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Your Dog’s Diet, Nutrition & Health

Dear reader.

Thanks for downloading Your Dog’s Diet and Nutrition - The Ultimate Guide.

Over a span of 15,000 years, the dog has been domesticated. Now, our canine friend
has become an integral part of our lives and has performed many important roles: a
guard, a hunter, a companion, a protector, a friend and even a warrior.

As time passed, we have begun to accept this friend as a member of our family and
also treat him as one.

Like their human owners, dogs need sufficient calories to meet their daily needs for
growth, activity, repair and maintaining optimal health. You can provide these with the
correct combination of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water in a
balanced diet.

Regarding food habits, some sources describe dogs as carnivores. Other sources
describe dogs as omnivores, despite their descent from wolves. Unlike the feline
family, with their shorter small intestine, a dog is neither dependent on meat-specific
protein nor a very high level of protein in order to fulfill its basic dietary requirements.

Dogs are able to healthily digest a variety of foods, including vegetables and grains,
and can consume a large proportion of these in their diet. In the wild, canines often eat
available plants and fruits.

Let’s delve into what dogs ate in the past. Even fifty years ago, most pet dogs thrived
on table scraps. No one probably paid attention to the fact that dogs have their own
calorie requirements. And twenty-five years ago, the cereal companies dominated the
supermarkets and agricultural feed stores and pet foods could hardly be seen.

Somewhere along the line we started paying a lot more attention to our pet’s diet and
nutrition.

Today, the super-stores that cater for pets have a baffling array of dry premium foods,
convenient semi-moist packets, canned foods, and gourmet diets for puppies, adult
dogs, old dogs, show dogs, hunting dogs, high-energy working dogs, lean dogs, fat
dogs, pregnant dogs, lactating dogs and special food for different breeds of dogs.
There are too many choices that can leave even the most seasoned dog owner
absolutely puzzled.

To add to the confusion, there are hoards of hyped-advertisements claiming the

benefits of this or that food. “All natural”, “real meat”, “non-allergenic”, “high protein”,
“low protein”, “low-fat”, “no by-products”, “your dog will love it” . . .

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 2

The claim on a bag of dog food is that it’s a complete food, which means nothing
unless the nutrients are in a form available for absorption into the dog’s system.

Major dog food companies make every effort to not only balance their food but also to
provide the ingredients in usable form. These make every effort to provide balanced
proportions of vitamins and minerals for maximum benefit to the dog.

The fact that the quality of the ingredients added, storage methods, processing
temperatures, humidity etc. can cause variations in the quality of the dog food, every
dog has its own individual need. One dog food may suit a dog very well, but the same
dog food may not be good enough for another dog.

Particular breeds or a particular line of dogs within a breed, or other dog groups may
require slightly different percentages of particular nutrients. Therefore, all dog foods
are not perfect for all dogs. This fact has leads to the production of a plethora of
different foods, claims, and processing methods.

Then, there is another group of people with opinions: It’s cooked, it contains chemicals,
it causes allergies, they use road-kill and animals, not fit for human consumption,
cause bloat, low in nutrition. . . and it’s a wonder that anyone can choose.

To add to all this, is the series of pet food recalls, starting from 2007 – that leaves the
concerned dog owners worried and perplexed.

On March 16, 2007, Menu Foods announced a nationwide recall of more than 40
popular brands of pet food. The products—including well-known brands like Iams,
Eukanuba, Purina and Science Diet—were causing severe, and often fatal, kidney
problems in dogs and cats.

Nearly 180 brands of wet and dry food were eventually added to the recall list,
provoking a tense period of uncertainty for pets, pet parents and animal welfare
professionals.

Yet another school of thought promotes home-cooked foods for dogs from meat,
vegetables and cereals. While that definitely ensures the safety and hygiene of the
food that your dog eats, the common pet owner wonders, will that provide my dog with
adequate nutrients and minerals?

In order to ensure that a homemade diet will suffice for your dog, you will need to be
extremely particular that the final product includes a complete nutritional balance. It is
very important to follow recipe directions exactly, not allowing for substitutions or
omitting ingredients.

Your dog’s health and longevity are our prime concern.

So, we decided to develop this e-book package on Dog Diet and Nutrition, in
consultation with renowned canine nutritionists, vets and dog experts. Our intention is
to show you the right path for your dog’s diet, get to know what the experts are saying
and then to choose the best possible option for you and your dog.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 3

This e-book package provides you with a whole lot of information on the essential
nutrients, reading a dog food label, how to shift to a new food / diet; dog treats and
chews, feeding schedules, specific needs at specific ages of the dog…and more.

(Nancy Richards)

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 4

 Table of Contents

Chapter One: Introduction ...................................................................... 8

Chapter Two: Dog Diet and Nutrition Basics....................................... 10
Calories .....................................................................................................11
Vitamins and Minerals ..............................................................................11
Calcium......................................................................................................13
Water.........................................................................................................13
Chapter Three: Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog ..................... 14
The AAFCO Standards .............................................................................14
AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles Published in 2008a ................15
Reading a Dog Food Label .......................................................................17
Interpreting from the Product Name...............................................18
Manufacturer’s Name and Contact Information.............................19
Net Quantity Statement ...................................................................19
Ingredient List..................................................................................20
Guaranteed Analysis .......................................................................20
Nutritional Adequacy Statement.....................................................21
Feeding Directions ..........................................................................21
Calorie Statement ............................................................................21
How Cheap dog food compares to expensive foods..............................21
Chapter Four: 9 Best Commercial Dog Foods .................................... 23
Chapter Five: Different Types of Dog Food ........................................ 43
Processed Food vs. Homemade Food.....................................................43
Wet vs. Dry Foods.....................................................................................44
Regular Foods vs. Diet Foods vs. Prescription Diet...............................45
Natural Dog Foods....................................................................................46
Vegetarian and Vegan Dog Foods ...........................................................46
Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables............................................................47
Human Food..............................................................................................47
Chapter 6: Switching Foods.................................................................. 49

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 5

 BARF Diet ..................................................................................................49
Switching Foods .......................................................................................51
How to give a more varied diet ................................................................53
What flavors dogs like best......................................................................55
Chapter Seven: Feeding Schedules ..................................................... 56
Free-Feeding vs. Scheduled Feeding ......................................................56
Creating a Feeding Schedule ...................................................................58
Switching from free-feeding to scheduled ..............................................62
Chapter Eight: Dog Food Supplements ............................................... 64
Necessary Supplements...........................................................................64
Vitamins ...........................................................................................65
Fatty Acids .......................................................................................68
Minerals............................................................................................69
Muscle Supplements .......................................................................71
Giving a Vitamin........................................................................................71
Purchasing Vitamins for your Dog ..........................................................73
Chapter Nine: Special Feeding Considerations .................................. 75
Puppies......................................................................................................75
Adults ........................................................................................................76
Seniors ......................................................................................................78
Pregnant Dogs ..........................................................................................78
Bitches in Heat ..........................................................................................79
Nursing Dogs ............................................................................................80
Outdoor Dogs............................................................................................81
Chapter Ten: Dog Treats and Chews ................................................... 82
All about Dog Treats.................................................................................82
Are Dog Treats Nutritious ...............................................................83
Safe Treats .......................................................................................83
Teething Treats................................................................................85
Training Treats.................................................................................85
Treats for Puppies ...........................................................................86
24 Dog Treat Brands.................................................................................86

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 6

 All About Dog Chews................................................................................93
Bones as Chews ..............................................................................93
Recommended Servings ..........................................................................94
Chapter Eleven: Feeding your Dog when you are Travelling............. 95
Chapter Twelve: Foods to Avoid .......................................................... 98
Dangerous Dog Food Ingredients............................................................98
Additives: .........................................................................................99
Flavoring Agents: ..........................................................................100
Coloring: ........................................................................................101
Preservatives: ................................................................................102
Binder:............................................................................................103
Fillers:.............................................................................................103
Supplements:.................................................................................104
Meals: .............................................................................................105
People Foods to Avoid ...........................................................................106
Vegetables: ....................................................................................107
Fruits: .............................................................................................108
Meats and Proteins:.......................................................................109
Junk Food: .....................................................................................109
Table scraps............................................................................................110

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 7

Chapter One: Introduction

Every dog owner whether it is their first puppy or their tenth, shares a common concern
about their dog. That concern is their dog’s diet and making sure that their dog is
getting everything he needs to be healthy and active throughout his life.

It can be a major challenge for dog owners and one of the biggest hurdles is the lack of
information that is out there. People just don’t understand dog food or dog nutrition
and much of the information that they can dredge up tends to contradict the rest.

The simple fact is that dog nutrition is not an open and shut topic. It isn’t as easy as
going down to the pet store and pick out the most expensive dog food. No matter how
expensive a dog food is, there is no guarantee that it is meeting the nutritional needs of
your dogs.

In fact, many dog foods that are sold in pet stores are pushed onto the consumer. Dog
food companies offer incentives to pet stores if they sell their products so many times,
the best food that is recommended is not always the “best” food.

Years ago, I heard a saying, “Since a dog is your responsibility, the food and the
quality of what he eats is also your responsibility.”

The responsibility goes farther than simply putting out the food or limiting the table
scraps, it goes into taking the time and effort to research and understand the needs of
your pet and what goes into a dog food.

It is about ensuring that your dog is getting everything he needs and that he is being
limited on the empty calories that we often give our dogs. It isn’t an easy job, at least
at the beginning, but as you become more confident in your knowledge about your
dog’s diet and nutrition, it becomes second nature.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 8

And that is what this book is about. It is a comprehensive guide that looks at the world
of dog food and dog nutrition. It takes you through everything your dog needs when it
comes to nutrition and then it looks at finding the right dog food and dog food
manufacturer.

In addition, this book looks at the different types of dog foods out there, what goes into
making each one and also how to determine the best brands on the market right now.
It answers important questions on reading labels, analyzing protein and fat
percentages and the difference between homemade and commercial made dog foods.

That information in itself will help you move forward to a better diet for your dog but I
wanted to provide my readers with more information than just the basics.

I wanted to give you the tools to feed your dog throughout their life, from puppy hood to
their later years and everything in between. I wanted to provide a guide that offered
you advice on feeding your dog when she was sick, pregnant or simply nursing a litter.
And that is what I managed to gather together and deliver in this book.

It covers everything that you could possibly want to know about feeding a dog. It takes
you through switching foods, creating a feeding schedule and even feeding your
canine when you are traveling. I have designed this book to be the ultimate resource
when it comes to your dog’s nutrition and I hope that you find it as informative as I
have tried to make it.

I have always felt that the best life for my dog starts with the food I placed in his bowl
and I still feel that today, decades after purchasing my very first bowl. While I can’t
help you with some of the trials and tribulations of owning a dog, with this book, I can
help you with giving your dog the essential ingredients for a long and healthy life.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 9

Chapter Two: Dog Diet and Nutrition Basics

Before we get into actually feeding your dog, we should get into the basics of what
nutrition is. For many owners, dog nutrition is a mystical science. We know that it is
important for our dogs to get the proper vitamins, minerals and fats but we don’t know
how this happens or even if we need to do something special to get it. Nutritional
knowledge is out of our grasp and we tend to rely on the dog food manufacturers to tell
us what is best and what isn’t.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be that way and dog food nutrition can be very easy to
grasp if you know the basics.

Protein
Protein is one of the most important parts of a dog’s diet and is usually the key
ingredient in a dog food, whether it is homemade or processed. Protein is used by the
body to build and repair muscles, along with growth and development. In addition,
protein is important for energy and stamina and the overall appearance of your dog,
including his skin and coat which is affected by the protein in his diet. When you are
looking at daily percentages, 25% of the daily amount of calories should be made up
with protein.

Carbohydrates
Although protein does provide energy, it is really the carbohydrates that give your dog
the most energy that he needs. This is also the part of his diet that is converted to
sugars and stored in the body when it is needed. Too many carbohydrates and your
dog can become overweight but too few and he won’t have the energy he needs to get
through the day. On average, carbohydrates should take up about 40 to 60% of a
dog’s daily calorie intake.

Fat

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Fat is another important part of your dog’s diet and it is usually listed on the dog food
label under Crude Fat. When we are looking at fats, we are actually looking at omega
fats. These fats promote a healthy coat and they offer a dog many different health
benefits including the prevention of allergies and some infections. Fat should take up
about 20 to 35% of a dog’s daily calorie intake.

Calories

Although every dog is different, and his calorie needs will change depending on the
amount of exercise he has and his size and lifestyle, there is a general
recommendation as to the amount of calories that a dog should have. It is important to
note that you can find a more comprehensive calorie calculator at
http://www.trainpetdog.com/calorie-calculator.html but below is an abbreviated
chart on how many calories your dog should have.

Weight Weight Weight

Type of Dog
10 lbs 50 lbs 90 lbs

Puppies 990 N/A N/A

Adult Dogs (Inactive) 296 989 1540

Adult Dogs (Active) 404 1353 2100

Senior Dogs (Active) 327 1093 1700

Vitamins and Minerals

All dogs need vitamins and minerals and they are used by the dog’s body for a range
of functions. Kidney health, bone formation, and coat health are only a few of the areas
that vitamins and minerals aid and promote. The dog food you purchase should offer
many of the vitamins and minerals your dog needs and if they don’t, you can use a
multi-vitamin supplement to boost your dog’s levels for optimal health. The vitamins
and minerals that every dog should have in his diet are:

§ Calcium

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§ Copper

§ Iron

§ Magnesium

§ Manganese

§ Potassium

§ Selenium

§ Sodium

§ Vitamin A

§ Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

§ Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

§ Vitamin B3 (niacin)

§ Vitamin B4 (adenine)

§ Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

§ Vitamin B6

§ Vitamin B7 (biotin)

§ Vitamin B9 (folic acid)

§ Vitamin B12

§ Vitamin C

§ Vitamin D

§ Vitamin E

§ Vitamin K

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 12

 § Zinc

Calcium

Although calcium is listed with minerals, it is important to mention it separately.

Calcium is an important part of your dog’s diet, especially when it comes to puppies.
Calcium aids in growth development and bone formation. In addition, calcium in a
dog’s diet keeps the bones strong and ensures a lifetime of good health.

Water

You can’t really talk about nutrition without mentioning water

since this is a very important part of a dog’s diet. Without
water, a dog can suffer from serious problems including
kidney and bladder diseases. A dog should have constant
access to fresh water and it should be one part of your dog’s
food that isn’t on a schedule.

In addition, puppies should receive plenty of water but until they are housetrained, they
should be limited to water only at certain times of the day.

And there are the basics of nutrition, although we have a lot more in this book that will
give you an inside look at feeding your dog.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 13

Chapter Three: Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog

Okay, you are probably wondering right now, how on earth you are going to choose
the right food for your dog. There just seems to be so much information and really,
how can you interpret everything that you read on the internet to make an informed
decision.

Thankfully, this book has been designed to help you in determining the right food for
your dog and while I can’t tell you which dog food to purchase, I can give you the tools
you need to make an informed choice. In this chapter, I will go over all of the
wonderful information that you find on a dog food package and how to figure it out.

The AAFCO Standards

AAFCO, or the Association of American Feed Control Officials, is an association that

sets out the desired nutritional values that should be found in pet food. They set
standards on how the food is prepared, stored and the type of food that should be
used in the pet food. In addition, they require all dog foods to be labeled properly and
they should meet the standards that have been set into place.

