By: Kelly Marshall

Most dogs will begin to be less active and will self-exercise less as they age. Some breeds are naturally more likely to gain weight and be couch dogs rather than active pets, so it is important to help them eat only the food they need, not all that they want. Some dogs are naturally able to regulate their food whereas other dogs simply eat until they can’t hold another bite. Understanding how your dog eats and how much they eat can help you determine how to best help them manage their weight or how to effectively help them lose weight.

To get your dog started on a lifestyle change and diet that is needed to help an already overweight dog start to get in shape consider the following:

· Cut out all snacks, treats and food items other than the actual dog food. This means no high carb or sugary treats, no extra little scraps from the table or even any dog cookies. High quality treats can be reintroduced to the diet on a very limited amount once the weight has been lost.

· Unless there is a reason why your dog must be on wet food switch to a high quality premium dry food only, but not necessarily a weight loss formula. Most dogs will lose weight even on regular kibble provided all the other aspects of the plan are followed. Ask your vet for recommendations for foods that would be beneficial to your particular dog. Switch the food slowly and gradually to avoid digestive problems. Don’t worry if the dog refuses to eat the dry, especially if it is a picky eater, it will eat when it gets hungry. If the dog does not eat for two days and you are exercising the dog as outlined contact your vet before proceeding with the food selection.

· Increase exercise – and this involves your participation. Most dogs, especially those that are overweight, simply do not exercise themselves. Putting them outside in the yard for an extra hour doesn’t count since they will likely take a leisurely stroll around the yard, find a comfortable spot and rest. You must make them keep moving. Take them on a leash for a walk around the block at least twice a day. Once they can do one block, increase to two and keep increasing the distance and the pace of the exercise. Start slow and gradually increase to avoid stressing both the dog and yourself!

· Increase play times. Try throwing a ball or a stick for the dog, or playing a game of tag or chase. Start slow, even just rolling the ball to get the dog involved. Lots of praise and attention during the game will help keep them motivated and engaged.

· Plan a regular “play date” for your dog with another dog if he or she is an only dog in your house. Running and playing with another dog is great exercise and gives you a chance to supervise and relax.

· Cut down on the dog food by a quarter to start. If you are normally feeding 1 cup twice a day feed ¾ of a cup twice a day. Never cut out a meal, simply cut down on each meal. It is recommended to feed two smaller meals rather than just one meal to keep blood sugar better regulated for the dog.

· Check your yard and house for hidden food items. Many dogs have learned to get into the garbage, get into cupboards and raid the treat boxes or even get into candy dishes left on the coffee table. Remove all sources of food from where the dog can access.

Keep on the plan for two weeks, decreasing each mean by one quarter and doubling a reasonable level of exercise. You should notice a slight weight loss in this period. You can either weigh the dog by using a standard bath scale or, for large breeds, simply use a measuring tape around the widest part of the their body. If you have followed the plan and are decreasing food, increasing exercise and cutting out all treats and do not notice even a slight decrease in weight after two weeks see your veterinarian immediately to rule out any medical problems.

Kelly Marshall is an author at Oh My Dog Supplies, an pet supply store featuring dog steps and car seat covers for dogs

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By: Abhishek Agarwal

Canned dog food versus dry kibble is an argument that has been going on for sometime now – or at least ever since commercially manufactured and artificially packed into aesthetic looking bags kind of goodies seemed to hit grocery stores that are haunted by dog-owners in the flurry of discovering the worth of the variety they buy for Fido! Well, the truth be told, a dog’s diet is what determines every facet of their health and total well being, so it is only fair that a dog-owner and true dog-lover is bound to be faced by the above dilemmas sometime; however, wanting the best for your four-legged canine friend is not the problem – it’s knowing there is too much variety!

Okay, so we were kidding right there – but the fact is that with so many options open, it can get a tad difficult to decide which one has more pros than cons for keeping as a daily diet option for your pampered pooch and which should only be emergency fare when his favorite dog chow is not available!

Many dog owners prefer to go with dry kibble while others prefer to quibble over the benefits of canned, moist dog food that comes in a variety of flavors and with as much supplement value as marked on the kibble; so how exactly does one get to know which has more advantages in the main components department till one actually does a scientific comparative analysis? Possibly, short of lab tests that compare results in a chemical break-down and biological benefits package, there is only the outward, obvious signs of a dog’s glowing fur and strong, flexible and energetic body movements and possibly superior good looks – or, as it is the case with simple dog lovers – it’s just a case of letting pooch choose his pet preferences in food!

