I get dental for kids but brushing is not one of them. I adopted Rudy and started playing with his ears, holding and rubbing his paws and putting my finger in his mouth. The first two are 50/50 the last is a hard NO! He doesn’t like dental sticks or hard treats he won’t even eat kibble. His teeth are good according to the dentist but obviously he doesn’t like hard things. Trixie eats all hard treats kibble etc. the dentist says the damage is from her playing ball. It’s frustrating
The article gives examples of what to do in place of brushing. I hope you find it helpful.
Have a great day/week. Until next time Tricia, Rudy and Trixie
How Often Should You Brush Dog Teeth and Cat Teeth?
Many of us can remember our parents telling us that we should brush our teeth twice a day and go to the dentist. We probably didn’t know it as little kids, but taking care of our oral health was an important part of taking care of our overall health.
Poor dental care can cause many health problems. In dogs, studies show 80–90% of dogs 3 years of age and older have dental disease. Meanwhile, in cats, 50–90% of cats 4 years of age and older may suffer from dental disease.
Dental disease can lead to painful and swollen gums and tooth loss. Left untreated, severe periodontal disease can result in other health problems including kidney, liver, and heart damage because the bacteria found in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to other organs.
How Often Should You Brush Dog Teeth and Cat Teeth?
To prevent serious dental disease, it’s recommended to brush your pet’s teeth at home at least two to three times per week.Along with consistent at-home care, you’ll need to take your pet for a professional dental cleaning once a year.
Tips for Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth
Your pet probably isn’t going to willingly let you brush his teeth the first time you stick a toothbrush in his mouth. Follow these tips to make the process easier.
Use the Right Tools
Human toothpaste can upset a pet’s stomach—and it can even be toxic. Pet toothpaste works great for cats and dogs. Toothbrushes for pets are smaller than a human toothbrush and have softer bristles. The product you use should be approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
Because cat teeth are so small, square gauze or cotton swabs could work to brush cat teeth if you don’t have a cat toothbrush.
Begin When Your Pet Is Young
Begin acclimating your pet to tooth-brushing when they’re young. Brushing a puppy’s teeth or a kitten’s teeth helps them become used to the routine easier than starting with an adult dog or cat.
Keep Cleaning Sessions Short
Once your pet has gotten acclimated, you can move forward with actually brushing his teeth. The process for brushing cat teeth and dog teeth is largely the same.
Your pet probably won’t tolerate you cleaning his entire mouth at once. Stop every 5-10 seconds and give your pet some positive reinforcement, like petting or cheerful talking.
In total, it should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute to brush your pet’s teeth. Remember to keep the teeth-brushing session light and fun.
Teeth-Brushing Alternatives
Some pets, no matter what you do, will not let you brush their teeth. Fortunately, there are other dental care products that help keep a pet’s mouth healthy.
For example, you could try a food and water additive like the Bluestem Oral Care flavored additive. You could also try dental chews for dogs and cats. Talk to your veterinarian if you are unsure which teeth-brushing alternative to try.
Above all, do your best to make brushing your pet’s teeth an enjoyable experience, but don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian if you’re having trouble with it. Remember that the better care you take of your pet’s teeth at home, the healthier your pet will be.
I hope everyone and their fur babies had great holidays making memories playing in the colder weather, keeping warm and all the shopping.
I took a bit of last year off, did the holidays and kept busy. Of course, that means taking the pups out every day in the cold wind, but not rain. I draw the line, Trixie loves the rain. It doesn’t matter to her Rudy is a little more hesitant. He will go but he’s not all that into it, but he wouldn’t stay in. You see they also have a good size backyard and front yard to play in andto do their business etc.
Dogs are the most popular pets in the U.S., but allergies can make being around them tricky. This is what makes hypoallergenic dogs appealing to many people with dog allergies. But what, exactly, makes a dog hypoallergenic?
Here’s what to know about some of the best dogs for allergies.
What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
All dogs produce allergens, but hypoallergenic dogs are specifically bred to produce fewer allergens in their hair. This can make them a good fit for some people with allergies.
However, no dog is 100% allergen-free. Even dogs that don’t produce a lot of dander still contain allergens in their skin, saliva, and urine, which can trigger an allergic response such as coughing, itching, or wheezing.
Which Dogs Are Hypoallergenic?
While there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, there are dog breeds that may be a better fit for some people who tend to react around pups. Here are some of the best hypoallergenic dogs.
