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Showing posts with label NUTRITION. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NUTRITION. Show all posts

Echo Pet Foods Dog Treats - Review

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Good dogs deserve good treats! Treats that are not only great tasting, but wholesome and healthy.

Echo Pet Foods is an Australian owned family business, which was founded in 2013 as a response to the lack of healthy treat options available for pets. The owners were tired of being offered treats made from cheap meat alternatives full of preservatives and additives.  They decided to create their own range, which was named in remembrance 
of their beautiful Siberian Husky, Echo.

The company's vows to deliver the highest quality pet food using free range and non-GMO ingredients as part of a healthy balanced diet, providing the ultimate nutrition for your pets. 

Echo Pet Foods currently supply fresh produce and dehydrated treats for dogs and cats with meals coming soon! The entire range is made from human grade 100% free range (no antibiotics and no GMO) hormone-free grass-fed beef, lamb and wild caught kangaroo. 

ECHO PET FOODS - TREATS RANGE

Beef Topside Jerky - Lamb Loin Jerky - Kangaroo Rump Jerky - Beef Liver Treats (from Left to Right)

There is a diverse range of treats on offer from Lamb, Beef, Kangaroo, Seafood  but for the purpose of this review, we only sampled the first three.

#1. Beef Treats

Fresh lean beef is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially iron and zinc, and is therefore recommended as part of a healthy diet. Other crucial vitamins and minerals that can be found within beef include vitamin B12, selenium, niacin, vitamin B6, and phosphorous.

Topside Jerky dog treats are made from 100% human grade Australian Topside Beef, dehydrated and packed locally. They're ideal as a reward or training aid. These treats are suitable for puppies to old dogs whilst still satisfying all dogs in between!
You could also choose from Beef Crumbles or the Liver Treats which were definitely our dogs' favourites!

​#2. Lamb Treats

Lamb treats in the Echo Pet Foods range are made from 100% human grade Australian Lamb Loin free from additives or preservatives. 

You can choose from Lamb Chews, Liver Treats or Loin Jerky and all of them work as an occasional treat or for training purposes. These are especially recommended if you have a fussy pet. 

Lamb treats can be a little fatty so a little goes a long way but liver treats can be easily broken into small pieces. 

RRP: $4.99 for 100g (also 400g or 1kg value pack)

#3. Kangaroo Treats (Rump Jerky)

Kangaroo is great for dogs that have food allergies along with being the perfect training reward or entertainment chew. 

Made with wild caught 100% kangaroo rump, these treats contain no preservatives, colourings or artificial flavours.

RRP: $6.99 (100g pack)


There's also an impressive range of Fish Treats (Queenfish pieces, Mackerel Tails, Fish Bites, Cartilage Sticks, Fish Nuggets, Flake Jerky, Fish Twisters, Pilchards) that would delight any dog or cat!

If meat is off the menu, a Vegetarian offering is also on the cards in the near future...

WHAT WE LIKE

As we all try to do our bit to reduce our "carbon paw-print", an easy step to take is to purchase more locally made products that also support our local economy. It makes very little sense for us to us to go and purchase an overseas equivalent that ends up costing twice as much!

There's no doubt that the health and wellbeing of our pets are at the core of Echo Pet Foods' values, well ahead of their profits and in this day and age, we found this refreshing!

Based on the quality of the ingredients (free-range, grass-fed, wild caught), the pricing is extremely competitive as I don't think we've come across any treats of this quality starting from $4.99 per 100g.

Our dogs kept a very close eye on the samples during the photo shoot and once given the signal, Porthos was ready to pounce (in case it moved...) on his reward!

For more details, please visit www.echopetfoods.com.au

Loyalty Pet Treats - Dog Packs Competition

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Win 1 of 5 Ultimate Dog Training Packs from Loyalty Pet Treats for your pooches!

Made in Australia, this is a unique and diverse range of low-fat, nutrient dense treats full of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. Though primarily aimed at dogs, all these treats can also be eaten by cats and even ferrets!

Loyalty Pet Treats owners are passionate about supporting healthy food choices for all pets and real hands-on manufacturers, not simply marketers whose product is made by someone else and branded under another name.

Whether you're looking for Beef / Lamb / Pork / Chicken / Duck / Seafood / Kangaroo & Venison / Low-fat options / Nutraceuticals / Blends / Meal Toppers, you'll find the perfect option. The hardest part will be which one to choose first!


