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Solving Dog Health
Problems With Food

 Author: Janie Knetzer

Many dog owners put a lot of thought into what brand of food they should feed their dog in order to keep them healthy and happy, and oftentimes, what they find might surprise them!

The truth is as much as dogs are, in fact omnivores, they descended from wolves, who live on a diet that is largely made up of meat.

Home Made vs Commercial Dry Kibble

Far too many owners, whether due to lack of knowledge or lack of time, feed their dog dry kibble only. Unfortunately for the dog, this is his only source of nutrition which often lacks what he needs most in his diet.

The biggest problem with any brand of kibble is that it is a processed food and most processed foods lose any natural vitamins, minerals and enzymes during the processing itself. This is why it's so important to provide an enzyme supplement if kibble is your dog's only diet source.

Many brands of commercial dry kibble contain large portions of filler and vegetable matter. While vegetable matter doesn't seem to be a problem for many dogs, the fact remains that the most predominant ingredient in several commercial dry kibble brands are corn and soybeans, which are thought to be two of the leading causes for food allergies in dogs.

Compare this to a diet that you prepare yourself from ingredients that you know are safe and nutritious for your pet. You'll quickly realize why dogs kept on home made raw meat diets are so much healthier. A hearty mix of ground beef or ground turkey, carrots, apples and green beans are just a few examples of what can be included in a homemade healthy meal for your best friend.

Vary The Meal Sources

In the wild, wolves hunt elk, deer, bison and rabbit. Cousin to dogs, foxes hunt rabbit, mice, birds, worms, frogs and lizards. When switching to a home prepared diet for your dog, don't stick to the same recipe all the time. Use a variety of meats, grains and vegetables.

Health Benefits,

Most dog owners that make the switch to a home prepared raw diet for their dog are quickly amazed at the results. Allergies, skin problems, gas and flatulence, ear problems, irritable bowel syndrome and lack of energy are just a few conditions that can often be corrected with a home prepared raw diet. Dogs will pass less stool because their bodies are receiving what they need.

Many owners shy away from a raw food diet visioning themselves gathering raw chicken parts and bones, etc. However, there are raw diets and recipes that use raw ground meat, raw ground turkey or chicken and even canned salmon which has a lot of Omega Three Fatty Acids. Besides the convenience of working with ground meats, these meats can also be very economical.

Although preparing the meal is pretty simple, in order to get the most out of a home prepared raw diet for your dog, it's critical to follow a specific recipe that includes the necessary ingredients to balance the meal. Never just toss things together on your own and assume because it's raw and includes vegetables and grains that it must be good for your dog. The correct amounts of protein, fat, fiber and calcium are important and differ with each meat, grain and vegetable.

Dr. Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, Ph.D has a wonderful book that includes many great recipes for dog owners switching to a whole food diet for their dog.

Although most dogs love this diet, more importantly they receive the benefits of a strong immune system and a vigorous mental state. Their bodies become lean and solid while their coats shine. Most owners report that their dog's are happier, healthier and very content.

For dog owners themselves, most say that they have less trips to the Veterinarian.

Take time to learn more about a whole food diet for your best friend no matter what his age!

About the author: A Pittsburgh area resident with over 25 years of dog care experience. Janie is an avid dog lover and has written numerous articles on dog skin, nutrition and canine care.

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