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Reading Pet Food Labels
or
What to run away from at the pet store

With all the pet food recalls and more and more ingredients coming out of China that are contaminated, we need to learn to read the ingredients on our pet foods just like we read the labels on our own food.

You should read the label every time you purchase pet food.  Manufacturers will change ingredients on a whim if they can make the product cheaper and reap a bigger profit.  Very few companies are as concerned about the health of your dog as much as they are about their bottom line.

Pet food is not highly regulated.  Dead, diseased, dying and drugged animals are allowed in pet food.  Many pet food ingredients are leftovers from meat processing for the human food supply and consist of ingredients not fit for human consumption.  Here’s what you should be looking for on each label.

Look for the Ingredient Statement on the label.  Read the first five ingredients as these first five ingredients make up 90% or more of the total quantity of what’s in the dog food.

1. Does the food contain a quality protein?  Look for an identifiable animal source such as chicken meal or beef meal.  This is a concentrated protein source wherein the water has been removed from the meat.  “Chicken meal” is better to find on the label than simply “chicken” as the latter can contain a large quantity of water.  It may be the first ingredient on the list, but doesn’t necessarily make up the larger portion of the food due to the water content.  Wheat gluten or corn gluten are protein sources, but they are not meat.  Dogs and cats must have meat to live a healthy life.  If your dog were on the loose in the wild, would you find him eating an ear of corn?  

2. Look at the packaging.  Does it contain a picture of a healthy dog or cat and then say things like “natural” or “wholesome grains” or “vegetables?”  The term natural is meaningless as it is not regulated.  There can be some natural ingredients in the food, but there can also be chemical preservatives that can cause cancer such as BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquine.  There are some pet treats on the market that are labeled natural, but contain propylene glycol, a form of antifreeze!

3. Wholesome grains are not whole grains.  The term wholesome grains can simply mean the addition of wheat gluten which was the source of the largest pet food recall in history.  Whole grains are excellent sources of protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron, and other essential minerals.  They also provide carbohydrates that a dog (not a cat) needs to provide energy.  Look for ingredients like ground brown rice or oats in a dog food.   Soy, corn, corn gluten, wheat, wheat gluten and rice gluten are cheap sources of protein.  These grains are also prone to molds which can be toxic.

4. Look for the term “by products.”  If it says by products, don’t buy the products!   These are inferior protein sources and can be difficult for your dog to digest.  These can be all the parts of an animal unfit for human consumption such as hooves, feathers, intestines, etc.  By products contain ingredients you would never knowingly give to your dog. 

5. What are the sources of fat?  The fats in dog food should be animal based.  This is what your dog evolved to eat.  Your dog cannot be a vegetarian or vegan and maintain health.  Fats should also be identifiable such as “chicken fat” or “beef fat.”  If the ingredients state “animal fat,” it should not be fed.  It could (and probably does) contain road kill, spoiled grocery store meats, euthanized pets, or zoo animals.

6. Check for vitamins and minerals.  A list of added vitamins and minerals should be on the label, but avoid the ingredients menadione and sodium selenite.  These are cheap and non-bioavailable sources of vitamin K and selenium respectively. 

7. Your dog food should contain fruits and vegetables, but not as the primary source of nutrition.  The first ingredient should be meat and everything else should follow.
While this short article does not cover every single detail of purchasing pet food and reading labels, it provides the consumer with some guidelines for a happier and healthier dog.  Go beyond the fancy packages and read the ingredients.  Your dog deserves you and he certainly deserves a good diet. 
Just remember that what you find on a dog food packaging isn’t necessarily what you’ll find on the ingredient label.  Packaging is advertising and is meant to entire you into buying that particular product.  The packaging is irrelevant-read the ingredients.  You’ll soon find that even so called premium dog foods contain junk that you would never feed your dog.
Randy Walden
http://www.castlehillsoaps.com
Full reprint rights are given for this article as long as it is reprinted in its entirety.  Author credit must be given and the URL must remain on the article.  This article cannot be sold or altered without the author’s permission.  The author may be contacted via the URL at the end of this article. 

