The Schnauzer and Poodle breeds are two of the world's well-loved companions. But combining them to develop an even lovable new dog is beyond the expectations of many fanciers. The Schnoodle, as the result of this crossbreeding is without a doubt Schnauzer and Poodle in one and on its own right, is becoming one of the world's superb companion dog.

The Schnoodle is considered as a domestic dog, mostly adopted as a family pet more than anything else. This dog may be seen living in an apartment, a wide spaced home, and even a farm. It is not extremely active but not dormant as well and so a little space to play and move around with is sufficient for him.

The Poodle and the Schnauzer come in different sizes like for the Poodle: Standard, Miniature or Toy. For the Schnauzer, the sizes range from Giant, Standard, and Miniature. However, for developing of Schnoodles, breeders usually opt for a miniature size which goes between 7 to 26 pounds in weight.

Additionally, not only does the size of the Schnoodle varies but its appearance and characteristics as well. For coat texture for instance, it is known that the Schnauzer has a rough and wiry coat and so some Schnoodles may inherit this trait. The Poodle on the other hand has a soft coat and so some Schnoodles may appear soft coated; in some Schnoodles, a combination of these two different coat textures may appear.

The Schnauzer is recognized for its obvious beard therefore some Schnoodles may possess this characteristic as well. For the coat colors, the Schnoodle can have either the Schnauzer or the Poodle colors. Commonly, these colors are black, white, brown, grey, apricot, parti, black and white and sable.

The Schnauzer and the Poodle are minimum shedders to the point of being hypoallergenic therefore their offspring is inevitably a hypoallergenic dog too. In fact, many people opt to have the Schnoodle for its hypoallergenic trait. Maintaining the coat only requires weekly brushing and grooming every two or three months in order to keep the hair mat and tangle-free.

Schnoodles are relatively easy to train, clever and highly intelligent. As a household companion, they make wonderful pets as they are not yappy. They also make great watchdogs although they are not aggressive and they do get along well with other animals.

This hybrid is also extremely loyal and loving to the family and is excellent around children. It is very friendly, cheerful and does great in obedience and agility. Moreover, this dog does not only make a good family pet but a good therapy dog as well.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

The Lovely Hybrid Of Schnauzer and Poodle: The Schnoodle

Just because this adorable companion dog is named after France, it does not mean it originated from there, too. The fact is, the French Bulldog originated from England and was primarily bred to become a miniature English Bulldog. Its introduction and further development in France caused it to be named as the French Bulldog.

During the middle of 1800s, lace workers from England came to France in search for jobs and they brought along with them the little bulldogs. In their community, these dogs became superb ratters and well-loved family companion. These dogs were then developed with the use of French Terriers and the resulting breed became a trend in Paris.

During the rage, you can practically see the Frenchie led in leashes by Parisian street walkers. The dog was perceived as exotic then and mostly got the interest of people on the street and so the owner got chances of meeting new people too. In old French postcards, skimpily clad prostitutes are seen holding their Frenchies and not long enough, the rage reached all over Europe.

Well-known personalities around the world were seen to have Frenchies and these include: the Russian royal family, King Edward VII, Collete the author, and Toulouse-Lautrec. However, the current appearance of the Frenchie is credited to the American breeders who further improved this breed at the start of the century. The American fanciers were also the first people to create the very first French Bulldog Club.

The French Bulldog has a stocky and well-muscled body and has a weight of 20 to 28 pounds. The head, like an English Bulldog, is square and flat; the nose is flat like the Pug's and the ears are erect and bat-like. The tails are also short, should come naturally and not docked, and could be straight or screw-like.

The coat of this dog is short, soft and smooth. The skin is not tight and is fairly lose and it makes petting this dog very pleasant to the touch. The common coat colors for this dog are brindle, fawn, white and every combination of these.

