Dog Biscuit Recipes

Sue French asked:


Since the mid 1990’s, the giant, multi-billion dollar pet food industry has been under scrutiny. Writers such as Ann Martin, in her book “Food Pets Die For” have exposed the price our pets are paying for us to indulge ourselves with the convenience of processed, packaged, “artificial” food for our dogs. In particular, since the pet food recall in March 2007, consumer confidence in manufactured dog food has been shaken, and many dog owners have sought alternative ways to feed their pets.

For anyone who is still trying to decide whether or not to give real food a try, here are ten benefits that you can expect when you stop feeding your dog on processed junk food.

1.You save money

Sourcing economical ingredients such as cheap cuts of meat and fresh vegetables in season and grown locally can work out cheaper than paying for so-called premium brand, processed dog foods. Not only that, because your dog is healthier, you have reduced veterinary costs.

2.Your dog’s energy levels will improve

If your dog has been lethargic, you will notice his energy level increase as his general health improves.

3.Calmer behaviour from excitable dogs

It’s true: nervous or excitable dogs are likely to become more relaxed when food colouring and other chemicals are removed from their diet.

4.Improved body condition

As their vitality improves and they expend more energy, overweight dogs lose weight when the carbohydrate portion of their diet is reduced. Thin dogs gain muscle with the benefits from high quality protein and fat.

5.Naturally clean teeth and fresh smelling breath

Artificial food that sticks around their teeth is the main cause of poor gum and dental health in dogs. When your dog is given whole chunks of raw meat to chew, there is a beneficial, mechanical massaging effect on the teeth and gums, which prevents plaque build up.

6.Improvement in skin and coat

Once your dog’s system no longer has to struggle with an overload of carbohydrates, indigestible filler ingredients, and poor quality fats, itchy “hotspots” in the skin disappear. Better quality fats and oils promote a soft, lustrous coat.

7.Reduction in stiffness, painful joints and inflammatory bowel disease

Many grains in processed dog foods are the cause of painful inflammatory reactions. It is common for these problems to disappear when you are feeding real food and easy to identify the culprit if they continue.

8.Elimination of doggy BO

Yes, your dog’s health will improve dramatically. Healthy dogs don’t smell!

9.Smaller, less offensive stools

Dogs are more easily able to properly digest real food, so there’s not so much waste product (less for you to pick up!). Because the food has been properly digested, the stools are not nearly so smelly.

10.You know what your dog is getting to eat

With all the bad publicity there has been over pet food recently, it’s great to be 100% certain that what your dog is eating is safe. You know, because you sourced the original ingredients.

In my view, that peace of mind is a pearl beyond price.

If you would like to know more about preparing and feeding real dog food, you can sign up for a free, 7-day ecourse at http://dogfoodmiracle.com/



Dog Food Secrets

Lee Dobbins asked:


Dry dog food has been recommended as the best diet for dogs, however this is quite untrue. While dry dog food can be included in your dog’s diet in a limited way, most products are very high in simple carbohydrates, relatively low in protein and of inferior nutritional quality. Furthermore, it is very bad for dogs to eat food that doesn’t contain natural moisture.

The heavy use of commercially prepared dry dog food by dog owners is a leading cause of rising incidence of canine diabetes and associated pancreatitis. Doing a search on “dry dog food” on the internet will lead to a lot of websites and articles encouraging the use of this product, yet the purpose behind these articles is to sell dry dog food. So how reliable is this information really? The only safe and healthy dry dog food is likely to also be organic and contain high levels of protein and include complex carbohydrates in the form of whole grains. It will also contain dried vegetables and be very low in sodium and not have chemical additives. Even so, organic dry dog food should still be used sparingly. It should not be all that you feed your dog.

To maintain good health, dogs need a largely natural diet. The best diet is a raw diet that also incorporates healthy scraps from the family and raw dog bones. If this isn’t possible, feeding your dog commercially prepared organic food from a reputable company can provide most of your dog’s nutritional needs. Organic dry dog food can be added to this diet or given your dog as a treat, but should not be the only thing you feed your dog.

