Anita Watson is passionate dog owner with years of experience in helping people raise and train their dogs, using real methods that work fast. For more great information on the top 10 dog breeds, visit http://raisealovingdog.com.
Dog Health Food – Could Your Dachshund Be Getting Sick From Their Food?
Dog health food could add years to the life of your Dachshund. By making sure that your dog is not eating toxic additives they’ll have more energy and vitality.
With companies around the world looking for ways to increase their profits, you have to question if they are going to justify the expense of high quality ingredients. With many sources of cheap protein available now, who knows how it was produced, under what conditions and if it even has any real nutritional value for your dog?
With so many cases of profits being put before the health of humans, what is being done to our beloved dogs? By taking waste products from human food production and putting them in to dog food, there has been a huge increase in diet related health problems in recent years.
In 2007 over 100 different brands of dog food were recalled after contaminated ingredients caused the deaths of a number of dogs and made many more very ill. Eventually it was found to be melamine in rice protein and wheat gluten, from a factory in China. This means that there could be anything in your dog food no matter what the standards are in the US factory. Also there is very little nourishment in these grains for dogs. Usually it’s just a filler to add bulk to the food.
Recently there was a case of melamine being found in milk powder that had been produced under the much stricter human food production standards. This leads me to think that it’s only a matter of time before there’s another contaminated batch of dog food released, and I certainly don’t want to have my puppy suffer as a result of not taking action. We now need to be aware of how safe the food we are feeding to our dog is, not just if it has the right nutrition in it.
Now we have to have a look at the actual nutritional value of your dog food. More and more it’s becoming accepted practice to bulk out dog food with rice and corn proteins. These proteins are an unusable by product of the human food industry, until someone realised that they would fall under the definition of protein and could therefore be added to dog food. Now while there is nothing wrong with plant proteins, they simply give very little nutritional content for a dog. Even if they were whole proteins rather than the highly processed ones that are added, a very small amount would be sufficient for a dogs diet. Instead, often there is more plant protein than animal. This isn’t going to help your Dachshund stay healthy and free of disease.
These days fish protein is being hailed as a great source of nutrients, which may be true. But, along with that protein comes a carcinogenic preservative which has also been linked to severe allergies. So be wary of fish meal in your dog food
This is just the start of what could be going into the food that your Dachshund is eating every day. By learning about dog health food you could add years of life to your best friend. If you make it yourself you will know exactly what is in your dog’s food, and best of all it’s great fun.
The Top 10 Dog Breeds and Their Most Common Traits
A dog can be man’s best friend or his worst nightmare! Every year dogs are given back to the breeders, or handed over to animal rescue centers because the owner just couldn’t cope…
It’s true – a dog is for life – and it can sometimes be a handful, but there is a way to make sure that you have the best possible relationship with your doggy companion. All you need to do is a little research and a little thinking.
Dogs have different personalities, and these will be shaped to some extent to by you and the environment you create for you puppy. But you can predict the in-born personality of a dog (to some extent) by looking at the common traits of each dog breed. The bottom line is that you can minimize any trouble, by simply taking the time to choose a dog breed that suits your personality and your lifestyle.
Here are the top 10 dog breeds (by popularity) and their most common traits to help you decide what type of dog is the best for you:
1.Labrador Retriever.
Labradors are intelligent and family friendly dogs of medium size. They are arguably the most popular dog breed in the world and it’s no wonder. Labrador retrievers are the perfect dog for families with small children. They are not overly sensitive or moody and they love being around young children.
If you’re the type who’s into loving dogs, choose a Lab retriever. If you have a family with young children – this may be your best bet.
2.Yorkshire Terrier.
Affectionately known as Yorkies, they are small dogs but with big personalities. They are considered to be a “Toy Breed” but they are terriers – so they are still brave and energetic.
Yorkies are beautiful, but can be high-maintenance, mainly due to their appearance. They’re very independent and very smart. But they will need your daily attention – so if you are the type who has a lot of time in his hands, Yorkies would be perfect for you.
