Lizard Care 101: The Basics About Lizard Pet Care

Having an exotic pet is one thing, but having a lizard for a pet is another. Lizards are complex creatures and certain procedures must be observed. It's not like other reptiles that you can just leave and feed for another week, lizards are far more than that. These are sensitive and delicate creatures and they need special attention. If properly cared for, they make excellent pets.

Take note that there are different types of lizards; hence each lizard has specific needs. For amateur pet owners, you can start with common species such as Blue Tongued skinks, Barded dragon, Anoles and Leopard Geckos. Here are a few tips that might help you develop your lizard pet care skills.

1. Lizard's Quarters

Having a comfortable and clean cage is important for lizards. You must consider security, heating, space, humidity and lighting. Make sure that the area is big enough for it to move around and stretch its legs. Of course, make sure that it is also escape proof, lizards are notoriously fast and slick runner, catching them might be a challenge. For your sake, make sure it's easy enough to open and clean. Cleaning should be made more often and ensure your pet's lifespan. Healthy living starts with living clean. After all, who would want to live in a filthy place? Keeping your pet's quarters clean can assure you that he will live longer as one would expect.

2. Nutrition

Take note that in lizard pet care, different species have different needs. There are lizards that only eat vegetables while there are those who eat insects like crickets and mealworms. It is advised to feed them with calcium or vitamin coated insects to ensure their dietary needs. For vegetarian lizards, you can feed them feed them with green leafy vegetables, green beans, snap peas, and fruits. Make sure what you serve them is fresh or else they wouldn't eat it at all. Never keep your lizard hungry since it has no other source of food.

3. Keep an eye on your lizard

This is where lizard pet care gets serious. Maintenance is the key in keeping your lizard healthy. Make sure that your pet lizard is kept hydrated by serving hit enough water and checking its food bowl from time to time. It must never be empty. Change the water in the water bowl and make sure that it's always fresh. Clean your pet's cage twice a week. It is not advisable to hold your pet by the tail or else it will easily fall off.

Bernard Yao invites you to http://www.petsinfoplace.com dedicated to sharing useful information on raising happy and healthy home pets for the online community.

3 Facts About Commercial Pet Foods That Could Kill Your Dog

The dark side! Yes, we are now entering the dark side of the pet food world. You may have heard of the term 'natural reared.' This refers to a movement among pet owners that is about raising your dog on fresh and natural ingredients. Done properly, it can save you hundreds in vet bills. Obviously this group is a big proponent of feeding a raw or homemade diet. You would be surprised at some of the very disturbing truths about packaged foods. In this article, I give three of them.

1. The Disturbing Truth About The Ingredients Used

Of course, you, as a concerned pet owner, read the ingredients labels of the foods you purchase. You also know that a good brand uses meats as the first few ingredients. But what you may not have known might really surprise and shock you.

The meats that are used for our pet foods can actually be anything that is below human grade. Even if the bag says they use human graded sources, it does not always mean that the ingredient still qualified as such. If human grade raw meat gets contaminated, it can no longer be sold in stores, but it certainly can be processed into kibble. Your dog or cat could actually be eating meats that came from sick or dead animals (the ones that die before they reach the slaughterhouse).

Yet another disturbing matter is that an estimated 40% of euthanized shelter animals get sent to processing plants to be turned into pet food. No wonder that compost gardeners will tell you that pet stool is poison to a garden!

2. Medicines?

There was a reported case of a baby girl close to a year of age who died from eating cat food. Research found that it was the presence of penicillin in the dry cat food that caused the adverse reaction. Studies found the penicillin level was 600 times higher than what is allowed in human grade foods.

3. The Process Of Drying The Meats

In order to achieve the kibble texture, the meat or rather the carcasses must first be ground. Since money and time are big factors, time is not wasted on removing flea collars, pesticide tags, plastic bags, and whatever else the carcasses come with. All of it is dumped into a huge grinder that grinds it all up. Afterwards, this is cooked for one hour at 280 degrees Fahrenheit. Then it is squeezed to get rid of all moisture and turned into powder. While this process will kill off bacteria as well as beneficial enzymes, it has no effect on sodium Phenobarbital which is used for euthanasia.

Disturbing, is it not? No wonder our pets get upset stomachs by switching foods. It's not because they have sensitive stomachs, but rather because they are not able to digest all those harmful ingredients.

Do your research though. There are a few brands that are good to feed your pets. These are usually found at feed stores and specialty stores.

Want To Feed Homemade Dog Foods?

Recipes will ensure they are getting everything they nutritionally.

www.top5picks.net/homemadedogfood/

Concerned About What's in Your Commercial Pet Food? Try These Homemade Cat Food and Treats

Every day lately, it seems there is another pet food recall, warning dog and cat owners not to feed their pets different brands of foods. This is getting scary. Who knows which pet food will be recalled next. Though I am still using the kibble my cats normally eat, I am now supplementing my pets with a few homemade recipes. These are not meant for feeding your pets forever, since I"m not a vet or nutritionist but they are good for filling their furry tummies while we wait out the lowdown on the canned foods, which seem most affected by these pet food recalls. Here are the basic recipes I am using, don't add other ingredients unless you know for sure that they don't hurt your pets. We all know chocolate is off-limits to pets, as are other foods such as onions. Stick with these ingredients, which seem to be pet safe, according to pet experts I've read about.

Homemade Cat Food

2 cups ground chicken, lean beef or turkey, thoroughly cooked and diced;

4 cups rice, cooked in chicken or beef broth;

1/2 cup potatoes, ground;

1/4 cup spinach or carrots, ground;

1/4 cup green beans, ground;

2 tbsp melted butter;

dash of garlic powder

Mix everything together in large pot or bowl. Make sure it is completely cool before feeding to your cat. Store in covered container in refrigerator.

Homemade Cat Treats

1 1/2 cup oats, ground;

1/4 cup butter;

1/2 cup flour;

1/2 cup chicken broth;

1/4 cup cubed or shredded American or mild cheddar cheese -or- shredded chicken

Mix all ingredients together, form small cookies and bake on greased cookie sheet until done at 350 degrees. Roughly 25 minutes but check as ovens vary. Do not overcook.

Our pets deserve food that is safe, so hopefully, this current pet food crisis will alert the authorities to make sure they buy quality products and be more careful of what they put in their pet food recipes. Cats have specific nutritional needs so don't feed them any of these recipes on a long term basis, as I do not know the breakdown of nutritional value for them. But, by using fresh, healthful ingredients, cooking the meat thoroughly and storing the food you make in the refrigerator, it can help to tie your kitty over until it is safe to go buy food at the store again. Enjoy.

