Feeding for Health

It is essential to consider the impact of nutrition on our dogs' health and wellbeing. As pet owners, we often modify their diets when they undergo changes in their lives, such as illness, injury, or ageing. By making simple adjustments to their nutrition, we can significantly improve their health, performance, and behaviour. However, it is crucial to note that dietary changes may not always yield positive results, and overfeeding and excessive supplementation can worsen existing conditions or cause new issues.

To ensure our dogs' optimal health, we must understand the correlation between their diet and wellbeing. Making informed decisions about their nutrition can help them lead longer, healthier, and happier lives. It is important to note that the concept of "health span" is equally vital as lifespan. While a long life is desirable, it is not always indicative of high welfare, especially if the dog has been plagued by ill health. Therefore, it may be better to have a shorter but healthier life. Nutrition is one way to support both lifespan and health span.

The Science of Longevity

In order to support our furry companions in living long and healthy lives, it is important to consider lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise, and healthcare. While genetics play a role in determining lifespan, these other factors can have a significant impact on the health and longevity of our dogs. It is important to note that simply living a long life is not necessarily desirable if it is associated with poor health and reduced quality of life.

On average, dogs live between twelve and fifteen years, but with advancements in veterinary medicine, preventative healthcare, and nutrition, many dogs are living longer and healthier lives. However, there are certain factors that can affect lifespan, such as breed size and predisposition to certain conditions. Cancer is also a leading cause of death in dogs, and while age is a contributing factor, nutrition and other lifestyle factors may also play a role.

Research has shown that caloric restriction is a protective mechanism that can promote increased lifespan in a range of species, including dogs. Therefore, keeping our dogs fit and lean is an evidence-based way to maximize their lifespan. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that our dogs live as long and healthy lives as possible, and paying attention to their lifestyle factors is key in achieving this.

Caloric Restriction and Longevity

Caloric restriction refers to the practice of limiting the number of calories consumed and maintaining a lean body weight with minimal adipose tissue. From a practical standpoint, this involves providing dogs with enough calories to support their biology and activity levels while preventing excess weight gain and reducing the risk of overweight or obesity. It is essential to support weight management and monitoring throughout a dog's life. As dogs age, it becomes increasingly important for them to maintain a higher percentage of lean body tissue than fat, as each additional kilogram of body weight increases the risk of mortality. Studies indicate that dogs can live up to two years longer on average when their body weight is maintained at a healthy level, while the likelihood of developing conditions such as osteoarthritis and certain forms of cancer is reduced. By promoting fitness and leanness in our dogs, we can potentially extend their lifespan and improve their overall health. While the quantity of food consumed is crucial, the quality of nutrition provided is also a significant factor in achieving optimal health outcomes.

Regular weighing is a good way to measure and monitor body condition to maintain a lean, healthy condition.

The key points to ensure the optimal health and longevity of your dog are maintaining a healthy and lean bodyweight, consistently weighing and measuring their food, regularly assessing their body condition, and adjusting their food intake accordingly.

Nutritionally Responsive Disorders – How Can Nutrition Support Health?

Feeding for health entails utilizing nutrition to promote good health and manage certain conditions, where diet can serve as a fundamental treatment strategy to aid dogs experiencing certain health issues. In other instances, nutrition can be utilized as a supportive therapy for diseases and disorders not necessarily related to diet. When a condition can be supported through nutrition, it is referred to as nutritionally responsive, and dietary adjustments become part of ongoing management.

However, it is essential to note that veterinary advice should always be sought first if there are any concerns about a dog's health. Nutrition alone should never be used as a substitute for veterinary investigation, a proper diagnosis, or seeking veterinary treatment. Occasionally, after a specific diagnosis, nutrition can be reviewed and modified. For specific clinical conditions, this should be done in collaboration with the veterinary surgeon or by referral to a veterinary nutritionist. It is important to note that in the UK, it is illegal for anyone who is not a registered veterinary surgeon to diagnose, treat or perform surgery on an animal. This is a crucial consideration when seeking nutritional advice, particularly to support the management of health conditions.

