The term ‘raw meaty bones’ refers to many types of animal parts and organs with muscle tissue functions, including the heart, poultry gizzards, skin, tongue, stomach tissue, lungs, raw intestine, and throat, tendons, etc. These ingredients are readily available in supermarkets, and they can be a great addition to the usual meats provided to give your dog a more comprehensive level of nutrition.

Raw meaty bones are divided into Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods (BARF), and the other is called Prey Model Raw (PRM). No matter which one you choose, these meats, including bones, liver, and endocrine organs, are raw.

Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods (BARF)

Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods (BARF) is a raw meat diet that conforms to canine biology. This diet consists of 70% meat, 10% bones, 5% liver, 5% endocrine organs, 7% vegetables, 2% nuts and 1% fruit composition. Throughout long-term evolution, dogs have become omnivores for access to many essential nutrients, especially vitamin E. Meat for your dog can be selected from all meat varieties that we consume as humans, which can be particularly handy for those living in cities. 

Prey Model Raw (PRM)

Prey Model Raw (PRM) is a raw bone and meat diet based on predators. According to petfoodsherpa, this diet consists of 80% meat, 10% bone, 5% liver, and 5% endocrine organs. This type strives to restore a dog’s canine ancestors’ natural diet structure as closely as possible. It includes whole birds, hares, other wild animals, furs and feathers, etc., and the choice of species needs to be more abundant. In the United States, dog owners who live in rural areas or have a lifestyle that incorporates hunting habits are more suited for this method.

Why Feed Raw Meaty Bones to Dogs

Many people may believe that being that there are so many dog food choices these days, it’s unnecessary to go to the trouble of providing a raw meaty bones diet. Some veterinarians do not believe that a raw meaty bones diet for dogs is an unacceptable feeding method. There are many perspectives on this topic, and primarily it comes down to personal belief and preference. In this article, we’ll focus on the reasons you may want to consider this diet for your dog.

BARF Ingredient Ratios

70% Meat

Meat is an essential part of a dog’s diet. It provides a daily energy source for the dog and is also rich in various essential amino acids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Duck, turkey, pork, beef, and lamb are all excellent meat choices for dogs. Plus, if your sensibilities as a dog owner permit it, rabbit, quail, venison, etc., can provide them with further beneficial dietary diversity.

10% Raw Bones for Dogs

Raw bones are an essential source of calcium, which plays a significant role in your dog’s health – plus, it can clean their teeth to a certain extent as they chew. Although it only needs to contain 10% bones, this proportion of raw bones for dogs needs to be bones with meat. It can be tricky to ascertain the right proportion of raw bones to provide for your dog when you are new to this diet concept, but take your time to gradually learn and experiment to find the most suitable food habits and needs for your dog.

The legs, wings, necks, claws, and poultry skeletons are all very suitable ingredients for dogs of various body types. Small dogs are better to eat chicken, whereas, for medium dogs, you could choose duck or turkey. For large dogs, choose pig, cow, and sheep ribs and tails. Load-bearing bones, spine bones, and some bones with hard bone density (such as turkey legs) are not suitable for feeding and can easily damage your dog’s teeth. Any cooked and smoked bones are easily broken and are not ideal for feeding your dogs.

The presence of bones in such meats varies and must be considered when deciding which to use. For example, the proportion of bones in chicken feet and duck feet is approximately 50%, the proportion of bones in duck necks is around 60%, and in pig’s tails, it’s about 30%. It is better for older dogs to choose crushed bones, and for dogs who eat big mouthfuls, you should also choose ingredients that are not easily swallowed at once – alternatively, you can freeze the food to slow down your dog’s eating speed to avoid choking while eating.

5% Liver

Liver provides necessary fat-soluble vitamins and minerals. However, the proportion of liver you provide mustn’t exceed 5% of your dog’s food; otherwise, it may lead to excessive intake of vitamin A. For some sensitive dogs, it may be necessary to reduce the proportion and gradually introduce the liver appropriately. Chicken liver, pork liver, beef liver, etc., are very common in supermarkets and at reasonable prices.

