If you are looking for ways to promote your website, than web directories should definitely be considered a big part of your promotional plan. Web directories provide web visitors with a one- stop destination on the web to find the information they are looking for. Further, in using web directories, you can increase the visibility of your website and derive myriad benefits offered by web directories.
One should also consider the value of links, as this can increase the likelihood obtaining a high google pagerank.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Dreamweaver Hyperlinks
Creating hyperlinks with Dreamweaver is a relatively simple task but there are a few options available to you that you might want to explore.
To create a hyperlink in Dreamweaver, you simply need to type the text that you want to use as a hyperlink, highlight it, and then click the hyperlink button on the toolbar.
When the screen pops up, you can choose how you want your hyperlink to act.
If you want the link to open in a new window choose the "_blank" option.
If you want it to open in the same window, leave the target frame blank.
Additionally, you can make the links open in an inline fram by typing in the name of the frame such as "frame1".
It should be noted: If you highlight text and click the hyperlink button and nothing happens, try choosing the split screen mode (where half of the Dreamweaver interface shows the HTML code) then highlight the text inside the HTML and click the hyperlink button.
Creating a bookmark is very similar to a hyperlink, except that instead of linking to a different web page or a different website, you are just linking to a different section of the same page.
To do this you must first create a 'Named Anchor'.
A named anchor can be created by simply clicking the anchor icon in Dreamweaver.
Then choosing a name for the the anchor and one is created wherever your cursor is.
Once you have created the anchor, you can highlight some text in a different part of the page, create a hyperlink out of it, using the anchor as the hyperlink reference.
Lastly, it should also definitely be noted that hyperlinks can be styled using CSS.
Using CSS, you can create hover effects and more for regular hyperlinks.
To create a hyperlink in Dreamweaver, you simply need to type the text that you want to use as a hyperlink, highlight it, and then click the hyperlink button on the toolbar.
When the screen pops up, you can choose how you want your hyperlink to act.
If you want the link to open in a new window choose the "_blank" option.
If you want it to open in the same window, leave the target frame blank.
Additionally, you can make the links open in an inline fram by typing in the name of the frame such as "frame1".
It should be noted: If you highlight text and click the hyperlink button and nothing happens, try choosing the split screen mode (where half of the Dreamweaver interface shows the HTML code) then highlight the text inside the HTML and click the hyperlink button.
Creating a bookmark is very similar to a hyperlink, except that instead of linking to a different web page or a different website, you are just linking to a different section of the same page.
To do this you must first create a 'Named Anchor'.
A named anchor can be created by simply clicking the anchor icon in Dreamweaver.
Then choosing a name for the the anchor and one is created wherever your cursor is.
Once you have created the anchor, you can highlight some text in a different part of the page, create a hyperlink out of it, using the anchor as the hyperlink reference.
Lastly, it should also definitely be noted that hyperlinks can be styled using CSS.
Using CSS, you can create hover effects and more for regular hyperlinks.
Hyperlink Values
Related article search provides an effective browsing tool for PubMed users, allowing them to navigate the document collection without explicitly issuing queries. Any given MEDLINE citation is connected to a number of related articles, which are in turn connected to even more related articles, and so on. Thus, any single citation represents a node in a vast related document network defined by content-similarity links. We explore the hypothesis that these networks can be exploited for document retrieval, in the same manner as hyperlink graphs in the Web environment.
The PubMed search engine provides the context for this work. Whenever the user examines an abstract in PubMed, the right panel of the browser is automatically populated with titles of articles that may also be of interest, as determined by a probabilistic content-similarity algorithm [3]; see Figure 1 for an example. In other words, each abstract view automatically triggers a related article search: the top five results are integrated into a "Related Articles" panel in the display. Note that although MEDLINE records contain only abstract text, it is not inaccurate to speak of searching for articles since PubMed provides access to the full text when available. We use "document" and "article" interchangeably in this article.
