Is your Dog Malnourished?


Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so we should also have an equal amount of concern for our pets ... particularly with regard to the ingredients in their food. We would want the ingredients in our pets' food to be acceptable for human consumption.

After all, If byproducts are not tolerated in our food, why should they be tolerated in our pets' food? We're also starting to realize that our dogs and cats need daily supplements the same way that we do, in order to take care of their bodies for the inevitable ravages of aging. In the span of an animal's life, an early start at good health ensures less vulnerability to degenerative diseases, joints that are less likely to creak with pain and a healthier heart. Naturally we want our dogs and cats to live with us for as long as possible.

Renowned holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks says that when looking at dog food, one should be be weary of dyes, chemicals and artificial preservatives as much as possible. For example, BHA ... one of the most common synthetic antioxidant preservatives mainly used to prevent food discoloration and rancidity ... has been found in scientific studies to cause stomach cancer in lab rats at certain doses. In lesser doses, the preservative doesn't have a cancerous effect but there is no telling what BHA can do to the body in small doses over a long period of time.

Dr. Jane states that the maximum life span of dogs is estimated to be between 25 to 30 years, but the average dog often lives no longer than 13 to 14 years.

And she says that this difference is caused primarily by inadequate nourishment.

She also states that protein is a critical part of a dog's natural development so pet owners should look for foods which have whole ingredients like meat, eggs, fish and dairy as opposed to byproducts.

Harder working or more energetic dogs require more protein and fat in their diet to maintain stamina and good body form. A dog food that is complete and balanced and includes at least 26 percent protein and 1650 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per pound is ideal. During the seasons when dogs are not working, their energy requirements decrease. Feed less of the high calorie food or change to a less nutrient-dense dog food.

Unbleached rice is one of the more digestible carbohydrates and supplies a wide array of energy for your dog. Corn and wheat, meanwhile, are considerably more difficult to digest. It is also a great idea to look for antioxidants. In recent years, we have become much more conscious of our antioxidant intake, so why shouldn't we have that same attitude towards our pets?

Dr. Jane Bicks has been honored on many occasions by the veternary profession and is the author of several books inlcluding 'Thirty days to a healthier, happier dog' and 'Dr. Jane's Natural guide to a healthier, happier dog'. She has been involved in many advisory boards including Canine Companions for independence and has served as the President of the Veterinary Medical association of New York City. She formulates Life's Abundance premium dog food as well several types of dog supplements. For more information about Life's Abundance dog food and dog supplements go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.info/

About The Author

A.M. Wilmot is an author and researcher in the fields of human and pet health. For more info. go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/ or http://www.dog-food-nutrition.info/







Related News



Pet care facilities available during storms - ENC Today

WNCT

Pet care facilities available during storms
ENC Today, NC -2 hours ago
When it comes to major storms, residents and local officials must do as much to prepare pets as they do for humans. "All people really need to do is what's ...
Lenoir County under a State of Emergency at 7PMWNCT
Emergency officials continue preparations for HannaENC Today
Lenoir County Emergency Operations Center monitoring HannaWNCT
ENC Today
all 6 news articles

Pets of the Week - Salt Lake Tribune

Pets of the Week
Salt Lake Tribune, United States -Sep 5, 2008
Visit the Utah Animal Adoption Center, 1955 N. Redwood Road, or visit www.utahanimaladoptioncenter.org. For more information, call 801-355-PETS.
Pit Bulls Attack Man Walking His DogKUTV
all 5 news articles

Pedigree pets dumped in record numbers - Times Online

Pedigree pets dumped in record numbers
Times Online, UK -7 hours ago
Pedigree cats are also among the pets needing new homes as owners face rising living costs. Anne Power, a co-ordinator for the Ragdoll Rehome Group, ...

PetSmart helping homeless pets on September weekend - Newnan Times-Herald

PetSmart helping homeless pets on September weekend
Newnan Times-Herald, GA -15 minutes ago
More than 2000 animals welfare organizations in North America are expected to participate, with the goal of placing 15000 homeless pets with new families. ...

Group gets pets out for storm - The Times-Picayune - NOLA.com

Group gets pets out for storm
The Times-Picayune - NOLA.com, LA -45 minutes ago
The Best Friends Rapid Response Team provided 3000 pet carriers when it learned some animals were turned away from buses because they didn't have their own ...

Keeping Track of Pets - Washington Post

Keeping Track of Pets
Washington Post, United States -23 hours ago
Dear Heloise: Thanks for telling pet owners to put COLLARS WITH LICENSES for identification on their pets. Please also continue to recommend microchips. ...

City mulls making it law to spay, neuter pets - Houston Chronicle

City mulls making it law to spay, neuter pets
Houston Chronicle, United States -Sep 5, 2008
Won't my pet become overweight? Get answers. Readers debate the benefits of holding off on neutering for a couple of years. Join the discussion. ...


Floyd County counts pets in disaster plan - Rome News-Tribune

Rome News-Tribune

Floyd County counts pets in disaster plan
Rome News-Tribune, GA -2 hours ago
By Diane Wagner, Rome News-Tribune Staff Writer Pets are not forgotten in Floyd County’s emergency readiness plan for handling a major disaster. ...

Prepare for any disaster with pets - Daily Herald

Prepare for any disaster with pets
Daily Herald, UT -26 minutes ago
1 thing you must remember when it comes to disaster management is that you cannot rely on someone else to rescue and care for your pets. ...

Tropical storm and disaster preparedness for pets - Tri Parish Times

Today's Zaman

Tropical storm and disaster preparedness for pets
Tri Parish Times, LA -Sep 5, 2008
As Tropical Storm Gustav heads toward the Gulf Coast and develops into hurricane strength, Banfield, The Pet Hospital would like to remind family members ...
Keeping Your Pets Safe Before, During & After The StormLocal10.com
Pets weather Gustav wellDetroit Free Press
It's tough choice to give up petDaytona Beach News-Journal
Cay Compass - Marco Island Sun Times
all 280 news articles