Don't be a dogfood sucker. by Lizzy Planson

Could it be that people don't know how to care for their dogs? Is it possible that people are not taking proper care of their dogs? Are people still using outmoded methods of training and harmful nutional advice? It is not only possible it is probable. I see it all the time. People still buy processed dog food, shock collars, choke chains and other abusive products, not because they're mean to their dogs but just because they don't know any better. Fortunately with the advent of the internet we can all do our own research and find out the right methods and products to use to make our dogs as healthy and happy as possible.
Commercial dog food is atrocious. It depleats your dogs enzymes on an ongoing basis, is made from animal wastes and byproducts, and can shorten your dog's lifespan by up to a decade. You'd be better off feeding your dog table scraps than the bagged garbage you find in the supermarket. Fortunately though there are places you can find reliable, valuable information on feeding your dog the appropriate things. It isn't hard to figure out. Just feed your dog like you would feed your children. All natural foods, maybe add some enzymes, and a little bit of the essential fatty acids, and there you go. It really is that simple. Many people will try to sell you their products saying that they are the only ones that have the right formula that will add decades to your dog's life (case in point: Dog Food Secrets) but it really isn't any harder than listening to your common sense. I personally noticed a great difference in my dog's vibrance and energy levels once I started feeding him how I would want to be fed. True table food isn't necessarily the best idea (though better than commercial dogfood) so a little bit more information is necessary. For that there are literally dozens of different books out there. You can sift through all of them if you want to, though I'll tell you right now they're all going to be pretty much the same. Just keep your eyes open for sensationalism and try to find a good book of simple recipes. The one I've been using for a while now is 245 DogFood Recipes. It's simple and to the point, no propaganda or guilt trips, and you can try it out for free to see if you like it. Your dog will thank you.
About the Author
Lizzy has been an animal health technician for 13 years and currently resides in Encino California.