Overweight and Obesity

Canine obesity is a growing concern among pet owners and veterinary professionals alike. In fact, it is now recognized as the most common nutritionally related condition in companion animals. According to some veterinarians, at least 50 percent of their canine patients are overweight or obese. This condition occurs when dogs consume more calories than they burn off, resulting in an energy excess. Once a dog reaches 5 percent above their ideal body weight, they are considered overweight. If they reach 15-20 percent above ideal, they are classified as obese. Unfortunately, excess body weight can lead to serious health risks and is a form of malnutrition. While there are many factors that contribute to a dog's predisposition towards obesity, weight management is a crucial aspect of their overall health that can be effectively managed through dietary and lifestyle adjustments.

Nutritional Management of Overweight and Obesity

Managing dogs that are overweight or obese requires a professional approach that involves reducing energy consumption and increasing physical activity. While it is common advice to feed less of the existing diet, this approach can lead to nutritional inadequacy for micronutrients if other nutrient requirements are not met. Therefore, feeding guidelines are crucial in ensuring that dogs receive the proper nutrition they need. To achieve weight loss, it may be necessary to significantly restrict the number of kilocalories consumed, which can result in dogs feeling unsatisfied and resorting to begging and scavenging. As such, dietary changes may be necessary to support weight loss and management, such as reformulating home-prepared diets or selecting a commercially available diet designed for weight management.

Bodyweight, Body Condition Scoring and Food Intake

The interrelationship between bodyweight, body condition, and food intake is critical in maintaining a dog's overall health. The accumulation of fat tissue resulting from overweight and obesity leads to changes in body condition and an increase in bodyweight. To ensure that our dogs maintain an ideal bodyweight, we can employ body condition scoring (BCS) to monitor their body condition and adjust their diet and exercise levels accordingly.

A Healthy Bodyweight

The relationship between bodyweight, body condition, and food intake in dogs is important to understand. Overweight and obesity can lead to an increase in bodyweight and changes to body condition, such as an increase in fat tissue. To manage our dogs' weight effectively, it is recommended that we measure their bodyweight and check their body condition through body condition scoring (BCS). This information can help us adjust their diet and exercise levels to maintain an ideal bodyweight.

Regularly weighing our dogs and keeping records is a simple way to monitor their health. Weekly or fortnightly weigh-ins can help us quickly identify any changes in weight and make necessary adjustments to their diet or exercise routine. It is important to note that weight changes can occur subtly, so exact measuring of bodyweight is crucial. If significant weight gain or loss occurs in a short period, it is advisable to seek veterinary advice.

Weighing our dogs is relatively straightforward, and owners can use bathroom scales or visit pet shops or veterinary surgeries that have pet weigh-scales available. Keeping a diary or spreadsheet to record bodyweight changes is an excellent way to track progress and can be especially useful for fitness programs, weight-management strategies, pregnant bitches, or any situation where knowing what is happening over time is essential.

For some breeds, average bodyweights are available, but for mixed breeds, alternative methods such as BCS can be useful in determining an ideal bodyweight. Visiting the vet for a weigh-in can be a positive experience for our dogs and help build positive associations with the vet's office.

Body Condition Scoring (BCS)

The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a reliable and uncomplicated method to assess your dog's physical health. It involves using visual charts, which are often produced by dog food manufacturers, and physically feeling your dog's condition. A dog in good health should have a lean physique, with their last ribs just visible when moving and their ribs easily felt without applying excessive pressure. If you have to press through a layer of fat before feeling their ribs or cannot see their ribs at all, your dog may be carrying excess weight. Additionally, a healthy dog should have a clear 'abdominal tuck' when viewed from the side, with their abdomen curving upwards. If their lower profile forms a straight line from front to back, they may have excess fat accumulation in their abdomen. From above, a dog with an 'ideal' BCS should have an 'hourglass' shape, with their body curving inward after their rib cage. If there is an outward bulge or no inward curve, your dog may be carrying excess weight. If you are unsure how to perform a BCS, it is advisable to seek guidance from your vet, vet nurse, or nutritionist. Research has shown that understanding what a healthy BCS looks and feels like can make achieving it much simpler. Furthermore, there are specific BCS charts available for individual breeds, such as the pug, which has a dedicated BCS chart that considers their characteristic shape.

