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Hello everyone this is a brief post to let you know again that we have had reports of dog owners whose dogs were doing great on the Eagle Pack food brand until the company recently changed it’s food formula.

You will see if your read on that dogs that were doing well had sudden problems crop up when they started getting the new formula of the food. The best dog food is the one that is right for your dog and one that is healthy for him or her. Unfortunately when owners take the time and effort to do the very best for their dogs food manufacturers fail them. Since many people today have realized that highly processed foods may not be good for anyone, humans or dogs a new practice is becoming  the norm. It is called what are the ingredients in my food and the food I am feeding my dog.

So shop carefully , read those labels and do support your local specialty pet food stores who will usually support you by giving discounts and also providing good information and education for pet owners. The best dog food comes from you the owner and your choices.

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There are many benefits to giving your pet organic dog treats and food. You want your pet to have the best and organic is the best you can feed your pet. Most dog products have synthetic preservatives, dyes, by-products, bulk fillers and grain remnants. This is true even of the products that state they include organic and healthy ingredients. There is a big difference between including and being healthy or organic. You will need to read the ingredients to know what you are truly getting.

When it comes to organic pet products you want to look for certain ingredients and avoid others. First look at the meats in it. Are they identified, as in chicken or beef, or is it a generic meat or by-products? Of course avoid it if the meat is not identified, the same with by-products. The by-products are actually all the parts that are not meat. These are the stomach, liver, intestines, heart, brain, and lungs.

Any filler should not be corn or wheat gluten meal as these have no nutritional value. These should be a meal made from meat and the meat should be identified. Any grains should be whole grains not grain remnants. There should be fruits and vegetables. The necessary vitamins and minerals must be included. Natural preservatives can be used but no food coloring.

If you choose products that include the above, your dog may show improvements in their coat, breath, and energy. Since the food and treats are organic the quality is vastly improved. With more quality food your dog will benefit from better digestion. This leads to better absorption of the vitamins and minerals in what they eat, which leads to an improved immune system.

Weight can be an issue for pets just as it is for humans. Increased weight can lead to many conditions and illnesses. A nutrition packed diet leads to less eating and greater energy. This means more exercise which has its own benefits.

Organic dog treats and food can be homemade but it is not the same, since the additional vitamins, supplements and minerals would not be added. Your pet needs these for optimal health. They may experience better eyesight, sharper senses, increased muscle strength and increased hydration. You may not need to visit the vet as often and may avoid some allergies. Organic is best and you want the best for your dog.

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Hot spots  are the name for an area of a dog’s skin is  inflamed and infected. Dog Hot spots are actually a condition called acute moist dermatitis. which is an inflamed infected area on the skin. It gets worse when the dog licks and or bites the area and tries to heal it on his own. Dogs with thick coats like retrievers are particularly susceptible to this condition. The condition can be caused by several different irritates. An allergy to fleas or and flea infestation can cause it. Also simple  dermatitis and a number of skin and ear diseases can cause it to occur.

The Veterinarian will usually shave the hair around the area to help keep it dry and clean while the dog is given an antibiotic to remedy the infection. Dog hot spots can be serious if left untreated because they are an infection so be careful if you think your dog has one  and definitely get him or her to a Veterinarian and have it looked at and treated.

Swimming in ponds or lakes where beavers and or Geese  are active can also cause  dog hot spots. The bacteria the Beavers and Geese spread in their droppings can get on the skin and irritate it.

Dog hot spots can also be linked to on going ear infections and skin allergies which may result for an allergic reaction to a food or environmental issue.Testing is often done to determine the exact cause.Be alert and pay close attention to any of these signs of hot spots as they can be serious and cause your dog to become very uncomfortable. If left untreated they can result in a worsening infection on the skin and the infection can spread as the dog tries to heal it himself.
We found a video about dog hot spots and have included it here.

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Our volunteer service group is baking dog biscuits to sell as a fundraiser for local animal shelters. The dog biscuits will be wrapped in cellophane and must be able to be stored at room temperature for a couple of weeks. What are some good recipes? If we make them with bacon grease or homemade chicken stock, will they need refrigeration?

Bacon Biscuits

5 cups – Whole wheat flour
1 cup – Milk
2 – Eggs
10 tb – bacon fat or vegetable oil
1 pinch – garlic powder
1 ts – Salt
1/2 cup – Cold water
1 tb – bacon fat or vegetable oil (to grease tray)

Mix all ingredients well. Pinch off pieces of the dough and roll them into 2 cm balls.
Put them on a greased tray.
Bake them at 175 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.
Let them cool, then store in an airtight container.

Canine Cookies

1/2 cup – Milk powder
1 – Egg (well beaten)
2 1/2 cups – Flour
1/2 ts – Garlic
1 1/2 ts – Brown sugar
1/2 cups – Water
6 tb – Gravy
100ml – Baby food meat

Combine and shape into balls and roll on floured board.
Use extra flour if needed. Cut.
Bake at 180 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
Cool. Should be hard.