You can consider discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each type of dog food with the professionals your dog trusts with his health i.e the vet and the dog trainer for example, who are two people who have enormous experience in dealing with healthy, happy and different breeds of dogs to know what works for each one. On the practical side of course, the prohibitive price tag of most tinned dog chow brands can be a deciding factor for dog-owners choosing kibble as canned food may not be affordable on a regular basis for the bigger breeds.

Of course, the benefits of large chunks of real meat with lesser additives that is filling and nutritious cannot be overlooked in canned dog food; also it is something that that appeals to their basic carnivorous nature that canned dog food is typically readily accepted and relished by all but the picky eater variety of dogs, so is good for maintaining good health, is moist therefore easy to chew and less hassle-free for the dog-owner too.

Now, coming to dry kibble – since it is dry and hard, with lesser moister than canned dog food, it benefits the oral hygiene by preventing tartar and plaque problems; it also does not need to be put in the fridge after opening like canned food requires so is easy to store and carry on journeys, therefore proves to be economical, convenient and a healthy diet option for your dog.

Of course, the last choice for which is better is best made by your dog’s vet and – Fido himself, so choose quality and good health will automatically follow whether you choose to go with kibble or canned!

Abhishek is an avid dog lover and he has got some great Dog Food Secrets up his sleeve! Download his FREE 86 Pages Ebook, “Dog Diet – The Right Food For Your Dog” from his website http://www.Dog-Tale.com/129/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

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By: Sherrie Chastain

The best all natural dog foods or homemade dog food recipe contains calcium because dogs need a 2:1 ratio of Calcium to Phosphorous. Meat is high is phosphorous so calcium must be supplemented to keep this important 2:1 ratio of Calcium to Phosphorous.

In the wild your dog would have satisfied this 2:1 ratio when eating its prey because the bones of the prey would contain the calcium needed to offset the phosphorous in the meat.

Why Bone Meal is Not the Best Choice for your All Natural Dog Foods

Food grade bone meal was always recommended in the past however it is not the best choice for the best all natural dog foods or your homemade dog food recipe. Bone meal contains phosphorous along with calcium so it would be impossible to maintain the 2:1 ratio your dog needs. Using Bone meal will usually put your dog at a 1:3 ratio with the Phosphorous being 3 times higher than Calcium, which could cause devastating health issues for your dog.

The other main reason Bone meal is not the best choice for calcium supplementation in your all natural dog foods and homemade dog food recipe is that bones hold toxins especially metals like lead which would be passed onto your dog. Bones can also hold disease like mad cows disease, which would be very dangerous for your dog.

Finely Ground Egg Shells Are the Best Choice for All Natural Dog Foods and your Homemade Dog Food Recipe

Not only are eggs a wonderful source of protein for your all natural dog foods and your homemade dog food recipe, the egg shells are the best source of calcium supplementation available. Finely ground egg shells do not contain phosphorous so you can maintain the important 2:1 Calcium, Phosphorous ratio your dog needs. You can use your own egg shells plus they are readily available commercially.

8 Large eggs will give you about 1 teaspoon of finely ground egg shells which is the amount to supplement 1 pound of all natural dog foods or your homemade dog food recipe. One pound of all natural dog foods or your own homemade dog food recipe will feed a 50 pound dog each day.

What If My All Natural Dog Foods Do Not Contain Calcium?

A lack of Calcium can cause dental facial problems for your dog which are irreversible. There are many other functions and benefits beyond the obvious of minerals like calcium. Calcium is important for strong bones, it also is said to help with blood clotting, activating enzyme action, and in helping with normalizing the contraction and relaxation of the heart muscles.

Don’t underestimate minerals; they are the spark plugs of life. Calcium is the single most important supplement you can provide your pets.

Otto Warburg the Nobel Prize winner discovered that all disease in people ties back to mineral deficiency. If we have become so diseased after changing our diets to processed foods after thousands of years, why can’t our pets be suffering from the same problem?

Choose your all natural dog foods and supplements wisely; your dog’s health and well being depends on it.

