Originally Posted by gemy (Post 4420480)

I was disappointed that I did not see proper exercise and training, builds health in your dog! Along with regular vet checks, and blood work.

Health in dogs is very similar to health in humans. We both need stimulation, both mental and physical. We both need to inter-act with fellow members - this is called socialization in the doggie world.

There are so many ways to do this. The field is broad and deep and very rich with opportunities for you the dog owner to employ.

And it doesn't take hours upon hours a day either. Three 5 or 10 minute sessions, coupled with at least one walk, is all it takes. They all dogs just want to really be with you. But in multi-faceted ways. BE it lap lying, or having a massage and grooming session, playing with toys with you, training with you be it formal obedience, or trick training. The key is you are focussed on them, as they are on you for 24hrs a day. They know when you wake, and when you fall asleep. They know if you are feeling ill, or are tired. They know if you are stressed and or upset or angry, all this without you even having to say a word.

All well adjusted dogs, just want to please their humans. We have such a huge role we play in their lives. We are the raison-d'etre for their being, there is nothing like their owners' touch, love, and joy in them. They shine in the sunshine of our attention.

Originally Posted by gracielove (Post 4420760)

Really good article. While exercise and training are certainly absolutely necessary components in responsible dog ownership I think this piece was more directed toward building and maintaining the basic body health of the dog using natural foods and less pharmaceuticals.

It is so important for all people to be more aware of the dangers that lurk not only in pet foods but all the food supply in this country. The food industry is now mostly owned by large corporations that are more interested in stock holders dividends than the health and welfare of the consumer.....animal or human.

Finding a healthy supply of fresh meat that has not been injected with hormones, steroids or antibiotics or fed on genetically modified foods is becoming increasingly difficult and our fruits and vegetables are also subjected to genetic engineering that change the nutritional value as well as the taste and size and shape of the product.

We have an epidemic of food induced diseases in this country and sadly our pets are now having to endure these same diseases due to the highly processed foods owners subject them to.

Originally Posted by Ellie May (Post 4421114)

While I agree with this article in part it does send a message that certain drugs are not important and completely toxic.

My dog is on four meds to manage pain. Giving a heartworm pill monthly does not even enter into my field of concern. I think the fear of these drugs given only once a month can be excessive. I'd be waaaaaaay more concerned if my dog came up positive and we were faced with needing to treat. The articke sways people to avoid med use.

Nothing wrong with fresh food for pups. But to buy all fresh, local, 'safe' and 'healthy' ingredients, well...it just is not going to happen in most cases because of the massive expense. While I am sure some dog food company somewhere uses the best ingredients and turns out fresh products (this is my disclaimer), I have not ran across one that makes these claims that truly delivers as promised. Dig deep and you will find expert marketers.

Originally Posted by gracielove (Post 4421343)

I can't speak for all areas of the country but if you do some searching in your region there are usually a lot of small privately owned farms that specialize in organic fruits and veggies as well as those who raise grass fed animals for food.

It is true that if you buy that kind of product in your local grocery store the prices are astounding! But if you learn to how to find the other market that is off the main grocery store route you can buy very good quality organic fruits and veggies as well as fresh natural meats at reasonable prices. There are an abundance of websites that cater to informing the consumer about how to find local farms and markets that sell these foods.