Do You Know What is in the Kibble You Feed Your Dog ?

A couple years ago most of the people gave little thought to the ingredients in the food that they feed to their pets. Dog food was considered dog food and we tended to feed whatever was cheapest our dog would eat The attention to the subject became a major concern for pet owners as we found out about toxic the ingredients pet food makers imported from China . We also learned about how not monitored manufacturing process of pet food was by our own government. Even more expensive specialty dog food was contaminated. We could not
just rely on paying more for dog food to make sure we were really getting quality dog food.

The regulations for labeling appeared to be written to help the confuse consumers and benefit the industry. They use certain additives to enhance flavor and prolong life of the product. Labels tend to be confusing in what they really mean. Beef does not always mean there is healthy beef in the dog food.

The difference between a pet dog food that contains beef and dog food contains flavored beef is that the first description would contain beef from about 70% and the second could contain a beef flavored substitute that has no- beef in it at all. If the name of the field contains the word with then just important to know that the law only requires that 3% of that ingredient be in the package. The words dinner or meal along with many more words, each change the quality of dog food.

Another concern is supplements that are added to bulk up the nutritional value of the dog food. Vitamin K is an essential food to ensure proper blood clotting. The problem is not vitamin K, it 's the menadione synthetic form that gives us concern. While the FDA has amended its ban in menadione to allow its use in food and drinking water for animals, was previously banned because of toxicity. The menadione is not allowed to be used in human foods and supplement material . It has been denied a request by the FDA due to lack of proof of safety.

The menadione has been linked to the cell cytotoxicity of liver, weakened immune systems, the potential mutagenic effects, damage to the natural cycle of vitamin K, hemolytic anemia and jaundice, morbidness can occur with high doses of this synthetic vitamin K. You must find a dog food without a high content of this ingredient.

You can buy choose dog foods that are composed primarily of whole grains and contains the majority of meat products. You would also be wise choose a dog that organic and free pesticide residue and other artificial ingredients if this is a concern for you. There is also the option of the product their dogs the same food your feeding your family.

Dogs need about 1 / 3 of its food consumption to be protein such as, meat, eggs or dairy. The other 2 / 3 should be grains and vegetables. That 's the basics, beyond that you can be creative! Check a list of foods dogs can never have like avocados and chocolate. Remember dogs can be lactose intolerant as well. Apart from beef you can use chicken, tuna, and turkey for source protein.

If you fix rice for dinner, you can simply use the brown rice that you use for your family to feed the dog as well. You use the rice for the grain. I use brown rice, it 's easier for digestion. So I like to add vegetables and meat and just put it through the blender. Dogs tend to like bland cooked vegetables much like children do.

Some dogs will not eat vegetables that are served without other ingredients. Mixing up the vegetables makes them palatable to most dogs. The best vegetables to use in homemade dog food are green beans, peas, broccoli, and lima beans. Avoid corn as most dogs do not digest it well. Again you can simply throw some of the chicken, rice and veggies you are making for your human family into the blender and serve the dog dinner at the same time. It will cut down on the dog begging at the table as well.

Be creative; just remember protein 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 grain and vegetables. You can add healthy oils, to enhance your dog's coat. A little olive oil can do the trick. Regardless if the food is commercial dog kibble or your own recipe for dog meals that you need to pay attention the ingredients to ensure your best friend is getting proper nutrition.

Sources:http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/printer_13201.shtml
http://dog-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/homemade_dog_food_recipes
http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=menadione