5% Endocrine organs

The endocrine organs are also rich in nutrients, and there are many choices, especially in supermarkets where you can find a variety of the visceral tissues you need. Kidney, Spleen, Pancreas, Brain, Thymus, Testicles, Ovaries, etc., are all endocrine organs, and you can choose according to yours and your dog’s preferences.

7% Vegetables

There is no reason to avoid upping your dog’s daily vegetable intake for dogs who love vegetables. But for some picky dogs, it may be tricky to get them to eat any at all. However, the nutrients in vegetables are not provided by meat-only diets, so incorporating vegetables into your dog’s diet must be persevered with.

Vegetables include plant pigments, low GI, and starch. Plant pigments mean that dogs should eat vegetables of various colors, such as peppers, tomatoes (without any stems and leaves), carrots, cucumbers, eggplants, ginger, etc. These different plant pigments are essential to the health of dogs. Low GI vegetables promote low glycemic index and include green leafy vegetables, spinach, kale, etc., and starchy vegetables can provide energy for dogs. Some dogs cannot eat high-fat diets to maintain energy, and in this case, they need to supplement with starchy sweet potatoes, beets, and pumpkins appropriately.

A dog’s digestive system finds it very difficult to digest vegetables. If they are fed directly, they will be excreted directly without digestion. Therefore, you must do some preparatory work when feeding your dog vegetables to aid nutrient absorption. Green leafy vegetables are tough to digest. You can use a wall breaker to make a paste of raw vegetables and store them in the refrigerator. Root vegetables such as sweet potatoes and pumpkins are best steamed before serving.

Because there are different vegetables and your dog only needs to eat a small amount every day, you can make full use of what you can’t eat and prepare that for the dog! Carrot leaves, broccoli stems, and peeled vegetable skins can all be used for your dog.

2% Nuts

Nuts are rich in fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids, and as we humans recognize, these ingredients hardly require any preparation. The easiest nuts and seeds you could buy for your dog are Chia, Ground Flaxseed, and Hemp Hearts, all of which can be added directly to your dog’s meal. 

1% Fruit

Fruits are rich in antioxidants. Although they are not essential foods for dogs, for many, fruits are incredibly delicious snacks. But what owners should remember is that it is not recommended to feed too much fruit to dogs because of the high sugar content. It is recommended to choose fruits with low sugar content such as blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. It is also important to avoid fruits with pits for obvious reasons.

Feeding Amount of Raw Meaty Bones for Dogs

The ideal amount of raw meaty bones to feed your dog every day is approximately 2% to 3% of body weight, which needs to be adjusted according to the amount of exercise your dog gets. If your dog exercises a lot, raw meaty bones should naturally be fed more. If your dog needs to lose weight, you can also reduce feeding, and if your dog starts to lose weight, you can increase it appropriately. This ratio of raw meaty bones for dogs can only be adjusted accurately after long-term feeding. Each dog’s health requirements are different, and for their owner, these ratios require some trial and error before perfecting.

Extra Fish and Shellfish

Fish and shellfish (such as shrimp) are also a great addition to your dog’s daily diet. Still, because fish typically provides a dog with very simple nutrition and very little energy, it should only be an accompaniment to their daily feed. Fish contains a lot of fatty acids, which can provide healthy skin and hair for dogs. It is recommended to choose sardines, mackerel, herring, etc. The lower the food chain, the less mercury is contained in the fish.

Shellfish are also very important. They can provide essential minerals and other elements for dogs. Mussels and oysters are more suitable for feeding, but it is necessary to remember that they must be shelled and cooked before they can be given. Buying canned boiled oysters at the supermarket is also a good choice. 

The Benefits of Raw Meaty Bones for Dogs 

1. Your dog will be healthier, and anal gland, skin disease, allergy, ear smell, and ear canal diseases will be significantly reduced. Your dog’s feces will also become far less odorous. Simultaneously, raw meaty bones for dogs can considerably reduce the dog’s body odor and breath. 

