Alternatives to Commercial Dog Food

Why Look for Dog Food Alternatives?

A lot of information came out of the investigation connected to the 2007 dog food recall, and most of it wasn't good. In addition to identifying the contaminated food sources responsible for the illness, and in some cases death, of a number of dogs, other manufacturing practices came to light.

We learned that although all commercially sold dog foods must meet a set of government standards before they can be labeled "100% nutritionally complete", it doesn't guarantee that the food sources used are digestible enough for your dog to render "complete" nutrition from the mix. We also learned that some of the inexpensive chemical preservatives used in these foods may cause cancer and certainly hold no nutritional value for our pets.

Finally, we learned that the term "fresh" holds minimal value when foods are manufactured and left to sit in warehouses for months before they ever hit store shelves.

Raw vs. Cooked

Many dog owners might agree that home made dog foods should be safer to feed than many commercial mixes containing chemical preservatives and other questionably healthy ingredients. However, they do seem to differ in opinions about the best feeding programs.

Raw Meat

Some owners are strong advocates of the BARF diet, a feeding program that serves dog bones and raw foods. These owners believe that feeding foods in their raw, natural state most closely mirrors the way nature designed dogs to eat in the wild.

On the other side of the coin, some owners are leery of feeding raw meat because of the health hazard it potentially presents. It's true that raw meats can harbor dangerous bacteria called salmonella, but this can be eliminated by cooking the meat to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, you could argue that dogs that eat raw meat in the wild are regularly exposed to a number of bacteria, and they do survive. This may be evidence that the flora in a dog's digestive track is designed to deal with salmonella far more efficiently than the human digestive tract.

Bones

Bones, particularly chicken bones, are another point of contention. It's true that bones can present a potential hazard, whether it is from choking or intestinal blocks/punctures. However, raw chicken bones retain some flexibility and are easier for dogs to chew and digest.

It's the cooked bones that become brittle and pose the greatest risk for intestinal punctures. In the end, feeding bones in any form is a decision that rests solely with every owner, and bones need not be the only source of calcium and other minerals in home made dog food.

Fruits and Vegetables

Although of considerably less concern than serving raw meat, fruits and vegetables also pose a small threat of bacterial contamination. This can easily be dealt with by washing the produce before chopping and adding it to your recipe.

Nutritional Balance

The most important thing to consider when making home made meals for your pet is that they provide rounded nutrition. Without a decent balance of protein, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, your dog could suffer from malnutrition, regardless of how much food he eats.

The following list offers some food choices to cover your dog's basic nutritional needs:

    Protein: Fresh chicken, beef, turkey, lamb or cooked salmon

    Fiber, vitamins and minerals: Carrots, green beans, spinach

    Essential fatty acids: Leafy greens, cooked salmon, flax seeds

    Calcium: Cottage cheese, plain yogurt

    Carbohydrates: Brown rice, barley

    Vitamins and antioxidants: Apples (without the seeds), blueberries

Pick one item from each group to include at every meal. You'll also want to rotate your choices so your dog doesn't become bored eating the same food.

Foods to Avoid

Certain common foods should never be fed to your dog because they can cause reactions ranging from mild discomfort to cardiac arrest.

Foods you shouldn't feed include:

    Chocolate

    Onions

    Raw garlic

    Grapes

    Raisins

    Macadamia nuts

    Avocados

    Apple seeds

    Wild mushrooms

    Raw, green potatoes

    Nutmeg

    Added salt

Recipe

Cooking for your dog is as easy as preparing a meal for your family. However, you might like to try this terrific home made dog food recipe for "Little Man's Loaf" from our own "Two Minute Dog Advice" columnist Wendy Nan Rees. It's so good you might want to pull up a bowl next to your dog!

Conclusion

So, does making your pet a home made dinner sound appealing to you? Then the first thing you'll want to do is consult with your vet to make sure your dog is currently in good health. If your vet gives your dog the thumb's up, then you can begin to cook for your pet in small amounts, gradually weaning him off commercial kibble. Keep an eye on him for any major signs that the new food is not agreeing with him, and call your vet right away if you think your dog needs attention.

