The Best Dog Food - How to Choose the Right Commercial Diet For Your Pet

The pet food recalls of 2007, although horrific, did have a positive side effect; it shook many of us out of our comfortable belief that higher end brands like Science Diet and Iams were the best option for our pets.  We also started hearing words like glutens and meat-by-products and it prompted us to investigate these terms and find out how they affect our pets.  The end result was a consumer that is more educated and aware of the "commercialism" behind the pet food industry.

It also prompted many of us to do better for our pets.  Many concerned pet lovers are now making home prepared meals for their dogs and cats.  Home prepared meals allow total control over the ingredients, but preparation can be time consuming.  So what is a good compromise to home cooked meals?

Choosing higher quality commercial pet foods is the best alternative to a totally home cooked diet.   When selecting a commercial diet there are some specific guidelines you should follow: 
Avoid meat-by-products and meat meals.
Watch out for glutens.
Keep grains to a minimum - especially corn and wheat.
Choose canned varieties over dry.
Avoid artificial colors and additives. 


Avoid meat-by-products and meat meals.

Contrary to what the pet food industry would have you believe, the plump chickens and nice cuts of beef pictured on labels and in advertising seldom make it into our pet's food.  Instead most pet foods contain "meat by-products" or "meat meals".

Meat-by-products are the discards from slaughter that are not considered fit for human consumption and in reality contain little or no meat.  At first glance it doesn't seem so bad.  "So what if my dog eats the spleen or other discarded part of an animal that humans would not eat? Isn't that what they would eat in the wild?"  Yes and no.  In the wild, dogs do feast on internal organs, but their main stay is muscle meat.

According to Ann Martin's book, Food Pets Die For, "Under AAFCO guidelines, acceptable meat by-products can include animal lungs, spleens, kidneys, brains, livers, blood, bones, low-temperature fatty tissue, and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents."  Sick and diseased animals often end up in dog food too.  If an animal is declared not fit for human consumption, the carcass is considered acceptable as pet food.

Possibly even worse than meat-by-products, are the "meat meals".  These products result of rendering, the process of boiling down meat-by-products and other unsavory ingredients and then drying the end result to achieve a "meal" or powdery consistency.  These are usually added to dry pet foods.

Rendering plants do not fall under the jurisdiction of federal meat inspectors.  No one is controlling what goes into the mix and assuring it is appropriate for your pet.  The FDA and medical groups such as the American Veterinary Medical Association and the California Veterinary Medical Association, confirm that pets, on a routine basis, are rendered after they die in animal shelters or are disposed of by health authorities, and the end product frequently finds its way into pet food.

Watch out for glutens.

Glutens from wheat, corn and rice are often used by pet food companies to increase the protein content of pet food.  These glutens are potentially lethal because they can be contaminated with dangerous molds called aflatoxins.  One such contamination caused a pet food recall in 2005 and many dogs died after digesting the tainted food.  And of course, no one has to be reminded of the widespread recall of pet food in 2007 that resulted in hundreds of pet deaths - again as a result of tainted glutens, this time from a chemical additive. 

Keep grains to a minimum - especially corn and wheat. 

Grains make up a very small part of a dog's diet in the wild, yet they are often used as inexpensive fillers by pet food manufacturers.  They are promoted as being beneficial carbohydrates, but in reality, dogs benefit far better from the complex carbohydrates found in vegetables. 

It is important to note that ingredients like wheat, corn and soy (present in large amounts in dry dog food) tend to increase inflammation and aggravate conditions like arthritis, ear infections and skin disorders.  In addition, many veterinarians believe that consistently feeding pets grains (especially wheat and corn) leads to digestive problems like food intolerances and inflammatory bowel disease. 

CONSUMER TIP:  The ingredients on the can or bag are listed in descending order of weight (from the most to the least).  So the first ingredient indicates the most prevalent ingredient in the food.  Keeping this in mind, the first few ingredients should be a high quality source of protein like chicken, beef, turkey, liver, etc.  If grains appear at or near the top of the list - beware!

Choose canned varieties over dry. 

