Thomas Kearl asked:


Back a few decades ago, pet owners did not pay much attention to their dog’s dietary needs and fed them whatever kind of dog food was the most affordable. Human grade dog food was almost unheard of, unless it referred to feeding dogs what was left over as table scraps at mealtime. Nobody would consider eating the kinds of ingredients found in commercially made dog food. But today there are many sources of excellent dog food that are made with ingredients we all recognize as suitable for humans, such as red potatoes, carrots, and even apples.

Dog food in the 1950s and 1960s, for example, was typically manufactured using the by-products or waste left over from processing animals for human consumption. When cattle or pigs were processed, for example, whatever parts of the animal were not suited for humans might end up in dog food. But one of the main sources of meat in dog foods in those days was horses. Horsemeat was often derived from sick animals, because healthy horses would usually be worth more alive and therefore they escaped the slaughterhouse. So when old horses with poor health or younger diseased horses had to be killed, many of them wound up in dog food processing plants.

Today, fortunately, the standards for dog food have risen significantly. It is possible, for instance, to buy both dry and canned dog foods that are made from many superior ingredients including nutritious foods like brown rice, trout, bison, and chicken. Not only do dogs enjoy these kinds of food better because of the taste, but pet owners also enjoy the fact they generally have a much better odor than cheaper kinds of dog food made from low class ingredients. Treat your dog to a better grade of food – with ingredients fit for people – and your canine will have a better chance to live a much happier, healthier, and longer life.



Charles

clmh asked:


I feed my dog homecooked food with Solid Gold vitamin supplements. I cook chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and broccolli together. (Veggies change from week to week and I somtimes add liver). This diet consist of 1/3rd meat, 1/3rd rice, 1/3rd veggies. I make crunchy home made dog biscuits with wheat germ and brewers yeast for treats. My dog appears very healthy and full of energy but I am wondering if this diet is really better for my dog than commercial dog food? I was feeding my dog California Natural lamb rice dry dog food (a high quility dog food) until the last couple of months. Now she is completely on homemade food. I am wondering if she is missing any thing in her diet. Any suggestions?

Tim