2. Balance your dog’s bodily energy. Cooked food calms the dog, while the raw meat makes the dog more active than before. 

3. Cooked food frequently causes dental problems. Feeding raw meaty bones will keep your dog’s teeth clean naturally, which can reduce dental diseases. 

4. Raw meaty bones for dogs significantly reduces their chemical intake, such as preservatives in processed dog food. 

5. Long-term feeding of raw meaty bones for dogs will ensure no lack of calcium. 

6. Raw meaty bones for dogs can provide maximum energy, complete vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, yeast, protein, and carbohydrates. After cooking, high temperatures destroy these vitamins, yeast, and antioxidants, cause protein indigestibility and cause the loss of amino acids.

Article written by Author: Elsa Smith

If your dog were a wild dog, he’d spend his days hunting with his dog pack. He’d use his nose to sniff out prey and his eyesight to single out which prey animal his pack should go after. He and the other dogs would carefully plan a strategy for their hunt, work together, use their wits and physical speed and strength to get their meal. 

Hunting is the primary way wild dogs exercise their minds and bodies. But in your home, your dog’s pre-meal exercise may consist of getting up off the couch or coming in from the yard. And as for strategy — well, mostly, he spends his time trying to figure out how to make you feed him more often. 

Canine behaviorists say our dogs may be missing out on something important by not having to work for their food. The mental and physical exercise is good for them, and there is nothing dogs enjoy more than a task or a treasure hunt that ends in a meal. 

How Can you Get Your Dog to Work for a Meal? 

Interactive toys are one easy way. There are balls and cubes and rubber blobs sold at most pet supply stores that you can stuff with food. The dog must then manipulate the toy to get the food out. Choose a toy where the food comes out one bit at a time, so your dog has to work to get his supper. 

You can also feed dry dog food one piece at a time. Toss the kibbles one by one across the floor, so your dog has to chase each bite. Mix this up with tricks and commands, such as sit, stay, and rollover, so your dog is working for his meal and practicing his training at the same time. 

Set up a treasure hunt, where your dog must search for little food caches you’ve hidden around the house. Start by placing him in a room and shut the door. Then divide up his meal into several small portions and hide them where they’re not too easy — but not too hard — to find. Leave a trail of kibble bits from one cache to the next, let your dog out, and tell him, “find it!” He may need help at first, so point out the food trail and encourage him to follow it (eating as he goes). Use lots of praise and make it a game. Eventually, you can place the food hints farther and farther apart and then stop giving hints altogether, so your dog will have to use his nose to find his supper. Just like his wild cousins!

Article written by Author: Beth Adelman

Jacqueline Whitmore is not only an etiquette expert — she’s also the owner of two dogs, one of which, a 22-pound King Charles, pretty much goes everywhere she goes. She’s taken him to Bloomingdale’s, Office Depot, and even to her local grocery store, so long as he’s hanging out in his comfy dog carrier.  But Whitmore, the Palm Beach, Florida-based author of Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work (St. Martin’s Press), says she draws the line at dining out with him if she hasn’t had time to check out the restaurant’s pet policy in advance, either with a call or a visit.

Etiquette For Dog-Friendly Restaurants

• Know Your Dog 

To have an enjoyable meal out, your dog has to be okay around crowds, noises, and strangers, Whitmore says. “Many people will come up and pet him while I’m dining out, and that’s okay because he is docile. But you have to know your dog’s personality before you head out to eat.” The last thing you want him to do is to snap at a couple at an adjacent table while eating or spending the entire meal sniffing around a fellow patron’s ankles. If your dog might be a snapper or a sniffer, consider enrolling it in a basic obedience class before you venture out.

