By Edye Marin, Northern California Wolf Hybrid Ranch Breeder
Before you pick up your pup examine your house and yard. Check for poisonous plants and shrubs. (like Oleander - a complete list can be found at http://www.californiawolves.com/resources ) Also check your perimeter fence for holes where your pup could escape. If there is an opening the puppy’s head would fit through, they can escape. Your wolf pup will probably want to dig, as most pups. You can either set aside an area where they are allowed to dig or stay with them when they are outside and teach them not to dig. I encourage all new wolf hybrid owners to give their wolf a place to dig, as it is innate in their nature. Part of the reason they dig is to get to cooler dirt when they are hot. I have always kept either a kiddy pool or a large water trough for them to get into and cool off.
Next check your house and look for wires or other items they can chew. Either remove them or cover them. We have lost hundreds of dollars worth of satellite cable and hoses to wolf pups raised near the house, plus phone chargers and speakers where the wires were in their reach.
In the best case scenario you would come to pick up your pup here at the ranch. When you do it is important that you let us hand him/her to the new primary care giver/alpha of your puppy. That gives them the understanding of ownership passing to the new owner. The new owner should allow the pup to lick their face, if the puppy desires, as this indicates it sees you as the alpha. It is best if two people come to pick up the young cub so that one can drive and the other hold the pup on your lap and reassure it on the way to its new home. The first car ride is usually a scary experience for young pups. Also bring and old towel or puppy pad (large size) to protect your lap as they frequently get car sick on their first ride. It helps if you don’t allow them to look out the window as the moving scenery can accelerate the onset of car sickness.
Home at last. You have arrived in territory that is familiar and comfortable for you - not your wolfdog. Your puppy however has left his or her siblings, mom, and people he or she knows. They are now in a totally unfamiliar environment. That’s why it is not only important but necessary to have a few days, or possibly a week, to spend with your puppy. This is the time they bond with you and learn to trust you. In this time your wolfdog learns to see you as its provider and pack leader. You will be given, at the time of pick up, a stuffed toy with the scent of the litter and mom on it. Give this to them when they get fussy or at nap time so they won’t feel so lost and alone. This will also help with “separation anxiety”. This is a condition where the separation causes them to feel sick enough to stop eating or to get diarrhea. If they get diarrhea, cook them some hamburger and rice and when that cools mix mashed banana in it. Feed the rice, hamburger, banana mix for 2 days and then gradually start mixing in their dry food.
Feeding: Your puppy should be fed a quality puppy food that does not contain corn, wheat, or soy and has a minimum of 28% protein to start. Later, your wolf-hybrid will need more protein. I start them on Kirkland puppy chow and, finances permitting, I switch them over gradually to Evo which has 42% protein. Otherwise they can stay on the puppy chow and supplement with raw meat and bones to chew. Do not give them milk, unless you like cleaning up runny poop. Wolves are lactose intolerant. For the first week I would recommend feeding them three times (3X) per day, as much as they can eat. Then put the food up and wait for the next mealtime. This will help your wolf see you as its “top dog.” A wolf-hybrids’ provider decides when it eats. This also helps with house breaking as your wolf-hybrid won’t have food constantly moving through its digestive system, thus establishing a routine doing its “business” at about the same time every day. Once house broken and bonded, consider keeping food in front of them all the time. This will help to keep them from getting food aggressive.
Housetraining: The method that has worked best for me is “crate training.”
This doesn’t have to be an actual crate. Anything that will give them a small area to be in when they are napping is fine. When they wake up, they will sniff around the small area and usually decide to wait to go out to do their “business.” Frequently they will cry to let you know they need to go out. When they are loose in the house, watch for them sniffing around on the floor as that’s what they do prior to doing their business.
What to chew? Chewing is a problem with most puppies and no less with this breed. They chew to cut teeth and to develop jaw strength. I have found they enjoy chewing on pine fire wood. At eight weeks, a stick two (2) inches in diameter is about right. As they get bigger, the stick needs to get fatter. They like pine because it is soft and their teeth actually sink into it. They will chew the end off and leave pine slivers on the floor but hey it beats having them chew on the leg of the dining room table. Do not give them old shoes or old socks to chew on, as they don’t know the difference between the lovely smell of your old shoes and your new ones. Additionally, bones are good chew toys. The bottom line is, don’t allow them to do anything you don’t want a 100-pound-dog doing.
If picking up your pup at the ranch is not an option for you, and your wolfdog must be flown to you, they will be very nervous due to the flight and confined in a crate for possibly eight-plus hours. Don’t take them out of their carrier at the airport. Wait until you are in what will be their safe environment to take them out preferable in a small bedroom or bathroom where they can’t get too far away. Sit on the floor and wait for them to unwind a bit and come to you. Have some treats handy, at first they will be too nervous to eat. As they calm down they will come to you for the treat. If the flight comes in late at night, your wolf-hybrid may not take to you until the next morning. Our pups are well socialized, so they will be very friendly as soon as the nervousness wears off.
