TOP 5 DOG'S TO GET FOR KIDS

WHICH DOG'S DO KIDS LIKE?

If you are looking for the best breed of dog to get for kids, then read on! In this article, we look at breeds of all sizes, shapes and from all corners of the world, that all have one thing in common: they're great with kids! So read on, and find the perfect dog to get for your kids today!

Labradors

There's a reason that labradors are so popular around the world - they're a great family dog! In fact, labbies have the perfect mix of a gentle nature, and energy, that makes them a great companion for children of all ages.

Your labrador will probably have a lifespan in excess of twelve years, which means that he or she will be able to grow up with your kids, and they're also easy to keep in good health (although they are prone to gaining weight, so watch the portions and treats!) All round, if you're looking for a great dog to get for kids, and you don't mind a medium to large breed, this is a great choice.

Pugs

If you're looking for a smaller breed to get for your kids, then pugs are a perfect choice. They may have a face that some would say only a mother can love, but pugs are living proof of the old saying 'dynamite comes in small packages!'

Pugs are friendly, energetic and tough little dogs, all of which makes them a great choice of dog to have when you're looking for a pet for your kids, and they're also intelligent and easy to train.

Beagles

Another great choice of a breed of dog for kids, the Beagle is a medium sized, short coated dog that again combines a gentle, friendly nature with energy and an outgoing personality.

Beagles are also easy to train, respond well to training, and will get along well with other dogs and pets in your family too.

Rough Collie

There's a reason Lassie made it into the movies! Rough collies are another great breed to consider if you are looking for a great dog to get for your kids. They're friendly, generally gentle and good natured, intelligent, and when they're younger, energetic too.

The only drawback to getting a rough collie is that their long, silky hair needs a lot more maintenance than their short coated peers, so you will need to make sure you have the time to devote to grooming and keeping your collie in tip top condition.

Jack Russel Terrier

Another great choice of breed, when you're looking for the perfect dog to get for kids, is the Jack Russel Terrier. Another small breed that proves that dynamite comes in small packages, these little terriers have big personalities, and they're usually able to keep up with (and outrun!) even the most adventurous kids.

If you choose a Jack Russel, be warned that they can be a handful, and don't be surprised to be the only family on the block with a dog that routinely climbs trees!

Of course, another great option, if you're looking for a dog for your kids, and to do a little good, is to consider adopting from a shelter. Even a mixed breed dog, or a slightly older dog, can be a great companion to your kids, and if it's not important to you to have a pedigree as long as your arm, many rescue dogs make great companion animals.

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Ingredients For DOG FOOD

WHAT DO DOG'S LIKE TO EAT?

     

What are the ingredients in dog food? If you look at the pictures on the packages of dog food, you will see healthy chickens, good-looking pieces of beef, fresh grains. Just looking at the packages will make your mouth water and stomach rumble.

That is exactly the reaction the manufacturers want you to have. They spend large amounts of money to advertise their products, making them look decent so that you will buy them. The question is, Are They Healthy? Of course, the manufacturers will say that they are. They will also point out that they pass all of the governmental requirements for nutritional value for your dog.

What most consumers do not know is that the pet food industry uses a large portion of by-products from the Human Food Industry. The by-products are deemed "unfit for human consumption" but are allowed for animal consumption. By using these by-products in pet food, these companies are turning waste into profits. The by-products include but are not limited to: intestines, udders, heads, hooves, and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts. All of these ingredients are items that would be thrown away. You would not eat them, why would you serve them to your dog?

If you read the label of dog food, you would think that you are serving something healthy to your dog. What the government allows dog food manufacturers to print on labels is misleading. The labeling requirements are governed by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). AAFCO provides standards that are followed by the Pet Food Industry.

The ingredients printed on the label in descending order. To use the term "all" or 100% means that the product has to contain only one ingredient, not including water. The 95% Rule is used when the ingredients derived from animals, poultry or fish constitutes at least 95% or more of the total weight of the product. The ingredients names are legally defined. Meat only applies to cows, pigs, goats and sheep and can contain only specified muscles. All items regarding dog food ingredient definitions are published in AAFCO's Official Publication.

The pet food industry loves to say that it is more highly regulated than human food, but that is not true. Pet food manufacturing regulation exists in a vacuum, rules and definitions are on the books, enforcement is another issue. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has limited authority regarding Pet Food manufacturing. The real enforcers are the feed control officials. Applying of rules varies from state to state. Texas and Kentucky enforce the standards heavily. California does not enforce the standards at all.

The three main types of dog food manufactured are: Dry (Kibble), Moist and Canned. For more information on each type see my article on Introduction to Dog Food.

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