Dog Health: The Myth of the Mutt

So, is a mutt (mixed breed dog) really healthier then a purebred? 

It is commonly believed that mixed breeds and cross breeds are generally less prone to hereditary illness then purebreds. This belief is used often to promote mixes as superior in health and temperament to purebreds. 

Personally, I am simply pro-dog, be the pooch mixed or 'pure' and I actually have one of each!

What is a 'Breed'?

To make a very complex question as simple as possible...a breed is defined as "a line of descendants perpetuating particular hereditary qualities" (Oxford English Dictionary). Clearly, this leaves a great deal of room for interpretation. I would venture that a 'breed' can be

described as a dog having been bred from a limited gene pool for a number of generations, having been selected for appearance and temperament. To fix certain characteristics, breeds must be developed over at the very least, seven generations. 'Fixing' traits means that the

offspring of a purebred will look and predictably act like his parents, great grandparents, great great grandparents and so on. Breed development has been accomplished at the hands of humans, as dogs are opportunistic creatures and on their own, would seek to perpetuate based on natural selection, not who looked most like them!

Genetic Concerns in Purebred Dogs

Since the lineage of breeds are genetically closed, it is easy to track health susceptibilities within a given breed.  Certain breeds are prone to certain disorders. For instance, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is likely to develop Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) over the course of a lifetime. Because the gene pool is closed, breeding out these health disorders poses a problem. All the members of the breed have a similar lineage, predisposing them to a disorder,

so continuing to mate these dogs to one another only seems to heighten the prevalence of disease within a breed. Responsible purebred breeders use genetic testing and regulations for breeding in order to establish criteria to result in healthier offspring. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should not be bred until a certain age and only after proving him or herself to be 'heart clear.' By breeding the healthiest specimens, ideally the offspring will carry those same healthy traits and over the course of generations, we can see improvement. All this said, irresponsible breeders are plentiful and these unscrupulous individuals are continuing to exacerbate the prevalence of genetic illness. If you choose to acquire a purebred, make sure your breeder is up on all the hereditary illnesses in her breed and takes every precaution to ensure the healthiest offspring. 

Health Concerns in Mutts

So, is a mutt healthier? 

By introducing new genetics into a closed gene pool, it would make sense that there would be a dilution of hereditary disease. However, this also introduces the newbie's own hereditary vulnerabilities to the offspring. Basically, mutts seem healthier because we cannot track their hereditary traits with as much simplicity as exists in purebred dogs. That said, a mixed breed dog carries its own hereditary baggage and you just don't know what you will get! 

I would say a healthy mutt is as healthy as the most responsibly bred purebred and an unhealthy mutt will require the same veterinary care as a purebred exhibiting hereditary illness. In humans, we see people wearing glasses every day. We know people who suffer from allergies and asthma. These are hereditary conditions! Should we 'breed' ourselves to be as optimally healthy as possible?? I should think not!! 

Every person and every dog have genetics that will play a large part in determining the individuals health and simply generalizing that mutts are healthier then purebreds isn't true. Some people feel there is something 'heroic' about having a mixed breed. It symbolizes a lack of pretension, a mix is likely a rescue, so the guardian did a good deed in saving a life. Well, many purebreds need rescuing and are in shelters, too! 

In Conclusion...

If you think a mixed breed guarantees you a dog less likely to have illness, think again. The only guarantee is that your dog will love you, be a loyal friend and will likely enjoy playtime, walks and lots of treats. 

From the tiniest Chihuahua to the largest Mastiff, dogs have the largest physical variation in any single species. Purebreds are great because there is a kind of 'what you see is what you get' predictability. Mixed breeds are great because they are one of a kind and absolutely adorable. 

If health is the determining factor for choosing that mixed breed over the Beagle who also needs a home, think twice. Choose the dog who has the best temperament for you, the exercise requirements most in line with your lifestyle, mixed or purebred. 

No matter what kind of dog you invite into your home, they all require responsible guardians who can provide food, care and exercise in accordance with a dog's individual needs!

