Raw Dog Food Recipes They Certainly Love

Believe it or not, your dog is nothing more than a wild animal that has been domesticated for a long period of time. And, like people, their high quality diet comes from organic, native one. The best way for a dog to eat the native diet is preparing a raw dog food recipe.

At the beginning, preparing a meal for your dog raw food can take a little more time than just filling a bowl of dog food commercial. However, after the establishment of reliable sources of raw ingredients and get a routine going, eventually it becomes very easy.

Most people who thrive on raw chicken to use as the basis of the diet of your dog. Chicken is an excellent source of bone and fat, easy to digest for dogs, readily available almost everywhere, and relatively inexpensive.

Please note that your organs, bones and fat are all just as important as the meat in the diet alone dog. Feeding your dog a chicken without the skin, there is a genuine raw food diet.

A good rule to follow is 35% meat, 25% of muscle, bone, organs of 15%, 29% fat, and 5% of fruit and vegetables for the average adult dog. Puppies may, if necessary, slightly more fruits and vegetables.

The great thing about the raw food diet is that every meal does not have to be perfect. Some dog owners go overboard trying to thoroughly mix the ingredients together in order to achieve the exact percentages.

Really, it is too frustrating and a waste of time. Feeding raw is quite simple. Basically, regardless of the type of raw food you have on hand, just to feed your dog. And then, at the time (about a week), try to incorporate more variety to achieve optimum balance.

Here are a few ideas for raw food recipes dog, the dog probably really likes:

1. Raw chicken or turkey
Cut the meat off the bones of poultry in large pieces from all over the skin and connective tissue intact. Feedings anywhere from 1/3 to 1 pound pounds, depending on the size of the dog.

2. Raw beef
Each piece of beef discount is allowed. This does not mean, however, ground beef. Cut the beef into small pieces.
If possible, get beef from a local butcher, not packaged from the grocery store because they are filled with sodium, preservatives and other ingredients secret.
Perhaps there is a farmers market in your area? Again, the feed dog anywhere from 1/3 to 1 pound pounds, depending on their size.

3. Raw Frozen Sardines
Do not thaw raw sardines before introducing them to your dog. Make sure that the bones, weight, and head are intact. Not every dog will like sardines, but go ahead and try.
There is an incredible amount of nutrition in sardines in this incomparable source of Omega-rich-3 and Omega-6, which will do wonders for your dog's brain development, skin and hair. Two, maybe three sardines should be plenty for one meal.

Other raw meat can contain green tripe, lamb and even goat.

The weight and size of your dog, in principle, determine the amount of food should be eaten feeding.

In addition, it is important to remember that feeding a dog treats them all day is not only a very bad habit, but it makes them unbalanced diet as well.

Stick to raw dog food recipes and feed them the same hour of the day, in order to effectively optimize your diet and ensure their good health.

Note: Never give your dog cooked bones (of any kind), because they are fragile and can seriously damage your dog's digestive system.

Raw Dog Food Diet Benefits - A Balanced View

Dog lovers and general pet lovers alike pay close attention to what comes into their beloved pets' mouths. What you feed your dog is basically the most important thing you should be mindful of when owning one.

Dogs are naturally and biologically built to be carnivores. Today's domesticated dogs are direct descendants of wolves, which are biologically designed to eat raw meat and perhaps some vegetables. Although sled dogs and racing greyhounds have been fed raw food for a very long time, the idea to introduce the same kind of diet for household dogs is proposed only around the past decade.

In 1993, Ian Billinghurst, an Australian veterinarian suggested that it may be best for domesticated dogs to be reintroduced to their ancestral ways - the raw food diet. Basically, this dog diet consists of mainly raw meat, bones, and pieces of vegetables. He also questioned the nutritional value of commercial dog foods; stating that they are unnatural and may be harmful for dogs. Since then, his idea was called the BARF diet which stands for either Bones and Raw Food or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.

Benefits of Raw Food Diet

Although modern day dog food is a convenient way to feed pets, evidence clearly indicates the nutritional deficit of kibble as compared to raw food.

In a nutritional comparison, commercial dog foods contain an unnecessarily high amount of carbohydrates at around 46-74% -- around four times the amount of carbohydrates present in raw foods (14%). In the other hand, the raw food diet contained high protein and fat value of 56% and 25-30% respectively, while commercial dog foods offered only an average of around 18-32% and 8-22%.
With the higher percentage of essential nutrients, the alternative diet has shown a number of substantiated benefits such as:

1. Healthier and shinier coats and skin
2. Smaller, firmer stools
3. Better digestion
4. Improved weight management
5. Cleaner and healthier teeth
6. Better sleep and energy
7. Reduced allergic reactions
There are also numerous reports of the success of raw food diet in treating chronic illnesses in dogs. This may be due to the commercial food that the dog has been eating prior to being introduced to this alternative diet.