Carolyn McFann is a scientific and nature illustrator, who owns Two Purring Cats Design Studio, which can be seen at: http://www.zazzle.com/twopurringcats. Educated at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Carolyn is a seasoned, well-traveled artist, writer and photographer. She has lived and worked in Cancun, Mexico, among other interesting professional assignments in other countries. Clients include nature parks, museums, scientists, corporations and private owners. She has been the subject of tv interviews, articles for newspapers and other popular media venues.

The Truth About Commercial Pet Food

Most people are unfamiliar with the facts about commercial pet food for dogs and cats. Brands that can be found at your local grocery offer minimal quality that is barely above edible. Even Hills and other veterinarian recommended brands are made with grain and typically have corn listed as their number one ingredient.

As far as nutrition, these foods are fillers and supplements at best, but the real shocker is the amount of toxins and "animal byproduct" in each bag. These foods do much more harm than good, causing your pet's health to decline early in life and ultimately leading to an untimely death. On an ordinary basis, commercial dog food manufacturers use meats that are far below the quality allowed by the FDA for human consumption. This will not surprise most people. However, these meats are not only chicken by products, sick cow parts, feathers, and other unmentionable parts, but are often dead cats and dogs which have been gassed and are received from shelters, euthanized zoo animals, and even sometimes road kill. On top of the risk of infection and potential illnesses associated with eating such poor quality meat, the toxins used to euthanize these animals are clearly lethal. Levels of these chemicals can build up in your pet's body and over time and sometimes acutely cause organ failure and death.

There could be libraries filled with information regarding the indecencies of the commercial pet food industry. They use clever marketing with images of adorable puppies and kittens that invoke in us a mixture of love and loyalty. They fill commercials with dogs running and chasing balls and cats begging for their Meow Mix. It is almost the easiest thing to sell since their image alone creates a warmth in us and a desire to make them happy. But it is propaganda. Most of these companies are under scrutiny from animal rights organizations, such as PETA, for doing inhumane animal testing and for the negligible treatment of their test subjects. Undercover agents from these organizations have gone in and video taped under weight dogs kept in kennels made of concrete slabs and bars, with no blankets for warmth or comfort, no human love, affection, or care, and not even a clean bowl of water and a decent daily meal. It is heartbreaking and it is true. These companies do not actually care about the well-being of our pets. They are corporations feeding into a multi-billion dollar a year industry. It's about money and so they effectively keep this sort of information secret. And we, we lovingly serve a bowl of food to our dog or cat thinking we're giving him the best possible and sadly, we are not.

You may remember the pet food recall in 2007. This was an eye opener for a lot of pet parents. Little by little, frustratingly slowly, we are learning and catching on and discovering other options. I encourage you to do your own research and see for yourselves.

There is hope though and you can do better. There are smaller pet food companies that make food that is good for you pets and is made with wholesome ingredients. These brands of food can be found in small pet stores and sometimes larger pet department stores. One good thing to look for is a grain free food. Commercial pet food is loaded with more corn than anything else. Dogs and especially cats should be eating predominantly protein. There are organic foods that guarantee that not only will your pet not be eating any unusual toxins, but they will not be eating any plants or animals that have been treated by any chemicals or altered in any unnatural way. As a side not here, a lot of dogs have allergies to ingredients that are often a part of packaged foods, such as beef, wheat, and soy. Try to avoid feeding foods with these ingredients to your dog if he/she has any allergies or a sensitive stomach. Another tip on packaged food, wet or canned food tends to be more healthy and of a more natural diet than dry food. Cats especially should eat wet food because they consume most of their water intake with their food, just like in the wild. Insufficient water intake can over time lead to kidney failure which is one of the most common ailments of older cats. Though these better brands of food may be more expensive than the commercial pet food you were buying at the grocery store, less of it needs to be fed at a time because it is more nutrient dense. So a bag or a case will last you longer than the mostly filler commercial brands. Buying better dog and cat food will also save you money in the long run by keeping your pets healthy longer and avoiding expensive veterinary bills.

Another good option is to make your own dog food. This requires some research because you do not want to cause any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. But a good home cooked (or raw) meal with a vitamin supplement is a great way to keep your dog or cat healthy. There are many complete and healthy recipes online. Talk to your veterinarian about selecting the right one.

Studies show that feeding dogs and cats commercial dog food greatly increases their health problems and risks for diseases and greatly reduces the length of their lives. On average, pets who eat proper homemade meals or complete and balanced packaged foods can almost double their life expectancy. Please do yourself and your pets a favor and do the research. Become more knowledgeable and feed your pets what they deserve because you love them and they love you too.

Author:

Tess Marine Abbott
http://www.keepyourpetshealthy.com

So You Want To Know All About Pet Birds?

Finches - are they any good as having as pet birds?

A finch is a perfect pet bird.It's one of the most amazing creatures on earth. When bred in groups, they are easy going; simple oriented and does not pose any difficulty to their owner. Their life expectancy has also made them very suitable for families where there are kids, who can watch them grow from young to adults. Finches survive pretty much everywhere but perfect for any apartment and environment.

If you have been collecting, you must have understood that some kind of pet bird is perfect because of hardy nature. Society finches and Zebra finch are perfect examples of this. Finches like being reared together, they like growing in the mist of other species. They are good mannered but most times they might show some bullying character.

Normally you must avoid housing finches with any other bird species that are rough or too loud to co-exist with, like lovebirds, parakeets, hook bills or any other large breeds. On the same vein, if you allow them to live in a crowded environment, they might result to learning feather plucking at the end.

What Is The Best Thing To Do With Your Pet Bird?

Select their environment carefully - Your finches can only survive and live healthy when you have put in place the necessary facilities for their survival. You must keep their environment very clean. They like toys and other features to enable them fly a bit and perch, and you have to make all this available. However, ensure that whatsoever thing you are bringing, does not interfere with the normal life of your finches

How to handle finches - A pet bird is not a dog and don't normally enjoy being held or petted. You can hang around with them often and with any luck they might become patient enough and allow you those privileges. Yes, most times you may need to trim their nails, do that gently and don't irritate them.

Grooming - Most finches like dew-wash and you have to create same scenario in your cage. You can provide them with water in a shallow container for their bath and put moisture-grass at the bottom of their cage in the morning to remove them when they are done grooming.

Feeding - You must ensure that you feed your finches properly. A lot about their health and happiness depends on how they are feed and what they are feed with. You have to provide just their diet every time; providing seeds, greens, sprouts, vegetables and fruits. You must remove any food remnant from the cage after each feeding section to ensure that they don't decay and start causing abnormalities.

