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Natural Diets for Dogs
Holistic veterinarians are convinced that natural diets for dogs are one of the main keys to optimal dog health.
A balanced natural diet gives our dogs beautiful shiny coats, non-itchy problem-free skin, and keeps them healthy and happy.
Natural diets can also improve digestive problems such as chronic diarrhea, gas, and constipation.
Dogs with
allergies, kidney and liver problems also benefit greatly if their diets are switched to natural and organic.
If you are considering giving your dog natural home-made diets but are unsure exactly what to include in the diet, read on ...
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Natural Diets for Dogs - Freshness and VarietyFreshness You can feel "life" in food that is fresh. Natural enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in their most natural state (therefore more digestible and easier to assimilate) can be found in fresh food. Remember, the less heat-processed the food, the more likely it is that the nutrients will be preserved in their natural state by the time we feed it to our dogs. Because of this, many veterinarians now advocate feeding our dogs fresh raw foods over commercial dog kibble. If you look at the freshness scale below, you will understand why: The Freshness Scale:
Main Ingredients in Natural Diets for DogsThe most important thing to remember when planning natural diets for dogs is to provide the right mix of nutrients. Although each individual dog is different, as a general rule of thumb, each meal should be made up of:
Some people have the misconception that dogs are carnivores and as such do not need to eat vegetables. In fact, dogs are "opportunity eaters" - besides meat, they can and do eat other foods such as veggies. Dogs like vegetables, especially those that have a sweet taste. Vegetables are great sources of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Also, as most vegetables are low in calories, they can be added to your dog's diet in modest quantities without adding too many calories overall.
Some vegetables can be fed to your dog fresh and uncooked, while others have to be cooked to help your dog digest them properly.
The following vegetables do not have to be cooked. They are best served blended or pureed since that is the way they would be found in the wild diet (from the stomachs of dead animals):
Natural Diets for Dogs - SupplementsIn addition to the above food ingredients, natural supplements should also be added to your dog's diet. In particular, the following supplements are essential because they fortify the diet with important vitamins and minerals to ensure that your dog is getting all the nutrients needed:
References R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000). Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999). TOP OF Natural Diets for Dogs |
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