An Introduction to Natural Dog Health

Natural dog health can be achieved by feeding a diet of natural foods and by treating them with the use of natural health remedies. Dogs are carnivores and have adapted over the centuries to become omnivores. While they used to eat only wild animals, they can now eat processed meat and vegetables. In the wild, they ate raw, unprocessed meat and this diet kept them physically fit and ensured that their immune systems were in best working order. Nowadays, however, they’re fed a diet of processed food and supplements, and treated with pharmaceuticals and this has had a detrimental effect on their immune system. Their physical fitness, too, has been depleted.

Natural Diets

Feeding your pet an all natural diet can ensure that he consumes the very foods that his body is meant to utilize to the maximum. This diet is called the Raw Diet or the BARF Diet. Dogs have always eaten raw food and their digestive systems can best digest such foods. Commercial dog foods or cooked foods take longer to digest. Also, the heat required to cook the food destroys the enzymes and antioxidants present, thus leading to health problems such as organ malfunctions, skin diseases and behavioral problems.

Ingredients of the Natural Diet Ideal for Dogs:

• Raw meat with the bones.
• A raw egg with the shell at least 3 times a week.
• Juices or pulps of vegetables such as carrots, cauliflowers and green beans.
• Chicken or turkey necks.
• Finely powdered kelp or alfalfa.
• Fatty acids such as cod liver oil, flaxseed oil and salmon oil and Omega-3. Salmon oil should be given every day.
• Vitamins C and E.
• Glucosamine powder.
• Liver or heart meat for pregnant dogs.
• Folic acid for pregnant dogs.
• Red raspberry leaves for lactating dogs.

Foods Not Recommended for Dogs:

• Chocolates.
• Sugar, as it increases the chances of the dog getting cancer. His sugar needs are met when he eats beets and molasses.
• Grains aren’t required as the dog’s energy needs are met from the proteins and fats they eat. Excessive grain consumption increases the dog’s chances of developing cancer, skin allergies and digestive problems.
• Yeast, as it increases the dog’s chances of suffering from skin allergies.
• Dairy products, as they turn to lactose and lactose can cause allergies in dogs.
• Cooked bones, as they might splinter when eating.

Natural Treatment Options

Besides a natural diet, herbal formulas and homeopathic remedies can be used to boost his immune system, and combat conditions like arthritis, cancer, anxiety, allergies, digestive problems, respiratory problems and incontinence. Other therapies such as aromatherapy, acupuncture, acupressure, massage, hydrotherapy and touch therapy can be used to increase the pet’s quality of life. Additionally, substances such as essential oils, herbs and natural supplements such as probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes and fatty acids are used to prevent and treat many ailments. Such treatments have no side effects, are less expensive and are more effective as long term treatment options.

Natural dog health care products generally consist of the best quality ingredients to ensure that the pet lives a healthy and happy life.