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What should I feed my dog? This is a question most people are concerned about when they buy their first dog but it's also something that requires a certain amount of flexibility.

A dog's diet should be nutritious and well-balanced as a poor diet could have a profound effect on your dog's health and also be the cause of behavioral issues.

There is evidence that proves that giving children too many sugary foods and soft drinks can have a detrimental effect on their health and teeth. I myself remember becoming incredibly hyper as a child after drinking a can of sugary drink and unfortunately this can also have a similar effect on our dogs.

Also, foods laden with sub-standard meat, colorants and sugars could bring on undesirable behavior in your dog so it is important to be aware of what you're feeding them. A healthier diet could mean fewer trips to the vet, a longer life for your dog and less strain on your pocket.

There are many different types of dog foods on offer and it is becoming increasingly difficult to know which to choose. There are the big brand names that are advertised on TV, some unusual ones that you only hear about through friends and family, those on sale in your local pet store and recommendations from your dog's vet.

As dogs go through many stages in their life, it is important you buy food suitable to their growth (puppies), adult maintenance, gestation/lactation and senior (older dogs). Certain foods can be used for the duration of your dog's life but please read all labels with care. And last but not least, do take into account your pet's lifestyle, any medical conditions they may have and their environment.

Another question that is often asked is 'Should I be feeding dry or wet food?' The simple answer is whatever works for you and your dog but there are some basic principles that we should all be aware of when choosing the food for our best friend, as they too can have a direct impact on health and behavior.

Now I want to make it clear that I am not professing to be an expert on dog care or have studied nutrition to any great degree. It's only through caring for my own dog Lucy, that I have been forced to address concerns over her food intake and the effect certain foods were having on her behavior.

I first met Lucy at the Evesham Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue center. After a series of visits, I was allowed to adopt her. I have no idea how long she lived on the streets but what I do know is that she is a terrible scavenger. Having to fend for herself over a period of time obviously had an impact on how she behaved.

Lucy is in the unique position of being totally food obsessed but extremely fussy. The countless times I have lovingly prepared food, put it down and watched her pick her way round it before walking away and then sitting at the kitchen door with that expression of 'So what else have you got for me then?\n
I have always been good at leaving the food for 5 minutes and then if she hasn't eaten it, taking it away. I would invariably end up throwing most of it in the bin. This used to really frustrate me as the food was of a high quality and Ã�£50 a bag!

I have always been good with Lucy in that I have never given her scraps off the table or any 'human' food but her persistence to wait for something else - waste of time there - would always get the better of her. I've now found a food that she actually gets excited about and always finishes within 30 seconds flat!

Years ago, dogs were fed wet food which is basically food you would get in a tin or packet. Nowadays it's all about feeding dried kibble or a combination of wet and dried food. Some people also feed their dogs a BARF diet which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. This is basically bones (not cooked), raw meat and vegetables etc.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to remember that when choosing your dog food to read the ingredients label on the back of the packet.

Ingredients are listed in order of highest to lowest quantity. So, for example, if you see the first ingredient listed as wheat then you know that the food is predominantly made up of wheat. I personally don't think dogs should be eating wheat as some can develop allergies in much the same way that humans do plus when would a dog ever choose a plate of wheat over a steak?

You really need to be seeing a pure meat listed as the first ingredient such as lamb, chicken, beef, white fish or salmon. Avoid meat meal or meat by-products.

We often see lists of ingredients beginning with meat meal or meat by-products. Now meat or animal by-products are basically the parts of slaughtered animals that don't include meat. For example, lungs, intestines, brains, blood and spleen to name a few and none of them are 'human-grade' which means they are not fit for human consumption. Meat and bone meal is also a low-quality food with questionable sources. It is also fed to cattle and was once cited as being responsible for the spread of BSE!

Do make sure that the food you choose for your dog doesn't contain sugar. Dogs do not need sugar in their food. The addition of sugar has been added purely to make the food more appetizing but will do nothing for your dog other than possibly make them hyper, overweight and could promote problems in later life. Additives and preservatives are also a no-no.

