Apple Cider Vinegar - A Must Have With Pets

Did you know that apple cider vinegar is like a little medicine cabinet in a bottle? Here are a few tried and true benefits to giving a little dose to your pet a day! (Dosage: 20 lb dog - 1 teaspoon, 50 lb dog - 1 tablespoon; diluted with water twice daily on each feeding - if spraying on coat/skin - dilute 1/2 and 1/2 in spray bottle)

• Aides in helping stubborn pets eat
• Restores acid/alkaline balance in the digestive tract and bladder
• Aides in the prevention of kidney and bladder stones/crystals from forming
• Aides in getting rid of internal & external parasites
• Restore luster and shine to coat. Also wards off fleas & ticks naturally.
• Aides in relieving dogs with runny eyes, noses or ear infections
• Helps with minor hot spots
• Helps rid tear stains

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Crap in a Bag - Dog Food Review: PEDIGREE

I can't express enough how important it is to feed your dog with a proper, well balanced, HEALTHY food now a days, especially if you want your dog to live a healthier lifestyle, despite what some vets and breeders will recommend. Surprisingly, I'm astounded by how many consumers still really have not clue to what is considered HEALTHY for their pet even with so much information that is accessible through the internet. Perhaps it's the manipulation by the marketing objectives by commercial dog food companies or moreover, the recommendation or suggestion of their vet because he/she said so. (Note: Although vets go to medical school for approximately six years - there is very minimal education on animal nutrition unless further education is personally sought by the individual themselves outside of Science Diet Research. This is why you will find vets highly recommending or pushing the prescription foods of Science Diet, which I also consider a very poor diet as well because of many poor ingredients they also use. Read some information on how Science Diet provides kick backs and bonuses to vets who "push" their foods.)

Because there are hundreds of crappy brands and formulas on the market, here is my first review on a national recognized brand of what I call "crap in a bag". Although this, as with many other brands, are associated with having different formulas (puppy, adult, large breed, small breed, senior), their MAIN FORMULAS consist of basically the SAME INGREDIENTS across the board but will slightly differ in one or two ingredients to accommodate each specific formula (added vitamins/minerals or different use of one protein source). However, the rating will ultimately stay the same.

BRAND: PEDIGREE

INGREDIENTS: Ground Whole Corn, Meat and Bone Meal (Natural Source of Calcium), Chicken By-product Meal (Natural Source of Glucosamine†), Corn Gluten Meal, Rice, Animal Fat (Preserved with BHA/BHT), Wheat Flour, Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Wheat Mill Run, Caramel Color, Vegetable Oil (Source of Linoleic Acid), Vitamins (Choline Chloride, dl-alpha Tocopherol Acetate [Source of Vitamin E], L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate [Source of Vitamin C†], Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Biotin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Potassium Iodide), Iron Oxide, Added FD&C and Lake Colors (Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 2, Red 40).

OUR RATING: Very Poor - Not Recommended.

ACTUAL ANALYSIS: Dogs are carnivores (meat eaters), however, no where do I see any wholesome and actual MEAT proteins in this food of which dogs need based on their genetic makeup. Let's start with the breakdown by the first 8 listed ingredients in the order they appear:

1. Main ingredient - CORN - Corn is a cheap grain filler which really does not have a high nutritional value to it nor is fully digestible - even in human consumption. Moreover, it is known to cause allergies in dogs.


2. MEAT & BONE MEAL - This is an inexpensive, cheap form of protein and highly consists of grounded up bone fragments (with minimal meat) which additionally does not provide adequate protein, thus is why it is indicated as being a natural source of calcium instead.


3. CHICKEN BY PRODUCT MEAL - By products consist of the "after parts", which in this case is the chicken. This consists of parts that are the "leftovers" that are banned from the human food chain. In plain English - it's simply garbage.


4. CORN GLUTEN MEAL - Derived from corn, the gluten meal is an cheap protein source; often used to feed "livestock". Again, with the use of corn listed as the 1st and 4th ingredient, it is again a cheap grain "filler" to formulate this food and known to cause allergies in dogs.


5. RICE - Although considered a safe but cheap "grain" for dog consumption, the fact that this is the third grain out of five ingredients so far (which not to mention, has more after the 8th ingredient) but yet has any good protein sources listed which should have been already. If this food contained actual and wholesome protein sources (deboned chicken, fish, beef, etc...) with rice being mentioned as either the 3rd or 5th only grain ingredient, then the food's rating would have been much higher (with the exception of what other ingredients are listed).


