Tail Wagging Goodness Exploring the Nutritional Value of True Meals Dog Food
Dog Tail Signs: What That Wagging Means
You can understand a lot about your canine companion from his dog tail signs. That wagging or thumping on the carpet? You know your pup is feeling great. That feeling of dread when you walk through the front door and that same tail is tucked low? That tail tells you something has been destroyed by a bored pup while you were away. Whether you consider yourself fluent in wag or you're still learning how to decode dog tail language, read on to learn more about how your pet communicates.
Spotting the Signs: A Guide to Dog Tail Language
A dog's tail originally evolved to help him stay balanced, like a tightrope walker's pole. It serves as a counterweight to the front part of his body when he's making a high-speed turn while hunting and helps keep him from falling off narrow walkways.
Now that a dog hunt generally involves finding the last piece of kibble that fell behind the bowl, that wagging tail is largely thought of as a communication device. Here are five key things the placement of a dog's tail can tell you, according to the Center for Shelter Dogs at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
- Circular swish: A dog whose tail is swishing back and forth or in a circular motion is one happy and relaxed pup.
- Lowered or tucked tail: A dog who is frightened or feeling submissive will often lower or tuck his tail between his hind legs.
- Tail wagging stiffly: A dog who is excited may wag his tail stiffly while jumping, spinning or sticking his rump in the air. His excitement may be from a positive source like an upcoming walk or a negative source like an intimidating stranger.
- Tail held horizontally: A tail held straight out indicates a dog who is attentive and alert or perhaps curious about something nearby. Traditional hunting dog breeds like pointers or setters also hold their tails out straight when they point at an animal or object.
- Sudden tail raise: When a dog moves his tail from a down position to a vertical or raised position, it could indicate he is feeling aggressive.
Reading Wag Speed
The speed of a dog's wagging tail might also give you an indication of his mood, Psychology Today reports.
- Quick wag: A short wag usually happens during greetings when a dog is feeling tentative.
- Big, broad wag: This indicates a friendly dog who is not threatening anyone.
- Slow, reluctant wag: This might indicate a dog who is feeling anxious. Other signs of anxiety include avoiding eye contact, refusing food or ignoring what's happening around him.
- Tiny, high-speed wag: A tail that moves in short, vibrating bursts can be a sign a dog is about to run or fight. Be careful!
Dog Tail Language Barriers
Some dogs wag with long, expressive tails, but what about dogs with small, stumpy tails or no tails at all? A truncated tail may make it more difficult for dogs to communicate with their pet parents and with other dogs, writes Psychology Today. An observational study of more than 400 dogs greeting each other off-leash in a dog park showed a higher number of aggressive incidents involving dogs with short tails. This doesn't mean that your corgi will inherently pick more fights than your shepherd mix, but it could be something to watch out for. Overall, the study found that only 12 percent of dog park incidents resulted in any kind of aggression. That's a sign that dog communication has a pretty high success rate.
The tale of the tail? Dog tail signs help pups communicate not only with us, but also with other dogs. Knowing the meaning of how a dog is using his tail can go a long way to showing you how your pet is feeling.
Contributor Bio
Kara Murphy
Kara Murphy is a freelance writer and pet parent who lives in Erie, Pa. She has a goldendoodle named Maddie.
Is True meals a good dog food?
Awesome and nutritional The True Meals Multi-Protein Adult dog food was a great hit with our 2 dogs!! This dog food is very nutritional with a lot of proteins and all natural with vitamins, minerals and amino acids which are a great asset to adult dogs.
What is the #1 recommended dog food?
Best Overall: Purina Pro Plan In addition to wet and dry options, Purina Pro Plan formulas include food nutritionally designed for adult dogs, puppies of various sizes, senior dogs, and specialized diet support for overweight dogs, sensitive stomachs, and more.
Does True Chews make a dog food?
The answer is True. Our dog food combines deliciousness with real protein, vegetables and grains so your best friend can enjoy the benefits of many nutrients from one True Meals Dog Food bag.
What is the healthiest dog food recommended by vets?
- Wellness Natural Food for Dogs.
- Castor & Pollux.
- Kirkland Pet Foods.
- Nutro Ultra.
- The Honest Kitchen.
- Natural Balance.
- Royal Canin.
- Purina Pro Plan.
What dog food does Tyson make?
Tyson and grown under three generations of family leadership, the company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, Wright, Aidells, ibp, and State Fair.
Does Tyson Own Blue Buffalo?
General Mills entered the pet food category in 2018 when it acquired Blue Buffalo Pet Products, Inc. for approximately $8 billion. Pet food is a high-growth category, fueled by the humanization of pets, a trend that has only increased during the pandemic, said Bethany Quam, General Mills group president, Pet segment.
What ingredients should I avoid in dog food?
- Corn and wheat gluten.
- Meat and grain meals and by-products.
- BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
- BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
- Ethoxyquin.
- Food Dyes (Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, 4-MIE)
- PG (Propylene Glycol)
- Rendered fat.
What brand of dog food do dogs like best?
- Ollie. This high-quality, freshly prepared, human-grade dog food will be virtually irresistible for even the pickiest of pooches.
- The Farmers Dog.
- Hills Science Diet.
- Rachael Ray Nutrish.
- Lucy Pet Formulas For Life.
- Royal Canin.
- Purina Pro Plan.
- Taste of the Wild.
Why do vets recommend Royal Canin?
Vets recommend Royal Canin so highly because there is a veterinary nutritionist on staff who makes sure that the ingredients in the food are of high quality and the diet is nutritionally balanced to get the needs of the dog.
Are True Chews healthy?
True Chews is a premium and healthy dog treats that is always made with 100% natural ingredients, all sourced and made 100% in the USA with no artificial flavors and no artificial preservatives just nutritious ingredients, and premium cuts of meat, chicken, and fish are always first.
Where are true chews made?
True Chews Premium Jerky Cuts Dog Treats Made with Real Chicken are 100% natural and made in the USA.
Did top chews go out of business?
MINNEAPOLIS General Mills announced July 6 it has successfully completed its acquisition of Tyson Foods pet treat business, which includes its Nudges, Top Chews and True Chews brands.
What food do dog nutritionist recommend?
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ekx6WGBFVak
Do vets recommend grain free dog food?
When it comes to the question of grain-free diets, veterinarians recommended that dogs be fed a grain-inclusive diet unless there is a reason that makes it unsuitable. One thing to always look out for when choosing a food is an adequacy statement on the label.
Is grain free better for dogs?
While your dog needs carbohydrates to produce energy, too many of them can contribute to obesity, the wrong bacteria in the gut and a lack of energy. So, if a dog food is labeled grain free but the grains are replaced with other ingredients, its not necessarily a healthier option for your dog.
Who bought Tyson?
MINNEAPOLIS(BUSINESS WIRE)General Mills (NYSE: GIS) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN) pet treats business for $1.2 billion in cash. The business, which includes the Nudges, Top Chews and True Chews brands, is the leader in natural meat treats for pets.
What dog food brands are owned by General Mills?
Blue Buffalo was acquired in April 2018 for $8 billion. 3 With the addition of Blue Buffalo, General Mills became the leader in the Wholesome Natural pet food category. Blue Buffalo sells dry food, wet food, and treats for dogs and cats.
Does General Mills own Blue Buffalo?
Since its acquisition of Blue Buffalo in 2018, General Mills has delivered significant growth for the pet food and treat brand.
Who makes Blue Buffalo dry dog food?
Blue Buffalo is owned by U.S. food company, General Mills. All of the brands dog food products are produced in the United States. Blue Buffalo owns and operates 2 manufacturing facilities.
Who makes diamond dog food?
Who Makes Diamond Dog Food? Diamond is made by family-owned Diamond Pet Foods, of Meta, Missouri. All dry foods are produced at the companys own facilities in South Carolina, California, Arkansas and Missouri. Wet recipes are made by a private-label cannery in the United States.
What dog food is killing dogs right now?
A pet food recall is widening after the Food and Drug Administration announced that more than two dozen dogs died after eating Sportmix brand dry kibble. The statement issued on Monday said that the suspect is aflatoxin, a byproduct of a corn mold Aspergillus flavus, which at high levels can kill pets.
What should the first ingredient be in dog food?
The first five ingredients of your dogs food should always start with protein. Dogs are omnivores, so they receive energy and nutrients from both plant and animal nutrients. But protein is essential to their muscle and tissue development, immune system health, energy, and healthy skin and nails.
Are sweet potatoes good for dogs?
Why Sweet Potatoes Are Good for Dogs. Sweet potatoes provide an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps the digestive system function more effectively. Eating fiber on a regular basis lowers the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers.
What is the best dry dog food for picky dogs?
- Ollie Hearty Beef Eats.
- A Pup Above.
- Nom Nom.
- Stella & Chewy Freeze Dried Mix-Ins.
- Instinct Raw Boost.
- Purina Pro Plan Savor Shredded Beef and Rice Formula.
- Taste of the Wild Salmon Recipe.
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe.
What brand of dog food is good for picky eaters?
The Purina Pro Plan Salmon & Rice Formula is a high-quality, real salmon and rice diet. Its been designed to meet the demands of all life stages and dog breeds. Salmon & Rice, Chicken & Rice, and Beef & Rice are just a few of the flavors available.
Love From the Kitchen: Tail-Wagging Dog Food Recipes
Key Points
Homemade dog food recipes are perfect for small and large dogs.
A dog with food allergies has better health and fewer symptoms with homemade dog food.
