10 years, 12 maybe, 15 tops, most people believe that is the lifespan of their beloved dog. Contrary to popular opinion it is not unusual for well cared for and well fed dogs that have had optimum nutrition and a caring partner to live past 20 years.

Our beloved pets cannot talk to us and they can only hope that we are aware of their health conditions by knowing what they are usually like and noticing any behavioural changes. If your dog starts to eat more or less food than normal this could be one sign that there is a problem and also if they gain or lose weight they could be suffering from some health problems. Even if a normally quiet dog starts whining or barking more often they might be trying to give you a signal that something is not quite right in their life.

Today a lot of the health problems that our pets are suffering from is due to the foods they are being fed. And this is due to the ingredients being used to manufacture our commercial dog foods. The most popular dog foods often use by-products with added chemical preservatives and artificial colours to make it look good. Ingredients such as sodium are added to the dog food to make it more palatable. In fact excessive sodium can be detrimental to the well being of your dog.

Some dog food manufacturers will also use a high percentage of grains like corn, wheat, soy to add bulk to the food while doing nothing for the all-over nutrition of the dog food. These by-products and fullers have very little nutritional value and are certainly not helping in the overall health of our animals.

Not all of our dog's health problems can be blamed on the food he/she eats. Obesity and the associated problems that are present from being overweight is one of the main reasons for the shortened life span.

One of the best things you can do for your dog besides regular exercise, good food, water and shelter, is to be aware of any changes that it might exhibit in all aspects of it's life. Particularly as dogs get older they might seem like they are just not interested in exercise any longer but this might be due to the fact that they are suffering from pain of some form or another.

Many older dogs suffer from arthritis and this can be very painful.There are all sorts of remedies that can help your dog from natural remedies to ones that your local vet might prescribe. Older dogs can become depressed because they are no longer getting the required stimulation mentally and a depressed dog will suffer just as a human can do in similar circumstances.

If we ensure that our dogs get the optimum nutrition, enough exercise, along with a regular check-up at the Vet, this is a good solution to ensure that your dog is always in optimal health and that includes their mental state. We can expect their lifespan to be considerably more than current levels and reach that 20 year mark. Remember always be aware of their behaviour and it will ensure that your dog has a happy and long life.

A regular check up at the Vet and the best premium dog food you can afford is a good solution to ensure that your dog is always in optimal health and is with you a long time.

Every dog is unique, and there are a number of factors to consider when determining the best diet for his/her growing body.  Luckily there are some rules that owners can follow to ensure that their pets are getting the proper nutrition needed for proper growth.

One must remember that not all puppy food is created equal.

Now that you have brought your new companion home, you may be wondering what exactly to feed him.  It is very easy to go to the supermarket and pick any bag that is labeled "puppy food", but just be aware that not all puppy food is created equal.  The first thing to check is the first ingredient on the label.  You want the first ingredient to be meat, not a meat by-product, which means your new puppy would be eating all the other parts, not the actual meat.  Also try to stay away from any puppy food that has corn, wheat, or soy products in it.

Puppies need proper nutrition.

Puppies need a lot of nutrition since they are growing at such a fast pace, so they will need to eat frequently, up to 4 times a day in the beginning.  Remember that different breeds of dogs will need to eat different amounts.  However, large breeds of puppies will need a lot more nutrition then a smaller type puppy requires, but you should be careful that they don't grow too quickly so that their bones can develop and grow at the correct rate.  There are special large-breed puppy foods that will regulate their fat intake for you.  You may also feed them a holistic dog food that is approved for all life stages, but for small-breed dogs, you may want to stick to a holistic puppy food due to their high metabolic rate. . Keep It Natural.

Your puppy is better off with his own food, which should be a good, holistic puppy food specifically tailored to his needs.  In addition to the dog food, you may also give him a healthy treat that contains Omega 3 oil.  Along with an occasional liver tablet which, in my opinion, are one of the best treats you can give your dog. You will find natural treats where you find the holistic puppy food.  There are other supplements you can give your dog that are all natural whole foods. A few examples of these are wheat grass, brewer's yeast, bee pollen and barley. These foods contain nutrients that are all natural and will not interfere with the nutrients in your puppy food.

For a long and healthy life.

By giving your puppy holistic food, healthy treats, and natural supplements that will not only help him/her grow strong and healthy, but it will also affect his/her behavior for the good. You will also increase his ability to learn new things quickly.  So start feeding a holistic diet today and give your new companion a long and healthy life.

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George Baker is a semi retried professional breeder of service and working dogs where dog nutriment is a daily returnee for him.  To keep your dog/puppy healthy.  Learn more about dog nutrition and holistic natural dog foods, go to http://www.holisticpuppyfood.com

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