• Keep Your Dog’s Dining Needs In Mind 

“Your dog is your dining partner,” Whitmore says. “When you order water, order water for him too. Just don’t assume the restaurant will supply a bowl. Be sure to bring one yourself.” Or, if you’ve forgotten one, most servers will bring a take-out container filled with water. Be sure to tip them for the effort.

• Mind Your and Your Dog’s Manners While Dining with Dogs

“If your dog isn’t well-trained and won’t sit quietly by your side or at a safe distance, don’t bring him,” says Daisy Okas, a spokesperson for the American Kennel Club. “He shouldn’t lie in the way of the wait staff, bark, jump on people, beg for food from other patrons’ tables or pull at the leash.” Your dog should never stand on a chair or put any part of its body on the table.

• Never Allow the Dog to Eat From Your Plate

“This is a major faux pas,” Whitmore says. “If I don’t have my dish, I’ll ask the restaurant for a plastic cup, and I’ll put that on the floor with food in it.” FYI: There are some health reasons to consider if you allow your dog to eat off your plate. “There could be different bacterial or intestinal parasites being spread from the dog to the plate,” says Susan Nelson, DVM, assistant professor at Kansas State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas. “Plus, it just plain grosses people out.” Consider this: If you allow your dog to sit on your lap and feed it bites from the table, this sets a bad precedent. “This will teach your dog that it’s okay to be fed from a table, and they’ll then learn to beg,” Whitmore says. “I set boundaries with my dog. His place is by my feet — always.”

• Make Sure You’re Dining with Dogs In a Safe Place

Many city health codes don’t allow a dog to be inside any outdoor seating area where food is served, so be prepared to tie your dog to a railing or fence while eating. “Neither scenario is ideal,” says Okas. “I would advise avoiding any restaurant where your dog can’t be tied or, at the very least, kept in your direct line of sight. If you are even slightly uneasy about the situation, I wouldn’t chance it. No meal is worth the headache of having something happen to your precious dog.”

Article written by Author: Lambeth Hochwald

When dog owner George Kingsley of Brooklyn, N.Y., took his five-year-old Pug Sophie to a friend’s holiday party last December, he was looking forward to the punch. What he didn’t expect was that Sophie would enjoy it as much as he did. “People were eating while standing, so they were holding their plates and forks and resting their plastic cups full of vodka and cranberry punch on the floor. There was music playing, so no one heard Sophie darting around the room, lapping up their drinks. I’m not sure how much she’d had by the time I noticed,” recalls Kingsley.

While alcohol, like other recreational drugs, can be life-threatening to dogs, Sophie suffered only uncharacteristic hyperactivity in the few hours following her binge. Not all dogs fare so well during the holiday season. “The most common holiday-related food problem we see in dogs is chocolate toxicity,” says Dr. Cynthia Hoeft, DVM, of the Eagle Fern Veterinary Hospital in Estacada, Ore. “People have a box of chocolate during the holidays, and it sits out on the coffee table—the dog tears through the wrappers. If you’ve got a dog, don’t leave chocolates within its reach,” she advises. Read on for more doggy don’ts and do’s to keep your dog’s health hearty throughout this, and any other, festive season.

• Don’t Change Your Dog’s Diet

Hoeft recommends that dogs consume quality commercial dog food regularly, no matter the time of year. Substituting people food because you’ve got leftovers can only potentially do your dog harm. “We’re concerned especially about spicy foods, which can create problems in the intestinal tract, and fatty foods, even a small amount of which can cause pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening. Ingesting bones is also a danger. They can get stuck or puncture the intestinal tract.”

• Do Give an Occasional Holiday Treat

Treating should supply no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake to minimize weight gain. That said, it’s perfectly healthy to buy your furry friend a holiday-inspired cookie prepared especially for dogs. (These can often be found at specialty pet stores.) It’s also safe to give your dog a small serving of white meat, turkey, or chicken — without the skin.

• Don’t Stock Up on Poinsettias

Holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and Christmas cacti are toxic to dogs. If you choose to have these in your home, keep them out of mouth’s reach of your dog. The same holds for Christmas accouterments not found in nature. For example, dogs may try to ingest tinsel and small lights, leading to choking or gastrointestinal difficulties.