Some of the top veterinarians believe you should not feed your dog or cat an all dry diet.  And it makes sense.  When our pets are fed dry food only, it eliminates an essential source of hydration (the moisture normally found in their prey) and can lead to poor urinary tract health.  Complications include bladder infections, urine crystallization and possible kidney damage. 

Most people feed a dry diet either out of convenience or because they believe a dry diet combats dental plaque.  The truth is that dry foods are ineffective at removing tartar from the gum line, which is where most dental problems start.

Dry foods also tend to have higher grain content, so some wet food to your dog's diet is a good idea.  Remember, if your pet is accustomed to an all dry diet, add canned or homemade food gradually to avoid stomach upset.

Avoid artificial colors and additives. 

Coloring is added to pet foods purely for marketing to humans.  Pets don't see the pretty colors as appetizing and they are potentially harmful, so it is best to avoid them.  Dry kibble has a shorter shelf life than canned foods, so most manufacturers add chemical preservatives to extend their viability.  Several of these chemicals are believed to be harmful to humans and pets.  The worst of the lot are BHA, BHT, ethoxyquine and propylene glycol.

With a little diligence you can choose a commercial diet that will nourish your pet.  Specialty stores like Whole Foods and other organic markets often carry a greater selection of high quality brands - but never make assumptions - always read the label.  Remember that adding some of your own home cooked ingredients can help boost the quality of any meal and when you use the commercial diet as the base, it makes it super easy to do the best for your dog.

To learn more about how a pet's diet can affect disease conditions like allergies in dogs and canine cancer, visit the authors website. 

Lee Ann Cox is the founder of Pet Nutri-Systems, a holistic company dedicated to the well being of pets. You can learn more about the topic of this article at http://www.petnutrisystems.com. You have full permission to reprint this article provided this box is left unchanged.

The Right Pet Chicken Coop - How to Choose

Housing your pet chickens appropriately is vital to their well being. Chickens housed poorly rarely do well. They can become sick and unproductive, often developing severe behavioural problems.

What are the essential features of a good pet chicken coop?

Adequate space, including height, certain keeper and chicken friendly features, a decent level of workmanship and material quality for a long service life.

So lets get down to specifics and define these requirements.

Considering the size of a pet chicken coop:

If you have bantams such as Silkies you need to allow 4 sq.ft. per bird if they are to be confined all day or 2 sq.ft. each if they will be free range.

Hybrid laying hens such as ex-battery chickens will need 6 sq.ft. each if they are confined full time but this drops to 3 sq.ft. if they go out and range free.

Traditional large breeds such as Orpingtons will require 8 sq.ft. per bird if they are living in the coop and run all the time but only 4 q.ft. each if they have access to free range ground.

When planning to keep large breeds like this you will need to make sure your coop has sufficient headroom. You should allow 24" in both the run and perching areas - especially if you have a cockerel.

Cleaning:

Cleaning is certainly going to be a regular job and so you want it to be easy for both you and your chickens. A well designed coop will open up on at least 2 sides giving you complete unhindered access.

While cleaning it can also be helpful if you are able to close your chickens into their run out of your way. Additional features such as a removable droppings tray, lift out perches and side walls that open or lift off will all make cleaning quick and easy.

It can help to keep the coop cleaner if there is a way to prevent night time roosting on the nest boxes.

Feeding:

Not many people think about feeding when buying a pet chicken coop but look out for a useful covered area where you can put a chicken feeder. This keeps the feed dry and prevents the accumulation of spilt wet feed which can breed infection.

Look for space to put a water container where you can easily reach it. Fresh water is vital for laying hens and so it needs to be easy to change their water on a daily basis.

Egg Collecting:

Some coops have externally opening nest boxes but it is not essential to be able to collect the eggs without opening your coop. In reality, confined hens rarely try to escape as they feel safe and secure in their run. Those that free range may hop out as you put your hand in but that's fine anyway!

Roosting & Perching:

Roosting or perching is part of the natural behaviour of chickens. It is not strictly necessary and intensively farmed birds often don't have access to perches but for your friendly pet chickens you will hopefully want to provide perches for them to roost on at night!

