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	<title>Fine Pet Care .com &#187; Pet Food &amp; Nutrition</title>
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	<description>Dog, Cat, Horse, Bird, Fish, Small &#38; Exotic Pet Care</description>
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		<title>Do Not Feed Your Cat Dog Food</title>
		<link>http://finepetcare.com/do-not-feed-your-cat-dog-food/</link>
		<comments>http://finepetcare.com/do-not-feed-your-cat-dog-food/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:50:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cat & Kitten]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dog & Puppy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Food & Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cat food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dog food]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://finepetcare.com/do-not-feed-your-cat-dog-food/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I came across this very interesting article at ktnv.com called &#8216;Cat and dog food differences explained&#8217;, featuring the insights by pet nutritionist Hilary Watson. Top Differences in Dog and Cat Food Cats need more proteins than dogs: cat food contains > 30% protein, while dog food contains 20-25%. Cats need taurine, an essential amino acid, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I came  across  this very interesting article at <a href="http://www.ktnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9866384">ktnv.com</a> called &#8216;Cat and dog food differences explained&#8217;, featuring the insights by pet nutritionist Hilary Watson.</p>
<h2>Top Differences in Dog and Cat Food</h2>
<ol>
<li>Cats need more proteins than dogs: cat food contains > 30% protein, while dog food contains 20-25%.
<li>Cats need taurine,  an essential amino acid, which is found only in animal tissues, such as fish, beef and poultry. Should  be no less than 0.1 percent in dry foods.
<li>Vitamin A is critical for cats, and must consume the vitamin from meat. Dogs can convert beta carotene into vitamin A, so a carrot will do.
<li>Cats require arachidonic acid, a fatty acid, which they can only get from meat. Dog can recieve this fatty acid also through<br />
linoleic acid, which is abundant in vegetable oils, like sunflower and safflower oils.  Felines also need more niacin.</p>
<li>Taste and texture.  Cats prefer a finer texture than dogs.  They also prefer salty &#038; meaty tastes over sweets.
</ol>
<p>The &#8216;choosiness&#8217; from cats stems from its higher position on the food chain, Watson believes. They are true carnivores.
<p>Copyright 2009 <a href="http://finepetcare.com/">Fine Pet Care.com</a>.  All Rights Reserved.<br />
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		<title>Ferret Food &#8211; The Pros and Cons of a Raw Diet</title>
		<link>http://finepetcare.com/ferret-food-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-raw-diet/</link>
		<comments>http://finepetcare.com/ferret-food-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-raw-diet/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:18:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petlover</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Exotic Pet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Food & Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ferret care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ferret food]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[By Catherine Smith The lack of truly ideal ferret foods is one reason there is growing interest in more natural diets for ferrets. Basic Feeding Rules Ferrets have unique feeding requirements, which are now finally being addressed by commercial pet food manufacturers, though with varying success. Ferrets are obligate carnivores, and food passes through the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By Catherine Smith</p>
<p>The lack of truly ideal ferret foods is one reason there is growing interest in more natural diets for ferrets.</p>
<p>Basic Feeding Rules</p>
<p>Ferrets have unique feeding requirements, which are now finally being addressed by commercial pet food manufacturers, though with varying success.  Ferrets are obligate carnivores, and food passes through the digestive system of a ferret very quickly.  They have a sweet tooth but do not give in &#8212; avoid sweet treats (including raisins and other fruits).</p>
<p>Ferret diets should list meat, poultry or fishmeal, or animal by-products as the first ingredient.  Ferrets love fruits and veggies, but their systems don&#8217;t.  They do not digest fibre well at all; a banana in comes out a banana.  For this reason, a ferret diet must be high in animal protein, high in fat, and low in fibre.</p>
<p>Feeding Young Ferrets</p>
<p>Whether you are feeding raw or commercial food you should always feed at least two types of food in your young ferret&#8217;s daily diet to prevent them from imprinting on one food.  Ferrets imprint on foods when they&#8217;re young, so varying the diet will make things easier if you need to change your ferret&#8217;s food later on.</p>
<p>There are vitamin supplements for ferrets and hairball remedies, which ferrets generally love, and they provide some benefits.</p>
<p><b>Raw Diet Pros</b></p>
<p>Good diets tend to be expensive, but are worth it.   I researched raw food diets further and found a diet combining raw meaty bones and mince which keeps our ferrets in top condition.  Feeding whole raw meaty bones help to prevent tartar forming on the teeth and provides calcium in the diet.  Even if not feeding a raw food diet they can be fed alongside dry complete a couple of times a week to keep the teeth clean.</p>
<p>You will see an overall improvement in your ferret&#8217;s energy and coat condition. One bonus of a natural diet is that the stool volume decreases as more of the food is absorbed and the smell is greatly decreased.</p>
<p>There are many websites containing information on raw feeding.  When feeding groups of ferrets watch to ensure no fighting occurs over bones.</p>
<p><b>Raw Diet Cons</b></p>
