If you own a Dog then the chances are that since the first day you have fed him a staple diet of factory produced dog foods. The marketplace for these foods is huge and every pet owner has been advised that the best way to provide a healthy and well balanced diet for their dog is through one recommended commercial product or another. The bad news is that there are many products on the shelves that contain harmful chemicals such as BHA and BHT that are used as preservatives within the food. Perhaps the most common is Ethoxyquin which is used to preserve fats and has been linked to liver damage in dogs.

This information is not designed to alarm you. If you are feeding your pet these processed pet foods then they are not going to die anytime soon. The concern is more long term and that this prolonged exposure to chemicals within the food will lead to major problems for your dog later in life.

With this in mind, many dog lovers are switching from the traditional high street pet food and are instead feeding their pets an alternative chemical free diet. The only way to be sure that this is the case is to cook for your dog. The diet does not have to be too demanding but try to include a well balanced mixture of nutrients and vitamins and then you can be certain that as well as feeding the dog you are also not harming them.

Many pet owners have reported that once they have switched from using commercial dog foods they have noticed a huge difference in their dog's behavior and well-being.

After a period of time many dogs will display less aggressive behavior and will become more responsive. This links to some reports that suggest commercial dog foods use excessive protein that can increase aggression levels and has even been linked to some cancers.

If you feed your dog with home cooking then you can also expect the dog to lose or maintain its weight. Many commercial dog foods will include excessive levels of fat that understandably will have a negative affect on your dog's overall health. By feeding your dog the correct foods that are natural and free from excessive levels of fat you can be sure that your dog will stay trim and ultimately be a happier dog with more energy.

By encouraging a natural diet the dog will also be less likely to develop diseases that are associated with a poor diet. Much of this is common sense, but perhaps many dog owners are not aware of the chemicals and fats that are in the food. Just as is the case with humans, if your dog continues to eat unhealthily then you can expect them to develop heart and liver problems. Needless to say, by encouraging a natural diet your dog will live longer and you will be less likely to have to pay for expensive veterinary bills.

Finally a natural diet will help to improve your dog's coat and skin. Many dogs suffer from allergies and fleas. The introduction of a balanced diet will help to promote skin regeneration and the coat will look better and softer once the chemicals from commercial dog foods have been removed from the body.