• Do Take Out the Garbage

With all the food around this time of year, some of it is bound to end up in the trash, soiled and ripe with mold. And there may be nothing closer to your dog’s heart than stinky rubbish. “Systemic problems can result from a dog eating food garbage,” says Hoeft, “It depends on the type of mold, but it can negatively impact a dog’s organs.” Having guests for dinner? Take the garbage out soon after they depart.

• Don’t Let Your Guests Feed Your Dog

Admonishing your nearest and dearest to keep their dinner rolls to themselves might not be your favorite part of the evening. Still, nobody said being a responsible dog owner was fun. “If you’re not comfortable making a blanket statement about not feeding the dog, be around the dog during the party for as long as you can, and then put him in a back room for the rest of the night,” advises Hoeft.

• Do Call Your Veterinarian

If your dog ingests something you suspect is toxic, call your veterinarian immediately. “There are things you can do if it was just ingested,” says Hoeft. “It’s best to address the problem early.” Foods that are dangerous for 

dogs include grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, chocolate, tea, cola, cocoa beans, garlic, and onions. Other off-limits ingredients include caffeine, salt, uncooked yeast dough, and Xylitol, a sugar substitute that can cause canine liver failure.

While indulging your dog’s desire to sample every food within smelling distance might bring about minutes of glee, the long-term impact can be anything but blissful. Sticking to the don’ts and do’s of a dog’s nutritional health — regardless of the dates on the calendar — will ensure that every season with your dog is a jolly one.

Article written by Author: Darcy Lockman

• Chat to Your Dog While They Are Eating

Annalisa Shah makes mealtime unique for her four Labradors by petting each of their sides while they eat. “I know it makes them happy because their tails start wagging so fast,” says Shah. Thought and care should go into the meals you serve your dog, as they do when serving your family. Every mealtime gives you the chance to provide nutrition and nurture that special bond while feeding your dog.

Shah makes sure she offers encouragement as the dogs eat: “I usually say things like ‘You are such a good girl or boy,’ since those words seem to make them happier.”

Mealtime comes soon after Shah’s alarm rings in the morning. “Anyone who knows Labs knows they love to eat,” says Shah. “They get fed in a specific order, and they wait until their food is poured. It’s very routine.”

• Be Patient and Predictable When Feeding Dogs

With seven large dogs, Paul Caster’s feeding times can get a bit hectic. “One trick we learned a long time ago was to train each dog to sit and wait until it’s released before getting dinner. This has to be continually reinforced, but it saves a lot of trouble,” says Caster.

Caster knows senior dogs can be picky eaters, so he was willing to adjust when his Irish Wolfhound stopped approaching meals with relish. “Frodo is a susceptible, 106-pound puppy. He just wanted me to hold his dish while he ate,” says Caster. “Moral of the story: Before you rush your pup to the veterinarian when it stops eating, give it a little extra attention, and you’ll see what happens.”

• Spread out Your Dog’s Feeding

Monica Anthony separates food for her 10-year-old Labrador Retriever and 7-month-old Doberman Pinscher into portions throughout the day. “Both my dogs are fed meals three times a day, along with stuffed Kongs twice per day,” says Anthony. “Spreading out mealtimes helps keep the Lab’s weight in check since she is not as hungry. It also allows the puppy to digest the high volume of food required as she grows.”

Anthony works to keep consistent feeding times. After her dogs exercise, she makes sure they get an hour of quiet time before feeding them again. Access to clean water is a must. She keeps things neat by placing a shoe tray from a dollar store under the food. She also buys water bowls that are large enough to contain splashes and splatters.

“If your dog is older and tall, consider raised feeding dishes,” advises Anthony. “They allow our Lab to eat and drink in comfort.”