<p>The biggest drawback to feeding any fresh, cooked meat would be the ferret&#8217;s normal habit of stashing food for later. It is pretty unhygienic and dangerous to have a pile of stashed meat in the corner of the cage. Make sure you collect any leftovers after every feed.  When first fed raw bones it can cause your ferret&#8217;s stools to turn a white/grey colour, the ferrets digestive system will develop stomach acids to break down bone and should soon return to normal.</p>
<p>(Note not all veterinarians promote a raw food diet) In the wild a ferret&#8217;s natural diet is a mixture of small mammals, some birds, fish, amphibians and invertebrates.  When feeding groups of ferrets watch to ensure no fighting occurs over bones.</p>
<p>Getting the balance right</p>
<p>Perhaps the best thing to do is to pick up a bag or two of the highest quality ferret food on the market. Make sure you check the ingredients on the pack and see that the first ingredients are meat. Make up a meal of some dry food, some raw bones and meat and even a vitamin supplement. Gradually you can increase the amount of raw food in the diet. Make sure you keep up the vitamin supplements to ensure your ferret is not missing out.</p>
<p>Canned ferret food can be given as a treat or supplement, but only occasionally.</p>
<p>The diet you feed your ferret is vital to their health and overall well-being and could even help your ferret live a long and happy life.</p>
<p>2007 Copyright Catherine Smith<br />
<a href="http://www.ferret-training.info">http://www.ferret-training.info</a></p>
<p>If You Love Your Ferret But Are Frustrated By Its Naughty Behaviour And The Numerous Annoyances Associated With Ferret Care, Then check out <a href="http://www.ferret-training.info">http://www.ferret-training.info</a> to Learn How To Turn Your Ferret Into The Most Well Behaved Ferret In The World, While Feeling Great About It.</p>
<p>Copyright 2009 <a href="http://finepetcare.com/">Fine Pet Care.com</a>.  All Rights Reserved.<br />
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		<title>Dog Health Care &#8211;  Monitoring Your Dogs Protein</title>
		<link>http://finepetcare.com/dog-health-care-monitoring-your-dogs-protein/</link>
		<comments>http://finepetcare.com/dog-health-care-monitoring-your-dogs-protein/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:52:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petlover</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dog & Puppy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Food & Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy pet food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pet food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Health]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Protein seems to be a foggy issue when it comes to our pet’s diets. There are vegetarian dog food diets, and there are some diets that are heavily meat-based. So, what kind of protein does your dog need? And how much protein should they have in their daily diet? Here are a few facts about [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Protein seems to be a foggy issue when it comes to our pet’s diets. There are vegetarian dog food diets, and there are some diets that are heavily meat-based. So, what kind of protein does your dog need? </p>
<p>And how much protein should they have in their daily diet? Here are a few facts about your pet and protein, so you can make the best decision about your pet’s daily diet.</p>
<p>First of all, here is a thought of interest: felines are classified carnivores, and dogs are classified omnivores. This means that cats must have meat in their diet to survive, and dogs must have meat and vegetables in their diet to prosper. Because dogs are omnivores, they can survive on either plant or animal diets; however, for your pet to achieve their ultimate health, a combination of the two is necessary.</p>
<p align='right'>
<a href='http://finepetcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/wing_steak_penelope-berger.jpg' title='wing steak photo by Penelope Berger'><img src='http://finepetcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/wing_steak_penelope-berger.jpg' alt='wing steak photo by Penelope Berger' align='right' width='250' /></a>
</p>
<p>
So what are some signs of a poor diet in dogs? Obesity or excess weight, dull or coarse coat, itchy or flaky skin, and low energy and sometimes low resistance to infection are often common signs of a poor diet. If your pet is exhibiting any of these signs, change their diet; if any symptoms still continue, take your pet to the vet immediately.</p>
<p>So, here is the key to your dog’s diet. Dogs thrive on meat-based diets. This means dog foods that are based in meat are healthier for your pet than those that are composed of primarily grains or only-meat diets that have no grains or vegetables. A balanced diet is the best diet for your pet.</p>
<p>Why are whole grain diets harmful for your pet? Grains such as corn, barley, wheat, oats and soybean meal primarily supply carbohydrates. While carbohydrates are good for your pet (and necessary), if grain is their primary source of food consumption, excess carbohydrate intake often leads to the storage of extra carbs, which simply turns into fat. If you then add protein to your pet’s diet, it takes the carbohydrates through the kidneys and out of the body! Basically, this creates instant weight loss. If you’re wondering about kidney damage to your pet…don’t. Dogs are specifically built to tolerate lots of protein in their diet, because they need it. Unless your dog is getting excess amount of protein in their diet, then their kidneys should remain safe from protein damage.</p>
<p>Also, if you have a young puppy or an elderly dog, an increase in protein in their diet can be beneficial to them. Puppies are rapidly growing into full-grown adult dogs. Therefore, they need protein to build their muscles, strength, and to simply grow like they are supposed to! Older dogs need higher levels of protein in their diet to help retain their muscle mass and to keep it strong.</p>
