Dogs Diet and Nutrition Articles

One of the most important ways to prevent a wide variety of dog diseases and conditions is through proper dog diet and nutrition. What goes into your dog’s body directly affects his physical and mental well-being. While it might not be easy to buy all of the right dog foods all of the time, even feeding your dog the best foods some of the time can help to avoid some of the most common diet-related conditions. If your dog has already been diagnosed with a disease such as cancer, diabetes, or anemia, altering his diet can play a part in his treatment regime. Your dog's age will also be a factor as you decide on his meal plan. A puppy's nutritional needs are different from an elderly dog's nutritional needs. Get the facts about the different kinds of dog diet and nutrition available on the market, what's the difference between each, suggested diet plans for particular diseases or ages, learn about what vitamins and supplements or how to properly switch your dog from one diet to another.

• Will a Canine Supplement Help with Aging?

  An antioxidant rich canine supplement slows your pet's aging process. We want our pets to live a long, happy life.

• Why Yogurt Dog Treats Should Be Avoided

  Treats are fine in moderation, but dog owners should avoid yogurt dog treats as they can negatively impact the dog's health.

• Why Dogs Eat Grass

  Dog owners often wonder why dogs eat grass. Dogs are primarily carnivores, but they can easily adapt to an omnivore diet and they can eat grass.

• Why Cheap Dog Food Gets What You Paid For

  There is a reason certain brands of dog food are so cheap. Instead of offering nutritious, easily digested ingredients, their recipes are filled with preservatives, coloring, sweeteners, additives, binders, grains and by-products.

• Why Canine Vitamin C Supplements Aren’t Necessary

  It is a common misconception that canine Vitamin C supplements are necessary for every dog's health. Your dog's body produces Vitamin C in sufficient quantities to meet their daily nutritional requirements.

• Which Foods Are Poisonous to Dogs?

  Familiarizing yourself with the common foods that are poisonous to dogs can help prevent health issues for him further down the road. All too frequently a well-intentioned...

• Which Dog Vitamin Supplement is Best for Dogs

  Giving your dog a dog vitamin supplement is important to canine health. Since dogs have a high activity level, it is crucial to keep their bones strong with the help of vitamins.

• When to Use Low Residue Dog Food

  Low residue dog food is dog food that is almost completely metabolized during digestion. In other words, most of it winds up being broken down and used by the dog's system.

• What You Should Know about Venison Dog Food

  Venison dog food is growing increasingly popular as it is high in protein and lacks unhealthy cholesterol. If you are considering purchasing dog food which contains venison meat, be sure to read the following information which highlights the nutritional value of the meat, its benefits, and some of the drawbacks of adding the meat to your dog's diet.

• What to Look for on Dog Food Nutrition Labels

  Dog food nutrition is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle for your pet. Many commercial foods and use fillers and by-products that offer little nutritional value.

• What Maximum Nutrition Dog Food Can Offer

  Maximum nutrition dog food can do a lot for your dog's well-being by improving his appearance, energy level and general state of health. Though it costs more per pound than the cheaper brands, your dog will eat less of it, because it's more filling.

• What Dogs Need Nutrionally: Canine Dietary Requirements

  As a dog owner you must ask yourself what dogs need nutritionally. A balanced diet is essential for your dog's health and to prevent obesity.

• What Do Dogs Eat Naturally?

  Many new dog owners have asked, "what do dogs eat"? It's important to know what dogs eat in the wild because that is the healthiest diet for them when they are domesticated.

• What Can Dogs Drink Besides Water? Six Common Questions

  Dogs drink almost anything that is put in front of them, whether it is good for them or not. Fresh filtered, boiled or bottled water in a clean dish is the best drink for a dog.

• What a Natural Dog Supplement Should Contain

  A natural dog supplement must contain the vitamins and minerals not found in the dog's daily diet. Some dogs do not need supplements. Their food provides all the nutrients they require.

• Weight and Related Problems

  The two diseases most likely to cause weight gain are hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease). Signs of Cushing's disease include increased drinking and urinating, thinning of the haircoat or patches of hair loss, susceptibility to skin and bladder infections, a pendulous appearance to the abdomen and panting.

• Vomiting problems in Dogs

  It is definitely possible that you might be seeing a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) when daily vomiting is a problem. It would also be a good idea to rule out parasites (worms and protozoans like giardia). Food allergies cause some cases of chronic vomiting but not too many.

• Veterinary Dog Food Formulas Reexamined

  There is commercial dog food and there is veterinary dog food, or the prescription dog food your vet recommends. Sometimes after veterinary exams or procedures the veterinarian will recommend prescription dog food.

• Vegetarian Dog Treats: Pros and Cons

  Vegetarian dog treats can provide a nutritious snack for your dog, but some brands contain ingredients that may cause allergies. Read the package labels carefully to find the perfect treat for your dog.

• Vegetarian Dog Food: Seven Reasons to Convert

  Vegetarian dog food can provide your dog with a wide range of nutrients from vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. However, despite the current popularity of vegetarian dog diets, most veterinarians insist that meat should form a part of your dog's balanced diet.

• Using Raw Meat as a Dog Food Supplement

  Raw meat dog food is the sort of food your dog would eat if he lived in the wild. Since it's perfectly natural, it's also perfectly safe to supplement your dog's diet with a little raw meat.

• Using Omega Dog for Joint and Skin Care

  Many people have begun treating their dog with Omega Dog, a natural supplement containing Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin E. The combination...

• Using Dog Training Treats for Positive Reinforcement

  Dog training treats are an important tool in using positive reinforcement training. However, just as with any other tool, using them the correct way will increase your chance for success.

• Using a dog laxative for your dog’s digestive problems

  Dog laxatives are a type of medication to relieve dog constipation. The best type of canine laxative and dosage amount can be recommended by your vet.

• Treats, Snacks and Supplements

  There are no particular benefits to yeast that have been proven. The yeast tablets do not promote yeast infections in the body, either, though. Proponents of yeast tablets believe that they help control fleas but this has been disproven in a number of studies.

• Transitioning to a Natural Dog Food Diet

  Transitioning to a natural dog food diet can dramatically improve your dog's skin, coat and overall health. Most commercial dog foods include meat byproducts and fillers, and chemical preservatives to prolong shelf life.

• Toxins (Poisons) That Effect Dogs

  Lead poisoning and chocolate toxicity are discussed among other substances that are know to be poisonous to dogs; including Alcoholic beverages, Avocado, Chocolate, Coffee, Fatty foods, Macadamia nuts, Moldy or spoiled foods, Onions, Onion powder, Raisins and grapes, Salt, Yeast dough, Garlic

• Top Veterinarian Dog Food Recommendations

  Top veterinarian dog food recommendations are less about a specific brand and more about what types of ingredients go into any given dog food. Many veterinarians recommend all natural products with a healthy balance of protein, vegetables and carbohydrates.

• The Truth About Poison Dog Food

  Unfortunately, dog food, a well-trusted product, can actually poison a dog due to the improper use of some ingredients. Some brands of dog food...

• The Side Effects of Dogs Drinking Salt Water

  Dogs' drinking needs for fresh water should be respected while at the beach, or your dog might drink salt water. Drinking salt water can cause vomiting and dehydration, as well as a phenonmenon known as "beach diarrhea."

• The Seven Nutritional Factors of Quality Pet Food

  Choosing a good diet for your pet is an important part of being a pet owner. Quality pet food improves your dog's health, which can mean fewer veterinarian visits and a longer life.

• The Raw Food Diet for Dogs: Benefits and Controversies

  The raw food diet for dogs, once called BARF for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food, is a controversial diet, with veterinarians, dog care professionals, breeders and dog owners as fans and critics. With a large number of commercial dog food recalls in recent years, many owners are looking to alternative diets for their pets, including the BARF option.

• The Dog Nutrition Science behind Canine Formulas

  The best thing you can do to give your dog a long and happy life is provide the best available nutrition.

• The Case Against Feeding Dogs Yogurt

  Many pet owners find that feeding dogs yogurt could help them digest their food better. However, many kinds of yogurt contain far too much sugar for a dog to handle...

• The Best Sources of Calcium for Dogs

  Calcium for dogs is beneficial for bone growth and health. A dog that has enough calcium in his diet will have healthy bones and nails and teeth and a healthy coat.

• The Advantages of Wet Dog Food

  Wet dog food offers even the most finicky of dogs with a pleasing-to-the-palate way to get their daily nutrition. Traditionally more expensive than dry kibble, fresh dog food is nonetheless among the best dog food available.

• The 6 Most Frequent Food Diseases of Dogs

  There are a number of diseases of dogs that are caused by food. Food diseases can also disrupt the normal digestive or metabolic processes in dogs. Sensible food choices and an awareness of the signs and symptoms of food-related dog health problems will help keep your dog free disease.

• The 5 Large Breed Dog Food Nutrients That Matter

  When buying large breed dog food, owners recognize that their big pets don't have the same nutritional needs as other breeds and that all dog foods are not the same. There are many cheap and unhealthy food products with fillers and preservatives and without the nutrients, your large breed dog needs for a long, healthy and active life.