While the above facts are accepted by the FDA and many mainstream veterinarians, the raw food diet for dogs does not come without its own down sides.

Negative Effects of Raw Food and How to Avoid Them

Other than being expensive, time consuming, and hard to sustain, there are still many potential risks with this approach.

First of all, raw meats are highly susceptible to being contaminated by certain pathogens and other bacteria. Since a dog's digestive system shorter and highly acidic, they are highly resistant to such contaminations. However, it poses a threat for the dog's human owners. The bacteria from these foods will be excreted in the dog's stools, but it can easily be transferred to carpets and other household furniture as well.

Although it can be threatening for young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, being exposed to these pathogen residues can easily be easily avoided by observing overall hygienic practices.

While rich in protein and fat, the raw food diet does not offer a lot when it comes to other vitamins and minerals. This is because dogs are known to digest raw vegetables poorly. Although this problem can be addressed by lightly cooking the vegetables to aid in digestion, the best way to make sure your dog is getting balanced nutrition is to consult a veterinarian for advice.

This article is not a substitute for professional advice. If you are in any doubt or have any concerns about the health of your dog you may wish to consult with a professional for diagnosis and treatment at the earliest opportunity.

Essential Dog Bowl Buying Tips

A dog bowl is necessary for giving food or water to your dog. Available in various forms, and designs, dog bowls must be selected after careful consideration, but finding the right dog bowl is easier than you may have thought.

Whether you have brought a new puppy home, or have a dog for many years, dog bowls are necessary to give food or water to your pooch. Just like with any other dog item, you should stop to consider a few important factors before you buy dog bowls for your precious pet.

Dog Bowls - Why Do I Need One?
Dog bowls are really convenient and offer your dog the means to get nourished and quench his thirst. Imagine, if you dog didn't get water to drink when he was thirsty, he'd probably get very sick due to dehydration. But now all you need to do is fill the dog bowl with fresh water, every morning and evening, and let you precious pooch quench his thirst whenever he wants! Dog bowls are also a necessity because they ensure that your dog is trained to eat, drink, and urinate outside the house. Dog urine could be problem is the pet is not house trained properly.

Since there are dog bowls for all dog breeds, the bowl size is a crucial consideration depending on the needs and requirements of your dog. Most pet owners opt for dog bowls that have a water bowl on one side and food bowl on the other. But don't limit your choices, because there are some really exciting choices for dog bowls in the market! From stainless steel to plastic to glass, dog bowls need to easy to clean, rough and tough, and should defeat bacteria from growing.

Small dogs require small dog bowls, while larger dogs require larger dog bowls because they require more food and water.

Dog Bowls - Here's What You Need To Look For
1. Easy to clean
2. Spill proof
3. Durable
4. Easy to maintain
5. Dishwasher safe
6. Perfectly sized for your breed
7. Safe to use

Dog Bowls - Best Tip Ever!
One of the best types of dog bowls is those that are made of stainless steel and have a rubber bottom with tapered sides. While these bowls are heavy, the rubber bottom ensures that your dog is unable to push his bowl and spill its contents on the floor. The tapered sides have been designed to prevent tipping. And best of all, stainless steel used to makes these dog bowls is not just durable, but easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and can't be chewed, broken or tampered with. Remember to buy a dog bowl that is large enough to contain at least enough water to last a day depending on the size of your canine friend.

Dog Bowls - Top Shopping Tips
If your dog doesn't drink enough water, dog urine may become a problem. An attractive, yet functional dog bowl will not just invite the dog to consume water, but also offer him comfort while drinking water. Here's what you need to look for:

* Durable and indestructible dog bowls that can't be broken, chewed, or thrashed around. Must avoid - light weight plastic, glass, and pottery dog bowls.
* Consider buying bowl holders that prevent the dog bowls from sliding, overturning, or skidding on the ground or floor.

Tip: A dog drinks about 25 ml of water per pound/day or less than an ounce/pound. A 15 pound dog would require a dog bowl that can hold around 15 ounces of water.

When You Get Your New Wolf-Hybrid Puppy

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.