MYTHS of pet food

Filed Under (Pets and Animals) by Purina One on 05-09-2008

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by Purina Pet Care

Read on to find out the real facts of general myths such as: By products are rotten inedible & discarded animal parts, corn is a filler and is sickly digested, raw food is better than dry food, corn induces allergy, dry food induces bloating, excessive protein causes hot spot and etc.

MYTHS of pet food

Myth 1: By-products are bad, uneatable & discarded animal parts Fact 1: By-products are sometimes included in pet food as it is a very good source of protein. It is not bad and spoilt meat but actually comprises of animal body parts like feet, neck, kidney, stomach etc. These are common animal body parts that are commonly eaten by Chinese (Eg. Kway Chap & Pig Stomach soup).

Myth 2: Corn is a filler and poorly digested Fact 2: Corn can be badly digested if given in its physical form. In fact, if you give your pet a piece of fresh corn, it would most likely be indigestible and reappear in its stools. However, the corn seen in pet food is “Ground Corn” which means that it is finely grounded and handled carefully to help determine digestibleness. Ground corn can be more than 98% digestible. Corn is an greatest root of complex carbohydrates, contains linoleic acid for healthy skin and coat, provides for essential amino acids and has fiber.

Myth 3: Corn Gluten meal is bad Fact 3: Corn gluten meal is not corn. It is a acceptable source of protein (60%-64%) and also it is a effective urine acidifier to prevent/help urinary tract problems in our pets

Myth 4: Animal origin proteins are better than proteins from plants and grains Fact 4: No single source of protein is perfect and no one source contains all essential amino acids. Animal and plant sources are good sources of protein. For instance, soyabean meal (high in methionine) complements chicken (low in methionine). The deviation is that true meat is a highly palatable protein source. The first ingredient for all PRO PLAN cat and dog products (except urinary tract health formula for cats-first ingredient is corn gluten meal as it is a good urine acidifier) are true chicken, turkey, lamb or salmon. This is why PRO PLAN is highly palatable and we assure that your dog/cat will love it.

Myth 5: BARF (Raw Food) is better than dry food Fact 5: Raw food diets Commonly are not perfect and balanced Danger of infection and pollution - Salmonella is very life-threatening to both pets and humans and can be seen in the feces of pets. Bones can get stuck in your pets mouth

Myth 6: Cooking destructs enzymes and nutrients Fact 6: Cooking is advantageous. Cooking: Changes the digestibility of nutrients Changes structure of amino acids Breaks down non-nutritional components to increase digestibility Kills bacteria and parasites Dogs construct their own enzymes needed to digest food and utilize nutrients like protein. Also manufacturers of high quality pet foods sustain safety tolerances developed into formulations. Any nutritional loss in PRO PLAN during preparation and storage is reported for and will always be added back to assure high quality in our pet food.

Myth 7: Corn drives allergies Fact 7: 10 different studies, representing 253 dogs Roundebush, Guilford , Shanely(2000) Adverse Reactions to Food, Small Animal Clinic Nutrition (4 th edition) Beef, dairy products and wheat account for 65% of all reported events of food allergic reactions Chicken, egg, lamb and soy account for 25% of all reported cases of food allergies Only 6 confirmed (2.4%) cases of allergic reactions to corn

You can find more articles on “Caring For Your Dog” at http://www.purina.com.my

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Stray Dogs & Cats Are The Best Therapists

Filed Under (Pets and Animals) by Rick London on 05-09-2008

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by Rick London

The U.S. has a growing stray animal problem that won’t go away until we fix it. I believe a great deal of this is due to lack of education. Some cities and municipalities put a lot of funding behind spaying and neutering education. Many communities have no-kill shelters, and a lot of other good is being done. If we educate ourselves, we can make a big difference. Just one person can make a huge difference in his or her own community.

For every baby born in the U.S there are seven cats and dogs born. A female cat and her offspring can (and usually does) produce 420,000 kittens within seven years. One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in six years (and usually does).As many as 25% of dogs entering shelters each year are purebreds. Approximately 61% of all dogs are killed in animal shelters. Approximately 75% of all cats entering shelters are killed.It costs approximately $100 to capture, house, feed, and eventually kill each stray animal — a cost which you, the taxpayer, eventually pay.

So it really is important to become educated regarding spaying and neutering pets? The Doris Day Animal League has a wonderful program which can give you a great bit of important information. The ASPCA site is loaded with useful information in addition to many other animal sites.

