What Dog Food Should I Feed a Puppy?

We've had the miniature schnauzer for a month, and like most, we wonder what is the best food we can afford for the puppy. Especially after the Chinese pet food crisis, I am skeptical about everything on the market. For years you might be feeding your dog something you think is absolutely acceptable, when in fact, it is what's killing him.

Scary stuff, no? When we picked up the schnauzer in Miami, they offered the pet food they were feeding the pup at the time. I quickly asked, sort of sarcastically, - wasn't made in China, right? - and the owner laughed and said no. But still - that bag will end and I'll have to sort through the aisles at Publix, or PetSmart or Petco - man, we have them all here - and "guess" - that's right, "guess" on a food that won't be slowly killing my little baby puppy.

There are terrifying stories everywhere - but I've learned that even before the Chinese pet food disaster, there was trouble with commercial dog food. Yes, you can look at the label like I did, or feel warm and fuzzy by a brand name - but think about the recent Mattel toy recall because of lead in the paint. Still, I know at least two or three friends whose pets have died due to kidney failure.

Kidney failure? I suppose that happens to wild dogs, too? No - it doesn't. I found research on commercial dog food showing chemicals they won't put in human foods because they are carcinogenic.

Here's what else I've found. I saw a number of pet foods labeled as "preservative-free" and man, that sounds great. You think you're giving Fido something excellent. Just think - a food with nothing preserving it - it was made so well it just didn't need it.

But that's not totally true. What the regulators say is that manufacturers don't have to list preservatives that they themselves didn't put in. What?!! Yes - if it was put in there from the rendering plant - even before the meat is sent to the dog food manufacturer, it doesn't make the label - and doesn't have to. And your dog will likely die because of it.

I know this raises tons of questions - and I can't answer all. But I'll link to a site I found very helpful. This one site gave me loads of documented information that I know is hurting pets.

Find out more at Dog Care of Miami. You will be so happy you did.

Best Small Dog Pets

Small dogs are definitely more safer for children to manage as they are less powerful than bigger dogs. Small dogs are famous for having a big dog attitude. Small dogs are very playful and enjoy playing games at home.

Dog Personality

Dogs are the only mammals that are known to be available in wide range of sizes from the smallest to largest. Dogs who show aggression because they are frightened and mistrustful might be better companions than temperament testing may indicate, especially if they are capable of bonding with humans. Dogs should be registered so if they are found they won't be sent to the pound as a stray. "Everybody treats their dogs like their babies, so it's not surprising they would select tiny dogs," says Chase, who owns a pair of 4-pound, toy poodle-Maltese mixes.

Dogs as Small Pets

Small dogs make ideal pets for apartment dwellers and those with smaller living spaces. Small dog breeds are not only amazing pets but also good companions to be with. The next time that you are thinking of adopting a pet you may want to look at the many small dogs for adoption purposes as these small dogs are the best types of dogs to have as life long companions.

Small Dogs Are Best For?

Most small dog breeds have bags of character, energy and endless love to give, and make for very good household pets. Before selecting the small dogs as pets it is advisable to have a better understanding of their characteristics. Toy breeds are great pets for senior citizens or people who have reduced mobility. Many small sized dogs are bred for companionship and lap pets. Small dog breeds usually make excellent indoor pets because they take up less room than larger dogs.

Will Small Dogs Bark More?

Don't let there small size fool you, however. Some of these small dog breeds are as tough as nails and will often, unwisely, attempt to take on a dog five times their size. There are many different types of purebred small dogs, and they come in lots of different shapes, colors and sizes. Small dogs differ from large dogs only in terms of their size. Their small size makes them perfect as companions for children and people who live in small homes.

Small dogs are also a lot easier and cheaper to look after and care for. Small dogs are typically accustomed to being pampered and loved. Small dogs are more popular today than ever before.