Five Advantages of a Cat

Having a pet is fun. Humans are social creatures, it is no wonder that people love to be friends both with each other and with animals. Cat is a pet and playmate suitable for humans.

Here are five advantages to maintain a cat:

1. Smart

A study conducted by the cat owners in the UK says that people who have cats are more intelligent than dog owners. This study is based on an intellectual level scores (IQ) and knowledge. Advantage cats, making owners more careful and clever.

2. Healthy Environment

A study conducted in 2009 stated that the cat has a footprint with a carbon content less than dogs. This is because cats like to eat fish more than animal crackers are a flavorful vegetable beef.

3. Time passes stress

It turns out cats can also treat upset. In contrast to dogs, cats respond to the sound that comes out of the mouth of his employer. So that when the employer needs a friend to talk, the cat was faithfully listening and responding to their distinctive sound.

4. Getting Houses

A man who has not had a girlfriend or a wife, a cat immediately. Because based on polls conducted in the UK, as many as 82 percent of women prefer men who have pets. And 90 percent of women stated that men who have cats better than having a dog.

5. Heart Health

The advantage of having the other cat is not making his master stress. In contrast to dogs, cats are easier to care for and maintain. A study revealed 30 percent of cat owners live healthier because avoid a heart attack or stroke.

In fact, the presence of cats may soothe employers and even the neighbors around, unlike the dog who likes to bark and howl.

Considerations When Choosing the Perfect Cat Urn

Cats are beautiful creatures, and their companionship is often missed after they have passed. If you are mourning the loss of your furry feline, then you may be comforted by investing in an urn. A cat urn will allow you to store the cremated remains of your cat in a way that is durable and pleasing to the eye. In order to find the best urn for your pet, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration.

Budget

While you may want to give your cat only the best, it may not be possible to do so on your budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of pet urns on the market that are both beautiful and affordable. Give yourself plenty of time to browse through the urns that are available so that you can find one that you love and that will not put you under financial stress.

Final Resting Place

As you are shopping for a cat urn, you need to take into consideration where it will be placed. If it is in a room of your house, then you will want it to reflect your cat's personality while also enhancing the room's décor. If it is outside then you will need to choose a cat urn that will withstand the elements.

Types of Cat Urns

There are many styles, shapes and designs of cat urns on the market, which allows you to choose your favorite as a resting place for your cat. There are urns that are shaped like cats or hearts, as well as traditional urns that are subtle and elegant. There are even urns that have paw prints or mice designs on them, as well as urns that will hold a candle as you remember your time with your pet. Cat urns can also be made from a variety of materials, including brass, glass and ceramics. Choose an urn that will suit the location in which your cat will rest permanently, and find one that represents the cat as you choose to remember him.

Customization

It may be possible for you to customize the urn by adding your pet's name to it. If possible, ask the urn company to engrave your animal's name on the urn of your choice. The personal touch will help you to remember your pet fondly each time you see the urn.

As you grieve for the loss of your cat, you may be able to find comfort in creating a memorial or a final resting place that you think suits him best. With the wide variety of cat urns on the market, you should be able to easily find one that will honor and commemorate your favorite feline.

Sugar Glider Pets New

you animal lovers and want to preserve the unique animals and not "just" that's it? hmm ... what if I introduce with this one exotic animal, named Sugar Glider. Well you know what kind of animal is that?! This is definitely an easy animal human companionship.

Sugar Glider or in Latin Petaurus breviceps is a kind of tree squirrel with a small body size relative to body size of about 24-30 cm with a weight of 4-6 ounces. and because they are often referred to his little pet in saku.Tubuhnya cute face and expression that Unyu-Unyu it easy to make animal lover will fall in love with him. Marsupial this one came from the wilds of Papua, Tasmania Australia, Papua New Guinea. Sugar Glider has toes on the hind feet are large which serves to assist a stronger hold on the tree branches. Unique and again between wrist and ankle Sugar gliders are covered with fur or membrane called Patagium. So when his Sugar gliders spread their arms and legs, it would look like patagium wings that make Sugar glider in the air.

