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Fuelling Dog’s Health Through Nutrition: A Vet’s Perspective

When it comes to your dog’s health, nutrition is the cornerstone. As a holistic veterinarian, Dr. Katie Woodley has seen firsthand how a well-balanced diet can transform a dog’s life. In this article, she shares her insights on fueling canine health through nutrition.

Dr Katie Woodley aka The Natural Pet Doctor. ProDog expert author.

Author: Dr Katie Woodley
BVSc, GDVCHM, CVMA

Edited By: Anna Bain

Fuelling Dog’s Health Through Nutrition: A Vet’s Perspective

In the quest for optimal canine health, the importance of nutrition is paramount. Within this broad field, the choice of a minimally processed diet—be it raw dog food or lightly cooked—stands out for its profound potential benefits. These diets are thought to more closely mimic what dogs would naturally consume in the wild, potentially offering a more bioavailable nutrient profile with fewer additives compared to heavily processed foods.

In this article, I’ll delve into the profound impact of a well-balanced diet on a dog’s physical and mental wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of minimally processed foods and strategic supplementation. From the basics of canine nutrition to the crucial role of dog gut health, I’ll break down the key components of a dog’s diet. Dive in to discover how you can enhance your dog’s health through informed and nutritious choices.

The basics of dog nutrition

Before exploring specific dietary choices, it’s crucial to understand the foundation of canine nutrition. Dogs require a balanced intake of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water to thrive. Minimally processed diets, such as raw dog food or lightly cooked meals, can often provide these nutrients in a form that’s easier for dogs to digest and assimilate, which is thought to reflect their ancestral dietary patterns.

Emphasizing minimally processed diets

Minimally processed diets can offer enhanced nutrient absorption, improved digestibility, and reduced additives, which are especially beneficial for dogs with allergies or sensitivities (1).

Minimally Processed Diet Benefits:

  • Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Raw or lightly cooked foods retain more of their natural nutrients, which can be lost or diminished through high-temperature processing.
  • Improved Digestibility: These diets are generally easier for dogs to digest, leading to better nutrient uptake and less gastrointestinal distress.
  • Natural Enzymes and Phytochemicals: Uncooked or minimally cooked foods retain beneficial enzymes and phytochemicals, which can aid in digestion and overall health.
  • Reduced Additives: Minimally processed diets often contain fewer artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, reducing the risk of allergies and sensitivities.

The significance of probiotics and the GI microbiome in dog health

The gastrointestinal microbiome, as a complex community of microbes residing in the gut, plays a pivotal role in dogs’ health and well-being. Acting as a “metabolically active organ,” it influences nutrient digestion, immune function, and the production of vital compounds known as postbiotics. These bacterially derived compounds have significant health implications, affecting everything from gastrointestinal disease to allergies, and from weight management to chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease (9).

Diet serves as a critical substrate for this microbiome, shaping its composition and metabolism. The choices pet owners make in feeding their dogs can profoundly impact the microbiome’s health and, consequently, the overall health of the pet. Modern pet foods are increasingly designed to not only provide basic nutritional building blocks but also include microbiome-supporting ingredients like prebiotics and probiotics.

Probiotics, in particular, are live microorganisms that offer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They can balance the gut microbiome, promoting healthy digestion and enhancing immune responses, and aid in the production of beneficial postbiotics, further positively influencing pet health (5).

This understanding underscores the need for pet owners to consider the broader implications of their food choices. By opting for diets that include probiotics and prebiotics, owners can actively influence the health and resilience of their pets’ microbiomes, opening new avenues for improving the health and well-being of dogs.

Understanding a dog's dietary needs

Dogs are not one-size-fits-all, and neither are their dietary requirements. A diet that benefits a young, energetic Labrador might not be suitable for an elderly Chihuahua.

Several factors influence a dog’s nutritional needs:

A balanced, minimally processed diet tailored to these individual factors is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Understanding these needs allows owners to make informed choices about their dog’s diet, whether it’s commercially prepared foods or a home-cooked diet formulated with a veterinarian’s guidance. Tailoring their diet to these individual factors is crucial for maintaining optimal health.

The impact of nutrition on a dog's health

A balanced diet influences a dog’s physical health, supporting coat quality, dental health, and bone strength. It also impacts digestive and organ health, supports the immune system, and affects behavioral health. 

Here’s how a balanced diet impacts various aspects of a dog’s well-being:

Prebiotics: boosting your dog’s digestive health

Prebiotics are special types of food ingredients that help your dog’s good gut bacteria flourish, leading to a healthier digestive system. Initially, scientists thought prebiotics were only certain types of fibers that couldn’t be digested by your dog but could be used as food by beneficial bacteria in their colon (9).

Now, we understand that prebiotics include a wider range of substances, such as certain proteins, fats, and even antioxidants, that reach the gut and help good bacteria grow. This helps improve your dog’s overall health by enhancing digestion, supporting the immune system, and keeping the balance of gut bacteria healthy.

