FROM THE COLUMBIA ANIMAL HOSPITAL. ABOUT 1 IN 10 DOGS GET HEART DISEASE, BUT YOU CAN ACTUALLY PREVENT THIS YOURSELF BY BRUSHING THEIR TEETH EVERY DAY. AND THAT PREVENTS BACTERIA FROM BUILDING UP IN THE MOUTH AND TRAVELING INTO THE HEART VALVES. NOW, I DO HAVE DOCTOR ROBERT BARTLETT JOINING ME RIGHT NOW. HE’S A VETERINARIAN WITH COLUMBIA ANIMAL HOSPITAL. AND WE ALSO HAVE OUR STAR OF THE SHOW AS WELL. STAR SHOW US HOW WE CAN BRUSH THEIR TEETH. WHAT ARE SOME THINGS WE NEED TO BE LOOKING OUT FOR? THANKS, JAKE. THE BEST WAY TO START BRUSHING A DOG’S TEETH, ESPECIALLY IF YOU’VE NEVER DONE IT BEFORE, IS TO TAKE A LITTLE TOOTHPASTE AND JUST RUB IT ON THE MOUTH AND GUMS TO GET STARTED SO THE PET GETS USED TO HAVING THE SENSATION OF BEING IN THE DOG’S MOUTH, AND THEN GO TO A TOOTH AND BRUSH ALL THE TEETH, AND YOU WANT TO GO UP UNDERNEATH THE GUM LINE WITH A FINE BRISTLE BRUSH. IT’S VERY IMPORTANT. IT’S FINE BECAUSE YOU GOT TO CLEAN UP THE PERIODONTAL POCKET BETWEEN THE TOOTH AND GUM. THAT’S WHERE THE DISEASE AND INFECTION STARTS. THAT CAUSES ALL THE MAYHEM. THE HEART VALVES WE’RE TALKING ABOUT THAT THAT LEAD TO HEART FAILURE BECAUSE THE HEART VALVES GET DAMAGED AND THEY CAN’T MAKE A NICE SEAL. AND THE BLOOD CAN’T PUMP EFFICIENTLY. THIS TO HEART FAILURE. SO IT’S IT’S A LITTLE BIT OF A COMPLICATED PROCESS. BUT KEEPING THE PET’S TEETH HEALTHY IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. YEAH. SO OBVIOUSLY YOU JUST TALKED ABOUT WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO BRUSH THEIR TEETH TO PREVENT ALL OF THOSE ISSUES. BUT WHAT IF YOU’RE A VERY BUSY PERSON AND YOU DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THESE KINDS OF THINGS? WHAT CAN YOU DO? WELL, AND SOMETIMES YOU HAVE A PET THAT JUST WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO DO THIS. SO WHAT YOU CAN RESORT TO, WE HAVE SOME GOOD RINSES THAT YOU CAN USE IN IN THEIR MOUTH. YOU CAN JUST SQUIRT IN OR PUT IT IN OR PUT IT IN THE WATER, AND THERE ARE PRESCRIPTION DENTAL DIETS THAT ACTUALLY BIND UP THE AND THEY’RE LIKE PREVENT PLAQUE, WHICH IS NICE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE REALLY BUSY. JUST DON’T HAVE TIME TO DO IT. AT LEAST DO THAT. AND THEY DO WORK AND THEY USUALLY CARRY WE HAVE IT HERE AT COLUMBIA ANIMAL HOSPITAL. AND THEN MOST VETERINARIANS HAVE IT TOO. AND THEY’RE REALLY EFFECTIVE. ALL RIGHT DOCTOR, THANK YOU SO MUCH. AND ALSO TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE, MAKE SURE YOUR DOGS A
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Dog food testing raises alarm about bacteria. Here’s what you need to know
Updated: 2:48 PM CST Feb 20, 2025
Fido might love treats, but how do we know that the food we’re giving our dogs is the best thing for them?Related video above: One simple step can keep your dog’s heart healthyConsumer Reports tested 58 dog foods to evaluate their nutrient levels and safety. From big brands like Blue Buffalo and Purina to unique brands like Open Farm and Raw Bistro, CR testing many favorites pet parents regularly purchase. While the majority of samples met guidelines for essential nutrients like fat, protein and copper, there was significant variation in nutrient levels, making some foods better suited for specific dogs. The tests did not reveal widespread contamination, but listeria was found in some raw food samples, leading to recalls. The study also highlights the importance of choosing foods that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines but recommends consulting a veterinarian for personalized advice.CR says the key nutrients dogs need, such as protein, fat, fiber and vitamins, and the importance of selecting foods that align with a dog’s specific life stage and health needs. The AAFCO’s minimum and maximum guidelines were referenced, but experts emphasized that dogs with unique health concerns might require tailored diets. It also warns against trendy diets like raw food and grain-free options, urging caution due to potential health risks.In the confusing landscape of pet food, Consumer Reports encourages dog owners to prioritize foods labeled as “complete and balanced” and to avoid excessive treats. They advise ongoing research into products and consult a veterinarian for changes in diet based on individual health needs.Here are some foods the study recommends:Open Farm Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Surf & Turf Recipe: Open Farm is a brand that believes the benefits of pure raw nutrition should meet the convenience of freeze-dried foods in this protein-packed recipe of 95% Ocean Wise recommended salmon and pasture-raised beef, organ and bone. Finished with organic veggies and superfoods, these bite-sized morsels can be an irresistible complete and balanced meal. Learn more on the Open Farm website.Purina ONE Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food: With real chicken as the first ingredient, this high-quality dog food supports your dog’s strong muscles, including his healthy heart and has high-quality carbohydrate sources for healthy energy. It’s a high-protein food that’s great for an active dog. Click here to shop for this food on Amazon.Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables: For the pup that loves a wet food, this is the best option. This Blue Buffalo dog food is made with real, high-quality chicken and tasty garden veggies giving your furry friend a nutritious meal that tastes like home cooking. Get a pack of 12 from Chewy today.Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe: Some pups are prone to tummy problems, and Hill’s is a vet-trusted brand for sensitive stomachs! This kibble offers a precise balance and highly digestible ingredients for sensitive stomachs and for dogs with sensitive skin. Prebiotic fiber fuels beneficial gut bacteria and supports a balanced microbiome, too. Grab a 30-pound bag of this food for your pooch on Amazon!JustFoodForDogs Beef & Russet Potato Recipe: JustFoodForDogs offers a high-calorie diet that incorporates human-edible foods. The recipe features ground beef, russet and sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, beef liver, peas, and apples. The result is a wholesome, fully balanced ground beef food for dogs. This beef recipe is preservative-free, gluten-free and grain-free. Click here to learn more.For more coverage of pet care, click here.
