Saturday, December 31, 2011

Getting Dog Food

By Paula Jane


Sufficient daily exercise, healthy eating, and taking care of their bodies are everyday concerns for most people. No one expects the same of house pets, but we, as their owners, are also responsible for their care. Homemade dog food, and its many benefits, are increasing in popularity with many dog owners. Though some veterinarians may recommend store-bought brand foods, homemade meals are vasty superior in terms of pets' health.

The ingredients listed on the back of prepackaged pet foods are enough to make pet owners think twice before feeding it to their dogs. People see items like bone meal and animal byproducts listed and take pause. Compost piles and plants may benefit from these ingredients, but for a pet, they are not so healthy. Traces of these substances, unusable to a pet's system, may be left behind, harming the animal's digestive system. Prepackaged dog food may list high protein contents that initially appeal to consumers. The types of protein, however, are often indigestible, and owners may be surprised to learn that the level of digestible protein can be as low as 60%.

Furthermore, the fat content in prepackaged dog food is alarming, as it often fails to meet a healthy dog's nutritional needs. The body's systems rely on fat - dogs require it for both energy and for maintaining proper kidney function. By becoming responsible for your dog's diet, and making their food at home using creative recipes, you can better gauge your dog's fat and protein intake and ensure its overall health.

Think of the prepackaged food and snacks you come across on grocery store shelves, and how much artificial coloring and flavoring goes into them. The preservatives used to keep pet food fresh for longer exist in substantial amounts, and they provide absolutely no nutritional benefit to your dog. Our pets are a part of our family, and their health should be our responsibility and concern.

There is no need to spend too much time, energy, or money on making your own pet food at home. Many tasty and easy recipes exist that will have your dog's tail wagging and have him begging for seconds. Healthy ingredients like honey, peanut butter, vegetables, and fresh meats are simple, and most popular dog food recipes require such standbys.Healthy staples to keep on hand for your homemade recipes include honey, peanut butter, vegetables and fresh meats, all of which are fairly simple and included in most dog foods.

Find out the many health and economic benefits of making your own dog food at home; there is no need to entrust your beloved pet's health to a factory line. It may seems strange, at first, to establish a routine in which you prepare your dog's meals alongside your own, but the long-term benefits to your pet's health will definitely be worth the effort.




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