The Dog Food Project
No man can be condemed for owning a dog. As long as he has a dog, he has a friend; and the poorer he gets, the better friend he has. - Will Rogers
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Main Page About the Author What Readers say Dog Discussions Forum Introduction Label Information 101 Identifying better products Ingredients to avoid Product List Organic Dog Food Grain Free Dog Food Vegetarian & Vegan Dog Food Meat vs. Meat Meal Choosing the right food Feeding Puppies Feeding Senior Dogs Canine Obesity Is too much protein harmful? Grading kibble - easily? "Five Star Foods" Questions on Diet Myths about Feeding The Yuck Factor Where the money goes Natural Supplementation Menadione (Vitamin K3) Nutrient Requirements Links & Resources Nutrient Overview Water Protein Fat Carbohydrates Fiber Vitamins Minerals Essential Fatty Acids Probiotics
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MacromineralsCalciumEffects: Needed for the formation and maintenance of bones, teeth and healthy gums, stabilizes many body functions and has a natural calming and tranquilizing effect. It is necessary for maintaining a regular heartbeat, the transmission of nerve impulses, helps muscular growth and normal blood clotting.It also provides energy, breaks down fats, maintains proper cell membrane permeability, aids in neuromuscular activity, stops lead from being absorbed into bone and keeps the skin healthy. The correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus and magnesium is very important for a dog's health and needs to be carefully balanced - this is not something you would want to do without doing your research on the topic! PhosphorusEffects: Together with calcium, phosphorus is required for formation and maintenance of bones and teeth as well as most metabolic actions in the body, including kidney function, cell growth and the contraction of the heart muscle. Assists the body in vitamin use (especially some B group vitamins) and is also is involved in converting food to energy. MagnesiumEffects: Helps with formation of bone and teeth, maintains a healthy heart and assists the absorption of calcium and potassium. While calcium stimulates the muscles, magnesium is used to relax them. Also needed for cellular metabolism, absorption of calcium, vitamins C, E and B complex and the production of energy. It is also required for the production of enzymes and helps the body to rid itself of lead that has accumulated in bones and tissue due to environmental contamination. SulfurEffects: Formation and maintenance of skin, coat and nails, aids wound healing and detoxification of the body. Potassium and SodiumEffects: These two minerals work together in so many body functions that they are listed here together. They are required to maintain fluid balance in the body cells, muscle functions, transmission of nerve impulses, heart activity and production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. MicromineralsBoronEffects: Utilized together with calcium and magnesium for building and maintaining bones. Enhances the body's ability to use calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. CobaltEffects: Production of red blood cells, aids iron absorption. CopperEffects: bone growth and maintenance, conversion of iron into hemoglobin, immune function. FluorideAmounts of fluoride required by the body are sufficient in a balanced diet and should not be supplemented. IodineEffects: production of thyroid hormones which regulate the metabolism. IronEffects: Required for the production of hemoglobin (together with copper, vitamin B12 and protein) and myoglobin and for the oxygenation of red blood cells. It also aids in maintaining a healthy immune system and energy production. MolybdenumEffects: aids in processing carbohydrates, is required for normal cell function and nitrogen metabolism, protects the body from excess copper. SiliconEffects: aids the body with wound healing, fighting skin problems and infections, keeps bones, cartilage, tendons and artery walls healthy and supports the immune system. ManganeseEffects: necessary for the utilization of vitamin C, biotin, vitamin B1 and vitamin E. Required for normal reproduction, bone and cartilage growth, collagen formation, fat metabolism and production of fatty acids. ZincEffects: required for proper utilization of copper, B complex vitamins, vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus. Required for production of many enzymes, supports the immune system, improves antibody response, regulates white blood cells, aids protein digestion, is important for skin and coat health, protects the liver from heavy metal and copper damage. Together with vitamin C it greatly aids in wound healing. |
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Last updated 5/20/04 8:44am, © Sabine Contreras 2004-2012. This website is a Strange World production. Want one like it? |