Many people love to have the Frenchie as a companion because of its pleasant and easy going nature. It is also remarkably playful, loving and sweet. This dog will never fail to make you laugh because it is comical in nature that's why it is called the clown.

Moreover, this dog is intelligent, vigilant and curious. It needs daily exercise and is sensitive to extreme temperatures; in fact too much heat gives him a heat stroke. An urban dwelling is sufficient for this breed as it is not too active and a wide yard is not necessarily needed.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

The Parisian Favorite, The French Bulldog

The Australian Cattle Dogs breed history is quite difficult to trace. The reason was the several experimentations done in order to produce an ideal breed to make up the ultimate heeler, the one that could survive and work in the Australian hinterland. It was not until 1897 when this dog breed became distinct.

Ancestors of this dog breed were the collies and dingoes. The resulting offspring was bred to Bull Terrier in 1870s by Fred Davis. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the newly discovered breed was common for serving as guard dogs and sporting companion.

Such well-muscled, sturdy, and very agile breed makes an ideal characteristic combination to serve as a helper for cattle-herding. Australian Cattle Dog is named after its skills in droving cattle. This is the common reason why this breed is also mistakenly referred to as Australian Shepherd which is a totally different breed.

Generally, Australian Cattle Dog is well-muscled, sturdy, powerful, and compact. With its genetically derived physical attributes, it has an exceptional skill on agility. It has also superb intelligence and versatility, making it a perfect assistant for herders.

Easily identified physical appearance of this breed includes longer body with slightly curved tail. Legs are flawlessly straight when viewed from the front. It has pointed pricked ears and slightly rounded head.

Its pointed pricked ears and broad, bit rounded head are the distinctive physical features. Dark brown eyes are medium-sized and oval in shape. Its coat is composed of short dense undercoat and short straight outer coat, making its body cold and heat resistant.

Maintain the dogs overall health requirements by allowing it to engage in activities that enhances its stamina. Any activities such as tossing a ball and flyball games are already good in training this breeds physical and mental health. This dog is also an excellent jogging companion.

Australian Cattle Dogs life expectancy reaches from 12 years up to 15 years. Such life expectancy wont be met if the owner knows nothing about the inevitable hereditary disorders of this dog type. However, this breed has something to be proud of above all other breeds because it was recorded by Guinness Book of World Records that an Australian Cattle Dog has lived for 29 earth years or 203 dog years.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

The Reliable Australian Cattle Dog

this mixed mastiff/terrier breed is a relatively new one, having been bred for only about half a century now. John Swinford, a veterinarian in the US bred a female Neapolitan Mastiff with a make American pit bull terrier, leading to this new breed. Breeder Joe Lucero soon followed suit and the breed quickly took off.

There are a few variations on this breed, with one of the more common being a cross of the American pit bull and the English mastiff. Those dogs whose parents are certified purebreds are the most attractive and healthy of the American Bandogge Mastiffs - known as a very attractive breed in their own right. They are muscular animals as you'd expect from their pit bull heritage. They also display the brindled patterns in their fur typical of the pit bull. Black brindle is the most common, but red, blue and tawny colors are also sometimes seen.

With their quiet nature, they also tend to have separation anxiety. They get lonely quickly and do not like for their owners to be out of their sight. Despite the lack of barking at intruders as they come about, these gentle giants will howl when their owners are absent. Just like most dogs, if they are raised from a puppy around other animals, even kittens, they can get along with them just fine, despite their large build.

Being the large dog that they are, they are also very active and love to exercise. Be prepared to do a lot of walking. They definitely will need to go on a regular walk, especially if they are confined to a house all day long while you are at work. It doesn't take too long to get attached to these 'Silent Peacekeepers'. They attach quickly to their owners and family and can become quite aggressive when provoked. They are very good with children. They stand to be confident. They are an extremely obedient breed.

The American Bandog is also very easy to groom and maintain. They tend to have a little bit of dry skin. However, they are easy to take care of as far as brushing, for the most part. They have a short coat that is easy to maintain.

