Bad Food For Your Dog

If you are a pet owner, you have to keep yourself on guard as you are concerned for the welfare of our dogs and other pets. In the United States the Federal Department of Agriculture heads up other agencies which oversee pet foods.

It is this agency that regulates and approves processing of animal feed to keep health standards as requested by American consumers. American pet owners do not like bad dog food.

We, pet owners, can also take responsibility for healthy foods:

•    Read labels – check ingredients, expiration date, and company name and address

•    Select packages and canned containers not damaged

•    Purchase healthy raw or freezer meat

•    Check for spoilage before serving food

•    Cleanliness in food preparation

•    Clean food and water dishes

•    Proper storage of left overs

September 9, 2007 the Federal Department of Agriculture advised caution to chicken jerky products arriving from China. Tests were done to investigate what was causing dogs to be sick, nothing was found. There may be other causes, also unknown. However, there were consumer reports stating their dogs were getting sick.

These symptoms included:

•    Decrease in appetite

•    Increased thirst

•    Increased urination

•    Diarrhea; occasionally with blood

•    Vomiting

•    Decrease in activity

The advice given by the agency was to see a veterinarian if symptoms became worse or continued for twenty four hours as there could be an indication of kidney failure or other tissue damage.

Salmonella found in pet food can cause infections in both dogs and cats. People need to avoid cross-contamination to human food. We have all had salmonella reports in human food and we know sanitation awareness is essential.

To avoid salmonella infection:

•    Purchase foods that are securely wrapped

•    Wash your hands before and after food preparation

•    Wash pet bowl, utensils and scoop after each use

•    Plastic wrap any spoiled or old food before placing in garbage container

•    Refrigerate opened canned meat

•    Freeze fresh meat until needed

•    Store dry food in a cool, dry storage area

•    Place original dry food container into a plastic container with lid is advised

•    Keep pets away from food preparation and storage areas

•    Keep pets away from garbage and trash cans

We have been fortunate in America not to experience mad cow disease. But did you know in April 2009 the Federal Department of Agriculture ruled that none of these diseased animals were to be used for animal feed?

It is said that only half of the steer is used for human meat and the other half is used in animal feed. In America we are very trusting of our pet manufacturers to do right by our animals and we forget or we are not aware that parts of slaughtered animals are used in dog food.

While the FDA is doing its regulatory job, we at home should be doing the same to prevent bad dog food. It is because of the recalls that many people have taken a look at how they can prepare food for their pets and avoid these problems. And it seems that everyone has a theory on the best way to feed their dog.

Do you have an interest in home cooked meals for your dog? Visit the pet category on the home page of Tricia Deed at http://www.Infotrish.vpweb.com/ and review Dog Food Secrets.