AAFCO, also sets the daily nutritional values for dogs and in 2008, they determined a
list of maximum daily allowances on specific minerals and vitamins. The reason for
this was because many dog foods were exceeding the recommended amounts and
dogs were being given an overdose of several vitamins, which resulted in serious
illnesses.

When you are purchasing a dog food, it is very important to choose a dog food that
has been approved by the AAFCO. If there is no approval on the label, then don’t
purchase the dog food. Below is a list of nutritional values set in place by AAFCO.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 14

AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles Published in 2008a

Units Growth and Adult

Nutrient DM Reproduction Maintenance Maximum
Basis Minimum Minimum

Protein % 22.0 18.0 -

Arginine % 0.62 0.51 -

Histidine % 0.22 0.18 -

Isoleucine % 0.45 0.37 -

Leucine % 0.72 0.59 -

Lysine % 0.77 0.63 -

Methionine- % 0.53 0.43 -

cystine

Phenylalanine- % 0.89 0.73 -

tyrosine

Threonine % 0.58 0.48 -

Tryptophan % 0.20 0.16 -

Valine % 0.48 0.39 -

Fat % 8.0 5.0 -

Linoleic acid % 1.0 1.0 -

Minerals

Calcium % 1.0 0.6 2.5

Phosphorous % 0.8 0.5 1.6

Ca:P ratio % 1:1 1:1 2:1

Potassium % 0.6 0.6 -

Sodium % 0.3 0.06 -

Chloride (Cl) % 0.45 0.09 -

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 15

 Magnesium % 0.04 0.04 0.3

Iron mg/kg 80.0 80.0 3,000.0

Copper mg/kg 7.3 7.3 250.0

Manganese mg/kg 5.0 5.0 -

Zinc mg/kg 120.0 120.0 1,000.0

Iodine mg/kg 1.5 1.5 50.0

Selenium mg/kg 0.11 0.11 2.0

Vitamins

Vitamin A IU/kg 5,000.0 5,000.0 250,000.0

Vitamin D IU/kg 500.0 500.0 5,000.0

Vitamin E IU/kg 50.0 50.0 1,000.0

Vitamin B1 mg/kg 1.0 1.0 -

e
(thiamin)

Vitamin B2 mg/kg 2.2 2.2 -

(riboflavin)

Vitamin B5 mg/kg 10.0 10.0 -

(pantothenic
acid)

Vitamin B3 mg/kg 11.4 11.4 -

(niacin)

Vitamin B6 mg/kg 1.0 1.0 -

(pyridoxine)

Folic Acid mg/kg 0.18 0.18 -

Vitamin B12 mg/kg 0.022 0.022 -

(cyanocobalamin)

Choline mg/kg 1200.0 1200.0 -

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 16

 a
Presumes an energy density of 3.5 kcal ME/g DM (metabolizable
energy/gram dry matter), as determined in accordance with
Regulation PF9, which is based on the 'modified Atwater' values of
3.5, 8.5, and 3.5 kcal/g for protein, fat, and carbohydrate (nitrogen-
free extract, NFE), respectively.

Rations greater than 4.0 kcal/g should be corrected for energy

density; rations less than 3.5 kcal/g should not be corrected for
energy.

Rations of low-energy density should not be considered adequate for

growth or reproductive needs based on comparison to the Profiles
alone.
b
Although a true requirement for fat per se has not been established,
the minimum level was based on recognition of fat as a source of
essential fatty acids, as a carrier of fat-soluble vitamins, to enhance
palatability, and to supply an adequate caloric density.
c
Because of very poor bioavailability, iron from carbonate or oxide
sources that are added to the diet should not be considered as
components in meeting the minimum nutrient level.
d
Because of very poor bioavailability, copper from oxide sources that
are added to the diet should not be considered as components in
meeting the minimum nutrient level.
e
Because processing may destroy up to 90 percent of the thiamin in
the diet, allowance in formulation should be made to ensure the
minimum nutrient level is met after processing.

Reading a Dog Food Label

Before you purchase your dog food, it is important to read the label. There are a
number of items that you should look for including the name and contact information of
the company, the nutritional value and the net quantity statement. It can be difficult to

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 17

manage but once you get the hang of reading the label, you will be able to quickly
assess whether a dog food is high quality or just pretending to be.

Interpreting from the Product Name

What’s in a name? If you actually think about it, a lot is in the name of a dog food. In
fact, there are strict rules about the name and what it claims to offer a dog. This helps
consumers a great deal since many companies find fanciful ways to label a product to
make it appealing to us.

The first thing that you should realize is that AAFCO has set up four rules when it
comes to labeling dog food. The overall rule is that the main ingredients in the dog
food should be mentioned in the product name. So a wet dog food could be “Beef dog
food” or a dry kibble could be Lamb and Rice Formula. This gives consumers a fair
idea of what the ingredients are before they even turn over the label.

The four rules are:

"95%" rule:

This rule means that any product that consists primarily of meat, such as beef, chicken
or lamb, should have a name that identifies the meat. This usually applies to wet dog
food and the percentage of meat, not counting water, should be the highest
percentage in the ingredients list. In addition, it should be indicated in the product
name.

"Dinner" rule:

The dinner rule is used for both wet and dry dog food and it is always seen with some
form of “dinner” in the product name. So a “Beef Dinner for dogs” usually means that
over 25% but less than 95% of the ingredients is beef. This can be tricky because this
doesn’t mean that the main ingredient is a meat and it could be further down the
ingredient list. When you are purchasing a “dinner” or “formula”, make sure you check
the ingredients list.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 18

“With” rule:

When you see the word “with” in the product name, you know that the “with” represents
3% of the total ingredients. So “Rice with Lamb” means that there is only 3% lamb in
the total food and the main ingredient is going to be rice. What this really means is
that the “with” means there isn’t enough of the meat to constitute having “dinner” in the
name and it is important to check the ingredients list to see what the primary ingredient
is in the dog food.

“Flavor” rule:

The last rule is when you see the word flavor in a product name. This means that
there is only enough of the meat to add flavor to the food but it doesn’t offer any
nutrients. In fact, many times, flavor is added by using by-products and meals.

Manufacturer’s Name and Contact Information

On all dog foods, there will be a statement that identifies the manufacturer and, in
some cases, the company that distributed the dog food. There should be an address,
with full mailing information, and there should be a listing in the phone book so you can
contact them if necessary. Many manufacturers offer a toll-free number for customers
to contact them with concerns or questions. Make sure your dog food has all this
information since it may be important later on.

Net Quantity Statement

Usually with the manufacturer information is the net quantity statement. This is the
statement that tells you exactly how much food is in the dog food container. It can be
confusing since some dog foods are denser than others and actually take up more
room in the bag. When you are checking the net quantity statement, make sure you
compare it to other products. Remember that one type of dog food may only have 35

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 19

pounds of food in it, while the other of the same size and shape, may have closer to 40
pounds.

Ingredient List

One item that most people check is the ingredient list on the dog food. There is usually
a misconception that this is all you need to check but you shouldn’t stop here. In
regards to the ingredients list, the ingredients are listed in order of most weight. So the
foods with the greatest weight will be at the top of the label. This usually equates to
the ingredient that has the greatest quantity in the dog food but it is not always the
case. Meats have a high level of water and this can add weight to it, bumping it up on
the ingredients list, therefore, a good rule of thumb is to purchase a dog food that has
more than one type of meat listed first, before any of the grain ingredients.

Guaranteed Analysis

All dog foods should have a guaranteed analysis, although they all differ on what they
are analyzing. Some foods simply guarantee the crude protein, fat, fiber and moisture,
while others give you a list of minerals and vitamins that are in the dog food.

It is important to note whether the guaranteed analysis says "as fed" or "as is". The
former indicates that these percentages are per serving as you feed your dog. The
latter indicates that the total percentage is for the entire bag of dog food, which can be
very deceptive.

When you are reading the guaranteed analysis, it is better to do a quick math of the
percentage to the dry matter in the dog food. Dry matter is the reverse of the moisture
level found in the dog food. So the moisture level of 15 means that there is a dry
matter ratio of 85. Once you have your dry matter, you would divide the dry matter into
the percentage, for instance, into the crude protein percentage, to get your total
amount of protein. For example, if you have 15% protein and 94% dry matter, the
basic math would be 15 (protein) ÷ 94 (dry matter) = 16% protein in the dog food.

This equation can be used with all of the nutritional values to determine exactly what
the dog food offers.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 20

Nutritional Adequacy Statement

The nutritional adequacy statement identifies if the food is able to provide sole nutrition
to a dog and also explains what stage of life the dog food is designed for. It is an
important statement since they need to meet strict guidelines to be able to claim
anything listed in a nutritional adequacy statement.

This is done in two ways. The first is through the ingredients list, which should contain
ingredients that are formulated to provide certain levels of nutrients. These ingredients
are recommended by the National Research Council and established by AFFCO. The
second way is for the food to go through AAFCO feeding trials. This is a series of tests
where the dog food is fed under strict guidelines and found to be adequate in providing
a healthy food for dogs.

Feeding Directions

Feeding directions are found on all dog food labels and should have the weight of a
dog and the amount of cups for that weight. In some instances, the dog food has the
age of the dog on it as well as the weight and the amount; however, this is not always
the case. While the feeding directions give you some idea of how much food your dog
will be eating, they are not to be followed exactly since dog food manufacturers need
to make a blanket feeding direction that covers a wide range of dogs. Breed, exercise,
and environment are not factored into the feeding directions and all three can greatly
influence the amount of food you give your dog.

Calorie Statement

A calorie statement is not always seen on a label but if it is, it should be done with a
“kilocalories per kilogram,” basis. What this means is that for every 2.2 pounds of dog
food, which equals a kilogram, you are given the exact number of calories that are in
the food. Generally, manufacturers make calorie statements by familiar
measurements such as by the cup.

How cheap dog food compares to expensive foods

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 21

When it comes to cheap and expensive dog foods, many people feel that more
expensive is best. However, that is not always the case and it is very important to read
through the labels to determine if the food has everything you want it to offer.

Usually though, cheap dog food contains more fillers and additives that can affect a
dog negatively. They usually require more food to meet the nutritional and calorie
needs of the dog and even then, the dog often suffers from deficiencies.

Expensive foods, on the other hand, usually have higher quality ingredients and are
usually higher in meat levels, which aids in the overall health of the dog.

In the end, the type of dog food you choose is up to you but it is important to be aware
of the options you have and to read the labels before you purchase.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 22

Chapter Four: 9 Best Commercial Dog Foods

CHOOSING THE TOP NINE FOODS

Even with the major 2007 pet food recalls and some subsequent dog food and treat
recalls, commercial dog foods happen to be the most popular form of dog food in the
market.

There are four primary reasons behind this:

ü You're not interested in cooking

ü Using commercial dog food is convenient

ü You may not be confident that the home-cooked food would provide your dog
with the appropriate nutritional balance.

ü You have tried giving your dog home cooked food, but he enjoys the taste of
the commercial dog food better.

When commercial dog food is the most popular choice, we decided to help our readers
by sharing our findings after extensive research on commercial dog food.

In this section, we have discussed a selection of nine dog food brands.

These nine brands of commercial dog food are of very high quality and will meet the
dietary requirements of your pooch. They are considered some of the best in the
market today.

They use the best ingredients available, ensure safe and hygienic manufacturing
systems, provide proper packaging and take pride in delivering the best option in dog
food to their customers.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 23

While selecting these 9 commercial dog foods, we have researched from various
sources to ascertain that they provide the best nutrients and balance that your dog
requires. These manufacturers all follow the AAFCO standards as well as other
government regulations placed upon them.

Their ingredients, guaranteed analysis and benefits have been listed such that dog
owners, like you, can make an informed decision. In order to help you find them, we
have even listed from where these dog foods are available.

For the sake of diversity and to give you an idea about the available options in the
market, we have listed dog foods from a range of brands; different from the commonly
used household names.

This will help you get an idea of the variations that are available, in case you decide to
go with something other than the brands you are feeding now.

However, we would always recommend you to consult your vet first, before deciding to
change your dog’s food. You must be cautious about feeding new food or changing
your dog’s diet. Compare these foods to one another and then to what your dog’s
needs are, discuss with your vet about his nutritional needs and then decide, exactly
which brand to choose.

Canidae Grain Free All Stages

Canidae not only offers food that is safe for human

consumption, but their dog food meets AAFCO
standards above and beyond.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 24

What are it’s benefits?

This Dog Food offers All Natural Holistic Benefits

ü Four High Quality Meat Meals: Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, & Fish with Fresh Lamb
Meat
ü All Natural, High Quality, Holistic Pet Food
ü Super High Protein formula great for working breeds or dogs with high energy
requirements
ü 80% of the total protein is derived from meat, 20% from vegetables and fruits,
and 0% from grains
ü Natural Ingredients Plus Essential Vitamins & Amino Acid Chelated Minerals
ü Naturally Preserved Herbal Formulation
ü Contains Skin & Coat Conditioners to Maintain a Health Luxurious Coat
ü Balanced Omega 6 & 3 Fatty Acids & DHA
ü Superior Digestibility
ü Guaranteed Viable Micro-Organisms
ü Guaranteed Enzyme Activity to Help Break Down Cellulose
ü No Corn, Wheat, Soy, Grain Fractions, Glutens or Fillers and Naturally
Preserved

Ingredients

Chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb, potatoes, peas, chicken fat (preserved with mixed
tocopherols), lamb meal, ocean fish meal, tomato pomace, natural flavor, choline
chloride, suncured alfalfa meal, inulin (from chicory root), lecithin, sage extract,
cranberries, beta-carotene, rosemary extract, sunflower oil, yucca schidigera extract,
dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried lactobacillus acidophilus
fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried lactobacillus

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 25

plantarum fermentation product, dried trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation
extract, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate,
ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate,
manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin,
calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride
(vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid,
cobalt proteinate, papaya, pineapple

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) 34%

Crude Fat (min) 18%
Crude Fiber (max) 3%
Moisture (max) 10%
Omega 6 (min) 3.7%
Calcium (min) 1.20%
Phosphorus (min) 0.90%
Iron (min) 160.00 mg/kg
Zinc (min) 160.00 mg/kg
Vitamin E min) 200.00 IU/kg
NFE (Carbohydrates) (max) 26.90%
Omega 3 (min) 0.50%
Vitamin C (min) 50.00 mg/kg
Lactobacillus Acidophilus (min) 100,000,000 CFU.lb
Cellubase (min) 100 CMCU/kg

Feeding Guidelines:

Canidae offers a easy to understand Feeding Guideline. Refer to:

http://www.canidae.com/dogs/grain-free-als/dry.html
http://www.canidae.com/dogs/grain-free-als/canned.html

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 26

 Transitioning Guidelines:
http://www.canidae.com/transitioning.html

Where can you buy this from

Use this link to find a store near you

http://www.canidae.com/company/storelocator.html

Orijen Puppy Food

Orijen is a family-owned and operated

Canadian pet food maker. With a tradition of
innovation & quality spanning more than a
quarter century, they have won the Pet Food
of The Year Award in 2009-2010 by the
Glycemic Research Institute. They use fresh
regional ingredients to produce Biologically
Appropriate foods – that ensures a long and
healthy life for dogs.

