Dogs have descended from wolves and it is believed that wolves have survived in the wild with grass as a part of their diet. Although these dogs in the wild are known to be carnivorous, plants and grasses have supplemented the diet especially when food is scarce. Dogs have formed the habit of eating grass from subsisting on herbivores in the wild. Dogs in the wild would not know when the next meal would be thus the hunted prey as well as the contents of the stomach are totally consumed. Overtime, because of food scarcity, dogs in the wild have developed the habit of eating leaves and grasses.

With the above mentioned fact, a dog’s inclination to eat grass becomes perplexing to the owners. These well loved pets are regularly provided by their owners enough nutritious foods. And yet, the dog would still be seen eating grass every now and then. Although dogs are known to eat anything, dog experts have an explanation for the dog’s strange eating habits.

It was believed that the habit of eating grass stemmed from the dog’s need to fill up a nutrient deficiency in the diet. Apparently, our four legged friends are aware that they are receiving low quality dog food. Dogs are believed to eat grass to fill up the nutrient deficiency in their diet. Dogs are not only voracious eaters; they are indiscriminate eaters as well.

It is not surprising for dogs to have upset stomachs if they have ingested something that was not accepted by the dog’s system. Fortunately, nature has provided dogs with a natural cleanser – grass. Simply by eating grass; the dog can purge the toxic substance from its body. When a dog munches on grass, the blades of grass will sort of tickle the throat and induce vomiting so that the toxic substances together with the grass will be removed from the stomach. Ingested grass is an effective bowel cleanser that removes parasites from the intestine.

With a sneaky look on its face, a dog that has a bone on its mouth will look for an ideal spot to hide the “treasure”. Once found, the dog would frantically dig – carefully lay the bone on the hole and then cover it with dirt and soil. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years but are dog owners aware of the reasons why the pets bury bones Do dogs know why they are burying bones? Burying bones is an instinctive behavior thus dog experts believe that man’s best friends don’t really know the reasons why they have this habit.

Dog experts believe that almost all of the behaviors and habits of modern day dogs are deeply rooted from their past. The habit of burying bones is as old as the dog’s history. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years but these animals have been in existence for millions of years. The rather puzzling behavior of modern day dogs to bury bones has helped their ancestors to survive in the wild. Primitive dogs have lived difficult lives in the wild. Dogs in the wild constantly need to be on the lookout for predators and to safeguard their food from other animals that would want to have a share of the prey.

Stocking the pantry is a habit of humans. Squirrels make sure that the tree hollows are filled to the hilt with nuts and acorns. Ants are acclaimed for being industrious as they make it a point to fill their anthill with food. Dogs bury bones to hoard food. In the wild, food is hard to come by. A dog that has hunted a prey would need to secure the “bounty” not only from other animal but also from members of the pack. The dog will dig up what was buried when food is scarce. The dug up bones will ease the gnawing of the dog’s stomach.

Dogs nowadays don’t go hungry. Pampered pets don’t have to bury bones for the rainy days but the instinct to hoard remains. Dogs still have the inclination to hide not only bones but other food as well. Bits of food are even seen on the dog’s bed and blanket. Because digging and burying bones and other food is instinctive in dogs, pet owners just have to take in stride the inclination of the pet to rearrange the garden to bury its “treasures”.

The substance theobromine that is found in chocolates is what makes this world’s most loved treat toxic to dogs. Cocoa beans from where chocolates are derived contains the substance theobromine. Theobromine serves as a stimulant and causes frequent urination, affects the kidneys and the heart muscles as well as the central nervous system. The toxic effects of theobromine in dogs is caused by dog’s inability to digest this substance. Continued consumption will increase the accumulation of the substance in the dog’s system until the high level of toxic concentration causes a variety of medical concern.

Dog owners can share the chocolate bar with the pet or allow the dog to have a slice of the Black Forest cake. No signs of poisoning will be noticed if the dog has consumed small amount of chocolate. A good news to dog owners that are unaware of the harmful effects of chocolates to the dog is the fact that the toxicity of this food is dose dependent so that the pet has to consume from 100 to 150 milligrams of chocolate per kilogram of body weight before the pet will be affected. The level poisoning would depend on the type of chocolate consumed. White chocolates have little amount of theobromine thus the toxicity level is quite low. A dog has to ingest about 200 ounces of white chocolate per pound of body weight before the dog shows clinical signs of chocolate poisoning. However, this is not so with milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate as it contains more of the dangerous theobromine chemical. The baking chocolate is considered to be the most dangerous among all types of chocolates. Dog owners don’t normally give the dog baking chocolate but knowing the voracious appetite of these animals, it is still possible for the dog to gorge on the dangerous food. This situation calls for immediate treatment to save the life of the pet. It is always good to know what to do if your dog has eaten chocolate.