To help your dog benefit from prebiotics, consider adding foods to their diet that are rich in these beneficial ingredients. This could include dog foods that contain chicory root, garlic, bananas, and even mushrooms. These prebiotic-rich foods provide the necessary fuel for good bacteria in your dog’s gut, promoting a happy, healthy digestive system.

By understanding and utilizing the power of prebiotics, you can take a simple yet effective step towards improving your pet’s health and well-being.

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The role of supplements in a dog's diet

While a balanced diet should provide most of the nutrients a dog needs, supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, colostrum, fiber, and blueberries can offer additional health benefits, particularly for dogs with specific needs or health concerns.

The role of omega-3 fatty acids in canine development and cognitive health

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are essential nutrients that play a pivotal role in the cognitive health of aging dogs and the developmental growth of puppies. Emerging research suggests that these fatty acids may contribute to the maintenance of cognitive functions in senior dogs, potentially mitigating the risk of cognitive impairment.

Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids are critical for the neurological development and visual acuity of puppies, underscoring the importance of adequate nutrition during the early stages of life.

For puppies, dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, has been associated with significant enhancements in retinal health and cognitive capabilities. This is attributed to the ability of puppies to efficiently convert dietary α-linolenate to DHA, a process that is crucial during lactation but diminishes after weaning. The implications of these findings highlight the necessity of incorporating omega-3 fatty acids in the diets of neonatal and juvenile dogs to support optimal development.

Enhance your puppy’s health from day one! Dive into ProDog’s guide, Puppy Raw Feeding and Weaning, for expert insights on the best nutrition for your growing pup.

In contrast, while the precise requirements of omega-3 fatty acids for aging dogs remain to be fully elucidated, preliminary evidence suggests that a diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may offer protective benefits for cognitive health (2).

Pet owners are encouraged to consider the inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids in their dogs’ diets as a proactive measure to support developmental growth in puppies and to help maintain cognitive function in older dogs.

Although the research is ongoing and specific dietary recommendations are evolving, the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation underscore its value in promoting overall well-being across different life stages of dogs. Ensuring that dogs receive a balanced diet with an appropriate amount of omega-3 fatty acids could be a key factor in supporting their health and longevity.

Colostrum: enhancing performance and protecting gut health in active dogs

Colostrum, the first milk produced after birth, is a nutritional powerhouse for dogs, especially those engaged in high levels of activity. It’s renowned not only for its ability to enhance physical performance—increasing strength, endurance, and aiding in muscle growth—but also for its role in accelerating recovery and healing from injuries.

Rich in growth factors like IGF-I & IGF-II, colostrum promotes the development of lean muscle, crucial for athletic dogs, without the unwanted increase in fat tissue. This makes it an ideal supplement for maintaining optimal body composition and ensuring that dogs can perform at their best (4).

Beyond muscle and performance, colostrum offers significant benefits for dog gut health, a critical aspect for every dog but particularly for those under physical stress. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, constantly exposed to potential threats like pathogens and foreign substances, is protected by colostrum’s immunological factors. These components help safeguard the GI tract’s integrity, preserving the healthy lining and supporting the immune system within the digestive system.

This protection is vital for preventing GI disorders and ensuring that dogs have a robust defense against infections, especially those active in environments where they’re more exposed to such risks (7,8).

Incorporating colostrum into an active dog’s diet supports not just their physical prowess but also their overall health, particularly digestive wellness. Its comprehensive benefits make colostrum an invaluable supplement for enhancing performance, speeding up recovery, and protecting against gastrointestinal issues. For pet parents aiming to provide holistic care to their athletic dogs, colostrum represents a natural and potent solution for fostering both strength and health.

ProDog colostrum

Fiber’s role in your dog’s digestive health

Fiber is a key ingredient for keeping your dog’s digestion on track. Found in foods like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and various grains, fiber does wonders for your pet’s gut health. It’s not just about helping with regular bowel movements; fiber also plays a crucial role in weight management by making your dog feel fuller for longer. Plus, it supports a thriving gut microbiome—the community of beneficial bacteria that lives in the intestines—essential for overall health.

Research shows that not all fibers are the same, and the source of fiber in your dog’s diet matters a lot (6). For example, fiber from cereals (like psyllium husk) can boost the good bacteria in the gut, which is great for digestion and overall health. On the other hand, fiber from fruits and vegetables, like pumpkin and sweet potatoes, have their own unique benefits, including supporting the immune system. This means that including a variety of fiber sources in your dog’s diet can provide a range of health benefits, from improved digestion to a stronger immune response, helping your dog feel their best.

Blueberries: a superfood for healthy dogs

Blueberries are not just a tasty treat for dogs; they’re also a powerful superfood that can significantly improve their health, particularly for active or working dogs. Research has shown that oxidative damage from free radicals—unstable molecules that can harm cells—contributes to serious diseases in dogs, including cancer, cognitive decline, and osteoarthritis. Exercise, especially intense activities common to working dogs like sled dogs, increases oxidative stress, making effective antioxidants a critical part of their diet.

