You are viewing entries tagged 'feeding'.
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Crude protein in dog food is not necessarily that which can be digested and utilized by the dog’s body. It is not what most people think of as protein since it includes hooves, beaks and feathers, which are not ingredients a dog’s body can do anything with.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. |
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Feed the puppy in the crate because food gives a positive association. Some puppies won’t go all the way inside the crate to eat: if yours is like that, at least you can put the dish inside the opening so the puppy has to put his head inside. Once he eventually goes all the way in, close the door behind him but wait to open it the moment he finishes since he’ll more than likely have to go potty right away.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter and be sure to check out her website. |
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“Animal fat” is a catch phrase used in dog food manufacturing that can include low quality, inexpensive fats, even including old cooking grease discarded by restaurants. Look for fat ingredients from specific sources – “chicken fat” or “beef fat,” for example.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. |
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A dog that is constantly itching no matter what the season – and has chronic ear infections and digestive problems like diarrhea or vomiting – is probably reacting to his food. Your vet needs to rule out other possible reasons for the symptoms first. If your dog checks out medically, then you’ll know it’s probably a food allergy and you’ll need to adjust his diet.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. |
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You probably don’t realize that when your dog sits for you, there are only a couple of seconds in which to give a reward or your dog won’t know that the reason she got the cookie was for sitting. We have to be quick on the draw with our positive reinforcement to show our dog that what she did was what we wanted. Dogs learn by association – and generally they relate any event with what happens immediately before or after it. This means you need to give a reward virtually during the execution of the behavior you wanted or instantly afterwards.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. |
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Some dogs need the stimulation of another dog hovering over them in order to eat. Others are just glad for some human company. If your dog is picky, pull up a chair and see if that doesn’t restore his appetite.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. |
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Should you stick with one brand of dog food for the lifetime of your dog? Pet food companies want your loyalty and will go so far as to tell you not to try any other food for your dog’s well being. The truth is that changing amongst a variety of brands and flavors ensures a broad range of nutritional elements and additives in your pet’s bowl.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. |
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No one really knows whether dogs gnaw on grass because it contains nutrients they are missing, as a digestive aid or because they have an upset stomach and want to cause themselves to throw up. It may be a combination of the three, or maybe it’s their way of enjoying a good salad!
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter. |
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My dog Falstaff is quite the looker, if he does say so himself. Stunning coloring, high cheekbones, and a an athlete’s physique – except for that hanging belly. Falstaff is driven by food which makes training easier and makes interactive treat toys a good distraction. But, if only to avoid that embarrassing moment at the vet when he’s weighed, we’re cutting back.
An easy way to eliminate some treat calories is to start cutting the treats in half. So, instead of a full cookie, Falstaff gets a half or even a quarter. Now some dogs will continue to sit for hours waiting for the rest of their reward. For them, another solution is going to low-calorie treats.
Two well-known brands that Falstaff likes are Get Naked and Zukes. This page is a great resource. The other option is to give carrots, celery, or green beans – low calorie and good for them, too.
Kelly is a pet writer. She lives in the Boston area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat. |
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If you want to cook your dog some turkey that won’t upset his tummy and will make him share in the spirit of the day, try braising a half pound of lean ground turkey in a little olive oil and chicken broth (low salt, no MSG) and mixing in an equal amount of cooked rice.
Moisten it until it’s the consistency of oatmeal. All dogs love this turkey treat which is pretty much guaranteed to share the flavors of the day but not cause the tummy troubles that many dogs have on Thanksgiving.
Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, and click here to follow them on Twitter. |