A finch is a great pet bird to have in your family. Unlike many other species of pets, they are easy to care for, hardy and survives pretty much fine. Finches are not expensive and appear gloriously entertaining with cheerful personalities. You will only have to keep them around in your apartment for a while to understand how wonderful and unique they are.

John K. is a great co-writer at FinchTips.com

Check out The Perfect Pet Bird [http://www.finchtips.com/so-you-want-to-know-all-about-pet-birds/]

What You Need to Know About Feeding & Caring for Your Pet Poodle

Learn About Caring for & Feeding Your Pet Poodle to Keep it Healthy & Happy

Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world because they are very sweet and affectionate. They are also one of the most intelligent dogs, which makes training them quite easy. They are perfect companion dogs for apartment dwellers, shut-ins and even small kids as well as families. Poodles are often described as protective, active, fun loving and adorable.

Caring for a poodle requires paying attention to its needs to keep it healthy and happy. It needs to be in a stimulating environment that will allow it to play and be active. It also requires regular grooming, especially when it comes to trimming its hair, which can grow very fast. Brushing your pet poodle's hair should be part of the grooming routine, to prevent the hair from tangling. You can take your dog to a pet grooming center, but if your budget constrains you, you should learn to trim your pet's hair by yourself. With the right tools like clippers, brushes and combs, this is not really that difficult to do.

Although pet poodles live very long, active lives, they do have their share of dog health problems, which can become serious if not attended to promptly. Poodles should probably be taken to the vet for checkups more often than most dog breeds due to possible health problems. One of the most common poodle health problems is retinal atrophy, which can ultimately cause blindness. Some poodles may be vulnerable to Von Willebrand's Disease, a disease that affects the proteins in blood platelets. This disease causes the inability of the blood to clot normally, and can lead to excessive bleeding, hematoma, inflammation of tissues and extreme pain.

Standard poodles often suffer from hip dysphasia, an abnormality in the hip socket. They are also prone to excessive bloating, which can cause extreme gas pains due to the build up of stomach acids. Toy poodles are prone to having achondroplasia, a hardening of the leg bones due to their short legs.

Feeding a poodle requires giving it a proper diet with the right combination of vitamins and minerals. If possible you should make your pet poodles food at home. This way you know exactly what it is eating. You can use all type of meats for protein along with different vegetables. Some whole grains like oats are also good for your pet. Always buy the best ingredients you can afford when you make your pet's food. If you don't have the time or inclination to make food at home then you need to purchase the best food you can afford. Be sure to check the labels of the dog food brands that you buy, to make sure that the food you choose fulfills the daily nutritional average that your poodle needs.

Your pet poodle may also need vitamin and mineral supplements to help it maintain its health and ward off common dog infections and diseases. It is better to choose dog supplements that are made from natural products in order to avoid introducing toxic chemicals that may lead to side effects.

Exercise is vital for your pet poodles. You can help your dogs remain active by taking them out on frequent walks and giving them a chance to play with your kids or other dogs. Poodles are highly intelligent, so stimulating activities will be great for them. Even though poodles are one of the best breeds for apartment or shut-ins they still need exercise. Check to see if there is a dog park close by or make friends with someone who likes dogs and would walk or play with them.

These cuddly dogs crave a lot of attention and they can get very nervous when left alone or when they are in new, strange environments. Your pet poodle will thrive in peaceful surroundings and have someone to play with and fuss over them. Spend a lot of time taking care of your poodle, making sure that it receives the love and attention it needs. Doing so will definitely reap you the rewards of a loving and loyal friend who can bring much joy to your family.

If you are a pet owner or thinking about becoming one you should go to the website at Natural Pets Health to get more information on natural pets health foods, products & cures. You will also find general information such as the pros & cons of owning along with the caring for & feeding of all types of pets from dogs to snakes to fish to exotics.

Koi Feeding - Facts You Need to Know About Feeding Your Pet

The Koi fish is known for its gorgeous and attractive color, and it is a very entertaining pet to own. Now, one of the amazing traits of the fish is that it can be trained to feed right out of your hand. It recognizes the person who feeds them, so they get to gather around them when feeding time comes. It's such an enjoyable creature that gives life to your backyard pond!

These are omnivorous species; they feed on both plant and meat matters. They have sharp appetites as they dwell in waters reaching 61 - 75°F. They're very active in summertime, and this season is the time that they should be fed with a good quality of diet. They have two food sources: the environment that they live in and their owner. They'll eat whatever comes in their way, as long as it fit in their mouths. Their diet include insects, worms, snails, acorns, grasses and the foliage of underwater plants (which can give some problems to their owners at times). They also feed on special treats like lettuce, peas and watermelons.

Owners should always remember that they just need the right combo of fats, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals; and this can be given to them by feeding them pellet food. The pellet foods that can be bought from local pet stores are made to float in the surface of the water so that the fish will come to the water's surface to snatch them (which gives the owner a great time to observe his pets). Part of caring for them is to make sure that they are healthy, have good appetites, and also free of any kinds of injuries. The vivid colors of the fish indicate that they are having a healthy diet.

The digestive system of this fish will slow down when winter comes, which makes it unnecessary to feed them. They make take the liberty of nibbling on the algae found at the bottom of the pond. But owners should always keep in mind that if the temperature drops below 50°F, the fish may become ill if there's any food left in their stomach that will become bad.

When it comes to feed the fish, owners need not to put a lot of stress in matters on how much the fish should be fed and when would be the right time to do it...and this makes feeding time the most relaxing parts of the day for the owner. They can take pleasure on their pets' willingness to interact with them, thus seeing them in a different way. With the Koi, it's all fun and games when it comes to food!

Mike Araujo is a Koi expert. To get more information on Koi feeding and how to care properly for your pets, visit http://www.koipondreport.com/.

Things You Need to Know About Pet Birds

Birds are becoming more and more popular as pets. There are a variety of bird species and sizes to choose from. The smaller birds are the Parakeet, Canary, Finch, Budgies, Lovebird...the larger birds are the Cockatiel, African Grey, Cockatoo, Amazon, Quaker, among others. Birds are highly intelligent animals. They are extremely social creatures... fairly inexpensive to feed... relatively easy to care for... and display amazing colors and behavior patterns that are interesting to watch and have even proven to improve peoples health i.e lower blood pressure and stress levels. The smaller birds... canaries, budgies, love birds...are ideal for apartment dwellers. Cages: Stainless steel or aluminum cages are more fitting for housing bird(s) than are painted cages. Not only will they give longer service, but the older painted cages may contain lead based paint which is toxic to birds. Cages should be wide enough for the bird to stretch its wings.

