Is expensive pet food worth it? According to experts, not necessarily

  Is expensive pet food worth it? According to experts, not necessarily 

Attention Walmart shoppers: bags of dry Pedigree-branded dog food sold by the retailer have been recalled because they may contain loose pieces of metal, posing a health hazard to pets.

The recall involves 44-pound bags of Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food sold by Walmart in these states:

• Arkansas
• Louisiana
• Oklahoma 
• Texas

Franklin, Tenn.-based Mars Pet care, which manufactures Pedigree dog food, said in a notice posted on Saturday by the Food and Drug Administration that the recall involves 315 bags of the kibble.

Image of recalled dry dog food. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The recalled product has a best-by-date of March 4, 2025 and the lot code 410B2TXT02 printed on the bottom of the back of the packaging, according to the company, a division of food conglomerate Mars Inc. of McLean, Va.

Image of recalled dry dog food. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The recalled dog food was sold at 176 stores in four states, according to Walmart. See list of stores here.

Those who purchased the impacted dog food should stop using it and contact the the company for a return. Mars Pet care can be reached at 1-800-525-5273 or by visiting https://www.pedigree.com/update.

Mars worked with Walmart in the four states where the product was distributed to ensure the recalled food was taken off store shelves, it said.

Extraneous pieces of metal as well as plastic are a frequent source of food recalls. The Department of Agriculture earlier in the month issued a public health alert due to worries raw pork chorizo products might be contaminated with hard plastic and metal, and H-E-B last month recalled ice cream due to potential metal fragments in cups of Creamy Creations. 

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Kate Gibson

Kate Gibson is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch in New York, where she covers business and consumer finance.

Avoid Table Scraps in Your Dog's Diet

Avoid Table Scraps in Your Dog's Diet

We have all done it.  Our cute, little furry friend is practically smiling at us from beneath the kitchen table.  The ears are perked and the tail is wagging.  We know what our dog is after. Just a tiny tidbit from dinner would be delightful, right?  What could it hurt?  It is just a bite or two after all.  

Hold Fido's ears he won't want to hear this.  A dog's diet really should not contain table scraps.  People food is just that...for people.  A dog's nutritional needs are not the same as a human's.  Sure, we eat some of the same things, but feeding your pet from the table is one of the biggest mistakes for  your pet.  A dog's diet doesn't require all the added goodies we put into our meals.

People have problems with obesity.  A dog can have this problem, as well.  If your dog's diet consists mostly of scraps from the dinner table, chances are high that your dog will have trouble maintaining a healthy weight.  Even a few pounds over weight can really make a difference in the quality and length of your pet's life.  Curb the begging and stick to your guns.  

When you have a dog who is not a picky eater, it can be tempting to let your pet be the garbage disposal in the home, but really, this is not a good idea.  Certain people foods can harm your dog and should never be a part of your dog's diet.  Grapes, for example, have been known to cause serious problems for dogs, even death.  Chicken bones and popcorn can also be a problem for your dog.  Permitting large quantities of chocolate can be dangerous in a dog's diet. 

A poor diet even shows up out in the yard.  When your dog's diet is not at its best, your pet's outputs will be greater in size, smell, and mess.  Benefits of choosing a healthy diet for your dog will be noticeable in your pet's health, as well as, during those walks around the block. 

There are a few occasions when a supplement or treat from the kitchen may be alright, but never in excess.  Talk to your veterinarian about healthy snacks for your dog's diet.  If you simply must continue feeding Fido at the table, many vets recommend you give your pet ice cubes or pieces of carrot to munch on between scheduled feeding times.  Providing your pet these healthy alternatives to pizza and cupcakes gives you the freedom to choose a healthy and nutritious snack for your dog's diet.  

So, the next time your beloved pet starts eyeing your grub, redirect his or her attention. Don't reach for your fatty steak or chicken leg.  Instead, toss your buddy a cool, refreshing ice cube to bat around and munch on.  A couple of baby carrots will keep Fido happy and leave you feeling good about your choices for the nutritional value of your dog's diet.  You will know that you are doing your best to maintain a high-quality diet for your pet.     

