Chinese Food Culture

by Christian Cable

Variety of Dog Food & Effects on Dog  

Article by Shawn Almgren

Variety of dog food has witnessed lot of changes in respect of the practices of the past and present day concerns of the dog owners in relation to finding best dog food to take care of complete nutrition needs of the dog. The present day dog owners have learned the benefits of feeding by natural dog food and both the dog owner and dog are happy about it.

Dog Food & Preparation:

In the past times a dog would eat any food to survive become adult and reproduce to carry on the progeny. The dogs which got good food were healthy and the others lacked health and just spent their life in search of food and their mate irrespective the specific health issues.

Dog Food Easy Availability Factor:

The present day dog owners’ have the benefit of obtaining great variety of dry dog food, which is manufactured by reputed companies in their highly scientific manufacturing facilities deploying natural food resources, processing them scientifically and manufacturing wholesome and balanced dog food.

Some of the Food Companies are manufacturing dog food by using natural resources, it can be an ideal replacement to traditional natural dog food, which in present times is very cumbersome to prepare. Formulated dog foods are available at leading stores every where due to modern distribution net works, which provide user friendly solutions to dog owners a call or email away.Imbalanced Dog Food & its Effects:An imbalanced dog food is a root causes of host of diseases caused in dogs life like Cancerous growth, weak immune responses, liver disorders, overall sluggishness, frequent diarrheas, defects in heart and kidneys etc., which can be prevented. Dog Food Decision:Although it is always, good to prepare fresh food for dog, but this all requires a hard devotion and perfect knowledge about canine nutrition. A mistake most often happening is about if you prepare dog food providing only mutton to the dog, whereas calcium and other minerals are also to be included.Whether it is a puppy or a bit older dog requires a balanced food for its proper growth and healthy look and behavior, greatly depends on its nutrition, and being the dog owner you are responsible for it. Dog Food Awareness Campaigns:Dog food manufacturers promoted their various Dog Food Products by creating dog food facts and awareness campaigns, which has been received well by the dog lover’s community and adopted the concepts of balanced nutrition for their dog’s food.Still every thing has to be taken in its broad perspective and considered, what meets all the requirements for best dog food. Following are the available choices:Packaged Dog Food Products: These include the dog food stuff manufactured and marketed by reputed companies available locally situated supermarket stores, pets store or veterinary practitioners. It can be dry powder, semi dry and wet available in cans. Unfortunately there are some adverse reports in respect of packaged food, regarding worthless cheap filler materials present in packaged food and the sources used to make dog food can be from diseased or worst dead animals, which can not be used by any other industry. Raw Food Stuff: Considering the convenience of easy availability and economically priced it receives great acceptance among group of persons who can devote their personal time in preparing and providing food to the dogs. Raw Food is comprised of bones with some mutton on them. Dog Food Using Home Resources: It is left over food having mutton bones and by reading recipes on the topic and preparing from materials usually available at home or procured from the market based the Recipe you find in books or over the net. One can seek the advice of the friendly veterinary specialist in this respect. As with any living animal, dog’s weight is comprised of 2 parts water and one part bones and muscles. So it is essential that the dog gets adequate water accompanied in food and otherwise for drinking. The need of water is weather and activity based.Dog’s energy Needs:

The energy requirement of dog is met through food, which varies with the body weight of dog. The dog food is the principal source of energy for the dog, which makes it possible to maintain their growth, maintaining of their body temperature being a hot blooded animal. Energy is also required for its fast running to chase some one in time of need and other metabolic functions including reproduction. A pregnant or lactating female bitch has higher nutrition needs than a normal bitch.

A smaller dog has higher energy needs, than a heavy weight dog, because in comparison to the weight, the surface area is of a small dog is greater, so body weight only is not the criteria for determining the energy needs in case of small dogs. There are other factors like, Age, dog’s breed, gestation, nursing status of the dog.

The dogs’ food liberates energy required through digestion process of proteins, fatty and carbohydrates being constituents of dog food. Carbohydrates and proteins liberate energy of around 4 kcal per gram and fats yield around 9 kcal per gram. The dogs’ food also contains minerals and fibers.