The PubMed search engine provides the context for this work. Whenever the user examines an abstract in PubMed, the right panel of the browser is automatically populated with titles of articles that may also be of interest, as determined by a probabilistic content-similarity algorithm [3]; see Figure 1 for an example. In other words, each abstract view automatically triggers a related article search: the top five results are integrated into a "Related Articles" panel in the display. Note that although MEDLINE records contain only abstract text, it is not inaccurate to speak of searching for articles since PubMed provides access to the full text when available. We use "document" and "article" interchangeably in this article.
Hyperlinks
Late last year, I urged OJR readers not to forget the value of hyperlinking, to look for opportunities to link their stories to supporting information elsewhere on the Web. Today, I'd like to continue with that topic and write a bit about the thought process behind link content, that is, the decision about which text within an article to links, and to where.
Let me start by writing that I am not going to address issues about the design of contextual hyperlinks -- issues such as whether to underline a link, what color to make it, etc. For those questions, I direct you to Jakob's Nielsen's outstanding Guidelines for Visualizing Links, which includes his usability guidelines for showing textual links.
Let me start by writing that I am not going to address issues about the design of contextual hyperlinks -- issues such as whether to underline a link, what color to make it, etc. For those questions, I direct you to Jakob's Nielsen's outstanding Guidelines for Visualizing Links, which includes his usability guidelines for showing textual links.
When to Link
Though I promised not to tread on Nielsen's turf, for clarity's sake, two or more links should not bump against one another, leading to readers to believe that they are seeing just one link. Nor should linked text make up more than a small fraction of the text on the page. For that reason, online writer do better to link a key word of clause within a sentence, and rarely an entire sentence, when inserting a link.
To conclude, here is my four-question test for online writers to keep in mind as they consider how, and where, to links within their stories:
1. Does the URL to which I am referring the reader reward him or her with additional content that a reader of this story likely did not know, or know how to get easily?
2. Does the text I am selecting to link this text give the reader an obvious clue as to what the hyperlinked page will contain?
3. Am I using the shortest possible amount of text to provide that clue?
4. Would the content of the linked text, or the context surrounding it, reasonably mislead the reader into believing that the linked page contains something other than what it does?
If the answers to these questions are yes, yes, yes and no, you're good to go with the link.
To conclude, here is my four-question test for online writers to keep in mind as they consider how, and where, to links within their stories:
1. Does the URL to which I am referring the reader reward him or her with additional content that a reader of this story likely did not know, or know how to get easily?
2. Does the text I am selecting to link this text give the reader an obvious clue as to what the hyperlinked page will contain?
3. Am I using the shortest possible amount of text to provide that clue?
4. Would the content of the linked text, or the context surrounding it, reasonably mislead the reader into believing that the linked page contains something other than what it does?
If the answers to these questions are yes, yes, yes and no, you're good to go with the link.
Link Context
Ideally, a news story will provide within its copy the context that a reader needs to understand the piece. But some stories are so complex that an author will not want to risk testing the patience of loyal readers by rehashing basic info they already know. In these cases, a link to background information can help bring new readers up to speed, while allowing more informed visitors to read ahead without distraction. (This is how Wikipedia's built a ton of inbound links over the years, and why news organizations ought to consider more frequent use of standing reference articles on their websites.)
Contextual hyperlinks can links to the definition of an unfamiliar term (see, for some readers, the "easter egg" link above). They also can help explain gags that the author attempted but that some readers might not immediately get (see, for many *more* readers, the "set it and forget it" joke above).
Contextual hyperlinks can links to the definition of an unfamiliar term (see, for some readers, the "easter egg" link above). They also can help explain gags that the author attempted but that some readers might not immediately get (see, for many *more* readers, the "set it and forget it" joke above).
Importance of Links
Often simple things really matter. And the use of keywords in linking text is one of those simple things that turn out to be hugely important. Linking text, sometimes called anchor text, is the clickable text that takes people to another page or resource. You need to choose that text carefully.
