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What is good dog food?

Deciding what is best food for your pug is a big decision. The best things you can do are learn how to read the labels and try to sort out the confusing terminology. When picking a food you should always get the best quality grain free food you can afford. You may think you are saving money in the short term by purchasing name brand dog food from your local grocery store but you will be paying out a lot more in vet bills in the long run, not to mention shortening the life of your dog. Here is some information that we hope is helpful in understanding dog food and helping you make a good decision. Some poor quality dry foods proclaim that meat is the #1 ingredient. This is just a marketing ploy. Ingredients are listed by weight. For instance, chicken is 70% water and very heavy, so a little chicken will put it at the top of the list. In actuality, the food usually is based on cheaper, more concentrated ingredients such as by-product meal or corn gluten meal. Here is a brake down of some of the terminology.

Meat is “the clean flesh derived from slaughtered mammals, and is limited to the part of striate muscle which is skeletal or that which is found in the tongue, diaphragm, hart or esophagus”. Meat is a fresh product and the term is limited to cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. Choose a food that specifies the meat, like “beef” or “lamb,” If the label just says “meat” it may contain a mixture of species.
Poultry is “the clean combination of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of poultry or a combination thereof, exclusive of feathers, heads, feet and entrails”. Unlike meat, poultry may include bone. The chicken used in pet foods is typically “backs and frames” left over from processing broiler chickens into breasts, legs, and wings for human consumption. “Backs and frames” include the spine and ribs with whatever meat is attached. It may also include the bone and skin left over from processing “boneless skinless” chicken parts.
Meat Meal is “the rendered product from mammal tissues, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide, trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably”. Meat meal, like all animal meal products, is rendered-cooked to remove the fat and moisture-leaving a dry powder that is nearly 100% protein. Note that “added” blood, hair, horn, hoof, etc., is not permitted, but there is no requirement for the removal of such contaminants as may naturally be present. Bone may comprise a considerable proportion of this product.
Poultry Meal is the “dry rendered product from a combination of clean flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts of whole carcasses of poultry or a combination thereof, exclusive of feathers, heads, feet and entrails.”
Meat By-products “is the non-rendered, clean parts, other then meat, derived from slaughtered mammals. It includes, but is not limited to, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, partially de-fatted low-temperature fatty tissue and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents. It does not include hair, horns, teeth, and hooves.” Basically, by-products are “parts that aren’t meat.” They are fresh, not rendered. Some pet food companies specify the by-products, such as kidneys, liver, and lungs. Either way, by-products are best avoided.
Poultry By-Products consists of “non-rendered, clean parts of carcasses of slaughtered poultry such as heads, feet, viscera, free from fecal content and foreign matter.
Poultry By Product Meal is “the ground rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered poultry, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines, exclusive of feathers. Poultry by-product meals are very common in poor dry foods. Most poultry in the U.S. is processed at “captive” renders, meaning that the slaughter house and rendering facility are privately owned and located together.
Meat And Bone Meal (MBM) is the rendered product from mammal tissues, including bone, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents. MBM is a convenient catch-all term for whatever offal and refuse happens to be rendered that day. This is where the worst stories about pet food come from. Many renderers accept for processing such items as road kill, euthanized pets from shelters and veterinary clinics, downers and animals who died on the farm, during transport or at the slaughterhouse, cut-away cancerous tissue, fetuses, out of date supermarket meats, restaurant waste, and other unappetizing ingredients. Needless to say, the presence of MBM on a label is a signal that the food is of the worst quality!
Animal Digest is “material which results from chemical and or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean and undecomposed animal tissue. The animal tissues used shall be exclusive of hair, horns, teeth, hooves and feathers, except in such trace amounts as might occur unavoidably”. Animal digest comes in a liquid or powder form that is typically sprayed onto finished kibbles to add flavor. It is found primarily in low quality foods.
Corn Meal And Corn Gluten Meal are high protein residues of processed corn, and are used as high calorie fillers and substitutes for animal protein sources in cheap pet foods and they should always be avoided.

Here is more info on Pet food

http://home.att.net/~wdcusick/02.html

http://www.doberdogs.com/menu.html

Check out Darwin's Pet's for an easy way to feed you pug a grain free, raw, free range, orgainc, Human Grade diet. All you have to do is thaw and serve "they deliver right to your door once a week". www.darwinspet.com or call 206-324-7387 and ask for James Pendergast "let him know we sent you and he will hook you up with a discount".

