As many of you know who have followed Dakota’s blog for some time now, I consider myself to be a “dog hobbyist or a pet parent.” Dakota is the first dog that I have had the pleasure of sharing my home and life with as an adult, and the only other dog that I shared my life with was a Boxer named Brandy when I was a toddler. As a “dog hobbyist or a pet parent” there are red-flag topics that I felt that I wouldn’t broach on his blog, and were better left to those in the dog blogging world that I consider to be “Dog Experts, (either by virtue of their “pedigree” or their life experience).” What topics are those?
Health and Nutrition
I have always felt if I were going to attempt to discuss my red flag topics it would boil down to regurgitating information from the internet, but much of that information is difficult to understand, and taking the time to peruse it? Much worse! For those of you who are like me, “dog hobbyists or pet parents” and need and would like information and guidance from those that ARE “in-the-know”, our prayers have been answered! Enter the book Health and Nutrition for DOGS and CATS: A Guide for Pet Parents by David G. Wellock, which I am delighted to say was sent to me by the author, to share with all of YOU!
Click on the book cover to visit the publisher Rowman.com
FROM THE PUBLISHER: Health and Nutrition for DOGS and CATS: A Guide for Pet Parents by David G. Wellock is timely, informative, and delivers sensible information on topics of importance to all pet owners. From reading pet food labels to storing food, from understanding appropriate calorie intake to food allergies, David Wellock helps readers better understand the dietary needs of their dogs and cats.
David G. Wellock is a “seasoned expert in the care and feeding of dogs and cats. He provides fact-filled, no nonsense, understandable information on the topics pet parents need to know in order to purchase and prepare food and develop an appropriate diet for their furry charges.”
For me, this is not a book that I would sit and read the way I would a novel, rather, it is an invaluable resource that I will refer to again and again. Take a look at a few of the chapter topics and you will see why:
- The Rise of Pet Foods
- Shopping for your Pet’s Food
- How to Read a Pet Food Package
- Nutrition and Osteoarthritis
- Dental Details
- Urinary Disorders
- The Scoop on Poop
Want to know?
- About grain-free diets?
- Red-flag ingredients that should NEVER be in the food that you purchase
One of my personal favorites from this book is a list of:
Dave’s Table Scrap Rules:
- Leftovers designated for your pets should consist of lean meats and veggies
- All things in moderation
- Portion control
Just to name a few!
What I love about Dave, (yes, “Dave!” is that his writing style isn’t lecturing, condescending or “preachy”, his style is such that you feel as if you can have a conversation with him without feeling intimidated!) also, that after fourteen years in the pet food business (he had opened his own store!), he is “still learning about cats and dogs and their nutrition and health issues.” Dave says: ” Much of the knowledge I have acquired over these years has come to me as a result of interaction with customers and their pets. My store became my school, and my customers and their pets my teachers. My opinions are anecdotal rather than scientific, based on my experiences in dealing with thousands of customers and their pets. Hopefully whatever passes for wisdom and insight on the pages of this book will benefit you, my fellow two-footers, in your dealings with those furry family members sharing your life.”
There you have it, a book written for the “dog hobbyist” (as I like to refer to myself) or as Dave lovingly says “parent of a pet” or “paropet.” A book written in language that even I can make sense of, I am certain that you will be able to as well!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David G. Wellock is the owner/operator of a franchised Global Pet Foods store in St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada, where he currently resides.
ONE LUCKY PERSON WHO RESIDES IN THE USA WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER TO WIN A SIGNED COPY (A $36 value!)!
HOW TO ENTER: just leave a comment telling me what your dog’s (or cat’s or pig’s or whatever!) favorite food is (the “favorite food” can be “people food” or commercial!) The give-away is open NOW and will end MONDAY JUNE 17TH AT 5PM. Comments that do NOT follow the requirement will be disqualified. WINNER will be chosen by random.org and will be announced WEDNESDAY JUNE 19th.
Good luck!
If you can’t wait to see who wins the contest, you can purchase Health and Nutrition for DOGS and CATS: A Guide for Pet Parents, in either hardcover form or as an ebook by visiting the publisher by clicking here, or visiting Amazon by clicking here, or visiting Barnes & Noble by clicking here.
Dakota's Den 