If I was refer people to this article I could use the links text, ‘Latest article’: the text is meaningful, clear and wouldn't need to change every time I published a new article. However, I'd be missing out on some important opportunities. Using the actual title of the article, ‘Keyword phrases in linking text’, is a much better option.
If I was refer people to this article I could use the links text, ‘Latest article’: the text is meaningful, clear and wouldn't need to change every time I published a new article. However, I'd be missing out on some important opportunities. Using the actual title of the article, ‘Keyword phrases in linking text’, is a much better option.
Rich Keywords
It's important to place keyword phrases into linking text for two reasons:
* Keyword rich text is more attractive to humans. A casual reader may see ‘Latest article’ and say so what? By using the title ‘Keyword phrases in linking text’ I've told the visitor what the article is about and offered two hooks that they might be interested in - ‘keyword phrases’ and ‘linking text’. As a result the click through rate will be higher.
* The text that links to a particular page gives Google and other search engines clues as to what the page is about. ‘Latest article’ provides little information while the actual title of the newsletter contains at least two important keyword phrases.
In highly competitive situations the extra ‘points’ that Google gives can mean the difference from appearing on the first page of results and appearing nowhere.
To embark on an effective link building campaign you must be aware of your important keyword phrases and incorporate them into your titles and linking text. You also need to influence the words external webmasters use to link to you.
* Keyword rich text is more attractive to humans. A casual reader may see ‘Latest article’ and say so what? By using the title ‘Keyword phrases in linking text’ I've told the visitor what the article is about and offered two hooks that they might be interested in - ‘keyword phrases’ and ‘linking text’. As a result the click through rate will be higher.
* The text that links to a particular page gives Google and other search engines clues as to what the page is about. ‘Latest article’ provides little information while the actual title of the newsletter contains at least two important keyword phrases.
In highly competitive situations the extra ‘points’ that Google gives can mean the difference from appearing on the first page of results and appearing nowhere.
To embark on an effective link building campaign you must be aware of your important keyword phrases and incorporate them into your titles and linking text. You also need to influence the words external webmasters use to link to you.
Title Text
Including keywords in title text is attractive to human visitors as well as being a fundamental search engine marketing tactic. Your title also has the opportunity to influence the words that an external webmaster may use when linking to your site. Title text is the tooltip that appears when you mouse over a link - try it with this example: links.
If your title is meaningful and useful, another webmaster is likely copy it, or at least edit it rather than go to the trouble of creating their own linking text.
If your title is meaningful and useful, another webmaster is likely copy it, or at least edit it rather than go to the trouble of creating their own linking text.
Finding Keyword Phrases
To help determine your most effective keyword phrases, you can use the excellent Wordtracker service. Initially, this may seem like a lot of work but the benefits can be tremendous. If you plan methodically and practice, using keyword phrases in your linking text will become second nature - and a highly effective way of engaging your website visitors and boosting your search engine results.
It will also help improve your links capabitlity, and after all, this affects Google Pagerank significantly.
It will also help improve your links capabitlity, and after all, this affects Google Pagerank significantly.
Linking Text
External linking text
This is the linking text that sits on external sites and links to your website. You may think that you're at the mercy of other webmasters in how they link to your site, but there are many situations where you can control the external text that links to you:
* Reciprocal links where you can ask for specific linking text to be used
* Directory listings where you have editorial control and can specify the exact linking text that points to your site
* Listing on subsidiary and partner sites
* In bylines to articles that you publish where you may be allowed to specify not only the linking text but the text that surrounds the link
* Links that you buy will always allow you to specify linking text and will nearly always allow you extra descriptive text
After that you do depend on how individual webmasters decide to link to your site. The best way to influence this is to write good titles and linking text in the first place. Then all the webmaster has to do is to cut and paste.
Even if the webmaster decides to write his own text, what you have written will influence how he does that and at least some of your keyword phrases are likely to be included.
