Posted by Jess Saba on Tue, Sep 29, 2009 @ 12:27 PM
Feed Your Dog as You Would Like to Be Fed
Food is a major factor in determining health, longevity, appearance and energy level in humans as well as in dogs. And, just as you would change your eating habits to improve the way your feel, a change in your dogs diet can dramatically improve his health and happiness.
How to make nutritious and well balanced meals:
Keep it simple. By combining as few as three ingredients you can offer your pup a treat made with love, without the unecessary additives of commercially produced products.
Aim to feed your dog from all five food groups: Meat, vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy. It is important to find a balance between meat and vegetable intake since your dog's digestive system is designed to process protein from meat as well as from plant sources.
Veterinarian Approved Ingredients:
Meat- Try chicken, turkey, liver, bacon, lean hamburger or eggs. Also, try boneless fish.
Vegetables- Try to feed your dog a large variety of veggies in order to deliver the greatest spectrum of vitamins and nutrients.
Approved vegetables include green peppers, carrots, sweet potato, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, spinach.
Carbohydrates- Include cooked rice, macaroni, wheat flour, cornmeal and oats in your homemade doggie meals to offer substance and improve digestibility.
Cheese- Use occasionally as a treat. Try parmesean, cottage cheese, cheddar or jack cheese.
Avoid These Foods:
Onions- Which can cause diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Onions contain a large amount of sulfur which can destroy red blood cells and cause anemia in dogs.
Milk- Some dogs lack the enzyme, lactase, to break down lactose in milk. Without lactase, dogs cannot digest milk and may experience uncomfortable side effects as a result.
Raw Meat- Bacteria and parasites, including salmonella and tapeworm, are prevalent in raw meat. It is much safer to cook meat before serving it to your dog.
Chocolate- Theobromine is a particularly dangerous chemical to dogs which is found in chocolate. Steer clear of feeding any chocolate to your dog. It could be deadly.
Feeding your dog homemade meals and treats will give him a break from the same old dry or canned dog food as well as offering him a variety of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Check back to read about specific recipes for meals and treats you can make for your dog.
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Posted by Jess Saba on Tue, Sep 15, 2009 @ 12:03 AM
Share Your Dog Food Recipes
There are many stories about people who make their own dog food to ensure their pet is eating the most nutritious meals with healthy ingredients and no artificial flavors or fillers. Since all dogs have different dietary needs it is important to make sure your pet is getting the most nutrients while minimizing his intake of processed foods.
Do you make your own dog food or dog treats? If so, please share your recipes, tips and advice about making dog food at home as an alternative to processed pet foods.
Posted by Jess Saba on Thu, Sep 03, 2009 @ 11:43 AM
Be sure you choose the right dog treat for your dog.
All dogs are different. Each breed looks, acts and plays differently. Older dogs need more time to sleep and less training while puppies must be socialized and given adequate time to burn energy.
The way you interact with your dog will determine the type of treat you give him and how often. Dog treats can benefit the relationship you have with your dog as well as the health of his teeth and bones.
While it is fun to reward your dog, be sure you are feeding him the best treat to maintain his health.
Training treats: If you are in the process of training your dog and using treats as positive reinforcement for obedience, a smaller, low calorie treat is best. Smaller treats can be kept in your pocket and be given more frequently. Rewarding your dog with larger treats may contribute to overeating and health problems.
Treat feel: If you have an older dog with weak teeth, look for a softer treat. If you are more worried about dental health in a younger dog choose a raw hide or hard dog bone.
Types of Treats
Meat Treats- Lamb, venison, beef, chicken, and fish jerky treats are available. Look for air dried meats with no fillers, grains or preservatives.
Natural Treats- Many people choose to eat organic food to ensure health and longevity. Dog owners are just as concerned about the food they are feeding their dogs. When choosing a natural dog treat look a product that is easy to digest, tasty and nutrient rich. Avoid treats with ingredients you can't pronounce.
Puppy Treats- Try a teething bone which will help satisfy your puppys desire to chew while maintaining dental health. These bones may help keep your dog away from your clothing and furniture. Also, look for treats fortified with calcium to promote bone and teeth density and growth.
Biscuits and Cookies- Dog bakeries are becoming very popular.While boutique prices can be more expensive, the treats look good enough for humans to eat. If you choose these fun treats look for pupcakes, little bones, decorated cookies and seasonal treats.
Dental Treats- Some dog treats are designed to help promote strong and clean teeth while masking doggie breath. Parsley as a main ingredient ca n be used as an all natural breath freshener.
Choosing the right treat takes thinking about what your dog needs. Consult your veterinarian about your dog's dietary needs and health concerns.
Happy treating!
Posted by Jess Saba on Wed, Jun 24, 2009 @ 04:59 PM
Red Velvet Pupcakes
Not only is beet juice the secret behind these cupcake's crimson hue, it's also a source of the ideal fiber dogs need to maintain healthy digestion. Iced with low-lactose cottage cheese, these trendy treats are also a balanced meal.
Ingredients
¼ cup canola oil
½ cup light brown sugar
1 cup applesauce
⅓ cup beet puree or fresh beet juice
1½ cups whole-wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a 6 cup muffin tin with muffin papers
3. In a large bowl whisk together oil and sugar
4. Stir in applesauce and beet puree
5. In a separate bowl combine flour and baking powder
6. Slowly stir flour mixture into wet ingredients
7. Fill muffin cups three-quarters full of batter
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes
9. Remove cupcakes from the pan and cool on a rack
10. Puree cottage cheese in food processor until smooth, about 30 seconds
11. Refrigerate frosting until pupcakes are completely cool
12. Frost pupcakes and serve
'Til Next Time! -- Scout