tuckfook
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Aug 1, 2006, 8:37 PM
Post #13 of 23
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Re: [babymun] deciding to get a Beagle puppy...need info
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Hi, Dry food gives the dog mostly bulk. Just like humans must have fibre for bulk. As for the proteins, minerals, vitamins and carbohdrates, most dry dog food will contain as much as it says on the bag/box. Only problem is that the protein from which the dry foor is made is usually from plants, which because of the dog's digestive system, it will not derive maximum benefit from. Dry dog food also contains a lot of other things to help control the quality of stool the dog produces for smell, dryness etc. so it is less of a mess for the owners. So dry dog food is a matter of convenience for the owners, but not the best for the dog. Since dogs are carniverous, they naturally eat only meat. Their digestive system is designed for meat. Cooking of meat for dogs prevents the dog from getting any worms and bacteria that will affect the dog. Cooking destroys some of the nutrients available in raw meat. So for any owner wanting top performance from their dogs, the best food must be made available. For most of us pet owners, dry food or a mixture of dry food and a meat stew will be good enough. Fighting dogs do better on raw meat, whereas guard dogs can do with just meat stew and occasional raw meat. I hunt wild boar so I cook the wild boar meat into a stew and mix with dry dog food. Different amounts of fat in the meat, I notice, produces different consistency of the dog's stools. I try to balance that by using more dry food when the meat is fat. Pig skin and fat makes the dogs coat thicker and glossy. In general, the dogs are more active with more meat. I have not used canned dog food for a long time. I'd guess it's the same as stew from the can. It'll save some time and work. I feed my pups exclusively on meat and liver stew from as soon as they will take food other than the mother's milk, ie about 5 weeks onwards till they are about 7-8 weeks when I mix a little soaked dry food. I would continue meat only if my supply is enough. As they grow to about 4 months, I reduce the amount of meat otherwise they get too fat. It is also difficult to cook so much stew ! Dog nutrition can be based on human models, which is why organ meats are essential for pregnant dogs and pups. Cholesterol, folic acid etc. are very necessary in the development of pups, before and after birth. So, if it is convenient, go give your dog a steak. Every sunday, my dogs get a T-Bone steak each
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