Some brands like to add color to their food in order to make them look more appealing, again these do not do anything good other than possibly make the dog over-active and may even be carcinogenic.

If we directly compare together two different brands of dog food, we can see quite clearly how much they differ. I won't say what the brands are but it will illustrate the points I'm making above. Remember the first few ingredients make up the majority of the food and the percentages are also important.

If you look at the first couple of ingredients in the first list below you will see that we have cereal (above) compared to de-boned chicken (below); meat and animal derivatives compared to dehydrated chicken and de-boned salmon. Further down you can see the food on the top has added sugars and EC additives whereas there is no mention of sugars, additives or preservatives in the list lower down. I know which one I'd rather be feeding my dog.

Common Dog Food Brands

Cereals, meat and animal derivatives (minimum 4% fresh meat in the soft moist kernel, minimum 4% beef in the natural and brown kernels); vegetable protein extracts; oils and fats; derivatives of vegetable origin (0.5% beet pulp in the natural and brown kernels); various sugars; minerals; vegetables (minimum 4% vegetables in the green and yellow kernels). With antioxidants, colored with and preserved with EC additives.

Premium Dog Food Brands

De-boned chicken (25%); dehydrated chicken (17%); de-boned salmon (10%); dehydrated turkey (7%); dehydrated herring (7%); russet potato; pea; sweet potato; deboned turkey (3%); whole eggs (3%); chicken liver (2%; de-boned lake whitefish (2%); de-boned walleye (2%); alfalfa; pea fibre; chicken fat (2%); organic kelp; pumpkin; chicory root; carrots; spinach; turnip greens; apples; cranberries; blueberries; liquorice root; angelica root; fenugreek; marigold flower;sweet fennel; peppermint leaf; chamomile; dandelion; summer savor and rosemary.

Now you might think that the second one is a bit over the top but it's all about a happy medium and if you do have any behavioral issues with your dog such as hyper activity, it may be worth looking at what is in the food that you are feeding them.

In the same way that we humans look at what is in the food that we eat we should also do the same for our dogs.

It's always a good idea to try using the food of your choice for six to eight weeks to see how it affects your dog. The things to look out for are a shiny coat and a pet that looks healthy. If the dog is producing a large volume of stools or develops diarrhoea, he may have problems digesting the food. If your dog has skin, ear, joint, or other problems, try another food to see if there's a connection

Obviously natural meat, fish and vegetable ingredients are good and wheat, sugars, colorants and additives are bad. I have just scratched the surface here but I hope that I have given you some things to think about and at least make you look at the food that you are feeding a little more carefully.

There is a great site which you should have a look at which lists most of the different brands of dog food available. These are each analyzed in turn and given a star rating from 1 to 6. Have a look at where your food is categorized and if it's down at the bottom then consider moving up to a higher rated brand. You may see a great difference in your dog's behavior and therefore experience a trouble-free relationship.

Option #3- Mix option 2 with dry food- dry food is less expensive, so purchase the same dry version with the low crude protein to mix in with the wet food.

As the years have progressed, the greater the degree of technological advancements available. This is not only in the technology and gadgets industry, but also within medical industries including veterinarian sciences. Changes in medicine and nutrition have prolonged the life of different animals; however, it is still inevitable that your pet will age and with age comes various health problems. This article will provide information on how to provide an older dog with the most appropriate geriatric care.

The Signs of Aging

The first signs of aging among dogs are deterioration in optimal physical and psychological abilities. Even if the dog does not present with external signs of aging, one will notice that senior canines have a longer recovery time from any ailments. Furthermore, the dog is no longer able to respond quickly to different stimuli. This is often due to a less effective cognitive functioning and the presence of different physical illnesses.

The most common illness that a senior dog will experience is that of arthritis. The presence of arthritis will affect the dog's movement and contribute to a greater susceptibility to falls and stumbling. Furthermore, a dog with arthritis will find it difficult to walk and may reduce movements of all sorts.

