Why to Add Bone Meal to Homemade Dog Food

Making homemade dog food can be complicated. Animals have different nutritional needs than humans do. Bone meal can provide nutrients that help keep dogs healthy.

Definition

Bone meal is made from ground up bones. Bones and hooves from animals that have been slaughtered for food or industry are placed in a machine called a "bone crusher" and then are ground into smaller and smaller pieces. The coarser pieces are used in some industries, like the manufacturing of adhesives and gelatin. The smaller pieces can be used in dog food and as a plant fertilizer.

History

Bone meal used to be a standard ingredient in animal feed for all sorts of animals, including sheep, cows, pigs, cats and dogs. After the "Mad Cow Disease" outbreak of the 1980s, however, it's no longer included in livestock feed in many countries. Because cats and dogs aren't susceptible to "Mad Cow" disease (technically, bovine spongiform encephalopathy), bone meal is still legal for use in commercial dog foods, and offers nutrients that pets need.

Significance

Bone meal is rich in calcium, phosphorous, protein, and trace minerals. Phosphorous allows other nutrients to absorb into the bloodstream faster, and therefore, bone meal is especially useful for older dogs and dogs that may suffer from digestive disorders. It used to be common practice to sprinkle a little bone meal on a dog's food when it's suffering from diarrhea or "garbage gut" (which is bloating and flatulence when dogs over-indulge in human food or from eating garbage.) If you're making homemade dog food, you can simply sprinkle bone meal on each serving or add it to your mixture.

Making Bone Meal at Home

You can make your own bone meal at home by drying bones thoroughly and then grinding them in a spice grinder. Chicken bones, which are generally agreed to be too splintery for safe consumption, are rich in nutrients and grind up very nicely. You may want to chop the softened raw or cooked bones into small pieces so that they'll fit into your grinder better. Another technique is to boil the bones for a very long time, to render out the nutrients and then dehydrate the remaining liquid, grind that into a powder to use as you would commercially produced bone meal.

Warnings

If you plan to purchase bone meal from the garden department, read the ingredients thoroughly because added fertilizers can kill your dog. Plants can tolerate chemicals and fertilizers that are added to bone meal, and often thrive when those are included, but dogs can become very sick if you feed them bone meal intended for plants. To find bone meal that's safe for animals, check your feed store, pet store, or online vendors that distribute bone meal for dog food.

How to Make A Sick Dog Eat Food

When your dog is sick, she may not feel like eating. This is normally ok, since getting food into her system immediately is not as important as ensuring that she is hydrated with fluids. However, even when your pup is well on her way to recovery, she may not get her appetite back quickly. She will lose considerable weight and strength, and it's important that she regain her appetite as soon as possible. When a dog has been ill for awhile, getting her to eat normally may not be easy. However, there are some tricks that will get her back on the chow wagon.

Instructions

1




Your dog may avoid hard kibble, but find peanut butter irresistable.

Offer your dog her food by hand. Hand feed her, or put some peanut butter or canned dog food on a spoon for her to lick off. If she has been sick for a while, she may not feel like going to her dish. But if you bring the food to her, or make it a game (think of the airplane game played to get toddlers to eat), she may make an attempt to eat, if only just to please you.

2




Your dog may not be hungry enough to eat. When her appetite returns, she will resume her regular eating habits.

Offer baby food. Choose small jars of baby food that you think your dog will enjoy. Generally a couple of meats and two or three different vegetables will get her interest. Put a small amount of each on the tip of the spoon and offer it to your dog. Later, you can top off her kibble with it.

3




A little bread topped with peanut butter usually gets a dog's interest.

Feed your dog in a quiet area. Some dogs do not do well in the midst of chaos and prefer the solitude of a quiet corner. If your dog is the nervous type, or there are other household pets that may be interfering with her eating, try feeding her on the porch outside, in a corner of the kitchen or the laundry room.

How to Get Your Dog to Eat His Food

Dogs make great pets, but sometimes they can be difficult when it comes to their diet. Naturally stubborn dogs will refuse to eat certain dog foods, and other dogs will choose to eat only at a certain time of day. Getting a dog to eat his food when it's given to him may seem impossible when you've dealt with a finicky eater, but it's easier than you might believe. With a little effort, your dog should be eating his food in no time.

Instructions

1

Set a feeding schedule for your dog. He should eat a small bowl of food three times a day instead of one large bowl once a day. The schedule should consist of one morning feeding, one afternoon feeding, and one evening feeding.

2

Avoid giving your dog frequent treats. If a dog becomes full on treats, he will not eat his dog food. You can potentially spoil your dog with treats, and he won't be enthusiastic about eating dry dog food. Make sure that your dog does not have access to the garbage can. Ask everyone in the home to stop feeding table scraps (if they are).

3

Give your dog a quiet area to eat his food. Distractions can sometimes cause dogs to eat less than they normally would, especially if your dog is especially active or has anxiety.

4

Take your dog for a walk or a run before offering him food. When you bring him home, set the food bowl down in front of him. Wait 15 minutes. If your dog does not eat his food, remove the bowl and repeat this step at the next feeding time.

5

Reward your dog with food after he comes in from a bathroom break, after a bath, or after doing anything that deserves praise. Again, if he does not touch the food after 15 minutes, pick it up and try again later.

6

Introduce a new brand or type of dog food into your dog's diet. Bring in new foods gradually. To do this, add about one quarter cup of new dog food to three cups of his original dog food. Add more food each time until he is eating nothing but the new dog food. If your dog seems to enjoy the new food, stick with it.

7

Remain consistent with your feeding schedule and diet. If you allow your dog to get what he wants, for example, feeding him table food because he won't eat his dog food, you're only making it more difficult on yourself when you decide to switch him to strictly dog food.

Can I Feed My Adult Dog Puppy Food?

There are many brands of dog food available. Within each brand, you will find a variety of types, including puppy, adult, weight control and senior. If you are wondering whether you should give your adult dog the puppy food he likes, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and other experts say "no."

Dietary Requirements

According to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, a dog's dietary requirements change depending on its stage of life and activity level. A puppy requires high levels of protein and other nutrients to develop its muscles and bones.

Warning

The higher levels of nutrients in puppy food can hurt an older dog. For example, experts say high levels of protein in puppy food can affect organs such as the kidneys and shorten a dog's life. Similarly, adult dog food does not have the proper amounts of nutrients puppies need.

Effects

If you feed your adult dog puppy food, your dog has an increased risk of becoming obese. Just like in humans, obesity can lead to various health problems in dogs. Among other things, obesity stresses your dog's heart, lungs and joints. It also increases the risk of certain types of cancer.

Time Frame

Different size dogs are considered to be ready for adult food at different ages. But some nutritionists worry that giant breed puppies might grow too quickly if they are fed only puppy food. Some recommend mixing adult food with puppy food for large breeds.

Changing Foods

To switch from puppy to adult food, you can mix the types of food over a few days, gradually increasing the proportion of adult food. It is best to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes.

The Best Diet Dry Dog Food

Recent studies indicate that 30 to 40 percent of pets in America are overweight. Like their human counterparts, overweight dogs are at risk for a range of health problems. A dry kibble that is low in fat and high in fiber is the best diet to get your dog to reach a healthy weight. While there are many options available, ranging from commercially-available kibble to cooking your own, these four brands (listed in alphabetical order) are consistently ranked as some of the best diet dry kibble.

Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo's BLUE Weight Control Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe (www.bluebuff.com) is a diet dry food containing a mix of chicken and grains. High in protein (20 percent) and low in fat (6 percent), this food provides a healthy balance of protein, grains and vegetables. Blue Buffalo also claims a specialized blend of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals designed to protect dogs from environmental toxins.

Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul

This brand (www.chickensoupforthepetloverssoul.com) offers an Adult Dog Light formula that is high in protein (20 percent) but low in fat (6 percent). In addition, this food provides a high level of fiber. While many high-quality diet dog foods can be expensive, this is reasonably priced, though sometimes difficult to locate.

Innova

Naturapet's Innova EVO Reduced Fat formula (www.naturapet.com) has a very high meat content---the first four ingredients are meat---and the kibble is grain-free. The food is very high in protein (52 percent) and low in fat (15 percent), though the ratio makes this food particularly suited to adult large breed dogs. While this food is low in fat, the formula preserves healthy fatty acids.

Old Mother Hubbard Wellness Core Reduced Fat

Old Mother Hubbard's Wellness Core Reduced Fat (www.wellnesspetfood.com) is another grain-free option. This dry food has a high level of protein (33 percent) delivered through five different meat sources, and it also has a very low level of fat (9 percent). The ingredients that comprise the rest of the formula include good-quality fruits and vegetables including potatoes, sweet potatoes and blueberries.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin (www.royalcanin.us) offers several diet dry dog food options, including formulas specialized for small and large breeds. In addition, Royal Canine has two specialty Calorie Control products, one with High Fiber and one with High Protein, each designed to meet a dog's specific set of health requirements. With the wide array of options, Royal Canin's dry diet dog foods meet any specific health needs.

Considerations

Regardless of which food you choose for your dog, any high protein dry food, especially one with a large quantity of meat, requires a transition period. Begin by feeding your dog her current food with a small amount of the new food to see how she reacts. If she seems to transition without digestive upset, slowly shift the ratio until you've successfully phased out her current food.

What Is a Good High Fiber Dog Food?