• Should Natural Dry Dog Food Be Avoided?

  The right kind of natural dry dog food should contain all of the vitamins and nutrients your dog needs to grow healthy and strong, and it should not contain fillers, by-products or synthetic additives.

• Senior Dog Food: A Look at Age-Specific Formulas

  In order to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle for your pet, owners must know what to look for in senior dog food to suit their animal's needs. Older dogs may not require the same nutrients as puppies or younger dogs, as new nutritional and health issues arise with age.

• Safer Storage With an Airtight Dog Food Bin

  A dog food bin is an essential addition to a pet owner's pantry. It preserves essential nutrients and lessens the risk of pantry pests contaminating the food. If you own pets, keep their food stored in an airtight storage bin.

• Relieving Puppy Constipation Through Diet

  Puppy constipation is something that can occur even with your best efforts to keep the puppy healthy. Puppies can become constipated for a variety of reasons, including anxiety, a change in their food, lack of water and lack of exercise.

• Reducing Kidney Failure in Dogs With a Low Phosphorous Diet

  One method of reducing kidney failure in a dog is to restrict the phosphorous intake. Phosphorous is a vital mineral for your dog's well being, but one that is also dangerous when the kidney has been damaged and has become unable to efficiently filter it from the blood.

• Recalled Dog Food and Treats 3

  Complete list of recalled dog food and treats.

• Recalled Dog Food and Treats 2

  Make sure you're not feeding your pet recalled food and treats. Check our comprehensive list of recalled dog and cat foods.

• Recalled Dog Food and Treats 1

  What pet owners should know about dog and cat food products that have been recalled.

• Raw vs. Organic Dog Food: Which is Better?

  Even though raw food is not foreign to your dog's predatory instincts from a historical standpoint, information about nutrition for animals has evolved throughout the ages. Still, the raw organic dog food debate is a hot one.

• Raw Meat Diet in Dogs - not recommended

  If the raw food diet is well balanced and does not contain excessive protein, excessive calcium and/or phosphorous, there should be no differences in the blood chemistry values. Many people feeding raw food diets are feeding a higher protein concentration than is found in other diets and this may cause increases in the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) or creatinine values.

• Raw Dog Diet Planning: Determining Serving Sizes

  When planning a dog diet, raw food portions may be different than traditional dry or canned portions. Often you will find that, though you are feeding your dog less, his condition-his coat, skin, weight and muscle tone-will improve.

• Raw Diet for Dogs: Pluses and Minuses

  Proponents of raw food diets for dogs point out that it is the same diet dogs ate in the wild, before they became our pets.

• Puppy Vitamins:  Keeping Your Pup Growing Strong

  The recommended daily amount of nutrients for one dog will vary drastically when it comes to another dog. This is why certain vitamins and supplements should be added to a dog's daily diet.

• Preventing Puppy Diarrhea Through Diet

  Puppy diarrhea can have many causes, and it isn't always due to sickness. Puppies have sensitive digestive tracts, so it's important to manage a puppy's diet carefully to prevent diarrhea.

• Preventing Heart Disease in Dogs With a Low-Sodium Diet

  Heart disease in dogs is common, and can occur to dogs of any size or breed. A low-sodium diet can help, because dogs with heart disease often retain water and salt, which can contribute to high blood pressue and congestive heart failure.

• Preventing Canine Skin Infections

  When it comes to canine skin problems, relatively few are caused by actual skin diseases. The most common causes of skin infection are allergic dermatitis, bacterial and yeast infections, flea and mite infestations and ear infections.

• Preventing Canine Heart Disease Through Weight Reduction

  Canine heart disease is a serious, life threatening illness. If your dog is obese, he may be at risk. Here are some tips to help you prevent canine heart disease by helping your dog lose weight.

• Pregnancy and False Pregnancy in Dogs

  Another common problem is failing to know accurate gestation information. A good way to accurately figure the proper date for delivery is to know when the progesterone peak occurred during the heat period. If progrestone is measured daily the most fertile period is usually around 48 hours after the progesterone level rises above 5 nanograms.

• Practical Weight Control for Your Dog

  It is very common for a dog to have a weight exceeding the healthy range. Overweight dogs are more susceptible to illness and a shorter life span and can be at higher risk for canine cancer.

• Picking a Good Dog Food for a Great Diet

  When looking for good dog food for your pet the most important factor is nutrition. Whether you are shopping for an older dog, a large breed animal or a new puppy, commercial dog food labels can be misleading about nutrients and ingredients.

