Top quality foods and natural remedies for dogs are valued for the same reasons lots of people prefer them over highly-processed foods and synthetic treatments. Lots of the same herbs, nutritional supplements and organic, all-natural foods intended for people are made for dogs too. In fact, as people become more discriminating about what goes into their stomachs, they're becoming equally as careful about what their pets consume.
Natural options include odor controls, flea and tick repellents and grooming products such as shampoos, dental sprays, eye drops and skin creams. Generally speaking, animals in the wild have an instinct for what is alright to eat, but as your pet, they have no option besides relying on their owners to let them have the healthy foods, products and lifestyle they deserve.
A healthy lifestyle starts with quality food. However, the labeling on a lot of commercial dog food is intentionally misleading. For instance, the word "natural", when found in a product name, might be meaningless. While the American Association of Feed Control Officials defines a natural ingredient as a thing derived only from a plant, animal or mineral that's either unprocessed or physically manufactured without the use of any synthetic aid or chemical additive, it does not stop some businesses from misusing the word. Don't trust the advertising or titles that say "human-grade" or "USDA Inspected", both of which mean almost nothing. Carefully look at ingredients, and use your common sense when selecting dog food. As a rule, avoid products with the following ingredients:
* Artificial colors
* Artificial flavors
* Preservative chemicals
* Added sugar or salt
* Meat by-products
Suspicious acronyms like BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytolulene) as well as lead, propylene glycol and sodium pentobarbital are harmful chemicals that should never be fed to your four legged mate.
Just like those produced for those of us on two legs, holistic, natural remedies for dogs often include herbs. Herbal tinctures are good for treating chronic conditions, calming nerves, elevating immunity and advancing general well being. As with all living creatures, there are many safe and unsafe herbs for dogs. Unless you are very familiar with the consequences of herbs both as an external treatment for cuts and wounds, and to be taken internally, it is wise to not feed them to your dog. Many are toxic, or could be toxic if given in excess.
Herbal treatments by and large have a collective effect over a period of weeks or months so should not be used either for crisis situations or immediate results. They are the most useful as complements to a proper diet, active lifestyle and traditional medicine, if necessary.
Herbs are often used to treat depression, allergies, nervousness and other circumstances. Beneficial herbs include calendula, coltsfoot, milk thistle, aloe, parsley among others. Garlic should only be applied sparingly, while comfrey, wormwood, pennyroyal and undiluted tea tree oil, among others should never be given to dogs. Consult a vet or canine naturopath before administering herbal remedies. Certain herbs should never be given to dogs with heart disorders, hypertension, anemia or who are pregnant. Never give herbs to a dog without being certain of its suitability.
Vitamins and supplements are an essential part of healthy living for dogs, especially as they age. They can compensate for nutritional deficiencies, detoxify, boost immunity and help to strengthen weakened joints. Enzymes, fatty acids, glucosamine, kelp, apple cider vinegar and coconut oil are as good for dogs as for their owners. As with dog food, avoid supplements with sugar, corn syrup or other unnecessary and potentially harmful component.
Other natural remedies for commonplace canine problems include massage, acupuncture and aromatherapy. These usually have a positive effect for stiff, aging or nervous dogs. Natural dog foods and other items are available because pets deserve a nourishing life. Antibiotics, drugs or surgery are necessary at times. However, a complete diet, preventative intake of vitamins and nutritional supplements and judicious use of herbal remedies and other healing methods can work wonders. For people who value the key benefits of all-natural foods, body products and treatment for themselves, extending those benefits to their dogs is the responsible, loving thing to do.
Reproduction permitted only when all active hyperlinks are included. 2011 All Rights Reserved.
Natural options include odor controls, flea and tick repellents and grooming products such as shampoos, dental sprays, eye drops and skin creams. Generally speaking, animals in the wild have an instinct for what is alright to eat, but as your pet, they have no option besides relying on their owners to let them have the healthy foods, products and lifestyle they deserve.
A healthy lifestyle starts with quality food. However, the labeling on a lot of commercial dog food is intentionally misleading. For instance, the word "natural", when found in a product name, might be meaningless. While the American Association of Feed Control Officials defines a natural ingredient as a thing derived only from a plant, animal or mineral that's either unprocessed or physically manufactured without the use of any synthetic aid or chemical additive, it does not stop some businesses from misusing the word. Don't trust the advertising or titles that say "human-grade" or "USDA Inspected", both of which mean almost nothing. Carefully look at ingredients, and use your common sense when selecting dog food. As a rule, avoid products with the following ingredients:
* Artificial colors
* Artificial flavors
* Preservative chemicals
* Added sugar or salt
* Meat by-products
Suspicious acronyms like BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytolulene) as well as lead, propylene glycol and sodium pentobarbital are harmful chemicals that should never be fed to your four legged mate.
Just like those produced for those of us on two legs, holistic, natural remedies for dogs often include herbs. Herbal tinctures are good for treating chronic conditions, calming nerves, elevating immunity and advancing general well being. As with all living creatures, there are many safe and unsafe herbs for dogs. Unless you are very familiar with the consequences of herbs both as an external treatment for cuts and wounds, and to be taken internally, it is wise to not feed them to your dog. Many are toxic, or could be toxic if given in excess.
Herbal treatments by and large have a collective effect over a period of weeks or months so should not be used either for crisis situations or immediate results. They are the most useful as complements to a proper diet, active lifestyle and traditional medicine, if necessary.
Herbs are often used to treat depression, allergies, nervousness and other circumstances. Beneficial herbs include calendula, coltsfoot, milk thistle, aloe, parsley among others. Garlic should only be applied sparingly, while comfrey, wormwood, pennyroyal and undiluted tea tree oil, among others should never be given to dogs. Consult a vet or canine naturopath before administering herbal remedies. Certain herbs should never be given to dogs with heart disorders, hypertension, anemia or who are pregnant. Never give herbs to a dog without being certain of its suitability.
Vitamins and supplements are an essential part of healthy living for dogs, especially as they age. They can compensate for nutritional deficiencies, detoxify, boost immunity and help to strengthen weakened joints. Enzymes, fatty acids, glucosamine, kelp, apple cider vinegar and coconut oil are as good for dogs as for their owners. As with dog food, avoid supplements with sugar, corn syrup or other unnecessary and potentially harmful component.
Other natural remedies for commonplace canine problems include massage, acupuncture and aromatherapy. These usually have a positive effect for stiff, aging or nervous dogs. Natural dog foods and other items are available because pets deserve a nourishing life. Antibiotics, drugs or surgery are necessary at times. However, a complete diet, preventative intake of vitamins and nutritional supplements and judicious use of herbal remedies and other healing methods can work wonders. For people who value the key benefits of all-natural foods, body products and treatment for themselves, extending those benefits to their dogs is the responsible, loving thing to do.
Reproduction permitted only when all active hyperlinks are included. 2011 All Rights Reserved.
About the Author:
If you are looking to purchase herbal, organic and natural pet products for your four-legged friend, internet marketing strategist S. Daniels suggests Peaceable Kingdom Essentials. They use only the highest quality organic herbs for all their products, including their tinctures and teas, all handcrafted with care and years of experience.
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