Dog Health and Dog Nutrition

Dog health and dog nutrition go hand in hand. Choosing the right diet for your pet is very important; use homemade dog treat recipes and make your own dog food. Just because something is packaged nicely or tastes good does not necessarily mean that it is good for your pet.

The nutrition your pooch gets determines the state of his or her health and well-being. An optimal diet can mean the difference between barely surviving and thriving.

Every canine is different. Dogs from different breeds may require different diets. Even animals from the same litter or same breed may require a varied diet.

We have two different breeds of dog in our home, and they both definitely have different nutritional needs (in part because of the difference in age and exercise that each one gets).

Dogs don't come with instructions and directions on how to feed them.

Learning the best foods, the best nutrients, and the best supplements for your pet's health is something that you will have to determine through both trial and error and education in finding out the best choices - and by talking to your veterinarian.

Dog Health and the Role Your Vet Plays

The best place to start in determining your dog's diet plan is to talk with your veterinarian. Your Vet has your pet's health as one of their top priorities. Because of their training and experiences, they are often the experts when it comes to dog health. Try to find a veterinarian who has worked with your dog's breed because often a breed's genetics and food allergies or reactions are related.

Your Vet will understand how your dog's digestive system works and what food works best for your pet. They will set you up with a plan to start out and give you choices to help you find the best diet plan for your pet.

Dog Nutrition - Research

Research the different brands of pet foods on the market. There are brands that are excellent but not advertised, so you may not have heard of them. Most canine food brands have websites and experts on hand to answer questions. Ask for, and read about, the benefits of any food brands you are considering.

There are many different types of foods for canines available. Select a type that fits with your dog's age, weight and breed. Puppies have different nutritional needs than older senior canines. Pregnant or lactating dogs require special nutrition too. And pets recovering from an injury or sickness have different nutritional needs too.

Consider a raw diet (remember that's what canines eat in the wild - no processed food and no cooked food) but do talk to your vet about the pros and cons of a raw food diet for your pet.

Portion Size - How Much is Healthy?

It's very important when you do decide on a diet - be it commercial canine food or homemade food for dogs - that you pay special attention to the portions your pooch needs daily. Dogs are not like humans - they do not need three meals a day (or more).

Most dogs, especially the smaller ones, will eat considerably less proportionately than the amount we eat. We may be tempted to feed them more, thinking they will be hungry. If you over-feed your pooch, excess weight may become an issue and that will bring a whole new area of health problems.

Your Dog's Diet: For Dog Health

Never think of table scraps as being healthy. Excellent dog health thrives on good nutrition; and proper canine nutrition means sticking with a healthy diet. Find homemade dog treat recipes that include a good range of natural, even organic, ingredients.

If you decide to make your own dog food you will find you can better control what your canine eats, you might save some money, and you will likely have a healthier pet.

Use supplements if the veterinarian suggests that your pooch needs it (often recommended for unusual hair shedding, coat problems, dental issues and more).

Visit your Vet regularly (at least once a year) and make sure you have your pooch weighed at each visit. Discuss dog nutrition and dog health issues thoroughly with your Vet and make sure you have a clear understanding of what you need to do to ensure your pet stays healthy. Your pooch is counting on you!

The most effective overall health support you can give your pet is to ensure you provide a good diet and nutritious food!

Product Recommendations:

We do recommend a number of products on this site from a company called Native Remedies; they have a product line for pets called PetAlive. It is based on herbal products, it is not tested on animals and this product line comes with a one year guarantee.

One of the products we recommend for temporary relief from food allergies (while you try to find out what is triggering the allergy), and the related skin irritations, try PetAlive's Allergy Itch Ease. You still need to find out what the cause of the allergy is, but Allergy Itch Ease will help relieve your dog's skin itching and irritation.

Share Your Story With Us:

We're Interested in Hearing About Your Experiences with Dogs, Nutrition, and Health.

Tell us what's been most effective or least effective in treatment of your pet's health issues. Or tell us about the best food you have found (or best recipe) for your pooch. Want to recommend a great veterinarian - tell us who he/she is and why they're so great!

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