Review – Best Dog Food of 2019

Guest Post by:
Joey Santaella     
ConsumersAdvocate.org 

Best dog food review

One of the most difficult—and important—decisions dog parents need to make is what type of food to give them. Choosing the best option is not always as easy and straight-forward as one might hope because there are so many options out there to choose from, as well as so many ingredients in the mix (which aren’t all good for your pup). For this reason, ConsumersAdvocate.com came up with a new guide after comparing and vetting 65 dog food companies, using over 20 different sources, and spending hundreds of hours conducting research. This thorough guide offers helpful information about dog food, an FAQ section,  simple “what you need to know” facts, top picks with reviews, and insight into the research methodology.

Check out the full research guide here:  https://www.consumersadvocate.org/dog-food

Nipping Dog Food Allergies in the Bud

Contribution from freelance writer Sally Writes

Dogs have allergies

Photo by Christal Yuen on Unsplash

If you see your dog biting his paws, scratching or obsessively licking, he could have a food allergy – a condition which can take its toll on his digestive system as much as his skin. The very first step to take if you suspect your dog might be allergic to food is to visit your vet. Although dogs only show signs of irritation initially, allergies can cause serious problems and can even be life-threatening. In this post, we discuss the nature of food allergies and offer suggestions to stop them quickly and efficiently. Your dog will still be able to enjoy all his favorite treats, so long as these are allergen-free.

Foods Based Triggers

Like human beings, a plethora of foods can cause dog allergies, though ‘the usual suspects’ are chicken, pork, rabbit, lamb, beef, egg, corn, wheat, soy, and dairy foods. Interestingly, most of these foods are proteins. Your dog could be allergic to one or more ingredient.

In case you wonder how your dog develops a food allergy, the process is as follows: in a healthy dog, any food consumed will be broken down into nutrients and amino acids that pass from the GI tract to the bloodstream. In dogs with leaky gut, however, nutrients which have not been fully broken down make their way into the bloodstream, thus wreaking havoc on the immune system. Food allergies in dogs essentially arise from ‘leaky gut syndrome’,a condition that also affects humans.

Elimination and Experimentation with Novel Proteins

Your vet will usually prescribe a specific diet incorporating just one protein and one carbohydrate – for instance, chicken and rice. Your dog will remain on this simple diet for a couple of months and you can slowly start replacing ingredients, one by one, until you identify an allergen. Some vets recommend sticking to the first combination that works, but eventually your dog could develop an allergy to these two foods as well, so working your way up to a varied diet is a better long-term option.

Dr. Karen Becker of Mercola Pets recommends using new proteins your dog has not consumed before when starting the elimination diet, including “ostrich, beaver, quail, pheasant, rabbit, venison, bison, goat, duck, elk, alligator, and kangaroo.” It is important to feed dogs food from different families than those they are accustomed to, to give the body a chance to detoxify. It is probably best to refrain feeding your dog foods they have been reactive to in the past, since you can undo the good work that the elimination diet has achieved.

To battle common dog food allergies, it is important to create an elimination plan with your vet. You may be recommended a veterinary diet or home-cooked diet designed by a veterinary nutritionist. Remember to keep it basic and be watchful for signs and symptoms of a flare-up. Finally, patience and commitment are key to finding a combination that works for your pooch.

Awesome Designer Pet Food Bowls

Meet Dylan Kendall, a professional cat rescuer!

Dylan Kendall, a professional cat rescuer

Dylan Kendall, a professional cat rescuer

In her spare time, Dylan helps animal rescues find homes for homeless four pawed creatures. More recently, she was able to trap a starving kitten by her home, who spent an entire night crying for help. All it took was a trap, some yummy cat food, and 10 minutes and the kitten would then forever be spoiled! She brought him inside and gave him time to rest for the night with a litter box, some food and water. He moved so fast, that we named him Rocket. Since he was given flea control the first night, defleaing took place the next day, as well as a much needed bath. Day by day, this kitten has grown to LOVE humans and fellow felines (as well as a 3 legged Chihuahua).

After 4 days, this is Rocket:

Rescued cat T-Rocket

Rocket will be needing a home, soon. We also have a litter of 4 kittens who were born in a manufacturing plant in Long Beach. Those kittens will also be needing homes. You can inquire at Dylan@dylankendall.com

Four Pawed Pet Bowls

But, you see, now Dylan needs your help. Dylan is a ceramist and a home accessories designer. She’s designed dog and cat bowls perched on 4 little paws. They are raised to help enforce healthy digestion. The only thing, is, she needs to successfully fund them on Kickstarter in order to bring them to market. You can pre order your pet bowls through Kickstarter at: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dylankendall/four-pawed-pet-bowls If the goal is reached, the pet bowls can start manufacturing right away.

 Go ahead! Check them out!

4 Pawed Pet Bowls

4 Pawed Pet Bowls