In assessing your dog’s body condition, look at their side profile and you should see a clear abdominal ‘tuck’. This is a young, healthy, very active, entire dog with a lean, athletic body condition.

Some dog breeds have distinct body shapes and conformations, making body condition scoring problematic. Pugs now have a devoted BCS chart to help caregivers monitor their body condition more easily.

Food Intake

Managing your dog's food intake is a crucial component of any weight-management program. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain, so reducing the amount of food given at each meal or switching to a diet specifically designed for weight management can be effective for dogs needing to lose weight. It's important to note that weight-loss diets are energy-dilute, meaning that the amount of food will be the same or more than a standard adult dog diet but with fewer kilocalories. This can be advantageous for dogs on significant calorie restriction or those who are not satisfied with the amount of food given.

Feeding several small meals throughout the day can help dogs feel full and reduce the likelihood of behavioral issues that arise from hunger or anticipation of being fed. Alternative feeding methods, such as scatter-feeding or encouraging your dog to be more active when eating, can also increase their activity level and slow down their eating. While scatter-feeding is ideal for dry food, soaking your dog's food can increase their eating activity, slow down their eating, and provide hydration and digestive benefits.

Food-activity toys are available to provide environmental enrichment, and they can be filled with food or frozen (if feeding wet food) and offered to your dog as a treat or to prolong mealtimes. Special "slow-feeding" bowls or mats can also make eating more challenging, extending mealtimes and adding activity to eating. These bowls are particularly helpful for dogs that tend to gulp their food and experience reflux or wind as a result. Slowing down the rate of eating can also improve overall digestion.

Weighing out your dog's food for every meal is critical to support weight management. Evidence shows that scoops or cups can be wildly inaccurate and can significantly over- or under-supply food. If multiple people prepare a dog's meals, there will also be differences in how they measure food using scoops. A set of basic kitchen scales is a key addition to any doggy household, and it only takes a few seconds more in each meal preparation to weigh out the food. Weighing your dog's food makes economic and health sense, especially for those on a tight budget.

Weighing your dog’s food is good practice to ensure daily consistency. Scoops and cups are notoriously inaccurate.

Weight-Loss Programmes

Many dogs benefit from managed and supported weight-loss programmes, often with the assistance of their veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse. These programmes provide advice and guidance on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors that contribute to overweight and obesity. It is crucial to ensure that caregivers comply with the programme and achieve the desired results. Unfortunately, many weight-loss programmes fail, or dogs regain lost weight, due to poor compliance or reverting back to earlier habits, even after successful weight loss. Ensuring that the entire household supports the weight-loss programme is essential. It is common for some household members to undermine weight-management programmes through poor compliance.

For a weight-loss programme to succeed, it must be sustainable and fit with the caregiver and dog's lifestyle. Food choices, intensity, duration, and frequency of exercise, and ongoing monitoring of bodyweight and BCS all need to be considered and managed after the target bodyweight is reached. Encouraging the dog and caregiver to have a shared exercise programme is mutually beneficial and enhances success rates. Calculating the dog's daily ME needs for weight loss and ensuring that their diet supplies this and no excess is helpful. Limiting treat use or converting to 'healthier' treats, such as carrot and cucumber, is useful. It is recommended to use some of the dog's daily food as treats and rewards and avoid table scraps to limit the accidental inclusion of extra calories.

Exercise is essential for weight management as it promotes energy expenditure and maintains lean muscle mass. However, the amount and form of exercise should be increased slowly to minimize the risk of injury and ensure sustainability.

Monitoring the rate of weight loss is critical. Weight loss should be enough to see changes and health benefits quickly, but not so fast that other issues arise, including excess hunger or loss of lean body mass rather than adipose tissue. Adipose tissue has a lower metabolic rate than other body tissues and might be 'spared' in cases of extreme and rapid weight loss. A target bodyweight loss of between 1 and 2.5 per cent of the dog's starting bodyweight per week is recommended.