Beastly Feasting on Green Tripe

We have made previous mention of the addition of tripe to a raw diet, discussed its many benefits and praised it for its healthy range of nutrients.

Whenever I crack open a tupperware container full of tripe, Louis’ eyes perk up, Ella’s nub of a tail begins to wag...

Upon opening the container, the most foul smelling odor I have ever encountered meets my nostrils. My 14 pound Louis leaps on me he as if he was poked by an electric rod. Ella followed, jumping toward it as high as possible (she reached mid-calf). Good thing I taught the dogs to ’sit’ while meals are prepared!

“SIT!” I commanded them. Both doggie tushes plop to the ground, eyes locked on the meal being prepared.

I carefully add it to their dishes, while trying to breathe through my mouth. Tripe is basically cow stomach and its partially digested contents. The green color is from the partially digested grasses and plants in the cows stomach. It is rubbery in texture, giving a great chewy workout for the jaws and neck muscles.

The thick, rubbery, natural tripe texture slow down Louis and Ella Bean’s normally frenetic eating pace and both dogs chewed happily, eyeing each others bowls. As I scrubbed the stainless steel bowls, après-dinner, I started to give some more thought as to why I should continue to assault my nose for the benefit of my beloved dogs.

It is actually instinctive for dogs to eat nutrient rich green tripe. No wonder I got such an explosive reaction! I ignited their doggie instincts. When ingesting tripe, the nutrients in grasses, grains, naturally occurring gastric juices, amino acids and other digestive enzymes that have already been processed by the cow’s stomach are easily absorbed by the dogs. The gastric juices and enzymes are excellent for dogs; the amino acids aid muscular development and gastric juices keep teeth clean and healthy. While they digest, those juices and enzymes assist the dog to pull the maximum amount of nutritional benefits from their diet.

Benefits of tripe include:

• Improved appetite and digestion
• Cleaner teeth
• Dry and itchy skin problems improved or eliminated
• Coats with richer color, shine and lower susceptibility to fleas
• Calmer temperaments
• Decreased waste in feces

Being that these are all great benefits, I suppose I have a new icky addition to incorporate into the fur kid’s diet. Remember, tripe is not meant to replace a portion of a current feeding program. It is meant to be fed as a part of a balanced diet. Additionally, if your dog happens to be one of the many with beef allergies, you needn't miss out! There are options available made from lamb tripe and duck tripe.

Don’t be alarmed by the pure nastiness of this product. This is the real deal, so there may be clumpy pieces of white fat, ingested hair and a range in color and texture that may vary by each purchase.

Gives a renewed meaning to a BARF* diet, huh?

*BARF - Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones And Raw Food diet

Existential Thoughts on That Which is Beanie

I am officially a member of the jet set. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, traveling from Miami to Washington D.C. then to New Jersey and back to D.C., back to Miami and a final stop in DC.

While vacationing, I got the total pampering package, including my very first professional grooming. I totally loved the attention and the shampoo/massage part was amazing. That lady really worked out my stress knots. It's hard being a Bean, you know. The only bad part was that my ‘do was shorn a little too short, but every gal has to deal with growing in hair at some point…Other then that, I looked amazing and felt totally relaxed! The dining was nothing but gourmet, so Louis and I worked those calories off during some leisurely, scenic jogs.

Along the way, I was asked so many times, what kind of dog I am. Well, dammit, I am a Bean Dog. I may not have a pedigree, but I can pee on a tree as well as any other bitch out there!

Not knowing who my biological parents are is usually of little concern to me - however everyone demands to know! After some time, the questions did begin to wear on me. Who am I? Where am I from? Who were my parents and where are they now?

When my female human found me, I was in a dog jail with cages stacked to the ceiling and echoing hallways full of loud noises and the barks of strange dogs…I was really quite ill, so I don’t remember much before then.

