tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45551951922598946752024-03-13T13:12:49.170-07:00Nutrition for PetsMy personal recipe's, food and healthy dog diet and vitamins.Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-88021160616004707632012-12-16T13:12:00.000-08:002012-12-16T13:25:53.177-08:00Coconut Oil For DogsIt's been a while since I've blogged, my husband and I have been a little busy preparing for our new addition to our family! We are expecting our first baby this Feb 2013. In preparing for the baby, we did some research on various vitamins and nutrition during pregnancy and benefits of fish oils and coconut oils for me and the baby. Coconut oil contains large amounts of lauric acid, a powerful anti-microbial fatty acid that protects the immune system of the fetus and newborn. Pregnant and nursing mothers should eat coconut oil to increase the quality of the womb environment and breast milk. I take 1 table spoon a day of Barlean's Organic Virgin Cold Pressed Coconut Oil. I also apply coconut oil to my belly, breast, and thighs to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy, and to keep my skin moisturized. It not only smells great but it tastes great too.
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There has been a lot of research lately discussing how the environment of the womb can affect the long-term health of the baby with respect to autism, allergies, asthma, food sensitivities and other chronic conditions. Coconut oil provides pregnant moms with a vital combination of vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins that are so good for their babies. That's also why infant formula usually contains coconut oil.
I discovered that coconut oil is very good for not just me and the baby, but it is also great for dogs too!
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Coconut, and especially coconut oil, is gaining a reputation as a health food and natural healer. People are using it to improve digestion, clear up skin problems, boost energy levels, aid in weight loss, fight off infections, balance blood sugar, and bring improvement to numerous other conditions.
Pets, like humans, suffer from a variety of health problems. Coconut oil offers a simple, inexpensive, and easy remedy to many of these problems. Coconut oil has shown to be of benefit to all types of animals including dogs and cats as well as horses, cows, and other farm animals. Some of the benefits owners have reported include reduced or elimination of body odor and bad breath; healthier skin and elimination of rashes, itchiness, etc.; coats becoming shiny and healthy looking; improved energy; better digestion; reduction of excess weight; relief from arthritic-like symptoms; cleared-up infections; expulsion of worms; and improved overall health.
Rhino recently had an itchy ear where he scratched it so bad he created little cuts and scabs. So I started applying the coconut oil to the inside of his ear where his cuts were and within 5 days his scabs healed and he no longer scratches his ear. Coconut oil when applied topically it aids in the healing of cuts, bites, stings, and infections. There have also been some reports of healing from very serious conditions such as poisoning, cancer, and diabetes.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The best thing about coconut oil, is that Dogs love the taste of it, my dogs go nuts when I open the jar and put a table spoon on my finger for them to lick off. You'll never have a problem giving your dog coconut oil. Just be sure to slowly add a little amount of coconut oil to their daily diet as it works as a detox so too much at once can give your dog diarrhea.
The most common type of coconut oil used by pet owners is virgin coconut oil (VCO), which is the type sold for human consumption at health food and grocery stores. In Canada you can buy Virgin Coconut Oil at Superstore and most health food stores. Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-42118915102061739642012-04-30T13:13:00.000-07:002012-05-30T15:13:59.515-07:00Life Jackets For Dogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Both our dogs are still quite young, 10 months and 4 months, but they Love the water! Although Remy is still a puppy, he has become a good swimmer over the last 3 weeks. Rhino on the other hand is just starting to figure out how far out he can go and how to start using his legs to swim.
Our oldest dog Remy loves swimming and he loves to retrieve. In order to give him a good work out and still be safe we have him in a life jacket when there is a strong current in the river where he swims. Often the current will carry him 100 feet down the river before he is actually back on land with his stick. It is important to us that our dog has the opportunity to do what he loves doing best, and be safe.
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For Remy that means swimming and retrieving in deep water, he loves the challenge and he loves the hard work. If we had enough time in the day, Remy would swim and retrieve for several hours before packing it in. But dogs get tired and fatigued just like we do and so it's important to keep our dogs safe.
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The truth is not all dogs can swim, and not all those that can swim are great swimmers
There are certain breeds that are excellent swimmers naturally like Labradors or Retrievers. All dogs have special strengths and weaknesses
Some breeds of dogs have an instinct built-in to rescue people. The best known is the Terranova (Newfoundland) others are the Labrador and the Retriever.
Due to its size and physical attributes the Terranova is definitely the most suitable for this kind of work as it has very thick fur insulating it in water and giving remarkable resistance to cold, large paws that are like webbed feet to make it a very efficient swimmer over long distances, even while pulling heavy burdens and in winter.
Its size also giving great strength puts it above other breeds for water rescue.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-
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But the more important element is the instinct to rescue being part of its character. The dog attitude towards the master in water is evident: the animal will appear strained, excited and will furiously try to get free from leash and dive to rescue him.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dogs absolutely love water, most of them at least! If your dog isn’t a fan of water, dog life jackets are proven methods of getting a dog to feel comfortable and confident when out for a swim. Life jackets not only protect your dog from drowning, but also allow your dogs to carry out difficult tasks like swimming out further distances and retrieving toys or sticks. If you are anything like our family, there is no better way to spend your summer day in bonding with your dog by getting them out in the water or swimming with you.
If you have a Search and Rescue Dog in training then getting them use to wearing back packs and life jackets are good for them. When a working volunteer dog retrieves a body out of the water, doggy life jackets are essential.
The human body can weigh double its weightin water when retrieving cadaver, so having a life jacket on the dog not only protects the dog, but assists the dog in rescuing the person or pulling a body out of the water. Dogs are usually good swimmers, unlike cats who hate water. However, depending upon the age and the physical condition of the dog, swimming to large distances may not always be a good idea. Swimming is an excellent exercise for your dog. However, proper dog health care and precautions should be taken to make sure that your dog is safe while in the water. One of the best dog swimming tips is to make sure that the dog is supervised closely while it is swimming. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our dogs love retrieving heavy sticks out of the water in fact most people comment on the size of the log Remy carries in his mouth at the dog park. We take the dogs to the dog park twice a day, with 2 hour combination of swimming and walking. So they get a total of 4 hours every day at the dog park. Nothing pleases them more than bringing something they worked so hard for to retrieve back to you. With Remy it is obvious swimming and retrieving brings a smile to his face. He is truly happy.
Whether your dog is a seasoned swimmer or a first-timer, making it safe and fun is key for a successful swim. One of the main reasons a dog may hate water can be blamed on their introduction to a large body of water. Water or weather conditions can cause fear, or potential problems even for a pet that is typically a strong swimmer.
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Any dog can get fatigued or disoriented. Older dogs, especially, can tire easily.
Pets with low body fat can have trouble when exposed to water for long periods. Health issues, such as hip or joint problems can also make swimming difficult for some pets. We have both our dogs swimming for exercise and it is less tension on their joints than running after their ball. Using commons sense is key. A dog life jacket can help keep your pet safe while aboard your boat or around any body of water where there are strong river currents or rough seas.
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Pet life jackets are designed to keep the animal afloat in a horizontal, swimming position. An additional, important function of a pet life jacket is as a retrieval device, should your pet fall overboard.
If you find you pet enjoys boating as much as you do, a dog life jacket can provide your pet with an extra measure of safety. However, your sense of caution and common sense are still your pet’s best friend.
When taking your dogs out boating or in any strong waters especially for long periods, please make sure your dog is always safe and consider getting your dog a life jacket! Be a responsible gaurdian. Remember, just 6 inches of fast-moving water can sweep a car off the road. Don’t risk your dog in fast-moving rivers.Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-72720036965787520942012-04-14T18:18:00.000-07:002012-04-14T22:25:54.302-07:00From Kibble To Home Made Meals Is EasyIf you have decided that you are ready to start cooking for your dog there are a few things to consider. First off, would you like to cook meals every day so that they are served fresh and warm? Or would you like to cook in mass bulk so that you can freeze the dogs food for later use?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MomIP3jAUSo/T4oiWIxx7lI/AAAAAAAAAgU/UATxoyRqsyQ/s1600/gb5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="195" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MomIP3jAUSo/T4oiWIxx7lI/AAAAAAAAAgU/UATxoyRqsyQ/s320/gb5.jpg" /></a></div> Cooking every day for yourself and your family can be time consuming, let alone adding another loved one to cook for. So if you find it easier, you can always cook in mass bulk and freeze your dogs meals in zip lock bags. It can also get expensive to cook for your dogs every day. So another alternative is to cook for your dogs on occasion or rotate between kibble one day and home made cooked meals on opposite days. We cook for our dogs 4 days a week and the other 3 days they eat their kibble. Its a nice treat for them to get something different every day and by alternating every other day with kibble you don't have to cook as often.
Another thing to consider is that every dog is different when it comes to eating home made cooked meals. Some dogs may prefer a puree texture type of meal others may prefer a more chunky meal.
You may have to experiment with different ways of preparing and combining ingredients to find out what works best for your dogs. My dogs prefer their meat in little chunks, yet I always puree most fruit and finely dice or grate the vegetables for them to add a little bit of crunchy texture. Its also important to start off very simple with preparing a home made cooked meal for your dog.
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Transitioning from kibble to home made cooked meals can upset a dogs stomach if you use too many new ingredients especially when a new diet is introduced, so its important to start off with a few simple ingredients. There are six categories of essential nutrients for your pets when preparing their meals. Water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Most premium kibble brands include all six, it is very important to make sure you feed your pets a diet that include all six nutrients. Home made fresh meals can also be added to kibble and many of the recipes I use are suitable for dogs on a raw diet. Transitioning recipes are highly palatable and I use ingredients that are easily digested by most dogs. They are easy to prepare because they only use a few ingredients. So if your ready to start cooking for your dog, I have listed a few transitioning recipes that you can introduce to your dog. Most of the transition recipes I have included use the exact same ingredients you will find in most premium kibble dog foods. These recipes are not meant for long term diet, they are simple recipes to use if you would like to transition from kibble to home made meals, or if you would just like to combine these transition recipes with their existing diet of kibble or raw. If you decide to cook for your dogs 100% of the time it is important to ensure you are always preparing them a complete and balanced diet which you will find in many of my other recipes. These recipes I have included below are for Transition only or as fresh mixed meals with kibble or to add to a raw diet. These recipes are meant to help transition your dogs diet from Kibble to home made meals.
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When you take a look at the content of ingredients in commercial dogs foods the starch usually comes from cereal ingredients such as corn, rice or wheat, or gluten. When I cook for my dogs I try to use all organic ingredients and gluten free only because our dogs are sensitive to corn, soy wheat and gluten. Its also important to never over cook any meat for your dogs as it will destroy all the natural nutrients in the meat.