We have 5 x Ultimate Dog Training Packs worth $66 each to be won

(Total Prize Value is $330)

To Enter, Like and Share our post on Facebook or Instagram (08/09/2017) and answer this question correctly "what is the name of the patented food dehydration system used by #LoyaltyPetTreats"?
You will find the answer in our recent review here...


TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. This Competition will close on Friday 15/09/2017 (1pm). The winner will be drawn on Saturday 16th September and announced on this page. Please allow 3 weeks for your prize packs to be delivered directly from the company.
2. To enter, like and share and tell us "what is the name of the patented food dehydration system used by #LoyaltyPetTreats"?
http://www.australiandoglover.com/2017/07/loyalty-pet-treats-for-dogs-review.html
3. Please note you MUST be following our Facebook page or Instagram page @australiandoglover to be eligible.
4. Each extra person tagged in the Comments will earn the entrant an additional entry (max.3)



Purina® launches Beyond® ‘Simply 9’ Dog Food

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Purina® launches a new range of nutritionally complete and wholesome dog food, Purina Beyond® ‘Simply 9’. 

"Dogs are increasingly part of the core family unit, and their health and wellbeing is becoming more important to their owners, from the exercise they get, to the food and nutrition they are given. The natural wellness trend has seen an increased demand for “bullet-proof” coffees, turmeric lattes, and a rise in popularity for natural nutrition and food options. Pet owners are now looking to give their pets the same level of nutrition and wellness as themselves.

The new range of expertly-crafted dog food only uses nine recognisable ingredients, plus vitamins, minerals and amino acids that work together in a delicious and complete meal to provide nourishment dogs need in a food they will enjoy. Purina Beyond® ‘Simply 9’ also has no added wheat, corn or soy and each recipe in the range is fortified with essential nutrients, to ensure complete and balanced nutrition and support natural wellness in dogs.

Created by Purina® pet nutrition experts, Purina Beyond® ‘Simply 9’ offers dog owners a balanced option, free from added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. The high quality nutritionally complete range uses protein-rich quality meat as the number one ingredient - including chicken, lamb and salmon & tuna – and was developed with the nutrition conscious dog owner in mind

Purina® in-house pet nutritionists play a crucial role in the creation of Purina Beyond® dog food. From choosing high-quality ingredients to overseeing every step of the formulation process, they optimise the way ingredients and essential nutrients come together to support long-term health and well-being.

RECIPES & PRIMARY INGREDIENTS

Lamb and Whole Barley

 Lamb – is a delicious source of high quality protein, which helps to maintain lean muscle mass as well as support a healthy immune system

Spinach – carefully sourced high-quality spinach to provide key nutrients

Salmon and Tuna 

Salmon & Tuna – both are delicious sources of high quality protein and known for Omega 3 fatty acids, helping to support a dog’s healthy skin and shiny coat.

Pea – carefully sourced high-quality protein source rich in amino acids 

Chicken and Whole Barley

Chicken – is a delicious source of high quality protein, which helps to maintain lean muscle mass as well as support a healthy immune system

Carrot – carefully sourced high-quality carrots to provide key nutrients

In addition to the main protein, all recipes are made up of natural and nutritious ingredients:
  • Chicken Meal – chicken is cooked at high temperatures to remove water and fat, creating a delicious meal high in quality protein
  • Whole Barley, Oats and Rice – the three sources of grain supply dogs with a steady release of energy, keeping them moving for longer, as well as helping support digestion through soluble and insoluble fibre.
  • Poultry Oil – a rich source of energy and essential fatty acids
  • Pea Protein – a high quality protein source rich in amino acids
  • Liver Flavour – to enrich dogs’ mealtime experience


Purina Beyond®, Marketing Manager, Dog Portfolio, Sue Poezyn, said: “To respond to the rise in demand for natural products from Australian dog owners we have launched the Purina Beyond® ‘Simply 9’ Range. We know leading a balanced and healthy lifestyle is incredibly important to Australians, and they want to give their dogs the same options.”

Ms Poezyn continued, “This is a first for Purina® and our in-house nutritionists spent years, at our innovation centre, developing Purina Beyond ®. The new range is part of our ongoing commitment to help pets live happy and healthy lives through high quality wholesome nutrition, with no artificial additives.”

PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

RRP: $16.99 (2.5kg dry food bag in Chicken & Whole Barley, Salmon & Tuna, Lamb & Whole Barley) from Woolworths.

For more information, please visit www.beyondpetfood.com.au

Canine Wellness Kitchen – Dog Food Truck

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Melbourne dogs have been spoilt with the arrival of The Canine Wellness Kitchen, a food truck offering a gourmet menu catering especially for them!

Co-founders Katie Crandon and her partner Laura Yeomans launched their food truck at the Hank Marvin Market in St Kilda last year after identifying a gap in the market.

They were already running a healthy pet food business but found that our canine friends - including their Cocker Spaniel Freddie - were missing out on the “dining out” experience even when they were accompanying their owners. 

"The idea [behind the dog food truck] is, you come to the truck, buy yourself a meal and a beer and the dog can enjoy the same food as what you're eating." says Ms. Crandon.


The food truck serves a range of raw and dehydrated snacks made from “human-grade ingredients”. Meat and offal are sourced from reputable butchers whilst the fresh vegetables used are grown in their garden at home. 

Our mission is “to get healthy food to pet owners” explains Ms. Crandon, as feeding dogs better food will result in healthier coats, cleaner teeth and may help prevent joint problems.

The "Collar Unbuckler" dish from Canine Wellness Kitchen
The popular “Munchies” plate features items such kangaroo meat (high in protein and low in fat), lamb lung, beef liver (a great source of iron, B12 and folic acid) and shark cartilage.

A dish called “The Love Mussel” features green-lipped mussel – a superfood which is a natural anti-inflammatory and "a rich source of omega fatty acids and minerals to help heal creaky joints '’ explains Ms. Crandon.

Another unique doggie delight is their home-made “Freddie’s Froth” which is essentially an organic bone broth sometimes referred to as a “beer for dogs”! There is of course no alcohol in sight but rather a secret mix of bone broth, molasses and other flavouring. It is served in a beer bottle so that you can pour it into your dog’s bowl!

This truck even has a small dog-level serving window for your pooches, along with a human-sized counter as it does serve food to humans too!

The doggy delicacies start from only $3 for lamb lungs, roo chews and green-lipped mussels, whilst those with a pack mentality can get “The Works” which includes a meal, dessert and a doggy beer for $10.

The response from Melbourne dog owners has so far been overwhelming positive with many begging for the food truck to visit their suburb!

Isn’t it time you took your dog out on a lunch or dinner date?

Depending on the day, you can catch The Canine Wellness Kitchen truck at the Hank Marvin Market in St Kilda East, on the Port Melbourne foreshore, the North Melbourne dog park or at a doggie festival near you!

The best way to keep up with the food truck’s movements is to follow their Facebook page.

For more details and to see the full menu, please visit www.caninewellnesskitchen.com

How important is a dog's diet?

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Just how important is diet for our dogs?? I believe it's one of the most important keys to health & longevity!! Followed by only titer testing after initial puppy shots (other than rabies required by law), Avoiding toxic chemicals in the home, Avoiding toxic insecticides aka Flea/Tick "meds", & using RX drugs as band-aids! As a species appropriate raw feeder of over 13 years & owning a Canine Wellness & Nutrition Co. Consulting & Educating people all over the world. I know & see first hand the benefits of a balanced whole food raw diet. Not only can disease prevented in our dogs but a whole RAW food diet can prevent cancer in our dog & is being used to SUCCESSFULLY TREAT CANCER IN OUR DOGS!! I have 2 dogs in cancer remission currently thru diet alone! I recently learned of this amazing place in Austin, Texas that rescues shelter dogs with cancer & treats them with food alone, RAW FOOD & guess what they go into remission!! Makes me so happy!! So, NO drugs, NO chemo, NO radiation! This diet is a raw high fat, moderate protein with fibrous veggies diet otherwise know at a Ketogenic diet!
Watch world-renowned cancer researcher, Dr. Thomas Seyfried present success in treat cancer thru a raw diet & the reaction by of the top vet school.




People Foods Your Dog Can Eat Safely

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As a responsible and informed dog lover you aim to give your dog the best diet possible. Good nutrition coupled with a regular health care program may result in extending your dog’s life by as much as 15 percent. 

There are some human foods that can be safely added to your dog’s meals in moderation to give a nutritional boost to their diet and add a bit of variety to the food bowl though this is mainly for our benefit. Dogs, unlike humans are content to eat the same food every day!

Just a note that any additions to your dogs' meals shouldn’t comprise more than 25 percent of their weekly calorie intake.

As always, check with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they are on any medications. Upsetting the vitamin and mineral balances in your dog’s diet can have negative effects on your dog’s health and some medications interact badly with some nutrients. 

#1. Oatmeal

can-dogs-eat-oatmeal
Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fibre. This can be beneficial for some older dogs that may have trouble maintaining bowel regularity. 

Oatmeal is also an alternative source of grain for dogs that are allergic to wheat. It can be fed in conjunction with probiotics to enhance their function. 

Keep in mind oatmeal should always be fed cooked and plain with no sugar or flavouring. 

#2. Yoghurt

Yoghurt is a good source of available calcium and protein and can assist if your pooch suffers from digestion problems. When choosing yoghurt, pick one that has live active bacteria and no sugars or artificial sweeteners. The active bacteria may act as probiotics. If your dog is slightly overweight, make sure that you pick fat-free yoghurt but not one containing added sugar or an artificial sweetener. Frozen yogurt can make a nice summer treat for dogs.


#3. Eggs

Eggs are a great source of very digestible protein, riboflavin, and selenium. 

For some dogs that are prone to digestive upset, eggs can give them a little protein boost. Adding eggs to your dog’s food is a healthy treat. Make sure to use cooked whole egg, as raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency. 

If you do a lot of training with your dog, consider taking cooked eggs to your next class as training treats.

#4. Salmon

Salmon is a fatty fish which is also a good source of Omega- 3 Fatty Acids. These fats support the immune system and can be beneficial for both skin and coat health. There has also been some indication that they may benefit dogs with allergies. You can feed salmon or salmon oil. If feeding salmon, make sure it’s cooked before serving, as raw salmon can carry a parasite that can make your dog sick.

#5. Meat

What dog's nose doesn't go on alert when there's meat around?
If your dog requires extra protein in his diet, cooked unseasoned chicken, turkey, lean mince beef, and chuck steak or roast are an easy addition to his regular food and a good meal replacement if you find yourself out of dog food.

A few rules apply: 
  • Always cook meat well. Never serve it raw or undercooked. 
  • Avoid fatty cuts, including bacon. 
  • Cut meat - and any human food - into easy-to-chew chunks. Ground meat is fine, too. 

#6. Pumpkin


Pumpkin (raw or in a can) is a good source of fibre and beta carotene (a source of vitamin A). 

Dogs need fibre in their diet. The current trend is towards highly digestible diets that lower stool volume but this is not necessarily a good thing. 

Keeping the GI tract (gastrointestinal tract) moving helps keep the cells lining the gut healthy.


#7. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are another great source of dietary fibre and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, and manganese. Sweet potatoes are great sliced and dehydrated as a chewy treat for your dog.

#8. Green Beans


can-dogs-eat-green-beans
Green beans (either fresh or canned with no added salt) are a good source of plant fibre, vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese. 

If your dog has a tendency to put on weight, then replacing some of his regular food with green beans is a great low calorie way to fill him up and help maintain his weight.





#9. Broccoli

This vitamin-rich vegetable can be a great occasional nutrition boost for dogs. However, the head of broccoli contains an ingredient called Isothiocyanate which can cause gastric irritation, therefore it shouldn't make up more than 5% of your dog's diet. The stems are probably the safest part for dogs since only the top flowery head contains that harmful chemical.

#10. Carrots
Shar-pei-eating-carrot

This popular vegetable is packed with vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B1 and B6. Raw carrots are low in calories and constitute a nice canine treat on occasion. Plus, crunching on carrots can be good for your dog's teeth. Cooked carrots can also be fed but don't be tempted to add spices, sugar or salt.

#11. Flax seed

flax-seed-good-for-dogs
Flax seed (ground or oil) is a good source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which are essential fatty acids that are good for skin and coat. 

