Edie MacKenzie

Edie MacKenzie is a published author, traveler, dog lover, and tortoise enthusiast. Passionate about what she does, her books provide peopel a firm grounding in the dog breed and their unique characteristics with a nice touch of humor.

Benifits of Raw Food For Dogs

September 1, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

If you have ever watched a nature show about predators, you probably noticed (if they showed this part) that after the kill, the alpha male took first eating rights. This is true with the big cats, wolves, coyotes, and wild dogs. Did you notice what the alpha male went after first? Not the lean meat of the muscles, but the internal organs, heart, liver, intestines, etc. That is the food that provides the most nutrients, and the alpha goes after those because he has to be the fittest in the pack. You may also have noticed that the pack does not build a fire and cook their catch. Of course they cannot start fires, but even if they could they wouldn’t because cooking changes the composition of the proteins and does not provide the same nutrients as raw fare does. Shouldn’t you take that into consideration when planning your dog’s foods? These organ meats are good for them, but you do not want to make entire meals of just organ meats. You should feed your dog a percentage, approximately 10%, of his daily diet with some organ meat, liver, kidney, heart, or unbleached intestines if you can find it. The following is a list of items that you can include in your dogs menu: If it runs in the woods you could probably feed it to your dog. Chicken will probably be the staple because it is more abundant and cost effective but experiment to see what your dog likes. • Chicken – whole or backs, necks, wings etc. • Turkey – whole or necks, wings etc. • Cornish game hens • Beef – almost any. It is not recommended to give them femur bones or the like as they may be too hard and could possibly chip their teeth. • Oxtail • Rabbit • Pork – ribs, neck, feet etc • Buffalo • Venison – just make sure the buck shots are all out • Fish – fresh is best, talapiah etc. • Organ Meats – kidney, liver etc. If they have been eating kibble, gradually introduce raw foods. Any dramatic change in diet may not do well with your pup. Add a little raw food to start and each day increase the portion so that in about 2 weeks they are entirely on raw foods.

The recommendation for feeding is 1.5-3% of body weight daily. Larger dogs seem to need less, but once they get used to the food they will only eat what they need. My 2 Huskies get a half pound of raw food mixed with some veggies, and scraps from our dinner. They also receive a treat of chicken necks or backs, or (put in the link to Mercola’s Bones). The very best fresh meats for you and your pup will be Grass-Fed Beef, pork, or lamb, Pastured Chicken, and some wild caught fish. In case you were not aware, cows flourish best on grasses, not grains, and chickens normally eat grass and bugs that feed on grass. A cow or steer has a double stomach to properly digest grasses, but grains do not require the second stomach, and the steers get fat quickly. Grass fed animals do not need antibiotics or steroids to help get them to market. The very essence of food is that which grows in the ground and is green. This is an oversimplification, but this type of meat is at the top of the chain nutritionally both for humans and our furry friends. Are there real, noticeable benefits for our dogs? You bet there are, whether you get grass fed meats or commercial meats, the benefits are outstanding and you will notice the difference almost immediately. First off, you will be giving you pet human quality food, not something that has been processed, and contains ingredients that we cannot even pronounce, from sources; well, who knows? One of the first things you will notice is they drink less water. Because the food has higher moisture content your dogs will probably drink less water. Not that it is a major concern but be aware. The moisture content is much greater in live whole foods then the processed variety, and thus they will not feel the need to drink as much water.

We have noticed that difference between 2 of our dogs who have been raised on raw food since we adopted them and their siblings who dine on commercial wet and dry food. The poop also turns white if left overnight and will eventually turn to powder, the white stool is because of the excess calcium from natural sources. The stool helps determine if you dog is digesting the food well. Less poop that is firm usually means that you pup is digesting well and absorbing all the natural vitamins and minerals. If it is softer you may need to either lessen the carbs if any are given and/or add more raw meaty bones. Another great benefit is bones help clean their teeth. Any uncooked bones can be given for their enjoyment. Do give any cooked bones as the cooking process changes the composition of the bones, and they may splinter and harm your pet. Cleaner teeth the natural way also keeps their mouth healthy and well cleaned. One of the first major things noticed from the raw feeding was that there was a signifigant decrease in dogs gas. One of us has not had this problem, because our dogs have always been on a raw diet and they produce very little gas unless they get too many carbs. The other had that problem, but got used to it, and actually it was his mother’s observation that the dogs were not stinking up the house. Now, they do occasionally let one fly but not even close to what it was before. So the house smells nicer.

More energy The best benefit for our dogs, is their overall health. The main reason people try the raw food diet is because there is some exisiting problem with their pet and it usually stems from they way they eat. We as caring owners and friends want our dogs to live full, happy and healthy lives and we are now seeing that the raw food diet, in most cases, seems to do that for our dogs. Sugars, preservitives, additives etc that are commonly found in kibble and processed foods are just not what nature intended for them to eat, and this may be a major source for canine disease and illness. A raw diet also does not require much supplementation. If you use Grass fed meats about the only supplement will be a Pro-Biotics a few times a week to keep their stomach flora in tip top shape. As long as you include some organ meats and a little veggies, your dog will be healthy and happy. If you use grocery store meats, you might want to consider adding a fish oil supplement too help balance the omega 6 and Omega 3. This little supplement will really give their immune system a real boost.

Dedicated to helping Dogs owners get the best from their companions. For more Informations Please visit our Raw Food website.