Though I owned pets all my life, I truly did not understand true pet care until I reached my adulthood. I only knew what my parents taught me which was very limited. As a upper-middle class child, like other upper-middle class kids, my parents bought me “the dog du jour” or what was trendy from a recent movie. From Irish Setters to Goldens from Afgans to Sheepdogs, I was given “the best”. And only from the most knowledgeable breeders. There is nothing wrong with that. Those animals need homes as well, and I feel good about taking care of a dog. I was often given cats as well, and, that too, taught me even more about animal care, and what great animals they are too.

“Thor” who I found in 1996, lived to be twenty-two (the vet thinks) was with me twelve years. I fed him the b.a.r.f. (raw foods diet). He was near-death when I found him, not at a shelter, (though I feel confident I would have adopted this magnificent creature had I found him there), but he was lost in the woods of rural Ms. With a pack of two other dogs. Thor was not only the exact image of Benji, I found him within twenty miles of where the real Benji was found. Chance were, they were related. The closeness in look and character were uncanny.

It surprised me that a stray mutt “Thor” could be my inspiration, the living soul on earth who would teach me about unconditional love. He turned out to be my best friend, therapist, and confidant.

I have taken in probably 20 stray dogs and cats since I’ve had Thor but found them all homes. Thor does not like to share his space with me, and at his age, he is the boss. I don’t want him feeling “replaced”. I encourage you to run by the shelter and take a look at some of the gorgeous sweet animals desperate for a home. Most shelters are not no-kill so most of them are on death row. You can be a hero to them, and believe me the payback is a million times over. Don’t believe me? Give it a try.

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How to select a suitable pet food? How credible is the brand of pet food?

Filed Under (Pets and Animals) by Purina One on 05-09-2008

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by Purina One

There are only 3 simple steps in selecting a eligible brand for your pet. First, visualise the demands of your pet by identifying his/her lifestage. Second, learn if the packaging carries AFFCO nutrition sufficiency statement. Third, learn if the packagin

STEP 1 First see the needs of your pet:

a) Breed - Small breeds compared to larger breeds need higher protein levels to sustain their higher vitality needs b) Size - Lower calories for overweight dogs/cats and more calories for underweight dogs/cats (See body condition system chart to attain ideal body condition) c) Energy Levels - Active (Exercises a lot) dogs/cats need higher protein levels to keep their higher energy needs as compared to less active dogs/cats. d) Age-Puppies/kittens need higher protein levels as they are still growing as compared to big dogs e) Special needs: Allergies and health troubles Learn the ingredient list to avoid formulas that carries components your pet is vulnerable to. Pick Out a suitable formula that can help your pet if it has any health problems. Example: PRO PLAN cat urinary tract formula is produced with lower PH and magnesium levels to help in promoting urinary tract health

After seeing the demands of your pet by answering the questions above, you will then need to determine which brand is well suited for your pet, assuming many different brands appear to suit your pets needs. As you probably recognize it is very difficult to decide which pet food is the best considering the number of brands that are flooding the marketplace. There are so many spectacular claims that different brands are making but which brands really can be trusted?

STEP 2 One simple way is to check on the packaging of the pet food if it carries the AAFCO nutrition adequacy statement . AAFCO stands for Association of American Feed Control Officials. It is the single pet food regulatory body in the world at this point in time.

a) Specifies that the pet food has complete and well-balanced nutrition b) Specifies which life stage it is suitable for Growth (puppy) Gestation (pregnant) Sustenance (adult) all life stages c) It offers a written nutrient road maps (minimum/maximum) based on present knowledge. d) A written profile doesn’t guarantee an animal will receive sufficient amounts of nutrients due to certain variables

Factors not accounted for by AAFCO nutrient profiles

a) Possible for lower digestibility b) Potential losses during processing and storage c) Possible for changing ingredient results d) Inadequacy of nutrients not recognized as essential.

STEP 3 The next step to take is to check if the packaging indicates that it carries out AAFCO feeding trials. Only a few brands in Malaysia and PRO PLAN is one of them that really conduct feeding tests. AAFCO feeding trials are carried by trying the pet food by feeding them to actual pets while AAFCO nutritional profiles are accomplished by only fulfilling a lab test. Feeding trials are a much more creditworthy way to determine the nutritional completeness of a pet food and show the calls it makes.