- Jean

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I made and ate hot meals without being watched every second.
I had unstained, unfurred clothes.
I had quiet conversations on the phone,
even if the doorbell rang.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I slept as late as I wanted
And never worried about how late I got to bed
or if I could get into my bed.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I never stepped on or tripped over body parts.
I didn’t know what a bully stick was and never touched an esophagus.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I had never been peed on
Pooped on
Drooled on
Chewed on
Or pinched by puppy teeth.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I slept all night without sharing
the covers or pillow.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I never looked into big, soulful eyes and cried.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn’t stop a hurt.
I never knew something so furry and four-legged
could affect my heart so deeply.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I had never held a sleeping puppy
just because I couldn’t put it down.
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was well.
I didn’t know how warm it feels inside
to feed a hungry puppy.
I didn’t know that something so small
could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Dog Mom:
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being
A Dog Mom

Author Unknown

#1 – Homemade Diets Such As Raw Diets Are Hazardous To Your Pet

This is only true if you feed your dog contaminated raw food or an imbalanced diet. If the homemade meal is nutritious, balanced, and properly prepared, your dog will be better off feeding on this type of diet compared to commercialized dog food.  If feeding raw chicken to your dog does not appeal to you, then home cooking should be considered.  It’s the only way to be sure what ingredients are in your dog’s food.

#2 – Frequent Baths Will Result In A Damaged Coat And Dry Skin

This is only possible if you are using soaps and shampoos that were meant for people and not for dogs. In truth, bathing frequently will treat various skin problems and prevent them as well. Another advantage of bathing frequently is that there is less likelihood for infections to develop.

#3 – Anesthesia Puts Older Dogs At More Risk

There is no truth in this at all. Age has nothing to do with anesthetics causing harm to a dog’s health or causing death. It all depends on how healthy the dog is no matter what the age. As long as the right amount and agent is used, and if the dog is monitored at all times during the procedure, the risks are minimized. In fact, since older dogs are more prone to infections and diseases, it is more likely that they will need to undergo a procedure that requires anesthetics. Just as long as an experienced professional is administering the procedure, there will be less chance of risks to your dog’s health.

#4 – Dental Problems Pose No Risks

Canine dental problems should never be taken for granted. These problems should be treated immediately for they cause an assortment of other problems like diabetes, liver disorders, kidney problems, and heart diseases. In any case these diseases can very well be fatal to your dog.

Whenever you notice your dog is eating less, sluggish, and easily irritated, it is could be that your dog is suffering from a dental problem. You will be surprised how immediate the change will be in your dog’s behavior soon after the problem is treated.

#5 – Annual Vaccinations Are Needed

It is a big misconception that your dog needs annual or semi-annual vaccinations. There has been a study conducted that revealed that dogs do not need frequent vaccinations. In truth, the vaccinations available on the market today are so potent that they buildup the immune system for a span of several years and sometimes an entire lifetime.

An effective method of knowing what vaccine is ideal for your dog is through a titer test. By using a titer test, you will be able to determine if your dog needs a particular vaccine or if he or she needs any at all.

It is important to know the true facts to in dog care. Knowing fact from fiction is essential in improving your dog’s health and prolonging your dog’s life.

There are two vegetables that we enjoy in various cuisines that are hazardous to a dog’s health. These are onions and garlic. Onions and garlic have thiosulphate, which is harmless to humans, but hazardous to dogs. This toxic substance can cause anemia in our dogs.

Dogs may love our table scraps, but be careful. Some of the scraps we feed our dogs are definitely dangerous to their health. Cooked meat and fat are carcinogenic substances to dogs. They can cause cancer. Cooked bones tend to be brittle, which can cause choking and internal injury.

Fish bones are things we should never feed our dogs. Because fish bones are thin, fine, and sharp they can stick to the inner lining of the organs in the digestive system and cause an obstruction.

Carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, and chocolates are definitely harmful to our health in the long run, but instantly toxic to our dogs. They have significant amounts of caffeine, which affects a dog’s nervous system and heart.

Grapes and raisins are welcome and healthy treats for humans, but toxic to dogs. Although the cause is unknown, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage. This is the same case with macadamia nuts.

Cooked liver produces a toxin that affects bones and muscles. The reason behind this is that cooked liver creates toxicity that affects the essential vitamin A. Feeding raw liver instead is an excellent source of food for your dog, along with or any other organ meat; heart, kidney or tripe

Mushrooms are considered to be delicacies by man, and are used in an assortment of dishes, but can cause shock and death to our dogs. Alcohol has the same effect as well.

