Canine Nutrition and Supplements

Nutrition and Supplements for your Canine Companion


Possibly nowhere does the phrase "we are what we eat" have more significance than it does in the realm of holistic health care. There is simply no arguing the fact that, if we feed our beloved pets poor quality food, their health is almost certain to suffer. Whether it's due to such factors as the lack of key vitamins, minerals, etc or due to the presence of toxic ingredients, they will either fall ill or be less likely to ward off ailments from other sources. As many holistic modalities believe that poor nutrition can significantly hinder the flow of one's life-giving Chi energy, dietary changes can often be one of the "quickest fixes" for our dog's poor health.

The options that dog owners now have in relation to the food and supplements that they can give to their canine companions are almost overwhelming. Even the science surrounding dog's nutritional needs is continuing to evolve. We'll be discussing some of these options and the science related to them when we cover nutrition in greater detail in a later course lesson. Suffice it to say, it's not uncommon these days to hear people discussing such topics as home-cooking preservative-free, organic meals for their pets or feeding special diets like that devised Dr. Ian Billinghurst and quite uniquely named BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or sometimes referred to as "bones and raw food").

However, some people believe that if you feed your dog a well-balanced, healthy diet, there is no need to provide them with any additional supplements, whether vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, etc. It's possible though that your dog isn't able to properly process the nutrients it's receiving; in that situation, they might need more than the "recommended daily dosage" to be able to maintain their health. They might also have a medical condition that would benefit from the addition of various supplements to their diet.

The AHVMA's referral directory contains the contact information for veterinarians who can provide you with nutritional assistance, including answering questions that you might have about supplements. Such veterinarians have likely had some form of coursework in animal nutrition or perhaps they possess a degree in it.

Even if they're not listed on the AHVMA's directory, most holistic veterinarians understand the important role that food plays in your dog's health and often they'll be able to answer your nutritional questions. If not, they might be able to refer you to other holistic professionals who can, including Tradition Chinese Medicine practitioners, acupuncturists, homeopaths, herbalists, applied kinesiologists, aromatherapists, color therapists, homotoxicologists, NAET practitioners, behavioral therapists, and animal communicators.

Each of these practitioners will likely be able to provide you with a new perspective as it pertains to your dog's dietary needs. For example, TCM practitioners discuss food in the following terms:

* Ability to dry or dampen

* Direction (i.e. up, down, in, out) they move Qi or body fluid (e.g. blood)

* Flavors (i.e. salty, sweet, sour, bitter, pungent) and their function (e.g. promote sweating)

* Meridians (i.e. energy pathways) they influence

* Seasonality of eating

* Thermal nature to cool, warm, heat, or neutralize

* Yin and yang properties possessed by all foods

Regardless of what type of holistic practitioner you decide to consult with about your dog's dietary needs, you should spend some time educating yourself about your dog's nutritional requirements. Don't you owe it to your canine companion to give more thought to their dietary needs than simply buying whatever brand of hard dog food is on sale at your local grocery store? If your dog requires implementing vitamins, minerals or herbal remedies it is also in your best interest to consider the option of natural dog supplies.

Author: Emily Derby is an avid dog lover who spends her time in the company of dogs and would not have it any other way

View more Nutrition Articles