Dog Foods

Help in making the choice easier

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Definition: Dog Food Rollercoaster - that ride dog owners take trying to find the "perfect" food for their dogs. Just about the time you think you found one, something goes wrong and you're back at the pet food store, looking at labels trying to decide what to feed next.

Spend any time at the pet store lately and the choices of foods to feed your dog is enough to make your head spin. How do you know if a food is right for your dog? Unfortunately, you don't until you try it. There are some basics that I recommend. Sorry, but due to the conditions of today's litigation happy world, I need insert the disclaimer (aka: Legal Mumbo Jumbo) here:

These are the recommendations of the owner of Desert Bloom Spaniels only. These recommendations are for the sole purpose of educating the dog owner. Use these recommendations at your own risk.

Where to start

First off, READ THE LABELS! You can learn a lot about foods, by just reading the label. You don't need a masters degree in nutrition to understand what you're seeing.

Premium Natural Food will NOT CONTAIN any of these ingredients:

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT): There’s no getting around it – dry dog food requires preservatives to prevent spoiling. Natural brands tend to use healthier choices such as vitamin C (ascorbate) and vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), though they provide a much shorter shelf life. By contrast, synthetic preservatives BHA and BHT can extend shelf life to as long as one year. There is concern, however, about studies that have suggested they are carcinogenic.

Ethoxyquin: Another chemically synthesized preservative whose long-term safety in dogs has not been studied. Some reports have noted impaired liver and kidney function. Though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration concluded the additive does not pose a health threat, in 1997 the government agency reduced the amount of ethoxyquin permitted in dog food.

Propylene glycol: This clear, colorless liquid is used in some semi-moist foods to prevent them from drying out. It may be toxic if consumed in large amounts, causing central nervous system impairment and changes in kidney function. Propylene glycol is also the basis for less-toxic antifreeze used in dairies and breweries.

Propyl gallate: This fine white powder is an antioxidant that helps keep the fats and oils in a food from spoiling. In humans, it can cause stomach and skin irritation.

Coloring agents (such as Red 40 and Yellow 5): Manufacturers use these and other “food, drug, or cosmetic colors” to enhance the appearance of dog foods. More health-conscious brands seek out natural ingredients, such as carrots, for color-enhancement.

Phosphoric acid: This clear liquid is sometimes used as an emulsifier and flavoring agent. It also inhibits discoloration. But concentrated amounts can irritate dogs' skin and mucous membranes.

Sorbitol: A popular synthetic sugar substitute, sorbitol is used as a flavoring agent. If eaten in large amounts, it can cause diarrhea and intestinal upset in dogs.

Dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate: Vitamin E is commonly used as a preservative in natural dog foods. This synthetic form of the vitamin is not as readily absorbed by the body as its natural counterpart (mixed tocopherols). 

Menadione sodium bisulfate vitamin K3: This synthetic version of vitamin K is sometimes also listed as menadione dimethyl-pyrimidinol bisulfate, menadione dimethyl-pyrimidinol bisulfite, and several other variations. Critics contend it is an unnecessary ingredient in dog food, and reports indicate it can irritate mucous membranes, respiratory passages, and the skin.

Secondly I recommend staying away from any food that contains corn, wheat, soy or any form of gluten.  Also stay away from foods that have dye (food colors) in them. Since Cockers tend to be allergy prone, I shy away from anything that is a known allergen and the above ingredients are number one on the list.

I don't say what I feed since I too have to change my food periodically and with multiple dogs, I often have to feed several different types of food to my fur kids.

I don't recommend feeding an all caned food diet. Dogs need to chew the hard kibble to help keep tarter on their teeth at bay. You can mix a table spoon of wet food to their meals but keep it in moderation.

Foods that I recommend: Primarily these are the foods that I rotate with. All are natural based, corn, wheat and soy free. A little more expensive but worth it in the long run, with better health comes less vet visits !