If you have paid to have your pup personally delivered to you by our Ranch Family, they will not be that nervous, even though they have had a long ride in the car. They have been in the car with people they know and trust. They will need help becoming accustomed to their new surroundings, but just keep them close for the first week or so. Your puppy will be fine.
Your wolf-hybrid will have had his or her first shots before you get your pup, so don’t rush out and get them more shots. You will receive a shot record so you will know when the next shots are due.
For more information, visit http://www.californiawolves.com. You can reach Edye Marin at Northern California Wolf Ranch at 530-990-2308 or edyemarin@gmail.com or P.O. Box 93, Etna, CA 96027
Showing posts with label dog food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog food. Show all posts
Friday, October 21, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Best Dog Food For Allergies
Food is one of the leading causes of allergies in dogs. When your dog develops an allergy towards a certain food, you need to remove it from the diet and look into other alternatives to find the best dog foods for allergies. Two of the most common alternatives are commercially produced hypoallergenic pet food and homemade dog food.
The important thing to remember is that the ingredient causing the allergy needs to be completely removed from the animal's diet. Increased exposure to the ingredient will only intensify your dog's suffering.
Dog food allergies are not predictable. It is entirely possible that your pet may suddenly develop an allergy to a food that it has been eating for a long time. Some of the most common foods found in many different commercial and homemade pet foods and which can cause an allergy include meats such as chicken, lamb and beef. Canines can also develop allergies to fish, wheat, soy, corn, eggs and other dairy products.
There are some commercially produced dog foods that you could give your pet if it is suffering from any form of food allergy. These are usually sold through veterinarians and are known as hypoallergenic pet food. They will not cause your pet any further distress as they exclude all of the most common allergens (ingredients which may cause allergies). The difficult thing with these foods is getting your pet to eat it as they are usually bland and tasteless, not flavoured with extra fat the way regular pet foods are.
These hypoallergenic foods are better for your pet than most commercial canine foods are as they contain no added chemical preservatives, colourings or flavourings, all of which can be very harmful to your dog's health. However, make sure that they contain all the necessary nutrients that your dog needs in order to be happy and healthy.
Homemade dog food allows you to remove the cause of your pet's allergy from the diet, thus removing all the discomfit that the symptoms cause your dog. It also enables you to watch the ingredients that go into your pet's food, and to make sure that they receive all the necessary nutrients that their bodies require.
Anybody can make homemade dog food as it is made using ingredients found in any kitchen. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to make delicious nutritious meals for your pet. In fact, it is so easy that even kids can do it!
To learn more about how to give your dog the best food and nutrition possible, visit http://homemadedogtreatsrecipes.net
The important thing to remember is that the ingredient causing the allergy needs to be completely removed from the animal's diet. Increased exposure to the ingredient will only intensify your dog's suffering.
Dog food allergies are not predictable. It is entirely possible that your pet may suddenly develop an allergy to a food that it has been eating for a long time. Some of the most common foods found in many different commercial and homemade pet foods and which can cause an allergy include meats such as chicken, lamb and beef. Canines can also develop allergies to fish, wheat, soy, corn, eggs and other dairy products.
There are some commercially produced dog foods that you could give your pet if it is suffering from any form of food allergy. These are usually sold through veterinarians and are known as hypoallergenic pet food. They will not cause your pet any further distress as they exclude all of the most common allergens (ingredients which may cause allergies). The difficult thing with these foods is getting your pet to eat it as they are usually bland and tasteless, not flavoured with extra fat the way regular pet foods are.
These hypoallergenic foods are better for your pet than most commercial canine foods are as they contain no added chemical preservatives, colourings or flavourings, all of which can be very harmful to your dog's health. However, make sure that they contain all the necessary nutrients that your dog needs in order to be happy and healthy.
Homemade dog food allows you to remove the cause of your pet's allergy from the diet, thus removing all the discomfit that the symptoms cause your dog. It also enables you to watch the ingredients that go into your pet's food, and to make sure that they receive all the necessary nutrients that their bodies require.
Anybody can make homemade dog food as it is made using ingredients found in any kitchen. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to make delicious nutritious meals for your pet. In fact, it is so easy that even kids can do it!
To learn more about how to give your dog the best food and nutrition possible, visit http://homemadedogtreatsrecipes.net
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Necessity Of Good Nourishment For Your Dog
Good nutrition is a primary necessary for your dog. It influences their health and long life by contribution a vital balance of proteins, fats, complex carbohydrates and the draw nutrients and minerals their bodies must for growth, fix and maintains of sound resistant system.
Nutrition is a composite and essential part of your dog’s talent to think plainly, inferior strain levels and create soother activities.