Gains of AAFCO animal feeding tests Better at evaluating palatability/acceptablity by dogs Better able to measure digestibility of nutrients Able to judge performance of food

Cons of AAFCO animal feeding tests Some assessments are subjective and test length is short relative to life span; subtle signs of deficiency could be overlooked. (PRO PLAN is the single brand that has done a 14 year life span study on Labradors that proves that PRO PLAN can deliver sufficient nutrition for life)

Advantages of having AAFCO authorized nutrient profiles Sample lab analysis easily confirms compliance Lacks or excess nutrients versus profile easily known and corrected

Short-change of AAFCO approved nutrient profiles Deficiencies or extra vs real animal needs not easily established and corrected Can’t account for digestibleness or other elements

So remember when selecting a trustworthy brand that demands are established, look out for the words “Animal Feeding Tests” on the packaging. PRO PLAN is one brand that has this and is the only brand that has done a 14 year life span study on Labradors that proves that PRO PLAN can deliver sufficient nutrition for life!

Read More on Caring For Your Dog: http://www.purina.com.my/DogCare/

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Dog Training in North Carolina - Teach Your Dog To Behave

Filed Under (Pets and Animals) by Donald Travolta on 05-09-2008

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by Donald Travolta

Every dog owner knows the value of teaching their dog the proper way to act on certain circumstances. This is the reason why dog training in North Carolina is always considered by most dog owners in this state. Allowing dogs to participate in this kind of program is one efficient way of teaching them the proper actions and behavior as well as sensible and entertaining tricks.

If you still haven’t grasp the necessity and fruitful outcome that dog training in North Carolina can provide to you and your dog; read this article. You will be surprised and at the same time delighted on the positive characteristics that dog training programs can develop in your dog and the happiness and satisfaction on your part.

Who doesn’t want a very obedient dog? Of course, every pet owner wants his dog to act accordingly so as to avoid upsetting others, which can be an initial reaction that may lead to eventual fights over some issues brought about by the dog.

You should always keep in mind that your dog’s behavior is a reflection on how you treat and teach your dog. Certainly, it is the desire of every dog owner to be commended on how they were able to raise their dog to adapt to humans. To be able to achieve this aspiration, proper dog training should be carried out.

If you are worried that you may end up not finding the right dog training program for your dog’s age; be not because dog training in North Carolina consists of programs for different age groups. Programs such as obedience training, behavior modification, and even programs that aim to teach the latest dog tricks are some of the courses that are offered by different dog training facilities in North Carolina.

The famous adage stating that the dog is a man’s best friend has been proven by a lot of scenarios. However, the reality that dogs are still animals remains true. This means that it is still valuable to teach the dog proper behavior to be able to adapt to human as dictated by the society. Dog training in North Carolina strongly believes in this line of reasoning and this serves as their goal in training dogs.

There are of course many dog training facilities in other states but dog training in North Carolina has been described and acknowledged for its capability to deliver positive results in terms of training dogs effectively. This has been made possible by means of state-of-the-art facilities and the latest techniques used in dog training. In case, you are now convinced to let your dog join a dog training facility, make him be a part of your search. Take him with you when you hop from one facility to another. When you take him along, observe how he acts when inside each facility. Choose one that you feel your dog is most at ease with.

Were you enlightened by the information that you read? Uncover more sensible tips and guidelines when you read my blog about dog training in North Carolina.

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Related Blogs

How do you know if your dog is overweight? What are the tell-tale signs and how do they affect his health?

Filed Under (Pets and Animals) by Purina One on 05-09-2008

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by Purina One

One out of every two pets is obese or clinically-obese, making obesity the most general disease afflicting our pets. Dogs can easily become obese and their weight gain is very gentle, making it difficult for owners to realize it. Refer to the PURINA Body Condition System to learn your dog’s body condition.

Overweight dogs are at higher risk of developing a variety of health troubles, including:
Heart disease
Arthritis
Respiration troubles
Anesthetic and surgical complications
Joint problems
Increased risks of certain kinds of cancer
Skin disease
Premature death
Diabetes

For your dog to reduce weight, you must reduce the number of calories he consumes while raising his energy output. By adopting a monitored plan of calorie control and average exercise, you can assist your dog lose weight steadily and safely. This approach will leave him feeling full after meals while assuring he receives sufficient nutrition.