Randy Walden
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/reading-pet-food-labels-738493.html

"10 Simple D.I.Y Steps on Mcflurry Ice Cream Maker Recipes"

Since I’m a child i have been fond to Mac Donald’s Mcflurry. I have discovered my own 10 simple d.i.y steps on Mcflurry Ice Cream Maker Recipes.Now i present to you 10 simple d.i.y steps on Mcflurry ice cream maker recipes.

Ingredients for this simple recipes are 2 cups of vanilla ice cream and 1/4 cup of milk. Note that any brand of vanilla ice cream and milk will do.

The 1st steps on making Mcflurry ice cream are a bowl and 16 oz of glass are chilled in the freezer for 1 hours.

Then remove the bowl and 16 oz glass from the freezer.

Frozen crushed candy or other crushed crunchy ingredient must be added to the bowl 1st. These crush crunchy ingredient can be achieved by putting it into a bag or between a wax paper and roll it with rolling pin to get chunky shards. But do remember, don’t overdo it.

Now we add milk and the vanilla ice cream in the bowl and mix it in order to make our Mcflurry ice cream maker recipes.

After it’s mixed put the Mcflurry ice cream into the chilled glass and served it with a spoon.

Other serving suggestion for 10 simple d.i.y steps on Mcflurry ice cream maker recipes included:
1) 1 chilled and crushed Butterfingers bar.
2) M&Ms candy
3) Reese’s Pieces
4) Oreo or any types of cookies.

Other customization that can also be done on McFlurry ice cream maker recipes included adding  chunks of chocolate

fudge brownies and moss green M&Ms. The color of the M&Ms depends on you.

York peppermint patties and Polo Candy can also be use in these 10 simple d.i.y steps on Mcflurry Ice Cream Maker

Recipes.Mint extract can be added to the ice cream on 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon, a few drop of green food coloring and if possible add 2 crushed oreo cookies into the Mcflurry Ice Cream Recipes.

The ingredient in 10 simple d.i.y steps on Mcflurry Ice Cream Maker Recipes can also be changed from using vanilla flavored ice cream to other flavored ice cream and use light ice cream and skim milk as well

This article on10 Simple D.I.Y Steps on Mcflurry Ice Cream Maker Recipes is brought to you by www.icecreammakerrecipes.net

Tan Wei Loo
http://www.articlesbase.com/recipes-articles/10-simple-diy-steps-on-mcflurry-ice-cream-maker-recipes-703702.html

Making your own natural lip balm is easier than you might think. It’s also better for your budget than buying commercial products – and you get the benefit of knowing exactly what you’re putting on your mouth. Add the healing powers of aromatherapy essential oils and you have a winner!

Many commercial lip balms are made with petroleum derivatives. Petroleum products have been banned from cosmetic use in many countries because they contain impurities that can cause cancer and other health problems.

Additionally, commercial lip balms and lotions are often designed so that once the initial moisturizing effect has worn off, they actually dry out your skin (or lips) so you have to keep applying the product (which makes you buy more – good for sales.)

On the other hand, all-natural vegetable-based skin and lip products provide real, healthy hydration which won’t poison you or dry out your skin. You can use a variety of oils and butters to make your own lip balm, and you can even scent them with essential oils for a little extra pizzaz (not to mention strengthening their healing powers!)

Here’s a very basic three ingredient lip balm recipe to get you started.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon grated beeswax (you can use a pure beeswax candle for this)
• 1 Vitamin E capsule (400 IU)

Instructions:

1. Place the oil and wax in a heatproof cup (such as a heavy glass measuring cup.) Poke a hole in the Vitamin E capsule and squeeze its liquid into the oil and wax mixture.
2. Place the heatproof cup in a pot of water on the stove and heat on low just until the wax melts. Remove immediately from heat.
3. Pour the liquid into a small screw-cap jar or lip balm jar or tube. Allow to cool (it will solidify) before using.

Easy!

Next, try these variations to jazz it up a little…

Lip Balm Base:

• Substitute 1 tablespoon shea butter for 1 tablespoon of the beeswax.
• Use unrefined coconut oil instead of olive oil.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin for extra moisture.

