Much like us humans, the food that dogs eat can either positively or negatively affect their physical and mental well-being. Foods closest to natural and wholesome can encourage a glossier coat, stronger immunity and a longer lifespan while foods closer to synthetic can cause health problems and sluggishness. Food labels on all edibles (both human and animal) have been a requirement for quite some time now. The purpose of such descriptions is to provide valuable information such as ingredients list, weight and nutritional content. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently compare between liked-products, then make the best decision for your pet.

How to Read Dog Food Labels:

1. Consider your dog’s requirements: When shopping for new dog food, you need to first consider their age, per-existing health conditions and their ideal weight. With those factors in mind, you will be able to narrow your choices after comparing labels.
2. Ingredient list: The list of dog food ingredients are coded in order by heaviest first, therefore the first ingredient is the most important. The first ingredient should be a protein such as chicken, beef, lamb or turkey. Another valuable ingredient that should be high on the list is carbohydrates such as brown rice, barley and peas. Fats like omegas, sunflower oil and canola oil should also be present in quality dog food.
3. Understanding byproducts: The term “byproduct” has gotten a bad reputation because it has come to represent inedible ingredients and valueless fillers. While it is true that many byproducts are unnecessary, some do pose nutritional value. When reading dog food labels, byproducts should be completely absent or lower on the list. If byproducts are listed choose a variety that contains meat byproducts and avoid brands that contain soy and corn gluten meal.
4. Unreadable ingredients: The unreadable ingredients lower down on the dog food labels represent the preservatives and the artificial colors and flavors that are added to enhance shelve-life and taste. It is important to choose a variety that has little to no synthetic flavors or colors added, and the preservatives added should be derived from natural sources.

Choosing the right dog food for your fury friend won’t be as difficult once you know what to look for on the food labels. Your dog needs a complete mix of whole protein, vegetables and healthy carbohydrates to live a long and healthy life.

Thanksgiving is definitely one of our favorite holidays and meals, but sometimes we think turkey sandwich leftovers can  be better than the main dish. Who doesn’t love a turkey sandwich with white bread and some delicious mayonnaise? It might be tempting to spread the sandwich love, and leftovers in general, with your dog or cat, but consider these tips before you give up your scraps.

• If you’re sharing turkey, be sure to remove any excess fat or skin from the meat. Also, turkey bones are dangerous to dogs, make sure they stay far away from your pet.
• Potatoes are safe to share, but mashed potatoes contain ingredients that pets should avoid: butter, cheese, sour cream, etc.
• A small serving of cranberry sauce is safe for dogs.
• We shouldn’t have to remind you, but chocolate is off the table.
• Fresh vegetables such as green beans make for a safe treat, again just be careful they don’t contain additional dairy and alliums (onions, garlic, scallions, shallots, etc.).

You love your dog, they are your best friend. That is why it is important to maintain their health for a long life using natural dog remedies. If your pet is exhibiting strange symptoms it may be wise to review some of the following natural remedies and health care tips. They can be safe alternative in some cases for expensive treatments and chemicals. Read on to learn more:

Just like people, dogs need vitamins and minerals from food and drinks they eat. They can take advantage of many of the concepts people do when getting sick. Dehydration can effect your animal if they have been vomiting, electrolytic beverages without flavorings, are alright for dogs to consume and will help them balance their hydration levels after an upset stomach. On a regular basis you can help to maintain their belly health with some yogurt, the good bacteria aids their digestive process, just like you and me.

A dog’s skin has to deal with the environment, like our does, accept without the protection of clothing. All they have is their fur! Lend them a hand, Vitamin E can be massaged directly into their skin to keep it and their coat healthy. Plus, they love a good belly rub. If they suffer from eczema like itchiness or skin dryness an oatmeal bath will assist in subduing those conditions for a canine too. Instead of resorting to heavy chemicals and treatments first try borax to kill fleas, it will eat through their nasty little exoskeletons.

Your pet’s health also derives much of its equilibrium from their diet. Put healthy things in them and watch their demeanor improve, nasty food and they will be grumpy and sluggish. Giving your pet a healthy lifestyle, particularly food wise, reflects many of the recommendations we should follow. All sorts of fresh herbs from your home garden, indoor and outdoor, are wonderful for your dog. Things that people use everyday like chamomile, valerian, aloe vera and ginger with a variety of beneficial properties can be administered to you dog under the same situations.

Taking care of your dog’s body and health is no mystery, in fact it is quite similar to the practices you should be maintaining for yourself. However, they need you help! Dogs can not manage all this care on their own. At http://www.AllergicPet.com you will find many products to help your dog stay in peak health.