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Most kibble brands generally use Chicken as the primary source of protein along with poultry fat and vegetable oils which supply the essential fatty acids in kibble. Its fairly easy to mimic commercial dry diets by using similar ingredients and targeting similar nutrient content. Yet the nice thing about cooking for your dogs is that you know exactly what is going into your dogs diet and the ingredients are all fresh.
Transition Recipe
540 Grams of Chicken Breast Poached
1 Tsp of Cod Liver Oil
3 1/2 Cups of Brown Cooked Rice (Gluten Free)
3 Tsp of Safflower Oil
Poach chicken until tender, never over cook meat. Cook rice as per packaging, do not over cook rice. Dice up chicken and add to rice, stir in cod liver oil and safflower oil and serve.
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Transition Recipe
650 Grams of Ground Beef Cooked
1 Tsp Cod Liver Oil
3 Cups of White Rice (Gluten Free)
1 Tsp Safflower Oil
Cook beef until its brown on the outside but still pink on the inside. Cook rice as per packaging. Mix in bowl rice and ground beef and add in cod liver oil and safflower oil and serve!
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Transition Recipe
1 Tsp Cod Liver Oil
5 Large Eggs Hard Boiled
3 1/2 Cups of Oatmeal Cooked No sugar added
Hard boil eggs, discard shell and mash eggs up coarsely. Prepare the oatmeal as per packaging. Stir the cod liver oil into the oatmeal, add eggs and serve.
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Transition Recipe
530 Grams Cod Atlantic Poached
1 Tsp Cod Liver Oil
3 Cups Brown Rice Cooked
4 Tsp Safflower Oil
Poach cod and cook rice as per packaging. Mix together the cod rice and add cod liver oil and safflower oil and serve. I hope your dogs enjoy these meals as much as mine do!Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-21570316221812748872012-04-13T18:36:00.001-07:002012-04-14T22:31:39.364-07:00Diets for DogsMany of us make New Years Resolutions to shed a few pounds, and just like humans sometimes dogs need to shed a few pounds and need our help to achieve their weight loss.
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We hand fed both our dogs, Remy was hand fed until he was 5 months old, now he eats out of his bowl. Rhino is still being hand fed for at least one more month. We decided to hand feed our puppies for many reasons, and it certainly takes a lot of time and effort. It isn't for everyone but if you have the time and dedication the pay off is well worth it. Puppies understand a pack (family) unit, with one leader, and ranking members. A pup's first alpha is their mother who provides food, protection, and security. Many dog owners and experts believe that as the new parents of pups in order for us to become the pack leader, we must become the food provider. We can accomplish this by controlling the puppy's food supply. You can imitate being your pups mom by feeding them by hand a daily ration. We take our dogs for a short 20 min walk early in the morning before giving them breakfast. Once we get home we have their food already prepared and we have a designated area in the kitchen where we call our puppy to us on our terms (not when he/she is asking for food). We hand feed them a portion (1/3rd ) of the day's food ration, as our dogs eat three times a day. Then we pet them on top of the head while they are eating, touching his face area and petting him. We feed him slowly, and wait a few seconds between each hand feedings so that he learns to be patient for his food and not beg.
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Repeating this procedure approximately 3 times a day or until all of the daily ration of food is done. Patience is a virtue with this process but well worth the end result. Neither of our dogs gorge or over eat from their bowls as a result of hand feeding them. We also have no issues with our dogs having food aggression towards any of our family members or friends and even strangers who handle, or pet our dogs while eating. Hand feeding will improve your dog's work ethic, manners around food, and his regard for you and bond with you will be that much stronger.
Both our dogs are still puppies and many of the recipes I make is enough food for both of them for the entire day (3 meals). We ration out their meal portions based on their age and weight. For example when I feed Rhino who is turning 4 months old next week, and is 18.5kg (40 lbs) we feed him 475 to 580 grams of food a day. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Remy is turning 10 months old next week, he is 38.6 kg (85lbs) we feed him 725 to 860 grams of food day. Every dog is different based on age, size and physical activity. Our dogs also get one large meaty bone per day which adds to their caloric intake on top of their meals and of course a few treats throughout the day.
Senior dogs tend to eat less and need less calories only because they tend to slow down with age and are less active as they get older therefore needing less calories. It is always best to check with your vet on how much you should be feeding your dog, and how many calories or grams of food your dog should be consuming.
Here I have included two different recipes the first one is for dogs that are required to be on a lower calorie diet. The second recipe is for Senior dogs.
Low Calorie Low Fat Recipe
3/4 Cup Beans Green Raw or From Frozen Chopped
1/4 Cup of Blueberries Raw or From Frozen Puree
1 Cup of Cottage Cheese Low Fat Low Sodium
1/4 Oatmeal Cooked (Natural Oats no sugar added)
2 Cups of Peas Thawed from Frozen
190 Grams Poached Atlantic Salmon
1/3 Cup of canned cooked chickpeas
2 Puree Spinach Leaves
1 Tsp Cod Liver Oil
Directions Dice up Green beans. Puree Spinach leaves, Puree Blueberries. Cook oatmeal as per packaging. Puree Peas. Poach salmon till it's cooked. Puree Spinach. Mix in bowl green beans, blueberries, peas spinach and cottage cheese add salmon and mashed up chickpeas. Add oatmeal and serve.
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Senior Recipe
1/3 Cup Carrots Raw Grated
270 Grams Chicken Breast Poached
3 Cups of Brown Rice Cooked per packaging
3/4 Cup Yogurt Plain low fat
1 Tsp Cod Liver Oil
1 Tsp Salmon Oil
Grate carrots, poach chicken and cook rice per packaging. Mix in bowl carrots, spinach, rice chicken and add yogurt and stir in cod liver oil and salmon oil.Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-39208703827916033612012-04-13T16:54:00.006-07:002012-04-13T22:25:58.043-07:00Rhino's Pumpkin and Quinoa Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today we took Rhino for his last set of Shots for Parvo, and Rabies. After his visit with the Vet, we brought both dogs to the dog so that they could play before lunch time. Here is what I made for the dogs today.
2 cans of Sardines (In Water no salt added)
2 Large Chicken Breasts Poached
200 Grams of Beef Liver Poached
2 Sticks of finely diced Celery
1 Cup of Grated Carrots
1 Large Banana Peeled and mashed up
1 Cup of Canned Pumpkin (not pie filling)
1 package of Quinoa
Poach the chicken and the liver. Never over cook meat, always slightly under cook meat with the exception of fish. In a large bowl mix the diced celery, grated carrots and mashed up banana and canned pumpkin together. Cook Quinoa as per packaging. Dice up poached chicken and liver and add meat and quinoa and mashed up sardines to the mixture and serve.
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I like to buy a certain brand of canned organic pumpkin for dogs. But you can use any kind of natural canned pumpkin so long as it isn't pumpkin pie filling.
Pumpkin is very rich in carotenoids, which is known for keeping the immune system of an individual strong and healthy. Beta-carotene, found in pumpkin, is a powerful antioxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory agent. It helps prevent build up of cholesterol on the arterial walls, thus reducing chances of strokes.
Being rich in alpha-carotene, pumpkin is believed to slow the process of aging and also prevent cataract formation. Pumpkins have been known to reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a serious eye problem that usually results in blindness. The high amount of fiber, present in a pumpkin, is good for the bowel health of an individual. Being loaded with potassium, pumpkin is associated with lowering the risk of hypertension. The presence of zinc in pumpkins boosts the immune system and also improves the bone density.
Pumpkin is also a great remedy for dogs who are having stomach issues related to diarrhea.
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Sardines are a great Fish supply of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that are good for the skin and coat. In addition, they help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, and so can be helpful for dogs with allergies, arthritis, and autoimmune disease. DHA is also good for brain health, which can benefit both puppies and senior dogs.
One small canned sardine provides about 25 calories and 175 mg omega-3 fatty acids, a good amount for a small dog (20 pounds or less). Give larger dogs proportionately more. Use sardines packed in water (not oil). Feed soon after opening so the fatty acids are still fresh.
Other canned fish options, especially for larger dogs, include jack mackerel and pink salmon.Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-47347100041794057922012-04-07T21:59:00.000-07:002012-04-08T13:25:04.187-07:00Sweet Potato Stew for My SweetheartsWe had another fun adventure with the dogs at the dog park today.
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It's so amazing to watch a dog in his glory chasing and retrieving a stick out of the river over a hundred times only to do it again a hundred more times with absolute pleasure. The river at it's deepest point is only 2 inches away from our dog being able to touch the bottom. Our older German Shepherd Remy, who is just over 9 months has had some tissue and joint problems, as he seems to get sore easily. We have tried our best to avoid letting him run as much as possible and started supplementing his diet with glucosamine. How ever by not letting him run, that means no more taking his ball to the dog park, and no ball for Remy, which also means he gets bored and starts to look for something to do.
For Remy just a simple walk isn't enough which goes with the territory of having a German Shepherd they are truly working dogs. Whether he carries a ball, or a stick or a toy we give him, he needs to feel like he has a job even when he's on a simple walk at the dog park. So we had to think of another way to allow him to feel like he is doing something useful. Dogs need exercise just like we do in order for them to get their feel good endorphins stimulated. What better way to allow our dogs to get some exercise than by letting them go swimming.
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In fact it's the safest type of exercise you can provide for your dog so long as the water they are swimming isn't freezing cold, or have any dangerous currents. Dogs having arthritis, recent surgery, joint or tissue related issues still need exercise. Swimming provides very minimal impact on a dog's joints, and it's a pain free physical activity for arthritic dogs. It is effective in strengthening the muscles and it's a great aid in managing your dog’s weight. If your dog has sore knees or other joints that are inflamed, swimming is a great alternative for them to get exercise. The most important benefit of swimming is that water is calming for your dog, this way he can still go out with you and participate in a dog and owner activity. After our long swim, I made the dogs something new. I had a few apples and bananas that were a little too bruised for us to eat, and rather than throw them out I used them in my latest recipe today. I call it Sweet Potato Stew For My Sweethearts.
Here is what you will need.
