Your dog is what it eats.

What your dog eats is very important to it's health. Feeding a quality dog food is important. What is more important is looking at what we feed our dogs outside of their dog food.

Table scraps: "as most dog owners call it" is the waste we wouldn't eat from our plate of food. Feeding table scraps that are unhealthy for  humans, is just as unhealthy for our canine companions. Not only can they become obese from over eating but if fed too much in general or given to much fat they can get pancreatitis and or become diabetic.

Roughage:I have had a few clients that were counseled by their vets or other pet professional to give their dogs green beans to help satisfy hunger. Green beans are great to satisfy hunger and give great fiber. DO NOT give canned green beans. Canned green beans are loaded with sodium and can cause heart problems as well as water retention. If you are going to feed green beans for roughage please get a good quality frozen variety with no salt added. Carrots are also a good treat and source of fiber.

Dog Food: I feed my dogs Natures Variety by a brand called "prairie". It is organic and natural. This food also comes in a variety of  protein types. It is called variety because it is meant to be fed in a variety. Like Venison for breakfast and chicken for lunch. The only differing factors between the bags is the protein.

This also helps to satisfy our feelings as a dog owner that our dogs need variety. It is a more natural way of feeding your dog.

I do not recommend changing diet drastically or feeding a variety of brands to your dog as this could make them ill. Please contact your veterinarian or pet professional before changing your dogs food.

Treats: Remember... your dog doesn't need a full cookie. If you are training your dog only needs a pea sized piece of his treat to know it was a job well done. Keep track of how many treats your dog gets in a day and be sure to change his food ration accordingly.

Serving size: Please feed your dog to the weight the dog is supposed to be! Not the weight your dog is now. If your dog is 75lbs and should be 65lbs feed them to the 65lb serving size. If your dog isn't losing weight, your dog needs more exercise. If your dog is still hungry all the time talk to your vet. You dog may need a weight management food or less caloric food.

Our dogs need us to help them moderate their intake of food and help keep them in shape. Dogs should have a waist line so if your dog is just round... he probably needs more exercise, less food, and moderation of treats.