Finding a good-quality high-fiber dog food may be a challenging ordeal for many dog owners. Only by knowing what to look for will dog owners have some clues as to the differences between one brand and another.

Identification

Fiber is commonly found in the cell walls of plants and grains. It is an insoluble carbohydrate that resists enzymatic digestion in the small intestinal tract.

Potential

Fiber is commonly recommended by veterinarians to treat a variety of conditions in dogs. Dogs affected by diabetes, anal gland problems and obesity may benefit from a diet rich in fiber.

Sources

Fiber benefits dogs as well

Good sources of fiber are found in dog food containing whole grains such as rice bran, wheat bran or oat bran. Other sources of fiber are beet pulp, corn, corn byproducts, soybean and peanut hulls.

Types

A good fiber dog food therefore should contain sources of fiber listed among the ingredients, while its percentage is found in the guaranteed analysis section under ''crude fiber.'. Normal dog foods generally contain between 2.5% and 4.5% fiber, whereas some special diet foods may contain as much as 9% to 10%.

Considerations

Too much fiber, however, according to Purina, may cause problems such as loose stools, flatulence, and an increase in stool volume or density. Excessive amounts of fiber also may interfere with the absorption of other important nutrients.

Expert Insight

A good dog food containing fiber should therefore be nutritionally balanced while offering moderate and not excessive amounts of fiber. Ideally, it is best to have a veterinarian recommend a high-fiber dog food if dealing with a dog with health problems.

How to Make Chicken & Rice Dog Food

Chicken and rice is a popular combination for dog food because it is high in protein and low in fat. According to the Partnership for Animal Welfare, excessive animal-based fats in a dog's diet can lead to digestive disorders and even pancreatitis. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, brown rice and green beans for a healthy alternative to store-bought dog food. Commercial dog foods contain by-products and chemicals that are often devoid of the nutrients dogs need to thrive.

Instructions

1

Boil chicken breasts in water until cooked and no longer pink.

2

Remove the chicken from the pot and reserve the chicken broth.

3

Chop the chicken into small pieces or process in a food processor for a finer texture.

4

Boil the green beans in the chicken broth until heated through.

5

Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl with the olive oil and stir until blended. Add some of the chicken broth for a softer texture.

6

Let cool and serve to your dog.

How to Make Homemade Dry Dog Food

Due to the recent pet food recalls, many pet owners are deciding to make their own pet food at home. This method ensures that the ingredients that you are putting into your animal's food are safe and healthy. A simple pet food recipe is dry dog food morsels.

Instructions

1

Start by taking the yeast and dissolving it in 1 cup of warm water.

2

Mix all the ingredients together once the yeast has dissolved. Knead the ingredients until a thick paste is formed. You may need to add extra water to the mixture.

3

Allow the dough to sit for at least 30 minutes once the paste is formed. This will permit enough time for the yeast to rise.

4

Roll the dough out on a generously floured surface using a rolling pin. The dough should not be overly thick once you have finished. Proceed to cut the dough into bite-sized square morsels using a small knife.

5

Place the squares on a large baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes. Allow the morsels to cool down and then serve to your dog. Feel free to store any leftovers and use for the next feeding.

Recipes for Homemade Raw Homopathic Dog Food

Grains and carbohydrates are not a part of the natural dog or cat diet. These animals do not have the dietary structures in place to digest complex carbohydrates, and Russell Swift, DVM, suggests that grains were introduced by the pet food industry because they are cheap calories. The raw diet is a movement away from cooked food with grains and into a more natural diet for pets.

Homemade Raw Diet

A raw food diet, coined the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet by Dr. Ian Billinghurst, DVM, consists of 50 percent raw meaty bones and 50 percent raw meat, which needs to include organ meat such as liver, heart and kidneys. Because dogs are omnivores, pureed vegetables must be added; the vegetables must be pureed because dogs don't chew much and can't digest whole vegetables. Eggs, yogurt and omega-3 fatty acids round off a complete homeopathic diet.

When feeding raw meat, vary the protein source for your dog. Good protein sources include turkey, beef, chicken, lamb, rabbit and venison. If your dog is allergic to a certain protein source, avoid that type. Find organic meat that isn't polluted with chemicals used on many factory farms.

Vegetables can be raw or cooked, but include as wide a variety as possible with each meal. Vegetable sources include asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, celery, green beans, okra, pumpkin and squash.

To add more homeopathic nutrition to your dog's meal, Dr. Richard Pitcairn recommends adding this healthy powder to all homemade recipes: 2 cups brewer's yeast, 1 cup lecithin granules, 1/4 cup kelp powder, 4 tbsp. bone meal powder and 1,000mg vitamin C.

Build your dog's diet by combining any of the above proteins with any of the combined vegetables in a 3 to 1, meat to vegetable ratio. Add a raw egg and omega-3 fatty acid tablet from any local grocery store for complete nutrition. A 50-pound dog can eat about 1 pound of meat mixture per day; adjust accordingly to your dog's weight.

For a simple dinner, mix 6 oz. chopped meat, which includes organ meat, with 2 oz. ground vegetables listed above. Add 1 egg, 1 omega-3 capsule and a handful of fruit, such as apples, bananas or berries. Mix thoroughly and add 1 spoonful of grapefruit seed extract to kill bacteria. Top with 1 spoonful of organic vegetable oil, which provides twice the energy of other food sources. This makes one serving.

Though grains are considered unnecessary for dogs, raw oats can help your dog digest raw meat. If his stools seem a little hard, add a couple spoonfuls of oats or oatmeal.

A raw recipe with grains recommended by Dr. Pitcairn includes 5 cups raw oats, 3 pounds raw turkey, cup vegetable oil, 1 cup cooked vegetables, 6 tbsp. healthy powder mentioned above and 4 tsp. bone meal. Cook the oats and combine with the rest of the ingredients. This makes about five servings for a small dog, three servings for a medium dog and a little less for a large dog.

How to Help a Dog That Chronically Vomits Yellow Fluid

Vomiting is among the most common ailments that veterinarians treat. Chronic vomiting is not an unusual problem in dogs and often, the situation involves a yellow, liquid vomit. Vomiting first thing in the morning, before a scheduled meal, or immediately after is also not uncommon in cases where chronic vomiting is present due to irritation from stomach acids and bile.A dog that chronically vomits a yellow fluid may be suffering from a problem that's fairly easy to remedy with some simple life changes.

Instructions

1

Chronic vomiting can result when a dog eats just once or twice a day. The stomach acids and bile accumulate in the empty stomach, causing irritation and inflammation to the stomach's lining. So begin by looking at your dog's feeding schedule. Is it eating just once or twice a day?

2

If a dog is eating just once or twice a day, a new feeding schedule must be implemented. It is not necessary to feed the dog a greater volume of food, but the dog must eat more frequently, so feeding several smaller meals instead of one or two large meals is ideal. Divide the dog's daily ration into three or four meals instead of just one or two. More frequent meals will prevent the gastric fluids from upsetting the lining of an empty stomach.

3

Before serving a meal of kibble, add enough hot water to just cover the top of the kibble. Allow the kibble to sit for about 10 minutes. Serve once the kibble swells and absorbs all of the water. This will prevent the kibble from swelling once it's entered the dog's stomach. If the dog eats until it's full, and the kibble then swells, this will push the dog's stomach beyond the feeling of "full" and this can lead to vomiting, particularly when the stomach is already upset from the gastric fluids having prolonged contact with the stomach lining. These measures are not necessary when serving wet food.

4

Serving more frequent meals will often solve a problem involving chronic vomiting of a yellow fluid, since food will be in the stomach more often and this prevents the gastric fluids from upsetting the empty stomach. In cases where more frequent meals do not improve the situation, additional measures will be required, as this can indicate an overproduction of stomach acids and bile.

5

If more frequent meals do not solve the problem of a yellow liquid vomit, this usually indicates an overproduction of stomach acid and bile. To treat this, over-the-counter medication will be required and in most cases, this is very successful in resolving the problem when the medication is paired with frequent feedings. Pepcid AC or a similar famotidine medication like Zantac will treat the problem of excess bile and digestive fluids. The typical dose is 0.25 milligrams to 0.5 milligrams for each one pound of body weight, given every 12 hours.

6

If more frequent feedings and a medication like Pepcid AC do not solve the issue of chronic vomiting involving a yellow fluid, this can indicate a more serious underlying problem that must be addressed with a veterinarian. Fortunately, veterinarians say that most cases of chronic vomiting involving a yellow fluid are solved with the above-mentioned measures, therefore additional investigation into the situation is not required.

How to Find the Best Dog Food for My Siberian Husky

All dog foods are not created equal. Choosing the best pet food for your Siberian husky can improve her health, enrich her lifestyle and advance her performance as a working or show dog. The Siberian husky is a compact, working breed dog with high energy. Ingredients, preparation, feeding habits, and the dog's initial health can all affect the effectiveness of the best food for your Siberian husky.

Instructions

Ensure Your Pet is Healthy

1

Identify any health concerns with a thorough veterinary inspection. The best dog food for a healthy dog may not be the best dog food for a dog with vitamin deficiencies or genetic health disorders.

2

Watch for signs of hip dysplasia in the Siberian husky. Visit the veterinarian if the dog is having trouble walking or showing signs of discomfort. Hips are fully developed by the age of 2 in large breed dogs. Have the veterinarian take X-rays if they suspect dysplasia.