1 Large Red Apple Finely diced with skin
1 Large Banana (Puree)
1 Medium Sweet potato (boil with skin and mash up)
2 Sticks Finely diced Celery
400 Grams of Chicken Breasts Poached
300 Grams of Beef Liver Poached
4 Cups of Quinoa
2 Tbp of Omega 3 Fish Oil
Dice up apple into fine pieces with skin, make sure to always remove any apple seeds as the seeds are very toxic to dogs. Peel and puree banana, boil sweet potato with skin and mash up. Dice up 2 sticks of celery. Poach both the chicken and the Liver separately make sure not to over cook the meat. I like to always slightly under cook all my dogs meat. Cook Quinoa per packaging. Mix the fruit and celery and sweet potato together add fish oil, dice up chicken and liver and add in quinoa and meats to the rest of the ingredients and serve!
Did you know that sweet potatoes are in many dog food kibble recipes?
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I personally love Sweet Potatoes, and one of my favorite dishes to make and eat is my home made sweet potato pie! Not only are sweet potatoes great for us, but guess what, Yes, that's right, they are fantastic for or dogs too. They are very rich in beta carotene, which is a major anti oxidant, apart from vitamin-C and B-complex, iron and phosphorus present in them, sweet potatoes are excellent immunity boosters. Sweet potato also has anti inflammatory properties. It is equally effective in curing internal and external inflammations. Beta-carotene, magnesium, zinc and vitamin-B complex, among others, make sweet potato a helping hand to cure arthritis. The fiber content of sweet potatoes is higher than that of common potatoes and it tastes good too. When these two factors are combined with other minerals like magnesium present in sweet potatoes, it makes an excellent facilitator for digestion. Sweet potatoes are easy to digest too, since they mainly contain starch. They are soothing for the stomach and intestines too. Beta-carotene, the champion anti oxidant and anti carcinogen, the pigments responsible for the color of the peel of the sweet potatoes and vitamin-C, are very beneficial for curing many types of cancer, mainly those of colon, intestines, prostrate, kidneys and other internal organs.
There are several doggy brands who make healthy all natural sweet potato chew treats for dogs. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I like to make my own sweet potato chews for our dogs. The next time you are making sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving or at Christmas time, just take out an extra potato for the dogs! Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Cut the potatoes into approximately 1/3" slices. Drizzle a little olive oil over the slices, and toss to coat. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a cookie sheet(s). Bake for approximately three hours, turning once, until potatoes are dried out. Cool completely on a wire rack and serve. Make sure not to feed your dog to many of these treats as they can cause diarrhea if they have to many. These treats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or in the freezer for up to four months.Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-82604306367035500092012-04-05T21:24:00.000-07:002012-04-13T22:23:57.509-07:00Remy's Mac N CheeseToday we had a lot of snowfall but it was still a very beautiful warm day.
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I decided to take the dog's on a long hike from our house down to the river which is about 12km in total. I wanted to make sure that when we got back from our long walk that the dog's would get refueled after all that exercise. When ever we take longer walks we always make sure to make adequate stops so Rhino the little pup gets enough resting breaks. But before I left I made them a High Calorie Recipe, and kept it covered in a cooking dish for them so that it was still nice and warm when we got back.
1 1/3 Cup of Raw Almonds Ground Up
1/2 Cup Organic Cheddar Shredded Cheese
2 Large Eggs, Hard Boiled
2 Tsp Cod Liver Oil
300 Grams Poached Chicken Liver
400 Grams of Ground Turkey
4 Tsp Salmon Oil
2 Cups of Gluten Free Rice Macaroni
1/2 Cup of Cottage Cheese
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Hard Boil eggs (20 mins) peel discard shells, and mash up eggs. Poach Chicken liver, do not over cook, finely dice chicken liver. Cook ground turkey until it's browned on the outside but still tender and pink on inside. Do Not over cook Turkey.
Combine in a bowl ground up almonds, eggs, cod liver oil and salmon oil. Add Cottage Cheese and Chicken, Turkey, and mix in shredded cheese. Now it's ready to serve! Your dog's will love this doggy version of Mac N Cheese.
I wouldn't recommend this recipe for an every day meal, but it is great for dog's who are very active and require higher calories, or dog's who are are under weight and need to get back to a healthy weight. Chicken liver contains significant amounts of protein, fat, and vitamin A. In moderation, these are good supplements, but when too much is administered, a dog can suffer ill effects. Chicken liver is an ingredient of many dog foods and treats. It can also be cooked or dehydrated as a snack that most dogs love.Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-36195743134619020662012-04-05T10:11:00.002-07:002012-04-06T12:19:15.988-07:00Cooking with Chickpeas.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you know some of the higher end dry kibble dog foods that are grain free have Chickpeas in their formulation as a protein source. Baked chick peas in the oven also make a great snack for a dog who is on a grain free diet. In fact one of top rated dry dog food was rated Number One in 2009, 2010, 2011 by a company called Orijens which is a Canadian made dog food. When you look at their list of ingredients you'll see why it's rated so high.
Orijens Puppy Large Breed INGREDIENTS Fresh boneless chicken*, chicken meal, fresh boneless salmon*, turkey meal, herring meal, russet potato, sweet potato, peas, fresh boneless turkey*, chicken fat, (preserved with mixed tocopherols), fresh whole eggs*, fresh chicken liver*, fresh boneless lake whitefish* fresh boneless walleye*, sun-cured alfalfa, pea fiber, fresh boneless herring*, organic kelp, pumpkin, chicory root, carrots, spinach, turnip greens, apples, cranberries, blueberries, licorice root, angelica root, fenugreek, marigold flowers, sweet fennel, peppermint leaf, chamomile, dandelion, summer savory, rosemary, vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, selenium yeast, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium.
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DELIVERED FRESH, preservative-free and never frozen.
No dry dog food on earth can match the quality, quantity and freshness of ORIJEN’s fresh regional poultry, fish and meat ingredients.
As I mentioned before our dog's eat a combination of dry kibble dog food either Orijen's Large Puppy or another premium dog food called "GO Fit".
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GO Fit Large Puppy Breed Ingredients Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey, de-boned trout, potatoes, peas, tapioca, lentil beans, chickpeas, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural chicken flavour, whole dried egg, apples, duck meal, herring meal, salmon oil, alfalfa, de-boned duck, de-boned salmon, sweet potatoes, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), coconut oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), flaxseed, potassium chloride, pumpkin, carrots, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, broccoli, spinach, alfalfa sprouts, blackberries, squash, papayas, pomegranate, dried chicory root, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Aspergillus niger fermentation product, dried Aspergillus oryzae fermentation product, vitamins (vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, inositol, niacin, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (a source of vitamin C), d-calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, beta-carotene, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement), minerals (zinc proteinate , iron proteinate, copper proteinate, zinc oxide, manganese proteinate, copper sulphate, ferrous sulphate, calcium iodate, manganous oxide, selenium yeast), sodium chloride, taurine, yucca schidigera extract, dried rosemary, green tea extract, peppermint, parsley, rosehips, zedoary, dandelion, chamomile, ginger, fennel, tumeric, juniper berries, licorice, marigold extract, cardamom, cloves.
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When I cook for my dog's many of the same fresh ingredients I use are often the main ingredients in the top rated premium dog foods. Our dog's typically eat kibble 4 out 7 days a week, as we alternate their meals between Kibble one day, and Home Made Meals the opposite day. We never feed them kibble and home made on the same day.
I always slightly under cook all their meat's, many people have their dog's on a full raw diet. Which I think is one of the healthier diets for dog's. But I enjoy cooking, and I like to eat my meal's warm, so why shouldn't my dogs get to eat a nice warm meal too. We use to feed our dog's a full raw diet, but we switched our dog's from a full raw diet, to home made cooked meals. It is important to note that over cooking meat destroys the digestive enzymes in food.
Here is a great recipe for dog's made with Chick peas
2 Cups of Lundberg White or Brown Basmati Organic Gluten Free Rice ( cook per packaging instructions)
2 Cups of Regular Ground Beef ( lightly browned on outside, pink on inside)
1 Cup of Frozen or Fresh peas ( puree)
1 Large Banana ( puree)
4 Organic Hard Boiled Eggs Mashed up(20 Mins Max Do not over cook)
2 Cans of Low Sodium White Tuna ( In Water NOT oil)
1 Cup of Organic Cooked Chick Peas ( mash up)
2 Table spoons of Organic Smooth Peanut Butter (All natural Unsalted no sugar Added)
Lightly cook the ground beef. Cook Rice as per packaging. Puree Peas and Banana. Mash up the cooked eggs. Mash up the chickpeas. Mix together the peas, banana, eggs, peanut butter, tuna, chickpeas, and add rice and hamburger to mixture and serve!
A little about Tuna. Now I don't give my dog's fish foods very often just because I am always concerned about mercury in most fish products.But every now and then I give our dog's a little bit of tuna in their meal's
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Keep in mind some dog's may get a bit gassy from Tuna, especially if you have your dog on a full dry kibble diet. Never feed your dog any canned fish that is in oil, always buy the low sodium "in water" tuna or salmon the water packed is better than oil-packed, since the oil is not a 'natural' oil. NEVER FEED your dog RAW SALMON. Salmon is a fatty fish which is also a good source of omega- 3 fatty acids for humans and Dogs. These fats support the immune system and can be beneficial for skin and coat health. There has also been some indication that they may benefit dogs with allergies. You can feed salmon or salmon oil. If feeding salmon, make sure it’s cooked before serving, as raw salmon can carry a parasite that can make your dog sick.
I do supplement my dog's diet by giving them an Omega 3 Fish oil pill every day.
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLYu4QUuYiQ/T33TSo57SVI/AAAAAAAAAao/dJjT9zfU1WI/s1600/images%2B%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="163" width="309" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLYu4QUuYiQ/T33TSo57SVI/AAAAAAAAAao/dJjT9zfU1WI/s320/images%2B%25286%2529.jpg" /></a></div>Believe it or not, over the last decade there have been a number of different studies that have all shown that your dog will benefit from taking fish oil supplements. A study by veterinarians at the University of Pavia (Italy) did a study with German Shepards. They discovered that even within the same species, dogs with lower Omega 3 DHA in their system are much more aggressive. This is because it is essential for proper brain cell membrane function. Essentially, a lower level of Omega 3 in your dog can impact it’s behavior and make it more aggressive. Reduces Joint Inflammation studies have been released that prove your dog will benefit from taking fish oil on a daily basis. They note that it can improve your dogs ability to move and play after only 6 weeks of taking fish oil supplements, the best fish oil supplements can help dogs with arthritis as well. EPA and DHA (the two compounds related to Omega 3 fatty acids) have shown to not only make your pets skin healthier, but it can also reduce hair loss and help with dry, itchy skin. It can also help prevent flaking which is common with some breeds.