The growth of a dog is very fast than even the human child hence they require variety of dog food instead of just food. If the dog food used is not balanced combination of Protein, carbohydrates and minerals, there can be very serious health problem of the dog.

Copyright all rights reserved 2009 Puppy and Dog Obedience Training

About the Author

Shawn Almgren has been a dedicated dog trainer for years, and developed the website http://www.doggie-tips.com as a resource for many dog trainers and dog owners,so that they can understand their dogs and provide them with whats needed to have a strong dog/owner bond and have their needs as canines fulfilled.

For more information:Our Website:www.puppy-and-dog-obedience-training.comOur Blog:www.puppy-and-dog-obedience-training-blog.com

by Shermeee

What Are The Benefits Of Food Combining  

Article by Mary Dezfoli

Food is the fuel we require to stay alive. To use food properly and assimilate the essential nutrients present in it, our digestive system needs to break the food that we eat into smaller components. We can enjoy the numerous benefits of various Food Combining Diet only when our digestive system is working properly.

Different foods require different conditions in the stomach and different enzymes for proper digestion. For instance, proteins require acidic juices for digestion, while carbohydrates require alkaline juices. When the different juices are used simultaneously, they neutralize the effect of one other and retard digestion. The result is that the food we eat is not digested properly, and food particles seep into in crevices located in the intestinal tract. These leftover food particles, over time, ferment and putrefy. This in turn can lead to various health problems such as bloating, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, cramps, flatulence, and malabsorption. Moreover, the leftover food particles become ‘food’ for harmful bacteria, which in turn can cause many other health problems.

To ensure complete absorption of the food we eat, we don’t need to understand the intricacies of the digestion process. The knowledge about which food type should be eaten with another, and the implementation of proper food combining techniques is sufficient to ensure proper digestion and assimilation of essential nutrients.

Food combining for weight loss

Food combining for weight loss is a simple, yet very effective way to ensure that the body burns fat properly. The idea is to eat certain foods together to aid digestion while avoiding other foods in the same meal.

Benefits of a food combining diet

Here’s a look at some of the benefits of a food combining diet:

* Enables the body to burn fat effectively

* Prevents accumulation of undigested food particles in the intestine

* Prevents digestive problems such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, heartburn

* Improves energy levels and vitality

Food types

To incorporate proper food combining techniques, it is essential to know about the different types of food and which food type can be used with the other.

On the basis of how food is digested, it is divided into the following four groups:

Food Group 1 – Proteins

Protein-rich foods include: eggs, fish, meat, milk, soybeans, soya products, tofu, nuts, cheese, yogurt, and shellfish.

Food Group 2 – Carbohydrates

Foods that are rich in carbohydrates include: rice, maize, pasta, oats, millet, honey, potatoes, starchy vegetables, sweets, grain products, bread, biscuits, cakes, and pastries.

Food Group 3 – Non-starchy vegetables

This group contains non-starchy vegetables, salads, fresh herbs, butter, seeds, cream, olive oil (cold-pressed), and spreading fats.

Food Group 4 – All fruits

Fruits are further categorized into four categories: acidic fruits, sub-acidic fruits, sweet fruits, and melons.

Acidic fruits include: oranges, lemons, grapefruit, pineapples, tangerines, pomegranates, etc.

Sub-acidic fruits include: mango, apples, papaya, plums, kiwi, peaches, berries, etc.

Sweet fruits include: figs, dates, bananas, prunes, dried fruits, etc.

Melons include: casaba, watermelon, muskmelon, honeydew, etc.

Food combination

* Foods belonging to Group 1 (proteins) should not be eaten with foods that fall in Group 2 (carbohydrates).

* Group 3 foods (non-starchy vegetables) can be eaten with either Group 1 foods or Group 2 foods.

* Group 4 foods (fruits) should only be eaten alone. Furthermore, acidic fruits can be eaten with sub-acid fruits, but not with sweet fruits. Sub-acid fruits can be eaten with acid fruits, as well as sweet fruits. However, sweet fruits should not be eaten with acidic fruits. Lastly, melons should not be eaten with any other type of fruit.

* Our body takes four hours to completely digest proteins. That is why you should not eat carbohydrates for three hours after consuming a protein-rich meal.

* Carbohydrates are digested by our body in two hours. So, if you have eaten a carbohydrate-rich meal, then you must give a gap of two hours before eating a protein-rich meal.