What are it’s benefits?

ü High-protein and low-carbohydrate content replicates the same rich and diverse
balance of fresh meats, fruits, vegetables and grasses that puppies and young
dogs of all breeds would encounter in their natural setting.
ü Made with the highest inclusions of free-run chicken & turkey, whole eggs, and
fresh fish, it provides protein-packed, human-grade meats (min. 75%), and
none of the grains or carbohydrates that are inappropriate for your puppy.
ü ORIJEN PUPPY is formulated with a Biologically Appropriate ingredient ratio
(75/25/0) of 75% meat, 25% fruit and vegetables (and 0% grain) - all slow-
cooked at low temperatures to retain their natural goodness.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 27

 ü Instead of cereal grains it provides a full complement of regional fruits and
vegetables-sweet & russet potatoes, red apples & cranberries and organic sea
vegetables.
ü Salmons used are never frozen and provide a superb source of Biologically
Appropriate Omega-3s (DHA and EPA) that support the development of cell
membranes and immune systems, as well as a vibrant skin and hair coat - your
puppy's outer symbol of health and vitality.
ü Veterinarian selected botanicals, including dandelion root, sweet fennel &
peppermint leaf soothe, nourish and tone the digestive tract while strengthening
the liver.
ü Calcium and phosphorus levels are moderate and of natural source.
ü Fresh chicken and turkey cartilage provides a natural and high source of
glucosamine and chondroitin.

Ingredients

Fresh deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, russet potato, fresh deboned
salmon (a natural source of DHA and EPA), herring meal, sweet potato, peas, fresh
deboned lake whitefish, salmon meal, fresh deboned walleye, chicken liver, fresh
deboned turkey, chicken fat (naturally preserved with vitamin E and citric acid), fresh
whole eggs, fresh deboned herring, sun-cured alfalfa, salmon oil, chicory root,
dehydrated organic kelp, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, turnip greens, apples, cranberries,
saskatoon berries, black currants, choline chloride, psyllium, licorice root, angelica
root, fenugreek, marigold flowers, sweet fennel, peppermint leaf, chamomile flowers,
dandelion, summer savory, rosemary, sea salt, vitamin supplements (vitamin A,
vitamin D3, vitamin E, niacin, vitamin C, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, vitamin B5,
vitamin B6, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12), mineral supplements (zinc proteinate, iron
proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, selenium), dried Lactobacillus
acidophilus product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 28

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min.) 40.0%

Crude Fat (min.) 20.0%

Crude Fiber (max.) 3.0%

Moisture (max.) 10.0%

Calcium (min.) 1.6%

Calcium (max.) 1.8%

Phosphorus (min.) 1.2%

Phosphorus (max.) 1.4%

*Omega-6 (min.) 3.2%

*Omega-3 (min.) 1.2%

*DHA 0.7%
*EPA 0.4%
*Carbohydrate (max.) 18.0%

*Glucosamine (min.) 1400 mg/kg

*Chondroitin (min.) 1200 mg/kg

*Microorganisms (min.) 120M cfu/kg

Feeding Guidelines:
For Orijen’s Feeding Guideline, refer to
http://www.orijen.ca/orijen/products/PuppyFeeding.aspx

Where can you buy this from

Use this link to find a store near you
http://www.orijen.ca/orijen/storeLocator/

Orijen Adult Dog Food

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 29

Orijen is a family-owned and operated
Canadian pet food maker. With a tradition
of innovation & quality spanning more than
a quarter century, they have won the Pet
Food of The Year Award in 2009-2010 by
the Glycemic Research Institute. They use
fresh regional ingredients to produce
Biologically Appropriate foods – that ensures a long and healthy life for dogs.

What are it’s benefits?

ü High-protein and low-carbohydrate content replicates the same rich and diverse
balance of fresh meats, fruits, vegetables and grasses that puppies and young
dogs of all breeds would encounter in their natural setting.
ü Made with the highest inclusions of free-run chicken & turkey, whole eggs, and
fresh fish, it provides protein-packed, human-grade meats (min. 75%), and
none of the grains or carbohydrates that are inappropriate for your puppy.
ü ORIJEN Adult is formulated with a Biologically Appropriate ingredient ratio
(70/30/0) of 70% meat, 30% fruit and vegetables (and 0% grain) - all slow-
cooked at low temperatures to retain their natural goodness.
ü Instead of grains or carbohydrates, it provides a full complement of regional
fruits and vegetables-sweet & russet potatoes, red apples & cranberries and
organic sea vegetables.
ü Salmons used are never frozen and provide a superb source of Biologically
Appropriate Omega-3s (DHA and EPA) that support the development of cell
membranes and immune systems, as well as a vibrant skin and hair coat - your
dog’s outer symbol of health and vitality.
ü Veterinarian selected botanicals, including dandelion root, sweet fennel &
peppermint leaf soothe, nourish and tone the digestive tract while strengthening
the liver.
ü Calcium and phosphorus levels are moderate and of natural source.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 30

 ü Fresh chicken and turkey cartilage provides a natural and high source of
glucosamine and chondroitin.

Ingredients

Fresh deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, russet potato, fresh deboned
pacific salmon (a natural source of DHA and EPA), herring meal, sweet potato, peas,
fresh deboned lake whitefish, fresh deboned northern walleye, chicken fat (naturally
preserved with vitamin E and citric acid), chicken liver, salmon meal, fresh deboned
turkey, fresh whole eggs, fresh deboned herring, sun-cured alfalfa, salmon oil, chicory
root, dehydrated organic kelp, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, turnip greens, apples,
cranberries, saskatoon berries, black currants, choline chloride, psyllium, licorice root,
angelica root, fenugreek, marigold flowers, sweet fennel, peppermint leaf, chamomile
flowers, dandelion, summer savory, rosemary, sea salt, vitamin supplements (vitamin
A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, niacin, vitamin C, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, vitamin B5,
vitamin B6, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12), mineral supplements (zinc proteinate, iron
proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, selenium), dried Lactobacillus
acidophilus, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product.

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min.) 40.0%

Crude Fat (min.) 16.0%

Crude Fiber (max.) 2.5%

Moisture (max.) 10.0%

Calcium (min.) 1.5%

Calcium (max.) 1.7%

Phosphorus (min.) 1.2%
Phosphorus (max.) 1.4%

Omega-6 (min.) 3.0%

Omega-3 (min.) 1.1%

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 31

 DHA 0.6%
EPA 0.3%
Carbohydrate (max.) 20.0%

Glucosamine (min.) 1200 mg/kg

Chondroitin (min.) 900 mg/kg

Microorganisms (min.) 120M cfu/kg

Feeding Guidelines:

For Orijen’s Feeding Guideline, refer to

http://www.orijen.cz/orijen/products/adultFeeding.aspx

Where can you buy this from

Use this link to find a store near you

http://www.orijen.ca/orijen/storeLocator/

Orijen Regional Red

Orijen is a family-owned and operated Canadian pet food maker.

With a tradition of innovation & quality spanning more than a
quarter century, they have won the Pet Food of The Year Award in
2009-2010 by the Glycemic Research Institute. They use fresh
regional ingredients to produce Biologically Appropriate foods – that
ensures a long and healthy life for dogs.

What are it’s benefits?

ü Uses fresh, never-frozen red meats from trusted sources.

ü Wild boar, lamb, bison and heritage pork, used in this food, are all raised ‘free-
range’ on a natural diet free of growth hormones and antibiotics.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 32

 ü Uses Fresh fish which are caught-wild using sustainable harvesting practices
and delivered FRESH (never frozen, no preservatives).
ü Omega-3 (DHA, EPA) is from fresh fish
ü Unequalled in any other dry pet food, ORIJEN features 4 fresh red meats to
better match the various foods Nature intended dogs to eat.
ü Veterinary selected botanicals soothe, nourish and tone the digestive tract
while strengthening the liver.
ü ORIJEN Red is formulated with a Biologically Appropriate ingredient ratio
(70/30/0) of 70% meat, 30% fruit and vegetables (and 0% grain) - all slow-
cooked at low temperatures to retain their natural goodness.
ü Calcium and phosphorus levels are moderate and of natural source.
ü Fresh chicken and turkey cartilage provides a natural and high source of
glucosamine and chondroitin.

Ingredients

Fresh deboned wild boar, fresh deboned lamb, lamb meal, russet potato, fresh
deboned pork, peas, salmon meal, whitefish meal*, herring meal, fresh deboned bison,
fresh whole eggs, potato starch, fresh deboned salmon (a natural source of DHA and
EPA), alfalfa, sweet potato, fresh deboned walleye, salmon oil (naturally preserved
with vitamin E), pea fiber, psyllium, pumpkin, tomatoes, carrots, apples, cranberries,
Saskatoon berries, black currants, chicory root, licorice root, angelica root, fenugreek,
marigold flowers, sweet fennel, peppermint leaf, chamomile flowers, dandelion,
summer savory, rosemary, organic kelp, vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, niacin, zinc
proteinate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, vitamin B5, iron proteinate, vitamin B6,
manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12, selenium,
dried Lactobacillus acidophilus product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation
product.

*orijen whitefish is made with flounder, halibut and cod caught wild from the north
pacific ocean.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 33

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min.) 38.0%

Crude Fat (min.) 18.0%

Crude Fiber (max.) 3.0%

Moisture (max.) 10.0%

Calcium (min.) 1.7%

Calcium (max.) 1.9%

Phosphorus (min.) 1.2%

Phosphorus (max.) 1.4%

*Omega-6 (min.) 3.0%

*Omega-3 (min.) 0.8%
*DHA 0.5%
*EPA 0.2%
*Carbohydrate (max.) 22.0%

*Glucosamine (min.) 250 mg/kg

*Chondroitin (min.) 100 mg/kg

*Microorganisms (min.) 120M cfu/kg

Feeding Guidelines:

For Orijen’s Feeding Guideline, refer to

http://www.orijen.cz/orijen/products/regionalRedFeeding.aspx

Where can you buy this from

Use this link to find a store near you

http://www.orijen.ca/orijen/storeLocator/

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 34

Natura Evo Herring & Salmon Formula

Natura developed unique manufacturing processes to create the

first-ever grain free, low carbohydrate dry pet food. EVO
minimizes starch or carbohydrate intake while maximizing the
concentration of protein. Natura Evo’s motto is “THE ANCESTRAL
DIET MEETS MODERN NUTRITION”.

What are it’s benefits?

ü Grain free for when extra carbs and grain intolerances are a concern
ü High levels of protein from quality meat, poultry and fish
ü Excellent palatability
ü Skin and coat health
ü High digestibility and decreased waste
ü Energy and nutrient-dense
ü Formulated with added antioxidant vitamins
ü Fortified with vitamins and minerals

Ingredients

Herring, salmon meal, herring meal, peas, salmon, eggs, herring oil, pea fiber,
sunflower oil, natural flavors, apples, carrots, cottage cheese, dried chicory root,
glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, minerals, vitamins, direct fed
microbials

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) 42%

Crude Fat (min) 18%

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 35

 Crude Fiber (max) 3%
Moisture (max) 10%
Omega 6 Fatty Acid (min) 1.4%
Carbohydrates NFE (max) 18%
Vitamin E (min) 300 IU/kg
Vitamin C (min) 500mg/kg
Omega 3 Fatty Acids 2.6%
(min)
Glucosamine (min) 650mg/kg
Chondroitin Sulfate (min) 525mg/kg
Total Microorganisms 90,000,000 CFU/lb
(min)

Feeding Guidelines:

Where can you buy this from

Use this link to find a store near you

http://www.evopet.com/where-to-buy/

Healthwise Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Active Adult

By using high quality, nutrient rich Dog Food ingredients

and controlled cooking methods that preserve the natural
levels of nutrients, Natura’s Healthwise products are one of
the best pet foods available today.

What are it’s benefits?

ü Provides the necessary energy or calories to keep your dog strong and healthy.
ü Provides high energy input to keep your active dog at its fittest
ü Supplies increased amounts of high quality protein, fat, essential fatty acids
and vitamins and minerals that the active dog needs

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 36

Ingredients

Chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, chicken fat, pea fiber, flaxseed, natural flavors,
salt, herring oil, potassium chloride, vitamins, minerals, lecithin, rosemary extract

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) 30%

Crude Fat (min) 18%
Crude Fiber (max) 3.8%
Moisture (max) 10%
Omega 6 Fatty Acids (min) 3%
Vitamin E (min) 300 IU/kg
Omega 3 Fatty Acids (min) 0.7%

Feeding Guidelines:

Where can you buy this from

Use this link to find a store near you

http://www.healthwisepetfood.com/where-to-buy/

Holistic Blend Grain Free All Life Stages

Holistic Blend, a Canadian and family owned company

offers natural dry dog food formulas. They believe in
providing Holistic nutrition which considers the animal's
total wellness- looking beyond basic dietary requirements,
to achieve optimum equilibrium between body, mind &
spirit.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 37

What are it’s Benefits?

ü Maintains body weight

ü Nourishes the digestive tract
ü Supports healthy skin & coat
ü Slow cooked at low temperature
ü No Rendered Meats
ü No Soy, Dairy or Corn
ü No Artificial Flavours or Colours
ü No Ethoxyquin, BHT or BHA

Ingredients

Fresh de boned Turkey, turkey meal, potato, salmon meal, sweet potato, sunflower oil,
flax meal, nutritional yeast, salmon oil (a natural source of DHA), alfalfa, kelp, psyllium
fibre, lecithin, chicory root extract, cranberries, spinach, broccoli, green apple,
blueberries, pears, bananas, vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, niacin, vitamin C,
inositol, thiamine mononitrate, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride,
riboflavin, vitamin K1, beta-carotene, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, zinc
proteinate, ferrous sulphate, zinc oxide, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese
proteinate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate, sodium selenitem yucca schidigera
extract, rosemary extract, cinnamon, turmeric, capsicum, chamomile, dandelion,
paprika,

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) 38%

Crude Fat (min) 18%

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 38

 Crude Fibre (max) 3%
Ash (max) 7%
Moisture (max) 10%
Omega 6 (min) 2.8%
Omega 3 (min) 1.4%
Calcium (max) 1.8%
Phosphorus (max) 1.4%

Feeding Guidelines:

Where can you buy this from?

You can buy the food off of the website, and they do offer a store locator if you
don’t feel comfortable with internet purchases.

http://www.holisticblend.com

Fromm Grain Free Surf and Turf

The Fromm Family, from Wisconsin, has been producing high

quality pet food from the year 1948. They have a concentrated,
balanced blend of foods that result in easier digestion, fewer
allergic reactions, and increased energy for your dog or cat.

What are it’s benefits?

ü Completely Grain-Free
ü High-Meat Content
ü Low Ash Content
ü Cartilage Rich in Natural Glucosamine

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 39

 ü Real Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese
ü Prebiotics & Probiotics to Aid Digestion
ü Optimum Omega Fatty Acids Ratio

Ingredients

Salmon, Duck Meal, Potatoes, Pea Flour, Sweet Potatoes, Duck, Chicken Fat
(preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Dried Tomato Pomace, Salmon
Meal, Whole Dried Egg, Pea Protein, Chicken, Flaxseed, Cheese, Salmon Oil
(preserved with mixed tocopherols), Chicken Broth, Carrots, Broccoli, Cauliflower,
Apples, Green Beans, Lecithin, Chicken Cartilage, Potassium Chloride, Cranberries,
Blueberries, Salt, Chicory Root Extract, Alfalfa Sprouts, Yucca Schidigera Extract,
Folic Acid, Parsley, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Longum, Lactobacillus
Plantarum, Enterococcous Faecium, Vitamin A, D3, E, B12 Supplements, Choline
Bitartrate, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate,
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Sulfate,
Copper Sulfate, Cobalt Carbonate, Calcium Iodate, Sorbic Acid, Iron Proteinate, Zinc
Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite.