Cages should be placed near family activities in the home. Lining the bottom of the cage with newspapers or paper towels will make for easier clean up. Food and water bowls should be cleaned daily and once a week thorough cleaning of the cage should be done. Cages should also include toys, perches, mirrors and chewable items. Diet: Dietary needs among bird species are not all the same. Some have very specific dietary needs and need special diets. Feeding pet birds the right foods is one of the most important considerations of its overall care. Balancing a pet birds diet will prevent many health problems later.

Diet for most seed-eating birds should consist of pelleted foods, fresh fruits (apples, grapes, cantaloupe, pineapple, figs, and kiwi) and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, but shouldn't be left in the cage at room temperature for long periods of time as they can spoil causing bacteria that is harmful to the bird. It's important to research what types of foods are best for your species of bird. Offering the bird a food item at dinner time is OK as long as you make sure that the foods you share aren't toxic to birds. The best time for feeding is in the morning and have fruits and vegetables available during the day. Health and Care: Health should be a primary consideration when choosing a pet bird. For routine health examinations you should schedule a yearly checkup with a avian veterinarian in order to detect potential problems early.

A healthy bird can tolerate temperatures that are comfortable to its owner. A pet bird should never be let out of its cage unattended. Some common dangers for birds are ceiling fans, heaters, open windows and doors, other pets, water filled tubs, sinks, etc. Some do's: Do close the blinds or pull the drapes over the windows if you let the bird out of it's cage to keep it from injuring himself flying into the glass. Do make sure a fireplace screen is covering the fireplace. Do cover aquariums. Do keep toilet lids down to keep the bird from falling in.

Do keep other pets (cats, dogs) away from the pet bird. Do keep clean water in it's cage. Do clean food bowl. Do keep the cage clean. Some don't's: Don't feed the bird certain foods (i.e chocolate, avocado) because they are toxic. Don't leave any doors and windows open in case the bird gets out of his cage. Don't hold a bird tight because their bones are fragile and can easily be fractured. Don't let a pet bird loose in the kitchen around boiling water or stove burners. Don't turn on ceiling fans if the bird is out of its cage. Don't smoke around the bird. Don't over heat non-stick-coated (Teflon) pots or pans for the fumes are toxic to birds. Don't let the bird eat toxic plants (daffodils, juniper, azaleas, oleanders,etc). Don't feed the bird pits from fruit as in cherries, plums or peaches because these contain cyanide which is toxic to birds. Pet birds can be purchased from a variety of sources,such as pet shops, breeders, private dealers, or individuals.

Lamar Deane offers free tips and information How to Choose The Right Pet For You [http://pets4usite.info/popular-pets.html]

Ergo Auto Pet Feeder Review - Are You Serious About Ergo?

If you've been looking for an Ergo Auto Pet Feeder review, you probably work long hours and may find it difficult to keep your pet on a feeding schedule. Giving your pet the ability to help himself is both convenient for you and makes him happier.

Unlike some other auto-feeders, the Ergo model allows you to program exactly when and how much your pet gets. This helps to keep weight gain under control and feeding times consistent. If your pet constantly whines for food, you can program the Ergo to release small amounts of food at different intervals. This will quickly teach your pet that the feeder and not you provide the food.

If you have cats, you know that they don't require as much time and attention as dogs do. This is why cats have become a popular pet for busy people who work long hours. With the Ergo Auto Pet Feeder, you know that your cats will be fed on time and on schedule whether you're there or not. You can even leave them overnight while leaving the Ergo to do your feeding.

If you own a dog, he must also be on a consistent feeding schedule. This is particularly important in young dogs you are trying to housebreak. If your dog is allowed to eat whenever he wants, you're not going to be able to take him out on a schedule that is in line with his feeding schedule. This can lead to accidents and frustration on your part. When you use this auto feeder, you know exactly when his feeding times are because you programmed them. There's no wondering when other members of the family might have fed him and when he needs to go out.

Although electric, the cord is long, thick and chew proof. This way if your pet has a tendency to be curious about the cord, then you won't have to worry about him hurting himself or setting the house on fire.

If you're a rabbit lover, it can be used to maintain a healthy weight for your rabbits. Like with dogs and cats, simply set the timer and keep your bunnies happy and fed with no concern about them gorging themselves.

If you have a busy schedule that prevents you from keeping your pets on a consistent feeding schedule, then read an Ergo Auto Pet Feeder review to see how other pet owners are giving their pets the food they need without having to rush home from work. The Ergo gives both you and your pets freedom from the hassle of strict schedules.

Next, learn where you can get the best price and FREE shipping for the Ergo Auto Pet Feeder. Click the following link to learn more -> Ergo Auto Feeder discount

How About a Bail Out For Our Pets?

The slow economy has hurt our pets also. If you have lost your job or you think you are going to lose your job, then you may be thinking that it is time to get rid of the family dog or cat. After all, that's another mouth to feed and you may feel like you can not afford to feed them any longer. Well, certainly, it is understandable that you think by getting rid of this "expense" you will be saving some money. Money that you need to go to another bill or possibly buy food.

Unfortunately, pets will be the first victims to suffer for something they did not cause and can not fix. But, if you love your dog or cat, maybe you could seek help from your local animal shelter. Maybe your animal shelter could share some pet food with you until you are working again. Of course, the animal shelters are over crowded now, because of people either giving up their pets or dumping them. And they are always short on food--but it never hurts to ask for help. If you can keep your pet at home with you, then that is one less the shelter needs to worry about caring for.

Also, if you have children, think of the trauma they will suffer if they have their pet abruptly taken away. They will never forget it! Maybe, if your child is old enough he/she could do some work in your neighborhood to earn money to feed your family pet. You may have some neighbors that would be happy to pay to have their front walks shovelled if you live in a snowy area. Whatever happened to the neighborhood boy who mowed lawns? They seem to have all vanished! No, they are home sitting in front of the TV or computer, playing video games. Lawn care is great exercise--maybe that would help some of our obese children to get into shape, as well as earn them some money. Instead, today, we are forced to hire lawn services and pay high prices to have the grass cut.

The point here is that the economic times that have befallen us has to make us all more creative to earn money and more creative in keeping our money. But, since your pet is a furry family member and does not understand what is happening, you should do everything possible to keep your family together. There is pet responsibility.

We need to establish Animal Welfare food shelves, just like we have food shelves for people. The pet food industry needs to lower the prices of pet food, not the QUALITY, so everyone can feed their pets, whether they have dogs, cats, horses, rabbits or birds.

Many times, if you compare the prices of canned store bought pet food per pound to the cost of buying fresh meat or chicken per pound, you may find that buying fresh is cheaper. Then, as you are preparing for your family, you can also cook and feed your dog or cat. It is always cheaper to cook at home, than to buy prepared food that has been prepared and packaged. You are paying for packaging and shipping. It is very easy to share some meat or chicken with your pets, add some cooked brown rice and carrots or green beans. Maybe, scramble some eggs. There are many ways to feed your dogs or cats. Plan their menu like you plan your own.

