Before we look at how a hypoallergenic dog food can help with your dog's food allergy, let's take a quick look at dog food allergy symptoms and then what a hypoallergenic food is.
So how do you know if your dog has food allergies or sensitivities? Common signs are constant itching, hot spots, pawing at the mouth, diarrhea, constipation, and excessive gas. If you feed your dog the same food, this will be constant. If you vary your dog's food, then it may come and go with the offending ingredient.
Now, what exactly is a hypoallergenic dog food? It is simply a dog food produced with the following types of ingredients: 1) high quality, 2) minimal, and 3) un-common.
So how will this help with your dog's food allergies?
High-Quality Ingredients
Although debatable, many canine nutritionists feel that by serving the same inferior quality dog food every day may actually be the cause for your dog's food allergy. The inferior quality (i.e. low cost) dog foods are made with lots of grain fillers, grain by-products, and meat by-products. And by serving the same low quality foods, day after day, your dog is not getting what he needs to keep a healthy and strong immune system, that can fight off simple allergens.
Irregardless of whether you agree with the above debate, feeding a higher quality dog food, like hypoallergenic dog foods, with make your dog healthier, which makes them better able to fight off the food allergens.
Minimal Ingredients
What is meant by minimal ingredients is that there should only be a few ingredients in the dog food ingredient label. Fewer ingredients, as well as fewer colorings and flavorings, are important while trying to discover what is causing your dog's food allergy symptoms. By having only a few ingredients, you might even be able to completely cut out your dog's food allergy trigger!
Un-Common Ingredients
Possibly one of the most important aspects of a hypoallergenic food for dogs is that is will not use common protein sources or grain sources, since these are the most allergens of a dog's food allergies. Lamb, bison, and salmon are some of the different types of protein sources used. Grains will not include the most common grains, like corn and wheat. Instead, grains like oatmeal, millet, and brown rice will be used.
By removing common meats and grains, and replacing them with ones that your dog has not had, or had very often, you may well be able to control the food allergies.
When your dog is showing signs of dog food allergies, you really should try a hypoallergenic dog food with all new meat and grain sources from his usual dog food. This way you are more likely to not give the ingredient that is causing all the trouble, but you will be feeding your dog a much healthier dog food which will, in turn, help him cope with his food problems easier.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Food Safety's Dirty Little Secret
From the first reports of a salmonella outbreak this spring, it took a full 89 days before jalapeño and serrano peppers correctly came under suspicion as the culprit. During that period, as more than 1,440 victims trickled in to hospitals, federal officials struggled to trace the source of the outbreak, erroneously singling out tomatoes for weeks before homing in on peppers. No sooner had that outbreak tapered off than the high-end Whole Foods Market was forced to launch a massive recall of E. coli-infested ground beef.
The incidents prompted renewed calls for reform and stricter oversight of food safety. Some lawmakers are even suggesting stripping the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture of their inspection duties and giving them to a new agency. Yet the FDA in particular has long been starved of funding and understaffed. Its workload, meanwhile, is rapidly expanding as the global food chain grows larger, more complicated, and less transparent, all of which adds to the agency's already overcrowded plate.
Congress is under pressure to take up major food-safety legislation this fall that would offer sweeping proposals for regulatory change. The country's appetite for reform, however, is likely to collide with an uncomfortable reality: The responsibility for food safety, as it works today, lies heavily in private hands. Even as bacterial outbreaks have become more high-profile and the financial fallout from recalls more severe, the government has been handing off many food-safety responsibilities to industry. Food safety today is a business—and a booming one at that.
For most Americans, however, the FDA is still the public face of food safety. It was created in 1906 amid the fervid response to Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, which exposed unsanitary conditions in meatpacking factories. Today, the duties are split. The USDA handles meat, and the FDA takes care of pretty much everything else. But in reality, oversight of farms and food plants has gradually changed hands. A pivotal moment came in the mid-1990s, after 21 people in Connecticut and Illinois were hospitalized during a huge lettuce-related outbreak of E. coli that was ultimately tied back to a grower in California. In response to this and other incidents, federal officials worked with academics and industry to come up with a set of voluntary guidelines to avoid future outbreaks.
