People I speak to always seem to be surprised at how important healthy nutrition can be and what a difference appropriate nutrition can make in our lives. This is no less important in the lives of our pets. Feeding our dogs and cats properly is essential to their healthy and happiness and, ultimately, their longevity. As owners it is our responsibility to ensure that our beloved pets are provided with the best nutrition it is possible to give them. No matter how clever your beloved dog is, but it is up to you to read the labels - as yet, as far as I know, no dog has yet learned to read!
In the US it is the Department of Agriculture whose job it is to ensure that animals are being fed a nutritious diet by keeping tabs on what the pet industry is putting into its proprietary brands of dog and cat foods. Meanwhile, their UK counterparts used to be the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, also known as MAFF: this department has now become the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - otherwise known as DEFRA.
The Food and Drug Administration is also responsible for overseeing the safety of human food. In turn, each one of these agencies rely on laboratory testing carried out by the American Feed Control Officials [AAFCO] or, in the UK, DEFRA. It is AAFCO who sets the regulations for the ingredients that can be permitted to enter the dog food chain in the USA.
Nevertheless, the ultimate and overall responsibility for feeding your pets - is YOU, as a caring pet owner. Since you presumably love the pets you are sharing your home with you will want to do the best you can for them and, whether the actual information comes from AAFCO or DEFRA, it is interesting to find out exactly what the recommendations are and how they have arrived at these recommendations. Once you are armed with these facts, you have all the ammunition you need to choose the best dog food you possibly can for you best and most loyal friend.
You can obtain a Report that explains all about dangerous dog food and provides you with advice on how to navigate the nutrition maze, leaving you free to enjoy a totally happy, healthy dog whose nutrition ensures your pet lives the full quota of life allotted to him. So what's the big deal, I hear you ask? Most people assume their dogs are fed the proper food when they buy the dried complete dog biscuits, or open a can. The truth is, some dog food can be downright dangerous!
How to Read a Dog Food Label
Firstly, before anything else, you should notice the name of the product. This may give you the first clue as to what food is contained within the tin - perhaps it says 'Beef Dinner'. It may also tell you what kind of dog this particular food is intended to feed: senior, working, puppies, lactating, adult etc. You might also find that it says 'natural' on the label which means there are no preservatives or artificial colours or flavours. I own four dogs myself - all different ages, breeds and sizes: basically, my personal view is that if there is something in the can of dog food that I wouldn't want to eat, then I doubt very much that any of my dogs would want to eat it either - and, no, I don't have more money than sense: I just trained as a nutritionist and care enough about my dogs to pass on what I know when feeding them.
Anne is a full-time, professional writer, educated to MA level. Her specialist field is medical and healthcare subjects, as well as a profound interest in the latest technology and scientific research.
Anne is currently re-developing her website, [http://writtenbyanne.com]. Have now completed my Home Page.
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