1. Poodle
Photo credit: Adobe/disq
There are three types of Poodles, and each has a reputation for being hypoallergenic. These dogs don’t shed much and are known for their high intelligence. The Standard Poodle was originally bred for hunting and is the largest of the three, while the Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle were both bred to be smaller versions of this breed. No matter what size your Poodle is, this breed needs lots of care paid to their curls so they don’t become tangled and matted.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Photo credit: ArtistGNDphotography/E+ via Getty Images
Little Yorkies are cute hypoallergenic dogs with spunky and affectionate personalities. They adapt well to many different living situations, from large homes to studio apartments, as long as they get plenty of attention from their family.
3. Shih Tzu
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Another small hypoallergenic dog, the Shih Tzu is an ancient companion breed. They’re known for their thick coat and friendly temperament. However, their flat face means they can be susceptible to some health issues, including overheating, breathing problems, and tear stains.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
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There are three Schnauzer breeds, and the Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest. Standing no more than 14 inches tall and weighing 10–20 pounds, these smart dogs fit into many different living environments. Just make sure they get at least an hour of exercise every day.
5. Standard Schnauzer
Photo credit: Adobe/everydoghasastory
The larger Standard Schnauzer shares a lot of the same qualities that make Miniature Schnauzers popular pets, just in a slightly larger package. These dogs can weigh as much as 45 pounds and love to spend their days taking long walks, playing fetch, and solving puzzle toys.
6. Giant Schnauzer
Photo credit: Adobe/Evelina
Capable of reaching heights of over 27 inches and weighing up to 85 pounds, Giant Schnauzers are among the biggest hypoallergenic dogs. They need lots of exercise to be happy, such as long walks, neighborhood runs, weekend hikes, and games of fetch.
7. Bichon Frise
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Small, playful, and affectionate, the Bichon Frise is a petit pup with a curly hypoallergenic coat. Because they’re highly intelligent and highly trainable, Bichons can quickly master training basics with positive reinforcement and go on to learn fun tricks to entertain the family.
8. Chinese Crested
Photo credit: Adobe/B.Stefanov
The Chinese Crested is a small breed known for their unique appearance. There are two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. A powderpuff Chinese Crested is covered in long, silky hair, whereas a hairless Crestedhas smooth, soft skin with tufts of hair on their head, tail, and paws. Both varieties are hypoallergenic, and the breed is playful, affectionate, and a great companion.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
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This medium-sized breed was originally bred as an aid to fishermen in Portugal. Because their thick, curly coat does not shed much, Portuguese Water Dogs are a popular hypoallergenic dog breed. They are also intelligent, highly trainable, and friendly. These water dogs are high-energy pups, and regular exercise (like swimming) keeps them happy and healthy.
Goldendoodles are another popular doodle dog developed over the past few decades. Like the Labradoodle, these dogs don’t shed much, have a friendly nature, and are highly intelligent. While many are known for their golden coat (thanks to their Golden Retrieverparent), Goldendoodles can come in a wide range of colors and textures. They need frequent grooming to prevent matting.
12. Lagotto Romagnolo
Photo credit: Adobe/aerogondo
Lagotto Romagnolo dogs were bred originally as water retrievers, and their curly, woolly coat would protect them from chilly waters. While less common than other hypoallergenic dogs, Lagotti Romagnoli (the proper plural of the breed’s name) can be good with children and other pets, making them good family dogs.
13. Affenpinscher
Photo credit: Adobe/Ilona Didkovska
Affenpinschers are small hypoallergenic dogs known for their monkey-like appearance. Their dense, wiry coat produces fewer allergens than many other dog breeds, but it requires lots of care through at-home brushing and stripping, a process where the hair is removed by the root instead of trimmed.
14. Irish Water Spaniel
Photo credit: Adobe/Vincent
Friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable, Irish Water Spaniels are another water dog breed originally bred for retrieving game. Their thick, curly coat requires regular grooming and is always liver (brown) in color. Exercise is essential to keep an Irish Water Spaniel happy and healthy, as the breed has a high energy level.
15. Aussiedoodle
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An Aussiedoodle is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard or Miniature Poodle. This hypoallergenic dog is very smart and very energetic, thanks to both parent breeds. Lots of exercise and mental stimulation are needed to keep an Aussiedoodle happy. If they become bored, they can be destructive.