These dogs have a long list of good qualities to recommend them. They're loyal and will protect children and other pets as if they were their own, they're very intelligent and easy to train, playful and loving, large and fierce looking dogs who love and gentle by nature. All this and easy to groom too! The American Bandogge Mastiff may be a new breed, but they are one which is certain to stick around they live up to the title of man's best friend like few other breeds.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

Introducing the American Bandogge Mastiff

From its name, one can assume that the French Bulldog has originated from France but the truth is, this dog was originally developed in the United Kingdom to become a miniature English Bulldog. Also called Frenchie, the French Bulldog is also known as the clown and frog dog. Albeit its origins from England, the French had the most fervent liking for this dog and so the name French Bulldog was given to it.

The French Bulldog or Frenchie reached France with the lace workers from England who arrived in the French countryside in search for jobs. In this place, the Frenchie became a well-known vermin catcher and a loving family pet. This breed was also further developed using the French Terrier and the new version of the breed became the rage in Paris.

During the rage, you can practically see the Frenchie led in leashes by Parisian street walkers. The dog was perceived as exotic then and mostly got the interest of people on the street and so the owner got chances of meeting new people too. In old French postcards, skimpily clad prostitutes are seen holding their Frenchies and not long enough, the rage reached all over Europe.

Some famous people that were known to own Frenchies were the Russian royal family of those times, King Edward VII, the author Collete, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Today, the French Bulldog's appearance and characteristic is mainly influenced by American breeders who developed this breed at the turn of the century. It is the Americans who also organized the first French Bulldog Club and it was they who set the first breed standard.

The French Bulldog's body is compact and muscular and weighs 20 to 28 pounds. The head is square and flat just like an English Bulldog only smaller; has a Pug's nose and erect "bat" ears. The tail of this breed is innately short and could be straight or corkscrew.

The coat of this dog is short, soft and smooth. The skin is not tight and is fairly lose and it makes petting this dog very pleasant to the touch. The common coat colors for this dog are brindle, fawn, white and every combination of these.

Many people love to have the Frenchie as a companion because of its pleasant and easy going nature. It is also remarkably playful, loving and sweet. This dog will never fail to make you laugh because it is comical in nature that's why it is called the clown.

This little breed is intelligent, alert and curious and so it needs daily exercise out in the open. However, be warned that this dog is extremely sensitive to hot temperatures and this may sometimes cause him heat stroke. This dog prefers cool climates and an apartment type of dwelling makes him comfortable enough.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

The Miniature Bulldog, The French Buldog

Dog historians until now are having difficulty in determining the parents of Australian Cattle Dog. As far as history is concerned, there were numerous experimentations done to produce a breed ideal for the Australian outback. In 1897, the breed gained distinction as a new breed separate from the Australian Shepherd.

Dingoes and collies were said to be the genetic parents of Australian Cattle dog. It was only discovered later that Dalmatians and Bull Terrier also have contributed to the genes of the breed. The mixture of dingoes, collies, Dalmatians and bull terrier were found out to have produced an ultimate heeler.

All those dog types that make up the perfect heeler as an offspring have one thing in common"being unafraid of cattle. With the Australian Cattle dogs sturdiness and agility, herding the cattle with it is very easy. Although this time, this dog breed is seldom used for cattle herding; they are often owned as a pet.

Generally, Australian Cattle Dog is well-muscled, sturdy, powerful, and compact. With its genetically derived physical attributes, it has an exceptional skill on agility. It has also superb intelligence and versatility, making it a perfect assistant for herders.

Australian Cattle Dog physical features are easily recognizable. The body is longer and with slightly curved tail. When viewed from the front, the legs are perfectly straight.

Canine disease such as PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy is also common for this breed. Luxating Patellas, Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligaments, and Hereditary Deafness also afflicts this type of dog if the health condition is overlooked by the owner. Health clearances are important to be acquired before owning Australian Cattle Dog breed.