This is the linking text that sits on external sites and links to your website. You may think that you're at the mercy of other webmasters in how they link to your site, but there are many situations where you can control the external text that links to you:
* Reciprocal links where you can ask for specific linking text to be used
* Directory listings where you have editorial control and can specify the exact linking text that points to your site
* Listing on subsidiary and partner sites
* In bylines to articles that you publish where you may be allowed to specify not only the linking text but the text that surrounds the link
* Links that you buy will always allow you to specify linking text and will nearly always allow you extra descriptive text
After that you do depend on how individual webmasters decide to link to your site. The best way to influence this is to write good titles and linking text in the first place. Then all the webmaster has to do is to cut and paste.
Even if the webmaster decides to write his own text, what you have written will influence how he does that and at least some of your keyword phrases are likely to be included.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Bully Sticks - All Natural Dog Treats - Bully Sticks and More
Bully Sticks - All Natural Dog Treats - Bully Sticks and More: "All Natural Dog Treats including Bully Sticks, Cow Ears, Lamb Ears, Beef Trachea, Pig Ears, and other chewable treats"
Monday, June 16, 2008
Your Commitment To A Dog: Is A Dog Right For Me?
Deciding to bring home a dog or a puppy is a big step in most individual’s lives, and is not one that should be made on the spur of the moment. A dog is a living animal, that has both physical and emotional needs, just the same as any other type of pet. Dogs, through selective breeding, have become excellent companions, ideal for families, individuals and even for homes with small children. Understanding the complete commitment to having a dog as a pet will help you in deciding exactly what type of dog you will need, or even if a dog is the best type of pet for you and your family.
There are four main areas to consider when deciding if you are prepared to make the necessary commitment to owning a dog. These areas include the emotional commitment you must make, the environmental space and areas you must provide, the training and socialization activities necessary to own a well behaved and well adjusted dog, as well as the dog experience you may or may not have. In order to understand the various aspects of these commitments, it is important to consider them one at a time.
Emotional Commitment
When choosing a dog as a pet, it is absolutely important to honestly consider how much time you will have to spend with the dog. Many breeds, including small, medium, large and even giant sized dogs all require different amounts of affection and attention to be content and happy. It is essential to consider the amount of time that you will spend with the dog both as a puppy and as a mature dog, in order to make an appropriate decision as to what breed will work best with your lifestyle and routine. All breeds of dogs have various needs for attention, but there is not one breed that does well with less attention. In other words, the more attention the dog will get throughout its life, the better socialized and adjusted the dog will be.
This emotional commitment to the puppy or the dog continues throughout the life of the animal. Puppies do not need more attention that mature dogs, although they may need more training. The emotional connection that a dog has with its family is often referred to as a bond. There are many different breeds that bond very strongly with their owners. These breeds are very difficult to re-home, as they simply don’t adjust well to new people in their lives. When you are bringing home a dog or a puppy, consider this - and remember that the dog will bond most closely to the first owner, and some breeds will only ever bond to one or two people in their lives.
Environmental
The type of dog that you decide on will also be based on a commitment to their special needs and environmental needs. For example, a large, active breed of dog will typically need a lot of space to run, which may include a large fenced yard or an owner that is prepared to take one or more long and fairly intensive walks or jogs per day. A toy or small dog will typically need less space, but may need to be kept indoors - especially in areas where there is a lot of snow, or the temperature is very hot or cold. In addition, in hot climates breeds such as Pugs and other short muzzled dogs will need to be carefully monitored, as will heavy coated long haired dogs. Short haired breeds in cold climates will typically need to be kept in heated kennels, or in the house.
In addition to just monitoring the climate, it is also important to allow enough space for exercise, and commit to ensuring that the dog does get proper exercise on a daily basis. Even dogs that have a large yard will enjoy a daily walk, and this will also help with socialization. Dogs require their own space in the house or apartment, as well. They can have their own crate, bed or blanket to sleep on or in, plus they will need toys, food, treats (such as healthy organic dog treats or chews), water dishes as well as a lead or leash and collar. Brushes, grooming supplies and first aid supplies are also a necessity.