Whole flax seeds are best if ground right before feeding as this type of fat can go rancid quickly. Flax seed can also be added to your dog’s diet as a source of fibre. Flax oil is a more concentrated form of omega- 3 fatty acids without the fibre. Make sure that you store the oil or seeds in the fridge in an air tight dark container. 

#12. Apples

can-dogs-eat-apples

As long as you are feeding your dog a high quality dog food, they likely won't suffer from nutritional deficiencies and there is no need to supplement their diet with raw or cooked fruits like apples. 

An occasional treat is ok but your dog could experience stomach discomfort, including diarrhea.

Apple seeds, however, contain cyanide so your dog should not be allowed to eat the core. 




#13. Peanut Butter

peanut-butter-good-for-dogs
Besides its irresistible taste, peanut butter is loaded with large amounts of proteins, vitamins, antioxidants and quality fats, which are all healthy for dogs. 

Peanut butter also contains Omega fatty acids which promotes health and reduces bad cholesterol.

Several brands now offer sugar-free peanut butters which contain xylitol - an artificial sweetener extremely toxic to dogs - so please read the ingredients label to ensure it is not present.

Do you ever cook for your dog? What do you make? Share with us in the comments below.

Caring for your Older Dog

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Even though your dog may be slowing down a little, there’s no reason why his later years should not be some of his most rewarding. After all, he’s wiser as well as older, and with regular veterinary attention, daily care and proper nutrition, your senior dog can still experience a very happy, healthy life.

However, you can’t ignore the fact that your dog’s body condition will change as the years go by. Important bodily functions, normally taken for granted, may start to slow down or malfunction.

Just like humans, the senses eventually start to deteriorate, leading to impaired vision, hearing, taste and smell. Appetite may decrease and very old dogs often get thinner, with the shoulders and spine becoming more prominent.

HOW OLD IS YOUR DOG?

Senior dogs have different care requirements than those of a younger dog. This fact probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

But how do you know when your dog is considered to be a senior?

It really depends on the individual dog. In general, giant breed dogs age faster than smaller breed dogs. A Great Dane is considered to be senior by roughly 5-6 years old whereas a Chihuahua would likely only be middle-aged then, and probably not considered a senior until 10-11 years. 

Large breed dogs fall somewhere in between. A Labrador Retriever might be considered senior by 8-10 years of age. Genetics, nutrition, environment; all of these play a role in how fast your dog ages.

In addition to a dog's breed, specific lifestyle factors – such as diet, exercise and medical history – affect how long a particular dog will live.



THE SIGNS OF DOGGY AGEING


The most practical way to tell if your dog is growing old is to observe his or her behaviour and appearance. Simply put, how old does your dog act, look, and feel?


Your dog may develop arthritis or other degenerative diseases that cause him to slow down. He may not be able to walk as far or play as long. He may tire more easily. 

He may have difficulty getting up or finding a comfortable position to sleep in. He may experience apparent stiffness in the joints and have difficulty getting up after lying down, or after a long walk. He may become reluctant to go up and down stairs or have difficulty getting into and out of the car.

Senior dogs frequently suffer from kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease and other conditions that may result in weight loss.

On the other hand, some senior dogs may have the opposite problem. Some dogs will become less active with age, essentially becoming couch potatoes, and will gain weight as a result. Obesity in a major health issue in dogs of all ages and senior dogs are no different.

Other signs to watch out for include:
  • Thicker, less pliable skin. Rougher and thinner coat, with bald patches or white hairs.
  • Deafness, revealed by a failure to respond to commands or calling their name.
  • Tooth and gum conditions – look out for food being dropped or excessive salivation and pawing at the mouth. Swellings below the eye may be signs of tooth root abscesses and need vet attention.
  • Warts, fatty lumps and even tumours may appear. Check these out with your vet, as early detection may save your dog's life.
  • Excessive thirst and frequent or uncontrolled urination.
  • Confusion or failure to recognise their surroundings
  • Depression, disobedience and occasionally destructive behaviour.
NB: These last two could be indicating that your dog suffers from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) or dog dementia.
  • A hazy, bluish cast on the eyes, which is normal and usually does not hinder the eyesight. However, the hazy, whitish growth of cataracts can lead to blindness. Your vet can help you distinguish the difference.
  • A tendency to sleep more during the day but sleep less at night. Some dogs may prowl around the house at night because of sore joints, senility or even loneliness.