<p>So, what is in your pet’s diet? Is your pet demonstrating symptoms of a poor diet? Consider changing your pet’s diet if you are concerned. Though this article is a general guideline to dogs’ diets, conducting your own research is always helpful. Feel free to contact your vet or a pet nutritional specialist if you have any other concerns. Remember, an excellent diet makes for a happy dog!</p>
<p>Discount Pet Mall features <a href="http://www.discount-pet-mall.com/pet-supplies/dog-beds/">dog beds</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.discount-pet-mall.com/pet-supplies/elevated-dog-feeders/" >elevated dog feeders</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright 2009 <a href="http://finepetcare.com/">Fine Pet Care.com</a>.  All Rights Reserved.<br />
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		<title>Healthy Dog Food Recipes</title>
		<link>http://finepetcare.com/healthy-dog-food-recipes/</link>
		<comments>http://finepetcare.com/healthy-dog-food-recipes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:21:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dog & Puppy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Food & Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pet poster]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Feeding your dog requires your attention. For sure, you only want to give your pet the best possible care. Each breed of dog needs to follow a certain diet to keep them strong and healthy. And so you need to provide healthy dog food recipes for them. Here are good suggestions: Boston&#8217;s Best Cream PieGreat [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Feeding your dog requires your attention. For sure, you only want to give your pet the best possible care. </p>
<p>Each breed of dog needs to follow a certain diet to keep them strong and healthy. And so you need to provide healthy dog food recipes for them. </p>
<p>Here are good suggestions:</p>
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<td align="center" valign="middle"><a id="ProductLink0" href="http://affiliates.art.com/get.art?T=15056782&#038;A=042097&#038;L=8&#038;P=12544175&#038;S=2&#038;Y=0" target="_blank"><img id="Product0" border="0" alt="Buy at Art.com" src="http://images.art.com/images/products/regular/12544000/12544175.jpg" width="180"></a></td>
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<td id="Title0" align="center" valign="middle" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10px;color:#000000;" >Boston&#8217;s Best Cream Pie<br />Great poster in your home, but not to feed the dog! <em>btw. this artistic print can be purchased by clicking on it</em></td>
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<td align="center" valign="middle"><a id="ProductLink0" href="http://affiliates.art.com/get.art?T=15056782&#038;A=042097&#038;L=8&#038;P=10263936&#038;S=2&#038;Y=0" target="_blank"><img id="Product0" border="0" alt="Buy at Art.com" src="http://images.art.com/images/products/regular/10263000/10263936.jpg" width="180"></a></td>
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<td id="Title0" align="center" valign="middle" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10px;color:#000000;" >Schnauzer Bars<br />
Great poster in your home, but not to feed the dog!<br />
<em>btw. this artistic print can be purchased by clicking on it</em></td>
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<p>1. Sautéed Liver. </p>
<p>Dogs love flavorful meals. Liver suits their taste buds well. Cut the liver into small pieces and sauté them in a teaspoon of corn oil. Fry the liver on each side until cooked but not dry. Serve accordingly. Then watch your dog savour the healthy dog food recipes you prepared.</p>
<p>2. Chicken Stew. </p>
<p>Dogs may not like the taste of boiled chicken, but they also need it to stay healthy. When preparing chicken stew for dogs, make sure you carefully remove the bones and chop the meat coarsely. Add chicken liver and heart for better flavor. Don&#8217;t put any salt. Dogs don&#8217;t need salt. The ones naturally present in foods are sufficient.</p>
<p>3. Mackerel Treat. </p>
<p>Do you know that dogs love fish too? No doubt that this, along with other healthy dog food recipes is good for cats as well. Fry one small mackerel in a teaspoon of corn oil. The mackerel is cooked when it flakes easily. Remove the bones. Add half a cup of hot water into the skillet where the mackerel is fried. Scrape the brown bits and add the juice to the meal.</p>
<p>Keep your pets strong with these <a target="_new" href="http://healthy-dog-food-recipes.blogspot.com/2007/09/good-homemade-dog-food-recipes.html">healthy dog food recipes</a>. </p>
<p>Keep in mind that you have to make sure that your dog eats a balanced diet. Giving them these treats will surely make both of you and your dog happy.</p>
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<td align="center" valign="middle"><a id="ProductLink0" href="http://affiliates.art.com/get.art?T=15056782&#038;A=042097&#038;L=8&#038;P=12544174&#038;S=2&#038;Y=0" target="_blank"><img id="Product0" border="0" alt="Buy at Art.com" src="http://images.art.com/images/products/regular/12544000/12544174.jpg" width="180"></a></td>
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<td id="Title0" align="center" valign="middle" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10px;color:#000000;" >Pug Orange Juice<br />
Great poster in your home, but not to feed the dog!<br />
<em>btw. this artistic print can be purchased by clicking on it</em></td>
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<td align="center" valign="middle"><a id="ProductLink0" href="http://affiliates.art.com/get.art?T=15056782&#038;A=042097&#038;L=8&#038;P=10263938&#038;S=2&#038;Y=0" target="_blank"><img id="Product0" border="0" alt="Buy at Art.com" src="http://images.art.com/images/products/regular/10263000/10263938.jpg" width="180"></a></td>
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<td id="Title0" align="center" valign="middle" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10px;color:#000000;" >Black Dog Licorice<br />
Great poster in your home, but not to feed the dog!<br />
<em>btw. this artistic print can be purchased by clicking on it</em></td>