After much discussion with Louis, who does know his biological parents (They are from a special farm dedicated to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Louis knows this is a sensitive topic for me, so he is careful never to rub his lineage in my nose), I came to realize that all that truly matters is the family I have now! This may sound totally cheesy, which I know isn’t very Bean-like, but I adore all of my humans and my big brother Louis. My Uncle Sammi, the Maltese is a little grumpy, but he let me sleep on him and play with his toys!

I realized who I am isn’t defined by where I came from, its about who I am today - and what I’ll eat tomorrow! Life isn’t always easy, sometimes pups are put in jail for no reason, but by being the best Bean I can be, I know that tummy rubs and ear scratches are in my future.

With friends, humans and canine family like the ones I’ve got, I know its time to stop pondering the unanswerable questions of my past, the only thing that matters is that whoever my parents were, they gave me great looks! Oh and even more important then that is whatever Louis and I are eating for dinner.

Did I hear someone say duck???

Kisses,

Ella Bean

In Dog We Trust: A Look at America's First Dogs

America's 33rd President, Howard S. Truman famously said, "You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog."

Throughout American history, dogs have regularly had a place in the Oval Office, alongside the president. The United States public has been fixated on President Elect Barack Obama and family, as they have been searching for the next 'First Dog.' Vice President Elect Joe Biden has adopted a new German Shepherd puppy to accompany him to the Washington. Clearly, this is a pro-dog administration!

Tomorrow, January 20, 2009, marks the inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama. As the White House undergoes this historic change in political power, Obama has been working diligently to appoint the best staff members for all necessary positions to ensure a successful presidency. The appointment we have all been waiting for, the vital role of the First Dog, remains to be filled.

In honor of the inauguration and the impending arrival of a new White House pooch, I have compiled a brief history of presidential dogs.

Beginning with America's first President, George Washington, dogs have played an important role in the lives of our presidents, helping shape the public's perception of the president as well. George Washington had a large pack of over 30 dogs, mentioned in his journals, each carefully maintained and bred. Washington actually was the father of the American Foxhound breed, as well as the 'Father of our Country!'

Our 16th President and Obama's hero, Abraham Lincoln, had a mixed breed named Fido. Fido lived with Lincoln in Illinois, but unfortunately, never made the trip to Washington after his guardian was elected president. After Abraham Lincoln's assassination, his remains were returned to Illinois for burial. Fido was supposedly brought out to meet the Lincoln's mourners.

One of the most celebrated first dogs, Warren G. Harding's Airedale Terrier - Laddie Boy, was a celebrity in his own right. Laddie Boy had a high backed, hand carved chair of his own to sit in during cabinet meetings and the White House threw the Terrier birthday parties. The neighborhood dogs were invited to join in the celebration and share in Laddie Boy's bone shaped cake. Newspapers even published mock interviews with Laddie Boy!!



Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous companion, Fala, the Scottish Terrier lived at the White House, but like any good friend, traveled with the President to Roosevelt's homes in Hyde Park and Warm Springs, Georgia. He traveled on official business with Roosevelt, accompanying him to Mexico, Quebec and the West Indies. Fala slept at the foot of the President's bed and was served a bone every morning, which was brought up on the President's breakfast tray. The little Scottie was often found begging for treats from the White House staff. Fala is the only first dog to have been made into a statue. Fala's likeness stands next to the statue of Franklin D. Roosevelt at his namesake memorial in Washington, D.C.

John F. Kennedy had a special play area built by the West Wing for the children and family pets (in addition to dogs, there were ponies, parakeets and a rabbit!). He was the first president to request that his dogs be brought out to greet him when he arrived to the White House via helicopter. JFK had many dogs, but daughter Caroline's Welsh Terrier, Charlie, stood out from among the pack. Pictured, the first family gets cozy with their pack of pets.




President Gerald Ford had a Golden Retriever named Liberty, a gift from daughter, Susan. Liberty gave birth to a litter of pups while residing at the White House, one of which, Misty, was kept by the First Family. An active retriever, Liberty was often photographed romping on the south lawn, swimming in the pool at Camp David as well as receiving plenty of attention in the Oval Office. Rumor has it that Ford had a special signal to get Liberty to wag her tail when he wanted to cut a meeting short. Photographs of Liberty were 'signed' for fans using a rubber stamp of her paw print! Liberty's bond to President Ford was well known and even parodied by Chevy Chase on Saturday Night Live.