Veterinarians may need to realize that some pet owners can not afford their high costs and make adjustments in their prices. Otherwise, many pets will suffer from illnesses because their owners can not afford health care for them. Understandably so, as many people have no health care for themselves.

Most of us are in no way responsible for the global economic collapse, least of all our animals. We are all victims and we are the ones who have to bear the brunt of this mess caused by many high priced, greedy executives and bad decisions. Many people have had their lives turned upside down and changed forever.

Now, our animals need a bail out! Everyone and everything deserves food and care.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."--Gandhi

Our great nation is suffering--We must treat everyone and everything better to survive. The bail out needs to be for everyone, including our pets.

The only "FAT CATS" that should be bailed out are the ones sitting on our sofas!

There's more timely information,interesting articles and poems and thoughts by Sparrow Darling at http://www.dogsandothercompanions.com

Do You Know What You're Feeding Your Cat? Learn The Shocking Truth About What's In Most Cat Foods

My own search to what's really inside most pet foods started with the love I have for my cat Charlie.

You see Charlie isn't just a cat to me, he's my best buddy and has been a constant companion to me since my divorce 2 years ago. Without Charlie being around I seriously think I would have went crazy from loneliness.

When there was a massive pet food recall in March of 2007, I started to look for alternatives to store brands of pet foods. What I found out was shocking to say the least. I had no idea what was being put into the cat food I was feeding Charlie and I realized I was literally killing him slowly with what I was feeding him.

I've owned cats and dogs all my life and in almost every case, my cats died of kidney failure with a maximum lifespan of 15 or 16. I learned that there are so many byproducts and harmful ingredients in most pet foods that are extremely hard on their digestive systems and this in turn causes great stress on their kidneys and they die prematurely.

There are five D's that make up the meat in most pet foods. Here's what they are and it's not pretty:

1. Dead

2. Diseased

3. Dying

4. Disabled

5. Drugged

None of the above is fit for human consumption, but most people don't think twice about feeding this to their pets. Why would you feed your cat something that isn't fit for humans?

Rejected animals of all kinds are still used in commercial pet foods. Ground up bones, feathers and heads are still used as a protein sources. Hard to digest grains and fillers are also still used as well as strong chemical preservatives to maintain long shelf life.

Well after doing a lot of research and checking into many different natural cat foods, I chose Life's Abundance Cat Food. This cat food was formulated, fed and tested according to the Nutritional profiles of the American Association for Feed Control Officials for all stages of life. It's a nutritious low ash cat food formula that will maintain your cats natural acidic balance for Urinary Tract Health.

Life's Abundance Premium Cat Food contains only fresh, natural, wholesome ingredients. It provides 100% complete nutrition in accordance with AAFCO feeding protocols.

This premium cat food is a high antioxidant formula and contains 5 sources of superior protein ... chicken meal, egg, chicken liver meal, fish meal and turkey meal. There is no corn, wheat, dairy, by-products, artificial colors or flavors in Lifes Abundance.

The manufacturing facility is a USDA certified APHIS (Animal Plant Health Inspection Service) plant. APHIS certification allows the sale a of finished product to the International market, including the European market, which has extremely high standards on ingredient sources.

If you really love your cat or dog, I urge you to watch these videos [http://www.HealthiestPetFoodDirect.com], but be prepared for some shocking information that may have you throwing out your regular pet food. And don't be fooled by some of the higher priced so called 'premium' pet foods being sold in major chains. They all originate from the same plants using the same harmful ingredients wrapped up in some clever packaging, marketing and advertising.

I hope you benefit from what I've learned and will use this information to help your cat live a much longer, happier and healthier life.

Greg Swift has been a pet owner his entire life and is always seeking out the best nutritional information for his own pets. Through his articles he hopes to share what he has learned so that our beloved pets can remain here with us for as long as possible.

To learn more about the only pet food Greg recommends, please click the following website link and watch the shocking videos on what's really in most pet foods. You can also request a free sample as well.

[http://www.HealthiestPetFoodDirect.com]

Learn The Truth About The Price Of Pet Food Secrets To Comparing Pet Food Prices

I recently received an email asking my opinion about a couple of different types of pet foods - what I thought about the quality of the foods. Both of the pet foods he asked about (which he was feeding his family) were what I considered to be very inferior foods. I informed him of this and his response was that they probably couldn't afford a better food.

While I understand that better quality dog and cat foods can be two or even three times more expensive than some of the cheaper brands, folks who think they can't afford it, unfortunately, will 'pay' in the end. When a pet is sick with kidney or liver disease, when a pet must be treated for skin irritations and ear infections - vet bills to 'fix' the health concern cost pet owners far more than the 'few cents' a meal to feed them quality nutrition. And I'm often questioned about this 'few cents a meal' theory - but before you question me too, let me explain.

Many pet owners suffer 'sticker shock' when considering purchasing a better quality food. They look at the price tag and gasp when considering how fast Fido or Fluffy eats that bag of food. What they don't know is that with better quality pet foods, you don't feed as much - cheap foods have cheap 'filler' ingredients that do not satisfy the nutritional needs of the pet, thus they eat A LOT more attempting to get the nutrition that their body is telling them they need. Better quality foods/ingredients provide the animal with quality nutrition and they eat on average 1/3 less.

So let's break it down to cost per meal...

Let's say your pet currently eats 1 cup of food per day. A 20 pound bag of food will provide you with about 50 servings. If the food costs you $15.00 for a 20 pound bag - that equals about .30 per meal.

Now with a good quality pet food - feeding about 1/3 less - a 20 pound bag will provide you about 80 servings. If the better food costs $30.00 for a 20 pound bag - that breaks down to a little less than .38 cents a meal.

So even though the price tag of the food reads to be twice as expensive - it's actually far from the truth. Using the above example, at .30 cents per meal, two meals a day, in one month you are spending around $18.00 per month to feed a pet with the inferior food. With the apparent twice as expensive higher quality pet food, at .38 cents per meal, two meals a day, in one month you are spending around $22.80 per month. Less than $5.00 per month difference that can save you thousands of dollars in vet bills and add years to their life. You must look at the cost per meal to completely give the price of the food consideration.

Here is what has happened to us...for years and years we've watched the television commercials of pet food. They emphasize the words 'for your pet's health' or 'choice'. We've trusted them and we've followed their directions to feed our pet 2 or 3 cups of food per day. What we didn't know was that those recommended 2 or 3 cups of food was necessary because the pet food contained cheap inferior nutrition sources like by-products, meat and bone meal, and grains.