Inspections. The move spawned a whole new cottage industry of third-party companies calling themselves "food-safety consultants." Practically every major food manufacturer today—from Kraft to Costco—hires experts to check out the ingredients that are entering its facilities.
In some ways, this represents a huge step forward. Even with an engorged budget, the FDA couldn't begin to get inspectors into all the factories, processing plants, distribution centers, warehouses, and packing plants in the country to check them for problems. Right now, the agency focuses on juices and seafood, because those two products have a higher risk of going bad. Indeed, it would cost the FDA more than $3.5 billion to inspect every one of the roughly 250,000 domestic and foreign food facilities just once, a recent Government Accountability Office report found. Industry insiders say the FDA is lucky if it gets to the same facility once every three years.
But the new model has also created some alarming potential gaps. For one thing, there's no certification system for these third-party inspectors. Critics worry that retailers hire these companies not only to ensure food quality but also as a defense mechanism to help protect their public image in case something goes wrong. "These audits are like icing on the cake of litigation," says Bill Marler, the attorney who represented more than 100 victims in the 1993 E. coli outbreak case linked to the Jack in the Box fast-food chain. "Every major manufacturer does them, and every manufacturer pays no attention to them."
There are other potential troubles, too. Tomato and spinach growers are audited heavily because they've had so many problems in the past, but other crops, such as broccoli and cauliflower, are scrutinized less. "Retailers aren't demanding it," says Trevor Suslow, a food-safety expert at the University of California-Davis. Many growers, he adds, "are living in a continuing state of denial about whether they should be doing anything." And there's also the concern that these efforts could, perversely, be making food less safe. In some cases, experts say, a grower will have to pay for audits from six or seven companies just to satisfy the demands of all of its different buyers. The overlapping attention might help eliminate problems, but it's also costly. For slaughter facilities squeezed by rising costs, cutting out E. coli tests has been one of their money-saving tactics, as recent raids have revealed.
Congress is under pressure to take up major food-safety legislation this fall that would offer sweeping proposals for regulatory change. The country's appetite for reform, however, is likely to collide with an uncomfortable reality: The responsibility for food safety, as it works today, lies heavily in private hands. Even as bacterial outbreaks have become more high-profile and the financial fallout from recalls more severe, the government has been handing off many food-safety responsibilities to industry. Food safety today is a business—and a booming one at that.
For most Americans, however, the FDA is still the public face of food safety. It was created in 1906 amid the fervid response to Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, which exposed unsanitary conditions in meatpacking factories. Today, the duties are split. The USDA handles meat, and the FDA takes care of pretty much everything else. But in reality, oversight of farms and food plants has gradually changed hands. A pivotal moment came in the mid-1990s, after 21 people in Connecticut and Illinois were hospitalized during a huge lettuce-related outbreak of E. coli that was ultimately tied back to a grower in California. In response to this and other incidents, federal officials worked with academics and industry to come up with a set of voluntary guidelines to avoid future outbreaks.
Inspections. The move spawned a whole new cottage industry of third-party companies calling themselves "food-safety consultants." Practically every major food manufacturer today—from Kraft to Costco—hires experts to check out the ingredients that are entering its facilities.
In some ways, this represents a huge step forward. Even with an engorged budget, the FDA couldn't begin to get inspectors into all the factories, processing plants, distribution centers, warehouses, and packing plants in the country to check them for problems. Right now, the agency focuses on juices and seafood, because those two products have a higher risk of going bad. Indeed, it would cost the FDA more than $3.5 billion to inspect every one of the roughly 250,000 domestic and foreign food facilities just once, a recent Government Accountability Office report found. Industry insiders say the FDA is lucky if it gets to the same facility once every three years.