Another common affliction among older dogs is their inability to control bowel movements. Symptoms of this will be bed wetting and an increased need to 'go out'.

Tips To Caring for The Older Dog

To determine whether or not your senior dog is displaying age-related medical ailments, it is recommended that the dog has regular veterinary examinations. General geriatric examinations should be completed a minimum of twice per year and include a serious of blood tests. The results will help diagnose any conditions and assist in finding treatments.

As mentioned above, the most commons sign of aging within dogs is a reduction in movement and impaired responses to stimuli. One method to prevent these symptoms is to keep the dog active. Contrary to popular belief, senior dogs are as able as younger dogs to engage in highly stimulated activities.

A lack of movement is caused by general aging, as well as the presentation of arthritis. If the dog is showing signs of arthritis, it is advised that one consult a veterinarian about joint supplements and painkillers. This medication can provide relief for the dog and will help alleviate the pain. It is also recommended that dogs with arthritis rest in warmer areas as cold air can increase joint pain.

A final tip to mention is the regulation of the senior dog's diet. Studies have shown that senior dogs who continue to eat a regular diet are at higher risk of obesity. Specially formulated food products have been created as appropriate means of changing the dog's diet regime.

It's always a good idea to try using the food of your choice for six to eight weeks to see how it affects your dog. The things to look out for are a shiny coat and a pet that looks healthy. If the dog is producing a large volume of stools or develops diarrhoea, he may have problems digesting the food. If your dog has skin, ear, joint, or other problems, try another food to see if there's a connection

What should I feed my dog? This is a question most people are concerned about when they buy their first dog but it's also something that requires a certain amount of flexibility.

A dog's diet should be nutritious and well-balanced as a poor diet could have a profound effect on your dog's health and also be the cause of behavioral issues.

There is evidence that proves that giving children too many sugary foods and soft drinks can have a detrimental effect on their health and teeth. I myself remember becoming incredibly hyper as a child after drinking a can of sugary drink and unfortunately this can also have a similar effect on our dogs.

Also, foods laden with sub-standard meat, colorants and sugars could bring on undesirable behavior in your dog so it is important to be aware of what you're feeding them. A healthier diet could mean fewer trips to the vet, a longer life for your dog and less strain on your pocket.

There are many different types of dog foods on offer and it is becoming increasingly difficult to know which to choose. There are the big brand names that are advertised on TV, some unusual ones that you only hear about through friends and family, those on sale in your local pet store and recommendations from your dog's vet.

As dogs go through many stages in their life, it is important you buy food suitable to their growth (puppies), adult maintenance, gestation/lactation and senior (older dogs). Certain foods can be used for the duration of your dog's life but please read all labels with care. And last but not least, do take into account your pet's lifestyle, any medical conditions they may have and their environment.

Another question that is often asked is 'Should I be feeding dry or wet food?' The simple answer is whatever works for you and your dog but there are some basic principles that we should all be aware of when choosing the food for our best friend, as they too can have a direct impact on health and behavior.

Now I want to make it clear that I am not professing to be an expert on dog care or have studied nutrition to any great degree. It's only through caring for my own dog Lucy, that I have been forced to address concerns over her food intake and the effect certain foods were having on her behavior.

I first met Lucy at the Evesham Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue center. After a series of visits, I was allowed to adopt her. I have no idea how long she lived on the streets but what I do know is that she is a terrible scavenger. Having to fend for herself over a period of time obviously had an impact on how she behaved.

Lucy is in the unique position of being totally food obsessed but extremely fussy. The countless times I have lovingly prepared food, put it down and watched her pick her way round it before walking away and then sitting at the kitchen door with that expression of 'So what else have you got for me then?\n
I have always been good at leaving the food for 5 minutes and then if she hasn't eaten it, taking it away. I would invariably end up throwing most of it in the bin. This used to really frustrate me as the food was of a high quality and Ã�£50 a bag!