Aromatherapy Essential Oils:

• Add 2 drops Lavender essential oil to soothe irritation.
• Try 2 drops Peppermint essential oil for a natural tingly freshness.
• Add 2 drops of Vanilla essential oil for a yummy, sweet scent.

A note about essential oils: Be careful which oils you use in lip balms and aromatherapy skincare products – some of them can irritate the skin (such as cinnamon and thyme.) Do your research before experimenting!

See how easy it is? With just a few ingredients and few minutes time, you can make your own fabulous natural lip balms. Make them as stocking stuffers or for loot bags at kids’ parties. Make them for your friends and family. Make them to sell… The possibilities are endless. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, prevent, diagnose, or cure any condition.

Kyley Zimmerman
http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/lip-balm-recipe-make-your-own-natural-lip-balm-using-three-simple-ingredients-709609.html

Most people are already aware of antioxidants and what they have to offer us, but if you are not, here is some important information you are going to want to be aware of. Whether it is an antioxidant supplement that you are taking or you are just eating regular food, there are certain foods in which there are high levels of antioxidants.

What are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are substances or nutrients that are found in certain foods, some more than others, and which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. When our body uses oxygen, there is a process that takes place, known as the oxidation process. This process, after a while, can end up doing damage to the body, but antioxidants help to slow this process off and make us healthier as a result.

Antioxidants work to kill off the free radicals and hence prevent and repair damage done by them. There are many different health conditions that antioxidants can help to prevent, including heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, cancer, and liver disease.

Antioxidant Levels in Food

If you really want to maximize your health and get yourself as healthy as possible, you are going to want to learn about antioxidant levels in foods and which foods contain the most antioxidants. Antioxidant levels in food are very important, as there are certain foods that are chalk full of these things.

Carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, cabbage, collards, spinach, apricots, and all bright colored fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants. Flax seed, oatmeal, barley, rye, grapefruit, watermelon, and tea are all high in antioxidants as well.

Of all the antioxidant levels in food, the highest are found in the cocoa bean. Antioxidant levels in food refer more to nothing more than chocolate, well dark chocolate. No other type of chocolate contains antioxidants as dark chocolate does. Until now it was thought that tea, in particular green tea, contained the most antioxidants, but now we know that it is dark chocolate.

Research also shows that the cocoa butter in the chocolate helps by coating the teeth and thereby helping to protect them by preventing plaque from forming. The sugar in the chocolate can contribute to cavities if you eat too much of course, and you can also gain weight if you do not eat dark chocolate in moderation. As long as you eat all of these foods in moderation and make sure that you include some from all the different food groups, you will be giving yourself the nutrition you need to strive.

You can talk to your doctor to get a more detailed list of the high antioxidant food that is included other than those discussed here. The most important thing is that you are getting interested in something that is going to be helping your health and making sure that you are in the most optimum condition.

Just make sure, as with the chocolate and fish, that any food you start incorporating in your diet you do with moderation. Just because a food may be a high antioxidant food, this doesn’t mean that you can’t overdo it, so introduce these foods gradually and make sure that you are only eating a serving size of each a day, or less, so that you do not end up doing yourself more harm than good.

Ann Nelson
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-importance-of-understanding-antioxidant-levels-in-food-544538.html

Soup is a comfort food that can be found all over the world. Soup can cheer you up when you’re feeling under the weather, or help you fight the chill on a brisk day. Soup helps us to keep from overeating, but we are careful not to take too much soup. Soups are an excellent way to use leftover grains and beans. Soup is deliciously simple to prepare, quite a cheap meal idea, very nutritious and easy to digest. Soup makes a wonderful meal, and once you make a pot or two, you’ll discover it isn’t really that hard to make. Soups can serve as a main dish when they are hearty and filled with meats and vegetables. Soup can be transferred to a large bowl and kept covered in cling wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for future use. Soup helps you include lots of vegetables in your family’s diet.

Soup recipes are always popular but they seem to become even more so when the weather starts to cool down. Soup recipes are versatile enough for any situation, on any day. Soup recipes are actually among the most forgiving of all when it comes to measurements, substitutions, etc. Soup recipes can be made for an appetizer, a lunch or dinner. Soup recipes are not necessarily used just for the winter time, or when you are sick. Soup recipes are warming, good for you and simple to make.

