Special Diets & Various Conditions

Anal Gland (Anal Sac) Disease & High Fiber Diets

Any dog can be affected – However, small breeds are more prone to this disease
Anal glands and its Function:
When viewing your dog from behind – anal glands are located on each side of and just below the anal opening
At the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions
A tiny duct leads from the gland under the skin to an opening directly beside the anus
Dogs use it primarily for territorial marking or as a form of communication
Every time a stool is passed, it should put enough pressure on the anal glands that some of the secretion is deposited on the surface of the stool (contents are usually emptied during normal bowel movements, or when a dog is nervous or scared)
Other dogs and cats are then able to tell who has been in their territory, just by sniffing the stools they find
Dogs recognize each other by smelling in the general area of the anus because each dog’s anal glands produce a unique scent
Disease of the Anal Gland:
Some dogs, especially small breed dogs, are not able to empty the sacs properly and become susceptible to anal sac disease
Can occur because of the conformation of the dog – the thickness of the gland’s secretions, or the softness of the stool – glands and their ducts often become clogged
Anal glands may also become infected and abscess
Bacteria makes their way into the gland, through the ducts causing the glands to become infected and abscess
Glands can also become clogged or impacted depending on the thickness of the gland’s secretions or the softness of the stool
Impacted glands do not affect your dogs overall health
However, the problem is that your dog will injure its anal gland area when scooting across the ground or licking/biting its rear end
Your dog is also probable to discharging the secretion on your carpet or floor, leaving an odor
Symptoms:
Scooting (across the room on his bottom)
Dog will sit down on its rear and drag its anal area cross the floor or ground
Licking or biting his rear end
Bad odor
Constipation or pain when pooping/sitting

Treatment and Prevention:When the gland becomes impacted, a vet, groomer, or yourself must clean them out – cleaning them out empties the glands of all material
Apply pressure with the finger – start below the gland and push upwards
Abscesses must be lanced by a vet, followed by a 1-2 week period of antibiotics
Warm compresses on the area will help relieve pain and reduce swelling
Abscesses often have secondary problems causing scar tissue or damage to the nerves and muscles in the area
This can cause ‘fecal incontinence’, meaning your dog cannot retain its stools
For dogs with chronic problems (reoccurring), removal of the gland through surgery is recommended – also known as ‘anal sacculectomy’
Removal of the gland with eliminate any problems associated with these glands permanently
Solution with Nutrition: Raw & Bone diet to harden stool pushing against the anal glands during elimination, causing regular emptying of the gland contents
Supplementing with fish oil or other oils in Omega 3 will help reduce itching and inflammation
Grain – Free Dog Food can be an alternative solution
Top 3 choices for High – Fiber Dog Food:
Wellness Dog Food
Blue Wilderness Grain Free
Taste of the Wild
Best for Diabetic Dogs
Orijen dog food
Best for Small Breeds
Nutro’s Natural choice
Natural Solutions From Home
Shreeded Coconut and Coconut Oil – add small amount to food
Add fiber – kidney beans, sweet potatoes
Add Pumpkin (VERY AFFECTIVE)
Add Apple
Add Bran
Add Vegetables – carrots, green beans, peas only
No canned vegetables or any high sodium food
Add low sodium chicken broth for taste
Use warm compress – apply to area for five minutes during the day
Anal Gland areas are found at the 4 o’clock at 8 o’clock position

Food Allergy & Intolerance Diets

What is Food Intolerance?
A digestive problem rather than an immune response. Intolerance occurs when a dog’s digestive system is unable to digest a specific ingredient
Signs of Intolerance: Digestive Distress such as: gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Why it Occurs (Food Allergy)
Begins with a dogs genetic predisposition to develop allergies – once it’s triggered, it’s by exposure to the food they’re allergic to
Usually when a dog’s immune system mistakenly identifies a particular food ingredient as harmful – then creates defensive antibodies to fight the invading enemy (the food)

Symptoms:

Itchy Skin
Chronic or recurrent ear infections,
Hair loss
Excessive scratching
Licking their paws
Hot spots
Skin infections
Frequent bowl movements/Diarrhea
How to Prevent Food Allergies:
Promote a healthy mucosal barrier, watch out for gastroenteritis, promote effective protein digestion, choose a dog food or diet option with exclusive protein sources

