Pet Food Recall And How To Select A Nutritious Food Replacement

By Jerry Johnson

On April 5, 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided an update on the recall on pet foods from Menu Foods. The Agency reported its latest findings in the ongoing investigation into the recent outbreak of cat and dog illness and death associated with pet food manufactured with contaminated wheat gluten.

FDA launched an investigation within 24 hours after being notified by Menu Foods of a recall and investigators arrived at the companys plant and searched for possible sources of contamination. The same day, FDA consumer complaint coordinators nationwide began taking calls from consumers and veterinarians who reported illnesses potentially associated with the contaminated pet food. FDA has received over 12,000 reports in the last three weeks more than twice the number of complaints typically received in a year by the consumer complaint coordinators. In an effort to trace all of the contaminated product, the Agency conducted numerous inspections of manufacturers and warehouses identified as recipients of the suspect product. FDA has also been working with the affected firms to assist them with their product recall efforts.

FDAs investigation identified the distributor of the contaminated wheat gluten as ChemNutra, of Las Vegas, Nevada. FDA worked with the firm to trace the suspect product, and identified its Chinese source. FDA has asked the Chinese government to help us with the investigation which continues to determine how the melamine may have gotten into the wheat gluten. FDA is currently sampling 100 percent of all Chinese wheat gluten being offered for import. FDA Field laboratories confirmed the presence of melamine in shipments of wheat gluten received from a source from China.

This was done through testing of samples of finished product and raw materials. Melamine is a product used as a fertilizer with other industrial and commercial uses. FDA laboratories have conducted over 400 sample analyses, and to date have found 21 samples that were positive for melamine. To date, voluntary recalls of pet food products have been conducted by Del Monte Pet Products, Hills Pet Nutrition, Menu Foods, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, P&G Pet Care, and Sunshine Mills. On April 5, Sunshine Mills, Inc., of Red Bay, Alabama, voluntarily recalled a portion of its branded dog biscuits made at its Red Bay, Alabama biscuit plant during part of March 2007. In addition, Menu Foods, Inc., voluntarily expanded its pet food recall for selected cuts and gravy pet food products, manufactured back to November 8, 2006. Both firms issued press releases which are accessible on the FDA website.

Be sure you are aware of these other facts of the recall. This is an ongoing investigation. FDA is conducting recall audit follow-ups to ensure an effective recall. They continues to work with federal, state, and local partners, veterinarians, and members of the public as part of this investigation. At this time there is no evidence that any wheat gluten contaminated with melamine has entered the human food supply.

Understanding the role of melamine in each of the dog and cat illnesses will require an extensive analysis of the information, assistance from outside sources, and perhaps further research. The Food Drug Administrations priority now is to assure that all contaminated product is identified and removed from store shelves. All the contaminated wheat gluten has been traced, and all the pet food manufacturers who have received contaminated ingredients have been identified and have initiated recalls. Following the removal of all suspect products from retailers, there remains an ample supply of safe cat and dog food available at stores throughout the U.S.

The Food Drug Administration has a dedicated pet food recall page on its website which has all of the current information including all press releases issued, frequently asked questions, as well as contact information for FDA consumer complaint coordinators. FDA urges members of the media and public to visit the FDA website.

With the food recall, What should a pet owner look for in their pet food. 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, but table scraps used to excess may unbalance a pets diet. Purchasing pet foods labeled as "complete and balanced" can help ensure that your pets diet is nutritionally adequate.

Dog and cat foods labeled as "complete and balanced" must meet standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) either by meeting a nutrient profile or by passing a feeding trial. The AAFCOs Canine Nutrition Expert (CNE) Subcommittee and Feline Nutrition Expert (FNE) Subcommittee have established new nutrient profiles for "complete and balanced" dog and cat foods. Dog Food Nutrient Profiles were established in 1991 and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles were established in 1992. Both were updated in 1995 to incorporate new scientific information.

The new nutrient profiles replaced the recommendations of the National Research Council (NRC) as the AAFCO-recognized authority on canine and feline nutrition. Dog and cat foods labeled as "complete and balanced" based on the AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profile must meet all the nutrient minimum and maximum levels as established by the Subcommittee. The Subcommittee set these levels after considering the most current information on good nutrition for dogs and cats. The profiles are designed to provide practical information for manufacturers of dog and cat foods.

