Whats In Your Dog Food?

According to holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks, the maximum life span of dogs is estimated to be around 25 to 30 years, yet the average dog generally lives no longer than about 13 to 14 years.

She says that this deficit is due largely to poor nutrition.

For example, canned food is about 75 to 78 percent moisture, which leaves very little room for nutrition.

In addition to containing what is generally considered the bottom of the barrel ingredients in terms of nutritional density, most conventional dog food products contain especially large amounts of sodium to make them palatable, as well as

dairy, by-products, chemical preservatives, artificial colors and other potentially harmful ingredients. The carbohydrate ratio is too high in some dog food brands as well, eventually leading to obesity, which is increasingly becoming a serious problem with dogs.

In fact, obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing our dogs; it can cause unnecessary suffering and a shortened lifespan

Renowned research scientist Dr. Barry Sears believes that dog food should have about the same 30-30-40 ratio as the human Zone diet. This means a relatively small amount of carbohydrates. Not only do many dog food brands have a particulary large amount of carbohydrates, they are mostly grain based, which are exactly the ones the Zone diet tries to minimize.

Another problem, according to the USDA Agricultural service, is that mites often get into dog food pellets, which can cause a number of problems such as disease. They recommend keeping dog food cool and dry, and vacuuming in the places where the food is stored the food is stored a least once a week. In addition keep the are around the dish where the dog food is served clean.

Also, do not leave any dog food in your pet's bowl on warm, humid days.

It should be noted that harder working dogs require more protein and fat in their diet to maintain stamina and good body form. A dog food that is complete and balanced and includes at least 26 percent protein and 1650 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per pound is ideal. During the seasons when dogs are not working, their energy requirements decrease. Feed less of the high calorie

food or change to a less nutrient-dense dog food.

Dr. Jane Bicks has been honored on many occasions by the veternary profession and is the author of several books inlcluding 'Thirty days to a healthier, happier dog' and 'Dr. Jane's Natural guide to a healthier, happier dog'. She has been involved in many advisory boards including Canine Companions for independence and has served as the President of the Veterinary Medical association of New York City.

To find out more about her holistic food and other dog food nutrition facts, go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/

About The Author

A. M. Wilmot is an author and researcher in the fields of human and pet health. For more info. go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/

Welcoming pets in the hospital NBCNews.com A program called Faithful Friends at the University of Maryland Medical Center allows a patient's pet to visit him or her in the hospital provided that the pet undergoes rigorous screening, grooming and vaccinations. The visits can provide a turning ... and more »

LAPTOP Magazine

Pets vs. Facebook: Dogs And Cats Better For Relationships Than Social Media ... Huffington Post Conducted by consumer and media intelligence company Mintel, the study of pet owners found that 16 percent of pet owners are interested in technologies that may enhance their relationships with their pets. Also 17 percent said they would like to ... Animal Attraction: Is pet ownership better for your social life than social ...KHOU (blog) all 4 news articles »

A&M prof's plan to study human cancer using pets goes national Houston Chronicle Fossum told the Houston Chronicle in January 2012 that veterinarians hoped the registry would connect pet owners with cancer researchers. Enrolling pets, especially dogs, in clinical trials could be more effective than mouse studies at predicting how ... and more »

Sacramento Metro fire department now has oxygen masks to save pets' lives Sacramento Bee The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District says it has recently received dozens of specially designed oxygen masks to save the lives of pets, including snakes and gerbils. The new masks, which primarily will protect cats and dogs, were donated by a ... and more »

ChicagoNow (blog)

More pet foods recalled, possibly tainted with salmonella The Seattle Times Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling specific lots of dry pet food because it could be contaminated with salmonella, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products include: • Innova Dry dog and cat food and biscuits/bars ... Natura Pet Issues New Dog And Cat Food RecallCBS2 Chicago Natura Pet Issues Voluntary Recall of Specialized Dry Pet Foods Due to ...DailyFinance Pet Food Recall: Natura Products Test Positive For SalmonellaThe Inquisitr myfoxny.com -ChicagoNow (blog) -Examiner.com all 35 news articles »

San Diego Airport Dog Bathroom Keeps Pets And Owners Happy (PHOTO) Huffington Post According to Dog Jaunt, airports are required to provide relief areas for canine travelers. New York's three major airports all have bathrooms for pets, as do LAX, Chicago O'Hare and Washington D.C.'s Dulles International airports. Also on HuffPost ... and more »

Need a new BFF? Adopt-a-Pet at home or shelter Washington Times WASHINGTON, – There's nothing in the world like the unconditional love of a pet. Being a pet guardian comes with so many benefits from easing depression while keeping you active and fit to lowering blood pressure and stress. Washingtonians who are ...

Londonderry emergency shelter will now be open to pets The Union Leader With the council's blessings, plans for the pet shelter are moving forward.O'Brien said he's currently meeting with several area companies to find the best match, and the fire department is also seeking community volunteers to help out at the pet shelter. and more »

Pesticide use on pets prompts DEC action Rochester Democrat and Chronicle A consumer group last year documented widespread sale of unregistered pesticides for use on pets, noted Miriam Rotkin-Ellman, a public health scientist for the Natural Resources Defense Council, a well-known national advocacy group that's studied and ...

Chicago Hospital Allows Visiting Hours For Pets NBC Chicago The hospital issued a 21-point list of rules outlining animal visits. Dogs and cats are the only pets allowed, for example, and any messes must be cleaned and sanitized by the handler. Before pets are allowed through the door, the doctor and of course ...