I have always been good with Lucy in that I have never given her scraps off the table or any 'human' food but her persistence to wait for something else - waste of time there - would always get the better of her. I've now found a food that she actually gets excited about and always finishes within 30 seconds flat!

Years ago, dogs were fed wet food which is basically food you would get in a tin or packet. Nowadays it's all about feeding dried kibble or a combination of wet and dried food. Some people also feed their dogs a BARF diet which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. This is basically bones (not cooked), raw meat and vegetables etc.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to remember that when choosing your dog food to read the ingredients label on the back of the packet.

Ingredients are listed in order of highest to lowest quantity. So, for example, if you see the first ingredient listed as wheat then you know that the food is predominantly made up of wheat. I personally don't think dogs should be eating wheat as some can develop allergies in much the same way that humans do plus when would a dog ever choose a plate of wheat over a steak?

You really need to be seeing a pure meat listed as the first ingredient such as lamb, chicken, beef, white fish or salmon. Avoid meat meal or meat by-products.

We often see lists of ingredients beginning with meat meal or meat by-products. Now meat or animal by-products are basically the parts of slaughtered animals that don't include meat. For example, lungs, intestines, brains, blood and spleen to name a few and none of them are 'human-grade' which means they are not fit for human consumption. Meat and bone meal is also a low-quality food with questionable sources. It is also fed to cattle and was once cited as being responsible for the spread of BSE!

Do make sure that the food you choose for your dog doesn't contain sugar. Dogs do not need sugar in their food. The addition of sugar has been added purely to make the food more appetizing but will do nothing for your dog other than possibly make them hyper, overweight and could promote problems in later life. Additives and preservatives are also a no-no.

Some brands like to add color to their food in order to make them look more appealing, again these do not do anything good other than possibly make the dog over-active and may even be carcinogenic.

If we directly compare together two different brands of dog food, we can see quite clearly how much they differ. I won't say what the brands are but it will illustrate the points I'm making above. Remember the first few ingredients make up the majority of the food and the percentages are also important.

If you look at the first couple of ingredients in the first list below you will see that we have cereal (above) compared to de-boned chicken (below); meat and animal derivatives compared to dehydrated chicken and de-boned salmon. Further down you can see the food on the top has added sugars and EC additives whereas there is no mention of sugars, additives or preservatives in the list lower down. I know which one I'd rather be feeding my dog.

Common Dog Food Brands

Cereals, meat and animal derivatives (minimum 4% fresh meat in the soft moist kernel, minimum 4% beef in the natural and brown kernels); vegetable protein extracts; oils and fats; derivatives of vegetable origin (0.5% beet pulp in the natural and brown kernels); various sugars; minerals; vegetables (minimum 4% vegetables in the green and yellow kernels). With antioxidants, colored with and preserved with EC additives.

Premium Dog Food Brands

De-boned chicken (25%); dehydrated chicken (17%); de-boned salmon (10%); dehydrated turkey (7%); dehydrated herring (7%); russet potato; pea; sweet potato; deboned turkey (3%); whole eggs (3%); chicken liver (2%; de-boned lake whitefish (2%); de-boned walleye (2%); alfalfa; pea fibre; chicken fat (2%); organic kelp; pumpkin; chicory root; carrots; spinach; turnip greens; apples; cranberries; blueberries; liquorice root; angelica root; fenugreek; marigold flower;sweet fennel; peppermint leaf; chamomile; dandelion; summer savor and rosemary.

Now you might think that the second one is a bit over the top but it's all about a happy medium and if you do have any behavioral issues with your dog such as hyper activity, it may be worth looking at what is in the food that you are feeding them.

In the same way that we humans look at what is in the food that we eat we should also do the same for our dogs.

It's always a good idea to try using the food of your choice for six to eight weeks to see how it affects your dog. The things to look out for are a shiny coat and a pet that looks healthy. If the dog is producing a large volume of stools or develops diarrhoea, he may have problems digesting the food. If your dog has skin, ear, joint, or other problems, try another food to see if there's a connection

Obviously natural meat, fish and vegetable ingredients are good and wheat, sugars, colorants and additives are bad. I have just scratched the surface here but I hope that I have given you some things to think about and at least make you look at the food that you are feeding a little more carefully.

