Good stuff. Thanks for posting it! Chris (& Bear)
--- In [email protected], Jim Byler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > By Andrew Strachan > > Before the advent of ready made dog food, when humans first > domesticated dogs, we fed them scraps from our meals. Those early > dogs did just fine on that type of dog food. As our affection for > dogs has grown over the centuries, so has our understanding of what > our canine companions need to eat as food, to live long healthy > lives. Research conducted by veterinarians and dog food manufacturers > over the last decade have revealed more specific details about what a > dog's diet should contain. > > Your dog food must be appropriate for her size, age, state of health > and activity level. As you stroll the isles of pet supply stores or > grocery stores, you'll find a variety of dog food brands in a wide > range of prices. A good basic rule of thumb is to buy the highest > quality dog food you can afford. If you buy the cheapest food because > you have a big dog that eats a lot, you must understand that what you > save in food will affect your pet's health. > > It is important that your dog always eats some dry dog food. The > crunchy pieces help keep her teeth clean and her gums healthy, and > provide necessary fiber. If you choose to give your dog moist dog > food in addition to dry, use it sparingly; a small spoonful mixed > with warm water makes a good gravy over dry kibble. Some devoted dog > lovers feed their pets home-cooked food. Dog-specific recipes can be > found on the Internet and in books, but understand that this is not > just giving your dog leftovers from your own meals. Homemade dog food > is designed to meet the nutritional and digestive needs of dogs. > Spices, fats, and fillers in human food often makes dogs ill. > > Adult dogs should be fed two meals each day. Puppies need to eat more > often. They should be fed puppy food three to four meals daily until > they are 12 weeks old, then three meals daily until they are six > months old. Many dog trainers advise against leaving dog food or > puppy food available all day, to prevent dogs developing picky eating > habits. They suggest you allow 20 minutes for each meal. After this > time, whatever has not been eaten should be picked up. Dry dog food > can be held until the next meal, but moist food should be thrown > away. It is very important to make sure your dog has plenty of clean > water available at a all times. > > The amount of dog food you feed your dog depends on her age, weight > and activity level. Check the back of food or with your veterinarian > to get an idea of how much your dog should be eating. Monitor your > dog's weight by running your hands along the sides of her body. If > she is at the right weight, you will be able to feel her ribs without > pressing. If you can't feel her ribs, she is gaining weight and you > should either slightly decrease the amount of food or increase the > amount of exercise she gets. If you can easily see your dog's ribs, > she is underweight (except in certain breeds). > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > What are the most popular cars? Find out at Yahoo! Autos > " Lets talk about our wonderful little friends! Join today! " Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chihuahuas/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