• Accommodate Your Dog’s Tastes

Truffles, a 6-year-old Havanese, enjoys drinking cold water. So her owner, Dr. Debra Jaliman, adds a few ice chips to Truffles’ water bowl at mealtimes. She also coats Truffles’ dry kibble with wet dog food. “I try to feed Truffles before I feed the family. Otherwise, Truffles gets antsy,” says Jaliman.

• Make Meals a Challenge For Your Dog

Joan Hunter Mayer, a certified professional dog trainer in Ventura, Calif., makes sure her 8-year-old Chihuahua mix finds mealtimes stimulating. She suggests stuffing interactive food toys, such as Kongs, with your dog’s food. “This is an ideal way for your dog to have meals,” says Mayer. “These are toys that are meant for dry foods as well as wet foods. Instead of always feeding it out of a bowl, allowing your dog to engage in these productive, challenging, and enjoyable activities taps into your dog’s natural predatory drive making mealtime fun.”

Engaging your dog at mealtimes will allow you to feel closer, and it will make the experience more enjoyable overall.

10 Rules for Feeding Your Dog, from Lisa Peterson, a spokesperson for the American Kennel Club.

1. Don’t Let Your Dog Guard its Food

Some dogs are like vacuum cleaners. Walk them, and you’ll notice: any scraps of food (or discarded chewing gum, cigarette butts, etc.) go straight from the sidewalk into their mouths. “You need to be able to step in and remove food from a dog when necessary for safety’s sake,” says Peterson. To help your dog tolerate your behavior, it’s necessary from puppy-hood to train your dog to let its food go. Feed your puppy, and then remove the food after a few bites. Replace the dish and remove it again. You can train your older dog in the same manner, rewarding it for sitting calmly until you replace the food.

2. Don’t Feed Your Puppy at the Same Time as Your Adult Dog

If you’ve got multiple dogs, the older dog will most likely want to be treated like the king. “I tell people with an older dog to feed the dogs separately until the puppy is a year or so,” says Peterson. “The puppy should be trained to eat food in his crate.” The puppy needs to learn its place, and this feeding style will facilitate the process.

3. Don’t Tease a Dog When it’s Eating

While you may not be tempted to pull your furry friend’s tail during dinner, your toddler or young child might. “Parents need to be aware that children shouldn’t be near the dog when it’s eating,” says Peterson. The child may jar the dog or get in its face. This disruption can lead to a dog choking, gagging, or merely becoming frustrated enough to lash out at the child — not a safe situation for your dog or toddler.

4. Don’t Walk Your Dog After Dinner

Your dog should not have a walk right after a meal. Peterson advises waiting at least 15 to 30 minutes after feeding to exercise your dog. “Just a little time to digest,” she says. This delay after meals is essential for all dogs, especially for deep-chested dogs such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, Boxers, and Dachshunds. All of them are prone to bloating, a dangerous condition that can have severe health consequences.

5. Don’t Give Your Dog Human Food

A begging dog can be hard to resist (that sweet face, those sad eyes), but your dog doesn’t know how dangerous the meal you’re eating can be. Grapes, raisins, chocolate, and onions: each of these can be toxic to your dog in large enough quantities. Sometimes excessive fat in meats or dairy products can cause digestive distress. Given that it’s hard to know how your dog will react to human food, the best rule to follow, says Peterson, is no table scraps whatsoever.

6. Don’t Prepare Your Dog’s Food Yourself

Commercial dog foods are prepared with the right amount of calories and the necessary combinations of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Achieving that combination yourself is unlikely. Dogs are carnivores. Their bodies are made to assimilate protein. Says Peterson, “Prepared kibble or canned food is balanced nutrition.”

7. Don’t Mix Prepared Foods

Are you trying to save money on your pet’s food? Please don’t do it by mixing high-quality dog food with a lower quality one. Often, premium foods are packed with nutrients and require less food to be fed, making them a good buy.