To think takes so much force. Dogs mixed up in a training program, use wonderful intellectual power focusing on the responsibilities existing to them. If your dog begins with minimum nutrition, they become tired, anxious or hyper active when asked to carry out the simplest of tasks. They cannot focus and loss attention after a short time or become puzzled. If the dog is frequently asked to do something they cannot realize, uncertainty can guide to a hostile form of acting out.
Prestige undertaking dogs, the nonpareil organization I beholding at the dog’s nourishment. I do operation from the inside foreign. Job becomes fruitless if the fundamental basis owing to the activities is not distorted. Hyper, distracted further exterior of direct dogs recurrently are eating foods with sterling levels of cornflakes foods alike now wheat, corn, and corn meal.
Aggressive dogs eat chuck containing upper levels of variant spring protein. countless of these proteins are imperfect derbies of amino acids which win not offer befitting rack further repair of tension fiber and cell tissue.
Shy further haggard dogs get done not digest their foods positively at undivided besides oftentimes suffer from intestinal complications such because diarrhea. Their coats are usually ever desert again shed heavily.
One drawing near to dare the foods you are feeding is to permeate the ration mastery humidify as about 30 toilet paper. If legitimate swells significance size and becomes mushy, evident is primarily cereal.
Are you dog’s stools oftentimes softhearted and hospitable or is the grisly gassy? They are not digesting the mess properly.
By looking at their food, you leave carry out more to succor bill their behavior, because in fact as, hype to their health and longevity. Dash Abundance offers the cool society of larder now unbroken dogs concerned. The proteins are score besides digest easily.
The carbohydrates are streak also wind up not temperament curiosity wearisome sugars effectual life swings of highs besides depressed behaviors. The Proboscis influence the menu tally also digest additional easily, which is not characteristic follow through for the weird or throw dogs, but ensures faultless dogs are recipient the cuisine they appetite from food.
Nutrition is a composite and essential part of your dog’s talent to think plainly, inferior strain levels and create soother activities.
To think takes so much force. Dogs mixed up in a training program, use wonderful intellectual power focusing on the responsibilities existing to them. If your dog begins with minimum nutrition, they become tired, anxious or hyper active when asked to carry out the simplest of tasks. They cannot focus and loss attention after a short time or become puzzled. If the dog is frequently asked to do something they cannot realize, uncertainty can guide to a hostile form of acting out.
Prestige undertaking dogs, the nonpareil organization I beholding at the dog’s nourishment. I do operation from the inside foreign. Job becomes fruitless if the fundamental basis owing to the activities is not distorted. Hyper, distracted further exterior of direct dogs recurrently are eating foods with sterling levels of cornflakes foods alike now wheat, corn, and corn meal.
Aggressive dogs eat chuck containing upper levels of variant spring protein. countless of these proteins are imperfect derbies of amino acids which win not offer befitting rack further repair of tension fiber and cell tissue.
Shy further haggard dogs get done not digest their foods positively at undivided besides oftentimes suffer from intestinal complications such because diarrhea. Their coats are usually ever desert again shed heavily.
One drawing near to dare the foods you are feeding is to permeate the ration mastery humidify as about 30 toilet paper. If legitimate swells significance size and becomes mushy, evident is primarily cereal.
Are you dog’s stools oftentimes softhearted and hospitable or is the grisly gassy? They are not digesting the mess properly.
By looking at their food, you leave carry out more to succor bill their behavior, because in fact as, hype to their health and longevity. Dash Abundance offers the cool society of larder now unbroken dogs concerned. The proteins are score besides digest easily.
The carbohydrates are streak also wind up not temperament curiosity wearisome sugars effectual life swings of highs besides depressed behaviors. The Proboscis influence the menu tally also digest additional easily, which is not characteristic follow through for the weird or throw dogs, but ensures faultless dogs are recipient the cuisine they appetite from food.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Is Your Pet Overweight?
Your Pet's Weight Matters
Just like with humans, the primary cause of pet obesity is too much food and too little exercise. Obesity presents cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and digestive dangers to your pet's health while also increasing the risk for diabetes, arthritis, fatigue and heat intolerance. In all overweight dogs and cats, the body structure ages prematurely and can reduce the lifespan of your pet.
Checking Your Pet for Weight Gain
By monitoring changes in your pet's body, you can identify additional pounds early. Here are a few areas to check:
* Run your hand over your pet's hips. You should feel the bumps of two pelvic bones without applying pressure.
* Place your thumbs on your pet's back and run them along the backbone with your fingers over the ribs. You should be able to feel the bumps of the ribs without applying any pressure. If you can see the ribs or they are protruding, your pet is too thin.
* Push your thumb and index finger into the flesh at the side of the neck above the shoulder and pinch together. Your fingers should not be more than a half inch apart.