Hip dysplasia which is also common among other breed types is also widespread in Australian Cattle Dog breed. That is why it is important to secure health clearances from the breeder to avoid having problems. Other illnesses also include deafness, luxating patellas, and progressive retinal atrophy or PRA.

Just like any other dogs, Australian Cattle Dog breed is also prone to several diseases such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA, Hereditary Deafness, Luxating Patellas. Other diseases also include Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligaments. To prevent this, seek health clearances.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

Australian Cattle Dog: A Fun Pet to Have

Pit bull terrier dog breed belongs to the Molosser race. This dog breed type has three specific kinds namely: American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier. Other breeds that possess pit bull genes are also referred as pit bulls even though its quite inappropriate.

Bulldogs and terriers from England are the parents of pit bull terrier. The history of this breed type is definite because unlike other breeds, the development of this breed was properly documented in the past. During the era of Queen Elizabeth I, pit bull dogs were very common in dog fighting, one of the famous gambling practices during this time.

There are three known types of pit bull: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Amstaff or American Staffordshire terrier and the popular American Pit bull Terrier or APBT. These breed type belongs to the Molosser family. Cross bred offspring of the pit bull with other breed type is usually not named as pit bull.

The dogs sturdiness and smartness lead people to think that it is ideal for animal fighting events such as dog fighting"like in the past. It is in dog-fighting scenes that this dog breed has gained media popularity. Dog lovers from different country have united in achieving one goal; that is to put an end to such cruel entertainment.

The pit bull breed size can range between 25 to 105 pounds. Any common pit bull can have the average weight of 55 pounds. Due to their short coats, these dogs love the warmer climates.

Pit bulls usually love warmer climate because of their quite short coats. Usually, this breed types size range from 25 to 105 pounds. Fifty-five pound pit bulls are the most common size.

Having a pit bull terrier can be a lot easier when you have it when it is still a puppy since they can still be easily trained. Puppies are a lot tolerant and can easily adapt with their owners environment as compared to grown ups. And with the proper care and training, they can be the best dog one can ever have.

What make pit bulls interesting is that they are the only breed that appeared three times in Life Magazine covers. They are acknowledged as part in the history of the First World War in the U.S. and got several recognitions and medals for it. Until today, pit bulls are acclaimed around the world.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

Pit Bull Terrier: The Loyal Companion

Advanced obedience training-don't let the name daunt you anyone who is willing to exert patience can do this. It is one of the most fulfilling things you can experience with your pet. Not only will you enjoy the company of the best version of your dog, you will be doing Fido a favor as well. Successfully trained dogs are well-adjusted, confident and mentally quicker. You can leave him alone in a roomful of strangers without worry on him inflicting harm to anyone.

First and foremost in canine training is the establishment of hierarchy between you and your dog. You need to set your position as the leader early on. As soon as the dog understands this, the simpler it will be to train him. Neglecting to do so can spell trouble. There will be a struggle for dominance and aggressive behavior will ensue. Be strong and firm in teaching. When you see the beginnings of the alpha dog coming out, correct it immediately but do not be overly severe and mean to him.

A firm and confident voice will help deliver our commands effectively. While you speak, gently guide him to what exactly you want him to do. In the beginning it will take several attempts before he will understand what you mean; but advanced obedience training will be easier as soon as the dog gets the repetitive commands and their corresponding actions you've been using in your training classes.

Rewarding the animal with treats and lots of praise is the best way to teach your dog to obey. This is called Operant Conditioning and it is what he understands. You have to remember to praise him every single time he successfully accomplishes a command. Sometimes, when you forget to applaud him, he will get confused as what is good behavior. Take the extra effort to remember will not be wasted on him.

