Showing posts with label Retrievers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Retrievers. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Foods Dangerous To Your Labrador Retrievers

Not all foods edible to humans are safe for Labrador Retrievers. Sometimes, what we thought is safe and healthy for us is also safe for our four-legged friend to consume. But since dogs and humans do not have the same metabolism, some foods pose threat causing mild stomach upsets while some may cause severe illness and worst, death. It is important for every dog owner to know which foods are safe and not.

dog food for sensitive stomachs

Listed below are some of the foods safe for human but not for dogs:

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Chocolate and Caffeine

Chocolate, cocoa beans, cola, tea and even milk chocolate and unsweetened chocolate contains theobromine. Caffeine can also be found in coffee, tea, chocolate and colas. Theobromine and caffeine affects animals the way they affect humans. Too much ingestion of these foods increase the breathing and heart rate, sometimes causing irregular beating of the heart. Signs of too much dose include vomiting, diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, restlessness, ataxia, muscle tremors, increased or decreased heart rate, irregular heart rhythm, increased body temperature, seizures, coma or even death.

Grapes/Raisins

Grapes and raisins should be given to Labrador Retrievers only in limited amount because of the unknown toxin that could damage the dog's kidneys. Symptoms of poisoning from grapes or raisins include abdominal pin, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, lack of appetite and a halt in the production of urine.

Garlic and Onions

Garlic and onion contain sulfoxides and disulfides that can damage red blood cells and can lead to anemia. Symptoms include lethargy, weakness, discolored urine, diarrhea, liver damage, asthmatic attacks and vomiting. Whether fresh, cooked or powdered forms, these two should be avoided in preparing your dog's meals.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are soft, light-colored nuts derived from the trees of Macadamia integrifolia and Macadamia tetraphylla. These nuts are often used in cookie recipes. An unknown toxin present in macadamia nuts negatively affects the nervous and digestive systems as well as the muscles. Symptoms include gastrointestinal upsets, muscle tremors, stiffness, lethargy, vomiting, weakness and sadness. Symptoms usually start within three to twelve hours after of ingesting the nuts.

Mushrooms

Toxins in mushroom vary with species. Some causes abdominal pain, shock, hallucinations, diarrhea, vomiting and coma. Some causes kidney failure, liver failure and even death. Ingesting any type of mushroom should be prevented.

Other items to avoid are:

alcoholic beverages

milk and other dairy products

raw eggs

raw fish

sugary foods

tobacco

large amount of table scraps

chicken bones

Foods Dangerous To Your Labrador Retrievers

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

Sunday, September 25, 2011

The 9 Best Foods For Golden Retrievers

Choosing the best food for your golden retriever can be somewhat of a difficult task. It is crucial that you choose a healthy food with all the right minerals and vitamin to keep your dog well and strong.

dog food for sensitive stomachs

Here is a list of the nine best foods currently on the market:

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs

1. California Natural

This is the best food for golden retrievers that are hypersensitive or have certain skin allergies. Although this brand is affordable, it is not as readily available as many other brands. It contains one carbohydrate, one fat and one protein, making it free from anything to which your retriever may be allergic to.

2. Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul

If you are looking for a food made from the best ingredients that does not cost an arm and a leg, this is the brand for you. It contains chicken, whole grains and turkey.

3. Dick Van Patten Natural Balance

This brand is made from high quality ingredients using a special formula that golden retrievers find exceptionally tasty.

4. Innova

This dog food contains whole ingredients to keep your friend strong and healthy. Priced very low, Innova dog food contains meat, vegetables and fish. A number of dog owners claim Innova to be one of the best foods because of the richness of quality ingredients.

5. Merrick Dog Food

You can find this food on the market easily. They use all the best ingredients, and this brand is considered some of the best foods. It is made from natural ingredients and it contains no antibiotics or added preservatives. In addition, Merrick is available for an affordable price.

6. Nutro

This type of dog food is made with all natural ingredients and is rich in vitamin E. Nutro is one of the best foods for dogs that are especially picky or have a sensitive stomach.

7. Orijen

When it comes to dry dog food, Orijen is the best foods. It contains a healthy mixture of fruits, vegetables and meats. The ingredients used in this premium dog food are fresh and natural. Several golden retriever experts recommend this as one of the best food. Orijen is readily available for an affordable price.

8. Wellness Dog Food

This food contains three main proteins, but no hormones. The formula is all natural and rich in balanced nutrients.

9. Wysong

Not much meat is actually used in the manufacturing of this dog food. This dry food is the best food for retrievers that are allergic to meat. Even though this type of food is reasonably priced, it may be difficult to find.

Cost and ingredients are the main factors to consider when searching for the best food for golden retrievers. Providing your dog with proper nutrition is one of your most important jobs as a golden retriever parent.

The 9 Best Foods For Golden Retrievers

Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs