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:

• 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