Black Labrador Retriever has a slight problem with Dry Skin

Subject: My black lab pup(5mos. old) has a slight problem with dry skin.

From: Jeff (USA)

Labrador Retriever Name: Riley

Reader's E-mail - Jeff Writes:

My black lab pup(5mos. old) has a slight problem with dry skin. Is there a easy dietary fix?

Jeff

All About Labradors Answer:

Hello Jeff,

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer:

Dry skin and coat can say a lot about your Labrador Retriever's health. There’s a broad array of factors that can lead to excessive dry, flaky skin in your Labrador Retriever such as: not getting enough of the right types of fatty acids in their diet, parasites, bathing frequently, poor quality diet, environmental factors, fungal infections, and allergies to name a few. It's very important to eliminate specific causes of dry skin before beginning treatment.

As for dietary fixes, here are some things that may be of help:

1. Make sure you are feeding your Labrador Retriever a healthy diet that fulfills their dietary needs. If you need a recommendation for a good commercial food just ask. I'm also going to provide you with a link to a website called The Dog Food Project that provides outstanding information in regards to food and your Labrador Retriever:

The Dog Food Project - http://www.dogfoodproject.com/

2. Supplementation with omega fatty acids (Omega 3 and Omega 6) are critical to total body health. These fatty acids play a vital role in the structure of cell membranes, help to maintain healthy skin and coat, support the immune system, and promote proper growth and development of the nervous system.

3. Supplementation with Probiotics which are live cultures found in yogurt which will help out in maintaining and increasing the good flora (bacteria) of the gut.

Here's a helpful article on probiotics:

The Benefits of Probiotics for Your Pet - http://www.flintriver.com/Probiotics-Healthy-Pet-Boost.htm

You could also supplement your Labrador Retriever's diet with regular, non-flavored yogurt with live cultures including ‘Lactobacillus Acidophilus’ daily. Make sure there are no sugars or sweeteners in it. You could add it to his food, or your can use it in the Kong toys if you use them. One reader of this blog stuffs it into the Kong toys and freezes it.

Hope this is of some help to you Jeff. If you have further questions, please ask.

Take care of yourself and your Labrador Retriever

Fay

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Crate Training - General Info How to Crate Train A Labrador

Here's a free mini eBook from StoneyFieldSilverLabradors.com in regards to crate training your Labrador Retriever.

Inside you will find sections on:

General information on crate training.

How to Crate Train A Labrador Retriever.

Wire or plastic? What size crate? Blankets? Alarm clock? What to put in the crate.

For how many hours and until what age are Labrador Retrievers crated.

The eBook list some good information to help you with your Labrador Retriever crate training endeavours. Also remember that patience is the key when crate training your Labrador Retriever.

Download your free Crate Training - General Info How to Crate Train A Labrador eBook (PDF format)

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Free Dog Food for Adoption

Have you adopted a Labrador Retriever (or any dog) in 2009? If so, you can get a free month's supply of PEDIGREE® Food For Dogs.

From Pedigree:

"Adopting a dog is a rewarding experience–and here's how we're helping to make it a little more rewarding: When you adopt a shelter dog, we'll give you a free month's supply of PEDIGREE® Food For Dogs*. It's our way of saying “thank you” for helping us help dogs.

* Total donations from PEDIGREE® consumer and trade programs to local shelters in 2009: minimum $250,000 up to $1million."

To get you free food, you must fill out the form on the pedigree website, attach proof of adoption (copies of adoption documentation and receipt for fee/donation) and then mail them in.

Your free food will be provided in the form of a coupon redeemable for a 20 lb. bag of PEDIGREE® Food For Dogs. The offer is valid only for adoptions by individual consumers in the United States of America (excluding territories and possessions) from Jan. 2009 to Dec. 2009 and limited to one (1) coupon per household/ address.

All requests must be received by Feb. 2010.

Head on over to the Pedigree website to learn more about this offer and to print out your Pedigree Adoption Drive free dog food for adoption form.

Congratulations to all of your that adopted Labrador Retrievers (OK, any dog) in 2009!!