The day will come when you’ll start spotting the signs of old age but that doesn’t mean you have to wrap your dog in cotton wool and start to worry. You just need to adjust your routine and take a few precautions.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOUR SENIOR DOG


#1. Daily routine

A consistent daily routine is important to your older dog's physical, mental and emotional health, providing comfort and a reassuring framework.

#2. Proper medical care

Regular check-ups (twice a year) with your veterinarian are a must for older dogs. In addition to annual vaccinations and examinations, talk to your vet about special geriatric screenings for your dog as many diseases are not apparent. Also, try to keep a record of any warning signs and report them to your vet.  Ask for a body condition evaluation during each vet visit. Body condition is crucial to determining whether your senior dog is overweight, underweight, or at an ideal body weight.

#3. Exercise your senior dog 

It can help keep your older dog lean and maintain healthy joints and muscles. However, tailor your dog’s exercise needs to his individual requirements. For a large breed dog, walking around the block is probably just getting started but for a tiny Pug, a brisk walk around the block may be a long trek!

If your senior is not used to exercise, start slow and gradually increase the intensity — and only after you’ve consulted a veterinarian. Also, be careful with short-nosed dogs on hot days as they're prone to heat stress.

#4. Feed your older dog a high quality diet

In general, dogs of seven years and older start taking life a bit easier and, as a result, their nutritional needs start to change once more. Senior dogs are less active and have a slower metabolism, so fewer calories are required. But high-quality, easy-to-digest protein becomes more important than ever, to help maintain overall body condition.

Also, learn to read the dog food label and choose a diet that is appropriate for your dog’s age and lifestyle. You should feed your dog once or twice a day, but may find your dog prefers to eat smaller meals more frequently. This is quite normal, as it’s easier to digest several small meals than a few large ones.

#5. Keep your senior dog at his ideal body weight

  • Overweight dogs have a higher incidence of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, skin disease, even cancer. Your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate diet for your dog, especially since overweight dogs must be fed carefully to ensure that all nutrient needs are met while still allowing for weight loss.

  • Consider fortifying your senior dog’s diet with fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. They have been shown to be useful for dogs with mobility issues due to arthritis or other joint diseases. Nutraceuticals containing Glucosamine and Chondroitin are also beneficial for senior dogs.

  • Consider a special diet if your older dog has heart or kidney disease. For example, diets lower in sodium are sometimes advocated for dogs with heart disease, while diets which help control phosphorus, calcium and other electrolyte levels are given to dogs with kidney disease. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best food for your dog based on your dog’s individual situation.

#6. Healthy teeth and gums

Routine dental care from your vet is very important, as older dogs are more prone to gum disease and tartar build-up. In addition to regular visits to a professional, it's always a good idea for you to check your dog's teeth and gums regularly.

Brushing your dog’s teeth may seem like a silly idea but it can help keep your dog’s mouth healthy. If you cannot brush, consider dental treats and use a dental chew toy that helps keep the teeth clean.

#7. Provide plenty of toys to keep your senior dog occupied. Food puzzles, for example, are not only useful for entertainment but for weight loss purposes as well.

#8. Provide your older dog with special accommodations  

For instance, dogs with arthritis might benefit from soft bedding in the form of a special dog bed or towels/blankets on which to sleep. Ramps can be used to make stairs easier to navigate if they cannot be avoided. 

Even providing carpeting or rugs over hard-surface flooring can help your arthritic dog gain his footing and make it easier for him to get around.

#9. Emotional support

Try to be sensitive to what your older dog is going through and understand that a lot of psychological changes are taking place. Instead of letting it worry you or deter you from adopting a senior dog, use it as a reminder to live in the moment.

Daily care of your older dog requires a little more patience on your part. Your loving care and commitment really helps create true quality of life during these senior years.

Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog

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Domesticated dogs are largely carnivores that eat some omnivorous foods. Wild dogs eat a variety of food which consists mainly of prey animals. Prey animals are composed of raw meat, raw bones, organs, other tissue and digested vegetable matter. While dogs are carnivores they do consume a small amount of the vegetable matter contained in the stomach and intestines of their prey. Dogs have evolved over thousands of years to eat this type of diet.

WHAT SHOULD I FEED MY DOG?

