There are a few ingredients to a dog's life which will help him live his healthiest and happiest - and that will mean you get to enjoy him that much more.

Dogs need a high quality diet. They also need to play, be socialized with other dogs and people, get adequate rest and exercise, be well trained, and have something to do. Proper diet supports all the other ingredients.

The components of a dog's diet should all be human grade. You can find several excellent brands of kibble and wet food, and you can also make your dog's food yourself. Behavioral problems often begin with diet problems, so it pays to learn what your dog needs. Some breeds have particular needs which are very real - they were bred to do a certain job in a certain climate, and their bodies cannot be healthy without the diet that goes with those specifications.

Unfortunately, commercial dog foods are usually made with low-quality meats and "meat by-products." Yuck. Government standards allow such atrocities as diseased animals, ligaments and cartilage, and beaks and hooves. To name a few. They are supposed to be processed into sterility so they are free of bacteria. In this process the nutrients are also destroyed. They also contain moldy and rancid grains, phosphoric acid to stop meat from rotting, and a ridiculously long list of chemical preservatives which are linked to cancer. Dogs who chow down on these nasty commercial products are probably eating them because they are heavily salted.

Home made dog food can be made in many ways, using brown rice, turkey, chicken, lamb or beef, vegetables, and vitamin and enzyme supplements. If you use grains, overcook them a little so they are more digestible. It is highly recommended to include some raw vegetables every day. These can be added to the prepared stew. Many dogs thrive on a little bit of raw fruit as well. Dogs do well with a bit of yogurt, cottage cheese, or goat's milk added to their food. If your dog is ill, cottage cheese is a good option. If you are just starting a home-cooked diet, introduce it slowly and phase out the less desirable food. Don't just jump in with a whole new menu, or your dog may respond with gas and diarrhea. No fun for anyone.

If you can prepare your dog's food, you've done the very best possible. For many this is just not feasible, so look for canned dog food which is made with organic or high-grade vegetables and meats.