A study focusing on sled dogs supplemented with blueberries found fascinating results (3). Even after rigorous exercise, dogs that consumed blueberries showed significantly higher antioxidant levels in their blood compared to those on a control diet, without exhibiting unusual muscle damage. This indicates that blueberries can enhance a dog’s antioxidant status, protecting them from exercise-induced oxidative damage. Antioxidants in blueberries, particularly phenolics, are effective because they react with and neutralize free radicals, preventing them from causing cellular damage.

For pet owners, incorporating blueberries into your dog’s diet, especially if they are highly active or engage in regular exercise, could be a game-changer in supporting their overall health and preventing oxidative stress-related diseases.

Whether as a fresh snack, frozen treat, or part of their regular meal, blueberries can offer a delicious way to boost your dog’s antioxidant intake, ensuring they stay healthy, happy, and ready for their next adventure.

Incorporating supplements into a dog’s diet

When introducing supplements into a dog’s diet, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian or accredited canine nutritionist to ensure they’re appropriate for your dog’s specific health needs and to determine the correct serving size. Some supplements, such as ProDog’s range of dog supplements, vitamins and minerals, can be added directly to a dog’s food, while others may be available in treat form.

For instance, omega-3 supplements might come in capsules or liquid form, which can be mixed into food. Colostrum is often found in powder form, making it easy to sprinkle over meals. Fiber can be incorporated through natural ingredients like pumpkin or through specialized dog foods formulated for digestive support. Blueberries can be offered fresh or frozen as a treat or mixed into meals for an antioxidant boost.

A final thought

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing a dog’s health. A diet that includes minimally processed foods, tailored to an individual dog’s needs and supplemented with beneficial nutrients, can profoundly impact their quality of life.

Consulting with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to design a personalized nutrition plan is crucial, as they can offer expert guidance based on the dog’s health status, dietary needs, and lifestyle. Online resources, such as ProDog’s beginners guide to raw feeding and my free gut health course provide more in-depth insights into the power of nutrition to dogs’ wellbeing.

Fuelling a dog’s health through thoughtful nutrition is one of the most direct ways to express care and ensure they lead a happy, healthy life!

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References

  1. Algya KM, Cross TL, Leuck KN, Kastner ME, Baba T, Lye L, de Godoy MRC, Swanson KS. Apparent total-tract macronutrient digestibility, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and fecal characteristics, metabolites and microbiota of adult dogs fed extruded, mildly cooked, and raw diets1. J Anim Sci. 2018 Sep 7;96(9):3670-3683. doi: 10.1093/jas/sky235. PMID: 29893876; PMCID: PMC6127788.
  2. Bauer JE. The essential nature of dietary omega-3 fatty acids in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2016 Dec 1;249(11):1267-1272. doi: 10.2460/javma.249.11.1267. PMID: 27875089.
  3. Dunlap KL, Reynolds AJ, Duffy LK. Total antioxidant power in sled dogs supplemented with blueberries and the comparison of blood parameters associated with exercise. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol. 2006 Apr;143(4):429-34. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2005.09.007. Epub 2006 Mar 6. PMID: 16520073.
  4. Godhia M.L., Patel N. Colostrum–its Composition, Benefits as a Nutraceutical–A Review. Curr. Res. Nutr. Food Sci. J. 2013;1:37–47. doi: 10.12944/CRNFSJ.1.1.04.
  5. Microbiome of Cats and Dogs: Impact on Health and Disease. Front Microbiol. 2020 Jun 25;11:1266. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01266. PMID: 32670224; PMCID: PMC7329990.
  6. Montserrat-Malagarriga M, Castillejos L, Salas-Mani A, Torre C, Martín-Orúe SM. The Impact of Fiber Source on Digestive Function, Fecal Microbiota, and Immune Response in Adult Dogs. Animals (Basel). 2024 Jan 7;14(2):196. doi: 10.3390/ani14020196. PMID: 38254365; PMCID: PMC10812474.
  7. Raymond J Playford, Christopher E Macdonald and Wendy S Johnson. Colostrum and milk-derived peptide growth factors for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Am J Clin Nutr; 72: 5-14 (2000).
  8. Rossi L, Lumbreras AEV, Vagni S, Dell’Anno M, Bontempo V. Nutritional and Functional Properties of Colostrum in Puppies and Kittens. Animals (Basel). 2021 Nov 15;11(11):3260. doi: 10.3390/ani11113260. PMID: 34827992; PMCID: PMC8614261.
  9. Wernimont SM, Radosevich J, Jackson MI, Ephraim E, Badri DV, MacLeay JM, Jewell DE, Suchodolski JS. The Effects of Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Cats and Dogs: Impact on Health and Disease. Front Microbiol. 2020 Jun 25;11:1266. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01266. PMID: 32670224; PMCID: PMC7329990.

Image Credit: Anna Dudkova on Unsplash

Image Credit: James Padolsey on Unsplash

Image Credit: Ben Hanson on Unsplash

Dr Katie Woodley

BVSc, GDVCHM, CVMA, otherwise known as The Natural Pet Doctor, is a leading force in the world of holistic pet care and a valued consultant vet for ProDog. With a passion for canine well-being and a commitment to promoting holistic approaches, she is dedicated to enhancing the lives of our fur friends.

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