8. Don’t Feed On Plastic

Casual observation has demonstrated that dogs prefer ceramic bowls, followed by stainless steel. Plastic bowls are too easy to chew, especially for puppies, likely to gnaw on anything in sight. The bowl should not be a part of your dog’s meal. Plastic dishes can also harbor bacteria and retain odors, leading to allergic reactions or even your dog’s rejection of its food.

9. Don’t Over-Treat or Over-Supplement

Too many treats will lead to unhealthy excess pounds. Too many vitamins can also have unintended consequences. Ask your veterinarian about whether your dog needs any extras before starting it on a regimen of supplements.

10. Make Mealtime Fun for Your Dog

Treats to a dog can be like dessert to us. Treats, by their very nature, are a tasty reward associated with good behavior and good times. Kathy Miller, director of ForPaws Corgi Rescue Online, advises that you buy nutritious treats formulated especially for dogs instead of feeding people food. Better yet, “We use the dog’s regular food as their primary treat!” Peterson also does this with her pets.

Feeding time can be training and playtime all at once. Miller, for example, begins by asking her dogs if they want a “yummy dinner.” Her dog Bart knows what this phrase means “and goes nuts.” Miller then runs him through a small battery of basic commands, such as sit and lie down, before Bart gets to chow down. The routine reinforces good behavior with good food, which benefits both dogs and owners.

To avoid boredom, Peterson also sometimes hides her dog’s kibble around the house. “I place it under the sofa, behind the TV, just anywhere where my dog can easily 

retrieve it but will face a little challenge finding the food.” The edible hide-and-go-seek serves as behavioral enrichment, stimulating your dog’s natural food-finding skills.

Should I Leave Food Out For My Dog All Day?

Free-feeding is when food is freely made available to your dog, and they then decide when they will eat. According to Peterson, this is another no-no. When you have a feeding schedule for your dog, you are providing them with an essential routine.

Article written by Author: Darcy Lockman, Elijah Merrill, Kim Boatman, and The Dog Daily Expert

Gravy For Dogs

When Laura Alderman‘s elderly dog’s kidneys began to fail, a veterinarian advised the San Antonio resident to encourage her pet to drink as much water as possible. Increasing water uptake was no easy task until Alderman had a lightbulb moment: Her dog loved gravy. She watered down some commercial dog gravy, offered it to her dog, and the liquid was gone in no time.

Can You Give a Dog Gravy?

Enticing your dog to drink its water is just one of many uses for dog gravy, which is now prepared by leading pet food manufacturers.

Here Are Five Other Ways You Can Incorporate These Savory and Nutritious Gravies Into Your Dog’s Life and Diet.

1. Enhance Meals With Dog Gravy 

Lisa Peterson, a well-known dog breeder and spokesperson for the American Kennel Club, says for some dogs, “Eating cold food out of a can is comparable to eating cold canned tuna straight out of the fridge: filling, but not very satisfying.”  To turn a ho-hum meal into a mini-masterpiece, add dog gravy to dry or wet dog food and microwave until just warm, or for about 30 seconds.

2. Add Variety To Your Dog’s Food 

According to Peterson, changing foods and even flavors can be tricky. However, all such switches should incorporate a transitional period because dogs can be creatures of habit, not unlike humans and other animals. An easy way to maintain your dog’s diet while still adding a bit of new zip? Top your buddy’s food with gravy. Manufacturers are now offering dog gravies in such flavors as pot roast, bacon, and country chicken — enough to get the mouth of both you and your dog watering. (But dog gravies are specially formulated for canines.)

3. Sneak Medicine Into The Dog Gravy 

Your dog may go to great lengths not to take prescribed pills, but accepting a spoonful of yummy gravy is another story. “Just put a pill in the middle of a spoon and pour some gravy over it,” Peterson instructs. “Your dog will probably lap it up in one lick.”

4. Supplement Your Dog’s Nutrition 

While quality commercial pet foods are formulated to include just the right amount of nutrients, dog gravy can supplement them without disrupting regular mealtimes or adding too much fat. Look for pet gravies that contain 3 percent or more protein, 1.5 percent or more fiber, and moisture not exceeding 90 percent.