* It is best to eat fruits on an empty stomach. Do not consume fruits for at least three hours after eating other foods. Also, do not consume a meal after eating fruits for at least 30 minutes.

We can enjoy the numerous benefits of various food combining Diet only when our digestive system is working properly. For instance, proteins require acidic juices for digestion, while carbohydrates require alkaline juices.

About the Author

Healthy lifestyle helps you live longer and better. Check out http://www.bewellbuzz.com for healthier and happy life.

by stevendepolo

Food Safety and Food Poisoning  

Article by Bill Robinson M.I.Mgt.

by Nemo’s great uncle

Dog’s with Dog Food Allergies – Signs and Symtpoms

Dogs with Dog Food Allergies – Signs or symptoms

 

Considering the variety of commercial dog food manufacturers which you can pick from, you would assume that it is a easy issue of deciding on food for your dog. All you need to do is choose a dog food that is high quality and your dog will be happy and healthy for life.

 

This isn’t always the case – the same as people, dogs have or develop a food allergic reaction. A few dogs have multiple allergies. Actually, allergies in dogs are quite common however it’s not always that simple to master. While some breeds of dog or more at risk of food allergies, it could actually hit any dog at any time throughout their life-time.

 

Are you aware what exactly you can do should your dog gets or has a food allergy?

 

Identifying the Signs and Symptoms of Dog Food Allergies

 

Despite the fact that your veterinarian may be the best individual to help you to identify that it’s a dog food allergy, it becomes your responsibility to determine what the exact food allergies are.

 

Take into account that there is a difference between an actual allergy to dog food and an inability to tolerate dog food. With intolerance, your dog can have signs and symptoms such as a digestion difficulty – an upset tummy.

 

If it’s an actual allergy to dog food, your dog will have symptoms like throwing up, diarrhea, together with the inability to put on weight as he or she isn’t able to keep the meal inside their stomach long enough to help get the advantages from the dog food. These are merely the internal symptoms. Several of the various other symptoms involve an increase in bowel motions, itchy skin – specifically around the eyes and ears. If you notice that your dog is rubbing the eyes, ears, and repeatedly shaking his or her head – you might want to examine further. In case the dog food allergy goes unchecked, the symptoms might get severe enough to lead to long lasting digestive : challenges along with rubbing the fur off the itchy regions.

 

Ears: Dogs, specifically floppy eared dogs, can develop serious ear infections owing to food allergies. A thing called cauliflower ear can develop – this really is fibrous scar tissue due to ear trauma. This medical problem might lead to reduced hearing if it’s not dealt with.

 

Feet: An additional tell-tale sign of an allergy in dogs is itchy feet. In the event that your dog is consistently licking and biting at their feet, you could pretty much think it can be as a consequence of some sort of allergy. Left uncontrolled, your dog might develop sores on the pads and between the toes due to continual licking.

 

Hair loss: Hair loss could possibly be brought on from dog food allergies. A dog will rub and rub at a location on his or her body that’s itchy; they could rub the area enough to rub the fur off. These places are classified as hot spots. Unattended they may turn into a much greater issue.

 

Itchy skin: If your dog perpetually has itchy skin, you will most likely want to eliminate other reasons before looking at food allergies. Parasites could possibly be the reason for itchy skin however dogs with food allergies are apt to have itchy skin in specific spots like the anus, eyes, ears, and paws.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment of Dog Food Allergies

 

The only real way for you to successfully determine if your dog has dog food allergies is actually by trial and error. You’ve got to do an elimination diet. What this means is you’re going to take your dog off all commercial dog food and put him or her on a bland diet for an estimated a couple of weeks or up until the symptoms disappear altogether. This will cleanse your dogs system so that you can start out with a clean slate. Then, you’ll add one food every fourteen days watching for signs of allergy. If an allergy is obvious, remove that food, wait one more 7 days or so, and then add a new food to the diet. Carry on this way until you uncover what he or she is able to eat without the reactions.

 

At this time, you ought to know exactly what your dog will be able to eat and never able to eat. Then you could evaluate which food or diet to place your dog on – avoiding each of the food(s) your dog is allergic to.