16. Bolognese
Photo credit: Adobe/SasaStock
Bolognese are cute hypoallergenic dogs that originated in Italy. They have a long, fluffy white coat that needs lots of grooming despite its characteristic messy appearance. These playful and easygoing pups have a reputation for getting along well with children and other pets, and Bolognese can fit into all types of living situations.
17. Maltese
Photo credit: Adobe/Eva
Another small hypoallergenic dog, the Maltese is known for their luxurious white coat. Maltese make affectionate and playful companions for pet parents who can keep up with their grooming needs, especially if you want your dog’s hair long. To make grooming easier, give your Maltese a short “puppy” cut.
18. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Photo credit: Adobe/lisa gray
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized Irish breed. As the name implies, this dog has a silky coat that’s incredibly soft to the touch and doesn’t shed a lot. Because they’re terriers, Wheatens maintain a high energy level throughout their life and need ample exercise and stimulation to be on their best behavior.
19. Coton de Tulear
Photo credit: Adobe/Lunja
A small hypoallergenic breed that originated in Madagascar, Cotons de Tulear are easygoing pups. Their good nature makes them a good fit for other pets and kids, especially when introductions are made properly.
20. Schnoodle
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While many doodle breeds are a mix of a Poodle and an allergenic dog, the Schnoodlecombines two hypoallergenic dog breeds: the Schnauzer and Poodle. Their coat can be curly or wavy, depending on what they inherit from their parents, but it’s always low-shedding.
21. Bedlington Terrier
Photo credit: Evgenia Glinskaia/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Often called “a lamb in dog’s clothing,” the Bedlington Terrier is a small, curly-haired breed known for their distinctive topknot hairdo and pom-pom ear tufts. This dog loves being beside their people and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
22. Xoloitzcuintli
Photo credit: Adobe/Eudyptula
Mexican Hairless Dogs, also known as Xoloitzcuintli, are one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds. This breed comes in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard) and can be hairless or covered in a short coat. Both hairless and short-coated Xolos are hypoallergenic dogs.
23. Whoodle
Photo credit: Adobe/John Keyworth
When a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is crossed with a Poodle, the result is a Whoodle: a friendly dog that doesn’t shed very much at all. These dogs inherit their intelligence and affectionate nature from both parent breeds.
24. Bernedoodle
Photo credit: Timothy Guarderas/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Bernedoodles are a crossbreed between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. Their friendly, affectionate nature and gentle demeanor makes these large hypoallergenic dogs a popular pick for families with children and other pets. Just make sure to give them plenty of exercise, as these dogs need to stay active.
25. Shorkie
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Another cross between two hypoallergenic dogs, the Shorkie is a mixed breed created from Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terriers. They’re the best of both breeds: small, playful, and friendly. But like most dogs on this list, they require dedication to a regular grooming routine.
26. Afghan Hound
Photo credit: Adobe/Mariana
Afghan Hounds are known for their long, flowing coat and slender builds. These pups are built for running and are one of the fastest dog breeds in the world. Afghan Hounds are loving toward their family but can be aloof toward people they’ve just met, so early and consistent socialization is vital for this breed.
27. Barbet
Photo credit: Adobe/Analisisgadgets
The Barbet is a cheerful pup with a shaggy, woolly coat. Pronounced “bar-bay,” the name Barbet is from the French word barbe, which means beard, a nod to the dog’s characteristically hairy chin. This big hypoallergenic dog loves to swim, thanks to their protective curly coat.
28. Shih-Poo
Photo credit: Adobe/Jessica Lewis/Wirestock
The Shih-Poo mixed breed is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle (most commonly the Toy Poodle). This small pup can do well in almost any living situation, as long as they get 30 minutes of exercise and a good brushing session every day.
29. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Photo credit: janpla01/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Though Peruvian Inca Orchids are rare dogs, they are hypoallergenic thanks to their nearly hairless bodies. They are an ancient dog breed that comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large), and they’re the national dog of Peru.
30. Malshi
Photo credit: Adobe/J.Joe.Foto
As a cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu, the Malshi is a happy, small hypoallergenic dog. They thrive when their favorite humans are close to them and need close companionship to be happy.
Tips for Living With a Hypoallergenic Dog
There are a few things pet parents need to be aware of before purchasing or adopting a hypoallergenic dog.