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<td align="center" valign="middle"><a id="ProductLink0" href="http://affiliates.art.com/get.art?T=15056782&#038;A=042097&#038;L=8&#038;P=10264436&#038;S=2&#038;Y=0" target="_blank"><img id="Product0" border="0" alt="Buy at Art.com" src="http://images.art.com/images/products/regular/10264000/10264436.jpg" width="180"></a></td>
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<td id="Title0" align="center" valign="middle" style="font-family:verdana, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10px;color:#000000;" >Three Lab Bakery<br />
Great poster in your home, but not to feed the dog!<br />
<em>btw. this artistic print can be purchased by clicking on it</em></td>
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<p><br clear="all"></p>
<p>By Charlene Nuble</p>
<p>Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women&#8217;s issues, parenting, pets and other health related stuffs.<br />
To learn more about <a target="_new" href="http://healthy-dog-food-recipes.blogspot.com/2007/09/good-homemade-dog-food-recipes.html">Healthy Dog Food Recipes</a> &#8211; <a target="_new" href="http://healthy-dog-food-recipes.blogspot.com/2007/09/good-homemade-dog-food-recipes.html">Click Here</a>!</p>
<p>Copyright 2009 <a href="http://finepetcare.com/">Fine Pet Care.com</a>.  All Rights Reserved.<br />
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		<title>Learn The Secrets Of Why Your Pet Won&#8217;t Eat</title>
		<link>http://finepetcare.com/learn-the-secrets-of-why-your-pet-wont-eat/</link>
		<comments>http://finepetcare.com/learn-the-secrets-of-why-your-pet-wont-eat/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2008 07:16:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petlover</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Pet Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Food & Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pet food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pet food problems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pet won't eat]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Pets can sometimes be finicky when it comes to meal-time. Cats are especially known to be picky about their food. Sometimes your pet may have a raring appetite and may beg to be fed. Other times, they may simply glance at their dinner and choose to not eat. What is the cause of this inconsistent [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Pets can sometimes be finicky when it comes to meal-time.  Cats are especially known to be picky about their food. </p>
<p>Sometimes your pet may have a raring appetite and may beg to be fed. Other times, they may simply glance at their dinner and choose to not eat. </p>
<p>What is the cause of this inconsistent appetite? Chances are, if you have a pet with problems eating, the cause may not actually be your pet, but you.</p>
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<p></p>
<p>If your pet consistently refuses to eat or eats very little, it may be a sign of illness. If your pet used to eat regularly and consistently, and now you have noticed a pattern of refusal to eat, this is cause enough to take your pet to the vet. If you have noticed other symptoms, take your pet to your local veterinary clinic to assess your pet’s state of health immediately.</p>
<p>Although people need variety and wide selections and combinations of food, cats and dogs are not built the same way. This is often a mistaken belief that people have when it comes to feeding their pet. If they give their pet different types of food each day, they are teaching their pet that they can have an opinion, thus causing them to possibly not eat and hold out for a food choice they prefer more. Dogs and cats are not built like humans. They can get all of the proper nutrients and vitamins they need from only one particular dog food. Once you realize which food your pet likes best, just stick with it. Your pet will thank you for it!</p>
<p>Another reason that pets may not eat could be a family member who enjoys giving the pet ‘people’ snacks from the dinner table. If a dog gets pieces of ‘people food,’ that may very well satisfy their hunger until the next day. So, when you try to feed your pet, they are simply not hungry because they were already fed from the table. Not only can feeding from the table ruin your pet’s appetite, it is also bad for them. Again, humans and animals have different nutritional needs, and human food may actually be more harmful to pets than is often realized.</p>
<p>Many dogs have an inherent nature to please their owners. Oftentimes when a pet eats their food, their owners praise them and show their dog that they are happy with them. Though this is fine, it can sometimes encourage dogs to overeat. Similar to humans, overeating can cause discomfort or bloating. If a pet later refuses to eat, they are simply saying they can’t hold any more food and they are blocking it out in an attempt to be more comfortable.</p>
<p>Whatever the problem may be, it is always a good idea to visit your veterinary clinic and discuss your pet’s eating habits with a professional. Your vet will be able to recommend a certain dog food type, as well as defining the amount of food and how many times a day your pet should be fed. Soon, you and your pet can find something that works for the both of you. Good luck!</p>
<p>Visit <a href="http://www.dog-bed.org/">Dog-Bed.org</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.lveproductions.com/">LVE Productions</a> for more great content.</p>
<p>Copyright 2009 <a href="http://finepetcare.com/">Fine Pet Care.com</a>.  All Rights Reserved.<br />
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		<title>Choosing The Right Diet For Your Horse</title>
		<link>http://finepetcare.com/choosing-the-right-diet-for-your-horse/</link>