Creating a nutritional recipe for your dog helps with stomach problems.
Ensuring your dog's nutrition is challenging. Finding a good homemade dog food recipe is a tricky task if you've relied on commercial dog food. There are many blog posts and articles on how to select the best food for your dog, but finding the right approach to your dog's diet takes time.
The main thing to consider is what to put in your homemade dog food recipe. What ingredients are best? What types of meats and vegetables make your canine companion healthier?
It's crucial to meet your dog's daily nutritional needs. Although it takes time to find a reputable website with the necessary information, finding the right resources is worth the investment. It's important to remember that some suggestions may not work for your pup, especially if they have specific health or nutritional needs. If your dog has serious health considerations, be sure to talk with your veterinarian.
However, answering your many diet-related questions is not as hard as you think. Read on to learn the do's and don'ts of making fresh meals for your dog.
Benefits of Homemade Dog Food
You want the best for your dog. After all, your canine is your best friend and part of your family. They rely on you to give everything they need to thrive in this world. This includes proper food to keep them strong and active throughout their entire lives.
In pursuit of that goal, you may ask, "What are the benefits of homemade dog food?"
For one thing, preparing homemade dog food gives you complete control over what goes into their food. This means no fillers and no ingredients you can't pronounce or need a Google search to find out what they are.
You are the one who knows your dog best. You know what foods upset their tummy or provoke an allergic reaction. Being in charge of the food preparation ensures those items are not in your dog's meals.
Another benefit is that making dog food at home allows you to replace fillers in kibble with whole foods, which provide your dog with carbohydrates, natural dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Common Homemade Dog Food Mistakes
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), many recipes online are inadequate and could prove dangerous to your pet. An inaccurate recipe causes deficiencies or leads to an excess in their nutrition. It's best to avoid generic recipes.
One of the best online resources isBalanceIt.com, run by board-certified veterinary nutritionist Sean Delaney. Delaney says, "One of pets' daily joys should be eating, and I personally am thankful that I can help pets feel better through their food they deserve to be well as they do so much good for people."
Here are some tips to avoid the common mistakes dog owners face when making dog food at home:
Ensure meals are nutritionally-balanced. Unbalanced meals never meet your dog's needs and can lead to malnutrition or obesity.
Know which ingredients are unsafe and unhealthy. Use only ingredients that are safe to keep your pup healthy.
Consider your dog's weight, age, and overall health before deciding to make food at home. All dietary changes affect your dog, for good or bad.
Allot time and money for at-home food preparation. Aim to buy fresh fruits and veggies in bulk, and be sure to set time aside each week to prep.
Follow the correct feeding ratio. Every dog is different, and proper portion size is essential to your dog's health. Do this first to ensure proper feeding and see how well your dog adapts to the new diet.
Dog Food Ratios
Every dog is different. Like you, they have specific needs and tastes. This is especially true if your dog is a picky eater.
Before making your first batch of dog food, ensure you consider these ratios. This general rule varies depending on your dog's age, weight, breed, and health issues.
Start with a good balance of proteins, grains, vegetables, and fruit. Yes, there are some fruits and vegetables your dog loves. Begin with a protein percentage of 50 percent, vegetables at 25 percent, and grains at 25 percent. This is a good start and keeps your dog healthy.
To get a good idea of how much to make and feed your dog, multiply their weight by 2-3 percent. Split this up into two meals daily. For example, the amount for a 50-pound dog is 1-1.5 pounds of food, divided into two meals.
It's important to double this amount and spread it over a few meals daily for puppies. After all, they're growing and need that extra nutrition to get big and strong. This ratio also varies based on your dog's activity level, but you can easily feed less or more.
Take into consideration that the rules for feeding your dog aren't written in stone. These ratios and percentages are more of a guideline that you can adapt to your dog's needs.
Ingredients and Nutrients for Dogs
Lucky for you, having the proper nutrients for your dog food recipe is as easy as going to your grocery store. For meat protein, stick with a fat percentage of less than 20 percent. Eggs with the shell are also a great protein choice, as are peanut butter (xylitol-free) and cooked beans (non-canned).
Coconut, olive, and fish oils are significant sources of fats. Omega-3 fatty acids work at keeping your dog healthy.
Use fiber-rich vegetables or fruit full of vitamins and minerals. These include broccoli, zucchini, green beans, carrots, kale, spinach, and cauliflower. There are many suitable fruits, such as bananas, apples, pears, pitted peaches, blueberries, and watermelons.
Your recipe isn't complete without whole grains. Like humans, your dogs need their carbs! Grains are a great energy source, as those zoomies happen when you least expect them. Use whole grains like barley, brown rice, and oatmeal. Sweet potatoes are also a tasty carb source.
You want your dog to thrive. Ensuring they have the proper nutrients and micronutrients is essential to your dog's health. Balance is critical.