My personal favorite First Dog was companion to President Ronald Reagan. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (like my Louis!) was named Rex. Rex was a gift to the Reagans from political commentator William F. Buckley Jr. The spaniel lived at the White House from 1985 until Reagan left office. The family had a luxurious dog house built for him, complete with photos of Ronald and Nancy Reagan on the walls and plush red window treatments. Known for pulling hard on his leash, Rex would often drag the President or First Lady away from prying reporters. (I guess Rex needed a Gentle Leader, like my Lou!)

President George H.W. Bush's English Springer Spaniel, Millie (full name, Mildred Kerr Bush), gave birth to a litter of puppies while living at the White House. President Bush Sr. kept one of the puppies, Spot, the only second generation First Dog in history! Millie was also credited with co-authoring a book, Millie's Book, alongside Barbara Bush. The book told tale of a dog's life at the White House and spend an impressive 23 weeks on the Best Sellers list and outsold the biography of the President, himself!

Buddy, a chocolate retriever was given to President Bill Clinton as a gift when the pup was just 3 months old. Buddy frequented the Oval Office, accompanied Clinton in his travels and moved with the Clinton family to New York after Former First Lady Hillary Clinton was elected to serve as New York's senator. Buddy had a famous rivalry with the Clinton's cat, Socks and the two fought throughout the White House. Buddy inspired many websites and fan clubs, igniting public interest with his cute puppy antics. President Clinton and Buddy were said to have grown especially close in the wake of the Monica Lewinsky scandal (which became public shortly after Buddy came to live with the Clinton's). During Clinton's last days in the White House, he was often photographed playing solitaire, with Buddy by his side. Buddy died in an unfortnate auto accident at age 4 1/2.


President George W. Bush may have not had a good approval rating throughout his two terms as president, but his Scottish terrier Barney has had the public's interest from day one. Barney has plenty of websites devoted to him, but most popular is the Barney Cam, which films the First Dog at the White House, sharing his experiences with the public through film. In 2005, Barney was joined by Scottish terrier, Miss. Beazley. Miss. Beazley was a gift from the President to First Lady Bush. Miss. Beazley has also made appearances on Barney Cam!



There are actually many more dogs that were companions to past presidents then the ones I have written about here. For more information and a complete listing, please visit The Presidential Pet Museum's website.

Presidential Pooches

Ever since President Elect Barack Obama's acceptance speech in Chicago's Grant Park, where he declared his daughters were getting a puppy (awww!) - animal lovers have been watching closely to get the scoop on who will be appointed 'first dog.'

This morning, on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," President Elect Obama confirmed the family had narrowed their search to two breeds, a Labradoodle (lab/ poodle mix) and a Portuguese Water Dog. Obama went on to confirm they were searching rescue organizations to find their perfect pooch.

Four dogs have actually already been assigned to the incoming Obama administration. Only these dogs aren't Malia and Sasha Obama's new furry pals, these four canines are highly trained, Secret Service operatives. The four dogs are being dispatched from Ft. Myers, Virginia to work crowd control up to, during and after the inauguaration.

These four highly skilled security operatives are experts at sniffing out bombs, crowd control and are 'Patrol Certified'. Army Staff Sgt. Sarah Goulart told the Armed Forces Press Service, “That means they can do security missions, [and] if they need to be released on somebody, they can be released to detain them.”

These dogs come with related experience on their resumes, as well. One of the dogs, Mike, a six year old Belgian Malinois (left) worked security at Camp David, protecting President Bush as he and the first family enjoyed the Christmas holiday.

Woof!

Ella Bean and Louis: Doggone Superstars!

Our pal, Shadrach, the Neopolitan Mastiff, author of the blog Bark n' Blog featured Ella Bean and Louis in the weekly Featured Animal Friend of the Week!