* When you look at your pet from the side, the abdomen should not be hanging down
* When looking at your pet from above, you should be able to see a waist behind the ribs
Making Changes to Reduce Obesity Risk
The first step is to consult your veterinarian. He or she will be able to provide you with a detailed feeding and exercise plan if necessary. Ask about regular follow-ups to ensure the plan is working. Here are other things to help reduce weight gain:
* Don't misinterpret an empty bowl as an empty stomach. Even if your dog or cat "cleans their plate", make sure you are controlling portions appropriately.
* Make time for extended exercise. Playtime alone or outside is not enough. Schedule a play session or a long walk to help keep your pet's muscles toned.
* Pay attention to the fat and calorie content in the food you buy. Fats are an energy source, but excess fat adds pound quickly. Similarly, look for low calorie diets that offer the same quality ingredients found in higher calorie foods.
* Don't let your pets snack on your table scraps.
To promote your own health along with the health of your pets, explore ways that you and your dog or cat can exercise together. Some canine breeds can be great company for a long walk or jog. Keep in mind, cats prefer frequent periods of intense activity rather than longer exercise sessions.
Contributed by Pet First Health Care
Just like with humans, the primary cause of pet obesity is too much food and too little exercise. Obesity presents cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and digestive dangers to your pet's health while also increasing the risk for diabetes, arthritis, fatigue and heat intolerance. In all overweight dogs and cats, the body structure ages prematurely and can reduce the lifespan of your pet.
Checking Your Pet for Weight Gain
By monitoring changes in your pet's body, you can identify additional pounds early. Here are a few areas to check:
* Run your hand over your pet's hips. You should feel the bumps of two pelvic bones without applying pressure.
* Place your thumbs on your pet's back and run them along the backbone with your fingers over the ribs. You should be able to feel the bumps of the ribs without applying any pressure. If you can see the ribs or they are protruding, your pet is too thin.
* Push your thumb and index finger into the flesh at the side of the neck above the shoulder and pinch together. Your fingers should not be more than a half inch apart.
* When you look at your pet from the side, the abdomen should not be hanging down
* When looking at your pet from above, you should be able to see a waist behind the ribs
Making Changes to Reduce Obesity Risk
The first step is to consult your veterinarian. He or she will be able to provide you with a detailed feeding and exercise plan if necessary. Ask about regular follow-ups to ensure the plan is working. Here are other things to help reduce weight gain:
* Don't misinterpret an empty bowl as an empty stomach. Even if your dog or cat "cleans their plate", make sure you are controlling portions appropriately.
* Make time for extended exercise. Playtime alone or outside is not enough. Schedule a play session or a long walk to help keep your pet's muscles toned.
* Pay attention to the fat and calorie content in the food you buy. Fats are an energy source, but excess fat adds pound quickly. Similarly, look for low calorie diets that offer the same quality ingredients found in higher calorie foods.
* Don't let your pets snack on your table scraps.
To promote your own health along with the health of your pets, explore ways that you and your dog or cat can exercise together. Some canine breeds can be great company for a long walk or jog. Keep in mind, cats prefer frequent periods of intense activity rather than longer exercise sessions.
Contributed by Pet First Health Care
Monday, January 19, 2009
Guide To Raw Diets For Dogs
A raw dog diet, as the term suggests, is a kind of diet which is composed of raw and uncooked food with no hidden ingredients and fillers. It is usually a combination of raw meat, eggs, meaty bones, some types of vegies and a few portion of usual dog kibble.
There is no denying that a raw dog diet is much better than commercial dog food. Why is that so? A raw diet for dogs contains ingredients that are fresh, natural and organic. This means that you can improve your dog's health if you constantly give him raw food.
Dull coats and skin, for instance, will look more shiny and healthy looking. It is also a good way to prevent dog's bad breath. Dogs under a raw diet can also enjoy better digestion and stamina.
By choosing a raw dog diet, your dog will lose unwanted fat and increase his muscle mass. This not only makes your dog look so much better on the outside, it also boosts your canine's metabolic rate, as well as his activity levels and life span. Not only that, buying fresh vegies, bones and organ meats are a lot less expensive than purchasing premium commercial dog food. For those who want to save money, it's really a cost-effective alternative.
So what types of food are part of a raw dog diet? Any part of a chicken is good for your canine. However, do not give him the bones. These can splinter and harm his internal organs. Turkey and quail are healthy too. Beef meats should also be included in your dog's diet. Unlike chicken, you can include the bones from beef or buffalo for your dog can digest them.
Raw diets can be given to puppies but be extra careful. Puppies can't chew bones like an adult dog can. Raw dog diet will also never be complete without vitamins. Your dog will be a lot healthier if feed him vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
There is no denying that a raw dog diet is much better than commercial dog food. Why is that so? A raw diet for dogs contains ingredients that are fresh, natural and organic. This means that you can improve your dog's health if you constantly give him raw food.
Dull coats and skin, for instance, will look more shiny and healthy looking. It is also a good way to prevent dog's bad breath. Dogs under a raw diet can also enjoy better digestion and stamina.