Keep Up With Grooming
Hypoallergenic dogs require some extra care and maintenance to ensure a clean and allergen-free environment. Keeping the dog’s coat clean and reducing dander in the home requires regular grooming and bathing. Ideally, dogs should be groomed every week and bathed every four to six weeks. Using a special shampoo such as Allerpet® Dog Dander Remover can help reduce pet dander for those allergic to dogs.
Many hypoallergenic dogs also require regular trimming, hand-stripping, and/or other grooming upkeep. Make sure you have the budget to visit a professional groomer regularly, or learn how to groom your pup at home.
Minimizing allergens also means cleaning and maintaining your home. It’s important to vacuum, dust, and wash your bedding regularly to minimize pet dander. You can reduce allergens in the air by using air purifiers and keeping the house well-ventilated.
Talk to Your Doctor
Managing allergies and preventing allergic reactions is crucial when living with a hypoallergenic dog. The best way to manage allergies is to consult with your healthcare provider. There are many ways to treat allergies, including medication, nasal sprays, and injections. It’s also important to avoid close contact with the dog’s saliva or urine, as these can also trigger allergic reactions.
Bringing home a hypoallergenic dog can be a great way to improve the quality of life for individuals with allergies. These dogs allow those with allergies to experience the joy and companionship of pet parenthood without constantly having allergic reactions.
How are your amino acids today? All in order? Good to hear it.
Even if you don’t know exactly what amino acidsare or what they do, I’m pretty sure you know they’re important. In fact, many of them are essential to life itself.
One of the more talked about amino acids, when it comes to pets, is taurine, which aids the function of the nervous, digestive and immune systems. The market for taurine supplements for dogs is sizeable.
Dogs need taurine. A deficiency can cause all manner of health issues.
In fact, recent research has established a link between taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in certain dog breeds. A similar link to DCM in cats led to the routine addition of taurine to cat food.
So do dog parents need to add taurine to their dogs’ diets? Should dog food manufacturers be adding it?
Ideally, no. The good news is the vast majority of dogs will never suffer taurine deficiency. That’s because, unlike cats, dogs can produce their own taurine from a good and balanced diet, especially if it’s full of high-quality meat.
However, if a dog isn’t getting the right food — or has a genetic disposition to taurine deficiency, as some dogs do, particularly among larger breeds and American Cocker Spaniels — then there could be an issue.
Luckily, your vet, with your keen observations, will be able to diagnose taurine deficiency and advise on a remedy.
And while your dog’s tolerance for taurine is pretty robust, making an ‘overdose’ highly unlikely, it’s wise — for your dog and your pocket — to avoid adding supplementswithout veterinary input.
For a bit more detail, particularly on the potential symptoms of taurine deficiency, I highly recommend reading the article here.
That’s it from me today. Time to keep my taurine levels up with a hearty breakfast.
Until next time,
Andrew
Editor The Dog Food Advisor Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food
Ark Naturals Company of Tampa, Florida is voluntarily recalling three value packs of Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste due to the inadvertent omission of a mold-inhibiting ingredient.
Although there have been no confirmed reports of illness as a result of the ingestion of one of these products, there’s a risk that mold might develop before the end of the product’s shelf life.
Our friends at Dog Food Advisor has sent a short note with links to buy food containers at Chewy and PetCo (He is honest that they get a little something for purchasing through the links so if you purchase let’s support them). P
ersonally, I have the spin top containers for dry but I’m going to look into wet food containers because I use the containers we use and let’s face it, their food is human grade but it is still their food. I want something that stands out. I’ll leave it here so I can go shopping!!
Have a great read and a great week. Until next time. ~Tricia
Hey,
Happy Wednesday!
I went for a hike on the weekend. It was most enjoyable, full of Spring colors, sunshine and scents. That is, it was enjoyable until I opened my backpack to find the wrapper of my now-melted chocolate bar had been opened and its contents had made good their escape, leaving the adjacent white t-shirt looking like a soiled diaper.
It was my fault for failing to put the bar in a suitable container. But my foolishness was not without its benefits.
It made me think about how we should store dog food (pretty much everything that enters my head somehow comes back to dogs and dog food these days). It turns out it’s not quite as simple as you might think.
Storing food properly is a really important part of looking after your dog, after all. It keeps it good to eat and, from a dollar-in-your-pocket point of view, does so for longer.
Keep the original packaging for info/expiry dates.
You can double-layer with the original packaging and a container.
Wet food should be stored in the fridge.