3

Learn about the dog's allergies or reactions to specific ingredients. Buy food that does not contain these ingredients. Take food up immediately if the dog begins to vomit or experiences diarrhea. Check with a veterinarian about the symptoms.

Dog Food Ingredients

4

Look for meat first on the Siberian husky dog food ingredient list. Dogs are omnivores and, genetically, predators. Dry kibble will contain some vegetables, but should have meat or meat meal high on the ingredient list.

5

Look for whole vegetables; these are healthy for dogs, especially when they replace grain particles in dog foods.

6

Locate supplements added to the food by manufacturers. Omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil can be beneficial to joint health in working dogs like the Siberian husky.

7

Ascertain if your dog reacts to grains by speaking with a veterinarian. Choose foods with whole grains as opposed to grain particles when possible. Grain-free dog food now is available from most major pet supply stores.

Feeding the Siberian Husky

8

Follow instructions located on the back of the food the Siberian husky eats. Locate the dog's weight and the corresponding cup amount.

9

Break up the total cup amount of food into at least two feedings spread out over the day.

10

Feed the Siberian husky in a calm setting to avoid over excitement and bloat, a digestive disorder common among deep chested dogs. Allow at least 45 minutes after feeding before engaging in vigorous physical activity.

How to Buy the Best Dog Food at the Best Price

Dog food companies spend millions of dollars every year on advertising campaigns designed to make their dog food look appetizing to us, regardless of whether or not it's actually nutritious for our furry friends. Here are some common ingredients that should be avoided when looking to buy the best, healthy dog food.

Instructions

1

Protein: We all know protein is good for dogs, but here are some questionable sources that should be avoided. Beef & bone meal, ground up remains of the cow, used to increase the protein percentage of the dog food. Blood meal is clean animal blood, unfortunately you don't know what animal it came from or if it was sick or on medication. Chicken byproduct meal, which is everything from the chicken minus the meat, head, bones, etc. another cheap filler to up the protein percentage. Meat and bone meal is rendered product from animal tissue, this can be from any source including dead, diseased, dying or disabled animals, can include road kill or even euthanized shelter animals! may even contain cancerous or spoiled tissue. No quality dog food should contain this!

2

Binders: Corn and Wheat gluten are cheap binders used in inexpensive dog food. Although not harmful, they should be avoided if only for their near non-existent nutritional value.

3

Food coloring; Of all food coloring, Yellow-6 was shown, in industry sponsored testing, to cause tumors in the adrenal gland and kidney. I would personally never buy a dog food with this in it, just choose a healthy dog food without this ingredient.

4

Fats: Animal and Poultry fat; the food industry is not required to disclose the type of animal or how it obtained this fat. Keep in mind that the four 'D's are prevalent here. diseased, dying, dead and disabled keep in mind that this also includes road kill, shelter animals and restaurant refuse! I would never feed my pup anything with undisclosed meat or poultry sources in it! I'd keep looking for a good healthy dog food.

5

Fiber: Here are some fiber sources which are inexpensive fillers with little to no nutritional value. Corn bran, oat hulls, peanut hulls, rice hulls, corn cellulose, soybean and wheat mill run, which is also known as floor sweepings. The big no-no is cellulose which is usually dried, bleached and powdered wood! Argh!!

6

Flavorings: There are flavoring additives known as animal digest, digest or as 'flavoring', for the most part this is made from an enzymatic hydrolysis of clean, undecomposed animal tissue. If the animal is listed that's almost ok. If it is not, and it doesn't have to be, assume it's part of the dreaded '4Ds' made from anything including rats or euthenized shelter animals! This is certainly not the kind of dog food you want your little friend eating. Look for good, healthy, high quality dog food.

7

Fruits: Some no-no's include apple pomace, which is a byproduct with little value. A huge no-no is grape pomace, and, as most of us know, grapes are bad for dogs in the first place. A good healthy dog food would not include this.

8

Preservatives: Stay away from BHA and BHT, they are banned in many countries but still allowed in the USA. And now for the big one.. Ethoxyquin, this was originally developed as a rubber stabilizer! This has been linked to thyroid, kidney, immune, and reproductive illnesses and also cancer. This is being studied again and may be banned. Don't buy any dog food containing these substances, it's not healthy.

9

Supplements: Salt should be in low quantities. Yeast is also sometimes added to boost the flavor of low quality dog foods. Mineral oil is sometimes added as a laxative and stool softener, obviously any dog food with this in it isn't a good high quality dog food!

10

Sweeteners: Stay away from all sweeteners period. Sorbitol, fructose, corn syrup and cane molasses. These cause hypoglycemia, nervousness, tooth decay, cataracts, obesity, arthritis and even allergies. Dog's can even get 'addicted' to sweet food and not want to eat anything else. Including good healthy dog food.

Over the Counter Dog Food for Diabetic Dogs

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in canines. It affects a dog's ability to metabolize foods properly, which can lead to serious health issues. It's manageable through medication, exercise and diet. It's important to feed a diabetic dog food that contains the nutrients and protein he needs, with no unnecessary fillers.

Definition

Diabetes is an endocrine disease caused by an insulin deficiency. Insulin is important for a healthy metabolism. This hormone is responsible for helping the body absorb and use sugar effectively. It stabilizes glucose levels, so that food is used for energy and not stored as fat. If the body doesn't produce enough insulin, it must be injected under the skin. If this disease is not managed properly, it can lead to circulatory problems, cataracts and blindness.

Feeding

Symptoms of diabetes include increased appetite and water intake, so it's important that the food your dog eats is healthy and nutritious. Since diabetes hinders a dog's ability to metabolize fats and can lead to weight gain, his diet needs to include food that is low in fats and calories while being high in nutritional value. Foods that are rich in protein and fiber will take longer to digest and help him feel full for a longer period of time. Feeding two or three smaller meals each day instead of one large meal will help keep your dog's blood sugar levels stable throughout the day.

Sugar

Sugar is an ingredient in most dog foods, so it's important to read the labels on the dog food you purchase. Carbohydrates are converted to glucose in the body, so any foods that are high in carbohydrates should be avoided. This includes foods with grains, though rice and oats can be used sparingly. Fruits and vegetables are acceptable in moderation, because they help stabilize blood sugar naturally.

Benefits

By feeding an over the counter dog food to your dog, you can be sure it will deliver the same nutritional content consistently, which is important if you're administering insulin to your pet. Even the smallest variation of ingredients can cause his blood sugar levels to spike or plummet dangerously. A commercial dog food also includes a wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals that other foods may not.

Warnings

Though some diabetic dogs may benefit from weight loss, avoid foods designed strictly for weight control, as they may lack the nutrients that a diabetic pet needs. A dog with diabetes may experience weight loss as a result of a metabolic imbalance, so feeding him a diet of foods designed to help him lose weight won't provide him with the proper nutritional support. The effects of diabetes occur very quickly, so be sure to watch your dog for dizziness, difficulty breathing or any other signs of low blood sugar.

How to Make Bland Dog Food for Sick Dogs

Sometimes when your dog becomes sick, the best help you can give your pet involves careful preparation of its food. Not all conditions require a bland diet; however, a bland diet helps many of the most common problems such as diarrhea and vomiting. You can make a bland dog food with a few ingredients and help your dog feel better.

Instructions

1

Talk to your veterinarian regarding your dog's dietary needs, how long you should feed it bland food and any medical concerns.

2

Choose a protein source that contains low fat, such as lean hamburger meat, chopped lean beef, skinless chicken or tofu, suggests the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. Use canned salmon, mackerel or tuna in water for dogs with chicken or beef allergies.

3

Select a carbohydrate, such as rice or potato, to mix with the protein. Make a list of the needed food needed to mix one part meat and three to four parts carbohydrates to feed the dog for at least four days. Avoid adding too much meat as it may cause diarrhea.

4

Prepare the meat by boiling the chicken or beef cubes, cooking and draining hamburger meat or rinsing canned salmon or mackerel to help remove the sodium. Grind the chicken or beef cubes for dogs with problems swallowing or chewing.

5

Cook the rice with the protein, including tofu, or boil the potatoes, mash and add the protein. Mix the ingredients and allow the food to cool.

6

Refrigerate the food in one container or divide into daily portions. You may freeze larger quantities if your dog needs bland food for a longer time, such as dogs with pancreatitis. Freeze food in daily portions to make it easier to defrost.

Homemade Hypoallergenic Dog Food

Dogs may develop allergies for many reasons. Food allergies can cause allergic symptoms such as dry skin, licking, vomiting or asthma. Some common food allergies include grains, vegetables, beef, pork, chicken, milk, whey, eggs, soy, wheat and preservatives. Many times the dog is not allergic to the meat source itself but the cooked or byproduct (secondary) version. In addition, the additives in commercial dog food can cause allergic reactions. Preparing a hypoallergenic food at home can help eliminate allergens from the diet and is commonly referred to as an elimination diet.

Benefits of Raw

Starting a dog on a homemade hypoallergenic or elimination diet may seem overwhelming at first. However, switching from commercial dog food to homemade raw food will provide your dog with a multitude of health benefits. Aside from allergy relief, a raw-fed dog should experience cleaner teeth, shinier coat, smaller stools and improved digestion. Although slightly more complicated than pouring processed food into a bowl, raw feeding is really quite simple. A dogs digestive system contains enzymes and a pH level designed to break down and utilize raw meat. However, if the dog has been raised on kibble, a few rules will minimize digestive upset during the transition. A simple rule of thumb is 80 percent meat, 10 percent organ and 10 percent bone. This percentage can be adjusted to the needs of each individual dog.