These are better if they are removable for cleaning as droppings accumulate over night. Bantams prefer to roost higher up than large breeds but in most coops the perches will be at an average set height. If you intend to keep a large breed ensure there is sufficient headroom - especially if you have a cockerel.

Nest Boxes:

There should be a nest box for every 4 or 5 hens. This wants to be in a relatively dark part of the coop to encourage them to lay there. Ideally it will not be easy to perch on the edge of the nest boxes and even better would be if they are closed off at night to avoid soiling.

Attached Run Flooring:

There is a balance to be struck here between natural behaviour and safety. Chickens love to scratch about for insects and juicy grubs but they also dig out dust baths for themselves. These can become quite large dusty holes in the ground and can create gaps at the edge of a run where predators could get under.

Some coops get around this by incorporating a mesh floor. This allows the chickens access to the ground but they can't really scratch it about and certainly can't create dust baths. They are however, safer from predators. If you decide to go for an integral floor you can provide a dust bath by putting sand in a low sided box for them to bathe and roll in.

Mobility:

It is vital for the long term health of your flock that they have access to clean ground on a regular basis. If it is not practical for them to free range you need to be able to move their run on a regular and frequent basis - weekly is a sensible aim. So, make sure any pet chicken house you buy is easily portable.

Material Quality & Workmanship:

Some pet chicken coops are just cheap in all ways whilst others offer value for money but are definitely better designed and built. Which are which?

Make sure your coop is made from pressure treated timber. If it doesn't say so then it is probably only dip treated and will need retreating 2-3 times a year. If the manufacturer understands chickens then they'll use pressure treated timber unless the whole coop is being made on the cheap.

Look for screws rather than nails. This may sound petty but for decent service life your pet chicken coop needs to be jointed with screws. If it comes flat packed, make sure the "tools required" include a screw driver rather than hammer!

All metal items such as hinges and hooks should preferably be galvanised. Very few will come with stainless fittings which is even better but a surprising number can come with plain steel fittings that rust very rapidly and can end up seizing or snapping.

Pressure treated coops still benefit from occasional treatment to keep them going for 10 years or more. It's also worth oiling hinges and clips now and then to just prolong their life and keep them moving freely.

Remember, this pet chicken coop is going to live outdoors in all weathers throughout the year. If you have a decent coop and take care of it you can expect years of happy chicken keeping.

Buy your pet chicken coop [http://the-pet-chicken-coop-shop.co.uk/home.html] here online where you'll find the best coops reviewed and rated. Find more advice, ideas information and stories about living the self sufficient "good life" on this self-sufficiency site and blog.

Healthy Pet Food - The Best Way to Choose From All

Just looking at the pet food ads on TV and in magazines, you'd get the impression that all commercial pet foods are healthy. All those fresh ingredients could tempt you to try these pet foods yourself! Unfortunately, the truth about most pet foods may be far from what artful ads would have us believe. If you've ever opened a pet food can that was marketed as healthy, and then found a glob of unrecognizable, grayish something-or-other, then you probably know what I mean.

Now, if you're already aware that not all pet food commercials and ads live up to their promises, you should ask yourself a simple question: how can I tell if a particular pet food is healthy? The answer to this is often hidden in plain sight, on the pet food label, often in the midst of a bunch of unfamiliar terms. To do well for your pet, you need to be able to interpret pet food labels correctly.

First and foremost, healthy pet foods contain real food ingredients.

Healthy commercial pet foods are made from natural food ingredients that reflect the needs of the pet for which the foods are intended. Remember that ingredients are listed in the order of their relative quantity in the pet food. Healthy dog and cat foods should contain animal-derived products as their first ingredients. The quality of these ingredients is absolutely essential to the health of your pet. If you see terms like 'chicken meal', 'fish meal,' 'animal by-products,' or 'animal fat,' you should know that these ingredients are of extremely low quality. Better choices are products that list terms that precisely describe the ingredient, such as chicken, cod, or animal parts, such as chicken heart or beef liver. Finally, the addition of synthetic chemicals should be kept to a minimum, as most of the available pet food supplements added routinely to pet foods are of low or questionable quality and value.

Second, healthy pet foods are certified organic.