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Sex With a Yellow Labrador Retriever - It's Not What it Sounds Like, Honest

When you are thinking about getting a dog one thing that is sometimes forgotten for new dog owners is the research. If my wife and I would have known what comes with a Labrador Retriever puppy we might have rethought the whole dog saga. This is not to say our Lab is not a part of the family. She is, and we could not imagine our lives without her. She makes us crazy, irritated, and annoyed at times but she is our princess even if she is the size of a small yellow pony. She might also be the most spoiled dog ever.

We have no kids at the moment so in all actuality the dog is like our child. We buy cheesy magnets for our parents that say "My Grandchild is a Dog" and other goofy things like this. Everyone buys the puppy everything and she gets her way most of the time. If she doesn't, she throws a little, or big, puppy tantrum that includes: stomping the floor with her two front paws, whining, crying, rubbing up against the wall and grunting, tangling up the floor mat that is used for shoes upon entering, constant scratching or ringing of the bell to go outside and the list goes on and on.

Now that we are at age two with our young lady - which for a Lab is basically still puppy years - we have done the research and know just about everything there is to know about Labs and Lab puppies. From simple things like; do not leave cell phones, shoes, or anything else in reach of the puppy and make sure the puppy is not alone for long periods of time or they will destroy things - walls, stairs, carpet, furniture, etc. These are things we were not aware of when acquiring this breed. Especially if you get a crazy Lab that has a little extra fuel in the tank, which we do, you need to make sure they are well taken care of because they want to be a part of everything so badly.

Now that she is two she is nowhere near as bad as she was. She doesn't instantly grab something from you that falls on the floor for two seconds, we can keep the remote controls out, and she has not chewed on any furniture for some time. With everything we researched, studied, and saw about Labs over the last two years between my wife and I, we never saw a thing about a Lab, at times, ruining the mood for man and wife alone time.

Again, our dog is very spoiled so when she gets locked up in her cage or locked out of a room she cries to be let in, or let out. Our house is not that big so it is hard to get away from her whining, crying, or scratching. She is also allowed on the furniture at our house as well and because of this she sleeps with us just about every night. We have no children so she doesn't hurt anything being on the couch or the beds, so why not. However, this means that every time my wife and I go to bed, or are in bed, the dog follows. No matter what time of day it is.

She wants to know what you are doing and where you are going every time you leave the room. Now that she is two, she is getting better with this as well and does not feel the need to follow you to the bathroom every time you get up but the one thing that gets overlooked in this whole dog process is the disruption of the sex life.

It is challenging to have sex with a Lab always around. There is no doubt about it. I often wonder if we are the only couple that suffers from this debacle of having our sex life challenged by a dog. She is 80 lbs so being naked with her around is kind of a challenging thing in itself. If we let her come down and stay on the bed she never gets off. If we try to ignore her and pretend she is not there she will make it known she is there. So if we start messing around, the dog will lick your face (or anywhere for that matter; feet, hands, arms, sneeze on you, or bury her head into both of you and just lay there right next to you in a goofy position. Sometimes we will try and sneak in some action while she is asleep and she will always, without fail, make crazy puppy sounds (grunts, whines, whistles, sighs, whatever), stretch out and kick you, or the ultimate - drop the Dog Gas. Talk about a mood killer - jeez.

This might sound silly but it is an ongoing war with our Lab. If we close her out of the room she will scratch and piss and moan to get in. If we put her in her cage then we have to listen to her barking or crying while we are attempting to have sex. We have learned ways to get around this ridiculousness but it's still a never ending battle for my wife and I.

No "Labs for Fools" or Labrador fact book ever said anything about this conundrum. We have learned it first hand to have a member of the family that can't take a hint and all we can say is that we are thankful she is getting older and will not be so interested in everything once she knows she is not missing anything.

We can only guess that having a child is very similar and longer lasting so we are grateful to get this out of the way with the dog now instead of having a baby and a Lab puppy at the same time. I see people out there with a stroller and a Lab puppy attached to a leash and I just don't know how they can do it. Perhaps this is why there are so many Labs up for adoption?

They are a magnificent breed no doubt about it. They are smart, Loving, loyal, obedient, and the sweetest dogs on the face of the earth. They become a member of the family instantly and Love their role of playing the puppy. If you are thinking about getting this breed intense research is highly recommended or else you are going to be in for a lot of surprises that end with you not being a happy dog owner. When in all truth, having a Labrador Retriever is one of the greatest relationships you can form with a four legged friend.

