Doggies Need Healthy Food Too

Stanley is the love of my life. He's my parents 11 year old dachshund that is still just as full of life as he was in his younger years. We tend to forget that dogs need the right nutrition just as we do. There little pellets of dog food are very similar (nutrition-wise) to that of packaged foods for us. Just read the ingredients, you'll find plenty of additives that you cannot pronounce, just as you would picking up a packaged food in the grocery store! It's important to make sure that your doggie is getting the right nutrition, and there are a few things you can do to make sure they get it.

When I stop in at my parents, I love sharing my food with Stan. In the morning, I'll cut a piece of my banana and mash it into his food. If I'm making an egg, I'll always make an extra one for him (save half of it for the next day for him). If I've got any soup or (mild) sauce, I'll save a tablespoon or so, mix with warm water and add to his food. If my parents have any meat in the house I'll give him a bite or two. I'll also mash some sweet potato into his food, anything gentle yet nutritious that I know he can benefit from just as much as I do. My mom loves mixing in a teaspoon of nutritional yeast for some added flavor and protein too! Remember, there are some foods that dogs should NOT eat. Please review the list here.

If you haven't already, try looking for an all natural dog food. They are a good source of minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, calcium and potassium. The ideal diet of natural dog food is 100% free of grease and oil, while being rich in protein and fiber, which helps keep your dog on top of fitness and health.

You can take control over the health of your pet’s diet with your dog at home. Avoid processed foods because they are NOT healthy for your pet. Many natural food options exist. Talk to their vet about what natural diet is best for your pet. When the quality of your pet’s health is improved, they will live a longer, healthier life with you. You will also have less vet visits, which can add up!

Talk to their vet. Always talk to their veterinarian about what to feed your pet, and remind them that you would like to go as natural as possible to return to the diet nature intended. Their veterinarian will help you decide which food and products are better and what to things to avoid.

Consider supplements. Their vet can educate you about any supplements that can be a nice addition to your dog’s diet to maximize health potential. Vitamins and minerals are an essential part of a diet for any dog.

Dog gone raw. Raw or organic meat diets are preferred by many dog owners, the first consists of various cuts of meat, vegetable juices and a variety of grains. The second is almost the same thing, except it is produced organically or personally harvested, depending on the type of garden space the dog ownerhas available.

Go organic. An organic dog diet is easily achieved at home with the purchase of organic dog food, meat, vegetables and grains. If you have access to organic products grown in their local area, this may be the best option for your pet. If you have time and space, consider growing your own organic vegetables for use in the diet of your dog, and of course, for yourself!

Done correctly, a natural food diet at home is sure to provide your furry friend better nutrition. However, a poorly planned diet at home with inferior ingredients can be harmful to your dog in the same way that processed food can be for us.

Photo = Stanley, my parent's 10 1/2 year old dachshund, isn't he beautiful?! His favorite snack are baby carrots. He hears the bag in the refrigerator, comes running into the kitchen and quickly stands on his hind legs, begging with his hands for a crunch! Love him-

Doggies Like Healthy Foods Too!

It happens all the time when I'm visiting my parents house - I sit down to eat and Stanley sits quietly next to my chair and stares up at me with his big brown eyes longing for my food. Since what I'm eating is almost always healthy foods, I can't help but save a few small pieces for him. When I'm finished, I slowly feed him what's left. The picture of him on the right is exactly the face and position of him in full begging-mode. He's sitting on his hamburger bed (yes, he's a hot dog with a hamburger bed) and waiting anxiously for me to feed him some carrots. Wouldn't you cave too?!

I'm a big believer that if you’re going to feed your dogs “people” food, you should feed them something that’s actually good for them. Here are some healthy, easily obtainable options straight from the food store that can be added to spice up your doggies regular fare. There are, of course, a few cautions to keep in mind. First, none of these items by themselves constitutes a “complete and balanced” meal, and if your dog has health or weight issues, check with your vet before introducing them. Next, considering that many dogs are willing to eat almost anything they find, they can be surprisingly fussy about new things in their food bowls; start with a small portion to see if it’s a go… or no. And finally, always introduce new foods gradually.