There are now two separate nutrient profiles -- one for growth and reproduction and one for adult maintenance, instead of just one for all life stages. This allows dog and cat foods made for adult animals only to contain lower amounts of some nutrients, eliminating unnecessary excesses. Also, maximum levels of intake of some nutrients have been established for the first time, because of concern that over nutrition, rather than under nutrition, is a bigger problem with many pet foods today.

The protocols for conducting the feeding trials for dog and cat foods have also been updated. With these improvements, label reference to either the AAFCO nutrient profile or AAFCO feeding trials better assures the consumer of the validity of a "complete and balanced" claim. Endorsements, seals of approval, etc., from other organizations do not add assurances of safety and may be misleading.

Jerry Johnson owns the Little Paws Pet Supplies as well as several other successful webstores. He has a passion for sharing information that can make life easier for all of us. Jerry and his wife Gloria enjoy their dog Jabez. Visit Little Paws Pet Supplies for great buys on pet supplies and Flint River Ranch Food.

Article Source: http://www.bestdogarticles.com

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Learn alternatives to treats as positive reinforcement

Training should begin immediately after you have gotten home with your new pet. Training your dog is beneficial to both you and your pet. These suggestions will help you in your pet training efforts.

Learn alternatives to treats as positive reinforcement when training your dog. You will find that treats do work. However, most people dont carry treats in their pockets 24/7. Learning to give praise or attention in the way of patting and hugging is a great way to reinforce good behavior, and can be a treat replacement.



 For optimal dog training results, you must make sure that your dog is active at all times. Dogs are not meant to just lay around. To have an enjoyable life, they need to be able to get out and run and work. Train your dog for agility, jog with it or take it to the park. If you stay active with him, he is not likely to get bored.

 If you are welcoming a guest into your home, give them clear instructions about how to interact with your dog. These reactions may actually encourage dogs to jump up on your guests or attempt to dominate them.

 You cant stop your dog from being a dog, so make sure to give him proper ways to act like a dog. There should always be good outlets available for your dog to exercise and keep busy, and do not forget the right diet to provide this energy.

 Here are a few ways to make crate training more positive for your dog. If the dog doesnt want to go inside the crate, put a rawhide bone in there and shut the door. A tempting bone will prove too hard to resist, and the dog will be panting to get into the crate in no time. Upon entering the crate, praise your puppy to make sure it knows it did a good job.

 Modify and update your dogs training as necessary, so he remains in compliance with the rules. A lot of owners will train their dogs once and not conduct any refreshers. Like their human owners, pets truly are creatures of habit. Therefore, it is vital that your dog follows an established rule system at all times.

 Playing tug-of-war with your puppy makes training less effective. Games, such as wrestling, chasing or tugging, teaches the puppy to nip or bite at your hands. This behavior is very difficult to break, so you should avoid these games while they are still a puppy.

 To teach or reinforce good behavior, you might try to introduce them to clicker training. In order to begin, simply create a happy mental link between the clickers sound and something the dog enjoys. Try clicking and treating immediately, and doing this several times over a few days. Soon, your dog will associate the click with reward or other positive actions, which can be very helpful in shaping the desirable behaviors you hope to achieve.

 Consistency is key during your training sessions. Pick a single word or gesture for each command, action or behavior and use it exclusively. Dogs are able to associate repeated words or actions with the requested response. Consistency is essential to training. Establish a short list of vocabulary associated with communicating with your dog.

 Your dog needs to be mentally stimulated just like a human does. Visit your local pet shop for new and entertaining toys for your dog on a regular basis. If you neglect your dog, your dog wont neglect to chew up your valuable possessions.

 Have fun with your dog each day when training. A sense of play brings you and your dog together. This bond makes the dog more responsive to your commands and training him easier. Having fun with your dog during training is one thing, but playing and having fun with your dog outside of training is also necessary.

 Training should be done when the dog is young. This is not concrete, but it is known that puppies respond easier to training. If you start training your dog when he is young, he will be almost as well-behaved as a child.

 Creating good behavior in your dog can be achieved by consistent treatment from all the people who interact with him on a daily basis. Your dog needs consistent lessons everyday. Make sure that everyone who trains your dog does it in the same manner as you in order to avoid confusion.