Pet Food Stores we like


Dooleys Dog House You will find only the best High Quality pet food at this store. Come see there pet food wall of shame so you know what to stay away from. They are very helpful and knowledgeable about all the food and products they sell. They also support Seattle Pug Rescue by holding regular meet and greets!1421 Market St
Kirkland, WA 98033-5432
(425) 889-2200

 

Barkz the dog stop "They carry all sorts of cute things for your pug as well as our favorite grain free dog food Instinct! They also have training classes and pug play times. "115 Lake St. S, Kirkland, WA 98033 www.barkz.com
A FRESH LOOK AT THE OPTIMUM DIET FOR YOUR PET

Recent studies have shown processed foods to be a factor in increasing numbers of pets suffering from cancer, arthritis, obesity, dental disease and heart disease. Dull or unhealthy coats are a common problem with cats and dogs and poor diet is usually the cause. Dogs, cats and other animals live for years on foods that come out of bags, cans and boxes. But do these foods promote health? If they did, our companion animals would enjoy long, happy lives free of arthritis, hip dysplasia, eye problems, ear problems, fleas and other parasites, gum disease, lick granulomas, thyroid imbalances, skin and coat problems, personality disorders, birth defects, breeding problems, diabetes, cancer and other major and minor illnesses. Before World War II, most North Americans fed their pets raw bones and table scraps. Today, everyone uses convenience foods, and pet food companies are industry giants. Diet isn't the only thing that has changed. So has life expectancy, with the life span of many breeds now less than half what it was two or three decades ago. Skin and coat problems are so common that we accept them as unavoidable, and today's vets routinely treat conditions that used to be unusual or even rare. The food your animal eats should provide all of the nutritional components which are necessary for all organs and systems of a healthy body to perform in harmonious unison. A properly functioning body does an amazing job at preventing disease and healing itself, and to do this it requires the energies and nutrients of a well-balanced diet. In terms of finding the proper diet for our companions, this means learning to look beyond our own needs, opinions, and agendas to address the natural needs of the animals that we take care of. The business of selling pet food at times seems to be focused more on what appeals to animal guardians than on the dietary needs of pets. The market success of most commercial foods is judged by how convenient it is, and how good it looks, smells, feels, or even tastes to pet owners. The natural reality is this: what is good for our animals may be appalling to us, but if we really wish to provide them with the nutrition they truly need, we must learn to look beyond standards of human acceptance to consider what our pets might eat if we weren't around. Dogs for instance, wouldn't be eating sirloin-like chunks of meat with a rich gravy, or seafood buffet from a can--- they would be eating berries, grasses, rodents, and the rotting flesh of dead animals. This of course, doesn't appeal to us; so most dogs and cats eat dried kibbles or sterilized canned foods, which lack live enzymes and dozens of other important nutrients that were destroyed by cooking. In the wild, no one cooks for the coyote or wolf; no one brushes their teeth. Their foods are raw and unprocessed. Processed foods and drugs have seriously depleted the natural vitality and immune systems of many pets. Whereas large amounts of red meat can cause cancer in humans, a lack of RAW red meat in an animal's diet can lead to serious health problems. Animals require the enzymes, amino acids and other nutrients in the raw meat in order to stay healthy. Many skin and coat problems are a direct result of a lack of raw animal fat in the diet - fat, which humans often believe is bad for their pet. Animals need at least 30% raw fat, and their systems are not designed to handle cooked meat or cooked fat. Restaurant grease has become a major component of feed-grade animal fat over the last 15 years. Often held in 50-gallon drums for weeks or months in extreme temperatures, this grease is usually kelp outside with no regard for its safety or further use. The rancid grease is then picked up by fat blenders who mix the animal and vegetable fats together, stabilize them with powerful antioxidants to prevent further spoilage, and then sell the blended products to pet food companies. Rancid, heavily preserved fats are extremely difficult to digest and can lead to a host of animal health problems, including digestive upsets, diarrhea, gas, and bad breath. In the wild, a panther or jackal does not barbecue, grill or smoke its prey. It definitely does not walk to the local supermarket to buy dry food either. Yet most pet owners recoil at the thought of feeding raw meat to their dog or cat, concerned about bacteria or parasites. Dog and cat digestive systems have evolved over millions of years to consume a raw diet, and they can tolerate foods containing a wide range of naturally occurring bacteria. You've probably seen your dog enjoy eating something you consider disgusting and wondered why he doesn't get sick. The digestive systems of dogs and cats are short, acidic, and handle bacteria well. This is why they are not susceptible to salmonella, parasites, or e-coli from tainted meat as humans are. Humans have very long digestive tracks, which allow food to 'linger' for 24 hours or more, thus allowing more time for parasites to get into their bloodstream’s. Here are a few tips for you.

TIPS

  1. Feed the most natural grain free diet possible. Learn to read a pet food label and avoid foods with chemical preservatives (BHT, BHA, ethoxyquin) and animal and plant by-products that can damage a pet's immune system and do not help maintain health as much as foods with natural preservatives and no by-products. When possible, prepare and feed a homemade diet to ensure that your pet is eating the healthiest food possible.
  2. Minimize vaccines. Most pets do not need annual "shots." A simple blood test called a titer test can determine which vaccines your pet needs.
  3. Minimize chemicals. I prefer not to use chemical flea prevention "neem oil work's well". Monthly heartworm medication is preferred over the 6-month injectable heartworm preventive.
  4. Administer whole food vitamin and mineral supplements, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids to maintain a healthy body.
  5. Administer choline supplementation to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease (cognitive disorder) in dogs and cats 10 years of age and older.