Violet loves her Bananas!! Friuts and Vegetables are wonderful for your dog. I feed a variety of raw fruits and veggies mixed in with my kibble. I also include either a probiotics supplement or Acidophilus supplement. All natural Yogurt or Kiefer is also a great way to help keep your dogs intestinal tract functioning at it's peak. Too much yeast overgrowth is the main reason cockers or lop eared dogs get ear infections. By keeping them on a great vitamin supplement like the NuVet and also adding the biotics, yogurt, kefir and raw fruits and veggies will keep your dogs coat beautiful and help keep them healthy from the inside out. 

What is your dog drinking??

Your dogs drinking water should match the standards you set for yourself. If you've decided not to drink your homes tap water, don't give it to your dog.

Tap water may contain toxins such as lead, bacteria, and carcinogens like radon and arsenic. For a simple solution consider a water filtration system, distiller or a reverse osmosis maker for all your families drinking needs.

High quality water can help your dogs sore tendons and arthritis by flushing out inorganic mineral deposits, which can result in inflammation and pain. To compensate for the low mineral levels in filtered water keep up with the NUVET supplements and feed raw fruits and vegetables .

If you live with in 100 miles of a nuclear power plant, your drinking water may contain additional contaminants. Find a good source of bottled, distilled or reverse osmosis water to help preserve your family and your pets good health.

 

I also include the NuVet supplement in my dogs and pups food for added nutrition and coat maintenance. This is an amazing supplement that will add years to your pets life! I highly recommend these products for the life of your pet. I have NO allergies in my dogs, NO skin, eye or ear problems. My dogs and puppies have the most beautiful coats, shiny and thick. This I attribute to keeping them on a healthy diet and NuVet supplements. You can read more about NuVet Supplements by visiting their website at http://www.NuVet.com/59401

Since both cockers and ShiShi's have drop ears (long hanging ears) I always include a teaspoon of all natural plain yogurt in their food. This helps control the yeast growth and also will get rid of that stinky ear smell.

If you see your dogs coat becoming dry, some just need more oils, you can give up to 1000mg of fish oil. I give my dogs two a day in their food, I just drop two gel caps in the food bowl and mix it in with the yogurt and the dry and wet food. Since we are in the desert the air here is always dry, even in the winter months.

Do Not free feed your dog. This mean leaving a bowl of food out all the time for them to eat. This can lead to overweight dogs or very finicky eaters. Have a specific time you feed each day. Twice a day is a good rule, once in the morning and once at your dinner time. The only time you can free feed is when you have a puppy, for the first six months of their life they should be able to eat when they are hungry, otherwise they could get low blood sugar. By the time they are 6 months old they should be put on a regular feeding schedule.

For treats I feed Natures balance roll dog food, cut into little bite sized pieces since it is very high in calorie content. I sometimes grind it up in my food processor and sprinkle a teaspoon full over my dogs dry food for an added treat of for my moms if they are expecting, or Toby my male if he is on the breeding schedule. Treats should be fed sparingly, and these breeds are considered "foodies", dogs that love to eat. Stick to nutritious treats. You don't have to spend a lot of money on fancy dog treats, the best treats can be found at your grocery store. Baby carrots, raw soup bones or knuckle bones ( ask your butcher at the market for them), apples (cored and seeds removed), and raw green beans are just a few natural treats that don't add weight to your dog and are great for keeping good dental health. Never feed small raw or cooked bones such as rib bones, chicken, turkey, pork or beef. The bones are small and splinter easily and can cause choking. I never feed rawhide treats. They get soft when chewed and can easily get lodged in the dogs throat or intestines which can cause all sorts of problems and even death. Most dog biscuits are loaded with bad fats and sugars as well as chemicals and coloring that your dog doesn't need. Read labels carefully. Search out brands that are healthy. Newman's own dog treats are a great treat and they are organic, grain free and healthy! If your dog becomes over weight it can cause all kinds of health issues that can be costly and affect their quality of life.