		<comments>http://finepetcare.com/choosing-the-right-diet-for-your-horse/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:50:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petlover</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Horses]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Food & Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[horse nutrition]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[If you&#8217;re a horse owner you will realise that keeping such animals can be an expensive proposition. You will therefore want to ensure that your horse is well looked after. It is essential that you are providing your horse with all of the nutrition it needs to promote both good growth and healthy development. For [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you&#8217;re a horse owner you will realise that keeping such animals can be an expensive proposition. You will therefore want to ensure that your horse is well looked after.</p>
<p>It is essential that you are providing your horse with all of the nutrition it needs to promote both good growth and healthy development. For almost all owners, a horse is something that you will invest a great deal of time and energy in, and in return it is going to be very loving and loyal to you. It is not enough to simply give your horse adequate nutrition &#8211; instead you must provide it with excellent nutrition.</p>
<p>Your particular make and breed of horse will have a strong bearing on its dietary requirements and what you will need to provide it with in terms of good nutrition. A shire-horse will obviously need a different diet to a miniature horse. Good horse fodder is essential and unless you are familiar with your animal&#8217;s feeding requirements already, you will need to do your research.</p>
<p>Another important factor to bear in mind is not only what the breed type, but also what their lives and routine involve. Are they working horses, pets, or even racing horses. Do you show them, or are they simply work horses fir use around the farm? All of these are important questions to ask, as the answers to will help you figure out the appropriate and best diet to give your horse.</p>
<p>Once you are clear on all of the above aspects of your horse, you can then go about choosing the right type of horse feed. Buying horse feed is not as simple or straight forward as buying for a dog or a cat. Make sure you find a good and reliable horse-feed supplier that can make the right decisions about the best feed for your horse and can provide you with good advice on quantities per feed.</p>
<p>The different seasons in the year can have an effect on your horse&#8217;s body and as a result the food requirements. It may be necessary that you change the feed or vary what you are giving them as far as amounts go, at different times of the year. This is also a question that you should discuss with your vet. Get plenty of advice and ensure you are doing what is right for your horse&#8217;s health at all times.</p>
<p>Finally, like any well loved animal you are likely to want to treat your horse to the odd snack now and again as a reward &#8211; particularly during training times. It is also important that you give them the right type of snack Talk to your vet about what type of snack is appropriate for your horse and keep a good supply of the snacks that you know your horse loves on hand.</p>
<p>By Garnett Johnston</p>
<p>Garnett Johnston runs several free information service websites on the internet, including one for horse owners everywhere. If you are interested in more <a href="http://www.masterhorses.info">horse training</a> information then please pop over to our site at <a href="http://www.masterhorses.info">http://www.masterhorses.info</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2009 <a href="http://finepetcare.com/">Fine Pet Care.com</a>.  All Rights Reserved.<br />
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		<title>Goldfish Feeding Tips</title>
		<link>http://finepetcare.com/goldfish-feeding-tips/</link>
		<comments>http://finepetcare.com/goldfish-feeding-tips/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:35:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petlover</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fish]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Food & Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[feding goldfish]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[feeding fish]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fish food]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[By Dane Stanton What’s the best food for your Goldfish? Goldfish need food that is a combination of carbohydrates and vitamins to help them grow and fight disease. They particularly need vitamin A to make their colors look bright. They do need protein but just about 12% so that they can build muscle. In the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By Dane Stanton</p>
<p>What’s the best food for your Goldfish?</p>
<p>Goldfish need food that is a combination of carbohydrates and vitamins to help them grow and fight disease. They particularly need vitamin A to make their colors look bright. They do need protein but just about 12% so that they can build muscle. In the natural habitat, Goldfish mainly feed on plants. They eat a fiber diet that includes algae, grasses and aquatic plants in the natural environment. Thankfully you do not have to sweat much to provide them with the equivalent nutritional needs because you can get it off the shelf! These processed food available at pet stores include:</p>
<p>Flake food</p>
<p>This is one of the commonly available goldfish foods, especially made for them and it consists of brine shrimp. It is easily eaten by Goldfish and helps in avoiding a particularly fatal sickness called the Air Bladder Disease.</p>
<p>Pellet food</p>
<p>This is also flake food with brine shrimp but it’s packaged as a pellet. The only problem with pellets is that it sometimes swells in the goldfish’s stomach and makes it lose its balance. This is what is the Air Bladder disease.</p>
<p>Frozen food</p>
<p>This includes live food that is frozen. You have an array to choose from as in frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex worms or mosquito larvae. This will come frozen in slabs from which you have to break off bit-by-bit and hand-feed your goldfish. You can also opt for Freeze-dried foods, which includes Krill, Pacific plankton, brine shrimp and bloodworms.</p>
<p>Homemade food</p>
