Do research before adding supplements to a dog’s food. Learn about dog food additives and supplements, as well as tips on making sure a dog is eating a healthy diet in thisfree pet care video. Expert: Mark Siebel Contact: www.doggiestepsdogtraining.com/index.html Bio: has owned Doggie Steps Dog Training for four years and has worked with over 4000 dogs! Filmmaker: Dustin Daniels
Video Rating: 3 / 5
Commercial dog foods come in a variety of forms. The most common types are dry, semi-moist, and canned. The moisture content of these foods ranges from 6 to 10% for dry, 15 to 30% for semi-moist, and 75% for canned. Most canned food has relatively more fat and protein and fewer carbohydrates than does dry and semi-moist food, and generally contains much higher levels of animal products.
Most commercial dog foods today lack the nutrients most growing and active dogs require. That is why it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine if dog nutritional supplements would benefit your dog.
PET FOOD ADDITIVES
Some other substances that might be found in pet foods, which are not required nutrients. This is why it is important that dog owners understand what nutrients are in their dog’s food and how dogs use the various nutrients in food and dog nutritional supplements so they can choose a health diet and supplement program.
Some common yet not required nutrients you might find in your dog’s food are:
Chondroprotective agents are used by the body to make cartilage and joint tissues.
Antioxidants work to prevent oxidative damage to nutrients and other compounds in the body and inhibit or quench the formation of free radicals.
Herbs and botanicals are used in pet foods either to provide flavor or, more often, to have a medicinal effect on the body. This is especially true in the case of extracts, where the classical nutritive components of the plant may be separated from the extract in the process.
Flavors and extracts derived from animal tissues such as poultry or fish are considered “natural” flavors. A wide variety of flavors can be derived from other animal and plant materials, including dairy products, eggs, herbs, and spices. Acceptable processing methods include roasting, extraction, and fermentation. Except for artificial smoke and bacon flavors, synthetic substances are rarely used in most dog and cat foods.
Colors are synthetic compounds used to replace or accentuate the inherent color of the food. Only certified colors approved for use in human foods are allowed in pet foods. Iron oxide is a synthetic but non-certified color that can be used at levels not to exceed 0.25% of the pet food product to give dog food a red, meaty appearance. Titanium dioxide is another common color additive in human and pet foods because it can induce a “brightness” in foods by complementing other color additives. Its use is limited to 1% of the food by weight.
Dog food labels must list the percentage of protein, fat, fiber, and water in the food. When reading labels, it is important to understand the nutritional needs of your dog and determine if dog nutritional supplements should be added to the diet.
Learn how to use dog nutritional supplements to enhance your dog’s life and remedy your dog’s discomforts – almost immediately – guaranteed! by going to http://www.supplementsforyourdog.com
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Allergies are happen when your immune system overreacts to pollen, molds, grass, dander and cosmetics. Once exposed, the body produces histamines or leukotrienes. Symptoms include runny nose, itchy throat, congestion, and sneezing, coughing and runny eyes. Antihistamines to deal with allergies are popular, but often carry unwanted side effects such as drowsiness, depression and dizziness. But there are natural remedies for allergies.
The best way to fight allergies and their symptoms, including stuffy nose, watery eyes, sinus pressure or rashes, is to figure out the cause and avoid it as best you can. Follow these steps to easy breathing and clear skin.
Seasonal allergies can significantly impede your ability to function, particularly in the spring months. This article provides tips for coping with seasonal allergies, beginning by suggesting you visit an allergist.
Prepare for Allergy Season: –
• Start treatment at least 2 weeks before your typical allergy season with a drug-free nasal spray to coat the nasal passages. It’s important to get ahead of the symptoms to be able to better control the allergy attack.
• Maintain a healthy immune system throughout the year. Increase your intake of vitamin C to boost your immunity as you enter the allergy season.
• Keep your overall health in shape with proper diet, routine sleep patterns and lowering your stress level. The use of natural anti-inflammatory herbs such as garlic, ginger and turmeric may be used to supplement your dietary intake.
Try Homemade Remedies First: –
• Stay indoors when pollen producers are most active. This is usually between 5:00 and 10:00 in the morning. If it’s hot and windy, try to avoid going outside at all.
• Wear a filtration mask if you garden or mow the lawn.
• Try a homemade remedy using a neti pot (see Resources below) to cleanse your sinuses. Mix warm water, baking soda and salt according to directions and pour into the sinuses. The technique flushes the sinuses in one nostril and out of the other.
• Remove allergens such as dust mites and pollen from laundry using hot water at least 140 degrees F. For laundry where high temperatures are not recommended, a double rinse is an acceptable alternative.
• Find homemade remedies for allergies such as hay fever are made with boiled minced grapefruit and lemon with a little honey added. Take this solution three times a day to treat allergies such as pollen.
• Protect your nose from irritation due to allergies by applying a tiny bit of petroleum jelly inside each nostril. Inhale the fumes of boiled chamomile in water.
• Know that lime is promoted as an effective homemade method to treat allergies. Squeeze half of a lime into a glass of lukewarm water. Use a tsp. of honey to sweeten. Taken once daily, this remedy is thought to act as an anti-allergic agent.
You may be interested in reading Allergies and Allergies Treatment. Also visit more on Allergies Natural Remedies
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