This is true quite simply because organic ingredients are both safer and healthier for your pet. Organic ingredients are safer because their production and processing precludes by regulation the use of toxic manufacturing and processing chemicals. These include agricultural pesticides, fertilizers such as sewage sludge, hormones and antibiotics used to raise livestock, and toxic chemicals used during manufacture, including among others, fumigants, pesticides, and corrosive sanitizers. As well, organic ingredients can never include genetically engineered foods (some of which have been implicated in a variety of health problems, such as allergies or reproductive disorders). Increasingly, studies have shown that organic ingredients are healthier than their conventional counterparts, not only because they are free of toxic residues and diligently processed, but also because they contain more nutrients, including vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and critically important trace elements.

However, you should be aware that only USDA certified organic claims are regulated and enforced by Federal law; other non-certified organic claims cannot be verified by an unbiased third party.

Third, healthy pet foods are made of human-grade quality ingredients.

Although it doesn't seem to make much sense, there are both USDA certified organic ingredients for human consumption and USDA certified organic ingredients for animals (examples are eggs, peas, etc). The latter are called 'feed-grade' ingredients, and are approved for the use solely in pet foods. Feed-grade ingredients are certainly of lower quality than human-grade ingredients. So, if you're searching for a healthy pet food, look out for the descriptive word 'human-grade' on the pet food package! Never assume that pet food manufacturers are required to tell the consumer whether they use human-grade or feed-grade ingredients; they aren't. But they most certainly will indicate if they use human-grade ingredients because these are of higher quality (a major selling point) and more expensive to produce (a justification for charging more for their product).

Fifth, healthy pet foods can be identified by the way they're processed.

Even certified organic pet foods, containing all of the appropriate ingredients for a particular species of pet, are not necessarily healthy. Healthy pet foods must offer more than just organic certification and species appropriateness. They must also be processed in a manner that preserves the integrity and bio-availability of the nutrients in their ingredients. Heat-based processing, such as canning, baking or extruding food into nicely shaped kibble or biscuits, ruins the quality of many nutrients and can render even the best ingredients 'lifeless' and all but useless to your pet. Dehydration is a better way to process foods-but keep in mind that cats in particular don't do well on dry food alone and that certain problems can even be associated with re-hydrated pet foods that were previously dehydrated. If fresh foods are unavailable, the best choices among commercial pet foods are products that have been fresh-frozen. Of course, freezing is less convenient and more expensive for the manufacturer to ship and store, and those costs get passed down to you, the consumer. Nevertheless, keep in mind that this additional expense will almost certainly ensure that your pet will stay healthy longer, and will also save you the pain and financial burden of caring for a sick animal.

Finally, a pet shouldn't live on one prepared pet food alone, even if it is healthy and nutritious.

No plant or animal can thrive on just one combination of nutrients. Variety is a must for your pet's health and well being, and you have the responsibility to provide this variety for your best friend. Just as you and your family would not live happily ever after on even the best quality 'astronaut' food (freeze-dried ice cream-blecchh!), your pet needs different foods to stay both healthy and happy! Since your pet has few choices of her own, it's up to you to provide her with a variety of different safe and healthy USDA certified organic, human-grade, quality foods where ingredients have been processed in ways that are designed to preserve the endogenous nutrients. Your pet will thank you for your diligence and care!

For more information on quality pet food ingredients and applicable organic, manufacturing, and processing regulations, pleases visit http://www.onestaorganics.com/blog

Eric Taylor has years of expertise on pet care and pet rearing. He writes on natural pet food, healthy pet food, raw pet foods and USDA human grade pet food that could be used as diet for your pets and ensure their healthy well being.

Why Choose Holistic Pet Food Over the Standard Grocery Store Brands?

When it comes to feeding pets you want to make sure that you feed them the healthiest food that you can for them to live longer and healthier lives. As humans we try not to divulge in food that are bad for us, your pet does not get to go to the store and pick his/her food that is healthier then the stuff that you choose to feed them. This is why you want to make sure you give your pet healthy eating habits. Holistic pet food is made with ingredients that are healthy for even humans to eat and takes the approach that if food is not healthy enough for you to eat then it is not healthy for your pet.