But the new model has also created some alarming potential gaps. For one thing, there's no certification system for these third-party inspectors. Critics worry that retailers hire these companies not only to ensure food quality but also as a defense mechanism to help protect their public image in case something goes wrong. "These audits are like icing on the cake of litigation," says Bill Marler, the attorney who represented more than 100 victims in the 1993 E. coli outbreak case linked to the Jack in the Box fast-food chain. "Every major manufacturer does them, and every manufacturer pays no attention to them."
There are other potential troubles, too. Tomato and spinach growers are audited heavily because they've had so many problems in the past, but other crops, such as broccoli and cauliflower, are scrutinized less. "Retailers aren't demanding it," says Trevor Suslow, a food-safety expert at the University of California-Davis. Many growers, he adds, "are living in a continuing state of denial about whether they should be doing anything." And there's also the concern that these efforts could, perversely, be making food less safe. In some cases, experts say, a grower will have to pay for audits from six or seven companies just to satisfy the demands of all of its different buyers. The overlapping attention might help eliminate problems, but it's also costly. For slaughter facilities squeezed by rising costs, cutting out E. coli tests has been one of their money-saving tactics, as recent raids have revealed.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Health Food Versus Junk Food In Today’s Society
McDonalds Burger King Pizza Hut There are dozens of fast food chains in every part of the world, making it quite difficult for anyone to have a strict diet. Who would want a salad when they could easily have a large fry and an entire pizza? Unfortunately, the foods that taste the best are often the worst for your body. While we usually ignore this important fact, it is crucial that we at least try to consume nutritional food four days out of the week.
Since the health trend has spiked in most recent years, a myth has circulated across the globe. Most people feel that “nutritional food” – the types of products with an abundance of fiber, protein, and other vitamins, taste like the bottom of your toilet seat. Although many of these products do taste a bit bland, there are plenty that are delicious. It is just a matter of weeding out the disgusting foods and focusing on the ones that taste the best.
If you are trying your best to be healthy, it is essential to find foods that will treat your bodies well. Most grocery stores include products that have an “organic” symbol at the bottom of each box. This is great to look for, especially if you are searching for healthy alternatives. Once you have come across this symbol, you should try to find something high in fiber. For instance, Fiber One cereals or Kashi products are very high in the nutrients your body needs. Fortunately, they also taste amazing. Looking for something sweeter? Add a few berries to your cereal each morning.
Looking for wheat products is also key. Instead of buying Wonder bread, opt for whole grain or wheat. These types of products are much better for your bodies, and actually include the fiber that you should be getting. Not ready to give up all of the bagels and danishes? At least try buying the low fat wheat bagels, which barely taste any different. Add light cream cheese, and you are all set for a healthy breakfast.
Aside from organic foods and whole wheat bread, you should be taking nutritional supplements. While some people enjoy swallowing their daily vitamin, others like to be creative. Noni Juice is a popular favorite, as it is a natural fruit juice that does not have any extra preservatives. Looking for sweetness with all of the nutrients? Noni Juice is the perfect product, if that is what you are looking for. It not only boosts your immune system, but it gives you energy, and it fights off viruses that are trying to get you sick.
Health food is always going to somewhat have a negative connotation. After all, it never will be Pizza Hut or Burger King. However, these junk foods will by no means give you the nutrition that you desperately seek. By eating healthy foods and looking great, you will not only feel better about yourself, but you’ll have additional energy. It is a known fact that you will feel much different if you consume foods with fiber and nutrients. Once you start eating these types of groceries, chances are you’ll turn the other cheek to fast food chains.
Since the health trend has spiked in most recent years, a myth has circulated across the globe. Most people feel that “nutritional food” – the types of products with an abundance of fiber, protein, and other vitamins, taste like the bottom of your toilet seat. Although many of these products do taste a bit bland, there are plenty that are delicious. It is just a matter of weeding out the disgusting foods and focusing on the ones that taste the best.