Making the Transition

Determine the weight of the dog. Feed 2 to 4 percent of the dogs ideal body weight. A 100-pound dog should consume approximately three pounds. If starting a puppy, offer portions of food three to four times per day. Once the puppy reaches three months, back down to three meals. At six months, many move to two meals and after twelve months, one meal per day. This will vary from puppy to puppy. When transitioning an adult to raw, offer food twice per day, eventually combining both feedings into one. This meal can be offered any time of day.

Elimination

Start with one protein source for about twelve weeks, such as chicken. Chicken is a very mild protein and one of the best sources used for a dog with food allergies. Smaller dogs may be fed pieces as small as chicken wings. Larger dogs may be fed chicken quarters or even a whole chicken. Most dogs will take to the switch immediately with no further encouragement. If enticement is needed, try slicing into the meat or lightly searing it in the beginning. If allergy testing has revealed chicken as an allergen, start with another protein source, such as pork. In time, chicken may be re-introduced once the reaction to processed chicken has subsided.

Protein Sources

Introduce a new protein source after about 12 weeks of success with chicken or other initial protein source. Pork is another easily obtainable meat source and a great second step from chicken. After a few weeks on the second type of meat, move onto beef, lamb, duck, turkey, deer, fish or any other meat you can find. Keep in mind, most weight bearing bones of large animals such as the leg bones of deer or cattle are too dense and can break teeth, therefore should not be fed.

Organs

Ten percent of the diet should consist of organ meat. This includes but is not limited to liver, spleen, lung and kidney. Organ meat does not need to be fed every day or every week, as long as it makes up ten percent of the total diet. Liver can be obtained most anywhere and usually comes frozen. Liver, for some dogs, can cause loose stools and should be added carefully in small amounts. The texture of liver can be offensive to some dogs. Again, if some enticement is necessary, lightly sear the liver to encourage consumption.

Bones

Feeding bones makes up the last 10 percent of the homemade raw diet. Raw meaty bones are safe and necessary in a raw diet. Uncooked bones will not splinter like cooked bones. Raw meaty bones are essential for removing plaque buildup and keeping teeth clean and healthy. Consumption of bones helps maintain a healthy stool as well. Adjust the amount of bone fed based on the individual dog. If stool is loose, add more bone. If stool seems too hard and chalky, decrease bone.

Omega Fatty Acids

Fish is not mandatory but is an excellent fatty acid source. Due to high mercury levels in slow growing large fish, it is best to stay with small growing fish like sardines and anchovies. Or stay with Atlantic caught fish like Atlantic Mackerel (high in Omega 3 and B12) or Salmon. Fatty acids, such as Omega 3 can be provided with the addition of fish oil pills. These fatty acids provide natural anti-inflammatory relief from inflammation caused by allergies.

How to Induce a Dog's Labor

Having puppies is one of the most enjoyable parts of dog ownership. Labor and delivery is normally a very smooth process for most dogs, although occasionally problems arise. Gestation in dogs normally lasts for 9 weeks, or approximately 63 days from breeding to birth. Gestation lasting more than 65 days or the declining health of your dog can make inducing labor necessary. Inducing labor in your pregnant female can be a bit of a challenge, but a litter of happy, healthy pups is worth the time and effort.

Instructions

1

Schedule an appointment with your vet to have your dog examined. He will palpate her abdomen to feel for the puppies, will draw blood work to make sure she is receiving adequate nutrition, and listen to her with a stethoscope to check for signs of life in the pups. Your vet will advise you on what signs to look for when your dog goes into labor and will tell you how to care for her during the birthing process.

2

Ask your veterinarian for a prescription of oxytocin. Oxytocin in the hormone released during a normal pregnancy that tells your dog's body that it's time to start labor, causing the uterus to begin contracting and pushing the puppies out. It is injected intramuscularly with a needle and syringe, and your vet can show you how to properly administer it to your dog.

3

Set up your whelping box in a quiet area of your home. Your dog will start nesting a few days before she gives birth, preparing a delivery spot for her puppies. Line the whelping box with clean bedding and encourage your dog to relax in the box, familiarizing herself with it and making it her own personal space. You can include a few of her favorite toys to make her feel at home.

4

Observe your dog closely for signs of labor. Restlessness, licking of the genitals and the reluctance to eat are typically seen within 24 hours of labor. Begin taking your dog's temperature twice a day at day 60, watching for a drop in her baseline temperature. Normal temperature for a dog ranges between 100 and 102 degrees, and will drop by at least two degrees as her body prepares for labor.

5

Monitor your dog's labor to determine if it is progressing properly. The first pup should be born within an hour of her initial signs of labor. If she seems restless and uncomfortable but not having strong enough contractions to push out a puppy, give her a dose of oxytocin. The oxytocin will stimulate her uterus, making contractions more forceful and helping her to expel the puppies. Inducing her labor with a dose of the drug will help speed up your dog's labor and prevent the loss of any puppies due to stalled contractions. If the first dose of oxytocin does not have any effect on her contractions, administer another dose 30 minutes later.

6

Massage your dog's abdomen if her labor seems to have slowed. Rubbing her and the puppies can put her at ease and relax her muscles, making labor proceed. Do not rub her hard or push down forcefully on her abdomen, as this might injure her or the pups.

7

Encourage your dog to walk if she seems uncomfortable. Slip her collar and lead on her and gently walk her around your home, making sure to stay near the whelping box in case she needs to lie down. Exercise helps relax your dog and can help the pups settle lower in the birth canal, stimulating the need to push. It is also thought that exercise stimulates the pituitary gland to release more hormones, helping to speed along the birthing process.

8

Leave your dog alone and do not disturb her after labor starts. The first puppy can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour or two to appear, but the remaining pups will come in quick succession. Make sure your dog is cleaning them and severing the umbilical cord in between puppies. If she is having trouble or the pups are coming too fast, you can help her by breaking the sacks and drying the puppies in warm, clean towels.

Free Homemade Dog Food Recipe

There are many reasons why you may turn to homemade dog food. You may have a picky eater, you may be afraid of using commercial dog food after the the 2007 recalls or you may just want to spoil your dog a bit. In any case, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind if you plan to make dog food. Consider basic nutritional guidelines and use this free homemade dog food recipe to get started.

Meat

Dogs are carnivores, so they need a good amount of meat in their diet. It's best to choose lean meat because domestic dogs are prone to weight gain. If your dog is not prone to allergy or skin irritation, you can use beef, chicken, liver or fish. If your dog is prone to allergy or skin irritation, try lamb or duck, or to use fish, try salmon or whitefish. Cut about 1 pound of meat into bite-sized chunks and put the meat in a stock pot with one can of sodium-free vegetable broth. Stew over medium heat for about an hour and then reduce heat to simmer for several hours.

Grains

Grains are a great way to make your homemade dog food stretch. They're also a good part of a balanced diet. That said, it is best to use a quality grain that will not cause digestive problems for your dog. Brown rice is the preferred grain for many who make dog food. However, you can also use oats, barley or whole wheat pasta. For this free dog food recipe, use 1/2 cup of uncooked brown rice. Place the brown rice directly in your stock pot with the meat and broth. Cover the pot with a lid until the rice is cooked. Then remove the stock pot from the heat source and allow the stew to cool.

Vegetables

Vegetables are an important part of a homemade dog food recipe because they provide your dog with many nutritious elements. If you want to use fresh vegetables, you can put them right in the pot with the meat about two to three hours before you add the rice. That said, many dogs will eat around the vegetables in their food if they are not well blended. So, baby food vegetables are great for mixing in dog food. Stick with peas, carrots, sweet potato and green beans. Stay away from corn and broccoli because some dogs have an intolerance to them. Mix two jars of baby food vegetables in with the meat and rice once it has cooled.

Dairy

Add some plain unsweetened yogurt for calcium and probiotics. While calcium helps strengthen bones, probiotics are good for digestive health. Two tablespoons can be added to the mix once the stew has cooled. You should also add a vitamin supplement to your homemade dog food. It's best to add this when you prepare each individual bowel so that it is measured accurately per serving for your dog's size. Many companies make dog multivitamins in liquid and powder form that work quite well for this purpose.

Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipes

According to some veterinarians, dogs should eat a balanced diet that includes more than just proteins. Based on physiology, veterinarians will tell you that dogs, unlike cats, are not true carnivores. As such, a healthy, homemade diet includes carbohydrates along with proteins. While there is some controversy over whether a dog needs (or should) eat grains, evidence shows that dogs can digest 100 percent of cooked grains.

For Something Simple

Cook brown rice as a base. Add to this some cooked peas and carrots, like those you can get premixed. Frozen vegetables are generally preferable over canned ones. For protein, top this off with cooked, ground turkey meat, or chicken or beef. You can find canned, ready-to-serve chicken and turkey (much like canned tuna). Simply heat it up. Of course, you can also take the chicken or turkey meat directly off the cooked bird, in which case you should use only the meat, peeling off any skin.