Dry food should be stored in a cool, dry place.
I have to repeat the airtight lid tip — it’s a must.
That’s a very brief summary, so I do recommend reading the full article here. We also have some links here to buy dog food storage solutions on Petco and Chewy.
Full disclosure: we may receive a small referral fee if you use these links to purchase dog food containers, which goes towards funding and growing the Dog Food Advisor and keeping our work free to the public.
Anyway, I’m off to buy some stain-remover and pray to the laundry gods for my t-shirt.
Until next time,
Andrew
Editor The Dog Food Advisor Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food
Been there, yep. Our 11 year old Border Collie is not slowing down until she just can’t walk. She doesn’t like it when I pickup the ball and tell her it’s time to go home. Now a days she drops the ball drinks some water and heads for home. It’s sad understandable but sad.
When this came in from the Food Advisor it made me feel good about how we fed her but at 11 we have to watch her weight too. It’s all good and if you have a younger active dog remember they need a bit more protein
Hey,
Happy Wednesday!
Also, happy Active Dog Month! Yes, another Wednesday email, another dog-related day/week/month to mention.
How active is an active dog? It’s a bit like asking, how long is a tail? Dogs’ activity levels vary not only among different dogs, but the same dog. My boy can be like a coiled spring one day, a very elaborate and expensive soft furnishing the next.
It’s not a precise science, but we each have a pretty good idea of what the term means — much as we’d say a dog has a short or long tail with some degree of confidence — and whether it applies to our dogs.
What a dog eats is, of course, entwined with their exercise levels. If they’re a whirl of perpetual motion, certain foods will help provide the necessary energy. Likewise, you don’t want to keep pumping gas into a car that rarely leaves the driveway.
There’s also a question of cause and effect, too. Is a dog more sedate because they’re not getting enough energy from their food? It might be worth looking at their diet and maybe even chatting with your vet or a nutritionist if you’re worried.
If your dog is active, there are certain things you should look for in, or add to, their dog food — and those depend on the kind of activity they enjoy. Endurance exercise relies on aerobic metabolism, while during short bursts of activity, the metabolism remains anaerobic.
If it’s endurance we’re talking about — long hikes or days swimming at the lake, for example — your dog needs fat for sustained energy and increased protein to help condition the body for that exercise and repair muscle damage.
If your dog’s a sprinter not a hiker — more Usain Bolt than Bill Bryson — carbohydrates are the most available source of energy. Carbs aren’t always shown on dog food labels but there’s a simple way to calculate them.
And that’s not all. Our in-house nutritionist, Laura Ward, says:
“There are three nutrients which are valuable for active dogs, over and above the requirements for a complete and balanced diet. They are:
Omega 3 – especially a source of EPA and DHA. Omega 3 has properties to soothe inflammation, which is great for protecting active joints.
Probiotics – great to support brain health and focus.
L-carnitine – this works on the mitochondrial system, which uses fat to provide energy.
You can look for these things in a bought dog food or you can add them, either through supplements or natural sources.
Fish oil or algal oils are the primary sources of Omega 3. Indeed, fish is a good source of Omega 3 generally. Plain live yoghurt or plain kefir will add probiotics to your dog’s diet, and if you want L-carnitine, that’s in meat and fish.”
And remember, whether you have a springy Springer Spaniel or a layabout Lab, you can use our dog food calculator to get an idea of their calorific needs.
I hope you and your dogs have a bounce in your steps for the rest of the week.
Until next time,
Andrew
Editor The Dog Food Advisor Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food
I prefer fresh. I always top the kids food with meat, Fresh Pet, carrots, Rudy loves carrots. I’ve always been hesitant about raw unless I give them salmon or some type of fish, I’m not a big meat eater but that’s me not the dogs. I try to get them a well rounded diet. I haven’t found a fruit they like not even bananas. Well at least they eat vegetables.
I’m copying the newsletter from The Dog Food Advisor. I’m loving this newsletter. Enjoy and I hope you find it useful. Let me know.
Hey,
The weekend is upon us, so here’s our Friday round-up of news, savings and the like.
I read a story yesterday about a dog in Australia who eats better than I do. Bowie has spent months taste-testing a “gourmet, raw food and native-ingredient bush tucker degustation menu” ahead of an event in Melbourne.
He’s been chomping on raw emu and kangaroo, “seasonal vegetables in golden turmeric coconut milk” and “dog-safe mint sorbet and crocodile crisps”.