Guaranteed Analysis

Protein (min) 30%

Fat (min) 19%
Fiber (max) 3%
Moisture (max) 10%
Ash (max) 6.5%
Omega 6 Fatty Acids (min) 3.2%
Omega 3 Fatty Acids (min) 0.5%
Lactobacillus Acidophilus 100,000,000 CFU/lb
Bifidobacterium Longum 100,000,000 CFU/lb

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 40

 Lactobacillus Plantarum 100,000,000 CFU/lb
Enterococcous Faecium 100,000,000 CFU/lb

Feeding Guidelines:
http://www.frommfamily.com/products-fs-d-d-grain-free-surf-and-turf.php

Where can you buy this from:

http://www.frommfamily.com/dealers.php

Ziwipeak Lamb “Daily Dog Cuisine”

A complete natural all health range of ULTRA

PREMIUM pet-food product. ZiwiPeak products
are formulated on the same balance of meat
ingredients that cats and dogs would find by
hunting in the wilderness.

What are it’s benefits?

ü Healthy balanced meat pet food diet containing all essential vitamins and
minerals
ü All natural ingredients, ranch raised from New Zealand, free of antibiotics and
hormones.
ü No colors, salt, sugar, chemicals, artificial preservatives fillers or grains.
ü Gently air-dried, ZiwiPeak pet food maintains the nutritional integrity of natural
raw materials.
ü The ranch-raised lamb used in ZiwiPeak Cuisine is a pure source of high
quality protein and fats. Lamb provides these essential proteins and fats that
dogs need in their diet for muscle and brain function. Lamb is also a relatively

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 41

 new and substantially different meat source, making it another fine option for an
allergen-free product.

Ingredients

Lamb - Meat (min. 65%), Liver, Tripe, Heart and Kidney (min. 19.5%), Chicory Syrup,
Green-lipped and Blue Mussel (min. 4%), Fish Oil, Lecithin, Kelp, Vitamins and
Minerals, Parsley, Naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols

Guaranteed Analysis

Protein (min.) 33%

Fat (min.) 27%

Moisture (max.) 15%

Ash (max.) 8%

Fibre (max.) 1.5%

Calcium 2%

Phosphorus P 1.1%

Feeding Guidelines:

http://www.earthbornholisticpetfood.com/primitive_natural/feeding_guidelines.php

Where can you buy this from:

www.amazon.com and other online websites

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 42

Chapter Five: Different Types of Dog Food

Now that we have looked at the labels, the basics of nutrition and some of the more
popular dog food brands on the market, it is time to look at the different kinds of dog
foods. If you were thinking that your choice was limited to wet and dry, you are only
partially right. There are only wet and dry dog foods but there are also a number of
different types of diets that can make choosing a dog food difficult.

Processed Food vs. Homemade Food

When it comes right down to it, a lot has changed over the last few decades in the
world of dog food. More and more people are becoming aware of the choices that they
have and they are beginning to branch out into homemade foods for their pets. While
one may think that homemade food was limited to treats, there are a number of
homemade dog foods available which will make the choice that much easier.

Of course, there are some positives and negatives about both and I will go over each
of these below:

Processed Food:

One of the biggest pros for the processed food is the convenience. It doesn’t have to
be prepared and it comes in its own storage container. In addition, the food is
approved by AAFCO and there is thought put into providing the right blend of nutrients
for a dog.

On the other hand, processed food has a number of by-products, chemicals and
additives that have been linked to cancers. They are often filled with fillers that are not
needed and are usually unhealthy for a dog. In addition, the cost of processed food is
quite high and this is often the main reason why people switch to homemade.

Homemade Diet:

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When we look at the homemade diet, we see many benefits, which are discussed in
more detail in chapter six. If a proper diet is followed, a dog receives all of the nutrients
they need for a healthy life and they generally eat less and even empty their bowels
less.

In addition to the benefits to the dog, they are usually less expense if the owner does
the homemade food properly.

However, if a proper diet isn’t followed, a dog can be malnourished. In addition, it can
be difficult to prepare the meal as it is not one of the more convenient ways to feed
your dog.

Wet vs. Dry Foods

There is often a big debate on whether wet food or dry food is better for a dog and
when it comes down to it, it really is a matter of choice. Below are the pros and cons
of both wet and dry dog foods.

Wet:

Many experts agree that wet dog food is actually a better food since it contains higher
meat content than dry dog food. In addition, canned wet dog food often has fewer
preservatives than dry food and this helps prevent some serious illnesses linked with
those preservatives.

In addition, a wet dog food allows a dog to be better hydrated and this reduces the risk
of urinary tract infections.

On the other hand, wet dog food is more expensive, when you look at quantity and
quality. Dog’s that eat wet food often have more gas and bowel movements and this
alone can make the choice for dry easy.

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Dry:

As I mentioned, dry food generally has more additives and preservatives, which makes
it less healthy than wet, although you can buy holistic blends. However, if you are
looking at quantity, it is usually less expensive than wet and it offers your dog a hard
food that will clean his teeth and give his jaw exercise.

In addition, good quality dry dog foods can decrease the amount of bowel movements
your dog makes and can also reduce gas, although this isn’t always the case.

Many experts agree that providing a dog with a mixture of wet and dry, usually with
75% dry and 25% wet is the best way to offer a perfect dog food blend to your dog.

Regular Foods vs. Diet Foods vs. Prescription Diet

When it comes to a diet food or a prescription diet as opposed to regular foods, I tend
to avoid comparing them. Yes there are marked differences but I think it is more
important to look at what is best for your dog.

Generally, a diet food or a prescription diet is given under the direction of your
veterinarian. This means that they are working in the best interest for your dog and
there are extenuating circumstances for the new diet.

Although there is little doubt that a diet or prescription diet is more expensive, it is for
the best interest of your dog to take him off his regular diet if his veterinarian
recommends it.

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Natural Dog Foods

I am actually a big fan of natural dog foods since they offer you the convenience of a
processed dog food without many of the additives and by-products that other
processed dog foods give you. However, it is important to check the dog food before
you purchase it because many holistic foods are not as “organic” as they claim to be.

When you use a natural dog food, you usually have the added benefits of a healthier
dog. Allergy problems are usually reduced and many holistic dog foods have a higher
meat ratio than grain.

Vegetarian and Vegan Dog Foods

If you are looking for a controversial dog food, then you will probably find it with a
vegetarian diet. There are many people that are for this option but there are others
that stress the history of dogs as carnivores and feel that it isn’t’ the best diet for
canines. However, studies have shown that dogs can live a full and healthy life on a
vegan diet without the use of any supplements.

Generally, vegan diets are holistic and do not offer any type of meat, whether it is a
meat flavor or a meat by-product. They are strictly vegan and they have been linked to
a decreased risk of many diseases including cancer, strokes and heart attacks in dogs.

It is important to follow the same recommendations for reading a label that you would
with a meat-based diet and to also find a vegan diet that has been approved by
AAFCO for the best nutrition for your dog.

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Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables

Since we are on the topic of vegan eating, it is

important to note that there are many benefits
to feeding your dog fruits and vegetables. It is
also important to realize that not all vegetables
and fruits are good for dogs so before you
choose one to serve your canine pet, make
sure you read chapter twelve on dangerous
foods.

Having said that, studies have found that vegetables and fruits work very well as
antioxidants for dogs; this means that providing fruits and vegetables gives your dog a
lower risk of developing many forms of cancers.

In addition, green and yellow vegetables have been linked to a lower risk of bladder
cancers and some fruits, such as cranberries lower the risk of bladder infections.

When it comes to the benefits, a good rule of thumb is to look at the benefits of any
fruit or vegetable for you. If there is a benefit for you, then chances are, it is the same
benefit for your dog.

Human Food

I remember when I was younger, my family used to give our dogs a big slop bucket of
leftovers. He loved it and it was his primary meal, however, while this was a common
practice twenty years ago, it is not considered a good idea today.

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In fact, it is recommended that apart from vegetables, fruit and some dairy, that you
avoid giving your dog human food. On one hand, feeding a dog table scraps and
human food can create bad habits. On the other, there are many fats, spices and salts
in our diets that is very unhealthy for our dog.

A dog that eats human foods can suffer from many health problems including obesity
and they are at risk of eating something that could be deadly to them.

When it comes to dog food, it is up to you to make a choice and it really comes down
to what works for both you and your dog.

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Chapter 6: Switching Foods

Almost all dog owners, regardless of their experience with dogs, will have to switch
dog foods at one time in their life. It can be for a number of reasons like the dog food
was discontinued, the quality changed or because your dog was allergic. Whatever
the reason for switching foods, it can be a difficult thing to do and it can be quite
frustrating for the owner.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be and if you follow the advice in this chapter, you can
easily switch your dog food without too much of a stomach upset from your dog. I do
want to mention that their dog food shouldn’t be switched on a regular basis since the
switch is a mini-shock to your dog’s system. Instead, you should try to find a dog food
that works for your dog and stick with it.

BARF Diet

The first thing that I would like to talk about, before I even look
at switching your dog food is the BARF diet. This is a diet that
is becoming very popular and more and more dog owners are
switching to it, especially after the dog food scares of the past.

If you are unsure what a BARF diet is, it is a homemade diet that is designed to
recreate a natural diet that the ancestor of our dogs ate. It is believed to be the easiest
digested diet and it gives them everything that they need nutritionally.

There is some debate on raw diets but the most successful BARF, also known as
Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food, is one that takes into
consideration four food groups that dogs need for optimal health. These are:

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 • Fresh, raw meat: This should be a high quality meat
which syntheses to what a dog would have eaten after
hunting.

• Green vegetables: While wild dogs didn’t eat a lot of

vegetation, they did consume some when they
consumed herbivores. This gave them the right amount
of greens in their diet.

• Raw, organ meats: Again, dogs were primarily

carnivores and often ate the organ meats first.

• Uncooked bone: While people disagree with feeding

bone to a dog, it is an important part of BARF diet,
although it should be only be a small part of it.

With the BARF diet, all of the ingredients are mixed together to provide your dog with
the best dog food for only a fraction of the cost of regular dog food. But why is there a
push for BARF?

The reasons are the many different benefits that a raw diet offers a dog. These are the
following:

ü Less expensive than commercial dog food.

ü Better growth rate for puppies
ü Lower stool volume
ü Dogs that eat BARF are usually more energetic
ü Fewer health problems such as allergies and arthritis
ü Better weight maintenance
ü Better jaw, neck and shoulder development
ü Natural with fewer fillers, and by-products

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There are so many reasons to choose a BARF diet for your dog but ultimately, it is up
to you on whether this is the direction you want to go with your dog’s diet.

Switching Foods

When it comes to switching your dog food, the best piece of advice that I can give you
is to do it gradually. It is important to take the better part of a week, if not the whole
week, when switching your dog food. This gives your dog time to adjust and will really
cut down on the problems associated with switching.

If you don’t do the switch gradually, and choose to do so quickly, you can run into a
number of problems that can cause a lot of distress for your dog. These problems are:

ü Heartburn
ü Stomach Cramps
ü Vomiting
ü Indigestion
ü Diarrhea

In addition, switching too quickly can result in your dog refusing to eat and this can
lead to long-term problems and even severe weight loss.

When you are switching, the best course is to transition between two of the same
types of foods. So if you are switching from a dry, the best results for a switch would
be to another dry dog food. The same can be said about wet. However, if you are
trying to switch from a wet to a dry, you can do so but it needs to be done over a
longer period than just one week.

Another key point with switching is to limit the amount of times that you switch your
dog food. Switching for supply or even price can lead to a lifetime of stomach and

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digestion problems in your dog. A switch should only occur if it is necessary and you
shouldn’t switch back and forth between two different dog foods.
Lastly, if you are switching from a puppy food to an adult food, it is much better to
choose a dog food from the same brand. This keeps his food consistent and,
generally, it shouldn’t affect him as much as switching brands would.

To switch your dog’s food, you should follow the steps provided below:

Step One:

Start by introducing your dog to the new food. This is done during the regular feeding
times but instead of giving him a bowl of new dog food, you would offer him a ratio of
3:1- three parts of his current dog food and 1 part of his new dog food. So, for
example, if he is eating two cups of dog food in one meal, you would offer 1 and a half
cups of current and half a cup of new. Offer this blend for about 3 days and keep
careful watch on his stools. If he has no digestive problems, you can move on to step
two. However, if you see diarrhoea or any other digestive problems, wait a few more
days before continuing on.

Step Two:

Once he is able to eat a 3:1 ratio, you can move on to a 2:2 ratio- half-old food and
half-new food. Again, watch for digestive problems and continue on this for 2 to 3 days
before you increase the ratio of new dog food.

Step Three:

It may seem like a long process but at this stage, you should be at a 1:3 ratio of old
and new dog food. Like the other steps, you should keep a close eye on his digestion
and only move forward if your dog is still experiencing no complications from the new
food. Again, continue this ratio of food for 2 days.

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After the two days, if there are no problems with the dog food, you can move forward
to using only the new dog food.

One thing that I would like to mention is that if you have any problems with diarrhoea
and/or vomiting, it is best to offer your dog one meal of rice. This should help with the
stomach problems, but if it doesn’t and the diarrhoea persists for several days, you
should consider using a different dog food.

How to give a more varied diet

One thing that I often hear from people is “How do I vary my dog’s diet?” It is a
common question since for many of us, our dogs are more than just a family pet, they
are one of our family members. It is very easy to humanize our dogs and once we do
that, we often think of ways to give them the very best in food, bedding and even
clothing.

We love our pets so when we sit down and actually look at dog food, we are left
wondering where the variety is. I mean, it doesn’t look appealing and from the smell,
the taste has to be just as bland and boring. We look for ways to make their diet
varied and this is often the problem that we get into with table scraps.

The first thing I am going to say about a varied diet is this, varied should be through
snacks and not through the actual dog food. Manufacturers, or you if you are making
your own dog food, add a variety of ingredients to create a well-rounded dog food that
offers variety and nutritional value. Switching back and forth between diets doesn’t
offer your dog a varied diet. What it does offer him is an upset stomach and, more than
likely, diarrhoea.

Instead, what you need to do is supplement his diet with the variety. You can do this by
purchasing different dog treats; however remember that anything your dog eats can

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upset his digestive system. Offer variety in small quantities and watch to make sure a
food doesn’t cause any side effects before you deem it safe for consumption.

If you would like to offer some people food for a little bit of variety, the following foods
are safe for a dog to eat.

