Healthy Dog Food
Dog lovers the world over have become increasingly disillusioned with the pet food industry. Poor quality food masquerading as balanced diets and expensive brands promising superior nutrition, yet leaving out vital ingredients to provide yet another “solution” product, have lead many to see through the marketing doublespeak and realize that profit, not their pets good health, is the manufacturers main concern.
The exposure of certain manufacturers’ total disregard for the rights and dignity of companion animals in their testing facilities, has been highlighted by undercover investigations. These investigations have revealed the appalling conditions and ongoing unnecessary and cruel testing perpetrated in the name of science, but aimed at providing yet another marketing angle to sell their products.
Following 9 months of extensive research and after consulting with veterinarians and one of South Africa’s leading animal scientists, they discovered that it was indeed possible to formulate a food that has all the ingredients to help with the prevention of the most commonly experienced ailments and problems in pets.
So what makes this so different from what your dog or cat can currently get?
Well, firstly you need to understand the approach taken by the various brands. The cheaper economy food manufacturers do their best to meet the minimum requirements laid down by law. This allows them to label their products in such a way that the consumer believes that they are getting a quality product for their pets.
The premium brands have gone the route of segmenting their products. This is done by age, breed or ailment. You, the consumer are therefore lead, through skilful advertising, to the conclusion that you require different foods on an ongoing basis.
This begs the question. If the premium food is advertised as balanced, then why do they leave out certain vital ingredients or allow higher than necessary levels of others, that result in your pet requiring a “special” advanced food to solve, for example, a hairball problem?
It came as no surprise, that it is quite possible to combine ingredients for hairballs, renal health, digestive tract health and cardiac and eye site health into one truly balanced diet. This leads us to the conclusion that the manufacturers either knowingly or unknowingly are damaging the health of our pets in the pursuit of greater profits.
As lifelong dog and cat owners, we believe strongly in showing respect and care for our animals. We are all entrusted with the responsibility to look after our animals to the best of our ability. The best way to do this is to learn to read the labels on the products you purchase. If in doubt, consult you vet.
Just remember though, that your vet isn’t a nutritionist and may not really know what a healthy dog food should contain. Certainly not all the poisons and corn currently on offer even in the so-called premium brands
Chihuahua Puppy Advice
Now before you buy a Chihuahua, there are absolutely some things you need to know about this breed, their health and socialization.
These 7 factors are the most important.
1. They need to be well socialized. If you don’t have time to socialize your Chihuahua puppy then you shouldn’t get one. Chihuahuas need to be socialized properly since they have a tendency to bond only with their owners and already have a predisposition to being snippy with strangers.
2. Seems chihuahuas are carried everywhere and that’s part of their appeal, but make sure you put them down and get them to walk on their own. When you don’t let them walk on their own they can become very uncomfortable out of the arms of their owner and react with aggression in order to deal with they’re uncomfortability.
3. These dogs are not great with children unless they were raised with them. Chihuahuas are high strung and have a low tolerance. They don’t cope well with the antics and rambunctiousness of little children. They can be snippy and will bite a child if provoked. This breed is better suited to busy people without children and for elder people who are looking for a companion and little maintenance (these dogs require little exercise, are great apartment dwellers and can be trained to use the litter box.)
4. Chihuahuas are very loyal and have a tendency to bond with their owner…only. They are very dependent and like to be around you and do what you are doing. If you have little time to spend with your puppy and want a dog who is a little more independent, than this dog is not for you.
5. Chihuahuas have the longest life span of any breed of dog. If you are not ready to make an 11-18 year commitment to them, and your interest in them is just a novelty (they look so cute in those celebrity magazines being toted around in a bag,) then don’t get a Chihuahua.
6. If you move around a lot, this may not be the breed for you. Chihuahuas don’t adapt well to new environments and will often act out with barking and unsuitable behavior. They prefer to have a stable environments so if you are
constantly traveling around (business etc…) then consider a less high strung breed.
7. They can be dog aggressive, so if you have another dog at home you may want to reconsider getting a Chihuahua and opt for a more dog friendly breed.
That being said, the Chihuahua is a great dog and right for the right type of person. Before buying a Chihuahua puppy think about the various points mentioned above and decide whether you see parts of your life in the above checklist.
Chihuahuas are intelligent, alert, and loyal companions.
They love to give and receive affection but again this is dependent on your understanding of the nuances of this breed and how well they are trained and socialized from puppyhood.
Good luck
Akita Dog Video
Akita Dog Video taken when the dog being washed, plus Akita pictures.
