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Wise Food Choices

Wise Food Choices. What’s more important to your dog than food? Chances are, not much.

The experts do not agree about nutrition, however, Dr. Doug Knueven, veterinary lecturer on dog nutrition, tells us that poor diet is the biggest obstacle to achieving canine health: Many illnesses, skin, and behavioral problems are directly affected by diet. Here are some “greendog” guidelines:

Poor diet is the biggest obstacle to canine health.
Photo Courtesy of Archie Chippendale

Diets. Home cooking is great if you eat healthy, and you avoid foods that are toxic to dogs. Alternatively, choose a super-premium quality dehydrated, freeze-dried or kibble feed. A more natural diet includes raw meat, organ meat, raw bones, vegetables, and fruits.
Ingredients. Read the labels. Look for a specifically named meat or fish as the first ingredient and natural preservatives. Avoid by-products, sugars, artificial colorings and flavorings.
Protein and Carbohydrates. High-protein diets are often linked to high performance, and high simple carbohydrate diets to obesity. Dr. Lynn Honeckman, DVM, tells us, “Medical problems that result from obesity include diabetes, hip dysplasia, cancer, degenerative joint, respiratory, skin and autoimmune diseases.” Monitor intake.
Rotation. Rotate between and within brands. Transition gradually. A balanced diet requires variety.
Processing. High-temperature processing destroys essential nutrients. Stay as close to natural and organic as feasible.
Supplements. Err on the safe side and provide a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement, fish oil, and a probiotic.

In case of illness, always consult your trusted, nutrition-savvy veterinarian.

Linda Michaels, “Dog Psychologist” M.A. and Victoria Stilwell-licensed Del Mar dog trainer and speaker, can be reached at (858) 259-9663 or email: [email protected] for private obedience instruction and behavioral consultations in or near Del Mar or the San Diego Coast. Visit us at DogPsychologistOnCall.com

Originally published UT San Diego, Scratch ‘n Sniff. Chris Ross, Editor

Tags: Del Mar dog trainer, green dog food, healthy dog food, Linda Michales, nutrition, organic dog food, premimum quallity dog food, Victoria Stilwell San Diego

Positively Expert: Linda Michaels, MA

Linda Michaels is a VSPDT trainer, dog training columnist, and owner of Dog Psychologist On Call in Del Mar, CA. Linda holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology with research experience in Behavioral Neurobiology. She is a Behavioral Advisor for the Wolf Education Project (WEP) in Julian, CA and Art for Barks in Rancho Santa Fe, CA.

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5 thoughts on “Wise Food Choices”

mouse February 4, 2013 at 9:46 am

I wouldnt want to be in the room after that brocolly has been eaten. lol Bad enough being in the same room as my lab after he stole the veg cuttinigs lol. strangely sweet but deffinate killer that goes straight 2 the throat.
Lorraine February 4, 2013 at 9:59 am

My dog loves broccoli stalk, it's his treat whilst I am preparing dinner ! And no "after effects" either
margaret m sullivan February 4, 2013 at 9:59 am

I make my dog's dinners with chicken,barley and veggies and a sprinkle of milk thistle and after years of picky eating, gas and bile vomit he's gas free and rarely has upset tummy...and he gobbles his dinner. The veggies include: green beans, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, edimamme and yes, broccoli stems!!
K9 Instinct Blog February 5, 2013 at 10:26 am

What a fantastic message to share with others! Great post.
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