There is a great site which you should have a look at which lists most of the different brands of dog food available. These are each analyzed in turn and given a star rating from 1 to 6. Have a look at where your food is categorized and if it's down at the bottom then consider moving up to a higher rated brand. You may see a great difference in your dog's behavior and therefore experience a trouble-free relationship.

While watching a sweet foster dog for a couple of weeks we realized that she was drinking a lot of water, to the point where she was spitting up the water repeatedly. We brought her to the vet for a blood and urine panel to find she had slightly elevated levels in her two kidney readings. She had most likely been self-regulating by drinking lots of water. Because this dog is a foster through a rescue group, our funds are somewhat limited. Therefore, I started researching the best plan for food and a feeding routine. Here is what I learned.

First, if your dog has kidney problems, I absolutely recommend a wet food diet (according to the vet). Just like people, it's healthier to drink liquid with food, and dogs with kidney problems need added liquid. For my dog specifically, she also has a hard time chewing, so softer food and treats are better for this reason as well.

Dogs with mild kidney problems, early renal failure or later stages need access to plenty of water. In my dog's case the vet suggested giving smaller amounts of water regularly while I'm home. She has since stopped spitting up water entirely. While I am gone, I do leave a nice big bowl of water for her. And naturally, if your dog is drinking a lot of water, he or she will need plenty of bathroom breaks, or a doggie door.

Option #1- If you can afford $2.00-2.25 per can of dog food, there are a few varieties of prescription dog food including Purina, Hills, and Waltham. These prescription diets have 4-5% crude protein, the lowest out there- ideal for kidney problems.

Option #2- For $1.50- 1.65 per can of dog food, there are a variety of senior dog foods that you can buy at your local pet store that are also low in crude protein. The levels are higher however. Look for food with 7% crude protein, this is about as low as you will find in stores, however if you can find lower that's even better. In my dog's case I didn't have the option to look at low calorie food, as I'm also trying to get her to a healthier weight (past owner wasn't feeding her enough). I found that Nutro Max and Nutro Natural Choice senior varieties are 7% crude protein, added nutrients for joints as well as other nutritional supplements.

Option #3- Mix option 2 with dry food- dry food is less expensive, so purchase the same dry version with the low crude protein to mix in with the wet food.

Option #4- Cook for your dog. You need to do this with guidance however especially if you plan on a vegetarian diet. Remember that dogs are not people, they have restrictions to their diet, and can be very sensitive when they have kidney problems.

Other tips- shop online. If you can find a free shipping coupon you may get a better price for canned food online vs. what you find at Petsmart or Petco.

Inexpensive Treats: No, they're not beloved pig ears or bacon, but these do have low crude protein levels. Soft treats include Cesar softies (4.5% crude protein) and Honey's Bakery treats (natural and vegetarian- 4% crude protein). I bought Honey's on sale for $4. I really wanted to get something for her breath so I purchased Pedigree Good Bites Oral Care in Roasted Chicken flavor (8% crude protein) which I give sparingly as they are a little higher % than I'd live to give.

Option #1- If you can afford $2.00-2.25 per can of dog food, there are a few varieties of prescription dog food including Purina, Hills, and Waltham. These prescription diets have 4-5% crude protein, the lowest out there- ideal for kidney problems.

As the years have progressed, the greater the degree of technological advancements available. This is not only in the technology and gadgets industry, but also within medical industries including veterinarian sciences. Changes in medicine and nutrition have prolonged the life of different animals; however, it is still inevitable that your pet will age and with age comes various health problems. This article will provide information on how to provide an older dog with the most appropriate geriatric care.