 Try to use the same words or actions when you are training your dog. A dog will respond to this positively, as they will start to associate that action or word with each kind of behavior. Remember to be consistent about what commands you use and what behaviors you expect in every training session. The more consistent you are, the more likely you are to successfully train your dog to obey your commands.

 There are many different approaches that can be used to crate train a new puppy. Many dogs are intimidated by the crate. To cure this, place something they enjoy in it and shut the door. If a dog sees something in the crate that they want, they will desire to enter it. Praise your dog once he gets into the crate.

 If you want to train your dog, avoid playing any sort of control games like tug of war. Aggressive games promote aggressive behaviors, such as biting. Tug-of-war can be played once you have trained your puppy; however, it should not be played before the dog is completely trained.

 As with most things, and this goes with dog training as well, dont ever give up. Dogs need consistent reinforcement in what you have taught them so they remember the good behaviors and dont revert back to their old, disobedient ways they had before training. Training never ends. It is an important part of taking care of your dog.

 Although a harness is more comfortable for dogs, it does not offer as much control as a cinch-type collar. Keep your dog on his harness, but also use your cinching collar. Tug on his collar when its absolutely necessary, and your dog will soon learn how to obey wearing the harness alone.

 A clicker works well when training most dogs. Using a clicker is as simple as showing your dog that good things happen when the clicking noise is heard. Try using this technique right away, doing it frequently over a span of a few days. Your dog will soon know that the clicking noise means that they are doing a good job.

 By following these tips, you should have a better understanding of how to train your dog. Putting these tips into action while training your pup can help the two of you forge a wonderful ongoing relationship..

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Tips When Choosing Your Veterinary Pet Insurance

By MIKE SELVON

It should come as no surprise to learn that veterinary pet treatments and procedures are becoming more expensive. This increase in veterinarian costs has led many mammal owners to inquire about the availability and cost of veterinary pet insurance. Even though it is not as well-known or talked about as much as health care coverage for humans, pet health insurance has been available to cover family pets for the better part of two decades.

Insurance for pets has been available in some form or another for about twenty years now. However, many people even today are surprised to learn that animal health cover can be obtained to protect the animal welfare of beloved four-legged family members. As the cost of veterinary pet office visits and various procedures have increased, along with the cost of human health care in this country, more and more people are looking at this option as a financially viable and wise way to assure the best mammal care is provided when needed.

Veterinary pet insurance is very similar to the type of health care coverage that you would seek out for your family. With pet health insurance, the cost of veterinary care is covered when you purchase such a policy. The cost of the premiums will vary depending on how extensive the coverage is, but most families find the premiums to be quite affordable and easy to fit into the monthly household budget.

For many people, they want to purchase the best mammal cover that they can so that they feel confident in the level of care that their animal will receive. Animal cover policies that cover preventative measures or wellness care, in addition to the veterinary pet services that are needed in case of illness or emergency, are considered to be the premier type. Most of these policies will also cover on-going care and long-term treatments in the instance of chronic problems or conditions of disease.

However, you will find that these types of mammal cover plans, which are quite comprehensive in their coverage, come at a cost. You will pay the most in its insurance premiums for coverage that pays for routine health screening visits to your vet and for the regular vaccinations, immunizations and booster shots. Devoted animal lovers find a great deal of comfort in knowing that their family pets are covered under this type of animal health cover and are willing to pay extra for this coverage.

There are a few ways to reduce the cost of your animal cover premiums and still have very good coverage. One way to do this is to choose a higher deductible for your policy. Another is to choose to purchase a policy that has a co-payment option.

You also might be able to get a discount if you pay your premiums quarterly or annually, as opposed to monthly. Most pet insurance companies offer a variety of plans so that you can find the coverage you are comfortable with and still stay within your budget.

Before making a commitment on a specific veterinary pet insurance plan, be sure to learn about optional benefits and coverage that an individual pet plan will provide. In addition, it is a good idea to find out about the track record and the reputation of the various mammal cover companies before sending them your hard earned money. One last thing you can do in your search is to check with your veterinarian to see if they have ever encountered any payment problems or claim issues with the particular company you are considering.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/tips-when-choosing-your-veterinary-pet-insurance-301362.html

About the Author:Visit Mike Selvon pets portal for more information on veterinary pet insurance , and leave a comment at our veterinary pet insurance blog. Dont forget to claim your FREE gift.