Characteristics of Diets for Weight Management

Diets designed for weight management are formulated to be energy-dilute, containing fewer kilocalories per 100g than equivalent diets for adult maintenance or working/sporting dogs. Typically ranging from 300 to 340kcal/100g, these diets achieve their energy-dilute status by altering the proportions of macronutrients that supply energy. This involves reducing the amount of fat and increasing the amount of carbohydrate and protein. By reducing the amount of fat in a given amount of food, the energy density of the diet is reduced because per gram, fat supplies more than twice the calories of either protein or carbohydrate. As a result, the calorie distribution of diets for weight management is balanced more towards a higher percentage of energy coming from carbohydrate and protein than from fat. Diets formulated for weight management will typically have a maximum of 12% fat on a dry matter basis, although some may be much lower, especially if they are designed to support the management of other concomitant health conditions. It is important to note that if fat inclusion is too low, a diet can become unpalatable. Furthermore, dietary fat is also essential to support the provision of the fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids.

Healthy treats, such as cucumber, make great options for weight management.

Macronutrients for Weight Management

Diets aimed at weight management may contain increased levels of indigestible fibre, but the evidence supporting its effectiveness in promoting weight loss is limited. In fact, such diets may lead to increased faecal bulk and defecation rates. A more preferable approach to weight loss and management involves providing dietary energy in the form of digestible protein and complex carbohydrates, such as starch. This approach avoids the negative consequences associated with a high-fibre diet. The source of starch in a weight-loss diet is a critical consideration as it can significantly impact blood-sugar levels and the body's response to insulin, the hormone responsible for managing blood-sugar levels and fat deposition. Starch derived from barley and other grains, such as sorghum, is known to provoke a less significant spike in blood-sugar and insulin levels compared to starch in diets containing rice or wheat.

Supplements for Weight Management

Supplemental nutrients are sometimes recommended to aid in weight management. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, are known to be beneficial in cases where there is an increased utilization of body fat stores to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. L-carnitine, a non-essential amino acid found in high levels in meat, aids in the transport of fats across cell membranes to be oxidized as a source of energy. Many weight management diets include L-carnitine to support the movement of fats from the bloodstream into cells for energy. L-carnitine can also protect the liver from accumulating fat during weight loss, and supplementation may assist in weight loss and appetite control in dogs.

What About the Underweight Dog?

Weight management can be a concern for certain dogs, particularly those that are young, highly active, or reproductively intact. Additionally, dogs that have experienced injury, illness, or have recently weaned large litters may require additional support in achieving a healthy weight. Caregivers of underweight dogs may experience anxiety about their pet's physical appearance and overall health, and it is important to monitor bodyweight and body condition score (BCS) closely. After ruling out underlying medical conditions, such as internal parasite infestations or digestive issues, it may be necessary to adjust the dog's diet to meet their high daily calorie requirements. In multi-dog households, it is also important to ensure that each dog is able to consume their food without being bullied or having their meals taken by other dogs. Finally, it is worth considering whether environmental stressors may be contributing to a dog's inability to maintain a healthy weight.

Feeding for Weight Gain

A recommended method for promoting weight gain and improving body condition is to increase the amount of food given. There are several ways to do this, including increasing the amount fed per meal. However, this approach can often exceed the dog's digestive ability, leading to digestive overflow and excess production of fecal matter without weight gain. A more effective approach is to increase the number of meals per day and split the daily ration over multiple small meals. This approach does not put extra strain on the dog's digestive system and can improve the digestion, absorption, and utilization of food.

For dogs with limited appetites, feeding an energy-dense diet with smaller volumes may be necessary. It is important to ensure that the diet is highly digestible and palatable to promote intake. Diets high in fat are typically energy-dense, digestible, and highly palatable, which can be particularly important for dogs recovering from injury or illness.