Chicken and Sardines

Determine the amount of each ingredient based on the size of your dog. Start with cooked elbow macaroni. Add to this some cooked poultry meat (skinless and cut into bite-sized portions) and a couple of tablespoons of canned sardines in tomato sauce. You might add in a tablespoon of canola oil. If desired, crush and add in a few bone meal tablets (no more than 4) and even a multi-vitamin tablet (crushed up).

Beef, Eggs and Clams

This homemade dog food recipe is a protein-rich one. It starts with cooked, lean ground beef. Add to this half of a hard-boiled egg and 1/2-ounce of clams. As with any meal, you can add in crushed bone meal tablets and a multi-vitamin. Because this is so protein rich, you can also opt to serve it over rice or macaroni.

Mac and Cheese Muffins

Note that some dogs are lactose intolerant, so this recipe may or may not be one your dog can eat. However, many dogs enjoy meals with cheese. Start with a cup of four-cheese sauce. Mix in 1/4-lb. of a mild sausage (cooked and cut into small chunks). Add to this 2 cups of cooked elbow macaroni. Once mixed together, put into muffin cups and bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees. This dog food recipe makes about a dozen mac and cheese muffins.

Symptoms of a Stomach Virus in a Dog

Dogs can experience stomach upset just like humans. A dog that is sick with a stomach virus is just plain miserable, and you want to make him as comfortable as possible. Many dogs have sensitive digestive systems, and some breeds are more prone to gastric upset than others. Symptoms of a stomach virus can be very similar to symptoms of other, more serious conditions, so it is best to seek medical attention for your pet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Bloating and Flatulence

Bloating and flatulence can often be early symptoms of stomach virus in dogs. Flatulence may continue throughout the course of the virus.

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea are classic signs of intestinal distress. The primary danger that accompanies diarrhea and vomiting is that dehydration can occur. It is important to try and keep the dog hydrated.

Lethargy

A dog that is suffering from a stomach virus will display symptoms of lethargy and fatigue. He will likely just lie around and show no interest in his usual activities.

Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite is a common symptom in illness that causes stomach upset. A dog with stomach flu doesn't have an appetite and won't feel like eating.

Pain

A dog can experience the discomfort of intestinal cramping just as humans do, although she cannot tell you that she is in pain. She may whine or whimper and display other behavior that expresses the fact that she is experiencing abdominal pain.

Warning

It is best to call your veterinarian if your dog displays any of these symptoms, since several health conditions are accompanied by similar symptoms. Vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms of abdominal distress could be signs of serious disease such as parvovirus or distemper. It's better to err on the side of safety even if the condition is mild.

Veterinary Advice on Homemade Dog Food

Interest in homemade dog food has been growing since the mid 1990s and increased further after tainted pet food sickened and killed hundreds of dogs in 2007. There are several books and many websites by veterinarians, with advice and recipes for making your own dog food.

Do Your Research

There are some websites with unreliable information on making homemade dog food, so getting advice from a veterinarian on putting together a proper diet is important. While preparing your dog's own food is not difficult, you must understand the basics. Check the links below for an overview of vet-approved homemade diets and books by veterinarians.

Basic Dog Food Recipes

Dr. Pitcairn, a veterinarian, suggests using carbohydrates (rice, oatmeal and other grains), meat, and cooked vegetables in equal amounts. He recommends one teaspoon of calcium or bonemeal powder (800 to 1,000 mg) for every pound of food. Other supplements may include fish oil, vitamin E and kelp and alfalfa powder.

Other vets suggest that the meat should be increased to at least 50% of the food with grains and rice in equal amounts making up the balance. A calcium source must always be added. There are many supplements available online and in pet stores to complement a home prepared diet--see Resources for one reliable supplier.

An adult dog needs between 2 and 3 percent of her ideal body weight in food, per day. Puppies up until the age of 6 months need up to 10 percent of their current weight daily. The easiest way to prepare food is to make it in large batches, then package and freeze it.

Customizing a Homemade Diet

Not every dog has the same requirements. Some dogs will have loose stool with too many vegetables. Elderly dogs may benefit from increased amounts of fish oil for joint health. Dogs who work outdoors, especially in cold weather, will benefit from higher fat and protein levels while large, more sedentary dogs may need less. There is no one diet suitable for all dogs, whether in homemade or commercial diets.

If you want advice tailored specifically to your dog, or need to address a health issue like cancer or allergies, ask your regular veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary nutritionist.

How to Make Low-Protein Dog Food

If your dog has been diagnosed with an acute or chronic kidney disease, your vet may recommend a low-protein diet to help manage your dog's condition. The kidney works to eliminate wastes, and for a dog with kidney disease, protein is difficult to process. Though kidney disease is often irreversible, you can help improve your dog's quality of life through feeding him a specialized diet that you can make at home. This recipe yields 3 lbs., enough to feed a 20-lb. dog for three days.

Instructions

1

Brown the ground beef in a skillet with a small amount of water. Do not drain.

2

Cook 4 cups of white rice. Do not add salt.

3

Hard-boil two eggs, then chop the eggs into small pieces. Set aside the shells.

4

Break six slices of white bread into 1/2-inch pieces.

5

Combine the ground beef, white rice, eggs and bread. Stir until thoroughly mixed.

6

Grind the remaining eggshells into a fine powder, and stir it into the food.

7

Serve with a small amount of water mixed into the food. Refrigerate leftovers.

The Best Dog Food for German Shepherds

German Shepherds are a large breed of dog classified as a "herding dog". They are strong, loyal and extremely athletic. All dogs require a high-protein diet, but German Shepherds and other working-class dogs demand an even greater amount of protein. Below are tips on how to choose the best dog food for your German Shepherd.

Understanding your German Shepherd

Do some homework on your breed. Learn its history and how it developed. German Shepherds come from a working-class stock of high energy, industrious herding dogs. These dogs were bred to move constantly, to be extremely alert and be very protective. All these things still influence the breed today.

Rate your dog

Look at your own dog. Think about how much activity is demanded of it. Rate your dog effectively. Just as a person who does not work out every day does not need to consume a high-calorie, high-energy diet, neither does a house pet need to consume the same amount of food as a true working-class dog. If your dog is exercised with vigor every day, that will influence your food choice. If it is mostly a companion, its dietary needs will be quite different.

Visit your local pet store

Find a local pet or feed store that supplies dog food. Walk the aisles and read the labels. There are many brands that are top quality. Eukanuba, Maxxum, Science Diet and other high-end feeds are often worth their price tags. But the old, tried and true, such as Purina, are still good. You want to look for at least 24 percent protein. Avoid fillers such as ash, or mystery ingredients such as "ground animal meal". You want quality ingredients that you can actually understand: real meat, real vegetable ingredients and extras such as dried brewers yeast.

Visit with your veterinarian

Your veterinarian can often be the best source for solid advice on what to feed your German Shepherd. Be sure and make an appointment to have your dog's health checked and ask for his opinion on what food is best for your dog.

Homemade Dog Food for Chihuahuas

With the recent news stories of tainted and toxic dog foods and recalls of some ingredients, you may now be interested in preparing homemade dog food for your Chihuahua and giving up on commercial foods. Complete nutrition can improve your dogs health. His existing diet may not be adequate if he has skin irritations, ear infections, gas or a smelly stool. Before drastically changing your Chihuahuas food, consult your veterinarian for tips.

Why Switch to Homemade?

Dog food manufacturers claim to use healthy ingredients, but most ingredients are unfit for human consumption. After manufacturing food for humans, they use the waste in dog food. This may even include diseased parts. Pet food does not usually contain muscle meats but instead includes blood, intestines and other waste parts. Normal processing kills bacteria, but also changes the enzymes. These products may still contain hormones and antibiotics. They spray dry pet food with flavor enhancers made from old, used restaurant fat. They often use corn and soy, much cheaper than meat. However, dogs are carnivores and should get their protein from meat.

Advantages/Disadvantages

Homemade dog food contains no harmful contaminants, preservatives or additives. If you choose a balanced recipe with supplements, and your Chihuahua likes it, he will have a shinier coat, fewer skin problems, fewer allergies and more energy.

Learn what constitutes complete nutrition for your dog. According to Born Free USA, in Sample Diets for Dogs and Cats, you have to include the right ingredients in the right proportions to be sure of complete nutrition (see Reference 1). Most homemade dog foods must be supplemented with extra vitamins and minerals. It takes some time to prepare the homemade food for your Chihuahua.

Raw Food

Raw foods have not lost nutrients due to processing. Raw food diets may help dogs with allergies and are usually easier for the dog to digest. However, the foods must be fresh and clean. There are some risks. According to the Canadian Veterinarian Journal, 80 percent of diet samples and 30 percent of stool samples from dogs eating raw food diets contained salmonella (see Reference 1).

You can make homemade raw dog food easily. Use 1 oz. liver, 2 1/2 oz. skinless chicken, 1/2 oz. bone meal, 1/2 cup green beans or other green vegetable and 1/2 cup carrots. Chop the vegetables very small for your Chihuahua, or put through the blender. Chop the meats small, mix with vegetables and add 1/2 tsp. corn or canola oil. You can make this in larger quantities and freeze.

Doggie Stew

Change the ingredients according to what you have on hand or what is on sale this week. Boil 3 lbs. lean chopped hamburger, chicken or other meat in 6 cups water, remove the meat and cook 4 cups brown rice in the same water. Puree 1 cup green beans, peas or other green vegetable and 1 cup yellow vegetable like carrots or pumpkin. Mix all ingredients together. This is not complete nutrition. Talk to your vet about adding a multivitamin or other supplement. Make this in larger quantities and freeze for future use.

