Shepherd’s Haven Sanctuary

Today’s Tip: How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Protein Deficiency

I’ve learned from painful experience I can’t trust dog food companies, so I home prepare dog food… I follow the guidelines you discover in Dog Food Secrets

8 Signs of protein deficiencies include:

• Slow growth
• Weak or deformed bones
• Chronic skin and ear infections
• Epilepsy
• Cancer
• Spinning or tail chasing
• Aggression
• Timidity

And the list goes on and on.

There are many causes for the above symptoms, but protein deficiency leads the culprits.

And, bottom line, there is vast evidence of improved health in our four-legged loved ones with a better diet.

To ensure that your dog’s have a long, healthy and happy life, follow my friend Andrew Lewis’ advice in his wonderful book, Dog Food Secrets.

You’ll be happy you did!

Brennan AKA DoggyMama

“Dog’s lives are too short. It’s their only flaw, really.”

Did you know you are being cheated by the dog food manufacturers about the proteins you are paying for in your dog’s commercial food.

3 Good Proteins:

Muscle meats

Eggs

Organ meats (such as liver) .

3 Worthless Proteins:

Wheat

Corn

Barley

What’s the Point in Knowing This?

Dog food manufacturers must have at least 9% protein in their food (called the Guaranteed Analysis) or they are required to print on the label that the food is not nutritionally adequate.

So how dog food companies cut this corner? They use cheap vegetable proteins like wheat, corn and barley to meet the Guaranteed Analysis requirements AND keep their profits high by not using more expensive meat… all at the expense of your precious pet’s health.

Next time I’ll show you 8 signs of protein deficiency.

Check back!

DoggyMama

How can caring pet owners know whether the pet food they are feeding their furbabies is good for them or dangerous?

After having to take a sabbatical due to a personal injury, I’m now back in full swing.

I want every pet owner in America to learn the things about pet food that I’ve had to learn the hard way.

They’re your pets and they depend on you to do what is best for them.

And in this economy, there are less expensive and healthier ways to feed your four-legged friends.

Today I’ll start with a pet food industry “loophole” you should know about:

What is Guaranteed Analysis?

This means that the nutritional information on the label has been verified and guaranteed by AAFCO officials who are not employees of the dog food manufacturers. So, when you look at a can of Iams (Slow cooked with Broth Beef and Rice dinner), you see this:

Protein — No less than 9%

Fat — No less than 6%

Fiber — No more than 1%

Moisture — No more than 78%

And because these agencies are doing their jobs, you can believe what you’re reading, it is not “spin” from the marketing department.

But….

Loophole 1 - Is it 9% or 50%?

“No less than 9%” is very vague when comparing 2 dog foods. One could have 50% protein and the other could have only 9% yet they can both have the same Guaranteed Analysis statement.

Loophole 2 - Protein? What Kind of Protein?

There are many types of protein used in dog food and some of them are downright no good for your dogs.

For example, vegetable proteins are not enough & dangerous for dogs in the absence of animal protein, but they are cheap and sadly easy way for manufacturers to meet the Guaranteed Analysis guidelines.

What You Can Do

Learning how to read the label, and how to choose the most nutritious option, can turn you hair gray. And making the wrong choice can harm your dog.

Keep reading my reports and I’ll help you steer through all the “garbage”.

See you tomorrow!
Brennan

Animal rescue is my PASSION!

For almost 20 years, my husband and I have maintained a no-kill animal sanctuary. Our state ranks Number #3 in the country for animal cruelty and we have had our hands full for a long, long time.

I’m a Registered Nurse and my husband is a schoolteacher (now retired). We have had close to 400 dogs and nearly as many cats go through our doors over the years. We didn’t start out to be animal experts, but we’ve sure learned a lot along the way. While we still don’t classify ourselves as experts, by any means, we have learned a lot that can help a pet owner to protect their pets and keep them happy and healthy!

From learning a successful homemade solution for Parvo from an old horse breeder, to suffering through the tragic Menu Foods fiasco that killed so many pets, I want to share all the valuable things I know, especially about safe and healthy dog food, that will help you keep your beloved pet safe!

Everything from cancer to allergies, to seizure and skin disorders, to what to look for and avoid in your dog’s food are topics I’ll be covering.

I can even share an easy and inexpensive way to prevent gum disease in your dog.

If I can help a pet owner avoid some of the pitfalls I learned the hard way, I want to do my best!

I wish you continued joy, health, love and happiness with your furbaby,