Soup recipes are usually stock or broth-based, like chicken noodle soup, or they can be creamy, like creamy mushroom soup. Chicken noodle soup is warming and pleasing and many of us have fond memories of the homemade chicken noodle soup we enjoyed as children.

Chicken soup can be enjoyed as an appetizer, as a meal in itself or as a comforting drink at any time of the day or night. Chicken soup comes in many varieties, including Asian, Mexican, Japanese, and Thai style soups and there are plenty of international stew recipes also. Chicken soup recipes are low in fat, even more so if you skim the fat from the top of the soup before serving. Chicken soup is cheap and easy to prepare, nutritious and easily digestible, making it a very good food for convalescing people. Chicken soup has been prescribed to cure colds, by draining nasal passages and through the blend of nutrients and vitamins that slow the growth of certain white cells. Cooking a bone in a chicken soup recipe can increase the amount of calcium in the soup recipe too.

Chicken Noodle Soup:

Ingredients:

2 cans chicken broth
2 cans water
1/4 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp. crushed dried thyme leaves
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 stalk celery, sliced 1/4 inch thick
3 cups cooked diced chicken
2 cups wide egg noodles
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
ground black pepper

Directions:

1. In a large stockpot combine the broth, water, poultry seasoning, thyme, celery, carrot, and onion.

2. Over medium heat, heat to boiling, stirring occasionally then reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked chicken.

3. Cover and cook 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the noodles, cook until just tender (about 5 minutes). Stir in the parsley and pepper to taste and serve.

Delmondo Sorell
http://www.articlesbase.com/soups-articles/soup-recipes-guide-750073.html

Building a truly successful online business is like baking the perfect chocolate cake,
making a fluffy soufflé or creating a fantastic five-course meal.  It requires the
exact combination of tools, timing and technique plus the knowledge that comes from
trial and error over years of experience.  To do all of this on one’s own seems an
insurmountable task but even the most novice web site owner need not be discouraged.
Renowned online copywriter Michel Fortin and his wife, Internet Guru Sylvie Fortin,
have done it all — big time — and have now brought their 10-plus years of experience
working together to Success Chef, a membership program of immense value which is
especially easy to follow.  For example, unlike some other programs, Success Chef is
designed to let you work at your own pace.
This extensive program begins with the basics, then moves on to tons of insider
secrets, winning short cuts and advanced strategies proven to help you build or grow
your Internet business.  The list of topics they cover is extraordinary, including
niche viability assessment, in-demand product development, winning website creation,
targeted traffic generation, improved response and conversion rates and marketing
(advertising and selling).
Successful outsourcing is also a key element to becoming a hugely successful Internet
marketer.  As the Fortins explain, the ability to outsource is critical for novice
e-marketers who, all too often, believe that they have to do everything themselves. 
The normal outcome of this trying to do it all on your own is delay or disaster.  The
Success Chef recipe box clearly outlines what tasks can be delegated and to whom. 
Plus, the program makes outsourcing especially easy to do.
For example, members of this remarkable program are entitled to a variety of services,
including a support team and the One-Click Outsource Option.  They also have access to
group coaching calls and mastermind sessions, some of which feature guest appearances
by other well-respected Internet marketing experts.  Further, the Success Chef website
has special tools to help members chart their progress and a full glossary of Internet
marketing terms.
Since Success Chef is designed to be a work in progress, the Fortins are continually
adding information, new techniques and pertinent case studies.  Given that Sylvie
Fortin is a vocal critic of membership programs that don’t really supply true value,
it’s no wonder that Success Chef is so all encompassing and content-rich.

John Cale
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-marketing-articles/perfecting-the-recipe-for-success-704006.html

Most people are already aware of antioxidants and what they have to offer us, but if you are not, here is some important information you are going to want to be aware of. Whether it is an antioxidant supplement that you are taking or you are just eating regular food, there are certain foods in which there are high levels of antioxidants.

What are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are substances or nutrients that are found in certain foods, some more than others, and which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. When our body uses oxygen, there is a process that takes place, known as the oxidation process. This process, after a while, can end up doing damage to the body, but antioxidants help to slow this process off and make us healthier as a result.