 

Dogs which have food allergies have got the possibility to build up more allergies as they age. You’ve got to monitor your dog for signs and symptoms; when they show up, it is advisable to remove that food within the diet.

 

Much like with people, a dog that has a neglected allergy is often depressed. Over the counter drugs aren’t always effective with dogs – because of this it is best to talk to your veterinarian to be sure about any medications before giving them to your dog. Drugs are not necessarily the very best treatment for any dog with food allergies; especially not long-term.

 

A dog with food allergies can lead a full, happy and healthy existence with just a little work by you.

 

by GinkgoTelegraph

Regulate the use of Fortified Food   

Article by jekky

Food nutrition fortifier is added to enhance the nutrition and food in the natural or synthetic nutrients are natural areas Food Additives It can not only improve the nutritional quality of food, but also can improve the sensory quality of food and improve their storage performance. Usually include amino acids, vitamins, inorganic salts and fatty acids four major categories, such as Flour, rice, infant formula, milk and dairy products, soy sauce, fish sauce, coffee, candy and cookies are all more or less added nutrient supplement. Along with social progress and improved living standards, raising awareness of food nutrition fortifier in nutrition playing an increasingly important role. In Food Safety Concern today, I think, should further regulate the use of food nutrition fortifier. A food nutrition fortifier on use of1. Use easily into errors. “The People’s Republic of China Food Security Act” (hereinafter referred to as “Food Safety Law”) to the use of food additives standard set two premises: first, technically is necessary; second is safe and reliable. Food nutrition fortifier as enhancing and adding nutrients into the food, which some people think that adding the more the better, easier to get out of range, excess usage. In fact, the use of food nutrition fortifier and usage should conform to “standard for food additives” and “use Fortified Food hygiene standards” requirement, production or use are not included in the standard varieties of food nutrition fortifier, or needs to be expanded scope of use and increased use of capacity, subject to approval of the Ministry of Health, the production of composite food nutrition fortifier, also need to declare. If approval has not been assessed nutrition fortifier added to food is a violation. Add food nutrition fortifier to be easily absorbed by the body to use, in Food processing And storage is not easily broken down the process of destruction, and does not affect the food’s color, aroma, taste and other sensory characteristics in principle. Food fortification theory is based on a balance of nutrients, food nutrition fortifier abuse has failed to achieve the purpose of increasing nutrients, but will cause malnutrition endangers the health of consumers. In food processing, food nutrition fortifier used to have targeted, when nutrients in the diet or food concentration below the requirement of the public when considering adding. The recent “salt disease Supremacy,” Fortified Food on the relationship to the use of problem, the water quality in different regions and people Diet Differences in habits, may lead to different requirements of iodine, iodine content of salt should be added depending on iodine nutritional status of local residents to make reasonable adjustments. 2. Standard problems. Many standards exist in China to use the existing long cycle, the speed of slow. “Use of hygiene standards of food nutrition fortifier” (GB14880-94) has been implemented for over a decade ago, with food food nutrition fortifier can be applied to increase the variety and range of applications, no longer meet today’s demand. In 2000, the parties concerned to develop “salt” (GB5461-2000) when the iodine content of salt adjusted to 20 ~ 50mg/kg, while “food nutrition fortifier use of health standards” (GB14880-94) in the iodized salt concentration Quemei resulting changes to strengthen the capacity of iodine salt remains 20 ~ 60mg/kg. In 2003, the “salt health standards” (GB2721-2003) promulgated under the provisions of iodine content of salt in񎧊 standards, that is 20 ~ 60mg/kg, thus creating a “standard fighting” problems, not only for many food production business at a loss, but also makes the relevant regulatory authorities in law enforcement will be trouble. At present, the existing standards have become obsolete incomplete soft underbelly of China’s food safety system, restricting the product of technological progress and import and export trade. Therefore, the timely integration and improvement of the standard is Food enterprises Scientific management, production organization, quality inspection and control are the basis of the relevant departments of the food production process to achieve an important basis for the management and supervision of one. 3. Fortified Food premix problems. Fortified Food Premix is a specially formulated with a variety of micronutrient composition of food additives, also known as complex nutrients, combined nutritional enhancer. In order for a particular food is nutritious, balanced and often need to strengthen a variety of nutrients, nutrient pre-production and application of composite mixture is a highly technical work on food safety also has important implications, simply a variety of food nutrition enhancer and make do with the carrier or diluent is an extremely irresponsible act.