We have become a very convenience oriented society. We are busy and often stressed by the demands of earning a living and raising children. It is so much easier to pour food out of a box or open a can (and even then we’d rather have ring-pull cans) and we can fall into the trap of living on autopilot and feeding our animals and our families food that is of poor nutritional value and that can actually be a health hazard. Let’s switch back to manual control and pay attention to what we are doing. Our family - both four legged and two legged members - will look and feel better and even if they don’t thank us, we’ll know who they have to thank.



Dog Food Secrets

Eric Taylor asked:


Unquestionably, USDA certified organic pet foods are healthier than pet foods made from conventionally produced ingredients.  Unlike cheaper conventional pet foods, USDA certified organic pet foods contain no residues from pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, or chemicals accumulated during manufacturing that may include a number of the toxic chemicals that are associated with conventional pet food processing.  Organic pet foods contain more nutrients–such as vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals–than non-organic pet food.  This is especially important, considering the depletion of nutrients that comes with heavy processing and the consequent need to supplement pet foods with mostly synthetic, low-grade nutrients in order to provide some level of nutrition to dogs, cats, or other pets.  So, USDA certified organic pet foods are a great way to provide your animal friend with safe, nutrient-rich food staples.  But beware: currently in the USA, only organic certification is regulated by law and any claim of organic status other than that of ‘(USDA) certified organic’ is not substantiated by an unbiased third party.

Organic dog foods are great if done right.  The best organic dog food is, of course, prepared fresh at home.  However, this may be challenging, given the time constraints of the modern world.  Although USDA certified organic dog foods are a great choice, there are big differences in quality among the many available choices.  Most of these differences stem from the quality of the ingredients used.  Although no low-grade ingredients, such as byproducts or other indefinable ingredients, can be included in USDA certified organic dog foods, a number of important nutritional distinctions arise from manufacturers’ choices of ingredients.  Some of these distinctions are highlighted below.

Organic dog food should not contain grains or flours as first, or primary, ingredients.  Dogs did not evolve to eat grains, whether raw or cooked.  Although cooking will render grains digestible by the dog’s gastrointestinal tract, cooking also destroys many constituent nutrients; often, the only thing left are empty calories with little or no substantive nutritional value.

The first ingredient in organic dog food should always be a clearly defined source of animal protein.  Don’t choose dog foods that contain ingredients listed as ‘chicken meals’ or ‘animal protein,’ as these cannot be reliably traced to their origin. Absent any known origin, it’s easy for manufacturers to use low quality sources of animal protein.  Moreover–and tragically, as recent history has taught us–if any contamination or tainting of unsourcable ingredients occurs, it becomes difficult to mount a quick and effective pet food recall to save animal lives if one can’t trace the ingredient in question to its source.  In the case of USDA certified organic dog foods, one needn’t worry because the USDA organic standards prohibit the use of obscure and unsourceable low quality ingredients.

Any choice of organic dog food should contain some fruits and/or vegetables.  However, plant matter should never make up more than 50% of the total contents of a given dog food product.  The percentage of plant matter in a given dog food should be more in the range of 30-40% of the contents by weight.  And it goes without saying that these ingredients should be organic as well, both to avoid contamination with toxins and increase the nutritional value and health benefits of any given USDA certified organic dog food.

The great thing about feeding your animal with whole food-based USDA certified organic products is that you shouldn’t have to worry about routinely supplementing whole foods with isolated nutrients because organic foods are generally much more nutrient-dense than conventional–or non-organic–pet foods.  In the case of a truly organic diet, you can supplement with nutrients simply on the basis of your own animal’s particular individual needs, and only when necessary.  Such occasional supplementation makes it possible for you to choose high-quality supplements for your dog instead of the typically low-grade vitamin-and-mineral mixes added by conventional pet food manufacturers to enable them legally to call their foods ‘balanced’ or ‘complete.’

Although choosing USDA certified organic pet foods over conventional varieties is just a first step toward better health and wellbeing for your animal, it’s a very important first step. So, be good to your animal; take that first step today!