Broccoli is by all means a healthy vegetable for humans, but not for our dogs. Broccoli contains a noxious substance called isothiocyanate. This substance may be harmless to humans, but is toxic to our pet dogs. Although not fatal, if taken in large quantities, isothiocyanate can cause an upset stomach in dogs.

Xylitol (a sweetener used in the manufacture of candy and chewing gum) is a toxic substance to our dogs. It can cause weakness, lethargy, and seizures, if a significant amount is consumed.

There are also a number of medications that are only meant for the consumption of humans. If given to dogs for the purpose of treatment, they can cause serious side effects and even death. It is important to only use medication prescribed by your vet.

These are the food types and medications that can very well cause harm to your pet dog’s health. In a lot of cases, they have been known to cause death in dogs. It is important to keep these substances away from your dog’s reach at all times. If in any case that your dog ingests one of these substances, immediately take your dog to the nearest vet.

When feeding our dogs a raw dog food diet, there are a lot of factors that should be taken into consideration. Not all the food that may be good for you may be good for your dogs. The reason behind this is the difference in the way they digest and process food.

For example, humans can eat large amounts of onions. We use onions in an assortment of dishes. However, this vegetable is harmful to our dogs. Just a small portion can cause our dogs to become anemic. Another example is chocolates. Who doesn’t love eating chocolates? We can eat massive amounts of this treat in one sitting, with the risk of gaining a few pounds. With dogs, it’s a different story. With small amounts of chocolates, it can prove to be fatal for our dogs.

When it comes to raw meat, it has the opposite effect to us compared to our dogs. We can actually contract diseases from eating raw meat. When our dogs eat raw meat, they are better equipped to digest and process it. In addition, they simply love the raw flavor.

The reason behind this is a much faster working digestive system. Dogs digest food faster, compared to the way we digest food. Before bacteria can cause harm to our dogs, the food they eat has already been processed and absorbed. They owe this digestive efficiency to the high acidity levels in their digestive system. This is why they are better equipped to digest bones and raw meat. When it comes to bacteria, their digestive system quickly kills any form of bacteria.

Proof of this digestive efficiency is in our dog’s choice in snacks, when their owners are not looking. They love rummaging through the garbage, and they love eating dead birds, rodents, or road kill. Eating these things seems to have no ill effects to their health. This is evolution at its best. Mother Nature built their digestive systems so that they could better adapt to these food choices.

However, this does not mean that you should go out and feed your dog road kill. Your dog’s diet should still consist of good quality, uncontaminated, and nutritious raw food. They should be fed a diet that will meet their daily nutritional requirements, and will make them ask for more.

Step 1 – Don’t Let Yourself Be Drawn In By Marketing And Advertising Schemes

True, these labels are regulated, but only to a certain point. These manufacturers will do everything in their power to entice you to buy their product.

Step 2 – First Look For The “Guaranteed Analysis”

By reading the information provided on the “Guaranteed Analysis”, you get to see if the product meets the nutritional requirements of your dog. This requirement varies depending on your dog’s breed and daily activities.

Step 3 – Look For Moisture Levels On The “Guaranteed Analysis”

Moisture levels range from as low as 6% to as high as 80%. Obviously, canned food contains more moisture compared to dry food.

Step 4 – Calculate The Dry Matter Percentage

For example, if the moisture levels are at 10%, then the dry matter is at 90%. Just subtract the moisture levels from 100%, and you get the dry matter percentage.

Step 5 – Find Out The Fat, Fiber, And Protein Percentages

Let’s say the protein level on a label is at 26%. Divide this by the 90% dry matter and you get 28%. Do the same with the fat and fiber percentages.

Step 6 – Compare Your Findings With Other Dog Food Products

Do the same kind of calculations with other products, and compare each one. Look for the most ideal requirements.

Step 7 – Do Not Make These Numbers Your Only Basis For Comparison

Let’s go back to our protein percentage. It may be at 28%, but consider the source. A lot of these manufacturers use chicken feet and beaks, which are not nutritious at all.

Step 8 – Carefully Read The Ingredients Used

Protein is an essential need of your pets. However, even though an ingredient is rich in protein, it may not be the right type of protein for your dog. Remember, your dog needs specific types of amino acids produced by specific types of protein. Not all are the same.

Step 9 – Remember That Dog Food Manufacturers Have Been Known To Manipulate The Information On Their Labels

Some manufacturers will list down the components of an ingredient individually to make it hard for you to notice a hazardous ingredient. This tactic is only one of the tactics used by manufacturers.

Step 10 – Some Preservatives Are Actually Good For Your Dog

When it comes to dog food, avoid preservatives such as BHT, BHA, sugar, artificial coloring, and other animal byproducts. The preservatives you should look for are internal organs and liver. These are a good source of amino acids for your dogs. Furthermore, they prevent the degradation and spoilage of the essential nutrients.