Now I've talked a lot about healthy recipe's and human foods that are excellent for our dog's. But there are very dangerous foods that we keep in our pantry, or in our fridge, that could potentially harm our dog's or even more serious cause death. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is a list of Human Food's that Are Dangerous to Dogs and should NEVER been fed to a dog.
Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine - These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.
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Alcohol - Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Macadamia Nuts- Macadamia nuts are commonly used in many cookies and candies. However, they can cause problems for your canine companion. These nuts have caused weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Avocado -The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are especially sensitive to avocado poisoning, and can develop congestion, difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart. Some ingestions may even be fatal.
Grapes & Raisins -Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets who already have certain health problems, signs may be more dramatic. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yeast Dough- Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is cooked and the yeast has fully risen, pets can have small bits of bread as treats. However, these treats should not constitute more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your pet’s daily caloric intake. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets. In addition, raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems.
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbancy and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.
Onions, Garlic, Chives - <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic confirmation of Heinz bodies. An occasional low dose, such as what might be found in pet foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem, but we recommend that you do NOT give your pets large quantities of these foods.
Milk
Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.
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Salt Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. In other words, keep those salty chips to yourself!Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-91941005240255068042012-04-04T19:46:00.002-07:002012-04-07T20:55:48.507-07:00Why We Don't Buy Vet Brand Dog FoodIn one of my other blogs I mention a few of the better higher premium dry kibble dog foods that we like best. These brands contain no grain, no wheat, no gluten and no meat by products.
The brands we put at the top of our list in regards to dry kibble dog food is Orijen, Acana, GO, and NOW. All of these brands have a higher quality of ingrediants, and are Grain Free, Gluten Free, No Meat By products.
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We went through a lot of growing pains with our one German Shepherds who has a very sensitive stomach and is allergic to wheat and gluten. It took us a long time to find a diet that fits our dog's nutritional needs, as well as satisfies his taste's buds and is easy on his stomach.
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We have two German Shepherds, and feeding them something they enjoy as well as providing them with a full nutritional diet is very important to us. We alternate our days in feeding our dog's. Every other day our dogs will eat their dry kibble which we buy the GO FIT Puppy large breed NO Grain, No Meat By products, and on the opposite day our dog's eat home cooked meals from recipe's we've made up.
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A few of the times that we have taken our dog's in to the Vet to get their weight documented, shot's, and their health check ups we get the pressure of add on sales. Each time we have brought our dog's to the vet they find a way to push their Dog Food product on us. The thing is, this really annoys me, not only do I feel that I am being pushed to buy their only endorsed brand of dog food, I know from my own research and due diligence that their kibble dog food is over priced, and contains meat by products and tons of fillers and preservatives.
Let's compare the Ingredients and Price of Dog Food. I mentioned that one of the brands that we prefer for our dog's is GO Fit Grain Free. Here is the list of ingredients in order of content.
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GO! FIT + FREE™ Grain Free Puppy Recipe ($60 CDN)
Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey, de-boned trout, potatoes, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), peas, tapioca, lentil beans, chickpeas, natural chicken flavour, whole dried egg, apples, duck meal, herring meal, flaxseed, salmon oil, alfalfa, de-boned duck, de-boned salmon, sweet potatoes, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), coconut oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), potassium chloride, pumpkin, carrots, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, broccoli, spinach, alfalfa sprouts, blackberries, squash, papayas, pomegranate, dried chicory root, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Aspergillus niger fermentation product, dried Aspergillus oryzae fermentation product, vitamins (vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, inositol, niacin, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (a source of vitamin C), d-calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, beta-carotene, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement), minerals (zinc proteinate , iron proteinate, copper proteinate, zinc oxide, manganese proteinate, copper sulphate, ferrous sulphate, calcium iodate, manganous oxide, selenium yeast), sodium chloride, taurine, yucca schidigera extract, dried rosemary, green tea extract, peppermint, parsley, rosehips, zedoary, dandelion, chamomile, ginger, fennel, tumeric, juniper berries, licorice, marigold extract, cardamom, cloves.
Royal Canin Medi Cal Large Puppy Breed (90$ CDN)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ingredients
Chicken meal, corn, wheat gluten, wheat, brewers rice, pearl barley by-product, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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brown rice, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried beet pulp, sodium silico aluminate, vegetable oil, fish oil, powdered cellulose, calcium carbonate, potassium phosphate, psyllium seed husk, salt, fructooligosaccharides, potassium chloride, hydrolyzed yeast, taurine, choline chloride, L-lysine, marigold extract (Tagetes erecta L.), vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin A acetate, niacin supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin supplement (vitamin B2), folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], glucosamine hydrochloride, L-carnitine, trace minerals (zinc oxide, zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate, sodium selenite), chondroitin sulfate, rosemary extract, preserved with natural mixed tocopherols and citric acid.
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You don't have to be a Scientist, or Health Analyst to see that the Vet recommended brand is full of fillers and those fillers are high up on the content of ingredients!
As you go through the list of ingredients in Medi Cal, you will only see dried beet pulp, but other than that no where down the list do you see real vegetables or real fruit? If you don't believe me, visit Royal Canin website directly and see for your self the content of ingredients. http://www.royalcanin.ca/index.php/Veterinary-Exclusive-Nutrition/Canine-Nutrition/Veterinary-Care-Nutrition/Development-Puppy-Large-Dog-DryAstra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-48099604531669803882012-04-04T15:24:00.001-07:002012-04-05T20:40:54.430-07:00Brothers Love Chicken HeartsThis morning as I was at the local grocery store I came across some really inexpensive chicken hearts and regular ground beef that was on sale. So I stalked up on both and came straight home to experiment with a new recipe. Now I was pretty sure my dogs would love what I was going to make for them as I haven't yet come across a meal they didn't love. But after today's recipe, I'm fairly confident I discovered Remy's and Rhino's new favorite dish. Before preparing all the food, I let my dog's try a chicken heart each as a little taste test treat, they were still frozen, but my dogs went Bonkers over them.
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Why I like using Chicken hearts in my dog's recipe is because this food is low in Sodium. It is also a good source of Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Phosphorus and Copper, and a very good source of Protein, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12, Iron and Zinc. However it is high in cholesterol so this isn't something I would serve them more than twice a month.
The entire time I was cooking they sat patiently at the end of the kitchen counter, not a sound, no whimpering, no begging, no jumping up, just patiently waiting as they knew mom was making something special for them. The funny thing is whenever I cook for my family my dog's seem to recognize the difference.
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When I cook a meal for myself or my entire family both dog's are resting or playing in the living room. But as soon as I start getting pots and pans out for the dog's meal, they both come and sit in the kitchen watching me prepare their delicious meal! It makes cooking for them that much more fun and enjoyable, I have my own little audience.
Now keep in mind many recipe's that I post don't include any omega 3 fish oils, as I already give my dog's their vitamins separately. However if you do not give your dog fish oils or probiotic pills then you need to add 2 table spoons of omega 3 fish oil to all my recipe's and a good reputable probiotic powder can be mixed in the dog's food.
Here is what you will need. 600 grams of regular ground beef, 150 grams of chicken hearts fresh or frozen. 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries dethawed, 1 large peeled banana, 1 medium size diced up zucchini raw with skin, 4 cups of cooked gluten free white basmati rice.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I like to use a certain brand of rice called Lundberg, because it comes in gluten free and my dog's have issues with gluten.
Lightly cook the ground beef till it's brown on the outside but still nice and pink on the inside and be sure to include and save all the fat juices from the beef to pour in with the rest of the ingredients.
Cook 4 cups of Rice as per packaging and set aside. Puree both the blueberries and 1 large banana. I love to use my Magic Bullet to puree the fruit for my family and our dogs. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Poach the chicken hearts till they are slightly cook, and still pink on the inside. You never want to over cook the meat for your dogs as it will destroy and lose all the natural nutrients. Mix in a large bowl the beef, chicken hearts and rice, stir all together then add the puree blueberries and banana and zucchini and serve!
Zucchini is a fantastic vegetable to add to your dog's meals because it plants pack a variety of important minerals. Did you know that 1 cup of zucchini contains almost 20 percent of your daily value of manganese, which is important for creating connective tissue, bones, blood-clotting factors, and sex hormones.
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Zucchini also contains approximately 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance of magnesium and potassium. Our dog's need potassium for proper cellular function, affecting all tissues and organs, while magnesium is a crucial mineral for bone formation. It is also an antioxidant; it can block some of the damage caused by free radicals, byproducts that result when your body transforms food into energy. Free radicals are often the cause of many diseases. Zucchinis also contain about 10 percent of your RDA of vitamin A, and almost 8 percent of vitamin K. The vegetable also has a range of B-complex vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B6 and folate, which is technically B9. B vitamins are important in metabolism and energy as well as nerve and blood health.Zucchini also contains some protein, omega-3 fatty acids and L-tryptophan. According to the World's Healthiest Foods, each cup gets you 6.3 percent of your RDA for omega-3s, 3.3 percent of your daily protein requirement and 3.1 percent of your recommended allowance of L-tryptophan.Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-22686186372350201612012-04-03T21:51:00.000-07:002013-08-31T20:25:16.074-07:00Remy's Soothing Glucosamine Peanut Butter Bars <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Awhile ago my husband suffered from a severe Knee/Leg injury where he tore his ACL among other things. Now both my husband and I take a lot of various vitamins, but one vitamin my husband takes for his sore joints and recovery is Glucosamine. Glucosamine is one of the most popular ingredients in joint based supplements, because it works. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Glucosamine, which is produced naturally in the body, plays a key role in building cartilage, the tough connective tissue that cushions the joints. There are no major food sources of glucosamine, so you must get it from supplements. Most supplements are made from chitin, the hard outer shells of shrimp, lobsters, and crabs.
It is one of the key building blocks of the skeleton and the joints, and therefore when supplemented, it can over time supplement and rebuild the joints. Users have reported it takes time to see results, but over time the results only improve. Glucosamine is also very beneficial for dogs, especially larger breeds like our dogs who are both German Shepherds. Our one dog suffers from Hip and Elbow Dyslplasia and has already had 2 major elbow surgeries. As you can imagine his recover is very important to us. We noticed a huge improvement in both our dogs shortly after we started them both on Glucosamine Chrondirtian MSM.
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Fresh, ground peanut butter is more nutritious than regular peanut butter because in every serving, you are eating 10 percent more peanuts and not the other bad ingredients. Peanuts are full of essential nutrients, such as protein, vitamin E, folic acid, niacin, B6, folate and thiamin.