Harmful chemicals and preservatives are used to make the regular stuff. When you use holistic pet food for your pet it increases longevity by using fresh ingredients, no chemicals and no preservatives. Some chemicals used in regular pet food are known causes for diseases and cancer so when you use holistic pet food for you pet you are helping your pet build a stronger immune system making sure that he lives a long healthy life and is at lower risk to get sick.

Many people believe that holistic pet food is going to be expensive and use this as a reason to not use holistic food for their pet, however, you are cutting the cost of pet food when you choose to use holistic pet food and you can save even more making holistic food for your pet with ingredients that you can find in a grocery store. Not only are you saving money by choosing holistic pet foods you are also decreasing the chance of veterinarian bills by providing your animal with the a healthy lifestyle.

When humans are struggling with behavior disorders, depression and always feeling ill the first things that doctors recommend are eating better and exercise and the same thing goes for your pets. Chemicals and pesticides can cause behavior problems with your animal and to be fully healthy you need to be healthy in mind, body and soul. Pets have personalities just as humans do and if you provide them with a healthy lifestyle, they have a better chance of being a happy pet.

Choosing holistic over your average pet foods is showing your pet how much you care. You are showing that you are choosing to keep them healthy so they can be in your lives as long as possible. When you feed yourself generally people look for foods that are pesticide free and it is important that you do the same for your pet. You are saving money when you choose holistic as well.

You can make your holistic pet food to ensure that your dog is healthy with mind, body and soul instead of not knowing what ingredients, pesticides and preservatives your pet is eating with your other brands. You ensure that your pet will have longevity and not put them at risk for disease and behavioral problems and you are giving your pet the life that they deserve.

This story was written by Ross D Taylor, on behalf of Alameda See Spot Run in Alameda, CA. Visit their retail store in downtown Alameda for a fantastic selection of holistic pet foods.

Feed Your Dog - How to Choose the Right Bowl and Feeder For Your Pet

When you feed your dog you have to use the proper feeding supply for your precious animal. You can't use your own plate or just any other container for feeding him it will not be suitable for the way their mouths were designed by nature.

There are many products with varied styles and designs out in the market from simple to fancy items. This makes it all the more confusing for you to look for the right dog supply to be used when you feed your dog.

When you are shopping for the right bowl and feeder don't just choose any bowl because 'you' like it. You have to take your pet's needs into consideration because it's he who will be eating from those in his meals.

Dog Bowl

Consider the make and material in choosing the right bowl to be used to feed your dog. It should be easy to clean, can withstand dishwasher temperature, spill proof, durable, safe, grease proof, and is according to the size of your pet.

There are many types of dog bowls and they are:

Plastic bowls seem to be the top choice because they are relatively inexpensive but they are a poor choice because your dog's teeth could scratch the surface of the bowl. These scratches will eventually become breeding places for bacteria additionally some dogs have been known to develop allergies to plastic.

Ceramic bowls are mostly used by dog owners who love to microwave their pet food and they are heavy enough to prevent spills. The glaze and fun designs maybe aesthetically pleasing but overtime they can have cracks which become places where germs can harbor.

Stainless steel bowls are the most recommended bowl by vets due to its durability, scratch-free surface, and non-skid bottom that prevents spilling. Further, they are rust proof, easy to clean, and one you can expect to last the dog's lifetime.

The size of the bowl you buy should depend on your dog. In general your food bowl should be large enough to accommodate just one full meal to prevent him from overeating and the water bowl should be large enough to keep your dog hydrated for longer time intervals.

If your dog belongs to those breeds that have large hanging ears often the ears come in contact with the food. Prevent this from happening by choosing a bowl that is narrow at the ream but deep enough for his nose to enter.

For dog breeds having long snouts, choose a narrow but deeper bowl. If they have wider faces such as a Pug, choose a wider but shallow bowl.

If you have two or more dogs with different dietary requirements, it's a good idea to personalize their bowls to make it easy for you to give them their meal.

Elevated Dog Feeders

When your pooch reaches a certain age or a certain height you will notice that when you feed your dog he will have some difficulty reaching down for the food. This could be due to neck and shoulder pain and arthritis in more elderly dogs.