• Plain Yogurt: This is actually very safe for dogs and has several benefits,
especially for female dogs. Choose a yogurt that doesn’t have any artificial
sweeteners in it. You can serve it cold or you can freeze it for a yogurt
Popsicle in the summer.
• Pumpkin: This gives your dog some much needed fiber as well as a little
variety.
• Green Beans: Taste great, full of vitamins and has very few calories so
they can help with maintaining your dog’s weight. They also taste great
frozen.
• Apples: Dogs have a sweet tooth and apples are a great way to give them
a sweet treat without the sugar. One word of advice is that you should
always core the apple and never allow a dog to eat the core. Apple seeds
contain cyanide, in small quantities this isn’t a problem but it is better to be
safe.
• Sweet Potatoes: Another source of fiber, these can actually be dehydrated
to use as a chewy treat for your dog.
• Eggs: Cooked eggs are good for a dog and can offer them many benefits
since it offers them a protein boost.
• Oatmeal: Finally, oatmeal is a nice treat that gives your dog extra fiber, just
don’t offer it with milk and sugar.
• Carrots: A fail safe treat, they make an excellent crunchy snack for your
canine.

When you are choosing treats to offer variety in a diet, it is important to make sure that
you never offer them anything that is dangerous. For more information dangerous
foods for dogs, read chapter twelve: foods to avoid.

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What flavors dogs like best

Dog’s like people, all have different taste so it can be difficult to determine what flavors
a dog will like best. To give you an example, two Labrador Retrievers, a breed known
to be food driven, were offered carrots for a treat. One dog ate the carrots readily while
the other took one bite and spit it out. When apple was offered the reverse happened.
It was clear that the dogs had tastes they preferred and it was easy to guess which
treat they wanted.

The same test that was used with the Labrador Retrievers has been used by pet
manufacturers to determine what flavors to add to their food. What they have been
able to come up with is the following.

Overall, the most successful flavor with dogs is a meat taste. Beef ranks the highest in
the meat flavors but it can differ from dog to dog. After meat, studies have shown that
dogs really do have a sweet tooth and will eat anything sweet. This is probably one of
the reasons why Easter chocolate is so tempting to them, even though it is very toxic.

In addition, dogs also tend to like the taste of cheese and finally they can love honey
and even carrots. When it comes to flavors that your dog likes, it is best to find it
through trial and error. Offer your dog different treats and allow them to be the judge.
If they eat it, then you know that it is a hit and if they ignore it, then you should try a
new treat.

Finally, an excellent way to give your dog the best flavor in their dog food is to warm
the food slightly. This allows the scent to escape the food much easier and the more
odors the food has, the better it will taste.

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Chapter Seven: Feeding Schedules

When it comes to feeding your dog, I often recommend that you create a feeding
schedule for them. This means that you feed your dog at the exact same time each
day and that you give them a certain amount of time for feeding. I have found over the
years that feeding your dog in this manner makes it much easier to see what they are
getting and also gives you a bit more control over what is happening in that area.

However, not everyone agrees with feeding schedules and when you think about it,
there are pros and cons. On the other hand, there are pros and cons of free feeding
and before I discuss creating a schedule for your dog’s meals, I think we should
address the whole matter of free-feeding versus scheduled feeding.

Free-Feeding vs. Scheduled Feeding

With free-feeding, a lot of good things can be said about it. Let’s face it, free-feeding
makes it easy and all you have to do is pour the food in and then stop worrying. More
than likely your dog finishes it off throughout the day and some may even finish it off
within the first hour of it being out. It is simple, fast and there is no fuss.

If you look at free-feeding in that light, it might make you wonder why more people
don’t do it. However, a lot can be said about providing your dog with scheduled
feedings and while I would never criticize someone for free feeding, there are many
reasons why you shouldn’t even if you own a small breed.

Training:

Training is one of the reasons why scheduled feeding is better than free-feeding. When
you give the dog food, he quickly learns that all good things come from you. He

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doesn’t forget it by the end of the day and he comes to rely on you for the necessities
in life.

In addition to the training aspect, housetraining is much easier when your dog doesn’t
have a constant supply of food. Because his meals are at a scheduled time, his bowel
movements are more predictable, which leads to knowing when to take your puppy
out.

On the other hand, if your dog is free-feeding, he will learn to be more independent
from you and this can be a positive if you prefer a more independent dog. Also, with
some breeds, training is not affected in any manner if the dog free feeds.

Bonding:

Although it may not seem like it, scheduled feeding gives you an opportunity to bond
with your dog. Talking to him, reaching into the dog food bowl and feeding him by
hand, petting him and just being present lets your dog know that you are a positive
force in his life. In addition, dogs are pack animals so feeding in the company of a
cherished pack member helps establish the hierarchy in your home.

With free-feeding, it can be hard to be in the room when your dog is eating so there is
no opportunity to interact with him and his food bowl. Your dog eats when he wants
and how much he wants and this can lead him to believe that he is the boss in the
house.

Health:

While free-feeding can offer your dog the full nutrition that he needs, it can be much
harder to gauge if he is getting enough. Many dogs who free feed don’t eat the full
recommended serving every day. Instead, they pick and choose when to eat and
many times the food dish is full. If they do happen to eat everything, many owners will
make the mistake of putting in more food, which leads to overeating.

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Regardless of whether your dog eats a little or a lot, he could be receiving the wrong
nutritional values for the day and this can affect him in his long term health. This is
often one of the biggest problems with free-feeding, the unknown over what your dog
is eating.

With scheduled feeding, you know how much your dog is eating and you are also more
aware of how your dog is feeling. If you place the food dish down and then come back
ten minutes later to find your dog not eating, you are more likely to act on it.
Scheduled feedings ensure that your dog is receiving the right amount of food each
and every day.

So to recap everything, Free-feeding offers you and your dog:

ü More convenience
ü Ample opportunity to eat
ü Builds on the dog’s independence
ü Allows your dog to graze at his leisure
ü Scheduled feeding offers you and your dog:
ü Opportunities for training
ü Control over the amounts he eats
ü Allows you to establish a bond and a hierarchy
ü Makes his bowel movements predictable
ü Allows you to monitor his health

Typically, large dogs, especially those that are more dominant, are fed on a schedule.
This solves many problems with dominance and the housetraining benefit is worth it.
Another typical fact is that small breeds, especially toy breeds, are free-fed, however,
for all of the same reasons as stated above, it is actually beneficial for them to be fed
on a schedule. It is something that I recommended for every dog owner, regardless of
the breed they have.

Creating a Feeding Schedule

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If you have decided on feeding your dog on a schedule, there are a few ways that you
can do it. The ideal is to start right from when you bring them home as puppies and
usually you can use the same schedule that the breeder has done, altering it slightly to
fit into your own needs.

Before you begin a feeding schedule, there are a few things that you should know and
they are actually things that people are often confused about.

How Much Should I feed my Dog?

The amount of food that you will feed your dog will actually change depending on a few
factors.

1. The age of your dog: Generally, puppies eat less than adult dogs so as they
age, the amount of food they receive will increase. In addition, many senior
dogs eat less than a young adult dog so later in your dog’s life, the amount
will begin to decrease.
2. Your dog’s weight: Many people use this as the only way to measure food
but it shouldn’t be. Yes, it plays a factor but age and the overall health of
your dog will affect the amount.
3. Your dog’s activity level: The amount of exercise your dog receives, as well
as his energy level will affect his food amount. The more active he is, the
more calories he will need every day.
4. Your dog’s vet recommendation: If your dog has a number of health
concerns or if he is overweight, the amount of food your dog eats will
change.

Before you choose the amount, take into account all of the above and then cross
reference it to the dog food you are using. Remember that the better quality the dog
food, the less food you are going to give your dog to reach the proper amount of
calories.

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One last thing I want to mention about the quantity of food is that puppies and young
adults eat more than older dogs. In addition, smaller dogs eat more to their body
weight than larger dogs. The reason for this is that smaller dogs often have higher
energy levels so they tend to burn through calories much faster than a larger dog.

How many times should I feed my dog?

At one time, people believed that feeding a dog once per day was enough but recently,
more and more studies have shown that dogs require at least two meals a day. The
basic way to think of it is to think about your own eating schedule. How would you feel
going all day with only one meal? Yes, the meal is large but it just doesn’t get you
through everything you are doing.

Generally, I recommend that you feed your dog twice a day at least once they are 6
months of age. This should be done in the morning and the evening and you would
simply split their daily food amount in half for each meal. For puppies under 6 months,
it is better to feed them three small meals. This means that you should have someone
come in the middle of the day, usually around noon, to let the puppy out and to feed
him.

If your dog is a larger breed, especially one that is prone to bloat, which can be caused
by eating too much in one sitting, it may be better to offer 4 or 5 small meals per day.

When should I feed my dog?

Another consideration with creating a feeding schedule is the time that you should feed
your dog at. If you are on two feedings each day, then I recommend having a feeding
in the morning and in the evening. It is important to schedule the feedings so your dog
won’t have to wait long periods before being let out. Also remember that most dogs
need to relieve themselves between 15 to 20 minutes after eating. So you should
never feed your dog right before bed or right before you leave for the day because that
will only set him up for failure.

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I find the best way to feed your dog is with the following schedule:

Time of Day Activity

7:00am Wake Up As soon as you wake up, let your dog out to relieve
himself.
7:10am Breakfast Usually having a meal while you get ready for your
day is the best way to do this. It also gives you a
good half hour before you have to take him out
again.
7:40am Play Time To make your dog’s day easier and to ensure he
gets the exercise he needs, take him out for a final
potty break and a bit of playtime before you leave
for work.
8:00am Crate Time This is when you would go to work or start your
actual day.

As you can tell from the table, exercise should be done after your dog eats because it
gives him an opportunity to go to the bathroom again and it also gives him the
opportunity to burn off a bit of the energy that the food gives him.

In the evening, you would follow a similar routine and you should try to stop offering
food about 2 hours before you go to bed so there are no middle of the night bathroom
breaks.

When you are creating a feeding schedule, it is better to program it into your own day.
Choose a time that works best for you and make it a habit. Usually most dogs won’t
have a problem adjusting their eating schedules to your schedule. The key point is to
offer more than one meal each day and to also offer enough time after the meal for
them to relieve themselves. After that, it is simply a matter of making the schedule
work for you.

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Switching from free-feeding to scheduled

The last thing that I would like to talk about is actually switching your dog from free-
feeding to scheduled feeding. This can actually take a bit of patience and I know that it
can be very stressful for owners, especially when their dog isn’t eating. Remember,
before you start that your dog is used to doing things his way. He eats when he wants
to and he can take one or two bites and then come back later. It is a routine that your
dog is used to and you basically have to start from scratch when it comes to eating.

Begin your schedule the exact way that you want it to be. Don’t start off small and grow
because your dog will need to adjust each time and this can be very difficult. If you are
planning on feeding him at 8 in the morning and 6 in the evening, then do it from the
beginning. Next, offer your dog his food but give him a deadline for eating. 15 minutes
is usually enough time to get him to eat and if he doesn’t, then you are going to have to
suppress your worry and just pick the food up.

Do not give him any food until the next scheduled feeding. Remember that your dog is
used to grazing and if you are constantly giving him food in between his scheduled
meals, he will continue to graze.

At his next scheduled meal, offer him food again. Do not give him his full daily amount,
even if he didn’t eat during the last feeding. This will only fill him up and the next time
it is time to eat, he won’t. If you are worried about his calorie intake, offer him a little bit
more food but only a small increase. Dogs will eventually eat so if he goes a day or
two without eating, don’t worry. He’ll eat when he is hungry.
Repeat until he begins to eat at each scheduled feeding. I find that during this time, it
is better to feed him in a quiet place where he can’t leave. This gives your dog a clear
signal that now is the time to eat and it keeps him from wandering away and ignoring
his meal.

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So when you are starting a feeding schedule remember these key points:

ü Offer at least two meals per day.

ü Feed in the morning and in the evening but leave enough time afterwards to
take them out.
ü Pick up the food after 15 minutes whether he has eaten or not.
ü Only offer food during scheduled times.
ü Fit the schedule into your own routine so it is easier for you to remember.
ü Feed him in a quiet room where he won’t be distracted and is more likely to eat.

Lastly, if you have more than one dog, it is important to offer them food in separate
rooms until you have established the schedule.

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Chapter Eight: Dog Food Supplements

The question of supplements is always a heated discussion and it can be confusing

since both sides are right about whether your dog needs supplements or not. On one
hand, most dog foods are manufactured in such a way that they provide the best
nutrition for your dog. There may be no need for supplements when your dog is young,
however, that often changes as your dog gets older. On the other hand, not all dog
foods are made to a high quality and a dog can benefit from taking a supplement.

In fact, there are many benefits that supplements can provide your dog including:

ü Better health
ü Shinier coat
ü Better digestion
ü More energy in your dog
ü Promotes healthy circulation
ü Stimulates the immune system

Really the benefits can be endless so even with a good quality dog food, choosing to
use a dog food supplement will only increase the overall quality of your dog’s life.

Necessary Supplements

When it comes to choosing to supplement your dog’s diet, it is important to remember

that there are only some vitamins that will benefit your dog. These are the essential
vitamins and all canine multi-vitamins have them, however, there are many vitamins
that are advertised to dog owners that really aren’t needed.

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While dogs need a range of supplements, two of the most important supplements for
puppies are Vitamin A and calcium, both of which aid in the growth and development
of bones and muscles.

Vitamins

The first supplement that we are going to look at is vitamins. These can be found in
two types, water-soluble and fat-soluble. The main difference between the two is that
water-soluble is flushed from the body much faster than the fat-soluble vitamins, which
are stored in the body’s fat.

In this section I will go over a variety of vitamins that are essential for dogs and I will
also mention symptoms of a vitamin deficiency and symptoms of when your dog is
being given too much of one vitamin.

Vitamin A:

Vitamin A is often associated with growth and development. It has many functions and
is linked to good vision.

Deficiency: Vitamin A is linked to growth so dog’s that have a deficiency can suffer
from a lower growth rate. In addition, vision and skin problems can be seen as well as
diarrhoea.

Overdose: Vitamin A can cause serious bleeding disorders in dogs that are given too
much. Vomiting and diarrhoea is also seen, as well as significant hair loss. Lastly,
because vitamin A is linked to growth, too much of the vitamin can cause bone
deformities.

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Vitamin B Complex:

Vitamin B complex is an important vitamin that helps your dog in a range of ways.
They help with the overall health of your dog’s skin and coat and they also help the
heart, digestion and the function of the thyroid. Vitamins in the B complex are:

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (niacin)
• Vitamin B4 (adenine)
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B7 (biotin)
• Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
• Vitamin B12

Deficiency: Dogs that are lacking in vitamin B can suffer from nervousness and
irritability. In addition, they can have hair loss and skin problems and can suffer from
fatigue.

Overdose: Since this is a water soluble vitamin, there is usually a very low risk of
overdose since the excess is flushed out through the urine.

Vitamin C:

Although everyone views vitamin C as a safe vitamin, it is not something that is

needed by dogs. Studies have proven that dogs produce vitamin C in their livers by
using minerals that they digest. However, vitamin C does build collagen, which is used
for tendon and ligament health and very low doses can improve your dog’s health. It is
important to discuss vitamin C with your veterinarian before you give it to your dog.

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Deficiency: If a dog has a deficiency in vitamin C, you will notice more dental
problems and a slower healing process. In addition, your dog may be breathless from
time to time.
Overdose: Since this is a water soluble vitamin, there is usually a very low risk of
overdose since the excess is flushed out through the urine. However, in some cases,
dogs have experienced problems with their liver and kidneys.