5. Incorporate Dog Gravy Into Training Sessions 

What’s better than a dog biscuit reward? A dog biscuit that has a bit of gravy on it says Peterson. Canines can connect rewards to positive behavior, as can humans. Humans note the reward’s quality and size; for example, if a friend does a little favor for you, you may reward him or her with a small gift, but if your friend goes all out, you may offer an even bigger gift. Use this psychology when adding gravy to dog biscuits during training, saving the extra yum-o factor when your dog earns an A+, or in this case, a biscuit plus gravy.

The Dos and Don’ts of Feeding Gravy To Dogs

Don’t ever feed gravy meant for humans to your dog. It often contains too much salt and could include ingredients, like onions, that are toxic for dogs.

Do select a gravy for dogs that is appropriate for your pet’s stage of life. Sauces are

often made specifically for puppies, adults, and mature dogs. Check labels to make sure you choose the right one.

Do store gravies for your dog in the refrigerator after opening. They will generally last for up to a month.

Don’t ever substitute dog gravy for an actual meal. Like salad dressing, gravy for dogs is meant to be an addition to food and not replace it. Once you start using sauces for your dog, you’ll likely find that they’re a handy staple. Alderman keeps a stash in her refrigerator for her elderly canine and her younger dogs, which now crave a bit of gravy each day.

Article written by Author: The Dog Daily Expert

Selecting the right kibble for your dog can be an overwhelming task. After all, there are dozens of choices on the market these days. To help simplify your decision, ask yourself these seven questions:

1. What Life Stage is Your Dog?

This is an important initial question, as it will then help narrow your choices, says Korinn E. Saker, DVM, president of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition. Puppies, for instance, should be on a growth diet, which will contain the proper nutrients for their rapid development. An adult maintenance diet may be best for healthy adults, and senior dogs will thrive on food made specifically for their geriatric needs.  However, Only 11 percent of U.S. pet owners consider their pet’s age when determining which formula to feed their pet. “I always tell my patients that healthy checkups start on the inside,” says Dr. Katy Nelson. Dr. Nelson is an emergency veterinarian in Alexandria, Va., who is also a member of the Iams Pet Wellness Council, who encourages feeding a pet a high-quality diet specific to an animal’s age.

It’s essential to consider the stages of life for dogs when deciding on pet food choices. “Diet requirements — including protein levels, calories and vitamins and minerals — vary over the life of a pet,” says Nelson. “In turn, an animal’s needs change as he grows from a puppy to an adult into a senior.”

Nelson shares these basic guidelines:

• One To 12 Months 

Puppy formula at this stage should include DHA for brain and vision development. Dr. Amy Dicke, a technical service veterinarian, explains that DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. “The benefits of a diet rich in DHA starts in the womb, much like pregnant women taking prenatal vitamins,” says Dicke.

Our Puppy Kibble Recommendations:

• Hill’s Science Diet Dry Puppy Kibble
• Royal Canin Medium Puppy Kibble

Our Adult Dog Kibble Recommendations

• IAMS Minichunks Dog Kibble
• Hill’s Science Diet Dog Kibble

Our Senior Dog Kibble Recommendations

• Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Senior Dog Kibble
• Royal Canin Medium 7+ Dog Kibble

While you might think any size will work, buy one appropriately sized for your dog’s mouth.

7. Is Your Dog Overweight?

If your dog is a little heavy, the weight issue needs to be addressed. But don’t do it by cutting back on your dog’s regular food. “You’ll reduce calories, but you’ll also cut valuable nutrients,” says Dr. Saker. Instead, purchase a calorie-restricted food reduces the number of fat calories while still providing optimal nutrition. Be sure to follow the feeding instructions on the food’s packaging.

The ultimate test, however, will be passing your dog’s lip-licking taste bud evaluation.

Article written by Author: Karen Asp and Jennifer Viegas