Healthy Pet Foods: You Are What You Eat

Elmhurst_BevHills_iStock_000068352321_LargeOpening a new bag of potato chips can sound like a symphony, and the anticipation of crunchy, salty goodness can be too much to bear… Junk food doesn’t just appeal to humans, though. Many pets are acutely aware of the precise moment that a tasty treat is about to be enjoyed – and the sport of begging and pleading for just one little nibble ensues.

It feels good to include your pet in your indulgence, and it seems to make them happy, too; but sharing table scraps or junk food with your animal companion has serious ramifications.

So, instead of sharing one more piece of cheese or one of your last coveted Girl Scout Cookies, the staff at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates has teamed up to offer our ideas of healthy pet foods. We’re sure that these foods will satiate your pet’s appetite, and keep him or her healthy and happy for years to come. Continue…

The 411 on Making Your Own Pet Food

beagle in kitchenWhether it is in search of a healthier option, concerns about food allergies, or looking to save a few dollars, pet owners everywhere are turning to making their pet’s dinner in their own kitchen.

Putting together a nutritious, delicious meal for your dog or cat may seem like an easy task, however it is more of a challenge than many people anticipate. Keep reading to learn more about making your own pet food before taking the leap.

The Positives of Designing a Custom Diet

There are many reasons why pet owners choose to make a diet at home for their pet, and there is no doubt that there are potential upsides to doing so. A nutritious, balanced diet is absolutely crucial to your pet’s overall health and well-being.

Formulating your own diet can:

  • Allow you to know the source and quality of every ingredient your pet is consuming
  • Give you flexibility in adding or avoiding certain ingredients
  • Let you tailor the diet more specifically to your pet’s individual needs

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The Wonderful World Of Dog Shows: A Beginner’s Guide

BevHills_iStock_000020580100_LargeFor the average pet owner, dog shows can be an interesting, albeit slightly confusing, performance. Each dog is stunning in his or her own way, gliding, strutting, or trotting about the arena attached to their handlers by a leash. But how many of us know exactly what is going on here? How are the dogs judged? How does a dog and its handler qualify, much less prepare, for a dog show?

According to the Westminster Kennel Club (the gold standard of dog shows, in case you didn’t know) “The basic purpose of dog shows is to facilitate the evaluation of breeding stock for use in producing the next generations”.

Dog Shows 101

The main consideration at most dog shows is the dog’s “conformation”, or overall appearance and structure. Dogs compete against one another based on their breed’s standards, which are outlined in detail in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) publication, The Complete Dog Book. The competition between the dogs essentially boils down to a process of elimination, with one dog being named “Best In Show” in the end. Continue…