<p>If you really want to make the food for your goldfish and you have the time you can do so. You will find that their favorites are lettuce and peas. Take any type of lettuce, which would be easy for the goldfish to chew on and digest. Wash and rinse the lettuce in warm water and just clip it inside the tank with a lettuce clip. Do not cook the lettuce. As for the peas, cook them till they are soft and refrigerate them. At feeding time, peel off the skin and mash a pea between your fingers and drop it in the tank. Do make sure the peas are soft or you could end up bloating your goldfish. Goldfish enjoy plant food and that’s why you can see them happily nibbling away at Anacharis and Romaine lettuce or pieces of cucumber and zucchini which you should make sure to clip on to the tank with a suction cup clip</p>
<p>Live foods</p>
<p>The live foods that goldfish can safely eat include Daphnia, Brine Shrimp, Tubiflex worms, Meal worms, Wax worms and Blood worms.</p>
<p>Special treat for your goldfish<br />
You can make a special “gel food” for your goldfish that’s quite easy to do. This can be given to the goldfish along with the main staple as a once-in-a-while treat. Here’s what you need will need: a packet of unflavored gelatin; an empty ice cube tray and a 2.5 oz jar of baby food in a vegetable flavor such as carrots, peas or green beans.</p>
<p>* Take ¼ cup cold water in a small saucepan and pour the contents of the packet of gelatin in the water and stir over low heat until the gelatin dissolves.</p>
<p>* Add ¾ cup water, stirring till it’s well blended.</p>
<p>* Add the baby food and stir thoroughly.</p>
<p>* Now pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and let it cool for about half an hour.</p>
<p>* Refrigerate the mixture for a few hours till it solidifies.</p>
<p>When it’s feeding time just pop out a cube, cut it into small strips and feed it to your goldfish! One tray is more than enough for two 4- to 5-inch goldfish for a week. Make sure you dump the leftovers after a week, as it’s good to give them fresh stuff.</p>
<p>Whatever it is, you will find that your goldfish are not fussy eaters. They have a wide array of food to choose from and they can eat quite a lot, which you would need to regulate. You will need to remember that they are temperate fish that do not need a diet high in protein. Goldfish are classified as coldwater fish and, as a rule; do not need to eat a diet that is high in protein. What they need is a carbohydrate-rich diet with the adequate vitamins.</p>
<p>That is why the best option for Goldfish are the floating pellets or the flakes which are specially made for Goldfish and have all the necessary nutrients. Ask your goldfish dealer as well as other owners and decide on what is best for the goldfish.</p>
<p>Dane Stanton &#8211; <a href="http://www.goldfish-secrets.com">www.goldfish-secrets.com</a></p>
<p>Dane Stanton is an expert on goldfish health care. To visit his website visit <a href="http://www.goldfish-secrets.com">http://www.goldfish-secrets.com</a> for more information on Goldfish care and other aquarium related topics.</p>
<p>Copyright 2009 <a href="http://finepetcare.com/">Fine Pet Care.com</a>.  All Rights Reserved.<br />
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		<title>Your Dog&#8217;s Water</title>
		<link>http://finepetcare.com/your-dogs-water/</link>
		<comments>http://finepetcare.com/your-dogs-water/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:26:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petlover</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dog & Puppy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Food & Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dog food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dog water]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[by Daniel Moore Think that finding a good, high-quality dog food is important? All of the beneficial ingredients that go into dog food will not help your dog if he it is not drinking enough water. Water is the body&#8217;s most important nutrient. Adult dogs&#8217; bodies are 60% water, and a puppy&#8217;s is 84% water. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>by Daniel Moore </p>
<p>Think that finding a good, high-quality dog food is important?</p>
<p>All of the beneficial ingredients that go into dog food will not help your dog if he it is not drinking enough water. Water is the body&#8217;s most important nutrient. Adult dogs&#8217; bodies are 60% water, and a puppy&#8217;s is 84% water. Dogs can lose all of their fat and half of their protein without adversely affecting their health, but a loss of 10 % of their water can cause significant problems. Dog owners should place as much attention on the quality of the water their dog drinks as they do on the ingredients that go into the best dog foods; not all water is the same.</p>
<p>The criteria for clean drinking water for dogs is similar to the criteria for drinking water for people. Tap water generally provides the best nutrients and least contaminants; if, however, the tap water contains high amounts of magnesium, nitrates, and iron it can cause long term health risks. For those who fear their tap water may be contaminated, bottled water can be a better choice.</p>
<p>Stainless steel and stoneware dishes are good, safe choices for food and water bowls. Plastic bowls may scratch, giving unhealthy contaminates an ideal place to live. The water should be cool in the summer and room temperature in the winter. The dogs bowl should always be clean. If you&#8217;re not sure if it needs changing, ask yourself if you would drink the water &#8212; if the answer is no, change it.</p>
<p>Dogs should have access to fresh water at all times. This is even more important than giving it the best dog foods on the market. Dogs need three times more water than they do food every day. They need even more water if it is extremely hot, the dog is lactating, or if the dog is exercising more than normal. Dogs that eat canned dog food do not need to drink as much water because of the high amount of water contained in the food.</p>