In order to get my dog's Glucosamine in their diet I give them a pill a day inside their bite size peanut butter bars. It's important to check with your vet in regards to how much Glucosamine your dogs need.
Mix and combine
1 cup organic peanut butter (creamy natural with no added salt or sugar)
3 cups organic natural rolled oat
You can either flatten peanut butter and oats in a cooking dish or a tupperware container, you can also separate into little cookie size balls place on wax paper in container, you can layer them on top of each other and by separating the layers with wax paper and freeze. I give my dogs these treats frozen, but you can give them the treats after they have been in the fridge for at least an hour so they are cold and hardened.
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There is nothing more satisfying than preparing a delicious Bone in Rib Eye Steak for my husband and seeing the look of pleasure on his face as he bites into his juicy steak. I feel the same way about my dogs. When dog's eat bones, the act of chewing actually releases serotonin, a stimulant.
There is nothing that pleases me more than watching my German Shepherds laying on the front porch tearing into a raw bone after a long walk at the dog park…it just doesn’t get much better.
We like to give our dog's a snack once a day, and the type of snack we give our dog's are various raw bones. They absolutely love turkey necks, chicken necks, Bison Knuckles, Elk and Bison Rib Bones. Bones are a very important part of nutrition for dogs. When fed responsibly, bones can help with their dental, diet and mental health. Always consult with your local vet before giving bones to your dog's in regards to which bones are safe.
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Supervise your pet when feeding raw bones and manage your pack if you have a multi dog household. Bones are high value resource and fights can break out.
Never feed cooked chicken bones, or any kind of cooked fowl bones – EVER. They can splinter and perforate your pet’s intestines or stomach and cause severe injuries or death. Raw bones are nutritionally valuable to our dogs. They provide a natural digestible form of calcium, that is a natural balance to high levels of phosphorous found in raw meat. This calcium from raw bones can be up to four times more digestible than most common calcium supplements found in commercial and some raw food. Raw bones play an integral role in dental hygiene for dogs and can make trips to the veterinary dentist unnecessary which in turn reduces risks associated with sedation that is generally given in order to clean teeth.
Even more, feeding raw meaty bones actually have a beneficial effect on the dog's digestive tract. It has a scouring effect providing needed roughage in the diet, and provides bulk for healthy fecal motions that stimulate anal gland expression.
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I love to cook and I also love to experiment using a variety of healthy alternatives such as cous cous and quinoa. A great salad and healthy meal that I enjoy making for myself is a varied Greek Quinoa Salad. Sometimes it's hard to think of different recipes and what to eat outside of the typical meat and potato meals. Unfortunately I'm allergic to wheat, gluten, soy and most dairy products. Our older Shepherd has many of the same allergies as me. So I have had to become creative in cooking for Remy. Rhino on the other hand is like a doggy garborator, he can eat anything and not get sick. Just like human's, dog's prefer variety in their meals too. So I started using Quinoa in my dog's recipes. Quinoa has many health benefits, and this also applies to your dogs. Quinoa is a complete protein, which means that it contains all the amino acids necessary for our nutritional needs. Complete proteins are rare in the plant world, making quinoa is an excellent food for vegetarians and vegans, or for anyone looking for healthy protein source.
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It's also high in iron and calcium, and is a good source of manganese, magnesium and copper, as well as fiber. For people who have dogs that have sensitive stomach's like our one German Shepherd does, Quinoa is a naturally gluten-free grain. It's also an excellent food for celiac patients or other people following a gluten-free diet.
Quinoa flakes are a perfect substitute for oatmeal. Yesterday I experimented with cooking and made my dogs a new recipe that they literally devoured up. I use all organic ingredients when cooking for my family and our dogs, but you don't have to buy organic you can use regular products.
Here is what you will need. I have included the exact brand of Organic foods that I use for this particular recipe in the event you would like to know what kind to buy.
2 Table Spoons of Natural Smooth Unsalted Peanut Butter
600 Grams of Beef Liver
1 Cup of Peas from Frozen
1 Large Banana
1 Package of Quinoa
1/4 Cup Of Pumpkin ( Natural Pumpkin, Not Pie Filling Pumpkin)
Poach liver in juices slightly undercook. Dethaw in bowl of water peas while making recipe. Puree banana, cook quinoa as per package.
Mix Peas, banana peanut butter, pumpkin and quinoa together. Dice into thin pieces liver and add to mixture and serve!
Why I like to use Liver in my dog's meals? Liver is a good source for several important nutrients, including iron, calcium and vitamins A, D, E and K, as well as all of the B vitamins. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, this applies to dog's too. Nowadays people feed their dog's kibble because it is cheaper and more convienent.
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Eating beef liver can reduce your risk for several health issues related to nutrient deficiency. Boosting your dog's intake of vitamin A through consumption of beef liver can help decrease your dogs likelihood of experiencing night blindness and other vision problems. Increasing the amount of iron helps prevent anemia, and getting enough folic acid may help reduce your dog's risk for nerve and memory problems.
The thing is most kibble brands do not have real high quality meat in them or the meat that they do have is very low on the order of content list and it is a meat by product. There are some excellent brands of dry kibble dog food like Orijens and Acana as well as GO and NOW which all come in Grain free so there are no fillers.
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NOW which is made by PetCurean is full of nutritious ingredients like 100% market-fresh turkey, salmon and duck. 100% fresh Omega 3 and 6 oils from coconuts and canola. Wholesome berries, fruits and veggies such as peas, spinach, cranberries, pumpkin, blackberries, alfalfa sprouts, kelp, lentils and carrots. Yum! Zero grains, zero rendered meals, zero by-product meals, or artificial preservatives.
But we have tried all of the premium Grain Free Dry Kibble and carefully read the ingredients in each of them, and we found the higher end brands list Real Meats like Chicken, Salmon, Beef at the top of the content list with zero grains and zero fillers.
Our Dogs both really seem to like the Puppy version of "GO" dry kibble dog food the best. GO! FIT + FREE Grain Free Puppy Recipe is pure protein power, prepared with a balanced blend of premium quality chicken, turkey and salmon proteins and essential Omega oils along with DHA & EPA for your puppy's brain & eye development.
Your puppy will get so much more, from eating less.
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Why I like using peas in my dog's meals. Just one cup of green peas provides over 51% of the required amount of vitamin K, 42% of your daily manganese, 40% of the daily requirement of vitamin C and over ¼ of your body's daily requirement of vitamin B1 (thiamin). It also contains between 12 to 25 % of the daily requirement for folate, vitamin A, tryptophan, phosphorus, B6, protein, niacin, magnesium, riboflavin, copper, iron, zinc and potassium. You don't need a lot of extra fiber because just one cup of peas provides over 1/3 of the necessary daily fiber. Best of all, they taste good. The carotenoid in the green pea is lutein, well known for reducing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Studies on peas show that they help lower cholesterol, strengthen the immune system, maintain level glucose levels in the blood to keep energy levels consistent, promote bone health and cardiovascular health. The high vitamin C content is a great natural antioxidant that protects the body from cell damage.
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The Benefits of Bananas!
The fiber in bananas not only keeps digestion regular, but also helps maintain low blood sugar and curbs overeating. This applies to our dogs! Studies show that the high amounts of potassium in bananas (over 13% of the RDA) can lower one's blood pressure, which in turn lessens the possibility of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. Along with lowering blood pressure, potassium prevents the weakening of the body's bones. A high sodium intake, which is typical of many American diets, can cause excessive amount of calcium to be lost through the urine, which threatens not only the strength and general health of the bones, but also negatively affects blood clotting, proper muscle contraction, and normal nervous system function. The potassium found in bananas neutralizes the high amounts of sodium in one's diet, thus allowing for healthy amounts of calcium to remain within the body.
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The potassium in bananas is not the only means to ensure healthy levels of calcium in the body. Bananas also contain high levels of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) that--along with insulin--promotes calcium absorption. FOS further nourishes healthy bacteria in the colon that manufacture vitamins and digestive enzymes that boost the body's overall ability to absorb nutrients. Bananas can diminish the uncomfortable effects of diarrhea and constipation. The high amounts of potassium in bananas can restock electrolytes that are easily depleted when suffering from diarrhea -- potassium being an important electrolyte itself. Furthermore, bananas can relieve the body from constipation and help restore regular digestion with pectin, a soluble polysaccharide that helps normalize the digestive tract. Bananas protect the healthy constitution of the stomach in two ways. Firstly, they trigger the production of mucus in the stomach, which provides a protective barrier against stomach acids. Secondly, bananas possess protease inhibitors, a substance that breaks down bacteria in the stomach that cause ulcers. So every now and then give your dog a banana!Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-41024511471078543912012-04-01T18:20:00.000-07:002012-04-05T20:58:50.503-07:00Remy's Crunch N MunchDogs all love crunchy stuff especially puppies!
So here is a recipe I made up that is a sure way to please every dog's crunchy desire, and fuel his body for energy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1/2 Cup Almonds Raw Diced
3/4 Cup Carrots Raw Diced or Grated
1 Apple Raw diced (Red Delicious)
1/2 Cup Zucchini raw diced
2 Tbsp smooth natural unsalted peanut butter
2 Large Eggs Hard Boiled
1/2 Cup Plain Yogurt
400 grams of Poached Chicken
300 grams of beef liver
You will want to poach the chicken and the liver first. I always slightly under cook all my meat so that I don't destroy any natural nutrients in the meat. Dogs can fully digest raw meat, but I like to slightly cook my dog's meat and serve them a warm meal that isn't nuked in the microwave. Then dice and combine in a bowl the almonds, carrots apples, zucchini eggs yogurt and peanut butter. Dice up finely both the chicken and liver, and add the juices from the meat. Mix all ingredients together and serve!