There are four main areas to consider when deciding if you are prepared to make the necessary commitment to owning a dog. These areas include the emotional commitment you must make, the environmental space and areas you must provide, the training and socialization activities necessary to own a well behaved and well adjusted dog, as well as the dog experience you may or may not have. In order to understand the various aspects of these commitments, it is important to consider them one at a time.
Emotional Commitment
When choosing a dog as a pet, it is absolutely important to honestly consider how much time you will have to spend with the dog. Many breeds, including small, medium, large and even giant sized dogs all require different amounts of affection and attention to be content and happy. It is essential to consider the amount of time that you will spend with the dog both as a puppy and as a mature dog, in order to make an appropriate decision as to what breed will work best with your lifestyle and routine. All breeds of dogs have various needs for attention, but there is not one breed that does well with less attention. In other words, the more attention the dog will get throughout its life, the better socialized and adjusted the dog will be.
This emotional commitment to the puppy or the dog continues throughout the life of the animal. Puppies do not need more attention that mature dogs, although they may need more training. The emotional connection that a dog has with its family is often referred to as a bond. There are many different breeds that bond very strongly with their owners. These breeds are very difficult to re-home, as they simply don’t adjust well to new people in their lives. When you are bringing home a dog or a puppy, consider this - and remember that the dog will bond most closely to the first owner, and some breeds will only ever bond to one or two people in their lives.
Environmental
The type of dog that you decide on will also be based on a commitment to their special needs and environmental needs. For example, a large, active breed of dog will typically need a lot of space to run, which may include a large fenced yard or an owner that is prepared to take one or more long and fairly intensive walks or jogs per day. A toy or small dog will typically need less space, but may need to be kept indoors - especially in areas where there is a lot of snow, or the temperature is very hot or cold. In addition, in hot climates breeds such as Pugs and other short muzzled dogs will need to be carefully monitored, as will heavy coated long haired dogs. Short haired breeds in cold climates will typically need to be kept in heated kennels, or in the house.
In addition to just monitoring the climate, it is also important to allow enough space for exercise, and commit to ensuring that the dog does get proper exercise on a daily basis. Even dogs that have a large yard will enjoy a daily walk, and this will also help with socialization. Dogs require their own space in the house or apartment, as well. They can have their own crate, bed or blanket to sleep on or in, plus they will need toys, food, treats (such as healthy organic dog treats or chews), water dishes as well as a lead or leash and collar. Brushes, grooming supplies and first aid supplies are also a necessity.
Friday, May 16, 2008
British Greyhound Breeder Sells “Slow” Dogs for Research
By Joy in Crimes Against Dogs and Cats, Dog News, Dogs and Medicine, Dogs and Science
Well, doesn’t this just blow the top off that old lie from greyhound racers that they care about their dogs!
So let’s talk about greyhound racing. Isn’t it time civilized countries (like Britain and the US) get over it? Yes, greyhounds are gorgeous when they run but as any greyhound rescuer can tell you, the dogs have much more fun racing off track in weekend events where the track is a field and no money rides on their backs.
What’s the difference between puppy mills and these greyhound breeders that sell their dogs for any purpose whatsoever? Nothing?
Notice that this race miller used to be a pig breeder? With his level of concern for dogs I wouldn’t be surprized if he sold dogs for food to Asian countries that still allow that horrendous culinary practice.
Scott Gibson is the owner of Gibdog Pet Supplies, who sells bully sticks, cow ears, pig ears, and other dog treats.
Well, doesn’t this just blow the top off that old lie from greyhound racers that they care about their dogs!
So let’s talk about greyhound racing. Isn’t it time civilized countries (like Britain and the US) get over it? Yes, greyhounds are gorgeous when they run but as any greyhound rescuer can tell you, the dogs have much more fun racing off track in weekend events where the track is a field and no money rides on their backs.