Most common causes of dog food allergies
Beef, Dairy, Chicken, Lamb, Fish, Corn, Wheat, Soy, Yeast, Wheat, Rabbit, Pork, Fish
Basic Dietary Designs (Solution)
Limited Ingredient Diets
Novel Ingredient Diets
Contain components the dog might not have been previously exposed to – therefore, less likely to be sensitive to
Ex) Buffalo, Pheasant, Kangaroo or Millet
Prescription or Veterinary Diets
Elimination Diets (Food Trails) – Recommended
Trail consists of feeding dog a novel food source of protein and carbohydrate for at least 12 weeks - no treats, no flavored medication, no rawhide or pig’s ears
Ex) Venison and Potato, Rabbit and Lam, Duck and Rutabagas
Also known as: hydrolyzed protein diets or limited antigen diets

Calcium Diets & Bone/Joint Disease

Common symptoms:
Stiffness
Limping
Inability to rise
Reluctance to Jump
Reluctance to climb stairs
Importance of Nutritional factor:
Plays a very important role in your dog’s diet. Not only does calcium help build strong bones, it also helps heart function by supporting the contractions in the heart muscle, supports nerve transmission, muscle building and signaling, and helps with hormone secretion
Calcium levels have the ability to remain stable in the body because it is stored in the bones and teeth
Shortage of calcium can affect bone and tooth health
Bone and Joint health definition:
The Musculoskeletal system includes the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When these are strong and working in harmony, dogs may move free and easy, without pain. When not, many dogs suffer from pain or mobility issues due to a variety of injuries, developmental abnormalities, and nutritional or other heath imbalances.

Vitamin D3 helps with uptake of calcium in the body
Raw made diet with bones
Consists of at least 50% easily consumable raw meaty bones which are an excellent source of calcium and provide the levels of calcium needed in the diet
Natural Calcium Resources
Add yogurt
Add Cheese
Give treats that contain meat
Choose fish that also has calcium nutrients
Ex: Salmon, Tuna, Sardines, Mackerel or Trout
Beef or calf liver
Egg Yolks
Add Vegetables
Ex: Spinach, Beans, Sweet Potato, whole wheat or broccoli
Coral Reefs contain a lot of calcium

Kidney Disease

When healthy, the two kidneys efficiently:
Filter the blood
Process protein wastes and excrete them into the urine
Conserve and balance body water, salts and acids
Help to maintain normal red blood cells
Kidney disease occurs when one or more of the kidney functions are compromised or reduced
Medically referred to as “Renal Disease”
Symptoms:
Increased water consumption
Increased urination volume
Decrease in urine
Decrease in water consumption
Loss of appetite
Dehydration
Disinterest in normal activities
Weakness
Pot-bellied appearance of the abdomen
Blood in urine
Vomiting
Seizures
Weight loss
Lethargy
Diarrhea
Hunched over posture or reluctance to move
Poor hair coat
As kidneys deteriorate, the urine becomes less concentrated and lighter in color. Dogs with end-stage kidney failure develop high blood pressure, stop eating, make few attempts to urinate and produce little to no urine, leading them to ultimately collapse, go into a coma, and die
Prevention:
One of the most troubling aspects of Kidney Disease, is that clinical signs are not shown until after the kidneys have been severely damaged
Best prevention is to have your dog get annual blood tests to identify problems with kidney or other organ function
Testing becomes more important as your dog advances in age
You can help manage the risk of this disease by making sure you food your dog a high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet, and making sure your dog is always accessible to fresh water
Poisons and toxins, such as household cleaners, medication, plants and antifreeze should be out of your dogs reach
Pay particular attention if your dog is drinking more water and urinating more frequently than normal, or in greater volume – can be a sign
Common Causes: Kidney disease or damage can be caused by different factors, including infection, chemical toxins, trauma, advanced age and even congenital kidney conditions. An annual blood screening test can help identify problems as early as possible so that you and your vet can do the best to manage progression of the disease
Age
Viral, fungal or bacterial infections
Parasites
Cancer
Amyloidosis (caused by abnormal deposits of protein in the kidney)
Inflammation
Autoimmune diseases
Trauma
Toxic reactions to poisons or medications
Congenital and inherited disorders

