock: The Quality of Your Dog’s Food.
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Dec 23
Animal Fats & Carbohydrates For Dogs
Animal Fats: While most animal fats contain just as many calories as vegetable oils, only two contain essential fatty acids in amounts sufficient to supply a dog’s needs. These are the fat of the pig, commonly called lard, and horse fat. The tallow of beef and mutton should never be used as the sole source of energy for a dog because of their low content of essential fatty acids. Animal fats contain about 126 calories in every tablespoonful.
Cereal grains: One of the major sources of carbohydrates, both for dogs and man, is the cereal grains. The useful carbohydrate in these grains is predominantly starch. Starch can also be purchased in pure form, and contains about 29 calories per tablespoon, or about 464 calories per cup. Other sources of carbohydrate energy from cereal grains can be obtained from dry and cooked breakfast cereals, boiled rice, hominy grits, corn meal, and in the milled form, such as flour. Cereal grain products should never constitute more than about 50 percent of the dry matter of a dog’s diet. Also, it is very important to watch for ANY signs that your canine buddy may have an allergy to the grain. Common allergies to wheat, corn and soy find some dogs scratching uncontrollably along with other unpleasant problems.
Potatoes: Except for the fact that potatoes have more water in them, the amount of carbohydrates in potatoes is almost the same as in the cereal grains. Potatoes can be used interchangeably with those cereals that are fed in the boiled state. Like cereals, potatoes should never constitute more than 50 percent of the dry matter of the diet.
Bread: As a source of carbohydrates in a diet, white or whole wheat bread ranks among the better ”natural” foods available to a dog feeder. It usually is fortified with vitamins and minerals, is palatable to most dogs, and is always available and inexpensive. Some dog owners who feed their pets natural ingredients insist that bread should be toasted before being fed to a dog. While such a practice makes the slices easier to crumble and mix with the rest of the diet, the starches in bread have already been subjected to cooking and about all toasting does is to enhance the texture of the bread.
Specialty flour products: A carbohydrate source frequently overlooked by a dog owner is the specialty product made from flour noodles, macaroni, and spaghetti. These have an energy content comparable to other cereal grain products. And, like rice and hot cereals, they have the advantage of being able to be added dry to a food, then being cooked after the water has been added. This gives the capability of mixing a large amount of dry food at one time, then adding water and cooking small amounts as it is needed.
Read about staying in shape with your dog. Check out Give Your Dog the Run Around.
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Dec 10
The Truth about Raspberries
Here are a few truthful tales of the humble raspberry. First of all, were you aware that raspberries can assist your dog in fighting cancer and other illnesses?
Raspberries are able to act as antibacterial and antiviral agents. These berries contain a group of compounds called ellagitannins that are also found in strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and a few different nuts.
These relatives of the rose have salicylic acid, the same found in aspirin that is able to protect your canine companion from the ravages of atherosclerosis.
Rosy raspberries have antioxidant properties and also contain quercitin, the same found in dark cherries, that is able to act in the capacity of an antihistimine.
The honest raspberry also possesses the ability to stave off the pain of arthritis and numerous inflammatory diseases due to its anthocyanins.
Improved blood circulation, control of diabetes, and the ability of your dog to retain his memory and motor skills as he ages are haled as positive qualities of our great raspberry.
Consider adding dried raspberries to any of the dog treats that you prepare for your dog buddy. Dogs love them and you’ll find yourself sneaking in a treat or two from the jar as well.
Bone Appetit!
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