What Is the Raw Food Diet for Dogs?

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Clair

The raw food diet for dogs has become a popular idea among pet owners. It started through Ian Billinghurst – an Australian veterinarian who sought to adapt the way racing greyhounds as well as sled dogs feed to domesticated pets such as dogs and even cats. He said that commercialized foods are generally bad for a dog’s health because it isn’t natural.

Around 80% of the raw dog food diet consists of meat and bones. However, it is important to note that the bones given to dogs must be uncooked as this is much tougher yet safer for dogs to chew on. There’s also a limited type of meat as well as bone that should be given. Meats should only be beef, lamb, chicken, or fish whereas bones should only be lamb or chicken.

But aside from these, other important nutrients are also being included in the meals. Among them are vegetables and fruits as well as small portions of organs like liver, kidney, and even a portion of the heart. The organs should also come from the same animals listed as the acceptable raw meats to feed to dogs.

There are a lot of known positive effects attributed with feeding raw food. Much of it can also be observed on the physical aspects of your pets. Dogs are observed to have a shinier coat after they start eating raw. Their skin is also much healthier and no longer susceptible to allergies. They also have cleaner teeth and stronger too because of the natural things they eat.

But as much as there are so many positive effects supposedly attributed with the raw dog food diet, there’s still much debate going on about its real effects. Even the FDA continues to maintain that there are also some negative implications that feeding raw meals to domesticated pets could bring.

Among the biggest threats considered are bacteria. It is perceived that salmonella, among others, can be transferred between humans and animals who eat raw food. Because of feeding raw, humans would have to handle raw meat which is known to be susceptible to bacteria. Likewise, dogs would need to adapt with the new diet first before you can fully feed them whole raw meals.

There’s also concern about feeding dogs with raw bones. Some experts say that the diet runs the risk of having splinters get caught inside the dog’s throat. They also worry that these bones can in the long run cause teeth to break and even have some internal punctures as they pass through the digestive system.

Because of the positive and perceived negative effects on feeding dogs with raw food diet for dogs, it is best to remain vigilant about it. You should also consult the veterinarian first before you give this to your dog.

Jamie is a pet health professional who honestly feels that switching your dog to raw dog food is the healthiest decision you can make for your pet. Discover more about raw dog food diet.

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Do Shih Tzu Males Have to Have Curly Tails?

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Clair

I want to know if the shih tzu males have curly tails because I seen a lot of shih tzu males that don’t. My shih tzu female dog has curly tail. So is there a difference between female and male shih tzu’s in there tails?

AKC standard: "Tail – Set on high, heavily plumed, carried in curve well over back. Too loose, too tight, too flat, or too low set a tail is undesirable and should be penalized to extent of deviation." http://www.akc.org/breeds/shih_tzu/

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A Stainless Steel Dog Bowl – Is It Really the Best Dog Bowl?

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Clair

The stainless steel dog bowl is the pick for almost all dog owners. The question is do you want it for your dog? We will go over the individual sorts of bowls.

The good and bad of each different kind of bowl

Plastic Dog Bowl The Good: not heavy, can be put in a dishwasher, varied colors, not costly.

Plastic The Bad: Dogs like to bite them, hide bacteria, lasts a short time.

Ceramic Dog Bowl The Good: weigh more so they don’t move around as much, can be purchased to match your décor, cleans easily.

Ceramic The Bad: can be too heavy, breaks easily, porous, cracks go unnoticed and give bacteria a place to breed, more expensive than plastic.

Stainless Steel Dog Bowl The Good: long lasting, safe in dishwashers, skid proofing on bottom, cleans easily, no places for bacteria to hide.

Stainless Steel The Bad: more expensive than plastic, does not comes in different colors.

After looking at the good and bad of each type of bowl it is easy to see that the stainless dog dish is the better choice. A stainless dog dish can be found in a varied amount of sizes. Even a very large dog bowl can be found in stainless steel. You will need to buy one for food and one for water.

No matter what material the water bowl is made of you will notice that it will get cloudy after a few drinks. My dogs’ bowl get cleaned at least twice a day. He has stainless steel and it is very easy to keep clean. There are automatic dog waterers if you cannot be there to do the cleaning and changing of the water. Pet stores even sell automatic pet food dispensers for when you can’t be around at feeding time.