So, it has become our habit to feed more - which they do need more with inferior ingredients. Then someone like myself comes along and tells you how horrible ingredients like by-products and meat and bone meal are - and you learn that grains such as corn, wheat, and soy are inferior - and since this recent pet food recall, you learn that chemicals can actually be added to variations of these grains (glutens)...so then you look over your options at the pet store or online. And you think in terms of how much per 'bag' of food. After all, you've probably tried several different types of pet food in the past - maybe even one or two that cost a little more than the cheap brands - and you still ended up feeding the same 2 or 3 cups of food a day. Naturally, you look at the $30.00 for a 20 pound bag of pet food and gasp at the cost - you are thinking just the way they want you to think...in terms of the cost of the bag, not the cost of the serving.

The determining factor for your choice of pet food should not be cost or advertising. You must look at and understand those first five ingredients. Of course there is much more involved than the first five ingredients, but in my research...if the first five ingredients of a pet food are good, so are the rest of the ingredients. If a pet food manufacturer cares enough to make the first five ingredients quality - which is the majority of the food...they care enough to make all of the ingredients quality. Don't be mislead into any comfort zone of a pet food manufacturers advertising...do your homework and read and understand at least the first five ingredients of your pet's food.

With better, more nutritious pet foods - they do NOT need as much as with the cheaper foods. Don't let the old habit of feeding more sway you when you switch to a more nutritious pet food - again, with more quality ingredients they just don't need as much food as with inferior ingredients. If you switch your pet to a quality pet food and continue to feed the same amount as the lesser quality food you were feeding - your pet will gain weight.

The daily amount of food our pets require depends on many things such as activity level, age, breeding animals, or neutered animals. As an example, my 100 pound German Shepherd only eats two cups of food per day; 1 cup AM, 1 cup PM. My little guy (8 pound Papillion eats about 1/3 cup a day. Both dogs are active. However, my little guy is young and is fairly high energy level. My big guy is 12 years old and much more sedate. Considering his little size, the small dog eats far more for his size than the big dog. His energy and activity level requires it.

My cat on the other hand free feeds - he has access to a full bowl of food at all times and eats when he wants. He has never been an over eater and this works well for him. I could never do the same with my dogs.

So serving size for your pet is something you will need to experiment with. If your dog or cat has no 'figure' - shows no waist when looking at them from above - chances are they need to lose a few pounds. Cut back the serving size. If you can visibly see ribs - they probably need to gain a couple of pounds and you need to slightly increase the serving size. Please note too that a cup of food a day at 2 years old will more than likely be too much food when they are a little older. Keep a constant monitoring eye on them - a healthy weight is a healthier pet.

And please don't just look at the cost of the bag of food, look at (at least) the first five ingredients and consider the cost of the serving.

Wishing you and your pets good health

Susan Thixton has worked in the pet industry for over 20 years helping thousands of pet owners to enjoy their pets. She's produced an internationally distributed dog training video, authored the tell all book Truth About Pet Food, and recently has begun publication of a one-of-a-kind pet owning consumer report Petsumer Report. For more information please visit http://www.TruthAboutPetFood.com
Susan Thixton
Truth About Pet Food
Petsumer Report
http://www.TruthAboutPetFood.com

Info About Pet Ferret Food

Taking in a new pet can become challenging but only if you lack the knowledge in basic pet care which includes nourishment among other things. If you own a ferret, you should know as much info about pet ferret food as you can gather in order to keep your pet healthy and nourished.

Below are few of the most important info about pet ferret food that you need to be aware of if you want to give your ferret the best possible care:

o Ferrets are carnivores and they have a really high dietary requirement in the sense that they need to feed often. Their metabolism is very fast compared to other pets like dogs and cats so you have to make certain that they do not run out of food in their cage.

o You can buy ferret feeds from pet stores as well as online. If you decide to shop for pet feeds from online stores, you can get a really good deal especially when you place bulk orders.

o There are various brands of ferret feeds so be careful when buying them especially if you have not tried it previously on your pet. The quality of feeds should always be your top priority so as to keep your ferret healthy.

o You should not feed ferrets just anything from your fridge when you run out of feeds. Once they get used to eating store bought feeds, their digestive systems become used to it and would tend to react quite differently if contents are altered suddenly.

o Always read the labels of the pet feeds specifically the nutritional information printed on the back portion. The best feeds for ferrets are those that are rich in protein and have very minimal carbohydrates.

o Avoid switching brands very often. Stick to one brand and buy it by the bulk. If you decide to switch, make sure that it will be long term so as not to cause any distress on your pet's digestive system.

o There are certain diet requirements that should be followed based on the age of your pet ferret. The older they get, the more careful you have to be when it comes to feeding them because they become more sensitive and picky.

o Fat is very important in your pet's diet. Since ferrets are very active, they need all the fat reserves that they can get.

o Avoid feeding your ferret cat food. In the past, it was an acceptable practice to feed ferrets with cat food. These days however, it is highly discouraged to do this because there have been findings on the inadequacy of certain nutritional contents on cat feeds. This means that feeding your ferret cat food would render them undernourished. Since there are ferret feeds in the market already, there is no need for substitutions anymore.

o Treats should be given in moderation because they might not be up for eating their own feeds because the latter taste so much better.

Timothy Cartwright is a Pet Ferret expert. For more great info on [http://ferretcaresecrets.com.au/pet-ferret-food]

visit [http://ferretcaresecrets.com.au]

What You Must Know About Buying and Owning a Pet

People seek pets for various reasons. Some want them for company and amusement; others dote on them as they would on family members. This article looks at various aspects of pet ownership, ranging from selecting your pet to grooming, feeding, medical care, and traveling with your pet.

Feeding, grooming and training apart, you also need to look at some of your pet's other needs if you want your pet to live a long healthy life. Do this, and you can enjoy pet ownership for a long time.

Whether or not you have a good pet ownership experience will start from the time you select a pet. You may have a preference for a particular animal. Regardless of your choice of animal, you must try to get a healthy pet of good breed.

You could choose to get a pet from an animal shelter. If, instead, you decide to buy your pet from a pet store, make sure the store is spacious and clean. Also, you shouldn't have to travel far from your home; the store should be open when you prefer to visit it. The store should also have sufficient supplies of pet items.

If you are often short on time, you may find it more convenient to get your pet supplies from an online store. However, make sure it's a good and responsible store that cares for you and your pet and sells supplies at fair prices.

The pet supplies you buy could include medicine, tonics, supplements, collars and tags, dishes and pet food. Pet accessories are equally important, if you want to have a satisfactory pet-owning experience. These include toys, tools for grooming, carriers, fences, jewelry and clothes, apart from pet furniture, including beds and kennels.