Dog Food Secrets

Joshua Drew asked:


When you are considering what you should feed your beloved dog, you might be a little apprehensive about feeding them food that you have prepared for them. All it takes is a little bit of effort and knowledge to be able to prepare homemade dog food for your pet and give them the healthiest diet that you can.

Just like with your food, the prepackaged food cannot possibly compare to fresh food that you can prepare for your dog. When you are considering ways to keep your dog the healthiest that he can be, you should consider homemade dog food. Dogs have very different nutritional requirements than humans so you will have to do your homework before you begin preparing meals for your dog.

There is a great deal of information on the Internet about homemade dog food. You can find a collection of recipes that will be nutritionally sound and delicious for your dog. This can be particularly helpful if you have a picky eater. Some dogs will turn up their noses at store bought dog food and only eat what you have on your plate. Dogs who have been fed from the table at a young age are particularly hard to break of this habit. Homemade dog food can be a way to give your dog the food that he craves without having to share your food with the dog.

Ask your vet what kind of ingredients are safe to use in homemade dog food. There are some ingredients that can be quite dangerous for your dog. You should know what they are so that you don’t inadvertently feed them to your pet. This information is also available on the Internet and the recipes that you find will most likely not contain any of these dangerous ingredients. Make sure that you check around before you try a new recipe to be sure that the ingredients in the homemade dog food are indeed safe.

It can give you a great deal of pleasure knowing that you are giving your pet the best food that he can get. And that you prepared it especially for him. It is the best way to care for your animal. Pet owners should always be prepared to give their animals the best care that they can provide. Homemade dog food is one way that you can be sure that you are giving the very best to your dog.



Dog Food Secrets

Jane Dinunzio asked:


there was only one simple choice when it came to feeding our dogs, we now have a confusing amount of choices. More of us are looking for the best for our dogs. As we become more and more educated about the commercial dog food industry a bigger number of consumers are turning away from the easy choice of grabbing kibble from the grocery store shelf. Recent recalls causing deaths in many of our beloved dogs has brought to the forefront how unhealthy and dangerous these foods really are. Dog food has gone through several stages starting with the pre commercial days when dogs were feed whatever we ate. Dogs ate what we ate at the time before store bought kibble was available, as in leftovers and scraps. People didn’t worry about dog nutrition, or even consider it as something that could increase the pet’s life. With the advent of commercial dog kibble, this new generation of pet owners were told and assured this was the best way to feed your pet. Table scraps were not good for your dog (as we all now know), and this new, important revolutionary way of convenient healthy food was available at the local grocers. This became and still is to a lot of consumers the one and only acceptable way to nourish your dog. Feeding “people food” was drilled into our heads as being so bad for our dogs, that it actually seemed to be a true fact. It was dangerous, fool hardy and deficient in the proper mix of necessary and essential daily dietary intake. With the ease and assurance from the big companies that we were making the best choice for our dogs we all became brainwashed into believing everything we were told. That is until the recently. After the recalls of toxic and tainted dog foods, more and more information became available and this was shocking. An elite few had already started producing highly nutritious, organic or all natural dog food years before. Dog’s health was suddenly the main concern of several small independant dog food companies. There has been a quick increase in choices available for feeding your dog. More and more companies started to manufacture organic dog food, devoid of chemicals, preservatives, deadly additives, and disgusting mystery ingredients. These premium organic dog foods are slowly now becoming the new, easy and extremely nutritious way to feed our pampered dogs. They promote and increase the health of our dogs and are proud of their production processes. One other way of feeding our dogs has now gone back to the “people food” way of thinking. Although this is not the “table scrap” method of feeding. This is a safe and hightly nutritious diet for your dog as long as you research and learn your dogs essential nutritional needs. That is homemade dog food, using the same foods we eat. The only way you will ultimately know what your dog is eating for sure is making the homemade dog food with the proper ingredients that meet your standards. You can easily find excellent nutritious homemade dog food recipes for free on the internet, or through books written by animal nutritionists and vets, that this choice is now becoming mainstream. Educating yourself for the sake of your pet is a small way to pay back all the unconditional love they give you, and in the end you will ultimately have your dog around for many extra years when they receive a proper nutritious and healthier diet