Photo courtesy of douglemoine

I am a freelance writer looking to establish a name for myself in this bright big new world. Specializing in creative/article writing, rewriting, web research, web content, and short stories, just to name a few.

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All About Labradors Blog Changes

The time has come for a change. The All About Labradors blog has had the same look since 2005. It's hard to search this blog, it loads slow, looks boring and so much more. So I've decided to update.

We are working as quickly as possible to get the new design straightened out, so please bear with us while we get our new look. Thank you for your understanding!!

Fay

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Labrador Retriever with Bad Breath

Subject: My Labrador Retriever has bad breath.

From: Denise

Labrador Retriever name: Guy

Reader's E-mail - Denise Writes:

Hello Fay,

Happy New Year. Guy, is my two year old Lab who we love more than anything in this world. The joy he brings to my family is unbelievable and we wouldn't know what we would do without him.

There is one little problem and that is that Guy has the worst breath. He is in perfect health, I feed him an excellent dog food and constantly give him dental dog treats but it doesn't help. Is it possible for you to give us some help with Guy's stinky problem. Thank you,

Denise

All About Labradors Answer:

Hello Denise and a Happy New Year to you and your family. Thank you for your e-mail.

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer

There are products on the market that can help you deal with your Labrador Retriever's bad breath. Dog treats (which you already use), chews, dog breath drops and dog toothbrush to name a few.

An important part of good Labrador Retriever care is good dental care, and bad breath is the first sign of a possible dental problem. Most dental problems are easily treated but left untreated infection, tooth loss or more serious problems can occur.

I would start by checking Guy's teeth and gums to make sure nothing is lodged in there. I would then start brushing his teeth as it is a great way to combat bad breath. Get yourself a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste (don't use human toothpaste). Start by brushing his teeth with your finger and the paste and gradually work up to the toothbrush. Daily brushing is preferred but if can't do it daily make sure you do it a couple times a week.

Here's a good video to help you out with brushing your Labrador Retriever's teeth:



I would also make sure Guy gets fed a high quality dog food and provide him with plenty of hard, safe chew toys that help his teeth to be cleaned by the natural process of chewing.

I would also make sure to get Guy an appointment with his veterinarian for there are a variety of conditions (gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, respiratory problems) that may lead to halitosis. Your veterinarian will run test to pinpoint the cause of your Guy's bad breath and ensure he is in good health. Hope this helps.

Fay

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Happy New Year

Wishing you a very happy and very healthy New Year. Thanks to all for all of your questions, comments and stories. Hoping all your dreams and wishes come through in 2010!

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Free sample of Natural Nibbles Dog Treats

Natural Nibbles is offering a free sample of their dog treats.

From Natural Nibbles:

Introducing Natural Nibbles®: The tempting new dog treat that was developed with great taste AND your Best Friend’s healthy longevity in mind…

Our Goal: To craft an unparalleled tantalizing treat, from only the highest quality ingredients, which will both satisfy Pampered Pets and exceed the nutritional expectations of their Discriminating Owners.

Our Promise: Each one of Natural Nibbles® four mouthwatering-flavors are specially formulated for optimal canine health using only the finest all-mea ingredients and essential supplements. We never use animal by-products, fillers, or artificial colors, flavors and preservatives – and that’s a promise.

Our Guarantee: Natural Nibbles® treats are created domestically, using only premium meats from the USA. Our treats are minimally processed, thanks to our exclusive NutraSafe™ method, which preserves their nutritional integrity and mouth-watering real-meat flavor – while keeping them free of preservatives, pathogens, or pesticides.

Our Pride: Developed by dog enthusiasts - perfected by nutritionists - loved by dogs. We are proud to be an innovator of distinctively tasteful and guilt-free solutions to the average dog treat that are just as unique as your pet. Now you can still treat your Dog and give them a long and happy life with Natural Nibbles™.

The Difference Is Simple: Simply Nutritious. Simply Exceptional. Simply… Natural Nibbles.

As always, with most samples listed on the All About Labradors blog, don't delay in making your request or they will be gone. The offer is for the USA only.

Visit Natural Nibbles website to learn more and request your free sample of Natural Nibbles Dog Treats.