What’s the difference between puppy mills and these greyhound breeders that sell their dogs for any purpose whatsoever? Nothing?
Notice that this race miller used to be a pig breeder? With his level of concern for dogs I wouldn’t be surprized if he sold dogs for food to Asian countries that still allow that horrendous culinary practice.
Scott Gibson is the owner of Gibdog Pet Supplies, who sells bully sticks, cow ears, pig ears, and other dog treats.
Identifying Better Products
Identifying better products - Dog Food or Treats
The process is not always simple and often you will have to make up your mind whether something is still acceptable for you or not. If your dog doesn't show sensitivities to things like for example wheat, corn, beef, or brewer's yeast and they are of good quality (e.g. USDA inspected or antibiotic and steroid free etc.), they are not "bad" and you have absolutely no reason to feel guilty if a food contains them! I could go on with countless examples for ingredients that have been vilified due to people's half-knowledge that finds the internet as a prolific breeding environment.
It is my goal to provide you with all the tools that you need in order to make an informed decision whether a particular food is acceptable for you or not.
The recommendations below are based on the official AAFCO definitions of food ingredients, my independent research of those ingredients and also advice from other sources. Except for very few more widely available brands I have not taken special needs formulations for allergies or other health concerns into consideration, since they are formulated under completely different aspects.
Step One - Determine the main ingredients of the food
Contrary to popular belief, it's not always the "first five" or "first seven" ingredients listed that make up the major portion of a product. The number of main ingredients actually depends on the specific formulation of a food and the degree of variety included, so one brand may have only three or four main ingredients, while another could have eight or ten.
What you need to look for is the first source of fat or oil that appears in the ingredient list. This can either be from an animal or vegetable source, there are good and bad ones of both, but more details on that later. Anything listed before that first source of fat, and including it, are the main ingredients of the food. Any other items are present in much smaller amounts to add flavor, function as preservatives, help with the manufacturing process or provide dietary benefits (e.g. probiotics, vitamins and minerals).
Step Two - Evaluate the quality of the ingredients and the amounts used
Sadly, this is easier said than done, due to the ambiguous names of many ingredients. As a consumer you have no way of knowing how much of an ingredient is really in a food, or whether a manufacturer uses a good or poor quality ingredient that is available in different grades - AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials - the regularing body for the feed industry) does not permit statements in regards to quality on ingredient labels. You will have to do your homework and determine which manufacturers you trust. We will take a look at the different ingredient groups in chapter 2.
Step Three - Required reading
Manufacturer's websites, brochures, pamphlets - read it all and if you have questions, don't be afraid to contact them and ask. Does the provided information include facts you can verify by consulting independent sources?
Talk to company representatives at dog shows or other venues. How well prepared and how willing are they to answer specific questions?
Does the company make outrageous claims without backing them up? Compare how the quality of the ingredients used in their products matches up with any statement they make about proper nutrition.
If a manufacturer boasts about "awards" and "winning taste test results", do they reference the exact criteria products had to meet and who conducted the evaluations?
If a manufacturer compares a product to those of competitors, are the comparisons truthful or is the main tactic making the competitor look bad without explaining why their own product is of superior quality? Of course everyone is trying to present their own food in the best light, but if pointing out weaknesses in other products or employing scare tactics is all they can do, their own can't be that much better. Make the effort to examine all products in a comparison table provided by a given manufacturer, often they do not represent competitor products truthfully. Consider the use of catchphrases and marketing gimmicks in TV commercials and advertising campaigns.
How difficult is it to locate relevant product information like ingredients, guaranteed analysis, caloric content etc. (on the manufacturer's website or otherwise)? Is it readily available or buried in various articles that do not directly relate to the product(s)?
Step Four - Do your own feeding trial
The "best" food will not do if your dog either can't tolerate it or won't eat it. Don't be afraid to select more than one brand and see how they work out for your dog. Give it enough time though, it takes 4-6 weeks at the very least to see results. Unless symptoms of intolerance surface, 3-4 months are a more reasonable time frame.