3. German Shepherd.
German Shepherds are medium sized herding dogs. They are mainly used in police trainings and obedience schools, as they are highly intelligent, and have well developed guarding instincts.
This breed is extremely loyal and very protective. German Shepherds are highly active dogs and would require larger spaces to live and for exercises. Also – because they are highly intelligent, you would not have any difficulties in training them. If you want your own watchdog, your best bet is to buy a German Shepherd.
4. Golden Retriever.
Same as a labrador retriever, this breed is one of the friendliest, if not THE friendliest, around. Affable and good-natured are the best descriptions for this type of dog that’s why children tend to like Golden Retrievers the most among all breeds. However, they are poor guard dogs because they can be very sociable even to strangers.
5. Beagles.
Beagles are scent hounds. Medium-sized and low-maintenance, they can make a perfect house pet.
They love to bark and howl so you have to think twice if you live in a small apartment. They are neither too aggressive nor too friendly. But once you get their trust, Beagles can be one of the most loving breeds. Just remember, that like all dogs, Beagles are pack animals so they should not be left alone for too long or they will suffer from separation anxiety.
6. Boxers.
This breed is usually entered in show dog contests because of its stature and physique. Boxers are alert and sporty, and are excellent as companions or guard dogs. Despite its intimidating appearance, boxers are one of the friendliest dog breeds especially with children. Boxers love to be around with people whom they trust.
Choose this breed if you have an already existing active lifestyle, where you can afford to take your dog out to exercise at least 1 to 2 times a day.
7. Dachshunds.
This breed is also known as “wiener” dogs because of its similarity to a hotdog in regards to its shape. Don’t be deceived by its appearance though – dachshunds can make a terrific watchdog. Small but brave – that’s the perfect way to describe this breed.
Dachshunds in general are active dogs – hunters. They love to chase anything that moves so you have to keep up if you want to own one. They’re very lively and will even challenge any dog twice their size. There would never be a dull moment if you live with a dachshund.
8. Poodles.
Because of their appearance (their curly coat to be precise), poodles are regarded as high-maintenance breeds. But this is a perfect example of never judging a book by its cover, or in this case, by its coat.
Poodles are one of the MOST intelligent breeds. They’re easy to train, agile and very perceptive. But they also get bored easily, so they often find themselves in trouble. Poodles are one of the only dog breeds that come in all three sizes – small, medium, and large – so you can take your pick.
Poodles make for good companions, but are not excellent with small kids, so make sure you pick the right one…
9. Shih Tzus.
They are small and compact, and fearless (as their name suggests – Shih Tzu = lion). Shih Tzus combine bravery and beauty, which usually means that you have to have a lifestyle which allows you to spend time daily not only walking him, but to groom them. Their long flowing coats usually need daily attention.
They are playful, active and clever. However, they are very difficult to housebreak – so it’s likely you’d need extra bit of patience and time with them.
10. Bulldogs.
Bulldogs are stocky and medium sized dogs. They are not usually perceived as lapdogs (and with their physical disposition who would) – but they would like to be… Their somewhat grumpy expression, may make you think that they are moody and hard to deal with, but you wouldn’t be further from the truth.
Bulldogs are very lovable and friendly, albeit with a bit of stubborn streak. They’re good with children and get along well with other pets. So if you have a cat at home, bulldog might be the perfect companion not just for you, but for your cat too.
At the end of the day, selecting the best breed for your personality and lifestyle is like choosing a mate – you have to match or things will be difficult. Please don’t be tempted to buy a puppy just because it looks cute – do him and yourself a huge favor and learn a little about each dog breed.
If you’re an active person – choose an active agile dog. If you spend your days in front of the TV – get off your but and exercise… OK – I’m kidding… If your lifestyle is filled with long work days, or too much leisure time, get a pooch that doesn’t need too much attention or exercise (although all dogs need attention – so if you are too busy to give it to them, rather consider a cat).