About the Author

I am a professional writer from China Manufacturers, which contains a great deal of information about $ keyword_li, welcome to visit!

by Kaptain Kobold

Portion Control Food Dispensers Come in a Variety of Styles   

Article by Brian Morgan

by williamcho

Europe& 39;s top food machinery are planning the layout of Quanzhou – food machinery, snack food – F  

Article by hi joiney

“As Food Machinery manufacturers, we offer more than just a food business equipment, but also a new mode of production, a new product, a new way and the possibility of an infinite market. “Europe’s leading food machinery manufacturers, ‘s view of Mr. Lawrence Quanzhou food companies and Europe’s food machinery business future Cooperation Space will further increase. “Quanzhou food industry how to find the next direction? Food industry with advanced equipment to upgrade?” At the recent “European Food Technology Development Forum”, from the three food machinery suppliers in Europe and Quanzhou, a food enterprises field face to face communication. Investment group began fates got tied to the European Bank Why these top food machinery suppliers in Europe suddenly “popular” Quanzhou food business? Things have to be traced back Ǫ months ago. This year in February, held in Cologne, Germany “in 2008 and the Cologne International Candy Snack Food Exhibition “up a group of Southern China, said exhibitors. They came from Quanzhou, Foma, Yake, a long time the king, peaks, AD, Wang A, small bees and other representatives of food companies, the entire group of 18 people. They in Europe over a period of 10 days to investigate the market, visited France, Belgium and Germany cities. This is a “well spent” in the investigation. “We first study in Paris for two days, mainly to see the local shopping malls, supermarkets, and then went to Belgium to study the local Chocolate A street, then to Germany later. ’2008 In addition to participating in the international confectionery and snack foods Cologne Exhibition ‘, also went to Germany, Bonn, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Cologne and Koblenz and other five cities investigated, and visited a local world-renowned food machinery Enterprises manufacturing plant. “As a sponsor and organizer, Jinjiang City, the Secretary-General Chen Changxi Food Industry Association told reporters. 4 22, a food contains more than a dozen companies, including investment team again went to Germany from Jinjiang. Dusseldorf, Germany International Packaging Machinery , Packaging and confectionery machinery exhibition period, this investment group has called on the Italian manufacturer of automated packaging machinery Machinery Industry Association and the Federation of German food and tours of the German Bosch Food Machinery Corporation five leading European food production, packaging machinery manufacturer. “The study went to Germany Quanzhou food business machinery and equipment purchase intent more than 200 million yuan.” Chenchang Xi said. December 12, three of Europe’s top food machinery equipment manufacturers?? Germany He first fruit and baking process equipment Cavalli Group, companies and representatives of the Italian Cabana’s in Jinjiang, “European Food Technology Development Forum” , the German Bosch Food Machinery Corporation on the Volcker said at the show, food enterprises in Quanzhou strong demand for machinery and equipment, attracting not only the German company Bosch food machinery. Help construction equipment manufacturing base Palick, Lawrence, is more than Europe, “European Food Technology Development Forum” on the top three European representatives of machinery and equipment manufacturers. The purpose of this is that they come on to inspect food enterprises in Quanzhou, Quanzhou, on one hand to bring the food industry information international food trends, food processing, packaging, process development and other advanced equipment, on the other hand hope that with the opportunity to achieve and Quanzhou food industry cooperation. Mr. Lawrence is general manager of the company, as a European top level of food machinery equipment supplier, you figure that this was his fifth time to Quanzhou had. “Quanzhou large-scale food industry as a whole, in the Chinese market holds a good share of the development of Quanzhou entrepreneurs have a strong desire.” For Lawrence, this is what attracted him to the coastal city of reasons. The same confidence on the market also came from Quanzhou He first Cavalli German fruit and baking Palick Process Equipment Corporation’s President, and from Italy, Mr. Kavanagh’s than Europe. “This is my first visit to Quanzhou, but certainly not the last. We will provide a full range of Quanzhou in the food business services to help them produce the best products with market advantages, I think this is the early stage of our cooperation.