By choosing a raw dog diet, your dog will lose unwanted fat and increase his muscle mass. This not only makes your dog look so much better on the outside, it also boosts your canine's metabolic rate, as well as his activity levels and life span. Not only that, buying fresh vegies, bones and organ meats are a lot less expensive than purchasing premium commercial dog food. For those who want to save money, it's really a cost-effective alternative.
So what types of food are part of a raw dog diet? Any part of a chicken is good for your canine. However, do not give him the bones. These can splinter and harm his internal organs. Turkey and quail are healthy too. Beef meats should also be included in your dog's diet. Unlike chicken, you can include the bones from beef or buffalo for your dog can digest them.
Raw diets can be given to puppies but be extra careful. Puppies can't chew bones like an adult dog can. Raw dog diet will also never be complete without vitamins. Your dog will be a lot healthier if feed him vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Where's The Beef? B.A.R.F. Feeding For Dogs
Dogs are prey animals that existed in the wild as carnivores eating primarily raw meat and bones. Wild dogs rarely ate grain and that helped them to stay lean and mean. Dogs today are our beloved pets but they are still carnivores and many people believe that they should be fed the same diet that wild dogs once ate. Unfortunately, most commercial pet food is filled with grains and chemicals that experts say may account for the rising rate of skin allergies, gastrointestinal problems and cancer.
An alternative to chemical laden commercial foods that poisoned pets in 2007 is the B.A.R.F. (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) Diet. The B.A.R.F. diet is controversial yet millions of people have switched to this way of feeding their dogs. Read on to discover some of the facts and controversies surrounding this popular method of feeding dogs.
What Is The B.A.R.F. Diet?
A Veterinary Surgeon in Australia, Dr Ian Billinghurst, created the B.A.R.F. diet and recommends that owners feed their dogs bones, fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs and dairy. His theory is that it is better to feed a dog completely raw food, imitating the types of food eaten by their wild ancestors.
What Food Can I Feed My Dog On The B.A.R.F. Diet?
There is much controversy in the B.A.R.F. community about what is included in the diet. Dr. Billinghurst states that vegetables and fruit are appropriate food to feed but others disagree. Most would agree that raw, meaty bones meat are a staple of the diet and that includes beef, chicken, deer, duck, game birds, goat, pork, lamb, fish, rabbit and veal. Some of the more controversial foods include eggs, vegetables, fruit, dairy, cooked cereals and supplements.
What About Handling Raw Food?
You should wash your hands before and after handling raw meat just (or wear disposable gloves) as you would while preparing food for humans. Be sure to disinfect cutting boards and countertops where meat is prepared. Many people believe that the dog digestive system is not as susceptible to salmonella, e-coli and parasites as humans. Many vets disagree.
How Much Food Is Fed Each Day?
On the B.A.R.F. diet dogs are fed according to their energy level. If your dog is very active it should be fed 2 to 3 % of their weight every day. A less active and more sedentary dog would get fed approximately 1% of their weight every day. This is not a precise measurement so it should be adjusted as your dog adapts to eating raw food. You should plan on feeding three or four times a day and preparing meals in advance.
What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Raw?
There is no scientific evidence that supports added benefits from feeding your dog raw food, but there have been many studies showing that commercial food is poisonous to our pets. People who are feeding their dogs raw food report that they save money and their dogs have less body odor, less bowel movements, cleaner teeth and reduced illnesses and medical costs.
Can Every Dog Eat Raw?
The simple answer is no. Most healthy dogs can adapt to raw food but dogs that are very old or that have chronic and serious illnesses may not be appropriate candidates for this type of diet. Some dogs will simply refuse to eat raw food. You should talk to your vet before the switch but be prepared for the doctor to discourage you from making this decision. Some veterinarians are heavily influenced by commercial pet food companies because they make a great deal of money selling the product. Ask your vet if any patients feed their dogs raw food and ask if they experienced problems adjusting to the change in diet.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Again, this is anecdotal information but many people report a detox stage in feeding raw food. This means the dog is adjusting to the diet and getting rid of toxins in their body. Symptoms your pet may display include vomiting, diarrhea, bad breath and itchy skin. Supplementing your pet with Vitamins C and E may help. If your dog has these symptoms for more than three days after switching diets, take them to your local vet. Ask your vet about the best method for changing your dog's diet.
Raw feeding is not for every dog nor will it work for every owner. Be careful whenever you change the diet of your pets. Some proponents of raw food insist that a "cold turkey" switch is better but most vets will disagree and say changes should be made gradually. Educate yourself by doing research and reading some of the great books available on raw feeding before making the switch.
© 2008, Davis Virtual Assistance. All rights reserved. Reprints welcomed so long as the article and byline are not changed and all links are made live.