Allergies and Intolerances

It is frequently reported by caregivers that their dogs are allergic to certain substances, such as allergens and food ingredients. The prevalence of allergies has been observed to have increased in many species and can lead to significant health concerns. Allergies in dogs typically manifest as skin irritation, itching, scratching, digestive upsets, and other localized reactions to allergens. When food reactions occur, they are typically the result of an adverse reaction rather than an allergy. Severe allergic reactions related to dog food have not been extensively documented in the scientific literature.

Allergy, Intolerance, Adverse Reaction – What is The Difference?

It is common for pet owners to refer to their dogs as being "allergic" when they exhibit signs of irritation or discomfort after being exposed to certain substances. However, it is important to note that not all forms of irritation are caused by allergies and may instead be the result of an intolerance. Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a specific substance, while intolerances and adverse reactions happen without the involvement of the immune system. Severe allergies can be life-threatening, while intolerances are typically milder and may vary in their frequency and severity.

When pet owners describe their dog as having dietary allergies, they are often referring to intolerances or adverse reactions to certain foods or ingredients. Contrary to popular belief, allergies to food ingredients are relatively uncommon and are usually associated with whole proteins like beef, soy, and dairy rather than grains. It is worth noting that many allergies are caused by environmental factors rather than dietary ingredients.

If your dog is experiencing symptoms like scratching, itching, redness of skin, hair loss, chewing of paws, or digestive issues, it is important to seek a veterinary diagnosis. While tests are available that claim to identify the substances to which your dog is allergic, they are not always reliable. Therefore, it is best to work closely with your vet to identify the root cause of your dog's reaction, which may require careful exclusion or monitoring of all substances to which your dog is exposed.

Adverse Reactions to Food

When canines experience an adverse reaction to a particular food, it is typically manifested as itching and/or digestive disturbances. In some instances, the cause of such reactions may be due to food contamination, which affects all dogs that consume it. However, if only select animals exhibit signs of distress, it may be indicative of sensitivity to specific ingredients, metabolic products of digestion, or the food itself. Most adverse reactions are attributed to complete proteins in food. In such cases, introducing novel dietary proteins can prove beneficial, as it is a protein that the dog has not encountered before. Examples of such proteins include venison, rabbit, kangaroo, horse, insect, and others. Alternatively, one may consider hydrolysed diets, where the protein in the diet has already been broken down, reducing the likelihood of an adverse reaction.

Nutritional Support for Allergies, Intolerances and Adverse Reactions

When a dog exhibits an adverse reaction to a particular substance, it is recommended to minimize future exposure to it. However, if this proves to be difficult or problematic, veterinary treatments can be utilized. Additionally, changes to the dog's nutrition may also be beneficial. In cases where the issue is related to food, a food-elimination trial can be conducted. This involves removing the suspected ingredient(s) from the dog's diet for a minimum of four to six weeks while closely monitoring their response. This approach can often resolve the issue, and the ingredient can be avoided in the future. In some cases, the suspected ingredient can be reintroduced at a low level to assess the dog's response. For allergies, it is typically safest to avoid the suspected allergen entirely.

If the adverse reaction is not related to diet, nutritional support in the form of dietary omega-3 fatty acids can be helpful in supporting the body's responses. Additionally, the provision of antioxidants in the diet can have benefits in supporting the body's inflammatory responses. For example, supplementing with vitamins C and E can provide antioxidant support, and minerals such as selenium are also vital components of antioxidant defenses. While added vitamin A may be beneficial, it has a limited safe range of supplementation, so caution should be exercised when adding this or other supplements to an otherwise balanced diet.

Digestive Disturbances

Digestive problems are a common issue among dogs and can manifest in various forms. Some causes of digestive disturbances include allergies and intolerances, which can be managed through dietary adjustments. In other cases, genetics may predispose certain dogs to digestive upset. Factors such as lifestyle, hormonal changes, activity levels, and digestive illness can lead to acute or chronic digestive disturbances. It is imperative to seek veterinary advice if a dog displays lethargy, prolonged vomiting, or diarrhea, as attempting to address these issues through diet changes without proper diagnosis can be hazardous. While most digestive disturbances are temporary and resolve quickly, it is crucial to be cautious as dehydration is a genuine concern, particularly in young or older dogs or those with pre-existing conditions.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a painful condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. The onset of this condition can be sudden and acute, often triggered by dietary indiscretions such as consuming high-fat foods like butter. Certain breeds, like cocker spaniels, may have a predisposition to developing chronic pancreatitis, which may not necessarily be caused by diet. In order to manage pancreatitis, it is advisable to maintain a consistent diet and avoid potential triggers like high-fat foods and treats. Additionally, supportive veterinary management may be necessary, and the level of carbohydrates in the diet may need to be lowered. It is recommended to seek nutritional guidance from your veterinarian to ensure optimal management of pancreatitis.