Vitamin D:

Vitamin D is a vitamin that we commonly receive from the sun, although it can be
found in smaller amounts in dog food, and other foods. It is a vitamin that is needed
but it can present very serious risks if it is administered incorrectly. It is important to
only give your dog vitamin D if it is recommended by your veterinarian.

The main benefit of vitamin D is that it aids in absorbing calcium. In addition, it

provides protection against many diseases including cancer.

Deficiency: Vitamin D is a very important vitamin and when a dog has a deficiency in
it, they can develop rickets and nerve disorders. Puppies with low vitamin D will have
weaker muscles due to poor development and in all dogs vision problems can occur.

Overdose: Dogs can be given too much vitamin D and this can lead to an increase in
urination, along with nausea and vomiting. In addition, it can lead to the calcification of
muscles.

Vitamin E:

Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin and it is an antioxidant that maintains a healthy coat,
aids in growth and development, and improves the protective mucous membranes that
reduce susceptibility to infections. Vitamin E aids in both bone and teeth formation.

Deficiency: If a dog has a deficiency in vitamin E, the dog may develop bleeding
disorders.

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Overdose: Unlike many of the other vitamins, there is no known problem when a dog
has a high level of vitamin E in his system.

Vitamin K:

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin so it is stored in the body longer than other vitamins.
The main benefit of vitamin k is in the production of blood. Vitamin K helps stimulate
the production of coagulation factors.

Deficiency: The main risk when there is a vitamin K deficiency is miscarriage. Since
many dogs are spayed, this deficiency doesn’t pose a risk to the average household
pet. However, a low level of vitamin K in some dogs can be a bleeding disorder

Overdose: Unlike many of the other vitamins, there is no known problem when a dog
has a high level of vitamin K in his system.

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are very important for the overall health of dogs and can be linked to many
health benefits. One of the easiest seen is a healthy coat and a reduction in arthritic
problems.

The two fatty acids that are needed by dogs is Omega 3 and Omega 6. They help
improve the coats health and aid in the development of natural oils that protect the
skin. They are linked with helping block out infections and also with reducing
inflammation.

Deficiency in fatty acids can lead to a very dull coat as well as dry and itchy skin, which
makes the dog prone to both allergies and infections.

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Minerals

Minerals serve the same functions as vitamins and are very important in the overall
health of your dog. As I did with vitamins, I will look at how the mineral helps your dog
and also a few symptoms of a deficiency.

Calcium:

Important for bone formation, calcium also keeps bones strong. Calcium is found in a
number of foods but it is important in a supplement.

Deficiency: A deficiency of calcium can lead to severe problems with the strength of
the bones.

Copper:

Linked with the metabolism, copper is also used by the body to produce melanin,
which is the pigment in coat and skin. It is important to consider your breed before you
supplement copper since some breeds can suffer from copper toxicosis. This can lead
to hepatitis and cirrhosis in some breeds such as the Bedlington Terrier.

Deficiency: A deficiency in copper can lead to anemia as well as a bone disorder.

Iron:

Iron is a very important mineral and is linked with healthy red blood cell development,
which aids your dog’s overall health. It can be a difficult mineral to absorb and there
are many products that can actually interfere with iron absorption.

Deficiency: A deficiency in iron can cause fatigue, decreased growth rate, and
increased sensitivity to stress and diseases and anemia.

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Magnesium:

Magnesium is a mineral that really works with other minerals. It works with calcium for
heart development, potassium and sodium for metabolism and on its own in the
development of soft tissue and bone.

Deficiency: Although convulsions are seen when there is a deficiency of magnesium,

usually muscle weakness is the more common symptom.

Potassium:

This mineral is linked to bone formation, similar to calcium, but it also works with tissue
cells and promoting healthy cellular activity.

Deficiency: A deficiency in potassium can lead to heart and kidney lesions and can
also cause muscle weakness.

Sodium:

Sodium is linked to promoting healthy cellular activity and bone formation. When there
is an excess of sodium in a dog’s diet, there can be an increased risk to hypertension.

Deficiency: There is rarely a deficit of sodium in a dog’s diet and there are no known
symptoms to a sodium deficiency.

Zinc:

Zinc is important for a healthy coat and skin and it also aids in enzyme functions. It is
not needed in as great a quantity as other minerals but it is still important.

Deficiency: A lack of zinc in your dog’s diet can lead to poor growth, skin lesions and
testicular atrophy in male dogs.

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The last minerals I would like to mention are selenium and manganese. Currently
there are no studies to the effects that these two minerals have on a dog but we do
know that they are good for a dog. It is important to find a multi-vitamin that has low
levels of both selenium and manganese.

Muscle Supplements

The last supplement that I want to look at is a muscle supplement. Before you even
look into a muscle supplement, I want to dispel one myth about them, they do not aid
in the growth of your dog. They won’t make your puppy bigger or your dog overly
stronger.

What they will do is build healthy muscles on your dog so that he has a healthy body
weight and so his immune system is given a kick start. In addition, your dog’s
digestion and circulatory system will benefit from the overall health of your dog.

Muscle supplements are good for working breeds that travel a lot, and compete or
work for long hours. In these cases, the muscle supplement strengthens the muscles
and joints so the dog is much better at recovering from the stresses of competing,
travelling and working.

It is also important to remember that muscle supplements, especially ones that are a
steroid, should only be given at the recommendation of your veterinarian. The
development of healthy muscles comes from a good diet and plenty of exercise and a
muscle supplement will only aid your dog in maintaining those muscles, they will not
build them.

Giving a Vitamin

One challenge that supplements present for an owner is actually giving it to the dog.
For some dogs it can be as easy as placing it out for them to take and for others, it can

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be mixed into the food and swallowed easily. However, there is a large group of
canines that will carefully eat around the pill and then leave it in the dish for you to
clean out.

It can be frustrating and while we would all like to have an easier time giving a pill, if
your dog is difficult, you will need to give the supplement by force. To do this, simply
follow the directions below:

1. Place your dog in a sit position and try to have him sitting against a wall. This is
to keep him in one spot since many dogs will begin to move back to get away
from your hand.
2. Hold his head with your one hand and place it gently on the muzzle. You
should have your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other and you
should have the rest of your hand on the top of his muzzle.
3. With the other hand, carefully lower his jaw by gently pushing down on his front
teeth. The best way to maneuver is to have the pill ready in your hand between
your thumb and pointer finger.
4. Once the mouth is open, rest your palm on his lower teeth and drop the pill into
the dog’s mouth. It is important that you do this very quickly and that you put
the pill just past the hump of the tongue. Not too far back that he will choke but
not too close that he can spit out the pill.
5. Close his mouth and hold it firmly in your hands so he can’t open it. Lower his
head for easier swallowing and stroke his throat gently to encourage him to
swallow.
6. When he swallows, release his muzzle and then give him plenty of praise and a
treat or two for being such a good boy.

It can take a bit of practice to get used to feeding a dog but once you learn how to do
it, giving your dog his vitamin will become very easy. The main thing that you have to
remember is to keep it positive for your dog or it can cause some behavioral problems
in the long run.

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Purchasing Vitamins for your Dog

The last thing that I want to mention is how to properly purchase your dog vitamins. It
can be a bit confusing and there really are a number of products out there and just like
dog food, a number of them are sub-par.

It is very important, before you give your dog vitamins, to discuss this with your
veterinarian. He will be able to tell you what vitamins will help your dog and which
ones are really not necessary. Since he knows your dog’s health more intimately than
I do, it is always best to take his recommendation first.

Next, you should really look at the vitamins that you are going to purchase. In general,
there are four things that you are going to look for in a vitamin and this will give you
some idea of whether it is good quality or not.

Number One: What type of research has been done on the vitamin

This usually isn’t available on the label but it is important to look the vitamins up on the
web before you purchase them. Find out how effective the tests were, if the vitamin
preformed to its expectations and if there were any side effects. Don’t just stick with
the information on the company’s website but also search through dog forums that list
vitamins so you have a comparative from people who have actually used them.

Number Two: Does it present a safety risk

Make sure that there are no recalls on that specific vitamin or if there is an
investigation looking into reports about the vitamins safety. In addition, check the
ingredients list and make sure that there are no hazardous by-products listed.

Number Three: Check the levels

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Every vitamin should have a list of the daily percentage or daily amounts that is
supplied in each pill. Check through the levels and match them with your dog food.
Although it may be tempting to purchase a vitamin with high levels, it should be
combined with the dog food levels so you don’t inadvertently give your dog vitamin
poisoning.

Number Four: Make sure your dog can tolerate it

Although you may not find out otherwise until after you try the vitamins, it is a good
idea to check that ingredients list again and make sure that there is nothing in it that
will affect your dog negatively. If you find that he begins having digestion problems
after taking the vitamin, make sure that you stop use immediately and consult with your
veterinarian.

Regardless of the manufacturer, only purchase vitamins that have contact information
and a help line so you can contact the company directly if you have any questions.

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Chapter Nine: Special Feeding Considerations

When it comes to feeding a dog, everyone knows that each dog is different. In
addition, every stage of a dog’s life is different when it comes to feeding your dog and
so the amounts that they will need. A puppy will require a different feeding schedule
and food than an outdoor dog. In addition, a spayed female will have different
nutritional needs than a pregnant female.

In this chapter, I will look at the many different feeding considerations that you may
need for your special canine.

Puppies

As you know, puppies go to their new homes on puppy food at

about eight weeks of age. Generally, most puppies are
weaned onto food by four weeks of age, although they will not
be completely weaned until they are closer to seven or eight
weeks of age. From there, they should be given a puppy food
that is high in protein.

Puppies need protein for growth and development and an adult food does not have the
right amount.

When you are feeding a puppy, it is important to follow the recommendations below:

Young Puppy: 8 weeks to 6 months of age

• At least three meals per day

• Feed according to weight
• Offer water with food and for more food driven breeds, it is recommended
that you float the food in water so it slows their eating down.

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Older Puppy: 5 or 6 months, until 1 year of age

• Begin to reduce feeding to twice a day

• Feed according to weight

With a puppy, it is important to set a schedule and to only offer food for a certain
amount of time. In addition, feeding is recommended according to weight but if your
puppy is not active, you will need to decrease the amount slightly.

Regardless of the activity level of your puppy, keep a close eye on his weight. The
perfect way to determine his weight is to not see ribs when he is standing but to be
able to feel them under a thin layer of puppy fat. If you can’t feel his ribs, he is too fat
and if you can see his ribs perfectly, he is too thin. Reduce or increase his food as
needed but make sure you speak to a veterinarian if you see a major decrease or
increase in your puppy’s weight.

Adults

Once your puppy has reached a year old, he has begun

the process of becoming an adult. He should be switched
at this age to an adult food but speak with your
veterinarian before you do. It may be recommended that
you wait a few more months if there is any concern about
his health.

When it comes to feeding an adult dog, a lot of the decisions will factor in your dog’s
activity levels. Two dogs of the exact same weight and age can have completely
different feeding considerations if one is active and one isn’t.

Before I look at the differences that activity makes on a diet, I want to mention a few
things that are the same regardless of your dog’s activity levels. First, all dogs should
be fed at least twice per day, no matter how active they are. If your dog is more active,
it may be better to offer him three or four meals but it isn’t always necessary.

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Second, all dogs should have a healthy weight. To determine this, be aware of the
breed standard and then check your dog’s build. A dog that is in perfect weight should
have a waist as well as ribs that can be felt under a thin layer of fat. You should not be
able to see the ribs and his weight should not be tucked in to the point that he looks
emaciated. If you find that you can’t touch the ribs, then he is too heavy and if you can
see the ribs, then he is too skinny.

Another thing that can be common for both active and inactive dogs is the appetite.
Many times a dog’s appetite will fluctuate from day to day. Some days he will eat fine
but every once in a while he won’t. This is nothing to be worried about unless he goes
through several days of not eating. A day with less food from time to time is not going
to hurt, although two or three days without eating should give you enough concern to
seek veterinarian advice.

Now that I have looked at the similarities between the two, you should know the
differences. First is activity level.

If your dog is sedentary, then the basic feeding plan is needed. However, he may need
to have a reduction in his food in regards to his weight. This should only be done if
you notice he is getting overweight.

For active dogs, the required amount of food will be slightly higher since they burn
more calories in the day. It is important to look at your active dog’s life throughout the
year because there may be periods when he is less active. During these times, reduce
the food again to keep him at a healthy weight.

In regards to actually feeding your active dog, it is important to pick feeding times
about an hour to two hours after his most strenuous exercise during the day. While
exercise before or after feeding can be safe if it is moderate, a very active dog is more
likely to have strenuous exercise, which can increase the risk of gastric torsion and can
also cause digestion problems.

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The best recommendation for feeding is a small meal
in the morning and then a larger meal in the evening
after the dog has settled down for the night. The
final exercise of the evening can be a simple walk to
relieve himself before bed.

All adult dogs should be monitored and if there are any concerns about their eating
habits, a veterinarian should be consulted.

Seniors

When it comes to senior dogs, feeding can again revert back to the way that you fed
your puppy. Many times, older dogs require two or three meals per day so that a large
meal doesn’t disturb their digestion.

Generally, a senior dog is less active and should have fewer calories per day. They do
need to be on a quality dog food that is specially designed for senior dogs. However,
be careful when picking a senior blend since many offer fewer calories but end up
lowering the nutritional percentages.

As with all other dogs, a healthy weight should be maintained and this is very important
with senior dogs since excess weight can put stress on their joints.

Pregnant Dogs

Feeding a pregnant dog can be tricky, not because it is

difficult but because there tends to be a lot of conflicting
information on it. Everyone seems to have a little advice
on feeding a pregnant dog but when it comes down to it,
there are two separate stages that you should look at
with the pregnant dog.

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For most dogs, the gestation of a litter is roughly 63 days, although some can whelp
sooner and some can whelp later. During the first four or five weeks of gestation, your
dog is in the first stage of pregnancy when her puppies are not growing as quickly as in
the second. During this time, her appetite, and weight gain is fairly normal, however,
your bitch will need to be switched gradually from her regular dog food to a puppy
blend. This puppy blend will give her the nutrients she needs to carry the litter to term.

When she reaches five or six weeks of gestation, that is the time when her diet will
need to change. First, your dog’s food rations will need to be increased. Generally, if
your dog was in good health before the pregnancy, she will need to gain between 25 to
30% more weight. For this reason, it is recommended that you increase her food by
25 to 30% by the fifth or sixth week and may go up to 50% by the end of the
pregnancy.

Second, as the puppies grow, you will also need to change her eating habits and offer
her smaller meals since the puppies can cause her stomach upset.

A few days before whelping, usually 24 to 48 hours, your dog will either decrease her
food intake drastically or she will stop eating completely. This is the indication that she
is ready to whelp. Other than those recommendations, nothing else needs to change
for your pregnant dog.

Bitches in Heat

Feeding a bitch in heat doesn’t have to be a huge problem and for the most part, you
can feed her exactly as you would feed an adult dog. There are no changes needed,
especially if you aren’t getting her ready for a pregnancy.

You may find that she has a decreased appetite and it is

important to monitor her eating habits and weight to make sure
she doesn’t loose too much weight.

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If you are planning on breeding her, it may be a good idea to start to gradually switch
her diet to a puppy food. This will give her the nutrients that she needs right from the
start of the pregnancy and will keep her from losing the puppies.