Caring for a pet is not unlike looking after a child. You have to be on the job, 24 x 7. Grooming, itself, includes a list of things to do: bathing your pet, brushing it, trimming its nails, checking the teeth, paws, tongue and ears, removing insects and fleas, etc., all of which you need to do, regularly. Select a good veterinary doctor, and consult him/ her, from time to time.

You have to be careful what you feed your pet. Many pet owners make the mistake of feeding their pets what humans eat. Good and responsible pet stores stock scientifically devised pet food: for instance, what you feed an adult dog will vary vastly from what a puppy dog needs to be fed.

You should also insure your pet's health with adequate pet health insurance. Your veterinarian may be able to help you choose a good health insurance, so that you are not stuck with large medical bills in an emergency. Also, devise a pet survival kit which you should keep handy at all times. Here again, a good store owner, 'brick and mortar' or online, could help you.

Some people like to take their pets along when they travel. If you take some precautions before you travel, you will enjoy the experience. If you are planning to fly, find out whether the airline allows pets to travel with their owners. Some airlines allow pets in carriers under the seats. Most airlines, however, insist on transporting pets as air freight.

Even if you are planning to go by car, you should follow some guidelines. Carry a kennel, as some hotels may not allow pets in their rooms - inquire beforehand.

Take special care of your pet during holidays especially when there's noise, such as fireworks. At such times, give your pet its own space and don't force it to have to mix with kids and other animals.

It also makes sense to hire a professional sitter for your pet. The sitter will take care of things you may not have time for, such as taking your dog out for a walk.

To know more about pet care [http://www.bestonline-petshop.com] , click here: [http://www.bestonline-petshop.com] Bobby Ryatt is passionate about pets. He is a webmaster and author of well-researched articles on niche products.

Got A Pet Rat? Some Helpful Tips About Pet Rats - Pet Rat Health, Pet Rat Training, and Pet Rat Car

Most people misunderstand rats. The idea of rats as pets seems to be self-contradictory to them - rats are dirty, wild, they chew up on everything in their path, they cannot be trained and kept at a home with humans - especially children.

However, more people than commonly thought own a pet rat, or even several pet rats - often nicknamed fancy rats. If you have arrived here you may own one or some already, or thinking of owning one, or simply want to know more about the fancy rat. Whichever is true, you should know that pet rats are more delicate than some might think, and caring for them requires a lot of attention to detail. Here you will learn some tips about attending to pet rat health, which pet rat cages are best and how they should be prepared for your pet rat, and general tips about pet rat care and pet rat training.

In order to house your pet rat, care must be taken to which cage you choose and how to prepare it. The cage should be large enough so that your fancy rat has room to run around. It should be made to provide an environment of different activities for your pet rat - toys to play with and keep your fancy rat interested are very important, for example, because fancy rats can literally get sick with boredom. The cage should also have places in which your pet rat can snuggle and rest, and preferably something it can climb. The cage floor should be properly bedded with newspaper or some fabric. Keep an eye on the cleanliness of the cage as well - clean it on a weekly basis, at least.

Which toys should you use in the pet rat cage? well, pet rats have personalities, and each pet rat is different. An old tennis ball can be good for one, a wooden ring to chew on can be good for the other. At the end of this article you will find a pointer to the source of an abundance of ideas for pet rat toys. However, just like with a child, your pet rat can have all the toys in the world - but nothing would match up to some quality time with you. So make time to play with your pet rats. Pet rats are also good companions for each other - if you put more than one of them in the same cage (if the cage is big enough, of course) they'll be able to play with each other, and that will make their lives much better and more interesting.

Pet rat care begins with what you feed them with. Rats can eat pretty much everything, but in order to keep your pet rat healthy there are certain things you can do with regards to their diet. You can feed them ready-made mouse food that you buy in a shop, but make sure you diversify it with bits of fresh fruit and vegetables (except citrus fruit which are bad, especially to males). Trial and error will tell you which foods your pet rat loves best - like I said, rats have personalities, and each one is different. You can sometimes even spoil your pet rats with a sweet delicacy such as a dog biscuit, if you find they like it. You can also hide food in their cages for them to look for. Water should be given in a drip bottle attached to the wiring of the cage - make sure water never runs out.

A healthy diet, without overfeeding, will generally keep your pet rat healthy. But pet rat health requires attention in other aspects too. For example, pet rats are very sensitive to heat or cold. They should be given worm cloth to snuggle in during cold days, and fed cold food (such as frozen veggies) on hot days.

If your pet rat does not act like its usual self (particularly if it's much quieter or more indifferent than usual), if it does not drink or eat normally, or if it sneezes often or shows signs of breathing difficulty - it may be sick. If you notice a lump in your pet rat's body, that may be a sign of serious illness. Rats may also contract skin diseases or worms in their digestive systems. Whatever the symptoms are, the best thing to do is to when you notice something out of the ordinary is to take it to the vet, the sooner the better.

What about pet rat training? Is that even possible? Of course it is! That is the fun part. Rats are very intelligent animals. They catch on fast, they are curious, and they aim to please.

Don't push your pet rat too much in training or teaching trick. Be patient. This is not a race.

Rats can be trained to litter at particular places in their cage, and save you some trouble cleaning it. You can create a corner with some special bedding for that, place older litter in it so your pet rats can smell it. If there are certain places in the cage your pet rats prefer to litter at their own will, don't fight them. Create that litter tray where they prefer it to be.

Pet rats can be taught many things - to come to you when you call their names, stand on their hind legs and clap the fore paws, and so much more. Their reward is mainly food, and praise from you. Be patient, it takes time.

There is so much more to know about pet rat training, pet rat care, and pet rat health. Click here to get the comprehensive source for everything you need to know about pet rats.

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Brief Description About the Health of the Pets

The major apprehension for the majority of the pet care taker is maintenance for the health of their furry animals. The owners love their pets so much that they are treated as the family members then the animals. If you take care of your them with the full attentiveness, then they will be healthy and happier for longtime. As you take care for your children same is with them as once they become the part of your family, you have the responsibility of them also. You should always be in the touch of one animal doctor which cares for your friend whenever they needed.

Take care of your pets more then yours because they are very sensitive, so if you are having a doctor for your long hair buddy then always verify the side result of the medicines prescribed to you by him. If you have any doubt that the medicine which is prescribed by your doctor is not good for your them, then change your vet. Dogs and cats are the common pet animals everyone have them, they both experience the stomach illness because of the problem related to the grasses. It is usually because when they consume grass, they swollen the many injurious things. In that case try to make you lovable buddy to do it again, by this they feel improved. Pet grasses are used to make them away from many diseases. Those who do not have the grass around their surroundings then they can buy the pet grass from the stores.