The stainless bowl is an excellent buy. They can be used outside as well if you take care of them. You can also get them with a slip proof bottom in case your dog likes to move his bowl around as they eat. There are pet stores that sell a stainless steel dog bowl in two toned colors so you do have some choice when it comes to your decorative taste.

If you have a large dog it helps to keep their bowls at a height that is comfortable for them to eat and drink from. This means off of the floor. The height depends on the size of your dog. You do not want them to have to bend to eat or drink, this can be the cause of digestive problems. There are beautiful stands in different heights for your stainless steel dog bowl. Please remember to keep your dog dish clean, even a stainless steel dog bowl used for water can become slimy after a few drinks.

Alice Washertein is a dog lover! She writes all about canine issues at her web sites. One such site, the largedogbowl.com, is where she examines basic feeding accessories such as ceramic dog bowls, the basic dog food dish, petmate fresh flow, the dog feeding station, and the stainless steel dog bowl, as well as others.

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Gaining From Invisible Dog Fencing

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Clair

Invisible dog fencing just isn’t entirely undetectable meaning that you may be unable to see anything that composes it. Yes, you’ll not really see an actual obvious barrier going around your residence unlike in classic walls nevertheless , you can easily observe and also touch the components of the invisible barrier. So what specifically are the advantages of an invisible pet dog barrier pertaining to animal owners?

Reasonably priced Cost

An invisible canine fencing is certainly noticeably less expensive than the usual conventional fence made from resources which include wood plus metal. You can spend only $150 in an undetectable barrier whilst having to pay at the least $500 on a physical fencing is normal, not to point out that you might have to pay money for fees related to constructing a fence where you live.

Mainly because an invisible pet fence may be established as a Do-it-yourself project, you save on the labor fees for any qualified professional. On the flip side, a standard palisade will need the assistance of a handyman or a contractor. Remember that you need to also cover the constant maintenance bills of a conventional palisade. This isn’t so for the hidden one.

Conformity for the Rules

Your community may also not approve regular walls to be erected for legitimate grounds. Instead of moving away or defying the guidelines, you can mount an invisible electric fence. You will then be in a position to experience the benefit of a fence and also be a very good neighbor. Even when walls are allowed, policies could possibly be set such that a real height constraint is in place. You’ll be able to take advantage of the dog containment system to further improve the control methods to counteract your pet dog from running in to the streets.

Delightful Aesthetics

You might also choose to show the beauty of your garden, yard and property, which a standard fencing could mar. Yet still, you also wish your canine to remain to specific parts of the property away from your valuable flower arrangements, vegetables and fruits as well as garden plants. The most effective alternative: an invisible pet dog containment system. You might program several disguised . dog fences so that one addresses the entire yard whilst a few other arrangements take care of specific places. For instance, your vegetable spot plus blossom garden would have split undetectable fences to help keep your pet off of these types of zones while at the same time however featuring their total splendor.

Dependability in Maintaining Dogs In

And then you will also discover the typical unreliability connected with physical walls made of wood, concrete and even iron. If you can’t construct a solid retaining wall that stretches numerous levels up the air and a number of other feet beneath the bottom, you will see that most dogs are too shrewd for their unique good. Your dog can easily hop over the solid wood wall, build under the string fencing, and just frequently ascend over the wall directly into independence. But if your pooch has lengthy limbs and a ingenious mind, you will notice that it can uncover new ways to get away from the lawn.

With an invisible dog fence, your dog will be unable to bypass the procedure of the electronic digital wall. Not having fail, the fencing will provide the signal for the training collar in order to beep for being a first notice after which provide the slight electric jolt that will stop your dog from its tracks. In the end, the advantage of invisible dog fencing would be to prevent your dog safe in the garden. Because of this gain alone, everyone can pay good money pertaining to the mentioned fences.

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Benefits of Using Indestructible Dog Toys

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Clair

Indestructible dog toys are excellent when it comes to pets that get bored quickly, and that are inclined to break down things very speedily. You should ensure you buy games for your pet dogs to play with; having said that, whenever they destroy them rather than play it begins to get outrageously expensive. Playthings can also be a superb tool to use while training, and alongside the suitable training collar, your puppy can be taught extremely quickly.

