| The immune system's strength, in people as well as | | | | dogs. Plants or grains such as corn, soy, wheat, and |
| animals, is affected by the quality of nutrition. A dog's | | | | rice have enough protein for less active dogs. Most |
| behavior, happiness, health, longevity and overall | | | | dog food is made with ingredients that are edible by |
| well-being are a direct result of the nutrition offered | | | | humans, such as rice, chicken, liver, vegetables, etc, |
| in the daily diet. Each dog has special nutritional needs | | | | which is not bad pet food. |
| that vary from animal to animal. | | | | Dogs have specific nutritional needs, but most pet |
| There are several easily noticeable symptoms of | | | | owners do not realize that all dogs and most good or |
| nutritionally caused deficiencies: allergies, hot spots, | | | | bad pet foods are not alike. Many commercial dog |
| lack of energy, joint problems, arthritis and poor | | | | food brands are lacking in key nutrients, which are |
| behavior. Nutritional balance is the key to a healthy | | | | edible for humans, and even other species of animals, |
| pet and not giving the dog bad pet food will help | | | | can pose hazards for dogs because of their different |
| with the inflammation of arthritis and other major | | | | metabolism. Some may cause only mild digestive |
| health problems. | | | | upsets, whereas, others can cause severe illness, and |
| Quality Of Good and Bad Pet Foods | | | | even death. |
| Poor quality pet foods are common in grocery stores | | | | However, there are a few common food items that |
| and pet supply stores. The low price tag may be | | | | are bad pet foods to give to dogs. Chocolate, for |
| tempting and seem like a bargain for what is often | | | | instance, is very toxic to both dogs and cats. Baking |
| advertised as a "premium" product, but the items | | | | chocolate contains more toxins than milk chocolate |
| really contained in your pet's food may be surprising. | | | | does, but both forms are potentially lethal. Two or |
| Dogs need meat and protein, being carnivores, and | | | | three squares of baking chocolate could prove fatal |
| they also need carbohydrates, vitamins, fat, minerals, | | | | to a smaller dog. Tea and coffee are likewise toxic, |
| and water. Essentially, they need all six of the basic | | | | as they contain the same chemicals. Warning signs of |
| types of nutrients. Manufacturers of pet food have | | | | food poisoning in dogs are excitement, nervousness, |
| the choice of the types and amounts of proteins, | | | | muscle spasms, seizures, and increased body |
| minerals, and vitamins that they put into their | | | | temperature. Veterinary treatment is recommended |
| products. Chicken, lamb, and beef, which contain | | | | as soon as possible. |
| higher amounts of protein, are needed by active | | | | |