Pet Club

Pet Nutrition

We all love our animals and intend to give them the best possible life and nutrition an animal can have. This love can be deadly when it involves the kitchen table. Things that are commonly unknown about the food we serve ourselves are that dog's body can turn the ingredients into toxins and shut down the dogs system or make them severely sick. Some of those ingredients are gum, chocolate, raisins, grapes, olive oil and onions.

Premium dog foods contain a scientifically balanced diet that is enough for the dog to live a long and happy life. Many times limited ingredient diets are great for those dogs who scratch their ears, underbelly, feet or tail. Other symptoms of food allergies that we have learned about can present as gas, runny eyes or sneezing.

Limited Ingredient diets are one single protein with sweet potato or potato as their carbohydrate. It is important to remember that when a dog is on a limited ingredient diet that any table food can complicate the digestion within the dog, even as much as a small piece of toast can cause complications that can last days or even weeks and may also include an expensive trip to the veterinarian.

We at Pet Club always strive for the best nutrition for your pet and will work with you to find a food that fits you and your pets needs. We always recommend that if you think your pet may have a food allergy please consult your veterinarian as well.

Quality pet food ingredient breakdown:
Animal Fat - The tissues of mammals and/or poultry which is gathered in the process of processes the meat.
Barley - a grain but can contain other grains as long as barley is the majority.
Beet Pulp - sugar beets which have been dried and not used in other options.
Brewer’s Rice - Dried residue from the beer making process this may also consist of dried hops.
Brown Rice - A good source of magnesium, iron, selenium, manganese, and the vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6.
Chicken - Chicken with the skin and in most cases the bones this label does not include the heads, feet or intestines.
Chicken meal - Chicken without the water or fat which has been ground.
Chicken by-product - Chicken parts which includes heads, feet and intestines.
Corn - All corn products outer and inner layers.
Corn Bran - Outer layer of the corn.
Corn Gluten meal - the shell of the corn after process for other consumptions.
Dried egg product - Whole dried eggs
Oatmeal - Easy on the digestion also can help calm the stomach used as a source of fiber.
Fish Meal - A whole fish or partial used to get higher omega 6 and omega 3 oils for skin and coat.
Ground Corn - Consist of the entire corn without the husk and used to fill the dogs.
Wheat - ground up wheat.
Meat and Bone Meal – This includes bones, blood, hair and hooves any leftover parts may also be included as a source of protein.
Peas - Low in calcium and phosphorus and provide a good level of protein and carbohydrates
Potatoes - Carbohydrate which can supply energy and are low in calories.

Supplement Items:
Glucosamine - A medical way to assist a dog with joint issues. There are many different types from a liquid to a pill the amount of glucosamine and other items involved help to indicate which one is beneficial.
Chondroitin - A medical way to assist a dog with joint issues in conjunction with Glucosamine.
MSM - A medical way to assist a dog with joint issues in conjunction with Glucosamine.
Shark Cartilage - A medical way to assist a dog with joint issues in conjunction with Glucosamine.
Fiber - A dietary supplement to assist a dog with constipation.
Pumpkin - A dietary supplement to assist a dog or cat with constipation and upset stomach.
Cranberry powder - A supplement to assist a dog/ cat with urinary issues also to aid with support of the urinary tract.

Benefits of Raw Diets in Dogs and Cats
If you’re new to the concept of raw feeding, you may be wondering what it’s all about.

“Raw feeding is a back-to-basics approach that takes its lead directly from nature. It replicates the high protein, high energy diet that wild canines have thrived on for thousands of years, making it substantially different to the cooked, processed convenience dog foods that society has become accustomed to in recent decades.

A raw food diet is high in protein, high in energy, low in carbohydrates and completely raw to get the optimum nutritional benefit from its ingredients. Raw bones should also be part of a good raw food diet because they satisfy a dog’s instinctive urge to chew and have numerous health benefits.

Raw feeding is growing in popularity throughout the world as dog owners come to realize that modern 'convenience' dog foods - often made with foodstuffs rejected for human consumption, or with an excess of species-inappropriate ingredients like grains – may not be in the best interests of their pets. Many vets also share this view and are increasingly recommending a raw feeding approach because of the obvious benefits it has for dogs.

There are many benefits, including:

· Excellent muscle definition producing a fitter, leaner appearance

· Greater energy and alertness

· The reduction/elimination of symptoms of allergies

· The reduction of hyperactivity

· Easy and effective weight control

· Healthy skin and lustrous coats

· Enhanced oral health including clean teeth and fresh breath (especially if raw bones are a regular part of your dog's diet)

· Small, firm stools

In addition to these benefits, many owners who’ve switched their dogs from processed foods to a raw diet have reported significant, life-altering changes in their pets. Reports include the complete elimination of serious skin allergies (which had cost hundreds of dollars to treat without success), to amazing transformations in the energy levels of senior dogs previously thought to be ‘on their last legs’.

It’s possible to make raw food for your pet at home but it’s time consuming and hard to gauge if your home made blends are meeting your dog’s nutritional needs. Commercial raw food products have been developed to make raw feeding simple and convenient.” (K9 natural’s website, www.k9naturals.com , 2011)

See your local store if you have any questions about raw food or nutrition with your pet in general. We are pleased to share our knowledge with you and assist you in finding the proper food for your pets needs.