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Giving your Dog Treats

By Joseph Then

Dog treats are a great way to let your dog know that you love them and you appreciate him. Sometimes we forget to show our dogs how much we love them and giving them a great treat is a good way to let them know. The look they will give you when they get their treat and wag their tail will let you know just how much they love you too.

There are all different kinds of treats. You can find all kinds of flavors and kinds of dog treats. There are hard crunchy treats, or you can find chewy gooey treats for your dog. It all depends on what your dog likes to eat and what is better for the health of the dog.

You can find treats in most grocery stores all over. If you prefer, you can go to pet shops and get great dog treats for your dog. There are gourmet and international dog treats that you can purchase for your dog. If your dog has a medical condition and you need to get a certain kind of treat for him or her, then you can ask your vet for some advice on the best dog treats for his or her condition. After all, keeping the dog healthy and happy is what your relationship with your dog is base upon.

Some dogs will even do a little trick to earn a dog treat. If your dog does something good, cute, or even just out of the ordinary, you should reward him with a treat. Doing this will let your dog know that when he or she does something fun or good, they will be get a great tasting dog treat for their reward. You will be surprise at how good they will be a how much more behaved your dog will act if they know they are getting a reward for it.

It is fun to give your pet a dog treat. They will sit up and beg, or they will wag their tail and look at you with that look of love. Giving your dog a good dog treat will make them feel better and you as well. You may want to keep your dogs treats in an airtight container. This will keep your dog treats fresh and secure so that the dog cannot get to them. This will also give your dog a feeling of security; they will know they are rewarded with a great treat after doing good things for their master.

For more about dog treats and how you can provide the best for your dog, please visit:http://www.1-dog-treats.info

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Better Steps For Proper Dog Care

By Orlando Smith

Just imagine if you were walking your street and came across anobviously stray dog. Would you know what to do? What not to do?You could avoid the situation altogether, get nervous thinkingthe dog would do you harm or take the dog home and have it beyour new pet. In this scenario you have a few options. The oneyou choose will really depend on the fact of you being an animallover or not. For the sake of this article we will assume youchose to take the dog home as a pet. Read more about this . . .

General Tips

Always walk your dog on a leash. This ensures the safety of thedog, you, walkers, joggers, and people on bicycles. No one wantsto be hurt on either side.

Caring For Your New Dog

There are two important decisions to be made at this junctureregardless of the dogs breed. You can choose to temporarilyshelter the dog by taking it in out from the elements and at thesame time look for its rightful owner. Or you can keep it foryour own pet. Again your choice will probably depend on how goodof an animal lover you are.

It will be no easy task to provide care to the stray dog youhave taken in. It will need to be provided with adequateshelter, food, medical care treatment and animal medicalinsurance in some cases. Oh yeah you should also plan to take itto a veterinarian as soon as possible to get it checked out forany possible diseases.

You will also want to maintain your dogs health while it is inyour care. To do this you should perform all of the necessarydaily duties required to prevent your pet dog from falling preyto illness. This includes providing adequate and comfortableshelter and food. In some respects it could be compared toraising a small child before they reach the age of being able tocommunicate.

Dog Diet Tips

Eating habits are still based on the instinctual habits of thedogs wild counterparts. some dogs feed on a"stuff-yourself-or-starve" mode and tend to eat more than theyneed when food is made available to them. for this reason,owners must be in control of their dogs food intake. obesity isvery harmful to your dogs health at any age. it puts unduestress on vital organs that can lead to serious health problems.So be a responsible pet owner and monitor your dogs foodintake.

Conclusion

Now that you are armed with this information how will you bestapply it? Just keep in mind that your new pet is also a newcompanion that can likewise protect you from harms way. Butjust like anything else that requires time and attention youshould make sure you give your new companion comfortable andadequate dog care,food, shelter, love and attention. Byfollowing these simple guidelines you can and should enjoy yournew pet immensely.

