Healthy Diet Healthy Dog

05/07/2025

Fresh is best.

27/06/2025

THIS JUST IN - DOGS LIKE MEAT

OBJECTIVE: to (1) determine whether dogs display a preference for animal ingredient-based diets when compared with vegetable ingredient-based diets and (2) examine whether dogs experience neophobia when presented with a novel diet.

METHODS: Animal-based and vegetable-based diets were compared. Time to consume feed, distraction, hesitation, level of anticipation pre-consumption, and interest post-consumption were recorded

RESULTS: Hold on to your hats here guys: Neophobia was demonstrated by increased hesitation and slower rate of consumption on the first day of each new diet but the level of interest post-consumption was highest when dogs consumed the animal-based ingredients (p < 0.05), increasing with time spent on the diet.

CONCLUSIONS: Dogs prefer meat.

Ground breaking, eh?

The attached trial was paid for by Champion Pet Foods who, you can see from the introduction, are intent on calling the dog omnivorous, suggesting plant ingredients are normal for dogs and that plant protein is actually a GREAT source of protein for dogs, stating "vegetable-based ingredients in pet foods have a more consistent composition and macronutrient/micronutrient digestibility than animal-based ingredients".

This is Mars Inc here, in writing, suggesting that fibrous plant matter is not only more digestible but more nutritious than meat for dogs and cats.

But we KNOW that's patently untrue. Studies show dogs can digest meat FAR better than plant matter, releasing more nutrient from said meal than when it is plant based.

They go on;

"In fact, many free-ranging dogs consume diets high in carbohydrates, and RARELY HUNT for protein-rich animal-based food sources".

But no study has EVER suggested such a thing and certainly not the one they link to to support that statement. The free-roaming dogs that consume diets higher in plant matter are fed that material by their relatively poorer owners (as opposed to raiding wheat fields, bakeries and managing to roll pasta with no opposable thumbs). ALL such studies clearly state the dogs pursue ultra-carnivorous lifestyles when allowed to roam during the day (to "top up failing protein reserves").

The one thing truthful in this write-up was the fact that dogs choose food items based on the energy profile and macronutrient balance. Correct. They do. Dozens of ad-lib taste trials show that, rather than choosing carbohydrates, dogs choose wet over dry, protein and fat over carbs and always meat over veg.

Studies further show dogs work significantly harder—exerting more effort and performing more trials—for higher-quality (meat-based) treats than non-meat / kibble rewards. Others show that higher-quality, meat-based treats produce stronger motivation, more rapid learning, and greater persistence at tasks.

So, to recap, dogs love meat and don't like dry diets based on carbs, plant matter and fibre.

"My dogs loves his vegan kibble".

Does he, yeah?

About as much as starving inmates LOVE stale bread.

27/06/2025

23/06/2025

01/03/2025

When 'they' say you can't balance over time, what 'they' want is to sell you a meal plan based on the results of a spreadsheet using a calculator 😅😅

A dog's anatomy doesn't work like that!

Dogs have a digestive system that allows them to efficiently break down food and absorb essential nutrients. While they don’t consciously "choose" the nutrients they need, their bodies are equipped to signal nutrient demands based on various factors such as their age, activity level, health status, and diet.

For example 🙂

Ingestion and Mastication. When a dog eats, the food is broken down in the mouth through chewing (mastication) and mixed with saliva, which contains enzymes to start the digestion of carbohydrates.

Stomach Digestion. The food then moves to the stomach, where gastric juices (acid and enzymes) further break it down into a liquid form called chyme. Protein digestion begins here.

Small Intestine Absorption. The chyme enters the small intestine, where most nutrient absorption occurs. The pancreas releases enzymes to aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, and the liver produces bile to help digest fats.

Nutrient Absorption. Villi and microvilli (small hair-like structures) in the walls of the small intestine increase the surface area for absorption. Nutrients such as amino acids, fatty acids, glucose, vitamins, and minerals are absorbed into the bloodstream based on the dog's needs.

Nutrient Signalling. The body uses hormonal and neural signals to regulate appetite and nutrient absorption. For example, a deficiency in certain nutrients can trigger changes in appetite or digestion to ensure the dog seeks out and consumes food rich in those nutrients.

Overall, while dogs do not consciously select nutrients, their digestive systems and metabolism adapt to their needs, helping them to thrive on varied diets. Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining their overall health and well-being.
All you have to do is offer the correct food sources and leave the rest to them.

