YummyHealthyDogFood

Man’s best friend needs man’s special attention. Taking care of your dogs is like taking care of a child. Your dog needs its regular doctor’s visits, immunizations, and most importantly, a proper diet. So what do you feed your dog? There is no one straight answer to that question. There are things to consider when it comes to feeding your dog, like its breed and what dog group it belongs to.

Lets start with the sporting dogs. The most common among the sporting dogs is the golden retriever. These dogs are already recommended to start adult food (25% or less protein) at 3 months. They need a good amount of protein in their diets, but the problem they face though is overeating. Dogs are never full, so dog owners need to realize that they may seem hungry, but it’s a big no-no to feed them too much! Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia which is a result of them growing too fast from eating too much. 

Next are the hounds, or the hunting dogs. So what do you feed these detective dogs? Nothing really special, according to some beagle owners. A good combination of protein and fat for energy, fiber for digestion, but watch out for diarrhea when giving the wrong kind or amount of fiber, specially if your hound is a show dog. Also give him carbohydrates for energy, though just enough because excess carbohydrates turns into flab.

The Siberian Husky and Great Dane are among the working dogs, and one of the more popular breeds include the Doberman pinscher. Avoid soy, wheat and corn altogether for these dogs. They can cause allergies that lead to skin eruption, shedding, dry skin and bad doggy odor, so it’s best not to feed it commercial dog food. Cancer is the number 2 killer in this breed, and corn, soy, wheat, preservatives and additives promote that. It also causes problems for the coat, skin and health for a long time. Lean meat should be the main part of its diet, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. Natural vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are good for the diet too.

Terriers are small dogs, the most popular breed probably being the Boston terrier. A not so nice thing these dogs are known for is their flatulence, but there is a solution. Firstly, don’t feed them people food, and secondly, don’t feed them any grains. It’s also advisable to add a tablespoon of plain organic yogurt in its food. This should help you out, and keep stress for this dog at a minimum, since that is what causes a lot of their health issues.

The Yorkshire Terrier is the second most popular terrier breed, according to the AKC registration. This toy dog doesn’t eat much. When he’s still a puppy, you can feed it 3 to 4 times a day. A good commercial dog food brand is ok, as long as its approved by the American Association of Feed Control Officials and has passed the trial for the stages and growth of the puppies. When he’s an adult, it’s important to maintain the amount you feed him, making sure never to overfeed him. Some people feed “yorkies” only commercial food, while others home cook. Combining the two practices is also another way you can give your yorkshire terrier a bit of variety.

Non-sporting dogs come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. The poodle can be a miniature, a toy or a standard. Its hairstyle makes it one of the most popular dog breeds around. A BARF diet is good for your poodle, which should include lamb shanks and even raw chicken necks. You can blend this up with vegetables too so they get all the nutrition they need. The dog chewing on the bones is also like brushing its teeth. It has minerals, proteins and vitamins in just the right amount. Poodles have strong stomachs, as the acids are stronger than people’s stomach acids, and so digesting is the raw meat is not a problem for them.

If you want to add a dog to your family, you want to make sure it’s a pet that is going to fit in well. If your current family consists of just one or two adults that is an easier proposition than if you have children. Not all dogs are good with kids.

There have been countless stories of parents who bring home a dog that is not meant to be around children, and doesn’t have the natural disposition to put up with while children around them. The story often ends the same with the little ones bitten and the dog to be given away or dropped off at the humane society while the kids are in tears.  These scenarios could have been prevented with a little research into dog breeds that are good with kids. 

Here’s a list of the top ten breeds that are good with kids:
1. Labrador
Labradors are the top of the ten dog breeds that are good with kids. These dogs often take a mothering role with the children, taking care of them and protecting them, and while they will play, they will be gentle.

2. Golden Retriever
Another protective dog breed, the Golden Retriever will treat your children like their own allowing them to climb all over them and play with them, even small children. The Golden Retriever will also trying to keep them out of harms way, or keep an eye on them if a stranger is nearby. 

3. Newfoundland
Think of bringing a large, drooling teddy bear to life and you have accurately described a Newfoundland. These large bundles of dog crave attention and someone to play with.  Due to their sheer size, you may want to make sure the kids are a little bigger before getting a Newfoundland, but they will protect them and play as much as the kids can handle.

4. Beagle
Perfect for small kids, a Beagle is a very friendly pet that will play all day long.  This dog breed is very gentle and will curl up with the kids once they have all tired of playing.  The adorable baying of this pet will likely have your children laughing every time they hear it.