Conversely, admonish the dog strongly for bad behavior committed. Correction should be done as he is making the mistake so he will understand that what he is doing is not good. Reprimanding the dog also draws attention to the difference between what is wrong and what is right. For example, he finds dirt on the street and starts eating it. Scold him right then and there. Then bring dog food before him and encourage him to eat that instead. When he does, lavish him with praise.

Dog obedience training should only be done in 15 minute sessions for maximum efficacy. Be repetitive and consistent in the commands you teach him. Also, make sure you don't keep a strict schedule in your training. If training is done only at a certain period in the day, the animal will put on the obedient mode during that time alone. Teach him in sessions interspersed throughout the day.

People find the stunts that dogs pull in movies amazing. But remember, they all started with the simplest command too. You can start the same and work your way up. Be patient and consistent and you will see your pet advance to trickier commands like fetch, roll over, attack before long. Employ the same principles as outlined in this article and you will succeed in the harder tasks as you did in the basic ones.

Now you are in possession of the secrets experts use in their advanced obedience training dog school. All you have to do is to find Fido and get on your way to dog obedience success!

Original Post: Dogs Advice

Advanced Obedience Training Made Easy

Have you ever read about crate training dogs? It sounds like an inhumane act to dogs who don't do as they're told. Surprisingly, it's actually the contrary. Crate training is a good method of training based on the dogs' natural need for security.

It is said that wolves are the dogs' ancestors of old. This may or may not be factual but it still stands true that dogs are animals who lived in the open spaces before we adopted them into our homes. In the wild where there are dangers and perils at every turn- these dogs found caves and dens as a shelter and nesting area. This is the foundation of training dogs to use their crates in stressful and overly busy environments

Many who use crate training can attest to its stress relieving effects for the canine. This also helps in house training the dogs by keeping them in check within a limited area. This will protect the animals from harming themselves, other people and things around the house. Going to the vet or travelling for long distances will not anymore be a problem with a crate trained dog safely tucked in his enclosed space.

Not all dogs can be crate trained. There are pets who have experienced severe trauma in the past with confined boxes. They will be difficult to calm down, thus making this method of training virtually useless. Some of the larger dogs panic when the door closes in and they break the crate altogether. And many owners are just uneasy with having living animals stuck in such an enclosed space.

Crate training dogs is really dependent on how the owner feels about it. If you hate thinking of your dog in such a confined space then its best to forgo this. However, if you think you and your dog can benefit from a little discipline and space crate training will afford you, then read on to see how to accomplish this the best possible way.

Look for a good site to place the crate in. It has to be in a room where people will be in like the living area or the bedroom. Purchase a good sized crate and put the dog's favorite play things inside. As the dog makes its way in the crate, do not immediately shut the door. Stroke him and speak to him reassuringly for a few days. Feed him while he is in the box. When all seems alright, start closing the door for several minutes. Make sure you are still in the room wehere he can see and hear you. If the dog cries and gets upset, wait for him to settle down before opening the door. Do not rush the process. It is a little scary for the pet so you need to be patient in introducing the concept to him.

For crate training to be successful, never use it as a form of punishment to the dog. This should be a place he seeks out to be safe and calm. If the dog is finally accustomed to being alone in the crate, you can try leaving the house in short intervals and see how he reacts to this. If there is no trouble, then you have a crate trained dog in your hands. Now you have freedom from constantly being anxious of your pet's situation. More than that, your dog has found a haven of peace and security he can go to to escape from all of life's stress and busyness.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

The Best Gift For Your Pet – Crate Training Dogs

The Treeing Walker Coonhound gained recognition as an independent dog breed in the mid 1940s. The breed is an offshoot of the Tennessee Lead, a dog whose origins cannot be traced, and the Walker Hound. It is a direct descendant of the English Foxhounds imported by Thomas Walker of Virginia in 1974.

Thomas Walker brought the foxhounds to Virginia in an attempt to introduce and establish the foxhunting tradition in America. However, it was not until a few years later before a great number of the population practiced it. Roof rats, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, opossums, bobcats, cougars, and bears " these are only some of the Treeing Walker Coonhounds favorite prey.