If you are trying your best to be healthy, it is essential to find foods that will treat your bodies well. Most grocery stores include products that have an “organic” symbol at the bottom of each box. This is great to look for, especially if you are searching for healthy alternatives. Once you have come across this symbol, you should try to find something high in fiber. For instance, Fiber One cereals or Kashi products are very high in the nutrients your body needs. Fortunately, they also taste amazing. Looking for something sweeter? Add a few berries to your cereal each morning.
Looking for wheat products is also key. Instead of buying Wonder bread, opt for whole grain or wheat. These types of products are much better for your bodies, and actually include the fiber that you should be getting. Not ready to give up all of the bagels and danishes? At least try buying the low fat wheat bagels, which barely taste any different. Add light cream cheese, and you are all set for a healthy breakfast.
Aside from organic foods and whole wheat bread, you should be taking nutritional supplements. While some people enjoy swallowing their daily vitamin, others like to be creative. Noni Juice is a popular favorite, as it is a natural fruit juice that does not have any extra preservatives. Looking for sweetness with all of the nutrients? Noni Juice is the perfect product, if that is what you are looking for. It not only boosts your immune system, but it gives you energy, and it fights off viruses that are trying to get you sick.
Health food is always going to somewhat have a negative connotation. After all, it never will be Pizza Hut or Burger King. However, these junk foods will by no means give you the nutrition that you desperately seek. By eating healthy foods and looking great, you will not only feel better about yourself, but you’ll have additional energy. It is a known fact that you will feel much different if you consume foods with fiber and nutrients. Once you start eating these types of groceries, chances are you’ll turn the other cheek to fast food chains.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Food Insurance- A Tangible Safety Net
Every year, we shell out thousands of dollars for the protection of having insurance. We pay for health insurance, car insurance, home insurance, flood insurance, and even insurance on packages we send through the mail. We really hope we never need it, but our insurance is there if we need it. What if we need food in an emergency? There's no actual insurance policy for that, and if there was, you'd starve before you finished the paperwork to get the food from the insurance company. Still, there are many options when it comes to insuring your food situation.
Food for emergencies or survival comes in many variations. Whether stored #10 cans, - pre-filled buckets, or condense MRE's like those used by the military, most survival foods share one trait: a long shelf life. Even Glatt Kosher and HALAL foods, in convenient packaging with up to a 25-year shelf life, is a tangible insurance policy which will be right there for you if you ever need it. You can be prepared for an emergency with clean food and water, and supplies to last for a year at a time or more. Food and water are two of the most basic necessities of life. If you have food on hand in an emergency, then you have reduced the amount of worry and stress on yourself. By avoiding the need to scramble and for food will provide clarity during times of abnormal stress due to natural or political disaster. It is quite a secure feeling.
Being prepared in an emergency is the way to survive any rough patch in life. If you lose your job, are ever in a strong earthquake or weather disaster, you can be insured against starvation and thirst. Even if you don't need it for the next 25 years, you will be prepared with basic necessities. Having emergency survival food on hand is the most tangible insurance policy you can buy. You pay for health insurance, car insurance, home, flood, fire and package insurance. Ninety-nine percent of the time, you don't need these insurances. You never see the money again- you don't get a refund for being accident-free. Having freeze-dried or canned survival food on hand is tangible insurance against a food emergency. You can use the food any time you wish within its extended shelf life of up to 25 years. You may not need it for ten or fifteen years, but food prices have gone up, and they are still rising. Survival insurance- will be there when you need it, and you won't have to get through some gate-keeping insurance claims investigator and three other people before you get your food. Just open it up.
Food for emergencies or survival comes in many variations. Whether stored #10 cans, - pre-filled buckets, or condense MRE's like those used by the military, most survival foods share one trait: a long shelf life. Even Glatt Kosher and HALAL foods, in convenient packaging with up to a 25-year shelf life, is a tangible insurance policy which will be right there for you if you ever need it. You can be prepared for an emergency with clean food and water, and supplies to last for a year at a time or more. Food and water are two of the most basic necessities of life. If you have food on hand in an emergency, then you have reduced the amount of worry and stress on yourself. By avoiding the need to scramble and for food will provide clarity during times of abnormal stress due to natural or political disaster. It is quite a secure feeling.