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The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Perfect Handmade Food for Dogs

 The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Perfect Handmade Food for Dogs

Introduction to Handmade Dog Food

In today's pet care landscape, the shift towards holistic health practices has spotlighted the critical role of nutrition in the wellbeing of our canine companions. Tailoring your dog's diet by preparing handmade food not only ensures the freshness of ingredients but also allows for customization to meet the unique nutritional needs of your pet. This comprehensive guide explores the myriad benefits of homemade dog food, delves into nutritional requirements, and offers step-by-step recipes to create a balanced diet for your beloved dog.

Understanding Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs

Every dog is unique in terms of activity level, health conditions, and nutritional requirements. The cornerstone of a healthy homemade diet is understanding what nutrients are vital for your dog's health. Dogs require a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to maintain their health.

Proteins: Building Blocks of Health

Proteins are crucial for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. High-quality proteins for dogs can come from meats such as chicken, beef, turkey, and fish, which provide essential amino acids.

Fats: Essential Energy Sources

Fats are the most concentrated form of energy for dogs, important for maintaining skin and coat health. Sources of good fats include chicken fat, salmon oil, and flaxseed.

Carbohydrates: Supporting Digestive Health

While dogs have no minimum carbohydrate requirement, good quality carbs can aid in digestion and provide energy. Whole grains like brown rice or vegetables like sweet potatoes are excellent sources.

Vitamins and Minerals: Crucial for Wellbeing

A range of vitamins and minerals support canine health, including calcium for strong bones and vitamins A, E, and C for immune health. These can be sourced from fruits, vegetables, and meats.

Benefits of Homemade Dog Food

Opting for homemade dog food comes with numerous advantages that can significantly enhance your dog's quality of life.

Tailored Nutrition

Homemade food allows you to customize your dog’s diet based on specific health needs, such as allergies, sensitivities, or medical conditions, ensuring they receive the right balance of nutrients.

Freshness and Quality Control

Preparing your dog's meals at home gives you control over the quality of ingredients used, avoiding preservatives and additives found in many commercial foods.

Enhanced Palatability and Variety

Handmade food can be especially beneficial for picky eaters as it’s fresher, often more palatable, and you can frequently rotate ingredients to keep your dog interested and excited about meals.

Step-by-Step Recipes for Balanced Dog Meals

Creating balanced meals for your dog involves combining the right ingredients to meet their nutritional needs. Here are some recipes to get you started.

Recipe 1: Chicken and Rice Delight

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil
  • ½ cup steamed carrots, chopped
  • ¼ cup peas
• Preparation:
  1. Combine the rice, chicken, and vegetables in a large bowl.
  2. Drizzle with flaxseed oil and mix thoroughly to ensure the oil is evenly distributed.
  3. Serve cool to your dog according to their size and caloric needs.

Recipe 2: Beef and Vegetable Medley

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound lean ground beef, cooked
  • 1 cup diced butternut squash, steamed
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
  • 1 teaspoon powdered eggshell for calcium
• Preparation:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, mix the ground beef, squash, and spinach.
  2. Add sunflower oil and powdered eggshell, mixing until well combined.
  3. Portion out based on your dog’s daily dietary requirements and serve.

Monitoring Your Dog’s Health on a Handmade Diet

Transitioning to a homemade diet requires careful monitoring to ensure your dog is adjusting well and receiving all necessary nutrients.

Regular Veterinary Check-ups

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are crucial to monitor your dog's health status and make dietary adjustments as needed. This ensures that any nutritional gaps are addressed promptly.

Observing Physical and Behavioral Changes

Keep an eye on your dog’s energy levels, coat quality, weight, and overall behavior. Positive changes can indicate that the diet is suitable, whereas negative changes might require dietary tweaks.

Conclusion: Embracing the Handmade Diet

Adopting a handmade diet for your dog can significantly contribute to their health and happiness. By understanding and meeting your dog's nutritional needs, you can ensure they thrive on a diet made with love. Remember, each dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Therefore, personalized nutrition, in consultation with your vet, is key to a successful transition to homemade dog food.