Bread Machine Dog Biscuits

3/4 cup – Beef, chicken or vegetable-broth
(or use hot water and 2 or 3 stock cubes)
1 – Egg
3 tb – Oil
1 cup – All-purpose flour
1 cup – Whole-wheat flour
1/3 cup – Bulgur (or a 7-grain cereal)
1/3 cup – Wheat germ
1/3 cup – Bran
1/4 cup – Nonfat dry milk
1/4 ts – Garlic powder
1 1/2 ts Yeast

Place ingredient in bread pan according to manufacturer’s directions and press “Dough” cycle.
When machine beeps, remove dough to lightly floured countertop and with a rolling pin, roll dough out to 2 cm thickness.
Using a dog bone cookie cutter (or any small seasonal cookie cutters), cut out dog biscuits and place on a lightly greased tray or one sprinkled with cornmeal.
Re-roll scraps and repeat till all dough is used up.
Place in a warm location and let rise 30 minutes.
Bake at 160 degrees for 30 minutes until brown and no longer soft.
Place on a rack to cool.
Store in an airtight container.

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I plan on feeding my dog Canidae grain free dog food.

Grains are not readily digestible to dogs. Grain free is good because it is easier on their digestive system. It is also good for dogs with allergies to grains. Higher quality foods may still contain grains, but they are more likely to be brown rice or barley. Lower quality grains are corn and wheat. Some dogs do well on foods with higher quality grains, while others need a grain free diet.

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Vegetarian Dog Food

If your dog suffers from allergies due to the commercial pet food they eat, you may want to consider trying vegetarian dog food.  Just like humans, dogs can survive without meat because they are omnivorous, meaning that both animals and plants are primary food sources.

One of the most important aspects in switching your dog to a vegetarian diet is to incorporate the vegetarian dog food little by little.  Mixing small of the vegetarian dog food into the dog food you normally serve is a great way to get started.  For example, start by mixing 3/4 the amount dog food you use now with 1/4 the amount of the new vegetarian dog food you want to switch to.  Once your dog has become accustomed to their new food without any problems, continue this by making their meals half vegetarian dog food and half the dog food that you normally use.  Continue further by using 3/4 the amount of vegetarian dog food with 1/4 the amount of the dog food you normally use.  Eventually, your normal dog food will become vegetarian dog food! The key to successfully switching to vegetarian dog food is to make it a gradual process.

If you are considering making your own vegetarian dog food, many vegetarian dog food recipe books and websites are available.  Whether you are making your own vegetarian dog food from scratch or are going to add vegetables to your current dog food, make sure that the vegetables are chopped up and granulated enough.  Some fibrous vegetables may be hard for dogs to digest just by their chewing so mixing vegetables in a food processor until they are finely chopped is a great way to make digestion a little easier.

Dogs, just like humans, on vegetarian diets can lack certain nutrients normally found in meat.  To combat this, consider adding supplements to your dog’s vegetarian food.  Consult your veterinarian before adding supplements to your dog’s food and before switching them to vegetarian dog food.  Also, many vegetarian dog foods make up for the lost nutrients found in meat by adding soy.  If your dog is allergic to soy, carefully read dog food labels to make sure there is no soy or any other ingredients they may be allergic to.

Switching to a new food regimen, whether its vegetarian dog food or just a new brand, is a gradual process.  Give your dog time to adjust to the new food and keep an eye out for any negative side effects the new food could have on your dog.  As always, talk to your veterinarian when wanting to switch to vegetarian dog food to find the right plan that works best for your pet!

Sources:

1. http://www.v-dogfood.com/2-health-dr-may.html

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Sojo’s Grain Free Natural Dog Food

If you are searching for a more holistic approach to your dog’s food allergy problem, Sojos Grain Free Natural Dog Food Mix may be the hypoallergenic dog food your pet needs.

You see, Sojos is completely natural – no additives, no preservatives, no artificial anything.  Everything in the ingredient list is actual food that you’ve already heard of – like sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, celery, apples, whole eggs, flax meal, parsley leaf, calcium carbonate, carob powder, kelp powder, alfalfa, ginger root, and garlic. 

Each ingredient in this hypoallergenic dog food has a purpose.  For instance, the vegetables and fruit provide essential vitamins and fiber that your dog needs for a balanced meal.  Whole eggs not only act as a protein source, but also help add a beautiful and lustrous sheen to your pup’s coat.

Flax meal is a natural antihistamine and also works to make the hair softer (among other benefits as well).  Parsley leaf helps freshen the breath so your dog doesn’t have the typical unpopular “dog breath”.  Calcium carbonate is just what it sounds like – a calcium source.  Carob powder adds flavor and gives your dog a little energy boost – it’s chocolate for dogs.  Kelp powder helps decrease shedding and has more vitamins and minerals than I can list here.

Alfalfa strengthens joints.  Ginger root is great for dogs with sensitive digestive systems as it “settles” the stomach.  Garlic is a natural flea and tick repellent, adds flavor, and has so many benefits, you’d need a book to list all of them.

Simply add the Sojos Grain Free Natural hypoallergenic dog food mix to some meat and a little bit of water, and let it soak up the juices before serving it to your beloved canine.  What could be a better way of showing your pup how much you love her – besides letting her sleep on the bed while you sleep on the floor (which probably isn’t going to happen)?

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