Diets must have proper amounts of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium – formulated with reduced phosphorous
Things to keep in mind:
Low phosphorus – feed your dog as little phosphorus as possible
High fat-
Protein – depends on the type and stage of your dog’s kidney disease
Determined my dog’s urine
If too much protein, limit the amount
Key is to provide a smaller amount of the highest quality, lowest phosphorous protein possible
High Carbohydrates
Kidney diets get about 50% of their calories from carbs
Concept is to increase the ratio of total calories to phosphorus to keep calories high and phosphorus low, diets use simple carbs from hot cereals, white potatoes, white rice, white bread and semolina pasta
To keep calories high and phosphorus low, diets use simple carbs from hot cereals, white potatoes, white rice, white bread and semolina pasta
To add nutritional value, the carb quotient includes boiled or steamed, pureed, low phosphorus vegetables and fruits
Sweet potatoes, collard greens, squash, apples, and papaya
Dog must always have access to water
Tap water is considered to be high in minerals and is best avoided – switch to bottled water
Dogs with kidney disease also have hypertension (high blood pressure)
Reduce the amount of sodium
Supplements
Fish oil – contain omega 3 fatty acids – found to slow progression of disease
Stay away from vegetable oils!
Vitamin E works as an antioxidant
B-Complex – is water soluble meaning they are easily flushed from the dogs body – it will ensure your dog has enough vitamins to support every cell and body tissue
Taurine
Dogs at Increased Risk:
Kidney disease becomes more common with advanced age
Dogs that have already suffered previous episodes of acute renal disease have a higher chance of developing chronic kidney disorders
Breeds that are reported to have a hereditary or familial predisposition to developing this disease:
Alaskan Malamute
Basenji
Beagle
Bedlington Terrier
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bull Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Chow Chow
Cocker Spaniel
Doberman Pinscher
Golden Retriever
Keeshond
Labrador Retriever
Lhasa Apso
Miniature Schnauzer
Newfoundland
Norwegian Elkhound
Pembroke Welshi Corgi
Rottweiler
Samoyed
Shar-Pei
Shih Tzu
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Standard Poodle

Homemade Diets

Why is it better to feed your dog homemade food vs. commercial foods?
There are no real government regulations when it comes to what dog food manufacturers can say is in commercial natural dog food
To ensure your dog does not wind up ingesting a pesticide or other chemicals that can cause terminal illnesses or their life span to be shortened
Advantages
A longer life span
A dog that is less prone to fleas and other bugs
A shinier coat
Fewer skin problems
More energy
Easier to maintain a healthy weight
Disadvantages
Having to take the time to prepare meals
Educating yourself on what kinds of foods are safe for your dog to eat
Learning about recipes for dog food and finding ones your dog will eat
What to keep in mind when making homemade dog food
Your dog needs (animal meat, seafood, dairy, or eggs), fat (from meat or oil) and carbohydrates (grains or vegetables)
Your dog also needs calcium (from dairy or an ingredient such as egg shells), and essential fatty acids (from plant oils, egg yolks, oatmeal, etc.)
Consider if your dog has a health problem, he may need a special diet
It is important that the diet you feed your dog is complete and balanced
Guidelines:
Meat and Other Animal Products – should always make up at least half of the diet
Many raw diets are excessively high in fat – leading to obesity
Unless your dog gets regular, intense exercise, use lean meats, remove skin from poultry, and cut off separable fat
Raw Meaty Bones (optional):
If owner chooses to feed Raw Meaty Bones – should make up one third to one half of the total diet
Use the lower end of the range if you feed bony parts such as chicken necks and backs, but you can feed more if you’re using primarily meatier parts such as chicken thighs (never feed cooked bones)
Boneless Meat: include both poultry and red meat
Heart is a good choice, as it is lean and often less expensive than other muscle meats
Fish: Provides Vitamin D, which otherwise should be supplemented
Canned fish with bones, sardines – packed in water, not oil, jack mackerel, and pink salmon
Remove bones from fish you cook yourself, and never feed raw Pacific salmon, trout, or related species
You can feed small amounts of fish daily, or larger amounts once or twice a week
The total amount should be about one ounce of fish per pound of other meats (including Raw Meaty Bones)
Organs: Liver should make up about 5% of this category, or about one ounce of liver per pound of other animal products
Beef Liver is especially nutritious, but include chicken or other types of liver at least on occasion as well