10 Healthy "People" Foods for Doggies

1. Banana
. High in potassium (great for muscle and blood vessel function as well as for regulating the acidity of body fluids), fiber (a handy home remedy for the occasional bout of doggy diarrhea or constipation) and magnesium (important for energy transport and protein building in the body). Bananas have lots of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), which helps metabolize proteins and regulates blood cell function so the blood can bring more oxygen to the brain and muscle. They also contain Vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage and helps build cartilage. Pup Prep: Mash a banana and mix it in with your dog’s food. Be forewarned that the compounds in bananas that make them smell banana-y are offensive to some canines.

2. Sweet Potato. 
Loaded with nutrients, such as the carotenoids and Vitamin C, in addition to some lesser known antioxidants and phytochemicals. They are high in pyridoxine, potassium, fiber and magnesium. They also are good sources of copper, iron and manganese–all essential minerals that perform myriad functions in cells, from transporting oxygen to assisting in the assembly of proteins. Pup Prep: As with rutabaga, boil, mash and add a bit of good oil.

3. Flaxseeds
. Small seeds–known for their alpha linolenic acid (ALA) content and benefits to coat, skin, bone and brain function–that pack a big nutritional punch. These seeds are also high in fiber and lignans (a fiber type), which may be beneficial for insulin action. They are a great source of manganese, pyridoxine, magnesium, phosphorus and copper. They also contain the B vitamin folate, which is important for cell regulation. Pup Prep: Grind fresh flaxseeds, which are nutty and crunchy; flaxseed oil is also available in most health food stores and contains a more concentrated amount of ALA. Add the ground seeds or a teaspoon of oil to your dog’s food and increase the nutrient density of any meal. (Note: Store in refrigerator to maintain freshness.)

4. Yogurt. 
Active cultures known as probiotics (necessary, friendly bacteria) help keep the bad bacteria away. Yogurt, which may improve gut function, contains a number of nutrients, including protein, calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin B12, potassium, zinc and iodine. It is also a fair source of other B vitamins such as riboflavin and pantothenic acid (required for enzyme action and energy production, as well as other cellular functions). Pup Prep: A dollop of plain yogurt (with very little sugar of course) is a great way to disguise some yucky medicines.

5. Salmon. 
Bursting with Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s do wonders for skin, coat and brain as well as limit inflammatory processes that cause arthritic pain and other chronic canine conditions. (If your dog has any of these conditions, ask your vet if fish oil in capsule form might help.) Salmon is also an excellent protein source, with many essential vitamins and minerals. Pup Prep: When you’re cooking salmon steaks for yourself, toss a few extra on the barbie for your dog. Refrigerate or dehydrate the grilled chunks and serve them cold.

6. Nori. 
Dried edible seaweed (red algae species), a Japanese staple. Often associated with sushi, nori is available in some supermarkets, and certainly in those with Asian food items. It has protein, galactans (a soluble fiber), Vitamins C, E and all the Bs, and minerals such as zinc and copper. It also contains some lesser-known sterols and chlorophyll, which have been investigated for their effects on regulating metabolism. Nori may have beneficial effects on fat metabolism, immune function and anti-tumor response. Pup Prep: Nori does not have a strong odor or flavor, and the paper-thin sheets can be torn and soaked in broth, then added to food, or just added dry. Puppy sushi, anyone?

7. Blueberries. 
Member of the Heath family and loaded with phytochemicals. Available year round either fresh or frozen, blueberries are a great treat for your dog. The deep blue color comes from anthocyanidins, which are potent antioxidants, and the berries also supply Vitamin C, Vitamin E, manganese and fiber. Slow introduction in small quantities is particularly essential here; as anyone who has ever gorged on this tasty fruit knows, the blueberry “trots” are most unpleasant (and you’re the one who will be cleaning up!). Be judicious. Pup Prep: Rinse and serve whole, or mash lightly.

8. Swiss Chard.
 A pretty veggie known as a “green.” Chard belongs to the same family as beets and spinach and has tons of nutrients, which are best maintained by blanching and not boiling the leaves and stalks to mush. (Some feel that, in order to lap up any leeched nutrients, the water in which chard is blanched should be consumed too.) Blanching sweetens the leaves and frees up some of the oxalates, which can bind minerals. Chard’s nutrients have the potential to maintain bone health, blood vessel integrity, eye health and immune function and benefit optimal muscle function and energy production. Pup Prep: Offer your dog some blanched, chopped chard enhanced with a bit of olive oil; if you’re lucky, your best friend will want the blanching water too!

Information adapted from www.care2.com/greenliving.com