About the Author: Orlando Smith makes it easy to performeffective dog training, quickly & easily. Learn the essentialkeys to dog training by visitinghttp://www.petdogtrainingresources.com/

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Guide to Dangerous Treats for Dogs

By Keith Londrie

It is human nature to want to feed anything that has a mouth and digestive system.Zoos have to resort to posting signs warning people not to feed animals. At home, treats for dogs satisfy that primal urge to feed. While the occasional treats for dogs is pleasurable for both dog and master, both have to be careful with what is fed. You can accidently feed your pet chocolate until you finish readig this article about what not to feed your pet.

Chocolate is one of the ultimate culinary pleasures for humans, but chocolate does not qualify as treats for dogs. While dogs enjoy the flavor of chocolate, it can be harmful to pets. Chocolate has theobromine, which is a chemical stimulant. Dogs are not able to metabolize theobromine. As a result, it can linger in the bloodstream for almost a full day. The effect can be an increased heartbeat, severe diarrhea, epileptic seizures, hallucinations, heart attack, and eventually can end in a fatality. Accidental ingestion of chocolate generally isnt a large concern if the amount is small, such as a Hershey Kiss. You will want to contact a veterinarian should that happen. Usually, they will recommend that you induce vomiting. However, a chocolate bar might be just enough to make a small dog very sick, or even cause its death.

Some dog treat manufacturers actually make chocolate treats for dogs. However, they have been mixed in such as way that is not harmful to your pet. Also, carob resembles chocolate but is not related. It is safe for your pets consumption. You can learn a lot more from your neighborhood vet or pet store. These are the two best references, besides a book, on information concerning your pets health.

Grapes and raisins are also known to be dangerous to dogs. Feeding a dog grapes or raisins can cause acute renal failure and can potentially be fatal. Even one raisin can be enough to kill a small ten-pound dog. Some much larger dogs, however, can eat a pound of raisins or grapes without any effect. A few hours after ingesting grapes or raisins, the dog may begin to vomit. Three to five days later, signs of renal failure begin to surface. You dont want to hurt your dog any more than hurting a best friend because you have an emotional attachment.

If unsure about what kind of treat to feed a dog, play it safe and give them a dog biscuit. Keep grapes, raisins, and chocolates away from the reach of pets. Some pets will get into these things if left out where the dog can easily access them.

Keith Londrie II is the Webmaster of http://www.dog-treats.info/ A website that specializes in providing tips on Dog treats that you can research on the internet. Visit http://www.dog-treats.info/ now!

Article Source: http://www.bestdogarticles.com

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Dog Treats How Safe Are They

By Keith Londrie

When your dog is performing a nice trick or behaves good during training or a certain event you feel like giving him a nice dog treat. But are you sure that every dog treat is healthy for your pet?

Dogs basic nutrition is almost the same as the human nutrition; our pets need fats, carbohydrates and protein too, but in other ratios and prepared differently.

People can chose to feed their pets with raw food or special dog food in stores. There is a big controversy between some groups of pets about the way we should feed our animals regarding raw food and commercialized food; some believe that raw food has been used for centuries and its better for animals while others think that using special dog food assures the optimal nutrition.

Dog treats which are found in stores are usually biscuits made with meat products, milk and wheat but they also contain more fats than normal dog food. Think about dog treats like fast food or chips for humans.

In the last years commercialized dog food including dog treats was found to be poisonous for most dogs. Some of the ingredients contained by dog treats which are known to cause problems are: wheat gluten, onion and garlic products, dairy products in large quantities, large quantities of liver, salt, chocolate etc. These products can cause: diarrhea, kidney failure, heart diseases, obesity, etc.

If you arent sure of the dog treats you buy, you can try making some in your home, there are a lot of recipes on the internet and in special pet magazines. All you have to do is to make sure you avoid the products listed above and others which you know that affect your pet.

Other important nutrients which must be assured daily are vitamins. If you feed your dog raw food you might find it hard to calculate if he gets enough vitamins so you might need some supplements; there are a lot of brands which commercialize products that assure the daily vitamin need. If you feed your dog with commercialized dog food, you will know that the daily dose written on the package contains the vitamins your little buddy needs.

Some dog treats contain vitamins too but they are also very tasty for your dog so be careful! If you feed your dog too many dog treats you should cut down the food you give them in meals to avoid obesity and digestion problems. If you bake your dog treats at home try to calculate the amount of nutrients; you can find a lot of nutrient lists on the internet and calculate the optimum amount of food for your dog.