Feeding small amounts of liver daily or every other day is preferable to feeding larger amounts less often
Eggs: Highly nutritious addition to any diet
Dogs weighing about 20 pounds can have a whole egg every day, but give less to smaller dogs
Dairy: Plain yogurt and kefir are well tolerated by most dogs (try goat’s milk products if you see problems)
Cottage and ricotta cheese are also good options
Limit other forms of cheese, as most are high in fat
Fruits and Veggies: Known to provide fiber that supports digestive health, as well as antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients that contribute to health and longevity
Deeply colored vegetables and fruits are the most nutritious
Starchy Vegetables: Veggies such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and winter squashes (including pumpkin), as well as legumes (beans) – provide carbohydrate calories that can be helpful in reducing food costs and keeping weight on skinny and very active dogs
Quantities should be limited for overweight dogs
Vegetables must be cooked in order to be digestible by dogs
Leafy Green and Other Non- Starchy Vegetables: These are low in calories and can be fed in any quantity desired
Too much can cause gas, and raw, veggies such as broccoli and cauliflower can suppress thyroid function
Cook them if you feed large amounts
Raw vegetables must be pureed in a food processor, blender, or juicer in order to be digested properly
However, whole raw veggies are not harmful and can be used as treats
Fruits: Bananas, apples, berries, melon and papaya are good choices
Avoid grapes and raisins, which can cause kidney failure
Grains: Controversial, as they may contribute to inflammation caused by allergies, arthritis, or inflammatory bowl disease; as well as seizures
Some grains contain gluten that may cause digestive problems for certain dogs
However, many dogs do fine with grains
Grains can be used to reduce the overall cost of feeding a homemade diet!
Grains and starchy veggies should make up no more than half the diet
Good choices include: oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, barley, and pasta
White rice can be used to settle an upset stomach, especially if overcooked with extra water – but it’s low in nutrition and should not make up a large part of the diet
All grains must be well cooked
Nutritional Requirements
40% meat
30% vegetables
30% carbs
Small amounts of cultured dairy products, such as yogurt, cottage cheese and buttermilk

Nutritional Needs of Senior Dog Diets

Senior Dogs need a well balanced diet that is generally lower in calories, but still has adequate protein and fat, and is higher in fiber
Older dogs are more prone to develop constipation, so senior diets are often higher in fiber at around 3-5%
Wheat bran can be added to regular dog food to increase the amount of fiber
Senior dogs usually undergo several changes associated with arthritis, cognitive dysfunction, urinary incontinence, diabetes, liver disease, kidney failure and tendencies to be overweight
Dogs with Heart Disease – may need lower-calorie senior dog foods to help keep weight down as well as lower-sodium formulations
Dogs with Diabetes- (goal is to delay absorption of a food) may need lower-fat, higher-fiber foods
Dogs that have trouble with constipation – should be fed a higher-fiver diet to help them stay regular
Many senior diets have higher-quality protein sources than standard foods to help maintain body weight and muscle mass without putting too much strain on the kidneys
Dogs with Arthritis and Joint Pain: feed dog foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate
At what age should you switch your adult dog to senior food?
Veterinarians generally consider a dog in the last third of his normal life expectancy to be ‘older”
Ex) A large breed dog (such as a Great Dane) that normally lives to be 9 years old would be considered a ‘senior” at age 6

A Poodle that normally lives to 15 years would be a
“senior” at age 10
What should an owner do when a senior dog won’t eat?
When dogs lose interest in dry food, adding warm water, chicken broth, or a small amount of canned food can make it more appealing
Home-cooked meals can be enticing too – combinations of cooked chicken, barley, or cooked lamb and rice
Feed smaller amounts of food more often
Basics of the Best Senior Dog Food:
Adequate and high quality proteins
Fewer Calories
High quality fiber
Optimum vitamins and minerals
Glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
No artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors
10 Best Foods to Feed Your Senior Dog
Yogurt
Eggs
Liver
Fish
Broccoli
Sweet Potatoes
Berries
Chicken
Beef
Oatmeal

Weight Loss Diet

Why is it so important to prevent your dog from being overweight?
Not only is obesity life threatening, but overweight dogs are most likely to suffer from a disabling medical condition
Diabetes
Arthritis
Heart disease
Lung disorders
High blood pressure
Immune dysfunction
Cancerous tumors
Solution: Your dog must eat less and exercise more
2 major components in weight loss – decrease calorie intake and increase activity level
Effective weight-loss plans often utilize a low-calorie diet that is high in fiber and dense in nutrients
Nutrient dense foods have higher levels of vitamins and minerals
What to look for in an ideal weight loss product:
Above average protein
Higher protein content helps dog feel more satisfied with less beginning
Also helps prevent muscle loss
Below average fat
Below average calories
Lower calories allows your dog to eat more and still lose weight
Weight loss is often easier to achieve by adding canned food to your dog’s feeding regimen
Canned products usually have higher protein, less carbs and fewer calories compared to a similar sized quantity of kibble

Tips:

Upgrade to a super premium food or to a home-made diet (or something in between – supplementing a super premium dry food with whole foods such a fresh vegetables)
Cut back on the regular dog food and adding vegetables
If you stick with the same food, reduce the amount by about 25%
Try not to eliminate all fat from a dog’s diet – just reduce the amount of fat intake
Remember, some fats are better than others
Ex) Flaxseed oil, fish oil, and other foods that contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
Good Whole Foods for Dogs:
Apples
Brewers yeast
Broccoli
Carrots
Cabbage
Cucumber
Celery
Flaxseed oil, fish oil, omega 3 and 6 supplements
Green beans
Parsley
Kale
Green or yellow squash, asparagus and spinach
Bananas (small quantity)
Whole grains including oats, oatmeal, brown rice, millet
Cereal grasses, such as barley grass
Tofu
Olive oil, sesame oil

The Raw Diet

BARF – an acronym that stands for ‘Bones and Raw Food’
Diet is designed to mimic a dog’s natural ancestral menu
Concept of raw feeding is based upon a dog’s instinctive carnivorous bias – a built in desire to capture (or find) and eat another animal

Consists of: Muscle meat still on the bone includes processed raw foods, like frozen and dehydrated foods, as well as feeding your dog raw meat straight from the butcher

Bones, either whole or ground
Organ meats such as livers and kidneys
Raw eggs
Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and celery
Apples or other fruit
Some dairy, such as yogurt

Benefits:

Cleaner teeth and fresher smelling breath
Increased energy
Firmer stools
Improved digestion
Healthier skin and coat
Reduced allergy symptoms
Better weight management

Downside:

Not convenient – no kibble food
Bacterial Contamination

Raw Feeding Guidelines:
Balance over time – one meal could have more bone content, another more meat or organ. Approximate overall ratio:
80% meat, sinew, ligaments, fat
10% edible bone
5% liver
5% other organ meat
Meats are high in phosphorus, bones are high in calcium
All-Natural Diet (among the fastest growing sectors in the pet food market)
The term ‘natural’ refers to the processing of the food and not how the ingredients are grown or raised. It is an unregulated guideline instead of a regulated requirement, which is the case with certified organics.
Natural foods typically exclude: Artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and sometimes growth hormones or GMOs
However, foods that offer their ‘natural’ ingredients may still use petroleum-based and artificial fertilizers, synthetic growth hormones, and pesticides

Vegan Diet

Not thought to be the most beneficial diet – most dogs have little advantage to going vegan, as even dogs suffering from allergies or other special diets, risk missing out on essential proteins, vitamins and minerals that come from meat products
However, even though dogs will always choose meat, they are perfectly capable of getting nutrients from plant foods (it is possible)
Requires a lot of effort from owner to ensure your dog is eating a healthy and balanced diet
Dogs have molars with relatively flat surfaces designed to grind up bones and fibrous plant material
Dogs have the ability to create Vitamin A (an essential nutrient) from beta-carotene found in plants
Dogs have the ability to obtain essential nutrients from both plants and animal protein – However, meat is generally regarded as a vital source of protein for dogs
Adult dogs adapt to well-balanced vegan diets, but dogs are known to do best with a variety of foods that include some animal fats and protein
Note: Dogs could benefit from a vegan meal at least once a week to detox

Why do dogs go Vegan?

1) Personal Ethics (Human/Owner)

2) Food allergies

Pros:

Less skin allergies
Meat protein such as beef, chicken, or lamb is the leading cause of skin allergies

Cons: (can be dangerous)

Not recommended for dog breeding
Does not fulfill all dietary nutrient needs
Improperly-balanced vegan diet can lead to:
Inadequate protein intake (varies depending on dog’s age and activity level, estimated to 15-30% protein)
Amino Acid imbalance – leading to heart problems and illnesses
Vitamin and Mineral deficiency
Dogs require B vitamins, Calcium, Phosphorous, and iron – most commonly found in meat)
Lethargic behavior
Plant products do not provide all the energy dogs need
Muscle spasm and problems
Dogs can safely enjoy a large range of vegan foods:
Carrots, broccoli, and other veggies
Rice
Quinoa
Lentils
Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale
If you are switching your dog to a vegan diet, the most important thing to realize is that dogs have different digestion systems and nutritional needs than human
Most Important Nutritional Requirements for Dogs
Protein: AAFCO – set the minimum protein requirement per dry weight at 18% (and 22% for puppy food) – experts generally recommend around 25-30% protein for active and growing dogs

Problem – dogs don’t assimilate vegan protein as well as meat protein
When choosing vegan dog food, choose options with higher protein percentages to compensate for the lower assimilation of vegetable proteins
About 30% of protein goes towards maintaining skin and coat – first sign of protein deficiency will be a poor coat
Amino Acids: are the building blocks of protein – make sure your dog gets all the necessary amino acids
There are 23 amino acids which dogs need
10 are “essential” – meaning dog must obtain them through food
13 are “non-essential” – does not mean dog doesn’t need them. It means dogs can manufacture them out of the essential amino acids
10 essential amino acids are:
Arginine
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylanine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine
Taurine and L-Carnitine (Amino acids that require special attention)
Not considered essential because dogs can synthesize them in their livers
However, some may have trouble synthesizing enough to meet their nutritional needs
These amino acids are NOT found naturally in any vegan foods
Recommended that you supplement your dog with these amino acids, or be sure to choose a vegan dog food brand which contains them
Deficiency can lead to serious heart problems
Carbohydrates:
Important source of energy and can also provide fiber minerals like, iron and antioxidants (can be obtained from whole grains or fruit)
Vitamin D
Unlike humans, dogs are unable to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight
If making your own vegan dog food, you will need to supplement food with Vitamin D
Make sure any commercial food contains Vitamin D
Too much Vitamin D is toxic for dogs
Vitamin B and B12
There is no vegan source of vitamin B12 – other B vitamins can be found in plants, but do not contain the adequate amount to meet nutritional requirements
When making your own food – supplement with B12 and B complex
Many dogs like nutritional yeast, which is fortified with B12

When Transition your dog to a Vegan Diet

You must do so slowly
Don’t immediately dump out your dog’s non-vegan food
Slowly mix in the vegan food, gradually increasing the percentage until your dog is eating the vegan food
Things to Keep in Mind:
Vegan dog food and Allergies:
It is common for dogs to develop allergies/food intolerance to ingredients like:
Corn
Soy
Wheat
Symptoms may not be notable right away
Dry, red, and itchy skin
Swollen ears
Frequently licking paws
Vomiting and diarrhea
Symptoms of Deficiencies take time to develop
Vegan Dogs and Urine pH
Protein naturally acidifies urine and a low-protein diet (which can be a problem with vegan dogs because of poor protein assimilation) can result in urine which isn’t acidic enough
Resulting in Kidney problems
Vegan Dogs need to have their urine pH regularly tested
Urine should be between 5.5 and 7
If urine is not acidic enough, you can supplement with cranberry (such as Cranimals)
Urine testing can be be done at the Vet or at home
At home option: Solid Gold Pet pH testing strips
Some foods are toxic to dogs
If making your own food avoid:
Onions
Garlic
Chocolate
Coffee
Tea
Grapes/Raisins
Macadamia Nuts
Avocado
Raw Dough
Hops
Xylitol
Best Ingredients for Vegan Dog Food:
The Vegan Dog Nutrition Association recommends that the base of vegan dog food be comprise of:
Soybeans, lentils, rice, oats, and sweet potatoes
If allergies arise, pinto beans and sweet potatoes are a good choice
Other Superfood ingredients to include:
Chia

Wheat germ
Soy protein isolate
Parsley
Blackstrap molasses
Quinoa
Recommended Supplements for Vegan Dogs:
Taurine
L-Carnitine
B Complex, especially B 12: Nutritional yeast is a good option
Iron: about 30mg/kg body weight is required
Zinc: Soy can inhibit zinc absorption, so it may be necessary to supplement with zinc – wheat germ is a good source of zinc
Vitamin D
Recommended Minimum Daily Dosage: 227 IU/lb food consumed on a dry matter basis
Toxic Dose: 2272 IU/food consumed on a dry matter basis
Homemade Recipe Example:
6 cups water
1 cup mixed rice and quinoa (mix black, brown and long grain with black and/or white quinoa)
1 cup mixed lentils
3 medium sweet potatoes sliced into 1-inch cubes
3 cups of natural peanut butter
8-12oz apple cider vinegar
8g hemp protein
1 tbsp. flaxseed oil
200-250mg cranberry extract
VegeDog – Multivitamin powder
Prozyme Plus (helps digestion so dog can absorb as many nutrients as possible)
125mg PB8 brand probiotic (1/4 pill)
Boil the water
Add the rice, lentils and sweet potatoes
Reduce the heat and simmer, covered for 40 minutes to an hour
Stir occasionally and add more water as needed
Ingredients should be extra moist – making them easier to digest
Mash the sweet potatoes – let cool
Add the peanut butter and vinegar – stir well
Place 3-5 servings in your freezer to store the rest
Measure 2/3 cup of food per meal
At meal time: add hemp protein, flaxseed oil, cranberry extract, Vegedog, Prozyme Plus, and PB8 into food
Mix well and serve twice daily