Nursing Dogs

Once your dog has whelped her puppies, she will

begin to lose weight and can lose a surprising
amount, up to 10%, with good maintenance on the
part of the breeder. It is a busy time for the dog and
she needs all the calories that she can get to feed her
puppies.

During lactation, it is important to keep the female on puppy formula food and talk to
your veterinarian about any other vitamins or supplements that she may need. It is
also important to offer three meals each day and to have water available to her
constantly.

With the actual amounts, you should increase her food by two or three times her
regular amounts. The best rule of thumb is to offer her 2 times her food the first week,
2 and a half times the second week, 3 times the third week and then back down to 2
and a half by the fourth week. By the sixth week her puppies will be weaned and she
should be back to eating at 1 and a half times her normal weight until the puppies are
gone completely. This can change depending on the size of the litter and also on the
weaning process.

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Outdoor Dogs

The last dog that I am going to look at is the outdoor dog.

Although more and more people are bringing their canines
indoors, there are still outdoor dogs and they do require a slightly
different feeding regimen.

First, feeding an outdoor dog should be done according to the season. In the summer
months, when it is hotter, a regular amount of food should be given and at times,
slightly less.

During the cooler months, food should be increased slightly so the dog is given more
calories. These extra calories will offer him an increase in body fat, which will make it
much more bearable to be outside. It is important to keep your dog at a healthy weight
but in the winter, keep his weight at the higher range than in the other months.

Second, an outdoor dog should be fed two or three times per day. This isn’t really for
any food considerations but many outdoor dogs can become unsocialized and feeding
time can give you the opportunity to socialize your dog.

Lastly, an outdoor dog should have a constant supply to fresh water regardless of the
time of year.

When it comes to feeding quantities, every dog is different and will have different
calorie needs. For a more in-depth look at the calorie needs for your own dog, visit our
calorie calculator at http://www.trainpetdog.com/calorie-calc.html .

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Chapter Ten: Dog Treats and Chews

You can’t have a book about nutrition without talking about dog treats and dog chews.
Let’s face it, these are part of our dog’s lives and we often use treats for training, for
stimulation or simply as a way to say “I love you” to our dog.

The problem is, there are hundreds of dog treats out there on the market and many
people, even owners who purchase the very best dog foods for their dogs will often
choose a sub-par dog treat for their pup. In this chapter, I will take you through
everything you need to know about dog treats and chews so you will make as informed
a choice about them as you do about dog food.

All about Dog Treats

If I were to sum up dog treats in one sentence, it would simply be, “remember that dog
treats add calories to your dog’s diet.” If you are aware of this statement, most people
can easily navigate through the world of dog treats without too much trouble.

However, if I were to look at dog treats more thoroughly, there is a lot to learn about
them. For instance, are human snacks okay? The answer is yes if you are offering
safe fruits and vegetables, which you can learn about what to avoid in chapter twelve.
This is a question that should be answered.

But before we get into all the different types of treats you can give your dog, we should
look at the role of treats in your dog’s diet. It is important to remember that dog treats
are just that, a treat, something good that tides your dog over until the next meal or is
simply a way to praise the dog for a good dead.

They shouldn’t be used to replace dog food since many treats are considered a dog
junk food, however there are a few that are nutritious and healthy for your dog.

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The main role of dog treats is for training and using them to condition your dog to be
good through positive reinforcement, however, that isn’t the only use for treats. Using
them for ways to keep your dog entertained while you are away and also as a special
treat during a stressful situation, such as a vet visit are common uses for treats.

In fact, treats are so commonly used that most dogs receive several within a period of
a week. The main thing to remember with treats is to never overuse them and never to
use them when a dog is misbehaving.

Are Dog Treats Nutritious

One question that many owners wonder about is whether treats are nutritious. The
answer is both yes and no and really it depends on what type of treats you are using.
If you are using human foods such as fast food or ones that are high in spices and fat,
then the answer is no. There is nothing nutritious that the dog will receive from the
treat.

In addition, if the dog is being given too many treats, than any nutrition that could be
found in the treat is forgotten with the many problems that obesity can cause in dogs.

On the other hand, if you are offering fresh fruit, plain yogurt and nutritious dog treats,
along with careful consideration of the dog’s diet, then treats are very nutritious.

Safe Treats

Over the years, pet owners have become much more knowledgeable about what is
good for dogs and what isn’t. This can be applied to treats and really, there are a
number of excellent dog treats that you can purchase and later in this chapter, I will go
over 24 of the main brands and what makes them good for your dog.

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However, before I look at those treats, I want to mention three rules for choosing a
safe treat for your dog.

1. No preservatives and additives.

The first thing that you should do is read an ingredients list on the dog
treats. This will give you some idea of what is in them and you can
cross reference them with chapter twelve and ingredients to avoid. If
you find that there are a high percentage of additives and preservatives,
then you should choose a different treat since those chemicals have
been linked to a number of diseases.
2. Doesn’t present a choking hazard.
The second thing is to make sure that the treat doesn’t present a
choking hazard. Ask yourself a few things. Is it small enough for my
dog to chew and swallow? How does it break apart? Large pieces or
small pieces which can be easily swallowed?
3. Is it digestible?
There have been a large number of dog treats that have been wonderful
when it comes to nutrition and to taste but when it came to digestion,
there was suddenly a huge problem. Make sure you do your research
before you use a treat since any digestion problems can lead to a
serious condition called impacted bowels.

If you choose to give your dog human food for treats, remember that there are a
number that can be hazardous to dogs. However, the following treats are very good
for them and don’t pose a risk to their overall health.

ü Raw carrots
ü Bananas
ü Canned pumpkin (not the type that
has the pumpkin pie spices in it)
ü Apples (remember to remove the
seeds)
ü Watermelon

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 ü Strawberries

Teething Treats

If you are wondering what teething treats are, they are

simply treats that you can use when your puppy is
teething. Some great treats are ones that are soft and
chewy and feel great on the teeth. It is important, when
purchasing a teething treat, to pick one that doesn’t break
apart into pieces that can choke your puppy. In addition, a lot of chewing can cause
your dog to swallow a lot of saliva and this can cause stomach upset.

Although there are treats that you can purchase specifically for teething, you can also
make your own. Freezing yogurt is a perfect teething treat that can sooth the gums but
make sure that you give it to your puppy outdoors since it can get very messy.

Training Treats

Training treats are small treats that you can use for training
your dog. This type of treat is used with positive
reinforcement training so your dog learns that good behavior
is rewarded with a food.

These treats should have a strong taste and smell so the dog is encouraged to do the
desired behavior. They should also be a soft treat that is easy to chew and swallow.
The harder it is to chew, the more distraction, the harder training can be.

While there are many training treats on the market, I recommend choosing a treat that
can be cut into bite sized morsels, no larger than the nail of your pinkie. This size may
seem too small for a larger breed but the main desire for the training treat is to give
them a burst of flavor without the distraction. Keeping the treat small makes it perfect
for dogs of all sizes, including toy breeds.

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Treats for Puppies

Treats for puppies generally serve a number of purposes. One of the main reasons is
using them to offer your puppy something to chew instead of him chewing the furniture
or worse. Another reason is to use them as a reward, in the same way that you would
use a training treat.

When you are looking for a treat for your puppy, follow the same guidelines as you did
for a teething treat. Remember that they should be small enough that they fit in your
puppy’s mouth comfortably but not too large or too small to pose a choking risk.
Lastly, be aware of any risks to the digestive tract that the treats could pose.

24 Dog Treat Brands

CHOOSING THE TOP DOG TREATS

Here are some healthy, high-nutrition dog treats for your dog. We have found them
after a lot of research and going through each ingredient list, manufacturer’s site, other
dog owners’ feedback, etc.

We have provided a calorie chart for the top 9 treats – so that, you know how many
calories you are feeding your dog in terms of treats. This will help you evaluate if your
dog is taking in too much calories and to avoid problems caused due to unnecessary
weight gain and obesity.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 86

Calorie Chart for Top 9 Dog Treats

Serial Calorie
Image Dog Treat Manufacturer URL
No. Content
Dog http://www.zukes.com/w 2 Cals/Piece
Treat #1 oof/mini-naturals.html
Zuke's Mini
Naturals

Dog http://www.zukes.com/w 22
Treat #2 oof/hip-action.html Cals/Piece
Zukes Hip
(approx)
Action

Dog http://www.canidae.com/ ME (kcal/kg)

Treat #3 CANIDAE treats/snap- 3520
Nutritional biscuits/original.html ME
Gourmet (kcal/biscuit)
Snap- 130
Biscuit
Treats

Dog http://www.evopet.co 557

EVO
Treat #4 m/products/default.as KCals/Cup
Turkey &
Chicken p?id=1485
Formula
Dry Dog
Food

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 87

 Dog Natural http://www.naturalbal 260
Treat #5 Balance anceinc.com/dogform Cals/Cup.
Dog Food ulas/DFRolls.html
Rolls

Dog http://www.newmanso 25
Treat #6 wnorganics.com/pet/p Kcals/Treat
roducts/ingredients.p
Newman's
hp#dog_treats
Own
Organics
Training
Treats

Dog http://www.naturesvar 105 Kcals/

Treat #7 iety.com/SweetSpots_ Serving
Nature's
PBH
Variety
Chicken
Meal &
Brown Rice

Dog http://www.naturesvar 65 per oz

Nature’s
Treat #8 iety.com/raw_FDprod
Variety
ucts_chicken
Freeze
Dried Raw
Chicken
Formula

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 88

 Dog http://www.zukes.com 17
Treat #9 /woof/jerky- Cals/Piece
naturals.html
Zuke's
Jerky
Naturals

Other Recommended Dog Treats

Serial
Image Dog Treat Manufacturer URL
No.
1 http://www.platopettreats.co
m/product_chicken.html
Plato All-Natural
Chicken Strips 16oz
Dog Treats

2 http://www.zukes.com/woof/
z-filets.html

Zukes Z-Filets

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 89

3 http://www.dingobrand.c

Dingo Chip Twists om/product1.aspx?produ

Chicken& Rawhide ct_id=243
Chew

4 http://www.oldmotherhub
bard.com/products_old_f
ashioned_biscuits_assor
Old Mother Hubbard ted.html
Old Fashioned Biscuits

5 http://www.wellnesspetfo
od.com/dog_wellness_tre
ats_index.html
Wellness Just For
Puppy Treats

6 http://www.thehonestkitc
hen.com/products/ice-
pups/

Honest Kitchen Ice

Pups Dog Treats

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 90

7 http://www.nylabone.com
/products/edibles/nutri-
dent-quest/nutrident-
edible-dental-filet-
mignon-flavor.htm
Nutri Dent Minichews,
Filet Mignon Dog Treats

8 http://www.cloudstar.com
//8B85D0640D2843F5A8C
D806F241058A0.asp?sc_i
Cloud Star Buddy
d=5DCF8456FE44495A88
Biscuits, Peanut Butter
6479EF24FF98EC&pcs_k
Madness
ey=A5992F6430E84F20A
FFF37FAEEE9C122

9 http://www.naturesvariety
.com/product_choices_tr
Nature's Variety Freeze eats
Dried Turkey Liver
(mainly for smaller
dogs)

10 http://www.flint-river-dog-

Flint River Ranch Trout food.com/flint-river-

and Sweet Potato treats.htm

Wafers

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 91

11 http://www.sojos.com/gra
in_free.html
Sojos Grain-Free Dog
Treats- Duck & Cherry
Flavor

12 http://www.dogswell.com
/vitality/chicken_breast_j
Dogswell Vitality
Chicken Breast Dog
erky

Treats with Flaxseed &

Vitamins

13 http://www.threedogbake
rychicago.com/packaged
Three Dog Bakery
UltiMutt Spots, Dog -cookies.htm
Friendly Carob Chip
Cookies

14 http://www.holisticblend.
com/product_info.php?c
Path=21_25&products_id
Holistic Blend Organic =54
Sea Heart Biscuits

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 92

15 http://www.onlynaturalpe
t.com/products/Only-
Only Natural Pet
Natural-Pet-Chicken-
Chicken Apple Pie
Apple-Pie-Grain-Free-
Grain-Free Biscuits
Biscuits/999330.aspx

All About Dog Chews

Although we have already gone over a large number of

treats for your dog, it is important to look at chews as well
as the treats. If you are unsure of the difference, a dog
treat is usually a small snack that your dog eats quickly, a
dog chew gives your dog something to chew on over time.

The main difference between the two is that a dog chew is

usually used to curb destructive chewing and to give your dog something to do. In
addition, dog chews are better for the development of the jaw and for good dental
hygiene, since there are many dental chews available.

As with all other treats, it is important to find a chew that won’t break off into small
bites, which often pose a choking hazard but can also lead to an impacted bowel. In
addition, you should find a chew that doesn’t have a high sodium level. While this can
taste great to a dog, it is not healthy for them to have a high level of sodium.

Bones as Chews

Many people are unsure about bones and there is a lot

of contradicting information on whether you should use
them or not. Generally, I recommend that you don’t.
Chicken bones and pork bones will often split and while

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 93

this may not be a problem, the sharp edges of a broken bone can cut or scratch
delicate organs in the digestive system. In addition, the way that they break can lead
to a choking hazard.

If you are looking for a bone for a chew, make sure you
purchase a beef bone with marrow. These are usually large
enough where they can’t be swallowed and come in one
large bone. In addition, the marrow is digestible and very
good tasting to a dog.

However, if you are interested in offering your dog a large beef bone, you should
remember that it can be a very messy treat. In addition, the beef bone can cause
digestion problems and can lead to diarrhoea so you should limit the amount of time
your dog gets to chew the bone if he has never had it before.

Recommended Servings

When it comes to recommended servings of dog treats, it really is different depending

on the type of treat you are giving your dog. If you are using them for training, then
you usually won’t exceed any limits with the food since the pieces are so small.

If you are giving them to your dog as a reward, I would recommend only giving them
two to six a day, depending on the size. Remember that whenever you give a dog
treat to take into consideration his calorie intake. If you find the treats nudge his
calories over the recommended amount, as found at
http://www.trainpetdog.com/calorie-calc.html, you should reduce the amount of food
that your dog receives that day so there isn’t an increased risk of unhealthy weight
gain.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 94

Chapter Eleven: Feeding your Dog when you are Traveling

Travel can always be an adventure and when you

are traveling with your dog, it can be an even bigger
adventure. Whether you are travelling by trains,
planes or automobiles, there are a dozen finer
details that you need to take care of before you set
out on the road.

One of those details is feeding your dog when you are travelling. Before I actually look
at this detail, I want to mention a few things on getting ready for travelling.

Just as you would prepare your suitcase and passports, one of the most successful
ways to deal with your dog’s diet on the road is by preparing for it. When you travel,
many dogs suffer from stress and this, in turn, affects their diet. They don’t eat as
much and they may have a few digestive problems along the way.

Before you set out, make sure you pack a doggy care bag. This should include their
favorite treats, their food, food dishes and water dishes. With the food, pack enough for
your trip and then add an extra day or two just in case something happens to delay
your return trip home.

You should also talk to your vet to see about travel sickness pills for dogs. I don’t
recommend using them every time you travel but having them in your emergency kit
can be a lifesaver, especially if you are going a very long distance.