Filed Under: Dog Information Tagged With: Alpha Male, Big Cats, Buck Shots, Cornish Game Hens, Coyotes, Dog Training, Dogs, Dramatic Change, Golden Retriever, Internal Organs, Intestines, Lean Meat, Nutrients, Organ Meats, Pork Ribs, Predators, Pup, Raw Food, Raw Foods, Staple, Venison, Wild Dogs, Wolves

8 Guidelines For Feeding Your Adult Dalmatian

December 22, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

Here are some feeding guidelines researches have learned over the years and recommend for an adult Dalmatian:

1. Never feed a Dalmatian organ meats such as liver, kidney, sweetbreads or brains in any form, whether cooked, raw or as an ingredient in a pet food or
snack.

2. Never feed a Dalmatian game meat such as venison or elk in any form, cooked, whether raw or as an ingredient in a pet food or snack.

3. Never feed a Dalmatian red meat, cooked or raw, or as an ingredient in a snack or in a pet food where it appears as one of the first three ingredients listed on the label.

4. Never feed poultry cooked or raw, or as an ingredient in a snack or in a pet food where it appears as one of the first two ingredients listed on the label.

5. Feed them plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains as snacks, except those known to be high in purine yields such as mushrooms, asparagus, legumes, oatmeal, spinach and cauliflower.

6. Feed adult Dalmatians dog foods such as corn, wheat and rice, (in that order) whose protein and fat content are moderate: about 22% protein from low purine
sources and no more than 10% fat.

7. Fresh, clean water must be available at all times.

8. Divide the dog’s total daily ration into two meals so that blood levels of uric acid will remain fairly stable.  Soak meals in warm water to improve water
consumption.

Dalmatians are only one of about 140 recognized AKC breeds.  Because they have different dietary requirements than all the other breeds, it is understandable that the ingredients in most premium pet foods are not aimed specifically at keeping Dalmatians fit.  What new Dalmatian owners do not know is that pet food representatives do such a good job at marketing their products to various pet food outlets, that the store salespeople often become excited for certain brands, which may very well be outstanding overall but are quite harmful to a Dalmatian.

If a meat product is listed as the first or second ingredient in an adult dog food, it is more likely that the food is less suitable for Dalmatians than others that list grains, especially corn, as main ingredients.

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Filed Under: Dog Information Tagged With: Blood Levels, Cauliflower, Corn Wheat, Dalmatian Owners, Dietary Requirements, Dog Foods, Fat Content, Food Outlets, Food Representatives, Fruits Vegetables, Game Meat, Meat Product, Organ Meats, Pet Food, Premium Pet Foods, Red Meat, Salespeople, Sweetbreads, Venison, Water Consumption

Nutrition For Active Dogs – Supplements To Help Your Working Dog

June 1, 2009 by admin Leave a Comment

Even the best commercial dog foods available on the market today do not contain all of the ingredients that are necessary to sustain the nutritional needs of your working dog.

Active dogs need an extra boost of nutrition to support their busy lifestyle. A good example of their diet should contain a high-quality meal consisting of 40% – 45% fats and close to 50% protein.

In addition, active dogs should take extra supplements. Below is a list of four supplements to add to your dog’s diet.

Antioxidants: Regular, intense exercise increases the amount of free radicals and oxidative damage in the body. That is why it is beneficial to provide your dog with a daily dose of antioxidants.

Antioxidants are necessary to every dog’s diet, especially if you have an active dog. The power of antioxidants works to block the harmful effects of free radicals, therefore reducing their numbers. Antioxidants are also said to help strengthen blood vessel walls and improve circulation.

Antioxidants are acquired by eating fruits and vegetables that are rich in colors. Some examples are grapefruits, grapes, broccoli, peas, carrots, and dark green vegetables. If your dog is not into eating fruits and vegetables, he can still obtain antioxidants by taking supplements.

Most supplements also include vitamins C and E, flavonoids, and carotenoids such as lycopene, beta-carotene, and lutein. Some even contain amino acids, the building blocks of cells. Dosage will vary according to your dog’s weight.

Vitamins And Minerals: Increased exercise demands more vitamin C and B-complex. Vitamin C combats stress and helps support the immune system, while B-complex vitamins promote healthy skin, muscles, and blood.

Fruits and vegetables, as well as organ meats (kidney and liver), are high in vitamins and minerals. But for finicky dogs, you may need to give them vitamin and mineral supplements in chewable tablet form. Small dogs should take 50 mg of Vitamin C per day and 500 mg for large dogs. B-complex vitamins should contain 4-5 mg of niacin for a dog weighing 35 lb.

Probiotics And Enzymes: Probiotics and digestive enzymes aid in proper food digestion. They also prevent your dog from acquiring stress-related stomach problems such as diarrhea and nervous vomiting. These two supplements are best when given in tablet form.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fatty acids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids prevent and cure skin problems and decrease arthritic stiffness in dogs. Excellent sources of Omega-3 include cod liver oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, and animal sources.

Filed Under: Dog Information Tagged With: Amino Acids, B Complex Vitamin, B Complex Vitamins, Beta Carotene, Blood Vessel Walls, Dog Foods, Eating Fruits And Vegetables, Every Dog, Flavonoids, Free Radicals, Fruits And Vegetables, Green Vegetables, Intense Exercise, Organ Meats, Peas Carrots, Quality Meal, Small Dogs, Vitamin And Mineral Supplements, Vitamins And Minerals, Working Dog

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