• Nutrient Requirements of Dogs: Choosing the Healthiest Dog Food

  The nutrient requirements of dogs are somewhat complex. Dogs require a balanced diet full of high quality ingredients.

• Natural Nutrition for Dogs: Do’s and Don’ts

  Natural nutrition for dogs isn't as complicated as it sounds. Many owners feed their dogs naturally on a diet of raw bones and meat, fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables.

• Natural Food for Dogs and Owners

  We know that dogs love table scraps, but we also know that many foods we eat aren't necessarily great for dogs. Some natural food for dogs that are good for both of us are as follows.

• Natural Dog Vitamins from Holistic Foods and Supplements

  A well-balanced diet contains the natural dog vitamins your pet needs to thrive. A holistic meal plan is derived from whole ingredients, providing a high level of vitamins and proteins for you dog.

• Natural Dog Food: Ensuring a Smooth Transition

  Switching from conventional kibble to natural dog food is never a bad idea. But the manner in which you switch foods can become an issue if you don't follow certain steps. Any abrupt change in your dog's diet can lead to everything from an stomach upset and diarrhea to allergies and constipation.

• Natural Balance Dog Food: 3 Benefits

  Discover three important benefits to feeding a pet Natural Balance dog food. Developed by actor Dick Van Patten and his partners in 1989, Natural Balance comes in a variety of formulas and flavors that meet the nutritional requirements of all ages, including puppies.

• Medical Problems With Obese Dogs

  Obese dogs are more prone to certain diseases due to the extra weight they carry on a daily basis. The health risks of overweight dogs may be severe...

• Managing Congestive Heart Failure With Low Sodium Dog Food

  Low sodium dog food is one of the most important dietary requirements for canines with congestive heart failure as nutrition plays an important role in managing cardiac disease.

• Managing an Overweight Dog Through Diet

  Those pleading eyes, that non-stop whine-it's hard to resist an overweight dog. But obesity causes joint pain, heart problems and a shortened lifespan, so it's important to return your dog to a healthy weight.

• Making Dry Dog Food More Enjoyable

  Many dog owners have noticed that their pets don't enjoy dry dog food. But veterinarians caution that the bulk of a dog's nutritional needs should come from good quality dry food.

• Lymphosarcoma

  Unfortunately, so many things change at once when dogs have cancer, then chemotherapy, that it is hard to pin down exactly what might have induced a behavioral change in many instances. In humans I think that occasional (probably rare) psychological effects resembling psychotic behavior are pretty well recognized as a side effect of prednisone usage.

• Is Your Puppy Fat? Determining Your Pet’s Proper Weight

  A fat puppy who weighs too much or gains too much weight too fast may have problems as he grows and is at risk for dog disease later in his or her life. At least 40% of puppies in America are overweight or obese, and the causes are many.

• Is Your Dog Not Eating? Learn Why This Happens

  There are many reasons why a dog is not eating including a stomach bug, throat problems, reverse sneezing, or stress.

• Is This Food Safe for Dogs? The Blacklist of Unsafe Foods

  In the recent wake of pet food recalls, dog lovers may be left wondering what foods are safe for dogs. All of the commercial food for dogs included in the recalls bore the AAFCO (Association Of American Feed Control Officials) certification seal, so many dog owners switched to organic commercial brands, homemade diets or raw food regimens.

• Is Paying A Premium for Natural Dog Food Necessary?

  Premium natural dog food might seem prohibitively expensive. However, you can feed your dog naturally and still save money by making your own premium natural dog food at home!

• Is Natural Choice Dog Food Worth It?

  Natural Choice® dog food is certainly more expensive than conventional dog foods. Many people feel that there can't possibly be such noticeable benefits to Natural Choice® dog food as to offset its high price.

• Is Grain Free Dog Food Good for Digestion?

  Grain free dog food can be good for your dog's digestion. As a natural carnivore, your dog's stomach isn't suited to digest a lot of grains.

• Is Garlic for Dogs Safe?

  With garlic, dogs can react in different ways. A lot of conflicting information exists about whether garlic is dangerous for your dog's health. It has benefits but should be used with caution.

• Is Feeding Your Dog Poporn Safe?

  Popcorn seems safe enough, but then again grapes (a healthy choice for humans) can wreak havoc on a dog's system. This article will explain why you shouldn't feed your dog popcorn.

• Is Feeding Your Dog Peanut Butter Safe?

  Owners may worry about feeding table scrapes to the dog, like peanut butter, but dog food may not provide all the nutrients your animal needs, but peanut butter can provide what's missing. Many kinds of human food are dog poison, causing obesity, kidney failure, even death.

• Is a Raw Meat Diet for Dogs Really Healthier?