Training your dog ought to be carried out in a way that makes certain that your pet dogs understand how to conduct themselves when they are at home, and also outside in public. If you praise your favorite pet dogs the moment their particular conduct is good, this should guarantee that they continue with the superb actions. Doggie gadgets happen to be an effective way at providing your dog with provocation.

Dog toys are often very costly, and when you need to substitute all of them oftentimes it can become costly. Some dogs love to chew anything that they’re given, such as playthings as well as balls. By supplying all of them with pooch gadgets, you are providing these with the perfect toys they can have. They will be in a position to get their exercise whilst knowing that they’ve wonderful playthings to play with.

While pet dogs remain on their own for days on end, they’ll get bored this leads to negative conduct such as shouting and also gnawing. Anti bark collars really are a successful education device that will help you to teach your puppy properly. After your dog is instructed correctly, it will likely be considerably more comfortable staying left on its own.

Pet dogs really are remarkably clever and they will enjoy a variety in their toys and games; thus, getting them a variety of unique ones is advised. Indestructible dog toys are wonderful for a lot of pet dogs, however, particularly for dogs that will adore to chew. This type of canine plaything is incredibly pet friendly, and your personal hound will be unable to bite pieces coming from the pooch gadget as well as swallow those. Nonetheless, but if your family dog will do find a way to split some rubber of this doggie doll, you must get rid of all the portions promptly.

Owning a perfectly behaved pet dog is incredibly valuable for you personally as well as your household; nonetheless, it is also very useful with respect to the other folks not to mention pets that your canine arrives straight into touch with. Using exercise supports just like toys and also electronic dog collars will allow you to exercise your pet effectively. The properly trained dogs will be much more content whenever they know you are satisfied, and that their behavior will be honored.

Pay back teaching is very valuable; even so, there are occasions when aversive exercise must be applied. This is by means of electronic collars for dogs, which will help a variety of training purposes. Once you have used your time teaching your dog, it can enjoy the time period trying to play with one another and making use of the dog toys is a fantastic tool.

Undesired habits can be challenging to break, and you will probably need to make sure that you simply spend the time and effort training your own dogs correctly. When they have been well trained it will be easier for a person to leave them in the home, garden and also take them out of the house in public areas. The indestructible dog toys can be bought in many alternative styles ensuring that your pet dog certainly not gets bored to tears again.

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Suggestions About Employing a Dog Fence for the Purpose of Puppy Obedience Training

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Clair

You installed the invisible dog fence product throughout the edge within your front and rear yards with the clear goal of dog or cat activity control. Fundamentally, you want the pets to keep on being contained in the property instead of running on the street and then going after cars, mailmen and even squirrels. Several canines have encountered considerable accidental injuries or possibly past away as a consequence of such proclivity for chasing after whatever moves. You should, however, take note that the electronic pet dog containment system is not the be-all together with end-all of your family dog activity control actions. Ones duty additionally is in in fact exercising your dog so it identifies and also respects the electronic fencing.

Recognize How It Operates

The 1st step is to learn how the electronic digital dog containment fence actually works. The imperceptable dog fence has a transmitter connected to the loop of cord, the latter of which ought to be laid to rest underneath the ground – hence, the particular hidden name. Your pet will then dress in a dog collar which contains the receiver, which can then discharge the caution beeps and also the light electrical jolt if the furry friend goes beyond the established limit.

Be aware there are a pair of warning signals given by the receiver. Initially, the notification beeps alerts the pet to quit. Second, if your canine even now does not listen to the beep, a light electrical shock is given. These forewarning messages constitute the specific aversive instruments included in the majority of electronic digital animal walls. The latter is designed to produce an unpleasant experience instead of killing the dog so pet owners don’t have anything to worry about on this element. The exact level and duration of the electric surprise may very well be adjusted depending on the size, character and habits of the animal involved.