5 helpful tips
1. Watch for obesity
Ask your veterinarian for assistance in distinguishing signals of obesity in your dog. Utilise the PURINA Body Condition System to find if your dog is too heavy, too thin or at its ideal body condition.
2. Follow a nutrition programme
You and your veterinarian can create a nutritious plan that gives your dog to his ideal body condition. Refer to PURINA Life Plan found on the back of many PURINA product packages to aid you adapt feeding amounts as your dog’s activity level and body condition change.
3. Assess each serving
Don’t just fill your dog’s bowl at each feeding. Watch the feeding rules of thumb on the back of PURINA packages to give your dog the proper size serving for his ideal body condition.
4. Limit treats
Shower your dog with love and attention instead of too many high calories goodies, particularly table scraps. Be mindful of the quality and quantity of treats you feed him every day - calories add up rapidly.
5. Get moving
Daily exercise is one of the distinguishes to your dog’s health. Only 20 minutes of walking or playing fetch every day can help maintain your dog fit. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s exercise procedure.

Weight loss doesn’t come easy
PURINA Overweight Management Canine and Feline Formulas are recommended for obese dogs and cats which need low-fat, high fiber and low calorie diets. Your dog needs a meat-based diet, high in protein (which isn’t stored as fat) and fat and low in carbohydrate. PRO PLAN food has proper levels of fat and calories to help keep dogs at a sound weight. Its optimal protein to fat ratio helps hold lean body mass to facilitate dogs stay stronger, thinner and longer.

It is a true challenge to ideal a weight management program successfully. The success or failure depends on how well you stick to the new feeding regimen. Through your efforts, your obese pet can be healthier, happier and more lively for years to come.

Refer to PURINA Body Condition System at
http://www.purina.com.my

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The Proper Way Of Training Your Boston Terrier

Filed Under (Pets and Animals) by Wendy Caples on 04-09-2008

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by Wendy Caples

It is important to conduct proper and effective training so that your Boston Terrier will understand the rules and regulations of living with you. Many people blame the fact that Boston Terriers were originally raised for fighting for the few problems of the breed. Actually, the Boston Terrier has been bred down to be a companion pet.

Proper breeding is the key to producing good-natured Boston Terriers. There are some breeders who breed and sell Boston Terriers who do not know what their doing. The results are neurotic, hyperactive, aggressive and mindlessly yapping Boston Terriers.

If you want to train your Boston Terrier, you will have to look at a lot of aspects and areas. You will have to give your Boston obedience and behavioral training, as well as housebreaking. Because the Boston Terrier is an intelligent and alert kind of dog it won’t be very difficult for you to get him to understand.

In spite of Boston Terrier problems, your dog will have the potential of becoming a perfect pet. All your Boston Terrier needs is proper training and socialization. Your Boston Terrier’s training is an essential part of his upbringing, it will also help to solve your dog’s attitude problems. It is a well-known fact that Boston’s are very problematic when it comes to housebreaking. To solve this problem, it is a wise idea to go to someone who knows how to house break a Boston Terrier. There are many resources out there you just have to look. Start house breaking your Boston Terrier while it’s still a puppy so it will be a little easier for you to get him to obey.

Learning positive reinforcement is crucial because it lets your Boston Terrier know that you’re either pleased or unhappy with what he is doing. Be quick, firm and generous when reinforcing your dog. Let your dog immediately know if you’re happy or displeased with you Boston has done. Use tools and command to help your dog understand what you mean. Boston Terriers are very sensitive to the tone of your voice; they can detect even slight changes, so use this as an advantage. When giving command use only one word for each action. Be consistent with the use of that word and have the rest of the family use that word also.

Use only one word for each command and use that same word consistently. You will encounter Boston Terrier problems when you use words alternately as this will confuse you dog. Next thing is to teach you dog how to pay attention. Attention makes learning possible, so teach your dog to pay attention.

If and when you find yourself pressed for time or patience, get a professional to help you train your dog. Once your Boston Terrier is well trained you will see that his intelligence will become even more so and your relationship will greatly improve.

There are many training ideas that can be used to solve your Boston Terrier problems. Training your Boston Terrier is an important part of his or her upbringing and that is why it is very important that you as the owner should be well versed with all the training tools and knowledge that is available. There are a lot of resources on the Internet that can help you with training your Boston Terrier.

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