|
The Holistic Dog
The New York Dog Magazine
Andi Brown
January 01, 2006
 WELCOME! WHENEVER A PET OWNER contacts me about a dog not exhibiting great health, the first thing we examine is the food they're using and a list of components. When a pet is out of balance, it's usually due to the fact they're not being fed enough vegetables, or the emphasis is too heavy on grains. Finding the optimal portion of ingredients is easy when you follow these guidelines. Top this energizing fare off with a good multi-vitamin and a blend of essential fatty acids (cold-pressed oils). You'll be giving thanks all year round for the healthiest dogs on the planet!
As Director of Halo, Purely for Pets, holistic pet care advocate Andi Brown frequently explores problems that result from a pet owner treating the symptom rather than the cause. What an animal eats - the quality of nutrients - as well as the purity of the environment, is the foundation of its overall well-being. By staying as close to the ways of nature and eliminating non-essential ingredients and chemicals from their diet and their environment, you'll see miraculous changes in your pets.
HOMEMADE HEALTH
Q: I've been hearing a lot about homemade foods and cooking for dogs lately. While I've considered making my dog's food, I'm a little concerned that I might not be giving them everything they need. Can you help take the mystery out of the process for me?
A: Homemade foods for pets can be the healthiest thing you can do for them as long as you pay attention to the balance of the three major categories of ingredients you'll need to be serving. Dogs require high quality meats, vegetables to help process the meats through the body, and a small amount of grains for bulk and carbohydrates. The perfect components can be found in a typical American family's Thanksgiving dinner. Start with succulent turkey, a big helping of colorful vegetables, and a dollop of sweet potatoes, which can make a totally delicious and completely nutritious diet for dogs. The ratio of 50 percent veggies, 40 percent meat, and 10 percent grains seems to be the best ratio for maintaining optimal health.
"REAL, WHOLESOME, HEALTHY FOOD
IS WHAT KEEPS DOGS' TEETH CLEAN"
Never too early
Q: I'm noticing tartar buildup on my dog's teeth and I wonder how important it is to start brushing them now. I'm using dry food, so I don't understand the problem.
A: I "make" my dogs brush their own teeth on a regular basis. It's becoming a part of a ritual to maintain regular hygiene. First of all, let's dispel the myths that dry food keeps teeth clean. It is simply a lie. It's as silly as thinking that a handful of pretzels would keep our teeth clean, too. Real, wholesome, healthy food is what keeps teeth clean and if you happen to be a dog, it never hurts to gnaw on a raw knucklebone from the butcher. Once a week, I give my dogs a raw, meaty beef or soup bone. Never cook the bone (it can splinter); a bone of this kind is not only safe, but keeps them occupied for hours and helps scrape tartar and muck off their teeth naturally. You'll love what it does and they'll enjoy the challenge of getting all the marrow out from the middle. Bone a petit!
Information Archive
Return to News & Information Home Page
|