Keith Londrie II is the Webmaster of http://www.about-bird-houses.info/ A website that specializes in providing information on bird houses that you can research on the internet. Visit http://www.about-bird-houses.info/ now!

Article Source: http://www.bestdogarticles.com

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Gourmet Dog Treats

By Joseph Then

People love ‘mans best friend’ and they in turn love us back. Dogs become part of our families. They live with us, sleep with us, eat with us, protect us and give us unconditional love. We treat our dogs like children. Just hearing dog owners calling their pets at the park, and the affection they show them make you realize just how devoted they are. Many dog owners have special names for them such as ‘baby’ and call themselves mommy or daddy when talking to their pet. It is amazing how huge the market is for dog food, toys, treats and even clothing and jewelry.
Nothing is too good for our dog companions.

Special treats

Dog treats are a great way to show our dogs how much we love them. We use treats to reward our pet for doing something special. Many dogs are like children and behave better because they want a treat.

Dog treats are available at pet stores, grocery stores, department stores and specialty shops just to name a few. There are dog treats flavored like beef, chicken, pizza, chocolate and almost any other food you can think of. They come in the shape of people, sausages, bacon and steak bones plus hundreds of other shapes. There are dog Christmas stockings and birthday baskets stuffed with dog treats. People take pictures of their pooches and put them on their Christmas cards. People love their dogs and in turn, their dogs love them back.

Gourmet dog treats have become very popular. Some people make their own while others buy them. Some of the reasons people are now turning to gourmet dog treats are:

• Overweight dogs – Making your own gourmet dog treats lets you control the ingredients in the product. For overweight dogs, making low calorie treats helps the dog stay healthy while shedding a few excess pounds. Instead of commercial dog cookies with sugar and salt added, making or buying gourmet cookies and treats means you can choose a treat with no sugar or salt added, or sweeten a cookie with just a touch of honey.

• Dog Allergies – Just like humans, many dogs have allergies to certain foods and ingredients. Some vets carry gourmet dog treats that are great for dogs with allergies or you can get a recipe to make gourmet treats without using the ingredients your pet is allergic.

• Sickness- Some dogs have diabetes or other health problems so they are not able to eat regular dog treats and cookies. There are dog treats available for dogs with health problems.

• Natural Treats - Many people, when they read what is in commercial dog treats, are not happy about the fillers and preservatives used so they choose to make or buy gourmet dog treats with only natural ingredients.

People nowadays are very health conscious and feel the same way about their pet’s diet. They want them to live long, healthy lives and providing gourmet dog treats is one way to help.

Love your dog with treats today! Learn how to make dog treats at home and find out more about dog treats at Home-made Dog Treats

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Dog Treats How to Choose Healthy Treats for Your Dog

By Joseph Then

Your dog is indeed your best friend and how you feed him or her is very important. Even small items like treats are very important to their health. They can be used for different purposes. Sometimes you will use them as a reward when training other times just give them something enjoyable just because you love your friend. However you use them it is important to know your choices.

How these snacks can improve and maintain your pets health: The most common way is to clean and maintain their teeth. The dog treat should be chewable and encourage your pet to use their teeth. When they do this they will be automatically cleaning their teeth. Examples of these are rawhide (like beef jerky) snacks that take plenty of chewing. Another is a bone that you can get fresh from your local butcher or again in snack form from the pet store.

Any snack you give your pet should be nutritious. For canines protein is the most common as they are primarily meat eaters. There are many varieties of these on the market. They are often in the form of strips and sometimes nuggets or biscuits. Minerals and vitamins should not be forgotten. These are also vital to your pets health, and many snacks will include these.

Dog treats come in many shapes and sizes. You can get them in grocery stores, in the pet section or your local pet store. Try to take a quick look at ingredients to be sure that your pet is receiving the best nutrition from their snack and not a whole lot of chemicals. Sometimes there are a surprising amount of chemicals in these products, and the more natural ingredients they have the better they will be for your pet.