I love adding almonds or walnuts to my salads to not only replace the crunch you get from croutons but for it's healthy benefits. I am also lactose intolerant so I drink Almond milk as an alternative. Almonds have so many health benefits they are a rich source of vitamin E, calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. It also contains zinc, selenium, copper and niacin. Almonds contain the most nutrients in comparison to all other nuts.The health benefits of almonds include getting relief from constipation, respiratory disorders, cough, hearth disorders, anemia, impotency, and diabetes. It also helps in hair care, skin care (psoriasis), and dental care.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Almonds are good for the brain, they are a source of many nutrients which help in development of the brain. Almond induces high intellectual level and has been considered as an essential food item for growing children and dogs too! Almonds also regulates cholesterol, regular consumption of almonds helps to increase the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and reduce the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL), thereby effectively controlling cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is called bad cholesterol. Mono-saturated fat, protein and potassium contained in almonds are good for the heart. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart diseases. The presence of magnesium in almonds helps to avoid heart attacks. Almonds help reduce C-reactive protein which causes artery-damaging inflammation. Almond is also a good source of folic acid. They therefore help to reduce the level of homocystein, which causes fatty plaque buildup in arteries. In previous blogs I talk about the importance of fish oils as they are great for your dog's skin and coats. The benefits of almond for skin care are well known, our older Shepherd often gets sore legs so we massage him with an almond oil which is great for his skin, and safe for him if he decides to lick it off. Potassium present in almond helps to regulates blood pressure. Almonds are very low in sodium which also helps in containing blood pressure. Almond improves the movement of food through the colon, thereby preventing colon cancer. Almonds also help in reducing the rise in sugar and insulin levels after meals. This offers protection from diabetes. The mono-saturated fat contained in almonds satisfies appetite and prevents over-eating. Studies have revealed that almond rich low calorie diet is good for obese people to assist in shedding their weight. Almonds are rich in fibre. Like most other fibre rich food, almonds also help in preventing constipation. The presence of manganese, copper and Riboflavin helps in energy production.
Happy cooking!Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-74137104543959864622012-04-01T17:59:00.000-07:002012-04-03T15:23:07.927-07:00Rhino's Apple Burger PattiesSummer time is around the corner, and we all love to BBQ Hamburgers for the family. The other day I was BBQ and Rhino was sitting next to me while I was flipping the burgers. His little nose was propped straight up as he caught a wiff of the burgers on the grill. His little brown eyes looked right at me and spoke for themselves.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So I decided the other day I would make my dog's a healthy doggy version burger. Now in my other blogs, you will have already read that I give both my dogs a pro biotic pill and an Omega 3 fish oil pill daily. How ever if you don't give your dog's vitamins you can always add a tsp of cod liver and salmon oil to your dog's meals and there are various probiotic powders you can sprinkle over your dogs food.
Here is Rhino's Apple Burger patties.
Lightly pan cook Regular Ground Beef till it's brown on the outside and slightly pink on the inside. Cook a Hard Boil and Egg (20 mins) and discard shell peel, and mash the egg coarsely. Pulse the carrots, apple and honey together. Add oat's, egg, and tomato sauce with remaining ingredients and stir. You can mix all the ingredients with the ground beef and hand make them into patties and serve your special home made Apple Burger Patties to your dog! For dog's who love cheese and don't have any stomach issues with cheese you can grate some cheese over the dog's patties while they are still warm and the cheese will melt on burger.
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1 Cup of diced apples with skin raw
640 Grams of Beef lightly cooked (pink on inside)
1/2 Cup of grated carrots
1 Large Egg Hard Boiled
1 Tsp spoon of honey
1/2 Cup of Tomato Sauce (plain no salt added)
1/2 Raw Organic Oatmeal (uncooked oats)
I hope you enjoy making this meal, and that your dog's love it as much as mine do!
Everyone is familiar with the expression "An Apple A Day Keeps the Doctor Away". Apples are so great for our dogs too. Not only does it help clean your dogs teeth but it also helps strengthen their gums.
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Apples are great for lowering the level of cholesterol in your dogs and it also Detoxifies the body and has an antiviral property. Apple's will also prevent constipation because it helps digestion. One large apple supplies almost 30% of minimum amount of fiber that should be consumed daily. If your dog's have sensitive stomachs like mine do, you will find that another benefit of eating apples is that it helps with indigestion, and may be helpful in cases of diarrhea.
In this recipe I include Tomato sauce to give the patties a bit of a tangy flavor. I use Organic Tomato sauce ( In Glass jar) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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for my organic turkey chili, or my husbands favorite organic sweet spaghetti sauce. But there are many benefits to tomato sauce, thanks to an ingredient called lycopene. Lycopene is a phytochemical that acts as a powerful antioxidant, potentially helping to reduce the risk of prostate, esophageal and breast cancers. As most dog lovers know, our beloved pets are also prone to various Cancers. The reason I use tomato sauce in this recipe for my dogs is because you will receive the best absorption of lycopene from cooked or processed products such as tomato-based pasta sauce, tomato paste, sauce, soup, juice, bottled salsa, chili sauce and ketchup. A bonus: When these foods are eaten with a little fat like ground beef, the lycopene is even better absorbed.
Now the Reason I stated that I use Glass tomato sauce over canned is because of Bisphenol A (BPA) which is an industrial chemical widely used in common plastic products, such as baby bottles, children’s toys, and the linings of most food and beverage cans.
Many scientific studies—including the largest study of BPA ever conducted on humans—have found links between BPA and serious health problems, from heart disease, diabetes and liver abnormalities in adults to developmental problems in the brains and hormonal systems of children. Given the wide use of BPA in so many products we encounter every day, it is probably impossible to completely eliminate your exposure to this potentially harmful chemical. Still, you can lower your exposure—and your risk of possible health problems associated with BPA—by taking a few simple precautions.
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The easiest way to lower your intake of BPA is to stop eating so many foods that come into contact with the chemical. Eat fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, which usually have more nutrients and fewer preservatives than canned foods, and taste better, too.
Choose Cardboard and Glass Containers Over Cans Highly acidic foods, such as tomato sauce and canned pasta, leach more BPA from the lining of cans, so it’s best to choose brands that come in glass containers. Soups, juices and other foods packaged in cardboard cartons made of layers of aluminum and polyethylene plastic (labeled with a number 2 recycling code) are safer than cans with plastic linings containing BPA.Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-17536527916991495752012-03-24T15:11:00.000-07:002012-04-03T14:28:07.820-07:00Rhino's Breakfast Of ChampionsAs many of you know I truly enjoy cooking. I also enjoy cooking for my 2 dog's.
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I have never been one to cook and create meals from recipes. I have watched the occasional cooking show while running on the treadmill but that is really the extent of my exposure to any idea's in creating my own recipes. I never really write anything down either, and often I just cook from memory of the previous dish I made. But it got me thinking, why not share my recipes with other people when it comes to cooking for my dogs.
In my earlier blogs I talk about the importance of Omega fish oils and Pro biotics for your dogs, and because I already give my dog both pills every day, I don't add any fish oils like cod liver or salmon oils to my recipes, but by all means please add them if you are not using omega fish oils or pro biotics in your dog's home made prepared meals or kibble.
Here is what you will need.
650 grams of Ground Beef, 3 Cups of plain Oatmeal, 3 Eggs, hard boiled diced up, 1/2 Cup of raw Carrots finely chopped or grated 1/2 Cup Peas Thawed From Frozen and 1 Cup of Low Fat Cottage Cheese.
Cook the ground beef in a pot till its lightly browned and slightly still pink in center. Prepare oatmeal according to packaging I like to buy Organic Oatmeal but you can use any kind of oatmeal so long as it is plan with out sugar additives. Boil 3 eggs. Stir and mix together the beef, oatmeal, eggs, carrots, peas and cottage cheese and serve.
You can add 1 tsp of cod liver oil if you want to make sure your dog is getting it's omega fish oils if you are not giving them an Omega 3 vitamin.
I hope you like this recipe and that your dog's enjoy it as much as mine do!
I like using Cottage cheese not only in my own diet but as well for my dogs. Cottage cheese is high in protein and is known to have benefits for fat and weight loss. Studies have shown that higher protein consumption was related to increased fat loss in women. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love Cottage cheese and it is a great alternative to fattier proteins such as meats. Cottage cheese is not only rich in protein, but it also provides amino acids that your body uses to build muscle and other tissue. Cottage cheese is rich in calcium. If your dog is on a diet, and he tends to get hungry at night or before bed time, there are other benefits of cottage cheese. Eating cottage cheese before bed can be helpful for controlling your appetite. This is because cottage cheese contains a type of protein called casein, which your body digests at a slower rate than other types of protein. According to research published in the March 2011 edition of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," casein is more filling than other types of protein, such as whey, a popular protein supplement. Because of the slow digestion and high level of satiety, cottage cheese may keep you from getting hungry during the night and encourage you to eat less in the morning.
I discovered within the first week of us bringing home Rhino, our now 12 week old German Shepherd puppy, and brother of Remy that he loves hard boiled eggs. I like to eat 3 hard boiled eggs every morning, but I only eat the egg white's and throw the yolks out. Well a few weeks ago I thought rather than waste the yolk, why not see if my dog's will eat it and like it. They absolutely love egg yolks! Eggs are a great source of protein and fat and low fat for dogs. So then I decided to get creative and made up a breakfast meal for my dogs using the egg yolk's from my morning breakfast.
Eggs can be a good source of protein, and is a great early morning meal, so why not fuel your dog's as well with eggs for breakfast! Now as I mentioned earlier I buy most of my ingredients in Organic. But Organic can become costly. However when it comes to Eggs this is one place where buying organic can make a big difference. If you're trying to improve your diet and eat more responsibly, make the switch from commercially produced eggs and reap the benefits of organic eggs. It's an easy way to make your kitchen a healthier place in the new year. Pasture-raised organic hens produce eggs that have 2/3 more vitamin A, three times more vitamin E, seven times more beta carotene and twice the omega-3 fatty acids compared to commercially produced eggs, according to a study conducted by "Mother Earth News" and reported in the October/November 2007 issue. Make the switch to organic eggs, and you could more than double the nutritional value you get when you eat an egg.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Eggs are little protein powerhouses that tend to get a bad rap because they're high in cholesterol, but organic eggs tend to have 1/3 less cholesterol than commercially raised eggs, according to "Mother Earth News," making them a healthier choice. Even better: Organic eggs have 1/4 less saturated fat than commercially raised eggs, according to the "Mother Earth News" study. Reducing the amount of cholesterol and saturated fat in your everyday diet can decrease your risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease. Fewer Toxins Eggs that come from chickens who've been fed organic food are less likely to have pesticide residue than commercially produced eggs. Trace amounts of pesticides can be particularly hazardous for children and pregnant women, so if you're feeding people in those two categories, organic eggs may be a good choice. Eggs from organic chickens also come without added hormones or antibiotics, which some commercial farmers may use to treat poultry to increase their production. When tasters compared the flavors of organic eggs and commercially produced eggs, they noticed that organic eggs had a stronger flavor and color.
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I love carrots and thankfully my teething puppies love crunching on Carrots. Carrots contain more than 490 phytochemicals (plant, or fruit derived chemical compounds). Beta-carotene is one of the most antioxidants in the carrot, and helps the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells in the body. It also prevents DNA variation and fat oxidation, and protects cells against free radicals.