  The raw meat diet for dogs has many passionate proponents, but it also vocal critics who don't think the raw diet is any healthier; in fact, some argue that it's unhealthy and dangerous.

• Interpreting a Change in Dog Drinking Habits

  Dog drinking habits can change for a number of reasons. Here's how you can interpret excessive or decreased dog drinking habits.

• Ingredients in Dog Food That are Recalled

  Dog food recall happens when harmful contaminants are found in dog food. These contaminants could be chemical, though sometimes dog food becomes contaminated with bacterial agents that can cause infection.

• Ingredients for Homemade Healthy Dog Food

  With an increasing number of pet food recalls and concerns over commercial dog food, making homemade healthy dog food is a great alternative for pet owners concerned with their dog's nutrition and dietary needs.

• Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia

  In hemolytic anemia, a loss of red blood cells (rbcs) occurs due to destruction of the rbcs. The destruction occurs due to antibodies which stick to the the rbc and cause the body to react, leading to destruction of the cell. This can be the direct result of a drug, toxin, blood parasite, virus or other primary cause

• Identifying Important Dog Nutritional Vitamins

  Many commercial dog foods do not offer the dog nutritional requirements that your pet needs to thrive. Cheap dry dog food is often composed of mostly grains and carbohydrates that dogs can't easily digest.

• Identifying Dog Gas Symptoms

  Dog gas can be treated fairly easy, especially if you can pinpoint the cause and identify the symptoms.

• IBD in Dogs

  Dear Dr. Richards I have a very bright and normally highly energetic 3 year old Shiba Inu named SaSi who has some sort of digestive difficulty.

• Hypoglycemia - low blood sugar in dogs

  It is possible for disorientation, weakness and even seizures to occur with hypoglycemia. Small breeds are more likely to become hypoglycemic from illnesses than larger breeds but most older dogs do not have much problems with this whether they are large or small.

• Hypocalcemia - Low blood calcium levels in Dogs

  Low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) can be indicative of a number of conditions so there are other possibilities. In addition, calcium is one of the lab values that seems to have a high error rate in lab testing. Finally, calcium is bound to albumin (a form of protein) in the blood stream and if albumin levels are low

• How Wheat-Free Dog Treats Can Benefit Your Dog

  For training, rewarding or "just because," wheat free dog treats are the best option for your dog. Along with corn and soy, wheat is the most common canine food allergen.

• How to Make Dog Treats With Leftovers

  Make dog treats if you want to share a meal's leftovers with the dog. Homemade treats are fresher and don't have the additives often found in those purchased in the store.

• How to Inspect Dog Food for Canine Parasites

  Parasites can be a deadly problems for pets, so owners should become familiar with worms and other parasites that may be present in canine dog food. Worms like ringworms, whipworms, and hookworms are usually digested and live in a dog's intestines.

• How Natural or Organic Dog Food Benefits Your Dog

  Always choose natural organic dog food that contains a primary source of protein-beef, chicken, fish, pork or lamb.

• How Hypoallergenic Dog Food Can Prevent Intestinal and Skin Problems

  List of hypoallergenic dog food and symptoms. Hypoallergenic dog food can be an option if your dog suffers from food allergies.

• How Health Conscious Owners Buy Dog Food

  When it's time to buy dog food, get out your reading glasses. The ingredient label on the bag or can is the place to begin your search for the best dog food.

• How Dog Nutrition Impacts Health and Mood

  Dog nutrition is just as important as human nutrition. The diet that you feed to your dog directly affects his overall physical health, his weight, skin and hair, and even his mood.

• How Dehydrated Dog Food Benefits Your Dog

  Unlike manufactured dry dog food that loses vitamins and minerals during the baking process, you will find that dehydrated dog foods retain the beneficial nutrients.

• How an Elevated Dog Feeder Could Lead to Bloat

  Elevated feeders do have some benefits, however, they may not be the best choice from a health perspective since some breeds are already susceptible to dog bloat.

• How All Natural Dog Food Affects Digestion

  Feeding your dog all natural dog food is the best way to ensure his continued good health. All natural dog food contains pure, holistic ingredients that prevent allergies, aid digestion, and keep your dog's body systems functioning at their best.

• How A High Fiber Dog Diet Affects Digestion

  A high fiber dog diet can have positive affects on your dog's digestion, much to the same affect of such a diet on your own digestion.

• Hormonal Disorders of Dogs

  Information on canine diabetes, Addison's Disease and other hormonal disorders.

• VetInfo4Cats
• VetInfo4Dogs
• Canine Encyclopedia
• Feline Encyclopedia
• Articles
• Answers