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 Is Your Dog Not Eating?

  A dog not eating may be an alarm signal. Loss of appetite is common in dogs and it may point to various medical conditions ranging from anxiety and stress or an upset stomach to more severe diseases. It is essential to detect the reason for the lack of appetite to find a suitable treatment.

• 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 to Feed Newborn Puppies

  Usually, newborn puppies will spend their first three weeks living off their mother's milk, but if you find an abandoned newborn, you have to provide another option. Make sure the puppy gets all the necessary nutrients from the food you provide that he would get from his mother.

• What to Feed a Pregnant Dog

  Dogs need a number of essential nutrients to maintain a good health. A pregnant dog needs a balanced diet more than ever, so that the puppies turn out healthy, and to prevent any pregnancy complications that are linked to vitamin deficiency.

• What Qualifies as an Obese Dog? Canine Weight Guidelines

  An obese dog has excess fat accumulation in the body. Obese dogs weigh more than the healthy weight range suited to the dog's breed and age.

• What Not to Feed Dogs

  If you would like to know what not to feed dogs, you need to know what is toxic and may possibly create intolerances in dogs. Not all human food is good for dogs. A dog that is fed only table leftovers may get obese, have a poor health and possibly eat food that is toxic.

• 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 Is the Best Puppy Feeding Schedule?

  A puppy feeding schedule helps establish consistency and predictability for your new dog. A puppy feeding chart establishes healthy eating habits.

• 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 Management Dog Food

  Weight management in dogs is important, as obesity is the major cause for a few deadly health conditions including heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. An optimal weight can be achieved through diet and exercise. However, if for any medical reason your pet is not allowed to exercise, you can rely on diet dog food to reach a normal weight.

• 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.

• Vegetarian and Vegan Dog Nutrition

  Understanding the basics of dog nutrition helps pet owners make wise dietary choices. Unlike cats who simply need meat to survive, vegetarian and vegan diets will fit a dog's lifestyle

• 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 Your Dog to a Natural Diet

  A dog natural diet can improve health and extend longevity. A raw food diet, also called a biologically appropriate raw food diet or barf, can make a huge difference for even a healthy dog.

• 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.

• Tips for Feeding a Sick Dog

  Feeding a sick dog and ensuring he is getting enough nutrients are essential elements in the healing process. Typically, a dog healing from something like a broken leg can eat his normal diet, but those suffering from gastric or intestinal ills require a modified diet.

• Tips for Dog Weight Management

  Dog weight should be carefully monitored throughout a dog's life, as obese dogs are susceptible to several health issues. Dog weight management should include 2 important aspects: diet and exercise.

• Tips for Comparing Dog Food Brands

  Dog food brands are not created equal. Feeding a high-quality diet can improve your dog's health and add years to his life, so learning to compare food levels is an important component of owning a dog.

• 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 Top 10 Nutrition Supplements for Dogs

  Supplements for dogs contain ingredients that work to promote optimal health in pets. Although the dietary needs vary according to the pet's breed, size and age, specific dietary needs may not be met with food products.

• 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 Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs

  Using fish oil for dogs to supplement their regular food can help keep your dog strong and healthy. Fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, a dietary component that has been found to strengthen and support many of your dog’s structures and systems.

• The Benefits of Dog Chew Bones

  Chew bones for dogs have multiple benefits and are recommended by vets for dogs of all ages. Chew bones are entertaining and healthy for pets. They like chews for their flavor and varied texture.

• The Benefits of Calcium for Dogs

  Calcium for dogs is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Your dog needs to get a balanced diet that is rich in calcium.

• 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 Most Common Puppy Eating Problems

  There are a number of common puppy eating problems. From being weaned, to different dog foods, to stress from a new environment, puppies can develop many issues when it comes to their diet and digestion. Below are the most common eating problems puppies face.

• 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.

• Smart Nutrition for Dogs

  Smart nutrition involves education. The more you know the better you can decide with confidence whether you are providing the best diet for your dog.

• Side Effects of Dog Health Supplements

  Dog health supplements are sometimes necessary for a dog even if his diet is well balanced. However, there are as many side effects to dog health supplements as there are benefits.

• 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 Nutrition

  There are specific attributes of senior dog nutrition that differ from diets for a younger dog. A dog is first considered a senior somewhere between the ages of 8 and 10.

