Because pets are people too!
O.K., maybe they aren’t really people, but our companion animals can certainly become an important part of the family! In order to ensure dog health or cat health, our furry friends need good nutrition and quality supplements just like we do.
Although I’m not a veterinarian, our three dogs and five cats are important to us. We consult with premier trainers and veterinarians regarding their health, and here is what we’ve learned to keep our pets in top shape and maximize their longevity:
DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS
Good diet. Low-grade cereal “kibble” is not what these animals eat in the wild and is not sufficient for optimal dog or cat health. Raw food diets are popular with those who demand the very best for their pets but can be expensive. For most, a compromise between cost, quality and convenience and must be found. Here is what many leading trainers and vets recommend:
For Dogs
- Dry food or wet (canned) food: top-grade stuff. It’s not cheap, but you will save on vet bills and medicine. Feed this daily, in the amount recommended for your pets ideal weight. There are a number of very high quality brands – we are currently using Blue Buffalo brand dry foods supplemented with raw meat for our dogs. Nutro, Science Diet and Natura are considered to be good. Costco brands can be good, but be sure to read labels. Get one that compares to Natura or Science Diet. Avoid preservatives such as BHA/BHT and artificial colors. Corn gluten meal is not a complete protein and should be avoided.
- Raw meat (hamburger is preferred): one 3-4 ounce meatball twice per week for dogs up to 40 pounds, 2 meatballs twice per week for dogs over 40 pounds. This is in addition to dry kibble.
- Knuckle-bone: one raw knucklebone per week. These can be found in the meat section at your local grocery store OR call a butcher and ask. Many times, they’ll give them away. These can be messy, so don’t feed them indoors.
- Veggies: yup, veggies. In the wild, dogs will eat the stomach of their prey, including the undigested vegetable material. Many dogs also like grass, berries. etc. We use vegetable and salad scraps as we have them and add this to their kibble. If your pooch eats around the lettuce leaves and other big bits, try chopping them fine.
- DO NOT FEED: other “people food” except occasional beef or lamb (many types of “people food” are poisonous to dogs and cats), bones other than knuckle or long BEEF bones (many can splinter and injure or choke your dog), rawhide chew toys (especially for larger dogs. Pieces, once swallowed, can balloon with fluid and cause a blockage in the intestines).
- Note: Dogs have no nutritional need for carbohydrates!
- Primary Nutritional Support (Basic Supplements) as listed below. This helps make up for nutrient-deficient diet.
For Cats
- Dry food or wet (canned) food: top-grade stuff. It’s not cheap, but you will save on vet bills and medicine. Feed this daily, in the amount recommended for your pets ideal weight. There are a number of very high quality brands – we are currently using Blue Buffalo brand kibble for our cats who are doing very well with it. Nutro, Science Diet and Natura are considered to be good. Costco brands can be good, but be sure to read labels. Get one that compares to Natura or Science Diet. Avoid preservatives such as BHA/BHT and artificial colors.
- Raw meat (hamburger is preferred) OR cooked chicken: 1-2 ounces twice per week. This is in addition to dry kibble. Cats also do well with salmon or other fish.
- Veggies: yup, veggies. In the wild, cats eat the stomach of their prey, including the undigested vegetable material. Many cats also like grass, and pots of “Cat Grass” are available for you to grow to provide fresh greens for kitty. We use vegetable and salad scraps as we have them and add this to their kibble. Hey, better to feed them salad scraps than your prized houseplants!
- Note: Cats have no nutritional need for carbohydrates!
- Primary Nutritional Support (Basic Supplements) as listed below. This helps make up for nutrient-deficient diet.
For Both Dogs and Cats
- Normal Weight. Keep your pet at a lean-normal weight (“lean and keen”). Just as in people, overweight is the leading cause of premature disease and death in dogs and cats. You don’t need special “diet food,” just feed less to get them on a weight-loss program.
- Regular Exercise, preferably daily. Take your doggies for a walk or jog (hey – you need it too!). Throwing a ball or Frisbee gives a good workout. Letting your cat outdoors to seek prey (mice, birds) provides a good cat workout (Be aware that there are creatures that prey on cats and small dogs too – like hawks and dogs and coyotes and even humans! Be careful.) DO NOT run your dog with your golf cart – pets get injured in this way. Be SURE your pets have plenty of water when they’re out exercising, too.
- Fresh Water.
- Keep vaccinations, especially rabies, up-to-date. Your veterinarian will know what other local hazards exist, such as heart worm. Consider preventive treatment for such local problems.
PRIMARY NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
For Dogs
Dog Vites
Small Dogs: 1/4 tsp once or twice daily, mixed with food, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Large Dogs: 1/2 tsp once or twice daily, mixed with food, or as directed by your veterinarian.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
For Allergies
- Grape seed extract (50mg): One capsule daily for each 25-50 lbs. body weight or as recommended by a veterinarian. The capsule can be opened and sprinkled over food OR administered in a bit of raw hamburger for immediate effect. (This worked wonders for my Border Collie’s asthma!)
For Additional Information
- A good resource with much information about dog foods and feeding can be found here: Dog Aware^