Do not take me wrong that the vets are not good for your pets; they are good but when you can take care of your furry friend without any difficulty then there are no needs of any animal doctor. You can easily treat your animal at home, and save your pets from the medicines and the injection. But in the case of sever problem you required the animal doctor for the protection of them.

For example when you get sick at home then immediately you never take your medicine, you try to control it by the homemade medicines. Same is in the case of their health firstly if it is common problem to your pets then why you do not try to solve yourself instead of consulting to the vets.

This all bout the health of the pets, I hope after reading this article you can understand the importance of their health. An advice for all those who are the pet-lovers, try to understand and always be calm with them.

If you are interested in traveling with your pets and looking for Pet Friendly Hotels then kindly visit us at http://www.officialpethotels.com

The Truth About Pet Food - Dogs and Cats

In recent times pet nutritionists have come to the conclusion that many of today's health problems in animals, including physical and behavioral conditions have their roots in poor nutrition. Many of the leading manufacturers of so-called 'quality' pet food are responsible for this decline in your pet's health.

Veterinarians are noticing this deteriorating health in pets and believe that chemical additives and preservatives play a part.

So, just what is in your dog or cats pet food?

The fact that when you open up a can of dog food you turn your nose, is a sign that there are all sorts of gases and odors released that are unfit for human and animal consumption. The heavy use of preservatives such as BHT/BHA and Ethoxyquin are likely to be responsible as well as urine, faecal matter, hair, pus, meat from sick or adrenalin filled animals (most animals just prior to the kill in abattoirs release a rush of adrenalin into their bloodstream as they intuit they are about to die). Ethoxyquin is actually an herbicide and has had detrimental effects on humans who were working with it in the rubber industry. Reports of liver/kidney damage, cancerous skin lesions, hair loss, blindness, leukemia, fetal abnormalities and chronic diarrhea were noted and in animals it has been linked to immune deficiency syndrome, spleen, stomach and liver cancer, as well as the above mentioned diseases. It is no doubt that the increased use of chemical preservatives in pet food is linked to the rise in pet disease over the last 25 years.

Rancid animal and poultry fat (by-products of the meat industry) that have escaped human consumption are the staples of most canned pet food. These unhealthy putrid fats are difficult to digest and are likely linked to stomach and liver disorders resulting in bloating, gas, diarrhea and the notorious bad breath our pets are known for.

At present, the department of agriculture does not have mandatory inspection of the ingredients used in pet food. They are allowed to use "4D" classification sources such as meat, tissues, skin and insides of animals that are dead, dying, disabled, or diseased (AND UNFIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). Some of the animal meat used will be loaded with heavy hormones, steroids and antibiotics from the farming industry that continue to be 'active' in dead tissue!

Add to this a host of artificial colorants, preservatives and sweetening agents such as cornstarch and sucrose and you have a chemical concoction bound to cause disease in any animal that ingests it. Cat food manufacturers use corn syrup, which cause addiction and over stimulate the production of insulin and acidic digestive juices. These empty sugars put a great deal of stress on the pancreas and may result in diabetes. They also interfere with the animal's ability to absorb nutrients and vitamins from their food. As with humans, artificial sweeteners can cause hyperactivity and behavioral problems in animals and destroy friendly bacteria that aid in digestion. The added sugar content could also be responsible for diseases such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, obesity, allergies, loss of vision and cancer.

Another harmful chemical is propylene glycol, which is responsible for prolonging the shelf life of dry products. However, they also dehydrate the colon, causing constipation and the formation of small, dry,hard stools. These kinds of stools may be uncomfortable for your pet to pass as well as leading to diseases of the digestive tract in the long term.

The addition of salt to canned pet food is also a health hazard. Too much refined salt can lead to hypertension, water retention, kidney damage, palpitations and other ailments.

To add fiber, soybean meal is added to pet food, which hinders digestion in dogs. Peanut hulls are also used but can be an irritant to the colon and cause constipation.

As you can see from the above, properly feeding your pet is an essential part of caring that you, the owner is responsible for. Just as there is a growing awareness today of what's healthy for humans to eat, it is just as crucial to make sure your pet is also getting the proper healthy nutrition it needs for optimum health. A happy pet = a happy owner. Give YOUR pet the best chance of optimal health through proper nutrition today.

May you both live long happy healthy lives together.

Anabrese Neuman is author of several raw food recipe books and also writes about human and animal nutrition. Her websites include http://www.rawlifestyle.co.uk and http://www.thenaturalrat.co.uk

Learn More About Pet Health And What You Can Do To Improve It

If you own a pet, you know how frustrating it can be when they get sick and nothing seems to get them better. Visits to the vet, drugs, pills, shampoos ... it seems as though they will be sick forever.

The problem usually lies in their food. Nutrition, or lack thereof, is the number one factor that determines a pet's health. Store bought commercial pet food lacks almost all the nutrients that pets need. To make matters worse, they are loaded with toxic chemicals, synthetic preservatives, and discarded animal parts that you would never knowingly give your beloved pet.

Even 'premium' store bought pet foods lack the proper nutrition that your pet requires. They also usually contain most of the same dangerous chemicals that the cheaper brands do. It's all about slick marketing and advertising. Unfortunately, once again, it's all about the money.

However, there is hope. There are a handful of companies that really do care about your precious pup or fuzzy feline. They manufacture top quality, human grade, natural and organic pet foods that have everything your little friend needs, and nothing they don't. The best part is that they usually don't cost much more than the store brands, sometimes even less. Because they are so nutrient dense, you normally will feed your pet less because they won't need as much in their bowl. This makes every bag last longer and will actually save you money.

Even the best pet foods usually lack a few vitamins, minerals, or important nutrients. This is where nutritional supplements come in. There is a very wide range of products available and you need to know exactly what you are buying. Consulting a pet nutritionist or holistic veterinarian is usually a good idea if you plan on treating your pet without drugs. There are specific alternative remedies for every condition or ailment out there. Most are very effective.

Do a little research on the Internet for organic or natural pet food, nutritional supplements, holistic or homeopathic pet remedies, etc. You will see thousands of resources listed, but the top 4 or 5 will usually be reputable companies that can be trusted. The more you read, the more you will learn and can then make informed decisions about the health and nutrition of your pet.

Learn more about pet health [http://www.healthy-pet-supplies.com] at Healthy-Pet-Supplies.com. Read about natural pet foods like Life's Abundance dog food [http://www.healthy-pet-supplies.com/lifes-abundance-dog-food.html] and nutritional supplements like Dinovite [http://www.healthy-pet-supplies.com/dinovite.html] that can restore and maintain your pet's health.