Anal Gland Health

Many dogs may experience issues with their anal gland health, resulting in impaction and infection due to the glands not emptying naturally. While some cases may require manual evacuation, dietary changes can also aid in this matter. Increasing the amount of insoluble/indigestible fibre in a dog's diet can help to bulk out faeces, promoting normal emptying of the anal glands. A common management technique involves adding bran to a dog's meals, although it's important to note that bran and other forms of dietary fibre may negatively impact nutritional health and mineral balance. Care must be taken when using bran for extended periods or for dogs with certain health conditions. Additionally, probiotics and prebiotics may support digestive health and promote normal anal gland function.

Bran is sometimes an easy option to add to your dog’s food to bulk out stools and support anal gland emptying.

Exercise-Induced Digestive Upset

Canine companions with high levels of activity are prone to experiencing digestive issues and loose stools during exercise. This can be attributed to the movement of the body and the swift transportation of undigested food. However, this can be easily managed by regulating the timing of feeding, ideally several hours before intense physical activity, and by reducing the quantity of food consumed during meal times preceding active periods. These practices effectively minimize the volume of material passing through the digestive tract.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Other Conditions

There are several diagnosed digestive conditions that can benefit from dietary support. This typically involves analyzing the diet's composition, adjusting specific nutrient levels, and modifying meal timing and portion sizes. It is advisable to seek veterinary assistance when managing these conditions, as each dog's needs are unique and personalized support is necessary, making generalizations difficult.

Nutrition for a Healthy Skin and Coat

The skin is the largest organ of the body and serves as a vital protective barrier against the external environment. It is essential for a dog to maintain good health by having a clean, shiny coat that is not excessively greasy, dirty or scurfy. It is imperative to ensure that the dog feels pleasant to touch, without any sores, discharge, evidence of external parasites/infection or unpleasant odour. It is recommended to be aware of what is considered ‘normal’ for your dog’s breed/type, including the extent and frequency of moulting or shedding of the coat. Moulting is often linked to the seasons, with many dogs growing thicker coats in the winter months. However, dogs living in centrally heated homes may show less seasonal fluctuation in moulting and shed their coat consistently. Hormonal changes also affect coat condition, especially in entire bitches that will typically moult and change their coat around their seasons. Changes to nutrition can also affect skin and coat quality. It is important to note that when nutrition is changed, there may be transient changes in coat condition, and shedding may temporarily increase.

Skin and Coat Concerns

The condition and appearance of a dog's skin and coat is a significant indicator of their overall health and nutritional status. Early signs of nutrient deficiency can manifest as changes in skin and coat condition or pigmentation. A thorough visual and physical evaluation of a dog's skin and coat is necessary to assess their nutritional health. It is important to note that a minimum of four weeks is required to observe any significant improvement in skin and coat condition or nail growth when implementing supportive management. This is due to the growth cycle of the skin, coat, and nail cells and tissues. It is important to approach testimonials claiming immediate results following a nutritional change or supplement introduction with caution.

Nutritional Support for Skin and Coat Condition

Ensuring a healthy skin and coat for your canine companion requires attention to key nutritional factors. Adequate intake of high-quality, easily digestible protein is essential, as the skin, coat, and nails are all protein-rich. Additionally, dietary fat, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, plays a crucial role in maintaining skin and coat condition. Dogs on higher-fat diets typically exhibit superior coat appearance and texture compared to those on lower-fat diets. Vitamin E is also critical for skin health, and supplementation may be beneficial in certain cases. Biotin is another important nutrient that supports skin, coat, and nail growth and condition. However, it is recommended to seek professional guidance when supplementing an otherwise balanced diet to ensure proper nutrient provision and prevent potential excess.

