Chinese Food Culture

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 10-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.

 

by ballookey

What Should You Look for When Buying a Food Processor?

A food processor is no longer an elite kitchen appliance used only by the top chefs. Due to its immense practicality, this kitchen time-saver has grown in popularity over the past few years, generating higher production and lower costs. Consequently, food processors are easily available to grace even the most basic of kitchens.

Small enough not to take up lots of valuable countertop space yet powerful enough to cut down food preparation time to a minimum, food processors are not just another appliance you will use a couple of times and then store away in the basement when the newness wears off. Rather than painstakingly chopping, grating, shredding, dicing, slicing, or pureeing recipe ingredients, choose the right disc, throw the foods in your processor, and hit the speed button. In a matter of seconds, your food is ready to use.

As with any appliance, food processors come with a variety of levels and options. Consequently, you need to do some research and planning before you purchase one. Food processors typically are not a large investment, but, of course, you want to spend your money wisely on whatever you choose.

Make a list

First, consider what you will be using your food processor for. What is your budget? Do you have a large family or invite groups over frequently? Do you cook often? What foods do you usually cook? Do you have small children or even a baby at home?

Making a list about how your food processor will be used helps you in a couple of ways. One, you are less likely to get distracted or overwhelmed by the variety you can be barraged with when shopping. And two, you can narrow your options down, cutting your shopping time down and helping you weed many selections out.

Read reviews

Next, read reviews online. Many consumer review websites provide neutral comments on the pros and cons of various food processors. As they are not affiliated with one brand or another, they can give you an accurate opinion of how the food processors work. And how cooks like yourself have found the processors to benefit themselves. Click here to read our reviews

Wattage

One important factor you should look for when buying a food processor is the wattage. The more powerful the motor, the more expensive the processor. However, the benefits outweigh the costs. A faster motor means faster chopping time. You can also rest assured it can tackle all the especially tough foods you may put through it, such as coffee beans or meat. Typically, larger motors last longer and have an extended warranty than smaller ones do. Wattage on a food processor usually runs between 500 to 1,200, with some very small processors a little under and some especially large ones a little over.

Speed

Along with the wattage are the speed options. Obviously, the motor controls the speed of the blades spinning around inside a processor. Most processors come with two speed options-low and high. Some include a pulse button, which you can use to manually turn on and off the speed. Pulsing is helpful to provide bursts of speed to slash through the food.

Bowl options

Bowl size is another point to consider when purchasing a food processor. There are three main bowl sizes-large (full-size), medium (compact), and small (mini). Although the exact size of the bowl can vary, large tends to be about nine to an impressive sixteen cups. Medium bowls are around five to nine cups. And a small bowl is about two to four cups.

Here is where you need to really consider how much food you will be preparing with your processor. Obviously, if you have larger family and entertain a lot-or even a small family yet you love to cook-, a mini or even compact bowl could be a challenge to work with. Who wants to worry about constantly have to stop the processor, empty the bowl out, and then put it back together? Most food processor users recommend using at least a compact bowl, if not a full-size. Even if it is bigger and you never use a full sixteen or even twelve cups, you still have some room to spare. To make the choice simple for you, some food processor brands come with a bowl set, allowing you to switch out bowls according to what size you need for that cooking day.

Some bowls come with cup markings up the sides to make measurements simple.

Bowls can come in either plastic or stainless steel. Plastic is cheaper and fairly durable, but it tends to stain from the food juices and does not last for significantly long periods of time. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is more expensive, but it will last as long as your food processor does.

Attachments

Attachments make up the most exciting part of the food processor. Here is where you get to have fun with your kitchen appliance. Every processor comes with a metal s-shape disc, which does your basic chopping and slicing. Then there are multitudes of other options to choose from. Turn potatoes into perfectly shaped french fries with a french fry disc. Whip eggs into delectable meringue for a lemon meringue pie. Finely grind up spices. Knead dough for pizzas and breads-in just a couple of minutes. Shave chocolate pieces. Grate cheese. Slice vegetables and fruits up for salads: you can even choose what thickness to slice the foods by choosing the width of the disc. Puree natural fruits, vegetables, and even meats into healthy, nutritious food for your baby. The options are as wide as your creativity.

Before you get all ambitious and purchase every attachment option available, though, pull out your list of what you plan to use your processor for-and stick with it. If you find that you would like and use additional discs later, then consider purchasing them. For now, save money and storage space by only buying what you know you will use.

Safety features

Look into the safety features of a food processor before you buy one. Check to see if there are grip-able feet on the bottom, to prevent the appliance from sliding around. Most have options which ensure the processor does not start if the lid is not snapped on properly or if the bowl is not screwed into the base. The cylinder should be tall enough that you cannot get your fingers in and get cut by the blades (not that you should have your fingers in the processor to begin with).

Easy to clean

Make sure the processor will be easy to clean. Who wants to deal with one more hard-to-clean item around the kitchen? It should be simple to disassemble, and all parts should be readily available to be washed down and dried without having to work to get food remnants out or water left to sit.

Warranty

Your food processor should come with a warranty. Most are one year, some come with two. Whichever the case, be sure to look into warranty options before you purchase.

by didbygraham

Why You Should Take Food Storage Survival Seriously  

Article by Morton Stein

It all depends on how good you are at canning and what experience that you have with it. Take your time to figure out what precisely you want to can, how much that you have to can, and when you will probably eat all of the food.It’s easy to store food-food storage has been going on for years and years. Luckily, you can quickly and easily learn to can and dehydrate your food after just a few weeks. You will need to practice, do research, and maybe even go to classes or learn from an older neighbor who’s good at canning, but in the end, it can be cheaper than buying food from the grocery store.Not to mention that if there is a disaster, long term food storage can be just the thing to help keep you afloat. However, you need to be willing to choose just a few things as opposed to many. For example, if you have ten cans of food left and you have to go for a few days, five cans would probably be enough for that time period, if you ate them sparingly. Keep this in mind as you take your time to can your food.Not to mention that food storage is also extremely cheap compared to buying food at the store. This means that during an emergency, you can save your money for gasoline since you already have food ready. Or anything else that you have in mind.Finally, you can find supplies for canning online and at certain stores, depending on their emphasis on canning. Take your time-food storage isn’t a quick process and it could take a few months.Long term food storage is very important in urban homesteading today. After a successful season, the homesteader is wise to preserve their harvest. They worked hard and planted extra so as to supply their needs beyond just the summer harvest, and need to be prepared to preserve the fruits of their labor.There are a few options for food storage, such as dehydration or freezing, but the long term food storage method for todays discussion is canning food. Canning food can be done to store the fruit or vegetable itself, such as peaches or tomatoes, or it can be done for creating staples from recipes like a peach jelly, or tomato paste.Home canning has been done for ages. The basic principle of canning, for food safety, is to expose the food to a high temperature, that will stop decay and bacteria in the food. Sterile, airtight containers, generally glass jars with removable seals and ringed bands, are used to package the food, and then they are exposed to a high temperature, either through pressure canning or using a water bath canner.While many foods can be safely canned in a water bath, those with a lower acidity are the exception, and should be preserved by using the pressure canning method. Many vegetables, like corn, carrots, squash, beans, mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and asparagus have a lower acidity and should be pressure canned. Meats should also be pressure canned.If and when it does occur, your food storage survival kits could well save your lives. Taking care of this now will better your chances of survival in the future.

About the Author

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