When you think about it, we have a lot in common with our fur babies—the dogs and cats who share our homes and lives. We experience a range of emotions. We are social creatures, and need healthy, balanced diets for optimal wellness.
Humans and animals evolved together and often needed each other for survival. We gave them shelter, protection and food. They, in turn, would guard us, herd our animals and give us warmth and comfort. Over time, our pets have become essential to our mutual emotional well-being.
Pet care has also evolved as we’ve learned more about their needs, and we now know that a holistic approach to their health care helps them to live longer, healthier lives.
A Balanced Diet
Cats and dogs are designed—with their sharp teeth, claws and digestive systems—to catch, kill, eat and digest the prey that provided all the nutrition they needed to thrive. But animals who live as pets have had to learn to adapt their diets because of their reliance on humans and a more domestic life.
From leftover scraps to kibble, pet food has come a long way. Today, balanced, nutrient-rich options are available—with fresh and raw meats, fruits and vegetables—that deliver the most value for our pets’ best health.
Raw Food
Unprocessed food made from raw ingredients* gives animals the high-protein diet they are designed to eat and digest as their primary energy source.
Commercial raw foods—everything from chicken and beef to exotic options like kangaroo and bison— include animal tissue as well as internal organs like liver (a source of vitamin A) and ground bone (for calcium and phosphorus). Some add-ins may also include fruits or vegetables to round out the nutritional punch.
Whether fresh, frozen, air- or freeze-dried, look for sustainably and ethically sourced, cruelty-free, antibiotic- and hormone-free formulations.
Boosts and Supplements
Enhance your pet’s nutritional intake, no matter what kind of food they eat. Always check with your vet to make sure food and supplements are safe for your particular pet, and for dosages, potential allergies, sensitivities or adverse effects.
- Blueberries. Fresh or frozen, blueberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants for immune support. Make sure they are thoroughly washed to remove any dirt or pesticides.
- Bone broth is a delicious way to add collagen—vital for joint care and injury recovery—or to give to a pet that isn’t too hungry. Make sure it is made only with bones and water, with no salt, herbs, spices, onions or garlic, which can be toxic to pets.
- Pour broth over kibble or raw or canned food.
- Freeze into ice pop cubes for a hot weather treat.
- Decaf green tea. Green tea is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Steep 1 tea bag or 1 tbsp of loose tea in four cups of water for 10 minutes, then strain and cool. Give 1/8 cup per 20 lbs of body weight, mixed into food. Tea keeps fresh for up to three days in the fridge.
- Fish oil. A quality, omega-3-rich fish oil supports healthy immune and cardiovascular systems, decreases skin and coat dryness, and lowers joint inflammation. Look for pure, reputably sourced, natural triglyceride or ethyl ester formulations, without additional flavourings, specifically designed for cats or dogs.
- Pumpkin. Fibre-rich, with vitamins A, E and C, potassium, iron and prebiotics, canned pumpkin is a great digestive aid. Make sure it contains no added sugar, salt, spices or other additives. Just 1 tablespoon a day is enough, depending on the size of your animal. Start with a teaspoon and work up.
- Sardines. Rich in omega-3 fats—essential for eye, heart, brain and bone health—vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium and antioxidant selenium, look for sardines packed in water, not oil, and remove any bones. Feed only small amounts mixed with other food to determine if they can be tolerated well.
- Spirulina. Made of green algae, antioxidant spirulina is high in essential fatty acids and protein, and rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, vitamin B and magnesium. Look for sustainably sourced, uncontaminated formulations in treats, chews and powders.
- Note: Traditional blue-green algae is toxic to dogs and not suitable for animals with existing health issues.
Supplements
Look for these high-quality supplements and functional in store.
- Purica Pet Curcumin+ Extra Strength. Packed with powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to support joint health and immunity for dogs, cats and small animals
- Bach Rescue Pet. A flower-essence remedy to support emotional balance and healthy behaviour
- Functional Treats
- Churpi Durka (100% organic Himalayan yak milk chews). Gluten- and grain-free, packed with omega-3s, amino acids and antioxidants, this is a dental chew and a powerful nutritional supplement, for a happy, healthy pup.
- Healthy Pup premium functional treats for dogs. Every treat in this line is purposefully crafted with high-quality healing ingredients and formulations to help dogs thrive from the inside, out.
Article was published in The Good Life magazine.