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Introducing Training To The Young Labrador Retriever

You can begin some elementary retrieving exercises at eight weeks or so, and your Labrador will most likely love the game and look forward to it each day. To teach the basic mechanics of the fetch (run out, pick up the object, return the object to the master, and release), begin by placing the puppy on a 10-foot lead. Take a favorite toy or a ball large enough not to be swallowed, dangle it in front and above the dog's head to gain its attention, and toss it 5 to 6 feet in front of you. Precede your command with your dog's name. For example, say, "Jake, fetch!" As he races for the toy, follow behind him. Make sure the lead stays loose and does not snap shut and frighten or hurt him (and perhaps permanently sour him on retrieving).

If he picks up the toy, praise him encouragingly. Should he merely eye or paw the toy, make him pick it up by shaking it in front of him, repeating "Jake, fetch!" Once he has grasped the toy, walk backwards to your beginning spot. Coax him to follow you by motioning him toward you using your hands and fingers. When he arrives back, get the toy from his mouth by commanding "Out!" and gently pulling it loose. Now is the time to give him a lot of praise and affection - not during the exercise, although encouragement can be helpful.

At such a young age, the emphasis in this and all types of exercise is on fun, not on performance. Improvement in response should naturally come with familiarity. As the puppy masters the game, vary it. Keep the dog guessing. Try to remain in position and not move out toward the toy. Later, you can attach a longer lead and extend the distance of your throw, or throw the toy sideways. Any Labrador retriever worth its name will take easily and eagerly to this game.

It is recommended that you play with the puppy often and consciously make an effort to get down to its level. Standing upright, humans can be quite an imposing sight for a puppy. Sitting or lying on the floor, they are no longer towers but friendly companions. Giving a puppy some eye-to-eye attention will go a long way in cementing the human-dog bond.

Because Labrador retrievers make good swimmers as adults, some misinformed people think this gives them the liberty to dunk young puppies into any available pool of water. A Labrador is a natural swimmer, but the dog needs to learn the fundamentals before being expected to feel at ease in the water. When a puppy's first exposure to the water is being thrown or forced in, the shock may make it dislike and fear the water throughout life. Many potential field dogs have been ruined by improper or overzealous training.

The first introduction to the water can begin while a puppy is quite young (three months is a good age). A puppy should be able to master the mechanics very quickly, especially if "shown the ropes" by some older dogs. The owner should always be nearby, should trouble arise. It often helps the dog feel at ease if the owner wades into the water with it on the first dip.

Ponds or lakes, with their easy entries, are best for training water dogs. The slick tiles and steep sides of a pool are often unmanageable for the dog, and many drownings have occurred when an exhausted dog was unable to climb out of the water. Similarly, a young puppy is not strong enough to manage a rough ocean surf, but should be encouraged to play along the shoreline in a sheltered area of shallow water.

Introducing Training To The Young Labrador Retriever courtesy of Dog Articles

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Happy Holidays

A very happy and healthy holiday season to you and your families, from all of us here at All About Labradors!

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Free Pet Exam at Banfield (PetSmart)

Since 1955, Banfield has been committed to bringing human quality care and medicine to your Pet, affordably. They understand that Pets are part of the family which is why they offer exceptional health and wellness care. Discover the difference of comprehensive veterinary care for your Pet."

Complete the form on the Banfield website to get printable coupon. Print and bring the coupon to your Pet's first scheduled exam at your local Banfield (located in PetSmart), and the exam is FREE!

Free Pet Exam at Banfield (PetSmart)

This offer is only valid for residents of the USA.

Find your local Banfield Hospital located inside PetSmart.

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Identify Hip Dysplasia In Your Labrador Retriever

Hip Dysplasia is a widespread condition that primarily affects large breeds of dogs. Hip dysplasia
is a painful, crippling disease that causes a dog's hip to weaken, deteriorate and become arthritic.

Hip dysplasia literally means an abnormality in the development of the hip joint. It is characterized by a shallow acetabulum (the "cup" of the hip joint) and changes in the shape of the femoral head (the "ball" of the hip joint). These changes may occur due to excessive laxity in the hip joint.

In the following video, Morkel Pienaar (BVSc Cert Ophtal MRCVS) of vetstoria.com, explains:

Who gets Hip Dysplasia?

What is Hip Dysplasia?

What are the symptoms of Hip Dysplasia?

How do you diagnosis Hip Dysplasia?



