More than ever before, owners are paying more attention to what goes in their dogs‘ food bowls. The question of how and what a dog should be fed is often heatedly debated - premium kibble versus “look-alike” brands from wholesale clubs versus grocery store brands, raw, home-cooked, and fresh frozen. Should supplements be used, or is the food “complete and balanced”, as the labels state? Should grains be fed? Should bones be whole or ground? What about herbal supplements, joint supplements, vitamins, and probiotics? What about the special needs of the performance dog, older dog, or growing puppy?

The answers to these questions are obviously complex. There are many ways to meet a dog’s nutritional needs. For the show and competition dog, we are especially concerned that the diet supports peak physical and mental condition, as well as overall health. Many dogs have sensitive digestive systems, food intolerances, or other health concerns. The senior dog and the family dog who is not very active need good nutrition without extra calories that lead to weight gain. A sound nutritional program will enable all of these dogs live to long and healthy lives.

Whatever feeding plan is used, it must fit in the daily routine of the owner. The food chosen must be readily available, and in the case of the competition dog, be able to be easily fed on the road. The food must meet the nutritional needs of the individual dog, and be fed in a way to not provide excessive or deficient amounts of key nutrients. All foods should be clean and fresh, especially kibble that is naturally preserved with tocopherols and or citric acid. Natural preservatives are preferred to chemical preservatives such as BHA or BHT, but naturally preserved food that is stored too long may become rancid or moldy, as well as losing its nutritional value.

The vast majority of dogs in this country, whether family companions or competition/working dogs, are fed some type of commercial food. For the purposes of this article, commercial food will be divided into three categories: standard or grocery store foods, premium or pet store foods, and super-premium foods. The best way to understand the differences in these foods is to review the ingredients of a representative of each food category. (Food examples were chosen based on nationwide advertising and availability.)

Top 5 ingredients of common dog foods

Standard/Grocery Store Food

Kibbles ‘n Bits

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Just like people living longer lives, there are many older dogs living longer lives than their ancestors. Some of the reasons for this are better foods, numerous vaccines against all types of viruses or germs, and much more advanced dog health care. There are also many treatments available for a wide assortment of illnesses that were not possible only a short time ago. Your dog today has a much better chance of making it to his older years, but there are many things to keep in mind when they get there.

An older dog has different nutritional needs than a younger one. There are special foods that cater to an aging canine, providing all the vitamins that their bodies need. You especially want to watch their daily caloric intake as they will be less active than they were when they were younger. This means their metabolism will be lower and they will be prone to gaining weight. Older dogs should not be overweight as it is a big risk on their overall health. Follow the guidelines on the food bag to keep your dog at the ideal weight in their golden years.

An older dog may also experience problems with their hearing and vision, similar to an aging human. It is always smart to take your dog to the veterinarian annually as recommended so these important things can be monitored. Like mentioned before they may also become less active and even develop arthritis. Arthritis makes it painful for them to run around like they used to, and may even make it difficult to do some of the basic things like going to the bathroom. You need to be patient with them and help them through this as it is no fault of their own. Your pet is simply aging like we all do.

One other thing to monitor as your dog become older is to make sure they get the calories they need. While you don’t want them to be overweight, you also don’t want them to be too skinny. Having dental issues can make it difficult for them to chew their food and cause them to experience a loss of appetite. They also may become depressed and not want to eat if they don’t feel well. Speak with your vet if this is the case as you need to make sure your pet is comfortable and getting the proper nutritional intake each day.

As dogs age they have different health needs than they used to. By knowing these and openly discussing them with your veterinarian you can help them stay happy and healthy through their later years. Your dog is a big part of your family. It is your responsibility to keep them healthy throughout their entire lives. With a little awareness you can insure they are as happy as possible even if they are less active.

James McDonald writes for discount-dog-products.com where you can find many types of discount dog products for a variety of uses. Plus we have many helpful articles on a variety of topics related to your canine family member.

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Numerous individuals do not realize the value of caring for their dog’s teeth. As dogs age, the lack for dental distress increases. The best way to ensure proper dental condition for your dog is to start while they are very junior.

Many dogs do not like their mouths touched. It is important for you as a dog holder to desensitize them to being handled like this at a very young age. The veterinarian is always going to demand to examine your dog’s mouth and you do not crave to maintain painfulness with this. The best way for you to get your dog used to having his mouth touched is to begin touching it when you first get your pup. Make sure to handle the jaws, open the mouth, and touch the teeth in a peace and relaxing way for around five minutes each day until your pup is used to being handled in this way. Make this a accustomed part of your interaction alongside your dog so he remains calm when you are doing any kind of preventive dental distress.

Most veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth everyday. Many manufacturers build special toothpaste and brushes for dogs. You do not ever desire to use human toothpaste on dogs as it may be harmful to them. To get your dog used to having his teeth brushed, you may wish to start by putting a dab of dog toothpaste on a cotton ball and rubbing it over his teeth. Toothpaste for dogs is most often quite tasty to them, so he shouldn’t mind this. You can then try a finger brush, accessible at your veterinarian’s office or pet supply store. Finally, specially for larger breeds, you liking want to graduate to a regular dog toothbrush. Regular brushing will help prohibit the buildup of calculus and debris on your dog’s teeth.

Supplemental way to help prevent calculus and buildup on your dog’s teeth is by using rawhide chews expressly formulated for dental distress. Many companies make these chews. One of the best available is by C.E.T. Most veterinarians carry C.E.T. dental form products. C.E.T. chews are formulated near an enzyme that helps hold plaque from forming and prevents the buildup of bacteria. Also, the routine abrasion of rawhide chews helps keep teeth sturdy. C.E.T. resources makes a chew that contains chlorhexadine which has antimicrobial properties.

Sundry companies also put together special dental health food, which may be recommended to you by your veterinarian to help prevent dental problems.

Even with proper preventive preparations, most dogs will eventually need a dental cleanse from your veterinarian. If your veterinarian recommends a dental clean, it is important that you obey through. If your dog develops dental disease, harmful bacteria can pass through below the bloodstream causing potentially serious problems such as kidney infections and infections involving the heart valves.

A dental clean performed by your veterinarian is greatly like a human dental scrub, but your dog will need to be sedated. The anesthesia is light and with late technology is extremely safe. Many veterinarians have anesthesia monitoring systems just like those used in human prescription. A total exam liking be performed to determine if any teeth need to be pulled or repaired. Some veterinarians purpose do x-rays of the teeth to turn up any cracks or out of sorts teeth. In support of this, a trained associate of the veterinary staff desire effect a dental cleaning. First, they will scale the teeth to cast off the tartar above and lower down the gum line. This will be finished with both hand apparatus and ultrasonic scaling furnishings. After this, the teeth will be polished, which will make them smooth and help prevent medallion from complying to them. Most veterinarians will also do a fluoride Often.

This is to help strengthen the enamel and prevent plaque from forming. If any teeth are diseased or pulverized, your veterinarian may drag them. Some veterinarians who specialize in dental anguish will perform root canals and other intensified dental travail. Most veterinarians will put your dog on a treatment of antibiotics to help prevent bacterial infection.

It is very important to seize admissible care of your dog’s teeth to keep them sturdy and to prevent infections. Usually follow your veterinarian’s admonition and if you have further questions, consult your veterinary staff or pet professional.

For great dog health care tips or dog treat recipes visit Justin Bryce at http://www.dog-health-care.com.au

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