Bonnie Jo Davis is an animal lover who is active in animal rescue. She is the author of "50 Fantastic Recipes For Dogs" and "50 Fantastic Recipes For Cats" and created these downloadable cookbooks for those people who want to feed a more natural diet but do not want to handle raw meat. More information is available at http://www.dog-and-cat-food.com and other recommended pet e-books are available at http://www.dog-and-cat-food.com/petebooks.htm
An alternative to chemical laden commercial foods that poisoned pets in 2007 is the B.A.R.F. (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) Diet. The B.A.R.F. diet is controversial yet millions of people have switched to this way of feeding their dogs. Read on to discover some of the facts and controversies surrounding this popular method of feeding dogs.
What Is The B.A.R.F. Diet?
A Veterinary Surgeon in Australia, Dr Ian Billinghurst, created the B.A.R.F. diet and recommends that owners feed their dogs bones, fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs and dairy. His theory is that it is better to feed a dog completely raw food, imitating the types of food eaten by their wild ancestors.
What Food Can I Feed My Dog On The B.A.R.F. Diet?
There is much controversy in the B.A.R.F. community about what is included in the diet. Dr. Billinghurst states that vegetables and fruit are appropriate food to feed but others disagree. Most would agree that raw, meaty bones meat are a staple of the diet and that includes beef, chicken, deer, duck, game birds, goat, pork, lamb, fish, rabbit and veal. Some of the more controversial foods include eggs, vegetables, fruit, dairy, cooked cereals and supplements.
What About Handling Raw Food?
You should wash your hands before and after handling raw meat just (or wear disposable gloves) as you would while preparing food for humans. Be sure to disinfect cutting boards and countertops where meat is prepared. Many people believe that the dog digestive system is not as susceptible to salmonella, e-coli and parasites as humans. Many vets disagree.
How Much Food Is Fed Each Day?
On the B.A.R.F. diet dogs are fed according to their energy level. If your dog is very active it should be fed 2 to 3 % of their weight every day. A less active and more sedentary dog would get fed approximately 1% of their weight every day. This is not a precise measurement so it should be adjusted as your dog adapts to eating raw food. You should plan on feeding three or four times a day and preparing meals in advance.
What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Raw?
There is no scientific evidence that supports added benefits from feeding your dog raw food, but there have been many studies showing that commercial food is poisonous to our pets. People who are feeding their dogs raw food report that they save money and their dogs have less body odor, less bowel movements, cleaner teeth and reduced illnesses and medical costs.
Can Every Dog Eat Raw?
The simple answer is no. Most healthy dogs can adapt to raw food but dogs that are very old or that have chronic and serious illnesses may not be appropriate candidates for this type of diet. Some dogs will simply refuse to eat raw food. You should talk to your vet before the switch but be prepared for the doctor to discourage you from making this decision. Some veterinarians are heavily influenced by commercial pet food companies because they make a great deal of money selling the product. Ask your vet if any patients feed their dogs raw food and ask if they experienced problems adjusting to the change in diet.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Again, this is anecdotal information but many people report a detox stage in feeding raw food. This means the dog is adjusting to the diet and getting rid of toxins in their body. Symptoms your pet may display include vomiting, diarrhea, bad breath and itchy skin. Supplementing your pet with Vitamins C and E may help. If your dog has these symptoms for more than three days after switching diets, take them to your local vet. Ask your vet about the best method for changing your dog's diet.
Raw feeding is not for every dog nor will it work for every owner. Be careful whenever you change the diet of your pets. Some proponents of raw food insist that a "cold turkey" switch is better but most vets will disagree and say changes should be made gradually. Educate yourself by doing research and reading some of the great books available on raw feeding before making the switch.
© 2008, Davis Virtual Assistance. All rights reserved. Reprints welcomed so long as the article and byline are not changed and all links are made live.
Bonnie Jo Davis is an animal lover who is active in animal rescue. She is the author of "50 Fantastic Recipes For Dogs" and "50 Fantastic Recipes For Cats" and created these downloadable cookbooks for those people who want to feed a more natural diet but do not want to handle raw meat. More information is available at http://www.dog-and-cat-food.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Dog Constipation Treatment
It's easy to determine if your beloved dog is suffering from constipation. If you observe that your k9 is having a hard time and looks in pain when trying to pass feces, he might be suffering from this illness. The presence of hard and dry stools is a also sign of dog constipation. Just like in humans, constipation in dogs is commonly due to dietary issues. The lack of fibers in the diet is among them. Ingested solid objects such as bones can also disrupt your k9's digestive system, resulting to constipation.
Having said that, the best dog constipation treatment is to change your dog's diet. Feed him with nutritious foods that are natural and high in fiber. Increase your dog's fiber consumption can help in fighting constipation. Try adding some oat bran on top of his dog food. Anywhere from half a teaspoon to 2 tablespoons is good enough depending on the size and weight of your dog.