How to Cook Homemade Dog Food

Whether you have a picky dog, or you just prefer to make your own dog food, there are many benefits to homemade dog food. When you make homemade dog food chances are you are using better ingredients and you have more control over what goes into your dog's food. This makes homemade dog food ideal for dogs with digestive issues, allergies and other health problems. Plus, your dog will be happy with the fresher food you are offering him.

Instructions

1

Debone and cut 1 pound of meat into bite sized chunks. You can use beef, chicken, liver or fish. If your dog has digestive sensitivities or allergies try lamb or duck, salmon or whitefish.

2

Pour one can of sodium free vegetable broth into a small stock pot. Add cubed meat. Place on the stovetop, bring contents to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and allow contents to simmer for 5 to 7 hours.

3

Place 1/2 cup of uncooked brown rice into your stock pot with the meat and broth. Bring contents to a boil again. Reduce heat to low and put the lid on the pot, leave on low heat until rice is cooked.

4

Remove the stock pot from heat once the rice is cooked. Place two small jars of baby food vegetables into the stock pot once the contents have cooled. Sweet potatoes, peas, carrots and green beans are good picks for dog food. Avoid corn and broccoli because they can cause digestive upset in some dogs.

5

Mix in 2 tbsp. of plain unsweetened yogurt. Mix all the contents of the pot until they are well-blended.

6

Store food in plastic food storage containers. Pre-measure serving sizes and store 2 to 3 days each in one container. Freeze all servings that will not be used in 2 to 3 days. Defrost as needed. Add a daily dose of powdered dog vitamin to each bowl of food when you prepare it, or give your dog a chewable multivitamin separately each day.

Dog Food Allergy Symptoms

Like people, dogs can suffer from food allergies. Food allergies are not as common as flea allergies or environmental allergies, but they can cause uncomfortable symptoms in as many as 10 percent of all dogs. Corn and wheat are the most common food allergens.

Itching

Itchy skin is the most common symptom of dog allergies. Watch for excessive scratching, especially around the face.

Recurrent Ear Infections

If your dog suffers from recurrent ear infections and you can't find the cause, it could be a food allergy. Ear infections cause itching, swelling and a foul odor.

Hot Spots

Ulcerated sores known as hot spots may appear, especially on the legs or feet. Your dog may lick these spots incessantly, making them worse.

Chronic Skin Infections

Chronic, ongoing skin infections often plague dogs with food allergies. Yeast is often the culprit.

Increased Bowel Movements

If your dog has three or more bowel movements a day, it could be a sign of a food allergy. Typical dogs have one or two bowel movements a day.

Food Allergy Indicators

It may help to change your dog's diet to one based on lamb and rice. If symptoms persist year-round and don't respond to antihistamines, consider having her tested for food allergies.

The Best Dog Food for a Chihuahua Mix

Chihuahuas are toy-sized dogs with a number of special nutritional needs. A Chihuahua mix that resembles its Chihuahua parent should be fed as one would feed a purebred Chihuahua. A small bite size is necessary to make it possible for the dog to eat comfortably. Top quality protein will both support the high activity level typical of these dogs and help to keep them lean, as they are prone to obesity. Dog food for a Chihuahua mix should also be highly digestible to avoid vomiting and diarrhea.

Dry Foods

Dry foods for a Chihuahua mix should be selected based on quality of the ingredients, particularly sources of animal protein. At least two out of the first three ingredients in dry food should be lean meat protein such as lamb, chicken, salmon or beef. A small bite size is necessary to make it physically possible for Chihuahua mixes to eat dry food. Some recommended dry foods are: Innova Evo Small Bites, Innova Evo Red Meat Small Bites, Wellness Super5Mix Small Breed and Blue Buffalo Small Bites.

Canned Foods

Canned food for a Chihuahua mix should be mostly high-quality meat protein, with a small amount of vegetable matter. Grain-free canned foods or formulas containing only ancient, digestible grains are desirable. Look for formulas that advertise at least 90 to 95 percent meat. One hundred percent meat canned food should not be fed as a complete diet but makes an excellent occasional treat.

Choose formulas with a relatively high level of protein and fat. Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes burn more calories day to day than do larger dogs due to their faster metabolisms. Chihuahuas may be prone to obesity, but foods high in carbohydrates are more likely to contribute to weight gain than those high in protein and fat. Recommended canned foods include Evangers, Innova EVO, Blue Buffalo Wilderness, Wellness and Merricks.

Raw and Homecooked Diets

Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes can eat raw and homecooked diets. However, it is more difficult to feed a smaller dog at home than a larger one, particularly if attempting a whole prey model raw diet. Larger dogs can eat a wider variety of meats and bones. Smaller dogs must eat mostly chicken and fish bones. In addition, Chihuahua mixes may be picky eaters and take poorly to a diet that requires them to eat many different food items.

Stick with prepared pet foods until you're sure that you understand your dog's nutritional needs and have familiarized yourself with a long list of food items and the nutrients each provides.

How to Make Vet Recommended Dog Food

Options for feeding dogs exist beyond the food that companies manufacture. It is possible for owners to make nutritionally-sound food that dogs will enjoy.



"If you know how to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, you can apply that same principle to feeding your dog," said Paula Terifaj, a veterinarian from Founder's Veterinary Clinic in California. "Only the ratio of meat to carbohydrates and size proportions will change."

Instructions

Basics

1




Cook homemade food for your dog.

Include a protein, carbohydrate and vegetable source. Cook and combine ingredients. Add bone meal powder or calcium citrate, and a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement.

2

Change the protein source to create variety. Choose fish, turkey, beef or lamb. You may also substitute with nonmeat protein such as three cooked eggs or 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese.

3

Vary carbohydrates with 1-2 cups potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes or pasta. Alter vegetables with green beans, squash, broccoli or cauliflower. You should use fresh or frozen varieties instead of canned to control salt intake.

4

Cut the recipe in half for your 10-pound dog, and double it for a 40-pound dog. If your dog is overweight, cut back slightly on the portions. Add food if your dog is underweight.

Homemade Dog Food for Liver Disease

Canine liver disease is not a single, easy-to-define illness but rather a complex of diverse liver ailments with equally diverse causes, ranging from bacterial or viral infection to trauma. Collectively, these canine liver illnesses are the fifth leading cause of non-accidental death in American dogs, according to the Canine Liver Disease Foundation. Diet can play a key role in the treatment of canine liver disease.

Types

PetPlace.com, an online database of pet-care information written by veterinarians, lists a number of conditions that can lead eventually to hepatic shutdown, or failure of the liver. These include canine infectious hepatitis, a viral infection; leptospirosis, which is bacterial in origin; liver cancer; bile duct obstruction; pancreatitis, an infection of the pancreas that often spreads to the liver; cholangiohepatitis; cirrhosis; copper toxicity; liver flukes; and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms that indicate your dog may be suffering from some form of liver disease include abdominal fluid buildup; loss of appetite; jaundice, characterized by a yellowish cast to the animals eyes and gums; vomiting; and bleeding problems, according to WebVet.com. Although it can play a significant role in the treatment of liver disease in your dog, diet alone cannot cure your pet. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect the animal has liver disease. WebVet indicates that a definitive diagnosis is usually obtained through tests that measure blood levels of bile acids, enzymes and proteins.

Dietary Guidelines

If your dog is diagnosed with liver disease, diet recommendations will depend on the specific type of condition that your animal is suffering. However, diets for canine liver disease generally aim for high levels of nutrition while keeping your pets consumption of proteins and fats at lower levels than normal. Reductions in fat and protein ease the workload on your dogs liver, which is already operating below optimal levels because of disease.

Recipes

The following recipes for homemade dog foods designed for animals with liver disease were presented to the 1997 Waltham International Symposium on Pet Nutrition and Health in the 21st Century by representatives of Cornell Universitys Small Animal Center. The first recipe is very low in protein. Mix together 3 cups of nonfat dry milk, 1 cup of raw wheat germ, 3 cups of cornstarch, 1 cup of safflower oil, 1 cup of animal fat, 1 cup of blackstrap molasses, 1/5 cup of bone meal and 1 tsp. iodized salt.

More moderate levels of protein are provided in the second recipe. Combine 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped; 2 cups of cooked rice; 3 slices of white bread, torn into small pieces; and 1 pound of regular ground beef, braised with fat retained. The third recipe, which is highest in protein content at 26 percent, calls for 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped; 1 cup of creamed cottage cheese; 1 cup of cooked farina; 3 tbsp. sugar; 1 tbsp. safflower oil; 1 tsp. dicalcium phosphate; and 1 tsp. potassium chloride, a salt substitute.

Dog Food Treats for Diabetic Dogs

Dog treats are essentially any consumable you give a dog beyond his normal nutrition. Dog treats are used in training as well as to praise a well-behaved dog. A diabetic dog has specific nutritional needs that prevent it from consuming many commercially available dog treats, but you can make diabetic dog food treats at home.

Function

Administering treats is simply part of owning a dog, but when your dog has diabetes, you likely have to place limitations on his diet to guarantee optimum health. The function behind diabetic dog treats is to create treats that are in line with the dog's diet so you can continue to provide treats without putting the dog's health at risk.