Dog Food Secrets

Gordon Chase asked:


Is Life’s Abundance Dog Food the nutritional solution for your dog? Well, if you can, I always recommend preparing home-cooked meals for your dog. It’s really the only way you know what’s going into their body. My wife makes all our bread and pasta because she knows what she puts into it. But lets face it. We don’t have time to cook everyday for ourselves or our pets. We have to rely on processed foods from time to time. So what about Life’s Abundance?

What About The Taste?

No matter how Life’s Abundance dog food is, if your dog doesn’t like, he or she just won’t eat it. According to some reports, dogs seem to love the taste. You can visit our site to learn how to get trials and coupons. Or maybe your pet store offers sample packs. Buying a big bag could be a waste if your dog doesn’t like it so be sure to try it out first if you can.

What About the Ingredients?

Life’s Abundance dog food uses human quality food. A lot of commercial dog food uses meat by-products, which is essentially everything but the meat. Sadly, pet food is often made of the rejects from plants that process foods for humans. Life’s Abundance does not do this.

Is It Safe?

Remember the dreaded pet food recall a while back. You will be happy to know that LA was not on that list.

What About The Protein and Carbs?

A lot of dog food uses corn and wheat as fillers and there is very little real meat protein. Life’s Abundance does not use corn and wheat. Rather, there is real meat protein from real meat, not meat by-products.

The downside of Life’s Abundance Dog Food is the price. It is more expensive than other brands. However, a healthier dog is happier, has more energy and visits the vet less. So it could all equal out in the end. This brand is a safe choice as far as commercial dog food is concerned.

Home Cooked Food vs Processed Commercial Food

Having said everything above, I would like to point out that processed commercial dog food is what it is. It’s still not natural and home-cooked. Anything closer to the raw side of the raw-processed continuum is healthier and safer. Though I think it’s safe to say that there are some processed commercial dog foods that are much better than others. Life’s Abundance falls in the “safer” and “healthier” categories.

However, when you can, it is always advisable to prepare your dog’s food on your own. It’s easy and not so time-consuming and we offer recipes you can use.



Dog Food Secrets

Gerry Restrivera asked:


Dog food is the main source of your pet’s strength and energy and if you do not carefully prepare his meal, your pet may get sick and worse may die. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to be careful in feeding your dog. There are reports recently that commercial dog food caused the deaths of many dogs. Learning to make your own dog food and watching what he eats will ensure the health and safety of your canine friend.

Using commercial dog food maybe the easiest option to feed your dog, but are you sure it is safe for your dog? Do you know the contents and how it was processed? It maybe a little harder to make your own dog food but if you really care for your dog you will make time for it. Besides homemade dog food have many health benefits that you cannot get from any commercial dog food.

Here are the reasons why you need to make your own dog food:

No preservatives. It is beneficial to make your own dog food because you are sure that you are not feeding your dog with preservatives. The preservatives found in commercial dog food can damage your dog’s health. Some diseases caused by deadly chemicals present in commercial dog food includes kidney cancer, liver dysfunction, immune system collapse, severe allergic reactions, behavior problems including increased aggressiveness and a lot more.

Complete with nutrients. You can supply your dog with all the nutrients he needs if you make your own dog food. Providing your dog with natural healthy food that contains vegetables, rice, meat and other unprocessed ingredients will give him the necessary nutrients and vitamins he needs. Feeding your dog with super tasty homemade dog food with carefully hand picked recipes will prevent him from getting sick. Your effort to make your own dog food will result to a healthier and energetic dog free from all diseases.

You can save money. If you make your own dog food, it is much cheaper than buying well-known dog food brands. You can use the extra money for other needs of your dog.

Your dog will love you more. Your dog will definitely love the meals you cook and will love you more than ever for making them. Dogs are great in showing appreciation and you will be appreciated for making the time learning how to make your own dog food. His loyalty and friendship will always be yours.