Mark all the Limits utilizing Noticeable Signs

Now, when you’ve got installed the cord as well as transmitter, hooked up the receiver collar onto your hound, and fine-tuned the lowest level recommended for the aversive tools, the following activity requires you to effect the limits of the containment system. You should use large solid wood stakes, brightly-colored flags as well as traffic cones to help you mark the real boundary of the unseen wall. These types of indicators will work to your benefit aside from that of your doggie’s favor due to the fact you can not be thought to keep in mind the precise location of the wire connections below the soil.

Teach Aversion Procedure

Do not allow the dog free around the garden until such moments that you’ve well trained it in order to really respect the invisible wall. You need to put the pet dog on a leash – when using the collar/receiver, needless to say – and hold on to the tether when you are equally around the backyard.

Next, you and the canine should head to near the seen markers. In the event the warning beeps start to go off, tell your family dog to retreat, as we say, right up until such instance that the beeps halt. You need to cheer your canine friend and offer it a reward. Should your hound won’t comply with this instructions, allow it go even closer right until the minor electric powered zap is actually delivered and explain to your four-legged friend to back off. Praise him once more.

Do that exercising for fifteen minutes a day until eventually such occasion that the dog will make the interconnection between the beeps and also the zap on the markers. Your canine friend should then look at its best in order to really keep inside of the limit. You could then little by little get rid of the markers when your pet dog gets more consideration relating to the hidden fence.

Not until your pet dog has actually been trained in this way are you in a position to actually enjoy the great merits about the specific dog fence.

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How to Get Ready for Self-Grooming Your Canine Friend

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Clair

Should you have chosen that it is the perfect time to spend less by grooming your own dog, then you will be in a growing crowd. A lot of canine owners are taking this task to avoid wasting time as well as to economize. However, even though clipping out the dog’s fur isn’t complicated, it’s not an issue that could be taken lightly. The goal of the dog’s layer as well as fur will be to acquire a covering of protection or simply warmth to the dog. Some individuals might imagine that ahead of genes, the size or perhaps the breadth from the dog’s coating will be dependent on the pet owner. Yet, the size of the fur or even the coat of the hound should certainly really rely upon its particular breed of dog, and what is healthy for the unique breed of puppies.

To illustrate, several canines naturally do much better along with his or her hair some more lengthy, given that their particular dermis is incredibly hypersensitive to natural light. Then again, there are several canines which are very delicate to high temperature. These kinds of puppies will have to stay as chilled in addition to being free of moisture as is feasible. Consequently, these types of pet dogs need to be trimmed using a near cut. Having mentioned this, it’s very important for dog owners to understand that they shouldn’t trim his or her pets way too near the tissue. This may contribute to sores over the skin, or just being trimmed far too tight can cause many types of discomfort on your pet dog.

And so, along with this talked about, here are several strategies that many people who own dogs can begin preparing themselves along with their canines for being groomed and also cut in your own home. To start with, in case the dog owner has obtained puppies, then it is recommended that the pet owner begins clipping the canines as quickly as possible. This may enable the new puppy to become accustomed to being trimmed. Over time, your new puppy can certainly learn to develop a positive connection to the trimmers. When the pet owner has just obtained a grown-up hound from a animal shelter, perhaps getting the animal comfortable with being clipped could be a bit of a difficult task. Nonetheless, if the pet owner is usually gentle, then the pooch will discover the best way to trust getting groomed for a advantageous event.

It is vital for pet owners to purchase a dependable brand of hound clippers, like Wahl dog clippers. These types of clippers have been demonstrated to be very dependable, and those are said as a way to deal with more challenging clipping out projects. A number of pets have significantly more difficult as well as heavier levels of fur than the others. A brand of hound trimmers just like Wahl dog clippers is perfect for most of these proper grooming tasks, given that the swifter the hound owner can certainly accomplish clipping out the doggy, the more encouraging of an experience it will be to your family dog. Certainly, a dog doesn’t want its owner bearing upon it, or over and over again raking on it with noisy shaking trimmers!

If pet owners are uncertain about how much force they should implement on their pet dog, or in case pet owners are unconfident about how to move the trimmers over the dog, they could get advice from a professional groomer. The groomer is used to working with different styles of breeds, and the pet groomer may be able to help the dog owner out.