Time Frame

Preparation time for most dog treats is between five and 10 minutes before cook time. Cook time varies from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on what recipe you follow and what ingredients are used. You should also allow for at least 20 minutes of cooling time, as you should never feed a dog a treat fresh out of the oven, because it can burn the inside of his mouth or esophagus.

Meat Treats

Puree your dog's favorite meat, such as lean beef, chicken or liver, or use all-meat baby food such as those from Beech Nut. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare the treats while you wait. Combine approximately 1 pound of pureed meat with 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour and two eggs. Process the ingredients until smooth and spread evenly across a baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until everything is firm, and allow to cool thoroughly before cutting into smaller pieces.

Oatmeal Treats

Oatmeal offers complex carbohydrates and fiber, so these treats are healthy as well as friendly for canines with diabetes. Combine 3 cups of uncooked oatmeal, 1 cup filtered water, 1 1/2 cups of whole-wheat flour, 2 egg yolks, 1 tbsp. parsley, 2 cloves of garlic and 1 tsp. baking soda and spoon the mixture onto an oiled cookie sheet. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely before feeding.

Other Ingredients

You can make diabetic dog-friendly dog treats using myriad ingredients as long as you follow a few basic principles. You should feel comfortable using fruits and vegetables, seeds, oats and herbs. You should avoid using sweeteners or overly sweet fruits such as raisins or honey. You should also experiment with different types of meats, including fresh meat, chicken and fish, meat baby food, broths and stocks.

How Long Does it Take for a Dog to Digest Food?

Easy to Swallow

A dog's mouth works differently from a human's. For starters, he has 42 teeth and nearly 2,000 taste buds, while a person typically has 32 teeth and 9,000 taste buds. The reason for this reflects a basic difference between species: While we can take our time and enjoy the taste of a meal, getting as much enjoyment from the flavor as from filling our stomachs, a dog generally cannot. In the wild, survival means finding and eating as quickly as possible. Taste is secondary. So a dog has more teeth with which to quickly rip apart meat and chew bone into small pieces. In fact, his teeth are not capable of grinding like ours are. The sole focus of the dog's mouth is to get the food down, through the esophagus and into the stomach as quickly and efficiently as it can.

Hard to Stomach

Another big difference between a human's digestive system and a dog's is in the stomach. When we chew our food, we also produce saliva, which contains an enzyme that helps break down the food before it gets to our stomach. For a dog, which will swallow whole large pieces of raw meat and crushed bone, all of the work has to be done in the stomach. The dog's pancreas will begin producing enzymes that will help in breaking down the food; the stomach wall also has glands that produce necessary acids. Since what goes into a dog's stomach can be anything from grass to bone, the acids must be particularly powerful (in comparison, the acid in a dog's digestion is about three times stronger than in a human's). A dog's stomach will work on breaking down food for roughly eight hours before passing it into the small intestine.

End of the Line

The broken-down food will remain in the small intestine for up to about two days, depending on how difficult it is to break down further. Simple food, such as corn, will pass in a matter of a few hours, but bone or more complex material takes quite a bit longer. We may think of dogs as carnivores, but because of their powerful digestive acids, they can eat almost anything. A human who picks something off the floor might be in danger of bacterial infection because our digestive system is not as powerful and food tends to take longer to digest. For a dog, the danger is minimal because of the speed and power of his insides. Whatever remains after the dog's small intestine if finished with it (and there is rarely much besides waste) is then processed in a few hours by the large intestine, moved through the color and out. In all, the entire process, from the time a dog bites into his food to the time waste is produced, can take anywhere from around 10 hours to a couple of days.

The Best Dog Food for a Rottweiler

The best dog food for a Rottweiler depends on the dog. Most members of this breed can eat any diet you decide to feed them, unless you have a special-needs Rottweiler--one that may have dietary issues due to allergies or intolerances. If you have a special-needs Rottweiler and are used to feeding kibble, you may have to change to a raw or cooked diet.

Kibble Diets

Kibble diets should be mixed with at least canned food. Kibble has no moisture in it and, unless you buy a top brand, you are feeding your dog lots of grains and corn. Look for kibble that has some type of meat or meal in the first three or four ingredients. If the first ingredients are meat meal, as opposed to chicken meal or pork meal, the kibble is not ideal. If the first ingredient is grains, vegetables or by-products, the kibble is also low-grade.

Raw Diets

A raw diet is one of the best diets you can feed a Rottweiler. There are many different ways to feed raw diets, including prey model (feeding whole animals such as chicken or pork) and BARF (bones and raw food). When feeding prey, a whole animal is fed over time or small animals, such as squirrels and chicks are fed to the dog.

Most people just weigh out the food; most Rottweilers need two percent of their body weight in raw meat each day. A 100-pound Rottweiler would get about 2 pounds of raw meat and bone per day. Many people add a few teaspoons of fruits or vegetables to the meat diet, but it is not required.

Cooked Diets

A cooked diet is similar to a raw diet in that only good, wholesome foods are fed to the Rottweiler. The meat is cooked. You may add other elements to the meat, such as a few tablespoons of vegetables or fruits.

Food Intolerances

Some Rottweilers have a food intolerance. This is not the same as a food allergy. An intolerance usually gives the dog itchy skin or may make the it vomit or have diarrhea. You can tell if the it has an intolerance by removing the food from its diet. If the Rottweiler's problems disappear, you know it has a food intolerance to that particular food.

Food Allergies

Food allergies are true allergies, not just intolerances, and can wreck havoc with a Rottweiler's system. They can cause excessive skin problems, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. When you have a Rottweiler with a food allergy and you feed kibble, you must find a kibble that does not have the ingredient that is affecting your dog. Because many of the same items are in most low-cost to medium-cost kibbles, you should switch to a high-end kibble or to a raw or cooked diet.

Conclusion

Even if your Rottweiler does not have an issue with food intolerances or allergies, the best diet is a high-end kibble, raw or a cooked diet. You will notice the difference in his coat and teeth.

Feeding a Dog Table Food

Seeing the sad, pathetic, yet adorable eyes of the family dog painfully watch every bite its master takes at the kitchen table can be heart-wrenching, but beware those lovable eyes! Feeding a dog "people food" or table food can create lasting health problems, bad habits, vet bills and household messes.

Table Foods

While a person may enjoy a chocolate bar or a glass of milk, many table foods can seriously harm a dog. Caffeine-rich foods like chocolate, tea or soda can affect a canine's heart. Grapes and raisins can affect the kidneys while raw eggs can lead to skin and coat problems. Some adult dogs lack lactose enzymes, preventing them from digesting milk and leading to diarrhea. Yeast breads, a staple for table foods, can produce excess gas in the digestive track, possibly rupturing the stomach or intestines.

Digestion

Digestive differences between dogs and humans make many safe and delicious people foods dangerous for canines. Caffeine, for example, can give humans a rush of energy and then a slight headache as the caffeine high drops, but in dogs, caffeine can cause a canine heart to beat too quickly or irregularly, creating seriously heart problems.

Effects

Feeding a dog table scraps can lead to flatulence, or gas, from the combination of different foods. If a dog eats a food he is unable to digest, the dog may experience diarrhea or vomiting, a reaction no owner wants inside the home. Small chicken or fish bones can also be swallowed, and their sharp points can easily cause damage in the soft membranes of a dog's digestive track. In addition, veterinary bills can start piling up if the family dog has a reaction to any of the digested table scraps.

Habits

Offering table scraps to a family dog can lead to embarrassing and frustrating habits. If a family dog becomes used to eating people food from the table, the dog may take to begging ore frequently or lying under the table during meals. Even worst, the dog may attempt to steal food from the table. This behavior makes it difficult to entertain guests or hold outdoor picnics.

Nutrition

Along with digestive problems and creating bad behavior and dining habits, table scraps lack the necessary nutrition for dogs, especially for active or growing canines. Table food should never make up more than 10 percent of a dog's daily diet. Providing a dog with an unhealthy diet that lacks in nutrition-rich foods can cause additional health and growth problems in the future. For inactive dogs, obesity is also a major problem. Fatty table scraps can compound a dog's obesity issues.

Food to Help a Dog With a Yeast Infection

Canine yeast infections are most commonly found in the ears or on the skin of dogs. The yeast causes sores on the dog's body, which may also be accompanied by scaliness, greasiness, odor and/or hair loss. Your veterinarian can best advise you as to the proper treatment for your dog's yeast infection. One common treatment is to change the dog's diet by incorporating certain foods and removing others that may make a yeast infection worse.

Foods to Avoid

Eliminate foods from your dog's diet that are known to cause yeast infections. There are certain foods that your dog simply must avoid when placed on an anti-yeast diet. These foods can be avoided long-term to prevent reoccurance of a yeast infection, or short-term in order to clear a current yeast infection. Foods to remove from your dog's diet include buttermilk, cheese/cottage cheese, packaged cereal, crackers, flour enriched with vitamins derived from yeast, mushrooms, peanuts, pretzels, potatoes, sweet potatoes/yams, bread, sausage, bacon, lunch meat, sauces/gravies, all grains and sugar or anything sweet.