It is really more beneficial if you make your own dog food. It will prolong the life of your dog. But you can’t make this change unless you have a good alternative plan in place. Discover a proven alternative plan and a survival-guide to a healthier, happier dog that lives up to 8.3 years longer than dogs whose owners feed them commercial dog food. Visit Dogs’ Corner



Dog Food Secrets

Sue French asked:


Since the infamous pet food recall in March 2007, dog owners have had their confidence in the commercial pet food industry shaken, and justifiably so. In today’s age of information, you’d think it would be easy to find the best way to feed our canine friends. It’s true there is a lot of information available, but so much of it is contradictory or biased that it becomes more confusing than helpful. I hope that by debunking a few common myths, I can help anyone who is struggling with the question of what to feed their dog.

1. Only commercially prepared dog food offers a “complete and balanced” diet: Surely we have been brainwashed here? The pet food industry is so lucrative for the big-name manufacturers, that they devote a huge budget to marketing, advertising and seductive packaging. If anyone tried to tell a mother that the only way she could feed her children “complete and balanced” nutrition was with a processed, packaged (or canned) food and nothing else, she would be horrified!

How did dogs survive before commercial dog food was available?

2. Dry dog food benefits teeth and gums: Are biscuits good for our kids’ teeth? We are supposed to believe that chewing hard biscuits mimics the effect of chewing raw meat. In reality, stale material lodges around the dog’s teeth, causing plaque buildup.

3. Eating the same food every day is better for my dog’s digestion: While it is true that you should make radical changes to your dog’s diet gradually, a variety of meal ingredients given as part of the regular diet is no more disturbing to our dogs than it is to us.

4. Changing my dog’s diet will cause diarrhea: Commercial dog foods can include a lot of “filler” ingredients, causing production of large stools. Artificial “stool hardeners” in the foods prevent these large stools from also being objectionably loose. If you decide to change your dog to “real” food, make the change slowly, gradually weaning the dog off the “artificial” food over several days. Introduce new foods one at a time.

Your dog’s stools will become smaller and less offensive. They might seem soft initially, but will eventually settle to being soft but formed.

5. Too much fat is bad for dogs: Obesity is now a major human health concern. As humans, we are constantly encouraged to eat less fat. Dogs, however, do not have the same issues with animal fat. In fact, unless your dog is overweight, he actually needs fat in his diet, especially if he is a working dog, or very active. We humans use carbohydrate food (grains, cereals, fruit and vegetables) for energy. The canine digestive system is designed to process meat, bones and fats; dogs need fat for energy.

6. Bones are bad for dogs: Wrong! Cooked bones are bad for dogs. They can splinter and damage the gut. However, managed sensibly, raw bones are beneficial to teeth and gums and provide a relaxing treat. If you are worried about feeding raw bones, use mutton flap or brisket, both of which contain quite soft bones.

7. Milk products are bad for dogs: Some adult dogs can lack the digestive enzyme needed to process lactose. Try your dog with a small volume of milk to see what happens. Milk products such as yoghurt (natural, unsweetened), cottage cheese, and buttermilk are excellent foods for dogs, and good sources of bioavailable calcium.

8. Raw food is dangerous for dogs because of bacterial contamination: When handling raw meat for dogs, we need to practice the same standards of hygiene that we use for our own food. This is more to protect ourselves than to protect our dogs. Dog saliva has an enzyme that destroys pathogenic organisms; canine stomach acid is strong enough to destroy harmful bacteria. Keep a separate chopping board for meat; wash your hands and utensils after preparing your dog’s food; keep leftovers covered and refrigerated; keep raw meat wrapped in the fridge.

9. Raw eggs are bad for dogs: Raw eggs contain a substance that interferes with the absorption of biotin. However, eggs are such a valuable nutrient source that their benefits far outweigh this small disadvantage.

10. Older dogs need less protein: Actually, older dogs need more protein, and better quality protein because as they age, their digestive systems become less efficient. Good quality (animal) protein is more easily utilized and more nutritious for them.