6. ANIMAL FAT (preserved with BHA/BHT) - Animal fat is a "generic" fat source that is most often made up of rendered animal fat, rancid restaurant grease or other oils that are deemed inedible for humans consumption. In addition, it is also preserved with a chemical called BHA/BHT that is banned in many countries, but still known to be used within the US (which the FDA still allows) in pet and human foods although research shows a link between the use of them and cancer. Read More Here


7. WHEAT FLOUR -In dog food products, this is commonly a by-product (think floor sweepings) of human food production and is a grain fragment we consider primarily a cheap filler. Wheat is believed by many to be the leading cause of food allergies in dogs . Wheat mill run is a further grain by-product (listed as the 12th listed ingredient).


8. BEEP PULP - Beet pulp is a controversial filler. It is a by-product, being dried residue from sugar beets which has been cleaned and extracted in the process of manufacturing sugar. It is a controversial ingredient in dog food, claimed by some manufacturers to be a good source of fiber, and derided by others as an ingredient added to slow down the transition of rancid animal fats and causing stress to kidney and liver in the process. However, research shows that beet pulp is an ingredient that commonly causes problems for dogs, including allergies and ear infections. There are more natural ingredients around if additional fiber is required such as apples, pumpkin, sweet potatos, etc..

It is also noted on the ingredient list of Pedigree, that various artificial food colorings are also used. As mentioned above about the consumption of BHA/BHT , many various forms of artificial food colorings are also banned in other countries due to the fact they are also linking many health issues & certain cancers associated with the consumption of them (although the FDA still allows human food companies to also use it). Therefore, since Pedigree continues to use these DANGEROUS INGREDIENTS, despite what research shows, in the manufacturing of their dog foods - I highly suggest not choosing any of their brands. In addition, please check your own foods ingredient lists and stop supporting companies who continue to jeopardize people and animals lives.

CLOSING NOTES: Premium, quality dog foods DO NOT CONTAIN corn, wheat, soy, by-products, sugars or any artificial preservatives and additives. Look for top listed ingredients such as wholesome & actual protein sources such as de-boned chicken, fish, beef which should then be followed with fruits, vegetables, herbs, etc. Also, a good quality food will not have to use "natural flavors" as an ingredient such as with poor quality foods do. Corn, wheat, bone meals, etc.. do not have any appealing smells unless natural flavors are used to help attract a dog to eat it. Just remember, you get what you pay for and you may save yourself $10 on a 30 lb bag of food when choosing a cheap brand, but in the long run, it can potentially cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars in medical bills (not to mention risking your pet's health) down the road!

Lastly, just because a vet or your dog's breeder recommends a food, it does not validate it to be a QUALITY FOOD! Please do your own research and by your dog's own advocate! Moreover, if your dog is getting frequent allergy shots but your vet has yet to ask you what kind of food you're feeding your pet or perhaps, didn't tell you that your pet's current food contains allergy producing ingredients , I suggest it's time to change your pet's doctor immediately because it's quite obvious your vet really does not care about the welfare of your pet but his pockets instead.

For more information on rating dog foods, you may also reference:

Healthy Dog Experts

Dog Food Analysis

Vet Balance

Let your pet eat well & live happy!

As Seen On Oprah! Join The Fight! Puppy Mill Awareness Day - Lancaster County, PA

Please note that the embedded video displays actual animals in puppy mills. Viewer discretion is advised.

On September 20, 2008, thousands of people will be joining together in the heart of one of the biggest producing puppy mill areas in the United States - Lancaster County, PA. As aired on Oprah, join the fight and support the thousands of dogs and puppies that are kenneled and bred in the most horrifying situations! Imagine little food, no or little medical care, living in small cages filled with feces and urine. Be the voice for these helpless souls where the greed of money to the puppy mill owners are the only thing they want.

This anti-puppy mill rally will be the biggest in the country and can not be missed! Awareness Day is almost 5 years old and the only thing that has changed for the mill dogs are the names of the people who are supposed to be protecting them.

Special guests appearances include: AnnMarie Lucas of Animal Plant; Animal Precinct, Rescue Ink, Musician, Gary Hennessy, Rikki Rockett, and Melanie Martel. In addition, the day's events will include Vaccine Clinic courtesy of Dog's Den , Rescue Parade, vendors, plus much more. Help spread the word and let the world know "Pennsylvania's dirty little secret."