Being prepared in an emergency is the way to survive any rough patch in life. If you lose your job, are ever in a strong earthquake or weather disaster, you can be insured against starvation and thirst. Even if you don't need it for the next 25 years, you will be prepared with basic necessities. Having emergency survival food on hand is the most tangible insurance policy you can buy. You pay for health insurance, car insurance, home, flood, fire and package insurance. Ninety-nine percent of the time, you don't need these insurances. You never see the money again- you don't get a refund for being accident-free. Having freeze-dried or canned survival food on hand is tangible insurance against a food emergency. You can use the food any time you wish within its extended shelf life of up to 25 years. You may not need it for ten or fifteen years, but food prices have gone up, and they are still rising. Survival insurance- will be there when you need it, and you won't have to get through some gate-keeping insurance claims investigator and three other people before you get your food. Just open it up.
Stop Insomnia And End Your Sleepless Nights
Insomnia is a common sleep sickness that has bothered many people around the world. But the consequences brought about by this disorder may not be as ordinary as it may seem. It can be downright punishing.
You know the frustration of looking repeatedly at your clock while endlessly moving around in your bed. It's mental and emotional agony to say the least. The tension builds up to its peak when you see the sunrise, and you have to go to the office lacking so much energy
after spending a sleepless night.
You don't have to suffer anymore. Here are some tips to help you snooze faster than you could ever expect.
1) Wake up and go to bed at the same time everyday, even during the weekends. Some insomniacs tend to sleep at any time of the day to catch up on some sleep they lose during the night. Now this is the biggest mistake you can make. It ruins your body clock and will only worsen your insomnia. If you can't sleep one night, get up the usual time the next morning. You'll be sleeping soundly like a baby the next night.
2) Don't eat within 4 hours before you go to bed. If in case you went hungry, try some crackers or light snack. But don't indulge in an "eat-all-you-can" feast right before bedtime. Your food won't be digested well, resulting in poor and uncomfortable sleep.
3) Don't drink caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine can obstruct your ability to sleep. Alcohol can make you drowsy, but it can wake you up in the middle of the night and bring you side effects that will hinder a continuous sleep process.
4) Relax and stay fit. Avoid having a stressful lifestyle. Exercise daily to release tension. Engage in breathing exercises to relax your body. Most important of all, don't carry your problems or emotional baggage to sleep with you. Forget about it for the mean time. You can go back and solve your dilemma better the next day after a restful sleep.
You know the frustration of looking repeatedly at your clock while endlessly moving around in your bed. It's mental and emotional agony to say the least. The tension builds up to its peak when you see the sunrise, and you have to go to the office lacking so much energy
after spending a sleepless night.
You don't have to suffer anymore. Here are some tips to help you snooze faster than you could ever expect.
1) Wake up and go to bed at the same time everyday, even during the weekends. Some insomniacs tend to sleep at any time of the day to catch up on some sleep they lose during the night. Now this is the biggest mistake you can make. It ruins your body clock and will only worsen your insomnia. If you can't sleep one night, get up the usual time the next morning. You'll be sleeping soundly like a baby the next night.
2) Don't eat within 4 hours before you go to bed. If in case you went hungry, try some crackers or light snack. But don't indulge in an "eat-all-you-can" feast right before bedtime. Your food won't be digested well, resulting in poor and uncomfortable sleep.
3) Don't drink caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine can obstruct your ability to sleep. Alcohol can make you drowsy, but it can wake you up in the middle of the night and bring you side effects that will hinder a continuous sleep process.
4) Relax and stay fit. Avoid having a stressful lifestyle. Exercise daily to release tension. Engage in breathing exercises to relax your body. Most important of all, don't carry your problems or emotional baggage to sleep with you. Forget about it for the mean time. You can go back and solve your dilemma better the next day after a restful sleep.
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