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$5.00 Off Wellness Dry Dog Food / $2.00 Off Wellness Snacks Coupon

For those of you that feed your Labrador Retrievers Wellness foods or snacks, here are a couple of coupons to save you some money.

First is for $5.00 off Wellness Dry Dog Food (or cat food). Offer is valid on any purchase of Wellness® Dry Dog Food. Limit 1 coupon per purchase, per customer. Good only on product(s), sizes and flavors indicated. Customer pays sales tax. RETAILER: Offer expires 12/28/09. OFFER VALID ONLY IN THE U.S.

The second coupon is for $2.00 OFF Wellness® Snacks for Dogs (or cats). Good only on product(s), sizes and flavors indicated. Customer pays sales tax. RETAILER: Offer expires 12/28/09.

For those of you that shop at PETCO, here's a coupon for $5.00 off any in-store purchase of $25.00. Single-use coupon, limit one per household. Expires: 12/31/09.

A big thank you to Christine for sharing these coupons with us!

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Atopy and your Labrador Retriever

Atopy or atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin disease of dogs. In the allergic state, the dog’s immune system ‘overreacts’ to foreign substances (allergens) to which it is exposed. The most common type of allergy is the inhalant type, also known as atopy. It results in itchiness, either localized (in one or several areas) or generalized (all over the dog). Common allergens that can cause atopy include tree pollens, grass and weed pollens, moulds, mildew, and the house dust mite.

Canine Atopic Dermatitis, also known as atopy is a common itchy skin allergy in dogs caused by a disorder of the dog's immune system. It is an allergy to substances in the environment that are inhaled by the dog. These substances are called allergens and cause the immune system to over re-act and release histamines.

"Dr. Wayne Rosenkrantz, DVM, DACVD, discusses Atopy in dogs-clinical signs, allergies, skin infections & treatment options. Dr. Rosenkrantz, specializes in Animal Dermatology in Tustin, CA. This video is NOT meant to replace the advice of your regular vet."

Atopy in Dogs, Environmental Allergies:



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Free Bubbles n' Beads shampoo and conditioner sample

Bubbles n' Beads is a complete time-saving, 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner.

It's micro-beads deliver vitamins and conditioners to the skin and a blend of 14 amino acids:

1. improves coat strength and shine

2. makes the coat noticeably softer to the touch

3. replenishes cells to heal skin damage.

Information from Happytails Canine Spa:

"When you're entirely covered with hair, a bad hair day is no laughing matter. But with all that hair it's hard to get to the root of the problem– the roots. Bubbles 'n Beads has the solution: Our all-natural shampoo contains exclusive micro-beads packed with conditioning vitamins. The beads penetrate the coat, burst against the skin, delivering their nutrients right where they’re needed; at the follicle. The result is a healthier, shinier more lustrous coat."

Right now they are offering a free 1 oz sample size of Bubbles 'n Beads. You will receive a confirmation e-mail, so make sure you watch for it. I also received a free 20% Promo Code for a future order in my e-mail.

Head on over to the Happytails website if you would like to request a free Bubbles n' Beads shampoo and conditioner sample

Be advised, the first 500 responses per week will receive free sample. If you don't get it this week, don't forget to try again next week. Available in the USA and Canada.

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Caring for your Labrador Retriever

Quick tips in caring for a Labrador Retriever:

Avoid over-feeding you Labrador Retriever.

Avoid under-exercising your Labrador Retriever.

Provide good leadership.

Spend time doing obedience training.

Find out the history of the Labrador Retriever with information from certified dog trainer, Nancy Frensley in this free video on dog care and obedience.

Frensley is the K-9 program leader and training manager of the K-9 College at the Berkeley East Bay Human Society.



Quick tips to remember when caring for a Labrador Retriever:

Avoid over-feeding you Labrador Retriever.

Avoid under-exercising your Labrador Retriever.

Provide good leadership.

Spend time doing obedience training.

Provide plenty of love and attention!

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Do Labrador Retrievers get cold during the winter - UPDATE

Here is an update from a Ashley's e-mail question who wanted to know if Labrador Retrievers get cold during the winter.

You can read that entire e-mailed question here: Do Labrador Retrievers get cold during the winter?