Just remember, ANY DOG SOLD THROUGH A PET STORE come from these mills or similiar in another state - no matter what any shop owner tells you! Do NOT support this cruel industry as every puppy purchased gives the mill owner a reason to produce more and more!

For more information, please go to: http://www.awarenessday.org/ or email at: awarenessday@aol.com

Proper Grooming For Long Haired Dogs

If you have a breed with long hair and love those long locks, you know first hand the high maintenance grooming requirements needed. Whether you pamper your pooch at a local dog grooming salon every few weeks, it is still necessary to keep your pet's hair clean and matte free until the next grooming visit. Here are some after care grooming tips for dogs with long hair that you can do yourself:

• COMB DAILY using a fine-tooth comb.


• Concentrate on the back, sides, under the arms and chest area near the skin's surface. This is usually where matting occurs more frequently.


• If you are experiencing any tangles, do not bath your dog and try using a conditioner at this time - this may cause the matting to get worse. Rather, try to the best of your ability (softly and gently) getting the tangles out with the comb first.


• Do not tug or pull hard while trying to detangle a matte. You will be pulling at your dog's skin and thus causing it to be very painful to the dog. For assistance, you may "lightly" mist the matted area with a detangling spray.


• Once you finally get the tangles out, you can then use a pin brush just to smooth the coat down. Finally, you may bathe your dog at this time. After bathing, do not "towel rub" your pet's hair. Either let air dry or blow dry on a "warm or cool" setting while brushing the hair smooth.


• Brush your pet's coat every day to avoid any future problems.

Now, if your dog is severely matted and/or you have been unable to get any minor mattes out yourself, the best solution is to bring your pet to a dog grooming professional immediately for a coat and skin evaluation. Even small mattes can become worse over time so it is essential to take care of this issue immediately to avoid a dog groomer having to "shave" your pet should you wish to keep the hair long.

Unfortunately, if your pet's hair is severely matted, the best solution is to have your dog shaved so that a new and healthy coat can grow in. Furthermore, it will also avoid any pain and discomfort your pet would experience trying to get the matting out manually.

Lastly, we also suggest any dog with long, silky or "cotton-like" hair to refrain from wearing tight fitting clothing, especially with sleeves, as this can cause matting issues more frequently. Loose fitting or apparel without sleeves will help, however, the key is to always brush your dog EVERYDAY, especially after taking the dog's clothes off with the appropriate grooming tools to avoid any issues.

Dog Shoes - Not Just A Fashion Accessory But A Canine Necessity

In the past few years, there is no question that the revolution of stylish dog shoes and boots has hit the market. From Hound Hiker Boots to FouMa Dog Sneakers, having your pet in some type of "paw" protection is not only fashionable, but certainly functional. Although some people may think it's down right silly, owners, especially to little breed dogs, are now thinking "outside" the box and realizing that dog shoes aren't just a fashion accessory to an outfit, but simply a necessity!

Little breeds, especially, have tiny, soft paws. Because many of these dogs are constantly carried in fashionable pet carriers or held in the arms of the owner when out in the public, they are not exposing their paw pads to the elements of the outside world (hard, rough surfaces) as much as a bigger dog may. Therefore, their pads do not harden as much. Consequently, when a little tiny dog is finally walked freely on concrete, asphalt, etc... their paws can become quite sensitive, especially if the surface is too hot or too cold. Black asphalt, for instance, is very hot to the touch in humid weather. Ever try walking barefoot on it in the summer yourself? The same applies to small dogs that have very soft pads on their feet. Moreover, if an owner is not closely monitoring the conditions of a walkway, fine, sharp pieces of debris, glass or even ice salt can become quite hazard to these little, soft pads as well.

Because designers are always trying to follow the trends of the fashion world, it is not uncommon to see stylish protective shoes that match outfits in their collections as well now. Just ask Lara Alameddine, owner of Little Lily and pet fashion designer to the celebrities. Actually, Lara founded her business in 2002 while walking the streets of West Hollywood with her 5 lb Yorkie who accidentally stepped on a shard of glass. With the recommendation of her vet to seek out shoes for "Lily", she was unhappy of what she was finding in her local pet stores. Therefore, with some careful planning and creative design work, she developed the first fashionable, but protective booties for dogs in the USA and trademarked the name LilyBoots. With dog shoes came dog clothing and that's when the story of Little Lily began.

