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 Is the Best Dog Food—Canned or Dry?

  The production of dog food is a prolific industry and there are many choices of food. Determining the best dog food is a difficult task. There is no single dog food that can be considered the best. Each dog has different nutritional needs, depending on the breed, age, size, taste or possible health issues.

• 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.

• Which Diet Dog Food Provides Results?

  As people become more sedentary, so do their companion animals. Dogs are living much longer now that nutrition and medical care have improved, and one of the consequences is obesity.

• 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.

• When to Give Dog Food Treats

  Dog food treats are an excellent training tool. They help motivate your dog to learn behaviors and help reduce fright when your fearful dog is experiencing a new situation.

• What’s the Best Dog Food for Pitbulls?

  In order to give your Pitbull the best dog food that’s available, you need to assess your pet’s overall health and feed him a diet that’s suited to his age and unique requirements. While some pets are underweight others may be suffering from obesity or certain health conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, renal disorders or liver dysfunction.

• 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 Look for in Pet Treats for Dogs

  Pet treats are a healthy and effective way to train your dog, show positive re-enforcement, and reward your pet for good behavior. Choosing the right pet treat, however, is an essential aspect of dog nutrition as some owners can forget that treats may have an effect on a dog's health, weight and behavior.

• What to Look for in a Dog Food Analysis

  A proper dog food analysis is important because you want your pet to receive the best nutrition possible, as well as remain fit and healthy. Choosing the right dog food for your dog will play an important part in keeping him happy and well.

• 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 Shih Tzu Dog Food?

  A Shih Tzu dog is a wonderful pet to have as Shih Tzu’s are sweet, brave, well behaved and loving in nature. Shih Tzus are small dogs with small stomachs and should be fed small portions of food at regular intervals.

• 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 Is the Best Golden Retriever Dog Food?

  To give your golden retriever dog food that's ideal for him, you need to first understand your pet's unique nutritional requirements. Golden retrievers are very intelligent pets but they do suffer from one common problem: allergies.

• What Is the Best Food for Dogs?

  There are a lot of food options for canines. However, if you want to know what the best food for dogs is, you must consider a lot of factors.

• What Is the Best Food for Dog Allergies?

  What is the best food for dog allergies? One with a specific meat listed first on the ingredient list on the side of the food container.

• What Is the Best Dog Food for Senior Dogs?

  Senior dogs will go through different changes and they may be more prone to some diseases. There are a few "old age" diseases that may occur.

• What Is the Best Dog Food for Puppies?

  Puppies have special nutritional requirements, so as to be able to develop normally. Choosing the best dog food for puppies may be difficult; you must consider a few factors.

• 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.

• Vitamin D for Dogs

  When considering good nutrition for your dog, vitamin D is something to think about. When your dog has a good, healthy amount of the vitamin in its system, it can be very beneficial.

• Vitamin A for Dogs

  Vitamin A like most other vitamins is essential for proper metabolism in the pet’s body. Vitamins are divided into two categories namely fat soluble vitamins and water soluble vitamins.

• 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

• Vegan Dog Treats

  Vegan dog treats are something even the healthiest and fittest of dogs can benefit from, especially when compared to the treats you buy in most stores.

• Vegan Dog Food

  Vegan dog food is a controversial matter; some people say dogs need meat (and dairy products), while others opine that dogs can do well on a diet that lacks meat. The diet of the dog requires a few essential nutrients; if these are provided, the dog will be healthy, regardless if he eats meat or not.

• 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.

• Treats for Dogs with Bladder Stones

  Bladder stones are mineral deposits that will form on the bladder and will cause abdominal pain and possibly blood in the urine. The treats for dogs with bladder stones should be different from the treats for healthy dogs, so as to prevent the formation of additional bladder stones.

• 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.

• Transitioning from Puppy Food to Adult Dog Food

  Transitioning from puppy food to adult dog food is an important step in the health of your dog. Puppy food is formulated for the appropriate growth and development of puppies; whereas adult dog food is made for the strengthening and maintenance of an adult dog.

• 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

• Toxic Food for Dogs

  Food for dogs may be purchased from a pet store or may be prepared at home. Dogs shouldn’t be fed table scraps, as some of these may be toxic.

• 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 Giving Dogs Vitamins

  Giving dogs vitamins can be tricky. Most often they will fight you while you try to pry their mouths open and throw the vitamin down their throats. Even then, they will often spit out the vitamins. Some dogs refuse to take vitamins because of the taste or texture of the vitamin pill.

• 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 Natural Pet Food

  Natural pet food, which is becoming more popular, has many benefits for cats and dogs. Just like humans have found a better quality of life from natural foods, pets can also have an overall improvement in their well-being through a switch to natural pet food.

• 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 Benefits of Bully Sticks for Dogs

  Bully sticks for dogs are also called steer sticks, beef sticks and pizzle sticks. They're made from bull penises, though they're often marketed as dried muscles.

• The BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) Diet for Puppies

  The raw food diet is designed to provide complete nutrition for dogs in a way that kibble cannot. The Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet (BARF) is a specific feeding model developed by Dr. Billinghurst, an Australian veterinary surgeon.

• 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.

• The 4 Best Fruits and Vegetables for Dogs

  If altering your pet's diet, there are a number of benefits to fruits and vegetables for dogs. Dogs are omnivores rather than carnivores, meaning they can enjoy a mixed combination of fruits, vegetables and meat and all of the benefits that they have to offer.

• 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 You Use Dog Treats for Training?

  Dog treats are often used to reward the dog or to offer him a snack. A lot of dog owners use dog treats while training the dog.

• Should Owners Give Dogs Treats for Good Behavior?

  Dog treats can be a valuable training tool. However, just as with any other training tool, they must be used correctly to be effective.

• 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.

• Shark Cartilage for Dogs

  Shark cartilage is used as a supplement in the treatment of canine arthritis and joint injury, as its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation and joint swelling. It also stimulates the dog's immune system.

• Senior Dog Supplements

  Dog supplements are sometimes necessary for a senior dog since who may have nutritional needs. Supplements can help a dog’s old joints perform better and provide extra nutrients if he is not absorbing enough through his regular food or he is eating less.

• 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.

• Recommended Supplements for Dogs

  Dog supplements are many times already found in the commercial food a canine eats. However, a dog may require supplements if his food is of poor quality, he is training for a particular activity or nursing an injury or ailment.

• Recommended Canine Vitamins

  Canine vitamins are a supplement to the nutrition that your dog is already receiving from his food. You may think that your dog is getting an adequate amount of nutrition from his food alone, but this is simply not the case.

• 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.

• Rawhide Bones for Dogs

  Rawhide bones may be given to dogs, as they are enjoyable treats. There are also some rawhide chews that are also tasty and well liked by canines.

• 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.

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