Foods to Include

Feed your dog a healthy, yeast-free diet. Some foods help boost your dog's immune system, rid the body of toxins, and aid in building up a resistance against the yeast that cause infections on your dog. These foods should be included in your dog's diet to aid in prevention and speed the healing process of canine yeast infections. Foods that help prevent and heal canine yeast infections include asparagus, broccoli, parsley, squash, celery, green and yellow beans, dark leafy greens, beef, duck, chicken, fish, rabbit, lamb, plain yogurt and water.

Make It Yourself

In order to be certain that your dog's food contains only ingredients suitable for an anti-yeast diet, you may consider making your own homemade dog food. A good example of a homemade anti-yeast dog food could be comprised of one package chicken theighs (cooked and deboned), two chicken boullion cubes, two cloves garlic, 1 1/2 cups water, and one bag frozen vegetables (be sure to thaw before use and be sure to use one listed in the Foods to Include section). Combine the ingredients and serve at room temperature. Store unused portion in the refrigerator for up to six days.

How to Change Dog Food for Loose Stools

A common cause of loose stools in dogs is the food Fido is eating. Cheap, mass-produced food is often chock full of fillers and devoid of meat, which upsets your dog's digestive system. There are other reasons food may cause loose stools, such as a certain meat or other product in the food that doesn't agree with your dog. The only way to find out which food is best for your dog is to keep trying different brands. Dog food made up meat protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and water best promote a healthy digestive system.

Instructions

1

Choose a dog food with meat as the first ingredient. It's important to ensure that the food is comprised mainly of meat.

2

Try different kinds of foods. If you suspect chicken may be the cause for your dog's loose stools, switch to a lamb-based dog food, for example. If you suspect wheat is the culprit, find a dog food without wheat-based filler.

3

Gradually mix in the new food with the old. Most dog food has a guide on the side or back of the bag advising how much new food to mix in with old food. Typically, start mixing 25% new food with old food for the first three days. Increase this to 50% for days four to six, 75% for days seven to nine, and 100% new food beyond day 10.

Homemade Dog Food for Elderly Dogs

Dogs have specific nutritional requirements throughout their lifetimes. As dogs age, nutritional requirements can change just like their human counterparts. Puppy kibble is not suitable for an adult dog, nor is the adult food the right choice for a senior dog. You can choose between many types and brands of commercial dog food for your aging furry friend, or you may opt to create your own blend. Homemade dog food is often the best way to ensure the right components are present in your senior canine's diet.

Current Health

Start by assessing your dog's health. Have a veterinarian evaluate your dog before you change its diet. You need to know if any specific nutritional deficiencies or other concerns should be addressed through the new diet. Regular checkups are even more important for a dog as it moves into its elderly years.

Dry or Moist?

A common concern involving many senior dogs is tooth loss, which could lead to difficulty chewing. You may want to immediately switch him over to soft food once he has lost a tooth. This is not always the best choice, however, as chewing on dry food helps to remove some of the tartar that causes dental problems. This condition can be a real Catch 22 for many pet owners. Your veterinarian may recommend performing dental cleaning procedures on a more frequent schedule, and also supplementing some soft, moist food, while still keeping the majority of the dog's diet in the form of dry food. Keep good track of his weight in order to assess how well he is processing his food.

Absorption

The other common diet concern relating to senior dogs is the absorption of protein. Even though your dog may be eating the same amount of protein as a younger dog, he may be experiencing less digestibility of the protein due to changes in his ability to absorb this nutrient. By increasing his amount of protein, as well as alternating his feedings between heavy protein meals and carbohydrate mixed meals, he may be able to better assimilate the protein.

Protein

The best formula for homemade dog food for the elderly dog will contain up to 50 percent in animal-based protein, an easily digested carbohydrate source and some fat. Many elderly dogs tolerate both red and white meats, as long as they are not salted or saturated with fat. Many owners choose to use cooked rice mixed with lamb, chicken or beef. Cooked eggs are a good source of protein and are well tolerated by most dogs. Experiment with different grains and vegetables to determine which your dog prefers. Vary your mixes to include different kinds of meats, vegetables and grains to ensure your dog is getting all the nutrients he requires.

Start Mixing

When making your own dog food, refrain from using seasonings. We may crave flavorful foods but older dogs do not tolerate them very well. Additional salt can cause health risks including consumption of excess water, which can put a strain on the aging dog's kidneys. Be sure to cook all meat. After mixing your meats, grains and vegetables, you can refrigerate part of it in airtight containers for up to a week. The rest can be spread on cookie sheets and baked slowly in a 200 oven until all moisture has been removed. It is still a good idea to refrigerate this dry mix also, since you have not added any preservatives. Making a nice batch of dog food once a week can be fun for you and very nutritious for your furry friend.

Why Does a Dog Stink After a Bath?

Dog ownership is rewarding in many ways. Dogs love you, no matter what, are always happy to see you, and will remain faithful and loyal to you as long as you are there for them. But when you have a stinky dog, it can be a little off-putting. Some dogs, no matter how often you bathe them, continue to smell. Read the tips below to find out why your dog still smells so bad after his bath, and what you can do to change that.

Vet Check

It's possible that your dog smells bad because she is ill. It's important to rule out illness as a possible cause, so take your pooch to the vet for a checkup. If illness isn't causing your dog to stink, then perhaps your vet can suggest some ideas to put an end to the problem.

Shampoo

The type of shampoo you use when you wash your dog can affect the post-bath smell. Most shampoos only mask smell with pleasant odors. Luckily, there are dog deodorizing shampoos on the market that have ingredients to remove the underlying dog smell, rather than just masking it.

Grooming

Brushing your dog regularly will remove loose skin and hair that may be trapping odor. As an added bonus, brushing your dog will decrease the amount of hair he sheds, making it much easier to clean your house!

Doggy Wipes

If your dog stinks after a bath, you may be tempted to bathe her more often. Research suggests that dogs should not be bathed more than once a month, as more frequent bathing can create skin problems. However, there are doggy deodorizing wipes on the market for in-between bath times when your pup starts to stink.

Bath Basics

Make sure you're rinsing your dog thoroughly after shampooing him. Leftover product can irritate his skin, which may cause infection and increase the stink. Also, make sure you're drying him properly---use a blow dryer on the coolest temperature to ensure your pup is completely dry. This will help avoid the wet dog smell which can linger for a while.

Ears

It's important to regularly clean your dog's ears; the longer the ears, the more prone to ear infections the dog will be. If your dog has very long ears (like a basset hound or cocker spaniel), they will likely drag in food bowls, in water bowls and on the ground. Dirty ears or ear infections stink. Use pet ear cleaning products, found in your local pet store, to clean pup's ears.

Average Cost of Private Health Insurance in the USA

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average cost of health insurance premiums for a family was $13,375 in 2009. The average cost of a single health insurance premium in 2009 was $4,824. Patients with health insurance provided by their employers typically don't pay the entire cost themselves. For family insurance plans in 2009, workers paid an average of $3,515 of the cost. For single plans, employees paid an average of $779. People who buy their own insurance see lower premiums---though they typically don't have an employer contributing---and higher out-of-pocket costs, according to second survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation of 1,038 people conducted in 2010. According to the survey, the average cost for a single-coverage insurance premium was $3,606. For family premiums, the average cost was $7,102.

Factors

Insurance plans that impart more costs on patients in the form of higher deductibles and higher co-payments typically have lower premiums. A deductible is the amount of money a patient pays before insurance coverage begins. The Congressional Budget Office assumes that for every 10 percent decrease in a patient's out-of-pocket costs, health care spending rises between 1 to 2 percent. According to an analysis of Kaiser Family Foundation data from 2009 by USA Today, "40 percent of small-business employees enrolled in individual health plans pay annual deductibles of $1,000 or more. That's almost twice the number who paid that much in 2007."

History

The rising cost of health insurance premiums in the USA have become a significant political issue in the United States. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average cost of health insurance premiums for a family rose from $5,791 in 1999 to $13,375 in 2009. The average cost of a single health insurance premium in 2009 was $4,824 up from $2,196 in 1999. Most Americans receive their health insurance through their employer, which pays a portion of the cost.

Types

Average health insurance premiums vary according to the type of insurance one has. People with a high-deductible plans in 2008 saw significantly lower costs than people with an HMO, or Health Maintenance Organization, plan, about $11,000 per year for family coverage on a high-deductible plan, compared with $13,370 for family premiums under a PPO plan. PPO plans tended to have the highest average cost. Patients on a PPO plan are restricted in their choice of providers, but do not need a physician to act as a gate keeper. Hence, they can see a specialist without a referral. The average family premium for a Point of Service plan, where a doctor acts as a "gatekeeper" for services was $13,075 for a family. HMOs, where a patient's choice of providers, and sometimes services, are strictly managed, averaged family premiums of $13,470 in 2008.

Geography

Insurance costs vary from state to state. In 2008, the average single health insurance premium in Alaska cost $5,293. The lowest average single health insurance premiums could be found in North Dakota, where they cost $3,830. For family coverage in Iowa in 2008, the average premium cost $10,947. In Massachusetts, it was $13,788.

Considerations

Data suggest that shopping around can yield significant savings. A 2008 study of health insurance premiums found that half of single insurance premiums cost between $3,500 and $5,100. One-fourth of policies cost more, and the rest cost less. For family policies, half of them cost between $9,800 and $15,000. Again, one-forth cost more and the rest cost less. Ten percent of single health insurance premiums cost more than $6,200. Ten percent of family premiums cost more than $17,000.