<p>Often, sick dogs don&#8217;t want to drink the water they need, but the illness increases the need for water. When this happens, a dog can become quickly dehydrated. To check for dehydration, dog owners can pull upward on the dog&#8217;s skin at the nape of the neck. If the skin snaps back, the dog is sufficiently hydrated, if it takes several seconds for the skin to go back, fluids may need to be replaced intravenously or subcutaneously. Owners should never offer water to vomiting dogs; this is perhaps the only time to make sure dogs don&#8217;t have access to water. If a dog vomits for more than a twenty-four hour period it should see a vet immediately.</p>
<p>In addition to better health, proper hydration contributes to the performance of a dog. Many owners of working dogs flavor their dog&#8217;s food in order to make sure it is drinking the appropriate amounts. Studies have proven that proper hydration increases an animal&#8217;s working ability by 80%. The next time you pour one of those &#8220;better&#8221; dog foods into your dog&#8217;s bowl, remember that if the dog doesn&#8217;t have the right amount of clean water, the food is useless.</p>
<p>Daniel Moore is an author for several online magazines, on <a href="http://kydel.com">family pets</a> and <a href="http://sufup.com">home and family</a> subjects.</p>
<p>Copyright 2009 <a href="http://finepetcare.com/">Fine Pet Care.com</a>.  All Rights Reserved.<br />
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		<title>Raising A Healthy Bird</title>
		<link>http://finepetcare.com/raising-a-healthy-bird/</link>
		<comments>http://finepetcare.com/raising-a-healthy-bird/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Jun 2008 05:09:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petlover</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bird]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Food & Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bird food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bird health]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://finepetcare.com/raising-a-healthy-bird/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by Robert Michael 1. If you want your bird to live a long life it is important to feed it in a nutritionally sound way. Birds often die too young because they are malnourished or they pick up a disease because they were not being fed correctly. 2. Birds who are part of the parrot [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>by Robert Michael</p>
<p>1. If you want your bird to live a long life it is important to feed it in a nutritionally sound way. Birds often die too young because they are malnourished or they pick up a disease because they were not being fed correctly.</p>
<p>2. Birds who are part of the parrot family should be fed a variety of foods. Seeds are used by most as the only part of the bird’s diet and this is a mistake. Seeds have too much fat, not enough protein and almost no vitamins. Seeds should not make up more than 50 percent of your bird’s diet.</p>
<p>3. Try healthy table foods like items that contain whole grains and pretzels, pasta and whole wheat bread. Many birds can be persuaded, given time and encouragement, to eat dairy and poultry products. Try serving your bird low-fat cheese, yogurt and chicken. Avoid any food that is high in fat and stay away from avocados, they are toxic to<br />
birds!</p>
<p>4. Beans and legumes as well as fruits and vegetables are good sources of nutrition for the pet bird. It may take quite awhile to get your fine-feathered friend to except these changes, (up to a year) but it will be the best thing for your bird.</p>
<p>5. When you get ready to make these changes do it slowly. Offer the fresh foods twice a day for about an hour at each feeding. Don’t leave the fresh food in the cage longer than that. It becomes unappealing and can develop bacteria.</p>
<p>6. Feeding your bird twice a day is a good idea. Your bird will become hungry between feedings and this practice produces a more active bird. With a healthy appetite the bird is more likely to try new foods. You will also be able to keep a closer watch on how much your bird is eating. (If your bird is sick,laying eggs, caring for young, or nesting they should always have food available.) When food consumption drops, a bird is usually not feeling well.</p>
<p>7. If your bird is having a hard time getting used to the new diet, try warming the food or cooking the vegetables. It will take a little time to discover what works for your bird. Offer seeds only at meal time and along with other foods until you see that your bird is eating enough to stay healthy. Birds often do better with new diets when they are fed outside the cage.</p>
<p>8. Water is the final key to your bird’s nutritional success. The water must be fresh and all bowls should be thoroughly cleaned each day with hot water and soap. Disinfect these bowls with bleach every week. Be sure all the bleach is totally rinsed away from the bowls. Adding a multivitamin to the bird’s water daily is a good idea until you know the bird is getting enough vitamins from the fruit and vegetables. Birds are delightful pets and feeding them properly allows them to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and this practice can extend their life expectancy.</p>
<p>Robert Michael is a writer for <a href="http://www.lasbirds.com"  rel="nofollow"> Las Birds</a> which is an excellent place to find birds links, resources and articles. For more information go to: <a href="http://www.lasbirds.com"  rel="nofollow">http://www.lasbirds.com</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2009 <a href="http://finepetcare.com/">Fine Pet Care.com</a>.  All Rights Reserved.<br />
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		<title>Veggies For Your Pets?</title>
		<link>http://finepetcare.com/veggies-for-your-pets/</link>