About the Author

I am an expert from China Quality Digital, usually analyzes all kind of industries situation, such as wide angle conversion lens , nikon coolpix 킘 digital camera.

by johnwilliamsphd

Food Allergy and Home Remedies for Food Allergy

Food allergy is an abnormal response to a food triggered by your body’s immune system. Allergic reactions to food can sometimes cause serious illness and death.

Tree nuts and peanuts are the leading causes of deadly allergic reactions called anaphylaxis.

Either food allergy or food intolerance affects nearly everyone at some point. When people have an unpleasant reaction to something they ate, they often think that they have an allergy to the food.

For more information please visit himalayahomeremedies.com

Actually, however, only up to 3% of adults and 6%-8% of children have clinically proven true allergic reactions to food.

Normally, your body’s immune system defends against potentially harmful substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins. In some people, an immune response is triggered by a substance that is generally harmless, such as a specific food.

The cause of food allergies is related to your body making a type of allergy-producing substance called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to a particular food.

Although many people have a food intolerance, food allergies are less common. In a true food allergy, the immune system produces antibodies and histamine in response to the specific food.

Typically it is commonly used foods that cause allergic reactions, for example, cows’ milk, shrimps, peanuts, fruits or vegetables. However, it is possible to react to a food without being allergic.

Lactose intolerance is an example of a non-allergic reaction.
Food allergy in India is quite common due to the allergic ingredients of the Indian dishes.

Food allergy is distinct from other adverse responses to food, such as food intolerance, pharmacological reactions, and toxin-mediated reactions.

Food allergies include reactions from toxins, caffeine tremors, cheese/wine (tyramine), scombroid (histamine), fish poisoning, bacterial food poisoning, lactase deficiency and many more.

A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to otherwise harmless substances in certain foods. This is different from a food intolerance, which does not involve the immune system. About 25% of people believe they are allergic to certain foods. However, only 4 – 8% of children and 2% of adults have diagnosed food allergies.

Atopic dermatitis, amongst the commonest eczema forms in the family inflammation-causing skin conditions, is an unceasing condition discernible by reddishness, cracks & itchiness in skin.

Presently, strong proof suggests that atopic dermatitis is an antecedent to allergic conditions instead of being a result. Skin specialists are giving advice to parents of babies & younger kids afflicted by such pervasive skin problem to be wary of the possibility of food allergies imminently.

Home Remedies for Food Allergies

Experts have suggested a few home remedies that can help ward off the initial and milder symptoms of a food allergy through the following ways:

http://www.himalayahomeremedies.com/homeremedies_food_allergy.htm

1.    Nutrients like vitamin B5 and vitamin E prove effective in relieving the sufferer from an allergic reaction or symptom as they contain anti-allergic properties that can control a reaction.

2.    Put five drops of castor oil in half a cup of fruit vegetable juice or plain water and have the solution every morning. This helps in curing the allergies affecting the intestinal tract, nose and the skin.

3.    Squeeze half a lime in water mixed with teaspoon of honey and drink it every morning. This solution flushes the system off all impurities as it is an anti-allergic and anti-toxic agent. However, people suffering from allergic reactions against citrus fruits should avoid this home remedy.

4.    One or two bananas everyday can help in warding off the symptoms of an allergic reaction like skin rashes, digestive disorders and/or asthma. But people allergic to this fruit should not adopt this procedure for dealing with their allergic reactions.

5.    500ml of carrot juice or a combination of carrot juice with beet or cucumber juices can help in curing allergic reaction from any foods.

by NickNguyen

How Much Food Should I Give My Dog?  

Article by Brigitte Synesael

You would think that feeding your dog would be the easiest part of your responsibilities as a dog owner. Wrong again! You’ll need to make some decisions and that means you may have to do some homework.

First of all are we talking about a puppy or and adult dog? That will make a difference as to the amount of dog food required. When thinking in terms of food, puppies are typically considered adults at the age of 1 year at which time you would switch to adult food. If there’s any doubt or concern about this, or if you just want to be safe, consult your Vet. Your Vet is a fabulous resource for any questions you may have and it’s always a great idea to consult with him/her on anything concerning your precious pet.