For a pet to walk in shoes, it is certainly not in their nature to do so. Therefore, if you have never tried placing shoes on your pet's feet, it will require some training and patience on your part in order for your pet to get adjusted and walk perfectly normal in them. Usually, it can take as little as a few hours to a few days of an adjustment period; depending on your pet's personality and level of tolerance. Simply having a pet wear them for short periods of time and gradually increasing the wear time in them will have your pet strutting its stuff in no time; even if it's not on a fashion runway in Hollywood!

A Sprinke A Day Can Take The Stains Away!

For any of you pet owners who own a light colored or white "face" dog, you know first hand how difficult it can be to keep those awful, unsightly tear stains away! Whether the stains are reddish to brownish in color, a beautiful white or light colored dog can simply look "dirty", even after a professional grooming visit. Fortunately for darker color coated dogs, you will never have the opportunity to see them.

For decades, pet owners resorted to stain eliminating liquids and gels only to find them not effective. At times, these solutions also caused irritation to the dog's eyes which in turn, caused the eyes to tear even more. It was not until a few years ago that Angels' Eyes, a product made by the I'm a Little Teacup Company, proved that "a sprinkle a day, can take those tear stains away" - and literally! Now, it's one of the world's best known little secrets to keeping a light colored dog stain free!

Angels’ Eyes works to prevent tear staining by tying up circulating porphyrins. A porphyrin is a compound that reacts with light to produce a reddish brown stain to the medial canthus. The ingredients, 100%Pure beef liver and tylosin (as tartrate), will rid and prevent your dog from contracting Ptyrosporin (Red Yeast) and bacterial infections which causes excess tearing and staining. What makes Angels' Eyes different than other anti-tear staining products on the market is that other brands mask or have artificial food coloring, artificial food additives/preservatives, and cereals such as wheat causing the stains to reappear worse than before. Because Angels' Eyes is given orally in the pet's food, it does not require rubbing or any other difficult maintenance. With this product, you will not need to use any bleach, peroxide or any other product that may cause allergies and irritations.

Now, many factors contribute to tear staining. Pets could inherit very small tear ducts or overly watery eyes, particularly as a response to various products you may be giving to the dog (allergies or reactions) or even household chemicals you may be using. Definitely inherited are large eyes and short muzzles, which tend to allow more eye irritation and less drainage. There can be inherited or developmental structural defects that result in eye stains as well. Hygiene is another obvious factor. Matter in the eye tends to collect at the inner corner. If the pet’s eyes are exposed to dust, wind, grooming products, stray or ingrown hairs and other irritants, there will be more matter at the corners. This matter becomes an irritant and causes more tearing and therefore more staining. Therefore, it is essential to keep on top of a proper hygienic routine with your pet as well.

Angels' Eyes is 100% safe for pets and can be given as early as 8 weeks of age. Depending on the pet's size, a small sprinkle in the pet's food once a day does the trick. Treatment is given until results are achieved which usually is between 3-6 weeks; depending on how bad the pet has staining. Because there has been reports of pets not freely eating their regular food with the treatment of Angels' Eyes, the perfect remedy is peanut butter! Simply dip your finger in a jar of peanut butter (which all dogs love) and then dip your finger again in the Angels Eyes to allow the powder mixture to stick to your finger. With the aroma of creamy peanut butter, I never have seen a dog refuse this tasty treat!

Here are some other suggestions to keeping your pet's face stain free:

• Feed your pet a white meat diet. This includes chicken, turkey or fish. Dark meats can contribute to your dog getting darker staining around the eyes and mouth.


• Stay away from treats that contain food coloring, sugars or wheat as an additive.


• Wipe your pet's face daily with a clean, warm cloth.

PLEASE NOTE: Should your pet have noticeable reddish staining on it's paws, legs, etc.. this is caused by your pet's excessive self-grooming practices (i.e. licking it's feet constantly). Because a pet's saliva is also a bodily fluid, saliva also contains this active red yeast enzyme and as such, is just being transferred to the pet's coat when it's cleaning itself. Therefore, the use of Angels' Eyes may help eliminate stains from getting darker as it will rid and control the body of an excessive red yeast overgrowth.

To purchase Angels' Eyes, please Click Here. One month and four month supply treatments are available.