Subject: Do Labrador Retrievers get cold during the winter - UPDATE

From: Ashley (USA)

Labrador Retriever's Name: Junior

Fay,

Thank you soo much for the helpful information! Its starting to get cold, but thankfully he is bundled up in his doggy house with blankets. I always stick the blankets in the dryer just so they can stay warm for him. His name is Junior =)! Barely 10 months still VERY hyper and extremely happy. He truly is my heart! Thank you soo much again.

Ashley

You can see the handsome Junior here: Junior 12/12/09

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Labrador Retriever Christmas Gifts - Hyper Products

With Christmas around the corner, my children make their list of what to get their siblings and our two lovable Labrador Retrievers. While searching the Internet we came across some products of interest for my Labrador Retriever girls and I thought I would share them with the readers of this blog (just in case you haven't pick up your gifts yet).

I'll be posting future post with other Labrador Retriever Christmas Gifts.

Hyper Products makes many unique interactive toys for your Labrador Retriever but we like the Doggie Driver or the Hyper Dog Launcher (available with 2 or 4 ball launcher).

We figured The Doggie Driver will be a gift for dad as well as our two Labrador Retriever girls as it provides practicing his golf swing while exercising our dogs. Swings like a regular golf club, this slobber-free tennis ball launcher will send your Labrador Retriever in pursuit up to 100 yards. After your Labrador returns the ball, just push the open end of the Doggie Driver against the ball to pick it up. Nice and easy.

Watch this beautiful Labrador Retriever have some fun with the Hyper Products Doggie Driver.



The Hyper Dog Ball Launcher shoots tennis balls away, up to 220 feet, for your Labrador Retriever to fetch. It's slingshot design allows you to play catch over and over without getting doggie drool on your hands and makes picking up the ball easier.

Watch these very energetic Labrador Retrievers show of using the Hyper Dog Ball Launcher!



Hyper Products offers many other interactive toys for your Labrador Retriever as well as treats, training aides and cool gear.

You can find Hyper products at just about any main dog supply store or any easy search of the Internet will bring you plenty of results (PetCo, Amazon, etc).

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Table food for my Labrador Retriever

Here's a helpful video and accompanying article in regards to table for for your Labrador Retriever and other pets you may have.

Dr. Karen Becker of Mercola Healthy Pets, dispels the long-held myth that “table food” is bad for your pets.



Human, edible foods can be very healthy for your pets. Throw away the concept of “cat” food and “dog” food, and just think “food” -- food that grows in the ground or comes from animal products.

A whole generation of pet owners is afraid to feed anything but over processed rendered food to their pets. But there’s no way you can create abundant health in an animal by providing only the minimum nutrients it needs for survival. Dogs and cats have a living food requirement, just like you do.

The food you feed your pet should be biologically suited to meet your dog’s or cat’s needs. Dog and cat chow may be nutritionally “complete,” but it is akin to your drinking a meal replacement shake three times a day for the rest of your life … or giving them to your kids in lieu of fresh foods.

Yet, many veterinarians will often recommend you feed your pets kibble or canned food for the rest of their lives. Some will go so far as to say that feeding your pet anything that doesn’t come from a bag or can will be harming your pet!

This is a paradigm problem, and one that can be very confusing for pet owners.

In reality, there’s no way you can give your pet the food it needs to thrive if you do not feed it a biologically appropriate diet that includes a variety of fresh foods.

In fact, a growing number of holistic-minded veterinarians state that processed pet food (kibbled and canned food) is the number one cause of illness and premature death in modern dogs and cats.

So how did conventional veterinary nutrition positions get so skewed?

Well, major dog and cat food manufacturers provide much of the veterinary nutrition information to veterinary students. It becomes engrained in many new vets’ minds that it’s wrong to feed pets “living” fresh foods.

This is a myth!

Your Pets Need Living Foods

Veterinarians tell you to never offer living foods to your pet. But your pets need living foods on a consistent basis to achieve optimal health.

So, yes, you can and should offer your pets some of the very same foods that you enjoy. And since those foods are at a much higher grade nutritionally than typical dog or cat foods, they may be the healthiest foods your pets have ever consumed.

