INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you're building a treehouse in your backyard, then you may only have so many trees to choose from. Once you have chosen a healthy tree, you can start thinking about the design of the house that can go on it; or you can take the opposite route and think of the design first, and then make sure that you have a fitting tree. Here are some things you keep in mind as you choose the tree for your treehouse: For a standard 8'x8' treehouse, choose a tree with a trunk at least 12" in diameter. To calculate your tree's diameter, measure its circumference by wrapping a string or measuring tape around the trunk at the point where you want the treehouse to sit. Divide that number by pi (3.14) to get the diameter. It's important to have a firm idea of the design of your dream treehouse before you hammer in the first nail. You can find treehouse designs online, or if you're knowledgeable about building, you can create your own. You need to make accurate measurements to ensure that your design works with the tree you've selected. You may find it helpful to make a small cardboard model of your tree and treehouse to identify any potential issue areas. In creating your design, don't forget to plan for tree growth. Allow ample space around the trunk of the tree for the tree to grow. It's worth doing some research on your specific tree species to determine its growth rate. There are several ways to support your treehouse. Whatever method you choose, it's important to remember that trees move with the wind. Sliding joists or brackets are essential to make sure your tree and treehouse are not damaged by winds. Here are the three main support methods for your tree: The post method. This method involves sinking support posts into the ground close to the tree, rather than attaching anything to the tree itself. It is the least damaging to the tree. The bolt method. Bolting the support beams or floor platform directly into the tree is the most traditional method of supporting a treehouse. However, this method is the most damaging to the tree. You can minimize the damage by using proper materials. The suspension method. In this method, you would suspend the treehouse from strong, high branches using cables, rope or chains. This method will not work for every design, and it is not ideal for treehouses that are meant to carry any significant weight. Before you build your treehouse, you'll need to decide on a method of access, such as a ladder, which easily allows a person to enter the treehouse. Your method should be safe and sturdy, so this rules out the traditional treehouse ladder, which is made up of boards nailed to a tree trunk. Here are some safer methods of access for a treehouse: The standard ladder. You can purchase or build an ordinary ladder for climbing into your treehouse. A ladder made for bunk or loft beds can work as well. The rope ladder. This is a ladder made of rope and short boards, which is hung from the treehouse platform. The staircase. A small staircase is the safest access method if it's compatible with your vision of a treehouse. If you choose this method, make sure to build a railing for safety. How will you build around pesky branches? Will you cut them off, or incorporate them into the plans of the treehouse? If you decide to incorporate branches into the treehouse, will you build around them or frame them in a window? Ask yourself these questions before you start building. That way, your treehouse will reflect the care and preparation of its builder when finished.

SUMMARY: Choose your tree. Choose your design. Decide on your support method. Decide on your access method. Figure out what you'll do with branches that interfere with your treehouse.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Pet food manufacturers are required to tell consumers the minimum amount of protein and fat in the pet food as well as the maximum amount of fiber and moisture. Look for this information near the ingredients list. It may also be called the proximate analysis. Manufacturers of cat food also have to list the maximum percentage of ash, taurine, and magnesium. Unfortunately, you can't make a direct comparison of the protein, fat, or fiber in wet food versus dry food. This is because the moisture will skew the percentages. To compare, convert the wet food percentage to its equivalent in dry food. For example, list the protein and moisture percentages for dry food. Then subtract the moisture percent from 100. Divide the protein by this result and multiply the answer by 100 to get the adjusted protein level. Ask the veterinarian to tell you how many calories (also called kilocalories) your pet should consume during the day. This will make it easier to determine if a pet food has the right amount of calories. Locate a calorie statement on the bag that says calorie content. Keep in mind that canned food will have fewer calories per kilogram than dry food because it's also higher in moisture. Your pet's age, weight, activity level, and health all determine how many calories it needs in a day. This is why it's important to talk to the vet about a personalized calorie recommendation. Once you've found the information about how much protein, fat, and fiber are in the food, you can select a pet food that's right for your pet. For example, if you're feeding an underweight dog, choose a pet food with more calories that's also higher in fat and carbohydrates. Talk with your veterinarian about what nutritional percentages to look for when choosing a pet food. For example, a healthy average dog might need 30 to 35% protein, 35 to 45% fat, and 10 to 15% carbohydrates.

SUMMARY:
Locate the guaranteed analysis. Compare the guaranteed analysis between wet and dry pet food. Determine how many calories are in the pet food. Consider your pet's nutritional needs.