You can also give him two teaspoons of canned pumpkin every day or a tablespoon of mineral oil to help make his bowel movements more regular. A fresh supply of water can also solve dog constipation.
Another dog constipation treatment which can help soften his dog poop is by adding psyllium to the dog's diet. Half a teaspoon of this medicine 2x day, plus plenty of water, will be very helpful. You can also buy some herbal supplements that are invented to cure dog constipation. Among the components found in these herbal medicines include aloe ferox, psyllium husk, and natrium mariaticum.
Besides making some changes in your dog's diet, you must also increase the amount of exercise your dog gets. Regular dog exercise helps a lot in keeping the bowels more regular. Dogs need to be walked twice a day while maintaining a well-balance, high-fiber diet.
Having said that, the best dog constipation treatment is to change your dog's diet. Feed him with nutritious foods that are natural and high in fiber. Increase your dog's fiber consumption can help in fighting constipation. Try adding some oat bran on top of his dog food. Anywhere from half a teaspoon to 2 tablespoons is good enough depending on the size and weight of your dog.
You can also give him two teaspoons of canned pumpkin every day or a tablespoon of mineral oil to help make his bowel movements more regular. A fresh supply of water can also solve dog constipation.
Another dog constipation treatment which can help soften his dog poop is by adding psyllium to the dog's diet. Half a teaspoon of this medicine 2x day, plus plenty of water, will be very helpful. You can also buy some herbal supplements that are invented to cure dog constipation. Among the components found in these herbal medicines include aloe ferox, psyllium husk, and natrium mariaticum.
Besides making some changes in your dog's diet, you must also increase the amount of exercise your dog gets. Regular dog exercise helps a lot in keeping the bowels more regular. Dogs need to be walked twice a day while maintaining a well-balance, high-fiber diet.
Friday, September 19, 2008
How To Select Nutritious Pet Food
The ingredients in your dog or cat food, be it packed, raw or organic, may shock you. What is even more surprising is that even the premium pet food brands don't contain the right nutrients that will sustain your beloved pet's health.
And what are some of these important components? For both cats and dogs, a nutritious pet diet must have vegetables and fruits. These organic foods contain antioxidants, as well as fiber, vitamins, and phytonutrients. Your pet's food should also have direct-fed microbials which are commonly found in yogurt. Omega-3 fatty acids must be added in your list for they can keep pet's coat shiny.
Don't feed your dog with foods like corn, soy, or wheat, especially in large amount. Such foods are not sufficient sources of protein and your pet will get a hard time digesting them, resulting to colitis and urinary tract infections. As much as possible, purchase a nutritious pet food that has grain and uses ingredients like brown rice, oats, barley, or other easy-to-digest components.
Whenever you buy a pet food in the supermarket, make sure that it contains the "complete and balanced" label. These dog foods have met the standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).You can visit www.fda.gov to know more tips on selecting nutritious pet food.
And what are some of these important components? For both cats and dogs, a nutritious pet diet must have vegetables and fruits. These organic foods contain antioxidants, as well as fiber, vitamins, and phytonutrients. Your pet's food should also have direct-fed microbials which are commonly found in yogurt. Omega-3 fatty acids must be added in your list for they can keep pet's coat shiny.
Don't feed your dog with foods like corn, soy, or wheat, especially in large amount. Such foods are not sufficient sources of protein and your pet will get a hard time digesting them, resulting to colitis and urinary tract infections. As much as possible, purchase a nutritious pet food that has grain and uses ingredients like brown rice, oats, barley, or other easy-to-digest components.
Whenever you buy a pet food in the supermarket, make sure that it contains the "complete and balanced" label. These dog foods have met the standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).You can visit www.fda.gov to know more tips on selecting nutritious pet food.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Dog Treats Guide - How to Choose Dog Treats
Dogs are just like people when it comes to liking something. They have different tastes and feelings towards different things. Certain dogs may like one taste of dog food while another may not even give it a chance. The only way to know what your dog will like for dog treats is to try different ones and go from there.
There are so many different kinds and tastes when it comes to dog treats. The different flavors may not be as agreeing with all dogs. The only way to know if your dog will like a certain dog treat is to give him one and see what the dog's reaction is. If the dog likes this particular dog treat, then he will surely let you know by wagging his tail, and licking his lips.
If the dog hates this dog treat, chances are he will drop it to the ground, sniff it and walk away all after he gives you a very dissatisfying look. This is how most dogs would react. Some dogs may even bark at you as if to say, "what were you thinking". However, this is the only way that you will ever know if the dog agrees with your choice in treats or not.
If you have more than one dog, you may find that they all like a different treat. If this is the case, then you will have to buy more than one brand of dog treat. When this happens, it may be hard to keep them straight especially if you have a few dogs. The best way to keep the dog treats separate and know which one is for what dog, you will have to put them in separate containers and mark them.