Shadrach is all about holistic health, just like us, over here at The Canine Bark. Shadrach, together with his human, Dr. Kim, promote holistic wellness, raw feeding, minimal vaccines and natural modalities for promoting canine vitality.

Shadrach shared Ella's heart wrenching story and how our little Bean came from the depths of a puppy mill, was slated for euthanzia and with a bit of holistic health, prayer and whole lotta work, she has morphed into a picture of health.

Dr. Kim Bloomer is a practicing Veterinary Naturopath (VN), co-author of the book Whole Health for Happy Dogs, the host of the radio show, Animal Talk Naturally and much, much more. To learn more about Dr. Kim, please visit her site Aspenbloom Pet Care.

Lastly, don't forget to check out the featured stars of The Canine Bark!!

Vote for An Amigo!

Vote for Ella Bean in AnAmigo's Pet Photo contest!!

While you are at it, join the AnAmigo community to make friends with Louis and The Bean!!

www.anamigo.com

Casper Sniffs Out Cancer

In an earlier post, (Dogs Predict Cancer...and See Dead People?) I discussed the abilities of dogs to detect cancer in humans. In that article, I focused more on untrained pets who alerted their owners, inciting them to get tested and subsequent treatment.

In Oxfordshire, England, a rescue puppy names Casper is being trained to detect human cancer as his job. Continually passed over by families due to his inexhaustible energy, Casper makes an ideal candidate for medical screening. High energy dogs due best when they are routinely assigned complex tasks, which provide mental stimulation and a healthy outlet for all that energy.

This cute spaniel is being trained using urine samples from humans. Cancer cells are known to produce chemical compounds, which are present in an afflicted human's urine and are thought to emit odors. An 'electronic nose' exists and is used for testing purposes, but is not nearly as effective as the natural scenting abilities possessed by a dog. Dogs live in a world influenced by the olfactory, with smells as unique and individual to a dog as colors are to humans.

Researchers say training like that which Casper is undergoing is very complex - and the outcome is akin to being able to smell one very subtle ingredient in a soup.

The goal of using dogs to detect cancer in human is to provide people with a non-invasive test resulting in earlier detection of cancers.

Dogs are used professionally to detect bombs, drugs, missing persons, dangerous mold in buildings and even agricultural pests! Auburn University professor, Larry Myers believes that with proper training, most any dog can be trained to detect any unique scent. With continued research by dedicated experts, we can hope to see dogs continue to be further integrated into the fabric of contemporary society - providing dogs the opportunities to use their unique skills to help humans, as man's best friend has already done for centuries.

For more information, please visit www.cancerdogs.co.uk

Doggy Swimming!

To the right of my posts, you will notice a little box that tracks my Meetups, via meetup.com. Recently, I became the co-organizer of the Georgetown Cavalier King Charles and Small Dog Breed Meetup Group.

Now up to 39 members, we usually meet once a week and watch our dogs romp and play at the local dog park. The head organizer, Brandy and I had been working on creative ways to get in out of the winter cold and still keep our dogs socialized and exercised.

We found the Interstate Canine Swim Center, located in Aberdeen, Maryland and arranged to have some members of our meetup group trek out and have the pups learn to swim in the swim center's indoor pool!

Every single dog was fitted with a life jacket, for safety and the center's staff hooked each jacket to a long lead, to guide the dogs around the pool's perimeter. Most of the pooch's were reluctant to enter the water at first, and rather then using the ramp, needed to be lowered into the water. Once in, every dog did great! Instinct kicked in and the pooches paddled happily!

While we embarked on this activity for fun, swimming is one of the best cardiovascular workouts there is. Most dogs in a hydrotherapy program are there as a way to increase flexibility and strength after injury or surgery.

The benefits of swimming your dog are so varied! Swimming decreases swelling, increases circulation, flexibility, range of motion, increases coordination, builds confidence and endurance. Swimming is a non weight bearing activity, allowing the dog to exercise without placing stress any sore or weak joints. For overweight dogs, who are unable to exercise due to joint pain or arthritis, swimming can help whittle down waistlines, while avoiding injury.