Organic Diet

(Among the fastest-growing sectors in the pet food market)
The Diet where regulated requirements come into play. The USDA conducts unannounced inspections to ensure manufacturers adhere to the strict and set guidelines, both in the growth phase, as well as the processing and handling phases of food production.
Also required to adhere to a practices having to do with environmental pollution and cruelty-free animal care
Certified 100% organic foods will never contain GMOs, synthetic herbicides, pesticides, or irradiation.
Primary concern of an Organic Diet is the cost. However, it is argued that by spending the money on higher quality food now, you’re helping to save yourself costs in medical expenses down the road.

3 Benefits of Organic Dog Food

Reduction of skin disease and allergies
More energy and normal weight
Fewer digestive problems

4 Best producers of Organic Dog Food

Acana
Equilibrio
Bosch
Royal Cani

Grain-Free Diet

Great solution if your dog is suffering from skin irritation, fur loss, goopy eyes or ears – allergies in general
Eliminating grains is one course of action some nutritionists or veterinarians will take to identify and treat allergies

Does grain free mean carb free?

Another popular feeding concept that goes hand in hand with feeding your dog grain fee food, is the feeding of a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. It is important NOT to assume that grain free diet is a low carb diet. In fact, some grain free foods contain carb levels similar to or even higher than the diets containing grains

Ingredients such as potatoes replace the grains in the food
Wheat, barley, rye, and oats are excluded from diet
Wheat is one of the most problematic food

Gluten-Free Diet

Diet is particularly helpful for dogs that have intolerance to gluten in general, allergies to wheat, or dogs with epilepsy
Gluten can be a problematic ingredient for many dogs, and can cause problem like gastro-intestinal upset, itchy skin, and ear infections
Elimination of gluten can reduce or even eliminate the need for prescribed steroids and antibiotic treatments
Gluten is the protein that is found in specific types of grain, namely wheat, barley, and rye – meaning diet is free of these proteins. Gluten is a mixture of two proteins, gliadin and glutenin.
However, not all grains contain gluten
Ex) Rice, corn, oats, millet and quinoa
Difference Between Grain- Free Diet and Gluten – Free Diet
Gluten free dog food may or may not be grain free, while grain free dog food will always be both grain and gluten free

What damages can gluten have on dogs?

The presence of gluten in the diet causes an inflammatory response in the intestine
1) The atrophy (wasting) of the villi (small projections) in the lining of the small intestine responsible for helping dog’s body to absorb nutrients from food
2) An increase in the number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), which are present in the dog’s intestine wall
Damage to the intestine makes it harder for nutrients to be absorbed, leading to malnutrition and weight loss

Is Gluten Free Dog Food Essential?

Gluten is not necessarily bad for all dogs – making it not essential
Grains that contain gluten can be a perfectly good source of carbohydrate, protein, fiber

However, studies have shown that many dogs can be sensitive to gluten, and a gluten free diet may significantly improve the dogs health
Breeds with Known Sensitivities
Irish Setters
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers
Border Terriers
Gluten Free Dog Food has higher quality ingredients
Higher levels of protein
Home- made Gluten Free Diet
Foods to Avoid
Processed foods
Baked goods
Wheat (all forms)
Bread
Cereals
Couscous
Triticale
Rye
Einkorn
Barley
Pasta
Spelt
Natural Foods to Include:
Meat
Fish
Seafood
Corn
Oats (gluten free)
Fruits
Vegetables
Rice
Buckwheat
Eggs
Nuts
Amaranth
Quinoa
Millet
Legumes
Sorghum
Oils and fats
Tapioca
Arrowroot