For obvious reasons, the proper feeding of your dog is extremely important. Over feed and you put your pet at risk for obesity and serious health issues. Under feed and you end up causing a problem dog that chews on toys, books, etc. and steals food off the counter or table and is constantly into the garbage.

How often should you feed your dog?

Next decision… regular scheduled feeding or free feeding. Free feeding means that you keep food in the puppies bowl all the time and he/she eats whenever their hungry. There are different schools of thought regarding free feeding. Some Veterinarians feel this is the best option for your puppy because they’re growing quickly and may require more food one day than another. Others suggest feeding your puppy about 4 times each day.

My personal vote goes with the later. Here’s why… Free feeding your dog can be difficult if you have other pets (trying to keep the other pets away from it). Then, when your puppy becomes an adult, one short year later, you’ll need to retrain your dog to eat only once or twice each day. If you continue to free feed your dog throughout adulthood, you are setting the stage for an overweight dog and likely serious health issues.

Having said all of this, my recommendation would be to feed your puppy 4-6 times each day. They’re little and have lots of energy. They need to eat often to fuel their little bodies and mature properly. Maintain a regular time schedule for feeding, and leave the food available for 15-20 minutes. Then take it away. If your puppy is hungry he’ll eat, if not he’ll have another opportunity in a few hours. Upon adulthood reduce the feedings to 1-2 times each day.

You’ll notice that there are no absolute answers to the number of times each day to feed your dog. That’s because there are so many variables involved in determining the answer; age, size, breed, how much exercise does your dog get, is your dog underweight now or overweight, how many treats does he/she get each day. Each of these points need to be considered before deciding how often to feed your pet. I absolutely recommend that you consult with… guess who? Say it with me… your Veterinarian! He/she can help you set up the perfect schedule for your pet.

What about that People food thing? Okay? Or not so okay?

The answer is… not so okay. Truth be told, in moderation, some people food is harmless. However there are some foods that can be very harmful to your pet. For instance it isn’t a good idea to trim the fat off your meat and feed it to your dog. This kind of fat overload can give your dog pancreatitis which causes chronic abdominal pains.

Ham & bacon are too salty and contain too much fat. This can cause your pet to have pancreatitis and, in some breeds, could ultimately result in bloat. Bloat is a potentially life-threatening condition arising from your dog drinking too much water from the salty food.

Large amounts of liver can cause vitamin A toxicity. This is serious because it affects the muscles and can cause deformed bones. Because vitamin A also has an impact on the metabolism, severe weight loss and anorexia is also a concern.

Any dairy products like butter, cheese, and milk are harmful to your dog. They weren’t designed to eat these types of food so their bodies can’t digest them properly. The consumption of these products could cause bloating and diarrhea in your pet.

Bones, particularly small bones from chicken and fish can get lodged in your pets’ throat which can cause choking. Bones can also cause splinter and tear a dog’s internal organs.

Cat food is much higher in fats and protein than dog food. Just like baby food, dog and cat food is designed with the specific needs of each animal in mind. The extra fat is not healthy for your dog and eating cat food instead of dog food means that your pet is missing essential nutrients for his/her health. That’s why it’s called Dog Food and Cat Food, not Pet Food.

Chocolate and caffeine are toxic to dogs and negatively affects their heart and nervous system. Chocolate can cause seizures, coma and ultimately death. One 1 ounce of baking chocolate can poison a Ǫ-pound dog. There are different kinds of chocolate some not as toxic as others. But let’s face it… does it matter? None of them are good for your pooch, so a BIG no on this treat.

Of course there’s the obvious… drugs and alcohol are absolute no no’s. You might find it comical to watch a tipsy dog, but I’m sure that you will not see the humour in knowing that the alcohol you gave him put your precious pet into a coma and possibly resulted in his death.

There are many other people foods that can cause serious health issues for your dog. There is enough evidence that many foods are harmful for your pooch that the simplest solution is to just NOT feed your dog people food at all. Another bonus to this solution is that you will not have a dog that begs for food while you eat at the table. There are so many treats that have been designed especially for your pet that it really just makes sense to stick to those. What should you feed your dog?

