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To your best friend’s health Does your dog have a healthy diet? by Dr. Bart M. Precourt, D.C.
U sually, I’m writing articles about human nutrition. But for our dogs, the premise is the same: Human or dog, in order to be healthy, we need good nutrition. No doubt, we want the best for our furry companions. That means we should take a deeper look into canine nutrition. Is feeding them the same dry food from a bag every day the best for their health? (the answer is probably obvious). Many of us may not fully understand what constitutes healthy dog food or how to assess our dog’s nutritional needs. Let's explore three primary topics: signs of an unhealthy diet, the components of nutritious dog food and tips for transitioning to a healthier diet. 1. Recognizing the signs of an unhealthy dog diet First, we need to observe our pet’s overall health and behavior. Here are some signs that your dog’s diet may not be meeting their nutritional needs: - Weight Issues: Obesity is a common problem among dogs and just like with humans, can lead to health issues, such as diabetes and joint problems. As an English Bulldog owner for nearly 30 years, I've seen first-hand the negative effects of dogs being overweight. Conversely, underweight dogs may lack essential nutrients. - Poor Skin/Coat Condition: A shiny and healthy coat is often a reflection of good nutrition. If your dog’s fur is dull, dry or flaky, it may indicate a deficiency in essential fatty acids or other nutrients. Itchy skin and paws can indicate a food sensitivity. - Digestive Problems: Frequent gas, diarrhea or vomiting can signal that your dog is not digesting their food properly. This could be due to low-quality ingredients, food intolerances, or an unbalanced diet. - Lethargy or Behavioral Changes: Food impact on human behavior is obvious. Give a kid sugar, first they misbehave, then they get tired and cranky. Could poor nutrition be at the root of your dog's poor behavior? It’s worth a look. Many major brands have additives and poor sourcing. 2. Components of a Nutritious Dog Food Here are the essential elements to look for to ensure you’re feeding your dog a healthy diet:
containing artificial preservatives, colors and flavors, as these can have negative effects on your dog’s health. (This might rule out most big brands.) 3. Tips for Transitioning to a Healthier Diet Just like us humans, nutrition is critical for good health. Our pups should be eating real foods. If your pup’s health is compromised, you may just have to jump in and make big changes. - Consult Your Holistic Veterinarian: They can help assess your dog’s specific dietary needs based on their age, size, health condition and activity level. - Gradual Transition: You may choose to transition over a week or so by slowly adding your new food or even organic pumpkin to your dog’s food. This may reduce digestive changes. - Monitor Your Dog’s Response: Similar to making healthy changes in your own diet, some adjusting may be required. Your dog can't talk to you, so you will need to observe eating patterns and habits. Find a good fit. - Consider Homemade Meals: If you prefer, you can prepare homemade meals, ensuring you include balanced ingredients. However, do your research or consult a dog nutritionist to ensure the meals meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs. In conclusion, feeding your dog a healthy diet is fundamental to their overall health and happiness. Like humans, rarely do bad diets have good outcomes. You may need to do some homework, spend some time and energy to get it right. Your best friend is worth it! In private practice for almost 30 years, Dr. Bart Precourt utilizes chiropractic, acupuncture, functional nutrition, whole food supplementation, and lab testing to help people elevate their health. His primary goal is to make health simple. He is a keynote speaker for mastermind groups, entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals. Bart consistently delivers the message that the time to level up is NOW. Bart and his wife Kelli own and operate Balance Health Studio, Prema Organic Cafe and The Dog Kula. Together they have 8 bulldogs, some 170 chickens and fruit trees out the wazoo. Bart is a former rugby player, MMA enthusiast and yogi. He currently practices in Seagrove Beach at Balance Health Studio. For more information or a consultation, visit www.balance30a.com or call 850-231-9288.
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Dr. Bart Precourt
- High-Quality Proteins: Dogs need protein for muscle development and energy. Look for dog foods that list high-quality animal proteins (like chicken, beef, or fish) as the primary ingredient. Avoid food that list “meal or byproduct” after the protein source. - Fiber: Avoid all corn and
Feeding your dog a healthy diet is fundamental to their overall health and happiness. Like humans, rarely do bad diets have good outcomes
soy! Ingredients such as green leafy vegetables, fruits, sweet potatoes and seeds provide essential carbohydrates and fiber. - Healthy Fats: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are crucial for maintaining healthy
skin and a shiny coat. Great to reduce dandruff and overly oily coats. Either from healthy fats or by adding fish oil. - Vitamins and Minerals: Tricky! Ideally, all the vitamins and minerals come from whole foods. Not added from fortified or synthetic vitamins. - Avoid Artificial Additives: Steer clear of dog foods
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36 | THE THIRTY-A REVIEW | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024
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