Dog Nutrition

We have put dog nutrition under our homemade dog remedies section because this is something a dog owner should be able to have control over, especially regarding homemade dog food and supplements.

There is growing evidence that many types of commercial dog kibble do not provide good, let alone complete, nutrition. (See F.B.'s story)

Also, pet food testing standards are apparently not as rigorous as human standards, as evidenced by several recalls of pet foods contributing to dog and cat illnesses and deaths.

Dr. Andrew Jones, a veterinarian who owns Nelson Animal Hospital in Nelson, BC, asserts that an improper diet is a factor in weakening dogs' immune systems, making them susceptible to all kinds of diseases.

His recipe for optimum dog health is:

• a good diet using a high end kibble and some raw food
• proper weight (should be able to feel ribs easily but not see them)
• keeping stress low
• minimizing vaccinations and
• providing at least 30 minutes exercise twice a day

If you're feeding your dog commercial kibble or canned food and want to know how good it is nutritionally, here's a great site that rates these types of foods and tells you why: Dog Food Analysis

Homemade Dog Food

Supplements