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By Nature Pet Foods has launched a new online resource that features the journey back to health of a former bait dog and offers an engaging way for pet owners to access tips on dog ownership.
The new resource tells the story of Colin, an American Bulldog that was used as a bait dog before being found on the streets of Miami, Florida, USA, as well as features two other dogs, all rescued by Big Dog Ranch Rescue and adopted into homes. The resource also provides tips to pet owners on dog ownership, from grooming to nutrition.
Additionally, By Nature Pet Foods donated petfood to Big Dog Ranch Rescue as part of a new partnership, which is being used at the rescue and sent home with adoptive families.
For the 2011 edition, available for download on the FEDIAF site, the federation collaborated with scientists in the academic world to form the Scientific Advisory Board. The board will advise FEDIAF on how to further improve its guidelines to ensure they reflect the most current scientific data and research.
A 14-year study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Association has managed to bust several canine nutrition myths.
Forty-eight pairs of Labrador Retriever littermates were followed. Among other things, the results suggested that a 25% restriction of food intake—or maintaining an ideal body condition throughout a dog's life—increased the median lifespan of a dog by 1.8 years and delayed the onset of chronic disease symptoms. "Knowing what to feed and how much to feed are equally important," said Mike Grant, PA, the nutritional science director for SeniorPetProducts.com "Your veterinarian is always the best way to get the correct information. They are up to date on all the new science."
Several nutrition myths were disproved during the study:
1) A raw meat diet is the only one for canines: Today's domesticated dogs are not true carnivores. They need small amounts of grains, like rice, oatmeal, pasta, vegetables and fruits to round out their dietary needs.
2) Raw eggs are an absolute no-no for dogs: Dogs are far less susceptible to Salmonella poisoning and the occasional raw or boiled egg is a good source of protein for canines.
3) Dogs should never have any dairy products: Some dogs may be lactose intolerant, but cottage cheese and yogurt are two low-lactose options that are high in calcium.
4) Fat only gives dogs empty calories: Fats are the main source of energy for dogs. Fat is also necessary for the proper absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K, especially in low-saturated forms such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
5) A dog is unable to digest grains: This is partially true, but dogs can digest starch grains that have been converted by the cooking process. Rice is a better option than wheat or corn.
6) All commercial dog foods are bad: Research has shown that the quality of commercial dog foods is more than able to meet a dog's nutritional needs.
7) A diet must be specifically tailored to a dog's age or breed: In most cases, the same diet throughout a dog's life is sufficient. However, puppies need more food than seniors and older dogs may need nutritional supplements.
Dog Talk (http://www.dogtalkproject.com) has launched a new survey: "What’s for Dinner: Nutrition and Feeding Practices” examines the foods that owners select or prepare for their dogs, daily feeding practices, and opinions about the role that nutrition plays in dogs’ health and vitality.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE SURVEYS INCLUDE:
"About You” and “About Your Dog(s)”
The Five Most Important Healthcare Practices of Dog Owners"
“The 10 Most Common Behavior Problems in Dogs”
“Breed Preferences: Why We Love the Dogs We Do”
“Survey Lite: Does Your Dog Have a Sense of Humor?”
There are many factors that have to be taken into consideration when determining the proper diet for a small dog, according to Susan Lauten, PhD, of Pet Nutrition Consulting and Liz Palika, author of The Ultimate Pet Food Guide. Here are eight guidelines owners of small dogs should keep in mind when figuring out how much to feed:
1) Use food manufacturer's guidelines as the starting point for determining proper portion size.2) Adjust food amounts depending on how active your dog is.3) Give dogs that have been neutered or spayed less food than their intact counterparts.4) Choose food designed for smaller breeds if your dog is picky.5) Understand the serious health risks of improper feeding.6) Offer the right size treats.7) Be prepared to adjust to changing dietary needs as your dog ages.8) Regularly monitor changes in your dog's weight.
A new product from Nestle Purina uses new research identifying a range of nutrients that can improve mental capacity and memory in elderly dogs, according to a telegraph.co.uk article.
A study at Toronto University, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, showed that dogs fed an anti-aging diet that contained special dietary fats found in some natural vegetable oils, improved their memory and learning skills. These special dietary fats, called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), are easily converted into energy that is absorbed by the brain.
The MCT supplements are being included for the first time in a petfood with Purina Pro Plan Senior 7+ Original, according to Dr. Jill Cline, senior research nutritionist with Purina.
SmartPak, which until now has only been involved in human food and pet medications, recently launched the Proportions Whole Food Nutrition Program, a new canine nutrition brand. The program works by reducing carbs and starches by feeding a reduced portion of high quality dry food; increasing healthy, natural proteins and vegetables via a “stew” portion; and increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in the diet with a “harvest mix” portion.
Manufacturer of superpremium dog foods and treats Bil-Jac Foods is launching its first book, Feeding Champions: The Story of Bil-Jac, The Life and Passion of Bill Kelly in bookstores nationwide on April 1.
The new book gives a history of dog food in America and the story of founder Bill Kelly’s passion for dog nutrition.
Mark Poveromo, founder and owner of holistic petfood retailer Thomaston Feed, recently released his book, To Your Dog's Health! Canine Nutrition and Recent Trends Within the Pet Food Industry.
In his book, Poveromo reveals which brands he believes are lacking nutrients, what to look for when reading dog food labels, which processed dog foods he believes are OK to use, why he thinks homemade cooking is the best thing for a dog and more.
