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Pet Health
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 two
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.
For Cats
Cat
Vities Multiple Vitamin for
Cats -
Use according to directions on container or as directed by your
veterinarian.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
For Joint Health
(Arthritis prevention and treatment)
-
Nutri-Joint:
1 heaping tablespoon for very large dogs (over 100 lbs.)
1 level tablespoon for large dogs (75-100 lbs.)
2 teaspoons for medium dogs for medium dogs (50-75 lbs.)
1/2 to 1 teaspoon for small dogs and cats (0-50 lbs)
For Heart Health
-
Pet Cardio Care: (formerly Formula CV)
Use according to directions on container or as directed by your
veterinarian.
- CoQ10 (30mg): 1 capsule per day up to 75 lbs.; 2
caps per day over 75 lbs.
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: www.dogaware.com/dogfeeding.html
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