What is in your dog food?
By: Aaron W.

Analyzes the nutritional value of conventional dog food.
Addresses the growing problem of dog obesity.

According to holistic veterinarian Dr. Jane Bicks, the maximum
life span of dogs is estimated to be around 25 to 30 years, yet
the average dog generally lives no longer than about 13 to 14
years. She says that this deficit is due largely to poor
nutrition. For example, canned food is about 75 to 78 percent
moisture, which leaves very little room for nutrition. In
addition to containing what is generally considered the bottom of
the barrel ingredients in terms of nutritional density, most
conventional dog food products contain especially large amounts
of sodium to make them palatable, as well as dairy, by-products,
chemical preservatives, artificial colors and other potentially
harmful ingredients. The carbohydrate ratio is too high in some
dog food brands as well, eventually leading to obesity, which is
increasingly becoming a serious problem with dogs. In fact,
obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing our dogs;
it can cause unnecessary suffering and a shortened lifespan
Renowned research scientist Dr. Barry Sears believes that dog
food should have about the same 30-30-40 ratio as the human Zone
diet. This means a relatively small amount of carbohydrates. Not
only do many dog food brands have a particularly large amount of
carbohydrates, they are mostly grain based, which are exactly the
ones the Zone diet tries to minimize. Another problem, according
to the USDA Agricultural service, is that mites often get into
dog food pellets, which can cause a number of problems such as
disease. They recommend keeping dog food cool and dry, and
vacuuming in the places where the food is stored the food is
stored a least once a week. In addition keep the are around the
dish where the dog food is served clean. Also, do not leave any
dog food in your pet's bowl on warm, humid days. It should be
noted that harder working dogs require more protein and fat in
their diet to maintain stamina and good body form. A dog food
that is complete and balanced and includes at least 26 percent
protein and 1650 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per pound
is ideal. During the seasons when dogs are not working, their
energy requirements decrease. Feed less of the high calorie food
or change to a less nutrient-dense dog food. Dr. Jane Bicks has
been honored on many occasions by the veterinary profession and is
the author of several books including 'Thirty days to a
healthier, happier dog' and 'Dr. Jane's Natural guide to a
healthier, happier dog'. She has been involved in many advisory
boards including Canine Companions for independence and has
served as the President of the Veterinary Medical association of
New York City. To find out more about her holistic food and other
dog food nutrition facts, go to
http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/


Aaron Wilmot is an author, editor, researcher and webmaster in
the fields of human health and pet nutrition. He is also
affiliated with the Healthy Pet Network.