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Remote Trainer

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Clair

While initial training tools of this sort were actually designed to work out hunting dogs and delivered a particularly impressive stimulation, modern day variations are generally markedly more humane. They permit the owner to establish dominance and sustain management when it comes to configuration settings that might give the dog with lots of disturbances. Use of the parallel education method of amazing benefits and aversive stimuli has been proven to be able to bring about to swift results in the largest part of dogs, also the ones regarded in no way trainable as a result of other sorts of methods.

A remote trainer can be a valuable tool in teaching your puppy each elementary obedience and also breaking them of really bad habits such as excavating as well as woofing. Walking your canine on a lead can still make trouble, especially when coping with even larger, stronger dog breeds. Most people find relief and also get back the ability to love their own canine companions after they know that the pet dogs will reply to a beep from the remote and then follow the directions they’ve been specified. For this reason, both hound along with owner have to be educated by professionals on how to make use of as well as respond to these types of devices.

Something that owners discover they like about employing a remote to train their dog is that they are able to quickly break a new canine of the desire to chase things. A leash can’t do that, and with smaller sized folks who have much larger pet dogs, they notice the tether merely functions to pull them on once the hound actually starts to run after stuff. Few other approaches could possibly end the particular impulse to go after stuff in activity, may it be a vehicle, somebody on the bicycle, an alternative dog, or possibly a newly placed fragrance trail. This operates by enabling the master to train on a hand-held two button transmitter. Once effectively taught your pet heeds the forewarning sound or beeps well before any kind of mild negative stimulus could be launched.

As mentioned before, modern remote trainer tools are a lot improved. You will see that they’ve got a wide variety of degrees of stimuli that may be customized to every pooch. Some of them alternate between beeps combined with oscillations which makes them best for usage about hard of hearing canines. Because the main aim is to determine your pet to give consideration to the dog owner not truly penalize the pet any time used adequately many jobs are accomplished swiftly when they are being learned. It is crucial that people today aiming to yourself instruct your dog by using these tools invest time to learn how to utilize them safely to ensure that your canine realizes that the objective is to obtain the reward by no means be penalized. Fortuitously, numerous canine training experts and also internet websites offer you step by step guides designed for learning how to take advantage of the remote controls safe and so und.

The majority of dog trainers would prefer to use these types of units as a instant NO style of application once unwelcome behavior has been identified. It’s the most humane technique to utilize them, even though some trainers might apply ongoing low level stimuli up to the right behavior they’re working out for crops up. It is well-known that the primary method works on almost all canines, (9.2 out of 10) while the latter system hasn’t been confirmed because of concerns that it will be perceived as wrong. It is best then to educate yourself about make use of these devices appropriately and supply an abundance of positive reinforcement along with to them.

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Dangerous Dog Food – 25 Foods That Could Be Dangerous for Your Dog

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Clair

Dogs always seem to want to eat the stuff we’re eating. Problem is, that many of the foods we people eat are not healthy for dogs and some may be hazardous to the dogs health. Some foods which we humans eat, might be dangerous for dogs because dogs have a different metabolism system than us. Some foods may cause only mild digestive problems, while, others can cause serious illness, and even death. There are plenty of foods you should never give your dog but somtimes its hard to ressist your dog’s pleading eyes… The begging face….you know what I mean…. But, before you give in to his pleadings, think about his health.

Understand that you are not doing any good by giving these foods to your dog. I have compiled a list of 25 foods to avoid giving your dog. Take a look at this list and make sure you make the right decision when you are feeding your dog.

Table leftovers (in high measures)

Table scraps are definitely not nutritionally healthy and balanced. They should, under no circumstances amount to be more than 15% of the dogs diet. Fat needs to be trimmed from meats and bones should not be fed

Pork

Although the dog may love pork and ham, it is something that you ought to stop giving him. It could produce many bad effects on his digestive tract. You will Probably notice that the dog will eat pork or ham he will have diarrhea, and he might even vomit with blood.

Tomatoes and uncooked potatoes

Tomatoes and raw potatoes have in them the Glycoalkaloid Solanine, a toxic that may lead to digestive problems in animals.

Chocolate, coffee, tea, as well as other products that contain caffeine

These foods can be toxic and have a bad effect on the heart and nervous systems.