To solve this problem, vets often recommend that you acquire an elevated dog feeder which is a bowl or two bowls with a stand. They are pretty expensive but isn't your pet worth it?

Before you pay for the elevated dog feeder, check for areas where your dog's collar might snag. Many a dog has had accidents like this and the next time around refused to eat using the dog feeder out of fear the accident will happen again.

Automatic Feeders

If this is within your budget buy this for your pet for convenience. It has a receptacle where you can put water or food in large quantities, then the automatic feeder will slowly release the food or water onto a bowl that is connected to it.

Some automatic feeders release food or water work by gravity and some work electronically. Using this even when you are out of the house for long time intervals, i.e. you're at work, you can still feed your dog in your absence.

Buying containment systems for your home is a wonderful idea for restricting your pet to areas he is allowed to explore. There are many advantages for using dog gates and if you want to know some more you can go to http://www.indoordoggate.com. There are many ways to contain your pet, find out why an Indoor Dog Gate is the most popular.

How to Choose the Right Feeder and Water Fountain for Your Pet

Have you ever missed feeding your pet? Or missed feeding time? When owners are busy, don't have time, or are on vacation it can be a cause for concern over you and especially your pets. A great solution is a pet automatic feeder. These products are perfect and reliable for those unpredictable schedules and work great for the elderly or handicapped. It's a great way to develop and train a regular eating schedule and it helps maintain your pet's healthy diet. Automatic pet feeders can be designed for specific functions, which mean there are many types available.

Types of pet automatic feeders

Pet Automatic feeders are available in many different colors and sizes based on their weight, but there are two types of feeding styles. Self-replenishing gravity feeders are a great alternative to open bowl sitters. The main purpose is to have a constant supply of available food which is evenly dispensed and distributed by gravity as the dry food shifts onto an opened tray. Many are designed to hold enough to last for a week or two depending on the size of your cat or dog. This isn't recommended for pets that have a tendency to overeat or are on a strict diet. Be sure your pet is a responsible eater before choosing this option.

Electronic automatic feeders are just as convenient, but have the ability to precisely control each food portion. They are designed with a built in digital timer and a closed container for the food. Most digital pet food dispensers can be designed to release or hold specific amounts of dried /wet foods and are programmed for feeding intervals throughout an entire day. These electronic indoor feeders are ideal for precise feeding portions, extremely easy to operate and very are versatile.

We can't forget about our other house pets such as birds, ferrets, reptiles, rodents, and even fish. There are automatic feeders for them as well. For the most part the pet automatic feeders for these guys are electronic as well. The main difference being that they are designed for wired cages, glass cages, and outdoor environments such as a pond. They enable you to provide your pets with a preset quantity of food at the precise time throughout the day.

Pet Water Fountains

How to choose the right water fountain for your pet Like us humans, pets require much more water than food. As a general rule, the daily intake of water for dogs and cats is directly related to the daily energy requirement. Providing our active pets with the correct amount of water is critical to their health and being.

Here's a great online calculator to estimate how much water your pet should be drinking daily.

A great way to ensure your pet is getting its recommended daily amount of water intake is a pet fountain or waterer. Similar to a pet automatic feeder, they provide enough water for your pet, but compared to leaving a bowl of sitting water, the water fountain has a built in filter which acts like our own home water filtration system. The water consistently flows with a built in pump, ensuring the filtration system is constantly removing any deposits, while the continuous flow of moving water encourages pets to drink more water. This ensures fresh water is always available for them to drink from.

Most electronic water fountains are easy to clean and allow replacement of the filters and pumps. They even allow you to control the flow of the water from a silent flow to a calm trickling flow with reduced water splashing.

Other similar water fountain devices include an outdoor pet drinking fountain for dogs. This system is an automatic drinking fountain that hooks up to your outdoor faucet. A sonar-based proximity sensor triggers the device and turns on when your pet approaches, and turns off when your pet leaves.

Many owners who have busy schedules or just have a busy life in general can be less worrisome now that technology has assured our best friends the quality health and care they deserve while the owners are away at times.

Please visit Pet Automatic Feeder for the latest news, information, and reviews.