Antioxidants work to kill off the free radicals and hence prevent and repair damage done by them. There are many different health conditions that antioxidants can help to prevent, including heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, cancer, and liver disease.

Antioxidant Levels in Food

If you really want to maximize your health and get yourself as healthy as possible, you are going to want to learn about antioxidant levels in foods and which foods contain the most antioxidants. Antioxidant levels in food are very important, as there are certain foods that are chalk full of these things.

Carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, cabbage, collards, spinach, apricots, and all bright colored fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants. Flax seed, oatmeal, barley, rye, grapefruit, watermelon, and tea are all high in antioxidants as well.

Of all the antioxidant levels in food, the highest are found in the cocoa bean. Antioxidant levels in food refer more to nothing more than chocolate, well dark chocolate. No other type of chocolate contains antioxidants as dark chocolate does. Until now it was thought that tea, in particular green tea, contained the most antioxidants, but now we know that it is dark chocolate.

Research also shows that the cocoa butter in the chocolate helps by coating the teeth and thereby helping to protect them by preventing plaque from forming. The sugar in the chocolate can contribute to cavities if you eat too much of course, and you can also gain weight if you do not eat dark chocolate in moderation. As long as you eat all of these foods in moderation and make sure that you include some from all the different food groups, you will be giving yourself the nutrition you need to strive.

You can talk to your doctor to get a more detailed list of the high antioxidant food that is included other than those discussed here. The most important thing is that you are getting interested in something that is going to be helping your health and making sure that you are in the most optimum condition.

Just make sure, as with the chocolate and fish, that any food you start incorporating in your diet you do with moderation. Just because a food may be a high antioxidant food, this doesn’t mean that you can’t overdo it, so introduce these foods gradually and make sure that you are only eating a serving size of each a day, or less, so that you do not end up doing yourself more harm than good.

Ann Nelson
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-importance-of-understanding-antioxidant-levels-in-food-544538.html

Tuna Steak Recipes are often difficult to find on the internet. If you are interested in making delicious Tuna Steak, this article will help you find the best Tuna Steak Recipes available. Tuna Steak can be a great part of your diet and is perfect to make for company. Find the best Tuna Steak Recipes on the internet by reading this article.

Before I continue to discuss Tuna Steak Recipes – I’d like to thank you all for reading this article. Because the economy is so terrible right now, I’m offering all Americans reading this article a free $250 grocery card. Use this card to buy groceries for you and your family at almost any major grocery store in the country. Just click on the link below and enter your ZIP code to learn more about this limited time offer.

*** American Residents – Click Here & Enter Your ZIP Code to Get Your FREE $250 Grocery Gift Card ***

Tuna Steak can be a challenge to cook properly, but if you have the right recipe it can be a wonderful food which is perfect for any occasion. If you want to cook the perfect Tuna Steak, you need to find delicious Tuna Steak Recipes. Before you start any recipe for Tuna Steak, you should read it carefully and ensure you have all the ingredients it requires. Also, preheat the over, stove or grill if the recipe asks you to. Having the freshest ingredients will also help your Tuna Steak taste delicious. Don’t wait – get started on a delicious Tuna Steak Recipe now – click here to visit FoodNetwork.com – the best source of Tuna Steak Recipes on the internet!

Jim McEwan
http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/tuna-steak-recipes-find-tuna-steak-recipes-1126074.html

This recipe was passed on by my aunt. It is a colorful interesting and delicious with salad served in a self made vinaigrette. Always an excellent choice when entertaining for dinner party.

INGREDIENTS

40 cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup pitted and sliced green olives

1 (6 ounce) can black olives, drained and sliced

2 green onions, minced

3 ounces pine nuts

1/2 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon white sugar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. In a big bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, green olives, back olives, and spring onion.

2. In a dry skillet, toast pine nuts over medium heat until golden brown, turning frequently. Stir into tomato mixture.

3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, and oregano. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour over salad, and gently stir to coat. Chill approximate 1 hour. And already to served now.

Bas
http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/cherry-tomato-salad-recipe-92666.html