Feed high-quality balanced premium commercial food that is appropriate for the life stage and health condition of your dog. Check that it complies with the Australian Standard AS 5812:2011. Foods imported from the US must conform to AAFCO standards for labelling which are much more rigid.

Dog foods must provide the following:
  • Energy (measured in calories or kilojoules) which your dog needs for muscle function for movement, a wide variety of bodily functions and to keep himself warm.
  • Proteins and other nutrients for growth and repairing body tissues.
  • Fats for energy and essential fatty acids.
  • Vitamins, minerals and other micro-nutrients to regulate these processes.
You can offer some natural foods to provide some variety including fresh human-grade raw meat (e.g. raw lamb), raw meaty bones and vegetables. Always check with your vet first that raw meaty bones are suitable for your particular dog (e.g. some dogs with misshapen jaws or dental disease may find chewing on raw bones difficult).

Choose human-grade raw meat and raw meaty bones because some pet meat/pet mince/pet rolls/pet meat and bone products can contain preservatives that can be detrimental to the dog's health (e.g. sulphite preservative induced thiamine deficiency which can be fatal). However avoid sausages, sausage meat and cooked manufactured meats as they can contain sulphites. 

Bones must be raw 

Raw meaty bones such as raw lamb ribs (not lamb chops though), raw lamb flaps and raw chicken wings provide several important health benefits including keeping teeth and gums healthy. However, too many raw bones may lead to constipation. Generally one or two raw bones may be offered per week with a few days in between each serving.
The bone must be large enough so that the dog cannot fit the whole bone in its mouth or swallow the bone whole and always supervise dogs when they are eating raw bones.

Never feed cooked bones as these can splinter and cause internal damage or become an intestinal obstruction. 
Avoid large marrow bones (these have very thick outer rims), T-bones, 'chop' bones e.g. lamb cutlets, large knuckle bones and bones sawn lengthwise (as done by some butchers) as dogs may crack their teeth on these. Dogs ‘like’ bones very much and sometimes become protective. Do take care and discourage young children and others from approaching dogs that are eating. 

Dogs may be offered fish such as tinned sardines in springwater, tinned tuna and tinned salmon as a treat occasionally (care with any fish bones). Please avoid feeding fish constantly. 

Dogs may also be offered a small amount of cooked vegetables e.g. pumpkin, carrots etc.

Cooked meat such as boiled chicken or lamb may be offered but ensure there are no cooked bones or onions/onion sauces or other toxic substances present. A small amount of cooked plain pasta/rice may be offered but again ensure there are no onions/onion sauces or other toxic substances present. 

For more information, please read our post on "15 People Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat".

Provide access to grass (avoid chemically treated grass and toxic plants) - dogs will sometimes eat grass which may provide a source of vegetable matter and micronutrients.
Nutrition-Boxer-Dog-Eats-Grass
The amount of food required will depend on your dog's size, breed, age and level of exercise, but take care not to overfeed or underfeed. Your vet will be able to weigh your dog, assess your dog's body condition score and provide advice.

Adults dogs should be fed at least twice a day to help avoid canine bloat which can be fatal. Also, dogs should not be exercised immediately before or after eating, to avoid bloat, particularly deep-chested dogs. 

Fresh water must be available at all times.

A WARNING CONCERNING DOG TREATS

A number of Australian dogs have suffered from kidney problems after being fed particular pet treats.

The toxin which causes the illness has not yet been identified and a number of treats from a number of manufacturers could be involved. Researchers have said that it’s difficult to pinpoint the particular treats involved because dog owners often feed several different treat brands to their dogs.

Cases have been associated with some chicken jerky treats, pig’s ears and other porcine products in addition to some chew-type products, mostly but not exclusively of Asian origin.

If you want to feed treats, veterinary researchers advise to use: 
  • a small portion of commercial dog food; or 
  • an appropriate and safe morsel of human food; or 
  • home-made treats prepared under veterinary advice 
If you are using commercial treats, then it would be wise to limit these to occasional use, for example, a small treat once or twice a week.

If you are feeding commercial treats and notice your dog showing the following signs/symptoms then you should see your vet as soon as possible:
  • lethargy 
  • loss of appetite 
  • increased thirst 
  • urinating more frequently 
According to research, the illness is normally treatable with most dogs making a recovery if treats are removed from diets completely. But very occasionally more serious illness and death can occur.