Swimming is also beneficial for helping dogs to avoid surgical intervention in the case of come injuries, eliminating the need for risky anesthesia.

While therapeutic swimmers make up the majority of clientele at canine swim centers, many dogs enjoy swimming for fun, too! Sometimes, swimming is also used to keep performance dogs (i.e. show dogs, obedience and agility participants, herding dogs, ect.) in top condition. Swimming utlizes muscle groups, otherwise not easily exercised, so performace dogs and pets alike achieve better muscle tone and increaed activity endurance. Once dogs become adept swimmers, the life jacket is often removed and the pups can swim around on their own.

Much like a good run, romp and vigorous play, swimming provides physical and mental stimulation. Tired dogs are happy dogs and after our swim, boy, were these pooches dog tired!

You can see Louis racing with good friends Murphy and Puparoo above and to the left, Louis' BFF, the adorable Fenway swam like a pro!

While I think Louis had a good time, he started out very anxious. Once in the water, I called to him and he swiftly paddled toward me, following me around the pool's perimeter. I was so proud of my little aqua-dog!

Hydrotherapy for animals is becoming increasingly popular and locating a facility near you is as simple as Googling 'canine swim' and your town! Especially if you live near a metropolitan area, you will easily find a place to swim your dog, be it for fun or for rehabilitation. If you think adding swimming into your dog's health regime might be beneficial, be sure to consult with your vet. Some health conditions like epilepsy or cardiac issues may preclude swimming as a safe activity for your pup.

You are What You Meat

As I mentioned in my New Years post, a good way to determine the quality of your pet's (and your own) food is by taking a long, hard look at the ingredients label on the package.

The quality of your pet's nutrition takes on even more significance if, like most dogs, your pet eats the same food every day. Imagine, same food, same tastes every day...besides a little boring, it would become even more important that the daily grub was a high quality concoction, designed to enhance vitality and health, no??

Ignore the packaging, pictures of savory meats and veggies, happy dogs and look at the ingredient panel. Chances are, if you get your pet's food at a grocery store, generic pet shop or large discounter that sells everything, the food isn't great. (Sorry, I know that this is exactly what no one wants to hear in this economy.)

Look at the first ingredients. The first ingredients tell you what the bulk of the food is made up of. Bad ingredients = corn, by-product meal or meat meal. Dogs are carnivores (OK, technically, omnivores, but with a carnivorous bent).

So, a food made of mostly corn?? Unhealthy. Ground corn is a cheap filler used by many inexpensive dog foods to keep production costs down. Corn gluten meal is used as a weed killer (yum) and is actually one of the by-products of the high fructose corn syrup industry (one of the worst ingestibles for us humans!!). Corn gluten meal is a really cheap way to up the protein ante in dog food to meet American Association of Feed Control Officers (AAFCO) standards. This is the source of many a food allergy and other ailments which develop over time. This is a bad ingredient.

Next, look for your first meat source. Is it chicken, turkey, vension, beef or some other scrumptious whole meat?? Hmmm, why not??

Are you seeing the dreaded words, 'animal fat'? If so, do not walk, run that food to your nearest trash dump. Animal fat is rendered fat from dead, diseased, disabled animals, often euthanized from shelters or zoos, roadkill, rancid resturaunt fat, supermarket meat that's past its sell-by date and a host of other goodies. Any meat listed with the words 'by-product' are meant to describe what is left after the rest of the animal has been pillaged for human consumption...i.e. feet, heads, ect. which are rendered together to make that awesome by-product.

I am going to assume it goes without saying that animal fat and by-products are not going to provide optimum nutrition.

Sorry, I know that was so disgusting, that you, yourself have likely lost your appetite for the forseeable future. I am not trying to gross you out, just give it to you straight.

Other common, (but BAD) ingredients are wheat gluten (the 2007 Pet Food recall, anyone??) added colors like, Yellow 6 or Red 40, sorbitol (sugar) and other chemistry experiments...