They chase and catch squirrels, raccoons, opossums, skunks, roof rats, bobcats, and even bears. They are famous for their ability to tree their prey and when given the appropriate training, they will be able to bay distinctively, telling its human companion that the chase is over and the prey has been cornered. They are designed to be hunters and learn that skill on their own so they are not very good urban and suburban pets.

Although dogs of this breed are unstoppable and seem to never get tired, they are totally efficient and naturally affectionate. Treeing Walker Coonhounds love warm climates and are naturally athletic so they fancy swimming and running around. Because they are one with the other breed of dogs that are remarkably agile, you will almost never find them sunbathing or lying around to take naps.

Walker Coonhounds coats smooth, short, and are bicolor or tricolor. They have sturdy shoulders and lean, straight legs and they usually weigh 50-70 pounds with body width that is at around 20-28 inches. They have ears that are larger than their heads and most people would usually mistake them for oversized beagles.

Coonhounds prefer the outdoors and physical activities so they cannot live well in apartments. If owners are living in apartments, they have to see to it that they can take their dogs on regular walks and have them play and run around in open spaces regularly. Treeing Walker Coonhounds become uneasy without physical and mental exercise.

Although they are hunting and working dogs by nature, they also make good companions as they can deal with children and other dogs quite well. Training Walker Coonhounds is easy as they are able to learn tricks and routines by example but they are classified as scent hounds so there will be times when they will follow their noses rather than follow their human trainer. Their howls are so distinct, owners can easily recognize their own pet when they hear them bay.

Treeing Walker Coonhounds live for 12 to 13 years. They hardly develop major health issues and needs very minimal grooming. Walker Coonhounds need occasional bathing and their ears should also be cleaned and checked for infection regularly.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

Learn More about Your Treeing Walker Coonhound

There's no question in the popularity of the Golden Retriever and the Labrador but sadly, there is a less popular breed out there that's more excellent as a retriever in both land and water. This outstanding breed is called the Flat Coated Retriever and it hails from the United Kingdom. This breed was thought to have first existed during the middle of 19th century, was introduced in 1860 in the United States but only received stability as a breed 20 years later.

The Flat Coated Retriever was developed to be a versatile hunting dog by means of retrieving shot games both on land and water and other tasks expected of a working dog. From then till now, this breed enjoys a steady stream of fanciers as it is not only an excellent companion in hunting but as a family pet and animal friend as well. Whence outdoors it has a terrific nose for game, inside the house it is a loving and devoted companion to the family that owns it.

Compared to the Golden Retriever and Labrador, the Flat Coated Retriever is more useful but it has a disadvantage when it comes to training as it is slightly more difficult to teach. Moreover, it is the type of breed that gets bored quickly especially at lessons that gets repetitive and slow. To keep its interest, each training session should be interesting, fun, short and varied.

Patience is needed in training this breed because it is not receptive of negative reinforcements and harsh corrections. This breed is very welcoming to other people and it is never the one to start a fight and because of it, the Flat Coated Retriever does not make a really good watch dog. Additionally, its friendliness can extend as far as being with harmony with all animals such as cats, smaller creatures and other breed of dogs.

The Flat Coated Retriever is a very kind breed and it always beams with a sunny disposition. It undeniably makes an ideal companion for it is outgoing, friendly, gentle, playful and devoted. It is playful and patient around children, however, small children must be watched carefully around this breed because its energetic disposition may knock them over.

From puppyhood to adulthood, the Flat Coated Retriever's energy and playfulness is just tireless and because of this, it is dubbed as the "Peter Pan of dogs". Moreover, this breed loves to display its affection towards humans and animals by means of kissing them. Towards humans, it frequently kisses their faces just to show affection and towards other dogs, it has what people call the "float-coat kiss" because they unusually lick each others' mouths as a form of greeting.