• 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 Food Health Benefits

  Research has confirmed what most vets say about raw dog food health benefits. A raw food diet is the best for your dog.

• Raw Dog Food Diet Recommendations

  There are conflicting theories about a raw dog food diet. As people look for healthier alternatives for their dog's diets, the raw food diet has gained popularity.

• Raw Dog Food Diet Myths

  The idea of a raw dog food diet has generated several myths amongst dog owners. You can tailor a raw food diet to be what's called a biologically appropriate raw food diet (often called barf diet).

• 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.

• Raw Dehydrated Dog Food

  Raw dehydrated dog food is becoming a more popular option for dog owners to purchase as it does not contain any gluten, the cause of recent dog food recalls. Many raw dehydrated foods for dogs are all-natural or USDA certified organic.

• 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.

• Puppy Milk Replacer Formulas

  Proper nutrition is imperative to the healthy growth of a puppy and when mother's milk is unavailable; puppy milk replacer formulas can be essential in making sure a puppy gets what he needs. One of the most important things that they can receive is their mother’s colostrum which contains the necessary antibodies and nutrients to provide them with protection from many diseases and which also contains growth factors that are believed to help stimulate the synthesis of proteins, improve the utilization of fats, and promote the growth of cells.

• Puppy Feeding Guidelines

  One of the most common questions of new dog owners is how much to feed. The following are basic puppy feeding guidelines to follow during the first year.

• 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.

• Preventing Bad Dog Breath through Diet

  Bad dog breath also known as halitosis is caused by diet, medical conditions or a poor oral and dental hygiene. To prevent bad breath, you need to pay attention to the dog's oral hygiene and diet.

• Prescription Dog Food for Canine Weight Loss

  Canine weight loss is a condition that develops due to underlying health conditions. Although weight loss is necessary for pets that are overweight or suffering from obesity, a few dogs remain under their normal weight due to illness and certain metabolic disorders.

• Premium Dog and Cat Food Claims Examined

  Premium dog and cat food purchased at a store is supposed to be the best of the best, right? While there are many good items on the market for pets, some of the claims on the food labels may not really as good as the companies claim.

• 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.

• Organic Puppy Food

  Organic puppy food can be a confusing or misleading term because the use of the word "organic" is often mischaracterized when describing the quality of the food you are serving to your pet. Describing the food as organic doesn't always mean that all of the ingredients are as advertised and unfortunately, there is no federal governing agency that regulates the designation of the term like there are for human food sources, such as the FDA or USDA.

• Organic Dry Food for Dogs

  An increasing number of pet owners are turning to organic dry food for their pet dogs as an alternative to standard diets and food sources. Organic diets provide dogs with all-natural ingredients that are less likely to bring about allergic reactions.

• Organic Dog Treats

  Organic dog treats are healthier than those made with preservatives and low-level ingredients. Some of the mass produced dog treats on the market contain high levels of filler ingredients and do not have vitamins, minerals and whole ingredients which help add nutritional value.

• Obese Dog Medical Problems

  An obese dog is more susceptible to a number of medical conditions because of the elevated glucose level and the extra amount of fat that puts additional pressure on the joints and on the heart. If you have an overweight dog, you should seriously consider a slimming diet to prevent the possible health problems associated with obese canines.

• Nutrition for Dogs

  Knowledge about the best nutrition for dogs can make a huge difference in your dog's health and happiness. Feeding your dog the proper nutrition can positively affect her behavior as well as her physical health and longevity.

• 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 Wet Dog Food

  The food that you give to your dog has a major impact on his health and overall well-being. Considering whether a wet dog food or a dry one will be better is an important decision, as is whether to give your pet a standard dog food or an all-natural or organic one.

• Natural Puppy Food

  Natural puppy food is formulated with natural ingredients that provide necessary nutrition to growing pets. Puppies should be fed diets that suit their level of activity, breed and metabolism.

• 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 Dog Diet Tips

  A natural dog diet can greatly improve the health and well being of your dog. Dogs who eat a more natural diet are less prone to develop allergies, skin problems and other illnesses. A dog who eats a more natural diet often is generally more energetic and yet able to respond to training because his mood and brain chemistry are more balanced.

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