Bones

Bones from fish, chicken, or other meat sources may cause obstruction or laceration in the digestive system.

Liver

Considerable amounts of liver may result in Vitamin A toxicity, which generally affects muscles and bones

Milk and other milk foods

Some adult dogs don’t have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can lead to diarrhea. You can provide him with lactose-free dairy products which are available for pets.

Raw eggs

Have an enzyme which decreases biotin (a B vitamin) absorption. This can lead to hair and skin problems. Raw eggs could also have Salmonella.

Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder)

Contain sulfoxides that can harm the red blood cells which in turn may cause anemia.

Sugary foods

Sugary foods might lead to obesity, that cold lead to diabetes. It may also cause dental problems,

Artificial sweeteners

Sweetners usually contain Xylitol that may cause liver failure.

Raw fish

Can cause deficiency in thiamine (a B vitamin). This may lead to seizures, loss of appetite, and in severe cases even cause death.

Mushrooms

Contains toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and sometimes result in death.

Salt

If eaten in large quantities salt may lead to electrolyte imbalances.

Alcoholic beverages

Can cause intoxication, coma, and death.

Baby food

Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. Can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.

Cat food

Cat food is generally too high in protein and fats.

Citrus oil extracts

Can cause vomiting.

Fat trimmings

Can cause pancreatitis.

Grapes and raisins

Contain toxins, which can damage the kidneys.

Human vitamin supplements

Containing iron Can harm the lining in the digestive system. It can be toxic to other organs as well, including the kidneys and liver.

Macadamia nuts

Contain toxins, which affect the muscle, the digestive and nervous systems

Garbage, spoiled and moldy foods

Contain a variety of toxins which may cause diarrhea and vomiting. It can also affect other organs.

Persimmons Seeds

Can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.

Peaches and plums pits

Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract.

Yeast dough

Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system which causes pain and may possibly cause rupture of the stomach or intestines.

Dan is an internet author that shares his knowledge and experience online for the past few years. You can get the latest about Motion Detector Alarm and Motion Sensor Alarm by clicking the links.

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What’s Good & What’s Bad in Your Doggie’s Food Bowl?

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Clair

What's Good & What's Bad in Your Doggie's Food Bowl?

You need to know the good and the bad available for your dog’s food bowl. This is important since the best remedy for pets, including dogs, is healthy and nutritious foods. But you first need to be able to read and understand the label on the food products. Dog food labels follow guidelines set by AAFCO but good luck understanding them unless you read the following tips.

1. If the product name lists an ingredient e.g. Beef Dog Chow then that ingredient (beef in this case) must make up 95 percent of the product’s total weight for dry food products, or 70% for water added products.

2. If the product name includes words like “dinner”,”formula”, or “nuggets” then the ingredient only needs to make up 25 percent of the weight.

3. Ingredients must be listed in descending order by percentage of total weight.

4. Often the main ingredient is not even in the product name. This is why rule #3 above is a good one to remember.

5. The word “Premium” in the title is only allowed if AAFCO considers the product to be a “complete and balanced” dog food product.

6. The work “Natural” in the title means that there are no artificial colors, preservatives or flavors.

7. Fat content as a percentage is not required on the label and usually is not offered. The fat additives, like chicken fat, does have to be listed however and in its proper order per rule #3 above.

8. Calories are rarely offered even on so called “healthy” or “low fat” products. To figure this out you can use this formula to calculate number of calories:

Multiply the carbohydrate grams by 4.2kcal (kilocalories) per gram and remember the value.
Multiply the protein by 5.65kcal and remember the value.
Multiply the fat by 9.4 kcal per gram.

Total these, and you have your calories.

Knowing how to read the dog food labels is very valuable and this alone will probably help your dog live a longer, healthier life. Remember that the food you give them is the best remedy for pets and this can be half the battle in keeping them healthy longer.

There is a great resource with every bit of information you could want on dog nutrition that is worth a read and kept as a ready to go reference. The author Sharda Baker has published several dog ebooks and audios, including this internet best selling Complete Guide to Your Dog’s Nutrition. Visit the link to find out more about the best and first remedy for pets [http://www.dognutritionguide.info/] to consider.

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