The manufacturers of most high quality foods and treats will be happy to send you free samples of their products so you can find out if your dog even likes the taste of a particular food before you buy.
The process is not always simple and often you will have to make up your mind whether something is still acceptable for you or not. If your dog doesn't show sensitivities to things like for example wheat, corn, beef, or brewer's yeast and they are of good quality (e.g. USDA inspected or antibiotic and steroid free etc.), they are not "bad" and you have absolutely no reason to feel guilty if a food contains them! I could go on with countless examples for ingredients that have been vilified due to people's half-knowledge that finds the internet as a prolific breeding environment.
It is my goal to provide you with all the tools that you need in order to make an informed decision whether a particular food is acceptable for you or not.
The recommendations below are based on the official AAFCO definitions of food ingredients, my independent research of those ingredients and also advice from other sources. Except for very few more widely available brands I have not taken special needs formulations for allergies or other health concerns into consideration, since they are formulated under completely different aspects.
Step One - Determine the main ingredients of the food
Contrary to popular belief, it's not always the "first five" or "first seven" ingredients listed that make up the major portion of a product. The number of main ingredients actually depends on the specific formulation of a food and the degree of variety included, so one brand may have only three or four main ingredients, while another could have eight or ten.
What you need to look for is the first source of fat or oil that appears in the ingredient list. This can either be from an animal or vegetable source, there are good and bad ones of both, but more details on that later. Anything listed before that first source of fat, and including it, are the main ingredients of the food. Any other items are present in much smaller amounts to add flavor, function as preservatives, help with the manufacturing process or provide dietary benefits (e.g. probiotics, vitamins and minerals).
Step Two - Evaluate the quality of the ingredients and the amounts used
Sadly, this is easier said than done, due to the ambiguous names of many ingredients. As a consumer you have no way of knowing how much of an ingredient is really in a food, or whether a manufacturer uses a good or poor quality ingredient that is available in different grades - AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials - the regularing body for the feed industry) does not permit statements in regards to quality on ingredient labels. You will have to do your homework and determine which manufacturers you trust. We will take a look at the different ingredient groups in chapter 2.
Step Three - Required reading
Manufacturer's websites, brochures, pamphlets - read it all and if you have questions, don't be afraid to contact them and ask. Does the provided information include facts you can verify by consulting independent sources?
Talk to company representatives at dog shows or other venues. How well prepared and how willing are they to answer specific questions?
Does the company make outrageous claims without backing them up? Compare how the quality of the ingredients used in their products matches up with any statement they make about proper nutrition.
If a manufacturer boasts about "awards" and "winning taste test results", do they reference the exact criteria products had to meet and who conducted the evaluations?
If a manufacturer compares a product to those of competitors, are the comparisons truthful or is the main tactic making the competitor look bad without explaining why their own product is of superior quality? Of course everyone is trying to present their own food in the best light, but if pointing out weaknesses in other products or employing scare tactics is all they can do, their own can't be that much better. Make the effort to examine all products in a comparison table provided by a given manufacturer, often they do not represent competitor products truthfully. Consider the use of catchphrases and marketing gimmicks in TV commercials and advertising campaigns.
How difficult is it to locate relevant product information like ingredients, guaranteed analysis, caloric content etc. (on the manufacturer's website or otherwise)? Is it readily available or buried in various articles that do not directly relate to the product(s)?
Step Four - Do your own feeding trial
The "best" food will not do if your dog either can't tolerate it or won't eat it. Don't be afraid to select more than one brand and see how they work out for your dog. Give it enough time though, it takes 4-6 weeks at the very least to see results. Unless symptoms of intolerance surface, 3-4 months are a more reasonable time frame.
The manufacturers of most high quality foods and treats will be happy to send you free samples of their products so you can find out if your dog even likes the taste of a particular food before you buy.