A Clean Plate!

Feeding your dog can become a monotonous chore which you perform on automatic pilot. But, consider a few of these tips before just dumping the food into your dog's bowl tonight. He will appreciate it.

It is best to feed your dog in glass, stainless steel or ceramic bowls, not in plastic. You know yourself that plastic sometimes transfers a bad taste to whatever is served in it. Your dog's water especially may be taking on a bad taste from the plastic in his bowl. Another reason to avoid plastic is that if your dog chews a piece off the edge of the bowl, the crack might encourage the growth of bacteria or leach chemicals.

Whatever you choose to use for your dog's food should be dishwasher safe. And replace scratched ceramic dishes as soon as possible as bacteria might grow in the crevices.

Use separate bowls for food and water as opposed to a one unit bowl with a divider in it. You wouldn't like water slopping into your food.

Wash your pet's bowl in the dishwasher or in hot soapy water and rinse well every time before filling it again, just as you would your own plates.

 

 Senior Pug Diet Needs

Getting older…it's happening to all of us every day, including our pets. And just like humans, dogs and cats are prone to a number of medical problems as they get older. With diet, supplements, and extra care, many of these conditions can be prevented, delayed, or managed, to give your pet the best possible quality of life throughout the senior years. Here are a few of the health issues you may run into as your pet ages, and some things you can do treat them naturally:

Arthritis

Most older pets eventually develop arthritis. What is usually considered "slowing down," or "a little stiff," or even sleep disturbances (because they just can't get comfortable) may be a sign of significant joint disease. Extra weight makes arthritis that much worse, so an older dog may need a good weight loss program (older cats tend to lose weight by themselves). A high protein diet helps protect lean muscle mass while shedding fat. Proper weight and moderate exercise are the keys to comfort.

Joint protectors and anti-inflammatories can help, and they include glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, and MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane); all of which can be added to wet food. Other herbs and minerals may also be helpful. Antioxidants provide good anti-inflammatory action and pain relief. It may take 3-5 weeks for improvement to be noticeable. View joint support supplements and antioxidants.

Digestive Slowdown

As they age, pets experience a decreased ability to digest and metabolize protein and fat that occurs with age. Older pets need more and better quality protein. Wet foods are ideal for older cats and dogs—this includes food in cans or pouches, as well as frozen raw diets. They're easier to digest, and much more palatable. Adding digestive enzymes and probiotics will help your pet get the most nutrition from food, and there are specific digestive support remedies available for more severe issues.

Kidney Disease (Chronic Renal Failure, CRF, or Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD)



The kidneys have a lot of responsibility, and they work hard 24/7. Over time, cells die and are replaced by scar tissue. Only when 75% of kidney function is irreversibly lost will signs of kidney disease occur. CRF is very common in older cats, but dogs can also develop the disease.

One thing you'll hear from friends and even from vets is that protein is bad for the kidneys. But dietary protein has nothing whatsoever to do with the development of kidney disease (in dogs or cats). In fact, in older pets without pre-existing kidney disease, canned food or other high protein, high moisture diets are recommended.

Antioxidants and ONP Salmon Oil (fish oil or cod liver oil) are proven to be highly beneficial for pets with kidney disease. There is new evidence that probiotics can also be helpful. There are also specific kidney support products available.

Dental Disease

This is the most common problems that vets see in dogs and cats. It often begins by the tender age of 3 - and gets worse from there! Many dogs and most cats are relatively stoic about pain, and problems such as abscessed teeth and oral tumors can easily be missed. One solution is to take your older pet in for a thorough checkup twice a year instead of just once. (But don't let the vet vaccinate your older pet, unless the rabies vaccine is required by law. (Try to brush your pet's teeth at home every day.

Cognitive Dysfunction (Senility)

Both dogs and cats can develop cognitive (learning and memory) problems as they get older, which are increasingly recognized as a form of dementia or even Alzheimer's. Antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids (cod liver oil is best for this condition) are valuable in keeping your dog's brain functioning at its best.

Cancer

Half of dogs over age 10 will develop cancer, the most frightening diagnosis of all. At its most basic, cancer is the result of immune system failure - itself the result of poor diet, over-vaccination, genetics, and environmental factors. Keeping the immune system in peak condition is, of course, fundamental to good health overall, but given the role it may play in so many degenerative diseases, including cancer, is just good sense. Besides exercise, fresh air, and great nutrition, there are supplements especially designed for immune support. Antioxidants and Omega-3s are vital to the immune system. There are also ancient healing remedies such as herbs and medicinal mushrooms that have been used for generations or even centuries to deal with serious health issues.