There is crunchy, soft, sweat, and salty dog treats available. There are so many that you will be sure to find a few dog treats that your dog will love.
Keeping the dog treats in airtight containers with lids will keep them safe and secure from the dogs as well. They will not be able to help themselves when they feel like it. Use clear plastic or glass containers and write the dogs name on the outside of the container so that you know what dog treats are for what dog. This will make your life a whole lot easier because you will not be mixing up the treats. That will make your dog just as happy and satisfied as you are.
For more about dog treats and how you can provide the best for your dog, please visit: www.1-dog-treats.info.
There are so many different kinds and tastes when it comes to dog treats. The different flavors may not be as agreeing with all dogs. The only way to know if your dog will like a certain dog treat is to give him one and see what the dog's reaction is. If the dog likes this particular dog treat, then he will surely let you know by wagging his tail, and licking his lips.
If the dog hates this dog treat, chances are he will drop it to the ground, sniff it and walk away all after he gives you a very dissatisfying look. This is how most dogs would react. Some dogs may even bark at you as if to say, "what were you thinking". However, this is the only way that you will ever know if the dog agrees with your choice in treats or not.
If you have more than one dog, you may find that they all like a different treat. If this is the case, then you will have to buy more than one brand of dog treat. When this happens, it may be hard to keep them straight especially if you have a few dogs. The best way to keep the dog treats separate and know which one is for what dog, you will have to put them in separate containers and mark them.
There is crunchy, soft, sweat, and salty dog treats available. There are so many that you will be sure to find a few dog treats that your dog will love.
Keeping the dog treats in airtight containers with lids will keep them safe and secure from the dogs as well. They will not be able to help themselves when they feel like it. Use clear plastic or glass containers and write the dogs name on the outside of the container so that you know what dog treats are for what dog. This will make your life a whole lot easier because you will not be mixing up the treats. That will make your dog just as happy and satisfied as you are.
For more about dog treats and how you can provide the best for your dog, please visit: www.1-dog-treats.info.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Harmful Dog Food You Need To Know
Dogs in cartoons are often portrayed as stereotypical bone lovers. But did you know that bones can be very harmful for their health? Bones, when they chew on it, munch and then swallow, can eventually puncture their sensitive digestive organs. As much as possible, you don’t want this to happen to your dog, right?
So what needs some big check mark on harmful dog food types? Make bones as the number one item. This may sound a little too much babying for your K9 fellow but it will be good for him; since dogs are known to be carnivores, meat will always be irresistible for them. Although it doesn’t really take contribute to them having a well balanced diet, it would be enough to clear the meat from bones and skin for turkeys or chicken meat.
Vegetables, known to be healthy and nutritious to our body, have some types that are considered harmful. Onions and garlic are just some examples of harmful dog food. These can be very toxic to their health and bring about some complications in their kidney’s function. So if your dog is already allergic to onions and garlic, don’t force it to eat such. Also, since chocolates were mentioned earlier, would you think that your dog will be happy if you hand it a bar or a piece? One sure thing is that they’ll munch on it. But how chocolates affect dogs are somewhat similar to humans, although dogs don’t get fat unless given in their race. Chocolates slow down a dog’s metabolism and contribute to having heart failures and kidney ailments.
On cases when you have some leftover food, don’t just throw these on your dog’s plate. It may contain some harmful stuff too. If you’re planning to serve leftover food to your dog, make sure that it can be easily digested. Most of the time, what you feed on your pets contribute to the way they behave. Remember how they obediently follow you when you hand them a doggy treat on training them or teaching some simple tricks? That’s one proof for you to consider.
So what needs some big check mark on harmful dog food types? Make bones as the number one item. This may sound a little too much babying for your K9 fellow but it will be good for him; since dogs are known to be carnivores, meat will always be irresistible for them. Although it doesn’t really take contribute to them having a well balanced diet, it would be enough to clear the meat from bones and skin for turkeys or chicken meat.
Vegetables, known to be healthy and nutritious to our body, have some types that are considered harmful. Onions and garlic are just some examples of harmful dog food. These can be very toxic to their health and bring about some complications in their kidney’s function. So if your dog is already allergic to onions and garlic, don’t force it to eat such. Also, since chocolates were mentioned earlier, would you think that your dog will be happy if you hand it a bar or a piece? One sure thing is that they’ll munch on it. But how chocolates affect dogs are somewhat similar to humans, although dogs don’t get fat unless given in their race. Chocolates slow down a dog’s metabolism and contribute to having heart failures and kidney ailments.
On cases when you have some leftover food, don’t just throw these on your dog’s plate. It may contain some harmful stuff too. If you’re planning to serve leftover food to your dog, make sure that it can be easily digested. Most of the time, what you feed on your pets contribute to the way they behave. Remember how they obediently follow you when you hand them a doggy treat on training them or teaching some simple tricks? That’s one proof for you to consider.
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