Dogs Unite

If you’re part of the UK dog community, you know there are many theories out there on how we should feed our dogs.  The most common diseases that vets see in dogs is diabetes.  How did our dogs get to be so unhealthy?  Some people believe that the reason our dogs are getting so unhealthy is because we are not feeding them what they were meant to eat.  One of the many theories about how to get your dog eating healthy again is feed him bones and raw foods (BARF).

BARF is supposed to give your dog fresh breath again, white teeth and healthy gums.  It can also help improve their digestive systems and give them firmer stools.  Giving your dog bones and raw food also means that you are feeding him food without chemicals, and preservatives which are not natural to their digestive systems.

While it’s hard to believe that our dogs evolved from wild dogs and wolves, their digestive systems are still designed to eat the same way their ancestors did.  You don’t see any wolves with gingivitis or yellow teeth, do you?  Many of our dogs’ health problems are due to poor nutrient food being fed to them.  If your dog’s dog food is being cooked in any way, the nutritional content dramatically decrease.  70% or more of the nutritional value, including vitamins, proteins and fats is lost during the cooking process.

Many health problems, including dry, itchy skin, dull coat, and digestive disorders, can arise if your dog is unable to break down the food you are feeding them.  Nervousness and aggression can also be caused from the food you are feeding your dog.

The principle behind feeding your dog raw food and bones is to feed him what he was evolved to eat.  It may help avoid and cure conditions that he may already have.  Find out more ways to keep your dog healthy with the UK dog community.

Dog Health

Whether you’ve been part of the dog community for your entire life, or you’ve just recently entered, there are things you need to know not to feed your furry pooch.  We, people, tend to give our dogs our leftovers from time to time, but you should what to definitely not to give them.  Many of “our” foods can cause a dog to start vomit, have diarrhea, kidney failure and even death.

Here’s a list of just some of the foods not to give your pooch.

Avocados

-          Everything in an avocado, its leaves, seeds, fruit and even the bark contain persin.  Persin is a fungicidal toxin.  Although it is usually harmless to humans, consumed in large quantities by our dogs, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Bones

-          We seem to think that the bones in our steaks, fish or chicken would be great for our dogs to have.  It’s not! These bones can tear holes in their digestive systems, which may be devastating for your pet.  Our dogs should only consume bones specially made for them.

Chocolate

-          Most of us already know this one, but it’s an extremely important food not to feed your dog.  Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which can cause your dog to vomit and have diarrhea.  In very large quantities, it can affect their hearts and nervous systems

Cat Food

-          Cat food is not normally something that we would consider being harmful for our dogs, but it can be.  Cat food tends to be high in protein and fats which in turn can lead our dogs to being overweight and not meet their nutritional needs.

Grapes, and Raisins

-          Grapes and raisins have an unknown toxin in them which causes kidney failure in our dogs.  Because so little is known about this toxin, it is extremely important not to feed our dogs these.

These are just a few of the foods not to feed your dog, but there are so many more.  Make sure to do some research on the “people” food you’re feeding your pooch.  Some foods can be extremely dangerous for your pet and you may not even know it.  Be sure to discuss other foods to not feed your dog with your dog community.