Post by DogGoneGood on Aug 14, 2009 17:40:33 GMT -5
Holistic Directions
Whole Foods
by Jeff Grognet, D.V.M., B.Sc.(Agr.)
Whole Foods
by Jeff Grognet, D.V.M., B.Sc.(Agr.)
Dogs In Canada
August 2009 issue
The consistent message from alternative veterinary practitioners is that food is important to health. Yet, there is no consensus on what that food should be.
Dr. Tony Buffington, a nutritionist from Ohio State, tells us not to rely on pet food brochures, websites, or even food labels when deciding what food to use. All these sources can be misleading.
Instead, he recommends that we look at what the dog has been eating and then examine its general health. Only by correlating health with diet can we truly judge the nutritional value of a food.
Doug Knueven, an alternative veterinary practitioner and author, suggests whole foods for their health benefits. Providing any type of vegetable more than three times a week was associated with a 70 - to 90 - per-cent reduction in the risk of developing transitional cell carcinoma (bladder cancer) in the Scottish Terrier. But, more is not better. An exclusively vegetarian diet is not appropriate for a dog.
Knueven also suggests that variety is important for vibrant health. Because animals may become sensitive (develop allergies) to foods they eat most often, it is worthwhile to change the diet periodically. As well, rotating the diet provides nutrients in various forms. One diet can make up for another lacking in certain nutrients. Even supplementing commercial foods with fresh foods (meats and vegetables) can meet the need for vital nutrients.
Another view on feeding comes from Dr. T.J. Dunn, Jr. the best food to feed your dog, according to Dunn, is one that provides all the nutrients and is made from meat as opposed to grains. But, he also believes we need to look at the individual dog. If the hair coat is coarse and the skin greasy, and the dog suffers from hot spots, nutrition can be the cause. Dunn suggests that diets containing corn are more likely to cause these problems than those based on a meat source.
Of course, these three views only scratch the surface of the best food for dogs. Some practioners suggest feeding a high-quality commercial diet. There are also those who encourage feeding a raw diet, but even the type of raw diet is open for debate.
The thing to remember is that every dog is different. If your dog has health issues, your holistic veterinarian may suggest feeding a different way. It may be avoiding a certain ingredient, adding a supplement, or utilizing a particular type of food, all with the goal to bolster health.
A multi-published writer, Jeff Grognet, D.V.M., B.Sc.(Agr.), runs a
veterinary practice in Qualicum Beach, B.C., along with his wife, Louise Janes, D.V.M.