Which is the best for your dog, dry food or canned food? That’s the great debate. There are pros and cons to both, so… let’s make a list:

Dry Dog Food Pros

Helps keep dogs teeth clean from tartarMore nutritiousDogs have better breathEasier to storeEasier to handleMore cost effectiveLess likely to spoil

Wet Dog Food Pros

More proteins includedContains fewer preservativesContains less grain and more moisture keeps a dog hydrated and benefits the urinary tractIs very flavourful, often the preferred taste for dogsMay be better if your dog has certain health issues

Dry Dog Food Cons

Not all dry foods are quality foodsUsually has more preservatives

Wet Dog Food Cons

Sticks on dogs teeth causing tooth problemsRequires more dental treatmentsGives dogs bad breathMore expensiveLess healthy because it contains a higher fat content and more waterOnce opened canned food can spoil quickly

Now that we’ve gone over the list of pros and cons, let me say that absolutely nothing is carved in stone. Your dog may have a health issue that requires him to eat canned instead of dry. For example, dogs that have lost their chewing teeth or have dental disease may not be able to chew dry dog food, and may only be able to eat canned food. I fostered a dog once that would only eat her dry dog food with 2 tablespoons of canned food mixed in.

You will find that some experts promote canned food for puppies and switch to dry food for adult dogs. The obstacle with this is that it’s difficult to make the switch.

You may have a dog that is a really picky eater or one that gulps his food with the speed of light and then throws up. These dogs need your help. Work out a plan with your Vet. This article was not meant to have all the answers. It was intended to give you some things to think about. It’s not as simple as “grab a bag of dog food from the store” and we’re good to go. As a responsible pet parent, you’ve got some things to think about. Now, talk to your Vet, ask your questions (be sure to ask for the rationale behind the thought), and together build your strategy.

Above all else, remember to hug your pet today.

Brigitte Synesael

Discover the truth behind puppy mill doors here.

About the Author

BJS Emporium offers quality dog and pet supplies. We offer you safe toys, training solutions, beds, fences and collars, exercise equipment, treats, flea treatments and vitamins, and LOTS of free contacts and information. It’s all about the pet! Visit often at http://www.FabulousPetSupplies.com.

by Wesley Oostvogels

Should You Try a New Dog Food? Not All Dog Food is Created Equally

People are told that we ‘are what we eat’. So, can’t the same be true for our pets? You betcha it can! Buying the right dog food is smart for a number of reasons and companies who offer Advance dog food and other high-quality brands will tell you that you can tell the difference between a dog fed a lousy diet and a dog fed dog food that’s optimised for maximum nutrition, taste, and overall health and longevity.

There are a number of dog food companies that cater to clients who shop at the grocery store for their pet food. This food is ok but most veterinarians would equate it to eating “OK”, not balanced as a food pyramid would dictate. If you’re buying dog food without a strong focus on going above and beyond legal guidelines in quality control and outcome then it’s a bit like feeding your dog fast food — on a daily basis.

Many high end pet food companies exist. Companies like Advance Dog Food, Eukanuba, Science Diet, K9 Natural, and Royal Canin might not be sold in all grocery stores but buying one of these brands from a dog supplies store or website is smart for multiple reasons.

Higher end dog food will meet the nutritional needs of your dog.
Higher end dog food results in your dog smelling better.
Better dog food promotes a healthy looking coat.
Better dog food results in fewer problems with foul-smelling “dog breath”.
Dogs who are consistently fed a higher end pet food have fewer health problems.

 

Advance Dog Food, for example, offers a number of options. One option is their puppy food, which is rehydratable. There are options for large breed dogs as well as their nutritional needs differ from that of smaller breed dogs. Advance Dog Food also offers adult dog food, senior dog food, and then options that include specific elements, such as chicken, turkey and rice, and other options.

Specific pet food might be a necessity for your dog. If he has a weight problem, food allergies, or specific health issues, consider researching better dog food brands and trying something new.

Tip for Switching Dog Food

Some dogs don’t take well to sudden food changes. Consider mixing a little of a new food in gradually, before you run out of his or her regular food. That way it’ll be gentler on the dog’s tummy and if you start to see a poor reaction digestively, you can (hopefully) thwart a big mess that could happen with a sudden change. If you have concerns about your dog, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet who can help you choose the right food for him as well as to ascertain whether or not there are any other problems besides food at play.