5. Irish Setter
This dog breed is one people often think is meant to be at a hunter’s side, but Irish Setters are just as happy being in the house with the family and are good with kids.  The more love the kids lavish on this breed, the happier they will be.

6. Collie
Who doesn’t consider “Lassie” the perfect dog to be at a kid’s side!  Collies are gentle and very patient dogs, even when the kids are a little rougher than they should be. While their history was in herding, this dog breed is much happier in the house with a herd of children.

7. Whippet
Have very active little ones? How about a dog breed that can match them and is good with kids at the same time? Whippets will keep your kids on their toes and at play for endless games of chase, but then will come inside, give the kids kisses and curl up with them to relax.

8. Pug
This cute and flat-faced dog breed is an instant buddy to any child it meets.  Pugs love to be loved and treated like they are a part of the family, happy to be ‘just one of the kids’.

9. Basset Hound
While they are always shown as lazy dogs in the movies, this dog breed is really much more active when there are children to play with. Good with kids, the Basset Hound will play all day then cozy up beside them when everyone’s worn out.

10. Boxer
Even though they can look a little menacing at first glance, Boxers are really a soft-hearted dog breed. These dogs love to play, and once they are part of the family, they are devoted members who thrive on love.  

The ranking and selection of the top ten most intelligent dog breeds have been gathered from the data and experience of various dog experts and dog owners through the years. Criteria for this include how easily trainable the dog breed is, the dog’s natural disposition, the dog’s innate intelligence and the dog breed’s instinctive behavior and character. Also considered in the selection are the subtypes of dog intelligence which are Adaptive intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability), instinctive intelligence and working/obedience intelligence.

An observation made by experts on the top ten most intelligent dog breeds state that on average it takes less than 5 repetitions for the dog to understand a new command. They also typically obey first commands 95% of the time or better.
The top ten most intelligent dog breeds are (1 being the most intelligent):

10. Australian Cattle Dog - This dog breed originated in Australia during the 1800’s. Farmers and Ranchers use the dog to herd cattle. The dog is very active and needs regular physical and mental exercise. This intelligent dog is freethinking, resourceful, and very protective of their property and owners.

9. Rottweiler - This dog breed was developed in southern Germany, near the village of Rottweiler. They are descended from the camp dogs that followed Roman armies in their conquest of Europe about 1,900 years ago. The Romans used them to herd cattle and sheep, which provided meat for their armies. The Rottweiler makes a good family dog. It is a courageous, reliable and intelligent dog.

8. Papillon - This dog breed was developed in Spain during the 1500’s. Papillon is French for butterfly, and refers to the odd, butterfly like shape of the dog’s ears. Papillon’s are known to be moody, aggressive and possessive of their owners. It is a very intelligent dog, and very easy to train.

7. Labrador Retriever - The Labrador Retriever originally came from Newfoundland, not Labrador. The dog breed was further developed in England. It is a very popular breed of dog trained to bring back game that has been shot. The Lab is extremely loving, affectionate and patient. They are a very popular family dog due to their good nature and love of children and other dogs.

6. Shetland Sheepdog - The Shetland Sheepdog was bred to herd small livestock of the Shetland Islands. They are very loyal and affectionate within their family. However, they may be a little weary of strangers and children. It is a known fact that shelties very much crave human companionship.

5. Doberman Pinscher - The Doberman Pinscher originated in Germany. It is named after Louis Doberman, a German dog breeder who first developed the dog breed in the late1800’s. This dog breed makes good guard and police dogs owing to their courage, alertness and intelligence. Dobermans can be great family pets if trained properly, although you can count on the dog to aggressively protect its master if necessary.

4. Golden Retriever - The Golden Retriever was first bred in Scotland about 1870. It is an intelligent, hardworking gun dog and makes a good guide for the blind. This dog breed is is loyal, patient, great with children and eager to please.

3. German Shepherd - This dog breed was developed in Germany as herding dogs. German Shepherds are extremely intelligent, courageous and possess a very protective instinct. These dogs make excellent police and search dogs.

2. Poodle - The Poodle originated in Germany during the 1500’s. The dog breed was once used as a hunter and retriever. The Poodle is highly intelligent and is among one of the easiest breeds to train. They love to be around people and dislike being left alone.

1. Border Collie - The Border Collie originated in the border country between England and Scotland. They were used as herding dogs by the shepherds. Border Collies are highly energetic and need regular play and exercise. The breed is very protective and affectionate towards its family but reserved with strangers.