The Signs of Aging

The first signs of aging among dogs are deterioration in optimal physical and psychological abilities. Even if the dog does not present with external signs of aging, one will notice that senior canines have a longer recovery time from any ailments. Furthermore, the dog is no longer able to respond quickly to different stimuli. This is often due to a less effective cognitive functioning and the presence of different physical illnesses.

The most common illness that a senior dog will experience is that of arthritis. The presence of arthritis will affect the dog's movement and contribute to a greater susceptibility to falls and stumbling. Furthermore, a dog with arthritis will find it difficult to walk and may reduce movements of all sorts.

Another common affliction among older dogs is their inability to control bowel movements. Symptoms of this will be bed wetting and an increased need to 'go out'.

Tips To Caring for The Older Dog

To determine whether or not your senior dog is displaying age-related medical ailments, it is recommended that the dog has regular veterinary examinations. General geriatric examinations should be completed a minimum of twice per year and include a serious of blood tests. The results will help diagnose any conditions and assist in finding treatments.

As mentioned above, the most commons sign of aging within dogs is a reduction in movement and impaired responses to stimuli. One method to prevent these symptoms is to keep the dog active. Contrary to popular belief, senior dogs are as able as younger dogs to engage in highly stimulated activities.

A lack of movement is caused by general aging, as well as the presentation of arthritis. If the dog is showing signs of arthritis, it is advised that one consult a veterinarian about joint supplements and painkillers. This medication can provide relief for the dog and will help alleviate the pain. It is also recommended that dogs with arthritis rest in warmer areas as cold air can increase joint pain.

A final tip to mention is the regulation of the senior dog's diet. Studies have shown that senior dogs who continue to eat a regular diet are at higher risk of obesity. Specially formulated food products have been created as appropriate means of changing the dog's diet regime.

Option #1- If you can afford $2.00-2.25 per can of dog food, there are a few varieties of prescription dog food including Purina, Hills, and Waltham. These prescription diets have 4-5% crude protein, the lowest out there- ideal for kidney problems.

As the years have progressed, the greater the degree of technological advancements available. This is not only in the technology and gadgets industry, but also within medical industries including veterinarian sciences. Changes in medicine and nutrition have prolonged the life of different animals; however, it is still inevitable that your pet will age and with age comes various health problems. This article will provide information on how to provide an older dog with the most appropriate geriatric care.

The Signs of Aging

The first signs of aging among dogs are deterioration in optimal physical and psychological abilities. Even if the dog does not present with external signs of aging, one will notice that senior canines have a longer recovery time from any ailments. Furthermore, the dog is no longer able to respond quickly to different stimuli. This is often due to a less effective cognitive functioning and the presence of different physical illnesses.

The most common illness that a senior dog will experience is that of arthritis. The presence of arthritis will affect the dog's movement and contribute to a greater susceptibility to falls and stumbling. Furthermore, a dog with arthritis will find it difficult to walk and may reduce movements of all sorts.

Another common affliction among older dogs is their inability to control bowel movements. Symptoms of this will be bed wetting and an increased need to 'go out'.

Tips To Caring for The Older Dog

To determine whether or not your senior dog is displaying age-related medical ailments, it is recommended that the dog has regular veterinary examinations. General geriatric examinations should be completed a minimum of twice per year and include a serious of blood tests. The results will help diagnose any conditions and assist in finding treatments.

As mentioned above, the most commons sign of aging within dogs is a reduction in movement and impaired responses to stimuli. One method to prevent these symptoms is to keep the dog active. Contrary to popular belief, senior dogs are as able as younger dogs to engage in highly stimulated activities.

A lack of movement is caused by general aging, as well as the presentation of arthritis. If the dog is showing signs of arthritis, it is advised that one consult a veterinarian about joint supplements and painkillers. This medication can provide relief for the dog and will help alleviate the pain. It is also recommended that dogs with arthritis rest in warmer areas as cold air can increase joint pain.

A final tip to mention is the regulation of the senior dog's diet. Studies have shown that senior dogs who continue to eat a regular diet are at higher risk of obesity. Specially formulated food products have been created as appropriate means of changing the dog's diet regime.