The carrot contains calcium, potassium, vitamin B and C. Calcium helps prevent the narrowing of the blood vessels resulting from contracting of the muscular wall of the vessels. Potassium promotes regular heartbeat. Vitamin B improves metabolism. Vitamin C protects cells against free radicals and strengthens blood vessel walls.
Vitamin A in carrot is important in vision; a deficiency in vitamin A will inhibit the reformation of rhodopsin and lead to night blindness. It also improves coughing and high blood pressure. Enough sun exposure everyday helps vitamin A take effect.
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In the morning's I usually have hard boiled eggs and Organic Oatmeal. There are so many benefits of Oatmeal in the morning. I buy most of my foods and ingredients in an Organic version. However, Organic and non-organic rolled oats have the same nutritional facts. They both contain equal amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants and are particularly high in B vitamins, phosphorus and iron. In 1 cup of cooked oats, there are approximately 150 calories, 6 g of protein and 4 g of fiber. Besides price, the difference between organic rolled oats and their conventional opponent is what is not found in organic oats; intense chemicals, additives or genetic modifications.
Organically grown oats are produced using organic farming methods such as crop rotation, green manure fertilizers and natural pest control like predation, instead of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. In order to be labeled organic, rolled oats must meet the minimum standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-42107570719588440262012-03-23T17:06:00.001-07:002012-04-03T20:43:53.227-07:00How We Picked Our German Shepherd PuppyIf you are anything like my husband and I, you have a special place in your heart and soul for dogs. Being a dog fan, the likely hood of also being fans of The Dog Whisper is probably pretty good.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Several months ago we watched a really good episode on the Dog Whisper on "How To Pick the Right Puppy for Your Family". My husband and I had been wanting to have a family dog for a few years. How ever both our lives were too busy between our career's, travel, and my husband going back to University, and so we felt it wasn't fair to bring a dog into our home until our lives slowed down a bit. I decided to take some time off from my career, which finally allowed us more time to be home, so we began our search for a family dog. In Oct 2011, we added our first addition to our family. Remy who is now 9 months old, is a pure bred German Shepherd and even more recently we decided to get a second dog. Remy's brother who is from a second litter of the same parents of Remy. Rhino is only 12 weeks old, our dogs are exactly 6 months apart.
Both our dogs have very different personalities. Remy the older pup is sweet, gentle and very laid back and well mannered with a very easy going high tolerance personality. Rhino on the other hand is fiesty, high energy and non stop action with him. Remy is relaxed confident and so laid back. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rhino will steal anything he can get his little paws on, we have to watch him like a hawk. Rhino wants to be involved in all the action, and Remy wants to participate in all the hugs and kisses. Both dogs bring us so much joy, and go every where with us.
We did a lot of back ground work before we got both our dogs. First off in deciding what type of dogs to get for our family, we made a list of what was most important in a breed. We wanted a good family pet, with high intelligence. We live on a large acreage where we tend to get packs of coyotes and other wild life, so we wanted a good protective guard dog as well. We enjoy the outdoors and we wanted a dog that would enjoy being outdoors with us. We have an active life where we like to go for long walks and jogs every day. We also had interest in working in the Search and Rescue Volunteer program in our city. We live in Canada where we can get wonderful warm summers, but also very cold winters. So we wanted a dog that could handle both extreme climates.
Once we were ready to bring a new family member into our household we understood what was required to become responsible dog owners - and were prepared to do it.
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So we began the process of choosing a dog breed that would suit our lifestyle, personality and requirements. We realized that this is an important long term decision for our family and anyone we live with. It certainly pays to put in some research to ensure we reached the right decision in getting both our German Shepherds who have brought us so much joy.
I think it is important to visualize the type of dog you picture yourself living with for the next 15 years as the dog's breed is just one of the many factors you need to consider. I get so upset when I see add's on public selling sites like Kijji where some one has to get rid of their dog that is now too big for their 1 bedroom condo. Or a family who surrenders their dog to a rescue foundation because their dog is destructive in their home. Which as a responsible dog owner we know that it is not the dog, it is the owner who is at fault when dogs miss behave. I also see time over time people who with little confidence and lack of character get a stronger dominate breed of dog like a Pit Bull, or Rotti or a Doberman or even a German Shepherd and the dog becomes a potential risk to the family and the neighbourhood. Some people simply do not have the experience or Alpha in them to be owners of more dominate dogs and end up getting rid of their dogs because they can't handle the dog. This is not fair to the dog, and often these dogs are bounced around shelters and foster homes.
We picked the German Shepherd because first off we love the breed, we love their high working drive, we love how wonderful they are with children, and how protective they are of their home. They make great volunteer dogs, in which we would like to volunteer as a family with the SARS program in our community. They are highly intelligent, and if selected right, from a good breeder, with parents who have good temperments I believe German Shepherds are one of the best family dogs in the world. They are brave, very smart, and incrediably loyal. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now breed is certainly important and I don't disagree with that. But there are other just as crucial criteria in order to determine what type of dog you will share your life with. Do your research in where you purchase your dog from - always buy from a conscientious and reputable dog breeder if possible. Before we brought both our dogs home we spent time with the litter, it is important to spend time with the litter making sure you know which puppy to choose out of the litter. You want a puppy that suits your family energy in the home. If you are a fast paced athletic on the go family you don't want a laid back low energy dog who tires easily. It is also important to consider the puppies socialization prior to you bringing the dog home. A good breeder will play with the puppies giving them attention and affection ensuring they have human contact daily so that the dog transitions well into your family.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When we brought both our puppies home we put them both through Puppy Classes. Obedience Training is very important no matter how much experience you have with dogs. You want your dog to learn things like household etiquette, leash training and the basic obedience commands l like sit, stay, come, down etc...
We all want our dogs to be happy balanced dogs. When applying all the crucial criteria, everything comes together to determine the health, well-being, character and behavior habits of your dog.
When choosing a dog breed it's a good idea to talk with people who have first hand experience with the breed you are interested in. Your local veterinarian, dog breeders and obedience trainers are a valuable source of information. Also if you visit any dog shows you can talk with the owners of just about any breed - this will make the picture clearer for you.
There are some things that potential dog owners need to consider as well. What size of dog breed do you favor? Size does matter but it doesn't necessarily mean that a big dog needs a big yard and a small dog breed is suited to apartment living. Some large breeds like the docile Greyhound are perfectly suited and easy to manage in a smallish yard. Can you handle a dog that sheds heavily? Almost all dogs shed to some degree but some like Golden Retrievers, Pugs and Dalmations are shedding machines! Unless you are prepared to allocate some dog grooming time each day you may be better off with a breed that sheds minimally. Is it important that your dog is good with children? Do some research to discover which dog breeds are best for children - there's lots of great options.
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How important is it for your dog to be well trained? Some breeds are more suited, willing and capable if you plan to get involved in advanced obedience training - does this apply to you? Will your dog be living with other animals and dogs? Many breeds find it difficult to happily coexist with other animals, while there are some dogs that love the company of others.
What energy level should your dog have? Do you long for a dog who lounges around on the couch with you or one who continually drops a ball at your feet looking for a game? It's important for the human-dog relationship that you share a similar level of energy to your dog. Please note that energy level comes down to each individual dog rather than by breed. Is affordability an issue for you? Think not only of the initial purchase price but also feeding, grooming and health care - with some dogs the list goes on and on?
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Do you want a dog who will guard you and your possessions or one that may just "sound the alarm" and act as a watchdog? Is it likely that your lifestyle, commitments or requirements will change drastically in the next 12-15 years? Choosing a dog breed is an important long term decision - it pays to look ahead for the well being of the dog. Will your dog be left home alone for long periods? Many dog breeds (such as Golden Retrievers and Chihuahuas) suffer badly from separation anxiety if left alone and bored for long periods. If your career demands a lot of your time you'll need to consider your choice of breed carefully - you may even want to reconsider your decision to get a dog at all.
Will your dog be an inside dog, an outside dog or a bit of both? Some breeds are simply not suited to being kept outside and it's not fair to enforce this upon them. Will your climate present any problems to your chosen breed? Dogs that were bred for specific purposes and in one part of the world will often find it hard to climatize into other areas. Does the breed you are interested in have any breed specific health problems? Again this is just a matter of doing some research and talking to people who would know.
Do you have a secure and large enough property to safely confine your dog? We live on an acreage so we have the luxury of being able to give our dog's lots of space to run and play. But we also take the time to walk our dogs daily for socialization at the dog park.
Puppy proofing your home checklist. How much and what kind of exercise are you prepared to give on a daily basis? This is an important one, if you are not prepared to properly exercise your dog the dog's energy will come out in other, destructive ways. Some dogs don't require much exercise at all - they'd rather curl up with you on the couch.
Will you be able to get your chosen breed in your area? It's no good falling in love with a certain breed only to find out that you cannot source a puppy in your area.
What is your level of experience with dogs? Some dog breeds are not recommended for first time dog owners - they will walk all over you! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What was the breed originally bred for? Many breeds still retain the strong drives and instincts which they were bred for. For this reason if you enjoy having a nice and tidy flower garden you may want to avoid some of the terrier breeds (they love to dig!).
Do you suffer from any dog related allergies? Hypoallergenic dog breeds such as Poodles, Bichon Frise and the Bedlington Terrier have a decreased tendency to cause allergic reactions.
The above questions are designed to make the process of choosing a dog breed a clear and straight forward process - if answered truthfully!
As soon as your new dog arrives home that is the time when your hard work begins. You will be responsible for shaping his/her character and behavior habits and helping him to thrive in our human society.Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-32216929586170709662012-03-23T16:29:00.001-07:002012-04-03T20:24:41.217-07:00The Life Of Remy CampbellSo here's my story. I am a pure bred German Shepherd. I just turned 9 months old, and I feel like a man already but my parents still treat me like a boy, I guess I have lots to prove to them before they think of me as a man. I'm a really just a simple guy. I'm single, and looking for my one true love but I’m still young and I don’t think I’m ready to jump into anything serious right now. I definitely want a family of my own one day but for now I’m quite happy being a bachelor exploring this big world.
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I don't need much, water, food , exercise and a good nap here and there and the occasional massage. I do have a particular stomach digestive problem, so I may come across a bit picky but I don't do well with grains, soy, corn or wheat. It's not my fault; apparently my Dr told my parents that it's quite common for German Shepherds to be allergic to certain foods. My parents love me so much they feed me a special delicious different breakfast every morning; my diet consists of a rotation of lamb, bison, elk, venison, chicken and my favorite rabbit. I also graze a little in the late afternoon on my favourite tasty chicken neck bones. I use to have this really bad habit which I was able to quit with the help and support of my parents. I have been clean and sober from picking up rocks for over 5 months now.