Sure, the AAFCO allows these foods to be marketed as 'complete' nutrition, but then, this is a multibillion dollar industry, with loads of political and financial influence affecting what is considered 'acceptible' in the animal feed industry. Clearly, the 2007 Pet Food Recalls, demonstrated that lax standards and government policy are not enough to protect our pets. Animal guardians must do their own research.

One more thing...If your dog's food doesn't have an expiration date, isn't that cause for concern? If the food NEVER goes rancid, what the heck kind of wierd stuff is in those hard lumps of 'food' that make them eternally fresh?? Would you eat something with no expiration date? That has possibly been on sales shelf for who knows how long?? Didn't think so!!

What are some good ingredients?? Whole meats! Whole, unprocessed grains! Whole vegetables! Instead of a host of chemicals, you should find digestive enzymes and probiotics, aiding in your animal's health and ability to maximize the nutrients being offered.

Chances are, these high quality foods are available at a local pet store, whose aim is the health of your pet. These shops often tout themselves as holistic and natural. The sales people are often knowledgable and can help point you to a brand of food which is ideal for your pet. Many of these better dog foods offer samples so Fido can taste test a few and see what appeals to his pallette.

Cancer in dogs is now prevalent at higher rates then ever, allergies are more common, immune deficiencies are becoming the norm and our pets are clearly suffering as a result of being fed the equivalent to a McDonald's Happy Meal every day for the duration of their lives. Reference Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation. It's no wonder our dogs are obese and dying of deadlier, crueler diseases then ever!

Higher quality food means a healthier dog (read: less expensive trips to the vet), so where there is a cost factor, its often offset by the health and vitality of your pooch.

P.S. The same criteria exists for treats. Don't treat your dogs with junk food. Would you give a toddler cotton candy and Ho Ho's every time she did something good?? Right. Thought so.

New Year, New Food!

Happy 2009!!

Many of us make resolutions to better ourselves as we bravely face the beginning of another new year. How about making a resolution that is easy to stick too and benefits your companion animal's health??

First, start the new year by taking an inventory of your pet's health.

Does Fido seem to be a good weight? Feel his ribs...are they poking through his skin? Not visible, but easily felt under his fur? Or is the hunt for Fido's ribs requiring pawing through rolls of hairy fat??

Is your pet's fur shiny? His skin dander free, with no abrasions, sores or pests?

Check his paws, make sure his nails are short and free of snags. Make sure his paw pads have no cuts or other abnormalities.

Then check his eyes, which should be alert, responsive and free of any mucous or drainage. Same for the nose. Open your dogs mouth. If his teeth aren't pearly white, it may be time to make an appointment at the vet for a scaling to remove tarter. Make sure no teeth are broken, take note if any are missing, as well. If your dog has bad breath, this is a sign his mouth isn't as clean as it could be. Start with a vet visit to determine if your dog does need a cleaning and dental exam.

Once Fluffy's teeth are sparkling, its time to keep them that way! Stock up on healthy chews, like Bully Sticks, chicken backs from Primal and marrow bones. Be sure to stay away from unhealthy or dangerous chews like rawhide (rawhide is dangerous - click to read why).

This may also be a good time to rethink your dog's diet. A dear friend recently asked me what I would categorize as the Bentley of dog foods...I answered, "The RMB diet, of course!!" Raw meat and bones....yum! Just how your dog was designed to eat and his digestive system is optimized to utilize. For more on raw feeding...click here!

I have been singing the praises of raw for a while, so no need to get into it...What to do if raw isn't for you??

There are some great new products on the market, like dehydrated raw diets which come closer to providing the health benefits of a pure RMB/ Prey Model diet.

Make sure, whatever you feed to take a good, long look at the ingredients. If the first few ingredients are grain, corn, byproducts or meat meal - its definitly time to find some new food!!

The best rule of thumb is that you should aim to feed your dog, healthy, whole foods, much like you would feed yourself.

And on that note, Louis, Ella Bean and I wish everyone a healthy 2009!!