Use these 10 steps as a guide and begin reading your dog food labels. You will be amazed at what some commercial dog food giants put in their food and call in organic or nutritious. Become an educated consumer and your dog will reap the rewards.

This information is essential in knowing what is best to feed our dogs. Should we feed them primarily meat, or should we feed them vegetables? Obviously, a dog’s anatomy is entirely different from that of humans. Therefore, there are some food types that are healthy for us, but fail to provide dogs the nutrition they need.

The Canine Anatomy

The first factor of canine anatomy we should look at is a dog’s dental features. A dog’s teeth have evolved to shred, grab, rip, tear, and shear the meat off their prey. In addition, they are equipped with powerful jaw and neck muscles that help them take down their food source.

The second factor is their digestive system. Dogs do not have enzymes in their saliva that can quickly break down starches and carbohydrates. This task is placed on the pancreas. A dog’s pancreas only can produce a small amount of enzymes, if a dog eats a small portion of vegetation. If you feed your dog large amounts of vegetables, its pancreas is pushed to the limit. Pushing any organ to the limit is hazardous to any animal’s health.

A dog’s digestive system is short and works quickly. Meat can be broken down more quickly, compared to vegetation that needs a longer amount of time to digest. In addition, dogs do not have friendly bacteria that can efficiently break down vegetation.

Lastly, we should take a look at their direct ancestors. Dogs are descendants of the more ancient wolf. You can safely conclude that a wolf in all aspects is a carnivore.

Why Do We See Dogs Eating Fruits And Vegetables?

We have seen dogs on several occasions eat various fruits and vegetables. This however does not mean that dogs are omnivores. Dogs by nature are opportunistic and highly adaptive creatures. Whenever an opportunity presents itself, it will eat anything that is edible. This is why we see our dogs eating previously dead animals like road kill, waiting for fruits to fall off of fruit trees, and on several occasions their own fecal matter. Dogs simply evolved to survive.

When we look at a dog’s dental features, muscle makeup, digestive features, and ancestry, a dog is a carnivore inside and out. Every part of their anatomy points out that they are primarily meat eaters. Therefore, we can safely conclude that they are carnivores.

When we see a dog eating fruits and vegetables, it is their instinctive nature to survive that is kicking in. True, they can survive on fruits and vegetables, but will fail to thrive if they are fed a vegetarian diet alone.

There are a number of people who believe that dogs are omnivores. This is due to the fact that dogs are known to feed on both meat and vegetables. On numerous occasions we witness our dogs eating everything from road kill to fallen fruits from trees.

There are a number of people who believe that no matter how many fruits and vegetable a dog may eat; it will always remain a carnivore. To them, a dog may eat fruits and vegetables from time to time, but it is still a carnivore inside and out.

Now, which side to the story is true? In every aspect, and no matter how many times you take a look at it, a dog will always be a carnivore.

How do we prove this? We can prove this in a number of ways.

First of all, let us go back to their ancestry. Let us take a look at their cousins the Wolf, the African Wild Dog, and the Dingo, who still roam their respective habitats wild. These dogs share anatomical similarities to their domesticated counterparts. In any case, these wild dogs are 100% carnivores.

Now let us take a look at a dog’s set of teeth. A domesticated dog has an upper and lower set of 6 incisors each; a pair of lower and upper canines; upper and lower premolars consisting of 8 premolars each, and an upper and lower set of molars consisting of 4 molars each. All of these teeth are specifically designed for various things. The incisors and canines are designed to cut and shred meat. The premolars and molars are designed to crush bones. None of these teeth bear any similarities to the flat teeth of omnivores and herbivores.

When it comes to the muscle structure of a dog’s neck and jaw, they are specially designed to assist a dog’s sharp teeth. A dog’s neck is built for pulling meat off a carcass. A dog’s jaw muscles deliver a powerful bite force that assists in cutting and slashing meat.

Lastly, we take a look at a dog’s digestive system. Their system works by digesting the food a dog eats in the quickest time possible. This only works best if a dog is digesting meat. Meat takes less time to digest compared to fruits and vegetables. When a dog eats fruits and vegetables, it relies on the pancreas alone to break down the vegetation ingested. When a dog’s pancreas is pushed on overdrive, problems will occur.

So, if dogs are carnivores, why are they known for eating fruits and vegetables? Dogs are opportunistic feeders. If an opportunity presents itself, a dog will have its fill on the food available. However, a dog may be known to eat vegetation from time to time, but they can never thrive from this kind of diet.

A dog will always live on meat. Therefore, a dog will always be a carnivore.