Sugar gliders mature after 2 years for males and for females 7 to 15 months. the females will be pregnant eh pregnant for 14 -16 days later gave birth to half pups, and sometimes up to 3 heads. In the arms of his mother, Sugar glider baby growing up to be able to survive alone.

Sugar Gliders are nocturnal omnivores, actively feed at night. In their natural habitat they are used to hunt small insects such as crickets and small caterpillars, also the sweet sap of the acacia and eucalyptus trees. And that's why he is called sugar gliders, because in addition to the hobby of gliding flight altitude up to taste like Batman, they also liked the food taste sweet.

But it is quite funny Walalupun the eater of everything, but he also had a mood like a man who broke ganjing in choosing foods, such as eating bananas tomorrow today does not necessarily want the same food hihihihihi ... naughty bener ya. So for the daily diet should be given the variation and no rotation, fruits to choose from such as pear, apple, banana, papaya, grapes etc.. While the protein requirements can be obtained from eggs, cheese, pet food (with protein and high calcium but low magnesium content of not more than 0.01% because it was feared could damage the kidneys). In addition to adequate food, this adorable kewan also need a drink, give them boiled water for drinking.

Well, the most frustrating thing is the pup from an animal preserve. Dirt sugar glider will not smell as long as we provide suitable food variety and balanced, if the protein content of the food ration is too high of course the smell will increasingly menyengat.Yang foster kewan most important if this one is give a spacious and comfortable cages, always care hygiene and animal cage and do not forget to check with their health in the nearest vet.

In Indonesia, cute animals this one has not been as popular as guinea pigs and a hedgehog, but lately started a trend there's even talk sugar glider lover community formed (wow this must be the impact of the ya paris Hilton who was also maintain these animals) . Well have thought to start trying to maintain sugar glider or even interested in breeding them. The price is still pretty you know. About a 300 thousand to 700 thousand.

The following will explain more detail about sugar glider animals.

Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) is a kind of small marsupial originally came from eastern and northern mainland Australia, New Guinea, and the Bismarck Archipelago, Tasmania, Australia. But said also that this animal native to Indonesia. we do not know for sure karen number of sources, by the way we proceed

There are seven subspecies of P. breviceps:

* P. b. breviceps (Waterhouse, 1839)

* P. b. longicaudatus (Longman, 1924)

* P. b. ariel (Gould, 1842)

* P. b. flavidus (Tate & Archbold, 1935)

* P. b. papuanus (Thomas, 1888)

* P. b. Tafa (Tate & Archbold, 1935)

* P. b. biacensis (Ulmer, 1940)

HABITAT

In the wild from their natural habitat, Sugar Glider is an animal that lived in the trees, and often live in groups consisting of 10 to 15 individuals.

This animal is active at night when it is time hunting insects and small vertebrates and certain foods from sweet gum eucalyptus kind, acacia and gum trees.

Sugar Glider named this because he is more like sweet foods and its ability to float in the air, like a flying squirrel.

Age of sexual maturity sugar gliders varies slightly between males and females. Males reach maturity between 3-12 months, while females reach maturity between 5-18 months.

The distinctive characteristics that make them reach sexual maturity is "his bald head" at the top of their head which is actually the sweat glands.

In the wild, sugar gliders breed only once a year because of climate and habitat conditions while they can breed up to 4 times per year in captivity

A sugar glider female gestation period lasts only 16 days, after the baby sugar glider will crawl to the mother's pouch for further development.

As a baby

Their eyes will remain closed for 12-14 days. During this time they will begin to develop starting to grow feathers and a gradual increase in the form of his size.

Sugar gliders as pets

Unlike many Australian native animals, particularly smaller ones, Sugar Glider is not so threatened population. Despite the massive loss of natural habitat in Australia over the last 200 years, Sugar Glider is protected by law in Australia, where for maintaining these animals is illegal for those without permits, or to capture or sell them without a license (which is usually only issued for research).

Sugar gliders are also known, especially intelligent. But it is not difficult to breed in captivity under the right conditions.

In March 2009, the animals are legal to own as domestic house pets in the United States but breeders require special permission and there are restrictions on the sale. However, each of the U.S. cities may prohibit maintenance Sugar glider.

Sugar gliders and sold in various prices, from about $ 150 to $ 600.