Bully Sticks - The New Age Dog Treat
Bully Sticks - The New Age Dog Treat
Benefit of Bully Sticks For Dogs
This article will highlight just a few benefits of the Bully Stick an ever popular, all-natural dog treat. Unlike most dog treats, Bully Sticks are 100% all natural. And since they contain no chemicals or preservatives, your dog is assured of receiving a "clean" and healthy pet treat. Besides being totally safe for your dog, they are also fully digestible and a great source of protein.The Bully Stick itself is a bull's penis, which is usually either dried or smoked. The most efficient way to prepare the Bully Stick is to hang it vertically, which allows all of the fluids contained in the penis to fully drain. Without these fluids, the finished Bully Stick remains odorless. Not all manufacturers prepare their Bully Stick in this fashion, but they certainly should - the less odor the better for you and your home!Compared to traditional pet treats, Bully Sticks, last an unusually long time. Of course it depends entirely on the size of your dog, but it usually takes my Whippet an entire week to get through one Bully Stick. For larger breeds, a Bully Stick could last anywhere between a few hours and a few days. Many dog trainers also use Bully Stick as positive reinforcement treats during training sessions and to hold the dog's attention over a long period of time.In my vast experience with pet treats, I have never seen a dog that did not enjoy a Bully Stick!
Benefit of Bully Sticks For Dogs
This article will highlight just a few benefits of the Bully Stick an ever popular, all-natural dog treat. Unlike most dog treats, Bully Sticks are 100% all natural. And since they contain no chemicals or preservatives, your dog is assured of receiving a "clean" and healthy pet treat. Besides being totally safe for your dog, they are also fully digestible and a great source of protein.The Bully Stick itself is a bull's penis, which is usually either dried or smoked. The most efficient way to prepare the Bully Stick is to hang it vertically, which allows all of the fluids contained in the penis to fully drain. Without these fluids, the finished Bully Stick remains odorless. Not all manufacturers prepare their Bully Stick in this fashion, but they certainly should - the less odor the better for you and your home!Compared to traditional pet treats, Bully Sticks, last an unusually long time. Of course it depends entirely on the size of your dog, but it usually takes my Whippet an entire week to get through one Bully Stick. For larger breeds, a Bully Stick could last anywhere between a few hours and a few days. Many dog trainers also use Bully Stick as positive reinforcement treats during training sessions and to hold the dog's attention over a long period of time.In my vast experience with pet treats, I have never seen a dog that did not enjoy a Bully Stick!
How does your Dog Food Brand compare?
Are you concerned about the dry food your dog is eating? Looking for detailed information about certain food ingredients? Confused about inconsistent information about dogfood from pet food manufacturers? Need help comparing dog food brands or dog treats and finding a better one?
Then you are exactly where I was when I first heard about the disgusting materials some pet food manufacturers put into their products. I picked up a bag of Science Diet and consciously looked at the ingredient list for the first time. Even without any previous knowledge I could see that it did not include any real meat and was preserved with the same chemicals I avoid in human food products. I never bought another bag of Science Diet and started researching and comparing products. One of the things I learned was that any commercial sources are best avoided if you want hard facts, not biased "infomercial" style sales pitches trying to sell you one product or another. Hopefully you will find this site helpful, make up your own mind about different food brands and their quality, choose a better dog food and dog treats, and who knows - maybe even save some money.
Then you are exactly where I was when I first heard about the disgusting materials some pet food manufacturers put into their products. I picked up a bag of Science Diet and consciously looked at the ingredient list for the first time. Even without any previous knowledge I could see that it did not include any real meat and was preserved with the same chemicals I avoid in human food products. I never bought another bag of Science Diet and started researching and comparing products. One of the things I learned was that any commercial sources are best avoided if you want hard facts, not biased "infomercial" style sales pitches trying to sell you one product or another. Hopefully you will find this site helpful, make up your own mind about different food brands and their quality, choose a better dog food and dog treats, and who knows - maybe even save some money.
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