		<comments>http://finepetcare.com/veggies-for-your-pets/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:30:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>petlover</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cat & Kitten]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dog & Puppy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet Food & Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy pet food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nutritional pet food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vegetables as dog food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vegetarian pet feed]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[by Sylvia Riley Vegetables in your dog’s diet, and minor amounts in your cat’s diet, can enhance their health and provide a rich and diverse supply of nutrients, enzymes, healthy fibre and antioxidants. In the wild, dogs and cats would have acquired plant foods through the semi-digested remnants in the stomachs of their prey; vegetables, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>by Sylvia Riley</p>
<p>Vegetables in your dog’s diet, and minor amounts in your cat’s diet, can enhance their health and provide a rich and diverse supply of nutrients, enzymes, healthy fibre and antioxidants. In the wild, dogs and cats would have acquired plant foods through the semi-digested remnants in the stomachs of their prey; vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.</p>
<p>Canines possess a greater ability to break down plant matter and synthesize relevant nutrients therein. Because of this, although classified as carnivores, they are in fact omnivorous and are not solely reliant on animal meat for sustenance. Wolves can be observed eating fallen fruit and berries, and first consume the stomach and intestines of their prey where plant foods can be found.</p>
<p>Felines on the other hand are obligate carnivores and are unable to manufacture essential nutrients from plant matter. These include the amino acids taurine and arginine, and the fatty acid arachidonic acid. Unlike omnivores cats also cannot convert vitamin A from beta-carotene in plants and need animal-derived sources of vitamin A such as liver. Accept for smaller prey which cats eat whole, in the wild the stomach and intestines tend to be avoided, yet organs such as heart, liver and lungs are enjoyed.</p>
<p>Cats require a lot more protein in their diet than dogs and are in no way adapted to digesting carbohydrates. In the wild vegetable matter in their diet is minimal and in a semi-digested state in the guts of their prey. Cats can rely pretty much entirely on protein and fat for energy conversion, both being converted into glucose by the liver, and other essential nutrients can be gained through meat, soft tissue and bones.</p>
<p>Thankfully pet owners are beginning to move away from toxic, poor grade and species-inappropriate commercial pet food. Natural, holistic, homemade and raw diets are being favored, which can include healthy plant-based ingredients (not grains however, which are used as cheap fillers in commercial products and ill-suited the physiology of cats and dogs). The beauty with homemade meals is that you can ensure fresh quality ingredients and easily incorporate vegetables and fruit.</p>
<p>Where dogs can eat around 30% plant foods in their daily diet, cats only require around 5-10%. With both, ensure veggies are blended well as they do not easily digest cellulose. This also makes it easy to mix the vegetables with the rest of the homemade meal. As cats only require a very small proportion of veggies in their meal, you can blend veggies and freeze the mix in an ice-cube tray, defrosting one cube a day for their meals.</p>
<p>Include a range of vegetables and always aim to include something green. Green vegetables contain chlorophyll which is cleansing and detoxifying. Chlorophyll is a great liver ally, assisting in the removal of toxins and heavy metals from the body and also shows anti-carcinogenic potential. Human studies in China have found that chlorophyll may help delay the onset of symptoms of liver cancer caused by mycotoxic grains as are sometimes found in commercial pet foods.</p>
<p>You can use throw away vegetable parts such as outer leaves, ends and stems or left over cooked vegetables that you don’t consume. Raw is always preferable however as nutrient and enzyme content is maximum.</p>
<p>You can supplement your dog or cat’s diet with superfoods such as kelp or alfalfa (the latter more suited for dogs) and algae such as chlorella and spirulina. These are very alkalizing however and as dogs and cats in particular require an acidic diet, only very small amounts are advisable. Always research dosage amounts before giving any kind of supplements.</p>
<p>Vegetable Choices</p>
<p>You can experiment with most vegetables. Try any of the following: carrots, celery, chard, spinach, avocados, kale, squash, watercress, cabbage, turnips, broccoli, peas, green beans, cauliflower and asparagus.</p>
<p>Some below-ground vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes are included here. These are higher in sugar content however and as such should be used in smaller proportion to any above-ground vegetable choices. You can add some occasional fruit also such as blueberries, bananas, apples, papaya or pear.</p>
<p>As a note, raw onions are not friendly on your pet’s digestive system and can be dangerous to their health so should be avoided. Garlic is also a health risk for cats, though minor amounts occasionally in your dog’s diet may serve as a natural flea repellent, be sparing however as the sulphides in garlic can be detrimental to the blood cells of animals. I also avoid tomatoes, peppers, cucumber and potato.</p>
<p>Nuts and seeds can also be a valuable addition to your pet’s diet, containing healthy oils (walnuts and flaxseeds are particularly high in omega-3 oils), as well as vitamin E and minerals such as selenium (a powerful antioxidant particularly high in Brazil nuts).</p>
<p>You can grind your nuts and seeds before adding to your pet’s meal. Only small amounts are needed; for larger dogs aim for one nut or a few seeds a day, smaller dogs and cats every few days.</p>
<p>If you would like to change your pet&#8217;s diet to a healthy, holistic, species-appropriate diet or are embarking on a natural homemade or raw food diet research the area first as nutritional balance is essential.</p>
<p>NATURAL NUTRITION GUIDE FOR DOGS AND CATS:</p>
<p>http://www.pet-nutrition-guide.com</p>
<p>MIRACLE SUPERFOODS:</p>
<p>http://www.miracle-superfoods.com</p>
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