Iams,
Pedigree, Purina and Eagle Pack are just a few of the dog food brands we see
advertised on TV. The positive, fun statements these ads give promote dog food
brands to be healthy, nutritious and beneficial to a dog’s everyday life. Our dogs may be eating this simply because
they have no choice when they are hungry. Dog's can't talk and tell us what
they think about their food and how it makes them feel. Yes, dog food is
expensive, but it’s important to look into specific
brands rather than just at the price of the food. I have learned from previous brands and
research that the words “all” or “100%” cannot be labeled on dog food unless
there are no other ingredients used besides water, de-characterizing
agents or just a few preservatives.
One
website I found helpful is BornFreeUSA.
This website includes plenty of information about specific kinds of dog
food (wet and dry). It also includes all the important facts by the Association of American
Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). I highly
recommend anyone who is interested in the contents of their pet’s food to look
at this site.
Solly
has been eating Purina One dog food since he was a puppy. I stick with this dog food because it is healthy for him, and he seems to like it. Occasionally, I change the flavor for him. I think it’s important that once you find a good
brand, you should stick to it. This way
the dog is used to that food and can adapt to his/her diet.
I know it’s hard not to give your dog human food, so I listed some important foods that dogs can eat. However, do not get
in the habit of constantly giving them human food because they could start to
lose interest in their own food. Also, who really wants a dog that begs all
the time? Below are some foods that are
OKAY to give dogs and some foods that you should never give a dog because of the
unhealthy side effects they could experience.
I
give Solly carrots and cooked chicken once in a while, but I make sure to put it
in his bowl so that he doesn’t develop the habit of begging. So far that trick has
worked!
Dogs
should NOT
drink/eat:
-Alcohol-Onions and Garlic
-Caffeine of any kind
-Grapes and Raisins
-Chocolate
-Raw meat
Dogs can eat (occasionally):
-Carrots
-lean meats
-Rice
-Cheese
Solly's enjoying all the snow we got by laying in it and eating it!
