The first problem that new pet owners face is generally the 
issue of food. What should we buy and what should we stay away 
from? Introducing a young dog to the world of food should be a 
very delicate process. Owners should carefully monitor how much 
food is given to the new pet versus how much they are eating. 
We should be stringent about how quickly we increase the amount 
of food because we always run the risk of overfeeding.

Renowned holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks claims that the 
maximum life span of dogs is estimated to be between 25 to 30 
years, And yet the average dog usually lives no longer than 13 
to 14 years.

Dr. Jane claims that this difference is caused mostly from 
substandard nourishment.

For example, canned food is about 75 to 78 percent moisture, 
which leaves very little room for nutrition.

In addition to containing what is generally considered the 
bottom of the barrel ingredients in terms of nutritional 
density, most conventional dog food products contain especially 
large amounts of sodium to make them palatable, as well as 
dairy, by-products, chemical preservatives, artificial colors 
and other potentially harmful ingredients. The carbohydrate 
ratio is too high in some dog food brands as well, eventually 
leading to obesity, which is increasingly becoming a serious 
problem with dogs.

In fact, obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing 
our dogs; it can cause unnecessary suffering and a shortened 
lifespan.

Renowned research scientist Dr. Barry Sears believes that dog 
food should have about the same 30-30-40 ratio as the human Zone 
diet. This means a relatively small amount of carbohydrates. Not 
only do many dog food brands have a particulary large amount of 
carbohydrates, they are mostly grain based, which are exactly 
the ones the Zone diet tries to minimize.

Another problem, according to the USDA Agricultural service, is 
that mites often get into dog food pellets, which can cause a 
number of problems such as disease. They recommend keeping dog 
food cool and dry, and vacuuming in the places where the food is 
stored the food is stored a least once a week. In addition keep 
the are around the dish where the dog food is served clean.

Also, do not leave any dog food in your pet's bowl on warm, 
humid days.

It should be noted that harder working dogs require more protein 
and fat in their diet to maintain stamina and good body form. A 
dog food that is complete and balanced and includes at least 26 
percent protein and 1650 kilocalories of metabolizable energy 
per pound is ideal. During the seasons when dogs are not working, 
their energy requirements decrease. Feed less of the high calorie
food or change to a less nutrient-dense dog food.

Dr. Jane Bicks has been honored on many occasions by the 
veternary profession and is the author of several books 
inlcluding 'Thirty days to a healthier, happier dog' and 
'Dr. Jane's Natural guide to a healthier, happier dog'. She 
has been involved in many advisory boards including Canine 
Companions for independence and has served as the President 
of the Veterinary Medical association of New York City.

To find out more about her holistic food and other dog food 
nutrition facts, go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/