The cheese sandwich in front of me looks pathetic in comparison.
Bowie’s diet is quite extreme — my dog eats very well but I draw the line at crocodile crisps. However, there’s no doubt raw and fresh human-grade dog foods are rocketing in popularity. With good reason too.
Raw food is based on dogs’ ‘ancestral’ diet and is very carnivorous. Every part of an animal is in there — muscles, organs, bones — just as dogs would eat in the wild. This means much higher protein levels and a lot less carbohydrate content — and no additives.
You can supplement the diet with vegetables, probiotics, Omega-3 oil — anything really, even kibble.
Benefits include: firmer stools, improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, reduced allergy symptoms, and better weight management.
It has its downsides like any dog food. It’s not as cheap or as convenient as kibble and, as it’s raw meat, you have to handle it with care. Bacterial contamination such as Salmonella and E. coli germs can be a problem and while the risk to dogs is very low, there’s a greater risk to humans.
You should also be careful about where you buy your raw food from.
There are many ‘micro-brands’ whose food isn’t tested or may not be nutritionally balanced (e.g. no calcium content because the bone is removed). It’s easy to over- or under- supply nutrients without proper care. You need to get the balance right.
Full disclosure: My dog’s main diet is a raw ‘80:10:10’ mix (80% meat, 10% bone, 10% offal) with additional treats, probiotics and chews, and he’s in great shape. It’s a financial stretch but I’m convinced it helps keep vet bills down — that’s just my opinion, mind.
(The biggest bonus for me personally is picking up his small and firm stools!)
If you want to try a raw diet, there are suggested brands on our site. And you can get an exclusive 25% discount and free shipping with 5-star-rated We Feed Rawby clicking this linkor via our DFA review.
We Feed Raw’s food meets the AAFCO-approved nutritional levels for all life stages, including large-breed puppies, and includes meat, organs and bone.
Fresh food is different. It’s usually human-grade meat and vegetables gently cooked to preserve nutrients and is low in moisture. It’s similar to something you might cook for your dog at home — indeed, many fresh dog food brands started out when someone decided to do just that. But now they’re mostly designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
Oh, and people have been known to accidentally eat a portion — but it’ll do them no harm!
Like raw, fresh food tends to be delivered frozen — you then keep some in the fridge and some in the freezer, defrosting as necessary. The food you receive is tailored to your dog’s needs based on details you give about their age, weight, breed, etc.
The downsides are, again, price and convenience. It’s something you need to weigh up.
There’s a ton of deals on 5-star-rated fresh dog foods currently available through DFA. Here’s a selection:
Read this article. Take into account your dog or cats tummy so it doesn’t get upset. No one wants that
Hey,
Happy Wednesday!
My wife comes from a big family — and I mean vast. One of the many advantages of this is the plentiful array of characters and stories it provides.
One of my favorite stories is how her cousin Michael only ate cornflakes with milk until he was 16. I thought this tale might be somewhat apocryphal but I confirmed it with the man himself.
“I did try other foods around that time but with little success,” he told me.
Now, while he not only survived but also turned out to be a strapping fellow — a triathlete and competitive karate practitioner — no one can argue Michael’s diet was a good one. Whatever nutrients are missing from cornflakes and milk were missing from his body.
You might think I’m about to mention our list of Best Dog Foods for Picky Eaters — it’s a fine list and useful if your dog is like the young Michael — but what I want to talk about is diet rotation.
The clue is in the name — it’s a feeding method where you give your dog a variety of foods using a planned schedule.
The aim isn’t to turn your dog into some kind of foodie who photographs each dish for his Instagram page. The logic behind diet rotation is there’s no perfect dog food.
Any dog food can be flawed. It might not have enough of one nutrient or too much of another. It could even contain toxins.
These flaws might be small and therefore do little harm over the course of a few meals or even months or years — but if a dog is fed the same food day after day for most of their life, it could shorten that life.
Thankfully, Michael now rotates his diet and eats most foods — the spicier the better, he says. (Needless to say, your dog shouldn’t be getting anything spicy — let’s not take rotation that far.)
That’s all for today. It’s a nice day here so I might literally rotate my diet — over a BBQ.
Until next time,
Andrew
P.P.S. Need help choosing dog food? Check out The Advisor’s Best Dog Foods page. There, you’ll find our most recommended brands in each of 39 different categories.