Fido might love treats, but how do we know that the food we’re giving our dogs is the best thing for them?
Related video above: One simple step can keep your dog’s heart healthy
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Consumer Reports tested 58 dog foods to evaluate their nutrient levels and safety. From big brands like Blue Buffalo and Purina to unique brands like Open Farm and Raw Bistro, CR testing many favorites pet parents regularly purchase.
While the majority of samples met guidelines for essential nutrients like fat, protein and copper, there was significant variation in nutrient levels, making some foods better suited for specific dogs. The tests did not reveal widespread contamination, but listeria was found in some raw food samples, leading to recalls. The study also highlights the importance of choosing foods that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines but recommends consulting a veterinarian for personalized advice.
CR says the key nutrients dogs need, such as protein, fat, fiber and vitamins, and the importance of selecting foods that align with a dog’s specific life stage and health needs. The AAFCO’s minimum and maximum guidelines were referenced, but experts emphasized that dogs with unique health concerns might require tailored diets. It also warns against trendy diets like raw food and grain-free options, urging caution due to potential health risks.
In the confusing landscape of pet food, Consumer Reports encourages dog owners to prioritize foods labeled as “complete and balanced” and to avoid excessive treats. They advise ongoing research into products and consult a veterinarian for changes in diet based on individual health needs.
Here are some foods the study recommends:
Surf & Turf Freeze Dried Raw Morsels for Dogs
Open Farm
openfarmpet.com
$12.99
Open Farm Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Surf & Turf Recipe: Open Farm is a brand that believes the benefits of pure raw nutrition should meet the convenience of freeze-dried foods in this protein-packed recipe of 95% Ocean Wise recommended salmon and pasture-raised beef, organ and bone. Finished with organic veggies and superfoods, these bite-sized morsels can be an irresistible complete and balanced meal. Learn more on the Open Farm website.
Purina ONE Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Purina ONE
amazon.com
$47.65
Purina ONE Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food: With real chicken as the first ingredient, this high-quality dog food supports your dog’s strong muscles, including his healthy heart and has high-quality carbohydrate sources for healthy energy. It’s a high-protein food that’s great for an active dog. Click here to shop for this food on Amazon.
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables & Brown Rice Canned Dog Food, 12.5-oz, case of 12
Blue Buffalo
Chewy
$44.28
$35.28
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables: For the pup that loves a wet food, this is the best option. This Blue Buffalo dog food is made with real, high-quality chicken and tasty garden veggies giving your furry friend a nutritious meal that tastes like home cooking. Get a pack of 12 from Chewy today.
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Adult 1-6, Stomach & Skin Sensitivity Support, Dry Dog Food, Chicken Recipe, 30 lb Bag
Hill’s Science Diet
amazon.com
$83.99
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe: Some pups are prone to tummy problems, and Hill’s is a vet-trusted brand for sensitive stomachs! This kibble offers a precise balance and highly digestible ingredients for sensitive stomachs and for dogs with sensitive skin. Prebiotic fiber fuels beneficial gut bacteria and supports a balanced microbiome, too. Grab a 30-pound bag of this food for your pooch on Amazon!
Beef & Russet Potato 18 oz (7 Pack) Small Box
Just Food For Dogs
justfoodfordogs.com
$83.99
$42.00
JustFoodForDogs Beef & Russet Potato Recipe: JustFoodForDogs offers a high-calorie diet that incorporates human-edible foods. The recipe features ground beef, russet and sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, beef liver, peas, and apples. The result is a wholesome, fully balanced ground beef food for dogs. This beef recipe is preservative-free, gluten-free and grain-free. Click here to learn more.
For more coverage of pet care, click here.
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