Other Nutritionally Responsive Conditions

As we continue to deepen our understanding of our dogs' health and how to manage specific conditions, it is becoming increasingly apparent that diet and nutrition can play a vital role in supporting their care. While it is not typically possible to rely solely on nutrition to treat or cure most conditions (with a few rare exceptions), it can be a valuable component of overall healthcare and management.

If your dog has received a diagnosis for a specific condition, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to their diet. Given the highly individual nature of these cases, it is beyond the scope of this book to provide specific nutritional advice. However, a referral to a clinical veterinary nutritionist may be beneficial for conditions directly linked to food or the digestive system. It is important to remember that while non-veterinary nutritionists can be knowledgeable, they are not qualified to diagnose or treat conditions. Instead, their guidance should be considered supplementary to veterinary care.

A healthy skin and coat is supported by good nutrition.

Foods that are Potentially Dangerous to Our Dogs

While many dogs can eat all sorts of food with few ill-effects, there are foods and ingredients that are potentially very dangerous for our dogs. Many of these are common human foods and our dogs can eat them by accident or by scavenging. If you think your dog has eaten something potentially dangerous, always seek veterinary advice and don’t be tempted to ‘wait and see’ – this is critical for food such as grapes, raisins and chocolate. All have the potential to cause serious harm to our dogs, but internal damage can occur before outward signs appear. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Other common foods and ingredients to be aware of as potentially dangerous include some artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol (often found in chewing gum and some peanut butter), caffeine, garlic and onions. Many garden plants, including bulbs, are toxic for our dogs, so care should always be taken to limit access and exposure to these.

Diet and Dog Behaviour – Are They Linked?

The relationship between nutrition and behaviour in dogs is a complex one that requires careful consideration. While high protein levels in dog food have been associated with behavioural problems, it is not as simple as a single nutrient or its levels. Changing diets to lower protein levels, home-prepared, raw, eliminating wheat/other grains, and other adjustments have been reported to improve behaviour. However, it is important to note that other variables, such as the quality of the diet and the caregiver-dog relationship, may also contribute to these changes.

It is clear that behaviour and nutrition are linked, but likely at a more complex level than commonly believed. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to support learning and cognition, and there is growing evidence of the connection between gut health, brain health, and behaviour. Supporting a dog's digestive microbiome and ensuring their diet supplies essential nutrients are ways in which we can support their behaviour.

In conclusion, the link between nutrition and behaviour is highly individual and requires careful exploration to ensure that the overall nutrition, training, and management of the dog are optimized to promote acceptable behaviour.

Diet Choice for Specific Situations

When considering the nutritional needs of a dog, it is important to recognize that each animal is unique and requires an individualized approach. While specific dietary requirements may be necessary for managing certain health conditions, it is also crucial to address any additional needs that may be present. The primary goal is to ensure that the diet provides adequate nutrients and is both acceptable and digestible for the dog. In some cases, a food-elimination trial may be necessary to identify the cause of allergies, intolerances, digestive issues, or behavioral concerns. This process requires careful management to prevent accidental exposure to other foods that could disrupt the trial. For example, if caregivers suspect that grains in their dog's food are causing problems, a food-elimination trial may be initiated, but it is essential to ensure that the dog is not consuming grains in other treats or snacks. Accurate dietary records, such as food diaries, are a valuable tool for monitoring the effects of dietary changes and are critical for promoting optimal health in dogs.

Summary

• Nutrition is one way that we can support the lifespan and health span of our dogs.
• Nutrition is a controllable variable that can be amended to help the management of a number of health conditions.
• Weight management, in particular, is essential for the overall health and wellbeing of our dogs.
• Food-elimination trials are a useful way of identifying dietary ingredients that might be linked with digestive or other health problems.
• Diet choice or modification (including supplementation) to support specific health conditions should be done with veterinary advice and on an individual basis.