DIY Network

Dr. Karen's Tips From "Barkitecture" episode DBAR-113

Dr. Karen offers advice on pet diet.

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Uncooked meat can lead to many problems.

B.A.R.F. Diet

There are many unconventional diets out there and one of the most talked about is the bones and raw food, or B.A.R.F. diet. A bones and raw food diet is made up primarily of uncooked meat which could lead to many problems. In about 80% of the samples tested from commercial and homemade preparations of this diet, there was salmonella in the food. In fact, about 30% of the dogs that eat this diet become salmonella carriers. Another problem with this diet is the bones. You can crush the bones up so they do not cause a problem to your dog but in fact they can still lead to constipation. Whole bones can actually cause your dogs to choke. If you're considering using some sort of bones and raw food diet, the best thing to do is simply supplement the commercial food your dog is eating with fruits and vegetables. Make sure you wash off the chemicals before you use them and limit the percentage to about 10 to 20% of what your dog is eating.

The dog tags clip on the collar.

Baritecture Tidbits:

• Young dogs can develop intestinal and dietary problems. Dogs are susceptible to intestinal upset when their food is changed or if they suffer from allergies.

• For night walks, get your dog a tag that is lit. When he walks, the tag flashes and when he is still, the light stops flashing.

RESOURCES :

Greyhound Pets of America
Website: www.greyhoundpets.org

The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Website: www.aspca.org

Petfinder.com
Website: www.petfinder.com