Dogs, Diet & Food
Regardless of size, all dogs need a diet with a moderate balance of
protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. more
Chocolate and cocoa contain both of the
methylxanthines,theobromine and caffeine which can be toxic to
animals if fed to excess. more
While milk is not necessary to a dog's (or cat's) diet, it can
be a treat if given from time to time. However, some pets cannot
tolerate milk because they do not produce an enzyme called
lactase. more
Grass eating occurs frequently among dogs and cats and it is
thought to be normal behaviour. Feral cats, (i.e. cats that roam
free in the wild), eat grass almost daily and most domesticated
cats, if given the opportunity, will eat grass and certain
plants. more
The nutritional requirements of aging pets have been the
subject of much discussion in recent years, particularly with the
introduction of therapeutic specialty diets. more
Because puppies have greater needs and limited capacity
compared to adults, puppy foods which contained greater
concentrations of protein, fat, essential fatty acids and key
amino acids were developed. more
In recent years, considerable controversy has arisen
concerning the most appropriate diet for large breed puppies
(mature weight greater than 60 lbs), particularly as these diets
pertain to their ability to cause or prevent orthopaedic
problems. more
Although not often considered by consumers as an essential
ingredient of a balanced pet food, the role of fibre is both
complex and important. more
Food allergies in dogs are thought to account for
approximately five per cent of all skin cases and 15 per cent of
allergic skin diseases seen in clinical practice. more
In the last few years, commercially-formulated hypoallergenic
diets have become increasingly popular and readily available to
pet owners and veterinarians. more
Dental calculus is a common problem in most domestic cats and
dogs resulting from mineralization of dental plaque; plaque being
composed primarily of food particles and bacteria. more
Obesity is one of the most common nutritional medical
disorders affecting companion animals, with approximately 24-40%
of pets being classified as overweight. more
Obesity affects pets adversely in many ways. Overweight pets tend to play and exercise less and don't live as long as healthy pets do. more
The single most important step in any weight-reduction program is the acknowledgement that obesity is unhealthy and that weight-reduction is necessary.more
The importance of essential fatty acids in canine and feline
nutrition has been known for some time. Their use as a dietary
supplement to improve the health and appearance of the skin and
hair coat has been well documented. more
In recent years, pet owners have become increasingly aware of
the use of preservatives in their pet’s food. For the most
part "preservatives" refer to the use of antioxidants
and their use is essential in the production of dry pet foods. more
Pigs' ears have a high fat content and can lead to obesity.
They can also cause stomach upset in some dogs. more
Treats and snacks are small food rewards that pet owners use
for reinforcing the human-animal bond, as training aids and often
just for fun. The number of different snacks and treats available
for dogs and cats are astounding. more
Many Americans enjoy the vegetarian lifestyle today, either
for health or ethical reasons. Some people choose to extend this
dietary philosophy to their pets as well. more
Will your dog really be better off if you buy the
70-cent-per-can "gourmet" dog food instead of the
ordinary half-dollar brand? more
Choosing a pet food from among the cans, bags, and boxes
stacked on store shelves can be a daunting experience. Which
formulation of food is best? more
With all the choices out there, deciding what to feed your pet
can be a challenge. more
Most pet owners have heard that it is better to feed their
animals specially formulated food for pets rather than table
scraps. An occasional treat is fine... more
Dietary supplements for pets and other animals have been
marketed for many years; some are sold legally and others are
not. more
Vitamin A plays several vital roles in the body, including
vision, tissue health, skeletal and tooth development, and
reproduction. more
Despite the fact that dogs
and cats manufacture vitamin C on their own in the liver, the
need for dietary vitamin C in pets continues to be discussed by
both pet owners and veterinarians. more
In commercial pet foods, vitamin E is used to prevent the
oxidation of fatty acids which leads to rancidity. more
Arguably, Americans are reading food labels and choosing
products more carefully than ever before. Many
people are extending this scrutiny to food for their pets as
well. more
The FDA regulates that can of cat food, bag of dog food, or
box of dog treats or snacks in your pantry...more
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