I really love my parents, but I have a very special and unique connection with my human big sister. When ever I see her I can't help myself I get so overwhelmed with excitement I tend to talk too much. But oh boy do I ever love her, she give's me so much attention, and when it snow's she makes these huge snow mountains and lets me pounce on them and eat the snow. I love her so much. She give's me the best treats too, in fact she gives me a few more extra treats than my parents do, she is very generous.
My parents are sticklers for manners so I went to school to learn good manners. I know the commands, sit, stay, down, shake a paw and come. Although sometimes when I don't want play time to end, I pretend not to hear my parents call me. I call it the Mexican standoff, I sit and wait and stare at them while they call out my name, I see how long I can prolong going home from the dog park till they come after me.
I tend to be a little bit of a flirt with the ladies. I have a thing for brunettes. But when I meet Mrs Remy Campbell, I will always be very loyal to her. I'm a loyal guy and I would do anything for my family. I know I’m still a young, but I’ve figured out a few things on my own, for example when I shake hands with humans I get a lot of awesome treats. I like to play rough with the bigger rougher dogs, but I certainly know how to be gentle. I'm more of a lover than a fighter, however if you dare try to hurt my family or come to our house uninvited I won’t hesitate to sound off the dog alarm and I may even kick your butt. Apparently my bark is pretty intimidating. I already had a close encounter with a van load of humans who wanted to hand my parents some kind of reading material about God, and I think the people said they were Jehovah Witnesses. I don't know what that means but I didn’t let them out of their car until my parents came outside and asked the people nicely to leave our property.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’ve had a few run In's with this dog like animals which I do not like them at all. When I see them I run them off the property by charging at them and barking really loud. My mom yells at them and I’ve heard her call them coyotes a few times when she tells my dad how proud of me she is for scaring them away.
As I was saying I'm a lover not a fighter, and I have no enemies, I tend to believe in the philosophies of a Buddhist’s. I love going to the off leash Cochrane Dog Park for at least a full hour. Some people have accused me of having OCD. However I believe I just have a really high working drive where I am very focused on the ball.
I have my very own FACEBOOK PAGE my full name is Remy Campbell, and I live in Alberta Canada. I hope you like my page, and share your stories and ideas about things you enjoy with your family. I’m always looking for good new raw food recipes and if you know a new trick please tell me all about it!Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555195192259894675.post-53062096868528812232012-03-23T16:17:00.001-07:002012-04-03T19:35:51.634-07:00Remy's Poached Liver with Blueberries RecipeRemy's Favorite Poached Liver And Blueberries Recipe For Dogs
For those who know me, know I love my dogs, and I love cooking. I have done a lot of research in regards to health benefits of vitamins and diet for dogs. So I decided to share one of our dogs favorite recipes its Poached Liver and Blueberries.
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Here is what you will need.
1 1/4 cup of raw fresh blueberries
320 grams of Liver
1 1/4 cup of raw from frozen Peas
1 Medium Potato boiled in skin
3/4 cup Plain Low Fat Yogurt
Thaw frozen peas
Poach liver until cooked and dice finely, do not over cook meat or you will loose the full nutrients.
Boil potato until soft and then mash coarsely
Pulse blueberries and peas
Mix in the yogurt and stir all ingredients together
Your dog will love this!
I also make sure that my dogs each get a Opti Omega 3 fish oil every day as well as a Pro biotic pill! You can also use 1 cup of rice or quinoa in replacement of the potato. I personally love blueberries and my step daughter eats them by the carton.
The thing is, we all know how good blueberries are for us. The base for all of the blueberries health benefits are in fact that they are extremely rich in Antioxidants. Antioxidants are very important to our body because they help support overall health and immune system.
Blueberries will boost your dogs Immune System. The antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, anthocyanin, copper, iron, selenium, and zinc contain in blueberries help boost the body’s immune system so enable the body to fight against viral and bacterial infections.Blueberries are packed with Anthocyanin, a pigment responsible for the dark blue color of the blueberries.
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This powerful antioxidant help neutralize free radicals that can lead to cancer and other age-related diseases. Blueberries are probably the best brain food of all because they increase the potential of neuron signals, protect brain against oxidative stress and reduce the age-related memory problems, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that a diet that includes blueberries significantly improve memory and brain functions. Nutrients contain in blueberries has proved helpful in enhancing and maintaining people’s eyesight. Blueberries are great source of Vitamin A which is an essential nutrient for maintaining good eyesight. One of the blueberries health benefit is their ability to lower cholesterol levels naturally. Recent research shows that a compound in blueberries prove to lower cholesterol as effectively as prescription drugs but without side effects.Prevent Heart Disease. Blueberries have the ability to keep cholesterol levels under control, thus improve heart health. The presence of antioxidants and fiber content makes this fruit a natural food supplement to prevent heart disease. Several Compounds in blueberries such as Ellagic Acid and Pterostilbene are known for their cancer prevention and healing properties. Laboratory study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that phenolic compounds in blueberries can inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation. Blueberries help to improve digestion.
Blueberries have been shown to have a positive impact on aging. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of blueberries build a protective layer around the brain to fight the signs of aging and deterioration.
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There are so many proven medical health benefits to taking fish oils. So when we brought home our 2 German Shepherd puppies I started doing research on dogs, their diets, and of course important vitamins for dogs.
In my research I found that there are similar benefits for dogs as there are for humans in taking fish oils. We give our dog's 1 Omega Fish oil pill a day. Most dogs like fish so it's easy to just pour the liquid into their mouths. I simply tell them it's vitamin time, and they walk over to me and sit right away as I drop the liquid right onto their tongues!
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When we are at the dog park we often get compliments on our dog's coats and people ask what we feed them, or how often we groom them. The thing is we take our dog's to the groomers every 3 months to get cleaned up. But their hair, soft coat, oily skin and bright eye's are all a result of giving our dog's fish oil daily. German Shepherds are prone to bad dander and Eczema and problematic skin and shedding. By supplementing their diet with fish oils we have managed to reduce their shedding, and given them nice shiny coats.
Here are the Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs.
Some of the conditions or disorders that positively react to fish oil for dogs are things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. Specially, many skin conditions are a due to the lack of Omega 3. EPA can reduce damage to the tissue that lines the joint surface (cartilage) by decreasing the activity of enzymes in arthritis. EPA (from fish oil) shown to be key for healthy joint cartilage. Studies have shown that different Inflammatory disorders like, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis may respond to the anti-inflammatory effects of Omega 3 essential fatty acids. When a dog has dull dry hair or coat it's usually a result of diet and lack of Omega 3.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Omega 3 gives your dog better skin, and a beautiful coat. Some yeast infections in the skin and ears of dogs and cats are a direct result of no omega 3 in their diet. The lack of Omega 3 in a dog's diet can also contribute to cardiovascular problems like sudden cardiac death or arrhythmias, blood clots and hypertension. High triglycerides. This is one of the conditions that best react to fish oil for dogs. It is important when cooking for your dog, or feeding them a dry pet food that you feed a high omega 6 diet. Much like human's we know that with our Cholesterol profile, HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) rises with fish oil for humans, and it provides the exact same benefits for dogs, providing a better cholesterol profile.
Lack of Omega 3, can cause Renal damage. Brain and mental decline. Younger or older dogs, active or less active dogs -- it is never too late to supplement your pets with omega-3 essential fatty acids, that is fish oil for dogs. By supplementing your dog's diet with Omega 3 you can avoid fetal brain and eye underdevelopment of a puppy. DHA (from fish oil) has been shown to be key in neural development. Recent research shows that the essential fatty acid, DHA, as found in omega-3 fish oil, has training and learning enhancing properties for your pets!. The research shows "that puppies nourished with enhanced (high) levels of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)were smarter, more trainable than typical-DHA (low-DHA) nourished puppies.".
Studies show that pets fed high doses of fish oil also have better control of cancer, help's with bad mood, and learning difficulties.
If you are like me, you probably love your pets and want the best for them!
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I am one of those people who follows a fairly healthy life style regime.
Both my husband and I excersize daily and take our dog's to the dog park for over an hour every day. Along with staying fit and healthy we eat a well balanced diet. Nutrition is important to us, and so are vitamins. When we first brought both our German Shepherd puppies home with us we did a lot of research on dog foods, and kibble versus raw. We decided what was best for our dogs was a healthy natural unprocessed home made diet. Our dogs eat a combination of recipes we make for them that consists of various meats, bison, chicken, elk, rabbit, venison, lamb and lean ground beef. Along with rice, and quinoa and a number of leafy greens and carrots. They also get various bones once a day.
We also believe in taking our daily vitamins, so we wanted to find out more about what vitamins are also great for dogs. My husband and I travel a lot and so we take a Probiotic pill every day as it helps with any bad bacteria you may get from various sources of foods. This also carries over to a dogs diet and so we began giving our dog's probiotic pills every morning when we take ours.
For us one of the reasons we did so much research on Pro biotics for dogs is because we know that German Shepherds are prone to skin problems. We noticed immediately the health Improvements in both our dogs coats and skin just by adding a Pro biotic pill to their food every day. If you decide to take my advice you will see that your dog will have improved immune response and less allergy symptoms, your dogs will have improved skin, coat, and breath (Crowding out 'bad' or unhealthy bacteria with Probiotic provides AMAZING results when it comes to skin flakiness, dryness, excess shedding, dull coat, and bad breath).
Your dog will also experience better digestion and elimination, and your dog will absorb nutrients from food more efficiently.
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Probiotics for dogs help to reduce the amount of bad bacteria and toxins in the dog's body. The result is a cleaner and more efficient digestive and immune system.
When you supplement your dog with pro biotics you'll notice:
Better skin and coat appearance
Better dog breath (no foul smell)
Less gas (flatulence)
Fewer allergy symptoms (for dogs with allergies)
Normal (regular) bowel functions (for dogs suffering from diarrhea or constipation)
Better overall health and energy levels
Dogs and cats have unique digestive and immune systems, different from that of a human; dogs and cats should be given probiotics
If your dog has any of the following symptoms you may want to consider implementing a pro biotic into your dogs diet.
Skin Issues
Poor Coat
Vomiting
Weight Problems
Allergies
Diarrhea
Loose Stool or Yellow Stool
Excess Gas (flatulence)
Stool Eating
Excessive shedding (not normal seasonal shedding)
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I hope you find my story helpful, all the best!Astra0172http://www.blogger.com/profile/05509146358819299265noreply@blogger.com0