As you know, I recommend you feed your dogs and cats an all raw, nutritionally balanced living food diet. In my opinion, the only viable excuse to not to feed your pets a species appropriate diet is cost. Feeding raw food cost more than dry food. However, raw fed animals have fewer health problems, which mean lower vet bills over a lifetime. If you cannot afford to feed your pet an all raw diet, don’t deny your pet’s access to living foods throughout the day, in the form of treats. Remember, treats (even really healthy treats) should not constitute more than 15 percent of your pet’s daily food intake.

Berries are one of the best treats you can offer. Bite size and packed with antioxidants. Many cats enjoy zucchini and cantaloupe. . My favorite training treats for dogs include peas, raw nuts (remember, the only nuts you should never feed your pets are macadamia nuts).

A salad without dressing, but with plenty of dark green leafy vegetables, is also good for your cats -- your pets are chewing on your houseplants for a reason, after all.

Avoid giving your carnivorous companions biologically inappropriate foods, including grains, such as oats, soy, millet, , wheat, or rice. Dogs and cats do not have a carbohydrate requirement and feeding your pets these pro-inflammatory foods creates unnecessary metabolic roadblocks to health.

Furthermore, there are certainly some foods that are toxic to feed to dogs and cats such as grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts and onions. Never feed your pets these foods.

The Optimal Choice to Feed Your Pets

I highly recommend you give your dog or cat an opportunity to experience living raw foods like fruits and veggies as treats, and feed them a biologically appropriate, balanced raw diet the rest of the time.

Remember, your pet is resilient and can eat a variety of suboptimal, metabolically stressful foods on occasion and be fine, but because it’s my goal to provide a diet that most closely fits your companion’s biological requirements, I don’t recommend a lifetime of kibble or other “dead” over-processed food.

The goal is to provide a diet that mimics your pet’s biological nutritional requirements as closely as possible … in this case it means rethinking the “lifetime of dry food” or “canned food” theory.

If you are unable or unwilling to feed your pet a species-appropriate, nutritionally balanced, raw food diet, then I strongly recommend you compromise with the next best choice: USDA-approved canned foods (and supplement with raw)

My last choice would be a dry food (kibble), made from human-grade ingredients with little to no grains, and LOTS OF WATER.

But no matter which option you choose, remember that you can treat your dog and cat to berries, leafy greens, raw nuts and many other fresh fruits, veggies and meats on a regular basis.

I hope this insight will help you feel more confident offering foods and treats to your pets that are unadulterated and fresh. They deserve the same benefit of living foods that you get, and there’s no better way to start than by sharing some of these raw healthy foods with your dog or cat today.

Dr. Mercola is the founder of the world’s most visited natural health web site, Mercola.com. You can learn the hazardous side effects of OTC Remedies by getting a FREE copy of his latest special report The Dangers of Over the Counter Remedies by going to his Report Page.

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How to Make Your Labrador Retriever Happier

Here's a wonderful article for the readers of All About Labradors to help in making your Labrador Retriever happier. It has some nice tips and you are all welcome to help contribute further tips to this article.

Do you love your lab? Show your dog friend that you care!

Steps:

Play fetch with a tennis ball. You can often get them free from around tennis courts. Some labs won't bring the ball back to you without being trained to do it.

Get your lab in the water. They may like boating, chasing fish, and swimming. Know your dog's preferences about water before assuming they will like it or not. You can also get them a little backyard swimming pool or watering trough to dunk in during play.

Give your dog a chance to run. Most labs have bolts of energy so you might want a big chunk of land. Or, you can take them to an off-leash dog-park every couple of days. If there's any water there, bring a towel.

Train your lab. This breed does very well with training. Enroll in a class together.

Consider agility training for you and your lab. While they may not be the fastest dogs, they usually do quite well. It will make them mentally alert, eager to please, and fun exercise.

Walk your dog EVERYDAY! Even if it's just a 15 minute walk, dogs need it!

Tips:

• Make sure to have a lot of time and attention for your lab, or else they'll get bored and depressed!
  
  
• You don't need lots of expensive toys to keep a lab happy. A few tennis balls, some things to chew on (cow hooves are good), and quality time with you is what matters to them.
  
  
• Make sure that you watch your dog closely if you give it rawhides to chew on. They will also need to have water readily available. You may notice that rawhides will make your Labrador gassy.

Warnings:

• Have a fenced in yard so they don't run away.
  
  
• Never let your lab run free in a place where vehicles are around. That can be quite dangerous.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make Your Labrador Retriever Happier. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

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