Nothing will ever be as easy as pouring the kibble into a bowl, but with a little planning and organization, feeding real food, homemade from wholesome ingredients, need not be complicated. The joy with which your dog eats, the security that comes from knowing his food is safe, the improved health of your dog, and the saving in veterinary costs can make this small effort very rewarding.

If you would like to know more about choosing how to feed your dog, you can sign up for a free, 7-day ecourse at http://dogfoodmiracle.com/



Dog Food Secrets

francineandreas asked:


Do you know what actually goes into the making of the standard dog kibble that you purchase and feed your dog friend on a regular basis? Are you sure that it is as nutritious as it should be and that it is also healthy. Is the Dog food that you are feeding your pet leaving it more susceptible to chronic diseases and even various forms of cancer? All of these questions are things that you should be giving some thought to if you currently are a dog owner.

Horrible True Facts

For years, dog food businesses across the globe have been using recycled restaurant grease as an additive in their products. This grease is loaded with unhealthy trans-fatty-acids that have been proven to wreak havoc on a dogs health. Also, Chinese dog food companies that export their product to the U.S. and Canada were recently found to be putting dangerous chemicals in their dog food that mimics the presence of protein when it was tested.

New Safer Dog Food

This means that you have to be more vigilant then ever when choosing the food that you are going to feed your pet. Fortunately, there are now dog food businesses that are actually interested in the health of your faithful friend and they are marketing dog food that is not only safe to eat but it is healthy as well. These same dog food businesses are also making and marketing newer tastier dog snacks that your dog will simply relish.

Consider Your Dogs Health

The fact is that trying to save a few bucks by feeding your dog cheaper, unhealthy, fat laden, corn meal based dog food will only cost you in the end. This is because, your dog will end up being chronically ill and you will lose out in the end when you have to pay the vet bills. Take a good look and smell of the kibble that you have been feeding your dog and then ask yourself how you would feel if you had to eat it every day.



Dog Food Secrets

Wishbone asked:


Many dog owners are turning to homemade treats verses store-bought or processed treats and snacks. The health benefits of homemade dog treats parallel our human need to snack healthier and live healthier lives, so it only makes sense that we not only want the best nutrition for ourselves, but also for petsafe of our canine companions. Sometimes the dog food you buy in stores are not safe and to be on the safe side you will want to feed your dog homemade dog food. Should that ever be the case, all that is required is a simple mix of meat, vegetables and starches.

From 50% to 70% of the ingredients should be meat, such as beef or chicken. Be sure to take all the bones out first, as dogs can choke on bones, especially soft chicken bones. The remainder of the meal should be made up of carbohydrates and vegetables. Good carbohydrates are potatoes or rice. Do not use pasta or any other carbohydrates made from corn, wheat or soy, since they are not good for dogs.

Good vegetables to use are: carrots, peas, green beans, spinach, beans, cabbage, yams, sweet potatoes, etc. Also, ask your vet as to what vitamins and minerals should be added to your dog’s meal. The amount you should feed your dog varies, and depends upon the size, breed, age and activity level of your dog. John Miller’s Book has hundreds of dog food recipes based on the above building blocks, and has recommendations as to serving sizes and other things to take into account when cooking for your dog.

Homemade dog foods and treats are safer since you have more control on what your dog is eating, taking and his dog poop, they should be prepared chemical and preservatives free to avoid harmful effects and allergies, as well as possible cause of certain diseases and cancer. Some researches have also found that some chemicals from commercialized foods may interact with dog’s delicate brain and causes to impede dog’s behavior and aggression. We all know that less fat, means a healthier heart, the same principle for our dog’s heart by reducing or eliminating fat contents on their food, also beneficial for dogs to avoid becoming obese later in his life.

Make homemade treats taste better, also consider ingredients that will keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean. Overall digestive tract will be seemed healthier and in control against stomach upsets, bad dog waste and diarrhea. You dog will surely appreciate your effort for him and could love you more. Just like a caring for your children, they also love to smell your homemade treats for them coming from the kitchen and made especially for him.



Dog Food Secrets