One way to ensure your pet is getting healthy ingredients in their snacks is to make them yourself. Remember there is a balanced diet your pet should have in order to stay healthy and happy. 40 percent meat, 30 percent vegetables and 30 percent starch. Exceptions to these catagories are if they are on a vegetarian diet, which should only be done when consulting your vetenarian. There are many recepies on line for snacks and dog food.

As you can see there are many dog treats available for your pet, and even some you can make yourself. Always remember that your pet depends on you to help him keep healthy and happy.

Love your dog with treats today! Learn how to make dog treats at home and find out more about dog treats at Home-made Dog Treats

Article Source: http://www.bestdogarticles.com

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What are the Best Toys and Treats for Your Dog

By Stephen Dolan

Keeping your dog entertained is important to his health and wellbeing. Oh, and of course dogs love to play and play and play! Dog toys can help keep your dog fit, healthy and they can also be part of your dogs education when used with treats to help with training.

Not all dog treats are created equal. While every dog enjoys treats you will find that your dog prefers some to others. With so many choices now on the market its not a difficult task to find a dog treat that he prefers. Once youve found the ideal treat you can start to use it as a training tool. That doesnt preclude you giving him a treat because you love him but by treating your dog for good behavior you are re-enforcing positive actions which will become a habit for your dog.

There is a wide variety of dog treats available. Some are sweet, some are hard, some are soft, or crunchy or savory or a combination of these. As with us, your dog will prefer a different type at differnt times. Some things to be aware of if youve chosen a hard or crunchy treat are that its not too hard and that it wont hurt or break your dogs teeth. You may be surprised to find that some treats are designed to clean your dogs teeth and remove that bad dog breath! You will find that as your dog ages his preferences will change too and you should change the treats that you feed him to suit his age.

Be aware that not all dog treats are beneficial. A lot of them have sugar, preservatives or chemicals that are bad for your dog, so always check the label. If you have a dog with allergies youll need to check the labels to find a treat that does not cause allergic reactions and that your dog likes. Your vet may be able to help you in this case.

If you dont locate the perfect dog treat you should think about creating your own. Its not as difficult as you may think, and whole companies have started from a kitchen table and a good recipe. Some ingredients to consider are chicken, rice, carrots and peas. Its fun to do and your dog will appreciate the effort! If youve any left over consider selling them to your local pet store. Many carry small lines of homemade treats. If you need some recipes try searching on the internet, or just invent your own. Once youve made your treats keep them in airtight containers. This not only helps keep them fresh, but also keeps them safe from your dog too!

One of a dogs favorite pastimes is chewing. Most dogs just love to chew! Oh, and chew :-) So dont be surprised that a lot of the dog toys on the market today are focused on chewing. A dog toy that can be chewed provides a benefit for your dogs teeth and supports his natural tendency to chew. This not only helps dental health but is a non destructive and safe outlet for your dogs need to chew.

Before you go and buy a chew toy you need to think about how your dog likes to chew. A canine that chews hard and vigorously will need a stronger toy made out of hard rubber or nylon. Latex and vinyl toys are designed for canines who are lighter chewers. Whichever type your dog is, you will need to keep a watch when hes playing with the toy, especially squeaky toys, to make sure that you can take away the pieces as it falls apart. Some toys can be destroyed in a matter of minutes.

For the moderate or average chewer and for puppies there are dental or flavored chew toys made out of rawhide that can be eaten. These are great, just give it to your dog and let him have at it! Also for puppies there are the plush toys that he can carry around and snuggle up with. Make sure its machine washable though otherwise its going to get really dirty!

For fun you might like to try out a Tricky Treat Ball. This is an entertaining toy that gets filled with treats, usually dry like kibble. You can also try out cheese, carrots or meat cut into small cubes. Put the food into the ball and give it a shake. Then let your dog play with it and the food will fall through the holes in the ball. Your favorite friend will love it!!

You can go even further with this idea. There are gumball machines designed to use treats or dry food for your dog. Just add the food to the machine and let your dog play with the gumball machine.

Its important to keep your dog entertained with good dog toys and treats, and he in turn will keep you entertained for hours!

Steve Dolan is a dog lover and long time dog owner. For more information about dog toys and treats click Dog Toys and Dog Treats, and for more about dog health and keeping your dog happy click Dogs and Puppies Online.

Article Source: http://www.bestdogarticles.com

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