For a dog as active as the Flat Coated Retriever, a constant stream of activities and exercise are needed in order to maintain and stimulate its mental and physical health. Inside the house, it might be dormant or less active but once outside the house, it displays its natural restless and playful self. Even though this breed is an excellent gundog, it nearly entered extinction during World War I due to its fading popularity in comparison to the Labrador and Golden Retriever but luckily, some fervent believers revived this breed and until now, careful breeding is still being done in order to keep its existence afloat.

There are several breeds that are said to have contributed to the stability of the Flat Coated's breed and they are the: Collie-types for increased trainability, Newfoundland for strength, and Setter for stronger sniffing ability. This breed is called Flat Coated because its single coated fur is indeed flat, medium-length, lustrous and dense. The main and standard colors of this breed are solid black and solid liver, however, there are some that appear cream and yellow and these are considered as disqualifications by the breed standard.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

The Flat Coated Retriever: Excellent Retriever on Land and Water

With the commercial pet food industry being under the gun in recent times, it can be hard for any of us to believe that we will not be seeing more pet food recalls in the near future. The sad truth is that the dog food we buy in the stores has the potential to cause extreme illness to our dogs.

The pot food industry has a tall task on their hands of trying to restore any confidence in commercial dog food. Many pet owners won't risk using commercial dog food ever again because of what happened.

Many pet owners lost their dogs - someone they considered members of their families - over tainted dog food incidents. Many dog lovers will never trust the commercialized dog food industry ever again.

The problem isn't just with dog food that has been recalled - it extends far beyond this. Commercial dog food is produced in a way that would make most people cringe. Since it's all about cutting costs for the companies they put in all sorts of fillers that have been linked to all sorts of health problems.

There has been a big push for us as humans to eat better and feed ourselves wholesome, unprocessed foods so that we can live long and healthy lives. This makes great sense - the food we put in our body is the fuel that gets us through each day.

It's easy not to think the same way when we are choosing out food for our dog. Many people are so used to just grabbing a bag of food whenever they run out. However, food plays just as important of a role in a dog's life.

Some of the ingredients in commercial dog food have no place in a dog's system. They are unreliable and extremely unhealthy.

Corn gluten meal is a by-product. This is added to absorb the toxins of the food as it is being cooked and processed. Unforunately dogs don't digest corn very well. In fact, corn is one of the biggest causes of allergies in dogs. The reason many commercial dog food companies use corn is because it is a very cheap source of protein and is used as filler in the food.

Another disturbing ingredient used in dog food is chicken by-product meal. Where this comes from is sickening - it is made up of chickens feet, intestines, necks etc. Again, it is an inexpensive ingredient that they are trying to claim is a source of protein. However, the protein is useless and this also has the potential to be tainted or toxic.

Many dog foods include soybean meal in order to provide a source of protein. The ingredient itself isn't unhealthy, however soybean is the number one cause of allergies in dogs. It just doesn't make sense to include this considering how many dogs are allergic to it.

We could list several more ingredients, but I'm sure you get the point. The dog food you find in the stores is made up of such low quality ingredients that can put your dog's health at risk. The companies aren't looking to include the best ingredients for your pup - they just want to make as much money as they can.

When you do your research about feeding your dog the right foods, you will be amazed at the changes you see. Your dogs mood, energy levels, skin, bathroom habits and even their behavior will improve. It's amazing what a change in diet will do.

Does this mean that you can't ever use store-bought dog food? Of course not, but you absolutely must know what to look for. We included a link at the bottom of this article where you can find more information.

There are resources available to begin feeding your dog with food that is not only tasty, but also nutritious to their dietary needs. You want your dog to live a long, happy and healthy life - do what you can to help them out by feeding them the right diet.

Original Post: Dogs Advice

The Shocking Truth About Dog Food You Absolutely Must Know