Remember that recipes vary with each dog. A senior dog and a puppy have different health, dietary, and nutrition needs.
Homemade Dog Food: Meat, Grain, and Veggie Meals
These recipes yield two daily meals for a 50-pound dog. Ensure you adjust the recipe to cook an entire week's worth.
Beef and Vegetable Recipe
54 grams ground beef, 85 percent lean meat
48 grams brown rice
9 grams coconut oil
9 grams olive oil
135 grams green beans
69 grams raw carrots
183 grams zucchini
124 grams cauliflower
58 grams kale
124 grams summer squash
88 grams broccoli
92 grams unsweetened applesauce
56 grams blueberries
95 grams watermelon
Add supplement of choice.
Chicken and Vegetable Recipe
114 grams boneless chicken breast
157 grams cooked barley
12 grams coconut oil
11 grams olive oil
17 grams green beans
14 grams raw carrots
16 grams cauliflower
8 grams kale
23 grams summer squash
31 grams unsweetened applesauce
19 grams blueberries
Add supplement of choice.
Homemade Dog Food: Fish, Grain, and Veggie Meals
These recipes yield two daily meals for a 50-pound dog. Ensure you adjust the recipe to cook an entire week's worth.
Salmon and Chicken Recipe
95 grams ground chicken
120 grams whole eggs
87 grams salmon
123 grams brown rice
12 grams coconut oil
12 grams olive oil
12 grams green beans
6 grams raw carrots
3 grams green peas
11 grams summer squash
16 grams zucchini
8 grams unsweetened applesauce
4 grams bananas
6 grams blueberries
9 grams canned pumpkin
Add supplement of choice.
Beef and Salmon Recipe
43 grams salmon
26 grams ground lean beef, 85 percent lean meat
128 grams one-percent cottage cheese
342 grams brown rice
13 grams coconut oil
12 grams olive oil
34 grams green beans
28 grams raw carrots
20 grams green peas
35 grams summer squash
43 grams zucchini
31 grams unsweetened applesauce
19 grams bananas
19 grams blueberries
31 grams canned pumpkin
Add supplement of choice.
Tips for Making Homemade Pet Food
Proper planning allows you to cook large batches, which is easier than doing it daily. Having a large slow cooker gives you a fantastic start.
Start by browning the meat with a bit of coconut oil or olive oil to avoid sticking. While doing that, get those grains cooking. Add those to the beef and any steamed vegetables and/or fruit you choose to include.
Allow everything to cool before you separate the batch into individual meals.
Don't forget to add the supplements. Store in your refrigerator for up to a week. If you double the batch or more, freeze the excess in a freezer-safe container for later use. Don't keep the food frozen for longer than two months.
At mealtime, weigh the food on a scale to give your dog the proper serving size. To avoid this step, divvy up the batch into individual meal servings. Then all you have to do is watch your dog jump with excitement once they get a smell of the freshly cooked food coming their way.
Give your dog the best life possible with dog food you made with love. Avoid those toxic foods and fillers, such as grapes, cherries, avocados, certain nuts, chocolate, onions, and garlic.
Cooking squash, potatoes, starchy vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your dog food recipe aids your dog's digestion.
Supplements are essential to providing the nutrients your dog needs. There are many vet-approved supplements available on the market. A supplement in powder form is best. Some come in chewable treat form, which can prove great for training at mealtimes.
Proper Nutrition and a Dog's Mental Health
Understanding your dog's needs is critical to their health and overall mental well-being. Proper nutrients support your dog's physical and psychological health. This alleviates problems like stress, separation anxiety, and some destructive behaviors.
Using the proper ingredients in your dog food recipe affects your pet's behavior. Certain antioxidants are brain food, especially for senior dogs. A good diet aids in preventing cognitive decline, patterned pacing, and excessive licking.
A balanced diet goes far in keeping your dog healthy. Your dog food recipe needs key ingredients and must include protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and fat. You must supplement even with a carefully prepared recipe.
Quality Care Starts With Quality Food
Proper nutrition, love, and care are important for a growing and active dog. The better the diet, the better their health and reports at vet visits. A happy dog enriches your life like no other animal.
Giving your dog the best quality care takes more than regular vet visits and walks. A proper diet improves their health, reduces vet visits, and keeps their coats looking and feeling great. Homemade food improves your dog's mood and vitality. It also means less cleaning up in the yard when your dog needs to go outside.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both homemade meals and store-bought brands.
Commercial dog food is convenient, but may not meet your dog's needs. Like any "convenience" food, it is also expensive especially if you choose a higher-end food with no fillers.
Homemade food is better for your dog. Get the ingredients for your vet-approved recipe, whip it in your kitchen, and serve it with pride and love. You are no doubt your dog's favorite person at dinner time.
Proper nutrition shows you care for your dog, which keeps your bond growing and gives you both a happy life.
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