Once you have your kit ready, then you can head out and enjoy your trip, however,
there are a few rules that you should follow in order to have the best vacation without
worrying about your dog’s eating habits.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 95

Rule Number 1: Keep to a routine

This is particularly hazardous when you are driving but if you decide to stop for fast
food on your way do not purchase them for your dog. First, the added fat and salt is
not good for your dog. Second, it can start a bad habit. And third, it can cause stomach
and intestinal upset, which can lead to diarrhoea and vomiting.

Rule Number 2: Avoid fast food

This is particularly hazardous when you are driving but if you decide to stop for fast
food on your way, do not purchase them for your dog. First, the added fat and salt is
not good for your dog. Second, it can start a bad habit. And third, it can cause
stomach and intestinal upset, which can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.

Rule Number 3: Don’t feed your dog on the move

While it may seem like a good idea at first, feeding your dog in the car as you drive can
lead to them vomiting in the car. Instead, pull over when they need to eat, stretch your
own legs as they eat and then take them for a short walk to allow the meal to settle.
This will decrease the amount of stomach upset your dog experiences.

In addition, while bones may seem like something for your dog to do, the excess saliva
that they are swallowing while they chew a bone can cause upset when they are in the
car. Leave the bones and other treats until they are at the destination.

Rule Number 4: Offer plenty of water breaks

One recommendation for traveling with a dog is to take plenty of breaks when you are
driving. This is usually done for potty breaks. While I recommend this as well, make
sure that you offer water during each break. It may make your break a bit longer but
your dog will be a lot happier with the ride.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 96

Rule Number 5: Expect some problems

Although this isn’t really a rule, it is a great philosophy to live by. There are going to be
some problems with your dog. Travel is always stressful on a dog, although some are
affected less than others, it is bound to upset their routine. This can lead to digestive
and stomach problems, which can be difficult to handle. When this happens, decrease
the amount of food slightly and let your dog adjust to the travel.

Also, many dogs tend to decrease the amount they eat when they travel. This can be a
concern for owners but don’t worry too much; your dog will eat when he is ready to.

Feeding your dog when travelling doesn’t have to be too difficult but it is important to
follow the rules. If you plan ahead, feed on a schedule and in a quiet place, your dog
will not only make it through the trip, but will also enjoy it.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 97

Chapter Twelve: Foods to Avoid

The last thing that I would look at when it comes to your dog’s diet is foods that you
should avoid feeding your dog. We have all heard the recommendations about what
types of dog foods to choose and also about the dangers of feeding a dog table scraps
but let’s face it; very few people follow those recommendations.

It can be difficult to look at your dog and say, “No,” especially when he is giving you the
cutest look you can imagine. However, while people food is not ideal for a dog, there
are a number of dog food ingredients that are also bad for your dog and it is important
to be aware of them.

In this chapter I will take you through everything you need to know about all those
foods you should avoid feeding your dog.

Dangerous Dog Food Ingredients

As I have mentioned, there are often many ingredients in dog food that is not good for
your dog. Sure they aren’t life threatening but at the very least, they really aren’t
needed. In addition, there are some that have been linked to cancers and other
problems in dogs. Although a holistic diet is one of the best that you can purchase for
your dog, some owners are not always able to offer it but they can check the
ingredients list to minimize the risk to their dogs.

Please remember that in the lists below, some of the foods are only offered in certain
countries and banned in others. Do your homework and check your country’s
restrictions before you select a dog food.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 98

Additives:

Additives are usually chemicals that are used to preserve the flavor and appearance of
the food and to also improve the taste. There are also additives that help lengthen the
shelf life of the pet food.

Glyceryl Monostearate:

This is an additive that is widely used in dog foods for a variety of uses. It is often
used as a preservative to give food a longer shelf life. Although it is not clear what risk
Glyceryl Monostearate presents, there is some indication that it can lead to cancer.
Glyceryl Monostearate is also found in the following chemicals:
• butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
• glyceryl distearate
• glyceryl tristearate

Propylene Glycol:

The use of this has been decreasing but it is still used in many different countries to
keep semi-moist dog food from drying out. While it is not toxic in small amounts, large
amounts of it can lead to death in an animal. In fact, the chemical is used in things like
antifreeze and solvents.

Phosphoric Acid:

This is often used to give the dog food flavor but it also works as a discoloration
inhibitor. Phosphoric Acid is believed to be harmless but there really is no need for it
to be in dog food.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 99

Flavoring Agents:

These are also additives but they are specifically designed to add a certain flavor to
the dog food. While these can be perfectly healthy for your dog, many of these
flavoring agents present an unknown and that is the reason that you should try to avoid
them in your dog food.

Digests:

You can actually find a range of digests in your dog foods. Chicken digest, pork
digest, lamb digest and so on. One thing about digests is that it is used to create a
specific flavor. So for instance, chicken digest gives the dog food a chicken flavor.
Usually to create this flavor they use animal tissue from the specific animal,
unfortunately, while it is from a specific type of animal, it doesn’t have to be from a
specific part of an animal or even from a specific stock. With the chicken digest, they
can use any type of chicken; regardless if it was diseased, for the digest. In fact, digest
is often created by using “4-D animals”. That means any animal that is dead, diseased,
disabled or dying prior to slaughtering them can be used. It can include euthanized
animals and even road kill.

The problem with using 4-D animals is that there is no quality control and the animals
could be contaminated, which in turn, can contaminate the dog food.

As I have mentioned earlier, these aren’t necessarily bad, since some companies
make an effort to use healthy meat for their digests but they do present a risk for your
dog so it is better to avoid them.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 100

Glandular Meal:

This is another grey area that no one is certain about. In fact, most experts on dog
food scratch there head on it. They do know that it is used as a flavor, just like digests
are, but they aren’t sure how it is made. Because of this, it is better to avoid glandular
meal since there is a good chance that the meal was made using 4-D animals.

Flavor:

Another vague word is that could mean anything from a natural spice to a chemical.
Usually listed as flavoring, there is no detailed information on how that flavoring is
made. Since it is unclear, try to avoid it in your dog food.

Coloring:

The simple fact of consumerism is in coloring. If something doesn’t look nice to our
eyes, then it can’t taste right in our mind. It is a simple science and while dogs won’t
care what the color is, owners do. If the dog food looks discolored, they aren’t going to
want to feed it to their dogs. However, there have been some serious illnesses linked
to food dyes so it is better to avoid them if you can.

Blue 2:

This is just a basic blue found in many dog foods. It has caused brain tumors in mice
but no studies have seen any cancers in dogs, however, the data on this is limited.

Yellow 5:

This has been linked to mild allergic reaction, however, of the two yellows that are
commonly used, this one is the less dangerous than Yellow 6.

Yellow 6:

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 101

Yellow six has been linked to several cancers seen in dogs, including cancers in the
adrenal glands and the kidneys.

Red 40:

This is one of the most commonly used food dyes. Currently, there is no data on how
it affects animals but it is recommended that you avoid foods with red 40 dyes in them.

Titanium Dioxide:

The last coloring is Titanium Dioxide, which is often used to give dough a white
pigment. There are no known diseases linked with titanium dioxide but it is also a dye
that really isn’t necessary.

Preservatives:

As I have mentioned, preservatives are used to lengthen the shelf life of the food as
well as the flavor and the color. They are linked to several diseases.

BHA and BHT:

Also known as Butylated Hydroxysanisole and Butylated Hydroxytoluene, these are

chemicals used to preserve the fats in foods. They are both linked to several cancers
and have been banned for use in human products in several countries, although many,
including the United States still use them.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 102

Propyl Gallate:

This is a chemical that is used as an antioxidant in foods with fats. It has been linked
to cancers as well as liver disease and can be found under the names of Gallic Acid
and Propyl Ester.

Ethoxyquin:

This is a common pesticide that is used on fruit to prevent scald, specifically on apples.
It is also used as a color preservative in dog food and has been linked to several types
of cancers. In addition, it has been linked to many diseases including disease of the
kidney and thyroid.

Binder:

Binders are commonly used as a way to thicken food or to give it a certain texture.
Generally, there are no problems with binders, except they don’t offer any nutritional
value to the food; in fact, they actually decrease the quality of the food. Some common
binders found in dog food are corn gluten and wheat gluten.

Fillers:

Although I have listed ingredients that are dangerous to your dog, below is a list of
items that you should avoid since they do not provide any nutritional value to the food.
They are often used as fillers and affect the overall quality of the food. Below is a list of
fillers that are commonly found in dog food and you should try to find a dog food that
doesn’t have them in the ingredients list:

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 103

 ü Brewers Rice
ü Feeding Oat Meal
ü Corn Bran
ü Cereal Food Fines
ü Potato Product
ü Soy Flour Oat Hulls
ü Oat Hulls
ü Rice Hulls
ü Peanut Hulls
ü Beef Tallow
ü Poultry Fat
ü Lard
ü Wheat Mill Run
ü Soybean Mill Run

Supplements:

In many dog foods, there are a number of supplements that can be found in the
ingredients list. Most supplements are there to add flavor or they are left over as a
result of processing. Some dog foods offer special vitamins but studies have shown
that adding supplements to dog food is not necessary and they don’t need to be there.
For the most part they don’t pose any risks to your dog, however, they are often the
“junk food” part of the meal and while the occasional treat is okay, dogs do not need a
full diet of sugars and salts.

Some common supplements that can be left out of a dog’s diet are the following:
• Sweeteners such as:
o Sugar
o Corn Syrup
o Fructose
o Cane Molasses
o Sorbitol

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 104

 • Synthetic Vitamin K
• Synthetic Vitamin E
• Salt
• Mineral Oil
• Bone Phosphate
• Yeast Culture

Meals:

The last thing that you should avoid in your dog food is meals. These are usually made
from parts of an animal or crop that is unsuitable for people to eat. It is a low-grade
product that decreases the overall quality of the dog food. In addition, some meals
contain mystery meats where there is no clear indication where the meat came from.
So while it may say “liver meal,” it could be the liver of any type of animal from chicken
to horse. When you find ingredients that list it as “by-product meal,” you are actually
getting parts of the animal such as the head, feet and bones.

While meal does offer some nutritional value, it is only used as protein filler and it is
usually harder for your dog to digest. Some meals that you can find in dog food are:

ü Beef Meal
ü Bone Meal
ü Chicken Meal (with or without the by-product)
ü Poultry by-product Meal
ü Blood Meal
ü Meat Meal
ü Fish Meal
ü Liver Meal
ü Bone and Meat Meal
ü Pork and Bone Meal
ü Corn Germ Meal
ü Corn Gluten Meal
ü Poultry Meal

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 105

 ü Soybean Meal

People Foods to Avoid

Although I have gone through a whole list of dog food ingredients that you should
avoid, one of the biggest problems with a dog’s diet doesn’t come from the pet store.
Instead, it actually comes from the grocery store and from an owner that wants to offer
their dog a special treat.

Let’s face it, everyone has looked into the sad eyes
of a hungry canine and thought, I should offer him a
little bit of my ham sandwich. I mean, what can one
little bite hurt. The answer is that it can hurt quite a
bit because it becomes a habit to continue to offer
little human treats to our dogs.

One of the biggest problems that human food can

cause in dogs is obesity. Often human food is seen as
a treat but it is given in too high of an amount and the
dog’s calorie intake is increased during the day. Over
a long period of time, those calories turn to fat and your
dog becomes overweight. Another problem is that human foods can be toxic for dogs.
If we just set aside the additives in our food, such as sugar and salt, there are many
foods we can eat that can actually kill a dog if they eat it.

It is important to know which foods cause serious problems and which ones don’t when
you are feeding your dog.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 106

Vegetables:

Onions:

Onions can cause a serious condition in your dog-called

Heinz Body Anemia. It is a very serious illness that can lead to
premature death in a dog. Onions are extremely toxic and
they are one food that can easily be placed into your dog’s
diet. Many foods that we cook with and prepare have some
sort of onion, whether it is powder or diced, and this can lead
to anemia occurring over time in your dog.

Mushrooms:

With mushrooms, there are some people that claim

mushrooms are okay for dogs but the simple fact is they aren’t.
Although some kinds only cause digestive upset and diarrhoea,
there are several that are toxic enough to cause shock in a dog
and result in death.

Garlic:

Garlic has the same effect on dogs as onions, however, it

is usually not as toxic to dogs. However, it should be
avoided.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 107

Potatoes:

Although not as toxic as mushrooms or garlic, potatoes can lead

to digestive problems and urinary tract infection. In addition, they
can lead to anemia. Other vegetables that have the same effect
on dogs are rhubarb and tomatoes.

Fruits:

Grapes and Raisins:

Grapes and raisins contain a toxin in them that can

affect the dog’s kidney function. In small doses there
may not be too much of an effect, however, larger
amounts of grapes can lead to sever pain for your dog
and eventually to renal failure.

Citrus Fruits:

Any type of citrus fruit such as orange, lemons and

grapefruit are not good for your dog. They can cause
vomiting.

Avocados:

Avocados are poisonous to dogs and can cause food

poisoning, and if left untreated, death.

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 108

Pit Fruits:

While eating a fruit with pit is not dangerous for a dog if the pit is removed, the actual
pit of the fruit can lead to obstruction in the intestines.

Meats and Proteins:

Raw Eggs:

Although the risk for salmonella poisoning is high, there is an

added risk because of an enzyme found in raw eggs called avidin.
The enzyme decreases the absorption of vitamin B and can lead
to many problems with your dog’s skin and coat.

Macadamia Nuts:

Macadamia Nuts are poisonous to dogs and can cause food

poisoning, and if left untreated, death.

Raw Fish:

Raw fish also results in a deficiency of a Vitamin B and the lack of

this vitamin can lead to seizures and even death.

Junk Food:

Chocolate:

Most people are aware of the risk that chocolate presents and it
should never be given to a dog. It can send a dog’s heart rate up

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 109

very high and can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea. In addition,
chocolate can cause seizures and can lead to either a coma or death.

Caffeine:

While coffee or any caffeine drink gives humans a boost, it

actually negatively affects the heart and nervous system of
dogs.

Alcohol:

Although it may seem funny, and we have seen it done in

movies, alcohol is very dangerous for your dog. It is poisonous
for dogs and can cause food poisoning. In addition, this can
lead to a coma or even death.

Table scraps

The last thing that I would like to talk about is table scraps. If you look at the list above,
you are probably aware of the fact that many of the foods we eat can be harmful to
dogs. For this reason, it is recommended that you avoid treating your dog with table
scraps at all since we often use many of the “high risk” foods when we are cooking.

In addition, table scraps usually have high quantities of salt and/or sugars and this can
lead to health problems in your dog including obesity. Feeding a dog table scraps can
lead to behavioral problems as well as begging and even demanding food at the table.

While it is better to say no to table scraps, I do understand that it can be difficult to do

this. If you do feed your dog table scraps, it should only be done on a minimal basis,

Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Trainpetdog.com All Rights Reserved. 110

once or twice a month tops, and it should only be foods that you know are safe for
canine consumption. One of the best ways to solve the table scrap problem is to fry up
some meat without any spices or oils and feed your dog that. Use a beef or a chicken
without bones since pork is harder for a dog to digest.

When it comes to giving your dog that extra special treat, any type of dog biscuit is
sure to make your dog happy and more importantly, it will keep him healthy.

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