Sherrie Chastain Health and Beauty Consultant Free Time Management Tool Here More All Natural Dog Foods Info here

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By: Ibrahim

Though Hoodia Gordonii looks very much like a ‘cactus’, it is actually a leafless succulent with cactus like spikes. Whenever the early African tribesmen traveled on long hunting expeditions, they used to consume the Hoodia Gordonii ‘cactus’ to help stave-off hunger on their prolong trips. As its natural ability to safely curb the appetite has become well known in the recent past. Hoodia Gordonii’s popularity has exploded. A certified pure Hoodia Gordonii diet pills are available now in the market.

The Fact Has Been Proven!

Although there are 20 types of Hoodia, only the Hoodia Gordonii variety is believed to contain the natural appetite suppressant. In recent times, it has been revealed that Hoodia Gordonii contains a very powerful molecule known as ‘P57’ that works as an appetite suppressant. The microscopic test shows the sample has no physical property to Hoodia Gordonii. This means that after eating Hoodia Gordonii as ‘appetite suppressant’ you can still eat your favorite foods. Now, this ‘cactus plant’ is being commercialized to the western society as Hoodia Gordonii appetite suppressant. Its ability in controlling appetite by eating the flesh from its stem is what makes Hoodia Gordonii so popular today. By diminishing appetite, curbing hankerings, and increasing energy, Hoodia Gordonii can be a useful supplement to any ‘fat-loss program’.

Hoodia Gordonii can hold back your appetite while boosting energy, helping you feel satisfied and full. It is the most effective way to control appetite, and is used when wishing to lose weight. If appetite suppression is a quality you desire in a weight loss supplement, Hoodia Gordonii is an excellent ingredient to look for.

The extract of the plant Hoodia Gordonii is emerging as the greatest weight-reducing diet pill with no known side effects. Hoodia Gordonii diet pill also has a natural feel-good quality. All studies performed to date show no ill effects among subjects supplementing their diet with Hoodia Product.

for more information visit: Hoodia Balance and http://www.nizariismaili.com

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By: Gene Sower

Anemia can be caused by excessive loss of red blood cells or by inadequate production.

Nutritional iron-deficiency anemia, common in people, is uncommon in dogs with today’s commercially balanced dog foods. Chronic iron deficiency, as described by the “Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook,” is a clear indication that an insidious loss of blood is taking place.

Blood loss is a condition that is commonly caused by wounds or parasites such as worms and fleas. Symptoms of anemia in dogs include white or pale gums, weakness, and a fast pulse. Sometimes this condition indicates a more serious illness such as toxicity that results from a drug exposure. However, the more simple and common cause of anemia which is blood loss can be easily treated with a view toward promoting the growth of new red blood cells.

You need to give your dog a special diet rich in iron, protein, and vitamin B12. The following lists of foods and supplements are especially helpful and provide the necessary nutrients that your dog needs to treat anemia.

1. Beef liver which contains iron, protein, B complex, and B12. 2. Kelp powder which contains iodine and other trace minerals. 3. Green vegetables which contains iron and other minerals. 4. Nutritional yeast along with B12 which offers the same benefits as the liver. 5. Vitamin C, from 500 to 2,000 milligrams per day (depending on the dog’s size) which helps with the absorption of iron from the intestinal tract.

If the condition is caused by parasites, then you will need to nip the problem in the bud and treat the parasite infestation first before using any other forms of treatment.

Using a many commercially available flea treatments such as shampoos and sprays can prove effective in killing fleas. But start by combing or brushing your dog on a white sheet or blanket so you can see any fleas fall off. And keep in mind that fleas can jump.

And don’t forget to wash your dog’s bedding and use a good flea powder on carpets throughout the house, especially in the areas where the dog sleeps and has it’s bed.

According to the Dog Owner”s Home Veterinary Handbook”, “Signs (of anemia) vary considerably, depending on the cause. Often they are overshadowed by the signs of a chronic illness, of which anemia is but one of the associated symptoms. In general, anemic dogs lack appetite, lose weight, sleep a great deal and show generalized waekness. “

They go on to caution, “With severe anemia, heart murmurs are common. The pulse is rapid and so is the breathing rate. The dog may faint when overexerting. Most of these signs also occur with heart disease, and these two conditions might be easily confused.”

As always, your vet can make the final diagnosis.

Gene Sower is the publisher of the DOG BYTES newsletter and owner of http://www.naturalpetsworld.com, a site devoted to offering a huge selection of natural pet foods at discount prices.

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