23/02/2025

Too many facebook groups, too many canine nutritionists, too many experts, too much information?

Unfortunately, too much information can overwhelm individuals, leading to confusion and difficulty making decisions. This phenomenon, often referred to as "information overload," can result in:

1. Indecision: With so many choices and opinions, it can be hard to determine the best course of action.
2. Stress and Anxiety: Constant exposure to excessive information can lead to mental fatigue, stress, or a feeling of being overwhelmed.
3. Misinterpretation: The chances of misunderstanding or misusing information increase when there's too much to process.

Going back to the basics can make life easier. Embracing simplicity can lead to more effective decision-making and a greater sense of well-being.

Take a step back and breathe. You are feeding a dog. Dogs are simple creatures and very durable. Feeding a fresh raw diet isn't difficult. Do some simple research and think long and hard before you part with your cash taking advice from an expert? Remember to research the person behind the advice.

Some people market themselves better than others, but that doesn't necessarily make them the best source of information.

Love your dog 🐕

22/02/2025

If you don't agree, that's fine. We all have our own opinions.

Remember the good old days when we were all looking to swap from a processed dog food diet to a fresh dog food diet to hopefully enhance our dogs' health and longevity?

What happened?

We have gone from simply switching from manufactured foods to fresh foods to over complicating and over supplementing in the search for the 'perfect' diet.

We are talking about dogs! Dogs that like meat and bones!

Dogs that have amazingly complex digestive systems that have worked for thousands of years.

Offer the right foods and guess what? Their bodies will do the rest.

I have read as much as I can, watched 100's of videos and live streams, and listened to podcasts until my ears have bled.

From raising awareness on the pitfalls of manufactured dog foods who put profit before canine health to making money out of scaring dog parents into thinking feeding fresh foods is complex and difficult!

It's not all about the money.

For that reason, I'm out!

27/09/2024

10/05/2024

Feeding a variety of fresh foods instead of a perfectly measured out bowl full of supplements and miracle powders or the latest fashionable ingredient allows your dog to self select the nutrients his body is telling him he needs. Health, mood, environment, exercise, and many other factors can affect the way the body selects which nutrients to utilise on any given day. What is required at that time.

When it comes to prioritizing nutrients to use, the dog's body has complex regulatory mechanisms in place to ensure that essential nutrients are distributed appropriately. For example, if a dog is low on energy, the body may prioritize the use of carbohydrates for fuel. Similarly, if a dog lacks certain vitamins or minerals that are crucial for various bodily functions, the body may prioritize the absorption and distribution of those nutrients over other nutrients.

The dog's digestive system works seamlessly with other body systems to ensure that nutrients are effectively absorbed and distributed to where they are needed most for the dog's optimal health and well-being.

07/04/2024

Dog food calculators and spreadsheets can not perfectly mimic a dog's natural ancestral diet for several reasons.

1. Nutrient Variability
A dog's natural ancestral diet in the wild would consist of a variety of prey, including muscle meat, bone, organs, and sometimes plant matter. The nutrient content and ratio in each of these components can vary widely depending on the animal and its diet. It is difficult for a calculator or spreadsheet to simulate this level of variability accurately.

2. Digestibility
The digestibility of nutrients in whole foods can differ significantly from that of processed pet foods. Whole foods contain complex structures that may impact the bioavailability of nutrients. Calculators and spreadsheets may not be able to account for these nuances in nutrient absorption.

3. Bioavailability of Nutrients
Some nutrients are more bioavailable in natural, whole foods compared to synthetic supplements or processed pet foods. For example, certain vitamins and minerals may be better absorbed from animal tissues rather than added supplements. Calculators and spreadsheets may not consider these differences in bioavailability.

4. Variability in Dog's Needs
Each dog is unique in terms of their metabolism, activity level, breed, age, and health conditions. A calculator or spreadsheet may provide general recommendations based on average values, but it may not fully account for the individual variability in a dog's nutritional requirements.

5. Evolutionary Adaptation
Dogs have evolved over thousands of years to efficiently extract nutrients from their natural diet. While domestic dogs can adapt to commercial pet foods, there may still be differences in how their bodies process and utilize nutrients compared to their ancestral diet.

In conclusion, while dog food calculators and spreadsheets can be helpful tools to estimate a dog's nutritional needs, they have limitations in replicating the complexity and variability of a dog's natural ancestral diet.